THE LAND ~ December 21, 2018 ~ Northern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet” 2019 PFR INSIGHT MEETINGS

© 2018

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

December 14, 2018 December 21, 2018

NOT YOUR AVERAGE AGRONOMIC MEETINGS RSVP for a meeting near you at BecksHybrids.com/PFR-Insight-Meetings

from all of us at The Land!

PAGE 2

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

What’s needed for next 100 years?

P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XXXVII ❖ No. 25 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

www.TheLandOnline.com facebook.com/TheLandOnline twitter.com/TheLandOnline

Cover photo by Paul Malchow

COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Table Talk Mielke Market Weekly Farm Programs Swine & U Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-5 5 6 14 15 16 17-18 20-23 23 24

STAFF

Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives:

Danny Storlie: theland@TheLandOnline.com

James McRae: jmcrea@TheLandOnline.com Office/Advertising Assistants:

Joan Compart: theland@TheLandOnline.com

Deb Lawrence: auctions@TheLandOnline.com For Customer Service Concerns:

(507) 345-4523, (800) 657-4665, theland@TheLandOnline.com

Fax: (507) 345-1027 For Editorial Concerns or Story Ideas:

(507) 344-6342, (800) 657-4665, editor@TheLandOnline.com National Sales Representative: Bock & Associates Inc., 7650 Executive Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55344-3677. (952) 905-3251.

Because of the nature of articles appearing in The Land, product or business names may be included to provide clarity. This does not constitute an endorsement of any product or business. Opinions and viewpoints expressed in editorials or by news sources are not necessarily those of the management.

The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The Publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement.

Classified Advertising: $19.79 for seven (7) lines for a private classified, each additional line is $1.40; $24.90 for business classifieds, each additional line is $1.40. Classified ads accepted by mail or by phone with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Classified ads can also be sent by e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com. Mail classified ads to The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002. Please include credit card number, expiration date and your postal address with ads sent on either mail version. Classified ads may also be called into (800) 657-4665. Deadline for classified ads is 5 pm on the Friday prior to publication date, with holiday exceptions. Distributed to farmers in all Minnesota counties and northern Iowa, as well as on The Land’s website.

Each classified ad is separately copyrighted by The Land. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Subscription and Distribution: Free to farmers and agribusinesses in Minnesota and northern Iowa. $25 per year for non-farmers and people outside the service area. The Land (USPS 392470) Copyright © 2018 by The Free Press Media is published biweekly by The Free Press, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Business and Editorial Offices: 418 S. 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727, Accounting and Circulation Offices: Steve Jameson, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Call (507) 345-4523 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Mankato, MN. Postmaster and Change of Address: Send address changes to The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato MN 56002-3169 or e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline. com.

in Washington enough years so he underAt the 100th annual meeting of the stands how to work both sides of the Minnesota Farm Bureau which took aisle. He knows the inevitable mess if place Nov. 16-17, MFB President Kevin the farm bill isn’t done now, but instead Paap commented, “It’s fun being part of is passed along to the new Congress after history. But it’s not so much the past 100 Jan. 20. We would be starting over with years; it’s what do we need to do the next a Congress with 100 new members.

100 years? Farm Bureau is always forThink about the time and education ward looking.” needed to get these new faces even tuned So much for Paap’s vision. But how do into agriculture.”

LAND MINDS you make it happen? I decided Land That’s why Paap is projecting Peterson Minds would be a good place to explore

By Dick Hagen will get the farm bill in 2018. As I Paap’s mind on the future of agriculwrite this on Dec. 4, Congress got ture. Granted, when you’re talking slowed a week with the memorial serwith Paap, you’re getting a lot of Farm vices of the 41st U.S. President, George Bureau stuff. So just bear with us.

Bush.

And I must admit I was duly impressed and Paap said 61 Minnesota County Farm Bureaus gained total respect for this Texas gentleman and were celebrating their first 100 years at this year’s the skillful and courteous way he guided our counNovember event. Emphasizing policy development at the county level gives every delegate to the annual try. Definitely somewhat lacking in current leaders.

But Paap is concerned about agricultural clout in meeting a voice on future directions of their county organizations, plus the state Farm Bureau, and even this new Congress. He says every member of major policy decisions of the American Farm Bureau. Congress should have some concern about food issues.

But there are a declining number of Congressional Then he mentioned food awareness events: “Days on the Farm” with non-farm kids; various farm safe- districts with a significant agricultural population.

“I’d say less than 40 Congressional districts and ty events; farm/city projects as examples of local that’s not enough to get anything done. Farming is community happening which impact people within no longer the connection to get bipartisan support on every Minnesota county. “And here at our annual key issues. Today, food is the connection and that is meeting, each county has the privilege of introducwhy we need to work together to get anything done.” ing resolutions that directly influence future hapPaap’s thoughts on the challenges of keeping penings at county and state levels and sometimes young people involved in agriculture? even a national impact,” said Paap.

“Sustainability is the issue. For farming, generationYes, he admits to regional differences within the American Farm Bureau. This is to be expected when al stability is most important. We’re hearing so you consider agricultural variations across America. often from young farm family members who don’t see much future in farming. Too much risk; not “But our strength in Farm Bureau is that everyenough land; rural bankers not giving financial supthing in our national policy was initiated from one port; and sometimes mom and dad aren’t providing of the 2,600 county or parish Farm Bureaus across America. The fact that something might have start- much encouragement ether.”

Paap’s situation was two young sons eager to get ed at your county annual meeting months earlier into farming. And a dad who was getting busier and moved through the entire system tells you and busier with Minnesota and also American Farm there will be similarities that get tanked along the Bureau programs. Kevin is a voting board member way; also lots of combining. of the American Farm Bureau board of directors. So “But we respect the democratic process,” stated Paap. “That’s why we debate each resolution propos- he jokingly commented, “My two sons, according to my neighbors, are doing a better job running the al. You vote and when we walk out we have unified farming business than I did. And that may be policy which every member supports. It’s the same entirely true. We’re going to continue do a good job procedure with our 78 Minnesota Farm Bureau farming and a good job with Farm Bureau too.” organizations and our 50 state Farm Bureaus plus On this delicate question: Are farmers getting too Puerto Rico. It’s a tested and proven system. This big too fast? Will we soon simply not have enough opportunity of being a voice for American agriculland and/or enough capital to keep sustaining this ture regardless of where you live is the very incredible growth? strength of Farm Bureau.”

Paap responded this way: “We’re aware of the issue.

That being the case, what did Paap have to say about the likelihood of Congressman Collin Peterson We talk it; we debate it; but we don’t know how to getting a new farm bill passed before the end of cal- slow it down other than the potentially painful way of letting depressed commodity prices dictate who endar year 2018? will be the winners. Today, it’s hard to make anyPaap thinks Minnesotans are fortunate to have thing work on rented land. Animal agriculture defiCollin Peterson as chairman of the House Ag nitely is on the road to bigger and fewer. But could Committee. “He’s a dedicated servant at the table

OPINION

every day representing all of agriculture. He’s been

See LAND MINDS, pg. 5

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

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

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

“Soy to the World” (or at least two counties)

By KRISTIN KVENO The Land Correspondent ‘Tis the season to give and help those in need in our community. The Nicollet/ Sibley County Corn and Soybean Growers Association have been doing just that for six years now.

The need for donations to area food shelves is great — especially around the holiday season — so the association wanted to take action and help stock the shelves. According to board member Steve Hulke of Courtland, Minn., “we just talked about it at a county meeting, about what we could do this time of year.” What they decided to do was help the food shelves in Nicollet and Sibley counties. “We thought it was a good idea.”

The board members gather one day in December every year at the Hy-Vee in New Ulm and buy products for the food shelves. They don’t just purchase any food items; they buy products that contain soybeans in them. Whether it’s vegetable oil or cake mix, supporting soybean growers while helping those in need just makes sense. According to

Hulke, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association gives money towards the purchase of the food as well. Usually about six or seven board members do the shopping.

“Everyone seems to have a good time,” Hulke said.

The items purchased go to food shelves in Gaylord and St. Peter. “I think we’ll continue doing this as it’s been quite successful.” The need is great as the “food shelves are extremely happy to get the food.” The association spends about $1,000. Giving of time and money for the betterment of the community is important to the association. While they would like to do a big food drive in the summer, farming duties make that a challenge though they do donate money to the food shelves at that time.

For Hulke, giving back to the community is important as is serving on the association’s board of directors for the past 15 years as well as serving on the board for the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. The association’s goal is to “promote corn and soybeans.”

They do this in a variety of ways through “some radio advertising” as well as “a golf outing in July,” Hulke said. The golf event is a way to bring

farmer members together for some fun and camaraderie.

For many areas in the state, this year was full of difficulties from planting to harvest but “in our two-county area we didn’t have quite the challenges that others areas of Minnesota had.”

Hulke believes that “overall it was a decent year.”

As with farming, “you always have to be optimistic.” The same could be said for helping others this time of year — optimistic that those in need will get the resources that will help them get back on their feet again. Corn and soybean growers in Nicollet and Sibley counties are doing their part this holiday season in providing food to those in need, ensuring that tummies will be full and hearts will be warmed. v

Building A Bin Should Be Simple, Right?

Are You Tired Of....

• No Communication?

• Additional Costs & Surprises?

• Crews Not Showing Up? • Excuses, Lies & No Return Calls?

• Picking Up After Bin Crews?

• Lack of Quality & Care? inter

W ts Are n u o c s Di Here!

We Know You Have More To Do Than Babysit & Pickup After Bin Crews. You Simply Want A Competitive Price On A Quality Grain Bin! You Need It Installed Correctly, Done On Time, And A Contractor That Answers Your Phone Call For Service & Questions.

TrusT In 50 Years Of HappY CusTOmers!

CALL US TODAY OR VISIT WWW.AGRI-SYSTEMS.COM LITCHFIELD, MN (800) 246-6094

mdoering@agri-systems.com

COTTONWOOD, MN (507) 530-2365 bjeseritz@agri-systems.com

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

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

PAGE 5

Is ‘new’ farm bill pitch a swing and a miss?

If the calendar was a baseball game, percent, from 2017 to $66.3 billion in mid-December would be the bottom of 2018.” the ninth.

For perspective, ERS explained, “If realAs such, and given 2018’s crazy weathized, inflation-adjusted net farm income er, banner crops, sloppy harvest, muddled [for 2018] would be 3.3 percent above its export future, and skinny-to-no profit, level in 2016, which was the lowest level mid-December finds farmers and ranchsince 2002.” ers now at bat with two outs and the Most everyone in rural America — car opposing team’s smoke-throwing relief FARM & FOOD FILE dealers, building contractors, bankers, pitcher on the mound. farm equipment companies — already

By Alan Guebert Yeah, it’s been a tough year. Any know this. What many may not realize, help this late in the game is, of course, however, is that (barring a crop-clobwelcome; but little will change the outbering weather catastrophe somewhere come of a forgettable season that will, in the world) we’re about to lock in the unfortunately, not be easily forgotten. same huge crop-low price policies that delivered falling farm income four out of the last five years — For its part, Congress says it has fixed one of for another five years.

2018’s most pressing problems. It claims to have a farm bill that lawmakers finally can live with.

Which is similar to losing your best hitter in the middle of a pennant race a week after your All-Star OK, but since the long-delayed legislation, as pitcher broke an ankle.

Ranking House Member Collin Peterson recently admitted, is a “basically status quo” bill — essenThat’s roughly where American farmers found tially a photocopy of the 2014 law. A more important themselves this summer as the White House kicked question looms: Since the 2014 law delivered a less off its tariff-inspired trade wars with, well, all of diversified, less profitable U.S. agriculture, is dupli- America’s best ag buyers: China, Mexico, Canada cating it anything you can live with? and the European Union. The wars continue despite Ag economists, while currently silent on the long- the White House promising all will end well. term profitability of the 2018 law, aren’t silent on Most recently, China and the U.S agreed to a where the 2014 law left farmers. “Net farm income, 90-day truce to begin conciliatory talks. Fifteen days a broad measure of profit,” the U.S. Department of into the timeframe, however, little talking could be Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reported heard over continued saber rattling.

Dec. 1, “is forecast to decrease $9.1 billion, or 12.1

OPINION

Could hemp be another crop option? what Paap has to say. I often ask some of my agrithis crunch pave the way to more community family cultural scientists (both academic and farm type) if farms that grow and market a variety of both garden agriculture has adopted so much new technology so rapidly that farmers are now their own enemies? and animal products for local markets?

And I usually get a mixture of ‘yes, for certain’; He also suggested, “Let’s look at other alternasome suggesting open trade markets worldwide tives. Maybe even hemp farming under proper rules would take care of this excess production. So too and regulations can be an option. We’ve got a would one horrible growing season in key producSenate Majority Leader (McConnell) from Kentucky tion areas around the world (but skipping who is very interested in hemp. So hemp is kind of Minnesota). Are tariffs an obvious answer to more getting on everybody’s radar screen. profitable trade? Well, yes, if you have the buyers willing to pay your price.

“Yes, Farm Bureau represents all of agriculture and we will continue to have policy that is good for We’re wrapping up another year. You farm families every aspect of agriculture. But that gets tough as continue to impress me with your diligence and dedicawe begin to have more and more different types of tion. Even when not making a buck you have that agriculture. No doubt there are some very real invaluable charm of letting us know it’s going to get financial and emotional challenges out there right better. That’s maybe because it can’t keep getting now. worse.

“Hopefully it’s not going to get worse before it gets I wish you all a joyous Christmas season. May the better. But it’s not looking good right now. We need to Lord shine brightly in your presence and may 2019 be innovative in agriculture. That is the formula that be another grand chapter in this incredible profeshas built American agriculture. In these more diffision of feeding the world. God bless you. cult times, innovation may be even more important.”

Dick Hagen is staff writer of The Land. He may be Well, no arguing with the general consensus of reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. v

Still, financial markets rallied on the “new talks” news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed from 24,285 on Nov. 23 to 25,826 by Dec. 3. As early hopes for trade talks faltered, however, so did the Dow. By Dec. 11, it had dropped to a pre-talk level of 24,370.

By contrast, soybeans, the key farm target of Chinese counter-tariffs, rallied and did hold solid, 50-cent-plus futures market gains through midDecember. While welcome, Land Grant market watchers worry the gains — even with successful talks — might be short-lived.

“While China is supposedly entering the [U.S.] market,” noted Todd Hubbs, an ag economist at the University of Illinois Dec. 10, “changes in the soybean export market forecast look to be minimal at this time.”

Hubbs listed three reasons for his lukewarm outlook: USDA’s 7 billion bushel South American soybean crop estimate “is probably low… by a healthy margin;” there’s been an “uptick in buying of Brazilian” soybeans by China for shipment after March; and, “typically,” U.S. soy exports are “strong” from September through February but show “dissipation” the rest of the year as South American beans flood world markets.

As such, the 2019 season will arrive with a strike or two already against it. The key to a better year, however, is to not swing at wild pitches, like “easy” trade wars and tried-and-failing farm programs.

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

LAND MINDS, from pg. 2

Public Notice by Minnesota Pork Board and the National Pork Board

The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2020 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 4, 2019 in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting of the Minnesota Pork Board at Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403. All Minnesota pork producers are invited to attend.

Any producer, age 18 or older, who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted.

For more information, contact: Minnesota Pork Board, 151 Saint Andrews Court, Suite 810, Mankato, Minnesota Telephone: (507)345-8814

PAGE 6

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

Post-harvest could be busiest time for livestock farmers Harvest. right path are four wheelers, which also need to be loaded up and taken to the The word alone brings visions of bountifield — along with a staff of help — for ful fields of golden corn ... and brown soythe great round-up. bean fields that are pregnant with the year’s labors. We envision slow-moving How funny it looks today to see cows combines, tractors and trucks going moving on the hoof down the road. through the fields, looking serene and Actually, it looks scenic and maybe even even appearing to be at a purposeful, breathtaking if you like watching cattle slow pace in a world where most everyand if the cattle drive is supposed to hapTABLE TALK thing moves at break-neck speed. pen. When cattle are seen coming down Not all that long ago I was visiting with By Karen Schwaller the road when they are not supposed to be, it changes the outlook from serene to a fellow livestock farmer about the hara four-alarm, all-hands-on-deck state of vest and how glad we would be to have affairs. that rush behind us so we could relax a little bit.

While the cows are grazing in lush golden and But it didn’t take long for me to learn that his gleaned corn fields, gathering up the corn that has opinion on the end of the active harvest was a lot fallen to the ground, the balers come out in alreadydifferent than mine. grazed fields to bind up stover into round bales, and He told me that once he gets through all of his those bales are gathered up and hauled home to be acres with the combine, the real work of fall is just used during the winter. beginning.

His next big job is to get the tillage done on acres He said when the crops are out he needs to build that were being grazed. The wait to do that tillage a fence around his corn fields, haul water tanks and is valuable, as the grazing helps the cows with water, gather up his cows and turn them out. When nourishment, gives them nourishment that would one field has been grazed, he does those things all have otherwise gone to waste, does the first work of over again in another field. naturally reducing volunteer corn in the soybeans Building the fence and moving water supplies was the following year, and also helps fertilize the land usually easy, he said. But moving the cows can be a — since we know that what goes in must come out. challenge. Depending on how far they are going, Livestock farmers are an unusual breed. There is they might round them up and haul them in groups literally no end to the work — no matter the season. with a trailer, or if the next field is close, they might Most often on the farm, animals come before people just do an old-fashioned John Wayne-like cattle do, much to the chagrin of young the woman of the drive. farm, who can be known to wonder if she will always come second.

Their horses of choice to guide the cows on the

A cattle-producer friend of mine once jokingly told her mother, “If only we could grow tails, we would get more attention.” There has probably not been a farm wife in history who hasn’t wondered that at least once over her years on the farm.

When I look at pictures from the days of my grandparents working on the farm, I’m convinced there is a reason I never see any fat people. They did the same work we do, only with much less technology and conveniences, and with no more time in months than we have.

And their harvest season was done by hand before any of that other fall work was done.

While today’s harvest scenes might appear tranquil, perhaps farm people were the first to coin the question, “Are we done yet?”

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

Letters to the editor are always welcome.

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.

MDA announces state-specific dicamba restrictions ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recently announced a state-specific restriction for the use of the herbicide dicamba in Minnesota for the 2019 growing season. Dicamba is primarily used for controlling post-emergence broadleaf weeds.

The 2019 Minnesota restriction is in addition to those established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The affected formulations are

Call us about our Winter Discounts! & Happy Holidays

XtendiMax by Monsanto; Engenia by BASF; and FeXapan by DuPont.

The decision follows the MDA’s ongoing investigations and informal surveys into reports of crop damage from alleged dicamba off-target movement over the past two growing seasons. In 2017, the MDA received 253 reports of alleged dicamba drift; 55 of those were formal complaints requesting investigations. Those reports impacted an estimated 265,000 acres. After state restrictions were put in place for the 2018 growing season, the number of complaints dropped dramatically this year to 53 reports, of which 29 were formal complaints. Just over 1,800 acres were impacted in 2018.

“We now have two years’ worth of data to show what measures can and should be taken to limit the potential drift of dicamba to non-target crops,” said Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson. “It is evident that measures put in place last year worked well and we must continue to use this product in a prudent manner.”

Based on the review of survey results and peer

reviewed literature, and input from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Drift Task Force, the University of Minnesota Extension weed scientists, and the pesticide manufacturers, Commissioner Frederickson has added one additional protocol for dicamba use for the 2019 growing season: Cutoff date: Do not apply after June 20, 2019.

Setting an application cutoff date of June 20 is again expected to help reduce the potential for damage to neighboring crops and vegetation. The majority of Minnesota soybeans are still in the vegetative growth stage by June 20 and research has shown that plants in the vegetative stage are less affected than those in the reproductive stage.

There will be no temperature application restriction in 2019.

In Minnesota, the XtendiMax, Engenia, and FeXapan formulations of dicamba are “Restricted Use Pesticides” for retail sale to and for use only by certified applicators.

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

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

PAGE 7

2019 is Minnesota Farm Bureau centennial year

By CAROLYN VAN LOH The Land Correspondent BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Nov. 8,1919: the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation’s date of birth. Goals of the federation included protecting, promoting and representing the interests of farmers as well as developing the agri-

culture industry. The agriculture organization embarked on a year of commemorating its century mark at the Farm Bureau’s annual meeting Nov. 15-17 in Bloomington, Minn.

Printed in the convention brochure, MFBF President Kevin Paap wrote, “For 100 years, MFBF has been that

Farm Town Strong addresses growing opioid crisis

By CAROLYN VAN LOH The Land Correspondent According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 100 farmers and ag workers suffer a lost-work-time injury every day. The injury can easily become an even larger, more critical circumstance when the injured person is prescribed a strong painkiller.

Dr. Chris Johnson is a nationallyrecognized expert on the opioid and heroin epidemic which currently claims over 25,000 American lives per year.

Johnson conducted a seminar on the epidemic at the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in November. Johnson is an emergency and urgent care doctor who began his presentation by apologizing to his audience. “My profession did this. The medical industry failed you.”

Individuals seeking relief from chronic pain have been looking for long-term opioid prescriptions, and in the process, contribute to the epidemic. Johnson said that opioids are important for short-term acute pain relief, but longterm use can have devastating effects.

“Use it for a couple days, take an edge off the pain, but don’t pretend it’s something you can take for years without risk,” says Johnson.

In the United States, opioid-related prescriptions tripled between 1992 and 2012 with prescriptions rising from 7 million to 220 million. Six thousand users overdosed in 1999; however, 50,000 overdoses occurred by 2016. A record 72,000 lives were lost to overdoses in 2017.

Johnson asserts that the crisis is not an accident. It arose from deliberate action of those with a financial interest in expanded prescribing of opioids.

Some medical communities are vulner-

able to the influence of corporate money and willing to compromise their scientific principles.

The opioid crisis is evidence of a health care system that must be reformed because the high cost of the medications is causing a greater deal of pain. The problem is difficult to overcome because incentives in the health care industry are poorly suited to stopping the crisis.

Many are not interested in stopping the crisis if that might result in financial loss or exposure to liability.

Prescribers can take steps to curb the epidemic, but society must respond by limiting the use of opioids or refusing to take them. Pain can be unbearable, but a person experiencing the pain must be cautious of putting confidence in a drug that can ultimately cause death if not used correctly. Areas across rural America are in dire need of help.

On October 26, 2017, President Trump declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency. The United States comprises 5 percent of the world’s population and consumes more than 80 percent of the world’s opioid painkillers. More Americans have died of accidental prescription overdoses than the number of U.S. soldiers lost in Europe during WWII. Recognizing the crisis, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union worked together and established Farm Town Strong (https//farmtownstrong.org).

The goal of Farm Town Strong is to bring attention to the opioid epidemic in farm country and to provide information and resources to help those struggling with opioid abuse.

To learn more, log onto the Farm Town Strong website, the USDA site at www.usda.gov/topics/opioids. v

friend to farmers and their communities; bringing them together to discuss challenges, identify solutions and advocate on issues we’ve determined are critical to keeping current and future generations on the land.”

Young Farmers and Ranchers members and collegiate young adults had an opportunity to participate in discussion meets. They worked their way through preliminary elimination meets to compete in the final round at the convention. Competitions such as these are building blocks in the foundation of a participant’s future in agriculture and ag-related careers.

Elected political leaders, regardless of party affiliation or farmer’s organization membership, were warmly welcomed to the MFBF convention. All farmers must work together to promote the agriculture industry.

The mood of the convention was anything but dwelling on achievements of the past 99 years and resting on those accomplishments. The upbeat atmosphere was a blend of humor, warmth and inspiration to encourage members in their worthy causes. There was a sense of motivating attendees to keep on moving ahead and communicating the story of agriculture to misinformed people who are far-removed from farm practices.

Each year after the Friday evening awards banquet, the MFBF Foundation auction is an entertaining way to raise funds for the foundation. Auction items are donated by county Farm Bureau groups and many times are representative of objects sold in their county or made by someone in the county. One of the top auction competitions this year See FARM BUREAU, pg. 8

Performance - Consistency - Trust

NEED SEED? Your Family-Owned Seed Source For over 90 years We strive to provide our customers with a high quality product accomplishing this through quality production, processing and conditioning.

We offer fair and competitive prices to everyone without the hassle of early pay or quantity discounts. All of our customers are important to us no matter the size of the order.

507-246-5032 of St. Peter, MN www.andersonseedsmn.com

PAGE 8

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

Farm Bureau seeks young farmers’ input and help

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — “We need younger farmers to advise us.” Not exactly the words of Bob Shepard, President of the Pipestone County Farm Bureau. But after over 40 years in a variety of work with the American Farm Bureau and now back to that core function of being a county president, Shepard draws from a wealth of experience.

At the recent Minnesota Farm Bureau annual convention in Bloomington, Shepard shared a few thoughts. “We seniors tend to depend on what’s we’ve used in the past. Younger farmers are so used to technology and when it comes to gathering information, they want it quick. They feel pressured –yet I believe younger farmers are more committed to getting tasks completed.

“They see something going on in their community.

They hear negative conversations about their profession. They want to address that particular problem without being committed to a number of years to get that task completed.”

So is Shepard relying on the young bucks to guide the Pipestone County Farm Bureau? He responded, “Yes, we do want the young farmers, both guys and gals, to tell us what they consider the most pressing issues for Farm Bureau. We simply need to find new ways to get them involved.”

Relating to national concerns, how does Shepard view the current administration? He worked a few years in Washington, D.C. after American Farm Bureau moved from their national headquarters from Chicago, so treading lightly was an expected answer.

Shepard stayed politically correct with this response: “I think our farmers have confidence in Sonny Perdue (current U.S. Secretary of Agriculture).

Yes, there are some challenges with the tariff situation and the impact on agriculture in particular.”

Shepard said President Trump is very results focused and relies on Perdue for the agricultural issues. “That doesn’t say I am always in agreement with either of these two men, but because of their positions I respect their judgments. However, as we know so well, it is the thinking of our county Farm Bureau members that dominates the resolutions adopted by the American Farm Bureau. And that is why input from younger farmers is so vital.”

Because of Shepard’s Farm Bureau experience in different locations, both state and national, did he see particular issues amongst the 100 voting delegates at this 2018 Minnesota convention?

“I sense there is genuine concern. The mood and questions – especially of younger farmers – about the financial future of farming and the immediate future of their own children makes you realize U.S. agricul-

ture has some issues,” summed up Shepard.

Shepard was born on a dairy farm in central Michigan and received a degree in dairy science from Michigan State University. He farmed with his dad a few years but confesses, “I got doing so much volunteer work for Farm Bureau I decided it would be better to get paid. So I started working as a field representative for the Michigan Farm Bureau; then served as an administrator in North Dakota Farm Bureau; then Chicago at Farm Bureau’s National Headquarters where I headed up Farm Bureau training programs. When Farm Bureau consolidated and moved to Washington D.C., I finished my professional career with Minnesota Farm Bureau where I was chief of staff.”

Yes, he certainly agrees 30 years ago the political climate was a lot less contentious. People were more willing to work together to reach solutions. And that certainly applied to Farm Bureau work too. “Today it seems more strident and conflict ridden.”

He noted the internet quickly has evolved into the primary source of information for everyone – including American farmers. But he challenges the accuracy of this entire new world of information. Now that he is back into Farm Bureau as a county president, he’s very much aware the voice of his younger farmers and the non-farm voices are critical to the future of rural America. v

Farm Bureau Foundation awarded nearly $40,000 in grants FARM BUREAU, from pg. 7 was a Henry repeating rifle. Total amount raised at this year’s auction exceeded $10,000. The foundation supports numerous agriculture and safety education and leadership development. In 2018, the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation awarded nearly $40,000 for Agriculture Promotion grants and contributions to county Farm Bureaus, just a few of the donations made each year.

On Nov. 17 two speakers had powerful, worldsapart messages. Dr. Chris Johnson, a national expert on opioids, is a member of the Board of Directors for Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing.

In one of Dr. Johnson’s opening statements he made a profound apology. “My profession did this and the medical industry failed you.” Johnson went on with countless power point slides to support his conclusions concerning the opioid crisis.

The current problem can be traced in history as far back as written civilization itself and Roman mythology. The pharmaceutical industry is the driving force behind the opioid epidemic. Between the years of 1992 and 2012 prescriptions had tripled from 7 million to 220 million.

The combination of farming’s hard work and stress factors have increased the need for pain relief, and taking opioid-related drugs can be dangerous.

Johnson’s concluding comments shed light on the situation. “We need to reform the system that created the situation.” He went on to warn his listeners: “Do not start opioids.”

Seminar attendees left with a plate full of food for thought, and moved to the Grand Ballroom for a noon luncheon followed by an outstanding motivational and inspirational speaker, Chris Koch. He was born and raised on a farm and continues to farm. His inspirational and motivational presentation blended wisdom with humor.

Koch began by commenting that he’s had “a fun ride with lots of laughs,” but many things he cannot do because he was born without arms and legs.

Growing up was quite normal for him. “It’s not physical abilities, it’s in the mind I needed to make mistakes to get better,” he said.

Chris Koch has experienced each of the following words of inspiration.

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Every day may not be great, but there’s something great in every day. Take control of your circumstances instead of passively waiting for them to decide your fate. The core of the human spirit comes from new experiences. Get away from your comfort zone as often as you can. You get out of life what you put into it.”

The two days moved quickly, and there will be special events scheduled throughout the coming year as part of the centennial celebration for the Minnesota Farm Bureau. v

Letter: Things will get better To the Editor, It’s been another year with a lot of problems: a shooter that shoots people, then blows his brains out. Many people commit suicide. It proves nothing, it solves nothing, it’s zero.

Here’s a prayer that does for all people. It’ll take you to paradise.

“Follow the ten commandments the best you can.

Have faith in Jesus, follow His church. Whatever is bugging you will get better. You’ll have something really good to look forward to — a good life forever.

Jesus can handle your biggest problems — like death. Jesus can give us a second life and there would be nothing that would take it away from us.

Amen.”

Myron Solberg Buffalo, Minn.

OPINION

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

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

PAGE 9

MORE GENETICS. MORE TRAITS. MORE CHOICES.

There’s a lot to be excited about here at Dairyland Seed. With improved capabilities, better products, and greater services than ever before, our future of helping farmers achieve success has never looked brighter. We’ve expanded our corn lineup with an enhanced trait pipeline and broader germplasm base, adding proven products to help your bottom line.

Welcome to the better, smarter, stronger Dairyland.

©2018 Dairyland Seed Co., Inc. All rights reserved. ®Dairyland Seed and the Dairyland Seed logo are trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Dairyland Seed is a seed affiliate of Dow AgroSciences. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

BENTON CO. Scott Heilig, DSM 320.250.4545

CHIPPEWA CO. Andrew Bristle 320.981.0047

Gerry Maleska 320.249.2180

CLAY CO. Thomas Livdahl 218.790.1435

BIG STONE CO. Stock Service 320.760.3564 CARVER CO. David Richter, DSM 320.248.1794

DOUGLAS CO. Bruce Wussow 320.766.8548 GRANT CO. Matthew Brunkow 320.760.1560

Contact your local Dairyland Seed rep today!

LAC QUI PARLE CO. MCLEOD CO. OTTER TAIL CO. Nathan Buer Justin Luthens J & L Nutritional 507.828.6998 320.583.6960 Consulting 218.346.7487 Craig Buss MARSHALL CO. 320.582.2323 Brad Lunke PINE CO. 218.686.9378 Scott Walbridge Tom Maiers 320.630.8175 320.583.4564 Argyle Seed 701.741.8234 Doug Brown MILLE LACS CO. 320.980.5459 Nathan Wesolowski Jason 218.779.2711 Obermeyer, DSM POLK CO. 612.655.4879 Fosston Tri Co-op 218.563.3735 MORRISON CO. Roed Seed Sales David Gadacz 320.224.6185 218.686.0263

STEARNS CO. David Eibensteiner 320.429.0844

TRAVERSE CO. Justin Tritz 320.760.8690

Lyle Schefers 320.293.0056

Jeff Peterson 320.760.9832

Luxemburg Feed Service 320.290.8260

Chad Birchem, DSM 320.815.8980

SWIFT CO. Steve Gades 320.760.0396

WILKIN CO. Minn-kota Ag Products 218.643.6130 Friederichs Seed 218.643.5612 WRIGHT CO. Gerald Larson 763.286.2788

PAGE 10

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

Renovated theater is home to family Christmas show

By RENAE B. VANDER SCHAAF The Land Correspondent LE MARS, Iowa — The fall field work is finished on the Brown family farm in Plymouth County, Iowa.

That’s good, because now their attention turns from producing crops that are utilized in feeding a nation to providing nourishment to souls through their music.

Photos by Renae B. Vander Schaaf

Michaela Brown invites everyone to enjoy their music shows in Le Mars, Iowa.

255 16th Street South St. James, MN 56081

November and December are big Christmas story. months for the Brown family as “It has been a dream of mine to they are hosting their fourth annual produce a musical,” said Michaela.

Christmas music show. The all-new “The innkeeper’s wife presents a show theme is “A Hometown little different perspective. She is Christmas” which is appropriate as overworked and a bit skeptic when the show takes place in their home her husband offers the tired couple town of Le Mars. the stable for the night. But when “We’ll sing the season’s traditional Joseph, a carpenter, gives her an songs,” said Michaela Brown. “But unexpected gift, she comes to the also will be singing two songs that stable. A change happens in her we wrote.” heart, her eyes are open and she believes.”

“Night Of Hope” was written and produced by Michaela, her mother That is why the Browns sing — to Shelley and songwriting icon Joel share the gospel. It’s been a family Lindsey and Dove Award nominee undertaking since Michaela, along Jeff Baumgardner. The combined with her brothers Adam and efforts of Michaela, Shelly and their Andrew, came to their mother’s resproducer Wayne Haun resulted in cue. the song, “Christmas — In Our Once a bank, and more recently Eighteen years ago Shelly Brown office space, the century-old Hometown.” faced a dilemma. The woman’s trio building was purchased by the Another extra treat is the “Irish Browns in 2015. from church was disbanding after Christmas Blessing” that was writ10 years of singing together. They ten by someone else specifically for the Brown’s still had engagements that needed filling. annual show. That’s just one of two music producShe felt an obligation to keep those commitments tions they are offering this Christmas season. as best she could. Her husband Keith was farming In the past, the Browns have been able to set the land that had been in the family for more than a stage up in the beginning of November and leave it century. Through those many years, she knew there until their March show. This year they can’t as the were times the family had pulled together to get the Browns are not only doing their Christmas show, but work done with what they had. also a musical which they have produced.

Keith was busy with the farm work. But her three It was an accumulative effort of the Browns, Haun, children, Adam, Andrew and Michaela, she reasoned, Baumgardner and Lindsay to write the script and 14 were doing pretty well with their violin lessons. The original songs. It is debuting at the Brown’s Century family always enjoyed singing together and they Theater and is the only place it can be seen in 2018. knew the songs. The more she thought about it, she The 14 songs will elicit a variety of emotions from came to the conclusion, ‘Yes, it would be possible that laughter, sorrow, joy and praise as they tell the they could do those last scheduled concerts’.

Trade Show, Speakers, Breakout Sessions, Panel Discussions. For exhibitor information or to register, visit mnagexpo.com.

Verizon Wireless Center

Mankato, MN

“And we did,” said Michaela. “Soon the invitations came for the Brown family to perform at churches and other events. God definitely had a plan for our family.”

Their focus has been on singing southern gospel which took them throughout the United States. Twelve years ago they were the featured artists for a Christmas show in Branson, Missouri.

“That really did give us a bug for the theatre,” said Michaela. “It See BROWN THEATER, pg. 11

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

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

PAGE 11

Theater is only part of the Browns’ many enterprises BROWN THEATER, from pg. 10 was definitely appealing to just be able to open the doors and have our instruments there. Packing up after each performance and travelling is hard work.”

In August of 2015, the Browns purchased a century-old building in Le Mars. It was originally built as a bank, but in more recent years it had been a lawyer’s office.

To their surprise, the work of renovating became one of restoration instead. Upon removing a layer of sheetrock, the Browns found an original marble wall in fairly good shape.

A beautiful boxed ceiling was discovered when the false ceilings came down. It was a delight to learn the original painted trim could be repaired.

“These discoveries did decide the colors for us,” said Michaela. “It also influenced the décor, as we chose Biltmore chandeliers from the 1915 era.”

The building measures approximately 20 feet wide and is 120 feet deep (as are most buildings on the town main street). The upper floor is used as offices

Remodeling of the historic building revealed a boxed ceiling, stenciling and an original marble wall.

24’ 500 Feeder Bushel Wagon Grain $5,399 Dump

Steer

Steer Self Self Feeder Feeder $3,298

by the Brown family, with the theatre on the main floor. In the basement is a gift gallery stocked with their music CD’s and DVD’s. Many gift items can be found there including cookbooks that Michaela has written.

“I took several culinary courses from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris,” said Michaela.

“And I really like The former bank vault is now home to the Brown Theater gift gallery. The bank’s safety to cook.” boxes are used to display new treasures.

With a twinkle The meal is served at the event center which is in her eye, she points out the cookbook entitled, decorated in a Victorian Christmas theme. Attending “Brownielicious — a Brownie Cookbook.” “After all, we are the Brown family,” she said. The other cook- “Christmas In Our Hometown” and “The Innkeeper’s book, “From the Stage to the Stove,” contains a vari- Wife” could easily become a family tradition. ety of recipes.

Throughout the year, the Browns will host different toe-tapping music shows.

Michaela’s knowledge and enjoyment of cooking is quite useful in two of the Browns’ new ventures. Just The Fourth of July week is devoted to patriotic kitty-corner from the Brown Century Theater is The music. A Celtic music show takes place in March; a Browns Central Event Center. Above the event cen- mother’s tea in May; traditional country music in the ter is the brand-new The Brown’s Bed and Breakfast. fall; and an Easter concert in the spring.

Work on the four luxury suites has just been comPerformances of “A Hometown Christmas” are curpleted. rently underway and will continue through Dec. 22.

It doesn’t matter if their guests come by car or tour An afternoon and evening performance of their “New bus, they can all make reservations to enjoy a deli- Year’s Eve Celebration” take place on Dec. 31. Tickets cious home-cooked meal. for all events are available by calling (888) 202-2712 “We feature a buffet that showcases some of Iowa’s or online at https://thebrownstheater.tix.com.

The Browns Century Theater is located at 11 finest foods,” said Michaela. “All of it is made from Central Ave. NW, Le Mars, Iowa 51031. v scratch.”

Spanier Welding and Metal Fabrication Paynesville, MN 320-243-7552 www.spanierwelding.com

CALL FOR PRICING

Fence Heavy Duty Line Round Feeder Feed $699 Bunk

Deluxe Deluxe Chute Chute

$4,179

PAGE 12

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

Advertisement

Helping Farmers Succeed ™

ARE NEMATODES ROBBING YOUR FIELDS OF YIELD? NEMATODES ARE SILENT KILLERS in a farmer’s field, causing damage that can’t always be seen and robbing yield along the way. When trying to combat these difficult pests, farmers need solutions that offer impactful results.

symptoms do occur because of significant infestation, they are often sporadic and imitate other production related issues, like drought stress or fertility deficiency.

Controlling nematode populations early can greatly diminish the potential for yield loss.”

“Damage to plants occur when nematodes feed on roots, which can heavily impact plant growth. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always develop above-ground symptoms,” says Jim Schwartz, director of PFR and Agronomy for Beck’s Hybrids. “Even if above ground

Prevalent in both corn and soybeans, there are many types of nematode species. Ectoparasite species exist in the soil and may move around and “graze” on roots. Endoparasite species spend most of their lives feeding inside the roots. Different species are more popular in different soil types, for instance, ectoparasitic species are more common in sandier soils. No matter the species, all nematodes can lead to moisture and nutrient uptake restrictions and lead to yield-robbing diseases, like root rot.

Beck’s newest addition to Escalate®, Nemasect ™, offers farmers an effective way to manage nematodes in their fields.

• As a biological, it’s safe to handle and safe for the environment • Multiple modes of action against the most common nematode species: lesion, stunt, dagger, and stubby root • Controls nematodes within 24 to 48 hours • A broad spectrum nematicide with activity on many soildwelling insects • Delivers an additional yield protection advantage of 12.2 Bu./A. in corn and 3.5 Bu./A. in soybeans**

powered by

TM

Each year, nematodes are responsible for more than $3 billion loss due to crop damage*. While many nematode species feed on both corn and soybeans, soybean specific species do not typically feed on other plant types. Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) infestations can cut yields as much as 30 percent and not only cause stunting, yellowing, early death, reduced nodulation and lower yields, but can also serve as an entry point for other diseases. SCN is the number one cause of yield loss in soybeans and is prevalent in majority of the soybean acres in the United States.

Schwartz says the most critical time to control nematodes is in the first 30-45 days the seed goes in the ground. Nemasect™ controls nematodes within 24 to 48 hours and impacts both egg and juvenile nematode populations for up to 60 days. But this revolutionary nematicide doesn’t stop there. With its multiple modes of action, it also acts as a powerful insecticide and has activity on many soil-dwelling insects.

Management practices like crop rotation, eliminating winter annual weed species, planting resistant varieties, planting early, minimizing growth stresses, and using seed treatments can all aid farmers in the fight

“Damage to plants occur when nematodes feed on roots, which can heavily impact plant growth. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always develop aboveground symptoms.” against nematodes. Farmers should take advantage of the tools at their disposal to control damaging nematodes and protect yields, especially when one offers the effectiveness of Nemasect.

A revolutionary nematicide and insecticide, Nemasect comes standard as part of Beck’s Escalate® seed treatment on corn and soybeans. The best part? It comes at no additional charge, so it’s putting even more money back into farmers’ pockets. Farmers can be confident their crops have an added defense against nematodes and insects, and can look forward to additional yield protection. *Society of Nematologists. “Information on Nematology.” 2018. Web. https://nematologists.org/resources/information-on-nematology/ **Corn results from two-year field trials at 50 locations (2016 and 2017) vs. competitive standard. Corn trials conducted in nematode infested fields in NE, MN, MO, IA, IL, IN, OH and AL. Soybean results from two-year field trials at 124 locations (2016 and 2017) vs. competitive standard. Soybean trials conducted in nematode infested fields in IN, IL, IA, OH, WI, MN, NE, KY, VA, NC, GA, AL, LA, MS, AR. Individual results will vary based on nematode pressure in each field.

Beck’s is an industry leader in providing the corn, soybean, wheat, elite alfalfa, small seeds and other tools farmers need to succeed. Nemasect™ and Escalate® are trademarks of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

BecksHybrids.com/Escalate

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

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

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

USDA forecasts lower milk production, stagnant prices cheese, after falling to the lowest Chicago This column was written for the marketMercantile Exchange level since May, ing week ending Dec. 14.

2016, rallied and closed Dec. 14 at The handwriting is on the milk house $1.4075 per pound. This is up 5.75 cents wall and the walls of the U.S. Department on the week, but 12.25 cents below a of Agriculture. The USDA again lowered year ago. The barrels finished at $1.31, its 2018 and 2019 milk production estiup 8.75 cents on the week, 35 cents mates in the latest World Agricultural below a year ago, and 9.75 cents below Supply and Demand Estimates report, the blocks. Five cars of block were sold due to “slower growth in milk per cow and MIELKE MARKET on the week and 27 of barrel. lower cow numbers. Relatively weak WEEKLY Demand reports are on the slower side returns are expected to result in a smaller

By Lee Mielke ahead of the end-of-year holidays, says 2019 cow herd,” says the USDA. Dairy Market News, though cheese 2018 production and marketings output saw some upticks. The spot were projected at 217.8 and 216.8 milk price range widened from $3 billion pounds respectively, down 100 under to $2.50 over Class III. Some million pounds from last month’s plant managers suggest production estimates. If realized, 2018 production would still be upticks will last until the last week of December, up 2.3 billion pounds or 1.1 percent from 2017. then drop off through Jan. 1. Midwestern cheese 2019 production and marketings were estimated inventories are generally heavy, but some managers at 220.6 and 219.6 billion pounds respectively, down relay that their stocks are intentionally “scant.”

300 million pounds on both. If realized, 2019 proCheese markets are far from healthy, says Dairy duction would be up 2.8 billion pounds or 1.3 perMarket News. cent from 2018.

Cheese production is very active in the west with Fat basis import forecasts were raised for 2018 most facilities at full capacity or close to it. The U.S. and 2019, as strong domestic demand supports market tone is weaker, but remains competitive, higher imports of butter. Fat basis export forecasts according to Dairy Market News. were raised for both years on higher sales of butButter fell to $2.1750 per pound on Dec. 13 — lowteroil and anhydrous milk fat. est CME price since July 6. But butter closed the The 2018 skim-solids export forecast was raised next day at $2.19 — still 1.75 cents lower on the on higher expected sales of skim milk/nonfat dry week and 5.5 cents below a year ago. Only one sale milk powder, but the 2019 export forecast was was reported for the week. unchanged as higher SMP/NDM sales are offset by Spot Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Dec. 14 at 94 weaker exports of lactose. cents per pound. This is up 5.5 cents and the highThe price forecast for cheese was lowered for 2018 est CME price since June 1, 2017, and 28.25 cents on current price weakness and continued high stocks, above a year ago. Twenty-three carloads found new but the forecasts for butter, NDM and whey were homes on the week at the CME. unchanged. The 2019 cheese and butter price foreCash dry whey saw a Dec. 14 close at 45 cents per casts were reduced, while the NDM price forecast was pound, up 1.25 cents on the week, with four sales unchanged. The 2019 whey price forecast was raised reported for the week at the CME. from last month as stocks remain relatively low. n The 2018 and 2019 Class III milk price forecasts The USDA’s latest Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry were lowered from last month due to the lower Outlook shows overall milk use in October was cheese prices. The 2018 and 2019 Class IV milk prices were unchanged at the midpoint of the range. higher than year-earlier levels. But FC Stone dairy broker Dave Kurzawski stated in the Dec. 17 Dairy Look for the 2018 Class III to average around Radio Now broadcast that the data speaks volumes $14.55 per cwt., down from $16.17 in 2017 and to what has happened on the cheese futures and $14.87 in 2016. The 2019 average is at a range of $14.65-$15.45, down from the $15.15-$16.05 project- spot market.

American cheese demand was down 9.9 percent ed a month ago. from a year ago, unusual for this time of year, he The 2018 Class IV price average is expected at said, but up 2.5 percent from September. The probaround $14.20, down from $15.16 in 2017 and comlem is that we price milk on American cheese, pares to $13.77 in 2016. The 2019 average is now though he believes that will turn around. put at a range of $14.40-$15.30 per cwt.

The good news is that demand for the “other” n cheese category set a new record, topping 731 milDairy prices strengthened the second week of lion pounds, up 6.7 percent from 2017 and up 7.4 December as traders awaited the last Global Dairy percent from September. Total cheese use was down Trade auction of 2018 on Dec. 18, plus the Dec. 19 0.1 percent from a year ago but 5.5 percent above November Milk Production report. Cheddar block September. Thus far, 2018 American cheese use is

MARKETING

up 1 percent and other than American cheese use is up 3.2 percent, putting total cheese use 2.3 percent higher.

Butter disappearance was up 9.5 percent from 2017 (a record October volume) while nonfat dry milk use was down 9.8 percent. “So we’ll file those numbers under ‘doesn’t really matter’ today,” Kurzawski said. n In politics, the Senate by a vote of 87 to 13 passed the $867 billion Conference Committee’s farm Bill, the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act. The House followed, approving the measure 369 to 47. The passage drew praise from the National Milk Producers Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association. President Trump is expected to sign the five-year measure.

NMPF stated in its press release that the bill “includes much-needed reforms to help American dairy farmers.” President and CEO Jim Mulhern said the bill will “benefit U.S. agriculture and ensure safe, affordable food for Americans and the world. A new law is especially important for dairy, a sector struggling with low prices and disrupted exports.”

The IDFA stated that the bill would “allow greater access to risk management tools for dairy foods companies and farmers to address price fluctuations. The bill would also extend the Dairy Forward Pricing Program to 2023, improve the safety net for dairy farmers and create a new milk incentive program within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to improve participants’ diets by increasing fluid milk consumption.

NMPF says, “The Dairy Margin Coverage program includes higher coverage levels from the Margin Protection Program that address deficiencies in the current feed-cost formula. It gives greater flexibility to allow producers of all sizes to access Tier 1 premium rates, expanded access to additional risk management tools, allowing producers to participate in both MPP and the Livestock Gross Margin insurance program, continued support for land and water conservation programs that assist producers, and has full funding for farm bill trade promotion programs, a crucial concern in an era of markets lost to tariffs and nutrition provisions intended to enhance consumption of fluid milk.”

National Milk also praised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for beginning the process of replacing the 2015 Waters of the United States rule. NMPF says it is “highly confident it will improve upon the current rule, which has led to unnecessary legal fees, compliance costs and confusion for U.S. dairy producers.”

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

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

PAGE 15

Farm bill moves towards President Trump’s desk The U.S. House and Senate Conference ARC-CO payments will now be based Committee released the official text for on the county where an FSA farm unit is the “Agriculture Improvement Act of located, rather than the county that the 2018” (the new farm bill), including proviproducer chose as the FSA administrasions for the various titles it contains. tive office (as currently exists). The curThe new farm bill will govern U.S. rent method created an unfair advantage Department of Agriculture programs from in certain instances.

2019 to 2023 and will be very similar to The reference prices for PLC and ARCthe current legislation, outside of a few CO programs will be established at the tweaks to the commodity and conservaFARM PROGRAMS greater of the current reference prices or tion titles. The commodity provisions of 85 percent of the market year average

By Kent Thiesse the new farm bill would be implemented price for the most recent five years, for the 2019 crop production year. All excluding the high and low year. The indications are that the legislation reference price cannot exceed 115 will be signed into law by President percent of the current reference Trump before the end of 2018. price. The current reference prices are: corn, $3.70/ Once the new farm bill is signed by President bu.; soybeans, $8.40/bu.; and wheat, $5.50/bu.

Trump, it will likely take a few weeks before USDA Crop base acres will remain at current levels for initiates implementation of the legislation and all crops on most farms. releases farm program details to local Farm Service Producers will have the opportunity to update Agency offices and producers. While none of the new their farm program payment yields beginning with farm bill legislation is official as of this writing, the 2020 crop year. Yield updates will be based on here are a few details on provisions that are likely 90 percent (90%) of the average farm yields on to be in the final farm bill, based on information planted acres for eligible crops for the 2013 to 2017 released by Congressional Conference Committee. crop years. If the updated yields are lower than curCommodity Programs rent levels, producers can choose to keep their curProducers will again get to choose between the rent FSA program yields. The farm program yields price-only “Price Loss Coverage” and county yield rev- are used to calculate PLC payments on individual enue-based “Ag Risk Coverage” (ARC-CO) program FSA farm units, so this ability to update yields may choices for the 2019 and 2020 crop production years.

Calculation formulas, etc. for the ARC-CO program will remain similar to the current farm program.

Beginning with the 2021 crop year, producers will be able to make an annual election between the ARCCO and PLC program choices. If available, this ability to switch between the two programs would have been quite beneficial under the current farm bill — especially to corn and wheat producers in 2017 and 2018.

During these two years, farm program payments were much more favorable under the PLC program.

However, a large majority of producers were locked-in to the ARC-CO program in 2017 and 2018.

MARKETING

NOTICE

Early deadline for ads in The Land Due to the Christmas and New Year Holidays, The Land office will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 25th and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019.

Deadline for The Land’s Dec. 28th issue is Tues., Dec. 18th at noon.

Deadline for The Land’s Jan. 4th, 2019 issue is Wed., Dec. 26th at noon.

be quite important to some farm operators in the coming years.

The Risk Management Agency yields which are used for crop insurance yield calculations will now be used as the primary yield data source for determining ARC-CO payments, rather than the National Ag Statistics Service yields which are currently being used. The trend-adjusted RMA yields will also be used to determine the benchmark yields for the ARC-CO program rather than the current five-year “Olympic average” yields, which should help eliminate the wide swings in benchmark yields from county-to-county following a couple of low production years.

There will be new RMA trend-adjusted average “plug yields” to serve as farm program yields on farms that do not have a yield history. The “plug yields” will be set at 80 percent of the average yields, rather than the current 70 percent level, which will be beneficial to producers that acquire additional farm units.

Farm operators who lose farm program payments on unplanted acres over a designated timeframe will now qualify for conservation payments if they agree to keep those acres in grass.

Nephews, nieces and cousins will now be treated as eligible family members to receive farm program payments, provided that they meet the FSA “activeSee THIESSE, pg. 19

PAGE 16

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

Influenza season requires precaution in handling pigs Winter has arrived and with it some particular disease concerns — both in the pig barn and with the caretakers. In swine, the “Big Four” diseases are PRRS (Porcine Reproductive & Respiratory Syndrome), Mycoplasma pneumonia, Porcine Circovirus (PCV) and Swine Influenza Virus (SIV).

Swine Influenza Virus can be simply referred to as the flu, but there’s nothing simple about it in the herd.

Many people remember the 2009 human influenza pandemic which was originally referred to as “swine flu.” Indeed, it was an H1N1 virus which affected swine or humans, but connecting it to swine was a public relations disaster for the pork-producing community. At that time, in late August 2009, H1N1 was considered to be responsible for an 11 percent drop in global pork trade, with the underlying reason attributed to the name “swine flu.”

Because the 2009 H1N1 pandemic was the worst human flu attack since 1918, and because its origins were a reassortment of human, bird and swine flu viruses, much research has occurred in the ensuing years to better understand flu in pigs and people.

Influenza in pigs Swine influenza virus is present in most swine herds across the country, and it appears to be a disease that many farms constantly live with. It’s a respiratory disease which affects all stages of production. Suckling piglets generally have immunity to the disease while with the sow. Coughing, pneumonia and fever are the most common symptoms.

The high temperatures of SIV can cause abortions in pregnant sows Growing pigs will experience severe respiratory distress for 7-10 days, then return to normal over the next 7-10 days. In the Midwest, 90 percent of swine herds containing growing pigs have tested positive for SIV. While commercial vaccines exist for swine influenza, many herds prefer to use an autogenous vaccine created specifically for them. These custom-made vaccines are formulated by using herd-specific antigens from the influenza-infected population.

UniversityofMinnesota

EXTENSION

SWINE &U

Human influenza season Flu viruses are most common in humans during the fall and winter; although, like in pigs, the virus can be detected any time during the year. Influenza generally makes an appearance in SWINE & U October, then peaks between

By Diane DeWitte December and February. The U.S. Center for Disease Control indicates that flu is contagious beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after a person becomes sick. Symptoms begin 1-4 days after the virus enters the body. The virus can easily be spread without a person knowing that he or she is sick.

In humans, flu is most easily spread from droplets in the air made by people with flu. Droplets spread as far as six feet when a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks; and, to a lesser extent, flu virus is spread by a person touching a surface that has the virus on it, then touching their nose or mouth.

Influenza is caused by ever-changing RNA viruses.

The change in the virus isn’t mutation, it’s called reassortment — when more than one similar virus is affecting the same cell, the viruses can exchange genetic material. This new combination virus has properties of the original viruses and is called a variant. The H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009 happened when people were infected by a variant of a swine, avian and human virus.

Typically, the seasonal human flu is caused by the H3N2 virus. In 2011, a variant of H3N2 was discovered in humans which contained a gene from the

Mention this ad for a big discount!

2009 H1N1 virus. That H3N2 variant has been most commonly found in people who experienced prolonged exposure to pigs at fairs.

The latest U of M studies on influenza The past six years have found the University of Minnesota on the forefront in conducting valuable applied research to try to understand influenza in swine, its control, and how it can be eradicated.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine have recently published influenza information which details the prevalence of certain variants of the virus during outbreaks, and how seasonality and weather can have an effect on influenza outbreaks.

Dr. Fabian Chamba Pardo recently published findings of his study of the factors which affect influenza infection status of piglets at weaning time. From 2011 to 2017, Pardo collected samples at weaning on 83 swine farms in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. These monthly samples were part of a routine surveillance program and yielded these results: Piglets who were raised by sows vaccinated against influenza were less likely to have the disease. Gilts who entered the sow herd and were influenza-positive were associated with positive piglets at weaning. Further details of Dr. Pardo’s study can be found at https://z.umn.edu/PardoInfluenzaStudy.

A robust five-year study of 34 breed-to-wean farms by the team at the U of M Veterinary Population Department undertook the three-pronged challenge of estimating the prevalence and seasonality of SIV, investigating the correlation between the prevalence of SIV and weather, and studying the genetic diversity of the SIV on the farms over time.

See SWINE & U, pg. 19

Swine & U

PUT YOUR AD HERE! Your company can be the 2019 monthly sponsor of the Swine & U page in The Land.

Call us for details and get started in January!

507-345-4523 800-657-4665

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

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

PAGE 17

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Corn prices see little movement The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Dec. 14.

CORN — Corn direction continues to be driven by soybeans and wheat, but that may be changing slightly. Demand for corn has been decent, but nothing impressive. Heading into the weekend, it was reported that China may buy up to 3 million metric tons of U.S. corn — possibly as soon as January. This would help meet a previous agreement to purchase of 7.2 mmt on import quota that is subject to a lower tariff. This helped erase the weekly loss seen in the corn.

The December World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report was uninspir- PHYLLIS NYSTROM ing. Ethanol production margins CHS Hedging Inc. are weaker, and production has St. Paul begun to slow down. Since the beginning of December, March corn has traded a boring range from $3.80 to $3.87.75 per bushel. Through Thursday’s Dec. 13 close, March corn was down 1.25 cents for the week at $3.84.25, July was down a penny at $3.98.25, and the December 2019 contract was up three-quarter cents at $4.03.75 per bushel. As of this writing at mid-morning Dec. 14, corn was up 1 to 3 cents on the day.

The December WASDE report on Dec. 11 didn’t provide any surprises to the trade. U.S. ending stocks were up 45 million to 1.781 billion bushels on a decline of 50 million bushels in corn for ethanol and a decrease in imports of 5 million bushels. The average ending stocks trade guess was 1.736 billion bushels.

World stocks took a jump of 1.3 mmt to 308.8 mmt and was greater than the trade prediction of 307.2 mmt. Brazil’s corn production was steady at 94.5 mmt and Argentina was unchanged at 42.5 mmt.

Weekly export sales were disappointing at 35.6 million bushels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting a flat year-on-year export picture and total commitments are currently running 16 percent ahead of last year. This week’s sales included an 8.7 million-bushel cancellation to unknown.

Presently, the Ukraine is competitive on the world export scene. This month’s WASDE report raised Ukraine’s production 1.5 mmt to a record 35 mmt and their corn exports were raised 1 mmt to 28 mmt.

We need 35.3 million bushels of sales per week to hit the USDA’s 2.45 billion bushels export outlook.

See NYSTROM, pg. 18

Cash Grain Markets

corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $3.29 .00 $8.12 +.10 Madison $3.35 +.04 $8.12 -.05 Redwood Falls $3.34 -.02 $8.28 -.03 Fergus Falls $3.25 +.01 $7.84 +.07 Morris $3.31 .00 $8.02 .00 Tracy $3.41 +.04 $8.18 -.04

Grain Angles Consider leasing as financing option

The start of the last month of the year has been for the most part a very erratic trade for both the cattle and the hogs. Both the cash and futures prices have darted up and down during the first week of December. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the markets these days, so it is very possible this volatility will continue in the weeks ahead.

The cattle market experienced the best start for the month as cash and futures both moved higher. Packers stepped up and paid higher prices to acquire live inventory while the futures kept pace by advancing with the cash trade.

Movement of beef picked up during that first week of the month as JOE TEALE holiday buying is likely the source Broker of the increased movement.

Great Plains Commodity On the other hand, the feeder Afton, Minn. market did not fare so well.

Prices ended the first week of December slightly lower as concern over increasing grain prices brought about selling interest into that market.

Overall, with the holiday season upon us, it is likely that the cattle and feeder markets will be subject to uncertain and possibly a more erratic movement in the next several weeks. Weather and foreign markets could play a role in the direction of prices during the upcoming weeks. So this should cause producers to pay close attention to market conditions and protect inventories as needed.

The hog market — especially the futures market — has been a yo-yo as of late. It almost seems as

As we prepare to turn the calendar on another year of tight-margins and depreciating working capital, producers continue to look for new or different ways to help control costs while remaining competitive and increasing their overall efficiency. When looking to finance new or used equipment, building new livestock facilities or other ag structures, some producers have taken advantage of the benefits offered by leasing. When looking at a new purchase or construction project, leasing offers some unique financial solutions, and cost-saving benefits when compared to traditional lending.

If you are experiencing consecutive years of tightening cash flow and working capital, having to TERRY KELLER come up with a 20-30 percent down Compeer Senior payment can be difficult. However, Leasing Specialist in many cases, when pursuing a Northfield, Minn. lease financing option, the down payment can be much lower than traditional equipment loan financing. Leases provide 100 percent financing for the value of the asset, with the first payment generally due in advance. Without having to come up with a large down payment, leasing may be an option to consider that will allow you to attain that additional equipment or expansion without sacrificing working capital or cash flow.

Although not always the general rule in leasing, often times leasing allows the customer (or lessee) and the lessor to create flexible terms and payment options to match your needs. In agriculture, we often deal with seasonality of markets — meaning that there are certain times through the year that you anticipate income. A lease provides the flexibility of structuring the payments around when the income is expected to come in. For example, a grain farmer generally sells crops after harvest. The lease could be set up to have the payment due on Jan. 1, with annual payments thereafter to correspond with when they are receiving their income.

Lease payments are generally fixed for the term of the lease. Lease payments are then spread evenly across the duration of the lease term, allowing for easier budgeting, and the ability to split payments across multiple parties or lessees. In comparison, depending on the type of loan product that you have, interest can be fixed or variable, meaning that your payments could change over time and the ratio of principal and interest could change.

See TEALE, pg. 18

See KELLER, pg. 18

Average:

$3.33

$8.09

Year Ago Average: $2.98 $8.76 Grain prices are effective cash close on Dec. 18. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Livestock Angles Yo-yos for Christmas

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.

PAGE 18

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

Soybean prices could drift into the holidays NYSTROM, from pg. 17 We sold 6.3 million bushels of new crop corn, bringing total commitments for 2019-20 to 10.7 million bushels. This is well behind last year’s 40.5 millionbushel total for this time of year.

Weekly ethanol production fell back slightly this week as margins dipped further into the red.

Production was down 23,000 barrels per day to 1.046 million bpd. The four-week average is lagging last year by 3 percent. Ethanol stocks dropped 100,000 barrels to 22.9 million barrels. This is 2.3 percent higher than last year. Net margins declined another 2 cents per gallon to a negative 15 cents per gallon.

Margins have been negative for 12 straight weeks.

Outlook: The demand picture is supportive for corn, but that at times becomes secondary in light of spillover strength from the soybean market. If positive effects from the soybeans fade, the demand for corn may help limit any downside moves. The December 2019 contract is back near $4.05 per bushel. If you haven’t made your first sale for next year, now would be a time to look. For now, corn action is a sideways grind with March trapped between $3.80 and $3.90 per bushel.

SOYBEANS — China, China, China — it’s all

about China! This week we finally saw China return to the U.S. soybean market with a purchase of 1.13 mmt or 41.5 million bushels on Dec. 13. The next day they bought another 300,000 metric tons. Before the sales confirmations, the trade was anticipating sales of 1.5 mmt to 2.0 mmt.

The market’s immediate reaction was a classic “buy the rumor, sell the fact” type trade. The sale did perk up basis levels to the Pacific Northwest Average.

Many expect China will still buy up to 5 mmt of U.S. soybeans, with more announcements coming. Here is the fly in the ointment: China may be buying U.S. origin now, but as we look at 2019 values, Brazil will be the origin of choice for both China and non-Chinese buyers. Further, it looks as if U.S. acreage switching from soybeans to corn may be much less than earlier estimates of 4-7 million acres. The United States will likely be facing a huge soybean carryout unless China stands in for 8 mmt or more.

China’s crush margins this week fell to an 18-month low on poor meal demand and oversupply at plants.

The December WASDE report did not make any changes to the U.S. soybean balance sheet. U.S. ending stocks remain at an enormous record 955 million bushels. The trade was expecting a small cut to 936 million bushels. Brazil’s soybean production forecast was up

Holiday volume should boost market TEALE, from pg. 17 every other day the market is up and the next day the market is down.

Cash prices are nearly steady while the futures have ended the first week of December lower. During this time the pork cutouts have rallied most likely in holiday buying in slightly increased volume. This has put the packer in a very positive position from a profit standpoint.

Now that winter has arrived, this might change the dynamics of the trade as weather will become more

of a factor. With the December futures well discounted to the February contract, there is a definite feeling by the trade that prices are likely to strengthen through the next several months.

There has been a lot of anticipation that the export market may strengthen in the next several months due to the Asian swine flu that has stuck the Asian continent. However, in the short term, the market may continue to be very sensitive to any changes in the above mentioned conditions. Therefore producers should continue to monitor these conditions and act accordingly to protect inventories if needed. v

1.5 mmt to a record 122 mmt. Some private estimates have run as high as 130 mmt. They also increased Brazil’s crop from last year by 0.5 mmt to 120.3 mmt.

Argentina’s production was unchanged at 55.5 mmt.

World ending stocks jumped 3.3 mmt to a record 115.3 mmt, higher than the pre-report guess of 113.1 mmt.

The USDA left China’s soybean imports at 90 mmt.

Weekly export sales at 29.1 million bushels were as expected, but meal and soyoil sales were marketingyear lows. Total soybean commitments are 34 percent behind last year. The USDA is projecting year-onyear soybean exports to be down 10.7 percent this year at 1.9 billion bushels. We need to average 26.7 million bushels of sales per week to hit the target.

New crop sales were nearly non-existent at 200,000 bushels. Total new crop commitments are 6.2 million bushels compared to 15.7 million bushels last year.

Brazil’s weather is still generally favorable for crop development but forecasted rain for the latter half of December needs to confirm to avoid raising concerns.

Brazil’s truckers are threatening to strike after the new government essentially wiped out the minimum freight rate regulations. With soybean harvest expected to start early this year, this situation will be closely watched.

The Office of Management and Budget has stated that the second round of tariff-related payments will be delayed. They want to see how recent U.S./Chinese developments pan out. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, President Trump and OMB Director Mick Mulvaney were scheduled to meet on the matter on Dec. 14.

Outlook: For the week through the close on Dec. 13, January soybeans were down 9.75 cents at $9.07, March down 8.5 cents at $9.20.5, and November 2019 down 5.25 cents at $9.56 per bushel. At this writing, soybeans were trading a couple of cents either side of changed. The market bulls need to be fed a stream of supportive news, without it, prices may drift into the holidays. Informa Economics is forecasting 2019 soybean acres to fall 4 million acres to 85.1 million planted acres. This number has likely already been incorporated into traders’ ideas. v

Structured leases can provide estate-planning benefits

KELLER, from pg. 17 When structured accordingly, the IRS does not consider a lease to be a purchase, but rather a tax-deductible expense. Because of this, you can deduct the entire lease payment from your gross income. The equipment write-off is tied to the lease term, which can be shorter than IRS depreciation schedules, resulting in larger tax deductions each year. In comparison, with a traditional loan purchase, you can only claim a tax deduction for a portion of the loan payment as interest, and the depreciation can be spread out over a longer timeframe. If you are considering leasing, reach out to your tax advisor to understand how leasing may impact your own operation.

In addition, a properly structured lease can have

estate-planning benefits over conventional financing.

If you are considering estate planning with the intent to transfer assets from one generation to the next without incurring any tax implications, leasing may be a solution for you. As an example, say that Bob and Sue Johnson are working toward retirement while transitioning the farm to their two sons who are looking to purchase a new tractor. A partial solution to cut down on potential estate taxes is for Bob and Sue to lease the tractor through their lessor for five years. At the end of the five years, they forgo the option to purchase the tractor. However, the two sons take advantage of the option to buy the tractor from the lessor for the buyout price. Mom and dad were able to get the income tax deduction, and the sons ended up with a quality tractor at a reasonable price.

These are just a few of the potential benefits that could come into play when considering leasing.

When looking to finance equipment, vehicles, a new structure or facility, I encourage you to consult with your lender and tax partners to gain insights into whether a lease or a loan is a better option for your operation. They, along with your equipment financing provider, will be able to provide you with resources to ensure that you are able to secure the best possible terms for your lease and/or loan. It’s always important to know your options, and understand the advantages of those available to you.

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

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

PAGE 19

Vaccinate handlers to prevent spread of flu to herd Protect people and pigs Although influenza is not a federally The team found that the prevalence reportable or regulated swine disease, of influenza in herds over five years the USDA Animal and Plant Health ranged from 7 to 57 percent with a Inspection Service, in conjunction with median presence of 28 percent. Herd- the American Association of Swine level influenza occurrences followed a Veterinarians and National Pork cyclical pattern with levels increasing Board, have collaborated on the estabduring the fall, peaking in December lishment of a national swine influenza and May, and subsiding in the sumvirus surveillance program. mer. Researchers were able to correVeterinarians can submit nasal fluid, late the prevalence of herd-level influ- oral swabs or lung tissue to a local lab enza with lower outdoor temperatures to be evaluated. In Minnesota, the U of and low absolute humidity. The team’s M veterinary diagnostic lab on the St. research also showed that over time, Paul campus is the surveillance site. there were genetically diverse influen- Information gathered there can help za viruses co-circulating within the determine the presence of — or changherd. (Frontiers in Veterinary Science, es in — influenza virus on pig farms.

October 2017).

SWINE & U, from pg. 14

Because flu viruses can be transmitted between pigs and people, guidelines are in place for pig handlers and farm team members. As always, biosecurity is important to prevent the spread of influenza from pigs to people and from workers to pigs. Wearing personal protective equipment like gloves and masks that cover nose and mouth can reduce the transfer of flu virus. Workers should not eat, drink or put anything in their mouth in pig areas. Also important is hand-washing often with soap and running water before and after working with pigs. If soap and water is not available, an alcohol-based hand rub is recommended. Pig barn employees with flu-like illness should stay home for at least

24 hours after the fever ends.

The National Pork Board and the U.S. Center for Disease Control recommend that people who work with pigs get a seasonal flu vaccination.

Vaccinations are the most valuable tool for preventing flu transmission.

Annual vaccination will prevent the spread of the flu between people and from people to pigs.

Flu season has arrived. Make sure that you, your family and your pigs are protected against the disease.

Diane DeWitte is an Extension Educator specializing in swine for the University of Minnesota Extension.

Her e-mail address is stouf002@umn. edu v

FSA offices will provide farm bill policy updates to farmers THIESSE, from pg. 15 ly engaged in farming” requirements.

The maximum allowable adjusted gross income level to be eligible to receive farm program payments will remain at $900,000, and maximum farm program payment level will remain at $125,000 per qualifying individual or farm entity.

Commodity Loan Rates Many producers utilize the CCC commodity loan program through local FSA offices to offset short-term farm operating credit needs, in addition to operating credit through their normal ag lenders. The CCC loans are also usually at a reduced interest rate compared to normal farm operating loans.

The CCC loans are taken against unsold grain from eligible commodities that is being stored by the producer for future sale or use. The CCC national loan rates are also used to determine the price at which PLC payments end, and where loan deficiency payments are initiated. County loan rates are adjusted from the national loan rates, based on local grain prices and geographical price differences.

These CCC national loan rates are being proposed in the new farm bill for the most common crops in the upper Midwest, beginning with the 2019 crop year: corn, $2.20 per bushel (currently $1.95/bu.); soybeans, $6.20 per bushel (currently $5.00/bu.); and wheat = $3.38 per bushel (currently $2.94/bu.).

Dairy Programs The new farm bill will make some

significant improvements to the current Dairy Margin Protection Program which will now be named “Dairy Margin Coverage.” The DMC upgrades will especially for benefit small to medium sized dairy herds (under 250 cows). These improvements are in addition to changes that were made earlier this year in the federal budget bill.

Crop Insurance The new farm bill will make very few changes to the crop insurance program, so overall crop insurance provisions for 2019 and beyond should remain very similar to the current crop insurance program. However, the USDA Risk Management Agency has the ability to make year-to-year adjustments in crop insurance program options within the parameters of the farm bill legislation.

Conservation The maximum level of Conservation Reserve Program acres would be increased from the current 24 million acre maximum to a new maximum of 27 million acres by 2023, with two million of the added CRP acres designated for the Grassland Reserve Program.

The maximum CRP rental rates would be set at 90 percent of the average FSA prevailing rental rates in an area for the continuous CRP program, which focuses on the most environmentally sensitive land, and at 85 percent for general CRP sign-ups. Currently, the maximum CRP rental rate is 100 percent of the FSA prevailing rental rate.

The Conservation Stewardship Program, which involves implement-

ing conservation practices on operating farms, will not be eliminated in the new farm bill. Some of the funding for the CSP program will be reduced over the next five years (2019-2023) and redirected to other programs.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which provides funding to help offset the cost of implementing farm-level conservation measures, will get increased funding.

Once the new farm bill is signed, USDA will begin the task of finalizing all the rules and regulations. Official information and sign-up details for the 2019-2023 farm programs will come from USDA through local FSA offices, most likely beginning early in 2019.

Local FSA offices will also likely be holding informational meetings on the

new farm bill and the changes in the commodity farm program choices.

The choice between the ARC-CO and PLC program for 2019 and 2020, the first two years of the new farm bill, will likely vary both geographically and among eligible program crops. There will be a lot of information coming out on the farm program choices and provisions, once the new farm bill is signed.

Farm operators need to take time to understand the farm program provisions in the new farm bill and to analyze the best choices for their farms.

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) 7262137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank. com. v

333 South Seventh St. - Ste. 1330

701 S. Fourth Ave. - Ste. 630 Minneapolis, MN 55402 • 1-800-328-7131 Minneapolis, MN 55415 abbottfutures.com 1-800-328-7131 A Full Service Futures and Options Broker Experiencedabbottfutures.com Brokers, Rock Solid Research, Competitive Pricing and Risk Management For Producers.

A Full Service Commodities and Futures Broker

*Trading commodity futures & options involves substantial risk of loss and may not be suitable for all.

PAGE 20

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018 TH

USED PARTS LARSON SALVAGE Good selection of tractor parts - New & Used All kinds of hay equipment, haybines, balers, choppers parted out.

New combine belts for all makes.

Swather canvases, round baler belting, used & new tires.

6 miles East of

Friday, December 28 @ 11AM

This is an unprecedented opportunity for farmers and investors alike to acquire a huge holding of coveted and desirable cropland at public auction! This auction features two, nearly contiguous, blocks of land with over 3,500 acres highly productive cropland near Grygla, MN and 1,700 acres of mixed-use land around Four Town, MN. The Grygla Farm is substantially improved with drain tile and soil productivity ratings into the 90s. The Four Town Farm features cropland and hunting tracts.

Marshall County, MN – Espelie & Valley TWPs Total Acres: 3,597.25+/Beltrami County, MN – Minnie, Spruce Grove, Hamre, & Steenerson TWPs Total Acres: 1,771.11+/-

2018

HUGE Marshall & Beltrami County, MN

5,368 acres offered in multiple tracts

WATCH FOR A COMPLETE LISTING INCLUDING TRACT BREAKDOWNS & PHOTOS AT

SteffesGroup.com!

AUCTION LOCATION

Ralph Engelstad Arena - Imperial Room 525 Brooks Ave N, Thief River Falls, MN Schmidt Family, Owners Max Steffes MN14-031

SteffesGroup.com

CAMBRIDGE, MN 763-689-1179

We Ship Daily Visa and MasterCard Accepted

TERMS: 10% down upon signing purchase agreement with balance due at closing in 45 days. Internet Bidding available to prequalified bidders.

One Call Does It All!

With one phone call, you can place your classified line ad in The Land, Farm News and Country Today.

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

4760 Hesston Medium squared baler 22500 bales always inside all options 1383 Massey Ferguson 2017 1520 acres used Kuhn Rake Rotary GA7501 model

Call Gary Dohlen for more info 320-808-5723

Prime Kandiyohi County Farmland Listing -S1/2 of Section 26, St. John’s Township of Kandiyohi County -320 Deeded Acres -236 Quality Tillable Acres -An additional 36 acres of CRP (excellent hunting) -Crop Production Index 89+ -This farm has tile and very good drainage.

www.FladeboeLand.com

Real Estate Wanted

Blue Earth Co. Farm For WANTED: Land & farms. I Sale: Judson Township NE have clients looking for 1/4 Sec. 14, SE SW 1/4 Sec. dairy, & cash grain opera11. 187.9 tillable. Contact Ag- tions, as well as bare land ricultural Resource Manage- parcels from 40-1000 acres. ment Co. John Murphy Bro- Both for relocation & investker PO Box 4097 Mankato, ments. If you have even MN 56002 507-625-1363 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 (612)328-4506

HAY AUCTION

Steffes Group, Inc. 2000 Main Avenue East, West Fargo, ND

For a detailed Buyer’s Prospectus with complete terms and conditions contact Max Steffes at Steffes Group, 701.237.9173 or 701.212.2849 or online at SteffesGroup.com

Real Estate

Call Broker: Kristine Fladeboe Duininck 320-212-9379

WANTED: TOP DOLLAR FOR QUALITY FARMLAND. Long term contracts ideal, no smaller than 80 acre parcels with CPI of 85+. Must be within 20 mi. radius of New Richland MN. Call. (507) 327-6430; (507)461-4474; (507)317-9317

Feed Seed Hay Alfalfa, mixed hay, grass hay, and feed grade wheat straw.

Medium squares or round bales. Delivery available.

Call or text LeRoy Ose. 218689-6675

Farm Equipment FOR SALE: JD 3710 10 bottom plow, low acres, nice condition, $13,900. 320-359-2692

Please recycle this magazine.

H HHHHHHHHHHHH H H H WEEKLY H AUCTION H H H H Every Wednesday H H H Hay & Straw H H 4:30 PM H H Homestead H H H H Sales, Inc. H H HWY 15 N, HUTCHINSON, MN H H H 320-433-4250 H H homesteadsalesinc.com H H HHHHHHHHHHHH H

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14 /DECEMBER 21, 2018 Farm Equipment

Tractors

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE Classified Line Ads in The Land

Purchase one line ad at regular price and get the second one free in the same editions. Offer good for one full circulation combo.

Free ad must be of equal or lesser value. Hurry! Offer ends soon.

We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910

507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665

WANTED

Tractors ‘03 John Deere 9420, 6400 hrs, just went through JD shop, $20,000 repairs to it, sharp tractor, 800x70x38 tires at 75%, always shedded, $59,000. 507-251-1394

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

‘04 JD 9320 tractor, LOADED! P/S, Auto Trac Rdy (plug & play), 710/70R42 tires (70%), Xenon lites, active seat, very nice w/ only 4600 hrs. $89,500/ OBO. Call 507-789-6049

.

I for eraand res. estven onm& ReNew

DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE

We pay top dollar for your damaged grain. We are experienced handlers of your wet, dry, burnt and mixed grains.

Trucks and vacs available.

Immediate response anywhere.

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

PRUESS ELEV., INC. 1-800-828-6642

om

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

AR RMacts 80 of mi. and 30; 17

‘17 CIH Magnum 250, 480/80R46 duals, 380/85R34 single fronts, CVT transmission, 4280 hrs ........................ $72,500 ‘17 JD Gator TS, 4X2, 514 hrs .......................................... $4,900 ‘15 JD 625I Gator, 4X4, canopy, bench seat, 250 hrs ..... $6,900

hay, aw. und ble.

218-

If you’re having a Farm Auction, let other Farmers know it!

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MNNorthern MN Northern IA *Jan. 4, 2019 Dec. 28, 2018 Jan. 18, 2019 * Jan. 11, 2019 Feb. 1, 2019 Jan. 25, 2019 Feb. 15, 2019 Feb. 8, 2019 Mar. 1, 2019

om ndi-

HH

Deadline is 8 days prior to publication.

H H Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication.

H H H H H PO Box 3169 • Mankato, MN 56002 H Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 H Fax: 507-345-1027 H H Website: www.TheLandOnline.com H e-mail: theland@TheLandOnline.com H H H Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!

*

‘14 CIH Magnum 235, 480/80R50 rear duals, 380/80R38 single fronts,23 speed creeper transmission, 4 remotes, 2585 hrs ............................................................................ $79,500 ‘13 JD 7230R, 20 speed Command Quad Plus transmission, 380/90R50 rear duals, 540/1000 PTO, 4 remotes, HID lights,

PAGE 21

Steffes Auction Calendar 2018

For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com Opening December 17 & Closing December 27 Ralph & Kathleen Ochocki Farm Retirement Auction, Hendricks, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 21 & Closing December 26 Aglron Online Auction - 12/26, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Wednesday, December 26 at 12pm Quality Tested Hay Auction & Customer Appreciation Brunch, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN Thursday, December 27 at 11AM Aglron Sioux Falls Event, Steffes Group Facility, Larchwood, IA Opening December 27 at 8AM & Closing December 27 at 12PM Richland County, ND Land Auction - 160+/-Acres, Wyndmere, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening December 27 at 8AM & Closing December 27 at 2PM Steele County, ND Land Auction - 517.65+/-Acres, South of Finley, ND, Timed Online Auction Friday, December 28 at 11AM HUGE Marshall & Beltrami County, MN Land Auction, 5,368+/-Acres, Thief River Falls, MN Opening January 4 & Closing January 9 Online Steffes Auction - 1/9, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, January 8 at 12PM Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN Opening January 18 & Closing January 23 Online Steffes Auction - 1/23, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, January 22 at 12PM Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN Opening February 1 & Closing February 6 Online Steffes Auction - 2/6, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, February 12 at 12PM

840 hrs .............................................................................. $95,500

Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN

‘12 New Holland L218 skid steer loader, no cab, 72”

Opening February 15 & Closing February 20

bucket, 365 hrs ................................................................. $19,750

Online Steffes Auction - 2/20, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed

‘10 JD 9770 combine, 800/70R38 single tires, tank ext. 2WD,

Online Auction

contourmaster, chopper, tank ext., 1650 sep. hrs, Just through

Tuesday, February 26 at 12PM

service program ................................................................ $87,500

Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN

‘12 JD RSX 850I Gator, 190 hrs ....................................... $7,500

Opening February 26 & Closing March 5

– AgDirect Financing Available – Please call before coming to look.

Keith Bode

Fairfax, MN 55332 507-381-1291 • www.keithbodeeq.com

Jason Leer Farm Retirement Auction, Wolford, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 26 & Closing March 5 Gary Bacher Retirement Auction, Wolford, ND, Timed Online Auction Thursday, February 28 at 10AM Johnny Herr Farm Retirement Auction, Sawyer, ND Friday, March 1 at 10AM Roger Walkinshaw Farm Auction, Argusville, ND

PAGE 22

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

Tractors

Tractors

Tractors

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018 TH Harvesting Equip

Trucks & Trailers

Livestock

‘13 JD 7215R, 4672 hrs, 4 valves, FOR SALE: ‘89 Case IH 7130, FOR SALE: JD 4440 very 2007 C-IH 8010 combine, FOR SALE: Black Angus RETIRING: ‘68 C050 Chev 1000 PTO, Active Seat, Auto FWA, 5400 hrs, 18.4x42 rears good condition, new tires, 2407/1500 hrs, 620/70R42 du- bulls also Hamp, York, & truck, 6 cyl, 4-2 transmisTrac Ready, MFWD, Power at 60%, duals at 25%, 16.9x28 4995 hrs, quad shift, in- als, big top topper, lot of Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts. sion, 14’ steel box, good Quad, 320/90R50 Rear Tires fronts at 90%, rock box, re- spected in John Deere Shop, recent work, exc shape, 320-598-3790 tires; ‘73 C-60 Chev truck w/duals, Thru Service In- cent eng OH, asking $42,000. $25,900. 320-359-2692 $87,500. 612-685-5743 350, 5-2 transmission, 16’ spection at 4500 hrs, $68,500. 507-421-4732 box, good tires, used this Cattle NEW AND USED TRACTOR Call 1-320-979-9460 fall, hoists work. 507-360-9413 FOR SALE: Int’l 856 w/ ldr, PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, Wanted 7500 hrs, 2nd owner, 100% 55, 50 Series & newer tracFOR SALE: 9 Shorthorn FOR SALE: JD 6115D, MFD, Firestone rubber on rear, tors, AC-all models, Large steers, avg weight aabout Miscellaneous w/ JD H310 loader & snow nice original condition, cab, Inventory, We ship! Mark All kinds of New & Used farm 500 lbs, shots and poured. bucket, 400 hours. 507-381- heat, always stored inside. Heitman Tractor Salvage equipment - disc chisels, field Nelson Family Shorthorns at cults, planters, soil finishers, PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS 5781 $8,950. 320-359-2692 715-673-4829 Renville. 320-894-6271 cornheads, feed mills, discs, New pumps & parts on hand. balers, haybines, etc. 507Call Minnesota’s largest dis438-9782 tributor Swine HJ Olson & Company 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 FOR SALE: Yorkshire, HampThe Land shire, Duroc & Hamp/Duroc Holiday REINKE IRRIGATION boars, also gilts. Excellent Sales & Service selection.

Raised outside.

Office Hours: New & Used Exc herd health. No PRSS. For your irrigation needs Delivery avail. 320-760-0365 Monday, Dec. 24 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 Spot, Duroc, Chester White, 8 am - Noon Boars & Gilts available. Winpower Sales & Service Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Reliable Power Solutions Tuesday, Dec. 25 Delivery available. Steve Since 1925 PTO & automatic Resler. 507-456-7746 Emergency Electric GenerClosed ators. New & Used Trucks & Rich Opsata-Distributor 800-343-9376 Trailers HAY TOOLS USED TRACTORS Merry Christmas

If it’s too good to throw away then sell it in The Land and make some extra $$$.

Call The Land today!

507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665

‘03 Versatile 2310, PS ..................................... $85,000 ‘12 Buhler 280...............................................$109,000 NEW Massey GC1715 w/loader ............................. Call NEW Massey 7722 FWA CVT ................................. Call ‘05 CIH MX210 ................................................ $79,000 NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader.. ...... On Hand NEW NH T9.645, w/Smart Trac .............................. Call NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders ... On Hand NEW NH T8.410 ...................................................... Call NH T8.275, 495 hrs ....................................... $145,000 ‘08 NH 8010 .................................................. $110,000 ‘99 NH 9682 .................................................... $67,000 ‘96 White 6175 FWA....................................... $49,500 Allis 185..............................................................$8,750 Kubota L245 2wd ...............................................$6,500

TILLAGE 14’ Sunflower 4412-05.....................................$32,500 10’ Sunflower 4412-07 .................................... $31,000 ‘95 JD 726, 30’ ................................................ $21,500 10’ Wilrich QX2 37’ w/basket.......................... $38,500 Wilrich QX 55’5 w/bskt..................................... Coming CIH 730b cush. w/ leads ................................ $19,500

PLANTERS NEW White Planters ............................................... Call White 8182 12-30 w/liq ................................... $27,900 ‘12 White 8186, 16-30 w/liq. fert. .................... $45,000 ‘11 White 8516 CFS, Loaded .......................... $85,000 White 8186 16-30 w/liq .................................... Coming

New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

New NH W80C wheelloader .......................... On Hand New NH E37C mini excavator ....................... On Hand New NH E26C mini excavator ....................... On Hand New NH track & wheeled skidsteers............. On Hand NH 230 w/cab & heat ...................................... $37,900 ‘99 Bobcat 863F .............................................. $16,800

COMBINES

Gleaner R65 ................................................... $105,000 ‘12 Gleaner S77............................................ $205,000 ‘03 Gleaner R65 ............................................... Coming ‘98 Gleaner R62 .............................................. $79,500 ‘98 Gleaner R62 ...................................................... Call Gleaner 3308 chopping corn heads ...................... Call NEW Fantini chopping cornhead ........................... Call Geringhoff parts & heads available

MISCELLANEOUS

NEW Salford RTS Units .......................................... Call NEW Salford Plows................................................. Call NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call NEW Westfield Augers ........................................... Call NEW REM VRX vacs. .............................................. Call NEW Hardi Sprayers............................................... Call NEW Riteway Rollers .............................................. Call NEW Lorenz Snowblowers ..................................... Call NEW Batco Conveyors ........................................... Call NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ......................... Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons .................................. Call NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ......................... Call REM 2700, Rental ................................................... Call Pre-Owned Grain Cart ................................... On Hand

All Equipment available with Low Rate Financing (507) 234-5191 (507) 625-8649

smithsmillimp.com

from all of us at The Land!

FOR SALE: ‘04 Volvo VNL630, 500K miles, auto transmission, excellent condition, $20,000. 218-791-3400

Sell your farm equipment in The Land with a line ad.

507-345-4523

~ NEW EQUIPMENT/BIG INVENTORY ~ Port-A-Hut Shelters:

• All Steel Shelters for Livestock & Other Uses • • • • • • • • • •

JBM Equipment:

Feeder Wagons - Several Models Self-locking Head Gates • HD Feeder Panels Self-locking Bunk Feeders Tombstone Horse & Horned Cattle Feeders Skid Feeders • Bunk Feeders Bale Wagons • Bale Thrower Racks Flat Racks for big sq. bales Self-locking Feeder Wagons Fenceline Feeders Several Types of Bale Feeders

Smidley Equipment:

• Steer Stuffers • Hog Feeders • Hog Huts • Calf Creep Feeders • Lamb & Sheep Feeders • Cattle & Hog Waterers • Hog & Sheep Scales – We Rebuild Smidley Cattle & Hog Feeders –

Sioux Equipment: • • • •

Gates • Calving Pens • Haymax Bale Feeders Cattle & Feeder Panels • Head Gates Loading Chute • Hog Feeders Squeeze Chutes & Tubs • Calf Warmer

Notch Equipment:

• • • • •

Rock Buckets • Grapple Forks • Manure Forks Bale Spears • Hi-Volume Buckets & Pallet Forks Bale Transports & Feeder Wagons, 16’-34’ Adult & Young Stock Feeders & Bale Feeders Land Levelers

• • • • •

Squeeze Chutes - Head Gates Large & Small Animal Tip Chutes Open Bar Corral Tub Round & Square Calving Pens Tub & Alley Chutes • Crowding Tubs

For-Most Livestock Equipment:

S-I Feeders:

• Mid-Size and Full-Size Bunks • One-Sided Juniors and Adult Bunks • Arrow Front 4-Wheel Feeders, 12’-36‘

Mar-Weld Sheep & Goat Equipment: • • • • •

Lambing Pens • Crowd Tub Grain Feeders • Scale Round & Square Bale Feeders Sheep Head Locks Spin Trim Chute • Creep Feeders

• “Farm Built” Hay Feeders w/roof • Poly “Hay Huts” W or W/O Hay Nets •

DR POWER EQUIPMENT

• • • • • • • • •

GT (Tox-O-Wik) Grain Dryers, 350-800 bu.

150 Bu. Steel Calf Creep w/wheels Bohlman Concrete Waterers Calftel Hutches & Animal Barns R&C Poly Bale Feeders Ameriag Poly Mineral Feeders Snowblowers ~ Special Prices Miniature Donkey & Fainting Goats APACHE Creep Feeders

®

~ USED EQUIPMENT ~ • Melroe 331 Excavator 2,226 Hrs. VG • Lorenz PTO 84” Snow Blower VG • Skid Steer Roto King Bale Shredder • Smidley Hog and Cattle Feeders • New Idea 3626 Manure Spreader • JD 33 Spreader Rebuilt • Hard Surface Battery Scissor Lift 25 ft.

• 150 Bushel Two-Wheel Bunk Feeder Wagon • WANTED TO BUY: Cattle Tub & Other Cattle Equip.

Smidley Hog and Cattle Feeders • GT (Tox-O-Wic) PTO Grain Dryer

Lot - Hwy. 7 E

Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN

Mon. - Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon

Office Location - 305 Adams Street NE Hutchinson, MN 55350

320-587-2162, Ask for Larry

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14 /DECEMBER 21, 2018

hev misood uck 16’ this 9413

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

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.

‘14 JD 9560R, 1045 hrs, 5 hyd valves, 800x38 tires & duals, whl ‘09 NH TV6070, bi-directional, 3543 hrs, cab, air, 3pt, 540/1000 wgts ..............................................................................$205,000 PTO, 2 hyd valves, NH ldr w/84” bkt ............................$54,000 ‘13 JD 9360R, 1970 hrs, 1000 PTO, pwr shift, 620x42 tires & ‘11 Case SV300 skidsteer, cab, air, 1040 hrs, 2spd, ride control, duals .............................................................................$150,000 aux hyd, 72” bkt .............................................................$26,900 ‘02 JD 9320, 5341 hrs, pwr shift, 1000 PTO, 3 hyd valves, 8 new 18.4x46 tires & duals, universal auto steer ...................$89,000 ‘92 JD 8760, 7558 hrs, 24spd, 3 hyd valves, eng OH at 6264 hrs, 20.8x38 tires & duals ..............................................$31,000

‘11 NH T9.390, 905 hrs, pwr shift, 4 hyd valves, hi-flow, HID lights, 480x50 tires & duals ........................................$120,000 ‘14 C-IH Steiger 370 HD, 7052 hrs, 1000 PTO, big hyd pump, 710x38 tires ......................................................................................... $82,500

336

vice ons atic ner-

LOADER TRACTORS

COMBINES

‘13 NH T9.390, 2557 hrs, pwr shift, 1000 PTO, 480x50 tires & ‘13 JD S660, 1066 sep/1598 eng hrs, 4x4, 2630 display, duals, susp cab ..........................................................$120,000 Contour-Master, chopper, long unloading auger, 20.8x32 tires

MPS nd. dis-

s 73

4WD TRACTORS

PAGE 23

ADVERTISER LISTING Agri Systems ..................................................................4 Anderson Seeds ...............................................................7 Beck's Hybrids ................................................ 1, 3, 12, 13 Courtland Waste Handling ............................................. 15 Dairyland Seed ...............................................................9 Doda USA .................................................................... 10 Fladeboe Auctions ......................................................... 20 Gary Dohlen ................................................................. 20 Grain Millers ..................................................................4 Henslin Auctions ........................................................... 20 Homestead Sales ........................................................... 20 Keith Bode .................................................................... 21 Larson Implement ................................................... 20, 23 Minnesota Soybean ....................................................... 10 MN Pork Producers Assn .................................................5 Pruess Elevator ............................................................. 21 Roy E Abbott Futures .................................................... 19 Schweiss Doors ............................................................. 21 Smiths Mill Implement .................................................. 22 Sorensen's Sales & Rentals ............................................ 22 Spanier Welding ............................................................ 11 Steffes Group .......................................................... 20, 21 Whitcomb Brothers .........................................................6

507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 PO Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com

& duals ........................................................................$139,000 ‘13 JD S660, 892 sep/1180 eng hrs, Contour-Master, chopper, 520x38 tires & duals ...................................................$139,000

‘94 C-IH 9270, 8533 hrs, pwr shift, 4 hyd valves, front wgts, ‘04 JD 9760, 2268 sep/3460 eng hrs, Contour-Master, chopper, 650x42 tires & duals, Outback auto steer .....................$33,500 480x42 tires & duals .....................................................$54,000

TRACK TRACTORS

‘01 JD 9750, 3013 sep/4156 eng hrs, Contour-Master, chopper,

520x38 tires & duals .....................................................$42,000 ‘15 C-IH 500 Quadtrac, 2750 hrs, 36” tracks, cab susp, HID lights, Pro 700 monitor & receiver ...............................$175,000 ‘01 JD 9650 STS, 3014 sep/4325 eng hrs, Contour-Master, ‘14 C-IH 350 Rowtrac Quadtrac, 1865 hrs, 1000 PTO, 120” spacing, 18” tracks, 4 hyd valves, hi-flow ...................$152,000 ‘14 C-IH 340 Magnum Rowtrac, 290 hrs, lux cab, susp front axle, 18” belts, 6 hyd valves, 1000 PTO, 3pt .......................$180,000 ‘04 Cat Challenger MT 755, 4844 hrs, 16” tracks, 3 pt, 1000 PTO, 88” track spacing, JD ATU ..........................$65,000

ROW CROP TRACTORS

chopper, 520x38 tires & duals .......................................$39,000 ‘00 JD 9650 STS, 2645 sep/3623 eng hrs, single point hookup, chopper, bin ext. ............................................................$42,000 ‘14 C-IH 5130, 660 sep/928 eng hrs, rock trap, chopper, tracker, 700 monitor, 900x32 single tires .....................$132,000 ‘11 C-IH 5088, 1541 sep/1743 eng hrs, rock trap, chopper,

tracker, 30.5x32 single tires. ..........................................$88,000 ‘12 Challenger MT 665D, 1332 hrs, front susp, 3pt, 1000 PTO, 5 hyd valves, 480x50 duals & front duals .......................$95,000 ‘09 C-IH 7088, 1275 sep/1807 eng hrs, rock trap, chopper, tracker, HID lights, Pro 600 monitor, 520x42” duals .....$92,000 ‘12 JD 8235, 2WD, 1235 hrs, pwr shift, 3pt, 1000 PTO, 4 hyd valves, 18.4x46 duals, extra clean...............................$110,000

CORN HEADERS

‘13 C-IH Magnum 260, 577 hrs, 540/1000 PTO, 3pt, 4 hyd ‘13 Drago 6R30 chopping, fits JD combine............................$25,000 valves, hi-flow, 420x46 tires & duals............................$110,000 ‘13 C-IH Magnum 290, 1250 hrs, 1000 PTO, 3pt, 4 hyd valves, ‘09 Drago 6R30 chopping, fits JD combine ........................$19,000 big pump, 480x50 tires & duals, front duals & wgts...$110,000 ‘06 Drago 8R30 chopping, fits flagship C-IH combine .............$14,500 ‘12 C-IH Magnum 260, 1784 hrs, susp front, 1000 PTO, 3pt, 4 hyd valves, 480x50 rear tires & duals, front duals ........$99,000 ‘13 C-IH 3408 8R30, hyd deck plates, fits flagship combine ....$21,000 ‘04 C-IH MX285, 5540 hrs, 4 hyd valves, 3pt, 1000 PTO, 10 ‘08 C-IH 3208 8R30, hyd deck plates, fits flagship combine...$12,500 front wgts, 18.4x46 tires & duals, fresh eng OH ...........$59,000 ‘02 C-IH 2208 8R30, hyd deck plates, fits older 1600-2000 series ‘13 NH T8.360, 1200 hrs, lux cab, 1000 PTO, 3pt, 4 hyd valves, 480x50 tires & duals, complete auto guide syst...........$110,000 C-IH combines ...............................................................$11,500 ‘06 NH TG210, MFWD, 4240 hrs, pwr shift, 540/1000 PTO, 3pt ‘05 Geringhoff 8R30 chopping, fits JD combine ................$17,500 hitch, 4 hyd valves, 380x46 rear tires & duals, 380x30 front tires & duals ...................................................................$56,000 ‘83 JD 643 6R30, low tin, oil drive ..................................... $6,500 ‘03 NH TG230, MFWD, 3346 hrs, pwr shift, 540/1000 PTO, Mega flow hyd, 4 valves, 3pt, 380x46 tires & duals......$59,000

TILLAGE

‘11 Versatile 305, MFWD 690 hrs, 3pt, 4 hyd valves, 1000 PTO, HID lights, 480x46 tires & duals ....................................$95,000 JD 512 5 shank disc ripper .................................................. $9,500

LOADER TRACTORS ‘06 JD 7420, MFWD, cab, air, 5164 hrs, IVT trans, 3pt, 540/1000 PTO, 3 hyd valves, JD H360 ldr w/QT bkt ....$62,000

JD 980 field cultivator, w/ JD harrow ................................$11,000

SPRAYERS

‘04 JD 7320, MFWD, cab, air, 3pt, 540/1000 PTO, 2 hyd valves, ‘15 JD 4045R, 855 hrs, 1200 gal tank, 120’ boom, well equipped, Power JD 741 ldr w/QT bkt & joystick ......................................$52,000 Train, 480x50 tires, warranty to March 2020.......................... $229,000

LARSON IMPLEMENTS 5 miles east of Cambridge, MN on Hwy. 95 763-689-1179

Look at our Web site for pictures & more listings www.larsonimplements.com

PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 14/DECEMBER 21, 2018

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

Merry Christmas mansions

F

or the last 12 holiday seasons, the people and businesses of Little Falls, Minn. have joined together to deck out the former Weyerhaeuser and Musser mansions in a lavish display of Christmas ornamentation. The two mansions, known together as the Linden Hills mansions, date from the 1890s and are on a nine-acre estate overlooking the Mississippi River.

They were rescued from the developers’ bulldozers in the early part of this century by concerted civic action.

Since then, the town has worked collectively to preserve them in all their Victorian glory.

“We have around 160 volunteers and only three staff members,” Larry, a volunteer himself, proudly reports while giving a tour of one of the dining rooms on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Larry points out the intricate china and table setting that adorns the table and then draws the visitors’ attention to the fine craftsmanship of the room’s wood work.

“It was all done by hand,” he says.

The craftsmanship in the dining rooms, porches, libraries, bedrooms, dressing room, and on the stairways of the two homes is always on display. But for a couple of weeks after Thanksgiving, there are large and small displays of holiday decorations filling the houses and spilling out onto the

Little Falls, Minn.

manicured grounds. Even the outdoor lamp posts are decorated by a volunteer team.

It’s team work that gets the nearly 60 rooms, bannisters and spaces in the mansions decorated. Two teams of two decorated the spacious Weyerhaeuser living room and the sunny library. A team of four decorated the mansion’s Rose Room and teams of two decorated the camera closet and Van Cliburn room on the second floor. Then there’s the maids porch, pantry, children’s room, etc.

It’s much the same next door at the Musser mansion. There’s the River Room decorated by a team of two; the River Porch decorated by the employees of Pine Country Bank; and upstairs, the Hat Closet decorated by a team of one.

Next year’s Christmas at the Mansions extravaganza will take place from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8.

Other times, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, mansion tours are available for individuals and groups. The Musser Mansion, along with its four levels and ten bedrooms, is also available for weddings. You can rent the grounds and have a beautiful garden wedding; or you can rent the grounds and the mansion for three days — from the groom’s dinner to the final dance — for a deluxe wedding.

For more information, call (320) 616-5580 or visit linden-hill.org. v

Page 4 - December 14/December 21, 2018

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

www.AgBuilders.com • 1-800-826-2233 • 507-831-2600 • Windom, MN

D24280

© 2018

Dec. 14/Dec. 21, 2018

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

your local

GRAIN DRYER

$216,955

.00

www.AgBuilders.com • 1-800-826-2233 • 507-831-2600 • Windom, MN

dealer

Air Systems

List $334,242.00

1010 Modular Dryer

GSI Transfer 5” 30HP

1,000 BPH

125,995

$

List price: $256,919

23,995

$

List price: $40,099

YOUR

DEALER

38,995

$

69,971

$

YOUR

List price: $147,950

List price: $87,300 DEALER

C2130A

CF/AB 270

9,80 BPH

520 BPH

REMOTE DRYER MONITOR

COMMERCIAL & FARM SYSTEMS

FOR ALL YOUR GRAIN DRYING NEEDS www.AgBuilders.com • 1-800-826-2233 • 507-831-2600 • Windom, MN

Optional WatchDog™ Software Allow remote monitoring of varying functions from your phone.

Contact us for all your grain-handling needs! www.AgBuilders.com • 1-800-826-2233 • Windom, MN

COMMERCIAL & FARM SYSTEMS

Page 2 - December 14/December 21, 2018

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Bucket Elevator

Bucket Elevator

Motor & Drive $40,528

Motor & Drive $23,615

100’ SR 36” 10,000 BPH with

80’ Hi Cap 24” 6,000 BPH with

only 57¢/bu

Conrad American Bin

only 54¢/bu

Conrad American Bin

only 53¢/bu

36’ x 7w 24,626 Bu.

$14,248

42’ x 10w 46,918 Bu. $25,398

Conrad American Bin

60’ x 11w 108,065 Bu. $57,198

VersaLoop Custom Pit

40’ x8” $9,485

Installed 1,200 Bu. (in-stock)

$50,000

Prices reflect materials only

www.AgBuilders.com • 1-800-826-2233 • 507-831-2600 • Windom, MN

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

December 14/December 21, 2018 - Page 3

Page 2 - December 14/December 21, 2018

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Bucket Elevator

Bucket Elevator

Motor & Drive $40,528

Motor & Drive $23,615

100’ SR 36” 10,000 BPH with

80’ Hi Cap 24” 6,000 BPH with

only 57¢/bu

Conrad American Bin

only 54¢/bu

Conrad American Bin

only 53¢/bu

36’ x 7w 24,626 Bu.

$14,248

42’ x 10w 46,918 Bu. $25,398

Conrad American Bin

60’ x 11w 108,065 Bu. $57,198

VersaLoop Custom Pit

40’ x8” $9,485

Installed 1,200 Bu. (in-stock)

$50,000

Prices reflect materials only

www.AgBuilders.com • 1-800-826-2233 • 507-831-2600 • Windom, MN

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

December 14/December 21, 2018 - Page 3

Page 4 - December 14/December 21, 2018

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

www.AgBuilders.com • 1-800-826-2233 • 507-831-2600 • Windom, MN

D24280

© 2018

Dec. 14/Dec. 21, 2018

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

your local

GRAIN DRYER

$216,955

.00

www.AgBuilders.com • 1-800-826-2233 • 507-831-2600 • Windom, MN

dealer

Air Systems

List $334,242.00

1010 Modular Dryer

GSI Transfer 5” 30HP

1,000 BPH

125,995

$

List price: $256,919

23,995

$

List price: $40,099

YOUR

DEALER

38,995

$

69,971

$

YOUR

List price: $147,950

List price: $87,300 DEALER

C2130A

CF/AB 270

9,80 BPH

520 BPH

REMOTE DRYER MONITOR

COMMERCIAL & FARM SYSTEMS

FOR ALL YOUR GRAIN DRYING NEEDS www.AgBuilders.com • 1-800-826-2233 • 507-831-2600 • Windom, MN

Optional WatchDog™ Software Allow remote monitoring of varying functions from your phone.

Contact us for all your grain-handling needs! www.AgBuilders.com • 1-800-826-2233 • Windom, MN

COMMERCIAL & FARM SYSTEMS