THE LAND ~ September 14, 2018 ~ Northern Edition

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September 7, 2018 September 14, 2018

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Crop on a stick Mighty Axe grows hops on 20-foot poles for local brewers

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THE LAND — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

Political asylum

P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XXXVII ❖ No. 18 32 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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Cover photo submitted by Mighty Axe

COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File In The Garden Cooking With Kristin The Back Porch Calendar of Events Farm Programs From The Fields Marketing Mielke Market Weekly Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-4 4 4 7 8 8 12 13 14-15 19 24-31 31 32

STAFF

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Is there Politics Anonymous? Some byists in Washington, D.C. as the USDA meeting where you gulp coffee and conis shelling out payments of $1.65 per fess your political afflictions? Sign me up. bushel.

This week, as I sat down to craft this I still maintain the trade situation of Land Minds, I pledged to stay away from “United States vs. everyone else” is going politics. If I keep yammering on about to take some time to shake out. the farm bill, upcoming elections, tariffs Unfortunately for most farmers, time is and trade agreements, it becomes white not on their side. In the scope of the noise and readers jump over page 2 altovalue of American agriculture products, LAND MINDS gether to see what Kristin Kveno is cook$6.3 billion (or even $12 billion) won’t ing for dinner. keep the lights on for long.

By Paul Malchow It’s important to mix things up and See … I can’t stop. not become stuck in a political rut. n Dick Hagen can spin Paul HarveyA quick “good-on-ya” to Daniel and esque tales of The Chatterbox Café, trips to Isreal Annette Gregor of Montgomery, Minn. The Gregors and the Olivia Lions Club. I should be able to ignore won The Land’s grill give-away contest just for fillthe Trump/Perdue show for a week or two and tell ing out their subscription form (and winning the you about the garage sale we had last weekend. drawing).

I can’t.

Much the same way as my wife faithfully tunes in to “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” I have to hear the latest unravelings in the White House.

From staff firings/resignations to flying the flag at half-staff to hush payments made to porn stars, the story lines keep bordering on the preposterous to unbelievable.

Not being satisfied with his shoving match against China, President Trump now has his sights set on Canada. Really? Canada? What hopes do we have for world peace if we can’t even get along with Canada?

U.S. agriculture has been buzzing after the announcement of a $12 billion tariff relief package for farmers. (Well actually, $6.3 billion. But $12 billion sounds like more.) Farmers and ag organizations have filed the news under “Better than nothing.” (Unless you grow corn — then the news is a penny better than nothing.)

As of this writing, no one has spilled the beans on Just as in farming, publishing has its share of regwho actually determined how the $6.3 billion was ulations. In order for The Land to obtain the best divvied up. Sonny isn’t saying. Reports are sorghum postage rate, we need to be able to provide signed and cotton growers will benefit the most. It’s proba- requests (from you) to the post office to prove we bly a little late in the growing season to make the really have subscribers. crop switch. In a lump-sum figure, the pork producWe really truly deeply appreciate that you send in ers are looking at a bit of a windfall. But when you break it down to $8 per head, not many pig farmers your signed forms. Thanks to the Gregors and will be vacationing on the Riviera this winter. News everyone else. for dairy is ho-hum while cattle is just shy of being Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land. forgotten. Soybean growers may have the best lobHe may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com.v

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

16 — Industry partners with farmers, agencies to promote healthy soil 18 — Expanding markets keep hops growers happy

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 — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

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THE LAND — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

Trade mitigation: ‘A fool’s errand for U.S. policymakers’ While U.S. farmers and ranchers spent But all-out production all the time August fretting over escalating tariffs means low to very low prices most of the and retreating markets, two ag policy time. By the way, that’s not Ray and experts used the month to publish a Schaffer; that’s Ag Econ 100. series of five columns that artfully and Indeed, they write in their Aug. 10 colcourageously skinned most of agriculumn, the very existence of “emergency” ture’s sacred cows — even as they plantpayments like the Chinese tariff money ed new policy ideas for farm and ranch “is an admission that the existing set of success. (All five columns are posted commodity policies have failed … in the at www.agpolicy.org/articles18.htm under FARM & FOOD FILE face of extended period of low prices even “August 2018.”)

By Alan Guebert though that is the historic pattern.”

The industrious pair, Drs. Daryll E. Translation: U.S. agriculture has a Ray and Harwood D. Schaffer from the long history of overproduction, low Agricultural Policy Analysis Center in prices and “emergency payments.” All Knoxville, Tenn., picked up their keyboards after are baked into federal farm policy because it prothe White House announced its $12 billion tariff motes production first and worries about price later. “mitigation” package July 24.

As such, the pair argue, “The most important …

“Call it what you want,” the pair noted in an Aug. legislation affecting the prosperity” of American 3 column, “but to us it looks awfully like the first agriculture “has not been the three farm bills (2002, installment in a series of ‘Emergency Payments’.”

2008, and 2014) … passed in the wake of the disThe two authors had, in fact, predicted such payruptive 1996 farm bill…” The most important piece ments in June. “was the adoption of the Renewable Fuels Standard The prediction, however, was easy. “There is no which required the blending of biofuels into the U.S. doubt about it,” they explain, “the underlying price transportation fuel supply.” This bolt-out-of-the-blue problems farmers (face) in the summer of 2018 are shock to demand kicked corn prices “above $4 a not the result of Chinese tariffs. They are the prebushel for the better part of a decade.” dictable consequence of two decades of failed U.S. But Christmas doesn’t last forever, they note, and commodity policy.”

“Whether we are talking about 10 percent or 15 perThat failure, which continues currently with the cent or some other (RFS) level, there comes a time pending 2018 farm bill, is rooted in “the willingness when the blend requirement is met and increases in of most ag economists and policy makers … to latch U.S. corn production outpaces any marginal increase on to any commodity program design that will back- in the need for corn-based ethanol.” fill low crop prices with government payments as That “time” is now, and ethanol’s boozy price long as it does not interfere with all-out production effects have long worn off. The world market, as preall the time.”

OPINION

dicted, adapted to it and now something new (short of droughts and floods) is needed to restore the profitable prices enjoyed from 2010 through 2014.

Ray and Schaffer have developed a policy that will work in coming years because it worked in the past: “… a well-designed (because there can be poorly designed) supply management program.”

Perhaps you’re rolling your eyes and are about to stop reading because, quite simply, you believe the vaunted market will correct itself sooner or later and that unwelcome Trump trade wars will blow over and normalcy will return.

Ray and Schaffer, with a combined 80 years of ag policy expertise, say just the opposite. “(I)t is a fool’s errand for U.S. policymakers to continue to pursue a low-price-and-exports-will-be-agriculture’s-savior policy. When all is said and done, such a policy in not in the interest of U.S. farmers or taxpayers.”

Still, our policymaking machinery hopes to cook up another years-long, low-price/export-savior farm bill this month. The proof of its impending failure, however, is that while Congress is arguing over its final garnishes, you’re completing paperwork for another “emergency payment” scheme.

It won’t be the last one. Because, without a dramatic policy change, America’s decades-long, lowprice farm bill history will predictably be repeated.

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

American mountain ash is a year-around delight Thirty feet from my front porch, an old American mountain ash tree shows off its canopy — covered with clusters of brilliant orange-red berries.

This tree started as a bare root little seedling 25 years ago and has grown to full maturity.

The tree is a harbinger of all IN THE GARDEN the seasons. In spring, it develops clusters of showy

By Sharon Quale white flowers. In summer it sports apple-green clusters of fruit. In fall it puts on a spectacular splash of colored berries and the foliage turns yellow, orange and reddish-purple. During winter, the bright berries that remain contrast sharply with the snow and dark-colored bark.

Favorite spring and summer visitors to the ash are yellow bellied sapsuckers (a wood pecker species). As their name implies, they suck sap and will drill an array of uniformly spaced holes in the trunk and large branches. These birds announce their presence

Photos by Sharon Quale

with a nasal sounding kind of squeal. Many folks are concerned about the woodpeckers damaging the tree, but the damage will usually not kill the tree. The tree is not a long-lived species and I believe the enjoyment of watching the bird activity is more than worth putting up with any damage to the tree.

Before their migration, flocks of robins descend on the tree and stuff themselves with the berries. It is a spectacular sight to see the robins loading up with food the same color as their red breasts. Catbirds, thrushes and waxwings also like the fruit.

The mountain ash tree belongs to a different genus from other ash trees and is not attacked by the emerald ash borer. It grows in zones 3-7, likes welldrained, slightly-acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. Pruning needs are minimal as it naturally grows in an oval shape. The only needed care is removing any small dead branches and water sprouts.

Old folklore stories, some from the 18th century, include tales of people planting mountain ash trees

See GARDEN, pg. 6

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

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THE LAND — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

Homemade solution can battle powdery mildew GARDEN, from pg. 4

No thing holds more promise

near the front of houses and burning twigs to lay outside the entrances to ward off evil. The tree was also thought to bring good luck because the stalk on each berry has the shape of a five pointed star known as a pentagram.

This small tree is easy to grow, carefree and makes a statement year-around with dark green foliage and large flower and fruit clusters.

than a seed.

Mountain ash berries will add a splash of color in your yard throughout the winter.

And when it comes from Peterson Farms Seed, it’s backed with a promise from us: We will sell no seed we wouldn’t be happy to plant on our own farm.

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n A reader wants to know what could be wrong with her African violet plant. It has white crumbs on the leaves that look like white cake or bread crumbs.

They are easily brushed off but soon return. The leaves look okay but there are not a lot of blooms.

It could likely be a fungus producing powdery mildew. You can try using a Q-tip dipped in a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent rubbing alcohol to remove it. Organic neem oil or jojoba oil are also commercially available sprays to treat powdery mildew. If it is advanced and covers the entire plant, it might be best to discard it and start with a new cultivar.

Sharon Quale is a master gardener from central Minnesota. She may be reached at (218) 738-6060 or squale101@yahoo.com. v

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These recipes are ideal for those pummeled with produce I recently had a fridge full of green beans Last week I was sitting on my front and needed to find a good way to use porch enjoying a beautiful (muggy and them. I discovered this recipe. The name buggy) summer evening when I noticed a won me over and the taste of this dish did cherry tomato with a big bite out of it on too! the edge of the porch. I asked the kids who took a bite out of a tomato and then The Best Green Beans Ever left it there. No one admitted to it, but www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/theupon further inspection I could see that best-green-beans-ever-recipe-1989056 the culprit was our friend, the garden COOKING 1 pound green beans chipmunk, Chippy. My husband has WITH KRISTIN 2 tablespoons bacon grease (can substitute 2 tableother names for Chippy but none that spoons butter)

By Kristin Kveno can be printed so we’ll just call him 2 cloves garlic, minced Chippy.

1 large onion, chopped Chippy and friends have been constant invaders 1 cup chicken broth, plus more if needed in our garden for years, so before he started on the 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper all-you-can-eat produce buffet, I gathered all the 1/2 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt ripe veggies and brought them in the house. With ground black pepper all this fresh food, it was time to get creative in Snap the stem ends of the green beans, or cut them off in a using it all. Here are some delicious recipes that big bunch with a knife if you’d prefer. Melt the bacon grease in a use garden veggies as the main ingredients. skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onions and cook This is my favorite way to use zucchini. It’s a light for a minute. Then add the green beans and cook until the beans salad that highlights this tasty veggie and throws turn bright green, about a minute. Add the chicken broth, some tomatoes and mozzarella in as well to create chopped red pepper, salt and pepper to taste. Turn the heat to the perfect combination. I make this often and it’s low and cover the skillet with a lid, leaving the lid cracked to always a winner at dinner. allow steam to escape. Cook until the liquid evaporates and the Caprese Salad beans are fairly soft, yet still a bit crisp, 20 to 30 minutes. You 2 cups, chopped ripe tomatoes can add more chicken broth during the cooking process, but 1 cup (4 ounces) cubed mozzarella cheese don’t be afraid to let it all cook away so the onions and peppers 2 cups sliced zucchini, 1/8 inch thick can start to caramelize.

Dressing: n 2 teaspoons chopped oregano I’ve loved stuffed green peppers since I was a little 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt kid.

There’s just something about the combination of 2 teaspoons basil rice, beef and peppers that spells comfort. This is a 1/4 teaspoon pepper tried and true recipe with a bit of Tabasco for a little 1/2 teaspoon sugar zip.

2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons vinegar Dad’s Stuffed Bell Peppers www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/dads_stuffed_bell_peppers/ Combine tomatoes, mozzarella and zucchini, set aside. Mix dressing ingredients then toss into the veggies and mozzarella, 1-1/2 cup of cooked white rice refrigerate overnight.

4 bell peppers, any color n 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped Now that I rescued my cherry tomatoes from the 1 clove of garlic, peeled and chopped clutches of Chippy’s tiny paws, it’s time to put them 1 pound of lean ground beef to good use. This recipe stuffs herbed goat cheese in cherry tomatoes and the result is pure deliciousness. 1 cup chopped tomatoes, fresh or canned (if using can, drain of excess liquid first) Cherry Tomatoes with Herbed Goat Cheese 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano www.yummly.com/recipe/Cherry-Tomatoes-with-Herbed-Goat1 teaspoon salt Cheese-1405110 10.5 ounces soft goat cheese 3.5 ounces ricotta cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 1/3 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro and dill) 24 cherry tomatoes (tops sliced off and reserved, seeds and E-mail your Life on the Farm photos pulp removed) to editor@thelandonline.com.

In a food processor, purée goat cheese, ricotta and sour cream until smooth. Add chopped fresh herbs. Fill tomato cavities with cheese mixture. Replace tops and arrange on a platter to serve. n

Keep the photos coming Your photo may be published in our next issue!

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 cup ketchup 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce dash of Tabasco sauce Cut the tops off of the bell peppers about 1/2 inch to 1 inch from the stem end and remove the seeds. Place a steaming rack in a large pot and add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan by an inch. Place the bell peppers on the rack, cut side up, and bring the water to a boil. Cover the pot and let the peppers steam for 5 to 10 minutes until they start to soften. Preheat oven to 350 F. Heat 4 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook a minute more. Add the meat, cooked rice, cooked onions, tomatoes, oregano salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon — just enough so that the ingredients are all well distributed. Do not over-mix. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil inside the peppers. Arrange the cut side of the peppers up in a baking dish, then stuff peppers with filling. Combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce and 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl, then spoon over filling. Add 1/4 cup of water to the baking dish. Place in oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes (or longer, depending on how big the peppers are that you are stuffing), until the internal temperature of the stuffed peppers is 150 to 160 degrees.

I hope you have a bounty of garden vegetables this summer and not a thief in sight (I’m talking about you, Chippy). Enjoy the fresh taste of the garden and give these recipes a try!

Kristin Kveno scours the internet, pours over old family recipes and searches everywhere in between to find interesting food ideas for feeding your crew. Do you have a recipe you want to share? You can reach Kristin at kristin_kveno@yahoo.com. v

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THE LAND — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

Things should be looking up — even when they’re not “It could be worse” seems It could be worse. to tell pit-dwellers they It’s an odd way to comfort have two options. Either yourself. But it’s the best I they are standing on a trapcould do as I crawled into door that could drop at any bed on Friday night. Both moment and make things my husband and dad’s worse yet, or they should hearts were in AFib (Atrial search for someone in an fibrillation is an irregular even deeper pit so they can and often rapid heart rate). feel better about their situTHE BACK PORCH And after business hours on ation. And pity the one who that same Friday, my Jeep’s

By Lenae Bulthuis can’t find someone worse off light blinked warning and than he! the pump on our farm well When one of our young grands gets went wonky — refusing to dispense frustrated things aren’t going his way, even one drop of water.

I stared into the darkness, and chose he screams, “This is the worst!” Then he storms out of the room, down the to battle my worse-case-scenario steps, and into his bedroom. You know thoughts with gratitude. Thank you he arrived when you hear his door for medicine and medical professionslam. als, mechanics who work weekends, I’m familiar with the pattern of his and the water-well dudes that promways. I did the same thing as a kid. ised to show up first thing in the Except I stomped up the stairs to my morning. bedroom instead of down. And when I And though “It could be worse” may be a practical tool to fight for personal was really angry, my dad would call me back to the bottom step. And with perspective in the tough stuff, it’s a a twinkle in his eye he’d say, “You betlousy way to comfort others. ter try that again. I know you can Helping to preserve the proud traditions of farming for future generations

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stomp louder.” Sure enough. He was right!

When life is at its worst, what do you do? Some stomp and slam doors; others numb, stuff and stew. And studies show a growing number of Americans suffer from anxiety disorders.

Here’s the thing: when we’re down, we need to go somewhere with our worry and pain. May I suggest up?

Speak up. In an authentic conversation about depression, Tara told me about a friend who was upset when no one helped her through her deepest pit. Though the close-knit community was quick to help others, they didn’t help her. Why? With all the love, Tara responded, “You never told us. You never let on that anything was wrong!”

If we tell people we’re fine, pretend things are well, and go to great lengths to hide what we don’t want others to see, the pit will get lonelier still. Dare to speak up to those you trust. You’ll receive needed help, and bonus! You’ll give others the courage to stop pretending, too.

Stand up. When life is hard, stand up for yourself. Push the pause button.

Instead of worrying about what others may think or expect of you, do what’s best for you and your future. Give yourself needed space and permission to feel, heal and deal with the difficulty.

Look up. In her book, The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom shares how she

and her family helped many Jews escape the Nazi holocaust during World War II. But when they got caught, they experienced horrific consequences including solitary confinement in a federal prison, concentration camp, hunger, punishment and for some, death.

On the first night of their incarceration, they read Psalm 91 and prayed.

Then they talked about their unknown future and reminded one another of God’s promise to never leave them or forsake them.

From the very beginning, they made the commitment to look up. Corrie said, “For a child of God, no pit could be so deep that Jesus was not deeper still.”

It takes courage to choose “up.” But if we look at seeds, we see hope in the hard. Seeds are planted into dark holes. And the only ones that experience growth and transformation are the ones that break open and look up.

May the things that are breaking you today produce life. And from the growth in patience, compassion and perseverance, may you have the strength and wisdom to help others rise from their pit, too.

Lenae Bulthuis muses about faith, family, and farming from her back porch on her Minnesota grain and livestock farm. She can be reached at lenaesbulthuis@gmail.com or @ LenaeBulthuis. v

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

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. Experts will demonstrate how down lpressure settings, planting depths, seed spacing and soil conditions can affect a grower’s crop production results. Also learn about Precison Planting’s SmartFarmer technology — Contact Linda Leydens at LindaLeydens@yahoo.com or (515) 360-2029

Sept. 19-20 — Minnesota Nutrition Conference — Mankato, Minn. — Advance sustainable production of beef, dairy, equine, poultry and swine.

“New Innovations for the Use of the Soybean” is the theme of this year’s Pre-conference Symposium. “Challenges Facing Animal Production” is the theme of the General Session. The keynote speaker is Robert Saik, Professional Agrologist and a Certified Agricultural Consultant with Saik Management Group — Contact Bonnie Rae at bjrae@umn.edu or call (612) 6244995.

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

Auction features rural artist’s work

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer REDWOOD FALLS, Minn. — Monday, Sept. 17, Kirkhoff Auction Center in Redwood Falls will be conducting a most unique auction. Nearly 400 paintings by Dorothea Paul, a noted Renville County farm gal who turned artist, will be offered for sale. More importantly, potential bidders from across America and beyond will also get involved via online bidding.

Paul was 87 when she died. As often happens with the passing of a family member, a public auction seemed the logical direction. But no machinery, no grain, no livestock this time. Instead, the auction will celebrate a 52-year accumulation of watercolor paintings which had made Paul known to farmer and agricultural individuals across America.

Her daughter, Beryl Wernberg, was at Paul’s farm home on Aug. 15 doing some of the odds and ends necessary to collect the many paintings. She shared some thoughts with The Land that day.

How many paintings will be part of this Sept. 17 auction?

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

Wherever your path leads,

WE’RE WITH YOU. Agriculture isn’t just a market we serve.

It’s what we’re founded on. It’s who we are.

Our mission goes far beyond farm loans and insurance offerings. We are passionate about the hopes and dreams of rural America and are always evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve to build for the future.

Let’s get started today.

We wish you a safe and bountiful harvest.

Photos by Dick Hagen

Beryl Wernberg holds one of the many paintings by Dorthea Paul which will be put up for auction in Redwood Falls on Sept. 17.

“At least 360 plus,” said Wernberg, adding “which includes both framed and unframed originals and prints. As a prelude to the auction, I hired a company from the Twin Cities to come out and conduct an appraisal which included taking pictures of all the paintings plus the size and descriptions of each.

These will all be part of the information online and to people who personally attend the sale.”

Paul was a busy daughter, wife, mother of three and farmer. She faithfully attended to the chores, gardening and family duties during the first 34 years of her life. Wernberg relates, “She always had an interest in drawing. That kind of runs in the family.

She particularly liked to draw horses. She was born and raised right here on the farm, so she grew up with horses.

See AUCTION, pg. 10

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THE LAND — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

Paul died with two unfinished paintings

T N A W U IF YO ing turn OR d a e h eS F i t e i r va

D L E I Y E R MO e th r answe is

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Paul. This huge painting has seven scenes — each AUCTION, from pg. 9 “She did the farming,” Wernberg continued. “My depicting an activity of Trojan Seed Company includdad worked construction and eventually went to ing that Farmer cornfield classroom scene. work for MnDOT (Minnesota Department of Paul’s farmhouse was her studio. “If she had been Transportation) so Dad was gone much of the time. on the tractor all day, getting into her house and doing Come winter and farming was less a chore, so Mom an evening of painting was her relaxation,” recalled started painting. She’s pretty much self-taught, but Wernberg. “Eventually she did add a special section to did take a couple of college classes on painting and her house which essentially became her studio.” went to occasional workshops here and there. But mostly she learned it all on her own. My mother is a great example of learning by doing.”

As hundreds of people can attest, Dorothea Paul’s artistic flairs didn’t specialize in any particular environment. But her love of agriculture dominated. Country scenes, quite often involving horses, were her passion. “She loved to garden and did many garden scene paintings which often featured just one individual flower,” said Wernberg. “She also did a lot of paintings of people’s farms. People would send her an aerial photo of their farm. She personalized those scenes — often including their dog, horses and other animals. And if it was hay-making time, with a team of horses hoisting hay up into the haymow, that would be featured for certain.”

Paul also did some portrait work. “She really excelled at water colors,” said her Many of Dorthea Paul’s rural life paintings featured horses. daughter, commenting “all her paintings With Paul’s growing notoriety came unusual were good, but her watercolors were exceptional”! requests. She started doing calendar pictures for Yes, Paul had favorites in her paintings. Always it seed companies, tractor firms such as International was farmers. Because of her own heritage, her paint- Harvester and John Deere, even farm cooperatives. “I ings of farmers’ faces often depicted both the frazzled used to joke with her that when I was growing up determination and the quiet continence so readily nothing but IH was allowed on the farm,” smiled apparent in these masters of the prairie.

Wernberg. “When she started doing calendar paintNope, there were no particular dignitaries in her ings for John Deere I would tease her about getting personality paintings. You will find no governors or green ink on her fingers.” politicians or secretaries of agriculture. “They were Wernberg said Paul loved farming and loved the always farmers,” related Wernberg. “’The souls of our land. “We have that in common,” said her daughter. landscape’ she would say. So that meant real-life “Land is something that gets into your soul and that farmers — often their children too.” showed in my mother’s paintings. She was painting Trojan Seeds would purchase the back cover space right up to about a month before she died.” of The Farmer magazine and at times would use a In her later years, Paul moved into a mobile home Paul painting. One particular advertisement carried in Redwood Falls but still went to the farm daily. Her the title, “Trojan Country — Where Corn Fields are husband died several years earlier, so farm life got to Classrooms!” The painting by Paul featured a circu- be a lonesome existence. She had two unfinished lar corn plot. As each row closed to the center, the paintings on easels when she died. She donated plant populations increased dramatically. Paul many paintings for various fundraising efforts. “She included a grouping of farmers, plus two Trojan dis- always wanted to advance education in the arts. She trict sales managers talking about the vitality of has paintings in every state in the Union and more these Trojan hybrids — regardless planting density. than 50 foreign countries. She never advertised, but That particular Trojan ad won the “Best of Print” her paintings have traveled far and wide,” summed campaign in a national farm advertising competition. up Wernberg.

But The Farmer magazine wasn’t her only notoriThe Sept. 17 auction starts at 11 a.m. Kerkhoff ety in the publishing world. According to Wernberg, Auction is located at 1500 E. Bridge St. in Redwood her mother had 125 magazine covers over the years! Falls (east side, just off U.S. Hwy. 71). For additional Locally, the Master’s Coffee Shop in downtown Olivia information, visit www.kerkhoffauction.com; email features a six-foot diameter circular painting by Doug@Kerkhoffauction.com or call (507) 829-6859. v

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

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PAGE 11

T N A W U O Y IF

K C I K A / U B R 0 O .

F 2 S A E R C A R U O Y ON

D L E I Y ORE

M

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Data is based on an average of 2016-2017 comparisons made in the U.S. through Nov. 29, 2017. Comparisons are against all competitors, unless otherwise stated, and within +/- 3 RM of the competitive brand. Product responses are variable and subject to any number of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data are a better predictor of future performance. DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION. Refer to www.pioneer.com/products or contact a Pioneer sales representative or authorized dealer for the latest and complete listing of traits and scores for each Pioneer® brand product.

Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ® TM SM , , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Dow AgroSciences or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2018 PHII. DUPPSY18035_VAR2_081818_TL

DUPPSY18035_VAR2_081818_TL.indd 1

8/6/18 4:06 PM

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THE LAND — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

Information on trade mitigation package still coming The U.S. Department of Agriculture has Purchase of surplus commodities — authorized up to $12 billion in a “Trade USDA will purchase excess pork, beef, Retaliation Mitigation” (farm tariff) aid dairy products, rice, fruits, vegetables, package for 2018. The program came nuts and other ag products for distribuabout to help offset the financial impacts tion to school nutrition programs, food resulting from ongoing trade disputes banks and other outlets. Approximately with China, Mexico, Canada and other $1.3 billion has been allocated for these countries. The aid package will include commodity purchases. direct payments to producers of affected Agricultural Trade Promotion Program FARM PROGRAMS — The ATP programs will be adminisfarm commodities, purchases of surplus commodities for food and feeding protered by USDA’s Foreign Agriculture

By Kent Thiesse grams, and trade promotion programs.

Service, with the goal of securing The financial aid package will be new agriculture trade relations and administered in a manner that is agreements in the future. consistent with World Trade Approximately $200,000 has been Organization requirements. allocated for ATP programs.

The USDA aid package will be implemented in 2018 and will include three components: Direct payments to farmers — USDA will provide direct aid payments under the “Market Facilitation Based on 2018 production levels Program” to producers of soybeans, corn, sorghum, Soybeans produced for seed will be eligible for MFP paywheat, cotton, hogs and dairy. The MFP program ments. will be administered under the USDA Commodity Corn or sorghum used for feed (silage) will not be eligible.

Credit Corporation through local Farm Service Agency offices. The MFP payments will be made in First payment will be 50 percent of calculated payment. two phases, with the first payments to begin after Soybeans = $1.65 per bushel Sept. 4. Total allocation for the first phase of the Corn = $.01 per bushel MFP program is approximately $4.7 billion.

Wheat = $.14 per bushel Sorghum = $.86 per bushel Cotton = $.06 per pound Hogs = $8.00 per head (based on Aug. 1 inventory) Dairy = $.12 per hundredweight (milk) The formula for the first payment will be bushels (grains), head (hogs), or pounds (milk), times the payment rate for each commodity, times 50 percent.

Soybean example: 50,000 bushels harvested multiplied by $1.65 per bushel, less 50 percent will mean a first payment of $41,250.

Corn example: 200,000 bushels harvested multiplied by $.01 per bushel, less 50 percent will mean a first payment of $1,000.

Hog example: 6,000 head multiplied by $8.00 per head, less 50 percent will mean a first payment of $24,000.

MARKETING

MFP payment rates

255 16th Street South St. James, MN 56081

Details for the Market Facilitation Program The sign-up period will begin on Sept. 4 and continue through Jan. 15, 2019. MFP applications can be made at local FSA offices or can be submitted to FSA offices electronically.

To be eligible for MFP payments, a producer’s adjusted gross income may not exceed $900,000, the producer must meet FSA requirements for actively engaged in farming, as well as wetland and conservation requirements.

Total MFP payments to producers for all grain crops will be capped at a combined $125,000 per

person or legal entity. Similarly, total livestock payments for hogs and dairy will also be capped at $125,000. MFP payments will not count against other farm program payment limits.

Crop producers requesting MFP payments must have a 2018 crop acreage report on file at their local FSA office. Application for MFP program can be made once they have completed their 2018 harvest and submit the MFP application form, which includes the method of production verification.

FSA will be doing spot-checks to verify crop production levels, so be sure to keep verification records on file. Acceptable crop production verification methods will be similar to other required yield verification through FSA or federal crop insurance.

Be sure to not co-mingle 2018 grain production with previous years, prior to verifying the 2018 production levels. If there are questions on verification of crop production, it is advisable to check with the local FSA office.

Payments for dairy producers will be based off the historical milk production levels which have been reported to FSA offices under the Margin Protection Program. Dairy producers must have been in operation on June 1, 2018 Payments to hog producers will be on a per-head basis and will be based on the number of hogs owned on Aug. 1. Production records for hogs will include breeding records, inventory record, sales receipts, rendering receipts and veterinary records.

The first payment will be 50 percent of the calculated payment, based on the payment formula. The first payments to producers will be made after Sept.

4, once the production information has been verified

by FSA. USDA will determine later if there will be a second payment and what the payment level will be.

Details on the second MFP payments (if they occur) will be announced by USDA in December.

FSA offers the following suggestions to expediate the MFP sign-up process: Hog and dairy producers are encouraged to apply in September before crop harvest is completed. Crop producers are encouraged to apply one time for all crops after harvest is completed. Producers are encouraged to make MFP application online (web address below), using Form CCC-910. Producers do not need to supply production information when they apply for the MFP program. However, they should keep records on file for FSA spot-checks.

The MFP application form (CCC-910), a MFP fact sheet, and other very useful application tips for the program are available on the USDA web site at: www.farmers.gov/MFP. 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

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

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PAGE 13

Soybeans ‘look good’, harvest prep is underway



By KRISTIN KVENO, The Land Correspondent



Blair Hoseth, Mahnomen, Minn., Sept. 7

“Everything looks excellent.” The Land spoke with Jamie Beyer on Sept. 7 as she reported that harvest is just around the corner. Beyer expects to start soybeans next week — which would be an earlier-than-usual start to bean harvest. “This is only the second time since 1997 we have combined beans this early.” Beyer’s looking forward to it. “It will be a fun harvest.”

Blair Hoseth is in the midst of seeding triticale into wheat stubble. The Land spoke with Hoseth on Sept. 7 as he was using a 42-foot no-till planter and will “hopefully finish tomorrow.”

The weather has been close to ideal these past few weeks with temperatures in the 40s and 50s at night and getting into the 70s during the day. Two inches of rain has fallen in the past two weeks. This was a welcome sight for Hoseth as the moisture is “making the pastures start livening up a little bit.”

Jamie Beyer

Blair Hoseth

Hoseth air-seeded cover crop on soybean fields last week. He estimates that bean harvest is 10 days to two weeks away. That would be around the average harvest date as Hoseth “usually gets started in the third week of September.”

The cows are feeding on pasture ground as well as the fresh sugar beet pulp that Hoseth hauled in for them. “They love it.”

Before bean harvest starts, Hoseth is heading out to the Red River Valley fairgrounds in West Fargo, N.D. to go to Big Iron. He has gone “every year since 1980.” Hoseth enjoys the sights and sounds of this expansive ag show. “It is big.” He then will drive down to Shakopee, Minn. to attend a Minnesota Corn Growers meeting on Sept. 12.

Overall for the crops, “I think the two inches of moisture definitely helped.” It was good timing for planting the cover crops these past few weeks. Though the rain may have come a little too late for the beans, in 10 days to two weeks, Hoseth will know for sure.



 FROM  THE  

FIELDS

The crops “looked tough.” Some of the beans are lodged and some corn is now shredded. At this point Haubrich is “not overly concerned.” That storm resulted in an inch and a half of rain.

“We’re on the tail end of cleaning the barns.” Breeding season for the sheep is soon starting as Haubrich wants “to get this all taken care of before we start soybeans.”

There are a lot of preparations underway at the Haubrich farm with breeding, the upcoming harvest and dealing with the aftermath of the hail and wind storm.

1997 WESTERN STAR 4964EX

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Below ground, above ground, all signs so far point to an exciting harvest on the Beyer farm.

Karson Duncanson, Mapleton, Minn., Aug. 30

Karson Duncanson

The soybeans “look good.” Duncanson is seeing a little sudden death syndrome showing up in spots. He expects to start harvest in a month as “some beans are starting to turn.” Duncanson doesn’t anticipate record yields with soybeans this harvest.

The corn had good heat and comfortable overnight temperatures, which are perfect for grain fill. The corn is “not anywhere close to black layer.”

Duncanson is continuing to work on machinery. “In the next week or two we’ll put together a harvest plan.”

While harvest is on Duncanson’s mind, so are the upcoming elections in November. On the local and state level, “there’s a lot at stake. Voters need to take their time and do their due diligence.” Duncanson encourages voters to really read up on the issues, the candidates and understand what their vote may mean, especially in the rural areas.

MACK eng, 460hp, 13spd trans, tandem rear axles, OH’d, Jake, cruise, tilt & telescoping, PW, PL, power & heated mirrors, AR cab, air slide 5th, 50% brakes & drums, 70% of steer tires & 85% of drive tires remain, 944,562 miles

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Beyer met with a consultant who puts together soil zone maps and “just got moisture sensors on one of our fields.” This is fairly new as “there’s a big learning curve on some of this technology.” The goal in doing soil zone mapping is “unlocking this door to understand what’s happening below the ground.”

2004 MACK VISION CX613

Cummins eng N-14, eng brake, 525HP, 10spd trans, A/R susp, tandem rear axles, alum wheels, new front diff & all new u-joints, 1 new steer, 1 at 50%, LP 24.5 tires, front drives 75%, rear drives 60%, drums 70-80%, jake, cruise, 3:58 ratio, 218” WB, 992,989 miles.

Cummins eng N-14 , A/R susp, 430HP, tandem rear axles, alum wheels, LP 24.5 tires, 10spd trans, Frontier box 19’x96”x68” sides, head lift roll tarp, center swing door, pintale hitch, new steers, new brakes & drums 905,556 miles.

Beyer is “going to have some cover crop flown on next week” on bean and corn fields. She has found that glyphosate is instrumental in cover crop success along with seed technology. Adding cover crops “is very new” to Beyer’s farming operation. Because the land there is flat, soil erosion isn’t such an issue. But with cover crops, the “advantage is soil health.” In the area, it’s “not as common here yet.”

Two months of great weather were capped this past week by a few inches of rain on the Duncanson farm. The Land spoke with Karson Duncanson on Aug. 30 as he reported that in July and August “we’ve had exceptional growing conditions.” Those months help turn the crops around, “things look pretty good considering the early growing season.”

Last Friday, hail and wind hit the Haubrich farm. The Land spoke with Matt Haubrich on Aug. 31 as he reported the storm resulted in “hail on 40 percent of our row crop acres.”

The corn “is stressed out” and has “run out of nutrients.” The excessive rain fall earlier in the growing season caused a shallow root system in the corn thus now allowing the nutrients to be depleted. Haubrich is seeing some “good ear counts” though he’s also has seen “some lousy ones.” The corn “colors are not attractive; it’s not an attractive looking plant.”

The soybeans “are looking fine.” The plants aren’t “overly tall and bushy.” Haubrich isn’t seeing any sudden death or white mold in the fields as of now. The early maturity beans are starting to turn color. Haubrich believes that the beans will be ready to harvest around the third week of September. Overall, the beans “look pretty darn good.”

The corn is “starting to get black layer.” This is two weeks ahead of average. Cercospara that was spotted on sugar beets is now under control.

Beyer has drivers ready for pre-lift, which will begin on Sept. 24. Grape harvest and fourth cutting alfalfa will both begin next week.



Matt Haubrich, Danube, Minn., Aug. 31

Matt Haubrich

Jamie Beyer, Wheaton, Minn., Sept. 7

For Sale Price: $29,500

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2001 GREAT DANE

Spring suspension, single rear axle, 28’ length, 102” width, roll up door, aluminum roof, wood floor, plywood lined walls, no rust, very clean, all steel wheels, LP 22.5 tires at 60%, brakes are 95%, drums are 80%.

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1995 VOLVO WG42T

280hp M11 Cummins engine, 9spd, AR suspension, 4:11 ratio, single rear axle, 154” WB, LP 24.5 tires, tires 80-95%, all steel wheels, pintle hitch with air hookups, 559,982 miles.

For Sale Price: $7,750

1999 JET

Steel composition, spring suspension, steel wheels, 30’Lx96”Wx66”H, 2 hoppers, tandem rear axles, side shoots, sight windows, 20” hopper clearance, 11R22.5 tires, front tires 90%, rear tires 40-60%, front brakes 50%, rear brakes new, drums 70-80%

For Sale Price: CALL

PAGE 14

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THE LAND — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Corn moved little since Labor Day

Cash Grain Markets

corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $2.99 +.14 $6.97 -.16 Madison $3.07 +.15 $7.12 -.07 Redwood Falls $3.11 +.12 $7.42 -.01 Fergus Falls $2.90 +.02 $6.62 -.26 Morris $2.95 +.06 $6.77 -.01 Tracy $3.07 +.13 $7.27 -.06

The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Sept. 7.

CORN — A side note before we get started this week. Joe Lardy will be filling in for me through October as I recover from back surgery. I’ll miss our weekly chats — especially through the gut of harvest — but will come back with fresh eyes to help decipher post-harvest markets.

August went out with a bang and September ushered in additional gains. There wasn’t much fresh news to drive the market.

One market-moving item was Argentina’s decision to reinstitute the export tax on corn and wheat, and readjust the soybean export tax. In their bid to keep International Monetary Fund PHYLLIS NYSTROM funding, they need to shore up CHS Hedging Inc. their balance sheet. Argentina’s St. Paul export tax on corn and wheat was eliminated back in 2015.

The new tax is a floating tax related to the U.S. dollar/Argentine peso ratio, equating at current levels to a 10 percent tax. This should be friendly to U.S. commodities. A negative spillover effect from the wheat came from Russia — confirming they see no need to limit their wheat exports at this time.

Moisture from tropical storm Gordon pushed up into the Midwest, delaying early harvest progress and increased chatter of possible quality and/or lower yield concerns. Informa Economics raised their 2018 U.S. corn yield from 176 bu./acre to 178.8 bu./ acre, and slightly higher than the current U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast of 178.4 bu./acre.

Informa’s corn production was pegged at 14.621 billion bushels vs. USDA at 14.586 billion bushels. The next World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report will be released Sept. 12 and may change this comparison.

Weekly export sales were delayed a day due to the Labor Day holiday. They were OK at 1.2 million bushels for old crop and 40.7 million bushels for new crop. Old crop carryover sales look to be historically big at 132 million bushels. Last year, we carried over just 40 million bushels of sales. New crop total commitments are 451.6 million bushels compared to just 334.1 million bushels last year. Weekly ethanol production was up 17,000 barrels per day to 1.087 million bpd. This was the second-highest weekly produc-

The past several weeks have seen the livestock futures markets spend time going nowhere in a very choppy trade and predominately quiet trade closing near unchanged for the most part. In the same vein, the cash cattle trade has followed the same pattern while the cash hog prices have continued to deteriorate.

Obviously, the next several weeks may produce a change in these patterns. A seasonal change can sometimes dominate the livestock markets. One thing that has embellished the livestock markets during the past month has been the tariffs that involve the markets. This will continue to hang over the livestock markets JOE TEALE until there is some conclusion to Broker these tariffs which influence the Great Plains Commodity import and export markets.

Afton, Minn.

As far as the cattle market is concerned, the market has not significantly changed as far as a direction in price over the past few weeks.

This stabilization in the market can usually bring about an oncoming change in direction in prices or acceleration in the continuation of the past direction in that price movement. Obviously, this next change is yet to be determined.

An interesting change in in the boxed beef trade has been the increase in export business as well as the improvement in the cutout values. This suggests there is increasing interest in beef demand — both domestic and internationally. If this holds true for

See NYSTROM, pg. 15

See TEALE, pg. 15

Average:

$3.02

$7.03

Year Ago Average: $2.77 $8.72 Grain prices are effective cash close on Sept. 11. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Livestock Angles Cattle prices still stubborn

Grain Angles Working capital in a down cycle As summer is winding down, farmers are ramping up their preparations for the 2018 harvest. While facing tight or negative profit margins, I am continually asked what areas operators should focus on as they approach this upcoming fall season. Although it has been said many times before, I can’t emphasize enough for farmers to become experts of their own financials — in particular, analyzing their working capital position.

Some operators have been able to hold steady over the past few years, but very few have been able to grow their working capital.

Over the last five years, we have seen a trend of declining working capital — not just in the grain sector, but across most of the agriculture industry. None of this should come as a shock to anyone, but SEAN MULCAHEY Compeer Senior let’s break it down to help you betCredit Officer ter prepare for the months ahead.

Mankato, Minn.

Simply put, working capital is a measure of your “net” liquid assets on your farm’s balance sheet. Working capital is the liquid funds that a business has available to meet short-term financial obligations. Using your farm’s balance sheet, it is the difference in value between current assets and current liabilities. Current assets are assets that can be turned into cash in one year or less. These include cash, grain inventory, pre-paid inputs and accounts receivables. Current liabilities are liabilities due within one year and include operating loans, accounts payable, current portion of term debt payments and accrued interest. Working capital is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets.

Working capital is closely looked at by lenders, especially during times of volatility. Due in large part because it is a strong indicator of a farm’s ability to meet cash flow demands and manage future earnings volatility. By having strong working capital, you are able to position yourself to take advantage of unexpected opportunities and make strategic investments in the business.

Typical underwriting guidelines require 15 percent working capital compared to your annual gross revenues. For an average grain operation, this will be close to $100/acre of working capital. Although 15 percent working capital/revenue or $100/acre is what is preferred by lenders as a minimum, a good management target would be 30 percent working capital/ See MULCAHEY, pg. 23

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

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

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PAGE 15

Rising yield projections make soybean rally unlikely NYSTROM, from pg. 14 tion in the last 36 weeks. Ethanol stocks declined 358,000 barrels to a record-high level for the end of August at 22.7 million barrels. Any change to the 2017-18 ethanol usage line should be minimal.

On the political landscape, the United States, Mexico and Canada are closer to a trade deal. One of the hold-ups with Canada is their wanting to keep the 300 percent dairy import tax in place. There is chatter that the closer we come to a North American Free Trade Agreement deal, the less likely we’ll settle our issues with China at the November meetings.

If we are making deals with other countries, then possibly they will join the United States in opposing Chinese trade policies. There are new rumblings that President Trump wants to renegotiate trade policies with Japan — and not in a good way for Japan.

Outlook: In the present political environment, most traders anticipate corn acres expanding next spring at the expense of soybean acres. Keep an eye on the December 2019 corn price to establish a benchmark first sale. Looking ahead to the Sept.

12 WASDE report, the trade historically underestimates the September USDA corn and soybean yield.

December 2018 corn feels comfortable ahead of the report in its $3.55 to $3.70 per bushel price range.

After the report, attention will focus on yield reports from the field for both corn and soybeans. For the week, December corn was up 2 cents at $3.67, July up 2.25 cents at $3.92.75, and December 2019 up 1.75 cents at $3.96.5 per bushel.

Average trade guess for the Sept. 12 WASDE report: U.S. yield at 177.8 bu./acre vs. 178.4 bu./acre last month; production 14.529 billion bushels vs.

14.586 billion last month; U.S. 2017-18 ending stocks 2.028 billion bushels vs. 2.027 billion last month; U.S. 2018-19 ending stocks 1.639 billion bushels vs. 1.684 billion last month; world ending stocks for 2017-18 at 192.24 million metric tons vs. 193.33 mmt last month; world 2018-19 ending stocks 154.48 mmt vs.

155.49 mmt last month.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans continue to struggle

MARKETING under the absence of Chinese buying. Prices drifted sideways during the week. Support early in the week was generated from Argentina’s restructuring of their soybean export tax. The tax was steady at 25.5 percent. Under the new equation, the tax was lowered to 18 percent, but then a $4 peso/U.S. dollar calculation brought it up to around 28 percent at current exchange rates. The situation is fuzzy as traders untangle what the regulations mean to sales already on the books and how payments will be handled. This should be supportive to U.S. prices, but with no progress on ending the trade war with China and a huge crop at hand, the path of least resistance is lower. In fact, the trade war may escalate as the comment period on 25 percent tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods expired.

The United States, however, did not immediately implement the proposed tariff. If they do, China is expected to retaliate with tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods. This equates to roughly 40 percent of the total value of all Chinese goods imported into the United States in 2017. As traders began heading home for the weekend, the U.S. administration stated they could have an additional $267 billion in tariffs ready on short notice if needed.

In Brazil, the government raised the minimum freight rate by 5 percent, which will be passed on to producers in higher costs.

Put this on your “things to watch” list. China has confirmed at least 13 cases of African Swine Fever in the country. There is no cure for the disease. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and determined it is highly likely the disease will spread to other Asian countries. If China is forced to cull pig herds, it will negatively affect their meal and, to a lesser extent, corn demand. This week, an executive with one of China’s top soybean crushers stated China wouldn’t need U.S. soybeans until February or March. He is forecasting China’s 2018-19 soybean

Hog cash price continues decline TEALE, from pg. 14 the next several weeks, it may bring more strength to the demand by the packers, which could mean an improvement cash prices.

The next few weeks could be very important to the direction of the cattle market, so producers should continue to pay close attention to market direction and act accordingly.

The cash trade has been the dominate feature in the hog trade over the past month or more. There has been a steady decline in the cash price paid for hogs over the past month. However, during the past few weeks, the futures market has moved from a discount to a premium to cash. The reason for the

change in this basis of futures to cash appears to be the anticipation of some type of agreement on tariffs — especially with Mexico — which could possibly influence an agreement with China. Obviously, this is still conjecture and in yet to be settled.

One positive is the rapid decline in cash prices has slowed in recent days and the decline in pork cutouts is showing signs of stabilizing. This could be indicating the decline in hog cash prices is possibly nearing a conclusion. The hog market has reached some type of important juncture which could mean a change in direction or a continuation of the current trend in prices. Producers should closely monitor market conditions over the next several weeks and protect inventories if needed. v

imports will decline 10.8 mmt to 84.7 mmt with only 700,000 metric tons being sourced from the United States. This is down from 27.85 mmt in 2017-18.

They estimate they will import 71.1 mmt of Brazilian soybeans and 7.5 mmt of Argentine soybeans, with the balance from various countries.

Informa Economics raised their U.S. soybean yield forecast to 52.9 bu./acre from 50 bu./acre last month.

The August USDA outlook was 51.6 bu./acre.

Informa’s soybean production estimate is 4.698 billion bushels vs. USDA’s August number at 4.586 billion bushels.

Weekly export sales were essentially nothing for old crop (but did include 35,000 metric tons to Argentina) and 24.7 million bushels for new crop, which included 60,000 metric tons to Argentina and China cancelling 66,000 metric tons. Old crop sales carryover to new crop looks to be 98 million bushels vs. 87 million last year. New crop total commitments are 510.4 million bushels vs. 478.5 million bushels last year by this date.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service July Soybean Crush report showed 178.8 million bushels were crushed — a new record for the month of July.

This was slightly higher than the 178.2 million bushels expected. Soyoil stocks were higher than expected at 2.384 billion pounds.

Outlook: Any potential rally in soybean prices will be difficult with U.S. soybean yields believed to be rising and no end in sight to the Chinese trade war.

Historically, November soybeans decline in the second half of September as harvest picks up. November 2018 soybeans are expected to eventually take out the current $8.26.25 per bushel contract low, with rallies finding resistance in the $8.50 to $8.60 area.

For the week, November soybeans were up a halfcent at $8.44; July up three-quarter cents at $8.91.75; and November 2019 a penny higher at $8.99.25 per bushel. December meal jumped $9.80 higher to $317.00 per ton.

Average trade estimates for the Sept. 12 WASDE report: U.S. yield at 52.2 bu./acre vs. 51.6 bu./acre last month; production at 4.649 billion bushels vs. 4.586 billion last month; U.S. 2017-18 ending stocks at 426 million bushels vs. 430 million last month; U.S. 201819 ending stocks 830 million vs. 785 million last month; world 2017-18 ending stocks 95.57 mmt vs.

95.61 mmt last month; world 2018-19 ending stocks 107.29 mmt vs. 105.94 mmt last month. An interesting tidbit: the average September soybean yield trade guess has underestimated the September USDA number in each of the last five years.

Nystrom’s Notes: Contract changes for the week ended Sept. 7: Minneapolis December wheat tumbled 28.75 cents to $5.70, Chicago plunged 34.25 cents to $5.11.25, and Kansas City crashed 38.5 cents to $5.14.75 per bushel. October crude oil dropped $2.05 to $67.75, ULSD fell 2.5 cents, RBOB declined 2.75 cents, and natural gas crumbled 14 cents. The U.S. dollar index rallied .257 to 95.340. v

PAGE 16

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

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

Farmers, industry, government team to improve watershed

By PAUL MALCHOW The Land Managing Editor BLOOMING PRAIRIE, Minn. — Rebuilding soil and improving water quality are daunting tasks facing land owners throughout the Midwest. But if you reside in the Cedar River watershed, you are not in the battle alone.

The Cedar River Watershed Partnership, formed in 2017, is a first of its kind collaboration in Minnesota.

The goal of the partnership is to improve water quality and farmer profitability utilizing precision agricultural practices and conservation.

Members of the Cedar River Watershed Partnership include Central Farm Service (a local ag retailer), Hormel Foods, Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, and the Mower Soil and Water Conservation District. The partnership is facilitated

by Environmental Initiative — a nonprofit organization that works with business, nonprofit and government leaders to develop collaborative solutions to Minnesota’s environmental

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Photos by Paul Malchow

Justin Krell explains his operation’s use of this chisel plow to leave as much soil undistrubed as possible.

problems.

On Aug. 17, the Cedar River Watershed Partnership conducted a soil health field day at the Krell farm north of Blooming Prairie, Minn.

Members of the watershed partnership were on hand to share their thoughts on how farmers can increase productivity while at the same time take measures to improve water quality.

Justin Krell is a fifth-generation farmer running 1,600 acres of corn, soybeans and sweet corn. The Krell

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farm has land in three different water- section was soil from a field practicing sheds and is the highest point in conventional sweet corn farming withSteele County. “As farmers, we have to out cover crops. Each section was placed take the opportunity to get involved at a 6 percent slope and was watered and learn more every day. What I like with an inch of rain at a 7 to 10-minute about events like this is showing how rate. The simulated rainfall was coldifferent farming practices can coex- lected in two separate containers — ist. You drive down the highway and one to show water retention abilities of you can see irrigators in fields that the soil and the other to collect runoff. are also strip-tilled, you can see windmills turning and terraces, and you see a lot of growers side dressing corn now instead of putting all the nitrogen on up front. It’s important that we make ourselves aware of these practices.”

Matt Carstens, senior vice president of Land O’ Lakes SUSTAIN, stressed that water quality practices must expand beyond the group in attendance at the event. “We have to reach across to the public to protect our waters,” he said. “Public/private partnerships do matter. If we can duplicate this across Minnesota, the country, we win.”

“What we are doing here is not perfect,” Carstens went on to say. “We’re just moving in a direction to make improvements. But these practices have to be This demonstration showed how various farming beneficial to farmers as practices are impacted by heavy rains. The collection well. Without profit, this jar on the far right filled quickly with soil sediment. cannot be sustainable.”

While soil samples featuring cover Bert Strayer, a cover crop expert with crops revealed little runoff, the convenLa Crosse Seed, and Steve Lawler, a tional sweet corn field experienced soil scientist with Mower County Soil about a 40 percent runoff rate. Plus, and Water Conservation District, pre- the runoff water from the conventional sented five farming practices to demon- section was black with mud. Any runoff strate how healthy soil can help with from soil incorporating cover crops was water retention and mitigate intense basically clear water. rain events.

“Rye is the most popular cover crop Sections were cut out of fields imple- right now,” Strayer said. “It grows fast menting a variety of land practices. and is a forgiving species which overOne section was taken from a field winters well. Corn planted in a green which used 11 species of cover crops in cover crop is not for the novice. Most a grazing mix. The land is grazed for farmers starting out will do the intertwo months after harvest. Another sec- seeding just after planting in the spring tion featured conventional soybean — something short-term.” practice. The third section featured noMatt Kruger and Brian Ray of Land till corn planted into wheat stubble, O’ Lakes demonstrated tilling practices and another with sweet corn planted in a green cover of winter rye. The final See WATERSHED, pg. 17

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

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

PAGE 17

No till, cover crop techniques not always well received WATERSHED, from pg. 16 using a chisel plow. Tanner Schuldt, service manager for Environmental Tillage Systems, drove a couple of passes with a Soil Warrior tilling system. Travis Routh, general manager for L&D Service in Hartland, Minn. showed the company’s strip till unit.

Krell said he has tried strip tillage on some of his fields this year. “Learning management is probably the biggest thing,” he said. “We cut down on passes and eliminated a spring pass and are seeing better fertilizer efficiency. But some of our neighbors and landlords are skeptical of the practice.”

District Manager Justin Hanson of the Mower SWCD agreed no-till and cover crop techniques are not always well received. “Soil health is a ‘silver bullet’ idea,” he said. “But farmers don’t want to be the one whose field looks terrible. That culture will change with a healthy profit margin.”

Ashley Schmeling, a precision ag agronomist with CFS, hopes farmers will be patient when implementing soil health techniques. “These practices will have the greatest impact on lighter soils,” she said. “But it might take years of field history to get there.”

Brad Redlin of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture spoke about the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. This voluntary program rewards farmers for implementing practices

Crop insurance deadline nears ST. PAUL — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency reminds Iowa and Minnesota producers the final date to apply for crop insurance for fall-planted crops is Sept. 30 for the 2019 crop year. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Sept. 30 sales closing date to do so.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2019 crop year. Agents can help producers determine what policy works best for their operation and review existing coverage to ensure the policy meets their needs.

For more information about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net, visit www.rma.usda.gov.

This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. v

Send your letters to: Editor, The Land P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com

All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

which help improve water quality. Benefits of participating in this program include technical and financial assistance, along with regulatory certainty for a 10-year period.

“Certification is site-specific,” Redlin said. “The reviewer looks for risks which needed to be treated.

We meet one-on-one with service providers and look at the situation parcel-by-parcel, crop-by-crop.”

Fifteen farmers in the Cedar River Watershed are currently certified by MAWQCP, five of them through the activities of the Cedar River Watershed Partnership. Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN, in conjunction with CFS, is the first Minnesota private sector business to assist farmers in becoming certified in MAWQCP. This assistance may include providing education, advising growers, utilizing their data-collection capabilities, and helping farmers identify cost-share opportunities.

One of the farmers attending the event was concerned with having his operation scrutinized for water quality practices. “Sympathy for farmers is lost,” he stated. “There is a distance between urban and rural. Let’s say I open my farm up for the water quality program. What if they find bad things?”

Kruger said Land O’ Lakes can certify a farm for MAWQCP. “We can keep the government out of it,” he said. “No one can ask who is certified or where the land is located.”

Farmers interested in certification should contact their local soil and water conservation district to start the application process.

Krell motioned toward his daughter and said he wants to be able to pass the farm on to a sixth generation of Krells. He knows the importance of healthy soil and clean water for future descendants. In spite of current market prices, Krell remains optimistic.

“We are seeing less nitrogen usage while increasing yields,” he said. “We’re looking for a third crop besides corn and soybeans; and growing soybeans with winter wheat. We see the value of cover cropping and healthy soils. But from a renter’s standpoint, it’s tough to spend money on developing land you don’t own.”

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture announced on Sept. 7 the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Land O’Lakes, Inc. will receive its first-ever Public-Private Partnership Award for collaboration on the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program.

The Cedar River watershed in Minnesota encompasses 454,029 acres in Mower, Freeborn, Dodge, and Steele counties. For more information on MAWQCP or other soil and water quality issues, contact Hanson at justin.hanson@mowerswcd.org; (507) 434-2606 ext. 5; or your local soil and water conservation district. v

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

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

Small research program looks for big things for hops

By TIM KING The Land Correspondent

genetics to build one of the pillars for the same problem. the foundation of a Minnesota hops “In addition to cultural practices to WASECA, Minn. — A hops breeding industry is no small task. reduce disease severity, growers in and research program at the University “Many of the hops varieties currently Oregon might spray fungicides eight of Minnesota’s Southern Research and available to midwestern growers were times per year for downy mildew,” he Outreach Center in Waseca is working selected to grow well in areas of said. “Our climate in Minnesota is gento develop uniquely-flavored hops vari- Washington, Oregon and Idaho that erally more conducive for downy mileties that will thrive in Minnesota’s are extremely dry — or at least dry in dew than in Oregon. Downy mildew challenging climate. the summer,” Rohwer said. “Our humid- can kill some varieties of hops or it can The program, which started in 2012, ity, dew and rain can make manage- severely reduce the quality or yield. is tiny compared to U.S. Department of ment of some diseases a bigger chal- Every grower must have a plan for Agriculture and private hops breeding lenge here. Our spring can happen managing downy mildew — even in programs in the United States and much later here, which means we must fields that don’t have it yet.” manage the growth of hops, which are around the world.

Powdery mildew also has the potenperennial, differently. In Waseca and “We generate about 300 seeds per much of the region, our soils are heavi- tial to damage Minnesota hops crops. year,” Charlie Rohwer, the project man- er and have more clay and organic “Powdery mildew exists on wild hops ager, said. “USDA and private breeding matter than soils in the Pacific north- all over the region,” Rohwer said. “Josh programs will generate more than west. Other varieties from Germany or Havill, a PhD student under the super30,000 seeds.”

Europe, in addition to any climate and vision of UMN barley geneticist Gary Rohwer is undaunted by the small soil differences, were selected to grow Muehlbauer at the U of M in St. Paul, size of his program and is aiming to well at higher latitudes than most of is studying this disease and the genetic basis for resistance in hops.” release one-to-three new varieties in our region.” the next four years. In the long run, he Selecting genetics that will thrive in Downy mildew is one disease which hopes that the U of M’s hops breeding can be a problem for hops growers in Minnesota’s challenging climate is half program will be part of a vibrant hops the Pacific northwest, where most hops the battle. A hops breeder also has to growing industry in Minnesota. are grown. Rohwer is concerned that select for flavor — facing the risk that But finding and selecting the right Minnesota hops could eventually face a particular beer flavor can be a little like last year’s fashion statement.

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where I think I have some plants that grow well enough. So we need to start figuring out if they make OK beer,” Rohwer continued. “That’s where expanded and on-farm trials are important. Maybe I can grow one plant just fine. But if a grower grows 20 of them and they are difficult, perhaps the variety is not good enough. If a grower can grow 20 and get decent yield with no extraordinary effort or inputs, then there will be enough hops to give to breweries for making beer. But if the brewers don’t like it, then there’s no reason to continue on-farm trials.”

Flavor is all-important in hops when it comes to beer brewing and beer drinking. Rubbing the hops in the field can release some aromas from the variety and give a sense of the potential flavor, Rohwer says. Thanks to a Minnesota Department of Agriculture grant, the University is partnering with Rahr Malting of Shakopee to take that in-field testing a step further.

“Rahr will be helping us with taste panels to try to determine, on a small scale, if we can identify acceptable, notacceptable, or interesting aromas in “Many of the existing available vari- beer,” Rohwer said. eties were selected for brewing qualiComing up with a new hops variety ties desired by brewers of light lagers,” that is flavorful and agronomically Rohwer said. “Craft brewers generally suitable to Minnesota’s climate and don’t make light lagers and they’re beer drinking tastes will give Minnesota looking for a wider variety of flavors hops grower an advantage in the growfrom hops. Those flavors do exist in ing craft brewing industry. commercially-available varieties; but Cascade and Chinook are hops varithe vast majority of those varieties are eties that are widely grown in the proprietary and cannot be legally Pacific northwest. They also do well in grown or sold by Minnesota hops growMinnesota.

It’s good for Minnesota ers.” farmers to have varieties to choose Finding the right genetics for flavor, from. But to grow the same varieties as disease resistance and hardiness is a the industries’ gorillas is risky. painstaking process. A lot of material “Imagine you are a new hop grower in gets discarded along the way, according Minnesota and you are making a big to Rohwer. jump into hops with five acres of “For me, selecting is basically throw- Cascade,” Rohwer said. “Guess what? ing away plants that aren’t good Someone in Washington just planted enough,” he said. “In that sense, I’m 50 acres and can sell them for maybe mostly selecting against poor traits. half the price because of efficiencies of The first step is to get rid of plants that scale. If the Minnesota grower had a aren’t agronomically good enough. That variety that the Washington grower means getting rid of plants with poor couldn’t grow, or couldn’t grow as well, yield and poor pest and disease toler- that gives the Minnesota grower a leg ance. I also get rid of plants that are up in marketing.” difficult to pick, have extremely late It’s that leg up that the University of maturity, and show extremely poor Minnesota is working to provide for vigor.” current and future Minnesota hops “We are just now getting to the stage growers. v

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet” MILKER’S MESSAGE

PAGE 19

July milk production up slightly over last year This column was written for the marketing week ending Sept. 7.

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The gainers were led by cheddar cheese, up 4.2 cents per pound.

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MILKER’S MESSAGE www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

Midwest cheesemakers report demand is improving MIELKE, from pg. 19 Number two, California, produced 211.2 million pounds, up 3.0 percent from June but 0.9 percent below a year ago. Idaho provided 85.6 million pounds, up 2.7 percent from June and a whopping 14.9 percent above a year ago. Minnesota, with 62.1 million pounds, was up 0.7 percent from June and 3.4 percent above a year ago. New Mexico vats put out 75.5 million pounds of cheese, up 2.1 percent from June and 18.3 percent above a year ago.

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year-to-date at 2.5 billion pounds, up 2.8 percent.

American-type cheese totaled 439.8 million pounds, up 2.3 percent from June and 6.1 percent above a year ago, with year-to-date at 3.0 billion pounds, up 2.2 percent. Cheddar output, the cheese traded at the CME, totaled 326.4 million pounds, up 13 million pounds or 4.1 percent from June and a strong 9.4 percent above a year ago, with year-to-date cheddar at 2.2 billion pounds, up 0.5 percent.

U.S. butter churns produced 136.2 million pounds, down 4.4 percent from June but 0.5 percent above a year ago. Year-to-date is at 1.2 billion pounds, up 3.6 percent.

California butter totaled 42.7 million pounds, down 3.9 percent from June, but a hefty 12 percent above a year ago. Pennsylvania output, at 6.9 million pounds, was up 4.3 percent from June but 7.0 percent below a year ago.

Yogurt output hit 354.0 million pounds, up 1.3 percent from a year ago, with year-to-date output hitting 2.6 billion pounds, down 2.5 percent.

Dry whey totaled 91.4 million pounds, down 9.0 percent, with year-to-date at 620.4 million pounds, up 2.9 percent. Dry whey for human consumption totaled 89.7 million pounds, up 4.1 percent from June but down 9.1 percent from a year ago. Stocks totaled 74.7 million pounds, up 12.6 percent from June but 21.4 percent below those a year ago.

Nonfat dry milk production totaled 146.7 million pounds, down 0.1 percent from June and 3.4 percent below a year ago. Year-to-date output stands at 1.1 billion pounds, up 0.1 percent. Stocks climbed to 317.9 million pounds, up 14.5 million pounds or 4.8 percent from June and were 22 million pounds or 7.4 percent above 2017.

Skim milk powder production totaled 47.6 million pounds, down 19.3 percent from June and 0.5 percent below a year ago. Year-to-date skim is at 331.8 million pounds, down 1.9 percent from a year ago. n California’s August 4b cheese milk price is $15.06 per cwt., up 97 cents from July and $1.20 below a year ago. The price is 11 cents above the comparable Federal order Class III price. This is the first time that has happened since November 2016 and is the highest 4b in nine months. The eight-month average is at $14.18, down from $15.28 a year ago and compares to $13.44 in 2016.

The August 4a butter-powder milk price is $14.05, up 33 cents from July but $2.63 below a year ago. The eight-month average hit $13.50, down from $15.27 a year ago and $13.22 in 2016.

The cash cheddar blocks climbed to $1.7050 per pound following the Labor Day holiday — the highest CME price since Nov. 15, 2017. Cheddar then lost 6 cents on Sept. 5, and regained 1.75 cents on Sept. 7 to close the shortened week at $1.6625. This is down 3.25 cents but 2 cents above a year ago. The barrels hit $1.64 on Sept. 5, then plunged 8.25 cents on Sept.

6 and dropped 5.75 cents on Sept. 7, finishing at $1.50, down 14.5 cents on the week, 4 cents below a year ago, and 16.25 cents below the blocks. Trading saw four cars of block and 39 of barrel sold. n Cheese demand reports from Midwestern cheesemakers remains steady to improving, according to Dairy Market News. Central Class III producers continue to deal with hauling costs and delays, particularly for loads heading east which have “snowballed to a problematic point.”

Cheese output remains steady to down a bit from the busy summer. Specialty cheesemakers are still holding back production, but suggest activity will increase in the near term to meet fall business. Milk into the vat is harder to find during the busier school bottling season and prices ranged $1 to $2 over Class III. Cheese production in the west remains active with several plants close to full capacity due to sufficient milk volumes. Current cheese demand is strong.

However, “it is the usual trend for this time of the year,” says Dairy Market News. “Exports into the Asian market increased, but some Latin American countries have slowed their intakes. As trade negotiations between the U.S. and Mexico are showing a favorable tendency, industry participants hope to see a boost of the cheese market activities when the agreement settles on good terms and takes effect.” n Cash butter closed the week at $2.23 per pound.

This is up 1.5 cents, but 22.75 cents below a year ago, with 11 carloads finding new homes on the week at the CME. Cream supplies into Central butter production remain available. Some butter makers are churning actively while others are slow to pick up the pace.

Some plants were completely offline due to heavy rains and flooding in the Midwest. Contacts suggest that August was an exceptional sales month, notably in food service. Unsalted bulk butter sales are positive as well, but producers say they expect a slowdown there near term. The market tone is a bit bearish, says Dairy Market News.

Western churns were active over the long holiday weekend. Ice cream and other Class II manufacturers pushed more cream to the churns in an effort to slow the production of some summertime treats.

School openings and increased school milk bottling also sent more cream into butter. Contacts report that butter demand is strong. Butter inventories, while heavier than last year, have eased somewhat as the nation moves toward the heavier baking season. The market tone for butter is one of stability for the moment, according to Dairy Market News. n Grade A nonfat dry milk saw a Sept. 7 close at 91 cents per pound after reaching 92 cents the previous day. This is up 2.5 cents on the week, 8.5 cents above See MIELKE, pg. 21

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

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PAGE 21

Dollar makes U.S. more competitive in world market able. In the first half of 2018, U.S. have climbed in recent weeks.” expectations for the rest of the season.”

MIELKE, from pg. 20 benchmark prices for cheese, skim milk a year ago, and the highest CME perch n New Zealand is early in its milk proit has seen since June 2017. Eleven powder and whey were competitive to duction season, with output relatively Cooperatives Working Together memthose of New Zealand and the European cars were sold. lower than it will be in future months. ber cooperatives accepted 15 offers of Union. In addition, overseas markets The hot new dry whey market closed often offered U.S. suppliers better export assistance this week which “Many sources now expect more milk Sept. 7 at a record-high 51.5 cents per returns than the domestic market. helped them capture contracts to sell production than had recently been propound. This is 1.5 cents higher on the Moreover, a slowdown in U.S. domestic 1.98 million pounds of Cheddar cheese, jected,” Dairy Market News concludes. week on five unfilled bids.

In politics, House and Senate farm sales has led to a continued inventory 317,466 pounds of butter and 8.10 million pounds of whole milk powder. bill conferees met Sept. 6 to begin the Class III futures are showing some build-up, notably in cheese, and it process of finalizing the differences encouraging signs ahead and the global remains critical U.S suppliers maintain In other global news, Dairy Market market is a big part of that. It’s far too and continue to build overseas sales to News reports Australian dairy sources between the House and Senate farm important to give up on exports, despite support milk values. now believe the previous forecast of 1 bills. Lawmakers said they hope to complete action by the end of September. the ups and downs, keen competition The value of the dollar also played a percent growth in milk production for and tariff wars.

Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist role. USDEC says, “From early the current season may not hold. “Hay November 2017 to mid-April 2018 the is increasingly expensive and difficult who resides in Everson, Wash. His n to source,” Dairy Market News explained. weekly column is featured in newspaThe U.S. Dairy Export Council reports, U.S. dollar dropped 6-7 percent against “A critical time from now until mid- pers across the country and he may be “In the first half of 2018, U.S. dairy key competitor currencies, which September will yield more insight into reached at lkmielke@juno.com. v exports of milk powders, cheese, but- helped U.S. competitiveness in the marketplace.” terfat, whey and lactose topped 1.14 But, a warning is there. “U.S. supplimillion tons — a record-high and up 20 ers face some additional headwinds in percent from 2017.

“U.S. suppliers accomplished this by the second half with the potential slowbuilding market share and competing down in global dairy trade, a stronger favorably for business against European dollar, less-competitive relative pricing, and Oceania suppliers,” says USDEC, expected robust production from New “increasing their share of global exports Zealand and other milk sheds, and conof major commodities from 17 percent tinued uncertainty around the trade in 2017, to almost 19 percent in the dispute with China and its broader implications,” writes the USDEC. first half of this year.”

Meanwhile, U.S. dairy exports took a Some of the key factors that drove the strong numbers was, “overall global hit in July — the first month following import demand was good early in the the implementation of Mexico and year, driven by strong economic growth China’s retaliatory tariffs. Lucas Fuess, in dairy import countries. World trade Director of Dairy Market Intelligence of milk powder, cheese, butterfat and with HighGround Dairy in Chicago, whey was up 7 percent in the first four reported in the Sept. 10 Dairy Radio months of the year, before slowing in Now broadcast that while most dairy May and June to finish the half up 3 exports were down from June, they were still above July 2017 and the percent.” ninth month COVERAGE exports SKID ANDconsecutive TRACK LOADER COMES STANDARD “Lower global prices in the EXTRA first quarexceeded the previous year. ter (compared with the second half of Gehl has pushed skid loader innovation forward. Today, Gehl Since 1973, Fuess said there was some frontload2017) helped bring buyers back into the continues the tradition with a complete line of skid loaders and track loaders market,” says USDEC, “particularly to ing of product as importers tried to beat the tariffs.and Cheese, butterinand dry Purchase designed productivity efficiency mind. new Gehl SkidLOADER or EXTRA a SKID AND TRACK COVERAGE COMES STANDARD support supply chain pipelines for milkwith whey were down more than 20 percent powder and whey. The data shows Track that Loader and receive an included 2 year / 2,000 hrSince XPRT machine) 1973,total Gehl (full has pushed skid loader innovation forward. Today, Gehl from June, but were above a year ago. the major growth in global importcoverage continues the tradition with a complete line of skid loaders and track loaders extended plan. Offer subject to change, inquire for details. designed with productivity and efficiency in mind. Purchase a new Gehl Skid or demand in the first half of the year He added that, depending on how the Track Loader and receive an included 2 year / 2,000 hr XPRT total (full machine) came from the Middle East and north rest of the year goes, 2018 may be one extended coverage plan. Offer subject to change, inquire for details.

Africa region and southeast Asia, off- of the best years on record.

Butter imports were also up, making setting a slowdown in China demand CALL YOURLOCAL LOCAL GEHL GEHL DEALER the United States a net importer. But growth.

CALL YOUR DEALERTODAY! TODAY! Fuess says while that’s interesting to USDEC adds, “Demand growth A&C Northland Marzolf occurred in primary U.S. export prod- watch, “we trade such a little amount of Farm Service Farm Systems Implement ucts. Looking at skim milk powder, butter compared to our overall domesPaynesville, MN Owatonna, MN Spring Valley, MN cheese, whey and lactose (which account tic consumption.”

320-243-3736 800-385-3911 507-346-7227 He also referenced the July Dairy for nearly all U.S. dairy exports), world trade was even better, up 7 percent in Products report, warning that the growth in cheese output “could hang a the first half. www.gehl.com U.S. pricing was also relatively favor- shadow on these cheese markets that www.gehl.com

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COVERED

CALL YOUR LOCAL GEHL DEALER TODAY!

PAGE 22

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THE LAND — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

Mighty Axe is making a mark in Minnesota hops

By TIM KING The Land Correspondent FOLEY, Minn. — Josh Havill and Charlie Rohwer, hops researchers at the University of Minnesota, estimate there are about 120 acres of hops being grown in Minnesota. Mighty Axe raises 80 acres of that total in their rural Foley hops yard. Ben Boo of Mighty Axe says they are growing about 1,000 plants per acre. Boo says an acre of hops yields between 1,600 to 3,000 pounds of dried hops annually — depending on the hops variety and the season.

Mighty Axe may be the big fish in Minnesota’s tiny hops industry but, like everyone else in Minnesota, they are relative newcomers to the enterprise.

“Our very first trial of 25 plants went in the summer of 2013,” Boo said. “The meager six ounces that we picked off that trial went into a beer brewed by Niko Tonks when he was still working at Sociable Cider Works.”

ON THE COVER: Ben Boo (left) and Eric Sannerud display bounty from their 2017 crop.

Boo says that the first hops trial at Mighty Axe came just a year or two after the first commercial planting of hops in Minnesota.

“The Minnesota Hops Growers Association was founded in 2013 and I think the first small farms got started a couple years before then,” he recalled.

“The industry is quite young and we all have a lot to learn about growing hops in our state with its unique weather and soil. We also have a lot to learn about which varieties thrive here. As we all develop our ability to grow, I

Hops blossoms

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think you’ll see growers dialing in their portfolio of varieties to better match what brewers want and what they can grow best. Hopefully, that portfolio can someday include new varieties of hops bred for our climate. Right now all the varieties come from breeding programs in Oregon and Washington.”

Since its first modest trial, Mighty Axe has expanded its planting along with the varieties of hops the farm raises.

Boo says he and his farming partner, Eric Sannerud, have been following their own advice by learning what best suits their farm and what local brewers are interested in.

“The different varieties that we raise all offer a range of agroPhotos submitted nomic and brewing Mighty Axe began with a trial of 25 plants in 2013. characteristics — along with different ripening times that let and drying facility,” Boo explained. us stretch out our picking window and “Centennial, for example, is lower get more acreage through our harvest yielding, less vigorous and early ripening. It offers a really nice citrusy-floral aroma that brightens up pale ales and IPAs. Zeus, on the other hand, is extremely vigorous, high yielding, late ripening, and has a pungent, spicy, dank aroma that brewers like to use for a savory punch that rounds out more intensely-flavored IPAs.” Although Boo and Sannerud expanded their hops yard fairly rapidly, their first hops trial was conservative. They encourage new hops growers to take a somewhat go-slow approach as well.

“We recommend a quarter-acre installation for new growers to start with,” Boo said. “Hops growers would do well to avoid heavy clay soils for their hops yards, though most other types of soils can be made to work through amendments for fertility and hilling for drainage.”

Although hops plants are planted, a Mighty Axe continues to experiment hops yard is said to be installed. Boo, with different varieties of hops to make based on the experience at Mighty Axe, the best use of their acreage while supSee MIGHTY AXE, pg. 23 plying brewers with quality product.

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

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PAGE 23

Hops plants are thirsty, ‘drip irrigation is a must’ MIGHTY AXE, from pg. 22 estimates that a quarter-acre installation will cost about $5,700 from start to picking and processing the first harvest. Once installed, a hops yard will last from 10 to 25 years before replanting is required.

In addition to planting the hops plants, an installation includes 20-foot poles, cable, a drip irrigation system, and strings to support individual plants.

Boo says hops plants are thirsty and that irrigation is necessary.

“Drip irrigation is a must,” he stressed. “Sprinkler irrigation can lead to higher disease pressure and is an inefficient means of increasing plants’ available water in the soil.”

Mighty Axe has developed an installation guide that is available at their website mightyaxehops.com. The University of Michigan has hops Mighty Axe now cultivates 80 acres of hops. Each acre yields about 1,000 plants. growing resources at canr.msu. edu and the University of Vermont has hops resources at www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/hops. Boo recom-

mends both sources of information for the beginning hops grower.

Boo says that Mighty Axe is focused on delivering a local and quality hops product to craft brewers.

“We are serious about being a farm that grows exceptionally high-quality hops,” he said. “Brewers are used to getting their hands on some really nice stuff from Germany and the Pacific northwest, so for us to be locally grown is only half of the challenge.

We also have to bring them hops that exceed their expectations and offer something different — and better — than what they can get anywhere else.

As we hone our craft and learn how the hops behave in our unique soil and climate, we get closer and closer to delivering on that promise.”

Boo says that Mighty Axe and the other members of the Minnesota Hops Growers Association are ready and willing to work with new hops growers to deliver on that promise as well. v

Selling assets could improve operations’ cash flow MULCAHEY, from pg. 14 revenue or $200/acre. According to Compeer Financial’s 2017 benchmarking report, the clients in the benchmark averaged $241/acre of working capital which is a decrease from the 2016 average at $258/acre. With the difficult outlook in the agriculture economy, I would expect the average to decrease again in 2018.

Those who are able to stay profitable have been able to maintain working capital. If your operation is losing money, you will burn working capital in order to meet cash flow demands and keep all the bills paid. In order to maintain working capital, I would recommend you limit all capital purchases unless absolutely necessary in these difficult times. If a capital purchase is necessary, then I would strongly recommend financing the purchase in order to maintain as much working capital as possible.

We have seen some clients rebuilding their working capital through restructuring of debt. Compeer has done this for many of our clients. The key is to ensure you are making other changes to your operation which will keep you profitable into the future. Otherwise, the restructure is just a short-term fix and soon you will be without working capital again. You will have an increased debt load because of the additional real estate debt. Lenders typically only like to rebalance debt once. So if you have to go back for a second rebalance to improve working capital, it will likely be much more difficult to get approved and you may need to

look at different options to rebuild working capital.

Although the idea of selling of assets can be a tough pill to swallow, it is a possible way to improve your farm’s working capital position. I would encourage you to look for any underutilized or unneeded equipment that could be sold to improve your cash position.

Another option could be to sell a piece of land. Maybe there is an outlier farm or a less-productive farm which wouldn’t have much effect on your net earnings if it were sold. You may want to consider selling that farm to improve your working capital and it may also improve your future earnings. As always, when selling assets, be aware of potential tax implications.

I mentioned earlier, becoming an expert of your own financials should be a top a priority. The FINBIN or Farm Financial Management Database offered by

the University of Minnesota is a great tool and resource for farmers to see how they stack up against their peers. The database has the potential to help farmers build reports to keep an eye on how their farm is performing year after year.

As we approach another harvest season, I would encourage you to make sure that your current balance sheet is up to date so that you can determine your current working capital. If you are worried you may run into issues, reach out to your financial lending partner. Maintaining open communication will allow them to work with you in being proactive and finding resolutions to potential problems, rather than be reactive after you find yourself in a tough spot.

For additional insights from Mulcahey and the rest of the Compeer team, visit Compeer.com. v

Corn settlement deadline is Oct. 12

A year with slumping crop prices seems like an odd time to leave money on the table. So far, that’s what’s happening with the $1.51 billion settlement of a nationwide class action lawsuit against Syngenta.

Most U.S. corn farmers are eligible, and the deadline is Oct. 12.

Farmers who grew corn sold between Sept. 15, 2013, and April 10, 2018, can submit claims by going to CornSeedSettlement.com.

The settlement may affect your rights if you are a

corn producer, a grain handling facility, an ethanol production facility, or landlords sharing in the risk of producing corn.

Each farm’s claim is based on the annual acreage report submitted to the Farm Service Agency (Form FSA-578) or crop insurance data as well as the county average corn yields. You also need to submit a claim for each FSA farm number where you grew corn.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

PAGE 24

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160 FARM FOR SALE: 155 till- WANTED: Land & farms. I able. SE 1/4 Sec 30, Kiester have clients looking for Twp, Faribault Co. Contact dairy, & cash grain operaDennis Christensen, Meridi- tions, as well as bare land an Land Services, LLC Bro- parcels from 40-1000 acres. ker (MN RE License 477044) Both for relocation & invest@ 952-240-0705 or Email: ments. If you have even dchris7407@integra.net thought about selling contact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Sell your land or real estate in Land Specialist, Edina Re30 days for 0% commission. alty, 138 Main St. W., New Call Ray 507-339-1272 Prague, MN 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com Please support the advertisers you see here.

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THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7 /SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 Antiques & Collectibles

Buying and Selling Gold & Alfalfa, mixed hay, grass hay, Silver, collector coins, dia- and feed grade wheat straw. monds, gold jewelry, silver Medium squares or round dollars, pocket watches, an- bales. Delivery available. tiques, rare currency, any Call or text LeRoy Ose. 218gold or silver items. 350+ 689-6675 gold coins for sale. Will travel to buy! 35 years same reWANTED TO BUY: Damtail location. Fairmont, MN, aged corn, soybeans & other Kuehl’s Coins, 507-235-3886 grains. Call Schwieger Cattle LLC. (507)236-5181 Please recycle this magazine.

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Farm Equipment

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(2) Killbros 1055 550 bu grav- 2005 Nuhn 6750, hyd drive, 5 ity boxes, green, made by disc incorp, flow meter, 440 Unverferth, $10,750 ea.; JD Raven monitor, 30.5/32 tires, 9510 combine, 2,275 sep hrs, $27,000/OBO. (507)236-6149 duals, long auger, big motor, $32,900; ‘03 JD 925F full fin- 9500 JD Combine 1996 model. ger flexhead, $9,450; JD 643 4x4 Green Star rebuilt, like 6x30 cornhead, knife rolls, new tires, 4500 & 6600 hours, oil bath, $3,750; ‘06 Loftness nice, $16,500; 4560 JD Trac22’ stalk chopper, exc cond, tor MFD hub duals, 11500 hours, power shift, $24,500. $5,900. (320)769-2756 Call 715-772-4255

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Call The Land today!

507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665

Farm Equipment Brent 1082 grain cart w/ tarp & scale, 900x32 tires, $24,500; Parker 5500 600 bu gravity box w/ tarp, 445x22.5 tires, $5,900; Brent 440 gravity box w/ 15x22.5 tires, $4,250; Balzer 2000 20’ stalk chopper, good knives, $3,450; JD 635 35’ disc, rock flex w/ JD harrow, $10,900; JD 924 flexhead, $1,900; JD 843 cornhead, $3,250; Maurer 30’ head trailer w/ lights, $2,900.

320-769-2756 DMC 30 foot stir-ator, 3 screw, good condition, $16,000/OBO. 715-572-1234 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: Geringhoff 830 rota disk, C-IH mts; ‘75 JD 4630, 4500 hrs, 2 owner tractor; Balzer 2000 20’, 8-30 mtd; Wil-Rich 6600 4 shank disk ripper. 507-920-3313 FOR SALE: JD 27 stalk chopper, 15’; (2) 6” augers - 1 is 21’ & 1 is 29’. (952)492-6144

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PAGE 27

p& 00; vity res, vity 50; opJD JD flexorn30’ 900.

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830 JD rac8-30 ank

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PAGE 28 Farm Equipment FOR SALE: ‘17 Soucy tracks, came off JD 690, will fit JD or Int’l combines, like new condition, $53,000. 320-2698719 or 320-226-0296

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Farm Equipment

Farm Equipment

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 TH Tractors

International Model 55 25’ chisel plow; 7 bottom International spring reset mold board plow. (507)859-2766

JD4020 DSL3PT JDW, $7,995; FOR SALE: 230 JD 21’ tandem JD2940DSL New tires with disc, new tires, good blades; loader, $11,500; JD2955 CAH 7’ Tebben heavy duty 3pt ro- GENERATORS Used, low overhauled, $11,900; all good ‘00 JD 8410T track tractor, tary cutter. (507)640-0146 hour take-outs. 20 kW - 2000 Auto Trac Ready (plug & runners. 320-543-3523 kW. Diesel, propane, & natplay) 120” wide stance W/ FOR SALE: Artsway 240B 8R ural gas. CAT, Cummins/ 24” Camoplast belts (80%), stalk chopper/flail mower, Onan, Kohler, Detroit Diesel, We buy undercarriage good, 3 pt & excellent condition, $3,000. & more. www.abrahaminSalvage Equipment PTO. Many new parts-excelCall 507-274-5162 Parts Available dustrial.com. (701) 371-9526 lent mechanical condition, Hammell Equip., Inc. $57,500. Call 507-789-6049 Please recycle this magazine.

(507)867-4910

Tractors

Tractors

‘63 JD 4010, gas, 6126 hrs, wide JD 4240 powershift, 5800 hrs, front, 3 pt, cab, Westendorf 3 outlets, 18.4/38 Firestone TA25 ldr, needs TLC, $4,500/ rears (75%), matching duals OBO. (641) 324-3270 Call af- (40%), 4 rib front (80%+), rock box, quick hitch, clean ter 4 p.m. or leave mess. cab, $23,700/OBO. (507) 4519614 ‘68 JD 3020, 148 ldr, gas, syncro/range, good tires; ‘68 JD 4020 diesel, syncro/range, NEW AND USED TRACTOR retired farmer. (952)466-9818 PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, 50 Series & newer tracFOR SALE: 1030 Case Com- tors, AC-all models, Large fort King, straight pin, good Inventory, We ship! Mark rubber, Dynoed, 93HP. 507- Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829 841-0085

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7 /SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 Tillage Equip

hrs,‘09 3710 JD plow 7 bottom, one hasn’t been used since 2015, uals exc condition, plowed aver+), age of 500 acres per year, ean $29,500/OBO. (507) 951-5237 451DMI 6 bottom variable width plow, in furrow, works good, never plugs in corn stalks, OR above average condition, ex50, tra parts, $700. 507-317-1482 racrge FOR SALE: JD 235 30’ cushark ion gang disc, $4,900. 507age 327-6430

Harvesting Equip FOR SALE: 20’ Loftness stalk chopper, like new, $10,500.

(320) 220-1138 FOR SALE: C-IH 2020 beanhead, 25’, header height control, exc cond. (507) 530-8875 Gleaner 8200 30’ flex head, 2 SCH sickles, Crary air rail, fore/aft single point hookup, EZ Trail transport. (507)8674692 JD 9600 combine, 2500 hrs, like new front to back, $32,000. (507)478-4221

Harvesting Equip

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1994 Gleaner R-52, 2085 eng hrs, 1250 sep hrs, clean machine, always shedded, will come with 6R cornhead & 20’ beanhead, $32,000. (507)5244754 or (507)995-8110

Massey Agco 8000 30’ flex head, will fit Gleaner, Massey Ferguson & Challenger combines. Was used on 9690 Massey last fall. U-2 reel, sch sickle, electric fore/aft, single point hook up, $6,000/OBO. Call or text 320-248-2070

2013 C-IH 3020 35’ flexhead, w/Crary airbar, exc cond, $32,500. (507) 430-2639

FOR SALE: ‘12 JD 618C 18R22”, chopping corn head, Contour Master, hyd deck plates, bought new, always shedded, 2000 acres on complete rebuild, exc cond, $74,900. 715-377-2940 FOR SALE: ‘82 JD 6620 sidehill combine, 3885 hrs, AC converted to R134A, 643 low tin oil bath cornhead, 216 bean head, 212 5 belt pickup head, always shedded, quit farming, $19,750. (763)4977353 FOR SALE: JD 115 15’ Flail Shredder, ‘02 model, one owner, chopped a total of 1800 acres of corn stalks, like new condition, $10,500 or make offer. (763) 497-7353 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: IH 1083 cornhead, good condition, $8,750; Loftness 20’ stalk chopper, 1 yr old gear box, new hoods & knives, $6,300. 507-461-3835 FOR SALE: JD combine, diesel, good shape, 216 grain head, 444 cornhead, $4,000 for all. 763-856-4220

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Harvesting Equip

Grain Handling Equipment

Grain Handling Equipment

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 TH Livestock Equipment

Dairy

New Holland TR98, 3400/2300 (2) Demco 400 bushel gravi- Grain Auger Mayrath 8x41 FOR SALE: Harvestor wa.ro. MN STATE BROWN SWISS hrs, 18.4x42 duals or 800/65/ ty boxes, lights, 22” rubber, auger EMD ‘04 with/without matic roller mill, w/weigh SALE, SEPT. 15, NOON, R32 singles (your choice), 2 stored inside, $6,450 for both. 5hp motor and switch, used scale, 5 HP Baldor motor. Milk cows, close heifers & very little, $2,350 or $1,800 (320)275-2435 or (612)201-7751 project calves. St. Charles, speed rotor, straw chopper, (952)201-1176 or (952)446-1120 MN Brown Swiss Cattle no motor. NH 27 blower, chaff spreader, terrain tracBrent 644 grain wagon with harvest ready, nice, $475.

Assn. (507) 932-3488 er, $27,500. (507)380-2346 spare tire and lights. Stored (507) 766-9697 www.brownswissusa.com Wanted RETIRED: CIH 2366 combine, inside. Pick up at my house 1,687 sep hrs, 2,666 eng hrs, outside of Wells, MN, $9,500. New 10” power sweep for 36’ All kinds of New & Used farm Swine specialty rotor, long unload- (507) 381-8205 bin, $2,200. (507) 697-6133 ing auger, field tracker, grain Leave message if no answer. equipment - disc chisels, field cults, planters, soil finishers, Compart’s total program fealoss monitor, header control, FOR SALE: 6” Westfield auheavy duty final drives, ger, unload or roof auger, 36’ New 10HP single phase cen- cornheads, feed mills, discs, tures superior boars & open chain oilers. 605-359-6205 long, $425.00 (320)220-3114 trifugal fan w/ transition and balers, haybines, etc. 507- gilts documented by BLUP 438-9782 controls, $2,400. 507-697-6133 technology. Duroc, York, Landrace & F1 lines. Terminal boars offer leanness, Livestock Livestock muscle, growth. Maternal Equipment gilts & boars are productive, FOR SALE: (7) s/s tube hog FOR SALE: Black Angus lean, durable. All are stress feeders 5’ (8) s/s tube hog bulls also Hamp, York, & free & PRRS free. Semen feeders, 7’, (3) s/s tube hog Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts. also available through Elite Genes A.I. Make ‘em Grow! feeders 9 1/2’; (2) 10T feed- 320-598-3790 Comparts Boar Store, INC. er livestock bulk pens, (1) Toll Free: 877-441-2627 8T AP bulk pen, (2) 1 1/2-2T

Find what you’re looking for in THE LAND

plastic bulk pens. 507-8484623

Sell your livestock in The Land with a line ad. 507-345-4523

Thank you Farmers!

Swine Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available.

Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Delivery available. Steve Resler. 507-456-7746

Sheep Dorset & Hampshire rams for sale. Lambs & yearlings, large framed w/fast growth that will put extra lbs on your lambs. I can deliver.

Gene Sanford (507)645-4989

Trucks & Trailers 1973 Mack truck Model DM685, w/20’ grain box & Knapheide hoist. (507)4590376

FOR SALE: ‘79 Ford LN800 twin screw, 475 gas, Allision FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hamp- transmission, 19 1/2’ steel shire, Duroc & Hamp/Duroc box & hoist, roll tarp & no boars, also gilts. Excellent rust, $9,995. 507-220-2834 selection. Raised outside. FOR SALE: ‘74 IH 1800 tanExc herd health. No PRSS. dem truck, 20’ box & hoist.

Delivery avail. 320-760-0365 507-427-3561

THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 7 /SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 Recreational Vehicles

Miscellaneous

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

Miscellaneous

ite,FOR SALE: ‘02 Itasca Sun- PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS Winpower Sales & Service ble. cruiser, 32’ w/ 2 slide outs, New pumps & parts on hand. Reliable Power Solutions DV. PLUS a pull behind ‘95 Sat- Call Minnesota’s largest dis- Since 1925 PTO & automatic eve urn car, both in excellent tributor Emergency Electric Genercondition. 507-456-1868 HJ Olson & Company ators. New & Used Rich Opsata-Distributor 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 800-343-9376 REINKE IRRIGATION with a classified line ad!

Sales & Service ams Call us today New & Used Thank you for reading ngs, For your irrigation needs 507-345-4523 or THE LAND! wth 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 800-657-4665 on ver.

89

del & 459-

800 sion teel no

anoist.

SELL IT FAST

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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 — SEPTEMBER7/SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Richard Siemers.

T

Artistic resurrection

he mural that adorns the front of the K.K. Berge building in downtown Granite Falls gives new meaning to the term “public art.” It is the work of Granite Falls residents. The primarily blue and green tiles that flow across the front of the façade evoke the river that flows behind.

The K. K. Berge Building is a true survivor. First it survived the floods of 1997 and 2001 that inundated downtown Granite Falls.

Then it survived the city’s flood mitigation project while the buildings around it were demolished and replaced by a flood wall.

It did not survive on its own. The city had purchased it from its last owner and it was slated to be removed like the rest of the buildings being replaced by a flood wall.

Seeing historic value in the 1924 building erected by a tailor, K.K. Berge, a group called Granite Falls Riverfront Revitalization (GFRR) came to the rescue. They purchased the building for $1. If they met requirements for keeping the building (which included raising the ground floor), they could access the $150,000 the city had allocated for its removal. With the help of generous donations, they accomplished the feat and saved the building.

GFRR sold the building to the Granite Area Arts Council, which has a gallery and gift shop there. The Arts Council wanted to honor all those generous donors. Artist Tamara

Granite Falls, Minn.

Isfeld suggested the mosaic.

As Isfeld described it, she drew the pattern like a coloring book picture and laid it out on a table in the building.

Her high school art students made tiles that included the names of the donors and put them on the mosaic.

She also supplied pails of glass and ceramic tiles, plus items folks had dropped off. During the winter of 2013-14 people would stop in and glue a few tiles.

“It ended up being a core group that really got into it — plus a few people that strayed in and out,” Isfeld said.

They ranged in age from 6 to 90. They had the freedom to apply any tiles or found objects they chose, as long as they stayed within the outline. Some brought pieces of their own.

The striking mosaic draws people to see what all is there. Only then do you notice tiles with the names of donors. Members of the community saved the building, then other members of the community honored them with the mosaic. K.K. Berge would be pleased how his original effort brought the community together.

K.K. Berge Building is at 807 Prentice St. Find out more at www.graniteareaarts.org or www.granitefallschamber.com. v

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Sept. 7/Sept. 14, 2018

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

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

© 2018

Sept. 7/Sept. 14, 2018

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