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Classes under glass Alexandria Area High School’s Agriculture Education Center is creating interest in ag-related careers
PLUS: We begin another season of From The Fields Eliminating the ups and downs of gardening The Land Stewardship Project takes on crop insurance
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THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
R-E-L-A-X
P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLII ❖ No. 9 32 pages, 1 section plus supplements
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Cover photo by Paul Malchow
COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File The Bookworm Sez Table Talk Calendar of Events From The Fields Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads
2-4 4 5 7 8 10 16 22-23 26-31 31 32
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A few years ago, the Green Bay date (50 percent of the corn planted in Packers started off the professional footthe state) has been April 29 for the years ball season in less-than-stellar fashion. 2014-2016 and May 7 in 2017. Packer fans (even the die-hards) began Planting corn for grain after May 31 in muttering that the season was already Minnesota carries high risk of reduced slipping away and it could be too late to yield and test weight and increased harright the ship. Packer head coach Mike vest moisture and dockage at the elevator McCarthy was in the hot seat. Surprisingly (at least to me), Extension In a post-game press conference after says unless cold weather is forecast soon LAND MINDS the Packers lost to Seattle, Green Bay after planting, soil temperature should quarterback Aaron Rodgers has one word not greatly influence this year’s planting By Paul Malchow of advice which he spelled out for decisions in Minnesota. Green and Gold faithful: R-E-L-A-X. Miller said a good yielding crop can The Packers went on to win 11 of their be planted in cold soil, but there are next 13 games and all was right with some special considerations. “You want to get off the world. with the best start possible,” he explained. ”Uneven When winter refused to leave this year and much emergence is the biggest concern. When some corn of Minnesota and Northern Iowa was still blanketed comes up earlier than other corn, the smaller corn with a thick coating of snow, farmers wouldn’t say will almost act like a weed to the other corn.” “panic” in public; but with one eye on the calendar Miller went on to say uniform emergence is more and the other on the snowdrifts in the back yard, growers were evaluating options for this year’s corn important to corn than soybeans. “Soybeans naturally compensate for low populations. They will fill crop. the row out by growing more branches.” Agronomists are generally taking the Rodgers Soybean seeds which sit in the ground too long route, telling growers to relax. Some warm weather are more susceptible to soil disease and fungal and a little rain would have the fields ready for pathogens. Miller mentioned a BASF product called planting in no time. Of course, many agronomists Xanthion in-furrow fungicide. The fungicide helps don’t have 1,000 acres staring at them when they control soilborne diseases and provides improved leave the house in the morning. Relax that. cold tolerance — promoting seedling health. So here it is, the first week of May. There are a “Everyone’s field is different,” Miller stressed. few tractors out, and a farm down the road from me “Heavier soils will perform differently from light has the pea crop in the ground, but there is still soils. The main objective is to get (plants) up quick much to be done. and even.” Josh Miller, technical marketing manager for BASF, The Southern Research and Outreach Center in says the window is still open for obtaining high yield Waseca, Minn. reported below-freezing air temperaresults. “Over the last few years, the recent push has tures overnight as late as April 21. Two-inch soil been, ‘earlier is better,’” Miller said in a telephone depth temperatures were stuck at 32 F until April interview. “That’s not necessarily the case.” 24 when it shot up to 44 F. The 25-year average soil “Springtime is the worst for farmers,” Miller went temp on that date is 53 F. on to say. “Growers have been waiting for this But conditions seem to be improving by the day as moment for so long. It’s taken five months to get should the mood of the farmers. The Land’s annual back in the field. They’re anxious, but we are still “From The Fields” report begins in this issue and within the ideal planting range.” we’ll keep tabs on four farms throughout the growUniversity of Minnesota studies show corn yield is ing season. If you’re still waiting to plant, put your typically maximized when planting occurs from feet up and enjoy this issue. It could be your last April 21 to May 6, and reduced by just 5 percent chance in a while to R-E-L-A-X. when planting was delayed until May 15. Minnesota Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land. corn growers have achieved good yields in the past He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com. v several years even when the average corn planting
OPINION
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
6 — Ten plants that changed Minnesota 24 — LSP charges crop insurance is little help to diversified growers
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Letter: Is there a silver lining with ag tariffs on China? To the Editor: We cannot afford to send ag products to China. Most of the pork today is raised by corporations or absentee owners. They draw down the aquifers, destroy township roads with heavy truck traffic back and forth from these confinement buildings. There are only a few actual farmers that raise hogs that are given access to the ourdoors. The rest live in confinement over a slotted floor and inhale air from the sewage pit beneath them. A 200-pound hog will generate approximately one gallon of waste per day and consume approximately two to four gallons of water per day. So do the math on what a barn of 2,000 to 4,000 hogs consume and generate in one day — much less for any longer period of time. Then you take all of this waste and spread or inject it in on the ground; which puts groundwater at risk or if it makes its way into a tile line or stream, you contaminate an already-diminishing resource. If this isn’t bad enough, there is an obscure law in Minnesota that in 1967 gave an exemption to property that was used for control of air or water pollution. Then, in 1993, the legislature gave manure pits and appurtenances (such as slatted floors) exempt from property tax. So, for example, a new confinement building that can cost one million dollars only has to pay tax on the upper portion of the building — while the floors and pits are not taxed. This can amount to a tax break of $500,000 that they are not taxed on. No wonder they are being put up all over. For the water they use and the waste they generate, it is like putting up a city on every section without any restrictions. If a neighbor’s well goes dry, this confinement down the road has no liability. So while assessments on pole buildings went up 6 percent and grain bins went
OPINION
up 17 percent, these confinement enjoy their tax break — while at the same time, deplete our resources, destroy our roads and give untold pollution from these permanent sewers. Township, county and state officials need to address this problem and put an end to their tax exemption
and stop the expansion of these factory confinement buildings, before all of rural America is destroyed. They have been given too much leeway for way too long. Mike Handzus Lakefield, Minn.
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After years of hard living, may mother rest in peace By default, obituary writers get the last grade; or why she never told her stern official word on everyone. They tell the parents about her dreams to be a nurse. deceased person’s story through births, Her wedding came only three months marriages and deaths; add to it names of after her high school graduation when parents, siblings and children; and round she married my father, five years her it out with an anecdote or two about hobsenior. At 19 she was a mother, again at bies and professional achievements. 20, and then again at 21. I was born two Maybe that’s why my father had a months after she turned 23; Perry when hand in writing his own obituary. He FARM & FOOD FILE she was 25. There was a sixth child, eight wanted to tell his own story. I learned merciful years later. By Alan Guebert this fact only after his July 2016 death. I How did a 25-year-old with five chilcould have guessed it though, because dren under age seven on a 720-acre, the spare, no fanfare obituary was as 100-cow dairy farm at the end of the spare and no fanfare as he. road manage it all? My mother, however, didn’t write hers. I did that Like many farm women of that era I suspect, she solemn duty the morning after her death, brought often didn’t. Oh, her sewing machine ran past midon by a fall, on April 22. Mom’s obituary is nearly as night and she beat the sun to the kitchen most spare as Dad’s with only two small flourishes. Mom mornings, but it wasn’t enough. There was always was a euchre-playing shark and she could sew any- canning, noon “dinner,” laundry, diapers, in-laws, and thing from dishtowels to her pastor-brother’s albs. countless other mother and wifely duties waiting. She wasn’t just a seamstress, she was an artist. That’s where we came in. When my brothers, sisBut the official obituary of Twila Ruth Guebert, 86, ter, and I got old enough to climb a ladder to wash of Red Bud, Ill., doesn’t touch on her fuller, more windows, hold a hoe to weed, or use a paring knife challenging life: her birth into poverty on a Dust to peel potatoes, we were put on the assembly line Bowl Nebraska farm; the unfathomable hard work to boost production. It usually ran from 7 a.m. to 7 she and her family later endured on a worn-out, p.m. every day we weren’t in school or in the dairy southern Illinois hill farm just to eat; childhood rheu- barn with Dad and Howard. matic fever; how she was so smart she skipped fourth
OPINION
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And it wasn’t just tough; oftentimes it was too tough. We came to dread the work because while it yielded delicious food, a clean house, and a sense of German Lutheran pride, not one of those Ball jars held one laugh and no shiny window or polished floor sparkled with one smile or one joke. In short, none of it — not our work, output or success — made my mother happy. I wonder how many farm women of that era experienced similar trials, similar unhappiness and similar darkness? No one ever talked about it then and few even talk about it now. Why? The silence almost killed her. Despite the many unspoken reasons for my mother’s unhappiness during those backbreaking, kidseverywhere years, the darkness seemed to lessen when grandchildren and financial stability arrived. First came grandsons, then, a gaggle of granddaughters and great-granddaughters. With them she became the mother who, maybe, she always dreamed she would be. Patiently teaching them how to make peach pie and sew doll clothes, encouraging them to raid Dad’s candy jar when he was snoozing by the TV, showing them where gallons of ice cream lay waiting for them to make into chocolate malts. All the while laughing and smiling, something her children never saw or heard. Throughout that welcome change, however, she kept her skeptical, tough eye on life. Her hard beginnings and decades of hard work seemed to have perpetually wrapped her in a hard shell that never allowed her a restful, soulful peace. I humbly pray, Dear Lord, may she finally have that eternal rest. Surely she earned 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
FFA elects leaders MINNEAPOLIS — The final session of the 89th Minnesota FFA Convention concluded with the election of the six-member state officer team. The 2018-2019 Minnesota FFA state officer team is President Grace Taylor, Randolph FFA chapter; Vice President Kegan Zimmerman, Red Rock FFA chapter; Secretary Laura Church, Randolph FFA chapter; Treasurer Adam Kroll, Pierz FFA chapter; Reporter Lauralee Eaton, Pine Island FFA chapter; and Sentinel James Mathiowetz, Belle Plaine FFA chapter. This article was submitted by the Minnesota FFA Foundation. v
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Veterinarian’s stories are for animal and book lovers alike Lions and tigers and as much as you’ll eat “My Patients and Other Animals” bears, Oh, my! up most of it, beware that there are things by Suzy Fincham-Gray You probably don’t have here you won’t like. any of those animals in c.2018, Spiegel & Grau Author Suzy your house right now – at $27.00 / $36.00 Canada Fincham-Gray least not in their full-size describes old-time 288 pages versions. But the kitty and practices that may puppy lying nearby might make readers gasp. sometimes seem as feroTHE BOOKWORM and a third. With her own She recalls dogs in cious as their larger cousSEZ pets in mind, it was easy to pain, cats near death, ins. Oh my … as you’ll see see human connections in By Terri Schlichenmeyer injuries, abandonin the new book “My pet-ownership. But at the ment, and not all the Patients and Other same time, Fincham’s impaendings are happy. Don’t cry. Animals” by Suzy Fincham-Gray, we’re tience caused conflict with co-workers. wild for our pets! The good news is that those cringeLooking for a better fit, job-wise, she moved to Baltimore where her family Even at the tender age of fourteen, grew to include a man and a hyphen. young Suzy Fincham knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. That was how Then, on to San Diego, where they gained a long-awaited dog. old she was when she began volunteering at a local animal clinic — the In her career, Fincham-Gray has met same Herefordshire-area clinic where animals that left their pawprints on later, as a veterinarian-school graduher heart and lessons in her head. ate, she’d “seen practice” and learned a There was Hercules, a Doberman and thing or three about larger animals. her first GSW. A wolfhound taught her While that was helpful and Fincham that her instincts and sub-conscious was tempted to stay in Great Britain, were both good tools to rely on. A she knew her heart was with cats and jaundiced cat taught her that limits can be moved. She learned hasty decidogs — not sheep and cattle. With a sions are the worst ones to make; and lump in her throat and a multi-year she discovered that it’s hard when a plan in mind, she came to America to pet dies — no matter whose pet it is. attend Cornell University, which led her to the University of Pennsylvania’s Seriously, I defy you not to cry. veterinary teaching hospital. Nah, it’s going to be impossible. If It was there that she came to under- you’re someone who loves a four-footed stand that the relationship between kid, “My Patients and Other Animals” people and their pets baffled her. won’t let you stay dry-eyed for long. Fincham hadn’t grown up with pets in And yet, much as you’re going to her childhood household. So, for better enjoy the almost-Herriot-type beginunderstanding and because she was ning of this animal-loving delight and lonely, she adopted a cat, then another,
Dicamba-specific training DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has announced online dicamba/auxin trainings have been approved for farmers and applicators who wish to use dicamba products. Online trainings or details about any upcoming in-person trainings can be found at http://DicambaTrainingIowa. org. The expanded training centers around the risks associated with dicamba and should help reduce problems associated with off-target movement. XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology Herbicide, DuPont FeXapan Herbicide Plus VaporGrip Technology,
and Engenia Herbicide are restricted use pesticides that can only be applied by certified pesticide applicators who have completed the auxin-specific (dicamba) training. The topics included in the training are: New use pattern for dicamba-tolerant soybeans; application requirements to include wind speed and direction, and use of a buffer; temperature inversions; changes in record-keeping requirements; sprayer tank clean-out; and off target movement. This article was submitted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. v
worthy bits are balanced by thoughtful observations on the human-animal bond, dogs-dogs-dogs, “moggies,” and bit of romance. For a dog lover or catperson (even despite a few shudders), that makes “My Patients and Other Animals” a can’t-miss book. Being without it could be un-bear-able. Look for the reviewed book at a bookstore or a library near you. The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with three dogs and 10,000 books. v
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Book gives historical context to common Minnesota plants By KRISTIN KVENO The Land Correspondent How many times as Minnesotans have we “Ten Plants That Changed Minnesota” really, I mean really noticed the trees and by Mary Hockenberry Meyer plants around us? The plants that have changed the landscape of Minnesota gave and Susan Davis Price nourishment to our native people for thou- forward by Arne Carlson sands of years, provided jobs, shelter and Minnesota Historical Society Press finally enjoyment. The book, “Ten Plants That Changed Minnesota,” closely examines plants which have been important to Minnesota throughout the years. The rich historical background of each in the horticulture field. Without these plants, our of these plants in the book, coupled with scientific way of life in this great state would not be the same. data, gives the reader the information to really know Our farming economy relies heavily on alfalfa, corn, wheat and soybeans to feed our state and nation. and understand the many facets of each plant. Here’s some interesting information found in this While none of these plants were completely unknown to me, much of the information provided in book on these crops: “There are 74 million acres of this book was. The 10 plants featured are: alfalfa, cultivated alfalfa in the world, about 18 million of American elm, apples, corn, purple loosestrife, soy- which are in the United States. There are more than beans, turf and lawn grass, wheat, white pine and 4,000 uses for corn. More soybeans are grown in the United States than anywhere else in the world. wild rice. These 10 plants were chosen by a public nomina- Wheat is grown on more land area worldwide than tion process. More than 500 Minnesota plants were any other crop and is a close third to rice and corn in nominated. The means in which the plants were world production.” When fall arrives in our fair state, the air gets evaluated was based on their impact on the environment, economy or industry, culture/spiritual, history, crisp, the leaves start to change and everybody seems sustenance and landscape. The final 10 plants were to head to their nearest apple orchard to indulge in chosen by experts at the University of Minnesota and some apple picking and a whole lot of apple eating. Our history with apples in Minnesota is a long one that includes a time when early farmers produced hard apple cider for their families when they were concerned that water might be contaminated. The uses and enjoyment of apples continues today so does Minnesotans love of varieties that were developed in the state like Honeycrisp. This book examines the storied relationship of the Native Americans and wild rice. It’s that relationship that continues today with many native people still harvesting wild rice by hand. Wild rice is an aquatic grass that grows in waters of northern Minnesota and has been consumed by people for over 2,000 years. Wild rice is the only cereal grain native to North America. Not every one of these 10 plants chosen is beneficial to Minnesota. Purple loosestrife, a hardy, noxious weed has been found in all but five states in the continental United States. These plants thrived thanks to Minnesota’s vast wetlands. While these plants may be pretty, they’re invasive and have been a challenge to eradicate. The plant does have some benefits as it was used in the 1800s to treat dysentery, ulcers and sores. Once planted, purple loosestrife grows and reproduces at a rapid pace — using valuable nutrients and crowding out native grasses and other plants and flowers — thus creating a negative impact on not only the landscape but the wildlife that call it home. This book also looks at the ways Minnesota tried to eradicate the invasive plants. The leaf-eating beetles, Galerucella pusilla and G. calmariensis were found 255 16th Street South to enjoy feasting on purple loosestrife. These beetles St. James, MN 56081 have made the biggest impact in working towards elimination of this plant.
In a month, our yards will once again be filled with green grass popping up everywhere. While we take lawns for granted these days, in the early days of America dirt, weeds, wild flowers or vegetable gardens were commonly found in yards. It wasn’t until the 1950s when the Twin Cities suburbs began to pop up that the idea of a manicured lawn was more valued and attainable. A lawn became an extension of the home, a place to entertain, play, grill and enjoy. We seem to have a love-hate relationship with our lawns. We love and enjoy the look and the usage; we hate maintaining it. This book points out all the ways that our lawns care for us. For example: “a fifty-by-fifty-foot lawn releases enough oxygen throughout the day to supply the need of one person.” Three decades ago it was hard to drive down any neighborhood in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and not see American elms growing tall and proud on the boulevards. They’re hardy enough to endure street salt, compacted soil, some drought and flourish in many different soil types. Unfortunately, elms were hit with something harder than a little road salt — Dutch elm disease. First seen in Minnesota in 1961, the disease is caused by a deadly fungus. The disease can be spread by elm bark beetles carrying spores of the diseases to healthy trees. It can also be spread by roots when a diseased tree’s root system comes in contact with a neighboring tree’s root system. There are fungicide treatments for healthy trees which can protect a tree for up to two years. Some elms are DED resistant, thus breeding is being done to create more of these DED-resistant trees. The fight to keep the elm a vital part of the city landscape for time to come continues to find success. The white pine was so prevalent 150 years ago in northern Minnesota that it covered most of that part of the state. The height and grandeur of these trees has provided shelter for animals; jobs for those in the logging industry and beyond; as well as food, medicine and many other uses for the native people. In the early 1800s sawmills began, making the white pine easier to cut and transport. The business of lumber gave rise to the cities of Stillwater, Winona, Hastings, Red Wing, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth. The over-deforestation led to 98 percent of the Minnesota white pine gone by 1990. Today, our state is working on restoring the forests that were once abundant. Though the number of white pine is smaller than when our state was founded, the role of those trees to our ecosystem is much better understood today. The continued effort by state and local officials, businesses and Native Americans ensures that the white pine will continue to be part of the landscape in Minnesota for many years to come. “Ten Plants That Changed Minnesota” gives the reader the opportunity to step back in time, understand the significant of the plants back then versus today. The authors’ research and depth of information provided in the book allows the reader to get a full grasp of the importance of these plants to the state. v
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The farmer and the watchman: closing the gate He was laid to rest on a But for farmers and their cold, snowy Iowa April day. fathers, that bond goes to The robins were confused the grave — along with the and tree branches were budanswers to questions that ding out as snow piles were forgotten to be asked, mocked their plans to leaf and all kinds of knowledge out. that would have been only a phone call away. He was 72, and had seen many a spring robin and Now, he just wonders TABLE TALK many an Iowa snow storm what Dad would have done in all the years he spent By Karen Schwaller or thought. He makes his farming and raising cattle. way into each new day, hopToday he was going home in ing he learned everything a box made of natural barn wood, a he could from his ‘old man.’ farm scene inside the lid and a toy Surrounded by family and friends who tractor worked into the casket spray. love him, there’s still a void that is so Photos depicted a lifetime of livestock, real that only a father — or a father’s soil, family and abounding love. A com- memory — can fill in the life of his munity of other farmers and their fam- farmer son. And he faces every farm ilies stood in long lines to pay tribute job with a memory. to one of their brothers in agriculture. Quarrels are whisked away and He had spent his lifetime doing what regrets may settle into younger bones, he loved — first with his father, then but there is no one who can replace with his son. Tomorrow his son would the love and advice of a father who put on his cap and work gloves like he spends his entire life working with his did every day of his life. But this time, son. It’s more than a life shared he would face the world for the first together. It’s a brotherhood; a friendtime without his father — carrying on ship that can be tested by fire at times the very work which came from his within differences of opinion; but fire father. refines steel, and steel forms the bond. And his life would never be the That father was buried in his same. Sunday best. My own father was buried in his blue jeans and blue denim It’s a common story. Few are those who ever got into farming without that work shirt that he wore every day of his life. He, like most all farmers, had work coming from the ones who gave life to them. The older generation came hands that would only get so clean, through their own tough times in agri- with grease and dirt that he fought off of them every day. But at the final culture. They passed on the “guts-ofharvest of their lives, farmers go back steel,” “work-hard-and-work-harder” philosophy to their farm children, mak- to the soil that is part of who they are. ing them tough enough to do the job When death comes for a farmer, the through all kinds of economic times. He gate of life closes here on earth. But knew they would need it to survive. the gates of the next world open wide. He taught with his life as Jesus Parents raise their children so the taught — using agriculture as a basis. children won’t need them anymore.
MN Grown directory available ST. PAUL — The 2018 Minnesota Grown Directory is now available. The directory features Minnesota agricultural products and services available from farmers and farmers markets. The new directory features peak season information for a variety of fruits and vegetables, storage tips, and preparation ideas, including recipes from local chefs. Minnesota Cooks — the educational outreach program of the Minnesota Farmers Union — has con-
tributed recipes from local chefs and restauranteurs that celebrate Minnesota’s unique agricultural offerings. For a free, printed copy of the Minnesota Grown Directory, visit the Minnesota Grown website www. minnesotagrown.com or call Explore Minnesota Tourism at 1-888-TOURISM. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.v
“The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. “ (John 10:3-4) When the gate of life closes behind a farmer, it is because he is following the voice of his Shepherd. That new gate opens wide, though it pierces the hearts of those left behind — standing at life’s gate, with tears and sadness as they say farewell. But the farmer knows he did all he could on earth,
and that there are wonderful things awaiting him in heaven’s pasture. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) Karen Schwaller brings “Table Talk” to The Land from her home near Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v
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THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
Spring means taking care of loose ends of winter By RENAE B. VANDER SCHAAF tude. We really need to — as we saw The Land Correspondent our first robins last Sunday on our way to church; which Whew, it is done! The theoretically means winter project of one spring has arrived. afghan is finished! And just in time, because If that wasn’t enough even though it snowed to raise the “let’s get it yesterday, the air has done” attitude, the swiftthe feel of spring in it. ness with which the snow is melting away. In It’s okay with me that the morning, snow is snow is in the forecast falling — covering the again, because while I landscapes with a beausaid the afghan was tiful pristine white blandone, it isn’t quite. I ket of snow. By the time have taken it off the the dinner dishes are knitting needles, so it done, drops of melting isn’t growing longer. But snow are falling from since the afghan the tree branches outswitched colors every side my kitchen window. four rows, there are The big white barn’s Photos by Renae B. Vander Schaaf many loose ends to take reflection shows in the care of before I can say it newly-formed springtime ponds is completely done. Yes, it is definitely time to take care Taking care of loose ends seems to of loose ends. I had better quit being be theme of my life now. Especially slower than molasses in January. with the calendar march-ing into Instead, I must spring forward as our April, it is time for me to shift gears clocks did. Who doesn’t agree with me from winter mode to a springy attithat the hours just seem to vanish?
At the end of the last calendar year, I had planted anemone bulbs in freezer bags that contained potting soil. They were placed in the freezer for six weeks. In no time at all, the suggested cold dormancy time had flown by. Finding the bags hidden in the freezer was the simple part. It was locating those little bulbs in the potting soil that made a five-minute task last 30 minutes. If I hadn’t placed the bulbs myself in the bags, I might have thought someone was playing a joke on me. Believe me, it was like looking for the teeniest safety pins in a bowl of rice while blindfolded. Eventually, enough of the bulbs were located to be planted in the dish that I had been saving for years just for this purpose. It was placed in a conspicuous corner of my kitchen. The tiny growing green blades of new life were going to be my cheerful reminder to take care of loose ends because spring was coming.
At this point, my “welcome to spring” glass bowl of dirt looks like, well, a glass bowl of dirt. So much for encouraging me on my head start on spring. There also went my pseudo Martha Stewart moment. I’m beginning to think of planting marigold seeds right over these bulbs that want to remain hidden in the dirt. Those sprouting seeds would shout out, “Hey you, be up and doing for spring is coming.” It might be a good idea to begin next winter’s afghan too. As I am aging, the winter months are definitely going faster. This afghan was begun in January of 2017. It took me more than twelve months to complete this simple project — not just the six months of this winter. Renae B. Vander Schaaf is a farmer’s wife and author living in northwest Iowa, where she enjoys gardening, history and rural life. Contact her at agripen@live.com. v
Calendar of Events Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar and enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com. May 15 — Integrated Pest Management in Vegetable and Fruit Production — Northfield, Minn. — University of Minnesota Extension hosts workshop for commercial growers on managing problem weeds and insect pests in vegetables and fruit fields — Contact Rice County Extension at (507) 332-6165 May 20 – Minnesota Riverboats — New Ulm, Minn. — Harkin Store, an 1870s general store, hosts Sunday events — Visit http://sites.mnhs.org/ historic-sites/harkin-store June 4 — Pipestone Lamb and Wool Facility Tour — Pipestone, Minn. — Tour visits lamb and wool operations with new and remodeled facilities to
reduce labor and run larger numbers — Contact Philip Berg at philip.berg@ mnwest.edu or (507) 825-6799 or visit www.pipestonesheep.com June 18-20 — Young Leaders in Agriculture Conference — Bloomington, Minn. — Minnesota Pork Board hosts conference for students 18-22 years old to gain perspectives on agriculture and food through speakers, workshops, networking and tours — Visit http://www.mnpork.com/porkyouth/youngleadersconference/ June 19-21 — Minnesota Agroforestry Institute — Lamberton, Minn. — Contact Gary Wyatt, UMN Extension at wyatt@umn.edu or (507) 3896748
THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
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PAGE 9
Douglas: Carbon dioxide levels raising havoc with weather By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Noted meteorologist and weather scientist Paul Douglas wasn’t offering much hope in reassuring farmers concerning the coming growing season. I Paul Douglas had an opportunity to speak with Douglas in early April. “There’s no way to relate with any specificity what the upcoming season will be like,” Douglas admitted. “If I could tell you that, I’d be sipping umbrella drinks on my own tropical island!” Douglas did say the science of weather is good enough to predict trends 90 days out; but beyond that it would mostly be a hand-waving argument. “But I am somewhat concerned the next couple of months. We have moderate drought in west central Minnesota and extreme in Kansas, parts of Oklahoma, the Dakotas. “However, the trend in recent years is historic rains in the upper Midwest. But the law of averages catches up with you occasionally and you have a dry patch occurring. So my hunch for now is our moderate drought continuing through May with moisture returning to normal levels in June and July. But as we come out of this la Niña cooling pattern in the Pacific, the bias is towards dryer weather.” Why are we seeing this increasing variability in weather? “The climate is changing,” said Douglas indicating bigger swings in both temperature and moisture are predictable for upper Midwest weather. Also these weather swings are always greater near the center of continents.
“And the fact that we are near the middle of North America and well away from the moderating influence of the oceans adds to our weather variability. “It’s like having a big hot water bottle right next to your body. It moderates the climate. That’s why there are palm trees growing in Van Cover which sits right next to the Pacific. As you get closer to big water, you don’t get the crazy weather extremes like here in middle America.” Douglas noted the Climate Extreme Index (CEI), which is the percentage of the U.S. in extreme flood or extreme drought, has increased in the past 40 years. “And the flip-flopping we are doing between flood and drought has a greater frequency than years back. Many are connecting the warming climate with these big extremes. And this uptake in extremes is something we’re noticing worldwide. Every country seems to be experiencing more extremes.” He indicated droughts are now a little deeper and longer. Floods are more severe. Intense storm damage on our eastern seaboard already this season are indicative of this increasing variability of our North American weather. Douglas said nationwide we’ve had 25 separate 500-year floods just since 2010. Minnesota has seen four separate 1000-year rains since 2010 — three in southern Minnesota and the big Duluth flood of 2012. “So obviously, something is going on with world weather,” Douglas said. “It’s a fact of life that water management is going to be a bigger deal going forward. How do we keep soil moisture where we want it? How do we retain moisture during the dry summers? And how do we keep topsoil from being washed
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away when we have these inevitable floods occurring with greater frequency?” How long will this increasing trend of warmer and drier weather, intermixed with increasing frequency of more violent storms, continue to happen? The weather scientist responded, “As long as carbon dioxide and methane levels worldwide continue to rise, our temperatures will continue to rise. That doesn’t mean we’re not going to have cold fronts — even bumping below zero. Nor does it mean we won’t have snow storms. God forbid, if Canada runs out of cold fronts, the planet is going to have much bigger problems. “But the warming will continue as long as CO2 levels continue to rise. There’s been a lot of talk, but not a lot of progress, in eliminating these CO2 emissions. I hear people chattering that if this trend continues, by 2100 our grandchildren will have climate similar to what you have in northern Missouri. Then the question is what happens to the corn belt and the soybean belt? The thought being crop pro-
duction will be shifting northward. But the reality is, Canadian soils don’t support the production intensity of our southern Minnesota ag belt.” Douglas concluded he’s still optimistic referring to the current weather cycle as both a threat and an opportunity for reinvention and for smarter agriculture with new solutions. “Doing the same thing as we were doing in the 1970s isn’t the answer.” Paul Douglas is a common name to Minnesotans everywhere. He has 35 years of television and radio experience; plus daily weather blogs in various newspapers. Like most weather people, he has a sense of humor concerning his profession. As we wrapped up this telephone interview he commented, “Years back I would say people come to Minnesota for our culture. They would stay because their car wouldn’t start. I’ve modernized. Today I say, Minnesota: Land of 10,000 weather atrocities.” More of Douglas’ weather insights can be found at www.pauldouglasweather. com. v
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THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
Introducing our 2018 From The Fields reporters By MARIE WOOD
They are also growing alfalfa because three new dairies are going in. They hope to begin planting the first week of May. Jamie became active in the farm five years ago. The couple have three girls ages 9 to 12. “If the girls were going to be interested in the farm I had to be too.” Jamie handles the bookwork for the farm and works part-time for Bois De Sioux Watershed District. She left her fulltime job so she could help during planting and harvesting. Last fall, she got the girls in the field to run a combine and fill a grain cart and truck. The girls also help with the family’s grape vines. For the past 15 years, the Beyers have sold grapes to a winery near Volga, S.D. When it comes to grapes, Jamie said, “They break your heart a new way every year.”
Jamie Beyer is vice president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. The Beyers participated in the American Soybean Association’s DuPont Young Leader Program, which led to leadership in Minnesota Soybean. They organized a soybean chapter in Traverse County, their home county. On April 12, the Beyers testified on the proposed buffer at the state capitol. Rodd Beyer went on a 2018 Minnesota Soybean trade mission to Chile and Columbia. “It was a great experience to see where our soybeans go after they leave our elevator,” Rodd said. Beyer expects a very busy year ahead. As a member of the state soybean board and county chapter, she believes growers will gain traction in fighting issues together. v
Karson Duncanson, Mapleton, Minn.
this year, but that’s just how the rotation worked out. As for soybeans, they are growing quite a few seed soybeans along with high oleic soybeans. Again they are chasing a buck in the premium market. Karson Duncanson and his brothKarson is looking forward to getting in the fields and er Kameron are KD2 Farms near planting. Usually by mid-April, there are some small Mapleton. They farm 2,500 acres of grains in the ground so this spring isn’t typical. corn and soybeans and operate cus“Luckily we are sized to the point that we can plant tom finishing facilities with 9,000 Karson everything in a hurry. Once we can go, we can go spaces for hogs. Duncanson really fast,” Karson said. “We made the switch to convenThe brothers grew up farming with their dad and tional corn for a cost-saving measure, as well as to capture the premium market price,” Karson said. “In mom, Karl and Jackie Duncanson, and their Uncle the environment we’re in today, every little bit helps.” Pat and Aunt Kristin Weeks Duncanson. The operation was known as Duncanson Growers. After their KD2 will be a little heavier on corn over soybeans
dad died in 2015, Karson and Kameron formed their own partnership in 2017. They still work closely with their aunt and uncle. A fourth generation farmer, Karson is 32 years old. Karson and his wife Amber are raising two young children, Halie and Keegan Karl. Proud of his family legacy in Blue Earth County, Karson is farming for the next generation. “The land is our natural resource to provide our living. If we’re not going to take care of it, it’s not going to take care of us,” Karson said. Karson is a member of the Maple River Schools Board and vice chairperson for Blue Earth County Corn and Soybean Growers. Amber serves on the Mapleton Parks and Recreation Board. v
Matt Haubrich, Danube, Minn.
“When the soil temperature is right we’re going to start going with corn,” he said. “We’re coming off of some record yields the last couple years. It has set this bar a little bit higher. We Despite the April snow, Matt know what we can do,” he said. “We just want to Haubrich is optimistic that planting maintain that as best as we can.” can go according to plan, but he’s Haubrich, a fifth generation farmer, farms with his projecting that everything will be parents Mike and Suzy, and brothers Greg and Dan going at once. on their century farm. The Haubrichs’ children, Jack, Matt Haubrich “We told everybody just be ready,” Levi and Sawyer, are the sixth generation. His wife Haubrich said. Kristie works at Nova-Tech Engineering in Willmar. Haubrich Family Farms grows spring wheat, peas, Haubrich is earning credits in the Farm Business corn, soybeans and alfalfa. They employ seasonal help. Management program out of Ridgewater College in The Haubrichs are hoping for a window to get some Willmar. He works with his instructor over the phone spring wheat in at the end of April. Next it’s peas.
and at the farm. “I’m a big advocate of continuous learning. It’s very beneficial,” he said. His binders are filled with detailed information on what will be incorporated into every field. His brother Dan, a certified crop adviser for Centrol Crop Consulting, helped out with the crop plan. They also raise lambs for meat, but they shear out of necessity. They have 400 animals in the yard. They lamb early in mid-January because prices slip late summer due to a large supply, he explained. “It’s like any other market, you try to capitalize on the highs.” Active in the community, Haubrich is a director for the Renville-Sibley Cooperative Power Association. v
Blair Hoseth, Mahnomen, Minn.
seed and equipment skid steer attachments. Blair and Debbie Hoseth have two grown daughters and a son. His son, Marty, is graduating from NDSU with a degree in agriculture this spring. Marty is part owner in the operation and will return this summer to farm fulltime. This year Hoseth became a director for the Minnesota Corn Growers Association board. He represents district 6 in northwestern Minnesota. Hoseth is focused on building new export markets and continuing the organization’s support of 4-H and FFA. v
Jamie Beyer, Wheaton, Minn.
The Beyers farm roughly 3,500 acres that they rent and own near Wheaton and across the border in South Dakota. Jamie Beyer, with her husband Rodd, grow wheat, corn, Jamie Beyer soybeans, sugarbeets and grapes. For the third year, Jamie might keep some bees again. “I’m trying them. We’ll see,” Jamie said. “I end up with the best honey you have ever had in your life, but it costs me $1,000 per year, and the bees have yet to make it through our brutal winters.”
Blair Hoseth has a diversified farm near Mahnomen. He grows corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa and runs a 150-head cow-calf operation. Spring calving went pretty well Blair Horseth this year. His cows will head out to pasture later in the spring.
He hopes to begin planting the first week of May. On April 11, the ground was still frozen. When it comes to the downturn in the farm economy, Hoseth looks at the big picture. “I think people are going to keep eating for the rest of their life so I think there’s going to be a fair demand for our product.” He holds an economics degree from North Dakota State University. For Hoseth, the key to successful farming is diversification. In addition to crops and cows, he also sells
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PAGE 11
Field conditions improving, but still too early to plant By KRISTIN KVENO, The Land Correspondent
Blair Horseth, Mahnomen, Minn., April 27
The planting season has begun on the Beyer farm. The Land spoke with Jamie Beyer on April 27 as the newest addition to the Beyer farm crop portfolio, alfalfa, was being planted that day. A neighbor was planting the crop for Beyer, and so far, no problems getting the crop in the ground.
Time is ticking on the Hoseth farm. Blair Hoseth knows that “we’re kind of right there for optimal yield.” Unfortunately the fields are not ready for any planting action. The Land spoke with Hoseth on April 27 as he was in the midst of spreading manure on his fields. While planting may not be happening right now, with livestock there’s “more than enough work to do,” Hoseth said.
Blair Horseth
There are some changes in crop selection this year as Hoseth is putting in more wheat, “in part because of the ragweed resistance.” He’s also using dicamba soybeans “because of the resistance to ragweed in the area.”
Compared to last year’s planting start date, “we’re about two weeks behind.” Hoseth believes that yields totals will begin to go down if the crops are not beginning to be planted around the 1st of May. Unfortunately, the weather may further hinder planting as rain is forecasted for next Monday and Tuesday, with Hoseth predicting that “we could be out for possibly an additional week.” The bright side on the weather front is that warmer temperatures this weekend in the area will continue to heat up the soil. It’s all up to Mother Nature as to when the tractors will begin to hit the fields but when it’s time Hoseth will be ready to get that crop in the ground.
Jamie Beyer
FROM THE
soybean varieties.
Overall, this spring hasn’t been kind to farmers in the area as Beyer explains that “we’re a month behind from where we’re usually.” The ground may not be ready for widespread planting but with 80 degree temperatures forecasted for Sunday and windy conditions today, “it will dry out here pretty fast,” Beyer said. With the fields not quite ready for planting, Beyer has turned her attention to the grapevines. She’s currently working on pruning as well as cutting out all the new growth from last year. Her daughters help with all the grapevine work along with some of their friends. For Beyer her time in the vineyard is a way “to get out in the field when you can’t get out in the field.” This is just a warmup for Beyer as full fledge planting will likely get started at the end of next week. Grapevines needing pruning, alfalfa seed in the ground and the rest of crops just a week away from getting planted, spring has arrived on the Beyer farm.
FIELDS
Matt Haubrich, Danube, Minn., April 27
The machinery is “pretty much ready to go.” Though Haubrich knows that there’s always a little tweaking and adjusting that needs to happen. As for the seed, “we have some seed to pick up yet.” This year Haubrich is changing a few up seed options with planting corn with different maturity dates as well as using some new
“May 1st last year we had snow on the ground,” Haubrich said. However, “we had a quarter section of corn in” that was planted just 36 hours before the snow fell. That white stuff caused a delay in planting for five or six days according to Haubrich. He also had new crop alfalfa and wheat planted by the first half of April. This year none of that has happened yet. The forecast calls for rain next week with a welcome “warm front coming through the first part of the week,” Haubrich said. Haubrich believes that when field conditions are right “everything is going to be ready to go at once.” When that time hits, Haubrich has come to know that “somehow, some way, we get it done.”
Karson Duncanson, Mapleton, Minn., April 27
Karson Duncanson is “finalizing machinery prep” and ready to get rolling in the field as soon as conditions are right. The Land spoke with Duncanson on April 27 as he was still getting seed delivered and equipment all set to go. This time of year, waiting can be the tough part as the fields are “still wet and cold” though Duncanson believes that they are “improving dramatically.” The rain in the forecast for this weekend doesn’t help dry out the field. However, it does help pull the frost out of the ground.
“Working ground on Monday.” That’s Matt Haubrich’s starting date goal for this planting season. The Land spoke to Haubrich on April 27 as he was hopeful that he was just days away from getting in the field. As for the current field conditions, “we’re still experiencing wet spots.” He’s knows that he’s not alone in that as “there’s no one working any ground in our area.”
Matt Haubrich
Jamie Beyer, Wheaton, Minn., April 27
Last year Duncanson “planted a little bit April 24-25” then rain and a week of cold weather halted planting until early May. Once back in the field he “got all the corn in, in four days.” Duncanson knows that once the field conditions are right it will be time to hit the fields hard and get that seed planted.
Karson Duncanson
The forecast calls for warmer temperatures, though Duncanson believes for all the forecast watching, “the good Lord will decide when we start.” He admits however that it can be “hard to sit back and wait.” Asked if he’s feeling optimistic heading into planting this year Duncanson explains that “if I wasn’t optimistic I wouldn’t be doing it.” With the fields not ready for planting this weekend, Duncanson is looking forward to “spending time with the family before it gets really busy.” Now that sounds like a weekend well spent.
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THE LAND — APRIL 20/APRIL 27, 2018
Community support fuels ag education center By PAUL MALCHOW serve a number of purposes as the need The Land Managing Editor arises. The school also has a one-acre garden which eventually will provide ALEXANDRIA, Minn. — The adage, produce for the lunch program. “If you build it, they will come,” has proven to ring true for the Alexandria These spaces are used all day, every school district. As part of a 2012 buildday to support 17 elective options. ing referendum, Alexandria has conAlexandria incorporates what it calls structed an agriculture education cenits EMTNR (Engineering, ter which is already exceeding expectaManufacturing Technologies and tions. This school year, curriculum Natural Resources) Academy. Students offerings at the center will impact 495 stay with the same block of teachers students. Photos by Paul Malchow throughout their high school career. “We received overwhelming support Alexandria Area High School’s ag education center is a separate facility located on Math, science and business curriculums are designed to integrate with for the building referendum,” said the high school campus. Alexandria Public Schools with input from local ag businesses, cept was split into two separate sec- each other. “We know farming encomSuperintendent Julie Critz. “In addi- developed the plans for the ag educa- tions allowing for different growing passes economics, history and literacy tion to the referendum funds we tion center which opened in the spring environments. The center has two with the need to write well,” said Critz. received $6 million in private dona- of 2016. The original greenhouse con- classrooms and a third area which can “The ag education center supports tions from the public.” the district’s goal of project-based learning by providing hands-on, Public and business input, coupled inquiry-focused learning activities,” with strong student interest, led to Critz went on to say. “Project-based discussions of building a greenhouse learning is more authentic for stufor student use. As construction of the dents because they actually get to new high school building was coming practice it and try it out — not just in under budget, the school board hear about it. They get to actually began entertaining ideas of something more. See ALEXANDRIA, pg. 13 Connor Lasota Anna Brede Samantha Jeff Pokorney Andrew Steiner Community conversations, along Karger
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PAGE 13
Hands-on activities are core of the ag education curriculum ALEXANDRIA, from pg. 12 plant the seeds, watch how a plant grows, evaluate how much sunlight or shade it might need, and determine the amount of proper fertilizer and/or pest control to help the plants thrive. It’s more real-life application and it helps students gather a deeper level of knowledge.” “I love the greenhouse and the handson work,” said senior Connor Lasota. “I’m really interested in plant breeding and this is a great place to start.” After graduation, Lasota plans to attend Southwest State University. “They have similar facilities, so it should be a good transition.” Anna Brede is a junior and enjoys the teamwork with other students while working on projects. Her father and grandfather farm in the area and she hopes animals can someday be a part of the ag center curriculum. “An area for animals, a small barn, that would be real cool,” she said. “I like all of the hands-on activities and being outside.” Junior Samantha Karger does not
Instructor Andrew Steiner (center) gives his students the finer points of plant health inside the education center’s greenhouse. have a farm background and hadn’t thought much about a career in agriculture. The ag education center may have changed that. “There were classes available (at the center) so I signed up,” Karger admitted. “I fell in love with it. They are my favorite classes.”
weeks long and average about 28 students. “Teaching has changed a lot since when I was in school and we had Ag I and Ag II and that was about it,” said Pokorney. “Now we have more handson classroom work. I say when their hands are moving their minds are active. (The students) are happy doing projects. On this particular day, Pokorney was teaching common nutritional disorders of animals. His class was divided into small groups and each group focused on a particular animal: chickens, cattle, goats, horses, sheep and swine. He had students examine different seeds and develop balanced rations for animal feed. Students had the remainder of the week to develop a presentation on their particular animal to share with classmates. Pokorney admitted he sees a wide range of agriculture abilities walk into his classroom. Some students grew up on farms, while others struggle to tell a
Instructors Jeff Pokorney and Andrew Steiner said forestry and wildlife studies are two of the more popular offerings at the ag center. Other classes offered include animal health, plant breeding, agriculture, horticulture, and food and natural resources. Classes 18 See ALEXANDRIA, pg. 14
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THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
Students share their level of expertise with classmates ALEXANDRIA, from pg. 13
The ag center also benefits from input from Douglas Scientific — a local laborasoybean from a kernel of corn. “The kids tory equipment company, the local Cenex are really great at helping each other cooperative, and a retired plant geneticist out,” he said. “And that really enhances who moved to the area. “These community the learning experience on both ends. The partners are giving input to the kinds of more experienced kids like to share what things we should be doing that will bring they know. And the ones that are just real-world expertise and application to learning seem more receptive to other our curriculum and student experiences,” students than from listening to me.” said Superintendent Critz. Steiner’s plant breeding class is in full Pokorney has been with the district for EMTNR Academy mode — preparing for eight years. Steiner is in his third year. In the school’s annual plant sale. The greenaddition to fine-tuning curriculum for a houses are full of wares and students new ag education center, the two teachers take on the role of nursery employees — are taking on a booming FFA program. watering and caring for plants. The sale “When I came here there were five stuhas a marketing division where students dents in FFA,” said Pokorney. “Now we are use language skills to promote the sale. A at 28 and I only see that going up. It makes production division sorts and prepares a difference having two instructors.” plants for sale. A customer service divi“This is really a great learning experision prepares information sheets on the ence for the kids,” said Critz. “Agriculture plants and their care. And the financial needs to feed a growing world population division is in charge of pricing the plants while facing a shortage of qualified workand tracking expenses of the sale. ers. There are hundreds of different job Both teachers admit developing curricHaving the greenhouse divided into two sections allows for separate climate opportunities in fields beyond farming. We ulum for the ag center is an evolving environments and experiments like this one involving pollination. need to attract students from beyond the process and they are thankful for assistraditional farm background to meet that tance they receive from fellow professioners,” Steiner admitted. “We’re able to take some field shortage. Expanding the program has allowed us to als. “We beg, borrow and steal from other ag teach- trips and the local vet clinic comes in to talk about attract non-traditional ag students and expose them animals. We receive lots of community support.” to these career opportunities.” v
Livestock Indemnity Program Agricultural producers who have lost livestock to disease, resulting from a weather disaster, have an additional way to become eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster assistance program. This change authorizes local FSA county committees to accept veterinarian certifications that livestock deaths were directly related to adverse weather and unpreventable through good animal husbandry and
management. LIP provides benefits for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather, disease or by attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government. This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. v
THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 15
Cool spring challenges cover crop termination Green cover crop fields are slowly starting to appear across the state. Despite the recent snow that fell across the state, planting is right around the corner. Farmers should have a game plan in place to terminate their overwintering cover crop. Killing cover crops with a herbicide is the most common termination method. However, the effectiveness of herbicides at terminating a cover crop depends primarily on the cover crop species and growth stage, the herbicide and rate used, and the environment. Cool temperatures may make terminating cover crops this spring more challenging. Using glyphosate alone is the safest bet to getting the cover crop killed in a timely and effective manner. It is recommended to use a one-pound acid equivalent rate of glyphosate. This could be anywhere from 28 to 42 fluid ounces — depending on your formulation of choice.
The concentration of a formulation is listed below the ingredient statement on the first page of the label. Be sure to check your product of choice to determine the appropriate application rate. Since glyphosate is a trans-located herbicide, the most effective herbicide applications will be made on a sunny day when temperatures are above 60 F, plants are actively growing, and nighttime temperatures stay above 40 F. Cool spring temperatures mean cover crop plants aren’t actively growing. Vegetative growth in rye requires temperatures of at least 38 F. Soil temperatures are still cool and may slow growth. Consequently, the plants may have trouble taking up herbicides and termination may be compromised. Leaving a small check strip is a simple and easy way to see if the cover crop is dying following termination. Iowa State University researchers generally recom-
mend terminating the cover crop with herbicide 10-14 days prior to planting corn to protect yield. However, that time frame is less critical for soybeans. Check with your crop insurance agent for any specific cover crop requirements they may have prior to planting corn or soybeans. Waiting to terminate until after your crop is planted (especially in non-GMO crops) can be very risky. Options become more limited and the cover crop can quickly become an uncontrollable weed. Always look at the herbicide labels for directions and any restrictions for the subsequent crop. A quick and easy place to look up herbicide labels is www. cdms.net or www.greenbook.net. This article was submitted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. v
Planning is important for growing a successful garden ST. CLOUD, Minn. — It may look like spring has finally arrived, and for those of you itching to get started, take the time to plan your vegetable garden. A critical component to be successful is knowing your plant families for crop rotation. This will also help you avoid continuous disease or virus issues, and maintain soil fertility in your gardens. Many diseases and pests will impact multiple crops in the same family. It is also critical to know the ornamental and weeds in the same family as the vegetable and fruit crops, for they can harbor the same problems. Here is a breakdown of many popular garden crop families followed by a list of some of the ornamentals and weeds in the same family: Brassicaceae: Crop: horseradish, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussel sprouts, turnips, radish, rutabaga, and bok-choi. Ornamentals: alyssum, stock, candytuft. Weeds: shepherd’s-purse, field pennycress. Chenopodiaceae: Crop: beet, Swiss chard, spinach. Weeds: lamb’s quarters Cucurbitacea: Crop: cucumbers, melons, squash, pumpkins, and gourds. Ornamental or Weed: None noted. Fabaceae: Crop: beans, and peas. Weeds: vetches, clovers, black medic. Poaceae: Crop: corn. Ornamental: ornamental grasses. Weeds: brome, wild oats, crabgrass, orchardgrass, quackgrass, foxtail. Liliaceae: Crop: asparagus, onions, leeks, chives, garlic, and shallot. Ornamentals: tulip, daffodil, hosta, hyacinth, daylily. Weeds: wild garlic and onions. Polygonaceae: Crop: rhubarb. Weeds: knotweed, smartweed. Rosaceae: Crop: apples, apricots, cherries, pears, plums, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries. Weeds: roses. Solanaceae: Crop: peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and
eggplant. Ornamentals: petunia. Weeds: nightshade. There are particular plant families that should not be planted in succession to other plant families. For example the Solanaceae plants should not be planted after Rosacea plants have been in that space and vice-versa due to verticillium wilt which impacts both families.
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Another important reason to know your plant families and perform crop rotation is because certain families tend to be heavy feeders like the Solanaceae and Liliaceae families; while the Fabaceae family can actually add nitrogen to the soil. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
PAGE 16
MILKER’S MESSAGE
THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
U.S. cheese finding international market is strong This column was written for the marketing week ending April 27. WE BUILD OUR STALLS RIGHT! U.S. milk output appears to be slowTake a look at ing, but still topped a year ago for the our tubing with 51st consecutive month, hitting a bullunequaled corrosion ish 17.8 billion pounds in the top 23 News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers protection! states. That’s up just 1.5 percent from March 2017, according to preliminary Freudenthal Tubing but 23,000 above a year ago. Output per pounds. Stocks are just 1.1 million pounds orhas 0.4been data in the U.S. Department of MIELKE MARKET engineered for your specific cow averaged 2,019 pounds, up 22 pounds percent above March 2017, but that is thewhere fourth Agriculture’s latest Milk Production WEEKLY requirements strength from a year ago. month in a row that stocks are above those a year report. The 50-state total, at 18.99 biland corrosion resistance are Auto Release Head Locks Panel CORROSION By Lee Mielke lion pounds, was up 1.3 percent. critical design factors. Minnesota was down 1.1 percent, on 5,000 ago. PROTECTION Revisions lowered the February estifewer cows; but output per cow was American cheese hit 769.3 million pounds, up 6.5 mate 12 million pounds to 15.9 billion pounds, up unchanged. million pounds or 0.9 percent from February, CS-60 Comfort Tie Stallbut 3.4 1.8 percent. million or just under 1 percent below a year ago. n That’s the first time they were below theThe prior year First quarter 50-state milk output hit 54.4 billion Toughest Dairy product inventories continued to grow in since April 2015. pounds, up 1.5 percent from a year ago, with the Stalls March, but were close to expectations or a bit below. average number of milk cows at 9.41 million head, The “other” cheese category grew to 529.2 million on the The USDA’s latest Cold Storage report pegs March up 9,000 from the October to December period and pounds, up 2.2 million pounds or 0.4 percent from • Provides superior lunge area butter stocks at 273.6 million pounds. This is up 7.8 market, 38,000 more than first quarter 2017. February but 65.8 million or 14.2 percent above a strongerfrom than ourFebruary, but million pounds or 2.9• Much percent guaranteed March cow numbers in the 50 states totaled 9.4 beam systems revisions reduced the competitors’ February total 11.2 million not to bend See MIELKE, pg. 17 million head — virtually unchanged from February, • No Stall mounts in the • Entire panel made of H.D. 10 gauge tubing concrete or sand are hot dippedWI galvanized after W. 6322 Cty. O,• Panels Medford, 54451 • Fully adjustable welding inside and out (715) 748-4132 • 1-800-688-0104 • Stall system stays high and Heaviest, • 6’, 8’, 10’, 12’ lengths dry, resulting in longer life www.freudenthalmfg.com Strongest, REMODELING, EXPANSION OR REPLACEMENT • 12’ panel weight 275 lbs. • Installation labor savings Custom Buy Direct From Manufacturer and SAVE! We Can Handle All Your Barn Steel Needs • Head-to-head and single row Cattle Diagonal Feed Thru Panel options available Auto Release Head Locks Panel Gates • Compare the weight of this on the system, heaviest available Elevated Dual Market on the market today
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THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
MILKER’S MESSAGE
PAGE 17
Cheese production is lagging behind 2017 figures MIELKE, from pg. 16 year ago. The February total was revised up 3.6 million pounds. The total cheese inventory stood at 1.33 billion pounds, up 10 million pounds or 0.75 percent from February and 65.4 million or 5.2 percent above a year ago. Cash block cheddar closed the last Friday of April at $1.62 per pound. This was up 1.75 cents on the week, 14 cents above a year ago, and 9 cents higher than it was on April 2. The barrels finished at $1.4875, down 1.25 cents on the week, 7 cents above a year ago, up 4.25 cents on the month, but 13.25 cents below the blocks. Six cars of block were sold on the week at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and 45 of barrel. n
The cheese market tone remains uncertain, according to Dairy Market News. Cheese demand is generally unchanged and sales are reported as fair to slightly up week-over-week. With Midwestern weather warming and spring snowstorms recent history, cheesemakers are expecting sales to “move northerly as grilling season is getting its late launch.” But, spot milk prices remain discounted, ranging from $2 to $4 under Class III. Western cheese makers report there is plenty of milk flowing through cheese vats. General interest from international buyers, looking for favorable price spreads, has aided movement of U.S. cheese into international markets. FC Stone notes that USDA revised 2016 and 2017 dairy product production, raising 2017 cheddar production
by 156 million pounds. “That means cheddar/American cheese domestic sales were very strong last year with American up 5.9 percent, which is the strongest growth in 17 years (since 1999). “It was looking like American sales were very strong in January/February this year, but with these upward revisions to last year’s production and sales, American disappearance in January was down 0.4 percent from last year while February was only up 1.9 percent,” FC Stone says. n
Cash butter climbed to $2.38 per pound on April 26, but saw an April 27 close at $2.36. This is 4.5 cents higher than the previous week and 25.5 cents above a year ago, with a whopping 87 carloads exchanging hands on the week. “World markets are cause for conversation amongst butter producers and analysts in the central U.S.,” says Dairy Market News. “One reason is a top butter exporting country, New Zealand, has experienced milk output declines due to dry weather. Another See MIELKE, pg. 18
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PAGE 18
MILKER’S MESSAGE
THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
High international prices are boosting U.S. dry milk exports MIELKE, from pg. 16 talking point is that milkfat shortages continue worldwide. There is some uncertainty as to how, or if, U.S. producers will attempt to fill that breach.” Cold storage figures are another sign of strength, according to contacts. “Undoubtedly, market bulls are aware of the news as CME prices have topped $2.30 since the middle of last week,” says Dairy Market News. Cream is widely available In the west and churns are actively running. But ice cream manufacturers are starting to take a little more cream, though
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cream supplies are “lavish,” says Dairy Market News. Inventories of butter are building but remain manageable and butter interest has picked up a little in the west. Demand from the international market has also increased due to favorable U.S. prices. n Spot Grade A nonfat dry milk continued the previous week’s rally, skyrocketing to the highest price since September 2017; 84.25 cents per pound, 3.75 cents higher on the week, just 2.5 cents below a year ago, but 15.25 cents higher on the month, with 67 carloads sold on the week. Dairy Market News says, “The change in the prices of nonfat dry milk is astonishing to many industry players,” as supplies are “overflowing and production is very active. Others explain the upsurge in prices by the fact that higher international prices are boosting U.S. export demand.” Spot dry whey closed April 27 at 31 cents per pound, down a half-cent, with nothing traded on the week at the CME. Product keeps moving offshore through Cooperatives Working Together which accepted 12 requests for export assistance this week from member cooperatives to sell 881,849 pounds of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and 2.547 million pounds of butter to customers in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. n So, lights are appearing at the end of dairy’s dark tunnel. The April 17 Global Dairy Trade auction
was up 2.7 percent and February dairy exports and domestic commercial disappearance was encouraging. FC Stone dairy broker, Dave Kurzawski, stated in the April 23 Dairy Radio Now broadcast, “It’s all about demand. That’s what’s going on.” But Kurzawski cautioned against focusing on supply because “we’re starting to get some really good data on the demand side of the equation.” April data was also looking good, Kurzawski said, though he admitted there still are some “dark clouds,” with respect to the talk of trade wars and ending North American Free Trade Agreement. He mentioned the mid-year election in Mexico where a populist candidate is leading in the polls, and said “that could be a problem for NAFTA. “If you look at the back half of 2017, if you strip out Chinese demand from overall world dairy demand, demand was down 2.7 percent,” Kurzawski said. “Chinese demand really pushed that into positive territory. “They have been a big buyer but, with the strong (global) economic growth we’ve seen, we can’t expect to see demand be as poor as it was in the second half of last year. I think that’s going to keep our prices buoyant and probably mean some better money coming back to the producers,” he concluded. n Wisconsin-based American Dairy Coalition reports that Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Sheila Harsdorf met with dairy producers in Northeastern See MIELKE, pg. 19
Spring pasture preparation tips ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Spring is finally arriving and now is the time for dairy farmers who graze their livestock to start thinking about pastures. Here are some of my top tips: First, take some time to consider past grazing seasons. What has worked? What hasn’t? How has the weather affected your grazing? Are there paddocks that have needed extra attention? Were there any goals you made at the end of last season for this season? Was there something new you wanted to try? Thinking about the past can help you plan for the future, and ensure good productivity in the coming grazing season. Second, make some repairs. Take the time to walk the fence line of your pastures. Make note of weak or broken areas and what you will need to strengthen or repair them. Gather the supplies you need and repair the spots you noted. Also, if you use an electric fence, make sure it is working properly to avoid any unnecessary risks. Do a final walk of the fence line to make sure you didn’t miss anything. Good fences not only make good neighbors, but they also make good pasture managers by keeping cows in and large wildlife out.
Third, clean up. Walk the pastures in search of anything that shouldn’t be there. Trash, debris, rocks and fallen tree limbs should all be cleaned up to prevent any hazards to the cows. Fourth, work on establishment of new seedings. You may have seeded down some pastures last fall or are doing some early frost seeding. Check those seedings to assess their progress, and to see if the fall seedings have fared well through the winter. Remember that new seedings cannot take the same stress as older stands. As you get into the grazing season, work the new stands in gradually and monitor them for progress and make adjustments as necessary. Taking good care of the new stands now ensure they will be high producing stands in future seasons. Fifth, think water. If you have water lines in your paddocks, check them for damage and make any needed repairs. Think about moving tanks which are in an area that gets muddy easily. Try to prevent animals from standing in mud as much as possible. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
MILKER’S MESSAGE
PAGE 19
European exports to Mexico cutting U.S. sales MIELKE, from pg. 18
us from making and marketing Parmesan and other cheeses that have their roots in Europe.” Dryer said Wisconsin this week to “see firsthand the horrible we’ve successfully negated the threat in some other devastation caused to dairy operations from a wintrade negotiations but this issue may have to go to ter storm like nothing the region has seen in more the World Trade Organization to get resolved. than 100 years. But the bigger issue in this EU-Mexico trade “While Wisconsin producers embark upon the agreement, according to Dryer, is the fact that the lengthy process of assessing damages and rebuildEuropeans have gained the right to ship 50,000 ing,” the ADC stated, “Wisconsin Governor Scott metric tons of nonfat dry milk into Mexico in direct Walker and his administration are collecting data to competition with the U.S. That’s equal to about 20 determine what state and federal response options percent of the NFDM we annually export to Mexico, are available to assist Wisconsin’s livestock farmers.” he said, “So we could see a 20 percent whack in our n ability to ship powder to Mexico.” Currently, U.S. powder exports to Mexico represent about a third of In the week’s dairy politics, the National Milk Producers Federation, the U.S. Dairy Export Council U.S. NFDM production. and the Consortium for Common Food Names When asked how the EU can compete with the charged in a joint press release, “Mexico appears U.S. due to our proximity, Dryer answered, “The poised to enact new restrictions on the use of comEuropeans will sell nonfat dry milk powder at whatmon cheese names such as ‘parmesan,’ ‘munster’ ever price it takes to get it off their books,” adding and ‘feta’ for products sold in Mexico. This developthat they have almost a billion pounds of surplus in ment runs counter to existing trade agreements storage right now. with the United States, according to preliminary Dryer emphasized the importance of “solidifying reports on the European Union-Mexico free trade our relationships with our Mexican customers in a agreement. major way and hope that the White House doesn’t “Full details of the agreement have not yet been offend them yet again over some other crazy issue.” released, but early information indicates Mexico n will force cheese marketers from Mexico and the Speaking of the importance of names, U.S. Food United States to phase out the use of some generic and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott names, yielding to the EU’s desire to monopolize Gottlieb told a Senate panel on April 24 that federal those cheese markets.” Editor and analyst of the Dairy and Food Market standards define milk as a product sourced from Analyst newsletter, Jerry Dryer, called the situation animals. He said his agency would be “taking a very serious in the April 30 Dairy Radio Now broadcast, close and fresh look” at imitation, plant-derived and said, “It’s an attempt by the Europeans to block foods labeled with dairy-specific terms.
Check regulations before moving animals ST. PAUL — Spring and summer exhibitions, such as county fairs, are right around the corner. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health reminds livestock owners to review animal health and movement regulations before hitting the road. Moving livestock can be a burdensome process, which can go much smoother when everyone prepares ahead of time. Regulations, official identification and health documentation (for animals moving between states), are in place to protect the health of the animals and the livelihood of livestock businesses and enthusiasts. Before getting ready to move your animal, make sure it’s healthy by scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian. If you’re moving your animal interstate, or out of Minnesota, you must have your veterinarian examine the animal and write you a certificate of veterinary inspection. This document helps animal health officials track animal movements and trace disease if those animals become ill. Another important step is making sure the animals are officially identified. Acceptable forms of official identification varies by species. You can find a handy breakdown of the different accepted official IDs at www.bah.state.mn.us.
If you’re moving animals for a livestock sale or exhibition, you should know the expectations of the event. The Board of Health has a resource with species specific guidelines and requirements. When it comes to actually moving the animals, make sure you are hauling them safely. Use the correct equipment and double check that everything is in working order. Plan for delays and prepare for the unexpected. Have food and water ready for the animals in the event you have a mechanical breakdown. Once you reach your destination, you should conduct a quick check to make sure the animals appear healthy and uninjured. Lastly, when returning home, or introducing new animals into your herd, follow proper biosecurity precautions. Keep the returning, or new animals separate from your herd for up to one month and look for any clinical signs of diseases they could’ve potentially contracted while away from your farm. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. v
In response to questions from Democtrat Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Dr. Gottlieb also admitted that the agency has “exercised enforcement discretion” in not holding food marketers to that standard, as a variety of plant-based foods using dairy-specific terms have proliferated in the marketplace in the past two decades. NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern said that the Food and Drug Administration “must stop turning a blind eye toward violations of food labeling laws. It needs to use more enforcement, and less discretion, as dozens of brands flagrantly violate government requirements.” Lastly, NMPF, USDEC, and the International Dairy Foods Association this week commended a bipartisan effort of 68 members of Congress who “encouraged the U.S. Trade Representative to eliminate Canada’s tariffs on U.S. dairy exports and its protectionist pricing policies during the North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations. “The bipartisan coalition of members of Congress, representing states on both coasts and in the Midwest, sent a letter to Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, urging him to demand an end to Canada’s trade-distorting Class 7 pricing program, as well as its dairy tariffs, which have created an unfair playing field and essentially eliminated U.S. exports of certain dairy products,” the press release stated. Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist who resides in Everson, Wash. His weekly column is featured in newspapers across the country and he may be reached at lkmielke@juno.com. v
PAGE 20
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
Accessible gardens make it possible to continue hobby By RICHARD SIEMERS The Land Correspondent PIPESTONE, Minn. — Gardening is a physical activity. Much of it is done on hands and knees. Eventually, one’s physical ability limits that activity. If you’re in a wheelchair, it is not possible at all. But the enjoyment of growing vegetables and flowers doesn’t fade with one’s physical ability to do so. The solution? When you Good Samaritan Activities can’t get down to the gar- Director Bev Veltkamp den, bring the garden up already has tomato, marito the gardener. In other gold and zinnia seedlings words, make the garden started for this year’s garaccessible. Nursing homes den. have found benefit in doing just that. “If they’ve gardened in the past, they enjoy continuing that,” said Bev Veltkamp, activities director at Good Samaritan Society in Pipestone. “That’s what activities are all about — continuing their Alex Dysthe past experiences.” Alex Dysthe, administrator at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills, echoed that view. “I think anytime you can get residents out and doing what they used to do and enjoy, it’s good. Gardening is one of those things.”
To be accessible for nursing home residents, the gardens not only need to be raised, but also must accommodate wheel chairs. Veltkamp describes them as looking like “feed bunks.” More than a decade ago, Veltkamp (who retires in May after 31 years at Good Samaritan) attended a conference where a company had a display for raised gardens. She described it as “an expensive set-up that you could buy.” She liked the idea, but knew there was no budget for that. Back in Pipestone, she found a volunteer who was willing to build the gardens. Good Samaritan supplied the materials. When the original gardens wore out, they bought replacements through the local lumber yard. The gardens are divided into individual plots. The gardens are built so wheelchair occupants can wheel Photos by Richard Siemers right under them. Depending on the participants’ abilities, the This three-plot garden bed at Boulder Estates is one of four available to the staff sometimes helps with the residents. The raised bed allows gardeners who use walkers to dig in the planting and watering with resi- soil without bending over. dents doing as much work as they are capable of. “The main thing they have grown in the past is tomatoes,” Veltkamp said. “Everybody loves those fresh tomatoes.” The residents can keep whatever they grow. Space available depends on how many residents choose to participate. One year there weren’t many growers. “That year we had a past farmer whose family provided a lot of plants for him, so he pretty much took over a whole raised garden,” she said. “We had one year that a guy filled his little area up with flowers. It was gorgeous.” It may say “April” on the calendar, but this raised bed at Tuff Memorial Home had a ways to go before it was planted.
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Dysthe is looking forward to the completion of a courtyard at Tuff Memorial Home this spring. What is now lawn will have a walking path, a fountain, a pergola and the raised gardens. “We have three gardens and the residents enjoy them,” he said, “but we didn’t have easy access on the lawn. That’s why we are doing the project.” In the courtyard, there will be concrete all the way around the gardens. With that easier access, the residents will be able to do more of the gardening. See ACCESSIBLE, pg. 21
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Gardeners watch each other’s plots on the buddy system ACCESSIBLE, from pg. 20 Dysthe has been administrator for two years. There was one raised garden when he arrived. Since then, the FFA at Hills-Beaver Creek High School reached out to the nursing home, looking for a project. Tuff Memorial provided materials and the FFA built two more gardens. Dysthe said the home’s activity director, who left to pursue a management role, really pushed for the gardens. “It’s really because of her that we have those gardening bunks,” Dysthe said. So far, the gardens at Tuff Memorial have been flowers. “I think the plan is to do vegetables and be able to serve them, not with the regular meal, but like a taste-testing,” he said. One’s ability to get down and back up easily diminishes long before one is ready to take up residence in a nursing facility. Boulder Estates Congregate and Assisted Living in Marshall includes gardening among the activities offered their tenants. Michelle Murphy works in the area of tenant services. People who move into Boulder Estates are surveyed for their individual interests. “Some gardeners are ready to hang up their tools and don’t want to garden anymore,” Murphy said. Michelle Murphy
The garden on the left at Pipestone Good Samaritan allows gardeners with wheelchairs access to their plants. The bed on the right is for those able to stand and work.
For those whose gardening instinct still seeks an outlet, Boulder Estates provides four raised gardens. Two longer ones are divided into six beds each, and the smaller ones are divided into thirds — providing 18 beds. Each of the four gardens has its own water source with a hose. Many of the gardeners use walkers, so the raised beds allow them to continue their passion. She said they work on a buddy system. If someone goes on vacation or a health issue arises, they look after each other’s plots, just as good neighbors have always done.
Input sought on groundwater rule ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture published a proposed Groundwater Protection Rule in the State Register on April 30. An 80-day public comment period on the rule will follow. The goal of the Groundwater Protection Rule is to work with local farmers to reduce elevated nitrate levels in groundwater and ensure Minnesota residents have clean, safe, and reliable drinking water supplies. The proposed rule, which is based on the input of the farmers and landowners who the rule would apply to, would regulate the use of nitrogen fertilizer in areas of the state where soils are prone to leaching and where drinking water supplies are threatened. “When I traveled the state last summer to hear farmers’ concerns, I promised the Groundwater Protection Rule would have a healthy dose of common sense. I think we have achieved that,” said Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson. “I encourage anyone with interest in the rule to provide their feedback through the rulemaking process.” Public comments on the Groundwater Protection Rule can be made on the Office of Administrative Hearings website at www.mn.gov/oah. Throughout the months of May and June, the Department of Agriculture will hold information sessions on the proposed Groundwater Protection Rule
and how to participate in the rulemaking process. (Attendance at an information session does not count as providing input on the proposed rule. All input must be submitted to the Office of Administrative Hearings). This fall the Office of Administrative Hearings will review comments and draft a report approving, approving in part, or disapproving the proposed rule. The Department of Agriculture expects to submit the final Groundwater Protection Rule to the governor for signature in December. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v
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After the fashion of typical gardeners, when their vegetables produce more than they can use, there is a table where they put the surplus and any Boulder Estates tenant is free to take what they want. When all 18 beds are not reserved by residents, the kitchen staff will plant vegetables and herbs to use in the dining room. But that is only occasionally. “The gardens have been very popular,” Murphy said. “Some years we have a waiting list.” Boulder Estates does have a Memorial Garden, which is a typical “in the ground” garden, where tenants can plant flowers and decorative plants in honor of someone. But eventually that kind of gardening becomes difficult. Whether folks are simply getting on in years, have gone to using a walker, or have become a resident in a nursing home, Murphy, Dysthe and Veltkamp all said that gardening is a therapeutic activity, so making it possible for people to garden is a great benefit. “It’s just so important to get the residents outside and have something for them to do,” Veltkamp said. v
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THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
MARKETING
Grain Outlook Demand for corn is weak The following marketing analysis is for the week ending April 27. CORN — Corn worked its way higher throughout the week on slower than expected U.S. planting progress and a lack of rain in Brazil’s safrinha corn area. For the week, July corn was up 13 cents at $3.98.5 per bushel and the December contract gained 12 cents at $4.14.5 per bushel. Fieldwork across the Corn Belt had picked up going into the weekend. The next rain event for the United States is expected around May 3-4 and some forecasts call for a return to below normal temperatures in its aftermath. This could once again slow corn planting. PHYLLIS NYSTROM CHS Hedging Inc. U.S. weather will be a front-page St. Paul item for the next few weeks. A fly in the ointment may be nearby demand. This week’s sales were disappointing and sales next week are also expected to be on the low side. We only saw one corn sale announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture this week of 107,600 metric tons of old crop to unknown. This was the first announced sale since April 6. Brazil’s safrinha crop needs rain. Brazil is the second largest corn exporter in the world. They harvest their safrinha crop from June through August. This crop makes up 71 percent of their total corn production. For now, traders are keeping their corn production numbers unchanged. The USDA is carrying total Brazilian corn production at 92 million metric tons. Weekly export sales were poor at just 27.4 million bushels, keeping us 2 percent below last year’s sales. The USDA is predicting exports to be down 3 percent year-on-year at 2.225 billion bushels. Net cancellations of 3 million bushels by Japan were seen for new crop corn. Total new crop commitments are 77.2 million bushels compared to 92 million bushels last year. Total export commitments are at 88 percent of the USDA’s 2.225-billion-bushel target. The 5-year average is 86 percent of target. Weekly ethanol production was down 24,000 barrels per day to 985,000 bpd. Ethanol stocks were up 400,000 barrels at 21.7 million barrels. Ethanol margins were up 3 cents per gallon to 18 cents per gallon. After China implemented the nearly 179 percent deposit for U.S. sorghum imports, boats loaded with U.S. sorghum have looked for new destinations. It was reported that sorghum has been diverted to See NYSTROM, pg. 23
Cash Grain Markets corn/change* soybeans/change*
Stewartville Edgerton Jackson Janesville Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye Average:
$3.41 +.19 $3.59 +.17 $3.50 +.17 $3.60 +.15 $3.44 +.18 $3.57 +.22
$3.52
$9.58 -.02 $9.73 +.09 $9.69 +.01 $9.71 +.03 $9.65 +.03 $9.64 -.02
$9.67
Year Ago Average: $3.17 $8.93 Grain prices are effective cash close on May 1. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.
Livestock Angles High numbers hold down cattle The month of April will end with the cattle market still finding sales above the $120 level basis cash and the hog market above the $60 level lean basis cash. Each market has shown some resilience in the face of some negative U.S. Department of Agriculture reports. It is likely that the month of May will see some renewed volatility in the livestock markets due to changing fundamental factors that influence each market. As for the cattle market, the cash trade has remained firm while the futures have remained very discount to the cash trade. This has been caused by the fear that cattle numbers will overJOE TEALE whelm the market causing a colBroker lapse in live prices. This is the Great Plains Commodity result of the past several USDA Afton, Minn. Cattle on Feed reports the indicated larger than anticipated placements of cattle in feedlots. That fear of this increase in numbers has kept the futures market at a substantial discount. However, as long as the cash market stays above the $120 level, the futures will eventually have to close that discount. This will only happen provided the cash trade remains firm. Given the fact that those cattle that are anticipated to come to market really do come, then the cash market will begin to fall toward the futures prices. In other words, look for prices to begin coming together over the next several weeks. Because of the deep discounts by the futures the possibility of hedged cattle moving early to market to take advantage of the deep discounts futures provide is a very likely possibility. Therefore, producSee TEALE, pg. 23
Grain Angles Spring has finally arrived As I write this article from Baldwin, Wis.. I can see the snow piles are almost gone. The winter of 201718 has held on for a long time, but spring seems to be here. This brings to mind a few items we need to remember as look toward spring planting. Stay safe and healthy — As we start our field work, based off of the five-year planting progress average, we are going to be behind in crop planting. We need to remember safety as we hit the fields this spring. It will be hard not to work around the clock when the ground is ready. However, we need to make sure we are stopping to take a breath and taking KEVIN care of ourselves as we get spring CHRISTENSON work underway. This may require that we will listen to family Compeer State Insurance Product Officer members when they tell us to Baldwin, Wis. rest. In today’s cropping operations, we have the ability to plant an impressive number of acres in a short window. Let’s make sure our team stays safe this spring, and lead by example. Multiple-peril policies — In most areas, over the next few days we will be in full swing getting the 2018 crop in the ground. The multi-peril crop insurance provisions has final planting dates on all insured crops which allows for full coverage under the policy provisions. The planting dates do vary by state, county and crop. It is important to keep those dates in mind. In most cases, the earliest planting date has passed, and we are in the planting period. Each insured crop has a final plant date. All crops planted before that day will be eligible for full indemnity coverage on the planted crop. The following day, we enter the late planting period. A producer may plant in that period. However, each day that passes, a 1 percent reduction of the base guarantee will be applied. Each crop will have a late planting period, which for most counties and crops is 25 additional days. If you are unsure of your dates, check with your crop insurance agent. We know planting has started in Illinois and we should see other areas going soon. We always hope planting goes smoothly. However, we never know what Mother Nature has in store for us. If wet weather turns out to be an issue that prevents us from planting, the multiple peril policy has language to provide coverage on qualifying acreage. The prevented plant coverage allows for a potential indemSee CHRISTENSON, pg. 23
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 — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
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PAGE 23
Soymeal market, Argentina news spur soybean rally NYSTROM, from pg. 22 Saudi Arabia, Spain, Japan, and others. Late in the week, it was reported that a boat bound for Singapore was switched to a southern Chinese port. Some Chinese sorghum importers have asked the government to grandfather in sorghum that was already loaded and headed to China. The government had yet to respond. The hard red winter wheat tour begins April 30. The tour has underestimated the final Kansas wheat crop in seven out of the last 10 years. Stats Can released their first Canadian acreage numbers on April 27. Spring wheat acres were estimated to be up 15 percent from last year, corn acres up 5 percent, canola acres down nearly 7 percent and soybean acres down 11 percent. The report was bearish for wheat, but bullish for canola. Outlook: This week, the July and December contracts each held the previous week’s low at $3.85.25 and $4.02.25 per bushel respectively. These levels will be viewed as the first line of support as we head into a good week of planting. The next resistance in the July contract is $4.02.75 — the March high. The next resistance in the December contract is $4.16.5, then in the upper $4.20’s per bushel. Continue to monitor the weather for Brazil’s safrinha corn crop. If the dry weather persists, crop estimates may be cut and provide underlying support to corn prices. U.S. weather, however, will be at the forefront. If the planters can roll without interruption, it could crimp any addi-
tional upside potential for the time being. The next World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report will be released May 10. Beginning with this report, the USDA will add a new line to the world wheat and rice balance sheets to show beginning stocks, production, imports, domestic use, exports and ending stocks, after subtracting China’s numbers. This is being done to better reflect the world situation. On the April WASDE report, world wheat ending stocks were forecasted at 271 mmt — an all-time high. China’s ending wheat stocks were forecasted at 127 mmt, nearly half of the total. SOYBEANS — Soybeans had a slow start to the week as Chinese trade war concerns loomed in the background and ideas late planting in corn would lead to additional soybean acres in the United States. Soybeans were fractionally higher on the week going into the April 27 session, but a surprise rally into the weekend resulted in a strong weekly gain and close. For the week, July soybeans jumped 16 cents higher at $10.56.25 per bushel, November soybeans were 12 cents higher at $10.47 per bushel, July meal soared $16.70 higher at $395.30 per ton, and July soyoil was down 83 ticks at $.3073 per pound. April 27’s unexpected rally was twopronged. Support stemmed from a stronger soymeal market as a result from slower meal loading in Argentina. Earlier in the week, a major loading dock sustained major damage at
TEALE, from pg. 22
improved to close the gap between cash and futures. The pork cutout has also stabilized after some weakness over the past month or so, which has helped the packer margins — allowing a more aggressive stance in acquiring inventory. If this trend continues, it could be possible for the gap between cash and futures to narrow with the cash leading the way. The caveat would still be that hog numbers are still greater than a year ago so demand for pork will have to be the major support for the market in the weeks ahead. Producers should keep aware of market conditions and protect inventories if needed. v
Spring hog rally delayed ers should stay aware of the current market conditions and keep current on marketings. The hog market has been just the opposite of the cattle market during the same period. Futures prices have been at a large premium to the cash trade during the entire month of April. It appears that a lot of the optimism has been that the seasonal tendencies for the hog market usually see a strong rally in the spring. This year, a slight delay in that rally in hog prices has left the futures well over the cash which has brought about a strong correction in the futures as of late. However, the cash trade has picked up and cash has
Argentina’s main export hub of Rosario, at the port of San Martin, when a ship hit it. Estimates of the repair time have ranged from a few months to a year. The second prong to provide support was the Stats Can report which showed Canada’s canola acres would be down nearly 11 percent from last year. China imported 5.66 mmt of soybeans in March. Of the total, 55 percent came from the United States, down over 26 percent from last year. Brazil’s share of China’s bean imports rose 33 percent from last year. In the first quarter of the calendar year, U.S. soybean exports to China are down over 20 percent, while Brazil’s are up nearly 130 percent! Weekly export sales were the fourth-
smallest of the marketing year for old crop at 13.6 million bushels. The USDA is projecting sales to decline 5 percent year-on-year to 2.065 billion bushels. Outlook: A strong close into the weekend can’t be ignored, but can it be extended if U.S. weather continues to be favorable for fieldwork? The meal market has been a major contributor to the soybean rally this week; but on the continuous meal chart, we haven’t traded over $400 per ton since June 2016. Will the current situation provide the impetus to punch above $400 per ton? Just how long will it take to repair the loading dock in Argentina? China will be on holiday for their May Day celebrations April 30 and May 1. Bulls need to be fed every day, so keep watching the news and weather forecasts. v
CHRISTENSON, from pg. 22 nity payment. On corn, it is 55 percent of the base guarantee amount and 60 percent of the base guarantee on soybeans. The policy also allows for an additional indemnity payment of 5 percent if the buy up coverage was elected on the MPCI policy by the March 15 sales closing date. Prevent plant — The decision to file a prevent plant can be made at any time after the final plant date, all the way through the late planting period. The notice must be filed no later than 72 hours of the decision to stop planting the crop for the given year and may not be filed prior to the final plant date. The filing of a prevented plant claim does not prevent the operation from planting in the late plant period. There are several policy provisions to reference as it pertains to prevented plant claim. These are hard and fast rules that have to be followed in determining a potential prevent plant claim. One of the loss adjustment provisions is on eligible acres. The highest number of planted acres for the crop during the last four crop years is one limiting factor. There is also a provision that allows for a slight increased eligibility based on added acreage for the 2018 crop year. It is key that there is open and constant communication between the producer, agent and the loss adjuster. Replant — Every year we know there are situations where we need to replant
an insured crop. The MPCI policy provides coverage for replanting back to the same crop. If replanting conditions arise, the first step is to file a claim with your crop insurance agent. This needs to be done prior to the crop being replanted. The adjuster will give approval and start the claims process for potential payments. The policy provisions, which provide a reimbursement of expense, is calculated differently for corn and soybeans. When calculating corn reimbursement, it cannot exceed eight bushels, multiplied by the corn projected price. In contrast, soybeans cannot exceed three bushels when multiplied by that projected price. Utilize your resources — Remember, in any potential claim situation, notify your agent and seek approval from the adjuster before taking action. Also keep in mind that your crop insurance agent is a resource to utilize year-around. If you have any questions on your coverage, or need to clarify deadlines, I encourage you to reach out to your agent. Maintaining open and honest lines of communication with your crop insurance agent will help alleviate any confusion or worries as you face the 2018 growing season. I wish you all a safe planting season, and a prosperous 2018. For additional insights from Kevin and the rest of the Compeer team, visit Compeer.com. v
MARKETING
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PAGE 24
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THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
LSP wants crop insurance overhaul in new farm bill By TIM KING The Land Correspondent MINNEAPOLIS — According to a report released by the Land Stewardsip Project in March, federal crop insurance is driving family farmers from their farms, causing soil erosion and the loss of soil quality, while it is enriching insurance companies. The $89.8 billion Federal Crop Insurance program is unfair to smaller farmers lacking substantial capital and it discourages conservation practices on the land, according to Ben Anderson of LSP. “Crop insurance is structured to favor the planting of commodity crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton rather than diversified crops,” Anderson said. “It encourages farmers to plant as much of those as possible at the expense of conservation practices such as grass waterways which may reduce yields but protect the soil.” LSP’s report, entitled “Crop Insurance: A Torn Safety Net,” recommends two changes to federal crop insurance be written into the 2018 farm bill. One of the changes is to link crop insurance more tightly with soil and water conservation practices. The other is to cap payments. “Crop insurance is the only farm bill subsidy program that doesn’t have a cap on it,” Anderson said. “EQIP, for example, has a $40,000 cap. We believe it’s reasonable to put an annual cap of $50,000 per farm on crop insurance.” Anderson says having no limits to the size of indemnity payments benefits the largest farms at the expense of smaller farms. The report points out that farms with over $1 million in gross cash farm
income received only 12 percent of the insurance payments in 1997. That had grown to 33 percent by 2015. “The largest recipients in Minnesota have received up to, and sometimes over, $1 million of this support under the current farm bill,” the study quotes Sleepy Eye, Minn., farmer Randy Krzmarzick, as saying. “That is unnecessary. It is wasteful. It allows the most
Peterson: No cap needed Congressman Collin Peterson defended his support of not capping crop insurance payments in an e-mail exchange between The Land and his spokesperson Liz Friedlander. The Land: The LSP report says that failing to cap federal crop insurance payments is driving small farm operators out of business. Do you agree with that assertion? Why don’t you support caps on crop insurance? Peterson: Crop insurance is similar to health insurance in that a varied risk pool of older, younger, healthy, and not as healthy individuals, spread the risk and lessen the costs. If you drive larger producers out of the crop insurance program, the remaining risk pool could be impacted and the cost of crop insurance for the smaller, remaining producers could go up. The reinsurance companies, which make the program work by further reducing the risk in the system, are already nervous about the financial viability of crop insurance and our commitment to it being a public/private partnership. There are areas that we can look at, such as the level of premium subsidy
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Capping crop insurance payments will put a lid on rising land prices and per acre rent charges, LSP’s Anderson claims. “Iowa State University economist Mike Duffy researched the correlation between land prices and crop insurance subsidies in Iowa and found that crop insurance subsidies have increased land values,” LSP’s report states. “The Land Stewardship Project’s 2014 crop insurance white papers reached this same conclusion. In LSP’s interviews with beginning farmers, the advantage unlimited crop insurance subsidies provided to very large farm operations was one of the principle factors identified as limiting access to land.” LSP’s “Torn Safety Net” report points out the irony that while farm income has been declining, crop insurance company profits have been soaring. “The benefits of the program disproportionately go to insurance companies, while the bulk of the risk is borne by the American public,” the report points out. “Between 2005 and 2009, for every dollar in insurance benefits that farmers received from the program, insurance companies received $1.44. In 2017, a Government Accountability Office report concluded that the current program sets up insurance companies to make more than $1.3 billion annually until 2026, and that the target rate of return, which is set by law, does not reflect market conditions.” Congress guaranteed the insurance companies a profit target 14.5 percent, but in 2015 their profits soared to 24.8 percent, according to the GAO report. LSP’s Anderson says that the 2015 profits were exorbitant and that even the targeted profit rate is higher than the industry standard. “The GAO determined that a fair market rate of return for the private crop insurance industry would be closer to 9.6 percent,” the LSP report states. The Land Stewardship Project holds Congress accountable for a program that enriches insurance companies at the expense of American taxpayers and particularly small and medium sized farmers, Anderson says. Congressman Collin Peterson, the ranking Democrat on the House Agricultural Committee, is especially
provided, transfer of existing production history to new land and other issues that may be impacting younger farmers by driving up farmland values and cash rents. The Land: Last year the General Accounting Office reported that insurance companies had a profit of 24.8 percent. The industry norm is 9.6 percent. Do you feel those rates of return to crop insurance companies are acceptable? Peterson: As in any other sector of the insurance business, crop insurance providers go through ups and down as market conditions change. According to a 2017 University of Illinois/National Corn Growers Association study, crop insurance companies had an average net return on retained premium of 14.1 percent from 1998 to 2010, but from 2011 to 2015 those returns averaged only 1.5 percent. In addition to the drought in 2012, the renegotiation of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement in 2011 contributed to this drop in returns. The Land: You took $340,000 from insurance companies and financial institutions in the last five years, according to Open Secrets. In Minnesota, only Rep. Paulson received more. Did those contributions effect your position on caps? Peterson: When I was Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee in 2008, I cut nearly $10 billion out of the crop insurance program. We also encouraged USDA’s Risk Management to negotiate a new Standard Reinsurance Agreement in our farm bill report. That SRA cut another $8 billion out of administrative expenses. My support for crop insurance has always been about providing a better risk management tool for farmers, and my track record of taking excess out of the program, when needed, reflects that. v See CROP INSURANCE, pg. 25
THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
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PAGE 25
Farm or insurance profits? CROP INSURANCE, from pg. 24 culpable, according to Anderson. “We’ve met many times with Congressman Peterson and his staff,” Anderson said. “We’ve explained to him the negative effect that unlimited payments have. He says that he understands what we’re saying but that he’s met with insurance company executives and they tell him that caps would be bad for the program.” Congressman Peterson also claims that putting caps on payments will drive larger producers out of the program and that will put the insurance pool at risk, Anderson says. “Why would they leave?” Anderson asked. “Creating a subsidy cap would not stop any farmers from receiving crop insurance or restrict them in any way from buying crop insurance. If there is a $50,000 subsidy cap, then all farmers could still receive a $50,000 in public subsidy. Besides, a February 2015 GAO report refutes this risk pool argument as does a U.S. Congressional Budget Office report.”
Anderson points out Peterson has taken $340,000 in campaign contributions from the insurance and financial industries in the last five years. Another major player on the Minnesota political landscape also has put its weight behind unlimited crop insurance indemnity payments, according to Anderson. “Every year since 2006, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association has spent $160,000 lobbying on public policy,” the LSP report states. “In 2013 and 2014, every lobbying report the commodity group led (24 total) mentioned crop insurance.” Anderson says that the focus of the MCGA should be more on keeping corn-producing families on the land and less on increasing the overall production of corn. The Minnesota Corn Growers Association did not respond to numerous requests to comment on the LSP report. v
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Niesen’s Silo Demolition FOR SALE to settle farm SILO DOORS OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn. We pay cash for Harvestors, Outproduces Hybrid for Si- Wood or steel doors shipped estate: OMC Owatonna charge for Stave silos. Turn lage. $67/bushel plus shipself-propelled windrower promptly to your farm your old combines and ma- ping. 217-857-3377 model 29 ($300); Int’l 886 stainless fasteners chinery into cash. Call Dendsl tractor w/cab ($10,000); hardware available. Round bales: Corn stalks & nis 507-995-2331 ‘84 NH haybine model 489 (800)222-5726 soybean. 4x5 net wrapped. ($4,000);JD BWA series Landwood Sales LLC 715-286-2905 Disc Harrow, 14’ ($1,500); Please support the WinPower Tractor driven WANTED TO BUY: Damadvertisers you see here. Farm Equipment alternator ($1,000); Int’l 820 aged corn, soybeans & other Tell them you saw their ad in moldboard plow ($1,200); grains. Call Schwieger CatTHE LAND! 8300 JD drill with grass seed, wagon w/ H&S bale throwtle LLC. (507)236-5181 er rack 4500 watts ($1,500); 13’, $4,800. 612-390-2643 JD roto tiller model 400, 12’, Outdoor Power Equipment, Tools, Collectible Toy Tractors Demco Conquest 1100 gal 90’ ($1,200); Kewannee 9 tooth sprayer, 14.9x46 tires, $5,450; chisel plow model 180 or JD 635 disc, rock flex, 35’ 190 9’ ($1,200); bale spear-3 Tuesday, May 8 | 4:30 P.M. hyd leveling, 3 bar harrow, pt. ($200). Please call after $12,750; JD 7000 8x30 planter, 5PM. 715-367-7122 or 715OWNERS: DICK AND ARDIS SWENSON liquid fertilizer, Yetter grass 530-4082 Location: 466 S. Harrison St., Thompson, IA whippers, $3,750; JD 1010 23’ The Swensons have sold their home and are moving to an 3pt field cultivator, $1,850; FOR SALE: 5100 White 8R30 apartment. They will be selling most all the items from the J&M 13T running gear, 10x20 planter; IH 183 8R cultivabasement, garage, and storage shed. Lots of nice, clean, good tires, $1,350; 18.4x38, 18.4x42 tor, folded, Milwaukee drill; useable items on this auction. My guess is, if you attend & 18.4x46 10 bolt duals from IH 45 vibra shank diggers, the auction, you will find something you like. one is 18 ½’ & 1 is 16’ both $750/pr. 320-769-2756 Terms: Cash or good check. Lunch Available. w/ harrows; Minnesota 220 FOR SALE: ‘75 JD 1765 corn For pictures & complete details, visit: www.hawkeyeauction.com manure spreader; Filmplanter, 12R30”, 3 bu boxes, co field sprayer, 3pt w/ 10’ Bruce Helgeson: less than 2,000 acres; 38’ tri- width; 3688 IH tractor w/ duLake Mills, IA | (641) 592-2754 ple axle machinery trailer, als; Low Loader hog trailer, Gary Heydt: ramps, beavertail, winch, 6’x12’. 507-439-6889 Ventura, IA | (507) 421-2001 $7,500. (507)340-3235 FOR SALE: Farm Fan 180AB dryer, 1500 bushel wet holding bin w/8” fill auger, all complete on four wheel trailer, 6014 hrs, in excellent working like new condition, $2,900/OBO. NH 6T running gear, 9.5L-14 tires, telescope pole, $500/OBO (651)345-3164
AUCTION
FOR SALE: 21’ JD 230 tandem disc; Sprayer Specialties 60’ boom 1,000 gal tank sprayer; Minnesota 400 bu gravity flow trailer; EZ Flow trailer w/Sudenga brush auger. (507)640-0146 FOR SALE: 30’ cargo water trailer, (3) 1,000 gal tanks, 15 gal inductor, 5HP gas motor w/2” hookups. (320)269-9167 FOR SALE: JD 500 step through ATV w/ winch; JD 856 6R30 cultivator. 320-3601240 FOR SALE: Gehl 1540 blower. 715-896-1050
The Land — May 04/May 11, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet
Farm Equipment
Tractors
Tillage Equip
Planting Equip
JD 520 3pt drill, 20’, markers, FOR SALE: ‘02 MTX 140 28 Ft Glencoe Flat Fold #3500 HYDRAULIC FLAT FOLD 10” spacings, Tru-V press McCormick, 3245 hrs, 2795 Field Cultivator (5 Bar MARKERS. Will fit anywheels, exc cond, $4,900; JD Buhler ldr w/ 90” bucket, has Frame) w/ 4 Bar Harrow thing, $3,500. Ray’s Machine 7000 6x30 planter, dry fer- duals, 3pt, power shift, exc w/ 4 New Tires Real Good. Shop, call or text 712-297-7951 tilizer, monitor, insecticide condition. 507-276-3654 MANDAKO 2015 40 Ft Land 120 DAY SPECIAL boxes, $4,750; 2000 gal fuel Roller Like New. 319-347-6138 Check out our website at tank w/ HD pump, $1,950; FOR SALE: JD 2640 w/ 146 Can Deliver www.thelandonline.com Degelman reel type PTO loader, 3100 hrs, new front FOR SALE: JD 960 Field drive rock picker, $2,250; tires, chains, hay spear, Cultivator, 24 ½’ w/ walking excellent shape, JD 1065 A running gear, w/ bucket, tandems, JD 3 bar harrow, extension pole, $850. 320-769- $13,250. 507-584-1241 great condition, field ready, 2756 FOR SALE: JD 4640, pow- $3,950. 507-766-9697 JD 520 3pt drill, 20’, markers, ershift, 3 outlet, 7840 hrs, John Deere 22’ model 220 10” spacings, Tru-V press 18.4x42 tires & duals, nice, disc. 715-896-1050 wheels, exc cond, $4,500/ $22,500. (507)330-4028
USED PARTS LARSON SALVAGE
arm OBO. (507)220-3434 nna wer Thank you for reading The Land! 886 00);M225 Meyer manure spreader 489 exc cond; F81C Farmhand ries feed grinder; Berg barn 00); cleaner, clockwise, w/175’ of ven 16” chain. 507-359-4448 820NH 315 hay baler, w/kicker & 00); auto bale tightener, great ow- shape, $8,000/OBO; (3) kick00); er wagons, 9x16, w/8 ton 12’, running gears, extra wide oth track, great shape, $1,800/ or OBO; 50’ Eagle small bale ar-3 elevator, w/1 HP 220V motor fter & 50’ cord, w/running gear, 715- $1,600/OBO; IH 180 rotary
FOR SALE: ‘09 Challenger MT675C, FWA, 320HP, loaded, $75,500. 507-376-3290
Classified line ads work! Call 507-345-4523
R30 varill; ers, oth 220 lm-Riteway Model RR 250 rock 10’ picker, like new, delivery du- avail, $6,950. 815-988-2074 ler, We buy Salvage Equipment AB Parts Available oldHammell Equip., Inc. all (507)867-4910 heel ent Tractors ion, ing ope‘11 CIH 245 Magnum, MFD, 164 1785 hrs, 2nd owner, 540/1000 an- RPM PTO, 16.9R30 fronts, ial- rears 18.4R46 & duals, ank lux cab, Nav II controller, bu 262RTK, hi-cap draw bar, low front fenders, beacon lights, au- wide rear fenders, 360 degree hi-intensity lights. Call cell for price (507)259-7871. ater ‘68 JD 4020, 5,897 original hrs, , 15 year round cab, good shape, otor $10,900. 815-988-2074 167 FOR SALE: CIH 8950 9225 tep hrs, new 14.9x46 tires, TrimJD ble 750 & EZ pilot, $60,000; 360‘13 Capello 830 1200 acres; also new ‘14 Capello 830, JD wer. hookups on both. 507-6443244
MAY
JD 6125R, MFWD, w/ldr, MANDAKO ROLLERS 800+ hrs, premium tractor 3” Shafts Not 2 7/16” guidance ready, IVT trans- For Sale or Rent New/Used mission, very nice shape. Used Discovator/Finishers (507)642-8028 2014 Great Plains #8326-26’ MN. Moline UTS-LP tractor, 2013 Great Plains #8333-33’ compl., good rubber, $1,250. 2006 Great Plains #7336-36’ Also, IH 460, NF, Good Tires ‘04 JD 726 Mulch Finisher 38’ ‘97 JD 726 Mulch Finisher 30’ & Tin, $2,850. 712-288-6442 A.L. Buseman 319-347-6282 NEW AND USED TRACTOR PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, Planting Equip 55, 50 Series & newer tractors, AC-all models, Large Inventory, We ship! Mark FOR SALE: JD bean drill w/ Heitman Tractor Salvage hyd markers, 20R10” rows, hoe, used 1x on 50-acre field, 715-673-4829 $2850/OBO. (952)873-6483 $2,000/OBO; (2) Ford 8N hoods, 1 new & in box, plus 1 used grill, $350/OBO for all. All above equip has always been shedded. Call & leave message (507)689-2308
Good selection of tractor parts - New & Used All kinds of hay equipment, haybines, balers, choppers parted out. New combine belts for all makes. Swather canvases, round baler belting, used & new tires. 6 miles East of
CAMBRIDGE, MN 763-689-1179
We Ship Daily Visa and MasterCard Accepted
PAGE 27
Steffes Auction Calendar 2018
For more info call 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com Opens May 2 & Closes May 9 May Online Auction, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opens May 3 & Closes May 10 Hobus Trucking Inventory Reduction, Grand Forks, ND, Timed Online Auction Opens May 15 & Closes May 15 Barnes County, ND Land Auction, Tower City, ND, 340+/-Acres in Springvale TWP, Timed Online Auction Opens May 18 & Closes May 24 Colonial Rental Auction, Wahpeton, ND, Timed Online Auction Opens May 28 & Closes June 6 Duane Faber Farm Retirement, Watkins, MN, Timed Online Auction Opens May 28 & Closes June 7 Edwin Rauch Hay & Forage Equipment Auction, Hutchinson, MN, Timed Online Auction Opens May 31 & Closes June 14 Anderson Family Antique Tractor Auction, Bertha, MN, Timed Online Auction Friday, June 1 at 10AM Clayton Zemlicka Estate Antique Tractor Auction, Watertown, SD Opens June 6 & June 13 June Online Auction, Upper Midwest Locations, Deadline to Consign is May 15 Thursday, June 7 at 10AM Ernest & Carol Hemp Farm Retirement, Greenbush, MN
OPENS: Wed. May 2 / CLOSES: Wed. May 9
Opens June 7 & Closes June 14 Potato & Farm Equipment Excess Inventory Reduction, Long Prairie, MN, Timed Online Auction Friday, June 8 at 9AM Frank Rinas Estate, Sisseton, SD Opens June 10 & Closes June 20 David Myllykangas Estate Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opens June 11 & Closes June 21 Gary Nordlund Antique Tractor Auction, Cokato, MN, Timed Online Auction
TIMED ONLINE Over
Brought to you by SteffesGroup.com
300 Lots!
Wednesday, June 13 at 10AM Dassel Lake Home & Personal Property, Meeker County, MN Thursday, June 14 at 10AM Farm Equipment Auction, Ames Farm, Wimbledon, ND
To Include: Tractors, Swather, Planter, Drill, Tillage, Semi Tractors, Trucks, Trailers, Sprayers & Spreaders, Hay & Forage, Construction 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
Thursday, June 12 at 1PM Robert & Gloria Larson Farm Retirement, Kathryn, ND
Litchfield, MN 320.693.9371
Mt. Pleasant, IA 319.385.2000
SteffesGroup.com Scott Steffes ND81, MN14-51, WI2793-52
Friday, June 15 at 1PM Hennepin County, MN, Hobby Farm & Land Auction, Greenfield, MN Friday, June 15 at 1 PM Roger & Joanne Kris Moving Auction, Sauk Rapids, MN Wednesday, June 20 at 10AM Jack & Corrine Kaiser Farm Retirement, Fairmount, ND Friday, June 22 at 10AM Wolfer Farms, Farm Equipment Auction, Argusville, ND
PAGE 28
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet
Have an upcoming Auction? Talk to your auctioneer or call our friendly staff
at 800-657-4665
to place your auction in THE LAND theland@thelandonline.com or www.thelandonline.com
WANTED
DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE
We pay top dollar for your damaged grain. We are experienced handlers of your wet, dry, burnt and mixed grains. Trucks and vacs available. Immediate response anywhere. CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY
PRUESS ELEV., INC. 1-800-828-6642
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE ‘16 Case SV280 skid steer, cab with air, 2 speed, 520 hrs ......... $31,500 '13 CIH Magnum 290, 520/85R46 rear duals, front duals, HID lights, high capacity hyd. pump, 6 remotes, 3690 hrs ....................................... $86,000 ‘14 NH T8.390, 19 speed 30 MPH transmission, suspended front axle, luxury cab, cab suspension, 540/1000 PTO, hi-flow hydraulics, 5 remotes, HID lights, weights, 480/80R50 rear duals, 420/85R34 front duals, complete GPS system, front fenders, 1030 hrs.............................$129,500 ‘13 JD 2720, 17’ 6” disc ripper, rolling basket ............................... $23,000 ‘14 JD 7210R, 20 speed command quad transmission, 380/90R50 rear duals, 380/85R34 single fronts, 3 remotes, 540/1000 PTO, 4565 hrs, warranty............................................................................................ $81,500 ‘14 CIH Magnum 280, 620/70R42 rear duals, 600/65R28 single fronts, weights, 19 speed powershift, HID lights, 5265 hrs, engine rebuild and tractor inspection just completed by CIH dealer ............................. $82,500 ‘13 Great Plains 2000 20’ 3 point hitch grain drill, 7.5” spacing, press wheels ............................................................................................. $18,500 ‘16 JD Gator TS, 4X2, bed lift, 760 hrs ............................................ $4,700 ‘13 JD X750 lawn tractor, 24 h.p. diesel, 54” deck, 87 hrs ........... $7,300 ‘13 CIH Tigermate 200 32.5’ field cultivator, 4 bar coil tine harrow, new sweeps ..................................................................................... $26,500
Spraying Equip
The Land — May 4/May 11, 2018
Grain Handling Equipment
FOR SALE:Used grain bins, FOR SALE or LEASE: Reg. floors unload systems, sti- Brown Swiss bulls, out of rators, fans & heaters, aer- high production, high scoration fans, buying or selling, ing dams. Dutchboyz Swiss. try me first and also call for 715-613-0265 very competitive contract WANT TO BUY: Butcher rates! Office hours 8am-5pm cows, bulls, fats & walkable FOR SALE: Raven 6000 gal Monday - Friday Saturday cripples; also horses, sheep fiberglass tank, $1,000; slide- 9am - 12 noon or call 507-697- & goats. 320-235-2664 in pickup sprayer, 400 gal, 5 6133 Ask for Gary HP Honda, 40’ boom, $400. THE LAND will be closed on (507)381-3840 Memorial Day, Monday, Wanted May 28th. Please note the IH 4260 self-propelled field early deadline for classified ready sprayer 90’ boom, Ra- All kinds of New & Used farm line ads for the June 1 issue ven monitor, Aim command, equipment - disc chisels, field is noon on Friday, May 25th. 1200 gal tank. Please call cults, planters, soil finishers, 507-360-8861 or 507-723-6543. cornheads, feed mills, discs, Cattle $65,000/OBO (or best offer) balers, haybines, etc. 507507-360-8861 438-9782 Purebred registered Limousin Read The Land’s e-edition bulls red and blacks. Trails online at Harvesting Equip End cattle. 715-797-8062 www.thelandonline.com Registered yearling Polled FOR SALE: ‘08 Fantini 8R WANTED TO BUY: Used GT Hereford bulls for sale. All chopping cornhead, V/S (Tox-o-wik) PTO grain dry- shots, dectomax, semen drive gear box, double trans- er, model 380 or possible tested, halter broke. Delivmission drive, ear saving 370, 350 bu. Sorensen’s Sales ery available. Klages Hereside augers, set up for JD & Rentals, Larry Sorensen fords. Ortonville, MN. (320) combine, one owner, low 320-587-2162 273-2163 acres, field ready $23,500. WANTED: Allis Chalmers Reg. Black Angus Bull Hall507-327-6430 round baler & Sno-Co bale strand, robust, Z4 T631, birth FOR SALE: ‘15 McDon FD- loader. 715-377-2655 date 5/13/2016, Park Falls, FOR SALE: FAST 963P 60’ boom & Demco Sidequest tanks, Three point Fast boom and Demco 500 gallon tanks, JD 8000 mounts, $7,500/ea. 712-260-5077
Keith Bode
Fairfax, MN 55332 507-381-1291 • www.keithbodeeq.com
Pets & Supplies FOR SALE: Tri-colored purebred border collie pup, vet checked & current vaccinations, extremely intelligent, working parents, exc cattle dog/pet. (651)206-8307
Cars & Pickups FOR SALE: ‘04 F150 Pickup, regular cab, long box, 4WD, 75,000 miles on new 5.4 engine, some rust, new tires, XLT. 507-236-4500 Sidewinder speedwrench, Size: 1/2”, Farmers 3/8” size, auto repair, 1/4 small eng design for hard to reach area on eng repair work, $29.95 on any size. For more information 507-230-0417
Trucks & Trailers FOR SALE: Parting out Ford 7.3 dsl pickups, call for any parts needed. 320-583-0881
Classified Line Ads WORK!
Call 507-345-4523 75, 35’ draper head, AWS air $2,000. (715)661-0888 reel, one owner, low acres, Dairy Salers & Salers/Angus cross approximately 1900 acres, yearling bulls, low birth Miscellaneous field ready, $66,900. 507-32735 cow herd, Holsteins and a weights, good disposition, 6430 few mixed, 8 fresh in March easy calving. Call Oakhill FOR SALE: 2 used 16.9x38 and April, SCC 150 in AI Farms (507)642-8028 FOR SALE: ‘00 JD 893 corn Tractron field+road tires breeding, selling entire herd WANTED TO BUY: Dairy head, hyd deck plates, with tubes, will sell sepaplastic, field ready, set up only, selling because of own- heifers and cows. 320-235rately for $275/each, $550. for newer Case combine, er’s health. 715-326-0479 call/ 2664 507-461-3835 text $10,000. 218-791-3400 Please support the FOR SALE: Approx 300 used advertisers you see here. barn cleaner Berg links, no Thell them you saw their ad flights, $925/OBO for all. in The Land! (507)621-2341
If you’re having a Farm Auction, let other Farmers know it!
Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MNNorthern MN Northern IA May 11, 2018 May 18, 2018 May 25, 2018 June 1, 2018 June 8, 2018 June 15, 2018 June 22, 2018 June 29, 2018 July 6, 2018 Deadlines are 8 days prior to publication with Holiday deadlines 1 day earlier. Indicates early deadline.
– AgDirect Financing Available – Please call before coming to look.
Dairy
PO Box 3169 • Mankato, MN 56002 Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 Fax: 507-345-1027 Website: www.TheLandOnline.com e-mail: theland@TheLandOnline.com Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!
The Land — May 04/May 11, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet
LOADER TRACTORS
Miscellaneous
4WD TRACTORS
‘14 JD 9560R, 1045 hrs., HID lights, weights, 800x38 tires & duals, 5 hyd. valves, standard pump ...................... $215,000
Swine
kup, WD, Comparts’ total program feaen- tures superior boars & open res, gilts documented by BLUP technology. Duroc, York, nch, Landrance & F1 lines. Terize, minal boars offer leanness, de- muscle, growth. Maternal rea gilts & boars are productive, 5 on lean, durable. All are stress ma- free & PRRS free. Semen also available through Elite Genes A.I. Make ‘em Grow! Comparts Boar Store, INC. Toll Free: 877-441-2627
620x42 tires & duals................................................. $162,000 ‘13 JD 9460, 1086 hrs., 5 hyd., hi-flow, 5 valves, 480x50”, triples ........................................................................ $185,000 ‘94 JD 8760, 5572 hrs, 24spd, 3 hyd outlets, 480x42” tires & duals ........................................................................... $33,000 ‘11 NH T9.390, 905 hrs., powershift, diff lock, HID lights 480x50” tires & duals ............................................... $125,000 ‘09 CIH 385, 3071 hrs., 620x 46 tires & duals, 4 hydraulics, powershift ........................................... $112,000
guidance syst, 650x42” tires & dual .......................... $36,000
Did you know... you can place a classified ad online at
TheLandOnline.com
x38 res pa550.
sed no all.
‘13 JD 9360, 1799 hrs., powershift, 1000 PTO,
‘94 Case/IH 9270, 8533 hrs., powershift, 4 hyd, outback auto
Delivering insightful articles
TRACK TRACTORS
‘04 JD 7320 Cab, MFWD, 16 spd., 741 loader, ‘14 CIH, 340 MAG Row Trac 287 hrs., luxury cab, suspended 6316 hrs ..................................................................... $55,000 frt axle, 18” tracks, 76” spacing, 6 hyd remotes, 3 pt., 1000 PTO ............................................................................ $189,000 ‘09 NH 6070, Bi-directional, 3543 hrs., cab air, w/NH 84lb ‘15 CIH, 340 MAG Row Trac, CVT, 120” spacing, 30” tracks, 3 loader, 3 pt., 540/1000 PTO ....................................... $59,000 pt., 1000 PTO, 1108 hrs ............................................. $185,000
ure-NEW AND USED TRACTOR vet PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, na- 55, 50 Series & newer tracent, tors, AC-all models, Large ttle Inventory, We ship! Mark Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829
ord any 1
PAGE 29
or call
507-345-4523 to place your ad in
on the latest farming technology
‘92 Case/IH 9270, 9969 hrs., 4 hyd. valves, 12 speed gear drive, 520x42” tires & duals, good running tractor ... $27,500 ‘90 FORD 876, 8253 hrs., 12 speed tranny, 520x38” tires & duals ........................................................................... $25,000 ‘13 VERSATILE 2375, 1482 hrs., 1000 PTO, outback auto steer, 710x42” tires & duals ............................................... $115,000
ROW CROP TRACTORS ‘12 JD 8235, 1235 hrs., 2wd, cab air, powershift, 3pt, 1000 pts,
‘03 JD 8120, cab, MFWD, 3932 hrs., 3 hyd., 540/1000 PTO, 3 pt., GreenStar ready, 480x46” duals ......................... $77,000
pt., 4 hyd., Hi-Flow, 1000 PTO, 480x50” duals, MFWD ... $105,000 ‘13 CIH 260, 577 hrs., PS, 3 pt., 540/1000 PTO, 4 hyd., big pump, 420x46” tires & duals ................................... $110,000
MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS
FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!
‘13 JD 660, 4WD, 1598/1066, 2630 display, Contour Master chopper, 520x42” duals ........................................... $145,000 ‘13 JD 660, 1180 eng/892 sep hrs., cm, HID lights, high torque USD chopper, 520x38” duals...................... $145,000 ‘04 JD 9760, 3460 eng/2268 sep hrs., Contour Master, Chopper, 184x42” duals ............................................ $60,000 ‘01 JD 9650 STS, 4325 eng/3014 sep hrs, Contour Master, chopper, 520x38” duals ............................................. $44,000 ‘14 Case/IH 5130, 928 eng/660 sep hrs., rock trap, chopper, tracker, 900x32 tires ................................................. $142,000 ‘11 Case/IH 5088, 1743 eng/1541 sep hrs., rock trap, chopper, 30.5x32 tires ............................................................... $93,000 ‘16 Claas Lexion 750TT, 492 sep hrs, 853 eng hrs, 35” tracks, RWA, auto pilot, chopper, chaff spreader, well equipped ....... $225,000 ‘11 Claas Lexion, 740, 1466 eng/899 sep hrs., 4x4 520x42” duals ......................................................................... $105,000
WHEEL LOADERS ‘12 JD 824K, 5485 hrs, 6 yd bucket ............................ $145,000 ‘14 JD 624K, 11,780 hrs, w/ cab, air, Quick Coupler, 6 yd rollout bucket, 20.5x25 tires ...................................... $72,000 ‘13 Cat 930K Hi-lift, 5088 hrs, ride control, flex hyd, 6.5 yd bucket....................................................................... $107,500
4hyd. valves, 3 front weights, 18.4x46” tires & duals ... $110,000 ‘12 Komatsu WA250PZ-6, cab, air, quick coupler, aux hyd,
‘12 CIH 260, 1784 hrs., Deluxe cab, 19-spd., PS, susp. front axle, 3
• 5/8” drum roller wall thickness • 42” drum diameter wall thickness • 4”x8” frame tubing 3/8” thick • Auto fold
COMBINES
7548 hrs, 3 yd bucket, new eng overhaul ................. $69,000 ‘10 Kawasaki 65ZV-2, cab, air, ride control, 6385 hrs, 2.5 yd pin on bucket, new 20.5x25 tires .............................. $65,000
FLEX HEADS ‘02 Case IH 1020 30’ flex, fore & aft, set up for tracker ....................................................................... $5,000
CORNHEADS
‘13 CIH 290, 1250 hrs., 3 pt., PTO, big pump, 480 front duals, ‘13 Drago N6TR, Fits JD, 6 row 30” Chopping with stalk stompers, low acres ................................................... $26,500 480x50” .................................................................... $115,000 ‘06 Drago N8TR, 8 row 30” Chopping cornhead to fit CIH ... $16,000 ‘13 NH 8360, 1050 hrs., MFWD, leather seats, 4 hyd., 1000 PTO, ‘05 Drago N6TR, 6 row 30” chopping, fits JD combines... $18,000 auto steer complete, 480x50” rear tires & duals ....... $117,000 ‘02 Case IH 2208, 8 row 30” hyd., deck plates ............. $13,000 ‘11 Versatile 305, MFWD, 690 hrs., 4 hyd., 3 pt., 1000 PTO, HID lights, front wts, fender ....................................... $97,000
‘05 Geringhoff, roto disc 830 8 row 30” chopping, fits JD combine ..................................................................... $19,000
LARSON IMPLEMENTS 5 miles east of Cambridge, MN on Hwy. 95
GREENWALD FARM CENTER
763-689-1179
14 miles So. of Sauk Centre
Look at our Web site for pictures & more listings www.larsonimplements.com
Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177
PAGE 30
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet
The Land — May 4/May 11, 2018
irst Your F or f Choice ds! ie Classif
Place d Your A Today!
Livestock, Machinery, Farmland... you name it! People will buy it when they see it in The Land! To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665 Mail to: The Land Classifieds, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 Fax to: 507-345-1027 • Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Online at: www.thelandonline.com DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition. Plus! Look for your classified ad in the e-edition.
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CHECK ONE: Announcements Employment Real Estate Real Estate Wanted Farm Rentals Auctions Agri Business Farm Services Sales & Services Merchandise Antiques & Collectibles Lawn & Garden Feed Seed Hay Fertilizer & Chemicals Bins & Buildings Farm Equipment Tractors Tillage Equipment Planting Equipment Spraying Equipment
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NOTE: Ad will be placed in the appropriate category if not marked.
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This is NOT for businesses. Please call The Land to place line ads.
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CHECK
Signature _________________________________________________________
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ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
The Land — May 04/May 11, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet
JOIN OUR TEAM! The Land, a weekly farm and rural life magazine has an IMMEDIATE OPENING for an
Outside Sales Representative
PAGE 31
ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
For the Southern Minnesota Territory
Candidates should have professional sales skills to service existing clients and develop new businesses in a designated territory. Also essential are strong organizational and communication skills, along with attention to detail.
Interested candidates should email their resume, salary requirements and a cover letter to
Deb Petterson, General Manager at: dpetterson@thelandonline.com Deadline: June 22, 2018
USED TRACTORS
NEW Versatile 500 w/ PS ........................................ Call ‘03 Versatile 2310, PS ..................................... $85,000 ‘06 Buhler 2210 w/ auto steer......................... $88,500 ‘12 Buhler 280...............................................$109,000 NEW Massey GC1715 w/loader ............................. Call NEW Massey 7722 FWA CVT ................................. Call NEW MF 1754 CAB, LDR...................................... CALL NEW MF 1736L, LDR ............................................ CALL ‘05 CIH MX210 ................................................ $98,500 ‘98 CAT 55 3,954 HRS ................................... $54,000 NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader.. ...... On Hand NEW NH T9.645, w/Smart Trac .............................. Call NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders ... On Hand NH T8.275, 495 hrs ....................................... $155,000 ‘08 NH 8010 .................................................. $110,000 ‘96 White 6175 FWA....................................... $49,500 Allis 180 D ..........................................................$7,250
TILLAGE
‘03 Sunflower, 32’, 5-bar spike ....................... $18,000 Sunflower 4610, 9-shank ................................ $45,000 10’ Sunflower 4412-07 .................................... $31,000 DMI 530B ................................................................ Call ‘95 JD 726, 30’ ................................................ $21,500 10’ Wilrich QX2 37’ w/basket.......................... $38,500
PLANTERS
NEW White Planters ............................................... Call White 8182 12-30 w/liq .................................... Coming White 6100 12-30 w/dry fert.............................. $8,500 ‘12 White 8186, 16-30 w/liq. fert. .................... $59,000 ‘11 White 8516 CFS, Loaded .......................... $85,000 White 8186 16-30 w/liq .................................... Coming
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
New NH W80C wheelloader .......................... On Hand New NH E37C mini excavator ....................... On Hand New NH E26C mini excavator ....................... On Hand New NH track & wheeled skidsteers............. On Hand NH 230 w/cab & heat ...................................... $37,900
COMBINES
NEW Fantini chopping cornhead ........................... Call ‘14 CIH 7230 .................................................. $190,000 ‘94 Gleaner R62 ............................................... $38,000 ‘12 Gleaner S77............................................ $205,000 ‘10 Gleaner R76, Loaded .............................. $195,000 Gleaner 3308 chopping corn heads ...................... Call 12’ Gleaner S67, 532 sep hrs ....................... $235,000
MISCELLANEOUS
NEW Salford RTS Units .......................................... Call NEW Salford Plows................................................. Call NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call NEW Westfield Augers ........................................... Call NEW REM VRX vacs. .............................................. Call NEW Hardi Sprayers............................................... Call NEW Riteway Rollers .............................................. Call NEW Lorenz Snowblowers ..................................... Call NEW Batco Conveyors ........................................... Call NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ......................... Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons .................................. Call NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ......................... Call REM 2700, Rental ................................................... Call Pre-Owned Grain Cart ................................... On Hand
HAY TOOLS
New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND
All Equipment available with Low Rate Financing
SMITHS MILL IMPLEMENT Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN
Phone (507) 234-5191 or (507) 625-8649 Mon. - Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon www.smithsmillimp.com
ADVERTISER LISTING Anderson Seeds ............................................................. 17 Broskoff Structures .........................................................7 C & C Roof ing ............................................................. 21 Courtland Waste Handling ...............................................5 Curt's Truck & Diesel ......................................................3 Dahl Farm Supply ......................................................... 21 Diers Ag & Trailer Sales ............................................... 19 Doda USA ......................................................................6 Excelsior Homes West .....................................................4 Freudenthal Dairy & Mfg .............................................. 16 Gehl Company .............................................................. 17 Greenwald Farm Center ................................................. 29 Ground Zero Services.................................................... 14 Harrison Truck Centers ................................................. 13 Hawkeye Auction .......................................................... 26 K-Bid Online Auctions ....................................................9 Keith Bode .................................................................... 28 Kerkhoff Auction .......................................................... 26 Larson Implement ................................................... 27, 29 Letcher Farm Supply ..................................................... 14 Mages Auction .............................................................. 26 Mike's Collision ............................................................ 15 Minnesota Agricultural Aircraft Assoc .............................8 Northland Buildings ...................................................... 20 Pruess Elevator ............................................................. 28 Schweiss Doors ............................................................. 28 SI Feeder/Schoessow ..................................................... 18 Smiths Mill Implement .................................................. 31 Southwest MN K-Fence ................................................. 20 Spanier Welding ............................................................ 11 Steffes Group ................................................................ 27 Wahl Spray Foam Insulation .......................................... 12
507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 PO Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com
PAGE 32
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — MAY 4/MAY 11, 2018
This week’s Back Roads is the work of Marie Wood, former Associate Editor of The Land.
Heavenly music
S
trains of “Alleluia” could be heard from the Boe Memorial Chapel at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Inside, a choir practice was going on and the angelic voices drifted on the breeze. Known for its rich traditions in choral music and the Lutheran faith, the Boe Memorial Chapel is the spiritual heart of St. Olaf ’s. Stained glass windows celebrate Bible stories, along with St. Olaf, the patron saint of Norway. St. Olaf’s original chapel, Hoyme Memorial Chapel, was destroyed by a fire in 1923. Boe Memorial Chapel was built in 1953 and dedicated in 1954. The chapel is named for Lars. W. Boe, the fourth president of St. Olaf College.
On Sept. 4, 2005, a bolt of lightning struck the chapel. The lightning caused structural damage and silenced the organ, but it did not silence the music. A few hours later, the opening service for the academic year was held with joyful voices accompanied by a piano. Before this natural event, renovation plans were already underway to reshape the inside of the chapel’s ceiling and side walls. The pipe organ built by the Holtkamp Organ Company was installed in 2006. If the Boe Memorial Chapel is the heart of St. Olaf College, then the Holtkamp organ is its lungs. With each note, these beautiful pipes breathe life into choral ensembles and the congregation. v
Northfield, Minn.
Page 4 - May, 2018
THE LAND, Advertising Supplement
INSULATION
FOR NEW HOMES Fiberglass
vs. Spray Foam
Choosing the right insulation for your new home can be challenging.
We make it simple. 1. Email your plans to info@greenerworldsolutions.com 2. We send you two estimates customized to fit your home. One estimate is for fiberglass; the other is spray foam insulation. 3. We meet you at your home once it is framed to go over the benefits of both estimates, walk you through the process and answer all of your questions. 4. We let you choose the estimate that best fits you and your home. Getting started is easy. Simply email your plans to info@greenerworldsolutions.com or call 855-833-1320 for more information.
CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM
greener world solutions
(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002
Air-seal your barns to prevent condensation and corrosion. Hog Dairy Beef Poultry
CALL -8038 2 1 6 5 85 EDULE H C S TO E A FRE ATE. ESTIM
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.
855-612-8038
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.
855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com Traveling Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
© 2018
May, 2018
www.greenerworldsolutions.com MN LIC BC639351
Serving Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
MN LIC BC639351
Page 2 - May, 2018
We Insulate Tanks
THE LAND, Advertising Supplement
Spray foam insulation prevents freezing, heat loss and corrosion.
THE LAND, Advertising Supplement
Restore & Repair Your Metal Roof
Single-Ply Roof Systems
EPDM & TPO New or Replacement Flat Roof Systems
Before
After
Eliminate Leaks • Tighten Fasteners • Prevent Rust
Spray Foam Cool Roof Systems After the tanks are insulated with spray foam, they are coated for added protection.
CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM
May, 2018 - Page 3
Emergency & Scheduled Flat Roof Repair REPAIR SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FOR: Spray Foam Roofs TPO Roofs EPDM Roofs Built Up Roofs Metal Roofs
greener world solutions CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION. CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.
855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com 855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com Traveling Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Traveling Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
MN LIC BC639351 MN LIC BC639351
CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM
greener world solutions CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION. CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.
855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com 855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com Traveling Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Traveling Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
MN LIC BC639351 MN LIC BC639351
Page 2 - May, 2018
We Insulate Tanks
THE LAND, Advertising Supplement
Spray foam insulation prevents freezing, heat loss and corrosion.
THE LAND, Advertising Supplement
Restore & Repair Your Metal Roof
Single-Ply Roof Systems
EPDM & TPO New or Replacement Flat Roof Systems
Before
After
Eliminate Leaks • Tighten Fasteners • Prevent Rust
Spray Foam Cool Roof Systems After the tanks are insulated with spray foam, they are coated for added protection.
CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM
May, 2018 - Page 3
Emergency & Scheduled Flat Roof Repair REPAIR SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FOR: Spray Foam Roofs TPO Roofs EPDM Roofs Built Up Roofs Metal Roofs
greener world solutions CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION. CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.
855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com 855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com Traveling Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Traveling Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
MN LIC BC639351 MN LIC BC639351
CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM
greener world solutions CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION. CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.
855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com 855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com Traveling Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Traveling Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
MN LIC BC639351 MN LIC BC639351
Page 4 - May, 2018
THE LAND, Advertising Supplement
INSULATION
FOR NEW HOMES Fiberglass
vs. Spray Foam
Choosing the right insulation for your new home can be challenging.
We make it simple. 1. Email your plans to info@greenerworldsolutions.com 2. We send you two estimates customized to fit your home. One estimate is for fiberglass; the other is spray foam insulation. 3. We meet you at your home once it is framed to go over the benefits of both estimates, walk you through the process and answer all of your questions. 4. We let you choose the estimate that best fits you and your home. Getting started is easy. Simply email your plans to info@greenerworldsolutions.com or call 855-833-1320 for more information.
CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM
greener world solutions
(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002
Air-seal your barns to prevent condensation and corrosion. Hog Dairy Beef Poultry
CALL -8038 2 1 6 5 85 EDULE H C S TO E A FRE ATE. ESTIM
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.
855-612-8038
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.
855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com Traveling Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
© 2018
May, 2018
www.greenerworldsolutions.com MN LIC BC639351
Serving Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
MN LIC BC639351