THE LAND ~ August 31, 2018 ~ Northern Edition

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August 24, 2018 August 31, 2018

FARMERS AT HEART ™

A last look at

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Kent Thiesse breaks down tariff aid Experimental farm dates back to 1893 • Solar energy is still hot • A watershed specialist talks nitrogen Swine & U From The Fields • Yellow field peas are in demand • The latest in drone technology and more!

• Plus photos of the event

Farmfest

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THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

Forums provide food for thought P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XXXVII ❖ No. 17 32 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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Cover photo by Paul Malchow

COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Table Talk Calendar of Events Swine & U Farm Programs Mielke Market Weekly From The Fields Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-4 3 6 10 13 14 16 17 20-21 23-31 31 32

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Along with the corn dogs, cheese curds, agricultural. But Anderson warned outpork chops and mini donuts, attendees of door recreation needs will affect agricul2018 Farmfest had plenty to chew on durture. “Water has to get cleaner,” he said. ing the events’ several forums which took “The people who swim in our lakes, the place Aug. 7-9. Once again, forum coordihunters, the fishermen demand it.” nator Kent Thiesse assembled panel after Anderson said it is imperative farmers, panel of experts in their related fields to sportsmen and the environmental comshed light on relevant topics — along munity figure out a way to work together, with a fine turnout of political hopefuls in rather than as adversaries. “Water qualiLAND MINDS U.S. Senate, Congressional and ty will manifest itself against agriculMinnesota gubernatorial races. ture,” he stated, “fairly or unfairly. If

By Paul Malchow While the forums for the federal races water quality work is to be voluntary, didn’t create the passion of 2017 it must be realistic — with results.”

Farmfest’s farm bill forum, there was Voluntary water quality practices plenty of interest in what the various were by in large preferred over government regulacandidates had to say. The Minnesota governor’s race tion. “Farmers must be willing to work with the and the looming primary election generated a large state on alternative practices,” Landwehr said. “Let enthusiastic crowd to the candidates’ forum on Aug. us do the right thing now so we don’t get regulated 8. The Farmfest forums create a unique opportunity later on. Landwehr added the DNR’s focus is less on to get a better feel for the candidates outside of the water quality and more on water quantity — someprepared 30-second television ad. In turn, the candithing that can and will impact agriculture down the dates were responsive and generous with their time. road — especially with irrigation issues.

I was able to sit in on two forums which weren’t Sen. Weber drew a hearty round of applause when heavily attended, but perhaps should have been. On he called for a tax credit for farmers implementing Aug. 8 was the forum, “Minnesota Water Resources buffers. “At this point in time, it is an unconstitu… Public Concern and Landowner Implications.” tional taking of land,” he said.

The following morning’s forum was “Resources for “Ag producers have a lot of education,” Weber Farm Families in Challenging Times.” The current went on to say. “There will always be issues. fervor and flavor of the month, tariffs and trade, overshadowed these two topics which hit a lot closer Agriculture needs to educate city people so they understand what is being done.” to home than Trump and China.

Formo said there is a “great deal of anxiety” among The water panel was made up of Minneapolis Starfarmers concerning Governor Mark Dayton’s nitroTribune outdoor columnist Dennis Anderson, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom gen rule. “Good farming practices involving nitrogen Landwehr, Minnesota Senator Bill Weber (who is vice have always been voluntary and we would like to chair of the state’s environment and natural resourc- keep it that way,” he said. Formo added soil types in Minnesota vary so greatly it is impossible to have a es committee), Executive Director of the Minnesota Ag Water Resource Coalition Warren Formo, Farmers blanket rule covering the entire state. Fall anhydrous applications work for heavier soils, but in Union Government Relations Director Thom course textured soils, fall applications are not good.

Peterson and Minnesota Farm Bureau Director of Public Policy Amber Hanson Glaeser.

Landwehr and Formo clashed on pesticides and It was the variety of perspectives which made this chemicals ending up in Minnesota’s groundwater.

Formo stated there are plenty of urban applications panel so intriguing. When it comes to water quality contributing to the problem and added very few of in Minnesota, we often hear from scientific the products used by farmers are showing up in researchers on one side and farmers on the other. surface water and groundwater. Landwehr said the But the Wednesday forum brought other entities to jury is still out on groundwater contamination. “It the table for a refreshing point of view. takes a long time for products to reach groundwaAnderson admitted his expertise steers more ter,” he stated. “Once it’s in the groundwater, it’s towards urban attitudes of water quality and not See LAND MINDS, pg. 4

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

8 — Oren Gregg farm paved the way for Extension research 21 — ADM marketer says sell soybeans now, hold corn for later

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

THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

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‘The People’s Department’ — for the time being An early hallmark of the Trump Facts, however, seem not to matter to Administration’s management of Perdue. He wants the agencies out of American farm policy is its uncanny abiltown by next year and he’s moving fast to ity to pick fights which are as costly to make it happen. win as they are to lose.

On Aug. 9, the Federal Register posted For example, even if the president’s a “notice” that the “Office of the import tariff plans succeed, how many ag Secretary, USDA” is “exploring potential exports will American farmers lose before sites for a proposed new headquarters” the White House declares victory and for both ERS and NIFA. The notice alertFARM & FOOD FILE ed “Interested parties wishing to make moves on? an Expression of Interest” to “do so in

By Alan Guebert So far, in the short run, the cost is $12 writing by Sept. 14.” billion in taxpayer money the White House already has ticketed to soften Why the bum’s rush to move the the tariffs’ impact on American ag. In world’s largest group of ag economists the long run, tens of billions more. and ag policy analysts from the world’s capital for ag policy and ag economics?

Determining how costly — or even if the trade policy is good, bad or indifferent — is exactly what Payback, explained the website The New Food the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Economy on Aug. 20. Fact-based analyses by ERS, it Research Service is designed to do. noted, “has undercut (President) Trump’s claims about food stamps, farming, and the environment.”

Right now, however, the ERS is struggling to regain its footing after an out-of-the-blue announce- As such, “… it’s about to get booted from Capitol Hill.” ment by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Aug. 9 to “relocate” it and the National Institute of Others see Perdue having a more calculated, darkFood and Agriculture from Washington, D.C. to er motive. unknown “new homes” somewhere in the United “I think the real truth,” one seasoned Capitol Hill States. watcher noted in an Aug. 20 email, “may be that Perdue’s announcement was a gut punch to staffboth Perdue and Mulvaney” (John “Mick” Mulvaney, ers at NIFA and ERS. The agencies are two of the the White House Director of the Office of most apolitical, number-focused agencies in the federal bureaucracy. Officially, Perdue explained, moving both out of Washington, D.C. (one of the nation’s costliest places to live) would allow USDA to better “attract and retain” qualified people.

Perdue also noted the move would save taxpayers money — presumably because USDA could pay the then more-rural workers less than today’s big city counterparts — and “place these important USDA resources closer to many of (sic) stakeholders.”

Few at ERS believe the claims and Perdue offered no cost/benefit analysis to support any of his assertions.

In fact, the opposite seems more likely. Politico recently reported that ERS and NIFA employees were given “assurances” all would earn the “same base pay they were earning while in Washington” — no matter where Perdue’s mandated exodus takes them.

OPINION

Management and Budget) “were (angry) that Congress did not go along with their proposed huge cuts to ERS” earlier this year and saw “this as a way to accomplish the same objective without having to convince appropriators to cut spending…”

That explanation is more plausible than Perdue’s.

Supporting it is the fact that the secretary made his move near the start of Congress’s August break.

That means the usual 30-day comment period to question actions such as his will be nearly over when Congress returns after Labor Day. That does not mean, however, the 47 House and Senate members now serving on the 2018 farm bill conference committee don’t have the time to question the Secretary’s ill-defined, costly attempt to deport key USDA agencies from the ag policy arena.

In fact, Congress should hold off any farm bill vote while its members help farmers and ranchers learn what they and the nation are getting — and losing — with Perdue’s many “reorganization” moves at USDA. After all, it is, as Abraham Lincoln noted on its founding, The People’s Department.

The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the United States and Canada. Past columns, events and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v

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THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

Stress reaching 1980’s proportions LAND MINDS, from pg. 2

with the farm crisis of the 1980s. “There are stress levels for everyone — not just the producer,” she explained. “Feed suppliers, veterinarians need to be paid to stay in business too.” Preisler added most farmers are not a candidate for bankruptcy because of their net worth — regardless of unsecured debt. “Mediation can be triggered by many situations,” Preisler said. “Divorce, a car accident, illness — all can put you in mediation.

I’ve never seen so many divorces because of stress.

The other party wants to leave the marriage with their half and they want it now.”

Hesse said his role as a farm advocate is booming as well. “Usually this time of year there is a lull,” he said. “That’s not the case this year. Contacts with our office have been astronomical. There are a myriad of situations. The main problem is making cash flow. Unsecured debt is rapidly increasing.”

Land rental is playing a big role in farmers’ financial problems, Bau said. Land owners face high property taxes, but renters are finding markets sluggish. “Based on market prices,” Bau said, “rental rates should be around $100 per acre. Instead, rents are averaging over $200 an acre.”

Bau spoke of the FINBIN Farm Financial Management Database. The free service allows farmers to see the financial results for all farms by type or size of farm. FINBIN can run a benchmark report to compare your farm to a group of farms similar to yours. “I’m a numbers guy,” Bau confessed. “This system can show where your operation is strong or if you have a terrible balance sheet.”

“Those doing pre-harvest marketing have been getting burned,” Bau went on to say. “So farmers are not selling ahead. Right now, break-evens are around $4.00/bushel for corn and $11.00/bushel for soybeans.

If we see smaller yields, that number could jump to $4.60/bushel for corn. Looking at today’s market prices, it’s not hard to see the problem.”

Even though a farm operation’s numbers may be good, Moynihan cautioned the operator’s mental health may not. “There are acute problems throughout the state,” she said, “with all scales of farms.”

“Farmers are afraid to admit things are out of control,” Moynihan explained. “They’re afraid to admit they need help emotionally. We want farmers to know they are not alone. We’re all in this boat together — rowing like hell — and we don’t want anyone falling overboard.”

Water health, financial health or mental health, the Farmfest forums carried one similar thread: agriculture is stronger when everyone is involved. It does matter who you vote for. It does matter that we protect our water — for city and rural families alike. It does matter we reach out to our neighbors to share our successes and burdens. Because when it comes to hope, the commodity price is sky high.

Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land.

He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com. v

OPINION

very difficult to clean up.”

Peterson said the Minnesota Farmers Union would like to see an increase in CRP acreage and payments. He also suggested payments to farmers from buffer land should come from the state’s clean water fund.

“The MPCA and DNR glommed onto the clean water fund,” Anderson said. Formo agreed the state needs to redirect funds to assist farmers’ clean water efforts.

“This room should be full,” Peterson stated. “Water quality issues won’t go away.”

Another issue which won’t go away anytime soon is the stress burdening farmers during trying economic times. Help available to mitigate that stress was the subject of “Resources for Farm Families in Challenging Times.”

On the panel for this forum were FSA Minnesota State Director Joe Martin; Minnesota Rural Finance Authority Senior Loan Officer Ryan Roles; Farmer-Lender Mediation Program Director Mary Nell Preisler; U of M Extension Educator David Bau; MDA Farm Advocate David Hesse; and MDA Senior Advisor Meg Moynihan.

Martin said the USDA provides farm loans for farmers who might not qualify for traditional bank loans. He said the program has supplied about 5,000 short-term loans across Minnesota. “Talking about finances is the most personal thing and farmers avoid talking about it at all costs,” Martin said.

“You need to talk. It’s never too early. If you wait until winter it’s difficult to have a program in place for the next crop year.” Martin added FSA is being charged with delivering assistance connected with the $12 billion tariff relief aid program, but not a lot of details are in place.

Roles spoke about the MDA’s Rural Finance Authority. RFA features 12 different loan programs offering low interest rates and tax credits for beginning farmers. Roles added zero-interest loans are available for weather-related disasters which are not covered by insurance.

Preisler said her office mediates between farmers and creditors to come up with ideas to make a farm more profitable. She said so far this year 2,529 notices have gone through her office with about 40 percent requesting mediation.

“Mediation is becoming more complex,” she said, “involving multi-generations. I can get by with a lot of difficult questions other people can’t ask. Family members don’t want to talk to their grandmother about how they can’t pay the land rent. Mediation is helpful because it introduces a neutral person with no vested interest in the situation. It’s amazing what happens. People will open up in front of a complete stranger.”

Preisler compared today’s farm-related stress levels

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PAGE 5

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The heart of 4-H is the most important ‘H’ of all There were constant I saw her from across the reminders that time was stands. I could tell. You can running out, getting kids to always tell. fill out goal cards, and oh, She seemed quiet – not the record keeping paper her usual hob-knobbing work. with everyone around her.

It would have been easier Our eyes met up across the to ride a bull bareback than stands, and we both nodded get the kids to do that. in acknowledgment. But it TABLE TALK was her expression.

There were animals to It’s always the expression. By Karen Schwaller break to lead, which took time and effort. And if you And I wondered if she knew started that process the that I knew. week before fair (as sometimes hapThis mother had raised her grandson, and it was his last day of selling livestock at the county 4-H and FFA fair. His senior year had been full of all those “last things,” and this experience was one of them. For me, as one Rebekka Paskewitz, a of his club leaders, the end of the sale 20-year-old college student meant another 4-H year was over. But from Browerville, Minn., was for her, it meant the end of an era that crowned Princess Kay of had meant so much to them. And the the Milky Way in an evening welling tears in her eyes said all that ceremony at the Minnesota words could not.

State Fairgrounds on Aug. 22.

I was never in 4-H as a kid, but all

three of our children are nine-year veterans of that — the world’s largest Paskewitz is the daughter of Alan and Vicki Paskewitz, youth organization. It was an imporand attends the South tant part of their lives, especially the Dakota State University, county fair. They would spend entire days there with their friends, washing where she is pursuing a degree in agricultural eduand grooming animals for the shows, cation. seeing what there was to see, getting

into water fights, eating their fill of Twelve county dairy prinsugar, making new friends and strengthening friendships that already cesses from throughout Minnesota competed for the existed. title. Blaize Dankers of PlaThose 4-H days weren’t always fun, inview, Minn., and Korissa though. There were last-minute static Lindquist of Kerkhoven, exhibit preparations just before judgMinn., were selected as ing day. There were painful projects runners-up. our children started, then learned they did not enjoy, but still needed to finish. Photos by Matt Addington

pened around here) it was a four-alarm crisis. I’ve watched our sons ski in the manure — pulled behind a calf with its own plans. I’ve seen our kids slammed into the sides of buildings by calves with attitudes. Luckily, the worst that ever came from that was a cracked cell phone screen and some torn blue jeans.

There were livestock weigh-in days, fair check-in days, facing the judges, exhilaration from a blue or purple ribbon and the disappointment of a red or white ribbon, monthly 4-H meetings, working on static projects, club service projects all year, and presenta-

Paskewitz crowned Princess Kay

tions to do.

Then there was getting up early on 4-H sale day to see a truck parked outside the show arena and the auctioneer doing his thing inside, and brushing an animal for the last time before they hear their name called to bring their animal into the ring.

Some 4-Hers cry privately, and some don’t care if they openly show how much they care before they remove those halters for the last time.

Emotions run high when everyone is exhausted from the busy and stressful week behind them. Even for parents and grandparents.

Our children are eight and 10 years out of 4-H, but it’s still important to them. Now they come to watch, purchase kids’ projects at the sales, and encourage. In that way I can see that the 4-H pledge remains part of them — even as adults. They are lucky to have had the experience.

As a mother, I understand the heart of that grandmother as she watched her grandson show his livestock there for the last time as a 4-H’er.

Her heart wept. It was a good run, and she was going to miss all of this.

4-H kids know the words. “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty; my hands to larger service and my health to better living—for my club, my community, my country and my world.”

But of all of the H’s in that pledge, perhaps the heart is the most fragile.

That mother understood. And so did I. Karen Schwaller brings “Table Talk” to The Land from her home near Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v

Coping with wild parsnip could take years to eliminate Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a non-native biennial plant that produces a rosette in its first year and bolts — producing a seed head in its second year of life. It is spreading throughout Minnesota and effective management can be tricky.

Wild parsnip develops rosettes in its first year, and this is a great time to scout and form a management plan. In late spring to early summer, second-year plants will bolt, flower and produce dozens of seeds.

Seeds do not persist in soil for extended

periods of time.

Use caution when working with this plant. Wild parsnip produces a sap that, when combined with sunlight, can cause a blisters and swelling. It is very important to use protective clothing, goggles or facemask and gloves.

Hand pulling and cutting can be efficient as long as a portion of the root has been impacted at least 1-2 inches below the surface of the soil. This will ensure

that the plant will not re-root or produce seed. If seed is present, be sure to dispose of the plant effectively and not to spread seed to un-infested areas.

Mowing is effective if timed properly.

Typically, after mowing, the plant will re-sprout and still be able to produce a flowerhead and seed. Mowing is most effective if completed after the flowers have emerged but before the seeds are enlarged. Seeds produced at this time will not be viable, and typical regrowth

will not develop fertile seeds. A second mowing is needed and common. Effective management can be seen typically after three years of repeated mowing.

Herbicides are another useful management tool, but have to be timed correctly in order to be effective. If seeds are present on the plant, chemical application is not effective.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.v

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PAGE 7

Can ‘hybrid’ drones lead to bigger yields?

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer MORGAN, Minn. — Does drone imaging 10 acres per minute get your attention? It certainly did at the Farmfest exhibit of AeroVironment. The California company was displaying and talking about their Quantix hybrid drone.

Director of Business Development Matt Strein shared some comments about the company which invented the “hand-launched” drone about 30 years ago. Since then, drones have been adapted for military use and have transitioned into commercially uses. The Quantix hybrid incorporates the advantages of a multi-copter drone while launching and landing vertically — thus protecting the sensor with fixed wing range, speed and efficiency.

“The challenge with other drones is their short endurance,” Strein said. “They can only fly for about 18-19 minutes and cover only about 40 acres. To us, these drones are mostly a toy. However, the disadvantage of other fixed-wing drones is that they ‘skid land’ and you have to hand-launch them. That’s not good for the on-board camera. Those sensors are very sensitive. And that’s what separates the Quantix.”

The Quantix launches vertically, straight up to 150 feet. It then automatically transitions to horizontal flight. It has the ability to cover 400 acres in about 40 minutes. Two on-board 18 megapixel cameras provide high resolution images at 1-inch ground sampling distance (equivalent to leaf level detail). As it lands, Quantix provides a quick-look image of the field which can be accessed immediately from the control panel.

Operators can upload the aerial imaging data to AeroVironment’s decision support system, which is a web-based data analytic server. Historical data on each field provides resolution at 1-inch ground sampling accuracy, which is equivalent to a 1-inch pixel.

Strein said the Quantix costs $16,500 which is a “full eco” system. The “full eco” system includes the drone, integrated camera with sensors, the analytics and customer service package. Any individual who uses a smartphone with a technology curve concept can operate this bird.

“Everything comes from one house. We think our advanced analytics is the special bonus of this package,” said Strein. “Our drone brings to the grower verifying application sensings. And with every grower getting into nutrient management programs, verifying every input of a particular crop, this more precise data bank becomes significant. We can readily verify the results in season of each particular pesticide application. And that is valuable info.”

How does that happen? To verify results of a particular pesticide application would mean a field scanning before; then rescan that field 10-14 days after application. You see directly the response, or lack thereof. And remember, this Quantix flies those 400 acres in about 40 minutes!

minutes! It has two cameras — one an 18 mp regular camera, the other an 18 mp multi-spectrum camera.

The pictures are amazing and the program they provide is very easy to navigate.

“The company has been very responsive to our request for changes. Thanks to this challenging spring, we had a request. We now have a measurement tool so I can measure drowned out areas. Also, they e-mail or text message to tell you when your finished maps are ready. I download raw data to the cloud and they return pictures that are stitched and cleaned up.”

Albin likes that the Quantix is user-friendly with responsive dealer and tech support. Updates can be done over the internet instead of sending the unit in.

Stitched maps are returned in less than 24 hours so decisions can be made in a timely manner.

“But I also found out the hard way that you need a clear area of 10 ft. to land the bird,” chuckled Albin.

“The tall grass took out one of the motors. It costs money to go to school. But its an amazing drone.”

AeroVironment is located in Simi Valley, Calif. For Photo by Dick Hagen more information, contact Strein at strein@avinc.com AeroVironment Director of Business Development Matt or call (805) 501-1563. v Strein shared the latest drone technology at this year’s Farmfest.

Feature Chairpersons: 44th ANNUAL ALL EXHIBITORS WELCOME! Justin Kunstleben ph 320-290-8233 “We’re not the scout in the sky. Our system pinjk_kunstleben@yahoo.com Albany Doug Stade 320-282-5838 points the exact area where the farmer needs to go to email dougs@meltel.net correct what the Quantix scanning recorded. We’re helping with timing and efficiency; and most importantly, giving him exact location of those problem THRESHING SHOW TORS spots within a 400-acre field,” summed up Strein .

SEPTEMBER 14, 15, 16, 2018 PARADE OF TRACSU N. & T. SA 1:30 PM AeroVironment provides a one-year warranty ALBANY, MINN. which covers about 50,000 acres of flight time with a Quantix. Plus, this firm offers a money-back guarantee. “Within 30 days and a couple of flights, if you are Antique Tractors and Equipment not satisfied, you can send it back and we’ll give your Gas Engine Feature: STOVER money back,” said Strein.

Chairperson: Notsch An early adopter of the Quantix hybrid drone was Rick 320-288-8923 Doug Albin of Yellow Medicine county. Albin is a • Parade of Tractors: 1:30 pm Saturday and board member of the Minnesota Corn Growers Sunday • MORE THAN 400 • Farm Museum tractors on Display • Working Models Association. Albin’s introduction to the Quantix was • Collector Car & Truck • Print Shop in Displays Operation virtually cost-free! He won the bird at the 2018 • Snowmobile Displays • Souvenir Shop RAFFLE Drawing • Over 500 Gas Engines • Country School in Commodity Classic. on Display Session SUNDAY - 3 P.M. • Threshing • General Store - Lots LOCATED IN FEATURE BUILDING of items for Sale Albin chuckled, “I would not have put it into the top • 2Demonstrations Huge Stationary • Blacksmith Shop Silent Auction Steam Engines • Lots of Food and five things that I would like to update our corn LOCATED IN FEATURE BUILDING Running Snacks Mill, Shingle • Kids Train Rides operation. However, now after having flown it, I’m • Lumber Mill, • Model Railroad EVENTS ON THE GROUNDS & Flour Mill in Museum • Pioneer Queen and Pioneer Princess Coronations Operation

by Central MN thinking it would make it into the top three. I see this • Big Friday Evening 7 PM in the Saloon Rope Making Railroad Club • Log Sawing Contest Saturday Evening Starts at Dusk Machine • Memories From the • “WILD WEST SHOW” as a quick and convenient tool to gather information • Miniature Land Past Display Sunday 11:30 AM by Wild Creek Entertainers Machines in Operation - Featuring “Hats” on how the crop is doing and what I need to change All Three Days!

Friday Evening 6 p.m. to improve yield or cut costs where we can. Crop Music FLEA MARKET - Old Tyme & Country in the Saloon - Bluegrass in the New Feature Building TRACTOR PULL Lots of dealers! scouts at our local elevator are already finding it tre- - Country in the Flea Market Building GARDEN CONTACT: Jeff Mortenson - Karaoke in Saloon Friday & Saturday John Achmann 320-339-5071 mendously useful.

OLIVER AND HART-PARR

“This bird is not a toy like some drones. You outline your fields with the mapping program included on the I-Pad they provide. The program maps the flight plan and goes through a check list with the bird even asking if you are ready to fly. I was ready and I flew a 109-acre field this afternoon (Aug 11). It took 12

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THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

Legacy lives on as few signs of ‘State’ farm remain

By RICHARD SIEMERS The Land Correspondent LYND, Minn. — When Perry Banks was growing up on what from its inception has been called Coteau Farm, it was to him an ordinary farm.

“The old people called it the State farm, but I never thought anything of Perry Banks it,” Banks said.

He was actually living on a piece of Minnesota agricultural history. Today, few people realize the role played by Oren C. Gregg and his farm which was three miles west of Lynd at the intersection of Lyon County highways 4 and 15.

Perry’s grandparents, Will and Catherine Banks, purchased the farm from Oren C. Gregg in 1909.

Except for a small hiatus, the farm has since been in the family. Perry gives his wife, Marquita, a former schoolteacher, the credit for gathering much history about this Century Farm. Perry and his brother took over the farm when their father retired. In the next generation, Perry’s nephew has farmed it since Perry and his brother retired.

While the Banks family has an interesting background of its own, it was the original owner who gives the farm its historical importance.

Twenty-five-year-old Oren C. Gregg and his wife, Charlotte, moved to Lyon County in 1870 and selected a homestead on unbroken prairie. They named it Coteau Farm, which eventually grew to 400 acres.

The son of an itinerant Methodist minister back east, Gregg had a penchant for public service. Along with his farming he served as a lay minister, and for ten years was Lyon County auditor.

Coming from Vermont, Gregg was a dairyman at heart; but faced a difficulty that other Minnesota dairymen faced — producing milk through the winter months. A story on Gregg in the March 1960 issue of Minnesota History described it this way: “As late summer approached and the native grasses withered in the sun, the cows went dry, freshening only in the spring when nutritious feeds again became available … [Gregg] concluded that with a proper balance of grain and cultivated hay, such as clover, he could induce his cows to calve in the fall instead of the spring and thus produce a steady flow of milk through the winter months.”

Gregg experimented with feeds and breeds of cattle and became “one of the first successful winter dairymen in Minnesota.” Part of that was erecting the first wooden silo in the area.

That wasn’t his only area of experimentation. On his diversified farm he also worked with crop rotation and other techniques to improve his land and dairy operation.

In 15 years, Gregg had achieved a reputation as a progressive farmer, so when the University of

Minnesota’s agricultural program was having trouble parting of the ways between Gregg and the univerattracting farm boys to classes, they sought Gregg’s sity when they began to shift away from the Institutes advice. He suggested taking the classes to the farmers. toward their newly established extension system.

Under Gregg’s leadership, Farmer’s Institutes were held around Minnesota, featuring both university professors and active farmers as speakers. The Institutes eventually ran their course and were replaced by extension agents planted in each county.

But back to the farm. The University had one agricultural experiment station located near its Twin Cities campus. With Minnesota’s diverse topography and climate, it was evident there was need for more area-specific information. In 1893, Gregg offered to let the university use his farm as a sub-station, even allowing them to use his machinery and equipment.

They eventually used the entire farm.

Photo by Richard Siemers

Many of the trees and windbreaks planted by Gregg still grow. This row is along Lyon County Road 15.

Photos by Kim Banks

Only two buildings remain from Gregg’s day: the house where Perry Banks grew up (above) and a red building Banks used as a machine shed.

For ten years, Gregg’s Lyon County farm was the sight of experiments in tilling techniques, rotation systems, forage crops, fruits, and vegetables to see what thrived under prairie conditions. Perry Banks remembers the many plum and apple trees they had available.

Various types of non-fruit trees were planted to determine good windbreak varieties. Many of those trees still grow on the farmland. As Minnesota History described, “for ten years Coteau Farm played a major role in the scientific work conducted by Minnesota’s agricultural college.”

Because it was private land, issues were raised about the University using state money to develop an individual’s farm. When the university began to develop their own sub-stations, the agreement with Gregg was terminated in 1904. Gregg was a strongwilled person, which had helped him be a successful farmer and director of the Institutes. It also led to a

However, Gregg had made his impact. His progressive ideas as a farmer and his desire to share knowledge (perhaps that was the lay evangelist in him) had brought agricultural education to Minnesota farmers and helped the university to expand its experimental sub-stations to cover the various climates of Minnesota.

Perry Banks grew up in a cottage that O. C. Gregg built for his secretary and farm manager, Clarence Welch. Perry’s grandparents and father knew Gregg, who kept a retirement residence for he and his wife on the farm. They seldom saw him, however, because he was giving lectures out-of-state most of the time.

After his wife died and in declining health himself, Gregg left Coteau Farm in 1922 to live out his days at the home of Clarence Welch, who had moved to Barnum.

Little physical evidence remains from Gregg’s day.

Only two buildings still stand: the house in which Perry and his siblings grew up, and a red building the Banks used as a machine shop. A number of the many trees and shelterbelts Gregg planted still stand guard along the county road.

The Banks family expanded beyond the original 400 acres of Coteau Farm, but continued in the Gregg spirit in trying new methods. (They switched to notill farming years ago.) While Oren C. Gregg’s “State farm” returned to being a private farm, the land carries the distinction of having been the University of Minnesota’s first experimental sub-station. And Gregg’s legacy of agricultural education and experimentation lives on at the University’s Research and Outreach Centers around the state, inspired by Gregg’s belief that experimenting needed to be done regionally.

Thank you to Jennifer Andries, Executive Director of Lyon County Historical Society Museum, for her assistance. The article, “Pioneering in Agricultural Education: Oren C. Gregg and Farmers’ Institutes” by Roy Vernon Scott is in Minnesota History, March 1960, pages 19-29. v

THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

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THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

Solar energy continues to attract high-quantity consumers

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer MORGAN, Minn. — This year’s Farmfest provided a great update on what’s happening in the world of energy. And one of the bigger billboards at the show was the 20x40foot display of Blue Horizon Energy with 20 big color photos of Blue Barry Horizon installations at various Thompson upper midwest farms.

Barry Thompson, agriculture and commercial sales for Blue Horizon, started our conversation by relating the appetite for energy continues to grow — regardless of the squeeze in the agricultural economy.

“Everybody sees their energy bill rising year after year,” said Thompson. “You never see an ‘energy sale’ because we’ve got more than we can handle. Larger livestock facilities and grain operations are driving lots of solar energy business for us. And the advent of electric cars and electric trucks seems about to happen big-time, so the solar market keeps ramping up.”

In some countries, perhaps ‘explode’ is the better word. Thompson said that by 2025, German citizens will not be able to buy a vehicle powered with an internal combustion engine. “Germany somewhat

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

Sept. 11 — Beef Field Day — Little Falls, Minn.

— Tour Joe and Nancy Berg’s Red-Tail Ranch. Discussions include a Q&A with the Bergs on the development of their farm; rotational grazing, interseeding pastures; soil health; silvopasture; genetics and management for meat quality — Contact Emily Wilmes at (320) 255-6169, ext. 3.

Sept. 18 — Educational Crop Tour Field Day — Madison, Minn. — Program will explain how the interaction of soil, equipment and seed impact crop emergence, stand establishment, plant growth and crop yield. Demonstrate how down pressure settings, planting depths, seed spacing and soil conditions can affect crop production results — Contact Linda Leydens at (515) 360-2029 or LindaLeydens@ yahoo.com Sept. 19-20 — Minnesota Nutrition Conference — Mankato, Minn. — Leading-edge, researchbased knowledge to advance sustainable production of beef, dairy, equine, poultry and swine. The Preconference Symposium is “New Innovations for the Use of the Soybean”. “Challenges Facing Animal Production” is the theme of the General Session — Contact Bonnie Rae at bjrae@umn.edu or call (612) 624-4995.

leads the world in new energy developments. So in just seven years, every new vehicle coming off a German production line will be electric-powered.

That certainly tell us what will likely be happening around the world,” he suggested.

Thompson is candid about the investment costs of getting into solar power. “It will take a few years for your new solar system to break even,” he admitted.

“But once that happens, you own the system. You are producing your own energy. It can, and will, materially reduce your energy costs with your local utility.

Sometimes their solar system earns energy credits with the local utility refunding to the individual energy costs based on local retail rates.

“Yes, insuring your new system is good advice. But there are little to zero maintenance costs with solar systems. So one you’ve paid off your investment costs, when you factor in your insurance costs, you’re going to be creating your own energy for about 1 penny per kilowatt hour. If local rates are 12 cents, you quickly see how your system becomes a currency generator for your farm!”

Should you consider a tracking system which tilts the solar panels with the sunlight?

“Most of my customers want to use the tracking because they produce about 35 percent more energy than a stationary panel,” Thompson explained. “Yes, more money at the front end, but in addition to the higher yield, they gain some tax advantages. The federal tax credit goes up, so your 30 percent depreciation schedule also increases. When you look at tracking vs. stationary, they pay off at about the same rate.

So most go the tracking systems because when it’s paid off, it’s producing about one–third more energy.”

As you travel rural areas, you see solar systems everywhere. But solar power is not necessarily a preponderance for livestock farmers vs. cash grain operations. “When I’m in the hog belt of southern Minnesota, we do have more livestock installations. Everybody has different needs. Here on this big display board you see a few 20 kw installation; several 30 kws; some 40 kws; and a 58.5 kw at Morgan,” said Thompson.

“We try to size it for the need of the farm. Plus, we have a few small systems set up for educational purposes at some rural schools. Also, we have a state 40 kw net metering law in Minnesota. In essence, that means the state pays you the net metering local rate for extra energy that you don’t consume for your own farm.”

That 40 kw limit was set up in 1982. In Iowa, the net metering limit is 50 kw. But in Iowa, each month you have to empty your unused kws from the grid.

Otherwise, you get paid wholesale rates. In Minnesota, you can bank all of your energy — like through the summer time — and use the extra energy during harvest when crop dryers are running, etc. And you, the producer, have two choices: You can receive a check in the mail every month for your unused extra energy; or let that credit build up and use it whenever your electrical needs spike.

“We look at each site to help determine with our customers what is the better option,” said Thompson.

California law now permits only rooftop solar systems. Rooftop installations are a rarity for Blue Horizon. “We work mostly with agriculture,” Thompson said. “I grew up on a farm. I’m used to working with multi-generational farmers and commercial business firms. When you look at the yield from a rooftop system, it doesn’t always make sense vs. a ground installation.

“Perhaps surprising to some, the hotter the panels get, the less electricity they produce. Electricity likes to flow through cold wires more easily than through hot wires. And that’s one reason Minnesota is such a great solar location. We have cooler days — especially during our winter season. The panels work best at 39 degrees ambient air temperature. That’s why Texas solar panels aren’t as productive as our Minnesota panels.”

State money is available for solar installations.

Called PACE financing (Property Assessed Clean Energy), it provides funds based on your property’s assessed value from tax assessments. “If you want to borrow $200,000, you will need a million dollars in land value. Current state rate is 5 percent interest with the first payment due the following spring should you be doing a fall installation,” said Thompson. Producers have up to 10 years for repayment of that loan.

“It’s a neat program,” added Thompson. “It doesn’t affect anybody’s bottom line or your operational line.

It doesn’t show as a debt. It’s just a property tax assessment with a 10-year payback. It’s not a lien on the property.”

Also, for every dollar you invest, you get 30 cents back in an investment tax credit. The IRS allows you to go back one year with that plan; so you could carry it forward for 20 years at full value or you can draw out of it as needed.

“So somebody that paid 2017 taxes and does a project in 2018 can go back and refile their 2017 taxes,” said Thompson. “An example using round numbers: if they spend $100,000, they get a $30,000 tax credit. If they paid $32,000 last year, they could get the whole $30,000 back as a refunded tax credit.”

Why so much IRS friendship on these energy loans?

“Because this is something that creates jobs,” responded Thompson — adding that the IRS is getting their tax dollars through my employees which are W2 employees. So the business person is benefiting by shielding themselves. In a roundabout way, this package is creating 330,000 tax-paying jobs in the United States. So this is a neat way for a farmer to use their tax dollars on their property as an investment vs. writing a check and never know what program it goes to.”

For more information on integrating solar power into your operation, contact your local utility company. Thompson can be reached at (612) 723-6119 or Barry@bluehorizonenergy.com. Blue Horizon’s website is www.BlueHorizonEnergy.com. v

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Farmfest snapshots A soggy start didn’t bog down the 2018 Farmfest at Gilfillan Estate in Redwood County, Minnesota. Enthusiastic crowds gathered for the three-day event which took place Aug. 7-9.

If you didn’t attend this year’s exposition, these are some of the things you missed.

With the primary election only days away, many political candidates could be found on the Farmfest grounds. District 7 congressional candidate Dave Hughes of Karlstad, Minn. stopped at The Land booth to share some thoughts.

Farmfest goers left their mark outside the Wick Building Forum Center, showing their support for free trade.

Photos by Paul Malchow

The governor candidates’ forum on greater Minnesota drew a packed house on the morning of Aug. 8.

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Farmfest snapshots

THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

Photos by Paul Malchow

U.S. Senate candidates Rae Hart Anderson (left), incumbant Amy Klobuchar and Republican candidate Jim Newberger took part in a forum on Aug. 9.

One of the more unique sales pitches took place at the Pedogenesis booth featuring a dogfish shark. One of Pedogenesis’ products is organic fish fertilizer

The squealing didn’t come from tires at the popular pig races.

When this guy said he was sawing logs at Farmfest, he wasn’t kidding!

Farmfest workers had to wear many hats to make this year’s event a success.

At the exhibit plots, the corn was as high as an elephant’s eye and these soybeans are getting a close Drivers of any age were welcome to try their hand at a combine simulator courinspection. tesy of Rasmussen College.

THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

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PAGE 13

Biosecurity is key to battling foreign swine diseases In animal agriculture, especially when we speak about biosecurity, we encounter an alphabet soup of diseases: PRRS (Porcine Respiratory and Reproduction Syndrome), PEDV (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus), SVA (Seneca Virus A) and more.

The broader scope includes the category FAD (Foreign Animal Disease), and the three that we do not have in this country: Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) and African swine fever (ASF). These three foreign animal diseases are the ones for which the U.S. swine industry is putting together a nationwide strategy of movement and containment — the Secure Pork Supply.

Swine Disease in China Recently, African swine fever made an appearance — and not in a good way. On Aug. 3, a small pig farm in northeastern China was confirmed as infected with African swine fever. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that on the farm with a population of 383 pigs where 47 died, the outbreak was contained with the slaughter of nearly 1,000 pigs from that herd and neighboring area. Live pig transportation and transfer of related products from that area has ceased, and feeding of untreated food waste has been banned.

This ASF outbreak causes concerns on many levels.

The infected farm’s location is 130 miles from the North Korean border and 800 miles from Japan. The distinct fear of spreading the disease across China and to other parts of Asia has Chinese authorities working to control pig movement nationwide. China is not only the world’s top consumer of pork, but its numerous backyard and large-scale pig farms raise more than half of the global hog population. Current ASF outbreaks in Latvia, Romania, the European Union’s Baltic States and the Russian Federation are thousands of miles away from the northeastern Chinese pig farm. How did it get there?

An Unknown in the United States African swine fever has been a fixture in sub-Saharan Africa and, at different times, found in Europe,

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South American and the Caribbean. In the 1960s in Spain and Portugal, complete eradication took 30 years.

ASF is caused by the longlived African swine fever virus which persists in pig products and the environment. It is the SWINE & U only DNA virus transmitted

By Diane DeWitte by arthropods. It has an incubation period of 5 to 19 days after contact with an infected animal. ASF can be very acute, and naïve domestic pigs will experience 100 percent mortality.

Symptoms include fever, dark blotching on ears, tail, lower legs and ham, weakness, diarrhea and hemorrhages. Less virulent infections will result in coughing, emaciation, swollen joints and ulcers on the skin.

Currently there is no vaccine against African swine fever.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that ... the outbreak was contained with the slaughter of nearly 1,000 pigs from that herd and neighboring areas. Live pig transportation and transfer of related products from that area has ceased.

The disease affects members of the pig family (Suidae). Symptomatic infections occur in domestic swine, feral pigs and European wild boars. ASF infections which show no symptoms are found in

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warthogs, bush pigs, giant forest hogs in Africa, and they are considered the reservoir of the virus. In South America, peccaries (Tayassu species) are also a non-symptomatic carrier of the virus. African swine fever can be spread by direct contact with infected animals, on equipment or clothes, and by soft ticks.

In Africa, infected soft tick colonies living in pigs’ burrows can repeatedly pass ASF virus to baby warthogs and back, and maintain the virus for years.

African swine fever’s current appearance outside of Africa was in 2007 in Georgia. It quickly spread throughout the Russian states and eastern Europe, and it has moved rapidly through both domestic pig populations and wild boar herds.

ASF in Research Following the 2013 outbreak of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) in the United States, researchers began to explore how the disease might have gotten into the North American pig population.

Scott Dee, director of research at Pipestone Veterinary Services here in Minnesota, worked with Diego Diel at South Dakota State University and Megan Niederwerder at Kansas State University’s Level 3 biosecurity lab to evaluate the potential for viruses to move around the world in feed ingredients.

The team developed a model to determine the ability of 10 viruses to survive a 37-day journey on a ship from Beijing, China to Des Moines, Iowa. Kansas State University evaluated whether the African swine fever virus would survive a 30-day journey from Warsaw, Poland to Des Moines. The Iowa city was selected as a central location where feed would be mixed and sent to pig farms across the Midwest.

See SWINE & U, pg. 15

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THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

Aid package should help farmers for the short term On July 24, the U.S. Department of Pork producers have also felt the initial study estimated the added tariffs to China and Agriculture announced a $12 billion emerbrunt of the rapidly escalating trade war, Mexico will cost pork producers nearly $20 per head gency aid package for 2018 to help offset with some analysts estimating a loss as for every hog produced, resulting in negative profit the financial impacts on farmers which high as $150 million to the pork industry margins for most producers in 2018. have been created by the ongoing trade over a 12-month period. About one-fourth 2017 Emergency Aid Package disputes with China, Mexico, Canada and of the pork products in the U.S. are exportThe emergency USDA aid package which has been other countries. The aid package will ed to other countries, with China and announced by the Trump administration will be include direct payments to producers of Mexico accounting for about 40 percent of implemented in 2018 and is likely to include three affected farm commodities, purchases of the export market. China and Mexico pur- components: surplus commodities for food and feeding FARM PROGRAMS chase a lot of pork products that do not Direct payments to farmers — USDA will provide programs, and trade promotion programs. have much demand in the United States,

By Kent Thiesse As of this writing, the exact details for such as raw hams and “variety meats”. It direct emergency aid payments under the Market payments under the emergency aid may be difficult to find other markets Facilitation Program to producers of the following program have not been announced. for these products which add consid- commodities: soybeans, corn, sorghum, wheat, cotton, erable value to pork carcasses. One hogs and dairy. Early indications are that $7-8 billion In early July, the United States of the $12 billion aid package will be earmarked for implemented new duties on $34 bilthe MFP payments. The MFP prolion worth of Chinese goods being gram will likely be administered imported into the country. China through local Farm Service Agency responded by adding new tariffs on Assumptions: offices.

U.S. soybeans, corn, pork, poultry and 2018 APH yields of 180 bu./acre for corn and 50 bu./acre for soybeans.

USDA has not announced the payfruit products being exported from ment formulas that will be used. the United States to China.

Market price of $3.25 per bushel for corn and $8.00 per bushel for soybeans.

However, there are indications that It is estimated that soybeans repre- Crop insurance harvest price of $3.75 per bushel for corn and $8.75 per bushel for soybeans. the grain payments will be based on sent over 40 percent of the value of Estimate MFP aid payment of 20 cents per bushel for corn and 80 cents per bushel for soybeans. the 2018 farm-level bushels of producthe added tariffs that were impletion. There have been no indications mented by China on U.S. exports in Estimated cost of production of $675 per acre for corn and $475 per acre for soybeans. as to how the pork and dairy payJuly. The value of U.S. soybean exports (Including $225 per acre for land rent.) ments would be determined. USDA to China has grown from $414 million has indicated they hope to announce in 1996 to over $14 billion in 2017 — 2018 CORN AVERAGE YIELD HIGH YIELD LOW YIELD payment details by late August, and accounting for about 60 percent of (APH Yield) APH Yield +20%) (APH Yield -20%) that payments could begin as early as U.S. soybean exports. The August September, or once farm operators 180 216 144 USDA World Agricultural Supply and Estimated Final Yield complete their 2018 harvest.

Demand Estimates report projects Estimated Crop Revenue $585 $702 $468 Purchase of surplus commodities — total U.S. soybean demand for 2018- ($3.25/bushel) USDA will purchase excess pork, beef, 19 at 4.25 billion bushels, with exports dairy products, fruits, nuts, rice, etc.

0 0 $30 accounting for nearly 50 percent of Crop Insurance Payment for distribution to food banks and ($3.75 Harvest Price) that demand. other nutrition programs. $36 $43 $29 There have also been new tariffs USDA MFP Payment Trade Promotion Program — The added on goods traded with Canada (20 cents/bushel Estimate) TPP programs will be administered and Mexico — the partners with the Total Estimated Revenue $621 $745 $527

by USDA’s Foreign Agriculture United States in the North American Service, with the goal of securing new Free Trade Agreement. U.S. trade + or (-) Breakeven ($54) +$70 ($148) ag trade agreements in the future. relations with Canada and Mexico ($675/acre Costs) have deteriorated. China, Canada and The USDA Secretary of Agriculture Mexico account for approximately 44 2018 SOYBEANS AVERAGE YIELD HIGH YIELD LOW YIELD has indicated the MFP aid payments percent of all U.S. ag exports on an (APH Yield) (APH Yield +20%) (APH Yield -20%) are intended to help farmers with the annual basis. unintended lost farm income which Estimated Final Yield 50 60 40 has resulted from the ongoing trade Just the threat of a trade war with disputes with China, Mexico, Canada $400 $480 $320 China, Canada and Mexico caused ag Estimated Crop Revenue and other countries. However, he has ($8.00/bushel) prices to decline in recent months. went on to say that the MFP program From late May to early July, when Crop Insurance Payment 0 0 $56 “will not make farmers financially trade talks between the United States ($8.75 Harvest Price) whole again.” Many farm operators and China deteriorated and the prowere either just barely at a breakeven $40 $48 $32 posed tariffs started becoming a real- USDA MFP Payment margin level, or were scheduled to

(80 cents/bushel Estimate) ity, November soybean futures show a loss, from crop and livestock dropped by nearly $2.00 per bushel. Total Estimated Revenue $440 $528 $408 production at the projected market Cash soybean prices for harvest delivprices at the beginning of 2018. The + or (-) Breakeven ($35) +$53 ($67) ery in 2018 declined by 10 to 15 per- decline in market prices due to the ($475/acre Costs) cent during that time period, with ongoing trade war, together with crop soybean price bids at the local level Table prepared by Farm Management Analyst Kent Thiesse See THIESSE, pg. 15 falling to $7.50 to $8.00 per bushel.

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THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

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PAGE 15

Trade aid will not make up for income likely lost in 2018 THIESSE, from pg. 14 weather problems in some areas, has accentuated the anticipated negative profit margins for 2018.

The 2018 Crop Revenue Estimate Table shows the estimated total crop revenue for corn and soybeans at an average yield (actual production history yield) for 2018, a high yield (20 percent above APH) and a low yield (20 percent below APH). The table assumes MFP payment levels of 20 cents per bushel for corn and 80 cents per bushel for soybeans, with payments on the actual bushels produced. The table also assumes 80 percent revenue protection crop insurance coverage, with estimated harvest prices of $3.75 per bushel for corn and $8.75 per bushel for soybeans. The table also shows the estimated profit or (net loss) per acre, based on average production costs for direct expenses, land rent and overhead costs of $675 per acre for corn and $475 per acre for soybeans — which includes $225 per acre for land rent.

Obviously, exact levels of production costs, crop insurance coverage and final crop market price will

vary from farm to farm.

As is shown in the table, a farm operator with an average corn and soybean yield (APH yield) in 2018 will likely show a loss on cash rented acres, unless they have marketed their crop at a higher price or they have lower operating and land costs. The 2018 financial losses per acre can become quite significant for crop producers who have experienced weather issues in 2018, which could result in lower-thanaverage yields. Those farmers who are fortunate to have very high yields in 2018 will likely be able to at least break even or show a small profit from their 2018 corn and soybean production — especially with the added MFP payments.

Bottom Line The MFP payments to farm operators which have been announced by USDA will certainly help ease the financial hardship being experienced by farm operators in 2018 as a result of the ongoing trade war and tariffs. However, as was pointed out, it will not make up for the income loss that farmers are likely

SWINE & U, from pg. 13 The team’s previous studies had shown that PEDV could survive a trip from China in five feed ingredients: vitamin D, lysine, choline and both organic and conventional soybean meal. Similar feed ingredients were used in the most recent research, and dog and cat food along with sausage casings of pork origin were also evaluated. Complete results of the study were published in March in the journal PLOS ONE, and can be found on the internet at https://z.umn. edu/VirusSurvival.

Various viruses survived in some feed ingredients and not others, with Dee finding that feed ingredients with high plant protein and low fat posed the highest risk for virus survival. Soy oil cake is imported from China in the largest amounts of any of the tested ingredients, and only four viruses survived the simulated journey. Only two viruses survived in DDGS, and four viruses survived in the sausage casings — another increasingly imported ingredient.

African swine fever, however, survived in eight ingredients. In addition, ASF virus was the only virus which survived the 30-day journey on its own without a feed ingredient.

Currently, Perez and VanderWaal with the University of Minnesota Veterinary swine group are conducting research to model and analyze the epidemiology of Foot and Mouth Disease and African swine fever, to improve decisions which need to be

made to prevent and control these foreign animal disease.

Back to Biosecurity If it’s possible to have a bright spot, the one to recognize during the catastrophic loss of 7 million North American baby pigs in the winter of 2013-14 was this: Producers immediately tightened their biosecurity practices, and many were able to evade the disease. Some anecdotal evidence suggested that other swine diseases may have been diminished or avoided that winter because of pig farmers’ strict attention to biosecurity.

Biosecurity is effective and it will be one key way to prevent the spread of a very persistent foreign animal disease like African swine fever. The ASF virus is highly resistant to environmental conditions. It can survive a year-and-a-half in blood stored at 39 F, 11 days in feces at room temperature, and at least a month in contaminated pig pens.

Implementing a detailed biosecurity plan and following it to the letter is the important management tool to avoid foreign animal diseases. Swine producers can prepare for a disease outbreak by voluntarily participating in the Secure Pork Supply initiative.

Through SPS, farmers can map their farm, connect with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, and plot their livestock movement alternatives in the case of a catastrophic disease outbreak. Dr. Dave Wright is the Minnesota coordinator of the Secure Pork Supply

to experience in 2018. An even bigger concern might be what happens in 2019 if there is no resolution to these trade disputes and commodity prices remain quite low.

The agricultural trade agreements we currently have took decades to become a reality. Farm organizations and ag commodity groups have dedicated millions of dollars of financial and personal resources into developing the strong agricultural export markets that currently exist with China, Canada, Mexico, and other countries. Most farm operators and others in the ag industry appreciate the aid package being offered by USDA, but favor maintaining and enhancing strong trade relations with our current trading partners — as well as with new partners as a longterm solution for ag trade.

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

AFS is highly resistant to environmental conditions

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program. Producers can contact Wright (wright2me. dave@gmail.com) or the University of Minnesota Extension swine educators Sarah Schieck (schi0466@ umn.edu) or Diane DeWitte (stouf002@umn.edu) for details to get started on a Secure Pork Supply plan for their farm.

Diane DeWitte is a University of Minnesota Extension Swine educator located in Mankato. She can be reached at stouf002@umn.edu. v

PAGE 16

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THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

Dairy trade auction prices on a roller coaster ride This column was written for the marwere milked from a year ago. Wisconsin keting week ending Aug. 24. was up 1.2 percent on a 30-pound gain per cow; but 4,000 fewer cows were Farm milk prices remain well below the milked. cost of production, slaughter numbers are up and so is the thermometer. That comIdaho inched up 0.8 percent, thanks to bination slowed U.S. milk output in July.

6,000 more cows offsetting a drop of 5 The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latpounds per cow. New York was up 0.6 est Milk Production report shows dairy percent, on a 20-pound gain per cow outfarms in the top 23 states milked 17.3 weighing the loss of 2,000 cows.

MIELKE MARKET billion pounds. This is up just 0.4 percent Pennsylvania was off 0.7 percent on WEEKLY from July 2017 and the 56th consecutive 5,000 fewer cows; but output per cow was

By Lee Mielke month output bested that of a year ago. up 5 pounds. Minnesota was down 0.2 The 50-state July milk total, at 18.4 percent, on a 20-pound loss per cow billion pounds, was also up a bullish and 6,000 fewer cows.

0.4 percent.

Michigan was down 0.9 percent, on Revisions added 40 million pounds to the original 4,000 fewer cows. Output per cow was unchanged.

June estimate, now put at 17.2 billion pounds, 1.6 New Mexico was down 0.8 percent, on a 10-pound percent above a year ago. July cow numbers totaled per cow gain outweighing the 4,000 fewer cows 8.74 million head in the 23 states, up 1,000 head milked. Texas continues to roar — up 7.3 percent — from June, but 8,000 less than a year ago. The thanks to an 85-pound gain per cow and 15,000 50-state total, at 9.4 million, was down 8,000 head more cows. Vermont was down 3.0 percent on a from June and a year ago. This is the first time cow 15-pound loss per cow and 3,000 fewer cows milked. numbers were below a year ago since May 2016.

Washington State was up 1.8 percent on a 20-pound Output per cow averaged 1,980 pounds in the 23 gain per cow and 2,000 additional cows. states, up just 8 pounds from 2017.

U.S. dairy cow culling crept higher in July and California output was down 2.5 percent (the first was above a year ago. The USDA’s latest Livestock downturn in six months), as heat took a toll on out- Slaughter report shows an estimated 239,600 head put per cow by 35 pounds and 12,000 fewer cows were slaughtered under federal inspection. This is up 2,100 from June and 13,800 or 6.1 percent above a year ago. A total 1.8 million head were culled in the seven-month period, up 87,200 head or 5.1 percent from 2017. n It’s fair season. The roller coasters are back. At least it appeared that way at the Aug. 21 Global Dairy Trade auction. The weighted average of products offered dropped 3.6 percent, after it was unchanged Aug. 7 and fell 1.7 percent July 17 and 5.0 percent on July 3. Sellers brought 70.6 million pounds of product to sell, which is down from 75.1 million last time.

Butter led the losses, plunging 8.5 percent, after sliding 3.2 percent in the last event. Anhydrous milkfat was down 6.9 percent after it inched up 1.2 percent last time. GDT cheddar was down 4.7 percent, which follows a 1.3 percent gain, and powder made up the rest of the losses. Whole milk powder was down 2.1 percent after it inched up 0.1 percent on Aug. 7. And skim milk powder was off 1.3 percent, following a 0.3 percent loss last time.

The only product showing a gain was rennet casein, up 2.8 percent, after leading the gains Aug. 7 with an 8.0 percent uptick.

FC Stone equates the GDT 80 percent butterfat butter price to $1.9436 per pound U.S., down 18 cents from the last event. Chicago Mercantile 255 16th Street South Exchange butter closed Aug. 24 at $2.26. GDT cheddar cheese equated to $1.5802 per pound U.S., down St. James, MN 56081 8 cents, and compares to the Aug. 24 CME block

MARKETING

cheddar at $1.67. GDT skim milk powder averaged 88.49 cents per pound and whole milk powder averaged $1.3078, down almost a penny and down 3.4 cents respectively. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Aug. 24 at 87 cents per pound. n Cooperatives Working Together awarded five offers of export assistance to member cooperatives to sell 101,413 pounds of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, 220,462 pounds of butter, and 211,644 pounds of whole milk powder for delivery in Asia, South America and the Middle East thru December.

That brought CWT’s 2018 sales to 46.14 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 12.53 million pounds of butter (82 percent milkfat) and 31.96 million pounds of whole milk powder to 29 countries on five continents. These sales are the equivalent of 941 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis, according to CWT. Meanwhile, July butter stocks saw a bullish drawdown in July but remained above July 2017, according to the USDA’s latest Cold Storage data. The July 31 inventory fell to 318.0 million pounds, down 18.6 million pounds or 5.8 percent from June but 10.7 million pounds or 3.5 percent above July 2017.

American-type cheese, which includes cheddar, jumped to 824.6 million pounds. This is up 24.2 million pounds, or 3.0 percent from June, but 6.9 million or 0.8 percent below a year ago.

The “other” cheese category inched up 557.4 million pounds, up 498,000 pounds from June but 46.5 million pounds or 9.1 percent above a year ago.

That put the total July cheese inventory at a new bearish record-high 1.41 billion pounds, up 25.7 million pounds or 1.8 percent from June and 44.8 million pounds or 3.3 percent above that of a year ago.

The roller coaster was alive and well at the CME this week where the 40-pound cheddar blocks fell to $1.61 per pound on Aug. 20, but closed Aug. 24 at $1.67. This is up 1.5 cents on the week and 2 cents above a year ago when they dropped 10.5 cents. The 500-pound barrels fell to $1.5650 on Aug. 22, but closed Aug. 24 at $1.60. This is down 7 cents on the week and 4.25 cents above a year ago when they rolled 19.25 cents lower. The week saw 12 cars of block sold and 44 of barrel.

Demand reports throughout August have been similar, according to Dairy Market News.

Mozzarella, provolone, and curd orders have been strong or strengthening, while cheddar/specialty producers have seen slowdowns. Orders this week were steady to stronger across the board. Pizza cheesemakers are citing new and returning college students as a primary factor in the continued demand upticks, not to mention an overall bump in dining out.

Some specialty cheesemakers are beginning to See MIELKE, pg. 18

THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

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PAGE 17

Lack of rain, white mold is impacting soybean crops



By KRISTIN KVENO, The Land Correspondent



Blair Hoseth, Mahnomen, Minn., Aug. 24

Blair Hoseth

The corn is showing the effects of the lack of moisture. “The drought stress I’m sure will affect the fill.” Hoseth believes “we’ve lost yields and test weights.”

Hoseth will be seeding triticale and applying some cover crop in the next two weeks. He plans on doing no-till triticale into the wheat stubble due to it being so dry.

The expectation going into the late growing season is, “there’s definitely going to be a yield loss.” Hoseth believes that it will be the poorest yielding crops in the last three years. In some areas, the beans are dead and the corn is white. This is most evident on hilltops. “I don’t think we’ll get an average yield.” Mother Nature can be your friend one minute and your foe the next. That’s true this year for Hoseth. “The season certainly started off better than it’s finishing up.”



White mold continues to be an issue in Jamie Beyer’s soybean fields. The Land spoke with Beyer on Aug. 24 as she estimates “a 10 percent loss due to white mold.” While she expects the beans to have an above-average yield, the white mold will definitely make an impact this year.

A quarter of an inch of rain fell on the Hoseth farm on Aug. 23. “That is the most rain in over a month.” The Land spoke with Blair Hoseth on Aug. 24 as he was happy to finally have some rain to report.

The lack of rain this past month means the “beans are starting to show stress.” The rain is still welcome, but “the benefit of the rain isn’t what it would’ve been two weeks ago.” The saying goes that “August rain makes beans, but it also fills corn.”

Matt Haubrich, Danube, Minn., Aug. 17

Jamie Beyer

 FROM  THE  

FIELDS

This year’s corn “it’s going to test our patience.” Haubrich expects the crop will have “wide-ranging yields, wide-ranging moisture.” It’s “very uneven. I’m accepting the fact this is not going to be a corn crop like last year.”

In between wheat harvest, Haubrich was able to cheer on his sons as they showed lambs at the county fair for 4-H. It was a successful endeavor as his sons “really enjoyed it.”

As we head into the later part of August, Haubrich is already “looking forward to 2019.” He’s learned many lessons this planting and growing season and is eager to put what he learned to good use next year. As for the 2018 crops that are left to be harvested, “we’ll see here shortly what we really have.”

Sugar beets are looking good. Beyer is “still expecting a big crop tonnagewise.” Drivers are wanted on the Beyer farm as pre-lift begins on Sept. 20. The corn is continuing to do well as it “still looks really big.”

The next few weeks will involve putting nets on the grapes as well as finding buyers for them. Beyer will be contacting local wineries in the area to see if they need any grapes. She expects the grapes will be ready for harvest before Sept. 15.

Harvest is just around the corner, but there are lots of items to check off the to-do list before then. The crops are looking good. The question now is, where they are all going to go?

Karson Duncanson, Mapleton, Minn., Aug. 19

Timely rain these past few weeks was exactly what the soybeans needed on the Duncanson farm. The Land spoke with Karson Duncanson on Aug. 19 as he was pleased with the recent rain.

It was the “perfect moisture to finish the beans up.” July and August has had “fortunate weather” after a challenging early growing season this year.

Haubrich is now “trying to take care of a third cutting of hay.” He got it cut on Aug. 10.

Then the rain came. “We’ll give it a go this afternoon.” He’s going to “try some little squares.”

Haubrich started noticing pockets of soybeans that were at or above the threshold count for spraying aphids, so he had an aerial applicator spray for aphids Aug. 8 to Aug. 10. The beans are now looking better than corn. “They’re filling the pods.” Haubrich believes, “considering what they’ve gone through, they’re fair.”

Beyer estimates that bean harvest will start around Sept. 20. “Some of the early maturities are starting to turn color.” With harvest less than a month away, the concern now is where are the beans going to go? Beyer will be vacuuming out all the bins as she expects that prices will dictate that she hold onto the beans for a while.



The wheat harvest on the Haubrich farm is complete. The Land spoke with Matt Haubrich on Aug. 17 as he was “glad we’re finished with it.” However, “it was below average.” Haubrich experienced “lodging issues that affected its development and proper dry-down. With small grains, “it’s just the nature of how this year has been transpiring.”

Matt Haubrich

Jamie Beyer, Wheaton, Minn., Aug. 24

Karson Duncanson

The aphids were abundant enough in the bean fields that Duncanson had to spray last week. In five or six weeks “we’ll for sure be combining soybeans.”

The well-timed rain means that “I think the beans are going to surprise us.” It’s been “really good weather to close them out.”

For the corn, “variability is going to be the name of the game.” Duncanson expects to see a wide range in yield and moisture in the crop at harvest. Overall, he believes the corn will be average this year. In the next few weeks he’ll “start doing some stalk integrity checks.” Duncanson will also continue to get equipment ready for harvest.

Out in the field, “things look pretty good.” It’s amazing what a few months of good weather can do for the crops, June 15th compared to now, we’re really blessed that things came together like they have.”

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THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

Interest in pulse crops is on the rise in the U.S.

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer MORGAN, Minn. — Chances are, you’ve never heard of this outfit. PURIS is the name.

They were almost next door to The Land booth at Farmfest. So we did some talking.

Brent Reck is the company’s procurement manager, so whatever PURIS does, he’ll have the answer. Let’s start with, what is Puris all about?

Reck responded, “We’re a food processor. We process in a closed loop system. We control the germ plasm of the seed which we provide to our customers which are the end-users. But we also work with growers contracting the production of these crops from their acres.”

Reck, the pulse crops with yellow field peas are currently the biggest demand. “We contract directly with growers,” he said. “We provide the germ plasm. We use the yellows because they have a coloration customers like. Also chick peas, garbanzo, lentils — both green and red — are being used in more of our products. With soybeans, we have a processing facility at Randolph that does non-GMO and organic soybeans with a second soybean facility coming on line in Bloomington, Ill. this winter.”

Reck didn’t have exact pricing, but indicated their organic soybeans were $20-plus — with an additional premium when using the PURIS germ plasm soybeans. “Our germplasm was developed by our CEO Jerry Lorensen back in 1985,” Reck The PURIS web site reads: “Food for the global said. “He’s 33, a genius and is very innovative. good. PURIS cultivates a spectrum of pure, His son and daughter are also involved in the plant-based foods and ingredients from USA business. They are go-getters and blazing paths organic non-GMO sources. Our end-to-end USA for this new industry.” organic non-GMO pea protein manufacturing “We’re at Farmfest even though we’re a total system ensures a wholesome sustainable food Photo by Dick Hagen unknown in this area. Our intent is to bring system from seed to solution.”

Renae Larson (left) and Brent Reck were found working the some diversity into your cropping mixtures. We PURIS is a family-owned company founded in PURIS booth at this year’s Farmfest. know farmers are looking for alternative crop 1985 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Their message reads, choices. These yellow field peas are just that. We nitely wanting to see more transparency in the food “Built with intention over 30 years ago, our have lots of guys doing kidney beans too. But if plant-based food system benefits every link in the chain. They want to know who produced the food. you have more questions on what crops we might chain of production: flavorful and nutritious choices And as our society keeps wanting more plant-based consider, then go on our web site, PURISfoods.com.” for people; profitable opportunities for growers; flex- proteins, they are getting more specific on the source.

Reck can be reached via email at breck@purisfoods. ible ingredients for food makers; and practices that That’s why things like Celiax (a plant-based protein com. His phone number is (641) 672-9651. v to ward off auto-immune diseases) are popular. Also, nourish soil, the environment, and life on earth.” demand for gluten-free products are increasing.

Are consumer demands ramping up the specialty What crops are filling this demand? According to food market? Reck indicated the consumer is defi-

United States, Mexico reportedly close to NAFTA agreement MIELKE, from pg. 16 ramp up production ahead of the holiday season.

But as milk prices are up relative to much of the previous year, some plant managers are reducing production when possible. Spot milk prices were unchanged on the week; 50 cents under to $2.00 over Class III. And, while milk production has eased somewhat in the west and Class I demand has increased, cheese production remains steady and in line with seasonal norms. Some buyers report steady orders while others say requests are seasonally up. Barrel cheese demand seems to be more active than block.

Cheese orders from the food service sector have somewhat augmented as pizza processing is taking more cheese than usual. But, stocks remain profuse for many varieties of cheese. Cheese marketers continue to report that U.S. cheese is facing strong competition in international markets. Nonetheless, industry players are hopeful that new sale opportunities both in the international and domestic markets will become available and help keep inventories in check.

MARKETING

n

Spot butter dipped to $2.2375 per pound on Aug. 21, only to close Aug. 24 at $2.26. This is still down n 4.5 cents on the week and 36.75 cents below year Tariff spats still have global trade in limbo. It ago, with 13 cars finding new homes on the week. appears the United States and Mexico are close to Churn activity increased this week in the some agreement, while the situation with Canada Midwest, while some south-central butter plants are and China is still far from settled — despite some holding off. There are some scheduled plant updates talks this week with the Chinese. in the upper Midwest the last week of August, The U.S. Dairy Export Council President and CEO which may affect cream prices regionally. Cream Tom Vilsack was to give an address Aug. 25 at the prices have become more approachable for butter China Dairy Industry Association’s meeting in producers since their peak, says Dairy Market News, Xi’an, China. A posting on the Council’s website and cream rates are in a fairly sharp downturn, as points out that Chinese import volume of cheese has school bottling has put more milkfat back on the soared more than 50-fold since 2000 and states, “A market. Retail sales remain healthy according to country with 1.4 billion mouths to feed is on a tracontacts and the butter market tone is steady. jectory to become the world’s number-one cheese The western butter market has been showing a importer, presenting a huge opportunity for U.S. weaker price trend in recent days and the spot mardairy exporters.” ket appears to be taking a break as purchasers try U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue was to figure out the market’s direction. Buyers seem to expected to announce on Aug. 24 the details of the have their needs satisfied for the current term.

USDA’s $12 billion aid package to help offset the Butter output is steady to slightly increasing losses to farmers incurred by the ongoing global tar- See MIELKE, pg. 19 iff wars. I’ll have details next week.

THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

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PAGE 19

Farmers concerned with nitrogen issues, but at what cost?

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer MORGAN, Minn. — Perhaps good intentions is the goal, but at this stage, most Minnesota farmers are a bit irritated with the proposed new regulations concerning when and where and how nitrogen fertilizer should be used.

A Farmfest discussion with Watershed Education Specialist Jeremy Geske, of the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center, sheds some light.

I asked Geske if this debate is driven by science; or why has it become such a news maker?

Geske responded, “It’s been a focus of some of our state agencies for a while now. When the Department of Ag put out a proposed rule, almost predictably we had people from the environmental side and people from the agricultural side commenting.”

He said multiple factors are involved including rules on sensitive soils — which is why regional boundaries are being discussed. And that is why ongoing public hearings were being held until Aug. 15. Geske predicts final rulings will be sometime this fall.

He doesn’t think this issue on nitrogen usage is unique to Minnesota, suggesting environmentalists are likely leading discussions in other states as well.

However, for the past several years at Farmfest, MAWRC has been conducting free nitrate screening for anyone bringing a sample to their tent.

“Samples could be from their drinking water supply, from drainage tile, from an open ditch or wherever,” Geske explained. “We’ve had a lot of response in previous years. This year, for whatever reason, we’ve only done a handful of samples.”

“There have been so many meetings, so many discussions on nitrates, so many things happening that perhaps there has been an overload,” he continued.

“People are just tired of hearing about it. There are so many issues impacting our farm families today, so nitrate talks aren’t high on their list.”

Nitrate testing kits are available through county or regional extension offices, or any of several labs around the state. “We tell people they can collect their sample (just a few drops will do) any time and freeze it until they get it to the testing facility. We’ve had farmers who will take tile samples throughout

the season, freeze them, and see if nitrate levels will fluctuate during the course of the year.”

So are farmers becoming more concerned about soil health? Is that why nutrient applications of nitrogen and other fertilizers are declining?

Geske thinks definitely more farmers are focusing on soil health and today’s cost-price squeeze on crop production costs is a key factor. “Finding ways to lessen input costs including minimum tillage and greater use of cover crops are part of this new attitude by farmers everywhere.”

He noted cover crops lessen erosion and improve soil health. “If you would have asked me five years ago about the future of cover crops, it is so evident that we progressed more rapidly than my thinking back then. Farmers are very inventive — very innovative. They are continually looking for new and different ways to make cover crops even more a part of their total crop farming operations. And five years from now, we’ll see new advances in this entire landscape of improving soil health.”

Geske may be contacted at jeremy@mawrc.org or (612) 756-1200. v

Dairy product price index down slightly from last year MIELKE, from pg. 18 because cream stocks are loosening more. Butter churn managers continue to sell some excess cream to take advantage of higher cream multiples. Some participants foresee cream will become more available as weeks elapse. Therefore, more butter is likely to be produced.

Grade A nonfat dry milk closed on Aug. 24 at 87 cents per pound. This is up three-quarter cents on the week, but 2.5 cents above a year ago, on 34 reported sales for the week.

Cash dry whey closed Aug. 24 at a new high 48 cents per pound, up 3.5 cents on bids, with two sales reported on the week for the CME’s newest market.

The USDA announced the September Federal order Class I base milk price at $14.85 per hundredweight. This is up 70 cents from August, but $1.86 below September 2017, and the lowest September Class I value since the disastrous year 2009 when it was at $10.93. The Class I price is equivalent to $1.28 per gallon, up from $1.22 in June and compares to $1.44 a year ago.

The 2018 Class I average stands at $14.58, down from $16.41 at this time a year ago and compares to $14.37 in 2017.

Speaking of fluid milk; sales continue to falter.

The USDA’s latest data shows June sales at 3.59 billion pounds, down a hefty 4.1 percent from June 2017.

Conventional product sales totaled 3.4 billion pounds, down 4.2 percent from a year ago. Organic

MARKETING products, at 202 million pounds, were down 3.1 percent and represented about 5.6 percent of total sales for the month.

Whole milk totaled 1.2 billion pounds, down 0.3 percent from a year ago, up 2.0 percent year to date, and made up 33.9 percent of total fluid sales in the month and 31.5 percent for the year so far. Skim milk sales, at 290 million pounds, were down 10.5 percent from June 2017 and down 9.4 percent year to date.

Total packaged fluid milk sales in the six-month period climbed to 23.4 billion pounds, down 2.1 percent from the same period a year ago.

Conventional products year-to-date totaled 22.1 billion pounds, down 2.2 percent. Organic products, at 1.3 billion pounds, were off 0.4 percent. Organic represented about 5.5 percent of total fluid milk sales January through June.

The figures represent consumption of fluid milk products in federal milk order marketing areas and California, which account for approximately 92 percent of total fluid milk sales in the United States.

The July Consumer Price Index for all food was 253.7, up 1.4 percent from 2017. The dairy products index was 215.6, down 0.4 percent, with fresh whole milk down 2.8 percent; cheese, up 0.9 percent; and butter, up 1.2 percent.

The USDA’s latest Livestock, Dairy and Poultry

Outlook reported that In the semiannual publication, Dairy: World Markets and Trade, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service forecasts that 2018 milk production for the top five major exporters (European Union, United States, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia) will total 652.6 billion pounds. This is 6.4 billion pounds higher than the December forecast and a 1.47 percent increase over 2017.

“Notably, the forecast for the EU has been increased by 7.7 billion pounds due in part to stronger expected domestic and export demand,” the publication stated. “The forecast for New Zealand has been decreased by 400 million pounds due to a reduction in the growth rate of milk production in recent months. One uncertainty is the impact of culling in New Zealand due to the presence of Mycoplasma Bovis, which has been detected in a number of herds. While the disease brings about a range of infections in dairy cows, it poses no known disease risk for humans.”

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

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THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Corn new crop sales strong

Cash Grain Markets

corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $2.85 -.21 $7.13 -.57 Madison $2.92 -.20 $7.19 -.60 Redwood Falls $2.99 -.17 $7.43 -.47 Fergus Falls $2.88 -.21 $6.88 -.54 $2.89 -.26 $6.78 -.82 Editor’s Note: Joe Lardy, CHS Hedging research Morris analyst, is sitting in this week for Phyllis Nystrom, Tracy $2.94 -.21 $7.33 -.52 the regular “Grain Outlook” columnist.

Average: $2.91 $7.12 The following marketing analysis is for the week Year Ago Average: $2.77 $8.68 ending Aug. 24.

CORN — Corn started out the week on a soft note, and declining crop conditions kept the pressure on.

The Crop Progress Report released Aug. 20 placed 68 percent of the corn crop in good/ excellent condition. This is down 2 percent from last week, but right on the five-year average.

Conditions might be in line with the average, but development is well ahead of average. Corn is 85 percent in the dough stage vs. 73 JOE LARDY percent last week and the fiveCHS Hedging Inc. year average of 72 percent. Corn St. Paul is 44 percent dented vs. 26 percent last week and the five-year average of 26 percent.

The ProFarmer tour made its way around a large portion of the Midwest this week. The Pro Farmer Midwest Crop Tour estimated the Iowa average corn yield at 188.2 bu./acre vs. 179.8 last year and the three-year average of 182.7 bu./acre. The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate of the Iowa corn yield stands at 202 bu./acre. The tour estimated the Minnesota average corn yield at 178.7 bu./acre vs.

191.5 last year and the three-year average of 188.2 bu./acre. The USDA, in its latest report, estimated the Minnesota average corn yield at 191 bu./acre.

The final estimate from the tour places the corn yield at 177.3 bu./acre vs. the USDA currently at 178.4 bu./acre.

Corn export data continued to be strong this week.

Inspections of 51.7 million bushels was another good number. Combined export sales of 48.3 million bushels was good, but the new crop sales number was best of the marketing year. We should continue to see huge numbers for new crop as the marketing year is nearly finished and sales have transitioned to the new crop.

Ethanol production continues to run at high levels.

We are right at the levels needed to hit the USDA target of 5.6 billion bushels of corn for ethanol.

The United States and Mexico are very close to having a solution on the North American Fair Trade Agreement — possibly even this week. This would See LARDY, pg. 22

Grain prices are effective cash close on Aug. 28. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Livestock Angles

Livestock contracts see brief rally The livestock futures markets came alive during the middle of the month of August with both live cattle, feeder cattle and the hog contracts posting decent rallies as the week ended Aug. 17. Optimism that the trade tariffs may being nearing a conclusion were the catalyst behind the strength in the futures.

The caveat thus far is that the cash trade in the above mentioned markets has not yet turned from steady to lower markets. However, that is the precise reason for the futures market to anticipate the next move of a particular market.

The cattle market has been JOE TEALE extremely choppy as prices in Broker both the cash and futures have been wandering back and forth Great Plains Commodity Afton, Minn. between higher and lower from one week to the next. However, looking over the past several months, the trend has been one that suggests an upward drift in the price direction.

Beef cutouts, after slipping for several weeks, appear to have turned the corner and have posted pretty good gains in the last week. The question mark regarding the boxed beef trade would be that the volume of the boxed trade has been on the light side.

With the continuation increased slaughter and the weight increase over last year, the beef production may overwhelm the demand for beef. Given the supply and demand picture at this juncture, it is quite likely that the cattle market will continue in the same upward price drift to higher levels over time.

See TEALE, pg. 22

Grain Angles Walgreens, land and you Farmers typically want to own as much of the land they farm as possible. It makes sense. Land is the base of almost any farm enterprise. Having ownership of the land assures it will always be available to the farm operation. It’s also seen as a long-term investment and a legacy which can be passed from one generation to the next. Many highly profitable retail businesses (such as Walgreens) however, choose to lease most of the real estate on which they operate.

In today’s environment, with land costs seemingly forever on the rise, purchasing every parcel just isn’t realistic — particularly for young or beginning farmers. I would argue there are some helpful principles farmers might be able to glean from corpora- PAUL DIETMANN Compeer Senior tions like Walgreens when it Lending Officer comes to real estate.

Prairie du Sac, Wis. Location is crucial. Just as a farmer wants to amass as much good land as possible in a specific geographic area, Walgreens knows the location of their real estate is essential to their success. If they don’t have their business in the right spot, it might not generate enough net cash flow to keep operating.

Long-term control. A farmer needs to farm a given parcel of land for many years to sustain their business. After spending a lot of time and money locating the perfect spot on which to site a store, Walgreens needs to operate in that location for many years in order to make a profit. How successful would the store be if it was at risk every year of having another pharmacy swoop in and outbid them for the spot? Walgreens typically enters into very longterm leases with its landlords. Twenty-five years is the norm. Perhaps agreeing on a longer-than-normal lease term will help you sleep a little better at night in the years to come. (Please note: legal lengths of farmland lease terms vary from state to state, so make sure to check before you commit to an agreement) Make life easy for landlords. Once it settles on a location, Walgreens asks the landowner to cover the cost of building the store. In exchange, Walgreens guarantees the landowner a good, long-term return on the investment through rent payments. They typically enter into a “triple-net lease,” which means Walgreens pays the property taxes, utilities, and any maintenance on the building. Once the store is built, See DIETMANN, pg. 21

Information in the above columns is the writer’s opinion. It is no way guaranteed and should not be interpreted as buy/sell advice. Futures trading always involves a certain degree of risk.

THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

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

PAGE 21

ADM’s Freed on markets: ‘We trade on weather’

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer BALTIC, S.D. — It’s no surprise the bumpy road of grain markets is likely to continue. But no one wants to put a time limit on its duration.

However, Steve Freed of Archer Daniels Midland’s investor services shared his thoughts at the July 26 Steve Freed Hefty Field Day in Baltic, S.D. ADM was one of several vendors at this remarkable event.

When asked about a potential bail-out for the current red ink of U.S. crops, Freed reasoned, “The purpose of the market in the U.S. is to try to find a level of acres to satisfy demand. And that appears to be slightly below what we are planting right now.

“In 2012 we had record-high corn and soybean prices — which encouraged countries like Brazil, Argentina and Russia to increase production. This year, Argentina had a drought; Russia is having a drought; much of Europe grain production is experiencing drought. The results currently are slightly higher grain prices than where they should be given the demand for U.S. grains.

“When you look at soybeans, currently they are overvalued. It doesn’t look like U.S. and China are going to resolve their issues soon. With U.S. soybeans, let’s say at $8.50 today, beans are overvalued because we are going to lose the Chinese demand — especially with tariffs being imposed on every bushel bought by China. The tariff thing may not be resolved until the end of 2019. And that perhaps is why the Administration did this $12 billion aid to soybean farmers!”

With corn, Freed thinks the market is undervalued, stating record demand — even with another big crop likely this 2018 season. “Once this harvest is in the bin, there will be a rally for corn. The difference will be export demand picking up because Brazil had a smaller crop, Russia has a lower crop, eastern Europe has a lower crop. I think we’ll be shipping a record

amount of U.S. corn in 2018-19.”

Even though Mexico is a big buyer of U.S. corn, Freed questions the impact should the North American Free Trade Agreement flounder. “There might be 7 million total corn acres lost if we lost Mexico as a customer. The cheapest corn for Mexico is rail shipments from the United States. They don’t have infrastructure to unload vessels like from Brazil.”

Freed is matter-of-fact about U. S. trading policies simply saying, “They’re not fair; but it’s tough to change overnight. So we’ll just have to see how it goes.” He’s not into the politics of foreign countries; but open and fair trade is what U.S. agriculture needs.

Because of precision agriculture and the rapid adoption of technology, the productivity of agriculture worldwide continues to increase. And Freed agreed this is likely to continue — barring huge disruptions because of weather disasters. He commented, “Let’s say we have a 178-bushel corn yield in America this year. Ten years from now, that could be 190-bushel nationwide yields. Or a 50-bushel nationwide bean yield this year could be 55 or 56 bushels in 10 years.

Technology keeps advancing the productivity of U.S. agriculture. And we know much of that technology gets put to use in Russia, Brazil and European agriculture also. However, I think the U.S. farmer is the most efficient at putting technology to work.”

Freed also noted that any farm meeting you attend these days, a growing percentage of that audience is farmers 65 years of age and older. The number-one question they ask is about secession — in essence, how do they pass their land along with the least tax consequences.

“The reality is that a lot of siblings don’t want to go into farming. Plus, the other reality is the variation in what I call ‘farming skills’ from neighbor to neighbor. If the older farmer is averaging 185-bushel corn while his neighbor — who’s big into precision farming technology — is producing 250-bushel corn, just

the reality of our older farming population would suggest production will likely increase when the senior farmers retire.”

Freed is much aware of the huge capital needs to get started in farming today. “Today, nobody has the funds — especially younger people — to move into farming without a financial mentor.”

And his take on pricing the 2018 corn crop? “Prior to the sell-off in the May highs, we think the farmer was an aggressive seller in both corn and beans,” commented Freed. “But his tendency was to sell what he thought was half of a normal yield. Now he has a potentially higher yield, so his ‘sell’ percentage is probably near normal this time of year.

“From a marketing standpoint, if there is no resolution to this tariff war, he should sell his beans right now. Then store his corn and look for a rally postharvest to leak the corn into the market as the market goes up.”

Freed admitted nothing is for sure when it comes to market futures. “Anymore, it seems we live every day for the next tweet. But just looking at the supply and record demand for corn; plus the likelihood of little competition from South America, Eastern Europe and Russia; we think the corn market is due for a rally this post-harvest season.”

He’s positive about the future of agriculture despite the gyrations in the current world markets by various governments around the world. World population keeps increasing, so global food demand will keep increasing also. “The number-one thing we traders do is trade weather. We usually try to calculate ‘normal weather,’ but we’re not seeing normal weather this year. USDA early estimates are 81.8 million acres corn and 89.6 acres soybeans — both down from 2017.

Early prognosticators, such as some of us, are predicting lower average yields this year too. And if that weather stress happens across Russia, eastern Europe, Brazil and Argentina, then lesser yields are likely around the world,” summed up Freed. v

Land should be rented multiple years to be successful DIETMANN, from pg. 20 the landlord just has to deposit rent checks.

As a crop producer, you always need to be cognizant of inputs and costs. But there may be other creative ways (like snow removal or otherwise helping to keep the property maintained and in good condition) you can make life a little easier for your landlord. In turn, making them more likely to give you right of first refusal when the lease agreement term is up.

Reputation makes a big difference. Walgreens operates in a highly competitive environment. Every other retailer wants those same prime locations and is willing to pay for them. Farmers interested in leasing land need to constantly build their reputations and cultivate relationships so landowners view them

MARKETING as their first choice.

Leasing frees up capital to be deployed in ways that generate the most cash flow and profit. Since its cash isn’t tied up in an illiquid investment like real estate, Walgreens is able to invest inside the stores. The same can go for you as a farmer. Perhaps upgrading your equipment, making sure you have enough working capital to survive some pricing dips or investing in new technology to improve efficiencies is a smart choice for you right now.

Finding a farm to rent can be a challenge. And

there’s heavy competition for the opportunities that do exist. However, if you can find a good place to rent, the financial advantages over buying land can be substantial. You have to be able to rent the farm for multiple years to be successful — particularly if you’ll need to make capital improvements. In order to get and keep a long-term lease, you need to make life as carefree as possible for the landowner. Always pay the rent on time and maintain the farm as if you owned it. You’ll build your reputation for dependability and other opportunities will come your way.

Paul Dietmann is a Senior Lending Officer at Compeer Financial. For additional insights and resources from Dietmann and the rest of the Compeer team, visit Compeer.com. v

PAGE 22

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THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

Technology improves canopy penetration when spraying

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer BALTIC, S.D. — At the July 26 Hefty Field Day, 10,000 people were once again enjoying and getting educated on virtually everything related to precision agriculture. In essence, this huge event is an amazing one-day short course on the exciting world of what’s happening in crop production. Even the world of what’s new in crop spraying nozzles had farmers listening to the Pentair specialists discuss their new Hypro 3D Nozzle.

Nick Fleitz, Pentair agronomist said, “There’s a few things the 3D nozzle really brings to the table. First, it’s a ‘high coverage’ nozzle designed to maximize coverage and canopy penetration. To do that we utilize inclined spray angles which we recommend alternating facing front to rear on spray booms. That gives three-dimensional coverage of our target canopy penetration.

“With a nozzle that sprays straight down you don’t see great canopy penetration. As the spray boom moves across the field it propels that spray angle forward giving good coverage on the front side of plants but not the back side. This inclined spray angle corrects that issue.”

“Flat fan nozzles are in the $3 range, these 3D’s are in the mid $6. But with that you’re improving your application accuracy.”

Fleitz said the Hypro 3D nozzle was co-developed with Syngenta. “They did tremendous amounts of field trials across the globe since they market globally,” said Fleitz. One of their specific trials was on soybean rust. Compared to a standard flat fan nozzle, Syngenta reported a 10 percent yield increase with the 3D nozzles.

Fleitz indicated 3D nozzles work better against soybean aphids. “Again, it’s a matter of better canopy penetration. Getting under the leaves down at the base of the soybean stems where those eggs are deposited is what control is all about. I can’t speak as to better results with aerial applicators because I haven’t seen actual comparison data.”

So what wears out first in spray nozzles? “That depends on the nozzle technology,” Fleitz replied. “If you have a flat fan or 3Ds were the nozzle itself takes all the pressure, the nozzle wears out first. With a ‘free orifice’ or air induction nozzle, the orifice upstream from the nozzle is likely to wear out first.

In simple terms, wherever you have the most pressure, you have the most likely wear out.”

Fleitz credits farmers with their growing awareness of application technology. “Making sure they get every ounce of product producing maximum control is the objective of every farmer and crucially important in view of the increasing regulations on usage of all pesticide products.”

He’s aware of the growing concerns with Dicamba — suggesting strict attention to label details is always advised. “It’s a great herbicide with control of hundreds of broadleaved weed species, especially those weeds with growing resistance issues. But applicators have to be careful. Great product, but strict adherence is a must.”

Pentair nozzles are made by a Pentair facility in Cambridge, England. The Hypro 3D nozzle is available in nine sizes ranging from 08 to 015. The Hypro nozzle is proven to deliver up to 10 percent increase in pre-emergence weed control compared with conventional flat fan. The nozzle provides 60-75 percent drift reduction compared to flat fan nozzles. It also creates the optimum droplet size. Fewer droplets bounce off or drift away. The FastCap version utilizes SnapLock cap technology reducing installation torque requirement by 73 percent.

PentAir is located in New Brighton, Minn. For more information, contact Fleitz at nicholas.fleitz@pentair. com or go to www. Pentair.com. v

Hog futures have been explosive TEALE, from pg. 20 Producers should continue to monitor market conditions and protect inventories as needed.

The hog market has really been the explosive one in the livestock futures trade in the past few days. The interesting facet of the trade has been the reversal in the futures prices quickly moving from a discount to a premium to the cash trade. The primary reason behind the change in direction has been the discovery that African Swine Fever has shown up in China which

could deplete some of the hog herd. This could force China to seek pork from other countries because of the depletion of their numbers. This could possibly lead to a change in the tariffs and open the door for China to import pork from the US. This is all speculation and fear. But this is what drives these markets — especially the futures market. The caveat here is that prices are still weak on the cash trade in the United States as well as falling pork cutout values. This situation should alert producers to pay close attention to market information and act accordingly. v

Analysts expect Brazil to plant more soybeans in 2018-19 LARDY, from pg. 20 put pressure on Canada to come back to the negotiating table. The ideal scenario is to have all parties agree and sign before outgoing Mexican President Nieto leaves office on Dec. 1.

Outlook: Even though we are seeing good demand, the bearishness of big crops is weighing on the market. The ProFarmer tour confirmed the possibility of record or near-record production. August weather has been pretty tame all-in-all, and has not given the market any need to increase the risk premium for weather.

SOYBEANS — No resolution to the trade wars with China continues to cast a wet blanket on the market. The United States imposed an additional $16 billion of new tariffs on a variety of products this week, and China immediately retaliated with tariffs of the same amount. There is not a viable solution to solve this matter yet, despite both countries meeting this week to talk. U.S. and Chinese negotiators ended two days of trade talks in Washington D.C. without

making any real progress towards ending the trade dispute. In the absence of buying U.S. beans, China is not sitting idle and waiting for something to happen. China continues to search for soybean meal substitutes to supplement its animal feed supply.

China is making overtures internationally to possibly purchase canola, peanuts, sunflower seeds and cottonseed meal to gain the protein needed for its animal feed.

The Pro Farmer Midwest Crop Tour estimated the Iowa average soybean pod count at 1,209 in a 3-by3-foot area vs. 1,092.9 last year and the three-year average of 1,178.8. In Minnesota, the tour estimated the average soybean pod count at 1,090.5 in a 3-by3-foot area compared to 1,020 last year and the three-year average of 1,082.3. The crop tour’s final estimate of soybean yields is 53 bu./acre compared to the USDA at 51.6 bu./acre.

Analysts are forecasting Brazilian farmers will expand their 2018-19 soybean planted area for the 12th consecutive year to a record 36.28 million hect-

ares — a 3.2 percent increase from last year. Early projections are for production to go up 0.65 percent to 119.76 million tons. There is still an injunction on Brazilian farmers prohibiting the use of glyphosate, but many feel that it will get used regardless as planting can start in the main growing areas on Sept. 15.

Export sales were a very pleasant surprise with a huge total of 42.2 million bushels of new crop sales.

No unusual customers showing up to buy, just the regular clients adding to their coverage at decent price levels.

Outlook: The trade is watching and hoping for any signs of progress in the tariff war. The sad part is the United States is losing market share and opportunity every day that goes by. It will be interesting to see what the relief package will truly mean for the bottom line of soybean producers. But even that measure won’t bring back all of the Chinese demand that has gone away. The price outlook feels heavy, especially with the ProFarmer tour finding really good yields across the country. v

h AUGUST 24 /AUGUST 31, 2018 THE LAND —

Real Estate

Real Estate Wanted

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

Feed Seed Hay

Bins & Buildings

160 FARM FOR SALE: 155 till- WANTED: Land & farms. I Alfalfa, mixed hay, grass hay, FOR SALE: 1000 bu portable able. SE 1/4 Sec 30, Kiester have clients looking for and feed grade wheat straw. holding bin w/roof, auger, Twp, Faribault Co. Contact dairy, & cash grain opera- Medium squares or round motor. (320)583-2747 Dennis Christensen, Meridi- tions, as well as bare land bales. Delivery available. an Land Services, LLC Bro- parcels from 40-1000 acres. Call or text LeRoy Ose. 218- Grain bins 2-used Stor-mor bins, 24’ dia. 6500 bushel, one ker (MN RE License 477044) Both for relocation & invest- 689-6675 has dryer in top, must re@ 952-240-0705 or Email: ments. If you have even move by December, $1,750. dchris7407@integra.net thought about selling contact: Paul Krueger, Farm & WANTED TO BUY: Dam- (507) 317-7237 Sell your land or real estate in Land Specialist, Edina Re- aged corn, soybeans & other 30 days for 0% commission. alty, 138 Main St. W., New grains. Call Schwieger CatThank you for reading The Land! tle LLC. (507)236-5181 Call Ray 507-339-1272 Prague, MN 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com (612)328-4506

The Land office will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3, 2018

Feed Seed Hay 500 round bales, nice 4X6, 1st crop net wrapped, $60/bale.

Call 715-746-2308

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PAGE 23

Bins & Buildings

Farm Equipment

SILO DOORS Wood or steel doors shipped promptly to your farm stainless fasteners hardware available.

(800)222-5726 Landwood Sales LLC

‘05 NH 98C 6R cornhead, Hydraulic deck plates, head height tilt sensors, calmer chopping knife rolls, knife rolls & deck plates 3 yrs old, gathering chains 4 yrs old, exc shape, $19,500. Pictures available. 715-495-6469

PAGE 24

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THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018 Farm Equipment 2005 Nuhn 6750, hyd drive, 5 disc incorp, flow meter, 440 Raven monitor, 30.5/32 tires, $27,000/OBO. (507)236-6149 CIH 1083 8x30 cornhead, GVL poly snouts, $3,650; IH 720 6x18 3pt onland plow w/ coulters, $2,450; IH 720 7x18 3pt onland plow w/ coulters, $3,250; (2) Demco 360 bu gravity boxes w/ truck tires, $2,350/ea; (2) J&M 370 bu gravity boxes w/ truck tires, $2,250/ea; 18.4x42 tires & rims for JD combine, 11” center, complete 4 tires & axle extentions, $2,750. 320769-2756 Fair Oaks Cleated Roller, Aerator, 20’ with 8” spades, 30” drum, swing away tongue, $12,000. 715-234-1993 FOR SALE: Fantini chopping 8R & 12R CH; 70’ Elmer drag, Merritt alum hopper grain trailers; 24R30” JD pl on Kinze bar; Big A floater; 175 Michigan ldr; IH 964 CH; White 706 & 708 CH & parts; White plows & parts; 54’ 4300 IH field cultivator; JD 44’ field cult; 3300 Hiniker field cult; header trailer.

507-380-5324 FOR SALE: 15’ Alloway stalk chopper, new knives, $5,900; JD 893 cornhead, w/ hyds, deck plates, $15,900; DMI 530 Ecolo-Tiger, $8,900. All very nice. Call for pics. 320333-2177 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: ‘08 6R Geringhoff cornhead, excellent condition, field ready, $22,000. 612232-4078 or 612-803-8753 FOR SALE: Artsway 240B 8R stalk chopper/flail mower, excellent condition, $3,000.

Call 507-274-5162

GENERATORS Used, low hour take-outs. 20 kW - 2000 kW. Diesel, propane, & natural gas. CAT, Cummins/ Onan, Kohler, Detroit Diesel, & more. www.abrahamindustrial.com. (701) 371-9526

THE LAND — AUGUST 24 /AUGUST 31, 2018

e, 5 440 res, 9

Farm Equipment 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

Tractors

8RFOR SALE: 1030 Case Comwer, fort King, straight pin, good 000. rubber, Dynoed, 93HP. 507841-0085

low 000 natins/ sel, min526

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Harvesting Equip

PAGE 25

Harvesting Equip

FOR SALE: Farmall H, excel- FOR SALE: JD 512 disc rip- 1994 Gleaner R-52, 2085 eng lent condition, like new tires, per, good shape, $6,800. Call hrs, 1250 sep hrs, clean ma12V, front end loader & trip (507)456-4909 chine, always shedded, will bucket, $1,500. 320-894-2103 come with 6R cornhead & 20’ beanhead. (507)524-4754 NEW AND USED TRACTOR Harvesting Equip or (507)995-8110 PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50,

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om-‘68 JD 3020, 148 ldr, gas, synJD cro/range, good tires; ‘68 JD om- 4020 diesel, syncro/range, All retired farmer. (952)466-9818 583FOR SALE: AC 8070 power shift, new rear tires, duals, hoff 2 yrs on OH, turbo re-dondi- ne, runs great, great shape, 612- Dad’s toy, $16,000. 952-2123545

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Thank you for reading THE LAND!

Harvesting Equip FOR SALE: 1075 Gehl chopper, with crop processor, hay head & corn head; New Ideal 708 uni, w/737 husking unit, 4 row corn head. (952)466-5606

FOR SALE: 35’ MacDon FD75 draper head, w/ AWS air 2016 Demco 1050 Grain Cart $28,000;2013 JD 612C Head, FOR SALE: ‘12 JD 618C reel, one owner, approx 1900 $45,000;2016 JD 635F Head, 18R22”, chopping corn head, acres, like new, $62,500. 507$30,000; 2013 Dose Head- Contour Master, hyd deck 327-6430 hunter Head Trailer, $6,000; plates, bought new, always FOR SALE: 4400 diesel com2008 Dose Stud King Head shedded, 2000 acres on bine, 3307 hrs, always shedTrailer, $4,500. 507-794-5779 complete rebuild, exc cond, ded, new batteries, 443 cornhead, 216 bean head, $2,500/ Case IH 1020 20’ beanhead, $74,900. 715-377-2940 OBO. 507-276-2839 w/homemade head mover.

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Please recycle this magazine.

LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION THURS. September 13th @ 10:00 a.m.

Location: 15775 330th St., Vesta, MN Directions: From Vesta - 1 mile north to 330th St., then 3 miles west to property Tools HDY Bumper Jack, Heavy Wood Planer / Shaper, Bil-Jax Scaffolds with Aluminum Oaks - Double Stack Power Pipe Threader, Hassfield Iron Bender, Table Saw, Old Gas Station Pump, HDY Motorcycle Lift, Drive on Car Lift, 22” High Old Turning Lathe, 5’ x 12’ Swing, Heavy Duty Floor Grinder w/ Belt Sander, 50 Gallon Portable Fuel Tank, 12 Volt Pump, Several Pickup Tool Boxes, HDY Shop Press for 30 Ton Dock, Engine Stand, Portable Pipe Bender Machinery IHC 800 Cyclo Air Planter 8-30, Row Cleaners, Cycle 3 Monitor, 14’ IHC 480 Tandem Disc, Glenco nine tooth Spring Reset Plow IHC#1339-30 Folding Cult, JD #1100 12’ Mounted Sickle Plow, JD Stalk Chopper 20’ Tandem Axle, Hyd Lift, 1000 PTO, Brillion 18’ Packer, 18.4” x 38.8” and Type Duals, (2) 18.4” x 38” Used Tires, Farm King #160 Auger. 10’ x 60’ Swing Hopper, 540 PTO, Hyd Lift, JD 3 Bottom Plow Case IH 4800 Vibra Shank 32’ Field Cultivator, 3 Bar Harrow, Walking Tandems, Case IH 1640 Axial Flow Combine, 24.5” x 32 Tires, 3720 Engine Hrs, S/N B000035692,Chopper HydroStatic, Case IH 1063, 6 Row 3-” Corn Head, Plastic Snouts & Ear Savers, Internation 35882 + 2 4WD Tractor, Case IH 10 20, 20’ Bean Head, INT Sickles, Trinon 2 Place Enclosed Snowmobile Trailer Vehicles 1954 Chevrolet 3600, 3/4 Stepside Pickup, 4 Sp, 235-6 Engine, 48 Chev 1 1/2 Ton Box & Hoist F-700 Ford Flatbed / 1500 Gallon Water Tank, 1962 Corviar Coupe, 41 Chev 1/2 Ton Pickup 235 Engine, 84 Ford F-150 4WD 6 Cyclinder 4 Sp, Regular Cab, 72 Ford L 600 14ft. Steel Gram Box Tarp & Hoise, 332 Gas Engine, 4 x 2 Trans, 79 Ford L-600 15 ft. Steel Gram Box & Hoise, 4 x 2 Transmission, 74 Mustang Coupe needs rebuild, 73 Cadillac 4 Dr HT, 83 Ford E 150 Van, 84--- Miles, A.T. Full Power Tractors McComic TTX 230, Xtra Speed Tractor, 780 Hrs. 4 Bank Hyd Rock Box, 3 pt. 1000 PTO, 460-85R42 Dual Rears, 14.9 R30 Dual Fronts, P.S. 1 Owner, 1954 Farmal 3588 SMTA, 1978 International, 2+2. 18.4R38 S/N 7U11982, 4686 Hrs., 2 pt. 540/100 PTO, 1 Owner, 436 Int Engine, less than 20 hrs New Engine Grain Trailers Green Demco 450, Lights & Brakes, 425/65R22-5, Red Demco 450, Lights & Brakes, 385/65R22-5 Tires,200 Bu Gravity Box w/ Grain Trailers, Several Flat Bed Trailers Unverforth 300 Bu Gravity Wagon w/ J & M Gear, Nushnell 200 Bu Gravity Wagon, Case IH 810-10’ Dum Head with HDY Swat Pickup, 40’ Melroe Drag Antiques Several Ford Flat Head Complete Motors, John Deere 666 4/16 Pull Type Plow, John Deere 3/6 Semi Mounted Plow, 53 Chrysler Hemi Engine & Tran, 54 Buick Nail Head, Upright Ice Box, (2) Threaded Sewing Machines, Food Service Cart, 12’ Grain Drillon Steel, 7UP Chest Electric Cooler, Small Coke Coolers, IH Rear Fenders for 856, Horse Drawn Fresno Scraper, Old Metal Sign Goodyear Tires, Old Acetylene Maker for Torch, Fron Fenders for 856/IHC, Old Toy Steel Wagons, 1920s Wooden Wagons, Culta Visions, Blender Cam Vases, 1959 14’ Alma Camper, Pair of Farmall Fenders

CONSIGNED BY NEIGHBOR ROGER BARBER— 507-530-1407: 1957 350 IH, All New Rubber, Wide Front, Weight on Frontend, New Paint, IH Fast Point Hitch, Tires 14-9-38, 1955 Ford 800 w/ New Tires, Overhauled, new gauges, new paint, ne brakes, every-thing has been replaced, 3 pt Hitch, Tires 13-6-28, 1947 8 N, Over-hauled, New Rubber, New Gauges, New Paint, 3 Pt Hitch, 20 ft Gooseneck Trailer, Hyd Bed, Aluminum Wheels, Heavy Duty Axles, Heavy Duty Wench, Dearborn 3 Bottom Plow, Dearborn 2 Row Cultivator, 3 pt Blade, Lawn Sprayer w/ Electric Pump on Wheels, 200 Gal Plastic Water Tank, Air Tire Changer, Aluminum Ramps 10 Ft Heavy Duty, Chain Binders, Log Chains, Chain Saws, Electric Tools, Electric Hack Saws, Electric Tools, Pepsi Machine from ‘50s.

Misc 8’ Pickup Topper, Grain Spreader for Bin, English Saddle, (2) 3 pt Quick Hitches, 12” Bin Fans, 12” Areations Tubes, Bikes, 12’ Portable Canopy, Electric Motors up to 5 hp

Jerry Maasch - Owner 507-828-3803

WWW.KERKHOFFAUCTION.COM 1500 East Bridge Street Redwood Falls, MN 56283 (507) 644-8433 Office

AUCTIONEERS: Doug Kerkhoff 507-829-6859 Zac Kerkhoff 507-829-3924

Only a partial listing.

Many more items will be available.

Check our website for more photos.

TERMS: Cash or good bankable check. All items sold as-is, where-is with no warranties or guarantees of any kind. All items must be paid for at the conclusion of auction prior to removal fro location.

Tilted vehicles will be transferred. Any verbal announcement made by auctioneer will take precedence over any and all printed material.

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

Do you have an upcoming auction?

THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

Talk to your auctioneer or call our friendly staff at 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 to place your auction in The Land – or visit us at www.thelandonline.com

THE LAND — AUGUST 24 /AUGUST 31, 2018 Harvesting Equip

Livestock Equipment

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

Wanted

FOR SALE: IH 1083 corn- FOR SALE: Harvestor wa.ro. All kinds of New & Used farm head, good condition, $8,750; matic roller mill, w/weigh equipment - disc chisels, field Loftness 20’ stalk chopper, 1 scale, 5 HP Baldor motor. cults, planters, soil finishers, yr old gear box, new hoods & (320)275-2435 or (612)201-7751 cornheads, feed mills, discs, knives, $6,300. 507-461-3835 balers, haybines, etc. 507FOR SALE: Used 30’ tandem FOR SALE: 1997 Brent grain axle Arrow front bunk feed- 438-9782 cart model 774 w/ weight er, in great shape. 507-456WANTED: Full time help on scale, excellent shape, 1868 beef cows, swine & grain $12,500. 507-327-6430 farm. House provided. Call FOR SALE: JD combine, diefor more details. (507)829sel, good shape, 216 grain 9678 with a classified line ad! head, 444 cornhead, $4,000 for all. 763-856-4220 Call us today WANTED: 17.5’ Case/IH 1020

SELL IT FAST

FOR SALE: John Deere 6600 combine with trash spreader, very good tires, $1,800.

507-854-3528 Gleaner 8200 30’ flex head, 2 SCH sickles, Crary air rail, fore/aft single point hookup, EZ Trail transport. (507)8674692 JD Model 1291 12R22” cornhead, knife rolls, hyd deck plates, exc cond, $24,000.

Pictures & more. (218)7913400 New Holland TR98, 3400/2300 hrs, 18.4x42 duals or 800/65/ R32 singles (your choice), 2 speed rotor, straw chopper, chaff spreader, terrain tracer, $27,500. (507)380-2346

Grain Handling Equipment 5” Air Push Pac, 30HP, 3 PH w/ airlock & controls, 500’ – 5” alum pipe 4 cyclones, several elbows & flex couplers.

507-525-0708 FOR SALE: 24’ 6000 bu bin - drying floor, roof vents, ladders inside & out, safety cage, taken down, bin sweep w/ motor. 507-317-4692 FOR SALE: 15’ 3250 bu hopper bottom tank, ladder, & safety cage, taken down. 21’ drying floor. 507-317-4692 FOR SALE: Grain auger, 8” x 51’ long, PTO drive, nice, $900. (507)327-5174

Grain Leg For Sale: 100’ Schlagel Grain Leg 5000 bph, 30’ conveyor & two hopper bins on structures to be moved. (320) 979-6313 New 10” power sweep for 36’ bin, $2,200. (507) 697-6133 Leave message if no answer.

507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665

bean header. Must be clean.

(763)420-3147

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

THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

THE LAND — AUGUST 24 /AUGUST 31, 2018 Livestock

Swine

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

Swine

FOR SALE: Black Angus Compart’s total program fea- Spot, Duroc, Chester White, bulls also Hamp, York, & tures superior boars & open Boars & Gilts available.

Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts. gilts documented by BLUP Monthly PRRS and PEDV. 320-598-3790 technology. Duroc, York, Delivery available. Steve Landrace & F1 lines. Ter- Resler. 507-456-7746 minal boars offer leanness, Dairy muscle, growth. Maternal Sheep gilts & boars are productive, lean, durable.

All are stress MN STATE BROWN SWISS SALE, SEPT. 15, NOON, free & PRRS free. Semen Dorset & Hampshire rams Milk cows, close heifers & also available through Elite for sale. Lambs & yearlings, project calves. St. Charles, Genes A.I. Make ‘em Grow! large framed w/fast growth MN Brown Swiss Cattle Comparts Boar Store, INC. that will put extra lbs on Toll Free: 877-441-2627 your lambs. I can deliver.

Assn. (507) 932-3488 Gene Sanford (507)645-4989 www.brownswissusa.com FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc & Hamp/Duroc boars, also gilts. Excellent selection. Raised outside.

ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE Exc herd health. No PRSS. - Yearling and 2 year olds, Delivery avail. 320-760-0365 breeding soundness exam, Tschanz Farms, Us Hwy 53.

Purebred Berkshire Boar 715-538-3123 Proven Breeder $300. Wanted Hog Feeders. Daniel Sell your livestock in The Land Borntreger, 21395 Cty Hwy N, Kendall, WI 54638 with a line ad. 507-345-4523

Cattle

One Call Does It All! With one phone call, you can place your classified line ad in The Land, Farm News and Country Today.

Call The Land for more information 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665

Sheep

PAGE 29 Sheep

Pets & Supplies

Suffolk, Polypay rams for Texas Blue Lacy puppies, 4 sale, aged & lambs, pro- females, 1 male, ready in ductive & lots of muscle. 4 weeks, Call Eric 920-858(507)445-3317 or (507)822- 3732 3398 Leave message.

Hampshire 9 Months old.

Production rams for sale. High EBVs, proven growth and thickness.

Sire of rams pictured.

(651) 894-3466 drewrydonald@gmail.com

Please support the advertisers you see here. Tell them you saw their ad in The Land!

Trucks & Twin & triplet ram lambs Trailers ready for breeding. Meaty & fast growing, sired by Suffolk/Hampshire.

(507)276- 2004 Volvo VNL 630, 500,000 miles, automatic transmis7683 Lafayette sion, excellent condition, $20,000. (218)791-3400 Pets & Supplies

FOR SALE: ‘95 Wilson Pacesetter 41x72 grain hopper AKC GERMAN SHEPHERD trailer. $13,500 (320)522-0589 PUPPIES. Excellent working bloodlines & temperaSell your farm equipment ments. Suzette Riches, Hol- in The Land with a line ad. loway, MN (320)394-2189 507-345-4523

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

First Your e for Choic ! ifieds Class

THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

our Place Y ! ay d Ad To

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

To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665 Mail to: The Land Classifieds, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 Fax to: 507-345-1027 Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Online at: www.thelandonline.com DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition.

Plus! Look for your classified ad in the e-edition.

*

• Reach over 150,000 readers • Start your ad in The Land • Add more insertions • Get more coverage

THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

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The ad prices listed are based on a basic classified line ad of 25 words or less. Ads running longer than 25 words will incur an added charge.  Antiques & Collectibles  Harvesting Equipment  Goats CHECK ONE:  Announcements  Lawn & Garden  Grain Handling Equipment  Horses & Tack  Employment  Feed Seed Hay  Livestock Equipment  Exotic Animals  Real Estate  Fertilizer & Chemicals  Wanted  Pets & Supplies  Real Estate Wanted  Bins & Buildings  Free & Give Away  Cars & Pickups  Farm Rentals  Farm Equipment  Livestock  Industrial & Construction  Auctions  Tractors  Poultry  Trucks & Trailers  Agri Business  Tillage Equipment  Dairy  Recreational Vehicles  Farm Services  Planting Equipment  Cattle  Miscellaneous  Sales & Services  Spraying Equipment  Swine NOTE: Ad will be placed in the  Merchandise  Hay & Forage Equipment  Sheep appropriate category if not marked.

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

THE LAND

1 run @ $19.99 2 runs @ $34.99 3 runs @ $44.99 Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per line per issue EXTENDED COVERAGE - must run the same number of times as The Land FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 21,545 circ.

THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) - Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 21,000 circ.

THE FREE PRESS (FP) - Serving south central Minnesota, 19,025 circ.

PAPER(S) ADDED (circle all options you want): FN CT FP $7.70 for each paper and $7.70 run each issues x $7.70 STANDOUT OPTIONS (THE LAND only) $2.00 per run:  Bold  Italic  Underline  Web/E-mail links (Includes 1 Southern & 1 Northern issue)

oto (THE LAND only) $10.00 perper run:run  Border $10.00 each

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 Photo (THE LAND only)

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TOTAL

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

Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________________________________State ______________________ Zip _________________ Phone ________________________________________________________# of times __________________________ Card # ________________________________________________________Exp. Date __________________________ Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________

SORRY!

CHECK We do not issue refunds.

ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

THE LAND — AUGUST 24 /AUGUST 31, 2018 Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

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

Miscellaneous

Firewood for sale (Jordan PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS Winpower Sales & Service area); 7204/18 International New pumps & parts on hand. Reliable Power Solutions plow; International chisel Call Minnesota’s largest dis- Since 1925 PTO & automatic plow, 13 shanks (Silver Lake) tributor Emergency Electric Gener(320)583-0606 HJ Olson & Company ators. New & Used Rich Opsata-Distributor 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 800-343-9376 Lightly used Meyers 435 maREINKE IRRIGATION nure spreader, dual apron, 2 Sales & Service beaters, 540 PTO; Loftness New & Used 1082IG HD snow blower, 1000 Classified line ads work!

For your irrigation needs PTO, 9’ double auger, works Call 507-345-4523 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 great. (507)381-8280

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

THE LAND — AUGUST 24/AUGUST 31, 2018

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

United for Unity

T

he Unity school house closed in 1949, which is 15 years earlier than most country schools. That is perhaps because Unity school, on County Road 22 in western Stearns County, started out as a town school and not a country school.

In 1895, Unity was a bustling village which included the school and a dozen other enterprises. There was a post office, general store, blacksmith shop, threshing cooperative, creamery, bar, and a number of other buildings. For 12 years the industrious community went about its affairs with hope and purpose.

Then, in 1907, the shoe dropped.

The train tracks weren’t going to be routed through Unity. They were going through nearby Elrosa instead.

Unity declined quickly. Perhaps the final straw was when the general store was moved to Elrosa. The proprietor operated the mobile store throughout the winter as a team of horses moved the store on logs, inch by inch, to its new location. By the 1940s and early ‘50s, there were only a few collapsed roofs and decaying foundations left at the Unity town site. And there was the Unity school, District 173.

District 173 students were transferred to nearby schools in 1949. Then, the building sat empty for 11 years. In 1960, the Getty township board of supervisors auctioned the desks, books and other school

property, and turned the building into the township hall. The building served the township until 2013 when, in need of serious repair, the township supervisors voted to abandon it — the last remnant of Unity — and move into Elrosa.

In 2013 there were still students and graduates of District 173 who cared about their memories of Unity school. A few of them lived near the old town site, which is now corn and soybean fields. Others lived as far away as Wisconsin and California. Out of that wide-spread group emerged an organization of volunteers and financial donors which came together as the District 173 Foundation.

G e n e Loxtercamp, who lives near old Unity but did not go to school there, remembers meeting with Roger Goodpaster, a Unity school alumni.

“Roger said that school should be saved,” Gene recalls.

Not only did the members of the District 173 Foundation save the building, but they painstakingly restored it —detail by detail — as it’s remembered by former students. Using old plat books, they also created a map of the townsite. The whole project is a beautiful work of craftsmanship.

You can find the school and the town site east of Padua. Gene Loxtercamp gives tours by appointment. You can reach him at (320) 987-3254. v

Stearns County

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

© 2018

August 24/August 31, 2018 (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002

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© 2018

August 24/August 31, 2018 (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002