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December 28, 2018 Januar y 4, 2019
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Six-story hog barns! Minnesotan John Baumgartner is working with China to develop ventilation systems for a new wave of pig production PLUS: A Q&A with commodities broker Al Kluis Wind turbines in Renville County? Sandy Ludeman on farming’s ups and downs and more!
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P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XXXVII ❖ No. 26 28 pages, 1 section plus supplements
Olson has an ear (and voice) for politics www.TheLandOnline.com facebook.com/TheLandOnline twitter.com/TheLandOnline
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COLUMNS Opinion Calendar of Events Farm and Food File The Back Porch Mielke Market Weekly In The Garden Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads
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Blois Olson is his name. If you are a happy, he’s also talking about mining, 6:30 a.m. radio buff tuned to WCCO, you pipelines and climate change.” frequently hear Blois Olson chatting with What about Minnesota millennials … WCCO’s Dave Lee. In just a 4 to 5-minthose 20 to 36-year olds that seemingly ute sound bite, it is amazing the variety doesn’t want to associate with any particof tidbits these two guys discuss. That’s ular group? Olson labels them as fiscal because Lee — with 30+ years WCCO conservatives and unpredictable because radio experience — knows how to ask their political allegiance is also unprequestions. And Olson, a young 46 years of dictable. That’s why he suggests the new age, is armed with a tremendous arsenal LAND MINDS governor shouldn’t get too excited about of chatty topics. new spending. “Millennials always quesBy Dick Hagen Olson was the 9 a.m. lead guy at the tion government spending issues … Dec 5 Minnesota Corn Growers unless it directly relates to programs Resolution event at Willmar, Minn. in their world. They’re a very indepenResolutions seldom are an exciting dent bunch. I know you corn growers agenda. And the Minnesota guys and gals aren’t even have some issues with them. Unless they see bashful: 306 resolutions were listed in the 22-page direct benefits, they’ll just ignore your organization booklet. Listed as a 6-hour session, I didn’t stay for too.” final results. But Doug Toreen, veteran Renville Olson credits Walz with his chatter on building a County association member told me the next morn- better Minnesota by everyone rolling up their ing (at the Round Table in the Chatter Box Café) all sleeves and working cooperatively — both 112 voting delegates were in a friendly, cooperative Democrats and Republicans. ”Yes, Democrats picked mood. I find that hard to believe. up 30 seats in the Minnesota House. But the Senate Resolution topics ranged from biotechnology to is still Republican and the Republican base is still federal farm programs to conservation to renewable Trump strong. If Democrats push for more taxes to fuels, ethanol and everything in between. support their new agenda and there is little evidence of results — especially on education — some Olson generated instant interest by talking the of these Democrats might start looking at the current political scene — both nationally and in Republican side of the political agenda,” he suggestMinnesota. Lots of ammunition for a political pundit in that arena. With the Corn Growers, he wasn’t ed. bashful about throwing a few darts either. In a brief private conversation, Olson shared, “It started when I was a paper boy. I delivered the Commenting about the President’s knowledge (or paper every day and I read the paper. The more I lack thereof) of tariffs and trade, Olson shared, “He read, the more interest I was getting in current tweets about tariffs. He calls himself the ‘tariff affair and politics. I learned to bridge the media gap man’. Yet the very next day the stock market in current affairs. So I started writing about it. dropped over 700 points!” People started reading, people started listening, and Blois thinks Governor-elect Tom Walz will get off here we are today.” to a good start. “He’s a new face in that chair. While growing up in Shoreview, Olson never had Governor Dayton seemed friendly towards agriculan inkling he’d become a political pundit. But his ture. But his lack of understating social and economic issues in rural Minnesota was pretty evident. profound interest in politics and a diehard work Walz, on the other hand, isn’t bashful. His campaign ethic propelled him in that direction anyway. Today, some of his political analysis gets used on CNN, included lots of talk about taxes, economic developMSNBC, National Public Radio, even the New York ment, and more funding for education — especially kindergarten and pre-school kids.” Those issues will Times and Newsweek. But he’s most visible on WCCO’s “Morning Take” with host Dave Lee. be some early victories for the new governor, said Olson. “And to keep the environmental community See LAND MINDS, pg. 5
OPINION
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
10 — Cover crop application is profitable sideline for Lake Wilson farmer 13 — Wind power project proposed for Renville County
THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Calendar of Events” — Check out The Land’s complete events listing • “E-Edition” — Archives of past issues of The Land
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
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19X03N Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Relative Maturity 0.3
This bean’s top-end IDC, might be our new #1. Great new genetics, regardless of trait. Stands tall with lateral branches loaded with pods.
19B04 LibertyLink GT27 Relative Maturity 0.4
Our earliest LLGT27 variety. This new bean has shown great early season emergence and vigor. Good LLGT27 replacement for L04-16 and 13R03.
19B05 LibertyLink GT27 Relative Maturity 0.5
Nice bushy plant type. Good IDC tolerance. Excellent 2017 performance in our replicated trials. Strong vigor in spring of 2018.
19B07 LibertyLink GT27 Relative Maturity 0.9
First variety with LL trait and Rps3a for Phytophthora field tolerance. Handled dry conditions well in our plots last year. Fits L07-16N or 15R07N acres. Matured later in 2018, Change to 0.9 maturity.
19X10N Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Relative Maturity 1.0
Proven to be an adaptable bean across our region. This bean’s top-end IDC tolerance is an advantage over 14R09N & 14R11N. Good Phytophthora field tolerance.
19B11 LibertyLink GT27 Relative Maturity 1.1
Branchy bean that canopies quickly. Good IDC tolerance. This bean was proven as a 2017 yield leader.
19B14 LibertyLink GT27 Relative Maturity 1.4
Excellent IDC. Full SCN resistance. Nice bushy plant to cover the row. Good Phythophthora field tolerance.
19B16 LibertyLink GT27 Relative Maturity 1.6
Nice package of SCN & Phytophthora resistance. Moderate IDC rating, so watch placement on hot ground. Good companion to 19B18.
19X17N Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Relative Maturity 1.7
Great agronomic package of emergence, standabilty, & SCN. The genetics show a moderate tolerance to White Mold. The competition didn’t have a chance against this bean in our 2017 trials.
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19B18 LibertyLink GT27 Relative Maturity 1.8
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Great IDC, Brown Stem Rot, and full SCN ratings. Excellent standability and harvest notes from 2017. Go-to bean in the late 1.0s.
19B20 LibertyLink GT27 Relative Maturity 2.0
Yields with our above-2.0 maturity beans. A great replacement for L21-16N. Keep off of your IDC prone soils.
THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
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Olson finds midwesterners approachable, down to earth LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 “Did I ever wake up wanting to grow up to be a political pundit? No, but studying the media wired me in a way to glean information efficiently and effectively. I filter this info and put a prism on it in a way that our clients and the public seem to value.” His early venture into the political arena was assisting with the campaign of Bruce Vento, DFL U.S. House of Representatives candidate. Later, he worked on Bill Clinton’s political ambitions. But by 1998 he was weary of the constant travel. He was also getting fascinated with the burgeoning dot-com industry. So he started a St. Paul firm New School Communications to focus on database technology, the web and media relations for clients inside and outside politics. The company continued for nine years and accrued 14 employees. That same year, he and a partner founded MN-Politics.com, an online newsletter about local politics sent to more than 1,000 readers (he stopped working for politicians during this tenure to avoid conflict of interest). But a turning point occurred when he wrote a piece entitled “Jesse Could Win”. He relates, “We were the first to actually print Ventura’s victory was possible.” And as you might expect, that prediction generated instant awareness. He was soon invited to provide election night coverage on WCCO. Other media outlets began to seek him out too. I didn’t ask Olson if his ‘outrageous’ prediction on Jesse also cranked his connection with the Minnesota Corn Growers. So does Olson work with other commodity groups? “I watch issues; study trends and how they impact people, and the economy of communities. But with the Corn Growers, their numbers and their geographic spread tells me this isn’t just about the commodity. It’s about the people working in this huge industry. It’s a really good snapshot of Minnesota.” With the trend of bigger and fewer farmers, is Olson concerned about who will be running agriculture in the future? “Yes, I think already this is an issue. Also, signs from the millennials tell me they want a simpler life. They want to be self-sustaining. They want the values that rural areas provide and that’s why there is a growing number of smaller farms. The first rule of sustainability is being able to take care of yourself. But millennials aren’t excited about the intense competition and the tremendous capital demands of today’s agriculture. They simply want a simpler life”. He thinks part of their attitude stems from being raised in an era when distrust of government runs rampant. “They’re not sure what to think about government, or big corporations or even organizations such as the Corn Growers. Olson’s work gets him traveling the country. And he sees a widening difference between Midwest culture and either coast. “We’re more approachable,” he said. “We’re more down-to-earth. We’re simply more
sensible on many things. But our big cities are getting more like their big cities.” I asked Olson if he’d get excited to take over a Minnesota farming operation IF he had that chance? “Yes, and the reason is the tremendous amount of business in farming today. I’m always fascinated by the business dynamics of any business and to learn the business dynamics of farming I think would be special.” He credits a great staff and the intellectual curiosity of tools they are always tweaking to help generate more tidbits for his radio comments and his daily newsletter. “But ultimately I edit every newsletter. I have many sources of inputs. I always tell people, ‘you’d be overwhelmed by the inputs so don’t be overwhelmed by the output.’” His take on the daily buzz of business and politics? “You can get a curveball at any given moment, and that’s exciting,” he said. His greatest challenge? Perhaps surprisingly it’s not about politics. “People make that assumption; but about 80 percent of my work these days has nothing to do with politics.”
Tremendously ambitious, Olson gets up at 4 a.m. to ‘prep his mind’ for the day. But he makes time for his wife Lou Ann, who also works in public relations; his 7-year-old son and his 5-year-old daughter. In his spare time, he likes to golf, cook or read ― generally about business. Might he consider even running for office? He answered. “I realized some people plan their lives around running for office. I will never let my life get so consumed.” This intriguing closer: Which is the largest County Corn Growers Association in Minnesota? Renville County with a current roster of 937 paid members which also makes it the largest county group in America! Membership is $75/year; $200 for 3 years. Minnesota corn checkoff is 1 cent per bushel. The two chief arm twisters: Doug Toreen and Mickey Peterson — both in the NCGA Hall of Fame. Dick Hagen is staff writer of The Land. He may be reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. v
Calendar of Events Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar & enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com. Jan. 9 — Linder Farm Network Ag Outlook Meeting — Willmar, Minn. — Meeting will focus on management and marketing strategies for the coming year. — Contact Linder Farm Network at (507) 4449224 Jan. 10-11 — Minnesota Organic Conference — St. Cloud, Minn. — Topics include managing Canada thistle; organic soybeans; forage quality; new row crop ideas; marketing; stress; record keeping; organic certification; soils; financial management; grazing cover crops; pastured poultry; relationships between community and farm. — Contact Cassie Dahl at Cassie.Dahl@state.mn.us or (651) 201-6134 Jan. 10 — Linder Farm Network Ag Outlook Meeting — Mankato, Minn. Jan. 10 — Managing for Stewardship Workshop — Willmar, Minn. — A discussion on soil health; resources for landowners and farmers;increasing stewardship on rental land. A panel will be on hand to answer questions. — Contact Robin Moore at rmoore@ landstewardshipproject.org or (320) 269-2105 Jan. 16-18 — Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference — St. Cloud, Minn. — Topics include berry production; high tunnel production; vine crops; cut flower production; specialty crops; pollinators; marketing. — Contact Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association at info@mfvga.org or (612) 283-4002
Jan. 16 — Managing for Stewardship Workshop — Roseville, Minn. — A discussion on soil health; resources for landowners and farmers;increasing stewardship on rental land. A panel will be on hand to answer questions. — Contact Robin Moore at rmoore@landstewardshipproject.org or (320) 2692105 Jan. 18 — Winter Crops Day — Rochester, Minn. — Topics include Potassium in soil and effects on corn and soybeans; cover crop establishment; weed control and cover crops; soil benefits of cover crops. — Contact Deanne Nelson at (507) 835-3620 Jan. 18 — Winter Crops Day — Waseca, Minn. — Topics include Potassium in soil and effects on corn and soybeans; cover crop establishment; weed control and cover crops; soil benefits of cover crops. — Contact Deanne Nelson at (507) 835-3620 Jan. 19 — Backyard Chicken Basics Class — St. Paul, Minn. —This class will cover all aspects of backyard flock management in an urban setting: getting permits, choosing suitable varieties, raising chicks, coop and run requirements, feed and nutrition, common health issues, predators, cold-climate care, chickens in the garden, composting chicken waste, etc. — Contact (651) 645-0818 Jan. 22 — Building Profits and Soil Health Workshop — Alexandria, Minn. — Topics include building soil while improving yields and profits; financial considerations of soil building; cover crops; rotational grazing; reduced tillage and no-till. A panel will answer questions and share experiences. — Contact Robin Moore at rmoore@landstewardshipproject.org or (320) 269-2105
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
Presenting the ‘fair and balanced’ reader mail round-up Tweeter-in-Chief, President Donald J. Josh wasn’t the only reader who didn’t Trump, has been quite clear in his opinlike my facts-based views of White House ion of CNN, the cable television news ag and trade policies. Melissa, from a network. Indeed, Trump’s despise of the “Texas cattle ranch,” wants no more network (he thinks its initials stand for “anti-Trump” columns. “The Americans Certainly Not News) encourages supportthat elected him want America run for ers to use “CNN” as a slander. Americans.” For example, when a reader of this Moreover, she adds, “He’s not a politiweekly effort sends an email that cian and does not act like one. He’s a FARM & FOOD FILE includes the sentence “I think your views populist.” By Alan Guebert and the way you wrote [them] up was as Fred from Ohio echoes Melissa. good of a job as a typical CNN report“With President Trump, you basically er,” it’s not meant as a compliment. get what you voted for,” he wrote, “… a The key reason for my inability to be booming economy, record low unembetter than the network that invented 24-hour cable ployment, and a mindset change from Globalist to news, according to emailer “Josh” is simple: “You make America great again.” didn’t show both sides of the story…” Another staunch Trump supporter took a slightly Guilty, Josh. softer, but still full swing at me: “Think you are pretty hard on Trump,” wrote Jim. “Things are lookI didn’t present both sides of the story you didn’t ing better… we have to do something or there will like for two reasons. First, only sourced, verifiable facts are offered as supporting evidence on any topic be nothing left.” Anyway, he added, “Thanks for your I write about. The Trump Administration, purveyors time; we need new and all ideas.” of over 7,000 provably misleading or flat-out wrong Jim is right. If 2018 taught us anything, it surely “alternative facts,” are not known to follow the same taught us that this nation of diverse people and guideline. diverse politics desperately needs “new and all Secondly, this is an opinion column. By definition, ideas” because the old, narrow ones we currently operate under have brought stumbles, stalemate that means it contains, well, you know, opinions. If and disgrace. It will be worse in the year ahead you want “fair and balanced,” I suggest you turn to unless we do better. All of us, all sides, everyone. the only news channel to promote itself as such. Not all letters arrived dipped in hemlock. Most Yes, that one.
OPINION
were filled with compliments, kindness, and personal stories that warmly connected the writers to what I had written. For example, an August column that described my dairy farmer father as a steady man of measured steps brought a waterfall of heartfelt letters and emails. The column was “masterful and moving,” noted Ken from Indiana. Sadie from Illinois wrote to say the story “touched a place in my heart.” Bill from Ohio emailed to say that after reading the column, “I wept.” An October column which quoted Aldo Leopold’s famous “February” essay caused Ed to explain how he has “gone to it many times hoping to carry it in my mind.” What a lovely idea, Ed. I hope it’s there now. Someone named Harry — from where he didn’t say — sent an email on Oct. 20 that, in its entirety, read: “Amen to your columns. Climate change piece today was outstanding journalism. Wish I could buy you a beer.” Well, amen to you, too, Harry. Email me your city and state so the next time I get within, say, 100 miles, I can make both our wishes come true. Until then, happy new year and keep those notes and emails coming. I’ll keep my … er … unbalanced columns flowing the other way. The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the United States and Canada. Past columns are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v
Giving up our selves can lead to giving to others He was flipping through the channels His funeral service told a bigger story. A when I walked into the local fitness censurprise story known only to his closest ter. And though I thought he was a dude family and friends. that would want to tune into the morning His casket bearers were six young pasnews, he was looking for anything but. tors. Each one had been mentored as a Which was fine by me. teenager by the man most only knew as “But yesterday’s news was different,” I an accountant. Each one had been poured said. “It’s the nicest I’ve seen both sides into with time, encouragement, listening, of the political spectrum in a long while.” and prayers in such life-changing ways THE BACK PORCH that when his life was over, it was these With the death and funeral service that honored the 41st president, George H.W. By Lenae Bulthuis young pastors who had the privilege of Bush, it seemed that with the lowering of carrying the one who had so thoughtfully the flags was the lowering of arms. A cared for them. brief truce of political brawl. At funerals, mourners pay last respects and tell We lamented that it was too bad you had to be dead stories of the deceased. But true legacy is when the before all things nice are said. “We should eulogize deceased continue to tell a story. A story that outpeople while they are alive,” he said. I agreed. And lives them, which is always true for those who then he shared a story which has stuck with me. speak life into the next generation. And this man had done just that. An accountant and his teenage son were in a car accident. The teen survived. His dad did not. And “This will be the death of me!” Within the week I though the man was respected in the community, he heard it twice. First in a sermon illustration about wasn’t well known. Had someone eulogized him the challenges of farming, then four days later from while he was living, you would have heard many a young mom with a rambunctious two-year old. nice things about his exemplary work and quiet life. This will be the death of me! And, as I think about A man who was a good neighbor and minded his a life that outlives itself, I honestly think that is own business.
key. It’s the “death of me” while living which leads to a life that outlives our story at the last-breath “death of me.” The death of me puts others first, forgives offenses, and refuses to hold a grudge or seek revenge. The death of me looks for opportunities to give when it’s easier to receive, and to serve when it’s simpler to do nothing. The death of me thinks less of self and more of others. Psychiatrist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross has researched death and dying and devoted years to interviewing people who were near death. And she discovered the two things people care about most at the end of their lives are a right relationship with God and the people they love. Part of a right relationship with God involves obedience. And within the word obedience is the word die. A little word with big implications. It seems to me that if we choose to die to what we want to do and our supposed rights, our relationship with God and others will fall right into place. Lenae Bulthuis muses about faith, family, and farming from her back porch on her Minnesota grain and livestock farm. She can be reached at lenaesbulthuis@gmail.com or @LenaeBulthuis. v
THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
Inspectors find invasive scale in evergreen decorations ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is encouraging residents who purchased wreathes, swags, boughs, and other evergreen decorations at several retailers to burn items, or bag and throw away items to stop the spread of the invasive insect elongate hemlock scale (EHS). EHS is native to Asia and feeds on nutrients on the underside of conifer needles. Earlier this week, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection issued a similar warning after finding EHS in greenery at several retail chains. The MDA then began inspecting similar retailers for the insect in any leftover greenery. So far, the MDA has discovered EHS at Home Depot and Menards locations. The companies have cooperated with our inspectors and are pulling any remaining product off their shelves. However, the evergreen items, which originated from North Carolina, may have been sold at other retail chains. Minnesotans who bought wreathes, swags, boughs, and other evergreen decorations at Home Depot or Menards should burn the items, or bag them and dispose of them in the trash once the items are no longer useful for decoration. The evergreen items should not be composted. “Unless you know you purchased evergreen products from a locally grown source, residents should err on the side of caution and burn, or bag and throw away your evergreen items,” said Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Whitney Place. “This will help us ensure this invasive insect does not get a foothold in Minnesota.” Elongate hemlock scale has been found in the eastern United States, Michigan, and Nevada. It had previously not been found in Minnesota. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. 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.
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2019 AG Outlook Meetings The Linder Farm Network will hold their 15th annual Agricultural Outlook Meetings across Minnesota this January. The meetings will focus on management and marketing strategies for the coming year, and will feature some of the top experts in the country. Registration will be at 8:00 a.m. and the forums start promptly at 9:00. Cost is $35 per person. Coffee and brunch are included. The program will wrap up before 2:00 p.m. Date Wednesday, January 9th, 2019
Address Best Western Plus 2100 Hwy 12 East | Willmar, MN
Thursday, January 10th, 2019
Courtyard by Marriott 901 Raintree Rd | Mankato, MN
Agenda:
Registration Young Farmer Panel John Baize – President of Baize & Associate Mingle & Sponsor Presentations Brunch
8:00-9:00 AM 9:00-9:30 AM 9:30-10:30 AM 10:30-11:00 AM 11:00 AM
Speaker: Jeff Gould, Former Farm Broadcaster 12:30-1:30 PM Al Kluis, President of Kluis Commodities 1:30 PM Closing Comments & Questions John Baize – President of Baize & Associates International Soybean trade consultant - Baize will look at current political, economic & weather issues around the world & their effects of commodity prices. Sponsored by Minnesota Soybean.
Jeff Gould – Former Farm Broadcaster, inspirational speaker, The Larger Harvest 2019: Insights on living well during times of stress.
Al Kluis – President of Kluis Commodities A commodities Broker since 1976, Kluis will discuss price outlook for the various commodities grown in the region, strategies to maximize profits in a challenging marketplace, and outlook for the next year.
The cost is $35 per person, and includes coffee and lunch. For information contact the Linder Farm Network at 507-444-9224 or www.linderfarmnetwork.com
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
Butter inventories 16 million pounds under expectations This column was written ures are in-line with expecfor the marketing week endtations. We will say that this ing Dec. 28. report can be construed as neutral to slightly bullish Welcome to 2019. As of for cheese.” midnight Dec. 21, 2018, a partial shutdown of the There have been a lot of government went into effect media reports concerning due to the failure of a the heavy stocks of cheese House-passed continuing in the United States and MIELKE MARKET resolution in the Senate. At volumes are the highest WEEKLY issue is President Trump’s they have been in 15 to 20 By Lee Mielke insistence of funding a boryears. But is the situation der wall with Mexico. as bad as it sounds? The U.S. Department The answer gets a of Agriculture bit complicated announced a contingency plan for its because it’s hard to compare the presservices. It will continue to publish its ent to the past due to the “olden days” weekly National Dairy Products Sales when Uncle Sam’s Price Support proreport, but will not produce the gram was purchasing cheese and stormonthly National Agricultural ing it. Statistics Service Milk Production, Analyst Jerry Dryer also points out Cold Storage, or Dairy Products that the cheese market has grown and reports. Monthly milk price announce- there is a lot more cheese in aging ments will also continue. programs today — such as sharp The first casualty on the dairy side cheddar — plus other varieties that was the Dec. 27 Ag Prices report, used to be imported but are now being which would have included the latest produced here. milk/feed price ratio. By the way, the The Dec. 27 Daily Dairy Report says last time a shutdown impacted dairy while U.S. milk production so far is up programs was October 2013. 1 percent from 2017, cheese output As I reported last week, the through October exceeded 2017’s November Cold Storage report indicat- record-breaking volume by 2.5 pered positive news for the butter market cent. as we saw the biggest drawdown ever The Daily Dairy Report adds, “Even for that month. FC Stone says the but- as milk production has topped yearter inventory was 16 million pounds ago volumes by ever-narrowing marbelow their expectation and “reaffirms gins, the rate of growth in U.S. cheese the strength the butter market has output has not slowed. Compared to witnessed throughout November.” the same month in 2017, U.S. cheese But FC Stone adds the caveat, production is up 3 percent in July, 3.1 “Either commercial disappearance hit percent in August, 2.9 percent in a record high or production slowed September, and 3 percent in October.” down to a crawl for stocks to be drawn Another factor the Daily Dairy down as much as the report showed. Report points out is, “While convincWithout knowing if it was supply or ingly higher Class IV prices would demand driven, it is hard to classify argue that milk should be directed to this report as bullish or bearish. butter and powder rather than cheese Seasonally speaking, demand should and whey, most processors don’t have cool, and production should increase, either the flexibility or the incentive so moving forward prices should expe- to move milk that way.” The bottom rience sell side pressure. However, for line is that the United States is pronow the market seems supportive.” ducing more than it’s consuming and Total cheese inventories were maruntil exports resume, milk prices are ginally lower than anticipated, accord- going to suffer. ing to FC Stone. “Both American and n ‘other’ cheese stocks were also under Speaking of hurting prices and forecasts by 1-2 million pounds. exports, the latest Margin Watch from However, these lagging monthly Chicago-based Commodity and reports often convey little in the way Ingredient Hedging LLC reports dairy of market moving data when the fig-
MARKETING
margins were weaker in the nearby quarters, while deferred periods held steady over the past two weeks. It adds, “Feed prices continued higher, as nearby milk prices were lower. Deferred milk stayed steady on hopes of expanding dairy product exports as a client perhaps comes back into the fold. Thawing U.S-China relations saw tangible evidence as China modestly re-entered the U.S. soybean market, and the United States formally postponed increasing existing tariffs until March 1, 2019 while negotiations are ongoing. Optimism is high for China to expand its presence in the U.S. market with an array of agricultural product purchases, including the dairy space,” the Margin Watch says. “U.S. dairy and product exports for October were encouraging at 413.9 million pounds. This is an increase of 5.5 percent from September and exports were higher by 0.7 percent over last year — despite the current global trade environment. Butter and nonfat dry milk also revealed monthly and yearly gains, while cheese exports were greater on the month by 9.6 percent, but down 0.2 percent from 2017.” “November milk totaled 17.4 billion pounds, an increase of 0.6 percent from 2017. Production was greater in spite of having 38,000 fewer milk cows than last year. Production per cow was 19 pounds greater, compensating for the reduction in animals, and was estimated to be 1,856 pounds per cow,” the Margin Watch concluded. n FC Stone’s Dave Kurzawski stated in the Dec. 31 Dairy Radio Now broadcast he’s happy to put 2018 to bed and hopes 2019 to be a better year. He believes the biggest long-term risk we currently face is the ongoing trade talks with China. Leaders are expected to meet again the week of Jan. 7. If the trade talks go south, Kurzawski sees escalating tariffs ahead; but if they are productive, “That will shape perceptions by fund managers and market participants in all commodities, including dairy, for what kind of price movements we can face in 2019.” Kurzawski expects better demand to resume as it was in the early part of 2018 when it was better than expected. But then came the tariff wars.
“The economy is strong,” he said, “although we’re currently in a corrective mode in the stock market but overall, the underlying fundamentals are there and to some degree inflationary, but is somewhat supportive of dairy prices and producers out there can certainly use some better prices and some better margins as we enter 2019.” He warned that we posted a lot of production — particularly on cheese — and our biggest trading partner on that front, Mexico, slowed purchases in the second part of this year. But Kurzawski is encouraged by the drawdown we have seen on nonfat dry milk powder the past six to eight months and he believes the market is starting to pay attention to that as the powder market and Class IV market in general has been getting some lift. “We’re moving through inventory and we might start seeing it on cheese in the first half of 2019.” n Meanwhile, Penn State’s monthly Dairy Outlook reported projected feed costs remain a mixed message. “Nationally, the price of corn, alfalfa hay and soybean meal declined in the second half of 2018.” “Pennsylvania has seen a similar decline in soybean meal and for the most part, corn grain. Alfalfa hay average prices for Pennsylvania markets increased in August, September, and October primarily due to inventory issues driven by weather adversity.” The Dairy Outlook warned, “These localized issues will probably continue into the first half of 2019. Overall feed costs in 2019 will likely be static, but have the potential to increase — driving milk margins even tighter. Due to the persistent precipitation through the second half of 2018, forage nutrient content and quality issues (mold growth, abnormal fermentation) are concerns on many of Pennsylvania’s dairy farms.” n Chicago Mercantile Exchange cheddar block cheese closed the last Friday of 2018 at $1.43 per pound. This is up 4 cents on the Christmas holidayshortened week, but 11 cents below a year ago, as traders anticipated the first Global Dairy Trade auction of See MIELKE, pg. 9
THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
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PAGE 9
Milk Producers Federation battles with plant-based ‘milk’ MIELKE, from pg. 8 2019 on Jan. 2. The barrels finished Dec. 28 at $1.29 per pound, which is down a half-cent on the week, 15.25 cents below a year ago, and 14 cents below the blocks. Five cars of block traded hands on the week at the CME and 18 of barrel. Cheese production was somewhat busy during the holiday week, reports Dairy Market News. Plant managers reported that holiday-priced milk was flowing in, from flat to $4 under Class. Cheese demand has met expectations in general within the Midwest. Some plants report current stocks are minimal while others relay shifting production away from slower selling varieties. Some Midwestern contacts are concerned about the number of dairy farms closing after feed rations dry up — particularly the more remote and or rural cheese operations as milk supplies come from smaller, nearby dairy farms. Cheese markets have regained some of the momentum they lost during the fall, but current market tones are “less-than-bullish as stocks outweigh demand, nationally,” Dairy Market News warned. Looking westward, there’s a slightly higher interest in buying cheese; but domestic sales above contracted volumes are hard to materialize as buyers seem to have adequate supplies. Requests from the international market are “good.” Some contacts suggest that cheese inventories have not decreased as fast as in previous years and abundant milk supplies are leading to strong cheese output. With the holidays behind us, more milk moved to the vats and more will continue to move to Class III plants for balancing. But handlers indicate they have enough capacity to handle the milk. n Cash butter closed Dec. 28 at $2.2175 per pound. This is up 1.25 cents on the week and a penny above a year ago, with just one carload finding a new home on the week. Cream supplies destined for the churns were expectedly easier to locate during the holiday week and butter makers report cream is nearing plant capacity. Some churners report being booked up early into 2019 and are hopeful that cream availability
will remain similar into the first quarter of next year. Sales reports have remained positive and they are currently producing to get ahead of spring holiday demand. Butter markets remain solid going into 2019 and contacts expect a similar pattern which butter maintained throughout 2018, if only slightly lower on the average with increasing export competition. Western butter makers say there is plenty of cream available but so far, the volumes are not overwhelming. Churns are active, aside from several days off for the holidays but orders kept a strong pace, according to Dairy Market News. “Butter stocks have been pulled down along seasonal expectations.” n Grade A nonfat dry milk ended Christmas Week a quarter-cent lower but 26 cents above a year ago. Only 3 cars were sold on the week. Dry whey closed at 48 cents per pound, down a penny, with no sales reported. n Falling fluid milk consumption remains a huge challenge to the dairy industry and one that is growing, exacerbated by the so-called plantbased beverages stealing market share. The issue is one that the National Milk Producers Federation continues to bring to the attention of Congress and the Trump Administration. NMPF states on their website, “Data shows that despite the presence of detailed nutrition labeling, most consumers don’t make food choices by comparing nutrients among items that seem similar. Their perceptions are based on signals received from an item’s packaging, where that product is placed in a grocery aisle, and how equivalent it appears to other items. This creates confusion when consumers are deciding between real dairy products and items masquerading as dairy alternatives.” A survey commissioned in the summer of 2018 by Dairy Management Incorporated indicates, “73 percent of consumers believed that almond-based drinks had as much or more protein per serving than milk,”
NMPF charged, “even though milk has eight times as much protein. 53 percent said they believed that plantbased food manufacturers labeled their products ‘milk’ because their nutritional value is similar. Among consumers who solely buy plant-based beverages, 68 percent strongly or somewhat agreed that those drinks have the same nutritional content as milk.” n Lastly, the United States has rightfully earned its place among the best cheese-making countries of the world. U.S. cheesemakers won 89 medals in a recent prestigious international competition. U.S. cheeses ranked third overall in total medal counts since 2011, only behind Spain and the United Kingdom and ahead of better known cheese-making countries like
France and Italy. The 2018 edition of the World Cheese Awards was held in November in Bergen, Norway where a recordbreaking 3,500 cheeses from six continents were entered. An international panel of 230 experts from 29 nations ranked U.S. cheeses among the best in the world, according the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Now, if we can only clear the way for global trade to be free and fair, badly needed dollars can go into the pockets of the hard working dairy farmers that make that cheese possible. May that be reality in 2019. Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist who resides in Everson, Wash. His weekly column is featured in newspapers across the country and he may be reached at lkmielke@juno.com. v
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
Custom cover crop seeding provides extra income By DICK HAGEN The Land staff writer WILLMAR, Minn. — With commodity pricing in the tank these days, finding alternatives is a new twist in crop farming. For Bryan Biegler, veteran Minnesota corn/soybean producer in Murray County’s Lake Wilson, becoming a custom cover crop seeder became his alterative. Biegler was interviewed at the Dec 5 Minnesota Corn Growers Resolutions event in Willmar. He serves as secretary of MCGA. Biegler is now five years into this somewhat specialized custom farming venture. The biggest thing that got him into cover crops was what apparently drives lots of farmers adding this new dimension to their crop farming program. “Seeing too much soil erosion — especially after big heavy rain events,” Biegler explained. “I just got tired of seeing all my soil wash away.” Biegler’s farm topography is a bit of everything — some flats, some gently rolling hills too. And 2018 rains were generous in Murray County. Mostly 5 or 6-inch deluges. “June and into the first half of July … we got about a year’s rain.”
Farmers often ask Biegler about what cover crops to plant. Pointing out the benefits means discussing the different applications of how to put cover crops to work. Yes, soil conservation is the easiest issue. But for Biegler, improved soil health is his bell ringer. “My soil health has definitely changed,” he admitted. “Weed control is a lot better. And erosion is now very minimal — even with these cloud bursts. Now I can routinely skip a pass with the herbicides.” Biegler used to be a conventional tillage guy, but now everything planted to corn the following season is strip-tilled in the fall. “And I’m pretty much no-till on my soybeans the last couple years.” That strip is 8 to 10 inches wide and 6 to 7 inches deep. He bought various pieces of equipment; then cobbled together his own unit. Biegler has found cover crops and strip tilling requires less power and less field time. “With chisel plow, I was running a 27-foot rig. Now I’m doing a 40-foot swath with the same horsepower; plus applying fertilizer at the same time. And that’s less fuel also because I simply spend less time getting the crop planted each year.” He soil tests each year and he’s thinking he can cut
fertilizer inputs too because of the root zone activity of the cover crops. “It’s a work in progress, but I’m seeing some yield benefits and that’s the bottom line,” he said. ”My main seed is cereal rye,” said Biegler. “I also apply turnips, radish, rapeseed, clover and oats — plus wheat and annual rye. The type of seed depends on what I’m trying to accomplish and the time that I’m applying. My seeder is a Hagie high-clearance sprayer. I switch out the liquid tanks and put on a seed box which blows the seed down tubes that drop it between the rows. It is 120 feet wide. The average price I charge is $12 per acre, but that depends on the job and rates. And that is only for the application. Seed is an additional charge. I have a couple of seed sources in Brookings, S.D.” Speaking of alternatives, Biegler tried some hemp two years ago. He planned to try some in 2018, but the weather didn’t cooperate. However, he’s looking into hemp for 2019. Now that it has been approved in the new farm bill, hemp might get on the agenda of lots more farmers. v
Treat horse scratches early to avoid serious infection The recent wet weather has resulted in numerous cases of scratches. Scratches can refer to several skin conditions that occur on the back of a horse’s pasterns or bulbs of the heel. Scratches often occurs in horses exposed to moisture for long periods of time in a muddy field or wet stall. Constant moisture can irritate delicate skin and cause inflammation, redness and ulcers. Mud or dirty surroundings are ideal conditions for bacteria or fungi to invade. If the leg becomes hot, swollen and painful, contact your veterinarian. These signs mean the infection has become more serious. Mild cases are usually amenable to simple cleaning and topical treatment. Consult your veterinarian for treating more severe cases. Most cases of scratches benefit from the following steps: Clip the long hair from the affected skin. This will make it easier to keep clean and dry. Wash the area thoroughly but gently. Make sure to remove dirt, but be careful to not aggravate the skin. Do a single cleaning with an antibacterial soap such as Betadine scrub. Do not subject the skin to repeated treatments with harsh cleansers or disinfectants. Lightly towel dry the area. If scabs and crusts are present, try to soak or sweat them off rather than picking them, which seems to aggravate the swelling. Limit your washing sessions to once daily. Adding moisture could further inflame the area. Try to keep your horse out of muddy or wet places and make sure that their bedding is clean and dry. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any hobbles, boots, clippers, wraps and other items before using them again.
After cleaning a mild case, you may apply a modest amount of Corona ointment. This ointment is not water soluble and can attract dirt. Do not use it on horses turned out on a dry-lot or muddy area. Corona is useful if the horse is stalled during treatment, as it keeps the skin soft and prevents it from splitting open. More severe cases often require topical treatment with cream that contains both antibiotics, an antifungal agent and dexamethasone to reduce swelling.
Severe cases often benefit from treatment with oral broad-spectrum antibiotics. In the future, avoid hosing your horse’s fetlocks and pasterns (unless you have a specific reason) and always make sure to completely dry the area afterwards. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
Applications are now available for college-age students to apply for the American Angus Association, Angus Media, Angus Genetics Inc. and Angus Foundation 2019 summer internships. These 10-week, paid internships provide hands-on opportunities in the Angus business. Internships being offered are in the areas of Angus media; communications; events and education; the
Angus Foundation; and Angus genetics. Students interested in applying should send a résumé, cover letter and references to careers@ angus.org by Feb. 1. Visit angus.org/careers for internship descriptions and requirements. This article was submitted by “Angus News.” v
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on Nov. 30 the biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels volumes will be increased above previous year levels, which is good news for the soybean industry. The increase, however, is mitigated by the absence of reallocation of the significant gallons that were waived under exemptions issued previously by EPA to refineries.
The final rule sets the 2020 requirement for biomass-based biodiesel volumes at 2.43 billion gallons, which is a 330 million-gallon increase over the 2018 and 2019 levels. Total advanced biofuel volumes, which are largely filled by biodiesel, are increased to 4.92 billion gallons. This article was submitted by the American Soybean Growers Association. v
Apply for 2019 angus internships
EPA announces biodiesel volumes
THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
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PAGE 11
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
Winter doldrums a great time to plan your next garden January is a great time to do some winter gardening. Planning a new perennial garden or designing the renovation of an existing bed is a fun and relaxing activity. Many of my gardener friends often bemoan the fact that their gardens are overcrowded, lack a
design and just have had plants added to them without considering the esthetics of the overall design. I confess to have done that type of gardening myself years ago. When we planned the Lion Garden 12 years ago, I investigated using some landscape design tools on
IN THE GARDEN By Sharon Quale
the internet and did a complete design before purchasing the shrubs and hardscape items. We called it the Lion Garden because there are nine lions in it. Two grace the legs of a cement bench, one is a large fountain in the back and the rest are statues. Most of the lions are semi-hidden in the plantings so they appear as a surprise when you walk on the path.
Garden design software is a great tool for plotting your garden and landscaping plans. The Smart Draw Landscape Design Software is free and easy to access on your computer. It provides dozens of examples and templates you can use for your design. There are ready-made symbols of flowers, shrubs, trees, brick patterns and even sprinkler systems which you can drag and drop on your plan. Start by measuring your area and then use the square grids to designate a foot. Research the kinds and sizes of plants you want to use. Then the fun begins of actually placing the symbols on the grid. See GARDEN, pg. 13
Photo by Sharon Quale
The Lion Garden features a variety of conifers creating a range of colors.
THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
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PAGE 13
Firm eyes Renville County for wind farm development By DICK HAGEN The Land staff writer BIRD ISLAND, Minn. — An intriguing proposal for Renville County is generating incredible chatter —regardless of which coffee café you visit. EDP Renewable of Houston, Texas hosted an open house on Dec. 5 in Bird Island, Minn. The company had eight of its wind energy specialists on the floor along with eight tables of data and graphic information on this huge proposal. The 100-megawatt wind project would include 25 turbines with 4 megawatt capacity. It would be the largest wind farm in this part of Minnesota. Turbines would sit atop 345-foot tall towers. Proposed locations are Kingman and Osceola townships north of Bird Island. Approximately 50 landowners have expressed interest in hosting the turbines as annual payments to property owners are expected to be $600,000 to $700,000. According to EDP specialists at the Bird Island event, if and when all systems are go with a March 2020 start, this newest wind farm could be totally operational by November 2020. The proposal awaits
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the Minnesota State Public Utilities Commission approval. With corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas, EDP’s world headquarters are located in Spain. Regional Environmental Manager Andrew Pinger said EDPs interest in Renville County goes back to 2008 or before. “We’ve got a strong development arm which keeps abreast of prospecting efforts continually. We’re looking at marketing conditions, availability of transmission lines and other environmental issues. This area was identified years back as one that could potentially host a wind farm and that’s why we’re here.” He recalled when Minnesota ranked in the top four nationwide in wind power generation. Today, Texas leads the pack — just as it did 10 years ago,. “Texas is way up there mostly because of less regulations, incredible amounts of open space and a very aggressive state economic development board intent on keeping Texas number one,” said Pinger. Though not quite the source of wind power of western Minnesota’s Buffalo Ridge, EDP has been collecting Renville County wind resource data on a meteorological tower installed in 2011. Pinger said two other monitoring towers are being added. Pinger is an Indiana native. He’s a biologist by training and already has considerable data on wildlife studies in Renville County including bird and eagle data; spring bird migrations, bat acoustic monitoring; even habitat and land cover assessments. “When it comes to wildlife assessments, it mostly depends upon what part of the country we’re in. Our development teams do a good job to locate sites that are away from endangered species. This would most-
Decorative mulch will enhance garden GARDEN, from pg. 12 There are many types of gardens: island beds, entry gardens, borders, country gardens and ornamental gardens to name a few. They can be formal with everything balanced or informal with sweeps of plants. I find formal gardens are very difficult to do as plants grow at different rates — even though they were identical cultivars when purchased. In the limited scope of this column, I cannot provide detailed landscape design guidelines. But libraries and book stores have great materials available. Common sense dictates that taller plantings should be in the back and continuity is provided by repetition and groups of three to five of the same cultivar is a pleasing ratio. It is good to have a few exotic specimens of one kind only, but for an eye-pleasing garden, there should be some repetition. Color is another important consideration. This is personal preference, but some colors enhance each other and others clash. Monochromatic color
schemes are still popular. I like different colored conifers paired with a few flowering deciduous shrubs accented with a few colorful perennials. When doing the actual planting of a predesigned garden, it is quick because spacing has been preplanned. Usually there are some adjustments when the actual plants are still in their containers and their placement can still be adjusted. It is realistic to expect the garden to be a bit sparse the first two years, but then it will fill in. We mulched with a decorative bark and that finishes the garden even when the plants are smaller. Some books that covers all aspects of gardening and landscaping are the “Step-by-step” series by Better Homes and Gardens. They are well written and nicely illustrated. Sharon Quale is a master gardener from central Minnesota. She may be reached at (218) 738-6060 or squale101@yahoo.com. v
ly be birds and bats in this area. The company is not sharing cost estimates for this wind farm. However, a wind energy trade group reports on its website that most commercial scale turbines today are 2 megawatts and cost roughly $3 million to $4 million installed. In progress in this area is an 18-turbine, 44.6 megawatt wind farm near Granite Falls, Minn. Dotting the landscape locally are two wind farms near Cosmos and Grove City. Pinger said his firm works closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with the Department of Natural Resources, to obtain data on bald eagle counts. So the overall objective of this Bird Island event was to share data and be as transparent as possible with the total community. David Neely is project manager for this Renville County proposal. He can be reached at david.neely@edpr.com or (816) 536-3246. This foot note: Xcel Energy Chairman Ben Fowke said his firm will reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2030 from the emission levels of 2005 in the eight states served by the Minneapolis-based company. Their bigger promise is to deliver completely carbonfree electricity to customers by 2050. But Fowke hedges on that carbon-free by 2050 pledge by saying technologies or approaches not yet proven will have to be invented or perfected. Yes, wind power will obviously become a bigger source and cheaper than fossil fuel generation. “We’re buying wind at less than $20 a megawatt hour today,” said Fowke. “That compares to $65 where it was 10 years ago. That is a better deal than I can do on the fossil side, and that’s even with low natural gas prices.” v
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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.
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Grain elevators battle ever-changing marketing world By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer OLIVIA, Minn. — Retiring after 38 years as Executive Director of the Grain Dealers Association of Minnesota, Bob Zelenka shared a few parting thoughts at a Nov. 28 breakfast meeting hosted by the Renville County Corn and Soybean Bob Zelenka Growers. In view of growing challenges in overseas marketing, Zelenka opened with this cautionary statement: “Make certain what you grow is eligible for overseas markets.” He also shared some amazing statistics like these: In 1975 there were 287 elevators in Minnesota. In 2018 there are 75 elevators in Minnesota. There used to be two to three unit trains (110 cars) moving to Mexico daily. Now there is only one. Minnesota grain handlers now have 52 unit train loading facilities. Unit trains can be loaded in less than nine hours.
Total costs to install such a facility are now about $25 million. However, thanks to technology, grain handlers with unit train facilities only need five employees. Minnesota elevators currently have 60 million bushels of grain storage capacity. There is an estimated 2 billion bushels of on-farm storage. Ashby Farmers Co-op Elevator — due to apparent swindle of $4.8 million of alleged grain marketing transactions by its long-time manager — has a questionable future. Zelenka complimented grain elevator managers and directors on their tasks of staying with the constantly-changing marketing world. “The uncertainty of our current administration in canceling NAFTA and imposing tariffs on any and all grain shipments to China creates tremendous uncertainties. Yes, his intentions are commendable. But the ongoing question is, at what price to American farmers?” Zelenka also commented that grain dust is more explosive than gun powder; so maintenance of storage structures needs to be a high priority. In old times, virtually every structure was built of wood.
That is why a few elevators (three he said) were built of brick before concrete and steel rapidly became the safest building material. Grain grading schools are provided to all elevator employees three times per year. Weed seed and foreign material complaints used to be “probable causes” by Chinese importers. Today, said Zelenka, blending of Midwest grains shipped to west coast terminals is a growing complaint. Regarding the Ashby Elevator situation, Jerry Hennessey, elevator manager for 15 years, allegedly skipped town in early September just as a bank loan to the elevator came due with no grain in the bins to back it up. He’s been missing ever since — leaving state and federal investigators to sift through the tangled transactions that have left several hundred local farmers holding the bag. “This action has triggered considerable concern about local elevators creating indemnity funds to cover such potentials. It is smart business for local elevator boards to understand these circumstances,” summed up Zelenka. v
Considerations for buying corn seed in 2019 FOLEY, Minn. — Hybrid selection is one of the most important agronomic decisions for corn production. As results from yield trials continue to roll in, certain considerations should be used when selecting the proper hybrid for specific fields. Starting with hybrid performance, those hybrids that perform consistently well over multiple locations and years in a region are preferred. Because we can’t control next year’s weather patterns choosing hybrids that have shown the ability to handle the weather patterns within this region may help reduce management risks. New corn hybrids should be tried on limited acreage to see how they perform, and as more information on these hybrids becomes avail-
able, they can begin to play an increased roll in your fields. Information for performance should come from multiple sources that include universities, grower associations, seed companies and on-farm strip trials. Replicated plots that provide calculations of least significant difference usually offer more confidence that you will see similar results with that hybrid. Hybrids that are near the top in several single strip field trials may also offer some confidence. The University of Minnesota and Minnesota Corn Growers Association both have information available online. Identify an acceptable maturity range based on
growing degree days required for a hybrid to reach maturity. Selected hybrids should reach maturity at least 10 days before the first average freeze to allow for grain dry-down and to provide a buffer in a cool year or if planting is delayed. Keep in mind that fullseason corn hybrids do not consistently out-yield mid-season hybrids here in the upper Midwest. There is more grain yield variability among hybrids in a relative maturity group than between maturity groups. It is recommended to plant multiple hybrids within the maturity range of your region. This will help widen the harvest and pollination time frames, and reduce the risk that the entire corn crop will experience hot and dry conditions during pollination. Select corn hybrids according to agronomic traits including suitability for the crop rotation, emergence, root strength, standability and tolerance to diseases, drought, insect pests, and herbicides. By using field ogy, fish biology, ecology, botany, rangeland manage- histories, prioritizing and selecting the proper agroment, recreation); engineering; agribusiness; and nomic traits for a specific field will be easier. For those without field histories, be cautious on what general administration and office support. To apply, students should log into https://www. genetic traits you choose and which ones you leave usajobs.gov/ to set up an account, then follow the out. As always, learn and follow the best manageprompts. When applying, applicants will also have ment practices to reduce the risk for insect, weed and an opportunity to indicate their preferred area of disease problems. Another possible way to save money is to take advantage of prepay discounts that interest and USDA Agency or office. usually occur this time of season. The application window will close on Jan. 18. For more information go to the corn production For more information, visit www.USDA.gov/ page of the University of Minnesota Extension webInternships. site or call the County Extension office in Foley at This article was submitted by the U.S. Department (320) 968-5077. of Agriculture. v This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
USDA summer internships available U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the “OneUSDA Internship” opportunity for summer 2019. As part of the Federal Pathways Program, the OneUSDA Internship will provide students a way to explore serving their country through a career in government while gaining work experience in agriculture, natural resources, rural development and other career fields. An internship with USDA will involve various components of on-the-job experience, mentorship, and training tailored to the student’s education, experience, and interests. USDA will hire Pathways Interns in hundreds of locations across every state in the country in the fields of veterinary science; biological sciences (e.g., natural resources management forestry, wildlife biol-
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U.S. ventilation technology and six-story swine barns By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer OLIVIA, Minn. — Land is at a premium in China. So might a six-story swine finishing facility be an answer? That in essence was the challenge facing Olivia entrepreneur John Baumgartner in his recent nine-day (Oct. 12-21) visit to China. A group of enterprising Chinese swine industry people are attempting to ramp up swine production in a heavily populated area. They have already built five of these six-story facilities. Providing a clean air environment for the thousands of swine to be finished each year in these mammoth facilities is why Baumgartner was on the scene. When completed, these five facilities will be finishing 300,000 swine each year! Baumgartner’s firm, Baumgartner Environics Inc., had a six-year history in the development of air purification systems for confinement hog barns — attracting the attention of Chinese group last July. Included in that purchase was a consulting agreement with Baumgartner on the scene in China. Electrostatic particle ionization is the buzz language when talking cleaner air. What happens to filtration systems when married to ionized air? Baumgartner explained, “It makes a more porous filter that lets air through easily and costs a lot less. The long-term energy savings can be very substan-
Photos submitted
This photo shows four of the five swine finishing facilities on the Chinese campus. Once fully operational, the site will finish about 300,000 swine each year. tial.” So are multi-story finishing barns the new trend in the rapidly-expanding Chinese swine industry? Baumgartner would only suggest that this is the first of such structures. “But in view of the competition for land in this huge country and their increasing concerns about odors and air pollution, these barns will be closely monitored.” These new facilities are within a kilometer (about two-thirds of a mile) from a dense-
ly populated area and an elementary school. China has the world’s highest population with 1.39 billion. Neighboring India comes in with a population of 1.27 billion. These two together encompass 36.4 percent of the world population. Current U.S. population is 323.13 million. But back to these six-story finishing barns … these See CHINA, pg. 18
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Swine facility’s operation on hold due to African swine fever CHINA, from pg. 17 are tunnel ventilated buildings drawing outside air through the air filtration systems with discharge into a 60-foot wide corridor with vertical exhausting of air. The plan is to scrub that air through ceiling electrostatic ionization technology developed by BEI.
John Baumgartner points out the location of his visit to China. His company’s air purification system will allow hog operations to co-exist in densely populated areas.
“The physics side of this equation is really pretty simple,” explained Baumgartner. “Surrounding particles in the air with a negative charge brings movable positive ions in the particles to the surface and drives movable negative ions into the core of that particle which results in a magnetic particle.” Aren’t you glad you asked? Baumgartner added the five-man team he was training was quick to grab the concept. “These are bright, welleducated people. Two spoke English; one attended the University of Wisconsin.” The other three understood John’s discussion provided he talked slowly. The other side of the equation is the biochemical side. Baumgartner used the term valance which refers to the different charges of various particles in the air. “If ions in the air collide with a hydrogen sulfide molecule, it will convert that molecule. The same for ammonia and other volatile organic compounds. What happens is a reduction of the disagreeable odors. The vast majority of air control will be the capturing of
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Baumgartner snapped this photo of his first meal upon arriving in China. He had to stay on the farm 24 hours before he was allowed access to animals.
So does China have some economic doldrums much like the U.S. and other parts of the world? “It was surprising to me how modern China is. The big cities are gleaming. The highways are like ours — only better — because they are newer. They drive the same size cars we do — none of the tiny cars we used to think were their only transportation. They like bigger cars … favorites seemed to be Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, quite a few Buicks, and Land Rovers.” And where is China on electric cars? Baumgartner sees electric autos mushrooming in China. Some great incentives too: Currently, if you buy a gasguzzling car, you pay half again the purchase price of that vehicle as a pollution tax. Anyone who buys a “new energy” car — be it electric or hybrid — is excused from paying that tax. They also reduce the license plate fees on new energy cars. Most cities in China already have many charge stations. “It appears China government is
these different particles through the ionization process which scrubs the air.” He also said pathogens tend to attach to dust particles. So if we can scrub the particles from the air exhausted we are doing a lot to reduce pathogens in the process. Yes, this suggests periodic cleaning of the filtration systems. Labor is readily available in China, so manual use of wands and a vacuuming system will do the job. The company which purchased Baumgartner’s technology has a team well-versed in ventilation and filtration. They understand static pressure, fan performance and the importance of proper ventilation for the animals. “We spent four of the nine days meeting in The six-story finishing barns are tunnel ventilated conference sessions work- buildings drawing outside air through the air filtration ing through different systems with discharge into a 60-foot wide corridor issues on different proj- with vertical exhausting of air. The plan is to scrub that ects relating to animal air through ceiling electrostatic ionization technology welfare and human wel- developed by Baumgartner Environics Inc., fare. Most of this group doing everything they can to incentivwas trained engineers or veterinariize individuals to buy electric,” stated ans.” They would scan Baumgartner’s Baumgartner. He said he rode around notebook drawings and upload them to in a Tesla during his China visit. But the conference room projector. he noted there are already several With total candor, Baumgartner said Chinese electric car models available. this was his first trip to China so he I asked Baumgartner if African swine had some reservations of how he was fever poses a serious threat to Chinese going to transfer the workings of his swine industry? “It has really slowed technology. “But that vanished quickly down the entire industry,” he replied. with my first session with the team.” See CHINA, pg. 19
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Veteran farmer has seen the booms and busts of ag By DICK HAGEN The Land staff writer In his younger years, Sandy Ludeman and two brothers, Brian and Cal, stretched their farming ambitions over 4,000 acres that reached from Lyon County to the South Dakota border. Beef cows were big business too with a herd of 140 cows grazing their rotation pastures. The Ludemans still rent the pasture land to a young man running about 200 ‘mama’ cows and calves each summer. Sandy is a hail and hearty 71 now. His special thoughts about farming in 2018? “The big kicker for us was 11 inches of rain on July 3rd.” Even pattern tiling had its challenges. “Water actually was shooting out from tile intakes for a few hours. But we shouldn’t complain about the productivity of our soils — even in this rainy season. Surprising, most of
our yields weren’t too far off target in our immediate area.” Sandy and SanMarBo Farms acquired some special recognition over the years. The big one was the National Conservation Legacy Award from American Soybean Association. In addition, SanMarBo has been recognized by the Minnesota Farm Bureau, Lyon County Zoning and Planning Board and MARL Board. And then it’s slow down time. Or is it? Some farmers admit, once removed from the daily tasks of managing farming responsibilities, life evolves into meetings, other volunteer activities and coffee chatter related Ludeman. “Just ask my wife Peggy,” chuckled Sandy, “… or my son Sander, an Edward Jones broker in Lake Crystal or daughter Dayna Bassett, a management consultant in Bloomington. They gently
Prosperity in China evident CHINA, from pg. 17 “Swine cannot be transported beyond limited local borders. Right now the six-story enterprise cannot get pigs. So its start will be delayed. Yes, the disease definitely has put the brakes on their swine industry.” Baumgartner added the electronic industry is very much alive in China. “As we entered Suzhou, it seemed block after block was another electronic manufacturing facility with Samsung, LCD TV, and other brand names now common in America,” he said. “I would say general prosperity was evident. People are working; they seem carefree and happy. I was really stimulated by this five-person team I was working with. They’re really into business. And even though this is a Communist government, when it comes to business they have pretty well embraced capitalism. “But they have intense sanitation standards on their livestock farms. I went to inspect one farm, but their biosecurity required that you live there 24 hours before you have access to the animals. But it went good … you eat with chopsticks at this farm or you don’t eat.” Baumgartner admits he quickly got sold on China and its people. “I encourage others to consider China a travel destination. You would simply be
amazed how well this country functions. Foods are totally different … and most are good. Several I couldn’t recognize what I was eating. Yes, I knew when I was eating beef or pork.” Do the Chinese seem concerned with the political turmoil in America? “They are bamboozled over this trade and tariff war,” commented Baumgartner. “They don’t understand why. We spent little time on politics. I did overhear a comment at one table, ‘….well at least you can change parties.’” The smog of China is very real. Baumgartner said on some days he could see the inverted atmosphere which was almost overwhelming. “They’ve got air quality issues, but I didn’t feel challenged in my breathing. When you consider how many people and cars are packed into major cities it’s not surprising that smog is present.” Farms he observed were small, single-family farms. No large farm equipment was seen where he traveled. Most were vegetable farms for self sufficiency plus local markets. And how do they provide feed for their growing livestock industry? You’re right —they import it, but no longer from America. However, Baumgartner thinks they would prefer purchasing from America. v
chide me saying I don’t know how to say ‘no’.” But Ludeman seems to thrive on opportunities and challenges of walking in a different pair of boots. Like right now, he’s involved in a major fund drive to renovate the old Shetek Lutheran Ministries near Slayton. This old church bible camp is used by various groups of all ages for special retreats beyond just summer campers. Ludeman suggests more farmers should do a 2-3 day break from farming. “Farmers get so intent on making every acre more productive that they even overlook a family vacation. Yet I’ve often discovered that when visiting with other farmers my own problems aren’t so unique. Usually, just the sharing of issues leads to some new thought processes that can benefit others.” Ludeman sees a strong future continuing for production agriculture. “I’ve been through several cycles from the Russian wheat deal in the early 70’s, the high interest rates and farm foreclosures of the 80’s, floods of ‘93, several droughts where we even paid rainmakers as hope dwindled. We enjoyed the boom years from 2008 to 2012. But now we’re into a tough period again with little or no profit for a four or five year run. And it could be longer. In today’s world, agriculture break-even actually sounds half-way good!” Outside of CREP acres, Sandy says the land will always be farmed — in some cases, even better than the current generation is doing. An expanding world population simply needs expanding food production. But these changing demographics of fewer and larger farm operations are negatively impacting rural communities. You see it in the loss of businesses, schools consolidating, even churches shutting down. “However, I think agriculture will remain strong,” stated Ludeman. “It may be totally different. You can’t slow down technology and that so much is what drives this ongoing evolution.” When it comes to world agricultural trade, Ludeman has total respect for the huge role of American farmers. “My first trip to China was in 1990. I was very involved with the soybean association for many years. We were guests of what we called the Department of Commerce. Two of us were farmers: myself as United Soybean Board Chairman and
Minnesota had 73,200 farms in 2017 with average size of 354 acres. In 2013, average size was 348 acres. Minnesota ranks ninth in total farm numbers. The top five states are Texas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma and California. Minnesota ranked fourth nationally in total ag exports — trailing only California, Iowa and Illinois. The state’s exports were valued at over $7.1 billion in 2016 with top exports being soybeans, corn, feed and pork. The state’s main ag exports are to Canada, Mexico and China. Based on U.S. Department of Agriculture data, the total number of farms in the United States in 2017 was estimated at 2.05 million. U.S. farm numbers have been declining since World War II. However, farm numbers have been more stable since 1992. There was 910 million acres of land in farms in the U.S. in 2017, a decline of one million acres from 2016. Average U.S. farm size in 2017 was 444 acres. One acre of wheat yielding 50 bushels will produce over 2,500 loaves of bread, or over 50 loaves per bushel of wheat. If a farmer is paid $4.50 per bushel, the wheat cost in a 2-lb. loaf of bread is about 11 cents per loaf. Data compiled by Kent Thiesse Merle McCann, ASA President from Virginia. Plus Dr. Ken Bader, CEO of ASA (American Soybean Association). “We spent four or five days discussing with Chinese agricultural business people the opportunities of using our U.S. soybeans to help build their livestock industry … to build crushing plants. Over time those markets really developed. We were exporting nearly 50 percent of our soybeans and China was the buyer for half of those soybeans. “But now I see all that time, effort and dollars spent by soybean growers to build overseas markets being minimized by the current tariff situation. And once you lose these overseas markets, you don’t easily recapture them. I’ve been to Argentina and Brazil and can say this: What we aren’t doing they will do. Both have become huge in soybean production and soybean exports. We’ve built those markets through trust and dependability. To now lose them is unfortunate. I somewhat understand our President’s determination to build fairness into world trade. But the cost to American farmers is millions of dollars!” v
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MARKETING
Grain Outlook News is scarce for corn market
Cash Grain Markets
corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $3.19 -.10 $7.88 -.24 Madison $3.25 -.10 $7.87 -.25 Redwood Falls $3.27 -.07 $8.02 -.26 Fergus Falls $3.14 -.11 $7.69 -.15 $3.22 -.09 $7.82 -.20 The following marketing analysis is for the week Morris ending Dec. 28. Tracy $3.30 -.11 $7.93 -.25 CORN — Holiday trading was in session this week Average: $3.23 $7.87 with very little news for the commodity markets because of the government in partial shutdown. Year Ago Average: $2.94 $8.80 Export announcements are on hold until the governGrain prices are effective cash close on Dec. 31. ment reopens. Even so, U.S. corn is uncompetitive on *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period. the world scene with Ukrainian corn the cheapest. If the shutdown is extended, we may not get the Jan. 11 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report on time. The holiday-shortened trading week began on a dull, slightly softer note, but traders returned from Christmas with their selling PHYLLIS NYSTROM The livestock markets were very quiet during the shoes on. Corn posted a key CHS Hedging Inc. week leading up to the holidays at the end of reversal lower on the charts the St. Paul December. The cattle market was the leader in a very same day the stock market set a quiet trade, while the hog market saw a little greater single day rally of over 1,000 points! News was scarce for the corn market all activity especially in the futures trade. It appears week. Corn took its direction for its 6.75 cent weekly that both markets will remain relatively quiet until trading range from the wheat and soybean markets. we advance into the new year. At The European Union raised their 2018-19 corn pro- that juncture it is likely will duction figure from 62.9 million metric tons to 67.5 move into a more normal market mmt. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is carrying conditions and volume and interest will expand. them at 60.4 mmt. The overlying outside influencWeekly ethanol production was released this week since the EIA was not affected by the shutdown. es could affect markets in the Production fell 4,000 barrels to 1.042 million barrels weeks ahead as fear could domiper day. This is down 4.4 percent from a year ago. nate these markets in either JOE TEALE Ethanol stocks dropped from 23.9 million barrels to direction so be aware of any Broker 23.1 million barrels. This is an increase of 5 percent developments that could affect Great Plains Commodity over last year. Margins did improve 3 cents per gallon market directions. Afton, Minn. to a negative 5 cents per gallon. There are suggestions Cattle have remained fairly that the USDA may be overestimating corn for etha- quiet for the most part through nol usage at 5.6 billion bushels. We will see if there is the month of December. However, it is interesting an adjustment on the January WASDE report. that the market has quietly moved higher in both Weekly export inspections were released this week. the cash market and the futures market. The beef Corn inspections were as expected at 39.2 million cutouts have stayed steady to slightly higher during bushels and a three-week high. However, we need to the period in a pre-holiday type of trade during the average 44.9 million bushels per week to hit the same time period. On Dec. 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released the monthly Cattle on Feed USDA’s export target of 2.45 billion bushels. report which was interpreted as neutral to slightly Outlook: For the week, March and July corn each friendly. The market reaction in both the futures and dropped 3 cents per bushel to $3.75.5 and $3.90.5 the cash trade was very minimal. respectively. December 2019 corn declined 1.75 cents The Cold Storage report released the following day to $3.97.5 per bushel. As we head into 2019, corn will was encouraging — showing a slight decrease of beef likely be rangebound unless South American weather pushes soybeans hard in one direction. Talk about in storage. As the calendar changes to 2019, interest
Livestock Angles Livestock markets see silent night
See NYSTROM, pg. 21
See TEALE, pg. 21
Grain Angles Passing on your legacy As we prepare to close the books on 2018, I encourage you to take time to reflect on the past year to understand what went well, what didn’t, but may be improved. By taking those opportunities into account, making sure that finances, marketing and business plans are updated, you can set goals or objectives for the year ahead. For those looking to pass the operation onto the next generation, is succession planning on your list of goals in 2019? Succession planning should be an on-going process — one that certainly doesn’t happen overnight. Even if you believe succession is years off, it is never too early to start discussing those plans and STEVE SCHEAFFER getting a formalized plan in writCompeer ing to work from. I would like to Financial Officer discuss three specific areas to Oregon, Ill. focus on as you work through the process. Communication. It seems simple enough, but time and time again communication or lack thereof seems to be one of the largest contributors to succession planning going well, or not. Often times, the different generations make assumptions about how things will proceed. Until it is verbally discussed or written down, you shouldn’t assume. I would urge you to have these conversations earlier rather than later to manage expectations. Whether you are the one passing on the operation, or the next generation taking it over, be open and honest. I like to use the saying, “it’s better to know a plan you don’t like than to not know the plan.” Discussing a plan and the reasoning behind it will allow all those involved to better understand it and be prepared. If you are dealing with both on-farm and off-farm heirs, it can be difficult to come to terms with what is fair vs. what is equal. They are not the same. Having, strong, open and frequent communication is important and will help manage expectations. Ensuring the operation is viable. When discussing succession planning, it is important to evaluate the financial performance of the operation and understand the whole value of what is being passed on. Ensuring that the operation is viable for the next generation, while making sure that the older generation is taken care of, needs to be part of the equation. During all of the highs and lows facing agriculture, the operation needs to remain viable while succesSee SCHEAFFER, pg. 21
Information in the above columns is the writer’s opinion. It is no way guaranteed and should not be interpreted as buy/sell advice. Futures trading always involves a certain degree of risk.
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Soybean prices see drop and modest recovery this week NYSTROM, from pg. 20 a global economic slowdown may also gain in importance as a focal point. Funds are holding a net long position and without a positive catalyst, we could see further liquidation. SOYBEANS — This is the type of week you wonder why we bothered to come in. There was a decent amount of action in the soybeans this week, but with very little news to back it up. A key reversal lower at mid-week sent prices to their lowest level since Nov. 27. This was followed by a rally into the weekend when China announced they would allow U.S. rice imports for the first time in history. Traders interpreted this as a sign that better things are in store for soybeans. However, U.S. rice is currently uncompetitive into China, and it is still under a 25 percent import tariff. A U.S. delegation will meet with Chinese officials in Beijing the week of Jan. 7. In the meantime, phone calls have been taking place between the two countries. Without the U.S. government functioning, we do not receive any USDA export announcements. However, there has been no indication in the export or freight markets that any further soybean business has been done with China in the past week. Adding to concern the United States and China will reach a deal by March 1 is chatter that President Trump is consid-
MARKETING ering declaring a national emergency that would bar U.S. companies from using telecommunication equipment from two of China’s largest companies, Huawei and ZTE. China also opened their markets to alternative sources of protein. They removed import tariffs on rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, sunflower meal and palm meal, effective Jan. 1. More cases of the African swine fever were found in China again this week. Weather in South America is taking on added focus since we don’t have any export business to discuss. Brazil did receive rain prior to Christmas, but there are concerns over what the dryness had already done to the soybean crop. Estimates for Brazil’s soybean production have come down from the 125 mmt plus area to the 120-122 mmt range. This would still be a record crop. There is more rain in the forecast for the dry areas into the first of the year. Argentina has been too wet, raising concerns about wheat quality and soybean production. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange estimated Argentina’s soybean planting at 83 percent complete vs. 84 percent on average. Weekly export inspections were below estimates at 23.9 million bushels. This was the lowest inspection
number in 11 weeks. We need to average 34.7 million bushels per week to confirm the USDA’s 1.9-billionbushel export forecast. In other news, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission approved the Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s proposal to increase daily storage rates for corn and soybeans — beginning with the December 2019 contract for corn and the November 2019 contract for soybeans. The daily rate will increase from .1650 cents/bushel/day to .2650 cents/bushel/day. This roughly equates to an increase from 5 cents/bushel/ month to 8 cents/bushel/month. Why do you care? It will likely increase board carries and may affect what storage charges will be in the country in the future. Outlook: For the week, March soybeans were 2.25 cents lower at $8.95.5, July fell 2 cents to $9.21, and November was down just three-quarters cents at $9.35.75 per bushel. South American weather will be a major headline into 2019. Will rain in Brazil help? Or will below normal rainfall and above normal heat call for cuts in production estimates? Any news surrounding Chinese trade will sway price direction as well. Let’s get the holiday trade mentality out of the way and hopefully we’ll have concrete news after the first of the year. v
Transition planning is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ process SCHEAFFER, from pg. 20 sion planning continues. As stated previously, succession planning is an ongoing effort, a long term process that needs to focus on long term planning, not just focusing on what’s happening in the short term. Build a team around you. Succession planning may start with a discussion between those involved in the operation. However, the entire process doesn’t need to be faced alone. Intent does you no good if you
do not have things properly documented or signed by the designated parties. Bringing in resources to help you through the process is another way to try and alleviate any undue stress. I’ve said many times, one of the best thing about farm families is that you get to work with family. And the most difficult part of family farms can be having to work with family. Succession planning can be an emotional rollercoaster. Trying to focus on the business aspects, rather than just the family ties can sometimes help.
Hog futures nearly oversold TEALE, from pg. 20 will once again pick up once again and the fundamentals will once again dominate the direction of the market. Producers should stay aware of conditions that could influence the direction of the market and act accordingly to those conditions. The hog market has continued to remain in a quagmire over the past few months as prices have continued to remain under pressure. The pork cutouts have been waffling back and forth recently, giving little or no direction while the cash and futures markets continue to slide lower. There is a general fear surrounding the market over several situations that keep the market at bay. The African swine fever which is encompassing the Asian continent and the trade disruption with China has the market in a conundrum. The release of the USDA quarterly Hogs and Pigs report released on
Dec. 20 was seen as neutral to slightly friendly as the major categories were at or lower than anticipated. However, the futures reaction was mixed as the February contract was carrying a large premium to current cash index and finished lower in reaction. The futures market is very close to being oversold at this writing and in the next few weeks there is the possibility that a recovery rally may ensue. On the cash side, the pork cutouts appear to be trying to stabilize and if this continues the likelihood of the cash finding a bottom will increase. Obviously there has to be some changes in the current fundamentals for a change in direction of the cash trade. On that note, demand for pork products remain fairly good both in the export and the domestic markets. Producers should keep a close eye on market developments and respond accordingly to any changes in those market conditions. v
Bringing in a third party resource to help drive the discussion is common. They can serve in an advisory role to ensure that the plans are sufficient for all parties involved. Hold interviews to understand how the consultant works or thinks and to gauge if they will be a good fit for your operation during the process. Be sure to take the whole picture into account. Use an attorney, CPA, tax advisor, trusted lender and understand the different purposes that each of these roles serves. They can help moderate conversations, document the plan, confirm viability, or act as a sounding board. Be prepared to hear items in the plan you may or may not like, while being open to different ideas and challenges. The process will allow you to create a well thought-out and cohesive plan. Whether you are just getting started or have been planning for several years, I hope these three areas serve as a starting point or as a reminder. This is a process — one that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all option, or one that will likely follow the same plan through the entire way. It will take time to discuss, plan and then execute. Start and maintain open communication of the plan, evaluate financials to ensure the viability of the operation, and build a team of trusted advisors around you to help you through the process. I hope that you all take time to enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones, and I wish you all a safe and productive 2019. For additional insights from Scheaffer and others from the Compeer team, visit Compeer.com v
PAGE 22
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
Al Kluis talks hogs, soybeans, but no politics By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer WILLMAR, Minn. — Always current for what’s happening around the agricultural world is Al Kluis, a 40-year veteran of keeping tabs on the industry. At a Nov. 27 Willmar, Minn. meeting hosted by North Star Genetics, Kluis shared a few thoughts. A quick Q & A works best when dancing around the globe with Kluis. The Land: We’ll start with the easy stuff. What’s likely to happen when President Trump and China’s Xi get together? Kluis: I’m optimistic. Hoping they can agree to a framework on trade issues. But this likely will take time to hammer out the details. And as we know so well, the devil is in the details on any trade negotiations. The Land: Already U.S. soybean producers have lost millions because of Trump’s tariff issues. Are these bushels lost forever? Kluis: We’ve lost months of opportunity and we won’t gain those opportunities back again. They’ve gotten a lot of beans out of Brazil. Brazil is off to an early start on their next cropping season. By Christmas, China will be able to get new crop beans from Brazil. So our window for recapturing what we’ve lost is getting pretty darn small. The Land: Because of the explosion of African swine fever in Chinese swine industry, will there be a reduction in soybean demand? Kluis: Yes. Also, they are changing their feed rations — cutting back on the amount of soybean meal in the ration. In my 20 years of tracking soybean markets into China, rather than the usual 3 percent growth each year, there more likely will be at least a 3 percent cutback in demand. And most of that demand unfortunately will be filled from South America. The Land: How big has the swine industry become in China? Kluis: Fewer hogs are inevitable. They had rapidly expanded and were producing about four times more
hogs than U.S. producers. But already, 70 cases of swine fever have been reported and I don’t think every case does get reported. My point being, there likely is considerably more of this disease in China than they are telling us. It’s scary if that disease spreads — what it could do to soybean demand and corn demand as well. The Land: So how contagious is this disease? Kluis: It is very spreadable. It’s very toxic. There’s no known cure for the disease. Very deadly … the infected pig isn’t sick; it’s dead! Yes, very likely it could lead to greater sales of U. S. pork to China. And that is already happening. The Land: What triggered this problem just in China? Kluis: That’s a question for the animal disease scientists rather than a market adviser. Some 20-30 years ago, this disease practically wiped out the entire Russian swine industry. And you need to wait some time before you can repopulate. I think part of China’s problem is that there are still lots of unsanitary conditions in the many back-door hog operations that are still prevalent in much of China. You don’t walk onto a modern swine facility in Minnesota or the Midwest. You’re banned unless you have gone through all the security precautions — even showering before you enter. Unfortunately in China, there are a lot of feed salesmen that go door to door without even washing off their boots. The Land: Some U.S. feed companies import certain ingredients from China simply because they cost less. Is that still happening? Kluis: I would doubt it. It would be very cautious for any feed company to be sourcing any feed ingredients from China today. The Land: We’re now getting reports of Federal Land Bank clients shutting down some farm loans and resulting in new farm bankruptcies. Is that likely to continue? Kluis: Two things are hurting farming: The price of soybeans and the price of dairy products. And it’s not
Extension offers online horse courses This January, University of Minnesota Extension is offering four horse online certificate courses. The first offering is entitled, “Pasture Establishment and Management.” Topics include pasture layout and design; pasture establishment and management; pasture resources and research updates. “Growing and Feeding Horse Hay” covers establishing and managing hay fields; harvesting and storing hay; estimating hay needs; and hay analysis. “Basic Horse Nutrition” includes key nutrients; types of feedstuffs; and nutritional requirements of different horse age groups.
A new offering this year is “Manure Management.” Topics include environmental concerns; manure handling rules and regulations; composting and stockpiling manure; and land application. Each course is self-paced, costs $75 and lasts six weeks. Registration is limited and is required by Jan. 13. For more information and to register, to to https:// extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/horse-onlinecertificate-course. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
a matter of surviving two years. Many farmers have now survived three tough years. A lot of very good farmers are just simply running out of operating capital. So far, it hasn’t had much impact on farm land prices or asset prices, but that’s likely to happen. The Land: Guys like you provide a constant and dependable source of marketing information that assists farmers even in their daily farming operations. Might some farmers not be able to afford your services? Kluis: Our business is stable; it’s good. We’ve a good track record this year. We had a lot of commodities hedged ahead and sold ahead. Sometimes the farmers most needing our services won’t write the check. Yes, we are looking at a diminishing supply of farmers to buy our service. And we do have a lot of competition in our industry. The Land: This weird question: Is technology advancing so rapidly in agriculture that we are over-producing for current market demands? Kluis: Yes, in a sense we’ve gotten too good! We’re over-producing and in that scenario it’s a matter of who is left standing. This year, if you were in an area with 220-250 bushel corn and you had 50 percent of it sold ahead, you’re in good shape. Likewise, 50-60 bushels beans with 30 percent sold ahead, you’re likewise okay. But if you harvested only 140 bushel corn and didn’t have it forward priced, there’s just not enough revenue. The Land: Hemp — is it on the doorstep of becoming a new industrial crop for American farmers? Kluis: Not on any scale. It will be good for the people that get approved to grow the crop. But it’s an arduous process to become a hemp producer. For 2019, we’re talking 90 million acres of corn; 90 million acres of soybeans. Maybe in 20 years there will be 5 million acres of hemp. So to say it will help in the short term, even the next 10 years, i’m very skeptical. Its biggest problem is there simply aren’t enough markets. Farmers might quickly learn how to produce it profitably, but where are the processing plants? It will take time and money to build those plants. It’s taken us 40 years to build the soybean industry. It may be beneficial for a select few who get in early, but to say that hemp may be a cureall is a real stretch. The Land: How do you see President Trump continuing his favorable connection with farmers? Kluis: I have two rules: I don’t talk about foreign policy and I don’t talk about politics. No matter what I say, I run the risk of upsetting half my audience. So on these issues, I’m a “no comment” guy. More insights from Kluis and his team are available at www.kluiscommodities.com, v
THE LAND — g DECEMBER 28 /JANUARY 4, 2019
Real Estate
Real Estate Wanted
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Feed Seed Hay
Sell your land or real estate in WANTED: Land & farms. I Alfalfa, mixed hay, grass hay, 30 days for 0% commission. have clients looking for and feed grade wheat straw. Call Ray 507-339-1272 dairy, & cash grain opera- Medium squares or round tions, as well as bare land bales. Delivery available. parcels from 40-1000 acres. Call or text LeRoy Ose. 218Real Estate Both for relocation & invest- 689-6675 Wanted ments. If you have even WANTED: TOP DOLLAR thought about selling conFarm Equipment FOR QUALITY FARM- tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & LAND. Long term contracts Land Specialist, Edina Reideal, no smaller than 80 alty, 138 Main St. W., New We buy acre parcels with CPI of Prague, MN 55372. Salvage Equipment 85+. Must be within 20 mi. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com Parts Available radius of New Richland (612)328-4506 Hammell Equip., Inc. MN. Call. (507) 327-6430; (507)867-4910 (507)461-4474; (507)317-9317 Your ad
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Sell your farm equipment in The Land with a line ad. 507-345-4523
TOY AUCTION
Kerkhoff Auction Center 1500 E. Bridge Street, Redwood Falls MN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2019 - 3:00 P.M. 300+ Lots of tractors, combines & machinery to include John Deere, JD Precision, Case, International, Farmall, Oliver, MM, Massy Harris, Die-Cast collector cars, Semis, Trucks, Old Collector Cars & Trucks, Race Cars & other small toys. Many toys NIB and range in scale of 1/8, 1/16, 1/18, 1/24, 1/32 & 1/64. Please view our webpage for pictures and catalog.
LIVE & INTERNET BIDDING WILL BE AVAILABLE! Doug Kerkhoff (507)829-6859 - Zac Kerkhoff (507)829-3924
PAGE 23
PAGE 24 Tractors
‘04 JD 8220T tractor, 24” tracks @ 85%, 16” tracks @ 45%, GreenStar Ready, implement connections, 5 Hyds., HD drawbar, HD rock box, $68,500. (320) 522-0626 ‘11 JD 7930 MFWD, IVT, guidance ready, duals, Deluxe cab, 3060 hrs. Upgraded HID lights, 320/90R54 tires, $110,000/OBO. (320) 295-2397
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Tractors
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 28/JANUARY 4, 2019 Harvesting Equip
Cattle
Swine
‘13 JD 7215R, 4672 hrs, 4 valves, NEW AND USED TRACTOR 2007 C-IH 8010 combine, FOR SALE: 9 Shorthorn Spot, Duroc, Chester White, 1000 PTO, Active Seat, Auto PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 2407/1500 hrs, 620/70R42 du- steers, avg weight aabout Boars & Gilts available. Trac Ready, MFWD, Power 55, 50 Series & newer trac- als, big top topper, lot of 500 lbs, shots and poured. Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Quad, 320/90R50 Rear Tires tors, AC-all models, Large recent work, exc shape, Nelson Family Shorthorns at Delivery available. Steve Renville. 320-894-6271 Resler. 507-456-7746 w/duals, Thru Service In- Inventory, We ship! Mark $87,500. 612-685-5743 spection at 4500 hrs, $68,500. Heitman Tractor Salvage FOR SALE: Texas Longhorns. 715-673-4829 Call 1-320-979-9460 (1) Four year old cow, (2) Wanted Pets & Supplies two year old heifers, (1) 18 FOR SALE: JD 4440 very month old heifer. Kimball good condition, new tires, Tillage Equip All kinds of New & Used farm MN 320-398-5420 FOR SALE: Rat Terrier Pup5060 hrs, quad shift, inequipment - disc chisels, field pies, Shots, Dewormed. 507spected in John Deere Shop, cults, planters, soil finishers, 426-7676. $25,900. 320-359-2692 cornheads, feed mills, discs, Swine 2004 GREAT PLAINS 30 Ft balers, haybines, etc. 507FOR SALE: JD 6115D, MFD, Trucks & Turbo-Till w/ NEW Rolling 438-9782 w/ JD H310 loader & snow Trailers Harrow/Reel Was $37,900 FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hampbucket, 400 hours. 507-381Reduced $29,900. shire, Duroc & Hamp/Duroc 5781 2006 Great Plains 33’ 5” Disboars, also gilts. Excellent FOR SALE: ‘99 Ford F350, Livestock covator/Finisher Low Acres selection. Raised outside. dually 4x4, extended cab, 7.3 Please support the advertisers you see here. Was $29,900 Now $19,900. Exc herd health. No PRSS. diesel, 6 spd manual, 8’ flatTell them you saw their ad in The Land! bed, new complete engine, 2006 Great Plains 36 Ft Dis- FOR SALE: Black Angus Delivery avail. 320-760-0365 clean, sharp truck, $9,900. covator/Finisher Dbl Fold bulls also Hamp, York, & 320-583-0881 Was $33,900 Now $25,900. Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts. Sell your livestock in The Land Dealer 319-347-6282 Can Del 320-598-3790 with a line ad. 507-345-4523
RETIRING
Steffes Auction Calendar 2019
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 Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN Opening February 15 & Closing February 20 Online Steffes Auction - 2/20, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, February 26 at 12PM Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN Opening February 26 & Closing March 5 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
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
Call Broker: Kristine Fladeboe Duininck 320-212-9379
LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY, MN
Friday, January 18 @ 10AM LAND LOCATED: From Dawson, MN, 1.5 miles south on County Highway 23, 3/4 mile west on 170th St. 170th St., Dawson, MN 56232.
AUCTION LOCATION The Rusty Duck Bar & Grill 539 Chestnut St., Dawson, MN 56232
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
241 acres Single Tract
We Ship Daily Visa and MasterCard Accepted
Miscellaneous PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS New pumps & parts on hand. Call Minnesota’s largest distributor HJ Olson & Company 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 Winpower Sales & Service Reliable Power Solutions Since 1925 PTO & automatic Emergency Electric Generators. New & Used Rich Opsata-Distributor 800-343-9376
Classified line ads work! Call 507-345-4523
WANTED
DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE
We pay top dollar for your damaged grain. We are experienced handlers of your wet, dry, burnt and mixed grains. Trucks and vacs available. Immediate response anywhere.
Auctioneer’s Note: Prime farm land to be offered at public auction. This large tract of highly productive crop land has been in the Throndrud Family for over 50 years. Don’t miss this opportunity… land is served by a county tile system as well as private tile lines.
SteffesGroup.com
USED PARTS
CAMBRIDGE, MN 763-689-1179
2019
For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com
Eric Gabrielson MN47-006
Steffes Group, Inc. 24400 MN Hwy 22 S Litchfield, MN 55355 For a detailed Buyer’s Prospectus with complete terms and conditions, contact Steffes Group, 320.693.9371, Eric Gabrielson 701.238.2570 or Shelly Weinzetl 763.300.5055 TERMS: 10% down upon signing purchase agreement, payable by cash or check. Balance due at closing within 30 days. No Buyers Premium.
CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY
PRUESS ELEV., INC. 1-800-828-6642
THE LAND — DECEMBER 28 /JANUARY 4, 2019
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vice 30.5X32 singles, 1028 sep, hrs ......................................... $79,500 ons ‘17 CIH Magnum 250, 480/80R46 duals, 380/85R34 single atic ner- 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 ‘14 CIH Magnum 235, 480/80R50 rear duals, 380/80R38 single fronts, 23 speed creeper transmission, high capacity hyd. pump, 4 remotes 2585 hrs ........................................................... $79,500 ‘13 JD 7230R, 20 speed Command Quad Plus transmission, 1300 front axle, 540/1000 PTO, 43 GPM hyd. pump, 4 remotes, HID lights, new 480/80R46 rear duals, new 420/90R30 fronts, Starfire 3000 receiver and 2630 display with auto trac activation, 855 hrs, just through service program, have narrow tires if needed ............................................................................$109,000 ‘12 New Holland L218 skid steer loader, no cab, 72” bucket, 365 hrs .............................................................................. $19,750
– AgDirect Financing Available – Please call before coming to look.
Keith Bode
Fairfax, MN 55332 507-381-1291 • www.keithbodeeq.com
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HAY TOOLS
USED TRACTORS ‘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 ........................... SOLD NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders ... On Hand NEW NH T8.410 ................................................... SOLD NH T8.275, 495 hrs ....................................... $145,000 NH T8.300 ........................................................ Coming ‘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
New NH W80C wheelloader .......................... On Hand New NH E37C mini excavator ....................... On Hand New NH E26C mini excavator ....................... On Hand New NH track & wheeled skidsteers............. On Hand NH 230 w/cab & heat ...................................... $37,900
COMBINES
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MISCELLANEOUS
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 ....................................Let’s White 8182 12-30 w/liq ................................Let’s ‘12 White 8186, 16-30 w/liq. fert. .................Let’s ‘11 White 8516 CFS, Loaded .......................Let’s White 8186 16-30 w/liq ................................Let’s
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smithsmillimp.com Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 28 /JANUARY 4, 2019
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.
4WD TRACTORS ‘13 JD 9360R, 1970 hrs, 1000 PTO, pwr shift, 620x42 tires & duals .............................................................................$150,000 ‘92 JD 8760, 7558 hrs, 24spd, 3 hyd valves, eng OH at 6264 hrs, 20.8x38 tires & duals ..............................................$31,000 ‘13 NH T9.390, 2557 hrs, pwr shift, 1000 PTO, 480x50 tires &
PAGE 27
ROW CROP TRACTORS CONT. ‘03 NH TG230, MFWD, 3346 hrs, pwr shift, 540/1000 PTO, Mega flow hyd, 4 valves, 3pt, 380x46 tires & duals ................$59,000 ‘11 Versatile 305, MFWD 690 hrs, 3pt, 4 hyd valves, 1000 PTO, HID lights, 480x46 tires & duals ....................................$95,000
LOADER TRACTORS
duals, susp cab ..........................................................$120,000 ‘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 ‘11 NH T9.390, 905 hrs, pwr shift, 4 hyd valves, hi-flow, HID lights, 480x50 tires & duals ........................................$120,000 ‘04 JD 7320, MFWD, cab, air, 3pt, 540/1000 PTO, 2 hyd valves, JD 741 ldr w/QT bkt & joystick ......................................$49,000 ‘14 C-IH Steiger 370 HD, 7052 hrs, 1000 PTO, big hyd pump, 710x38 ‘09 NH TV6070, bi-directional, 3543 hrs, cab, air, 3pt, 540/1000 tires ......................................................................................... $82,500 PTO, 2 hyd valves, NH ldr w/84” bkt ............................$52,000 ‘13 C-IH 400HD, 702 hrs, 1000 PTO, pwr shift, 480x50 duals, lux cab................................................................................$169,000
COMBINES
‘13 JD S660, 1066 sep/1598 eng hrs, 4x4, 2630 display, Contour-Master, chopper, long unloading auger, 20.8x32 tires duals ...............................................................................$49,000 & duals ........................................................................$139,000
‘98 C-IH 9370, 4000 hrs, pwr shift, 4 hyd, 650x32 tires &
ADVERTISER LISTING Agri Systems ................................................................ 18 Anderson Seeds ...............................................................9 Beck's Hybrids ................................................ 1, 3, 14, 15 Compeer Financial ..........................................................4 Courtland Waste Handling ............................................. 17 Dahl Farm Supply ......................................................... 13 Dairyland Seed ............................................................. 11 Doda USA .................................................................... 17 Fladeboe Auctions ......................................................... 24 Hughes Auction ............................................................. 23 Keith Bode .................................................................... 25 Kerkhoff Auction .......................................................... 23 Larson Implement ................................................... 24, 27 Linder Farm Network ......................................................7 Minnesota Soybean ....................................................... 12 Pruess Elevator ............................................................. 24 Schweiss Doors ............................................................. 25 Smiths Mill Implement .................................................. 25 Steffes Group ................................................................ 24
507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 PO Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com
TRACK TRACTORS ‘15 C-IH 500 Quadtrac, 2750 hrs, 36” tracks, cab susp, HID
‘13 JD S660, 892 sep/1180 eng hrs, Contour-Master, chopper, 520x38 tires & duals ...................................................$135,000 ‘04 JD 9760, 2268 sep/3460 eng hrs, Contour-Master, chopper, 480x42 tires & duals .....................................................$54,000
lights, Pro 700 monitor & receiver ...............................$175,000 ‘01 JD 9750, 3013 sep/4156 eng hrs, Contour-Master, chopper, 520x38 tires & duals .....................................................$42,000 ‘14 C-IH 350 Rowtrac Quadtrac, 1865 hrs, 1000 PTO, 120” ‘01 JD 9650 STS, 3014 sep/4325 eng hrs, Contour-Master, spacing, 18” tracks, 4 hyd valves, hi-flow ...................$152,000 chopper, 520x38 tires & duals .......................................$39,000 ‘14 C-IH 340 Magnum Rowtrac, 290 hrs, lux cab, susp front axle, ‘00 JD 9650 STS, 2645 sep/3623 eng hrs, single point hookup, 18” belts, 6 hyd valves, 1000 PTO, 3pt .......................$180,000 chopper, bin ext. ............................................................$42,000 ‘04 Cat Challenger MT 755, 4844 hrs, 16” tracks, 3 pt, 1000 PTO, 88” track spacing, JD ATU ..........................$65,000
ROW CROP TRACTORS ‘12 Challenger MT 665D, 1332 hrs, front susp, 3pt, 1000 PTO, 5 hyd valves, 480x50 duals & front duals .......................$95,000 ‘12 JD 8235, 2WD, 1235 hrs, pwr shift, 3pt, 1000 PTO, 4 hyd valves, 18.4x46 duals, extra clean...............................$110,000 ‘16 C-IH Magnum 180, MFWD, 1046 hrs, CVT tranny, 3pt, 1000 PTO, 4 hyd valves, 18.4x46 rear singles .......................$82,000 ‘13 C-IH Magnum 260, 577 hrs, 540/1000 PTO, 3pt, 4 hyd
‘14 C-IH 5130, 660 sep/928 eng hrs, rock trap, chopper, tracker, 700 monitor, 900x32 single tires .....................$132,000 ‘15 C-IH 6140, 810 eng/685 sep hrs, rock trap, chopper, tracker, pro 700 monitor ...........................................................$149,000 ‘11 C-IH 5088, 1541 sep/1743 eng hrs, rock trap, chopper, tracker, 30.5x32 single tires. ..........................................$88,000 ‘11 C-IH 7120, 2200 eng/1610 sep hrs, rock trap, chopper, tracker, 600 monitor, 520x42 duals ...............................$95,000 ‘10 C-IH 8120, 2250 eng/1650 sep hrs, rock trap, chopper, tracker, 60 monitor, 520x42 duals..................................$92,500 ‘09 C-IH 7088, 1275 sep/1807 eng hrs, rock trap, chopper, tracker, HID lights, Pro 600 monitor, 520x42” duals .....$92,000
CORN HEADERS
valves, hi-flow, 420x46 tires & duals............................$105,000 ‘13 Drago 6R30 chopping, fits JD combine............................$25,000 ‘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
‘13 C-IH 3408 8R30, hyd deck plates, fits flagship combine ....$21,000
hyd valves, 480x50 rear tires & duals, front duals ........$99,000 ‘08 C-IH 3208 8R30, hyd deck plates, fits flagship combine...$12,500 ‘04 C-IH MX285, 5540 hrs, 4 hyd valves, 3pt, 1000 PTO, 10 front wgts, 18.4x46 tires & duals, fresh eng OH ...................$59,000 ‘13 NH T8.360, 1200 hrs, lux cab, 1000 PTO, 3pt, 4 hyd valves,
‘02 C-IH 2208 8R30, hyd deck plates, fits older 1600-2000 series C-IH combines ...............................................................$11,500 ‘05 Geringhoff 8R30 chopping, fits JD combine ................$17,500 ‘83 JD 643 6R30, low tin, oil drive ..................................... $6,500
480x50 tires & duals, complete auto guide syst...........$105,000
TILLAGE
‘06 NH TG210, MFWD, 4240 hrs, pwr shift, 540/1000 PTO, 3pt hitch, 4 hyd valves, 380x46 rear tires & duals, 380x30 front
JD 512 5 shank disc ripper .................................................. $9,500
tires & duals ...................................................................$56,000 JD 980 field cultivator, w/ JD harrow ................................$11,000
LARSON IMPLEMENTS 5 miles east of Cambridge, MN on Hwy. 95 763-689-1179
Look at our website for pictures & more listings: www.larsonimplements.com
PAGE 28
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — DECEMBER 28, 2018/JANUARY 4, 2019
This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Richard Siemers.
J
The plaza of the people
ulie (Skorczewski) Haskins had a big idea for her eighth grade civics class project — big enough that she recruited her friend, Michelle Thomsen, to help. She is surprised and grateful when she looks back to see what her project did for her small town of Ivanhoe, Minn. At the time, there was a television commercial about rebuilding a rundown area in a big city neighborhood. “It was just a little blip, but it really made an impact on me,” Julie said, who now lives in Mankato. “There was an open space [between two buildings] in downtown Ivanhoe and I thought it would be nice if there was a sitting park. Every time we drove by, there was this vacant lot eyesore and I thought, let’s make it pretty and put some flowers in there. I think it became more than what I originally anticipated.” After the city council gave approval, she and Michelle started making plans. They got their parents involved, as well as the rest of the community. Fundraisers brought in more money than anticipated, so they bought pavers, and planted bushes and trees. The FFA made benches that the Knights of Knowledge Study Club donated. The miniature urban park was
dedicated in 1995 during Ivanhoe’s annual celebration and named Norman Street Plaza Park. Julie had to be pleased that her original idea had developed beyond her first thoughts, but it sparked something more. With the town centennial approaching in 2000, the centennial committee decided to celebrate with murals of the town’s history. And what better place to display them than the downtown park. Area artist Patti Jeremiason designed a large panel with a train and depot (the town was founded by the railroad), with other panels showing the Lincoln County courthouse and jail, a farm scene, and an old street scene. People of the community painted the panels. In July of 2000, the installed panels were dedicated. Norman Street Plaza began as a civics project when a couple students wanted to beautify a vacant lot in their town. It developed into a lovely little park where people can relax and enjoy the story of the town. “It became much more than I originally thought,” Julie said. “I’m still real proud of it. When I go back there, I go in and pull weeds and spruce it up the best I can for the time I have.” v
Ivanhoe, Minn.