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“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”
Fighting stress on the farm © 2017
Januar y 6, 2017
NORTHERN EDITION
(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002
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
Using her own experience, Meg Moynihan helps others through the MDA’s Farm and Rural Helpline See page 10
Plus: Free counseling service provides anonymous support
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Victory and charity P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLII ❖ No. 2 40 pages, 1 section plus supplements
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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File The Back Porch In The Garden Cooking With Kristin Readers’ Photos Calendar of Events Marketing Mielke Market Weekly Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads
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With the euphoria of that last-second had been reached. As the number kept Minnesota Viking victory on Jan. 14 still growing, Morstead noticed donations had whirling in the minds of many, it seems all been coming from Minnesota. He took timely to talk about the remarkable heart to Twitter to keep it rolling. of Minnesotans and a guy named Thomas Donations are still rolling in — over Morstead. $200,000 on Jan. 19. Morstead is so overPandemonium raged in U.S. Bank Stawhelmed he has decided to be at Super dium (and I suspect with thousands of us Bowl LII to personally thank all MinnesoTV viewers too) when the Vikings scored tans and present this huge check to the LAND MINDS as the clock expired to take a 29-24 lead child life program at Children’s Minneover the New Orleans Saints. But the sota hospitals and clinics! By Dick Hagen game wasn’t over. Sure, Diggs scampering down the The officials recognized a PAT (point sideline will likely be the most unbeafter touchdown) kick still had to haplievable moment of that game. But this pen to officially end this remarkable event. But the incredible development between Morstead and Saints had all departed for their dressing room. An Viking fans will be an uplifting reminder of the official informed the Saints they had to get 11 play- power sports can foster for the greater good of an ers back on the field for the play. (I suspect even entire community — perhaps a nation. Viking fans cared less about this league-mandated n point-after attempt.) My job takes me to many ag meetings, especially Saints punter Morstead and a handful of other during this winter season. But always one of my Saint players lined up for a play that served no pur- favorites is the Minnesota Organic Conference in St. pose other than official coronation of the Vikings as Cloud which took place Jan. 11-12. Why? Those victors. Obviously, the Vikings put 11 players out organic meals, especially lunch, are just smacking there too. But I don’t recall the Viking kicker even good. So too, the organic pastries for mid-morning kicking the ball. Who cares? and mid-afternoon snack breaks. There are always After this meaningless play, there’s little doubt optimistic people to visit — even though some will Morstead’s first stop was the team’s training room to cautiously admit it’s their “other job” which provides treat the torn cartilage in his rib cage. Morstead was most of their where-with-all to enjoy the ongoing injured while tackling Vikings punt returner Marcus challenges of finding black ink in their organic purSherels during the first punt of the game. During suits. Doesn’t that sound familiar regardless of your every subsequent Saints punt throughout the game farming vocation these days? you would see Morstead groping his rib cage. No Always on hand at this event is Minnesota Agriculdoubt he was hurting, yet he punted three more ture Commissioner Dave Frederickson, who admits times. to finally throwing in the towel at year’s end. “I’ll be What happened after Morstead’s end-of-game on hand until a new governor is sworn in and he appearance was surprising — and a real measure of then selects his next staff people including the next the generous hearts of Viking fans. Supporters of the ag commissioner.” Quite a history for this friendly purple showed a profound appreciation of Morstead’s Democrat from western Minnesota. Not counting his toughness and sportsmanship by overwhelming him years on the local school board, Frederickson was with donations to his foundation, “What You Give elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1986. He’s served Will Grow.” as ag commissioner for the past eight years. And he’s concerned about the growing controversy makThe donations reportedly started with a post on the Minnesota Vikings Reddit page by a Vikings fan ing the news about organics not being organic. encouraging others to give. Within no time, $10,000 See LAND MINDS, pg. 4
OPINION
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
17 — Scientists look at crop production in a changing climate 22 — Blomkest dairy farmer trades in his herd to raise shrimp 31 — Have bus will tour: R&J Tours keeps on rolling
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 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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S:9.516”
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Organic farming continues growth LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 “We don’t have organic food cops chasing around,” Frederickson said. “We do have inspections, but it’s a big job. We have federal standards. Imports from other countries seems to be the concern.” However, Frederickson is keen on the growing number of “Minnesota Grown” listings in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s yearly directory. There are currently over 1,100 listings, “And that’s a real tribute to gardeners of all sizes concentrating on providing to Minnesota families fresher and tastier locally-grown foods,” he said. Organic keeps growing. The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture data says there are 14,217 organic farms nationwide as of January 2017. That total is very likely pushing 15,000 starting 2018 with organic crops claiming 55 percent of total organic sales. But organic pig farm numbers increase ever so slowly. USDA reports only 151 organic hog farms nationwide; four in Minnesota. Pastured pigs tend to be healthier, plus pastured pork sells for premium prices I’m told. Jim and LeeAnn VanDerPol are one of Minnesota’s organic pork producers. Their farm, Pastures A Plenty Farm & Co., is the listing — a nifty name for their operation which includes their son and daughter-in-law. The VanDerPols market their own pasture-reared pork at their Morris, Minn., area farm. Jim assisted with the design and research program in alternative swine production at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center. n There are lots of vendors too at the organic conference. Organic seed sources and firms buying organic grains are obvious. But if you want to see the latest and the greatest in what’s new in the swine industry, you saw it at the Minnesota Pork Congress which took place at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Jan. 16-17. This year, the Congress presented an 82-page booklet listing nearly 100 exhibitors from throughout the swine world — including Canada and Europe. Only Iowa’s World Pork Expo is a bigger event. Because even a farm writer doesn’t access pig farms these days without showering in and showering out, I’m pretty much ignorant of the amazing equipment, gadgets and tools for making pig farming easier. Yes, even battery-powered mortality carts on rubber tracks designed to move through narrow aisles and turn on a dime. Every year, the Pork Congress pays tribute to people within their industry (both living and deceased) See LAND MINDS, pg. 5
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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Big Cotton proposal for billion in farm spending is crazy You’re pretty sharp; tell me if this maintained by the University of Illinois makes sense. that dissects farm markets and ag policy. Right now, the cotton and dairy lobbies That change means “seed cotton,” are pushing Congress to pass an addiwhich, in fact, is almost all U.S.-grown tional $1 billion of federal farm spending cotton, will be given its own loan program by attaching not-yet agreed upon langoing forward. According to farmdoc daily guage to a must-pass $81 billion disaster data, had the loan program been included relief bill that promises aid to long-sufferin the 2014 farm bill it would have paid ing Americans overrun and overwhelmed cotton growers an estimated $2.2 billion FARM & FOOD FILE during the 2014-2016 crop years. by rain, wind, fire, and mud. By Alan Guebert And, sure, attaching a $1-billion-plus Yes, $2.2 billion of taxpayer dollars. Litflyer on a must-pass bill is an ugly way tle wonder Vilsack happily tossed that to get an otherwise controversial prohot potato back, eh? gram into law. It’s also indicative of And, yet, here it is again — along how today’s Congress works. When it works, that is. with its pricey tab. The sharp pencils at farmdoc But here’s the problem: the cotton and dairy adddaily estimate the proposed seed cotton program ons aren’t just high in fat and long on controversy. could clobber taxpayers for more than $900 million They also create two costly farm programs without in 2018, nearly $500 million in 2019, and more than one public hearing just weeks before Congress $200 million in 2020. That’s more than $1.6 billion in begins to write a new farm bill. new federal spending over the next three years for a What’s the rush? In short, the cotton gang sees the program that didn’t exist last week. disaster relief bill as an opening to take another shot Wait, it gets crazier. at a narrowly targeted, new payment scheme it has “First and foremost,” explains the Jan. 11 farmdoc wanted for years. The dairy folks agree; they joined post, “it has to be acknowledged that this proposal to push their own bigger, wider “safety net.” is… highly unusual... It sets a rare precedent by Indeed, in 2015, Big Cotton attempted to get the opening a Farm Bill and revising the standing statuU.S. Department of Agriculture to institute a similar tory provisions through any appropriations vehiprogram. Former USDA chief Tom Vilsack rejected cle…” it, claiming only Congress had the authority to Even more ironically, if passed now, the glacially reopen the 2014 farm bill. Failing to make Vilsack slow budget process will push the new, 2018 cotton their patsy, ag leaders quickly sidetracked the idea. payments into calendar year 2019, which — trumpet Until now. Resuscitated, the proposal seeks to flourish, please — will actually be the federal govamend the 2014 farm bill to “designate seed cotton ernment’s fiscal year 2020. That means “this change as a covered commodity,” explain the Land Grant could actually score savings” under current budget analysts at farmdoc daily, an authoritative website rules.
OPINION
Winter ag meetings boost farmers LAND MINDS, from pg. 4 who have had a special impact. One such person honored was Dr. Robert (Bob) Morrison, who passed away in May 2017. “Bob at his core was a teacher. He was also a host, an academic, and he was a darn good veterinarian,” said Dr. Gordon Spronk, friend and former colleague. “Bob was key in eliminating pseudorabies from the domestic U.S. swine herd,” said Spronk. So despite the economic challenges facing virtually every aspect of agriculture these days (unless you are a shrimp farmer and Minnesota has four so far), going to winter ag meetings can often be the pickme-upper needed to carry on. And carry on you will
— even though lending institutions are pulling the plug on a few of their farm customers. The good Lord willing, virtually every crop acre in Minnesota will be cropped again this season. You may see a few more species out there, including hemp. But you’re going to make it work this year too because you always do. We have so much to be thankful for — and I’m including the Minnesota Vikings in that list. Plus this New Orleans Saints football player who is indeed a genuine saint. Dick Hagen is staff writer of The Land. He may be reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. v
Letters to the editor are always welcome.
Send your letters to: Editor, The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.
PAGE 5
Overall, it’s a brilliantly deceitful way for cottonbeholding reps and senators to hide an estimated $1.6 billion in new USDA spending while everyone hopes the cost gets lost in the fiscal fog that descends on Washington, D.C., whenever Congress acts. If that weren’t enough, the cotton proposal carries two other unknowns. First, it may not pass global trade muster. Today’s cotton program was revamped in the 2014 farm bill because Brazil successfully argued that the old U.S. program was illegal under World Trade Organization rules. The re-proposed “seed cotton” idea looks a lot like the program the WTO tossed. Secondly, the House version of the cotton loan plan seeks to take $500 million from domestic food aid programs, principally the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to help fund the new cotton policy. Should millions of hungry Americans be made even hungrier so we can subsidize a several thousand sonot-hungry cotton growers to produce a crop at near cost-of-production prices that then will largely be exported? That’s just crazy, right? The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the United States and Canada. Past columns, events and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Truth cannot be swept under the rug Though the house was old, it was new day. to her. And though she was renting, it Finally, he agreed to go to urgent care. I felt like ownership. That happens when left to purchase a humidifier. He entered you sweat it out — cleaning, scraping the clinic. When I returned, I was eager to and painting a home with your close learn his diagnosis. Pnuemonia? A bad friend, who happens to also be your cold? What did the doctor say? landlord. “She said I am going to die.” Ashley gave me the tour. I oohed and I wasn’t amused. “We’re all going to die,” aahed over every room. And when I THE BACK PORCH I said. “What did she really say?” delighted in the character and beauty of the original wood floor in the master bed- By Lenae Bulthuis Eventually I pressed Mike into a confesroom, she contrasted the flooring next to sion and discovered that steroids plus it. antibiotics equals breath and life. He discovered that “The same wood floor was in the dining room,” she telling his wife the truth will do the same. said. “But the last owner had a rug under the table Speaking of truth, I have even swept that under that he never cleaned under. And it caused permathe rug. Why? Because I don’t want to be seen as a nent damage. We had to lay flooring over it.” prude or killjoy. Plus, there is the fear that if I speak up, I may make things worse instead of better. My immediate response was to grab my keys, go home and clean under all my rugs. I didn’t. But later, What if I say the wrong things and build barriers I reflected on the seemingly inconsequential choice instead of bridges? My introverted, anti-controverto sweep things under the rug. sial nature whispers to me that it is better to hide truth under the rug than get stomped on over the I sweep things under the rug to keep the peace, hide my mess and ignore reality. They say ignorance rug. is bliss. If it’s bliss, it’s brief. And though sweeping Then I read these words from exiled Russian poet things under the rug can feel good and right in the Joseph Brodky: “You think evil is going to come into moment, it can also leave lasting damage. Ashley’s your houses wearing big black boots. It doesn’t come floor is tangible proof. like that. Look at the language. It begins in the lanSweeping bills under the rug leads to bankruptcy. guage.” Sweeping bitterness under the rug can sever and How many people in his day heard the language of destroy relationships. And sweeping addiction or the culture, knew the truth, but swept it under the anxiety under the rug can break us. rug? Because it looked more like pesky dust bunnies than big black boots, they chose silence. My hubby tried to sweep sickness under the rug. He was coughing up phlegm. It sounded like a half a Lenae Bulthuis muses about faith, family, and lung, but Mike assured me it was only phlegm. It farming from her back porch on her Minnesota would go away he said. Just give it a day. So, I did. grain and livestock farm. She can be reached at lenaesbulthuis@gmail.com or @LenaeBulthuis. v And then we had the same conversation the next day, and the next day, and the day following the next
Farm resource guide now available The Farm Resource Guide for 2018 is now available at many University of Minnesota Extension county offices across the state. This resource guide includes a wide variety of useful farm business management information including: • Custom rates • Average farmland rental rates by county • Flexible rental agreements • Lease forms for cash rent and share rent arrangements • Farmland sales information for all counties in Minnesota • Information on charges for custom feeding, commodity storage, leasing buildings and various bin rental rate • Current information on pasture rental rates, tree timber values
• Marketing information along with recent cost trends for Minnesota • Commodity price probabilities for corn, soybeans, alfalfa hay, straw, grass hay, hogs and cattle • Corn and soybean yields by county • Feedlot rule highlights and information on manure agreements and easements • Examples of manure spreading leases and land application agreement forms This resource guide is available in e-mail format for $25 plus sales tax; CD, $28.50; or hard copy, $30.00. Contact Dave Bau at bauxx003@umn.edu or (507) 372-3900, ext. 3906. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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PAGE 7
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Rainbow-colored carrots, radishes can brighten luncheon The seed catalogs are here and I have read most of them. Narrowing the choices of new vegetables that would be fun to grow this year is a pleasant task. I was intrigued by the photos and descriptions of Park’s Beauty Blend radish seeds and Rainbow Blend carrot seeds.
To imagine pulling these rainbow colored veggies from the garden — the radishes in spring and the carrots later in the season — was tantalizing. I have visions of a spring luncheon and serving the colorful radishes in a salad or as open-faced tea sandwiches on homemade bread. The carrots would be conversation grabbers served as colorful crudités with a
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cream cheese dip. Confessing to have a lovehate relationship with growing radishes, I will relate the tribulations and triumphs associated with these spring delicacies. I have had them “bolt,” grow all tops and no bottoms, and turn pithy and IN THE GARDEN bitter flavored. By Sharon Quale One of the biggest factors for success is thinning the plants. I know it is difficult to pull healthy growing plants, but radishes need at least 2 to 4 inches between plants. Be brave and thin them. They need six to eight hours of sunlight. Growing them in shaded places usually results in failure. They like regular watering and are shallow rooted so they need this attention to watering. They are a cool season crop that can be planted in early spring and again in late fall. Radishes grow fast and mature so early they benefit from an extra boost of fertilizer. The first crop can be harvested as early as four weeks but usually six weeks is when they are at their peak. The leaves, flowers and seed pods are also all edible and can add a distinctive peppery flavor to salads. Colorful carrots like the Rainbow Blend mix will be ready in about 70 days and can be harvested earlier as baby carrots. Carrots demand a loose fertile soil, need to be evenly watered and grown in a soil that is well drained. I plan to plant some in my bucket garden this year because the water supply is so easily regPhoto courtesy of Park Seeds ulated. (If anyone is still interested in making a bucket garden, send me an e-mail and I will forward information to you.) Fine seeds like carrots are also sold in seed tapes at a higher price. Radishes can be purchased in seed tapes too. The ease of planting the tapes offsets the higher cost and makes easier work of thinning the plants after they have sprouted. Germination is also improved because the planting depth can be uniformly regulated. The tape is a bio-degradable paper embedded with seeds and the spacing is precise. The tapes usually come in lengths of 15 feet and can be cut to lengths that suit your planting area. A report on the success of growing these rainbow colored vegetables will be in a future column. Sharon Quale is a master gardener from central Minnesota. She may be reached at (218) 738-6060 or squale101@yahoo.com. v
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 9
Line up these Super Bowl snacks for home crowd 12-15 slices of cheese Unless you’ve been living under a rock, 1pound deli ham, thinly sliced then you know that the Super Bowl is Glaze: Feb. 4 in Minneapolis. FYI — I apparently 1/4 cup butter, melted live under a rock. 3/4 tsp. poppy seeds I surprised my husband and his brother 3/4 tbsp. Dijon mustard with tickets to the Minnesota Wild game 1/2 tsp. onion powder, or to taste on Feb. 2 for my husband’s birthday. 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce When I went to look at hotel options for Layer ham and cheese on split rolls. Mix that night, I came up empty-handed. COOKING all glaze ingredients together. Brush glaze There was NOTHING available that WITH KRISTIN over tops of sliders. Bake at 350 F for night in all of the Twin Cities and beyond. 10-15 minutes, or until tops are golden By Kristin Kveno Befuddled, I then Googled that weekend brown and cheese and ham are warm. in the Twin Cities and duh, the Super n Bowl popped up. So my husband and his brother will be enjoying the Wild game and staying at Casa de Having a veggie or two might be a good addition to Larson (my parents’ house) that night. the Super Bowl spread, so here’s a recipe that’s deliNow that I know that the Super Bowl is Feb. 4, it’s cious and a smidge healthy as well. time to get going on the most important part of the Parmesan Cauliflower Bites big game. THE FOOD. It wouldn’t be a Super Bowl http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a50341/ gathering without some tasty vittles. So here are parmesan-cauliflower-bites-recipe/ some of my top Super Bowl food picks. 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets 3 large eggs, lightly whisked n 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs (or regular bread crumbs) Warning: this recipe is highly delicious and 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan extremely addictive. You won’t be able to have just 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning one, so you may want to make a double batch. Kosher salt Sugared Bacon Wrapped Smokies Freshly ground black pepper http://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/pork/sugared-baconMarinara sauce, for serving wrapped-smokies Preheat oven to 400 F. Add panko, cheese and Italnonstick cooking spray ian seasoning to a large bowl. Season with salt and 1 16-ounce package small cooked smoked sausage links pepper; mix everything together until thoroughly 15 slices bacon, each cut crosswise into thirds combined. Dip cauliflower pieces in egg and then roll 3/4 cup packed brown sugar in bread crumb mixture until fully coated and place Line a 15-by-10-by-1-inch baking pan with foil; on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You lightly coat with cooking spray. Set aside. Wrap each may need to press on the coating to help get it to sausage link with a bacon piece, overlapping the stick to the cauliflower bites. Repeat until all caulibacon piece at the end. Press the end of the bacon flower is coated. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or piece to seal or secure it with a wood toothpick. Place until coating is golden brown and crunchy. Serve brown sugar in a large plastic storage bag. Add sev- with marinara sauce. eral bacon-wrapped sausages at a time and seal. n Shake bag gently to coat sausages with brown With all of this savory goodness, you’ll need a little sugar; place in prepared pan. Repeat with remaining something for the old sweet tooth. Here’s a tasty dip bacon-wrapped sausages. Bake in a 350 F oven for which can be shaped into a football if you need to up about 30 minutes, or until the bacon is browned. your game (pun intended) this Super Bowl. I made Serve immediately. Makes about 45 smokies. this for the FCS championship game this year. It must have been a good-luck dip as the North Dakota n State Bison won their sixth championship in the last The combination of salty, sweet and the tanginess seven years. The dip was so delightful that I almost of the mustard make Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders a forgot there was a game on! must for any Super Bowl gathering. Peanut Butter Football Dip Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders http://www.sofabfood.com/butterfinger-peanut-butter-footballhttp://www.littledairyontheprairie.com/hot-ham-cheese-slidersdip/ with-butter-mustard-and-poppy-seed-glaze/
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1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter, softened 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 11/4 cups powdered sugar 3 Butterfinger candy bars, chopped small 1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles White frosting tube In a mixing bowl, using a hand-held blender, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and peanut butter until smooth and combined. Add in vanilla extract and blend together. Add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, blending on low speed after each. Add the chopped Butterfinger and gently stir, with a wooden spoon, to combine. Place the dough on some plastic wrap that has been laid out on the counter top. Shape the dough into a football shape (use the plastic wrap to help you). Pour the chocolate sprinkles on top of the football and gently press them into the top and sides. Pick up by the sides of the plastic wrap and put on a plate. Let refrigerate for 1 hour. Remove the football from the plastic wrap and set it on your serving plate. Use the white frosting tube to draw in the football laces. Place the pretzels, chocolate graham cracker dippers, apples, and pretzel sticks around the football dip. n It doesn’t matter who wins the Super Bowl this year, these tasty foods ensure a victory for all that get to nosh on them! If your community group or church organization has printed a cookbook and would like to have it reviewed in the “Cooking With Kristin,” send us a copy to “Cooking With Kristin,” The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002. Please specify if you wish to have the cookbook returned, and include information on how readers may obtain a copy of the cookbook. Submission does not guarantee a review. v
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Helpline, workshops offer support to farm families By MARIE WOOD to their heritage, land, community, family and ani“Farmers are used to solving other people’s probThe Land Associate Editor mals to keep the family farm going. lems. They love to go and help, but nobody likes to Even when times are good, farmers can count their “All humans experience stress, but I don’t know accept the help,” said Moynihan. “There’s a relucworries on two hands: weather, pests, disease, regula- many other professions that juggle so many at the tance to admit that I need help from somebody else. tions, physical demands, markets, loans, equipment, same time and they can’t go home after work,” said They believe that nobody else is going through this animal health, family dynamics. Now we are three Moynihan. “You live where you work; your coworkers while it’s just extremely prevalent.” years into a farm economy where farmers are losing are family members. It’s just a different culture. It Dairy farmer money or just breaking even on crops, dairy and live- can be a wonderful culture. People are hanging on Moynihan knows firsthand what farmers are going stock. Profits, if any, are slim. because they love to farm. It’s just a struggle, some- through. She and her husband, Kevin Stuedemann, That’s why the Minnesota Department of times more than others, and now is one of those are organic dairy farmers in Le Sueur County. In the spring of 2016, she learned that her organic dairy Agriculture has relaunched the Farm and Rural times.” Helpline, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Another challenge is that farmers are reluctant to co-op was ending her route and would not be picking up milk from her farm. (833) 600-2670. accept help. As an MDA staff member, “We are really concerned she specialized in organic agriabout the financial fragility. culture. Even with her knowlWhen you are feeling finanedge and resources, she found cially vulnerable that can Farm and Rural Helpline — (833) 600-2670 every door was shut. magnify other concerns. We Down on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful are renewing our focus to alleFor two months, they were viate farmer stress,” said Meg Times — Free workshops for people working with farmers dumping milk every week. Moynihan, senior advisor at Some was sent to friends with at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in these locations: MDA. hogs. “It began to feel more Meg Kevin Jan. 30, Ridgewater College, Willmar and more hopeless.” Her husThe confidential helpline Moynihan Stuedemann band told her to sell the cows offers help for farmers who are Jan. 31, Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall as he couldn’t take working in experiencing anxiety, depresFeb. 21, Riverland College, Austin an industry that didn’t value him. sion or a mental health crisis. Family and friends may also call if they are concerned about Feb. 22, South Central College, North Mankato In June 2016, she took a leave of absence to a loved one. The helpline is answered by run the farm and her husband went to work fullMarch 14, Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids Minnesota counselors who do not report anytime as an over-the-road trucker. He was gone thing besides the number of calls to the MDA. for one to three weeks at a time. The two March 15, Northland Community and Technical College, switched places and he helped out when he was The two biggest stressors are financial anxiety Thief River Falls home. and transition issues on what’s going to happen To learn more, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting/ to the family farm, according to an MDA survey This Milwaukee girl learned to hook up a TMR farmsafety.aspx or call (651) 201-6012 of 500 people who work with farmers. The surmixer and do all the chores. She busted her butt vey also found family dynamics is a major issue. to keep the dairy going. “I compensated for the University of Minnesota Extension — If you or a lack of experience and lack of strength.” Moynihan said farmers are questioning what farmer you know is experiencing financial stress, contact the will happen to their farm. Can my kids afford to They got on a conventional milk truck, but Farm Information Line at (800) 232-9077 to set up a free buy it from me? Can I afford to leave it to them? they were off the route so they had to pay the and confidential financial counseling session. What if I don’t have people who can farm? truck to come to the farm. They went from At the same time, farmers feel a responsibility See HELPLINE, pg. 11
Resources
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 11
Ag Commissioner Frederickson advocates support, resources HELPLINE, from pg. 10
lation strategies and improve their confidence in receiving $36 per hundredweight to $13/cwt. delivering difficult information to farmers in stressOverdraft notices started coming in. She was work- ful situations. Clergy, Minnesota Extension staff, Farm Business ing so hard but still they might lose the farm. Management instructors, bankers, veterinarians, Moynihan found herself crying, screaming or yelling, or slamming doors once a day. Her doctor gave her an antidepressant. “It made a huge difference.” After eight to nine months of severe uncertainty, they found a home for their organic milk. Her husband scaled back on his trucking and she went back to work in December 2016. While she was home on the farm, she got a good look at what her neighbors and farmers were going through. She learned deep down just how bad things were out there. Since returning to the MDA, Moynihan has focused her work on providing more support and resources to farmers.
What if I stay in and go further underwater and have to have a farm sale? There’s a lot of fear about making the wrong decision. Then you get paralyzed. — Meg Moynihan “Our story had a happy ending. We know what it’s like to look in the eyes of the monster,” said Moynihan. “We are not longtime farmers. I can only imagine if your family’s been on the land since 1840 and you are feeling that responsibility to your heritage.” While Moynihan and her husband were able to hang on, the couple often asked how long they could afford to wait to get back on an organic milk route. When her veterinarian visits farms, he sees the vacant look in people’s eyes. Dairy farmers are facing bank notes, low milk checks and uncertainty over whether to upgrade or downgrade. “People are terrified of making the decision. What if I stay in and go further underwater and have to have a farm sale? There’s a lot of fear about making the wrong decision. Then you get paralyzed,” said Moynihan. Support Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson farmed during the 1980s farm crisis. He is a strong advocate in offering support and resources for farmers today. In addition to the helpline, MDA is offering “Down on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful Times.” The free workshops teach people working with farmers how to recognize and respond when they see farmers experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, indecision and suicidal thoughts. Participants will learn to recognize signs of mental and emotional distress and crisis and find regional resources for farmers. They will learn anger de-esca-
nurses and social service workers are among those attending the workshop in their communities, reported Moynihan. “We’re all in this together. We need to look out for each other,” she said. v
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Ted Matthews counsels farm families under stress By MARIE WOOD The Land Associate Editor Since 1993, Ted Matthews, director of mental health outreach for Minnesota Department of Agriculture, has been taking calls and counseling farm families under stress. His free services are needed now more than ever as farmers face the challenges of a difficult farm economy. “People are losing their farms. The last thing they need is a bill to talk to me,” said Matthews. Matthews’ counseling services are open to all farm families at (320) 266-2390. When Ted Matthews farmers call Matthews, there is no diagnosis. “It isn’t about what’s wrong with you. It’s about how do you make this life better.” Matthews also works to help farmers better understand mental health. Besides answering calls, he speaks to farm groups year-round. “When farmers hear the word mental
health, they think mental illness,” said Matthews. “There is not a person on this planet that being mentally healthier isn’t a good idea. The whole idea is to be mentally healthier and happier.” Matthews gets hundreds of phone calls. People talk for five, 10 and 20 minutes. One of his rules is anonymity. He doesn’t keep records and take names, but many call later to let him know how they’re doing or ask him what he thinks about another situation. Matthews also does face-to-face counseling with individuals, couples and farm families. He even works with families who aren’t getting along during the farm transition. He travels to colleges statewide to meet with people individually. “Marriage counseling is a lot more popular than it used to be,” said Matthews. Changes For older farmers, the current farm economy brings back memories of the 1980s farm crisis. However, most bankers and other professionals who work
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Ted Matthews – (320) 266-2390 for free, confidential counseling for farmers National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 with farmers, can’t relate. “People who are 40 don’t remember the ’80s at all,” Matthews explained. Back in the 1980s, the person who dealt with the stress was the farmer. “Now it’s the whole family — sons, wives, the entire family is dealing directly with that stress,” he said. Before, the family dealt indirectly. “It may not have been worse or better, but it definitely was different,” he said. Up until 50 years ago, working harder or longer was the solution that could take care of the gap in finance. “Now if you work 24/7 and make a couple bad decisions, you’re out. I don’t care how hard you work. It doesn’t matter,” said Matthews. Every decision becomes critical. And non-farmers don’t understand the plight of the farmer. Non-farmers think farmers are rich because of the value of their land. “Farmers farm. They don’t sell real estate. It doesn’t matter what the land is worth unless they want to sell it. No farmer wants to sell their land,” said Matthews. In addition, women’s role on the farm has changed. Many women are doing the books and chores on the farm, along with working off-farm to bring home income and benefits. Farm couples are navigating these changes, but they can’t look to the previous generation for advice or role models. Many women are frustrated because they do not feel appreciated or recognized for the off-farm work they do to support the farm, explained Matthews. “The guy talks about the farm. She wants to talk about her job. Nobody seems to care about those things,” said Matthews. “It’s ironic because in the past there was a whole lot more time to communicate. Now there’s a lot less time and a lot more need.”
Support Farm Business Management instructors, bankers, lawyers and crop consultants give his number to farm clients. While Matthews has been fielding more calls from farmers, he is also getting more calls from the people who work with farmers. Matthews is a main presenter at MDA’s Down on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful Times workshops statewide this winter. The workshops are being held to help people working with farmers to identify signs of mental and emotional distress and crisis.
The guy talks abut the farm. She wants to talk about her job. Nobody seems to care about those things. It’s ironic because in the past there was a whole lot more time to communicate. Now there’s a lot less time and a lot more need. — Ted Matthews Farmers have a higher suicide rate than any other occupation, including veterans, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2016. Mental health professionals express concern over farmers’ isolation and access to firearms. Over the years, Matthews has dealt with suicidal people. He refers them to a reputable therapist in their area. Another major issue are attempted suicides, which are not identified in statistics. Loved ones worry that another attempt will end in death. “Who’s gonna watch them? Who’s gonna help them? That’s a huge issue. Very few people talk about that,” said Matthews. Matthews believes his outreach has been successful because farmers are comfortable calling him. “They don’t see me as a psychologist, they see me as a ‘Ted.’ I like that,” said Matthews. Working with farmers and helping them is what Ted Matthews loves to do. “It’s a joy. I’m proud of the fact that they trust me enough to call. I never take that for granted ever,” said Matthews. v
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 13
Two-year cover crop test field study indicates boost in yields By ALAN KRAUS Conservation Program Manager Cannon River Watershed Partnership Many agronomists and farmers agree that planting cover crops to keep farm fields covered with vegetation during the fall, winter and spring can prevent soil erosion and keep soil and fertilizers from washing into area rivers and lakes. However, there is a concern that a cover crop might compete with a corn crop and reduce the yield.
ue to plant cover crops on their farms using the interseeding method. All of the farmers stated they will continue to plant cover crops by some method. Most often, farmers who use cover crops plant them after they harvest corn in the fall. But with Minnesota’s short growing season, sometimes fallplanted cover crops don’t establish well. Interseeding a cover crop earlier in the season into standing corn can give that cover crop a chance to grow
Photo submitted by Cannon River Watershed Partnership
Interseeded cover crops, like this annual ryegrass, can protect the soil and capture excess fertilizer in a crop fields during the fall and spring. The Cannon River Watershed Partnership recently completed a twoyear study in cooperation with eight farmers in Rice, Goodhue and Waseca counties to examine methods of interseeding cover crops into standing corn early in the growing season and the impact on corn yields. Those farmers found rather than seeing a yield reduction in interseeded cover crop fields, they actually found an average 1.3 bushel per acre yield increase compared to control areas with no cover crops. These results were gathered at the field level. While weather, herbicide carryover and planting equipment were found to be key factors affecting success, seven out of the eight participating farmers stated they will contin-
and fully cover the soil at the time of year when the soil is most susceptible to erosion and nutrient leaching. The earlier you plant a cover crop, the better. Corn may grow rapidly or wet soils may persist and then you can lose the opportunity to interseed. Drilled planting is the best method to establish a cover crop. It achieves good seed-to-soil contact necessary for seeds to germinate quickly. Air seeding with direct row placement and shallow incorporation of the cover crop seed also works well. Interseed annual ryegrass — it germinates quickly and maintains vigor for fall regrowth after corn harvest. Do not broadcast seed annual ryegrass. The seed has very little weight. Wind
and rain can blow or wash seeds away. Do not interseed cereal rye. The seed germinates and then loses vigor under the corn canopy and is unable to regrow after corn harvest. With more experience using rye grass as a cover crop, growers may want to add more species of cover crops to the mix. The more plant species a farmer uses in a cover crop mix, the more effective the cover crop is at protecting the soil and capturing excess fertilizer in a
wide range of growing conditions. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the McKnight Foundation funded this study. For more information about using cover crops in southern Minnesota, contact your county soil and water conservation district, or visit www.crwp.net. This article was submitted by the Cannon River Watershed Partnership. v
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Life on the Farm: Readers’ Photos Rose Wurtzberger sent in this photo from their farm near New Ulm, Minn. She snapped a photo of a brilliant sundog on the morning of Dec. 30, 2017.
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! To see more photos, visit www.thelandonline.com, search readers’ photos
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 3, 2018
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 15
Farm bill: Keep safety nets, research, education By TREY MEWES The Free Press MANKATO, Minn. — Agricultural specialists say the 2018 farm bill needs to keep safety net programs to help farmers through tough times. It also Tina Smith needs to maintain ag public research spending and pursue more opportunities for budding farmers and young adults to get into the ag business. That’s the message Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minnesota, heard Jan. 13 at a gathering of farm and agricultural experts at the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association in Mankato. Federal lawmakers have spent the past few months working on the latest farm bill, which provides funding to a variety of agriculture and nutrition programs. Yet ag experts are worried the GOP-controlled Congress will try to cut crop insurance, separate nutrition spending from ag funding, and potentially cut down on the amount of programs available for farm businesses. “We’re going to be playing defense, not offense,” Kevin Paap, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, said. Smith, who became Minnesota’s newest senator less than two weeks ago, toured south-central Minnesota Saturday to hear more about the ag industry’s concerns. Experts told Smith they were concerned not enough was being done to encourage students to go into farming or other types of agricultural business. Kegan Zimmerman, a regional president with the Minnesota FFA and a Red Rock Central High School student,
I intend to be a strong voice for keeping those initiatives that work so well in Minnesota, keeping them working. — Tina Smith said his parents expected him to pursue other opportunities rather than inherit the family farm. “We want to push people to go into agriculture, but we need help in broadening what students can do,” he said. Several ag advocates urged Smith to protect public research funding into agriculture to maintain the U.S.’s strength as a global agricultural power. Others focused on disease prevention on animals, such as foot and mouth disease vaccination among livestock. Dave Preisler, chief executive officer of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, worries the United States will lose out if it doesn’t do enough to vaccinate livestock. According to Preisler, 28 percent of pork produced in the United States is exported, which would mean a massive economic blow if ag operations caught diseases like foot and mouth. “If we didn’t have a logical way then to address that with vaccine and figure out how to get out of that situation, we would have to downsize,” he said. “So that means farms go out of business, that means packing plants go out of business, that means less demand for corn and soybeans.” Other advocates say more needs to be done to support farmers’ mental health. Bruce Mathiowetz, a Belle Plaine High School agricultural
instructor, said he sees area families face the same sort of upheaval farmers did during the 1980s agricultural economic crisis. “I’m seeing students in my classroom that are being impacted by what’s going on with mom and dad,” he said. “They’re not totally sure what’s going on.” Smith, who worked on agriculturerelated issues as lieutenant governor, said after the meeting she hoped to
help preserve nutrition funding in the farm bill and expand trade opportunities with other countries, among other things. “I intend to be a strong voice for keeping these initiatives that work so well in Minnesota, keeping them working,” she said. Trey Mewes is a staff writer for The Free Press. The Land is owned by The Free Press Media. v
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Minnesota soybeans easily meet new Chinese standards By Tim Krohn The Free Press MANKATO, Minn. — Soybeans account for more than one-quarter of the value of all agricultural exports out of Minnesota. So when No. 1 customer China moved to tighten the quality standards on soybeans they’d accept, farmers and shippers took notice. But Tom Slunecka, CEO of Minnesota Soybean, said the state’s soybeans already meet the higher standards. China announced it will require less than 1 percent foreign material in soybeans it buys. Previously soybean shipments were allowed to contain 2 percent foreign material by weight. The change was recently agreed to by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Weed seeds are their No. 1 concern, but (foreign material) can be sand or stems or leaves and things like that,” Slunecka said. He said Minnesota soybeans are cleaner than those from many states for a couple of reasons. Virtually all of the state’s soybeans are shipped to the west coast via trains, while many other states ship them by barge down the Mississippi. Barge shipping means more handling and more commingling of beans from different areas. “And we don’t have the weed pressure that states south of us have.”
The Free Press file photo
Minnesota soybeans, such as these being harvested last fall, meet or exceed new quality standards set by China.
Slunecka said major soybean producers Brazil and Argentina already meet the higher level of quality. Slunecka said China wants cleaner beans because they are easier to process and because China, like any country, works to keep foreign weed seeds out. He said China’s clout in the market can’t be ignored. “China is the largest customer in the world by a very large margin.” Bob Zelenka, executive director for the Minnesota Grain & Feed Association, which represents Minnesota grain elevators and other facilities that purchase soybeans, said Minnesota exceeds even the new standards. “Our (foreign material) values are coming in at 0.5 percent or less,” Zelenka said. “It’s very clean grain.” He said soybeans at the train-loading facilities in Minnesota are all officially graded by the USDA. Kim Nill, director of market development for the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, said that they and the University of Minnesota will host workshops for farmers to provide best practices for weed control to help ensure clean soybeans. The council, along with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association make up Minnesota Soybean. Tim Krohn is staff writer for The Free Press. The Land is owned by The Free Press Media. v
Strategic Farming: Growing Soybeans that Out-Compete Weeds Free workshops from University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Soybean Growers Willmar: Jan. 30, 7:30-11 a.m., Best Western Plus Fairmont: Feb. 8, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus New Ulm: Feb. 12, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Best Western Plus McIntosh: Feb. 15, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Community Center Slayton: Feb. 22, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Murray County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, Exhibit Hall Hutchinson: Feb. 26, 12:30-4 p.m., Hutchinson Event Center Faribault: Feb. 27, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Rice County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, 1900 Fairgrounds Drive # 17 Appleton: Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Shooters Bar & Grill Austin: March 2, Time TBD, Holiday Inn Conference Center Pre-registration is requested at least five days prior to the event to assist in meal and program planning. Register at https://z.umn.edu/strategic-farming Details: www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/crops/ events/strategic-farming/
Nominate school for STEM grant To help K-12 educators enhance their STEM curriculum, the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, will provide farmers with the opportunity to nominate their local public schools for the chance to receive $10,000 or $25,000 grants. Farmers can nominate their school district until April 2. After the school district receives a nomination, the Monsanto Fund will notify the district and encourage administrators and teachers to design a grant
that enhances STEM education for their students. Because farmers know the needs of their communities, they kick off the Grow Rural Education program by nominating a local school to apply for one of the grants. The process takes less than five minutes and has made a lasting impact in countless classrooms. Farmers can nominate their local school by visiting www.americasfarmers.com/grow-rural-education/. This article was submitted by America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Program. v
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
University of Minnesota explores crop production in changing climate By MARIE WOOD The Land Associate Editor WASECA, Minn. — Lawns stay green and get mowed every week thanks to summer rains. The 2017 soybean crop was challenged by white mold. Pests are surviving the winter. These are some signs of climate change in Minnesota. According to weather records, the state is getting warmer and wetter. The trend is fueled by rapid winter warming, loss of cold weather and more extreme rain events. About 100 farmers and certified crop advisers attended “2018 Winter Crop Days: Crop Production in a Changing Climate” in Waseca and Rochester on Jan. 12. The session was coordinated by the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca. At the Waseca center, scientist Tom Hoverstad has 100 years of records dating back to 1914. 1991 was the first year the station received 30 inches of rain — May-September — in a growing season. Since then, 30 inches of rain in the growing season has happened six times, with 2016 coming in at 43.91 inches. “It’s a pretty common occurrence now,” said Hoverstad. Pete Boulay, climatologist for the Minnesota State Climatology Office, explained that state weather records from 1895 to 2015 show that our winters are warming 10 times faster than our summers. “What we are missing are cold years and dry years,” said Boulay. “We’re expecting a warm, wet year now.” While droughts have been measured in the Dakotas and northwest Minnesota in 2017, the state has been drought-free since the 1987-90 drought. The annual average temperature change from 1895 to 2015 is +1.1 F in southern Minnesota, +2 F in central Minnesota and +2.3 F in northern Minnesota. Yet, Minnesota summers are not getting hotter. Highs went down by 1.4 F in southern Minnesota and -0.2 F in central Minnesota. “You need to have dry conditions to have 100 degree temperatures,” said Boulay. Meanwhile, winter lows are up by 3.4 F in southern Minnesota, 4 F in central Minnesota and 4.8 F in northern Minnesota. “We don’t make winters like we used to.” The total precipitation change is about 3 inches annually from 1895 to 2016. Spring rains are up by 15 percent with summer and fall rains up by 11 percent each. June used to be the wettest month, but across the state August is surpassing June, said Boulay. “August is one of the big game changers we’ve seen,” he said.
Mega rain events that dump 6 inches over 1,000 square miles are increasing — seven mega rain events from 2000 to 2016 as compared to four events from 1973 to 1999. Since the state is losing its deep snow cover to melting, it seems like Tom Hoverstad we are getting less precipitation in the winter. We are actually getting more precipitation, but it may be snow or rain, explained Boulay. Peter Zimmerman, a corn and soybean farmer near Waseca, attended the session. As a whole, we as farmers tend to be philosophically skeptical when it comes to climate change, he said. “In reality, we are on the front line, actually seeing what’s happening and how it affects our livelihood,” he said. “It’s changing how we are making cropping decisions. The data coincides with what we’ve been seeing on our farms over the last 20 years.” The university did a good job presenting the evidence and thinking about how to deal with it in our operations, he added. See CLIMATE CHANGE, pg. 18
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Crop day examines pests, disease in relation to weather corn rootworm, but there are some problems CLIMATE CHANGE, from pg. 17 in continuous corn, Potter said. “They can’t Disease and pests survive if they don’t have continuous corn.” Bruce Potter, University of Minnesota inte“If you’ve got a field that you’re expecting a grated pest management specialist, talked problem with Western corn rootworms, take it about how weather and time impact pests out of corn for a year. That’s the simplest way and disease. to fix it,” said Potter. White mold affected the 2017 soybean crop. Another problem that farmers faced in 2017 Potter thinks it’s likely that the white mold were high populations of soybean aphids. The started one to two soybean crops ago. The Bruce Potter aphids got in real early due to the dry spring, fungus can survive in soil residue for up to noted Potter. Ground applications work best. 10 years. “Don’t expect all your aphids to survive. Don’t White mold likes cool temperatures and moist conditions and an early dense canopy holds in the mois- expect all your aphids to die,” said Potter. ture, explained Potter. He recommends looking at Treat only soybean aphid infestations threatening soybean variety selection, managing the soybean yield. Use appropriate spray pressure and nozzles. If architecture, wider row spacing, using broadleaf you end up with pyrethroid-resistant aphids, using weed control and applying fungicide. More than one insecticide seed treatments poses a problem. fungicide application will be needed. “We’ve already used one of the three classes,” said One way farmers are cutting costs is planting less Bt corn. In general, European corn borer populations are low, but a higher risk exists in fields that have a history of non-Bt traits in the area. Bt corn acres are Agricultural producers wanting to enhance current likely to decrease again in 2018. conservation efforts are encouraged to apply for the “Eventually corn borers are going to come back,” Conservation Stewardship Program at bit.ly/ConservationStewardship. Potter warned. Through CSP, the USDA Natural Resources ConNorthern corn rootworm creates problems in servation Service helps private landowners build rotated corn because their eggs can last more than their business while implementing conservation one winter. Cool, long falls are ideal to condition the practices that help ensure the sustainability of their eggs to survive, Potter explained. entire operation. NRCS plans to enroll up to 10 milThe Western corn rootworm can be knocked out by lion acres in CSP in 2018. very cold temperatures. Cold open winters reduce While applications for CSP are accepted yearsurvival. The egg hatch is affected below 19.4 F. The winter of 1976-77 busted thermometers and is the round, applications must be received by March 2 to presumed reason for the massive loss of the pest be considered for this funding period. from most of the state in 1977, said Potter. Through CSP, agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for actively managing, The winter of 2013-14 was also very cold and dry, which killed off the pest at the Southwest Research maintaining, and expanding conservation activities and Outreach Center, Lamberton. Potter is hoping like cover crops, ecologically-based pest managefor a few weeks of cold weather and no snow cover to ment, buffer strips, and pollinator and beneficial insect habitat — all while maintaining active agrikill them off this year. culture production on their land. CSP also encourBt Pyramids are mostly working on the Western
Potter. One reason Minnesota and northern Iowa has more soybean aphid problems than anywhere else is the weather. It gets cold right after combining soybeans. When the aphids come off the buckthorn in the spring, they can usually find volunteer soybeans, explained Potter. Fall and early spring weather influence aphid populations, he added. A new pest has been detected — slugs. These snails without shells love cool, wet falls and springs, above normal rainfall, long-term no-till and cover crops. They can damage virtually all crops — canola, soybean, corn, small grains and alfalfa. “It’s getting wetter in the summer. We are changing the environment a little bit because we’re reducing tillage. So who knows? This is something we could be dealing with down the road.” v
CSP is enrolling acres for 2018 ages the adoption of technology and new management techniques such as precision agriculture applications, on-site carbon storage and planting for high carbon sequestration rate, and new soil amendments to improve water quality. NRCS recently made several updates to the program to help producers better evaluate their conservation options and the benefits to their operations and natural resources. New methods and software for evaluating applications help producers see up front why they are or are not meeting stewardship thresholds, and allow them to pick practices and enhancements that work for their conservation objectives. These tools also enable producers to see potential payment scenarios for conservation early in the process. Producers interested in CSP should contact their local USDA service center or visit bit.ly/Conserva tionStewardship. This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. v
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Move over Texas, cattle feeding is heading north By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas used to solidly lead the nation in cattle feeding. But no longer. Nebraska is now the undisputed leader; with Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota providing enough additional feeder cattle each year to make this four-state cluster the new cattle feeding center of America. “Feed costs are the primary driver for this relocation,” claims Dennis Studenski, regional sales manager for Westway Feed Products. Studenski works out of Sauk Rapids. Nebraska passed Texas in fed cattle this past year, said Studenski, who also indicated kill capacity (especially in western Kansas) isn’t what it used to be. So a combination of plant closures in the Southwest plus additional kill capacity in the upper Midwest has led to more cattle in these northern states. Break-evens in the cattle feeding business, like most other agricultural entities these days, are always variable — sometimes in favor of the feeder, but not always. Feeders are pushing their cattle into heavier weights which isn’t generating a more profitable outcome according to two speakers at the Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention in Bloomington. So why is there this trend toward heavier weight? Studenski said, “Cattlemen can be their own worst enemy. If they don’t see that those calves are going to produce black ink they’ll often increase weights because the cost of gain should be lower than the actual value of the meat. But these heavier carcasses don’t always mean more profits. “Other reasons for heavier cattle these days are bigger frame sizes, plus efficiencies are better which is due to both genetics and better rations. We’re seeing the quality grade going up, which means we’re getting more meat per animal. But remember, net profit is the ultimate goal in this business.” Studenski went on to say dairy cattle are grabbing a bigger share of the cattle feeding business — partly because veal meat is only a small slice of the market. And more dairy genetics are getting into feeders. “But as we learn more about nutri-
U.S. meat consumption The United States is not backing down on meat consumption. Bloomberg writer Megan Durisin recently said, “For all the buzz about pea protein and lab-grown burgers, Americans are set to eat more meat in 2018 than ever before. To be precise, the average consumer will eat 222.2 pounds of red meat and poultry this year, according to USDA, surpassing a record set in 2004. Meanwhile, domestic production will surpass 100 billion pounds for the first time as livestock owners expand their herds on the back of cheap grain. Though the USDA’s percapita measure isn’t a true gauge of consumption, it serves as a common proxy. It shows egg demand reaching an all-time high as well in 2018. Dairy items like cheese and butter have also been growing in popularity.” tional needs of cattle and how to best manage cattle to make a better quality carcass, the process with most dairy breeds is to start feeding them a higher energy diet earlier in their life cycle. They can more efficiently marble their meat. Now you can feed a Holstein animal and get the same quality grade score as any black-sided Angus or Baldies.” In his own household, Studenski buys the beef. “I buy choice or better. But prime has too much fat. I like a leaner cut that shows enough marbling to have a rich flavor too.” Westway Feed Products might not generate chatter amongst cattle feeders because Westway products are generally the ingredient mix for feed manufacturers who mostly market under their own labels. But Westway certainly has some bragging rights within the industry. Studenski pointed out Westway Feed Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of liquid supplements for livestock. And they’ve built this industry-leading reputation on the basis of utilizing coproducts from other industries. “The team at Westway prides itself in utilizing products once considered as non-useable or waste,” Studenski said. “While molasses is our core ingredient, we also utilize co-products from industries such as bio-fuel plants, distilleries, yeast plants, corn processors, soy processors and cheese factories.” A major by-product of Minnesota’s 26 ethanol plants are distillers dried grains — commonly referred to as
DDGs. But corn processing is upgrading its strategies. DDGs today don’t have the same nutritional kick they used to have because of tighter refining. More oil gets extracted from each kernel to be sold at higher value to food processors rather than feed processors. “Distillers dried grains started as a challenge because the traditional concentrates used in finishing diets had to be redesigned to deal with the extra energy and extra protein from the distillers grain,” Studenski explained. “Over the years, most feed companies have done a good job on redesigning their feeds to meet the nutritional needs of cattle when put on highenergy finishing rations.
“One thing with the distillers market today, however, is that it is ever-changing because corn processors are doing a better job of extracting more of the oil, more of the starch so they can make more ethanol or more high-fructose corn syrup. The net result is the distillers’ product itself is getting to be a lower feed value than it used to be.” Headquarters of Westway Feed Products is Tomball, Texas. Dating back to 1940, the firm has 27 production facilities spread across North America and refers to itself as a global supplier of agricultural-based liquid solutions. Dennis Studenski was interviewed at the Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention in Bloomington, Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 2017. v
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Calendar of Events Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar & enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com. Jan. 30 – Ag Symposium – North Mankato, Minn. – South Central College hosts Ag Symposium featuring David Kohl – Visit www.southcentral.edu/ North-Mankato-Foundation/ag-sympo sium.html Jan. 30 – Tour de Forage – St. Charles, Minn. – Southeast Minnesota Forage Council and Minnesota Forage Association Winter Meeting includes education sessions – Call (651) 484-3888 or visit www.midwestforage.org Feb. 6 – Dairy Management Workshops – Rochester, Minn. – Agenda includes dairy economics, Minnesota Milk Legislative Update, federal policy – Contact mmpa@mnmilk.org or (877) 577-0741 or visit www.mnmilk.org Feb. 6-8 – Your Money, Your Goals – Mason City, Iowa – ISU Extension and Outreach is offering a financial empow-
erment toolkit that provides frontline workers with resources and tools to help their clients take steps towards financial stability and self-sufficiency – Contact (641) 423-0844 or visit www.extension. iastate.edu/humansciences/yourmoney-goals Feb. 7 – Winter Crops & Soils Day – Lamber ton, Minn. – Southwest Research and Outreach Center hosts program on profitability, pest management, irrigation, cover crops – Call (507) 752-7372 or visit swroc.cfans.umn.edu Feb. 7 – Cow Calf Days – Pipestone, Minn. – 2018 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/agricul ture/beef/ Feb. 8 – Cow Calf Days – Oronoco, Minn. – 2018 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/agricul ture/beef/ Feb. 8 – Winter Crops & Soils Day – Luverne, Minn. – Southwest Research and Outreach Center presents program on profitability, pest management, irrigation, cover crops at Grand Prairie Events – Call (507) 752-7372 or visit swroc. cfans.umn.edu Feb. 8 – Strategic Farming: Growing Soybeans that Out-Compete Weeds – Fairmont, Minn. – Learn impacts of row spacing, plant population, pest pressure, weed biology, resistance and management – Visit www.extension. umn.edu/agriculture/crops/events/stra tegic-farming/ or contact stah0012@ umn.edu or (507) 372-3900 Feb. 9 – Cow Calf Days – Caledonia, Minn. – 2018 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/agricul
ture/beef/ Feb. 9-10 – Pipestone Lambing Time Short Course and Bus Tour – Pipestone, Minn. – Short course and bus tour helps producers recognize and effectively deal with common lambing time challenges – Call (507) 825-6799 or visit www.pipestonesheep.com Feb. 12 – Strategic Farming: Growing Soybeans that Out-Compete Weeds – New Ulm, Minn. – Learn impacts of row spacing, plant population, pest pressure, weed biology, resistance and management – Visit www.extension. umn.edu/agriculture/crops/events/stra tegic-farming/ or contact stah0012@ umn.edu or (507) 372-3900 Feb. 15 – Rural Legislative Forum – Mankato, Minn. – Rural Legislative Forum focuses on federal initiatives to improve the rural economy, issues briefing, congressional delegation panel and dinner – Visit greenseam.org or (507) 385-6640
Save the date!
Winter Dairy Series event is on Feb. 12 in New Prague University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Dairy Initiative-South Central Region are collaborating efforts to host a free dairy event for dairy producers on Feb. 12 at noon at the New Prague State Bank in New Prague. Farm Business Management instructor Pam Uhlenkamp of South Central College will be sharing her expertise on “How to Stretch Your Dollar.” With profit margins shrinking on dairy farms, it is important to know and understand areas of opportunity in your business’s budget. Uhlenkamp will also point out grants that are available for dairy farmers to utilize. With seven years of experience working as a Farm Business Management
instructor, Uhlenkamp not only works with multiple facets of agriculture, but she also currently helps over 50 farms succeed in this unique industry of farming. Prior to Farm Business Management, Uhlenkamp worked as a swine and cattle nutritionist. This is the fourth annual Winter Dairy Series for the partnership. The final event of the season will be held in March. Pre-registration is not necessary, but is appreciated for a meal count. Please contact Colleen Carlson, Extension educator for Carver and Scott counties, at (952) 492-5386. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Minnesota shrimp farm seeing successful first year By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer BLOMKEST, Minn. — After being an 80-cow dairy farmer for several years, Paul Damhof got on a new learning binge in 2016. Damhof remodeled his former calf barn and is now custodian of a facility filled with 17 circular tanks housing thousands of shrimp in 86 F water. “It makes for a wonderful working environment in the winter when the outside temperature is 6 degrees and a minus 18 wind chill,” Damhof said. Because he’s one of only a few shrimp farmers in the state (at this stage) Damhof doesn’t share much shrimp talk at the local coffee shop. Paul Damhof So Damhof has been on a steep “teach myself” learning curve. “It’s a tightrope to walk,” Damhof explained. “Just one serious mistake could potentially wipe out an entire season.” Damhof founded and runs the family operation, Simply Shrimp LLC near Blomkest. Fish farming demands the same constant attention to detail as dairy farming. July 6, 2016 was starting date of remodeling the calf barn — a 40-by-160-foot structure. The front half was fully insulated steel. The back half, only curtained side walls. So a complete remodel was needed
to make this a cozy warm facility for raising shrimp. “We’re raising a Pacific white shrimp which is a salt water shrimp, so the salt water in our tanks is very corrosive. We gutted the building and then used spray foam insulation, because spray foam will not collapse from heat and humidity. Plus all the interior walls are PVC with stainless steel screws, so it should have good longevity,” said Damhof. Raising shrimp Simply Shrimp geared up to take delivery on 33,000 baby shrimp each month. But hurricanes last fall in Houston and the Florida Keys temporarily shut down two hatcheries. He’s looking at a Hawaiian source as a possible new provider. Damhof said there is lots of paperwork in shrimp farming. “A multi-page contract with my signature was needed before they would allow me to take delivery of their hatchery shrimp (which when born are only the size of a mosquito larvae). The baby shrimp are shipped overnight. It takes about four hours to get these baby shrimp accli18’ + 2’, 2-7000# Axles Dovetail From mated to our water. Adjustable coupler LED lighting Fold up ramps “Our first feed is a liquid Modular Wiring Harness feed for seven days. The Goosenecks Drop liquid feed is provided Dual Jacks, Lockable Chain Box, ’N Locks Dovetail, LED Lights, Modular every two to four hours. Wiring Harness, & more. Gooseneck After the liquid feed, they are fed a dry feed. We feed Hitch five different sizes of feed Rol-Oyl until they are harvested. Pricing Examples: Cattle Oilers Also, feeding is automated $ 25’ (20’ + 5’) 389 with a belt feeder that disAs 14,000# GVWR pictured $1550 tributes feed over the next $6,420 Easy to Install 24 hours. Yes, strange to 20K# GVWR Easy to Haul Without Duallys $1275 imagine, but I found even 32’ (27’ + 5’) Brush It’s That Simple! shrimp have a pecking $9,375 order when it comes to feed — thus the automatic belt feeder.” (320) 543-2861 • www.diersag.com 9283 County Road 6 SW, Howard Lake, MN 55349 It takes 120 to 140 days 3 miles south of U.S. Hwy. 12 on Wright Cty. Road 6, or 4 miles North of Winsted to grow shrimp from start
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to finish. “Growth directly depends upon management of the water, which determines how hard you can push the feed,” Damhof explained. “We have harvested shrimp as early as 90 days.” Daily water samples from every tank are tested for 11 different qualities. Damhof emphasized, “It’s all about managing water. If you do it correctly, the shrimp will come along naturally. If you don’t have good quality water, the shrimp simply won’t make it. Ammonia and nitrite Photos by Dick Hagen levels are two primary issues. I also check water For the first seven days of a shrimp’s life, they are temperature, salinity, disfeed liquid food. After that first week they are switched to dry feed. The shrimp are fed five different solved oxygen, total dissizes of dry food before they are harvested. solved solids, pH, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, nitrates and settable solids. As you might imagine, oxygen levels are critical.” Managing bacteria in the water (called bio-flock) is another exacting measurement. Too much bacteria will consume too much oxygen. Damhof explained, “All we’re trying to do is reproduce the ocean environment to the best of our ability. In the ocean, good bacteria eat the ammonia and nitrites that the fish produce. Our shrimp are also in a saltwater environment. We do the same Feeding of the shrimp is automated using a belt thing with our water and feeder. that means putting good bacteria in the water to do the job.” After these water testing procedures, it’s time to feed the shrimp — tank by tank. Damhof said each tank has its own eco-system, so each tank is fed according to its water condition. “That tells me how many grams of feed into each tank. Yes, it’s quite a change from feeding tons of feed for 80 cows to feedDaily water samples are taken from every tank and tested for 11 different qualities including amonia and ing grams of feed for thounitrate levels; salinity; pH and alkalinity. See SHRIMP, pg. 23
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PAGE 23
Water for shrimp is reused for better feed efficiency SHRIMP, from pg. 22
“We’ve had customers from 100150 miles away, so it’s been amazsands of shrimp!” ing the word-of-mouth success we He buys from Ziegler Feeds, a are enjoying,” Damhof said. “The Pennsylvania firm. The Ziegler price for shrimp is $20 per pound. feed tag reads: “Feed as a comWe sell in the 20-22 shrimp per plete feed for shrimp.” Additional pound range. Orders range from bold lettering reads, “NO as small as a half-pound to 10 ANTIBIOTICS ADDED.” The pounds. Our average order is 2 to feed has lots of ingredients too 4 pounds. However, we can pro— with 32 listed and a 40 percent vide the costumer any count they crude protein, plus five different would like. My goal is the best vitamins. Damhof noted feed tasting, the freshest, the best freshness is important. quality shrimp that I possibly can. You only have one opportu“Our goal is zero water disnity to make a first impression. I charge, so we simply reuse the want to give our customers the water. The older the water, the best impression that I possibly more mature the water is and can.” that produces better feed efficiency, faster rate of gain and Damhof is excited about this easier management. Our water is new future for his family — his Paul Damhof stands with the 17 tanks which make up the Simply Shrimp operation. now 10 months old and has done wife April and three teenagers. a 180-degree change from when But he recognizes it’s a very The U.S. government is involved in shrimp farming we started last March.” too. “Every new batch of shrimp we get has to be pre- demanding new industry for Minnesota agriculture. Even as a dairy farmer has ups and downs, so goes approved by the Department of Natural Resources,” “Patience is a high priority and some failures are the scenario with shrimp. But Damhof is pleased Damhof said. “I’ve gotten to know some of the DNR inevitable. So the willingness to pick yourself back up is key to your future.” survivability is better than initially expected — people and they’re fine people to work with.” pushing into the high 90 percentile. Even so, he’s Meeting new customers every day is part of the joy wanting to try a different genetic line for shrimp. “If Marketing and rewards of their new business and Damhof is Obviously, rearing that first batch of shrimp was an you don’t try, you’ll never know what’s out there.” intense learning process. And if you grow them, already seeing repeat business. He tells of a North you’ve got to market them. However, Damhof doesn’t Dakota customer who drove two-and-a-half hours to haul his market-ready shrimp to an area seafood get to his shrimp farm. Damhof asked him why he facility. Instead, he sells directly to customers who made the trip. drive into the yard, prompted by a colorful He replied to me, “‘Paul, how long was the shrimp shrimp roadside sign along busy U.S. Highway 71 boat out fishing? How long was the boat in port getabout eight miles south of Willmar. ting unloaded? How long was the processing and Word spread rapidly about this dairy farm now then getting the shrimp on a plane to some market? selling fresh shrimp. Damhof acknowledged they I drove two-and-a-half hours. I watched you net my don’t even have an advertising budget. Drive-In cus- shrimp. I’ve got a two-and-a-half hour drive back tomers are doing the job and there’s nothing like home. They’ll be on the grill within three hours. It doesn’t get any fresher than that!’” v satisfied customers to sell your product.
Within 120-140 days, shrimp reach a marketable size of about 20 shrimp per pound.
For more news briefs, visit the “Nuts and Bolts” section at www.TheLandOnline.com
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
MARKETING
Grain Outlook Corn closes on weekly gain The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Jan. 19. CORN — Corn closed higher in three of the four sessions in the holiday-shortened trading week. The weekly gain erased the previous week’s loss and closed the week on a strong note, settling slightly above the $3.52 50-day moving average. For the week, March corn was up 6.25 cents at $3.52.25, July gained 6.25 cents at $3.69, and December was up 5.25 cents at $3.85.75. Before we get too bulled up, March corn has still only traded a 15-cent range from the contract PHYLLIS NYSTROM CHS Hedging Inc. low of $3.45.25 to $3.60.5 per St. Paul bushel since Nov. 10! Profit taking by fund shorts and spillover strength from soybeans pushed prices back to the middle of their recent trading range. Weekly export sales were excellent at 74.3 million bushels and the second best of the marketing year. However, total commitments at 1.14 billion bushels are 23 percent behind last year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expecting exports to be down 16 percent year on year. We need to average 23.6 million bushels per week in sales to hit the USDA’s 1.925-billion-bushel target. U.S. corn is currently the cheapest source of corn in the world. Weekly ethanol production was up 65,000 barrels per day at 1.061 million bpd for the week that ended Jan. 12. This was the biggest weekly jump on record! Stocks were essentially unchanged at 22.7 million barrels. Margins improved 4 cents per gallon to 3 cents per gallon. Brazil suggested they would be open to dropping its 20 percent import tax on U.S. ethanol if the United States drops restrictions on imports of their fresh beef. Currently, U.S. ethanol works into Brazil with the import tax in place. The slow start to the soybean harvest in Mato Grosso, Brazil, has raised concern over safrinha acreage. Most traders anticipate acreage to fall, but the unknown is by how much. However, at least one private consultant in Brazil expects safrinha acreage to be up slightly and is not concerned at this time about rain in Mato Grosso. As of Jan. 17, Mato Grosso’s safrinha corn was just 1.4 percent planted vs. 4.6 percent last year. Corn acres could be lost in favor of cotton.
Cash Grain Markets corn/change* soybeans/change*
Stewartville Edgerton Jackson Janesville Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye
$3.00 +.05 $3.03 +.03 $3.03 +.02 $3.12 -.04 $2.98 +.06 $3.01 +.05
$9.01 +.30 $9.11 +.30 $9.18 +.32 $9.21 +.36 $9.01 +.26 $9.13 +.27
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Outlook: Corn bulls find confidence from the huge fund short, spillover strength from soybeans, and South American weather. I don’t expect much either way for corn in the short run, anticipating it may take a fresh headline to push us out of the $3.45 to $3.60 range. SOYBEANS — Soybeans returned from the holiday by capitalizing on the key reversal higher seen after the Jan. 12 non-bearish USDA report. Settling higher every day of the week, March soybeans rallied 16.75 cents to $9.77.25, July jumped 17 cents higher to $9.98.25, and November was 12.5 cents higher at $9.96 per bushel. Fund short covering, a strong meal market, and the seemingly perpetual concern about South American weather propelled prices to their highest level since the middle of December. Argentina’s temperatures are forecasted to be above normal for the balance of the month, with the southern part of the country receiving little rain. It was interesting that the USDA staff in Argentina said it was “too early to begin projecting lower (soybean) production.” Their Argentine bean production estimate at 57 million metric tons is 1 mmt higher than last week’s USDA number. Trade chatter has Argentina’s bean crop decreasing to the 52-54 mmt range vs. USDA’s 56 mmt figure. Argentina is a major exporter of soymeal. If its soybean crop shrinks, it will affect meal supplies for export. For Brazil, traders are watching early harvest and possible rain delays, and the northeastern areas could use some rain. In general, Brazil’s weather has been good for soybean development and there is still the possibility for production estimates to move toward last year’s 114.1 mmt record crop. The IBGE is estimating Brazil’s soybean crop at
With the 2018 crop insurance sales and renewal season in full swing, it is more important than ever to choose the right agent. How would you answer the question, do you consider your crop insurance agent a trusted partner? During a time of low prices and tight margins, having a crop insurance agent who you can trust to bring you tools and protection that will best meet the needs of your operation is vital. Do you know what traits to look for when seeking out the correct crop insurance partner for your operation? Integrity. When deciding on a crop insurance policy, there is an enormous amount of information that is shared back and forth. You need an advisor that you can trust. By choosing a crop insurance agent with a high level of integrity, you can be assured that they operate with complete honesty and that you can trust their knowledge of the products they are pairing you with. If your agent doesn’t possess these traits, you run the risk of those decisions affecting insurance coverage or participation in the Federal Crop Insurance program. Commitment. Additionally, an important attribute of your agent is having a long term commitment to crop insurance. Every year there are changes within the crop insurance industry. It is important for your agent to have a solid knowledge base of crop insurance and the agriculture business. If your agent isn’t dedicated to being a long-term player, then you are missing out on having an advisor committed to your long-term success. With all of the policy changes that occur annually, crop insurance is difficult enough; you should seek out an agent that is committed to be your crop insurance partner for years to come. Knowledge. An additional benefit of having a long-term crop insurance agent is their knowledge of your operation. By gaining personal knowledge of your operation, your agent will be best situated to offer you the best products and solutions to help you succeed. Having an agent who is willing to visit with you and review all coverage options will help you understand the products you have in place, and will help reassure you that you have chosen the right partner. As we all know, margins in agriculture are tight and
See NYSTROM, pg. 25
See GRAIN ANGLES, pg. 25
Average:
$3.03
$9.11
Year Ago Average: $3.16 $9.66 Grain prices are effective cash close on Jan. 23. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.
Editor’s Note: The Livestock Angles column by Joe Teale will not be available this week. The column will return next week.
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 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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Brazil is cheapest source of soybeans into China NYSTROM, from pg. 24 112.3 mmt vs. the USDA’s 110 mmt projection. The market will trade weather headlines, but in general, Brazil’s increasing soybean crop seems to be making up for losses in Argentina. Brazil’s Mato Grosso farmers are said to be 13 percent behind on sales vs. the average with just 42 percent of their crop sold. Soybean harvest in Mato Grosso, Brazil’s largest producing region, was pegged at 3.3 percent complete vs. 7.2 percent on the five-year average. Argentina announced this week they would cut docking fees between 20 percent and 40 percent. Lower fees will help the country’s position in the export market.
13 percent from last year. The USDA is anticipating less than a 1 percent decline in year-on-year exports. We need to average 18.7 million bushels per week in sales to achieve the USDA’s 2.160-billion-bushel export projection. This would be a 51 percent increase in weekly sales versus last year. Brazil is currently the cheapest source of soybeans into China. The United States has sold 25.7 mmt of soybeans to China so far this year. This is 6.6 mmt less than last year by this date. Strong soymeal sales and a surge in meal prices were a strong supportive factor to this week’s soybean rally. Meal prices have surged $24.10 off the Jan. 12 low to the Jan. 19 high and were up $14.60 for the week. Outlook: Bulls will point to uncertain Argentine weather, large fund short, huge surge in meal prices, and competitiveness in the export market as market positives; bears will cite a huge Brazilian bean crop, ample world supplies, and export sales lagging what is needed to hit the USDA target, as market influencers. Perception is reality, and South American weather concerns and fund short-covering were this past week’s reality. Unless the funds continue to
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National Oilseed Processors Association’s December soybean crush came in at a December record of 166.4 million bushels. This was above the trade estimate of 165.4 million bushels. However, soyoil stocks were higher than expected at 1.54 billion pounds vs. 1.38 billion estimated. Traders are leaning toward a higher crush number on subsequent balance sheets. Weekly export sales were above expectations at 45.6 million bushels and the highest in four weeks. Total commitments at 1.57 billion bushels are down
Corn, bean production forecasts Corn for grain production in Minnesota during 2017 is estimated at 1.48 billion bushels, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Production 2017 Summary report. The estimate is up 2 percent from the Nov. 1 forecast but down 4 percent from 2016. Production is the second highest on record, behind 2016. Minnesota’s corn for grain yield is estimated at a record high 194 bushels per acre, 4 bushels more than the Nov. 1 forecast and 1 bushel above the previous record yield set in 2016. Area harvested for grain is estimated at 7.63 million acres, down 20,000 acres from the Nov. 1 forecast and 370,000 acres below 2016. Corn planted for all purposes in 2017 is estimated at 8.05 million acres, down 400,000 acres from 2016. Soybean production is estimated at 380 million bushels in 2017, up 2 percent from the Nov. 1 forecast but down 2 percent from 2016. Production is the second highest on record, behind 2016. Minnesota soybean growers averaged 47.0 bushels per acre in 2017. This is up 1.0 bushel from the Nov. 1 forecast but down 5.0 bushels from the 2016 yield. The harvested acreage of 8.09 million is down 10,000 acres from the Nov. 1 estimate but 600,000 acres above 2016. Soybean planted acreage, at 8.15 million acres, is up 600,000 acres from 2016. These are the largest soybean planted and harvested acreages on record for Minnesota.
Iowa Corn for grain production in Iowa for 2017 is estimated at 2.61 billion bushels, according to the NASS Crop Production 2017 Summary report. Current year production is 5 percent less than the previous record of 2.74 billion bushels set in 2016. Iowa has led the nation in corn production for the last 24 consecutive years and 39 of the last 40 years. Iowa’s corn for grain yield is estimated at 202 bushels per acre. This is only the second time Iowa’s average corn for grain yield has been over 200 bushels per acre. Area harvested for grain is estimated at 12.9 million acres, equal to the Nov. 1 forecast but 600,000 acres below 2016. Corn planted for all purposes in 2017 is estimated at 13.3 million acres. Soybean production is estimated at 562 million bushels in 2017. This is down 1 percent from the record of 566 million bushels set in 2016. The Iowa soybean crop yielded 56.5 bushels per acre in 2017. The harvested acreage of 9.94 million is down 10,000 acres from the Nov. 1 forecast, but up 500,000 acres from 2016. Soybean planted acreage, at 10.0 million, is unchanged from Nov. 1, but 500,000 acres above 2016. This year saw the most planted acres to soybeans in Iowa since 2006. This article was submitted by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. v
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cover shorts and/or South American weather forecasts turn drier, the upside looks limited. If these factors continue to be supportive, the $10 area may be possible. Nystrom’s Notes: Estimated contract changes for the week ending Jan. 19: Minneapolis March wheat fell 4.25 cents to $6.08.5, Chicago gained 2.25 cents to $4.22.75, and Kansas City managed a 1.25 cent increase to $4.27.5 per bushel. Crude oil fell 93 cents to $63.37, ULSD dropped 2.5 cents, RBOB was 1.5 cent higher, and natural gas was 1.5 cents lower. The U.S. dollar index was down .230 at 90.672. v
Choosing the right agent does matter GRAIN ANGLES, from pg. 24 that shallow losses can impact working capital and balance sheets. Your agent needs to know your situation and work with you to create a well-balanced approach between multi-peril crop insurance coverage and other named period products. If your agent knows your operation, they will bring the knowledge of how additional products can enhance your risk management needs or protect shallow loss concerns. Resources. Crop insurance is a complex business. As you look for an agent, one aspect that should be considered is the team your agent has working with them to provide the best service. Strength in numbers is an important factor to look at. Does my agent have sufficient back up for those “what if ’s” or for training purposes? Product knowledge is increased when you have other resources to rely on as an agent. Thus, this added knowledge relates to being able to provide current and relative information when providing a solid risk management plan for the operation. Choosing the right agent for your operation matters. Seek out someone with high integrity, valuable resources, long-term commitment and knowledge of the industry. Look for an agent willing to customize a risk management plan to fit your needs because not all operations are created equal. Crop Insurance is not just a cost of doing business; it should be viewed as a vital piece of your risk management plan to help safeguard your operation. Don’t face that task alone, work with a trusted crop insurance partner who will pair you with the best products for your operation. This article was written by Kevin Christenson, with contributions from Thad Stauffer, Tim Timko and Greg Eaton. Kevin is a state insurance product officer at Compeer Financial. For more insights from the Compeer team or to learn more, visit www/Compeer.com/education. v
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
WASDE report projects reduced dairy product prices This column was written for the market500 million pounds from last month. If ing week ending Jan. 19. realized, 2018 production would be up 3.3 billion pounds or just 1.5 percent from The second Global Dairy Trade auction 2017. of 2018 added to the encouragement of the first, showing a 4.9 percent gain in The 2018 dairy product price projections the weighted average of all products were reduced due to slowing domestic offered. That followed the 2.2 percent gain demand and global competition. The 2018 on Jan. 2. The quantity sold however, Class III and Class IV milk price forecasts slipped to 51.4 million pounds, the lowest were reduced, based on the lower product MIELKE MARKET since June 2017. prices. WEEKLY Butter led the gains, up 8.8 percent, folThe 2017 Class III milk price averaged By Lee Mielke lowing a 0.6 percent advance Jan. 2. Skim $16.17 per hundredweight, up from milk powder was next, up 6.5 percent $14.87 in 2016 and $15.80 in 2015. after rising 1.6 percent last time. The 2018 average is projected to Cheddar cheese was up 5.2 percent, range $14.25-$15.05, which is $1.05/ after falling 2.1 percent. Whole milk powder folcwt. below what was expected a month ago. lowed, up 5.1 percent, after it was up 4.2 percent; The 2017 Class IV price averaged $15.16, up from and anhydrous milkfat was up 2.2 percent, after slip- $13.77 in 2016 and $14.35 in 2015. The 2018 average ping 0.2 percent last time. is projected at $13.55-$14.45, down 35 cents/cwt. FC Stone equated the GDT 80 percent butterfat from last month’s estimate. butter price to $2.1669 per pound U.S. Chicago MerFat basis imports for 2017 were reduced on slower cantile Exchange butter closed Jan. 19 at $2.12. GDT butter imports, but exports were raised on solid cheddar cheese equated to $1.5814 per pound U.S. global demand for U.S. butter and other dairy prodand compares to the Jan. 19 CME blocks at $1.5650. ucts. Skim-solids basis imports were reduced modGDT skim milk powder averaged 82.46 cents per estly while exports were raised on strong demand for pound and whole milk powder averaged $1.3651. skim milk powder and several other products. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk price closed Jan. 19 at The 2018 fat basis import forecast was reduced on 70.75 cents per pound. FC Stone adds, “The firming slowing demand for butter products, while the export price action followed a Fonterra Jan. 16 news release forecast was raised on expected robust foreign which said December milk receipts fell by 5.5 perdemand for U.S. fat-containing products. On a skimcent.” solids basis, the 2018 import forecast was reduced on n weak demand for U.S. milk protein concentrates. The Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture 2018 skim-solids basis export forecast was raised lowered its 2017 and 2018 milk production forecasts reflecting stronger demand for a number of products. in its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand n Estimates report. The 2017 estimate was reduced, Looking at the crop side of the report, the latest based on the most recent data and the 2018 projection was reduced due to slower anticipated growth in Margin Watch from Chicago-based Commodity and Ingredient Hedging, reports, “USDA made minimal the dairy cow herd combined with continued slow changes to their corn and soybean balance sheets, growth in milk per cow. with slight increases in ending stocks noted for both 2017 production and marketings were projected at crops. Corn production increased 26 million bushels 215.5 and 214.5 billion pounds respectively, down from the December estimate as lower harvested 200 million pounds from last month. If realized, 2017 acreage was more than offset by a higher yield, now production would still be up 3.1 billion pounds or 1.5 projected at a record 176.6 bushels per acre. Lower percent from 2016. projected feed and residual usage by 25 million 2018 production and marketings were projected at bushels was partially offset by a 10-million-bushel 218.8 and 217.8 billion pounds respectively, down increase in food, seed, and industrial demand. Soybean ending stocks increased as lower production was more than offset by a reduced export forecast.” F E N M CE BU O ILDER The Margin Watch also pointed out, “Dairy marT S S High gins were mixed over the first half of January, weakU Tensil C e Fen Speed cing ening in nearby marketing periods due to lower milk rite E nergiz ers prices, while holding steady in deferred slots Water ing Sy stems through the second half of 2018. Margins remain FENC G r S azing E IN Y Suppli U negative and well below average from a historical O es UR FU TURE ET perspective in both first and second quarter, while L ” “ above breakeven but still below average in third and 507-956-2657 Daniel & Terese Hall SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA Jeremy • Andy • Tony • Mike fourth quarters.” 40133 - 620 Ave. The Margin Watch warned, “Milk prices continue BUTTERFIELD, MN 56120 to struggle from the large overhang of dairy product
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th
The only way to face the year with optimism is to be sure dairy producers really understand their cost of production.
— Penn State January Dairy Outlook
stocks in the global market.” n Penn State’s January Dairy Outlook echoed the current situation in the dairy economy, but offered some advice. “The only way to face the year with optimism is to be sure dairy producers really understand their cost of production.” They point out that many dairy producers do not know their cost of production/cwt. and have done very little to benchmark costs to industry recommendations. “Penn State Extension, the Center for Dairy Excellence, and many lenders are skilled in helping producers determine their cost of production,” the Outlook states. “After a producer knows their numbers, then extension educators, private consultants, and dairy profit teams can work with producers to control costs to meet cost of production goals and examine opportunities to improve income. This is the only way to have optimism for the future.” n Even as the road to forming a federal milk market order in California is progressing, the bleak outlook has prompted Western United Dairymen and California Dairy Campaign to petition the California Department of Food and Agriculture for an emergency hearing to consider increases to Class 1, 2, 3, 4a and 4b milk prices for 12 months. The requested increase would add approximately 35 cents/cwt. to the overbase price, according to a WUD press release which argued, “California dairy families have suffered severe economic hardship in the past three years. Many have gone out of business or acquired massive debt on top of eroded equity. The significant negative margins witnessed every quarter since January 2015 have placed many producers in a dire financial situation. 2017 displayed a modest recovery in the markets but the improvements were short-lived and not significant enough to allow for positive margins. According to CDFA’s cost of production data, the smallest loss recorded these past three years was 23 cents/cwt. of milk produced during the first quarter of 2017.” n Cheese and powder prices strengthened in the Martin Luther King Day holiday-shortened week, buoyed in part by the GDT. The cheddar blocks closed Jan. 19 at $1.5650 per pound. This is up 11 cents on the week, but 13.25 cents below a year ago. The barrels finished at $1.3450, up 12.75 cents on See MIELKE, pg. 27
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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PAGE 27
Fluid milk sales continue to lag year-ago numbers MIELKE, from pg. 26 the week, 19 cents below a year ago, but an unsustainable 22 cents below the blocks. Only two cars of block traded hands on the week at the CME and 45 of barrel. Cheese production is mixed in the Central region, according to Dairy Market News, and some plants reduced output to manage growing supplies. Cheese sales were also mixed and Midwestern barrel contacts were “fretful, as prices dropped and buyers waited out continuing price slips or are simply hesitant to take on extra at this time.” Block sales are generally solid and beating some expectations, but pizza cheesemakers are concerned regarding inclement winter weather affecting the Northeast, where Super Bowl retail sales are typically strong for many Midwestern mozzarella and provolone manufacturers. Milk prices have tightened again. As many cheesemakers are opting out of the spot milk market, there were reports that milk offers have begun to wane as well. Reported spot prices ranged $3 under to 75 cents over Class III, says Dairy Market News. Western cheese output is active due to plentiful milk supplies. Disruptions at several processing facilities released more milk into the market. Industry contacts say a few larger cheese plants have agreed to reduce down time or juggle production schedules in order to take the extra loads of milk. Cheese demand is fair. Manufacturers report the pizza season has generated solid sales for mozzarella, but retail demand is still tepid for most cheese types. Cheese purveyors would like to see much stronger demand to help reduce heavy inventories but recent lower prices are helping interest in the export market. Spot butter closed at $2.12 per pound, which is 4 cents lower on the week and 13 cents below a year ago, with 10 cars trading places. Dairy Market News says cream remains readily available throughout the Central region and butter sales are generally on par with seasonal expectations. Butter markets are mixed. Some participants expect butter to remain above the $2.00 threshold, while others are starting to question its steadfastness. Western butter sales are quiet, but retailers cons-
tinue to restock their shelves. A few processors report being surprised by how soon retailer re-orders came back post-holidays. Although current butter supplies are ample, abundant cream at lower prices is a big contributing factor to increased butter production; but “Butter sales will have to increase substantially for a large reduction in inventory.” Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk climbed to 71.5 cents per pound Jan. 18, the highest price since Nov. 20. It closed the next day at 70.75 cents per pound, up 4 cents on the week, but 29.75 cents below a year ago, with a whopping 33 cars exchanging hands on the week at the CME. n The European Commission announced that it will begin to limit the volume of skim milk powder it purchases in its intervention program. There is plenty in storage, plus U.S. stocks are high, which is keeping pressure on prices. FC Stone reported that provisional information shows the EU Commission sold about 1,864 tons of SMP out of Intervention in the tender that closed Jan. 16. It is reported that the lowest price accepted was “1,190 per ton. The total volume available was 101,020 tons. The last time the Commission sold any volume out of intervention was the tender that closed Nov. 21.”
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n The February Federal order Class I base milk price was announced by USDA at $14.25/cwt. This is down $1.19 from January, $2.48 below February 2017, and the lowest Class I since July 2016. It equates to $1.23 per gallon, down from $1.33 in January and compares to $1.44 a year ago. Fluid sales continue to lag year-ago numbers. USDA’s latest data shows November packaged fluid sales at 4.1 billion pounds, down 1.1 percent from November 2016. Conventional product sales totaled 3.9 billion pounds, down 1.2 percent from a year ago. Organic products, at 222 million pounds, were off 0.1 percent. Organic represented about 5.4 percent of total sales for the month. Whole milk sales totaled 1.27 billion pounds, up 3.2 percent from a year ago, up 2.5 percent year-todate, and made up 30.6 percent of total fluid sales in the month. Skim milk sales, at 335 million pounds, were down 10.2 percent from a year ago and down 11.9 percent, year-to-date. Total packaged fluid milk sales in the nine month period totaled 43.9 billion pounds, down 2.0 percent from the same period a year ago. See MIELKE, pg. 28
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
November dairy exports surged, but prices remain low MIELKE, from pg. 27 Year-to-date sales of conventional products, at 41.6 billion pounds, were down 2.1 percent. Organic products, at 2.4 billion pounds, were up 0.2 percent. Organic represented about 5.4 percent of total fluid milk sales so far in 2017. n On a brighter note, the U.S. Dairy Export Council reported November U.S. dairy exports were the highest in more than a year. Yet 2018 Class III milk futures prices portend very weak prices ahead. Matt Gould, analyst and editor of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter, said in the Jan. 15 Dairy Radio Now broadcast that, leading up to November, U.S. dairy product prices were below those in Europe and New Zealand so the United States gained market share. He said that sales were particularly strong to Mexico in milk powders and cheese and we exported a lot of butter to the Middle East. “That dynamic has shifted, which is part of the
reason why prices are looking so glum in this new year,” Gould explained. “That was our big surge in exports that lots of people had been waiting for, which was supposed to carry prices higher. Now we’re going head-to-head with the rest of the world where U.S. prices are no longer at a big discount to the rest of the world. So, what looked like opportunity in November certainly doesn’t look nearly as opportunistic going forward into 2018.” When asked about the United States dropping out of the North American Free Trade Agreement and how significant that would be for dairy, Gould pointed out that Mexico is our number-one customer, but added, “Pulling the plug on NAFTA is a complicated process.” He said there would be a six-month timeline if President Trump opts out, and in that timeline there would be a fair bit of negotiating which can be done before the whole agreement is ripped up. “It’s certainly a point of high contention and important to markets,” he concluded, “but it still has a lot of runway left to play out.” n
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Now we’re going head-to-head with the rest of the world where U.S. prices are no longer at a big discount to the rest of the world. — Matt Gould And, speaking of exports, Cooperatives Working Together accepted its first export assistance requests of 2018 — 21, to be exact, from Dairy Farmers of America, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold), Tillamook County Creamery Association and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell 2.652 million pounds of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 688,945 pounds of butter to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Oceania. The product has been contracted for delivery through April. 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
MDA value-added grant application period opens ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will award up to $2.5 million through the competitive Value Added Grant Program. The goal of the Value Added Grant Program is to increase sales of Minnesota agricultural products by diversifying markets, increasing market access, and increasing food safety of value-added products.
We welcome applications from a variety of organizations. ... Our number one priority is to help farmers sell more of their products. — Julianne LaClair Applications for this Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Grant are due March 9. “We welcome applications from a variety of organizations,” said MDA grants specialist Julianne LaClair. “Farmers or businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and local government agencies can apply, as long as their projects meet our criteria and help increase the sales of Minnesota’s agricultural products. Our number one priority is to help farmers sell more of their products.” Grant funds reimburse up to 25 percent of the total project cost. Funding under this round will come at two levels. Level 1 projects will have a maximum award of $200,000 and a minimum of $1,000. Level 2 projects will have a maximum award of $1,000,000
and a minimum of $200,001. Applicants may only apply to one level. Grants may be used for equipment purchases or physical improvements that will: • start, expand, or update livestock product processing businesses; • start, upgrade, or modernize value-added businesses; • increase the use and processing of Minnesota agricultural products; • increase food safety; and increase farmers’ processing and aggregating capacity to sell to schools, hospitals, or other institutions. Level 2 projects must also provide significant economic impact to a region of the state. Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m. March 9. Applications are available at www.mda. state.mn.us/grants/grants/valueaddedgrant.aspx and may be submitted online, by mail, or in-person. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v
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Baize suggests doldrums in agriculture still continuing By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer WILLMAR, Minn. — The keynote speaker at each of the five Ag Outlook events sponsored by Linder Farm Network was John Baize, long-time spokesperson for the American Soybean Association. Baize isn’t bashful. He’s been on the Washington, D.C., scene for 39 years. He knows U.S. Department of Agriculture politics, the best gossip around Washington, D.C., and even what’s bugging China! John Baize was interviewed in early January. Q: Is agriculture getting so good that production keeps getting further ahead of consumpJohn Baize tion each year? Baize: That’s part of our pricing challenges these days. Technology keeps ramping up. Our farmers are early adopters and quick learners. That’s part of the survival process anymore. But the reality of our current crises is that agriculture has enjoyed a five-year stretch of really good weather. You’ve got to go back a long time to recall a string of good weather like these past five years. Q: So what might this mean for 2018? Baize: Plain and simple, the chances of us having another good weather year aren’t likely. Q: What does this mean for Brazil, Argentina and Australian farmers? Baize: Yes, they too have ramped up production. New technologies get into the world market very quickly these days. Farmers in other countries don’t wait two or three years to let American farmers work out the kinks. And the same can be said of major seed, chemical and equipment companies. When it’s ready, it goes. I’m best aware of the soybean industry. I can assure you Brazilian farmers are getting access to the exact same soybean genetics of our American producers. Plus, Brazil has its own huge agricultural research center — Embrapa. Q: What are early weather prospects for these countries? Baize: They’ve had good weather the past three or four years, but 2018 isn’t
starting out so good. Right now, Brazil’s early soybean harvest is delayed because of too much rain. Corn acres in Brazil may be significantly less because of wet weather. In Argentina, dry weather might curtail 7-8 million acres of intended soybean plantings. This situation may be one of the few bright lights we can see right now for American soybean producers and it could benefit stronger corn prices too. Corn producers know so well that much production of both 2016 and 2017 is still sitting in farm bins and elevator storage. Q: If record global soybean stocks are the issue, what needs to happen? Baize: It looks to me like a major weather disturbance. Or farmers deciding there is a better crop to plant. Or simply not planting in some areas. Yes, China will continue as the major importer of soybeans. And Brazil could be moving ahead of the United States. Traders are telling us the 2017 U.S. soybean crop has some quality issues … too hot and too dry once harvest finally got underway, so lots of chipping and cracked soybeans. This needs some time to play out, but markets are hinting already. Q: China is big in corn production. Do they export corn? Baize: They’ve got too much corn — like about 150 to 200 million tons in storage right now. And some of this is old crop, 2011 corn. So China is starting to build ethanol plants to provide a market for all this corn. Also, Chinese people are doing more complaining about air quality. Lots of well-educated people in China have traveled and seen what other countries are doing about air pollution. They know about the big ethanol industry in America. Many of these people are saying, ‘We’re now an economically prosperous country. Our industrial revolution has sparked better living, better nutrition. But we want to have a voice in what our country is doing, particularly on cleaning up the water and cleaning up the air. We don’t want to live in a dirty country.’ That was a familiar chant in America — and still is by some activists. Q: President Trump spoke at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention on Jan. 8. Any surprises?
Baize: No, he was speaking to a friendly audience. He thanked American agriculture for voting for him. Yes, he’s going to be tough on trade, but he’s not going to screw up agriculture trade. NAFTA won’t be thrown out. He’s been made aware of how big Mexico and Canada are for American agriculture. Yes, I expect there will be some fine tuning, because that is simply how Mr. Trump handles business transactions. But I think his key message for agriculture and rural America was this: “I told you what I was going to do if I got elected. Now you see I’m doing it. And I’m going to do more of it.” A good example was his signing two executive orders right there on stage prompting immediate action on imple-
menting completion of the broadband networking capability for rural America. He also talked about the ‘Death Tax,’ telling his audience, ‘Anymore you’re not going to lose your farm.’ For example, a 1,000-acre farmer sitting on $10,000 per acre land is a potential $10 million property for tax purposes. The tax bill will be a big deal for most farmers. This reduction in corporate taxes from 35 to 20 percent will bring lots of corporate money back to America. Those things will charge up the American economy and that’s important for agriculture. Q: So are American farmers supporting our president? Baize: I think most farmers are behind this president very much, despite the Main Street talk. The president doesn’t make it easy for himself. See BAIZE, pg. 32
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
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Farm tours combine travel, popular destinations, agriculture By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer WILLMAR, Minn. — Twenty-eight years in the travel business is pretty good evidence Ralph and Jan Engel know what they are doing. The Engels started R&J Tours with the proverbial “wing and a prayer,” with the emphasis on prayer. Today, the Willmar agency employs 19 people and provides travel services around the world. A modest Ralph Engel has a simple answer for R&J’s success. “People love seeing different parts of America and much of the rest of the world too.” He acknowledged there is likely more “discretionary money” than there used to be. Plus the fact that travelers love sharing their adventures with others — be that neighbors, friends, even church groups.
Photo by Dick Hagen
Ralph Engel (left) and Jan Engel have built a reputation for organizing informative and entertaining farm tours.
R&J has a reputation of doing the very best when it comes to farm tours. R&J Tours has hosted many a farm travel adventure for Lynn and Mary Ketelsen. Lynn Ketelsen is farm director and lead announcer for Linder Farm Network and owner of Blooming Prairie Farm Radio. You may have heard on Linder Farm Network radio stations that an August 16-25 adventure will take you on an Alaska farm tour. The farm visit includes a musk ox farm and talks about farming in Alaska. But when you travel Alaska, there’s much more than a farm tour. Engel commented, “Agriculture is always high on the agenda when traveling with Lynn Ketelsen. But he is remarkably adventurous too — wanting to include every highlight possible. And we’re traveling on a Princess cruise ship, so we’ll also being doing a few port stops along the way. That’s our joy of planning a tour for anyone. Provide a variety of things to see, and do, and taste. Obviously, satisfied travelers is what keeps this business exciting for us.” Paula Bredberg, who performs business development duties for R&J, recalled her most exciting adventure with the company. “I would say the Panama Canal,” she said. “I took a group through this remarkable portage. I found it fascinating. So
did our travelers.” Engel added, “The Scandinavian countries are beautiful. But so is southern Germany, Switzerland and France. But I never underestimate that our dear country, the United States of America, offers countless unforgettable adventures and scenery. Each is
unique in themselves. Most even have their own culture and that’s the fun thing about traveling. Regardless of which country you are in — even America — you go and live the culture for a few days. And those are the take-home memories that last forSee R&J TOURS, pg. 32
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Today’s bus travel is more luxurious than in the past R&J TOURS, from pg. 31 ever. We champion the old saying of, ‘You learn to travel and travel to learn.’” Gender equity isn’t an issue and Bredberg says there are definitely more women traveling these days. She doesn’t necessarily reflect that it is because women live longer, but does suggest, “When men become a solo traveler, they are more hesitant to go by themselves. So I remind singles that when you travel with a group you aren’t traveling alone. And you often are meeting and generating new friendships to enrich your life.” Travel is now a year-round industry. R&J conducts travel tours every month of the year. A newer tour being offered are winter tours to Yellowstone National Park. Snow coaches, holding eight to 10 people, traverse into the deeper depths of Yellowstone — often seeing animals that summertime visitors never see. “That tour filled out rapidly this year,” said Bredberg. “It is exciting to go and get these close-up looks of the animals. I see more and more people wanting to spend money to add uniquely new experiences to their life. Seeing
things of nature and the wild just means more than material things which they add to their household only to later pass on to their heirs or simply sold off at a later stage of life.” Are travelers these days getting older or younger? Engel says younger and he thinks that trend will continue. Bredberg isn’t sure if it’s a budgetary thing or a matter of who’s in control. “I think younger travelers like to have control over their activities. They like to plan their own adventure. They like to do their own thing. They like to get online and do their own schedules. But there is a point when they say, ‘I’ve done enough of that … I think I want to turn all the details over to someone else. I want to just sit back and relax.’” Bus travel is almost pure luxury these days. Engel said, “Buses have gotten so good with luxuries such as bathroom and TV access, DVDs, and Wi-Fi. We’re also very particular about our hotels. We want our people to really enjoy their vacation and obviously the comfort of their overnight lodging ranks high. Our hotels are often something they wouldn’t pick on
their own. We always trend to a more upgrade type of lodging.” “Food service is always very important,” Engel went on to say. “One thing we are hearing more often is restaurants, hotel dining rooms even family restaurants serve too much food. Granted, for many of us as we grow older and have less activity, our appetites somewhat diminish. But I would rather hear the comments about too much food than comments such as ‘that was a skimpy meal.’ These generous servings seem to be a trend of the times.” So does traveling generate more physical activity? “Absolutely,” said Bredberg. “Moving is important at any stage of life. Perhaps more important as we get older, but age shouldn’t be an issue. It just helps our overall enjoyment of life and boosts your physical appearance too. You always feel better when you are moving. Yes, travel gets you moving — even if it’s just the activity of getting in and out of the bus.” The spiritual aspect of life is not ignored in an R&J tour. Engel concluded, “We like to say that we want to present the greatness of God through the beauty of his creation.” v
Farmers will be searching for ways to cut down costs BAIZE, from pg. 29 Some of his tweets aren’t enriching his status. And he’s not bashful about boasting. But most people look at what he says and say, ‘OK, I may not like that, but it doesn’t really affect me. What affects me are policies.’ He’s cutting back on regulations. He was boasting to the Farm Bureau audience about eliminating 28 regulations for each single new regulation. He’s seriously attacking Waters of the U.S. regulations. He’s adding potentially huge increases in new energy explorations. These are important for the long-term economy of the United States. People are now seeing what he is doing. It’s no longer just talk. And people who are involved in business, like every American farmer, are seeing value. Q: What are your predictions on congressional action on the next farm bill? Baize: There’s always some effort to reduce the costs of the farm bill. I don’t think the nutritional assistance program will disappear. But I think they’ll go after things like cutting crop insurance; and food stamps may take some chopping. More ‘proof of need’ is talk you hear. However, I have confidence that agriculture in the new bill will mostly be okay. When I got into the Washington scene several years ago I remember a senator advising me, ‘Remember, every state has two senators and at least one dairy cow.’ When you take care of that cow, you’re taking care of agriculture was his inference. Q: As you travel rural America, what’s the mood of farmers in your audiences? Baize: Questioning is perhaps the word. They’re wondering, ‘Can I make any money this year?’ We’ve
got some gray clouds hovering over the rural landscape these days. Bankers are being more cautious. Some are cutting back on farm loans. Farmers will be searching for how they can cut back on farming costs. They’re talking less fertilizer; less crop protectants such as fungicides and insecticides. They’re hunkering down, hoping something positive happens so that farming is profitable. We’ve got an incredibly capable bunch of people growing our crops and raising our livestock. Even in tough times, they find ways to survive. Q: Is Washington, D.C., getting to be a friendlier place? Baize: I think it’s gotten worse. If you’ve walked around our nation’s capital and haven’t met a real jerk, you just haven’t been looking. Harry Truman suppos-
edly said, ‘If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.’ The culture of D.C. is terrible these days. The partisanship has gotten ridiculous. I think there is no question the mainstream media is treating this president worse than any president of history. Something needs to happen in this country to stop the blatant partisanship, and the media’s continual peddling of this very divisive issue. This is hurting our reputation with our friends and allies around the world. Q: But aren’t most Americans, at least workers, seeing this new prosperity? Baize: Yes, but I’m not certain it does anything for the ultra-partisans. They could be making a million dollars a year and they’d still be mad. I think some of these zealots are hoping the economy goes to hell so they can get rid of Trump. v
SFA Conference to be held Feb. 10 Registration is now open for the 2018 Sustainable Farming Association Annual Conference, Minnesota’s sustainable agriculture showcase set for 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 10, at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph. Planned sessions include: Soil Health for Small Acreage Livestock Health: To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate Benefits of Grazing Public Lands: Ecological, Potential, Practicality A Tale of Two Farm Transitions Integrating Solar Energy Into Your Farm
FSA Programs for Small Farms and Women Producers Additional sessions are planned, as well as a Spotlight on Sponsors lunch, the end-of-day social with local food and drink, a full trade show and more. Also returning is the pre-conference event, “Meet Your Farmers and Foodies Social and Jam Session,” from 7 to 9 p.m., Feb. 9 at Minnesota Street Market, St. Joseph. For more information or to register, visit sfa-mn. org/conference or e-mail jerry@sfa-mn.org. This article was submitted by Sustainable Farming Association. v
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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PAGE 33
Copy is 3 x 4.38
GET RESULTS! Sell it FAST when you advertise in THE LAND! Call us today at 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665
Taking Farm Equipment For:
Farm Machinery Auction
Sealed Bid Land Auctions
Tuesday, March 13, 2018 10:00 am
1160 Victory Drive South, Suite 6 • Mankato, MN 56001 • 507-345-LAND (5263) Charles Wingert, Broker # 07-16-10
55780 St Hwy 19, Winthrop, MN 1/4 mile west of Hwys 19 & 15 Intersection
Advertising deadline is February 8th, 2018 Auctioneers taking Consignments:
Joe Maidl 507-276-7749 Ryan Froehlich 507-380-9256 magesland.com
Construction & Woodworking
Farm Retirement
OPENS: January 26 / CLOSES: February 5
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 | 11AM
Timed Online
LOCATION: 5289 51st Ave S, Fargo, ND
PICKUPS, VAN, & VAN TRUCK / TRAILERS / FORKLIFT / PAINT BOOTH CONSTRUCTION/SHOP EQUIPMENT & TOOLS / PALLET RACKING OFFICE EQUIPMENT / INVENTORY & FIXTURES PREVIEW: Friday, January 26, 3 - 6 PM and Saturday, January 27, 9 AM - Noon. LOADOUT: Monday, February 5, Noon - 5 PM; Tuesday, February 6 & Wednesday, February 7, 9 AM - 4 PM. Items not picked up by February 7 at 4 PM will be charged $50 per lot for storage removal plus labor if applicable. AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: Buyer responsible for safe removal of paint booth, pallet racking, larger office furniture, and some fixtures. ND Sales Tax laws apply. Complete terms, lot listings and photos at SteffesGroup.com.
SECURED LENDER
For information contact Tadd Skaurud at Steffes Group, 701.237.9173 or 701.729.3644 Steffes Group, Inc., 2000 Main Ave E, West Fargo, ND | Scott Steffes ND81
701.237.9173 | SteffesGroup.com
2018
Land Specialists January 24 • 157.62 ± Ac. Fieldon Township, Watonwan County - Farmland + Bldng. Site January 31 • 315.05 ± Ac. Eureka Township, Dakota Co. February 6 • 57± & 80 ± Ac. Lowell Township, 150± Mason Township, & 50.31± Slayton Township, Murray County February 9 • 80 ± Ac. Hantho Township, Lac Qui Parle County February 9 • 452.94 ± Ac. Hegbert Township, Swift County February 13 • 160 ± Ac. Holly Township, Murray County - Farmland + Bldng. Site February 16 • 79.47 ± Ac. Medo Township, Blue Earth County - Farmland + Bldng. Site February 23 • 38.49 ± & 73.36 ± Ac. Pleasant Mound Township, Blue Earth County For information brochures CALL 1-800-730-LAND (5263) or visit www.Wingert Realty.com Only registered bidders may attend. View our other available properties for sale on our website.
2018
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 H HUTCHINSON, MN H H H 320-433-4250 H H homesteadsalesinc.com H HHHHHHHHHHHH
AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: Major equipment begins selling at 11:00 AM. Live online bidding available on major equipment. Registration, terms, & details at SteffesGroup.com. Location: 7500 80th St S, Sabin, MN. From Sabin, 3/4 mile east on 80th Ave., 1/2 mile north.
Tractors / GPS Equipment / Harvest Equipment / Tillage Equipment Semi Tractors / Service Unit / Trailers / Skid Steer Loader & Attachments Sprayer / Other Equipment / Farm Support & Shop Items / Tires & Parts
SCHROEDER FARMS INC. DAVE SCHROEDER, 218.790.8827
or Dave Benedict at Steffes Group, 701.237.9173 or 701.238.5062
Steffes Group, Inc., 2000 Main Ave E, West Fargo, ND | Scott Steffes MN14-51
701.237.9173 | SteffesGroup.com
TERMS: All items sold as is where is. Payment of cash or check must be made sale day before removal of items. Statements made auction day take precedence over all advertising. $35 documentation fee applies to all titled vehicles. Titles will be mailed.
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
PLANNING AN AUCTION?
Tuesday, February 20, 2018 @ 10:30 A.M.
Blizzard/Storm Date ‐ Tuesday, February 27, 2018, SALE LOCATION: Truman Community Center but please check our web site www.danpikeauc�on.com for any updates. 313 N. First Avenue Street in Truman, MN
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: W1/2 NE1/4 & that part of the SW1/4 & NW1/4 lying east of Mink Creek except tracts 27‐104N‐ 31W Mar�n County, Minnesota. Full legal descrip�on will be provided at the auc�on. PROPERTY LOCATION: From the junc�on of Highway #15 & County Road #50 on the south edge of Truman, Minnesota ‐ 6 miles west to 160th Avenue, then 3 miles south on 160th Avenue to 210th Street. Look for auc�on signs on property. CROP PRODUCTIVITY RATING & SOIL TYPES: Approximately 91.8 CPI with Nicollet‐Crippin, Del� Clay, Clarion Loam, Web‐ ster Clay, Canisteo‐Glencoe, Clarion‐Swanlake, Clarion‐Storden, Harps Clay, Glencoe Clay Omsrud‐Storden & Klossner Muck. METHOD OF SALE: Property will be offered as 1 parcel of 239.24 acres more or less. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Check our web page at www.danpikeauc�on.com or www.auc�oneeralley.com or call Dan Pike 507‐847‐3468 or Dustyn Hartung 507‐236‐7629 or Kevin Kahler 507‐920‐8060
Get the best results when you advertise in THE LAND! Tell your auctioneer or call our friendly staff at
507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665
OWNERS
Kay & Mark Sauck and Jane E. & David C. Halverson Attorney for the Estate Darin G. Haugen - Erickson, Zierke, Kuderer & Madsen, P.A.
114 West Second Street Fairmont, Minnesota 56031 - Office Phone 507-238-4711 SALE CONDUCTED BY &
AUCTIONEERS: Dan Pike, Dustyn Hartung, Kevin, Ryan & Allen Kahler & Doug Wedel
Please like THE LAND on Facebook www.facebook.com/thelandonline
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 | 11AM
AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: This equipment is clean, wellmaintained, and always shedded. Major equipment begins selling at 11:30 AM. Live online bidding available on major equipment. Registration, terms, & details at SteffesGroup.com.
2018
Farm Retirement Location: 4394 270th Ave, Campbell, MN. From Campbell, MN, 1 mile northwest on Hwy. 9, 2 miles north on Co. Rd. 17.
Tractors / GPS Equipment / Tillage Equipment / Semi Tractors & Tri-axle Truck / Hopper Bottom Trailers / Skid Steer Loader Grain Handling Equipment / Other Equipment & Farm Items Fuel Tanks / Shop Equipment / Tires & Parts DALE & KARI STEENBLOCK Dale, 218.770.1806
or Tadd Skaurud at Steffes Group, 701.237.9173 or 701.729.3644 Steffes Group, Inc., 2000 Main Ave E, West Fargo, ND | Scott Steffes MN14-51
701.237.9173 | SteffesGroup.com
TERMS: All items sold as is where is. Payment of cash or check must be made sale day before removal of items. Statements made auction day take precedence over all advertising. $35 documentation fee applies to all titled vehicles. Titles will be mailed.
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018 Real Estate
020 Tractors
036 Tractors
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet” 036 Planting Equip
038
Sell your land or real estate FOR SALE: '57 Oliver Super FOR SALE: Parts for Oliver FOR SALE: 2005 1790 16-32 in 30 days for 0% commis66 gas tractor, w/ dual 880 dsl, including good runplanter w/ liq. Fert., w/red sion. Call Ray 507-339-1272 hyds, NF, good tin and ning motor, dual hyd units, ball system, 500 gal tank, paint, runs nice. 218-639WF end, good sheet metal, E-set planting unit, Yetter 0315 and a lot of other Oliver trash whippers, fluted coulReal Estate Wanted 021 parts for most Olivers. 218ters, smartbox insecticide, FOR SALE: '69 JD 3020, gas, 564-4273 pneumatic down pressure, WANTED: Land & farms. I 3pt, WF, 6900 hrs, $6,995; inspected annually, & serhave clients looking for '87 JD 2950, MFWD, 5200 viced at Kibble Equipment, dairy, & cash grain operahrs, $13,500; '64 JD 4020, NEW AND USED TRACTOR $55,000/OBO. 507-456-3007 tions, as well as bare land dsl, 3pt, WF, Sharp, $7,995; PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, parcels from 40-1000 acres. '83 IH 684, dsl, 3pt, QT ldr, 55, 50 Series & newer trac- HYDRAULIC FLAT FOLD Both for relocation & in$6,995. Can del. 320-543-3523 tors, AC-all models, Large MARKERS. Will fit anyvestments. If you have Copy is 3.5 x 4.38 Inventory, We ship! Mark thing, $3,500. Ray's Maeven thought about selling FOR SALE: MF 1105, good Heitman Tractor Salvage chine Shop, call or text 712contact: Paul Krueger, condition, 18.4x38 tires, fac715-673-4829 297-7951 120 DAY SPECIAL Farm & Land Specialist, tory cab, 2 hyd outlets, Edina Realty, SW Suburban $6,000/OBO. 952-955-3085 Office, 14198 Commerce Ave NE, Prior Lake, MN 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com
(952)447-4700
Bins & Buildings
033
Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. 100% financing w/no liens or red tape, call Steve at Fairfax Ag for an appointment. 888-830-7757 Grain Handling Equip
034
FOR SALE:Used grain bins, floors unload systems, stirators, 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 Farm Implements
035
FOR SALE: 725 JD loader, quick tach bucket, sharp, will fit 20 to 55 Series JD 2WD tractor. 507-220-0999 Schulte 1100 9' HD 2 auger snowblower, $3,500; '14 NH 230 skidloader, AC, 2spd, heated seat, 1022 hrs, $29,500; 8' skidloader mount snow pusher, $875; Wil-Rich 2500 25' field cult, all walking tandems, 4bar mulcher, $2,450; Top Air 1100 sprayer, 80' booms, 12.4x38 tires, rinse tank & Raven controls, $5,450; JD 740 12T running gear, $1,350. 320-769-2756 Tile Injector 6" tile plow pull type tile plow, used very little, w/ new Intellislope GPS controls incl. base station, also new tile stringer, possibly would sell as separate items, $43,000. (641) 5901102 We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910 Tractors
036
7810 JD PS 26mph, cab, 20.842 tires, 11,500 hrs, runs good, $24,900 with 740 self leveling loader, $28,900. 715223-3664 FOR SALE: '02 MTX 140 McCormick, 3245 hrs, 2795 Buhler ldr w/ 90” bucket, has duals, 3pt, power shift, exc condition. 507-276-3654
Hay Auction Tuesday, February 13th, 2018 - 3 pm 55780 St Hwy 19, Winthrop, MN 1/4 mile west of Hwys 19 & 15 Intersection Mages Land & Auction Service will be hosting a hay consignment auction the second Tuesday of every month at 3 pm. Small or big squares and big rounds, all types and kinds of straw, hay & grass. Sellers are responsible for testing if they wish to. Bring your trailers! No Buyer’s Premium!
Auctioneers: Matt Mages 507-276-7002, Lic. 08-17-003 & Ryan Froehlich 507-380-9256 magesland.com
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Tillage Equip
039
Machinery Wanted
040
Machinery Wanted
040
Spraying Equip
041
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018 Wanted
042
Feed Seed Hay
050 Fertilizer & Chem
'97 DMI Field Cultivator All kinds of New & Used WANTED: JD Cat #2 quick FOR SALE: '86 Freightliner WANTED: 1000 to 1500 galLIBERTY SOYBEANS hitch. JD 2520 diesel traclon portable water tank. 40.5' Tigermate I, Blue, farm equipment – disc chis$53.00 List Liquid Tender Truck Day tor. (320)587-5823 Phone 507-327-8101 tandem wheels, 3 bar harL2.0 SWM 7 cab, air ride, Tandem axle, els, field cults, planters, row, double fold, narrow L1.2 SWM 7 855 Cummins eng, 10spd soil finishers, cornheads, center frame, gauge 515-321-5394 trans, 1650 gal HD elliptical Feed Seed Hay feed mills, discs, balers, 050 WANTED: Tractors, running wheels, Nice unit, $11,500. 515-465-2122 tank, 30 gal & 60 gal chem haybines, etc. 507-438-9782 or not running, salvage, re(641) 590-1102 1-800-383-6275 mix tanks, 120 gal rinse ALFALFA, mixed hay, grass pairables, prefer John WANTED: 1 or 2 Brent wagwater tank, 2" bottom fill, hay & feed grade wheat Deere, will consider others, ons, around 644 bushel. 5hp x 2" transfer pump, straw, med. square or FOR SALE: JD 2700 disk 1990 & older, must be rea(507)276-2839 $9,700. (641) 590-1102 round bales, delivery avail- SEED AND HERBICIDE ripper, 9x24” w/ Ryan Mfg sonably priced. Call anySAVINGS! Add up to able. Thief River Falls, MN rolling basket. 507-220-5153 time. (507)317-6760 WANTED: FII Gleaner comThank you for reading $50,000 to your bottom line Call or text LeRoy Ose: bine, in good working conon 500 acres of crop producTHE LAND! (218)689-6675 dition. Call: (507)273-1382 tion. Top national corn hybrids for $112! Proven KLEENACRES herbicide programs save up to 50%. st ir F e c r Top yields, Kleen fields, u la P Yo better bottom line! for e d A ic o r h C Call 320-237-7667 or You ds! WWW.KLEENACRES.COM ay! lassifie
Tod
C
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ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
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Why Buy Lime? When Bio Liquid Calcium is cheaper and more effective tan lime! Let us help fix PH and Hardpan problems! Also Avail. Organic certified Products Call Gary at (715)533-0174 Livestock
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FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls also Hamp, York, & Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts. 320-598-3790 Dairy
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FOR SALE or LEASE: Reg. Brown Swiss bulls, out of high production, high scoring dams. Dutchboyz Swiss. 715-613-0265
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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Remember to send in The Land subscriber card this week! 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 Feb. 9, 2018 Feb. 16, 2018 Feb. 23, 2018 Mar. 2, 2018 Mar. 9, 2018 Mar. 16, 2018 Mar. 23, 2018 Mar. 30, 2018 Deadlines are 1 week prior to publication with Holiday deadlines 1 day earlier ** Indicates Early Deadline
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018 Dairy
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Cattle
056 Cattle
WANTED TO BUY: Dairy FOR SALE OR LEASE REGISTERED BLACK heifers and cows. 320-235ANGUS Bulls, 2 year old & 2664 yearlings; bred heifers, Cattle 056 calving ease, club calves & balance performance. Al Bred heifers 14 Simmental & sired. In herd improvement Sim-Angus Bred AI to easy program. J.W. Riverview calving Angus bulls, Angus Farm Glencoe, MN Schiefelbein effective & 55336 Conklin Dealer 320ADS 3F Epic for March 864-4625 calving. All Polled Black FOR SALE: Bred Purebred excellent quality. Also 3 Black Angus stock cows out bred cows & 6 Black Polled of AI sires, bred to black excellent quality breeding bulls young productive bulls. 50 yrs of AI breeding. cows, Robert & Jason Gee Gerald Polzin Cokato. 320507-829-9678 286-5805
Classified LIne Ads Work! Call us today at 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665
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Registered Texas Longhorn breeding stock, cows, heifers or roping stock, top blood lines. 507-235-3467 WANT TO BUY: Butcher cows, bulls, fats & walkable cripples; also horses, sheep & goats. 320-235-2664 Swine
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Compart's total program features superior boars & open gilts documented by BLUP technology. Duroc, York, Landrace & F1 lines. Terminal boars offer leanness, muscle, growth. Maternal gilts & boars are productive, lean, durable. All are stress free & PRRS free. Semen also available through Elite Genes A.I. Make 'em Grow! Comparts Boar Store, INC. Toll Free: 877-441-2627
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018 Cars & Pickups
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Miscellaneous
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FOR SALE: 1996 Ford F150 Blizzard 8611 Snowplow, Extends from 8 1/2' to 11', XLT 4x4, 180,000 miles, Like New, Off of 2013 F350, runs excellent, drives good, $5,000. 715-234-1993 tires good, $3,500 (book value). (507)381-1160 REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service Trucks & Trailers 084 New & Used For your irrigation needs FOR SALE: '90 Freightliner 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 truck w/ 20' box, roll tarp, good tires all around, new WANT MORE READERS clutch & batteries. Very TO SEE YOUR AD?? Good truck. 507-829-6272 or Expand your coverage area! 507-828-4855 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 Minic Emergency Electric nesota's largest distributor Generators. New & Used HJ Olson & Company 320Rich Opsata-Distributor 974-8990 Cell – 320-212-5336 800-343-9376
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ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
ADVERTISER LISTING Agri-Systems ............................................................................8 Anderson Seeds ....................................................................... 29 Blethen Gage & Krause ........................................................... 18 Broskoff Structures ................................................................. 15 Compeer Financial ....................................................................4 Courtland Waste ...................................................................... 27 Curt's Truck & Diesel ............................................................ 31 Custom Made Products ............................................................ 16 Dahl Farm Supply ................................................................... 28 Dan Pike Clerking ................................................................... 34 Diers Ag & Trailer Sales ......................................................... 22 Doda USA .............................................................................. 17 Fast Ag Solutions .................................................................... 11 Greenwald Farm Center ........................................................... 38 Grizzly Buildings .................................................................... 19 Henslin Auction ...................................................................... 34 Hewitt ..................................................................................... 14 Homestead Sales ..................................................................... 33 JR Production Acres ................................................................ 34 K-Bid Online Auctions ............................................................ 21 Kannegiesser Truck Sales ........................................................ 10 Keith Bode .............................................................................. 36 Kerkoff Auction ...................................................................... 35 Larson Implement ............................................................. 33, 35 Letcher Farm Supply ............................................................... 23 Mages Auction .................................................................. 33, 35 Northland Building ...................................................................9 Nutech Seed ............................................................................ 20 Olsen Truck Service ................................................................ 13 Pioneer Corn .......................................................................... 6,7 Polk Equipment ....................................................................... 37 Pruess Elevator ....................................................................... 39 Schwartz Farms ....................................................................... 38 Schweiss ................................................................................. 38 Smiths Mill Implement ............................................................ 39 Sonic Herbicide ........................................................................3 Southwest MN K-Fence ........................................................... 26 St. Peter Toy Show ....................................................................5 Steffes Group .................................................................... 33, 34 The Andersons, Inc. ................................................................ 17 Triad Construction .................................................................. 12 Werner Implement ................................................................... 38 Wingert Realty ........................................................................ 33
507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 PO Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com
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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Richard Siemers.
I
Excellence, brick by brick
t may be going too far to say that driving into Dean Meyer’s acreage north of Pipestone is like entering an open-air art museum, but the buildings are akin to works of art. Meyer is a mason, and he built all of the buildings on the property of masonry. He started building back in 1980. “It was all materials left over from commercial projects that I had done,” he said. “That’s where I got the idea of doing designs in brick, because I had all these different kinds of materials and tried to incorporate them into something that looks nice.” The wood shop is a mixture of brick and Kasota stone — the latter left over from church building construction. Even the dog house is built of Kasota stone. Only the house was built of special order bricks. A quarter-mile up the road is an artful storage building on his mother’s property. He is currently working on the final building for his place — a fanciful brick outhouse. Meyer has been involved in construction since he graduated from high school in 1971. He calls himself semi-retired, following a scaffold collapse in 2015 that led to a knee replacement.
“I can’t get on my knee. And when you lay brick, it starts from the ground up,” he said. “There’s a lot of knee work involved.” He and his former crew have erected hospitals, schools, jails, nursing homes and other facilities all over southern Minnesota and into South Dakota. But he especially likes designs that offer a challenge — round buildings, arches, decorative facades.
Pipestone, Minn.
One of his favorite projects is the round addition on the Canby High School. But Meyer admitted a list of favorites would inevitably lead to omitting still others deserving of mention. Dean Meyer has always wanted to build edifices that will last for generations, but he didn’t want to be just a bricklayer. “I like to keep it interesting, to make good use of my skills, so it’s not just brick after brick, but put some design to it,” he said. “I like to bring the masonry trade to a degree of excellence.” v
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© 2018
January 26, 2018 SOUTHERN EDITION
(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002
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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement
© 2018
January 26, 2018 SOUTHERN EDITION
(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002