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August 10, 2018 August 17, 2018
FARMERS AT HEART ™
History on the hill
A hardy group of volunteers steer the Heritage Hill Threshing Show into its 38th year. See Page 20
Inside: New techniques help build the soil and save fuel Plus: Milker’s Message, From The Fields, Markets and more!
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THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
Final days of summer are active P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XXXVII ❖ No. 16 40 pages, 1 section plus supplements
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Cover photo by Paul Malchow
COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Readers’ Photos Cooking With Kristin Calendar of Events In The Garden The Back Porch Mielke Market Weekly From The Fields Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads
2-9 5 8 10 10 11 12 16 23 24-25 30-39 39 40
STAFF
Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives: Danny Storlie: theland@TheLandOnline.com Jerry Hintz: jhintz@TheLandOnline.com James McRae: jmcrae@TheLandOnline.com Office/Advertising Assistants: Joan Compart: theland@TheLandOnline.com Deb Lawrence: auctions@TheLandOnline.com For Customer Service Concerns: (507) 345-4523, (800) 657-4665, theland@TheLandOnline.com Fax: (507) 345-1027 For Editorial Concerns or Story Ideas: (507) 344-6342, (800) 657-4665, editor@TheLandOnline.com National Sales Representative: Bock & Associates Inc., 7650 Executive Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55344-3677. (952) 905-3251. Because of the nature of articles appearing in The Land, product or business names may be included to provide clarity. This does not constitute an endorsement of any product or business. Opinions and viewpoints expressed in editorials or by news sources are not necessarily those of the management. The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The Publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement. Classified Advertising: $19.79 for seven (7) lines for a private classified, each additional line is $1.40; $24.90 for business classifieds, each additional line is $1.40. Classified ads accepted by mail or by phone with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Classified ads can also be sent by e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com. Mail classified ads to The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002. Please include credit card number, expiration date and your postal address with ads sent on either mail version. Classified ads may also be called into (800) 657-4665. Deadline for classified ads is 5 pm on the Friday prior to publication date, with holiday exceptions. Distributed to farmers in all Minnesota counties and northern Iowa, as well as on The Land’s website. Each classified ad is separately copyrighted by The Land. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Subscription and Distribution: Free to farmers and agribusinesses in Minnesota and northern Iowa. $25 per year for non-farmers and people outside the service area. The Land (USPS 392470) Copyright © 2018 by The Free Press Media is published biweekly by The Free Press, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Business and Editorial Offices: 418 S. 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727, Accounting and Circulation Offices: Steve Jameson, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Call (507) 345-4523 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Mankato, MN. Postmaster and Change of Address: Send address changes to The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato MN 56002-3169 or e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com.
Summertime and the living is easy. the Hefty boys too — both Darren and Great song when I was a kid. And it still Brian. It was all free. Great marketers, is. My wife reminds me it was Ella that Hefty clan. Fitzgerald belting out those neat lyrics in Speaking of marketing, many of you are the big show “Porgy and Bess.” A goodly becoming aware of a new seed corn brand number of your seniors remember the in the area. Beck’s is the name. Last fall, music. Just simply good listening … and I had the pleasure of a jet flight visit to a touch of melancholy memories too. their Atlanta, Ind. home base. A genuine So what am I leading up to? Well, it family-owned operation which truly does LAND MINDS certainly is summer time. But is the livproject a “farmers-at-heart” culture. ing really easy? Let’s first point fingers By Dick Hagen And good news for my town of Olivia! at the weather. Across the upper Becks just purchased a large facility Midwest there is more variety than with intentions of making Olivia the needed. Many of you scratched around newest marketing outlet of Beck’s unexpected ponds in your fields this Hybrids which now serves farmers in 11 states. spring. Hop into a plane with a local pilot and you What’s next? State fairs — both Minnesota and will see an amazing pattern of patchwork quilt Iowa. Yes, the state fair remains a huge agriculturdesigns across your fields. Which, at this stage, al showcase, but not like they used to be. leaves me questioning U.S. Department of Minnesota’s Farmfest pretty much eliminated Agriculture crop estimates for this season. Yes, lots of 200-plus bushel yields very likely once again. But Machinery Hill at the Minnesota State Fair. often in the same field spots with less than Farmfest just wrapped up (Aug 7-8-9), and we 100-bushel yields and even some zero yields. thank many of you who stopped at The Land booth But let’s get on with this summertime chatter. It’s to say hello. It’s great to see you and share the latest gossip — plus politicians galore. Both absolutely amazing how busy we all have become. Minnesota Soybean Growers and Minnesota Corn Check your calendar and any given week you have Growers Associations invited candidates to visit what seems like a dozen or more activities. We’re their big tents to meet with Minnesota farmers. smack dab in the county fair season. Minnesota And I have the fun of being one of the ag press peo(and I suspect Iowa) are blessed with county fairs ple who got to ask questions at the various political in virtually every county. And thanks to 4-H and FFA, your children or grandchildren often have live- forums that Kent Thiesse lined up this year. Yes, trade tariffs were on the agenda. Perhaps your stock, or garden, or craft and shop exhibits competing for ribbons. Mostly blue ribbons we hope, but a potential agenda features the big Farm Progress Show in the Boone, Iowa area. The event takes variety of colors are needed for the multitude of place Aug. 28-30. kids who now participate in these events. But in between these biggies, you’ve got baseball Yes, farm numbers keep declining. So too, farm with you local town team plus family picnics, high kid numbers keep declining. But thanks to town school class reunions and that family vacation with kids now getting involved in many of these ag shows, wandering through the livestock and exhibit Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes scenario the big attraction. Hopefully you do find the time for that genuine buildings at any county fair gives a good reminder family vacation. Mom, Dad, and your kids … you that the farm scene isn’t being forgotten. all need that “get-away” excuse — sometimes just to Hundreds attended the annual Hefty Field Day catch up with the lives within your own family. event which took place on July 26 in Baltic, S.D. Because it’s the political season once again, we’ve This was the third year for me and it is indeed a all had a chance to listen to, shake the hand of, or sensational event. They say 10,000 people attendsimply observe as candidates pass by in your local ed, which is believable to me. There was a tremencommunity parade — literally dozens of political dous noon-time feeding by a Sioux Falls catering candidates. outfit. There were displays galore and talkers with every display. Plus, I got in a little chatting from See LAND MINDS, pg. 9
OPINION
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 15 — New tillage system promotes healthy soil, fuel savings 29 — Hefty field day continues to present new farming practices
THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Calendar of Events” — Check out The Land’s complete events listing • “E-Edition” — Archives of past issues of The Land
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THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
T N A W U O Y IF K C I K A
O
/ U B R 0 O . F 2 S A E R C A R U O Y N
D L E I Y ORE
M
THE ANSWER IS Looking for breakthrough performance? The answer is easy with Pioneer® brand A-Series soybeans. Ask your local Pioneer sales representative how A-Series soybeans can kick up your yield potential.
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Data is based on an average of 2016-2017 comparisons made in the U.S. through Nov. 29, 2017. Comparisons are against all competitors, unless otherwise stated, and within +/- 3 RM of the competitive brand. Product responses are variable and subject to any number of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data are a better predictor of future performance. DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION. Refer to www.pioneer.com/products or contact a Pioneer sales representative or authorized dealer for the latest and complete listing of traits and scores for each Pioneer® brand product. Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ® TM SM , , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Dow AgroSciences or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2018 PHII. DUPPSY18035_VAR2_081818_TL
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PAGE 5
Meet your new boss, same as the old Adding spice to the pot was GMA’s The only Washington, D.C.-area team opposition to the Food and Drug having a worse year than the Baltimore Administration’s still-not-in-effect 2014 Orioles (an awful 34-78 on Aug. 6) is big Nutrition Facts labeling rule. It will food’s biggest, richest lobbying arm, the require companies to “list ‘added sugars’ Grocery Manufacturers Association, or for the first time” on their food labels. the GMA. Interestingly, then-GMA member compaMost American farmers and ranchers nies like Mars and Nestle (two of the don’t know GMA by its acronym. They world’s biggest sugar users) favored the do, however, know its work: it was the FARM & FOOD FILE rules “because consumers want more organizer and checkbook behind the information.” By Alan Guebert defeat of several state initiatives to label Similarly, several members had an genetically modified food in the early unconventional view on GMA’s opposi2010s. tion to the national biotech labeling GMA’s muscle and law. They believed it money, however, only gave “the impression bought time. In 2016, While it’s not completely clear how that the industry was Congress passed a GMA’s opposition to the proposed law against transparency.” national biotech labeling split the group’s paying membership, law to preempt states from It wasn’t so much an it is clear that the law’s passage creating an unworkable quilt impression as a fact: opened the door for several high-proof state or regional food labelGMA fought toothfile GMA members to leave the $35.6 ing laws. and-nail against the While it’s not completely clear million-a-year trade association. labeling effort and how GMA’s opposition to the asked Big Agbiz to proposed law split the group’s paying membership, bring its muscle and money into the fight. In the it is clear that the law’s passage opened the door for end, the law passed (the Trump Administration is several high profile GMA members to leave thedelaying its implementation) and biotech food labelthen $35.6-million-a-year trade association. The ing will be the law of the land sooner than later. first to go in 2017 were Campbell Soup Co., Mars, In the meantime, GMA ex-members like Mars, Dean Foods, and Nestle. Tyson Foods and Unilever Unilever, and Nestle have joined other companies soon followed. like Danone to form a new food trade group that, That’s an enormous slice of brand power, dues and Politico reported in early July, will be named “the political pie for any lobbying organization to lose in Sustainable Food Policy Alliance.” The group’s just months. Last November, two Politico reporters, “immediate plan (is) to focus on nutritional labeling Helena Bottemiller Evich and Catherine Boudreau, and carbon emissions.” investigated. They discovered the nation’s most Moreover — and here’s where you come in — the powerful food lobbyist chasing its members who group will also “advocate … for environmental poliwere chasing a fast-changing marketplace. cies (to ensure) that the final version of the farm “Companies are increasingly under pressure to bill addresses water and soil quality and expanding find growth in a market in which more and more renewable energy … (because) food companies ‘can consumers are seeking healthier fare,” noted the and should be doing more to lead and drive policy pair, “whether they’re buying organic baby food, action…’” cereal without artificial color or meat raised without Can and should or can and will? antibiotics.” Either way, your key customers, those very same While that growing trend may be evident, some food companies, are being driven by their key cusmore nuanced parts of it aren’t. “Many of the cuttomers, a younger, more affluent and urban generating-edge brands have become part of conglomerates,” setting up an in-house “culture clash” between tion, to deliver higher quality and more transparency. That means you’ll eventually do the same, too. the brand’s old persona and new. For example, “Kashi is owned by Kellogg’s,” explained the reportAnd if you think the marketplace can’t or won’t do ers, which presents “competing priorities and valit, go talk to the shrinking, sulking GMA. ues.” The Farm and Food File is published weekly That means what worked five years ago for through the United States and Canada. Past colKellogg’s — like the GMA’s expensive, public fight umns, events and contact information are posted at against biotech labeling — fly smack in the face of www.farmandfoodfile.com. v what Kellogg’s now attempts to do in marketing an upscale, “progressive” brand like Kashi which describes itself as a company “mindful of sustainable and ethical farming practices.”
OPINION
T N A W U IF YO rning tu head-tieS FOR varie
D L E I Y E R MO e th r answe is
Pioneer® brand A-Series soybeans are the answer to breakthrough yield potential. Ask your local Pioneer sales representative about A-Series varieties that can turn heads on your soybean acres.
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® TM SM , , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Dow AgroSciences or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2018 PHII. DUPPSY18042_VA_TL
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THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
Letter: Soybean experts share ideas To the Editor: Do you remember those days as a kid when you and your friends tested the last nerve of an adult, and they told you to “talk amongst yourselves?” With the exception of wondering if the adult butchered the word “among,” you were fine to stick with your own age group and converse with your neighborhood buddies. Fast forward too many years to count, and those of us who’ve spent a lifetime in agriculture realize that talking amongst ourselves is not a successful formula for helping our profession. Moving the needle, as they say, involves casting a wide net for solutions. The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council recently brought together farmer and industry leaders along with university researchers for our third annual retreat. It was an opportunity for farmers to sit down with the researchers and talk one-on-one with the issues that are affecting them on their farming operations. The idea is to create communication among all the parties. Farmers walk away with a better understanding of research capabilities, time tables and realities, allowing farmers and researchers to better understand each other. Twenty-three Minnesota soybean farmers, along with 39 researchers and industry leaders, participated in the two-day retreat. A variety of topics was discussed: general agronomy, soil fertility, plant pathology, insect and weed management, soil hydrology and soybean utilization. MSR&PC focuses its research on three main objectives: improving yields through genetics, improving agronomic practices and improving pest management. Each year we fund research that contributes to a steady increase in soybean yields, greater variety availability, improved pest management options and much more. If not for the support of farmers
and their checkoff funds, it is unlikely Minnesota would have grown to become one of the nation’s top soybean producing states. In 2017, MSR&PC invested in 24 major production research projects. We strive to spend our checkoff funds wisely, and our research retreats allow us to share knowledge and improve communications on critical issues for soybean research. It’s about enabling conversations with a focus on increasing the productivity of Minnesota soybean growers. Take for example, soybean cyst nematode, which causes an estimated 90,000,000 bushel yield loss of soybean in the north central United States each year. SCN is a microscopic roundworm that in the U.S. was first found in North Carolina in 1954. SCN has since moved north and west, reaching southern Minnesota in 1977. We are currently finding research that will develop a Minnesota SCN sampling program to determine the incidence and severity of SCN populations. This in turn will help us develop a Minnesota SCN education program to stress how sampling to monitor populations is essential for effective management. We’re proud to be working with talented researches and graduate students from the University of Minnesota, North Dakota State University, University of Iowa, and University of Wisconsin, as well as industry and independent researchers from Monsanto, Bayer, Winfield United, AgRevival, as well as the Central Lakes College Research Farm/AgCentric. Farming is a complex entity — a manipulation of a biological system to develop an economic response. Complex issues require a meeting of the minds, a free-flowing exchange of ideas. Talking amongst ourselves should remain a thing of the past. Tom Slunecka Chief Executive Officer Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council
OPINION
Send your letters to: Editor, The Land P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.
Letter: Johnson deserves support PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ® TM SM , , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Dow AgroSciences or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2018 PHII. DUPA1418008_VA_TL
To the Editor, Former Governor (Tim) Pawlenty gave up his high-paid lobbyist career in D.C. to return here and run for governor again. He avoided the state convention, evidently assumed a RINO (Republican In Name Only) would not be endorsed! Now his secret group of wealthy business friends (the phantom 100) are funding his war chest to convince we voters to vote for him. Money talks so their millions will help.
Jeff Johnson has received the party endorsement, so it is up to us to elect him. Various ag leaders are promoting Jeff because of his global viewpoints. Our state’s largest industry is farming and the last four years have been a disaster. Mental health is a serious issue (suicide, bankruptcy are prime examples). Minnesota needs a great governor. Vote Johnson at the primary election and in November. Don Buck Zumbrota, Minn.
THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
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PAGE 7
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It pays to be a
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THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
Life on the Farm: Readers’ Photos
Compeer Financial® Patronage Program As a Farm Credit cooperative, our memberowners share in the profits they help to create through our patronage program. By paying back excess income to our member-owners, they can reinvest in their farms and businesses, which directly impacts our local and state economy. Keeping rural America strong is at the heart
Pete Bouman of Ruthton sent this photo of his tidy field in June, “Back when it was dry and the sun used to shine. We’ve had 5.5 inches of rain since then.”
of everything we do. See for yourself—being a member-owner pays.
Al Batt of Hartford caught this furry fellow having a snack in the back yard.
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Marcia Johnson of Jackson says she has seen more Baltimore Orioles outside her living room window than any other year.
Keep the photos coming
E-mail your Life on the Farm photos to editor@thelandonline.com.
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PAGE 9
Landowners can leave a legacy in their region By Tim Penny and Diana Anderson Glenn Krog has been working his family’s land near Lake Benton, Minn., for decades. However, he has no children to carry the tradition forward. For a farmer who is living off land homesteaded by an ancestor several generations before, it can be worrisome to imagine that land going to a distant investor with no real connection to the community. A dwindling pipeline of younger farmers paired with deep-seated emotional ties to land means succession planning is a growing concern in agriculture. The average age of farmers in southern and southwestern Minnesota is 55 years and climbing, and it is estimated that $11.5 billion in wealth will transfer hands by 2030 in these regions. Farmland will account for a large portion of that wealth, yet it remains unclear who this wealth will be transferred to. For every six farmers 65 or older, there is only one under the age of 35 standing in line to replace them, according to the 2012 U.S. Department of Agriculture ag census. However, there is a model that allows retiring farmers the peace of mind that their land will continue to be farmed. In 2005, Southwest Initiative Foundation launched a farmland retention program called Keep It Growing. Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation followed in 2014 with a similar program called Preserving our Heritage. What makes our model unique is that rather than liquidate the asset as most charities do, we keep the land, continue it as productive farmland and use the income stream to support impactful work. There are six Minnesota initiative foundations that serve greater Minnesota. Established by McKnight Foundation in 1986 during the farm crisis, each foundation invests in their respective
region through grants, business loans, and programming. West Central Initiative, Initiative Foundation and Northwest Minnesota Foundation have also used the farmland retention model to start programs in their regions. For landowners across the state, the Minnesota Initiative Foundations are a ready partner for this unique model of giving. Choosing to donate one’s land is an enormous benefit on all fronts: The landowner will receive a tax deduction and bypass capital gains while still being able to maintain a stable revenue source using a retained life estate. The tenant can continue to rent and farm the land. The county maintains its tax base. The Foundation retains ownership and acts as a steward of this resource to ensure the community benefits long-term from the income generated. Through this program, retiring farmers can give some or all of their land directly to their regional Initiative Foundation, or to one of the many community foundations that exist under their umbrella, allowing farmers to build the wealth of their individual communities. There are 26 community foundations in SWIF’s region and 27 in SMIF’s region that could benefit from a farmland donation. When a farmer is thinking about estate planning, it can be a comfort to know there is a way their land can remain active farmland and provide them with a steady revenue stream, while also benefitting the communities and causes they care about most. Krogg decided to set up his will so his long-time farm employee has lifetime use of the farm. Upon his passing it will benefit the Lake Benton Area Foundation, one of SWIF’s affiliates. He wants his gift to support hometown favorites like the historic opera house, community programs and more for years to come. So far, a total of 1,730 acres have been donated to SWIF, who in turn will continue to
OPINION
Don’t expect marketing miracles LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 Corn Capital Parade out here at Olivia (the Corn Capital City) on July 28 is always a big deal. And for a town of 2,500, we put on a good show. There was a great parade with four bands this year — including the 34th Infantry Division Band leading the parade. They are really good! Plus the event hosted the big sweet corn feed which satisfied the hunger pangs of about 3,100 people. Congressman Collin Peterson always makes the Olivia parade. I asked him why he comes to Olivia when, on any given Saturday, he could attend a dozen other events. Honest politician that Peterson is, he winked, “Because your people are so friendly. I don’t hear a single boo at your Olivia parade!” Now it’s NFL football time. Already, harvests of sweet corn, peas and small grains are history. Sugar beet digging is about to begin with a harvest that will be every bit as variable as your corn and
soybean yields. Sept. 1 and schools will reopen. High school football once again dominates coffee shop chatter in every rural Minnesota and Iowa community. Plus, hopefully you all had at least one unusual summer adventure too. Mine will be on Aug. 11 when I’m taking in the annual Garlic Festival at Hutchinson, Minn. I’ll carry a clothes pin just in case the garlic whiffs get overpowering. I’ll share a bit of this visit in a later issue of The Land. Wrapping up, keep the good Lord in your agenda every day. Don’t expect any marketing miracles from trade war battle and tariffs. Don’t expect a new farm bill until after the election. Do pray for our country leaders. And may peace and sanity reappear as the footstone of America. Dick Hagen is staff writer of The Land. He may be reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. v
manage this land and re-invest the rental income into southwestern Minnesota. The fields that surround our towns are more than economic assets. They represent our heritage. Many farmers in Minnesota are fifth and sixth generation landowners and the landscape depicts “home” for farmers and non-farmers alike. The Minnesota Initiative Foundations realize the importance of preserving the land as both a cultural and economic asset for generations to come. To learn more about how to make farmland a lasting asset, contact Tim Penny, timp@smifoundation. org, (507) 455-3215, or Diana Anderson, dianaa@ swifoundation.org, (320) 587-4848. Tim Penny is the President and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. Diana Anderson is the President and CEO of Southwest Initiative Foundation. v
37th Annual ALL BREED SWINE AUCTION & 13th Annual Semen Sale
Wed. Evening, August 29th • 6:10 PM
• JUDGING •
Judges: Brian Anderson, John Huinker, and Lance Miller Monday, August 27th West Ring - 5:00 pm: Junior Barrow Showmanship
Tuesday, August 28th
East Ring - 8:00 am to 3:00 pm: Poland China, Chester, White, Spotted hogs, and Yorkshire West Ring - 8:00 am to 1:00 pm: Duroc, Hampshire, Berkshire, Landrace, and 11:00 am to 1:00 pm: Junior Skill-a-thon 2:00 pm Junior Crossbred Breeding Gilts 4:30 pm: Junior Judging Contest East Ring - Selection of Supreme Boar and Gilt following the conclusion of the Breeding Shows
Wednesday, August 29th West Ring - 8:00 am: Junior Barrow Classic East Ring - 9:00 am: Open Barrow Show All top placements (boars and gilts) born from December through March in each breed will be sold at auction. Up to 100 head! This is an excellent opportunity to obtain some of the top genetics available in the Midwest. Herd health is a #1 priority for the exhibitors. Prices in the past have been very reasonable. Payment must be made at the auction. Hogs purchased may be removed from the State Fair Grounds immediately following the sale. Help is available for loading out. If not taken that evening, they must wait until Thur. Aug. 30th from 1-5.
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There’s nothing corny about these summertime treats Some people can’t wait until Christmas, their birthday or a big vacation; but this time of year there’s only one thing I can’t wait for and that’s SWEET CORN. Nothing says summer better than taking a bite out of fresh, tasty sweet corn. Now that sweet corn season is here, it’s time to get your fill of this delectable veggie.
went back there two more times on our trip. I wanted to try to find a street-style corn-on-the-cob recipe that tastes just like it did with the sea breezes and good friends on that trip. I found this recipe and making it instantly takes me back to those good times on the sunny coast. Now to find myself a great COOKING jalapeno margarita recipe! WITH KRISTIN Grilled Mexican Street Corn By Kristin Kveno www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/07/ Every year my old college sorority sisters and I mexican-street-corn-elotes-recipe.html take a trip somewhere. Last year it was to Holly- 1/4 cup mayonnaise wood, Fla. The moment we got off the plane we 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema needed to find food and fast — as a few of us 1/2 cup finely crumbled Cotija or feta cheese, (me) were getting a little hangry (definition: so plus more for serving hungry that you get a little angry.) We discovered 1/2 tsp. ancho or guajillo chili powder, plus more the Taco Beach Shack and fell in love with the for serving Mexican street corn. Oh and the jalapeno mar1 medium clove garlic, finely minced (about 1 garitas! We loved both those items so much we teaspoon)
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. Aug. 17-19 — Heritage Hill Threshing Show — Montevideo, Minn. — John Deere tractors and farm equipment will be featured. Daily activities include *Steam Threshing Machine Demonstrations, Blacksmith Shop, tractor exhibits, sawmill, flea market and* food offerings throughout the day — Contact Chip Grube at chipgrube@ yahoo.com or (320) 815-5791 Aug. 23 — Farm Field Day — Faribault, Minn. — See cover crops interseeded into 30 and 60-inch corn rows and resulting corn and cover crop growth. Other topics include the Proposed Groundwater Protection Rule; nitrate movement through soils; cover crops and nitrate retention; evaluating soil health — Contact Rice County Soil and Water Conservation District at (507) 332-5408 Aug. 25 — Farm2Families Festival — Aitkin, Minn. — Topics include sustainable farming practices; peat technology; silvopasturing. Also featuring a famers market, animal displays, live music and a locally-sourced meal — Contact Sustainable Farming Association at sfa-mn.org/greater-mille-lacs
Aug. 25-26 — Donnelly Threshing Bee — Donnelly, Minn. — Featuring Minneapolis Moline, Oliver and Cockshutt. Events include demonstrations, parade, classic car show, horse pulling contest, tractor pull — Contact Harry Kruize at chkruize@runestone. net or (320) 246-3337 Aug. 29 — Stearns County Soil Health Tour — Waite Park, Minn. — Tour includes stops at Bechtold Dairy’s no-till and minimal till acres; Lee Zabinski’s dormant cover crop seeding system; Alvin Olmscheid’s hayable buffer; Francis Krippner’s streambank buffer and cattle crossing; and Luxemburg Feed Services’ cover crop plots. Lunch is included — Contact Katie Breth at (320) 251-7800 ext. 3 Aug. 30 — Dirt Rich: Building Soil Health Experts — Lake Park, Minn. — Presentations include principles of soil health; cover crop species selection; interpreting Haney test results; NRCS rainfall simulator; and in-field demonstrations — Contact Jason Walker at jason@sfa-mn.org or (844) 922-5573 ext. 702
If you’re in the mood for a little garlic and lemon to go on your corn, then this recipe is for you. The lemon-garlic glaze adds just enough pizazz to bring corn on the cob to the next level of deliciousness. Lemon-Garlic Glaze Corn on the Cob www.eatingwell.com/recipe/250126/ lemon-garlic-glazed-corn-on-the-cob/ 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 ears corn, husked 1/3 cup water 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add corn, water, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cover and cook, gently shaking the pan occasionally to turn the cobs, for 5 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking, turning the cobs occasionally, until all but a few tablespoons of liquid has evaporated, 2 to 4 minutes more. Serve the corn In doing research for this column, I came drizzled with the lemon-garlic pan sauce. across recipes that included adding honey, milk n and cream to the water for cooking corn on the I’m a heat gal. I love Tabasco or Sriracha on cob. I’d never heard of this, but with such just about any food; from salads to pizza to my impressive reviews on this method of cooking favorite, popcorn. I can’t get enough hot sauce. corn, I can’t wait to give it a try this weekend. This recipe is perfect for anyone that likes a little Down Home Milk and Honey or a lot of heat along with the smokiness of ChiCorn on the Cob potle in your food. https://4sonrus.com/home-milk-honey-corn-cob/ Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob 8-10 ears of fresh shucked, and well rinsed www.tabasco.com/recipe/chipotle-grilled-cornsweet corn on-the-cob/ water 6 teaspoons Tabasco Chipotle sauce 1 cup of 2 percent or whole milk 6 ears fresh corn, shucked 1/2 cup of heavy cream 6 tablespoons butter, softened 1 stick of unsalted butter salt to taste 3 tablespoons of honey 1 teaspoon of Cajun or Creole seasoning Heat grill to medium-high. Blend butter with freshly ground salt & pepper to taste Tabasco Chipotle sauce. Place each ear of corn chopped parsley for garnish optional on a square of heavy aluminum foil and spread each with butter mixture. Add salt to taste. Close Fill a stock pot half full with water. To the pot add the milk, cream, butter, honey, Cajun or Cre- packets securely and place on grill. Cook for 18 minutes, turning packets over halfway through ole seasoning and salt and pepper, to taste. grilling. Whisk everything together until evenly incorporated. Add in the corn cobs, whole or cut to size. Now’s the time to pick up some deliHeat the pot over low heat to warm the milk and cious sweet corn and give one of these melt butter. Turn the heat up just below medium, unique but divine recipes a try. careful not to let milk mixture actually come to a boil. Allow the corn to slowly simmer in the milk Kristin Kveno scours the internet, pours over old family recipes and mixture for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, and using tongs remove the corn searches everywhere in between to find interesting food ideas for feeding your from the milk and honey mixture. Let the corn crew. Do you have a recipe you want to rest one minute and serve immediately. share? You can reach Kristin at n kristin_kveno@yahoo.com. v 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems 4 ears shucked corn 1 lime, cut into wedges Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and spread coals evenly over half of coal grates. Alternatively, set half the burners of a gas grill to high heat. Set cooking grates in place, cover grill, and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil grilling grate. While coals heat, combine mayonnaise, sour cream or crema, cheese, chili powder, garlic and cilantro in a large bowl. Stir until homogeneous and set aside. When grill is hot, place corn directly over hot side of grill and cook, rotating occasionally, until cooked through and charred in spots on all sides — about eight minutes total. Transfer corn to bowl with cheese mixture and use a large spoon to evenly coat corn on all sides with mixture. Sprinkle with extra cheese and chili powder and serve immediately with lime wedges. n
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Nasturtiums can repel pests and are edible too all parts of the plant are edible — includEdible flowers are making a comeback ing the shield-shaped leaves. Nasturtium and add color and flavor to many food has a mild peppery flavor and the blosdishes. I plant a packet of nasturtium som can add drama and zest to any seeds every year just for the fun of it. They salad. Some people like to use nasturgrow in a rather dry spot of somewhat tium leaves on sandwiches as a substipoor soil in the back patio garden area. tute for mustard. One layer for mild, sevThe poor soil is due to the clay and gravel eral layers for hot mustard flavor. I read mixture brought in for setting the patio that the unripe seed pods can be harvestblocks. They thrive there and actually IN THE GARDEN ed and used in the place of capers in vinflower better without rich and fertile soil. egars and other condiments. I like to Tropaeolaceae is the genus name of By Sharon Quale place a full blossom on the edge of the nasturtium. Linnaeus thought the salad and hear the ohs and ahs! flowers looked like helmets of Roman soldiers and The seeds resemble beet seeds and enjoy a two he thought the leaves were shaped like shields. A hour pre-soak in water before planting. They take trophy pole would be set up to display the armor their time germinating. Nurseries seldom carry the and weapons of the defeated army – hence the name tropaeolaceae. The flowers, about the size of a plants as they don’t like being potted, so your best bet is to plant seeds. Put nasturtiums on your list fifty cent piece, are intricate and come in intense colors of orange, yellow and red orange. They bloom for seeds to order or buy next spring. continuously from midsummer through fall. Other common edible flowers include carnations, Nasturtiums can be useful as companion plants to marigolds, roses, hollyhock, squash blossoms and violets. repel a number of pests. The cucurbit pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles don’t like to Readers ask: What is happening to my tomatoes? hang with nasturtiums. They also benefit the brasThey have a dry sunken spot on their bottom. sica vegetables, especially cauliflower, brussels You are most likely experiencing bottom-end rot. sprouts and broccoli to ward off their pests. According to the University of Minnesota, bottomThe culinary aspect of this unique annual flower end rot is caused by insufficient calcium in the tisis amazing. The flower is most often consumed, but sue of the tomato. This a complex issue because it is
West Nile Virus confirmed ST. PAUL — A 3-year-old miniature horse in Pine City was confirmed to have West Nile Virus on July 27, which marks the first equine case in Minnesota in 2018. The attending veterinarian reported to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health that the stallion presented with acute neurologic signs, exhibiting profound weakness in his front limbs, tripping and falling and requiring assistance to stand. The horse has no documented history of vaccination against West Nile Virus and is currently receiving supportive care. A mare and a foal also live on the property and are healthy at this time. West Nile Virus is a zoonotic disease spread by mosquitoes, and thought to cycle between mosquitoes and birds. Mosquitoes contract the virus from birds and then spread it to mammals (and reptiles), most commonly humans and horses. Infected horses can become anorexic, depressed and show neurologic signs or behavior changes. Horse vaccines are available and have been used extensively, contributing to the decline in the number of affected horses. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v
Photo by Shaon Quale
also associated with watering. The tomatoes are OK to eat after you cut away the bad part. Frequently, it only affects the first fruit. For more information, contact your local extension office. Thank you to a reader from Dexter, Minn. who confesses to be a “Hostaholic”. I enjoyed hearing from her. Sharon Quale is a master gardener from central Minnesota. She may be reached at (218) 738-6060 or squale101@yahoo.com. v
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THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
No matter what may come to pass, family is family When we checked out of the Lemmon, other interesting twigs and twists to a S.D. lodge that was only single-digits old, family tree. I gushed on the clerk. The place is lovely; While bagging my groceries, I noticed the hospitality warm. Though she was the mid-life gentleman behind me was grateful for the glowing words, she said wearing dress clothes and a boutonniere. many remain skeptical. “We once had a “What are you celebrating?” I asked. woman call from New York who asked if “My stepdaughter just got married,” he we had any rooms without dirt floors.” responded. They don’t. Nor do stagecoaches provide THE BACK PORCH their public transportation. When I congratulated him, his mouth Ms. New York was scripting 21st centuBy Lenae Bulthuis twisted then said, “I’m not happy about it, but it seems she is.” ry fiction based on historical facts. And she’s not alone. We can all write fiction in our heads I don’t know your story. Maybe your family is picabout one another, can’t we? As Holley Gerth writes, ture perfect. For real. Or maybe you find world “It’s so easy to smack a label on what we don’t peace more probable than gathering your family understand. So convenient to believe the assumpunder the same roof come Christmas. tions because it’s a lot less work than love.” It’s easier to shake our baffled heads at those we don’t understand than to shake their hands and learn And when we remember we are family, their story. It’s easier to keep people at an arm’s disit changes everything. It’s the difference tance than to link arms and be for one another. between holding a grudge or extending And while that certainly applies to diversity and grace. Thinking the worst or believing the desperate need for world peace, let’s take it closer to home. All the way home. the best. Insisting on being right or making things right. Family can be challenging. Even the Cleavers and Waltons had their troubles. The saying goes, “You Mike and I seek to live by this family rule: I cancan choose your friends, but you can’t choose your not complain about his family and he cannot comrelatives.” And that’s before you add in-laws and plain about mine. Why? Because for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, these are our people. And though we may not always agree or understand one another, nor will they always agree or understand us, we are family. And family matters. We have three daughters and the oldest two couldn’t be more opposite from each another. As children there was a season when they shared the same bedroom. And there was no confusion about
New Ulm Toy Show Sept. 1st & 2rd, 2018
Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 3pm
Held at the New Ulm Civic Center 1212 N Franklin Street Farm toys; cars; trucks & various collectibles Farm layouts will be displayed
Welcome new vendors. More information call: Wendy: 507-381-8234 • Jim: 507-381-8235
whose side of the bedroom belonged to who. On one side, the clothes were hung in the closet with care and the t-shirts and socks were organized in dresser drawers in a rainbow color scheme. The other side of the room was disastrous. It was anyone’s guess what clothes were clean and what were dirty because they all shared the same floor space. The only thing these girls have in common is the same parents and their love for Jesus. They are incompatible, yet inseparable. Why? Because they’re family. They are sisters who love and appreciate one another in spite of their differences. And when we remember we are family, it changes everything. It’s the difference between holding a grudge or extending grace. Thinking the worst or believing the best. Insisting on being right or making things right. One of the most-popular hobbies in America right now is discovering your genealogy. And as people identify the specifics of their lineage and geography, I wonder if it changes how they view people who they now know are their relation? Bigger still, what if you and yours, me and mine actually understood that though we may not share the same branch on the family tree, we share the same roots. No matter where you live, how you are wired, the color of your eyes, hair, or skin, or how you are voted in the last election, we are family. Period. It may just change the fiction we write in our head, online or out loud. Lenae Bulthuis muses about faith, family, and farming from her back porch on her Minnesota grain and livestock farm. She can be reached at lenaesbulthuis@gmail.com or @LenaeBulthuis. v
Grant program requests being accepted Minnesota corn farmers once again have the opportunity to put their innovative conservation ideas into action through the Minnesota Corn Innovation Grant Program. In its fourth year, the Innovation Grant Program is accepting proposals focused on innovation solutions to preventing both nitrogen and phosphorous loss to ground and surface water. Each accepted proposal will feature novel practices related to improved nitrogen and/or phosphorous management on a field scale program. Last year, 12 projects were approved for funding, each with a focus on preventing nitrogen loss. The 2019 Innovation Grant Program has expanded to solutions that improve phosphorous management, which has been a focus for farmers in the Red River Valley, specifically. To date, the program has invested nearly $400,000 in 40 farmer-led research projects (33 unique projects
and 7 replicated projects) bringing novel solutions to prevent nitrogen loss on the farm. In 2019, farmers are eligible for up to $7,000 per year in funding dependent on the cost to carry out each farmer-led, conservation-minded project. Replicated trials may also be funded at up to $30,000 per year, but must include a statistical design and analysis protocol in the proposal. Criteria and expectations for each of the proposal levels are available within the RFP. Projects must be applied for and conducted by an active Minnesota corn farmer subject to the Minnesota corn check-off. Apply online before 3 p.m. on Dec. 31. For more information, visit mncorn.org/research. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. v
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Acreage in cover crops is doubling every year By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer
At Ryberg Farms there was a cover crop display plot with 10 different cover crop species — side by side and walk space between. So the logical question to Nelson: Are there certain species catching on rapidly or are cover crops with three or more species now preferred?
BUFFALO LAKE, Minn. — “We’re very close to doubling in acres every year!” That exciting statement from Cody Nelson, Business Development Manager for the western region for Prairie Creek Seed. He’s talking about cover crops on American “I wouldn’t say there is a first choice,” said Nelson. cropland. And he should know. Traveling out of “There are a few leaders in the club house, but not Belview, Minn., he’s on the road in the true prairie one that is leading the parade. We’re seeing a lot of country of west central Minnesota. positive results from turnips and also cereal rye. The Nelson was speaking to nearly 100 farmers attend- carbon and nitrogen ratio on turnips is right, so they ing a Minnesota Corn Growers/Soil Health break down rapidly in the spring and don’t give us Partnership event at the Brian Ryberg farm in any issues. The rye will help to alleviate erosion and Buffalo Lake, Minn. Ryberg is the guy who four will help to add tilth to the soil. So with either of years ago made a complete transition on 3,200 acres these we don’t need to worry about fall tillage. devoted to corn, soybeans and sugar beets. That “The conventional tillage farmers like those brastransition: conventional farming with upwards of 10 sicas in the mix because they don’t even know they trips across each field from plantings to harvest to are out there in the spring.” just two trips. The magic: he leased a Soil Warrior in Ryberg is using a little bit of several different cover the fall of 2015 and got into one-pass, strip till farmcrops simply to learn what works best depending ing on all acres. And cover crops have been part of upon different situations. “Like he uses winter cereal that transition because of cover crops’ remarkable rye if he can’t plant anything else,” Nelson explained. ability to penetrate compacted soils and scavenge “We’ve had good luck planting that all the way unused fertilizer nutrients. through November and into early December. He Nelson commented the strip till and no till farmers seeds after soybean harvest, or after corn, even after are definitely catching on to cover crops first. “But sugar beet harvest. He uses a Salford vertical tillage now, more and more, conventional tillage farmers are tool with an air seeder attachment.” beginning to look at cover crops as well.” Germination is not an issue with any of the cover crop seeds handled by Prairie Creek Seed which headquarters at Cascade, Iowa. He indicated everything is 90 percent germ or better. But Nelson cautions about sourcing some of the ryes, depending upon where they are grown. “If you are buying variety-not-stated seed that you don’t know anything about where it comes from, some of that can be lower quality germination.”
ommended seeding rates for each individual crop species, plus the blends. “But that is just our recommendation,” he stressed. “We would rather see you seed less than recommended rates than seed nothing at all. So if you know you want to spend $12 an acre and you want three different species, we can do it. But that wouldn’t be very high seeding rates for that spending … certainly not high enough to meet the recommendations of the NCRS. And if you are aerial seeding, seeding rates should be almost doubled because you just don’t get as reliable establishment from aerial seeding.” “If you take anything home today, understand there is a huge difference between winter cereal rye and annual rye grass. These two are often compared to each other although there is very little relation between the two. Winter cereal rye will overwinter more consistently than any other annual cover crop and has completely different growth habits.” “And if there is one practice that seems to be catching on most its winter cereal rye fall seeded and then planting soybeans into the rye next spring. That is working extremely well. I’ve planted soybeans into the rye, then waited two, even three weeks to burn down the rye. I’ve seen people make a forage crop out of that rye in the spring, then plant soybeans right into the rye stubble. You might see a little yield drag because it could be early June before you plant your beans. But if you do, it’s very little. I would say there’s not a better way to plant beans than to plant it right into that cover crop that you seeded last fall — especially if you let it grow up and get some weed suppression from it.”
“Next here is Barsica rapeseed. We see the Barsica has a lower carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, so it breaks down a lot faster in the spring. Sometimes the competition gets a little woody and doesn’t break down very good. That’s why we talk more about the Barsica Are cover crops a particular attraction to the upper rapeseed. It’s bred to be a forage, so it fits into our midwest farmers? “Over the last 10-12 years they playbook better. had been slow to catch on, but now they are being “Here’s the Barkant turnip which is the one we use picked up nationwide. And it seems there is a leader rather than the purple top turnip — basically to in every state,” said Nelson. lessen the choking hazard for grazing cows. With the Sometimes geography is an issue. “When we’re purple tops, its one thing if they are golf ball size or interseeding into corn early, like between V4 and V7, softball size and the cow can chew on them. But if we can always get the annual rye grass to grow. But they’re a baseball size, a cow can choke on one of down south, where the corn is a little taller at V7, we them. With the Barkant we have about 400 percent haven’t had as much success. And the narrower the more leaf matter than with the purple top; and with row, the earlier we need to plant it.” that, better carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. And with it Do seed costs influence what blends are the better being a tankard type of turnip, it grows into the ground better — allowing it to loosen up your soils buy? “Absolutely,” said Nelson, “but my question to this dramatically better. The purple tops will just sort of farmer is what is your resource concern — meaning, float on the surface without doing much soil penetrav what are you trying to accomplish with the cover tion,” summed up Nelson.
255 16th Street South St. James, MN 56081
crop? And then I ask what are you willing to spend? It’s easier to develop a blend once the farmer answers those two questions. That suggests what blends to include. Then it’s a matter of the seeding rate to get at actual costs per acre.” Nelson pointed out Prairie Creek Seed has the rec-
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Change in tillage systems means healthy soils, less fuel By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer BUFFALO LAKE, Minn. — The lead paragraph in a story I wrote in December 2015 read: “Making a ‘total switch’ from conventional tillage to strip tillage on 3,500 acres in one season is a boondoggle move. And he won’t have data until harvest next fall to verify his wisdom — or lack thereof. But at this stage, Brian Ryberg of Ryberg Farms in Buffalo Lake, Minn. is confident — even excited — he and his wife Sandy made absolutely the right decision in a ‘sit down, let’s talk’ conversation at the kitchen table of their Sibley County farm home. He admits they were a bit uncomfortable in those first discussions. But the more they talked and studied, the more they felt they were heading in the right direction.” And now, a quantum leap to July 17, 2018. I’m sitting with Brian in his huge farm shop. Today was a soil health partnership event sponsored by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Soil Health Partnership. Another 60 or so farmers are outside getting “educated.” A unique display holds six soils and six tillage versions each in separate containers. Overhead, a rotating nozzle sprays 1.5 inches of simulated “rain” over these boxed soils. Beneath each soil sample, a plastic container catches water passing through each of these six soils. Inside the big shed, my first question to Ryberg: It’s four years later. Are you still learning about soil health? Perhaps with typical farmer modesty, Ryberg responded, “Yes, still learning and that’s the fascination of this new tillage system.” “We’ve really noticed the change in soil structure,” Ryberg explained. “Our soils don’t compact anymore. Might be different this year with all the intermittent rain showers, but seeing how slowly the rain water is passing through my soil in this simulated rain test looks good. “Most noticeable is the reduction of wheel traffic compaction. We’re using heavy equipment. But with this strip till system, we’re not digging into that entire soil profile like we would be with full scale tillage. Our soil structure stays intact. So thanks to strip tillage, plus our cover crops, we’re rebuilding our soils. It’s this stronger aggregate structure that carries the weight of our equipment. “We started with cover crops after our sugar beet fields were harvested about four years ago. We broadcast cereal rye to gain some cover through the winter to prevent soil erosion. It has worked well and is fairly inexpensive. We expanded on this in 2017 by interseeding cover crops in our corn fields at the same time we side dress nitrogen at about the V5-V6 stage. “Our goal is to not only improve soil health, but also get enough green cover to overwinter and no-till soybeans the following spring. This living cover crop in the spring will take up excess moisture and allow us
extremely durable machine with deep to plant on a timely basis. We are trying cog wheels that mixes trash into the some 5 and 8-way blends of cover crops row center creating an 8-inch wide and which include annual rye, turnips, rad3 to 4-inch residue berm in the process. ish, buckwheat, rapeseed, etc. This interseeding is done with a 36-row, That first year (2014), Ryberg’s total 22-inch bar placing 10-20 gallons of 32 field hours went from 430 hours with percent nitrogen between the rows with two, four-wheel-drive tractors, to 210 a coulter; while broadcasting the cover hours and just one four-wheel-drive crop seed with a Hiniker seed box that tractor. air delivers seed to each of the 36 rows.” Corn populations in this intensive Ryberg Farms is 50-50 on corn and system averages right at 36,000 plants soybean acres, plus some continuous per acre. “But we’re strip testing in each corn and a couple hundred acres of field — boosting populations to 40,000,” sugar beets which are on a five-year Photo by Dick Hagen said Ryberg. “Yield information this fall rotation to minimize disease issues. Brian Ryberg will tell the story. Varieties too can make a difference. Some handle higher Better soil health each year? “Yes, these improvements and restructuring of soil profile populations better. As we work with our seed dealers, are happening each year,” Ryberg said. “We’re also they give us a pretty good idea which hybrids we can seeing soil biology come alive and really handling the push a little more. Even though our soils are quite residue from our continuous corn fields. Residue isn’t uniform, we do have some pockets and hilltops where the issue that it used to be. That’s really been a plus. we back off on populations … down to 28,000 if this “Together with Soil Health Partnership (with is a sandy loam subsoil structure.” Ryberg’s two steady assistants, Jason and Chris, whom we work), we’re doing fertility tests on each field. We pull soil samples and they send them in to quickly picked up on the Soil Warrior and the singlea soil lab which does the Haney test which measures pass planting system. “It’s great to have a couple of soil biology levels. We’ll continue to do that for the really dependable, head-start guys .” next five years. We’ll have data telling soil health — There are big changes in Ryberg’s fertility program field by field — and even topographic differences too. No more fall urea and fall nitrogen applications. within a given field.” Instead, they apply phosphorus and potassium in the The Soil Health Partnership team concentrates on fall when doing their single-pass tillage. All nitrogen several goals: minimize disturbance; maximize diver- is spring applied (liquid) while planting (20 gallons of sity; armor the soil; maximize living roots; and inte- 32 percent) plus a side dress application for the balance of nitrogen needed. grate livestock grazing. Fuel economy is significant. With conventional Yes, the tillage system, cropping regime and cover crop program can and does influence organic matter farming, 7 to 8 gallons of fuel consumption per acre content of your soils. Ryberg admits organic matter is the usual. Ryberg says he is at about 3.5 gallons has never been an issue on the loam soils of their per acre with his tillage system. “Take it across a fields. “We’re consistently in that 6.7 to 7 soil pH bunch of acres and it adds up.” around here … so we have the benefit of high organWhen renting new ground, Ryberg said they mostly ic matter right from the get go.” just jump right in with the fall tillage and dry fertilHow was planting this wet spring? “We knew we izer application. “I think interest is really growing weren’t having compaction issues because we don’t for this tillage system — especially with commodity do any cross traffic and our soil aggregate is good,” prices being in the tank and people looking to save Ryberg stated. “Our planter units are riding on money with fewer trips across the field. Plus, what untouched soil, so we had really good emergence, we are doing for soil health is the big ticket. We’re good stands and now today virtually all corn is fully seeing virtually zero erosion; a regeneration of soil bacteria and biological activity in the soil; and defitasseled and heavy into pollination.” Despite the frequency and intensity of late May nitely more interest in overall conservation of our and early June rains, “Our fields handled the 1-inch soil resources.” His land owners are supportive too. Ryberg told of and 2-inch rains very well. But those 4-6 inch downpours got all of us into the same pool,” related Ryberg. a land owner, just short of 90 years old, who moldThe Ryberg crew plants using 300-horsepower board plowed until the day of his auction. “He said to John Deere power units on tracks. This track unit me, ‘Brian, this is fantastic.’” Corn maturities on Ryberg farms range from 97 to also pulls grain carts which also have tracks during harvest. But the major workhorse for this one-over 108-day varieties. While it’s too soon to venture yield strip till crop farming strategy is a machine called projections for this season, Ryberg is confident there the Soil Warrior — pulled by a JD 9630 which is in will be 200-bushel yields this fall too. “We’ve still got that 530 hp category. The Soil Warrior is manufac- some time,” he said. “With some dry weather and v tured at Faribault, Minn. Ryberg says it’s an heat, I think this crop will come around.”
PAGE 16
www.thelandonline.com MILKER’S — “Where MESSAGE Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
Global Dairy Trade price forecasts inching up This column was written for the marketing week ending Aug. 10. There wasn’t a lot to see in the Aug. 7 Global Dairy Trade auction … or was there? The weighted average was unchanged after falling 1.7 percent on News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers July 17 and 5.0 percent on July 3. Sellers brought 75.1 million pounds of time. Skim milk powder was off 0.3 peryield is mostly at normal levels and sufficient to product to sell. This is up from 56.1 milMIELKE MARKET cent, following a 0.8 percent rise last time. meet cheese processing requirements. Some manulion last time and the most since Nov. WEEKLY facturers report that cheese output is steady com21, 2017. Rennet casein led the gains, up 8.0 perBy Lee Mielke cent, after it led the declines last time, fall- pared to a week ago. Others say that their producThe losses were led by buttermilk tion was stronger this week. Cheese inventories are ing 9.5 percent. Cheddar was up 1.3 perpowder, which was down 5.9 percent. It plenteous in all the areas of the West. Sales are cent after dropping 3.3 percent. Anhydrous milkfat was not traded in the last event. Butter was next, fairly balanced to slightly declining depending on was up 1.2 percent, after falling 5.2 percent last down 3.2 percent, after plunging 8.1 percent last the seller but demand for barrel is said to be time, and whole milk powder inched 0.1 percent improving, while export sales for block are reported higher, after gaining 1.5 percent last time. steady. Some manufacturers are considering switchFC Stone equates the GDT 80 percent butterfat ing to cheddars to better “recalibrate the market,” GREAT DEALS GREAT PRICES NOW! butter price to $2.1250 per pound U.S. Chicago says Dairy Market News, but “Overall, the market Mercantile Exchange butter closed Aug. 10 at $2.34. undertone seems to be firming.” GDT cheddar cheese equated to $1.6614 per pound Trade war rhetoric with China heated up again as GREAT DEALS GREAT PRICES NOW! U.S. and compares to Aug. 10’s CME block cheddar the game of chicken continues. But FC Stone’s Dave at $1.6575. GDT skim milk powder averaged 89.47 Kurzawski pointed out in his Aug. 6 Early Morning cents per pound and whole milk powder averaged Update that negotiations with Mexico over NAFTA $1.3419. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Aug. were progressing well according to Mexico’s econom10 at 83 cents per pound. ic minister. The U.S. Department of Agriculture left its 2018 n HIGH STEEL INSERT IN 20’ ARROW FRONT FEEDER milk production estimate unchanged in the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Cash butter closed the week at $2.34 per pound. report, but raised its 2019 estimate on slightly high- This is up 2 cents, but 34.25 cents below a year ago, er cow numbers and increased milk per cow. with 14 carloads exchanging hands on the week. HIGH STEEL INSERT IN 20’ ARROW FRONT FEEDER The 2018 Class III and Class IV milk price foreKurzawski says that he “hasn’t heard too many casts were raised from the previous month to reflect people talking about the consistently lower ice the higher dairy product price forecasts. The 2019 cream production in the country; but June’s producClass III price forecast was raised on higher foretion was down 4.7 percent with California down a cast cheese and whey prices. The Class IV price whopping 38 percent. More than likely this means LARGE BALES IN A 30’ TANDEM AXLE ARROW FRONT FEEDER forecast was raised on the stronger forecast nonfat more cream will need to find a home at a churn.” dry milk price. I’ll report more details next week. Dairy Market News says butter production is near Cash dairy prices were higher the week of August its lowest point of the year. Sales remain steady to a LARGE BALES IN A 30’ TANDEM AXLE ARROW FRONT FEEDER 6. The cheddar blocks ended up at $1.6575 per bit slower, as the summer season winds down. pound. This is the highest price since May 10, up 7 Contacts are confident in the market direction, cents on the week but 8.5 cents below a year ago. which has been steady to slightly bullish all year. FULL SIZE BUNKS The cheddar barrels closed Aug. 10 at $1.62 — the School demand is increasingly a market factor helpSPECIALTY FEEDERS highest since May 10 as well. Barrels are up 14.5 ing sales trend up. cents on the week, 6.5 cents above a year ago, and FULL SIZE BUNKS Western butter production is trending lower. at a more typical 3.75 cents below the blocks. There Higher temperatures across the West have boosted SPECIALTY FEEDERS were seven cars of blocked traded on the week at ice cream sales, giving a lift to cream multiples. the CME and 22 of barrel. Manufacturers report it is sometimes better to sell See Your Local Dealer for information on the n cream than churn. Butter stocks are adequate to complete line. Ask for a full color brochure. meet most demand which is following typical seaOverall Midwest cheese production is steady, sonal trends. Retail demand is slow, food service according to Dairy Market News. Process barrel Marzolf Implement Northland Farm Sorensen’s Sales & Systems Rentals United Farmers Coop See Your Local Dealer for information on the the See Your Local Dealer for information on demand solid. Processors seem content to produce MN Lafayette, MN Spring Valley, MNAsk for a fullHutchinson, Owatonna, MN sales are slow to steady. Sales of curds are doing complete line. color brochure. butter as needed or to maintain a comfortable complete line. Ask for a full color brochure. 320-587-2162 507-228-8224 well. Preseason football drives Italian and pizza 507-346-7227 800-385-3911 inventory. Northland Farm Systems Marzolf Implement Marzolf Implement Northland Farm Sorensen’s Sales & Systems Rentals cheese sales. Some manufacturers have cut producUnited Farmers Coop Sorensen’s Sales &Marzolf Rentals Implement Northland Farm Systems tion by a day or so a week. Some are seeing lower Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Aug. 10 at 83 Owatonna, MN Spring Valley, MN Hutchinson, MN Lafayette, MNMN Spring Valley, MN Owatonna, MN Hutchinson, MN Spring Valley, MN Owatonna, milk supplies as Class I demand gears up for school cents per pound. This is up a quarter-cent on the 507-228-8224 507-346-7227 800-385-3911 800-385-3911 507-346-7227 507-346-7227 800-385-3911 320-587-2162320-587-2162 openings. Spot milk ranged 50 cents under to $1.00 week but 2 cents shy of a year ago, with 13 sales Sorensen’s Sales Rentals Implement Marzolf Northland Farm over class, depending on timing and location. reported on the week. TheSystems Leader In & Feeders! Owatonna, MNHutchinson, MNSpring Valley, MN Famous for minimum feed waste! Western cheese output remains active as milk See MIELKE, pg. 17 800-385-3911 320-587-2162 507-346-7227
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PAGE 17
Cheese exports to Mexico jump to 12,000 tons in June MIELKE, from pg. 16
were up as well. But he underscored the details sayn ing, “I think the discussions around tariffs are probDairy margins generally deteriorated overRIGHT! the secWE BUILD OUR STALLS ably more impactful to price than the tariffs themond half of July, as rising feed costs more than offset a look at selves.” He admitted that there was some pushback higher milk prices, according to theTake latest Margin on butter, but said the butter market has come off our tubing Watch from Chicago-based Commodity and with in Europe as well. So the drop in butter exports unequaled corrosion Ingredient Hedging LLC. doesn’t surprise him. protection! “With the exception of spot third quarter, margins When asked where the global market currently are projected positive and above Freudenthal averageTubing though has been stands (considering the GDT’s outcome this week), engineered for your specific based on the previous decade,” the Margin Watch Kurzawski replied, “It’s August. These are the dog requirements where strength stated. “While the milk market has recovered days of summer. And, while the average American corrosion resistance are recently, been modestand with limited feaAuto Release Head Locksgains Panelhave CORROSION doesn’t take off the month of August, I wonder if the tures to provide much direction.”critical design factors. PROTECTION average European does. It feels like that’s the case.” June milk production totaled 18.3 billion pounds Comfort TieMay Stalland Kurzawski believes the markets have digested the according to USDA, upCS-60 1.3 percent from tariff news as much as they can and are now look1.2 percent higher than last year. Most of the Thewith Toughest ing at the weather and dryness in Europe, the dryincrease resulted from productivity gains, June ness in Australia, and the heat in the western Stalls production per cow totaling 1,943 pounds, up 1.2 United States and the tightening milk supplies on the percent compared to 2017. The cow herd has against schools reopening. • Provides“The superiorextent lunge area to which the declined 4,000 head since the start of the year to end user needs fresh • product really drive prices 9.404 million which is unchanged from lastmarket, Much strongerwill than our year. guaranteed over the next two months,” hebeam concluded. competitors’ systems See MIELKE, pg. 18 not to bend • No Stall mounts in the • Entire panel made of H.D. 10 gauge tubing concrete or sand are hot dippedWI galvanized after W. 6322 Cty. O,• Panels Medford, 54451 • Fully adjustable welding inside and out (715) 748-4132 • 1-800-688-0104 • Stall system stays high and Heaviest, • 6’, 8’, 10’, 12’ lengths dry, resulting in longer life www.freudenthalmfg.com Strongest, REMODELING, EXPANSION OR REPLACEMENT • 12’ panel weight 275 lbs. • Installation labor savings Custom Buy Direct From Manufacturer and SAVE! We Can Handle All Your Barn Steel Needs • Head-to-head and single row Cattle Diagonal Feed Thru Panel options available Auto Release Head Locks Panel Gates • Compare the weight of this on the system, heaviest available Elevated Dual Market on the market today
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THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
Whole milk powder production up 83 percent year-to-date MIELKE, from pg. 17
Margin Watch concluded. U.S. dairy products also continue to Monthly dairy cow slaughter has been leave the country via the Cooperatives robust, with June’s slaughter of Working Together program. Members 237,500 cows up 0.3 percent from a accepted seven offers of export assisyear ago and the second highest for tance from CWT to sell 253,532 June since 2000. For the first half of 2018, dairy cow slaughter has run 4.9 pounds of cheddar cheese, 220,462 percent above last year and the stron- pounds of butter and 2.542 million pounds of whole milk powder to cusgest since 2013. tomers in Asia. The product has been n contracted for delivery through The monthly Cold Storage report December 2018. showed U.S. cheese inventories reachCWT’s 2018 export sales, adjusted ing a fresh record high of 1.39 billion for cancellations, now total 45.7 milpounds at the end of June, up 7 million pounds of American-type cheeses, lion from May and slightly higher 12.305 million pounds of butter (82 than the May-June build over the past percent milkfat) and 29.648 million five years. Cheese stocks were also up pounds of whole milk powder to 29 5.8 percent compared to last year. countries. Butter inventories dropped 2.1 million FC Stone points out that this is the pounds in June after reaching a nearly second time in two weeks that whole 25-year high in May, although the milk powder was included in CWT drop was less than the 4.5 million sales, stating, “So far this year, U.S. average decline between May and production of WMP is up 83 percent June over the past five years. June year-to-date. And supplies at the end stocks were also up 8.5 percent from of June were 56.5 million pounds or last year and the highest June inven166.3 percent greater than June 2017. tory since 1993. Stocks are double monthly production, “The corn market has increased so we need to move this powder any recently on falling crop conditions and way we can. But it is interesting to yield concerns, with uncertainties over note the larger chunks of powder what the USDA’s August World being sold now. Perhaps that’s indicaAgricultural Supply and Demand tive of some concern over available Estimates report will reveal,” the
supplies globally going forward.” n Last but not least: another tool has been added to U.S. dairy producers’ risk management options, according to Western Dairymen’s Annie AcMoody. AcMoody writes in her Aug. 9 member newsletter, “The USDA announced the launch of the Dairy Revenue Protection insurance program. Sign-up will start Oct. 9 for coverage starting in 2019. The insurance product was developed by American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton in partnership with AFBIS and economists from the University of Minnesota and Cornell University.” “Coverage selection will work by quarters of the calendar year (January-March, April-June, etc). Under Dairy-RP, an indemnity will be paid to a producer when the actual milk revenue falls below the final revenue guarantee for that quarter. Put differently, there will be a payment when the expected value of milk times the expected production for the selected quarter is higher than the actual value of milk times the actual production for that quarter.” AcMoody adds, “It is important to note that Dairy-RP is not protecting against milk production declines or
component test declines experienced on the farm. Instead, it uses USDA milk production data to calculate an expected milk yield and a yield adjustment factor. This means that the actual production calculation will be your selected coverage volume adjusted by a yield factor. That yield factor will be determined by USDA’s state-level milk production data.” Lastly, the winner is St. Johns, Michigan. Glanbia Nutritionals, Dairy Farmers of America, and Select Milk Producers Inc. announced this week that, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, they have selected St. Johns as their preferred location for their new joint venture large-scale cheese and whey production facility. The plant, which is expected to be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2020 at a cost of $470 million, will process 8 million pounds of milk per day into a range of cheese (300 million pounds per year) and whey products for U.S. and international markets. When in full production, the facility will employ approximately 250 staff. 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
Dairy delights await at 2018 Minnesota State Fair ST. PAUL — From butter sculptures to bottomless milk, it’s time once again to celebrate dairy traditions at the Minnesota State Fair. Fair-goers can enjoy the winner of Midwest Dairy’s fourth annual “Flavor of the Fair” contest: That’s S’more Like It malt or sundae. That’s S’more Like It will only be available in the dairy building during this year’s fair. The flavor is made with vanilla ice cream, topped with graham cereal, teeny marshmallows and chocolate syrup. Visitors to the Dairy Goodness Bar will be able to suggest potential flavor combinations for the 2019 Flavor of the Fair. As always, the Dairy Goodness Bar will serve up its variety of famous malts, sundaes and cones, as well as milk, yogurt, Greek yogurt, cheese sticks and fresh cheese curds. On Thrifty Thursday (Opening Day,
Aug. 23), the Dairy Goodness Bar is offering $1 off malts. On Senior Days (Monday, Aug. 27, and Thursday, Aug. 30), ice cream cones are two for $5. On Kids Days (Monday, Aug. 27, and Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 3), ice cream cones are two for $5. And on Military Appreciation Day (Tuesday, Aug. 28), $1 off malts. A fair favorite is the All-You-CanDrink Milk Stand, owned by Minnesota’s dairy farm families. Fresh, cold, 2 percent white or low-fat chocolate milk is $2 per cup. The all-you-can milk booth is located at the corner of Judson and Clough (kitty-corner from the Coliseum). The Princess Kay of the Milky Way coronation ceremony starts at 8 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the State Fair Band Shell (1302 Cooper St.). Beginning on Thursday, August 23, the 2018 Princess Kay of the Milky
Way and each of the 11 Princess Kay finalists will have their likenesses carved in butter — one each day beginning with Princess Kay, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Dairy Building (1694 Judson Avenue). Princess Kay and the finalists will share their dairy stories and answer questions from the crowd as they sit for artist Linda Christensen inside the 40-degree, rotating sculpting booth. They will also appear in Midwest Dairy’s educational area across from the butter sculptures, bringing dairy to life with fair-goers by sharing stories and answering questions about farmers’ commitment to health, animal care and the environment. Princess Kay and the finalists will also provide family activities and games at the Christensen Farm Stage near the FFA Miracle of Birth Center (Judson and Clough) from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day.
Follow the Princess Kay coronation live and see updates on Twitter @ MidwestDairy and with the hashtag #MNPrincessKay; as well as on Princess Kay’s Facebook page. Members of “Team Dairy” – a running group for dairy enthusiasts – will be behind the starting line for the 34th annual State Fair Milk Run 5K on Aug. 26. The race starts at 7:45 a.m. Kemps provides free chocolate milk to runners as they cross the finish line. All runners will also receive a coupon for a complimentary treat from the Dairy Goodness. Princess Kay of the Milky Way will give the signal for the race to begin. For more information, visit www.midwestdairy.com. This article was submitted by Midwest Dairy. v
THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 19
Program could be good fit for marginal land By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer REDWOOD FALLS, Minn. — Minnesota’s CREP Recorded Easement event on July 18 was a “look and listen” event. Robert and Cathy Vander Linden enrolled 8.85 acres in MN CREP (Minnesota Conservation Reserve
ED
Enhancement Program) in February. On July 18, visitors viewed a mile-long public drainage ditch with buffer and filter strips. As Minnesota’s first recorded easement, this is indeed a milestone. MN CREP will protect 60,000 acres across 54 counties. Objectives of MN CREP include targeting riparian area and marginal agricultural land; restoring hydrology, increase infiltration and provide flood mitigation; provide habitat for wildlife, nongame species and pollinators; and reduce nitrate loading in drinking supplies.
Hoek related that Minnesota’s first CREP program started in 1998. This new program intends to pick up some of these critical areas not enrolled back in 1998. He said signups in this new Tabor Hoek program are now over 5,000 acres with 160 farmers applying so far. “We’re making progress, but lots left to be done. We’re on a short timeline of only four years to meet these enrollment objectives.”
Redwood County (where this June 18 cash flow,” said Hoek. “But you pretty event took place) payment rate could be much need to do that field by field. In a in the $6,500 to $8,500/acre range. sense, this is a tool to look at an option Hoek thinks farmers will at least con- for those acres that are less profitable sider this newest CREP offering — but could enhance wildlife and water especially farmers looking at retire- quality issues.” ment. “They might want to set aside land they remember from earlier times when it was grassland or wetland.” But he anticipates land owners will also do some evaluating of their holdings. Where are the profitable acres? What are the less profitable acres?
In view of the increasing squeeze on agricultural profitability, is this latest A $500 million program encompassing CREP option much like guaranteed 60,000 marginal acres sounds attrac- income? “It’s a way of looking at genertive. Hoek agrees the money adds up. ating income from acres that might not “Payments are based on township land values. Land owners seem to be agreeing this is an attractive payment rate for land that might be considered marginal in terms of production capabilities.” Details are worked out through the local County Soil and Water Conservation District. “The process starts with the land owner meeting with his local SWCD people,” Hoek said. “They can identify which lands might be eligible, possible payment rates on those acres and other questions. The next step is to apply — which happens at the local Farm Service Agency office working with the SWCD. It’s a joint entity at the county level … generally FSA and SWCD are under the same roof.”
CREP started in the 1996 farm bill. Minnesota has had two previous offerings. From a land owner’s viewpoint, Hoek said this new offering has to meet two priorities: “The land owner has to be comfortable with a long-term decision they are making on their property and compensation has to be an incentive. Contracts are 13 years minimum. Our focus is water quality but wildlife enhancement can be even more attractive.” v
COVERED
Landowners enroll in the federallyfunded Conservation Research Program (CRP) for 14-15 years. (CRP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. Dedicated land is used for conservation benefits, rather than farming or ranching.) This land is also enrolled into a state-funded perpetual conservation easement through the Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) reserve program, administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.
But Hoek cautions it takes time to process a land easement and often Enrollment for MN CREP began in involves a few trips with local facilitaMay, 2017 and will continue until funds tors. “Land owners need to feel comfortare exhausted and/or the 60,000 acreSKID EXTRA TRACK LOADER COVERAGE COMES STANDARD ableAND when enrolling in a long-term goal is reached. program. We’ll walk them through the forward. Today, Gehl Since 1973, Gehl has pushed skid loader innovation Tabor Hoek, Private Land Coordinator process as needed. Once the paper work continues with linechanged of skid loaders and track loaders for MN BWSR, explained, “This is an the is tradition done and thea complete money has designed with productivity and efficiency in new Gehl SkidLOADER or agreement between the state of hands, there’s still a lot of workmind. to get Purchase EXTRA a SKID AND TRACK COVERAGE COMES STANDARD Minnesota and USDA Farm Service done get theanconservation practices Track Loader andtoreceive included 2 year / 2,000 hrSince XPRT machine) 1973,total Gehl (full has pushed skid loader innovation forward. Today, Gehl Agency that administers CRP out ofcoverage planted. plan. But those happen inquire continues the tradition with a complete line of skid loaders and track loaders extended Offer things subjectdon’t to change, for details. Washington, D.C. Governor Dayton until after the easement has been designed with productivity and efficiency in mind. Purchase a new Gehl Skid or Track Loader and receive an included 2 year / 2,000 hr XPRT total (full machine) signed this agreement January 2017. recorded and money is paid out.” extended coverage plan. Offer subject to change, inquire for details. We started implementing the program So what kind of payments might the in May 2017. It applies to 54 agricul- land owner receive? Obviously, that CALL YOURLOCAL LOCAL GEHL GEHL DEALER tural counties across southern and varies with assessed market values CALL YOUR DEALERTODAY! TODAY! southwestern Minnesota. Yes, the from county to county and from townNorthland Marzolf A&C Minnesota River is right in the heart of ship to township. Hoek suggested in Farm Systems Implement Farm Service this.”
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PAGE 20
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THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
Heritage Hill brings love of history back for 38th year
“We called it the annual confession for John Deere people,” chuckled MVAFPMA President Gerald Kleene.
By PAUL MALCHOW The Land Managing Editor MONTEVIDEO, Minn. — What began as a labor of love for a small group of vintage ag equipment enthusiasts has evolved into a true step back in time. The Heritage Hill Threshing Show will unveil its 38th season from Aug. 17-19. The event takes place at the bucolic show site east of Montevideo, Minn. on State Highway 7. The three-day show presents a wide variety of activities and demonstrations of early agriculture — many which have gone the way of steam engines and steel wheels. Organizers of the threshing show are dedicated to passing this history on to a generation far removed from rural life. “We are hoping to attract young people with families who will follow in our footsteps and enjoy preserving our
During those early years, the event took place at various locations. From 1987 to 1998 it was Photos by Paul Malchow held at Chippewa County Historical Society’s Olaf rural heritage into the future,” said Swensson Farm. But in the late 1990s, Sally Phillips Helling. Her family’s the popularity of the event and the farm is located near the show grounds crowds it attracted required another and her passion for Heritage Hill is move. In 1998 the organization purcontagious. chased the 25 acres which is now That passion is shared by a nine- known as Heritage Hill. member board of directors and about Volunteers built the “Threshers’ 225 members of the Minnesota Valley Kitchen” which was the first building Antique Farm Power and Machinery on the site. Other buildings were moved Association. But the threshing show’s onto the property including a log cabin, salad years were much smaller in a one-room school house and the Hagen scope. See HERITAGE HILL, pg. 21 In 1977, a seed corn company hosted a variety plot tour northeast of Montevideo. As an added An admitted “John Deere girl,” Sally Phillips attraction, a group of area Helling stands with some of the tractors which farmers brought a few old will be available for viewing at the threshing show. engines and antique tractors to display. Their common interest in preserving agricultural history led to the establishment and incorporation of the MVAFPMA. The group held its first threshing This log building was originally built in 1870. The outshow in 1980. side overhang was added on later.
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The altar, railing and pulpit were all torn apart when moved from the previous church and needed to be reconstructed. Helling’s mother made the stained glass window which decorates the front entry.
THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
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PAGE 21
Some site buildings are used for storage in the off-season and moved to Heritage Hill in 2009. Heritage Hill, from pg. 20 House. Heritage Hill now has 20 struc- While restoring the house for visitors, it caught fire. Paper was used to insutures on the site. late the house in those days and it One structure which looks very old didn’t take long for the house to be but was built new is the chapel. engulfed in flames. It could not be Designed on a napkin, the chapel can saved There is a room in the Hagen hold about 75 people. “It’s a non-denom- House dedicated to the Nordaune faminational chapel with a Lutheran ily in respect to their generosity. theme,” said Helling. “People use it for Teachers and students’ pictures are on display at the school house. mate, makes it built during the first six deck off the tractor they have in the months of production.” garage and give it a go.
The Hagen House was rejuvinated with electricity and plumbing after the boys returned home from World War II. The house is furnished with many period pieces. baptisms.” Helling was married in the chapel and her mother made the stained glass windows in the chapel’s entry. The interior for the chapel came from a church built in Mandt Township in 1910. “The furnishings needed a lot of restoration and repair,” said club historian Jim Roe. “If it didn’t fit through the door when they took it out of the church, they just knocked it down until it did. Much of it was in pieces.” The Hagen House was originally built in 1947 and is filled with artifacts and furnishings from that period. But it wasn’t the first farm house brought onto the site. The first house was donated by Jim Roe the Nordaune family
A community tractor drive will take place on Aug. 17, leaving Heritage Hill at 3 p.m. The 12-mile drive is open to anyone driving any make of tractor. On a smaller scale, the threshing show features a garden tractor pull which will take place on Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. Last year, nearly 50 garden tractors competed in the stock, stock-altered, super stock, modified and outlaw classes. Some participants take the mowing Centrally located on the grounds is a large stage which is home to many events throughout the show including musical performances and the Threshing Show Queen coronation. “My girls dreamed of being queen,” said board member Chip Grube. “Both made it and drove tractors in the parade.” Ah yes … the tractors. Each year the threshing show features a certain make of tractor and a special tractor of that make is chosen to be highlighted. Allis-Chalmers is the featured make this year and the center- Chip Grube piece is a 1939 Allis-Chalmers RC tractor which was bought new by Leo Thissen and handed down to his son Felix. Grube will be bringing three AC tractors he owns: the Allis 190, a 1951 WD and a 1955 WD 45. The 190 is a bit of a rarity in the Allis-Chalmers line. “The date on the block is 6-24-64, which makes it exactly two months older than I am,” Grube said. “The serial number is 1413. The serial numbers started out with 1001, which as near as I can esti-
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There are many other activities for all age groups taking place throughout the three days as well as sawmill, threshing, corn shelling and blacksmith demonstrations. “The young people like noise,” laughed Helling. “We have lots of noise makers out here.” The Heritage Hill site provides primitive camping space on a first-come, See HERITAGE HILL, pg. 15
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Association looking for younger members to carry tradition Heritage Hill, from pg. 21
Just as farming is an aging profession, MVAFPMA is seeing its members getting older and is hoping younger people will become involved in the organization. “I don’t even own a tractor,” said Roe, “but I love history and these are some great people to be with.”
first-served basis. The Threshers’ Kitchen opens each day at 7 a.m. and other food options (along with a beer garden) are also available. Daily admission is $6 with children 12 and under admitted free. But the threshing show isn’t the only event hosted at Heritage Hill. “We had the circus here in June,” Helling said. “We’ve had a farm and home show, class reunions, graduations and weddings. We look at this as a community asset.”
Grube agreed. “Everyone pitches in,” he said. “No one says, ‘It’s not my job.’”
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For more information on the Heritage Hill Threshing Show or the Minnesota Valley Antique Farm Power and Machinery Association, visit www.heritagehill.us or call Jim Roe at (320) 269-7507. v
Strangles infection showing up in Minnesota Recently, there have been multiple confirmed cases of strangles in Minnesota. Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper airway in horses. Early signs of strangles include: fever, temperature above 102 F; depression; and nasal discharge which starts clear and becomes thick and yellow. A few days after onset, horses will develop painful swelling of the lymph nodes. This swelling produces abscesses that will rupture and discharge pus. More serious cases arise when horses have lymph node swelling in the throatlatch area. These horses often refuse to eat due to pain. They may stand with their head and nose stretched out to help them breathe. Horses that are struggling to breathe need immediate veterinary care. Some horses carry strangles but don’t show symptoms. Veterinarians usually recommend applying hot packs to the lower jaw. This will help the abscesses mature so they can be safely opened. Once opened, a veterinarian will flush the inside of the abscess with dilute povidone-iodine solutions until they heal. Horses usually recover fully after the abscesses open. Many veterinarians refrain from using antibiotics for uncomplicated cases. Antibiotics can delay the abscesses from maturing. Horses that have trouble breathing need a more aggressive treatment. They’ll likely need anti-inflamma-
tories and antibiotics. The horse may need hospital care to keep their airway open and keep them hydrated. Strangles can spread through horseto-horse contact or contact with contaminated people, tack, drinking troughs, etc. If strangles occurs, isolate all the horses with symptoms to one area. Use separate tools and grooming equipment in the isolation area. Completely
clean all feed, manure and bedding from contaminated areas. Keep these materials away from healthy horses. Thoroughly disinfect equipment, stables, fences and trailers. Change your clothes and wash your hands before coming in contact with healthy horses. Ideally, isolate new horses for two to three weeks. Check their temperatures regularly and watch for any signs of strangles. If signs occur, have a veteri-
narian take a swab and test for strangles. Horses that haven’t been exposed to the bacteria in recent years are more prone to strangles. Intramuscular and intranasal vaccines are available for horses and while these vaccines decrease the severity of strangles symptoms, they don’t completely prevent the disease. This article was submitted by the University of Minnesota. v
Look at late-season weed management ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Hindsight is 20/20, but for crop producers with late season weed issues, the focus should shift to what options there are to control weeds in the late stages of crops. These weeds have already impacted yield, and by letting them go to seed, they will create even more issues in the years to come. For example, waterhemp can produce over 200,000 weed seeds with one plant. Especially if these weeds are herbicide-resistant, it becomes critical to manage these plants before they go to seed, which will occur in the next few weeks. With late season weeds, a miracle broadleaf killer to apply is not present and herbicides aren’t a great option. First, most soybeans are developmentally past the label’s range to apply many popular herbicides like Roundup or Liberty, and others have pre-harvest intervals that need to be observed and
can do damage to soybeans this late in their development. Additionally, the weeds that are a present issue are probably a couple of feet tall, which is way over the recommended maximum height to try and control them with herbicides. If the soybeans haven’t canopied yet, cultivation could still potentially be a weed control option. Unfortunately, the best option to manage is by hand-pulling these weeds. If these weeds are pulled soon, they will not need to be removed from the field as the weeds will not be producing viable seeds. However, if one would wait a few weeks to when these plants produce viable seeds, it is preferred to remove the weeds from the field as the seeds would still spread through the field and could potentially create problems next year. Another important weed manage-
ment factor to consider this time of year is weeds that are present in the ditch or along a fenceline. Managing these weeds will help keep the end rows of the field clean from weed issues. Mowing down these areas before viable seed production begins is another critical step in ensuring that weed issues don’t come into the field. When managing late season weeds, take note of the weeds that are still present. Look for large themes and try to ask yourself how these weeds made it through your pest management plan. Taking note of the plants that remain is a key step in making your integrated pest management plan as effective as possible. For more information on late season weed management, visit: http://blogcrop-news.extension.umn. edu/2017/08/late-season-weedescapes-in-soybeans.html. v
THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
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PAGE 23
Wheat harvest complete, ‘nothing to brag about’
By KRISTIN KVENO, The Land Correspondent
Blair Hoseth, Mahnomen, Minn., Aug. 11
The corn is “still amazing.” The Land spoke with Jamie Beyer on Aug. 10. She reported the crop was “treated for corn borer” and it looks like the insecticide worked. The soybeans, however, have “pretty bad white mold.” The beans are currently tall enough to reach Beyer’s neck. The crop is “staying hot and humid under the canopy.” Beyer has been “hearing that it will wipe out half the yield” of the affected area.
The wheat harvest is well underway on the Hoseth farm. The Land spoke with Blair Hoseth on Aug. 11 as he was hoping to wrap up wheat in the next two days. Unfortunately, the yields were “running a little less than last year.” This year’s crop has “a little of a weak average, 50 to 60 bushel wheat.” Hoseth began combining wheat on Aug. 6 and while Hoseth is happy to be almost finished with the harvest, the yields are “nothing to brag about.”
Jamie Beyer
Before Hoseth began combining wheat, he harvested triticale for the first time ever and it was “10 bushels less than I anticipated.” On a good note, “it was easier than I thought it would be.”
Blair Hoseth
Next week Hoseth will be third cutting alfalfa and “then keep working on straw.” He’ll also plant cover crop on the wheat fields. In about 10 days to two weeks “we’ll fly on some cover crop” on the soybean fields. Hoseth has done this method of planting the cover crop on bean fields for four years now as it seems to be critical to get the crop established before the soybean leaves fall off. Hoseth has been able to get a lot harvested in the past few weeks due to the lack of moisture that’s fallen during that time. It’s been “two weeks since we’ve had substantial rain.” The absence of rain is showing strain on the crops. “The ground is really dry and hard.” Hoseth is seeing “moisture stress” in some of the bean fields. The corn “I’m sure that’s desperate too” for rain. There’s not much chance of rain in the forecast and that concerns Hoseth. “We’re really hinging on moisture.”
The soybeans are filling pods. While Haubrich has seen some aphids, the “number counts aren’t there yet” to spray. “We’re going to see good corn.” Haubrich had been “noticing a shallow root system” in the corn this growing season but with the lack of rain lately “they’re now going down seeking moisture.”
Matt Haubrich
While Haubrich has wheat harvest on his mind, he’s also looking forward to his sons’ showing lambs at the local county fair for 4-H next week. “It’s all going to come together real fast.”
Beyer will be in Mankato next week for a MSGA board meeting. Though she’ll be away from the farm, the crops won’t be far from her mind. “We’re all looking forward to harvest.”
Karson Duncanson, Mapleton, Minn., Aug. 3
“Things are going well.” The Land spoke with Karson Duncanson on Aug. 3 as he was thrilled with the cooler, drier “perfect pollinating weather.” The corn is “looking pretty decent.” The “dry weather made our roots go down.” The corn needed that, “it was a blessing.”
Karson Duncanson
Duncanson finished spraying all his soybeans with fungicide last week. He believes that there’s “more benefits to applying it early. Once it’s past R4 you really don’t need to spray.” He’s starting to see aphids though not enough to spray quite yet and will continue to monitor the aphid population in his fields.
With harvest just around the corner, Duncanson is “continuing to work on getting machinery ready to go.” He still has a few bins he needs to clean up as well before fall.
The lambs on the farm have hit their weight bracket and Haubrich is now moving them out. He’s “already thinking of our lamb crop 2019.” Which means that in two weeks he’ll bring the rams in. Life is busy with impending wheat harvest, moving lambs and cheering on a few special 4-H members as they show at the fair, but Haubrich is ready to dig in and enjoy all the these moments on and off the farm.
As for the weather, “we got a little drizzle a couple days ago.” Though “we could use a shot (of rain).” The forecast for the Duncanson farm calls for temperatures in the mid-80s with lows in the 60s at night and a chance of showers this weekend. It’s, “pretty perfect.” Bottom-line: “we’ve been getting just about the weather we need to salvage this crop.”
2004 MACK VISION CX613
Cummins eng N-14, eng brake, 525HP, 10spd trans, A/R susp, tandem rear axles, alum wheels, new front diff & all new u-joints, 1 new steer, 1 at 50%, LP 24.5 tires, front drives 75%, rear drives 60%, drums 70-80%, jake, cruise, 3:58 ratio, 218” WB, 992,989 miles.
MACK eng, 460hp, 13spd trans, tandem rear axles, OH’d, Jake, cruise, tilt & telescoping, PW, PL, power & heated mirrors, AR cab, air slide 5th, 50% brakes & drums, 70% of steer tires & 85% of drive tires remain, 944,562 miles
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Beyer worked at the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association booth at Farmfest on Aug. 9. There were many political candidates that stopped by including Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Beyer noted that the politicians “asked lots of questions” and seemed to be interested in the issues that farmers are facing.
The wheat harvest on the Haubrich farm is currently in wait mode. The Land spoke with Haubrich on Aug. 3 as he tried to combine wheat on Aug. 2 but, “we got to drop off five points of moisture.” Haubrich plans on trying the wheat again by the middle of next week. “We don’t have a lot of wheat acres, but the wheat acres mean a lot.” The wheat bedding is important for the livestock on the farm. “Usually by this point it’s all harvested.” Wheat is currently two weeks behind the average harvest start date.
1994 INTERNATIONAL 9400
Beyer has been mowing some of the buffers and newly planted Conservation Reserve Program ground. Along with getting everything ready for harvest, the Beyer family is also getting back-to-school shopping done as both will be here soon.
FIELDS
Matt Haubrich, Danube, Minn., Aug. 3
Cummins eng N-14 , A/R susp, 430HP, tandem rear axles, alum wheels, LP 24.5 tires, 10spd trans, Frontier box 19’x96”x68” sides, head lift roll tarp, center swing door, pintale hitch, new steers, new brakes & drums 905,556 miles.
The sugar beets are “looking pretty good” and will soon have fungicide applied to them by an aerial sprayer.
FROM THE
1997 WESTERN STAR 4964EX
Jamie Beyer, Wheaton, Minn., Aug. 10
For Sale Price: $29,500
23774 380th Ave. Hancock, MN 56244 P: (320) 795-2827 F: (320) 795-2892 www.kannegiessertrucksales.com
2001 GREAT DANE
Spring suspension, single rear axle, 28’ length, 102” width, roll up door, aluminum roof, wood floor, plywood lined walls, no rust, very clean, all steel wheels, LP 22.5 tires at 60%, brakes are 95%, drums are 80%.
For Sale Price: $7,250
1995 VOLVO WG42T
280hp M11 Cummins engine, 9spd, AR suspension, 4:11 ratio, single rear axle, 154” WB, LP 24.5 tires, tires 80-95%, all steel wheels, pintle hitch with air hookups, 559,982 miles.
For Sale Price: $7,750
1999 JET
Steel composition, spring suspension, steel wheels, 30’Lx96”Wx66”H, 2 hoppers, tandem rear axles, side shoots, sight windows, 20” hopper clearance, 11R22.5 tires, front tires 90%, rear tires 40-60%, front brakes 50%, rear brakes new, drums 70-80%
For Sale Price: CALL
PAGE 24
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THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
MARKETING
Grain Outlook Yield estimates sink corn price The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Aug. 10. CORN — WOW! The government never ceases to amaze me. The monthly crop report was a bearish surprise for the market when the United States’ average 2018-19 corn yield jumped from 174 bu./acre to a record 178.4 bu./acre! The average guess had been 176.2 bu./acre. The U.S. Department of Agriculture used the third-highest implied ear weights and record ear counts for their yield forecast. Post-report chatter wondered if this will be the highest yield estimate of the year. I’ll wait to pass judgment until the Midwest Crop Tour; but I am skeptical of a significant increase from here. PHYLLIS NYSTROM Production rose to the thirdCHS Hedging Inc. highest ever at 14.586 billion St. Paul bushels. This is up 356 million bushels from last month and well above the 14.416-billion-bushel estimate. Other changes on the 2018-19 balance sheet included a 100 million increase in feed use, no change to ethanol, and an increase of 125 million in exports to 2.35 billion bushels. Ending stocks were raised 132 million bushels to 1.684 billion bushels, which is down 343 million year-on-year. But stocks were slightly higher than the pre-report estimate of 1.636 million bushels. There were no changes on the 2017-18 U.S. corn balance sheet, leaving carryout at 2.027 billion bushels. The trade was expecting a drop to 2.016 billion bushels. The market was down 11 – 11.5 cents on Aug. 10 because of the crop report numbers. World carryout numbers for 2018-19 were up 3.5 million metric tons from last month at 155.5 mmt and vs. the estimate for 152.6 mmt. Brazil’s 2018-19 corn crop was reduced 1.5 mmt to 94.5 mmt and the European Union’s corn production was lowered 1.7 mmt to 59.8 mmt. The FSU was raised 1.2 mmt to 47.7 mmt and, despite questionable weather, Ukraine’s corn was increased 1 mmt to 31 mmt. Will we see reductions in world corn production on subsequent reports? Don’t be surprised if you do. December corn consolidated in the $3.80’s in the week ahead of the Aug. 10 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, but pushed to new lows for the month in post-report trading. Weather forecasts were uninspiring with heat returning to the See NYSTROM, pg. 25
Cash Grain Markets
corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $3.06 -.20 $7.70 -.44 Madison $3.12 -.11 $7.79 -.41 Redwood Falls $3.16 -.10 $7.90 -.39 Fergus Falls $3.09 -.09 $7.42 -.53 Morris $3.15 -.07 $7.60 -.44 Tracy $3.15 -.10 $7.85 -.39
Grain Angles Surviving in global agriculture
Agriculture is definitely an American success story. The productivity and size of America’s agricultural industry is virtually unmatched by any other agri Average: $3.12 $7.71 cultural industry in the world. We are fortunate enough to have plenty of products to keep prices in Year Ago Average: $2.68 $8.55 this country relatively low for the American conGrain prices are effective cash close on Aug. 14. sumer and still have the ability to export vast *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period. amounts of products around the world. Unlike many other industries, agriculture in this country is still made up of many individual producers growing products for the world market. According to the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, over 15 percent of the corn production in the country will be exported and The cattle and hog prices are continuing to go in 47 percent of the soybean produc- GLENN WACHTLER opposite directions as we moved into the month of tion will be exported. American Compeer Senior August. Each market has been subject to the pro- farmers need a strong export Lending Officer posed tariffs in the international trade. However the market to succeed. Baldwin, Wis. hog markets appears to be more influenced by the It’s as if overnight, global chaltariffs talk than the cattle market. This is reflected lenges have come to the forefront. by the Chinese tariffs more Global challenges including a potential trade war because of the greater amount of which leads to volatile markets and an uncertain pork in comparison to the amount future. In addition to trade, currency fluctuations of beef that the Chinese import between trading partners can have a major impact from the United States. These on how attractive a commodity is going to be on the fears have dominated the liveworld market and how much of total production will stock markets for quite some be exported. Another potential headwind is the large time and are likely to be a marsupply in some areas of the world — including the ket influence to prices until these United States — may lead to depressed prices tariffs are settled one way or extending into the near future. These are just some JOE TEALE another. of the global issues that are impacting your farm. Broker As for the cattle trade, it Great Plains Commodity Most American farmers do not have a trained Afton, Minn. appears the packers are still in economist on their farm, nor a lobbyist, legal team, need of live inventory at the presconsultant and marketing expert to guide them ent time as price paid for live animals continues to through the complex situations they are facing today. remain relatively firm. Product movement has notice- So how does a relatively small individual producer in ably declined in the past several weeks, but this has the United States survive when it seems like the not been reflected in the live prices the packers have weight of the world is on their shoulders? been willing to pay. This has narrowed the packers’ Actively learn, communicate and align yourprofit margins, but has not deterred the packer from self with others accumulating live inventory. Global agriculture issues are in the news daily. The futures market is remaining as a cautious fol- Stories of global challenges are starting to be shared lower of the cash trade as worries over numbers of with people far outside the ag industry who do not animals may still overwhelm the demand for beef. have a background in agriculture. Some of these This struggle is likely to continue through the people do not have in-depth knowledge of the issues. remainder of the month of August. This puts produc- Educate yourself and practice communicating the ers in a position of a cautious approach to the cattle issues as you see them affecting your farm. When market, but should continue to monitor market con- people are able to connect with you on a personal See TEALE, pg. 25 See WACHTLER, pg. 26
Livestock Angles Tariff talk continues to haunt market
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 — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
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PAGE 25
Soybeans plunge as WASDE forecasts near-record yields NYSTROM, from pg. 24 Midwest, but scattered rains helped limit the impact. The crop is pushing to maturity faster than usual. As of July 5, corn conditions were down 1 percent to 71 percent good/excellent. Fifty-seven percent of the crop was in the dough stage versus 37 percent on average; 12 percent dented vs. 6 percent average; 96 percent silking vs. 92 percent on average. Weekly export sales were very good for old crop and decent for new crop. Old crop sales were 21.8 million bushels, bringing total commitments to 2.36 billion bushels. The USDA is forecasting 2.4 billion in exports this year. New crop sales were 35.9 million bushels. Total new crop sales are 317.6 million bushels vs. 199.5 million last year. The new export forecast for new crop is 2.35 billion bushels. Weekly ethanol production was up 36,000 barrels per day to 1.1 million bpd — the second highest monthly production ever. Stocks were up 40 million gallons to 963 million gallons. The United States and Mexico are getting closer to a North American Free Trade Agreement deal. Once they come to an understanding, Canada will likely be brought to the table. They hope to have something in place by the end of the month. The WASDE report showed the all wheat crop at 1.877 billion bushels, down 4 million bushels from last month, but 27 million bushels higher than the trade estimate. Outlook: Questions may linger over the accuracy of the new U.S. corn yield number, but that’s what we’ll have to use for now. Historically, the U.S. corn yield from August to the final has gone up in four out of the last five years. However, the United States still has the cheapest corn in the world and demand has been decent. Old crop bushels were sold by the grower this week and the market absorbed them fairly well. We may have further downside in corn, but believe it could be limited as end users look for a bargain and the yield number is viewed with some skepticism. How much lower soybeans go may have a negative impact on corn. There has been increased interest in the December 2019 and 2020 corn contracts. With
MARKETING current price ratios and no end in sight to the trade war, how many acres will switch back to corn next spring? December 2019 corn closed the week down 10.25 cents at $4.00.5 and the 2020 contract was down 5.5 cents at $4.15.25 per bushel. The September 2018 corn contract fell 12 cents this week to $3.57.75 and the December 2018 corn was 12.5 cents lower at $3.71.75 per bushel. SOYBEANS — November soybeans eased higher into the WASDE report despite more tariffs added against additional Chinese imports. China’s new retaliatory 25 percent tariff on $16 billion on U.S. goods didn’t include anything new for soybeans; but it drives home the fact that we’re not getting any closer to settling the trade war. The new tariffs on both sides go into effect Aug. 23. The relatively quiet trade for the week was shot out of the water with the bearish Aug. 10 WASDE report. The USDA jumped the 2018-19 U.S. bean yield 3.1 bu./acre to 51.6 bu./acre — just 0.40 bu./acre under the record! In four out of the last five years, the bean yield has increased from the August to the final crop report. The trade was anticipating a 49.8 bu./acre yield. Record production of 4.586 billion bushels surpassed the average 4.425 billion bushel estimate and was 276 million bushels higher than last month. Other changes on the 2018-19 balance sheet included a 15 million bushel increase in crush and a 20 million bushel rise in exports — with both categories showing 2.060 billion bushels. Year-on-year exports are only expected to fall 50 million bushels. The USDA didn’t figure in any U.S. soybeans exports to China for 2018-19. If the trade war is extended, the export line could be expected to shrink. Soybean ending stocks at a record 785 million bushels obliterated the 648 million bushel trade forecast and was 205 million bushels higher than last month’s 580-million-bushel projection. The 2017-18 balance sheet raised crush 10 million and upped exports 25 million for a cut in ending stocks of 35 million bushels to 430 million bushels. Pre-report estimates were looking for ending stocks of 463 mil-
Pork market likely to remain weak TEALE, from pg. 24 ditions and protect inventories if needed. The hog market has been under severe pressure since the end of June. Several conditions have affected the market during the past month. First, the seasonal pattern has turned negative during the normal time frame of late spring to early summer. The other major influence has been the dominance of the proposed tariffs in particular to the Chinese market. The Chinese, as well as other countries around the world, have been major buyers of U.S. pork. This fear has dominated the market for weeks and is not likely to
change until it draws to a conclusion. This has changed the meat protein market by a large measure as pork is considerably at a far deeper discount to the consumer than beef on a per-pound ratio. The prospect that demand for pork may increase because of this disparity between pork and beef at the wholesale level. This could result in some price appreciation for hogs in future weeks. Until this disparity changes, the hog market is likely to remain weak in the near term. Producers should remain cognizant of market conditions and protect inventories as warranted. v
lion bushels. Record world 2018-19 ending stocks of 105.9 mmt were sharply higher than the 99.5 mmt expected. Brazil’s 2018-19 soybean production forecast was unchanged at 120.5 mmt and Argentina’s was unchanged at 57 mmt. China’s imports were steady at 95 mmt. Brazil’s soybean acreage could be expected to increase 3-5 percent next year on strong Chinese demand. Oil World this week pondered that China will need to import up to 15 mmt of U.S. soybeans between October and March. This is when South American supplies will be tight to non-existent. Earlier in the week, China’s July soybean imports were reported at 8 mmt, down nearly 8 percent from June and down over 20 percent from last year. This led to a huge jump in Chinese prices. For the calendar year, China has imported 52.9 mmt, down 3.7 percent from last year. China is also considering allowing Argentine meal to be imported. China continues to look for alternatives to replace U.S. protein. China expects to cut their soybean imports 10 mmt in 2018-19, due to new meal technology and use of supplements. The China Academy of Science said the use of low protein formula in animal feed could lower their annual meal demand by 5-7 percent or 5 mmt of soybeans. Brazil’s freight situation hasn’t improved much. The President signed a bill setting minimum truck freight rates. The government will publish prices in January and July. Higher freight costs have become a huge irritation for farmers and exporters. Weekly export sales were above expectations for old crop at 15.5 million bushels. This brings old crop sales to 2.151 billion bushels compared to the USDA forecast for 2.11 billion bushels. The average rollover of old crop sales into new crop is 67 million bushels. New crop sales were at the high end of estimates at 19.5 million bushels. Total new crop sales are 400.7 million bushels, well above last year’s 258.4 million bushels. The USDA’s updated new crop export sales projection is 2.06 billion bushels. As of July 5, the U.S. soybean crop was rated 67 percent good/excellent, down 3 percent for the week. There was 92 percent of the crop blooming vs. 86 percent on average and 75 percent setting pods versus just 58 percent on average. Outlook: For the week, November soybeans plunged 40.5 cents to $8.61.75 per bushel. Going into the report, they had been higher on the week, but the 42.25 cent dive in post-report trading erased the gain. November 2019 soybeans settled at $9.05.5 per bushel, down 28.5 cents per bushel for the week. Until the trade war with China shows some sign of easing or unless August’s weather turns very hot and dry, it will be difficult to find a reason to stage a significant rally in soybeans. August weather could hold some surprises, but it’s chancy to count on Mother Nature for a bail out. v
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American agriculture is feeling the weight of the world WACHTLER, from pg. 24 level as you are telling your story, they will be more likely to be open to your viewpoints. Also, do research on organizations that are aligned with your viewpoint and show your support for them. These organizations likely have economists, lobbyists and legal teams who can be leveraged to your advantage. Control the things that you are able to control How global economic forces affect your farm is analogous to how the weather on the wide open ocean affects a sailing vessel. Sometimes the wind is at your back and sometimes it can be pretty rough. The best strategy is to be prepared and run a “tight ship.” There are many factors which you do have control over. You have control over your financial position, risk management plan, in addition to your family and personal relationships. Tighten up your balance sheet by reducing debt and if need be, liquidate unnecessary assets. Also, add to your sources of income by taking on additional custom work, nonfarm work, or pursuing new business. I personally know many farmers who have transferred the knowl-
MARKETING edge they have gained from running a successful farm business to another industry and they have achieved great financial rewards. Risk management needs to be more than just a plan. Your risk management strategy needs to be executed. Simply trying to get the highest price for
Simply trying to get the highest price for your grain is not a risk management strategy. your grain is not a risk management strategy. A risk management strategy for pricing grain analyzes your break-even production costs and has definitive prices and timeframes to sell grain. Reducing or eliminating crop insurance may save some dollars, but it is definitely not part of a sound risk management strategy. Purchasing crop insurance should be viewed as a requirement, not an option.
Family and personal relationships can be one of the most challenging or rewarding aspects of owning a farm. They are also some of the least talked about subjects on the farm. In a perfect situation, everyone will be rowing the boat in unison, but it seldom works that way in the real world. Consistent and open communication can assist in uncovering challenges before they become problems, and opportunities may be discovered by listening to the goals and ideas of others who share a vested interest in the farm. Ask for help Don’t hesitate to ask an ag service professional for help. Your banker can also be a valuable contact as you review your financial position and make changes that affect your farm. In addition, I encourage every producer to do an annual business review in order to improve their ability to navigate rough waters. Glenn Wachtler is a Financial Officer at Compeer Financial with over 20 years of experience. For more insights from Wachtler and the Compeer Financial team, visit Compeer.com v
Aphid populations developing; scout fields now Scouting for soybean aphids in Minnesota fields should be underway. Crop reports and observations from field scouting indicate aphid populations are most prevalent in parts of central Minnesota — including, but not limited to the counties of Stearns, Meeker, Kandiyohi, Pope and Douglas. Some of these fields can be nearing threshold levels and should be scouted to keep track of developing populations. Aphid populations are low in most fields in other areas of the state. Early-planted soybean in areas with moderate rainfall this year might see significant aphid populations first. Weather in the south has been hard on early colonization. The northwest is also low in numbers. Smaller fields with wooded borders are often the first to develop high populations. In addition, earlyplanted fields and fields with slightly droughty coarser textured or lower potassium testing soils often see aphid populations develop sooner. Early planted soybeans and perhaps uncontrolled volunteer soybeans serve as a source of aphids for other fields. Later in the season, full-maturity soybean or late-planted soybean, such as beans following peas, are often reported to have higher populations. The decision to apply insecticide for soybean aphid should be based on scouting and the economic threshold. The economic threshold is the trigger point for scheduling an insecticide application to prevent populations from reaching an economically damaging level. “You need to get into the field to count or estimate aphid numbers on plants,” says Dr. Bob Koch, University of Minnesota Extension Entomologist.
“Either count the number of aphids on plants selected from throughout the field or follow a scouting procedure known as Speed-Scouting.” When counting, the goal is to compare the average number of aphids from those plants to the economic threshold. The economic threshold for soybean aphid is an average of 250 aphids per plant with more than 80 percent of the plants infested with aphids, and the aphid population appearing to be increasing. Alternatively, treatment decisions for soybean aphid can be made using Speed-Scouting, a scouting and decision-making procedure that doesn’t require counting large numbers of aphids. Speed scouting can provide a more time-efficient option for some managers to make treatment decisions. Validation research has shown this method to be somewhat conservative, or slightly over-recommending treatment. A refresher on scouting tips and techniques for aphids can be found at https://swroc.cfans.umn.edu/ sites/swroc.cfans.umn.edu/files/sba_scouting.pdf. “Be sure to scout fields before making a treatment decision. Avoid the temptation to treat below threshold numbers. This is bad management,” Phillip Glogoza, U of M Extension Educator for Crops, warns. “Indiscriminant insecticide treatments are contributing to insecticide resistance to the class of insecticides known as pyrethroids.” These non-threshold-based approaches have put us in a difficult position since soybean aphid has been confirmed to be resistant to pyrethroid insecticides (Group 3 insecticides). “We have confirmed resistance in Minnesota over
the last three years,” reports Koch. “This year, preliminary results from laboratory bioassays with soybean aphids, collected from a field near Willmar, once again suggest some level of soybean aphid resistance to pyrethroids is present.” Because of this recent history of issues with pyrethroids for management of soybean aphid, we currently discourage the use of products containing only a pyrethroid insecticide according to Dr. Koch. Generally speaking, products containing a single active ingredient from a labeled insecticide group other than Group 3 are preferred over mixtures when resistance management is a goal. However, with the limited number of insecticide groups available for soybean aphid, mixtures of insecticides will likely play a role when alternating insecticide groups. “Apply full labeled rates of insecticides for soybean aphid management and follow the instructions on product labels,” recommends Dr. Koch. After treating a field, be sure to scout the field after 3-5 days to ensure efficacy of the treatment. If a field needs to be retreated, alternate to a product containing a different insecticide group for the follow-up treatment. Check product labels for insecticide group numbers. For further information, see the UMN Extension publication on Managing Insecticide Resistant Soybean Aphids (https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/management-of-insecticide-resistant-soybean-aphids). This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
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THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
Workers arrested at Christensen Farms; charges possible By TIM KROHN The Free Press Staff Writer SLEEPY EYE, Minn. — A federal indictment alleges a criminal conspiracy in which a Nebraska man supplied illegal immigrants to work for agrelated facilities in Nebraska and Minnesota, including Sleepy Eye-based Christensen Farms, one of the largest hog producers in the nation. Federal prosecutors allege in an indictment unsealed Wednesday that the businesses hired the workers through third-party vendor Juan Pablo Sanchez Delgado, of O’Neill, Nebraska, knowing they could not work legally. Dozens of agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations surrounded businesses suspected of employing illegal workers at several sites in southern Minnesota and Nebraska. They executed arrest warrants for 17 people connected to a conspiracy to exploit foreign workers and also detained at least 133 workers believed to be in the country illegally. ICE spokesman Shawn Neudauer said about a dozen people were arrested at two Christensen facilities in Minnesota for alleged immigration violations. He said the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nebraska is deciding on potential criminal charges against the businesses that employed the workers.
The Sleepy Eye headquarters of Christensen, which employs 110, has offices, a feed mill and truck wash. Agents also raided a Christensen truck wash facility in Appleton and one of their farms in Atkinson, Nebraska. Amber Portner, communications manager at Christensen, blamed the employment of illegal workers on a third-party vendor. “We were surprised and disappointed to learn that one of our third-party vendors is not in compliance with immigration policies. At Christensen Farms, we have an expectation that all of partners and thirdparty vendors uphold the same high standards as our company,” she said in a statement. The Washington Post reported that much of the ICE action focused on the small town of O’Neill, Nebraska, where a tomato greenhouse, potato processing facility and a cattle feedlot were raided. Agents loaded those suspected of being in the country illegally onto coach buses and transported an ICE office building. Neudauer said at least half of those detained in both states were later released and brought back to the communities they were picked up in. He said many of those released face further legal proceedings over immigration status or criminal activity. Those detained in Minnesota were processed at ICE offices in the Twin Cities.
The alleged conspiracy to exploit the labor of these workers was laid out in a 14-page indictment. It centered on Delgado, who owned a local grocery store and operated a Mexican restaurant in O’Neill, called La Herradura. Delgado is accused of recruiting and supplying an illegal workforce to various businesses, including Christensen; the tomato greenhouse, O’Neill Ventures; the potato processing facility, Elkhorn River Farms; and Herd Co. Cattle Company in Bartlett, Nebraska, among others. The indictment alleges Delgado provided fraudulent names and Social Security numbers to the workers. The indictment says that on payday Delgado would force employees to cash their paychecks at his grocery store and pay a fee each time. He allegedly told the workers the fee was to pay their federal income taxes, but that he kept the money. More than $8 million was funneled through company bank accounts controlled by Delgado at Great Western Bank. The indictment said he bought properties with the money, including in Las Vegas. A bank employee also was indicted for allegedly facilitating the transactions, and several employees in management at the Nebraska businesses with which Delgado contracted also were indicted. v
Dental care important for the geriatric horse While the horse has a prolonged lifespan, often 20 to 30 years, in nature this lifespan is limited by the degenerative changes that accompany advanced age. To promote healthy longevity, early recognition and treatment of the special needs of geriatric horses are important tasks. There are three major components to caring for the geriatric horse: dental care, management of osteoarthritis, and management of pars pituitary intermedia dysfunction (PPID). This article will cover geriatric horse dental care in detail. Adult horses have premolars and molars (“cheek teeth”) that continuously erupt over their lifetime. However, the entire adult premolar/molar is fully formed within the bones of the jaw and only a portion of the tooth is visible (picture an iceberg). This unerupted tooth is called the “reserve crown” and may be up to four inches long. Starting in its late teenage years to the early 20s, a horse may start to run out of reserve crown on any given tooth. Aside from the natural expiration of teeth, geriatric horses are also prone to dental disease that can result in teeth falling out or being extracted by a veterinarian. Because each set of premolars and molars erupts at a different age, they also expire at different ages. These can lead to gaps between teeth and teeth of varying heights which causes abnormal chewing patterns and uneven wear on the teeth. These variations in dentition, combined with the rough nature of for-
age and the natural bacterial population of the mouth, can lead to secondary infections of the teeth below the gum line, at the tooth root. Bacterial tooth root infections typically result in loose, and/or fractured teeth. If the tooth is an upper molar, the infection may also spread in to the maxillary sinus and cause a secondary bacterial sinusitis. While dental infections rarely lead to systemic disease, dental abnormalities or tooth root infections often result in ineffective or painful chewing which results in decreased feed intake, weight loss and increased risk of esophageal obstruction. Geriatric horses should have an oral exam every six months. A sedated oral exam using an oral speculum should be utilized at least once a year as it is the only way to properly evaluate for fractured or loose teeth — especially molars. Prior to being a teenager, your horse may only need their teeth floated every 1 to 2 years. While they may be “routine” floats, establishing a preventative dental care program will help your horse transition in to old age. A dental float should be performed by a veterinarian at least once a year once horses reach geriatric age. This is the best way to identify dental abnormalities prior to the development of secondary complications. The more missing or expired teeth a horse has, the more difficult it will be for the horse to sustain their
body weight on hay alone. Pelleted feeds can help maintain geriatric horses that cannot get what they need from hay alone. A fat supplement can provide additional calories if your horse still has difficulty maintaining their weight. An equine nutritionist should work with your veterinarian if weight loss becomes an issue for a geriatric horse. Adequate sedation is crucial not only for a high quality float, but also for the safety of your horse and your veterinarian. Sedation in geriatric horses is generally safe, but it can be more difficult to achieve appropriate sedation due to the presence of chronic or painful dental conditions. A prolonged dental procedure can result in stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is especially common in geriatric horses. There should be no pain or inflammation after a routine dental exam, so medications are not typically prescribed. If your horse has a prolonged or more invasive dental procedure, such as needing a tooth extraction, your veterinarian may prescribe a short course of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This article was submitted by the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. v
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Strip tillage and nutrient placement promote soil health By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer BALTIC, S.D. — Agriculture is a never ending classroom. Best evidence is attending a Hefty Field Day. The promo reads: “10,000 farmers from more than 40 states and 12 foreign countries.” And so it is. This July 26 event was my third Darren Hefty year of attendance. There isn’t an agricultural short course on any campus in America that compares with the educational opportunities at this Hefty event. And activity is nonstop from 8 a.m. until shutdown time at 5 p.m. (and I’m sure much later for many). What do you want to see? What do you want to learn? Just stop, look, listen. And then start asking questions. I’m good at that. So when I finally got Darren Hefty corralled for a few minutes, here’s our brief visit: The Land: I’m seeing a Soil Warrior out here. Are you guys really into strip tillage? Hefty: We really like strip tillage. We’re big on reduced tillage. We used to go no till. That was tough for my Dad, coming from north-central Iowa, thinking no-till would be good here. He knew how we were usually limited on rainfall. And he questioned the residue. Plus, he questioned if the soils be that much cooler in the spring. But that’s not an issue with strip till. Matter of fact, it’s seven degrees warmer in the strip than between the strips. And the other big bonus is nutrient placement. When we place nutrients down below our soybeans … wow … Do we get a yield response! Just as big, perhaps bigger is the time savings. With conventional tillage, you’re sometimes up to 10 trips across the field from planting through harvest. With strip till, essentially two trips: the fall tillage (which is when we also do our phosphorus and potassium placements with this same Soil Warrior rig); and spring planting, which is when we do our nitrogen placements. So right after harvest we strip till with the Warrior. Next spring, we’re ready for planting while also doing nitrogen and micro nutrient apps. The Land: It’s an expensive machine. Are you asked to do custom work? Hefty: We have too many acres. But we sure do answer lots of questions about the practice. I talk with many farmers who see the advantages. Yes, you need lots of acres to justify the Warrior, so famers are joining with other farmers to cost-share. This cooperative approach is just smart strategy. There are too many benefits to ignore this system. What it does to soil health is the big item — plus there are huge reductions in time and fuel. Even in continuous corn, residue is not a problem. In fact, the residue berm between the planted rows acts as a barrier to weeds. We’re in 30-inch rows and a corn/soybean program. We really like 15-inch soybeans, but as soon as we
started doing the 30-inch strip till and putting fertilizer right below the seed, our yields were just as good as 15-inch rows and broadcast fertilizer. Plus white mold was no longer an issue.. The Land: Besides P & K applied in the fall with the Soil Warrior as it strip tills, anything else? Hefty: Yes, we do micros such as zinc, manganese along with the P & K. They don’t move much, so we’ve have good success with fall apps also. The Land: Are micros a necessary part of crop production these days? Hefty: Absolutely. In our earlier days, when we had cattle and hogs, we were putting manure on every acre. But with all the things we’ve got going, we dropped livestock a few years back. Sure, we were doing the job with N, P, K and sulfur. But where were the micros? Micro nutrient levels have dropped over the last generation. Yes, micro nutrients are definitely something farmers need to be watching. The Land: How does soil biology enter into this discussion on strip till farming? Hefty: Soil biology is a big discussion when you get into tillage. At the AgPhD Field Day this year, we’ve got a number of different microbial products such as bacterial, fungal and others. We can see they are making a difference. Get the main things taken care of on your farm land and the responses to these lesser elements start showing up. Soil pH needs to be moderated; you need to get your N, P & K levels to a decent spot and then you start working on these other soil issues. Getting the microbes working in your soils releases other soil nutrients. It’s been a huge benefit for us. Soils are the sustenance of our entire food chain around the world. Our mission is to keep our soils in the best of health year after year. The Land: So as farmers buy into tillage issues, do they also get into soil biology too? Hefty: Most definitely. I don’t think you need to avoid tillage, but I want to do as little tillage as possible. I want to focus on soil health all the way through each cropping season. And as you know, these topics are often part of our radio and television shows too. We’ve been doing AgPhD television for 20 years and AgPhD radio for five years. We’re thankful for all the support we get. These AgPhD Field Day events and all the meetings we do across the Midwest is our way of sharing more information with our farmers. Let’s be honest: Farmers sustain the world! And we are grateful. The Land: New to me at this Field Day is something called D-Comp. Even more about soil biology? Hefty: Yes, very much so. I think it could be the next big thing in rebuilding soil health. We think about these issues with non-farmers. They don’t like it when we spread manure. They don’t like the smell. They don’t like the flies it attracts. I know as a kid we weren’t composting manure. Every Saturday, Dad
would have us cleaning the chicken house, or the hog barn, or the cow shed. Nobody cared that we were spreading on the fields around us. We just understood this is what you do. Now that’s not the case. Country dwellers are springing up everywhere. We want to be good neighbors. Livestock populations keep building up on certain operations. And that often means a long haul for the manure and/or not enough acres for field spreading. So I think composting is a major issue in livestock operations. And that’s what D-Comp is all about. Their literature reads: “D-Comp is a unique combination of 70 different bacteria and fungi designed to speed breakdown of plant and animal residue. With D-Comp, manure may turn to compost in 4 to 5 weeks instead of 4 to 5 months. We call it the answer to your manure decomposition issues.” The challenge with traditional composting is time. It takes time. What we’re working on are microbial products that can be added to the manure as it is being cleaned out of the pens. This much quicker action reduces odor, flies and pathogens and produces a much more consistent product. Summed up Hefty: “The percentage of our population involved in agriculture is now the lowest in world history. In the United Sates, 99 percent of voters are non-farmers. We believe it important that everyone understands where food comes from and what farmers have to do to produce it. Many thanks to the American farmer!” Hefty Field Day took place at their research and general farming operation, about 4 miles south of Baltic, S.D. To learn more about AgPhD research go to www.agphd.com. v
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Sell your land or real estate in WANTED: Land & farms. I Horse drawn road grader, WANTED TO BUY: Dam30 days for 0% commission. have clients looking for Western Wheeled Scraper aged corn, soybeans & other Call Ray 507-339-1272 dairy, & cash grain opera- Co. built in Aurora, IL. Ex- grains. Call Schwieger Cattions, as well as bare land tra seat available. $1,200/ tle LLC. (507)236-5181 parcels from 40-1000 acres. OBO. 715-257-9067 Both for relocation & investREMINDER Bins & Buildings ments. If you have even Early Deadline Notice thought about selling conFeed Seed Hay for tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & SILO DOORS Land Specialist, Edina Re- Alfalfa, mixed hay, grass hay, Wood or steel doors shipped Classified Line Ads alty, 138 Main St. W., New and feed grade wheat straw. promptly to your farm Due to the Labor Day Prague, MN 55372. Medium squares or round stainless fasteners holiday The Land office paulkrueger@edinarealty.com bales. Delivery available. hardware available. (612)328-4506 will be closed on Call or text LeRoy Ose. 218(800)222-5726 689-6675 Landwood Sales LLC Monday, Sept. 3rd. The
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Farm Equipment
THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018 Farm Equipment
Farm Equipment
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‘06 Loftness 22’ stalk chop- 9500 JD combine ‘90 model Case IH 1083 8x30 CH, GVL Fair Oaks Cleated Roller, Aerper, exc cond, $5,900; New rebuilt, nice, $17,750; 9500 poly snouts, $3,900; IH 863 ator, 20’ with 8” spades, 30” Wheatheart 13” jump auger, ‘92 model dual, $16,500; 6x30 CH, $1,250; JD 635 35’ drum, swing away tongue, hyd drive, $1,850; ‘03 JD 9500 JD combine ‘96 model rock flex disc w/ harrow, $12,000. 715-234-1993 925F full finger flex head, 4W Greenstar $17,500; 6620 $12,750; IH 720 7x18 3pt on$9,750; ‘92 JD 843 8x30 corn- JD Titan II sidehill combine land plow, exc cond, $3,450; FOR SALE: Fantini chopping head, 2 seasons on rollers & ‘88 model, $7,500; 4320 JD Parker 605 640 bu gravity 8R & 12R CH; 70’ Elmer chains, $4,900; JD 566 baler, tractor, new tires, $7,250; box w/ tarp & fenders, like drag, Merritt alum hopper net & twine wrap, $5,900; 4560 JD tractor, power shift, new, $11,900; Parker 5500 grain trailers; 24R30” JD pl 20.8x42 duals off 9770 JD MFD, hub duals, $24,500. 600 bu gravity box w/ tarp, on Kinze bar; Big A floater; 175 Michigan ldr; IH 964 $6,450. 320-769-2756 combine, $3,750/complete Call 715-772-4255 CH; White 706 & 708 CH & set. 320-769-2756 parts; White plows & parts; 54’ 4300 IH field cultivator; JD 44’ field cult; 3300 Hiniker field cult; header trailer. 507-380-5324 FOR SALE: ‘66 JD 4020, 7670 hrs, new short block on 3565 hrs, duals, cab, WF, rock box, new batteries, $9,500; 61’ Westfield 10” auger, $1,500. Jackson MN 507-8400661 or 507-840-0005 FOR SALE: JD 6600 dsl combine, JD 220 flex head, JD 643 cornhead. JD 7720 combine. JD 8300 grain drill. All excellent condition. 320-5832751 FOR SALE: 2000 Case/IH 1063 cornhead, all poly, tracker drive, low acres, always shedded. $8,750/OBO. (952)467-2314 FOR SALE: H & S 18’ rear unload silage wagon, like new, $15,000; Kuhn GA3200 GT rake, new cond, $3950. (507)236-4835 FOR SALE: ‘08 6R Geringhoff cornhead, excellent condition, field ready, $22,000. 612232-4078 or 612-803-8753
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THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018 Farm Equipment
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FOR SALE: Artsway 240B 8R TO SETTLE ESTATE - 1900 stalk chopper/flail mower, 7810 Ford tractor, $10,000. excellent condition, $3,000. NH 1411 discbine, 11 ½ cut, premium condition, $12,000. Call 507-274-5162 Will sell as a pair for $20,000. FOR SALE: John Deere Honda Shadow 750 motorcy643 cornhead, low tin, new cle, low miles w/ saddlebags, chains. (763)434-5282 $4,500/OBO. 320-630-5336
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Harms Mfg. Land Rollers, Brand New, 12’-$6,800; 14’-$7,000; 16’-$7,800; 24’-$14,800; 32’-$17,500; 42’-$20,500. Others from 8’-62’. 715-234-1993 Schweiss 8’ Tractor Snowblower: Retired farmer, bought new & only used a few years. Go south for winter, no need for blower. Always shedded, like new, excellent condition, $2,500. (507)399-1677
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We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910
FOR SALE: Case 1470, 5,742 hrs, always shedded, tin work excellent, as clean as you will find, must see to appreciate, $11,700. 507-317-1482
FOR SALE: AC 8070 power shift, new rear tires, duals, Tractors 2 yrs on OH, turbo re-done, runs great, great shape, ‘53 JD A, narrow front, new Dad’s toy, $16,000. 952-212front tires 2017, $4,000/OBO. 3545 715-257-9067 Mpls. Moline UTS-LP tractor, FOR SALE: 966 Int’l, 2,462 compl., good rubber, $1,250. original hrs, mint condition, Also, IH 460, NF, Good Tires tin work excellent, always & Tin, $2,850. 712-288-6442 shedded, duals, 3pt quick tatch, rock box, M&W pis- NEW AND USED TRACTOR tons. As clean as you will PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, 50 Series & newer tracfind, $11,500. 507-317-1482 tors, AC-all models, Large Inventory, We ship! Mark Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829
Tillage Equip
FOR SALE: JD 2210 field cultivator, 29.5’, 3 bar harrow, 2013, always shedded, very little use, as clean as new, $29,800. 507-317-1482 FOR SALE: JD 2800 moldboard plow, 8 bottom, auto reset, variable width, onland, good shape. Best Offer. 507-530-4166 FOR SALE: JD 512 disc ripper, good shape, $6,800. Call (507)456-4909 FOR SALE: Case/IH Model 690, $17,500. (320)226-0825
Hay & Forage Equipment FOR SALE: 2 knotters for 24T or some 300 series JD balers, $500. 952-873-2761
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Do you have an upcoming
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507-345-4523 800-657-4665 TheLandOnline.com
PAGE 36 Harvesting Equip
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Harvesting Equip
Grain Handling Equipment
THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018 Wanted
Cattle
Swine
FOR SALE: 35’ MacDon FD75 5” Air Push Pac, 30HP, 3 PH WANTED: 17.5’ Case/IH 1020 Cow/calf pairs, calves are Spot, Duroc, Chester White, draper head, w/ AWS air w/ airlock & controls, 500’ – bean header. Must be clean. sired registered Red Angus, Boars & Gilts available. reel, one owner, approx 1900 5” alum pipe 4 cyclones, sev- (763)420-3147 Cows are bred back to Red Monthly PRRS and PEDV. acres, like new, $66,900. 507- eral elbows & flex couplers. Angus. Will make a produc- Delivery available. Steve 327-6430 507-525-0708 tive addition to any herd. Resler. 507-456-7746 Livestock 715-229-4004 FOR SALE: MODEL AS600 Behlen 3,800 bushel wet holdSuper B corn dryer, excel- ing tank, excellent condition. Shorthorn yearling bulls. RegSheep lent shape, stored inside af- (507)278-4010 FOR SALE: Black Angus istered, quality A-I sired, 1460 IH combine, IH eng, 3100 ter corn drying season. 507bulls also Hamp, York, & polled. Call Keystone Shorthrs, exc combine, many new 459-0376 Dorset & Hampshire rams Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts. horns. 715-202-0594 Livestock updates, 28Lx26 tires-80%, for sale. Lambs & yearlings, 320-598-3790 FOR SALE: 1997 Brent grain Equipment 1063 cornhead, exc shape, large framed w/fast growth cart model 774 w/ weight you will never see a combine that will put extra lbs on Swine scale, excellent shape, FOR SALE: New Idea maDairy this nice, $15,000/OBO (has your lambs. I can deliver. $13,900. 507-327-6430 nure spreader model S678, a new unload & upright & Gene Sanford (507)645-4989 slop gate. 507-642-8564 Compart’s total program feagear box auger). (507)533- FOR SALE: 20 ft Loftness 70- 1st & 2nd calf animals for tures superior boars & open Suffolk, Polypay rams for chopper, like new, $10,000; 4620 or (507)951-5071 sale, AI serviced popular gilts documented by BLUP sale, aged & lambs, proFarm Fans AB 120 dryer, Wanted bulls, 45 year of breeding technology. Duroc, York, ductive & lots of muscle. 1994 Gleaner R-52, 2085 eng nice, $3,000. (320)220-1138 and classified yearly, 27,500 Landrace & F1 lines. Ter- (507)445-3317 or (507)822hrs, 1250 sep hrs, clean machine, always shedded, will JD Model 1291 12R22” corn- All kinds of New & Used farm lb herd average, 2X day minal boars offer leanness, 3398 Leave message. come with 6R cornhead & head, knife rolls, hyd deck equipment - disc chisels, field milking, just fresh, 30 days muscle, growth. Maternal 20’ beanhead. (507)524-4754 plates, exc cond, $24,000. cults, planters, soil finishers, milking. Magnuson Mini gilts & boars are productive, Twin & triplet ram lambs Pictures & more. (218)791- cornheads, feed mills, discs, Acres 715-897-6986 talk to lean, durable. All are stress ready for breeding. Meaty or (507)995-8110 3400 balers, haybines, etc. 507- Scott. free & PRRS free. Semen & fast growing, sired by Suf(507)276438-9782 also available through Elite folk/Hampshire. Genes A.I. Make ‘em Grow! 7683 Lafayette Cattle WANTED: Full time help on Comparts Boar Store, INC. beef cows, swine & grain Toll Free: 877-441-2627 Horses & Tack farm. House provided. Call ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE for more details. (507)829- - Yearling and 2 year olds, FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hamp9678 breeding soundness exam, shire, Duroc & Hamp/Duroc FOR SALE: Buckboard, new boars, also gilts. Excellent wood, rubber on wood spoke WANTED: Allis Chalmers Tschanz Farms, Us Hwy 53. selection. Raised outside. wheels; Hereford roping mounted disc w/snap coupler 715-538-3123 Exc herd health. No PRSS. saddle w/ bridle breast collar hitch; 18” grain bin aeration Delivery avail. 320-760-0365 & blanket. 507-642-8564 Please recycle this magazine. fan. (763)434-5282 ‘10 JD 9770 STS Combine 1932/1499 hrs, Duals, PRWD, CM, AAHC, Y&M, TS, Thru Service Program Every Season, Very Nice Machine, $112,500. (320) 979-9460
Industrial & Construction
FOR SALE: ‘97 JD 310E Back Hoe 10,062 hrs, 75% Thread, Extended Arm, Motor Runs Great, Field Ready, Bushing are tight. Asking $18,700. Call Steve 320-212-8751, Mike 320-894-5415 or Carlos 320212-2946, $18,700/OBO (or best offer). FOR SALE: 1990 Komatsu D68 Dozer, $13,900. (320)2260825
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Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
PAGE 37 Miscellaneous
ite, 2004 Volvo VNL 630, 500,000 FOR SALE: IHC 660D Wheat- Balzer 4200 gal liq manure PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS Winpower Sales & Service ‘05 Int’l 9200, day cab, 413,250 ble. miles, automatic transmis- land, pwr steering, T.A., spreader, slurry tank w/3 New pumps & parts on hand. Reliable Power Solutions miles; Cummins ISM 370hp, DV. sion, excellent condition, hand clutch; ‘08 5th whl knife applicator & big tires Call Minnesota’s largest dis- Since 1925 PTO & automatic 10spd; very good cond, eve $20,000. (218)791-3400 camper, 31’ Cougar by Key- 286x26, $11,000. (507)829-1224 tributor Emergency Electric Gener$23,500; ‘14 Maurer trailer, stone, 2 S/O’s, Polar pkg, HJ Olson & Company ators. New & Used ag hopper bottom, 40’ White always shedded; ‘13 Chevy Firewood for sale (Jordan 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 Rich Opsata-Distributor steel w/ graphics; Shurlock area); 7204/18 International Camaro SS, 6.2 ltr, red, exc 800-343-9376 roll tarp; exc cond - under shape, 3,200 miles. (507)829- plow; International chisel REINKE IRRIGATION 3,000 miles-not in field since plow, 13 shanks (Silver Lake) 3793 Sales & Service 2014, $19,200. 320-905-5382 (320)583-0606 New & Used ams Read The Land’s e-edition For your irrigation needs ngs, Please support the advertisers you see here. Sell your livestock in The Land online at 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 wth Tell them you saw their ad in The Land! with a line ad. 507-345-4523 www.thelandonline.com on ver. 89
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ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
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THE LAND — AUGUST 10/AUGUST 17, 2018
This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Managing Editor Paul Malchow.
E
agles and fish might seem like strange bedfellows, but at the Decorah fish hatchery, eagles and trout live side-by-side. And both draw their fair share of attention. The Decorah fish hatchery is located one mile south of Decorah, Iowa in Winneshiek County. The hatchery is a production rearing station for growing Shasta strain rainbow and St. Croix strain brook trout. About 130,000 catchable size rainbow and 20,000 catchable brook trout are raised each year. Siewers Spring is Iowa’s secondlargest spring and supplies water to the hatchery. The spring never freezes — even in the depth of winter. A Department of Natural Resources official said at an air temperature of -37 F, the water in the spring was 47 degrees. The hatchery’s limestone office and residence dates back to the 1930s as a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps. It overlooks 24 cement flow-through raceways and three rubber lined earthen ponds where the fish are grown. Rainbow trout are raised in the cement raceways while the brook trout grow better in the earthen ponds. It takes 18 months for a trout to grow from an egg to catchable size (10-11 inches weighing about half a pound). Each month from April to October, 15,000-17,000 trout are stocked into 15 put-and-take streams in Allamakee, Howard, Mitchell and Winneshiek counties. The hatchery also stocks five seasonal urban lakes in Mason City, Sioux City, Spencer, Ames and Ankeny or Bondurant. The Iowa Natural Resources Commission voted in May to change the name of the Decorah fish hatchery to the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery. Gipp retired in May after six years as Director of the Iowa DNR and around a decade of working at the state agency. Prior to serving at the DNR, Gipp was elected to the Iowa House, where he served
Fin and feather
Decorah, Iowa
as majority leader. Prior to that, he was a dairy farmer in northeast Iowa. Friends of the Decorah Fish Hatchery, an organization supporting the operation, recently constructed a 1,000-square-foot education and visitors center. Fundraising success for the center is largely attributed to a pair of eagles which reside a stone’s throw from the hatchery. The Raptor Resource Project installed a webcam trained on the eagles’ nest and runs the live stream for research purposes. (The project, established in 1988, protects more than 40 nests and nesting areas in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Colorado.) Filmed in real time, the parents can be seen delivering a variety of freshly caught prey, feeding the eaglets, and protecting them from predators and harsh weather. With the help of infrared lighting, the nest is viewable around the clock during the nesting season, which typically begins in January or February. Sometime in June the eaglets are able to fly. The Decorah eagles became an Internet phenomenon with roughly 2.4 million views per day. The eagles are not given names in order to prevent viewers from regarding them as pets, but that doesn’t stop thousands of visitors coming to the hatchery to get a live glimpse of the majestic birds. The enterprising hatchery friends group sells t-shirts and other eagle-related items — both at the visitor center and online. A volunteer last summer said in six weeks the hatchery had visitors from 42 states and six countries. The fish hatchery is open to the public 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. Group tours can be scheduled by calling the hatchery at (563) 382-8324. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The eagle cam can be found at https://explore. org/livecams/bald-eagles/decoraheagles. v
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August 10/August 17, 2018 (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002
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© 2018
August 10/August 17, 2018 (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002