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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 8
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. XXXVII ❖ No. 2 28 pages, 1 section plus supplements
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Cover photo by Paul Malchow
COLUMNS Opinion In The Garden Calendar of Events Farm and Food File Cooking With Kristin The Back Porch Marketing Mielke Market Weekly Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads
2, 5 4 4 5 6 7 20-21 17 23-27 27 28
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With the euphoria of that last-second stead noticed donations had all been comMinnesota Viking victory on Jan. 14 still ing from Minnesota. He took to Twitter to whirling in the minds of many, it seems keep it rolling. timely to talk about the remarkable heart Donations are still rolling in — over of Minnesotans and a guy named Thomas $200,000 on Jan. 19. Morstead is so overMorstead. whelmed he has decided to be at Super Pandemonium raged in U.S. Bank StaBowl LII to personally thank all Minnesodium (and I suspect with thousands of us tans and present this huge check to the TV viewers too) when the Vikings scored child life program at Children’s MinneLAND MINDS as the clock expired to take a 29-24 lead sota hospitals and clinics! over the New Orleans Saints. But the By Dick Hagen Sure, Diggs scampering down the sidegame wasn’t over. line will likely be the most unbelievThe officials recognized a PAT (point able moment of that game. But this after touchdown) kick still had to hapincredible development between Morpen to officially end this remarkable event. But the stead and Viking fans will be an uplifting reminder Saints had all departed for their dressing room. An of the power sports can foster for the greater good of official informed the Saints they had to get 11 play- an entire community — perhaps a nation. ers back on the field for the play. (I suspect even n Viking fans cared less about this league-mandated My job takes me to many ag meetings, especially point-after attempt.) during this winter season. But always one of my Saints punter Morstead and a handful of other favorites is the Minnesota Organic Conference in St. Saint players lined up for a play that served no pur- Cloud which took place Jan. 11-12. Why? Those pose other than official coronation of the Vikings as organic meals, especially lunch, are just smacking victors. Obviously, the Vikings put 11 players out good. So too, the organic pastries for mid-morning there too. But I don’t recall the Viking kicker even and mid-afternoon snack breaks. There are always kicking the ball. Who cares? optimistic people to visit — even though some will After this meaningless play, there’s little doubt Mor- cautiously admit it’s their “other job” which provides stead’s first stop was the team’s training room to treat most of their where-with-all to enjoy the ongoing the torn cartilage in his rib cage. Morstead was challenges of finding black ink in their organic purinjured while tackling Vikings punt returner Marcus suits. Doesn’t that sound familiar regardless of your Sherels during the first punt of the game. During farming vocation these days? every subsequent Saints punt throughout the game Always on hand at this event is Minnesota Agriculyou would see Morstead groping his rib cage. No doubt ture Commissioner Dave Frederickson, who admits he was hurting, yet he punted three more 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 “We don’t have organic food cops chasing around,” had been reached. As the number kept growing, Mor- See LAND MINDS, pg. 5
OPINION
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
12 — Blomkest dairy farmer trades in his herd to raise shrimp 14 — Have bus will tour: R&J Tours keeps on rolling 22 — Scientists look at crop production in a changing climate
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
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. IN THE GARDEN To imagine pulling these rainbow colored veggies from By Sharon Quale 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 openfaced tea sandwiches on homemade bread. The carrots would be conversation grabbers served as colorful crudités with a cream cheese dip. Confessing to have a love-hate 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 bitter flavored. 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 Photos courtesy of Park Seeds 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 regulated. (If anyone is still interested in making a bucket garden, send me an e-mail and I will forward information to you.)
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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
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Feb. 5 — Strategic Farming: Growing Soybeans that Out-Compete Weeds — McIntosh, Minn. — Learn impacts of row spacing, plant population, pest pressure, weed biology, resistance and management — Visit www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/crops/ events/strategic-farming/ or contact stah0012@umn. edu or (507) 372-3900 Feb. 5 — Cow Calf Days — Mora, 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/agriculture/beef/ Feb. 6 — Cow Calf Days — Starbuck, Minn. Feb. 6 — Nitrogen Conference — St. Cloud, Minn. — Learn more about cover crops, tile drainage and on-farm testing to improve profitability and water quality — Contact Jerome Lensing, UMN Extension at jlensing@mawrc.org or (507) 251 -9101 or visit www.mawrc.org/events/ Feb. 9 — Winter Crops & Soils Day — Morris, Minn. — Contact eneperma@umn.edu or (507) 7527372 or visit https://swroc.cfans.umn.edu Feb. 10 — Sustainable Farming Association Conference — Saint Joseph, Minn. — Visit the website www.sfa-mn.org/conference/
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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PAGE 5
Manhattan management firm owns world’s largest feedlot Maybe it’s a sign of our fast-changing In fact, the JBS-Pinnacle deal marks the times, but paradox and irony seem as first time in decades that no major U.S. common today as lunch and supper. For meatpacker (including today’s three major example, the world’s largest taxi company, players: JBS, Cargill, and Tyson) own any Uber, owns no taxis and the world’s seccattle, a one-time hallmark of the old boys’ ond largest air force is the U.S. Navy. meatpacking club. The same is true of the American beef That’s a big deal because for decades, sector. As of mid-January, the owner of the cowboys and feedlot owners not “aligned” world’s largest cattle feedlot operation — FARM & FOOD FILE or under some form of contract with a a 980,000-head behemoth with 11 feed packer, complained bitterly to federal By Alan Guebert yards from Oklahoma to Idaho — isn’t a authorities that packer-controlled cattle rancher, a feedlot operator or even a allowed Big Meat to manipulate cash meatpacker. cattle prices. Those complaints led to successful efforts in Congress to require Instead, it’s Pinnacle Asset federal Mandatory Price Reporting by meatpackers Management, L.P., “a private … alternative asset management firm,” based at 712 Fifth Avenue, New and to unsuccessful cattlemen efforts in federal court York — just catty-corner from Trump Tower and only to sue packers for collusion and price manipulation. three blocks south of Central Park. The current wave of divestitures, however, won’t prevent packers from having access to cattle in their It became the nation’s largest cattle feeder on Jan. 18 when it purchased JBS USA’s massive operation, once-owned feedlots. As part of their $200-million deal known as Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, for “approxi- with Pinnacle, JBS noted that Pinnacle “will continue delivering fed cattle to JBS USA packing plants.” mately $200 million.” So JBS USA, like Uber, and Cargill, too, for that JBS USA is the American arm of Brazilian meatpacker JBS S.A., a global meat company whose matter, has figured out it doesn’t need inventory in majority owners, Wesley and Joesely Batista, are order to sell inventory. It only needs unlimited access eyeball-deep in scandals in their home country. (JBS to inventory. also owns the majority of Pilgrim’s Pride, North But it’s even more paradoxical than that. In its America’s largest poultry company.) purchase announcement, Pinnacle explained that it As previously reported here, the scandals gained was “excited to work closely with our operating parttraction last summer. Last fall, JBS S.A. announced ner, Arcadia Asset Management, and our strategic a “divestment program” to finance a $3.2 billion fine partner, Ospraie Management, to support … Five levied against the brothers for an alleged bribery Rivers’ talented management team.” scheme in Brazil. Shortly thereafter, JBS sold the So three new firms are now the functional equivaCanadian branch of Five Rivers, a 75,000-head feed- lent of the former one and none have explained what ing operation, for $40 million U.S. The most recent their exact roles in America’s biggest cattle feeding Five Rivers sale to Pinnacle marks JBS’s exit from company will be other than to supply cattle to its all North American cattle feeding. former owner.
OPINION
Organic farming continues growth LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 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-inlaw. The VanDerPols market their own pasture-reared pork at their Morris 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 See LAND MINDS, pg. 7
In a presentation “prepared exclusively for San Bernardino County Employees Retirement Association” last Aug. 8, Pinnacle described itself as an “alternative asset management firm with a singular focus on global commodities market.” Pinnacle explained its AUM, or assets under management, “is $2.4 billion, with a global investor base that includes public and corporate pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, and family offices.” Does even one of Pinnacle’s “global investor base” know that their asset manager just bet $200 million on a business where, according to Iowa State University data, cattle feeders lost an average $51.57 per head from 2008 through 2017? Now that’s a paradox. Despite the irrefutable, longterm unprofitability of cattle feeding, cattle continue to be fed and packers continue to make money. In fact, there seems to be so much money in cattle feeding now that even Fifth Avenue cowboys are getting in the game. How are they doing it? Facts can’t explain it and it’s almost certain the federal government won’t question it. So it’s a rather safe bet something other than an actual paradox is at work here. An even safer bet is that you and I are going to pay for it. 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
Line up these Super Bowl snacks for home crowd Unless you’ve been living under a rock, then you know that the Super Bowl is Feb. 4 in Minneapolis. FYI — I apparently live under a rock. I surprised my husband and his brother with tickets to the Minnesota Wild game on Feb. 2 for my husband’s birthday. COOKING When I went to look at hotel WITH KRISTIN options for that night, I came By Kristin Kveno up empty-handed. There was NOTHING available that night in all of the Twin Cities and beyond. Befuddled, I then Googled that weekend in the Twin Cities and duh, the Super Bowl popped up. So my husband and his brother will be enjoying the Wild game and staying at Casa de Larson (my parents’ house) that night. Now that I know that the Super Bowl is Feb. 4, it’s time to get going on the most important part of the big game. THE FOOD. It wouldn’t be a Super Bowl gathering without some tasty vittles. So here are some of my top Super Bowl food picks. n Warning: this recipe is highly delicious and extremely addictive. You won’t be able to have just one, so you may want to make a double batch. Sugared Bacon Wrapped Smokies http://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/pork/sugared-baconwrapped-smokies nonstick cooking spray 1 16-ounce package small cooked smoked sausage links 15 slices bacon, each cut crosswise into thirds 3/4 cup packed brown sugar Line a 15-by-10-by-1-inch baking pan with foil; lightly coat with cooking spray. Set aside. Wrap each sausage link with a bacon piece, overlapping the bacon piece at the end. Press the end of the bacon piece to seal or secure it with a wood toothpick. Place brown sugar in a large plastic storage bag. Add sev-
eral bacon-wrapped sausages at a time and seal. Shake bag gently to coat sausages with brown sugar; place in prepared pan. Repeat with remaining bacon-wrapped sausages. Bake in a 350 F oven for about 30 minutes, or until the bacon is browned. Serve immediately. Makes about 45 smokies. n The combination of salty, sweet and the tanginess of the mustard make Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders a must for any Super Bowl gathering. Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders http://www.littledairyontheprairie.com/hot-ham-cheese-sliderswith-butter-mustard-and-poppy-seed-glaze/ 12-15 slices of cheese 1pound deli ham, thinly sliced Glaze: 1/4 cup butter, melted 3/4 tsp. poppy seeds 3/4 tbsp. Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp. onion powder, or to taste 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Layer ham and cheese on split rolls. Mix all glaze ingredients together. Brush glaze over tops of sliders. Bake at 350 F for 10-15 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and cheese and ham are warm. n Having a veggie or two might be a good addition to the Super Bowl spread, so here’s a recipe that’s delicious and a smidge healthy as well. Parmesan Cauliflower Bites http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a50341/ parmesan-cauliflower-bites-recipe/ 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets 3 large eggs, lightly whisked 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs (or regular bread crumbs) 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Marinara sauce, for serving
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 • 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
Extension farm resource guide available
Preheat oven to 400 F. Add panko, cheese and Italian seasoning to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper; mix everything together until thoroughly combined. Dip cauliflower pieces in egg and then roll in bread crumb mixture until fully coated and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You may need to press on the coating to help get it to stick to the cauliflower bites. Repeat until all cauliflower is coated. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until coating is golden brown and crunchy. Serve with marinara sauce. n With all of this savory goodness, you’ll need a little something for the old sweet tooth. Here’s a tasty dip which can be shaped into a football if you need to up your game (pun intended) this Super Bowl. I made this for the FCS championship game this year. It must have been a good-luck dip as the North Dakota State Bison won their sixth championship in the last seven years. The dip was so delightful that I almost forgot there was a game on! Peanut Butter Football Dip http://www.sofabfood.com/butterfinger-peanut-butter-footballdip/ 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. If your community group or church organization has printed a cookbook and would like to have it reviewed in the “Cooking With Kristin,” send us a copy to “Cooking With Kristin,” The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002. Please specify if you wish to have the cookbook returned, and include information on how readers may obtain a copy of the cookbook. Submission does not guarantee a review. v
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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Like it or not, the truth cannot be swept under the rug Though the house was old, the peace, hide my mess and it was new to her. And ignore reality. They say though she was renting, it ignorance is bliss. If it’s felt like ownership. That bliss, it’s brief. And though happens when you sweat it sweeping things under the out — cleaning, scraping and rug can feel good and right painting a home with your in the moment, it can also close friend, who happens to leave lasting damage. Ashalso be your landlord. ley’s floor is tangible proof. THE BACK PORCH Ashley gave me the tour. I Sweeping bills under the oohed and aahed over every By Lenae Bulthuis rug leads to bankruptcy. room. And when I delighted Sweeping bitterness under in the character and beauty the rug can sever and of the original wood floor in the master destroy relationships. And sweeping bedroom, she contrasted the flooring addiction or anxiety under the rug can next to it. break us. “The same wood floor was in the dinMy hubby tried to sweep sickness ing room,” she said. “But the last owner under the rug. He was coughing up had a rug under the table that he never phlegm. It sounded like a half a lung, cleaned under. And it caused permanent but Mike assured me it was only damage. We had to lay flooring over it.” phlegm. It would go away he said. Just give it a day. So, I did. My immediate response was to grab my keys, go home and clean under all And then we had the same conversamy rugs. I didn’t. But later, I reflected tion the next day, and the next day, and on the seemingly inconsequential the day following the next day. choice to sweep things under the rug. Finally, he agreed to go to urgent I sweep things under the rug to keep care. I left to purchase a humidifier. He
Ag meetings boost farmers LAND MINDS, from pg. 5 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) 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 pick-me-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
entered the clinic. When I returned, I was eager to learn his diagnosis. Pnuemonia? A bad cold? What did the doctor say? “She said I am going to die.” I wasn’t amused. “We’re all going to die,” I said. “What did she really say?” Eventually I pressed Mike into a confession and discovered that steroids plus antibiotics equals breath and life. He discovered that telling his wife the truth will do the same. Speaking of truth, I have even swept that under the rug. Why? Because I don’t want to be seen as a prude or killjoy. Plus, there is the fear that if I speak up, I may make things worse instead of better. What if I say the wrong things and build barriers instead of bridges? My introverted, anti-controversial nature
whispers to me that it is better to hide truth under the rug than get stomped on over the rug. Then I read these words from exiled Russian poet Joseph Brodky: “You think evil is going to come into your houses wearing big black boots. It doesn’t come like that. Look at the language. It begins in the language.” How many people in his day heard the language of the culture, knew the truth, but swept it under the rug? Because it looked more like pesky dust bunnies than big black boots, they chose silence. Lenae Bulthuis muses about faith, family, and farming from her back porch on her Minnesota grain and livestock farm. She can be reached at lenaesbulthuis@gmail.com or @LenaeBulthuis. v
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Helpline, workshops offer support to farm families By MARIE WOOD band scaled back on his trucking and she went The Land Associate Editor back to work in December 2016. Even when times are good, farmers can count While she was home on the farm, she got a Farm and Rural Helpline — (833) 600-2670 their worries on two hands: weather, pests, disgood look at what her neighbors and farmers ease, regulations, physical demands, markets, were going through. She learned deep down just Down on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful loans, equipment, animal health, family dynamhow bad things were out there. Since returning Times — Free workshops for people working with farmers ics. Now we are three years into a farm economy to the MDA, Moynihan has focused her work on at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in these locations: where farmers are losing money or just breaking providing more support and resources to farmeven on crops, dairy and livestock. Profits, if any, ers. Feb. 21, Riverland College, Austin are slim. “Our story had a happy ending. We know what Feb. 22, South Central College, North Mankato That’s why the Minnesota Department of it’s like to look in the eyes of the monster,” said March 14, Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids Agriculture has relaunched the Farm and Rural Moynihan. “We are not longtime farmers. I can Helpline, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week only imagine if your family’s been on the land March 15, Northland Community and Technical College, at (833) 600-2670. since 1840 and you are feeling that responsibilThief River Falls ity to your heritage.” “We are really concerned about the financial To learn more, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting/ fragility. When you are feeling financially vulWhile Moynihan and her husband were able to farmsafety.aspx or call (651) 201-6012 nerable that can magnify other concerns. We are hang on, the couple often asked how long they renewing our focus to alleviate farmer stress,” could afford to wait to get back on an organic University of Minnesota Extension — If you or a said Meg Moynihan, senior advisor at MDA. milk route. When her veterinarian visits farms, farmer you know is experiencing financial stress, contact the he sees the vacant look in people’s eyes. Dairy The confidential helpline offers help for farmFarm Information Line at (800) 232-9077 to set up a free farmers are facing bank notes, low milk checks ers who are experiencing anxiety, depression or and confidential financial counseling session. and uncertainty over whether to upgrade or a mental health crisis. Family and friends may downgrade. also call if they are concerned about a loved one. The helpline is answered by “People are terrified of making Dairy farmer Minnesota counselors who do not the decision. What if I stay in and Moynihan knows firsthand what farmers are going report anything besides the number go further underwater and have to through. She and her husband, Kevin Stuedemann, of calls to the MDA. have a farm sale? There’s a lot of are organic dairy farmers in Le Sueur County. In the fear about making the wrong deciThe two biggest stressors are spring of 2016, she learned that her organic dairy sion. Then you get paralyzed,” said financial anxiety and transition co-op was ending her route and would not be picking Moynihan. issues on what’s going to happen to up milk from her farm. the family farm, according to an Support As an MDA staff member, she specialized in organMDA survey of 500 people who Meg Minnesota Agriculture ic agriculture. Even with her knowledge and resourc- Kevin work with farmers. The survey also Moynihan Commissioner Dave Frederickson Stuedemann es, she found every door was shut. found family dynamics is a major farmed during the 1980s farm criFor two months, they were dumping milk every issue. sis. He is a strong advocate in offerweek. Some was sent to friends with hogs. “It began ing support and resources for farmers today. Moynihan said farmers are questioning what will to feel more and more hopeless.” Her husband told happen to their farm. Can my kids afford to buy it In addition to the helpline, MDA is offering “Down from me? Can I afford to leave it to them? What if I her to sell the cows as he couldn’t take working in an on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful Times.” industry that didn’t value him. don’t have people who can farm? The free workshops teach people working with farmIn June 2016, she took a leave of absence to run the ers how to recognize and respond when they see At the same time, farmers feel a responsibility to farm and her husband went to work full-time as an farmers experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, their heritage, land, community, family and animals over-the-road trucker. He was gone for one to three burnout, indecision and suicidal thoughts. to keep the family farm going. weeks at a time. The two switched places and he Participants will learn to recognize signs of mental “All humans experience stress, but I don’t know helped out when he was home. and emotional distress and crisis and find regional many other professions that juggle so many at the This Milwaukee girl learned to hook up a TMR resources for farmers. They will learn anger de-escasame time and they can’t go home after work,” said mixer and do all the chores. She busted her butt to lation strategies and improve their confidence in Moynihan. “You live where you work; your coworkers keep the dairy going. “I compensated for the lack of delivering difficult information to farmers in stressare family members. It’s just a different culture. It ful situations. can be a wonderful culture. People are hanging on experience and lack of strength.” Clergy, Minnesota Extension staff, Farm Business They got on a conventional milk truck, but they because they love to farm. It’s just a struggle, sometimes more than others, and now is one of those were off the route so they had to pay the truck to Management instructors, bankers, veterinarians, come to the farm. They went from receiving $36 per nurses and social service workers are among those times.” attending the workshop in their communities, reportAnother challenge is that farmers are reluctant to hundredweight to $13/cwt. Overdraft notices started ed Moynihan. coming in. She was working so hard but still they accept help. might lose the farm. “We’re all in this together. We need to look out for “Farmers are used to solving other people’s probeach other,” she said. v Moynihan found herself crying, screaming or yelllems. They love to go and help, but nobody likes to accept the help,” said Moynihan. “There’s a reluc- ing, or slamming doors once a day. Her doctor gave tance to admit that I need help from somebody else. her an antidepressant. “It made a huge difference.” After eight to nine months of severe uncertainty, They believe that nobody else is going through this they found a home for their organic milk. Her huswhile it’s just extremely prevalent.”
Resources
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
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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 Ted Matthews 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 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 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.” See MATTHEWS, pg. 10
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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 to start feeding them a higher be their own worst enemy. If they U.S. meat consumption energy diet earlier in their life don’t see that those calves are The United States is not backing down on cycle. They can more efficiently going to produce black ink they’ll meat consumption. marble their meat. Now you can often increase weights because Bloomberg writer Megan Durisin recently feed a Holstein animal and get the cost of gain should be lower said, “For all the buzz about pea protein and the same quality grade score as than the actual value of the meat. lab-grown burgers, Americans are set to eat any black-sided Angus or Baldies.” But these heavier carcasses don’t more meat in 2018 than ever before. To be Westway Feed Products might always mean more profits. precise, the average consumer will eat 222.2 not generate chatter amongst “Other reasons for heavier cattle pounds of red meat and poultry this year, cattle feeders because Westway these days are bigger frame sizes, according to USDA, surpassing a record set in products are generally the ingreplus efficiencies are better which 2004. Meanwhile, domestic production will dient mix for feed manufacturers is due to both genetics and better surpass 100 billion pounds for the first time who mostly market under their rations. We’re seeing the quality as livestock owners expand their herds on the own labels. But Westway cergrade going up, which means we’re back of cheap grain. Though the USDA’s per- tainly has some bragging rights getting more meat per animal. But capita measure isn’t a true gauge of con- within the industry. Studenski remember, net profit is the ulti- sumption, it serves as a common proxy. It pointed out Westway Feed Prodmate goal in this business.” shows egg demand reaching an all-time high ucts is North America’s largest Studenski went on to say dairy as well in 2018. Dairy items like cheese and manufacturer of liquid supplecattle are grabbing a bigger butter have also been growing in popularity.” ments for livestock. And they’ve built this industry-leading repushare of the cattle feeding busitation on the basis of utilizing coness — partly because veal meat products from other industries. is only a small slice of the market. And more dairy genetics are getting into feeders. “The team at Westway prides itself in utilizing “But as we learn more about nutritional needs of products once considered as non-useable or waste,” cattle and how to best manage cattle to make a better Studenski said. “While molasses is our core ingrediquality carcass, the process with most dairy breeds is ent, 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 Call (800) 657-4665 for your subscription card or visit www.TheLandOnline.com and click on referred to as DDGs. But corn processing is upgradsubscription form at the top of the home page. ing its strategies. DDGs today don’t have the same nutritional kick they used to have because of tighter Get your 2018 subscription card in by March 9 to enter a drawing for $400 cash! 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 finishOver the years, Matthews has ing diets had to be redesigned to deal with the extra MATTHEWS, from pg. 9 dealt with suicidal people. He energy and extra protein from the distillers grain,” Ted Matthews – (320) 266-2390 Support refers them to a reputable thera- Studenski explained. “Over the years, most feed comfor free, confidential counseling Farm Business Management pist in their area. Another major panies have done a good job on redesigning their instructors, bankers, lawyers and for farmers issue are attempted suicides, feeds to meet the nutritional needs of cattle when crop consultants give his number National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: which are not identified in statis- put on high-energy finishing rations. to farm clients. While Matthews tics. Loved ones worry that (800) 273-8255 has been fielding more calls from “One thing with the distillers market today, howanother attempt will end in farmers, he is also getting more ever, is that it is ever-changing because corn procesdeath. calls from the people who work sors are doing a better job of extracting more of the “Who’s gonna watch them? Who’s gonna help them? oil, more of the starch so they can make more ethawith farmers. Matthews is a main presenter at MDA’s Down on That’s a huge issue. Very few people talk about that,” nol or more high-fructose corn syrup. The net result the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful Times said Matthews. is the distillers’ product itself is getting to be a lower Matthews believes his outreach has been success- feed value than it used to be.” workshops statewide this winter. The workshops are being held to help people working with farmers to ful because farmers are comfortable calling him. Headquarters of Westway Feed Products is Tomidentify signs of mental and emotional distress and “They don’t see me as a psychologist, they see me as ball, Texas. Dating back to 1940, the firm has 27 procrisis. a ‘Ted.’ I like that,” said Matthews. duction facilities spread across North America and Farmers have a higher suicide rate than any other Working with farmers and helping them is what refers to itself as a global supplier of agriculturaloccupation, including veterans, according to a report Ted Matthews loves to do. based liquid solutions. released by the Centers for Disease Control and Dennis Studenski was interviewed at the Minne“It’s a joy. I’m proud of the fact that they trust me Prevention in 2016. Mental health professionals sota Cattle Industry Convention in Bloomington, enough to call. I never take that for granted ever,” express concern over farmers’ isolation and access to v said Matthews. v Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 2017. firearms.
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CDC: Farmers have highest suicide rate
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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
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Paul Damhof stands with the 17 tanks which make up the Simply Shrimp operation.
shrimp talk at the local coffee shop. 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. See SHRIMP, pg. 13
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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PAGE 13
Water for shrimp is reused for better feed efficiency SHRIMP, from pg. 12 July 6, 2016 was starting date of remodeling the calf barn — a 40-by160-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 Paul Damhof raising shrimp. “We’re raising a Pacific white shrimp which is a saltwater 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 acclimated to our water. “Our first feed is a liquid feed for seven days. The liquid feed is provided every two to four hours. After the liquid feed, they are fed a dry feed. We feed five different sizes of feed until they are harvested. Also, feeding is automated with a belt feeder that distributes feed over the next 24 hours. Yes, strange to imagine, but I found even shrimp have a pecking order when it comes to feed — thus the automatic belt feeder.” It takes 120 to 140 days to grow shrimp from start 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 levels are two primary issues. I also check water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved 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 facility. Instead, he sells directly saltwater environment. We do to customers who drive into the the same thing with our water yard, prompted by a colorful and that means putting good shrimp roadside sign along busy bacteria in the water to do the U.S. Highway 71 about eight job.” miles south of Willmar. After these water testing proceWord spread rapidly about this dures, it’s time to feed the shrimp dairy farm now selling fresh — tank by tank. Damhof said shrimp. Damhof acknowledged each tank has its own eco-systhey don’t even have an advertistem, so each tank is fed according ing budget. Drive-in customers to its water condition. “That tells are doing the job and there’s me how many grams of feed into nothing like satisfied customers each tank. Yes, it’s quite a change to sell your product. from feeding tons of feed for 80 “We’ve had customers from For the first seven days of a shrimp’s cows to feeding grams of feed for life, they are feed liquid food. After that 100-150 miles away, so it’s been thousands of shrimp!” first week they are switched to dry feed. amazing the word-of-mouth sucHe buys from Ziegler Feeds, a The shrimp are fed five different sizes of cess we are enjoying,” Damhof Pennsylvania firm. The Ziegler dry food before they are harvested. said. “The price for shrimp is $20 feed tag reads: “Feed as a comper pound. We sell in the 20-22 plete feed for shrimp.” Additional shrimp per pound range. Orders bold lettering reads, “NO range from as small as a halfANTIBIOTICS ADDED.” The pound to 10 pounds. Our average feed has lots of ingredients too order is 2 to 4 pounds. However, — with 32 listed and a 40 perwe can provide the costumer any cent crude protein, plus five difcount they would like. My goal is ferent vitamins. Damhof noted the best tasting, the freshest, the feed freshness is important. best quality shrimp that I possibly can. You only have one oppor“Our goal is zero water distunity to make a first impression. charge, so we simply reuse the Daily water samples are taken from I want to give our customers the water. The older the water, the every tank and tested for 11 different best impression that I possibly more mature the water is and qualities including amonia and nitrate can.” that produces better feed effi- levels; salinity; pH and alkalinity. ciency, faster rate of gain and Damhof is excited about this easier management. Our water is new future for his family — his 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 we started last March.” demanding new industry for Minnesota agriculture. “Patience Even as a dairy farmer has ups is a high priority and some failand downs, so goes the scenario ures are inevitable. So the willwith shrimp. But Damhof is ingness to pick yourself back up pleased survivability is better is key to your future.” than initially expected — pushing into the high 90 percentile. Meeting new customers every Even so, he’s wanting to try a day is part of the joy and rewards different genetic line for shrimp. of their new business and “If you don’t try, you’ll never Damhof is already seeing repeat know what’s out there.” business. He tells of a North Within 120-140 days, shrimp reach a The U.S. government is involved marketable size of about 20 shrimp per Dakota customer who drove two-and-a-half hours to get to in shrimp farming too. “Every pound. his shrimp farm. Damhof asked new batch of shrimp we get has him why he made the trip. to be pre-approved by the Department of Natural Resources,” Damhof said. “I’ve gotten to know some He replied to me, “‘Paul, how long was the shrimp of the DNR people and they’re fine people to work boat out fishing? How long was the boat in port getwith.” ting unloaded? How long was the processing and then getting the shrimp on a plane to some market? Marketing Obviously, rearing that first batch of shrimp was an I drove two-and-a-half hours. I watched you net my intense learning process. And if you grow them, shrimp. I’ve got a two-and-a-half hour drive back you’ve got to market them. However, Damhof doesn’t home. They’ll be on the grill within three hours. It v haul his market-ready shrimp to an area seafood doesn’t get any fresher than that!’”
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 3, 2018
Farm tours combine 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
Photo by Dick Hagen
Ralph Engel (left) and Jan Engel have built a reputation for organizing informative and entertaining farm tours.
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. 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 See R&J TOURS, pg. 15
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Tours take place throughout the year R&J TOURS, from pg. 14 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 forever. 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 See R&J TOURS, pg. 17
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 15
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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”
PAGE 17
U.S. milk output increases again for fourth year straight bearish,” warns HighGround Dairy. “November 2017 milk production data showed the EU rise 6.1 percent year-overyear. Year-to-date productivity has reached up 1.8 percent over prior year, an additional 2.5 million metMIELKE MARKET ric tons so far this year (30WEEKLY day basis). Butter, cheese and skim milk powder proBy Lee Mielke duction was also impressive during November though the butter/SMP stream remains below prior year January-November,” according to HighGround Dairy. The data, pending December revisions, pegs 2017 milk output for the 50 U.S. dairy cow culling was up in states at 215.43 billion pounds, which December, but down from a year ago. is up almost 3 billion pounds or 1.4 The USDA’s latest Livestock Slaughter percent from 2016. Cow numbers were report shows an estimated 247,300 up 64,000 and output per cow was up head were slaughtered under federal 164 pounds from 2016. inspection, up 3,600 head from November but 5,700 head below Minnesota output was up 1.1 perDecember 2016. Culling in 2017 cent, on a 40-pound gain per cow, offtotaled 2.99 million head, up 102,700 setting a 5,000 cow loss. head or 3.6 percent from a year ago. Meanwhile, “The weight of the n European Union’s milk output remains This column was written for the marketing week ending Jan. 26. December U.S. milk output was up for the 48th consecutive month according to preliminary U.S. Department of Agriculture data. The 50-state total, at 18.0 billion pounds, was up 1.1 percent. December milk cow numbers totaled 9.4 million head, up 1,000 from November and 47,000 above a year ago.
MARKETING
Bus travel today is now more luxurious R&J TOURS, from pg. 15 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 restau-
rants, 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
The USDA’s latest Cold Storage report shows Dec. 31 butter stocks at 169.1 million pounds, up 9.8 million pounds or 6.2 percent from November and 3.1 million or 1.9 percent above December 2016. American-type cheese, at 746.8 million pounds, was up 13.5 million pounds or 2 percent from November and 20.4 million or 3 percent above a year ago. The other cheese category totaled 507.3 million pounds, up 1 percent from November and 13 percent above a year ago. The total cheese inventory stood at 1.28 billion pounds. This is up 22 million pounds or 2 per-
cent from November and 82.3 million pounds or 7 percent above a year ago. n As it always does, USDA’s monthly Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook, issued Jan. 19, echoed dairy projections contained in the Jan. 12 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. It also reported that domestic dairy demand has been somewhat weak throughout 2017. Domestic commercial disappearance in November was lower than November 2016 on both the milk-fat and skimSee MIELKE, pg. 18
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Analyst: Cow numbers likely hit peak, will decline MIELKE, from pg. 17 solids bases by 0.9 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively. January through November domestic commercial disappearance was 193.0 billion pounds (0.5 percent higher than last year) on a milk-fat basis and 163.1 billion pounds (0.3 percent below last year) on a skim-solids basis. “Domestic use of butter and cheese has lagged expectations in recent months,” according to the Outlook. “Domestic use of butter for the three months from September to November 2017 was 4.1 percent below the same period in 2016, while domestic use of cheese had year-over-year growth for September-November 2017 of 2.2 percent. This is lower than 3.9 percent and 3.7 percent for September-November of 2015 and 2016, respectively.” The size of the milking herd was 9.397 million head in November, unchanged from October and an increase of 0.6 percent from November 2016. The number of milk cows in the United States has fallen slightly since peaking at 9.404 million head in August 2017, according to the Outlook. The Outlook predicts that the herd size will peak at 9.42 million head during the third and fourth quarters of 2018, up from 9.397 million in November 2017, which is the latest available data. But, the Jan. 19 Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter disagrees. It argues, “Cow numbers have likely already hit their peak and are now in decline. We hear anecdotes of farmers selling cattle well below cost. And with
a challenging financial year ahead, banks are reluctant to lend toward capital projects. We have heard of several projects that are now on hold. USDA is forecasting milk production to increase by 1.5 percent year-over-year in 2018. We are predicting a 1.1 percent or less annual gain in supply,” the Analyst says. Switching to feed prices, the Outlook’s 2017-18 price forecast for corn was $2.95-$3.55 per pound, which is 5 cents higher than last month’s forecast at the midpoint of the range. The soybean meal price forecast is $295-$335 per short ton, unchanged from last month’s forecast. The alfalfa hay price in November was $148 per short ton, $4 less than October, but $18 more than November 2016. n Chicago Mercantile Exchange cash cheese prices headed lower again as traders absorbed the neutral to bearish Milk Production and Cold Storage reports. Block cheddar, after jumping 11 cents the previous week, closed Jan. 26 at $1.4725 per pound. This is down 9.25 cents on the week and 21.5 cents below a year ago. The barrels finished at $1.32, down 2.5 cents, 12.75 cents below a year ago, and 15.25 cents below the blocks. Nine cars of block were sold on the week and 20 of barrel. Central cheese plant managers are experiencing seasonal slowdowns, according to Dairy Market News, and taking time to make updates and repairs while others continue seven-day
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work weeks and plan to for the foreseeable future. Some discounted spot milk changed hands and a number of cheese producers reported that offers have yet to decrease. Class III spot milk ranged from $3 under to $1 over Class. Barrel processors are, “facing a stark disadvantage right now regarding market prices,” and continue to report fairly slow orders, Dairy Market News reports. Central cheese inventories vary; but as milk supplies and cheese output has been heavy, overall supplies are available. “The market tone has yet to find its footing,” says Dairy Market News. “Much of the last quarter of 2017 presented cheese sellers and buyers with a confounding inverted price gap. Up to this point in 2018, the price gap, although no longer inverted, has grown to what contacts assert to be antithetical to a stable market.” n Cash butter closed at $2.13 per pound, a penny higher on the week but 9 cents below a year ago, with 12 cars exchanging hands on the week. A snowstorm early in the week saw central butter plants in affected areas down on employees and forced to reduce output. Hauling delays and trucking obstacles were also reported. There are expectations of available cream supplies to last through February. Unsalted butter demand is healthy and some producers report limited supplies. Salted supplies are building for spring. Butter markets continue to wind slowly downward but many contacts are not overly concerned.
MARKETING
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Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk ended the week at 71 cents per pound, up a quarter-cent on the week but 23.75 cents below a year ago, with 13 cars trading hands on the week. The CME announced the launch of a new dry whey spot call to be listed sometime in second quarter 2018. Details are forthcoming. n In politics, agriculture’s safety net will get an overhaul in the next farm bill. The National Milk Producers Federation praised the announcement stating, “We are encouraged that the USDA’s principles for the next farm bill, released by Secretary Sonny Perdue, start with improving the farm safety net. The current farm bill’s dairy Margin Protection Program has proven to be inadequate in providing help to U.S. dairy farmers, and fixing it must be a priority in 2018.” Indiana dairy farmer and CEO of Select Milk Producers, Mike McCloskey, warned of the loss of a very important tax law for farmers. “Select supports the idea that all farmers, whether independent or cooperative, should receive the same tax treatment that cooperatives were granted in the new law. Sec 199A creates a strong competitive tool, one which should be expanded to the entire farm sector.” 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
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 19
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 crisis 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 implementing 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. 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 See BAIZE, pg. 21
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PAGE 20
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
MARKETING
Grain Outlook Weak dollar floats corn price The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Jan. 26. CORN — Corn pushed into the upper third of the trading range thanks to a big mid-week rally. March corn posted its highest weekly close since early December. However, it’s still stuck in the same range it’s traded since Nov. 10. Fresh news for corn wasn’t prominent, but a weaker dollar, South American weather concerns, a strong soybean market, and good exports lent underlying support to the corn market. The U.S. dollar fell to its lowest level since December PHYLLIS NYSTROM 2014 this past week. Comments CHS Hedging Inc. from the U.S. Treasury Secretary St. Paul that a weak dollar would benefit the United States pushed the dollar lower. U.S. corn is currently the cheapest source in the world. There is talk about rains delaying early soybean harvest in Brazil. The reason it affects corn is related to the planting of the safrinha corn crop. If bean harvest is delayed, corn planting could also be pushed back. The U.S. attaché in Argentina lowered the corn production outlook to 40 million metric tons compared to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 42 mmt forecast. IMEA, Brazil’s state agricultural institute, pegged Mato Grosso’s safrinha corn crop at 7.1 percent planted vs. 10.2 percent last year and 4.1 percent on average. They are also predicting a 10 percent decline in safrinha acreage, down 5 mmt from last year. AgRural put Brazil’s total corn harvest at 5.3 percent complete compared to 4.6 percent on average. Argentina’s corn acreage was decreased 100,000 hectares to 8.8 million hectares, or 21.7 million acres, by the Argentina ag ministry. Weekly export sales were surprisingly large at 56.9 million bushels. Sales are running 22 percent behind last year when the USDA is predicting a 16 percent decline in year-on-year exports at 1.925 billion bushels. Weekly ethanol production was up 1,000 barrels at 1.062 million barrels. Stocks were an all-time high at 23.8 million barrels, jumping 1.057 million barrels for the week that ended Jan. 19. The Jan. 26 Cattle on Feed report was considered supportive to corn. Cattle on feed was 108.9 percent of last year, placements in December at 101 percent, and marketings in December at 99 percent. All three were near the trade’s expectations.
Cash Grain Markets
corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $3.11 +.13 $9.20 +.36 Madison $3.10 +.12 $9.23 +.35 Redwood Falls $3.11 +.17 $9.25 +.37 Fergus Falls $3.02 +.16 $9.00 +.39 Morris $3.07 +.10 $9.10 +.35 Tracy $3.12 +.19 $9.20 +.39 Average:
$3.09
$9.16
Year Ago Average: $3.04 $9.21 Grain prices are effective cash close on Jan. 30. *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 in the next issue. Speculators cut their net corn position on the latest Commitments of Traders report as of Jan. 23. They were net short 248,000 contracts. The record short is 265,000 contracts. Outlook: For the week, March corn moved 4 cents higher to $3.56.5, July gained 4.25 cents to $3.73.25, and December corn was 3.75 cents higher at $3.89.5 per bushel. Corn has been a dog for nearly two months. It’s been hard to get excited about much when the trading range has extended from the contract low of $3.45.5 to $3.60.5 since early November. The magnitude of the speculator net short position makes sellers cautious, as does concern over possible delays in Brazil’s safrinha planting. On the balance, there are ample supplies of corn in the world that overshadow any big rally potential. If speculators decide to cover and/or South American weather prompts further production cuts, another dime to 15 cents to the upside could be a possibility. If not, we likely stay anchored in the current trading range. SOYBEANS — The $10 area I mentioned last week did come to pass this week, topping out at $10.02 per bushel. March soybeans traded unchanged or higher for nine consecutive sessions before settling lower ahead of the weekend. This was the first lower close since the Jan. 12 USDA reports. Fund short covering continued as traders want perfect conditions in Argentina. There have been rains, but it seems everyone wants more. Mato Grosso, Brazil soybean harvest pace picked up this week to 12.4 percent complete compared to last year’s record pace of 16.4 percent and the average of 11.4 percent, according to IMEA. Nationally, Brazilian soybean harvest is 3.8 percent complete vs. 4.3 percent last year. The Brazilian real was up 1.6 percent during the week, slowing down grower sales, after former President Lula da Silva’s corruption sentence See NYSTROM, pg. 21
Grain Angles
Evaluate your crop insurance agent 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 GRAIN ANGLES, pg. 21
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
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 21
Soybean exports lag behind USDA projections NYSTROM, from pg. 20 was upheld by the appeals court. Weekly export sales were the third lowest of the marketing year at 22.6 million bushels. Total export commitments are 13 percent behind last year. The USDA is anticipating less than a 1 percent decline in year-on-year exports at 2.16 billion bushels. Usually we have 88 percent of the year’s exports on the books by now. This year, we’re at 74 percent. China has only bought 25.8 mmt of U.S. beans this year vs. 32.7 mmt last year. Even if our weekly export matches the 2011-12 record level of 14.7 million bushels from this date forward, our exports would only end up at approximately 2.035 billion bushels. We need to average 18.6 million bushels per week to hit the USDA’s export forecast. This would mean weekly sales must be 52 percent stronger than last year, and 27 percent stronger than the all-time record — for the rest of the marketing year. The possibility of a cut in the export category on future balance sheets could have a significant impact on sending our ending stocks toward the 500-million-bushel level, or beyond. U.S. soybeans are presently a 20-25 cent per bushel premium to Brazilian origin into China. China has committed to 25.8 mmt of U.S. soybeans, down 6.9 mmt from last year. For calendar year 2017, China imported 95.5 mmt of soybeans. Of the total, Brazil accounted for 50.9 mmt or 53 percent of the total. The United States held 32.9 mmt of the business or 34 percent, the lowest percentage since 2006 and the second lowest on record. Argentina captured 7 percent of China’s business. Higher protein levels in Brazil’s soybeans have also helped promote Brazil’s beans over U.S. origin. In 2017, U.S. beans had a record low protein of 34.1 percent vs. Brazil’s average 37 percent. Outlook: For the week, March and July soybeans
each rallied 8.25 cents to $9.85.5 and $10.06.5 respectively. New crop November soybeans were up 6.75 cents at $10.02.75 per bushel. March soymeal rallied $4.10 to $335.70 and soyoil was up 51 ticks at $32.79. It’s a balancing act between how weather is impacting South American production and ideas that U.S. ending stocks will climb on subsequent USDA reports. The $10.02 level will need to be breached on a closing basis before moving resistance levels high-
MARKETING
er. The short-term trend is slightly higher. Nystrom’s Notes: Estimated contract changes for the week ending Jan. 26: Minneapolis March wheat gained 6 cents at $6.14.5, Chicago jumped 18.25 cents to $4.41, and Kansas City rallied 15.5 cents to $4.43 per bushel. Crude oil extended their upswing to $66.14, up $2.83 for the week; ULSD was 7.75 cents higher; RBOB was up 7.5 cents; and natural gas rose 32 cents. The U.S. dollar index fell 1.62 to 89.05. v
Choosing the right agent does matter GRAIN ANGLES, from pg. 20 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
For marketing news between issues ... visit www.TheLandOnline.com
Farmers will be searching for ways to cut down costs BAIZE, from pg. 19 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 supposedly 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
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
U of M 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. Tom Hoverstad “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 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. Disease and pests Bruce Potter, University of Minnesota integrated pest management specialist, talked about how weather and time impact pests and disease. White mold affected the 2017 soybean crop. Potter thinks it’s likely that the white mold started one to two soybean crops ago. The fungus can survive in soil residue for up to Bruce Potter 10 years. White mold likes cool temperatures and moist conditions and an early dense canopy holds in the moisture, explained Potter. He recommends looking at soybean variety selection, managing the soybean architecture, wider row spacing, using broadleaf weed control and applying fungicide. More than one fungicide application will be needed. 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 likely to decrease again in 2018. “Eventually corn borers are going to come back,” Potter warned. Northern corn rootworm creates problems in rotated corn because their eggs can last more than one winter. Cool, long falls are ideal to condition the
eggs to survive, Potter explained. The Western corn rootworm can be knocked out by very cold temperatures. Cold open winters reduce survival. The egg hatch is affected below 19.4 F. The winter of 1976-77 busted thermometers and is the presumed reason for the massive loss of the pest from most of the state in 1977, said Potter. The winter of 2013-14 was also very cold and dry, which killed off the pest at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center, Lamberton. Potter is hoping for a few weeks of cold weather and no snow cover to kill them off this year. Bt Pyramids are mostly working on the Western corn rootworm, but there are some problems in continuous corn, Potter said. “They can’t survive if they don’t have continuous corn.” “If you’ve got a field that you’re expecting a problem with Western corn rootworms, take it out of corn for a year. That’s the simplest way to fix it,” said Potter. Another problem that farmers faced in 2017 were high populations of soybean aphids. The aphids got in real early due to the dry spring, noted Potter. Ground applications work best. “Don’t expect all your aphids to survive. Don’t expect all your aphids to die,” said Potter. Treat only soybean aphid infestations threatening yield. Use appropriate spray pressure and nozzles. If you end up with pyrethroid-resistant aphids, using insecticide seed treatments poses a problem. “We’ve already used one of the three classes,” said 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
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THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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Copy is 3 x 4.38
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Taking Farm Equipment For:
Farm Machinery Auction
Tuesday, March 13, 2018 10:00 am 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
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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet” Real Estate
020 Real Estate
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018 020 Bins & Buildings
Sell your land or real estate 400 Head feed lot for sale. All in 30 days for 0% commiscement yards, 10 automatic sion. Call Ray 507-339-1272 waterers, 2 ranch style houses, several silos, barns & machine sheds on 11 Real Estate Wanted 021 acres between Tony & Glen Flora, WI on US Hwy 8, WANTED: Land & farms. I more land available, have clients looking for $299,500. 608-412-5865 dairy, & cash grain operations, as well as bare land 031 parcels from 40-1000 acres. Hay & Forage Equip Both for relocation & inFOR SALE: Buffalo 7800 vestments. If you have bale mover, 34' dble row even thought about selling w/qtr turn arm, $9000. contact: Paul Krueger, (763) 682-1389 Farm & Land Specialist, Edina Realty, SW Suburban Office, 14198 Commerce Haybuster bale shredder, saves on hay & bedding, Ave NE, Prior Lake, MN rakes up frozen and dusty 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com bales, used, starting at (952)447-4700 $6,250. 320-543-3523
033
Farm Implements
035
Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. FOR SALE: 725 JD loader, 100% financing w/no liens quick tach bucket, sharp, or red tape, call Steve at will fit 20 to 55 Series JD Fairfax Ag for an appoint2WD tractor. 507-220-0999 ment. 888-830-7757 We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Grain Handling Equip 034 Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910 FOR SALE:Used grain bins, floors unload systems, sti- Tractors 036 rators, fans & heaters, aeration fans, buying or sell- 7810 JD PS 26mph, cab, 20.8ing, try me first and also 42 tires, 11,500 hrs, runs call for very competitive good, $24,900 with 740 self contract rates! Office leveling loader, $28,900. 715hours 8am-5pm Monday – 223-3664 Friday Saturday 9am - 12 Case 2390, 1982, New engine noon or call 507-697-6133 200 hrs, near new 12.5-54 Ask for Gary duals & 11-16 fronts, 3spd power shift, AC, air seat, 3 Wilson grain trailer 40', aluremotes, 3pt hitch, 600 gal minum, new ag hoppers, saddle tanks, set up for 20” electric roll tarp, electric rows, $20,500. (641) 590-1102 traps, spring ride, $18,000. (641) 590-1102 FOR SALE: '02 MTX 140 McCormick, 3245 hrs, 2795 Buhler ldr w/ 90” bucket, Farm Implements 035 has duals, 3pt, power shift, exc condition. 507-276-3654 JD 960 30 ½' field cult, Danish tines & 3 bar mulcher, FOR SALE: '57 Oliver Super 66 gas tractor, w/ dual $3,650; JD 1010 24' 3pt field hyds, NF, good tin and cult, $1,850; JD 670 rake w/ paint, runs nice. 218-639dolly wheel, $1,350; JD 7000 0315 8x30 planter, liq fert, Yetter trash whippers & feed FOR SALE: '69 JD 3020, gas, meters, $3,750; IH 133 16x22 3pt, WF, 6900 hrs, $6,995; folding cult, $2,450; Like '87 JD 2950, MFWD, 5200 New 18.4x46 Goodyear tires hrs, $13,500; '64 JD 4020, on 10 bolt rims, $2,800/pr. dsl, 3pt, WF, Sharp, $7,995; 320-769-2756 '83 IH 684, dsl, 3pt, QT ldr, $6,995. Can del. 320-543-3523 MF 285 with loader, Batco FOR SALE: Parts for Oliver 45' conveyor, 5000lb Cat 880 dsl, including good runforklift, 6"x51' electric ning motor, dual hyd units, auger, 2000-18000 grain WF end, good sheet metal, bins, 25' Wilrich digger, 28" and a lot of other Oliver fan & burner. 320-760-1637 parts for most Olivers. 218564-4273 Tile Injector 6" tile plow pull type tile plow, used very lit- NEW AND USED TRACTOR PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, tle, w/ new Intellislope 55, 50 Series & newer tracGPS controls incl. base stators, AC-all models, Large tion, also new tile stringer, Inventory, We ship! Mark possibly would sell as sepHeitman Tractor Salvage arate items, $43,000. (641) 715-673-4829 590-1102
Tractors
036 Machinery Wanted
040
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
Machinery Wanted
040
Feed Seed Hay
050 Feed Seed Hay
FOR SALE: MF 1105, good All kinds of New & Used WANTED: JD Cat #2 quick ALFALFA, mixed hay, grass condition, 18.4x38 tires, fachitch. JD 2520 diesel trachay & feed grade wheat farm equipment – disc chistory cab, 2 hyd outlets, tor. (320)587-5823 straw, med. square or els, field cults, planters, $6,000/OBO. 952-955-3085 round bales, delivery availsoil finishers, cornheads, able. Thief River Falls, MN feed mills, discs, balers, Spraying Equip 041 Call or text LeRoy Ose: Harvesting Equip 037 haybines, etc. 507-438-9782 (218)689-6675 FOR SALE: '86 Freightliner Combine Tires & Rims, 80Liquid Tender Truck Day 70-38, Firestone, 80% Plus WANTED: FII Gleaner comcab, air ride, Tandem axle, bine, in good working conrubber. 507-430-0591 855 Cummins eng, 10spd dition. Call: (507)273-1382 trans, 1650 gal HD elliptical FOR SALE: '11 Geringhoff tank, 30 gal & 60 gal chem 12R22 Rota-Disc CH, CIH mix tanks, 120 gal rinse red, exc cond., $59,000. '04 WANTED: JD 780 or 450 mawater tank, 2" bottom fill, Case IH 1020 30' beanhead nure spreader, for parts or 5hp x 2" transfer pump, field tracker, very good good, Also 4 row JD 7000 $9,700. (641) 590-1102 cond., $6500. Also have planter. (320)630-8131 header trlr. (507)240-0294 Wanted 042 JD 18R20 cornhead 90 series WANTED: Tractors, running row units, auger slow down WANTED: 1000 to 1500 galor not running, salvage, rekit, JD poly snouts, Headlon portable water tank. pairables, prefer John sight height control, TruePhone 507-327-8101 Deere, will consider others, sight row guidance, knife 1990 & older, must be reaWANTED: Gleaner beanrolls, Hyd deck plates, sonably priced. Call anyhead, 8000 series, 25' or 30', some extra parts, $32,000. time. (507)317-6760 good working condition. (641) 590-1102 (507)995-2513 Planting Equip 038
PAGE 25 050 Feed Seed Hay
LIBERTY SOYBEANS $53.00 List L2.0 SWM 7 L1.2 SWM 7 515-321-5394 515-465-2122 1-800-383-6275
3.5 x 4.38 Classified LineCopy AdsisWork! Call 507-345-4523
FOR SALE: White 6100 8R36” planter w/squeeze pump, fert tanks & monitor, 525 gal leg tank, used very little. (507)621-2288 HYDRAULIC FLAT FOLD MARKERS. Will fit anything, $3,500. Ray's Machine Shop, call or text 712297-7951 120 DAY SPECIAL Kinze 8 twin rows, finger pick-up planter, good shape, $6,500. 507-202-2984 Tillage Equip
039
'02 Great Plains Turbo Till Vertical Tillage unit Model TT 3000 Series I, center weight package, hydraulic wing down pressure, rolling spike tooth and basket harrow, 30' working width, $15,000. (641) 590-1102 '97 DMI Field Cultivator 40.5' Tigermate I, Blue, tandem wheels, 3 bar harrow, double fold, narrow center frame, gauge wheels, Nice unit, $11,500. (641) 590-1102 38 Ft John Deere (2004) #726 Mulch Finisher w/ 5 Bar Drag (200 LB Shanks) Shedded Real Nice. 2015 Farm King 13x95' Auger w/ Power Mover. 319-347-2349 Case IH 36R20 cultivator 36R20” cultivator set up for side dressing, 60' width, 2pt lift w/ rear assist wheels, double fold, double bar, gauge wheels, plumbed w/ variable rate orifices, $15,000. (641) 590-1102 FOR SALE: '12 Wil-Rich DCIV Soil finisher, 42', double springs, always shedded, low acres, excellent condition. 507-251-1394 FOR SALE: JD 2700 disk ripper, 9x24” w/ Ryan Mfg rolling basket. 507-220-5153
EdigEr Auction SErvicE
Consignment Sale
051
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.
March 31st, 2018
Small or big squares and big rounds, all types and kinds of straw, hay & grass. Sellers are responsible for testing if they wish to.
Farm • ConstruCtion • atVs • trailers • VehiCles
Bring your trailers! No Buyer’s Premium!
Scott County Fair Grounds, Jordan, MN live simulcast • No HouseHold! Great rates • no Buyer’s Premium on site Call for details... Jim: 507-351-1885 • Erika: 952-201-0874 Jeff: 612-490-2387 • Sam: 612-598-7775
Auctioneers: Matt Mages 507-276-7002, Lic. 08-17-003 & Ryan Froehlich 507-380-9256 magesland.com
Farm Retirement
Farm Retirement
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 | 11AM
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 | 11AM
The Land I & II 2/2 & 2/9 2x2 $81
2018
FOR SALE: 2005 1790 16-32 planter w/ liq. Fert., w/red ball system, 500 gal tank, E-set planting unit, Yetter trash whippers, fluted coulters, smartbox insecticide, pneumatic down pressure, inspected annually, & serviced at Kibble Equipment, $55,000/OBO. 507-456-3007
050 Fertilizer & Chem
SEED AND HERBICIDE Why Buy Lime? When Bio Liquid Calcium is cheaper SAVINGS! Add up to and more effective tan $50,000 to your bottom line lime! Let us help fix PH on 500 acres of crop producand Hardpan problems! tion. Top national corn hyAlso Avail. Organic certibrids for $112! Proven fied Products KLEENACRES herbicide Call Gary at (715)533-0174 programs save up to 50%. Top yields, Kleen fields, better bottom line! Visit The Land online at Call 320-237-7667 or www.thelandonline.com WWW.KLEENACRES.COM
2018
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
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.
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.
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.
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
or Dave Benedict at Steffes Group, 701.237.9173 or 701.238.5062
or Tadd Skaurud at Steffes Group, 701.237.9173 or 701.729.3644
DAVE SCHROEDER, 218.790.8827
Location: 4394 270th Ave, Campbell, MN. From Campbell, MN, 1 mile northwest on Hwy. 9, 2 miles north on Co. Rd. 17.
Dale, 218.770.1806
Steffes Group, Inc., 2000 Main Ave E, West Fargo, ND | Scott Steffes MN14-51
Steffes Group, Inc., 2000 Main Ave E, West Fargo, ND | Scott Steffes MN14-51
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.
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.
701.237.9173 | SteffesGroup.com
701.237.9173 | SteffesGroup.com
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Pleaseyou visit our Thank forwebsite: reading thelandonline.com THE LAND!
FEBRUARY
PAGE 26
Livestock
054
Cattle
Swine
OPENS: Wed. Feb. 7 / CLOSES: Wed. Feb. 14
TIMED ONLINE
Brought to you by SteffesGroup.com
150 Lots!
080
FOR SALE: 1996 Ford F150 XLT 4x4, 180,000 miles, runs excellent, drives good, tires good, $3,500 (book value). (507)381-1160 Trucks & Trailers
084
FOR SALE: '01 Ford F250 4x4, extended cab, 7.3 diesel, AT, 4” lift, 20” wheels, re-man motor and transmission, $7,900. 320583-0881
To Include: Tractors, Tillage, Semi Tractors, Trucks, Trailers, Sprayer, Fertilizer Equipment and More!
For consignor information & location, complete terms, full lot listing & photos visit SteffesGroup.com Auctioneers & Clerk: Steffes Group, Inc. West Fargo, ND Grand Forks, ND 701.237.9173 701.203.8400 Ames, IA Sioux Falls, SD 515.432.6000 712.477.2144
065
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 Cars & Pickups
Over
056
FOR SALE: Black Angus FOR SALE OR LEASE bulls also Hamp, York, & REGISTERED BLACK Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts. ANGUS Bulls, 2 year old & 320-598-3790 yearlings; bred heifers, calving ease, club calves & balance performance. Al Dairy 055 sired. In herd improvement program. J.W. Riverview FOR SALE or LEASE: Reg. Angus Farm Glencoe, MN Brown Swiss bulls, out of 55336 Conklin Dealer 320high production, high scor864-4625 ing dams. Dutchboyz Swiss. 715-613-0265 FOR SALE: Bred Purebred Black Angus stock cows out Reg. Holstein heifers bred w/ of AI sires, bred to black sexed Semen, Due March bulls young productive and April. 715-286-2905 cows, Robert & Jason Gee 507-829-9678 WANTED TO BUY: Dairy heifers and cows. 320-235- Registered Texas Longhorn breeding stock, cows, 2664 heifers or roping stock, top blood lines. 507-235-3467 Cattle 056 WANT TO BUY: Butcher cows, bulls, fats & walkable ANGUS BULL SALE, NEW cripples; also horses, DATE, LOCATION, TIME sheep & goats. 320-235-2664 Gaffney Family Cattle & Linz Heritage Angus, 100 Buyers, Choice Bulls, Horse 057 February 16, 2018, 5 pm Breneman Farms, FOR SALE: Four year old Pardeeville, WI, (608) 574Blonde Belgian stud, is a 6125 proven breeder, have 10 gaffneyfamilycattle.com colts out of him. Easy to www.linzheritageangus.com handle, pasture breeds, $5,000. 507-521-2560 Bred heifers 14 Simmental & Sim-Angus Bred AI to easy Sheep 060 calving Angus bulls, Schiefelbein effective & Sheep & Goat Producers -ADS 3F Epic for March Year End Sale—NEW 2 calving. All Polled Black Way Sorting Gates WAS excellent quality. Also 3 $119 SALE $59. NEW 3 Way bred cows & 6 Black Polled Sorting Gates WAS $159 excellent quality breeding SALE $79. Mineral Feeders bulls. 50 yrs of AI breeding. WAS $139 SALE $109. 8 Bar Gerald Polzin Cokato. 320Corral Panels WAS $179 286-5805 NOW $129. Plus Shipping. 319-347-6676
Litchfield, MN 320.693.9371
Mt. Pleasant, IA 319.385.2000
SteffesGroup.com
Scott Steffes ND81, MN14-51, WI2793-52
FOR SALE: '90 Freightliner truck w/ 20' box, roll tarp, good tires all around, new clutch & batteries. Very Good truck. 507-829-6272 or 507-828-4855 Miscellaneous
090
Blizzard 8611 Snowplow, Extends from 8 1/2' to 11', Like New, Off of 2013 F350, $5,000. 715-234-1993
THE LAND — JANUARY 26/FEBRUARY 2, 2018 Miscellaneous
090
Miscellaneous
090
Cash paid for antique Harley PARMA DRAINAGE Davidson, Indian or other PUMPS New pumps & motorcycles and related parts on hand. Call Minparts from 1900 thru 1970. nesota's largest distributor Any condition. Midwest colHJ Olson & Company 320lector will pick up any974-8990 Cell – 320-212-5336 where. Phone 309-645-4623 One call does it all! With one phone call, you can place your classified ad in The Land, Farm News, AND The Country Today. Call The Land for more info @ 507-345-4523 • 800-6574665. WANT MORE READERS TO SEE YOUR AD?? Expand your coverage area! The Land has teamed up with Farm News, and The Country Today so you can do just that! Place a classified ad in The Land and have the option of placing it in these papers as well. More readers = better results! Call The Land for more information. 507-3454523 • 800-657-4665
Miscellaneous
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet” 090
REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073
Miscellaneous
090
Winpower Sales & Service Reliable Power Solutions Since 1925 PTO & automatic Emergency Electric Generators. New & Used Rich Opsata-Distributor 800-343-9376
PAGE 27
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 ......................................... 12 Anderson Seeds ........................................7 Courtland Waste ..................................... 17 Dahl Farm Supply .................................. 14 Diers Ag & Trailer Sales ..........................5 Doda USA ............................................. 12 Ediger Auction ....................................... 25 Fast Ag Solutions ................................... 14 Greenwald Farm Center .......................... 27 Hewitt ....................................................9 JR Production Acres ............................... 26 K-Bid Online Auctions ........................... 11 Kannegiesser Truck Sales ....................... 18 Keith Bode ............................................. 23 Kerkhoff Auction ................................... 23 Larson Implement ............................ 24, 25 Mages Auction ................................. 23, 25 MN Soybean Biodiesel ........................... 15 MS Diversif ied ...................................... 24 Pioneer Soybean .......................................4 Pruess Elevator ...................................... 24 Schweiss ................................................ 24 Smiths Mill Implement ........................... 27 Sonic Herbicide .......................................3 Steffes Group ............................. 23, 25, 26 Triad Construction ................................. 19 507-345-4523 • 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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February 2, 2018 NORTHERN EDITION
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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement
© 2018
February 2, 2018 NORTHERN EDITION
(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002