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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

In with the new, out with the old?

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

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Cover photo by Paul Malchow

COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Cooking With Kristin Table Talk The Bookworm Sez Swine & U Calendar of Events Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-4 4 6 7 8 14 18 25 23-24 27-31 31 32

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A new year brings with it reflections of of a country where a $4.5 billion border the past and resolutions to improve the wall attracts daily attention. future. By now you have probably seen Culling programs from the farm bill numerous top-10 lists of everything will take time and political haggling. We under the sun for 2018 and just as many have five years. Let’s get started. forecasts for 2019. Not to be left out, I’d Do farmers and ranchers raise too much like to contribute to the pile with a few product? I know I’m going to take heat for thoughts of my own. this, but a basic principle of economics is Over the recent years, the agriculture supply and demand. What is the point of LAND MINDS community has been voicing the same record-setting production when grain bins concerns: markets for our products;

By Paul Malchow are full and milk prices are plunging? I health care — both medical and menoften read reports of hog producers tal health; transportation; internet begging for markets. Turn the page accessibility; the well-being of our and I read about ever-expanding hog rural communities; and the increased operations and their impact on the environment. aging of those engaged in farming. No one seems to If the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced be disputing these issues and farm organizations tomorrow there would be 10 million fewer acres across the line agree these are real concerns. So planted in soybeans in 2019, wouldn’t the price go why does agriculture continue its downward slide? up?

A well-trotted-out statistic states farm income is Add to this a very confusing matter of trade with down 50 percent over the last five years. Yes, agriother countries. It is projected the United States will culture’s economy has always been cyclic with strong years and lean years, but half-a-decade with import $121.5 billion worth of agriculture products in 2018. Now I realize there are products not readily no good news in sight indicates less of a cycle and available in this country to meet America’s demand more of a trend.

— bananas for instance. But a Detroit News report Which brings me to the idiom, “Desperate times from this fall stated, ”Between 2013 and 2017, accordcall for desperate measures.” I am not an economist ing to the U.S. Commerce Department, American or marketing genius or even a farmer. All I see is the imports of Turkish tart cherry juice concentrate status quo isn’t working and a quick fix isn’t going increased 89 percent to $8.2 million. The Cherry to ride into town on a white horse. Some of these Marketing Institute reported Turkish tart-cherry proposals will literally take years to implement and juice concentrate represented nearly 55 percent of all will cause financial hardship. But we already have U.S. consumption in 2016 compared to just over 12 the financial hardship with nothing to show for it. percent for domestic production.” Michigan cherry One of the bigger disappointments in 2018 was orchards are disappearing much like dairy farms the “new” farm bill. Granted, legislation needed to throughout the United States. (Wisconsin alone lost be enacted in order for producers to have a clearer over 600 family dairy farms in 2018.) Assured, the picture of agriculture policies, but little if anything cherry market is a small slice of U.S. agriculture, but “new” resulted from months of political squabbling. it does show import practices should be examined.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it now: The farm bill Political candidates from all sides agreed this fall is too big. Ensuring Americans have access to prop- that healthcare is a critical element in helping to er nutrition is not farm policy. It is a health issue. improve the profitability of farm families. There is a Land conservation and water quality certainly strong sentiment that universal health care is the affect farmers, but these are environmental issues. first step on a slippery slope to socialism and the Let the farm bill address farming. cost of such a program would cripple U.S. taxpayers. Here’s a news flash: the cost of health care is A leaner farm bill should be easier to garner bialready crippling U.S. taxpayers — even the healthy partisan support. To my knowledge, President Trump’s signing of the 807-page, $867 billion (that’s ones. Hardworking people are losing their homes billion with a ‘b’) farm bill did not even receive men- (and farms) because they can’t pay mortgages and tion on network evening news. This says something See LAND MINDS, pg. 4

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

18 — AURI: Industrial hemp progress will be slow 20 — Soybean, corn growers ready with 2019 MN AG EXPO edition

THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Calendar of Events” — Check out The Land’s complete events listing • “E-Edition” — Archives of past issues of The Land

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

2019 has world thinking America lost its political bearing Man, that ended badly. high, however, the Dow has lost one-sixth of its value mostly because difficult-butDecember limped to an ugly conclusion solvable economic problems (implementaas nearly everyone from Wall Street to tion of Brexit, for example, or the yearMain Street took a year-end pounding ending U.S. budget standoff) ran smack not seen in three generations. Pick an into political hackery and demagogy. investment sector (stocks, bonds, commodities); a nation state (the United And that’s just not the case in States, China, or the European Union); Washington or London, but also in Paris, or a political system (a democratic repub- FARM & FOOD FILE Brussels, Warsaw, New Delhi, Budapest, lic, parliamentary, or single-party rule), Brasilia, Mexico City, and elsewhere.

By Alan Guebert and almost every one of them finished Washington, once a beacon for free2018 underwater, under siege, or dom and free markets, now leads this under a cloud. parade of retreat. After using 2017 to The connective tissue to all is as old tear up treaties, betray friendships, and and bowlegged as Father Time himself — bitter, shred hard-won, post-war norms, the United States stalemated politics. When national and internation- spent most of last year confirming that it’s an erratic al leaders fail to solve regional problems (Brexit, trader, unreliable ally, and geo-political cipher. anyone?) or go out of their way to fuel new, global As such, 2019 begins with much of the world problems (cue tariffs), then investors from New thinking America has lost its political bearing and York to Tokyo take their money and run. collective marbles. It’s right.

Run where?

For proof, consider where New Year’s Day found Out the door. Any door. Every door. the nation.

That anywhere-but-here behavior is in direct conOne-fourth of the U.S government, including the trast to the past 10 years where the safest place to Department of Agriculture, was closed for the run was Wall Street. From its post-recession low of 11th straight day over a piddling $3.5 billion, liter7,365 in February 2009, the Dow Jones Industrial ally a microscopic grain of sand in the miles of Average soared to 26,828 on Oct. 3. Since that lofty beach that is our federal spending.

Even more incredible, the number of active investigations of alleged corruption within the Trump Administration now stands at 17. That’s a staggering total made even more so in that it occurred under a Republican-led government.

Equally worrisome, the White House is becoming an empty island. Sixty-five percent of “all senior White House aides,” according to the Dec. 31 New York Times, “have departed” since Inauguration Day. Even more remarkable, 10 of these now-gone officials were members of the Trump cabinet.

OPINION

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And for those of us whose last civics lesson was decades ago, there are 15 cabinet posts — 16, if you include the vice president. By either measure, losing two-thirds of your departmental leaders in less than two years is historical, debilitating and just plain nuts.

Arguably, the only numbers worse than the White House unemployment rate are numbers that detail the U.S. economy.

One year after Republicans in Congress bulled through a $1.9 trillion tax cut, their outrageous (and they knew it) prediction of five percent Gross Domestic Product growth has given way to — and fingers crossed at that — a much more realistic estimate of two percent growth.

That downward GDP revision means their supplyside, “voodoo” tax cut, however, is certain to increase one thing: the federal deficit. Before the cut, the 2018 deficit was projected to be $500 billion. This past October — at, not coincidentally, the same time the stock market began stumbling toward its worst December since 1931 — the deficit weighed in at a fat $779 billion.

The 2019 federal deficit will be even higher.

Current estimates place it north of $1 trillion.

Worse, the overall national debt is forecast to climb by $16 trillion over the next decade — due mostly to the 2017 tax cut and increased spending pushed by the White House and Congress.

So, happy New Year and let’s pray 2019’s rough start isn’t a precursor of the year ahead.

But don’t count on it.

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

Ag industry’s needs are many LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 high medical bills. The high cost of health insurance is forcing families to roll the dice in hopes they can get by without it. This is an insane situation in the most powerful country on the planet.

While on the subject of higher taxes, there is much gnashing of teeth concerning the condition of our roads and bridges. The collapse of the bridge on Interstate 35 in Minneapolis took place over 11 years ago. At that time it sent off alarms on the condition and safety of the roads we drive on every day.

Yet funding to remedy the situation continues to be similar to getting blood from a turnip.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has voiced support of a gas tax increase to provide more funding for transportation. But this is a short-term band-aid at best. Electric cars continue to make headway in our

society and I expect their use to increase in the notso-distant future (also bad news for corn producers).

Finally, the not-so-distant future has caught and passed rural America in the form of high-speed internet and broadband connectivity. The internet is no longer a luxury fad, but an integral part of succeeding in business and education. Small progress is being made in some areas thanks to USDA grants, but the needs far exceed the solutions.

Yes, all of these things cost money and lots of it.

My question is, what are the alternatives? Do we whistle in the dark and “hope” things get better? By investing now in these serious matters we are at least creating “hope” and a sense of heading in a positive direction.

Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land.

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

These recipes using leftover treats never get stale hands. Once the crumbs have been pressed firmly My house is currently overflowing with into place, bake the crust in the preheated oven for Christmas cookies and candy. From 8 to 10 minutes, or until warm, fragrant and lightly Krumkake, to frosted sugar cookies to toasty. Let the crust cool completely before filling. candy canes, we have it all and lots of it.

This crust can be stored, well wrapped, in the Now that Christmas is over, we’re a litfreezer for up to one month. tle sick of all these treats, but what can n we do with them? Why, transform Christmas cookies and candies into other Cookie butter is as good as it sounds — creamy, delectable desserts, of course!

COOKING decadent and just plain awesome. Why not use your WITH KRISTIN favorite leftover cookies to make this tasty spread?

This recipe uses leftover cookies and makes a The recipe uses Biscoff cookies, but peanut butter delicious crust out of it. There’s nothing better than

By Kristin Kveno or short bread cookies would work as well. homemade pie crust — especially when it’s made out of cookies.

Cookie Butter www.craftsy.com/cooking/article/homemade-cookie-butter-recipe/ Cookie Crumb Pie Crust www.craftsy.com/baking/article/make-cookie-crumb-pie-crust/ 16 ounces caramelized biscuit cookies, such as Biscoff (this is about two packages of Biscoff cookies) 2 cups finely crumbed cookies (measurement after crumbling, 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar not before) 4 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 stick butter, melted 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Up to 1/4 cup sugar (optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor or by pinch of salt hand, finely crush your cookie crumbs. Place the cookie crumbs 1 tablespoon honey (or molasses) in a large bowl. Add the melted butter and stir until completely 2 tablespoons melted butter incorporated. The mixture will turn more solid, as though if you 1 cup water made it into a clump with your hands, it would mostly stay In a food processor or a blender with food processing capabilitogether with a few crumbs crumbling off. If desired, add sugar ties, crush the cookies until they become fine crumbs — as if to taste. Stir until combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9-inch pie plate. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up you were going to make a cookie crust with them. Stop processing and add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and salt. the sides of the pan, using either a rubber spatula or clean Give them a mix, and then add the honey (or molasses) and butter. Mix until combined. The mixture will still be slightly coarse, but with each mix it will become creamier. If using a processor, add the water a little bit at a time with the processor running, until it has reached a creamy consistency. This is really when the mixture will come together into the creamy consistency. If using a blender, add a little water and then mix until incorporated, stopping the blender for each addition. You can grind fully for a very creamy texture, or leave it a little “crunchy.” You may not use all of the water. Keep in mind that as the mixture sets it will become more firm. Because the processor will have warmed the ingredients a bit, the mixture may be a bit warm. It may be pourable. Pour into an airtight container, using a rubber spatula to get any last bits. Store in the refrigerator. The cookie butter will become more firm as it chills. n We have candy canes everywhere! While they looked mighty cute hanging on the Christmas tree, you can only have so many candy canes before you get a little sick of them. Don’t throw them away! Instead, try this recipe that uses these peppermint sweets to create candy cane marshmallow masterpieces!

Candy Cane Marshmallows www.playinwithmyfood.com/home/2012/12/02/candy-canemarshmallows About 25 2-inch mini peppermint candy canes 4-1/2 teaspoons unflavored Knox powdered gelatin 1/2 cup cold water 3/4 cup sugar 255 16th Street South 1/2 cup light corn syrup, divided St. James, MN 56081 1/4 cup water pinch salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3/4 cup confectioners sugar 1/2 cup cornstarch Lightly coat an 8 x 8 baking pan with cooking spray. In a small heatproof bowl, mix together the gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water.

Set aside for 5 minutes. Into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add 1/4 cup corn syrup. Microwave the gelatin until completely melted, about 30 seconds, and add it to the corn syrup in the mixer. Set the mixer on the lowest setting and keep it running. In a medium saucepan over high heat, stir together the sugar, the remaining 1/4 cup of the corn syrup, 1/4 cup water and salt. Bring to a boil and attach a candy thermometer. Boil until the temperature reaches 240 degrees F. Take off heat and very slowly pour it into the mixer bowl. Increase the speed to medium and beat 5 minutes. Increase the speed to medium high and beat another 5 minutes. Beat on the highest setting for another 2 minutes, and then beat in vanilla. Quickly pour it into the prepared pan and smooth it evenly into the corners. Mix confectioners’ sugar with cornstarch. Sift a light layer of this coating over the top of the marshmallow and allow to set up for at least 6 hours in a cool, dry place. Crush candy canes in a food processor. Once the marshmallow has set, loosen it from the edges of the pan. Invert onto a work surface dusted with the coating mixture. Cut into whatever size pieces you like. Dip the sticky edges in crushed candy cane. The candy canes have a tendency to break down and become sticky after one day, so dip them the day you plan on serving them. n I love a good trifle. The beauty of a trifle is that it’s easy to throw together and it looks amazing! I had to give this recipe a try — especially because it features the scrumptious combination of gingerbread and eggnog. This trifle certainly did not disappoint!

Christmas Gingerbread Trifle www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/christmas-gingerbread-trifle/ 1 package (14-1/2 ounces) gingerbread cake/cookie mix 2 cups cold 2 percent milk 2 cups cold eggnog 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant French vanilla pudding mix 1 package (5 ounces) gingerbread man cookies 1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed Prepare cake mix according to package directions and bake using a 9-inch square baking pan. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, whisk milk, eggnog and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes or until softset. Arrange nine cookies around sides of a 4-qt. glass bowl, using a third of the cake cubes to stand cookies upright. Top with a third of the pudding and whipped topping. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake, pudding and whipped topping. Refrigerate, covered, 4 hours or overnight. Just before serving, top with remaining cookies.

If you’re getting bored of all the cookies you have leftover this holiday season, then give these recipes a try. Your old cookies and candies are ready for a new tasty makeover!

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

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PAGE 7

Collection of ornaments is a collection of memories

There are many things the German peoOrnaments made by the (then) clumsy ple have brought us westerners. But even preschool and elementary hands of our advanced German engineering could not children were given to us with big, proud have thought up or designed something smiles as they brought them home from as everlasting, as popular, or as full of school and church. meaning as the tradition of a simple We have an ornament that my husband Christmas tree. made when he was in elementary While that tradition started there, it school—a candy cane holder shaped like spread across the world like reindeer on a horse’s head, made of (now aging) red TABLE TALK steroids. The result shows every felt. It’s priceless and so special we have December as families around the world

By Karen Schwaller that memento of his childhood after all gather to choose that perfect tree, bring it these years. home and help it feel the love. Fully Both of his parents have left us now, adorned and with young eyes gazing upon but we have ornaments which were on their it in anticipation and wonderment, it becomes the Christmas tree for years — one of them announcing heart of the home at Christmas time. their 50th wedding anniversary.

For those with real trees, many an expletive has A large red friendship ornament hangs at the botbeen uttered as husbands and fathers contort them- tom of our tree. It was given to me a few years ago selves underneath the tree to wrestle it into the by one of my best friends who now spends her stand and make sure stands straight. Once in place, Christmas holidays in prison. It reminds me of hapthe holiday can actually begin as ornaments and pier times, and now it serves as a reminder that decorations come out of storage into the light of day, true friendship never ends — and that in the eyes and the tree transforms into a vessel of memories of Christ, we are worth more than the worst thing and tradition. we’ve ever done.

Our Christmas tree holds memories of people who One special ornament is made out of the repair have entered and left our lives. A couple of ornapins used after one of our sons broke his arm in kinments are in memory of my father who left us in dergarten. We brought the pins home and tied a red 2009. ribbon around the plastic container they came in.

There are ornaments to remind us of our German foreign exchange daughter who came to us in the summer of 2005. Even though she returned to her homeland a year later, she is still an active part of our family, thanks to technology, electronics and the Wright brothers.

Several cross-stitched ornaments remind us of the birth of our children. Many others were gifts when our children were born: a mini pink stocking hat and a baby’s picture book ornament when our daughter was born; a stuffed momma bear holding two little cub bears the year our twin sons were born; among so many Christmas keepsakes.

We want to hear from you!

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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That one reminds us anything precious can be broken.

There are ornaments that boast of sisters, our farm, family, 4H, and ornaments from some of my former religious education students, which I treasure.

One ornament says simply, “Silent Night.” It gives me special joy, knowing my sister has the one much like it that hung on our family tree all the years we were growing up. She secretly shed tears of joy the year Mom gave it to her. It was always her favorite one. Mom knew.

Some of our ornament hooks were hand-made by my husband in the early days of our marriage when money was a little more scarce at Christmas. Those hooks are among the first ones hung every year as the tree is decorated, and reminds us that less really can be more.

There are ornaments that move and lights that give the tree a soft, mesmerizing glow. A handful of gifts below it remind us that we are rich, if only because we have family and friends.

It’s a wonderful life. But sometimes it takes a simple evergreen tree to remind us of it.

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

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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

Author’s account of donkey-raising might make you cringe A dog just wouldn’t do.

Cats make you achoo! You don’t want a bird, turtle, goldfish, and nothing that hisses. Nope, the pet you want is much more unique, and in the new book “Smart Ass” by Margaret Winslow, you’ll need to be stubborn about it.

When she was just three years old, Margaret Winslow saw a burro in a Christmas catalog, and for many Christmases afterward, she begged her parents for the pet. Alas, she got a stuffed donkey one year, and it sufficed.

Fast-forward a few decades and Winslow was a professor, a geologist, and was married to an oceanographer who was often gone for months at a time. She was thinking about “the next phase of [her] life,” when she recalled seeing donkeys and children

Caleb needed a new home. But who would take a shonky donkey?

One of two things is going to happen when you read “Smart Ass.” Either you’re going to love it, or you’re going to hate it. There is no in-between.

You’ll fall into the first category if you’ve ever had a pet that exasperates THE BOOKWORM you to the point of screaming — makSEZ ing you love the animal even more.

That never-give-up feeling of Love

By Terri Schlichenmeyer while in the and goofy — but with Dominican that well-known stubborn streak firm- Despite runs fiercely through this book, and author Margaret Winslow’s Republic. They reminded her of her ly in place. stories are easy commiseration. The childhood desire.

Winslow was in love. She paid for ending here will give you heart.

Winslow loaded up on donkey-related Caleb and a saddle, and took both to But beware. Here’s the second camp, publications and started researching. an upstate New York stable that speand it’ll make you cringe. Winslow cialized in training donkeys. She left The first time she saw Caleb, she writes about the use of crops, whips, him there, dreaming of long rides in was shocked. He was pure white and sharp spurs, and a bit that she idyllic meadows astride her “trail “huge” with long, furry ears and a acknowledges hurt her donkey. That, buddy.” cacophonic bray that carried far. He too, runs throughout the book and was a jester and a pester, charming At mid-winter break, she returned to while they’re common, and maybe the stable and prepared to learn how even needed, it doesn’t make them to ride her donkey. That was when easy to read about. Hee-naw.

Caleb showed Winslow just how headDecide what you can handle before strong he could be. In the ring, he was you proceed on this delightful-butdisruptive at best, bruising at worst; wince-worthy tale of stubborn love. but her stubbornness was stronger Animal advocates can pass on “Smart than his. She found another stable, Ass.” Animal lovers, burro in. closer to home, and dug in for more lessons.

Look for the reviewed book at a Three years and thousands of dollars bookstore or a library near you. You later, Winslow’s patience had thinned. may also find the book at online book Caleb had learned few commands, was retailers. still balky, and had taken to nipping The Bookworm is Terri and kicking. He was capable of seriSchlichenmeyer. She lives in Wisconsin ously hurting someone. He’d done it to with three dogs and 10,000 books. v Winslow.

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Crop insurance premium reduction deadline nears

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reminds farmers of a potential reduction in crop insurance premiums. The program awards a $5 per acre premium reduction on crop insurance in 2019 for farmers who planted cover crops this past fall. The deadline for signing up is Jan. 15.

Farmers and landowners can sign up online to certify eligible land for the program at www.cleanwateriowa.org/covercropdemo. Cover crop acres currently enrolled in state and/or federal programs are not eligible for this program.

The new premium reduction will be available for fall-planted cover crops

with a spring-planted cash crop. Some policies may be excluded, such as WholeFarm Revenue Protection or those covered through written agreements.

Participating farmers must follow all existing good farming practices required by their policy and work with their insurance agent to maintain eligibility.

This is the second year of the demonstration project. More than 700 farmers participated in the inaugural year of the program, using cover crops on nearly 170,000 acres.

This article was submitted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. v

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

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

PAGE 9

Book is a guide to keeping rural communities strong

By TIM KING The Land Correspondent Doug Griffiths’ book, “13 Ways to Kill Your Community,” is full of brilliant ideas on how to wreck your town and drive the young people away. More importantly, it’s packed with ideas and strategies on how to invigorate our communities and make them sparkle. And that’s his point. Most of us want to make our communities better places to live but we often unwittingly develop attitudes that do the opposite.

Griffiths writes, for example, that throughout his youth and early adulthood he heard his dad, a Canadian rancher, say over and over again that there is no future in agriculture. His dad was creative and drilled the same message into his son a multitude of ways. Prices are too low. Input costs are too high. Weather is too unpredictable. And on and on. But in his heart, his dad wanted his son to take over the ranch.

“When I returned from the university with my first degree, my dad asked me if I was interested in taking over the ranch. I was amazed that he had the gall to look surprised when I said ‘no,’” Griffith writes in his chapter called “Don’t Engage Youth”.

“Over generations in agriculture, we have developed a mindset that the smartest children go off to the university and do something … smart. The less intelligent children have to stay back and . . . farm,” he continues.

Even though we generally want to encourage young people to live in the small communities of their origin, that negative virus has also infected the stories many of us tell youngsters, Griffiths, a former member of the Canadian Parliament, says.

“We express much the same mindset for our rural communities. The smart ones are supposed to leave for the university and won’t, in fact shouldn’t, be back.

The ones who can’t do anything else stay,” he writes.

These stories are not true, Griffiths (who eventually did return to ranching) writes, but if we keep telling them to the young people we’ll make them true. Our attitude will determine our reality.

So, if we want to fail at killing our communities, Griffiths suggests we should take a close look at our attitude and the stories that we tell youngsters about agriculture and small town life. His chapter on young people also give tips on how to engage high school students and listen carefully to the young adults who have honored us by choosing to live in our community. He gives the readers solid ideas for farm and small business succession planning as well as community leadership succession. He even provides some ideas on real and interesting work experience programs for high school students.

Griffiths obviously doesn’t want us to kill our communities. He wants to get our attention. Then he wants us to examine our attitudes toward our communities. Finally, since he believes most of us truly want to make our towns better places to live, “13 Ways to Kill Your Community” is rich in ideas to do so.

In a chapter called “Shut Out Your Seniors” he encourages us to examine our thinking about our community’s elders.

“Most of us, however, tend to view our seniors as just easy-going and cordial folks. They are rarely given due consideration when it comes to planning for the future. They are often viewed as relics of the past. Don’t be fooled. They are a dangerous group, and under the right circumstances can cause a riot of success within your community,” he writes.

To tap the potential riot of success that is represented by the seniors in our towns, Griffiths suggests hiring a community volunteer coordinator. The coordinator could survey seniors to determine their strengths, interests, and availability and then connect them to projects small and large. He suggests that the volunteer coordinator not only compile a list of willing seniors, but that the coordinator connect those seniors with willing and energetic youth volunteers.

“There seems to be a natural complement between the energy the younger generation possesses and the

wisdom of the older generation. It makes them very effective together. It is as though the young respect the wisdom of the old, and the old respect the energy of the young . . . There is a natural alliance there that makes them an effective team in your community,” Griffiths writes.

Griffiths’ thirteen chapters of “13 Ways to Kill Your Community” are packed with ideas on how not to kill your community with provocative titles like Shop Elsewhere, Don’t Cooperate and Don’t Attract Business.

“13 Ways to Kill Your Community” is loaded with tips and ideas to help bring success to your town and community. But at its core it’s not about tips and ideas, but about carefully examining our attitudes.

“Of all the things affecting our lives every day, we can only control our attitudes. With the wrong attitude we can easily turn blessings and opportunities into failure. With the right attitude we can turn challenges into opportunities, and opportunities into success. There’s a quote that reads, ‘Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right,” Griffiths writes in the book’s conclusion.

You can order “13 Ways to Kill Your Community” from Griffiths’ web site www.13ways.ca, Amazon, or Biblio.com. v

Tim King speaks with Doug Griffiths on page 10.

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

Increasing interest could make hemp a common sight

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer WILLMAR, Minn. — Charles Levine is a threeyear grower of hemp on his Carver County farm.

His operation, Hemp Acres LLC is located just outside of Waconia.

On July 27 Levine hosted a tour of his hemp facilities and a discussion on the formation of a hemp initiative. Both Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute were on the scene.

I caught up with Levine at a Nov. 15 hemp workshop in the community room of the Kandiyohi Power Cooperative. Levin said the purpose of the July 27 meeting was to gauge interest of local farm-

ers – plus organizations and individual entrepreneurs – on the growing market of industrial hemp.

“The more people I talk with, the more convinced I am that hemp fields will soon become a reality across the Minnesota landscape,” said Levine at this Nov 15 event. Obviously, the commodity price crunch is becoming a key driver. But also, thanks to talented and informed specialists within MDA and AURI, the knowledge bank about industrial hemp keeps expanding. Guys like Levine are contributing.

“Everywhere I go – as soon as I start talking about hemp – people become intrigued. There’s no doubt talk about growing hemp is spreading. This turnout here in the Willmar area is good evidence,” Levine related. And he’s very much aware more in-

state processing facilities are needed to jumpstart hemp into a significant crop on the Minnesota farm scene.

“My priority is the building of my own processing plant,” said Levine. “And if I need other investors as we expand, so be it. Right now I’m starting small with just enough equipment to harvest and process my own crop,” Levine’s farm has 70 tillable acres – all seeded to hemp this year. He’s transitioning into organic production and uses hemp as his first crop in this transition with grass/alfalfa mix for the next two years.

Why organic? The value of his hemp crop essentially doubles.

See LEVINE, pg. 11

Griffiths: Reach young people where they are

By TIM KING The Land Correspondent The Land asked Doug Griffiths, a Canadian rancher, former member of Parliament, and author of “13 Ways to Kill Your Community” a few questions about his book.

The Land: You talk about STPs or the Same Ten People syndrome. Those are the people who volunteer for everything. Bless those STPs, but a lot of small towns have that problem. The STPs do burn out after a few years. What are some good strategies for a community volunteer coordinator to develop a deep pool of volunteers so people won’t burn out?

Griffiths: This question could warrant another book, but I have a few tips to offer. We all have busy

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lives, so if you want to prevent burnout and fatigue stop having meetings for the sake of having a meeting. Honestly, most people are happy to help and will do a job while they are busy, but they don’t want to run everything, and they don’t want to keep going to meetings to plan. Also, if you want to engage the next generation, you need to reach them where they are. I had a community lament that young people weren’t coming to their meetings and volunteering, but their method of reaching them was to put up posters on the bulletin board by the post office. No young people are reading the post office bulletin board! Speak their language where they are and give them the reigns.

The Land: You don’t like coffee shops. How come?

Politicians and the media lead us to believe coffee shops are the font of small town wisdom?

Griffiths: I don’t like traditional coffee shops much. I love the one I go to, with music and art displayed. Most of the coffee shops that I refer to are places where grumpy people gather to complain, criticize, and often spread gossip. Of course, that is exactly where politicians and media need to be, to hear what the issues and the problems are that plague a community. However, if you are looking for solutions you have to go to the helpers and the positive people, and most often they are too busy to waste time sitting in a coffee shop complaining about what everyone is doing wrong.

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The Land: We’ve seen a number of small businesses close because the owners wanted to retire but couldn’t find any one to sell to. Of course that happens to a lot of smaller family owned farms also. How can a community that relies on small businesses and farms develop a business succession program that guides these retirement aged people in passing on their businesses?

Griffiths: I would suggest the best way to start a succession plan is to engage those who would succeed you. That means talking to young people and sincerely asking them what they want to be and do.

That may lead to the chance to connect businesses with young entrepreneurial minded folks. Of course, that also means your entire community needs to stop being so negative and critical of itself. Stop saying, ‘if you want success you need to leave town’, ‘you are too smart to take over the farm’, or ‘if you have ambition you will be leaving here,’ and then wonder why so many young people want to get out of town. Your words and your attitude convince them to leave.

The Land: It seems the main theme of your book is that certain attitudes foster success and other attitudes foster failure. That makes sense. But do you really believe that people who always blame others, for example, are going to change their negative attitudes?’

Griffiths: This is a broad question that encourages me to lump everyone into one group. Frankly, I think people can change. Half the time they don’t realize the impact their negativity and blaming nature have on their own lives and those around them. Once they see the impact they can change. Of course, some will, and some won’t. We are in control of our destiny. The best part about trying though, is that you thin the herd of negativity and you inoculate the rest of the population against their negativity and blaming attitude. People stop listening to them and that is just as effective as changing them because they lose their power and authority. Then everyone else can get back to building a community that is enduring and prosperous. v

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

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

PAGE 11

Levine’s goal is to construct hemp processing plant LEVINE, from pg. 10 Levine estimates his hemp yield at about 1,200 lbs. per acre. At current organic values of $1.10 per pound, that’s $1,320 gross revenue per acre. With his 70 acres, potentials get into that $92,400 category. Find a manufacturer doing some interesting new product uses of hemp and market potentials multiply. Already, lawn furniture – even guitars have been fabricated from hemp.

Levine grows Canda, an industrial hemp foodgrade protein and oil variety. X59 is another variety he’s considering for his 2019 acreage. “It’s a good variety with some of the same flavor profiles as Canda,” he explained. “It’s a favorable seed for food grade production.”

Hemp Acres was a small hobby farm when purchased in 1974. In 2016, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture adopted a hemp growing program and Hemp Acres was born. “We are paving the patch for a variety of growing harvesting, storing and processing techniques that we want to share

with other farmers and merchants interested in being part of the cannabis boom,” said Levine.

Levine can be reached at (612) 240-5440; or via email at Charles@hempacresusa.com. The Hemp Acres website is www.hempacresusa.com. v

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Charles Levine hopes by sharing his experiences with other farmers, hemp will be a more common crop.

Because of hemp’s vigorous early growth, weeds are not an issue providing you have ample nitrogen fertility. And hemp stems are strong. “If you are straight cutting, you’d want to disc that field to assist the decomposition process,” recommended Levine. “It has such a durable stalk I’ve heard of tires being punctured.”

By 2020, Levine is very hopeful of at least 2,000 acres of hemp being grown in Minnesota. And if processing facilities keep expanding, hemp acres will multiply significantly.

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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

Virnig Manufacturing: From mom and pop to modern

By PAUL MALCHOW The Land Managing Editor RICE, Minn. — The Christmas season is a celebration of modest beginnings in a manger to events which changed the world. Dean and Lois Virnig are far too modest to put themselves in such lofty company, but their journey from a two-car garage in Pierz, Minn. to a gleaming manufacturing complex in Rice, Minn. in a 30-year span is a blueprint for any fledgling industry. Virnig Manufacturing combines state-of-the-art technology with a family atmosphere while keeping a keen eye on sustainability — not

feel our quality is unmatched by anyone.”

From raw materials to the finished product, Virnig’s products move from station to station in the manufacturing process. Virnig said the company uses high yield strength plate steel and round stock. At minimum, Grade 50 steel plate is employed for all attachments. Grade 50 yield strength means the steel can withstand 50,000 pounds of stress per square inch before the steel becomes permanently deformed. For high-stress areas, Grade 80 plate is utilized. Virnig said most other manufacturers use a Grade 36 steel.

“You would never know the difference just by looking at it,” he said, “but the 50 Grade gives us better performance and longevity of the product.”

Once the welding is complete, each unit is placed on a hanging conveyor system. The units are then cleaned, coated, painted and dried.

Photos by Paul Malchow

only for the company, but for the health of the planet we live on.

Virnig specializes in engineering and manufacturing skid steer attachments. Farmers and ranchers are finding the skid loader’s versatility and ability to operate in tight quarters to be a valuable tool in their operations. With over 80 products in its catalog, Virnig is making these compact dynamos even more useful.

Virnig uses robotic and manual welders for production. This bucket features open spaces which allow the operator to see better when the bucket is raised.

ON THE COVER: Virnig Manufacturing Director of Sales and Marketing Bryan Virnig stands in the company’s large production area.

Still on the conveyor system, these rock buckets are ready to be added to Virnig’s inventory.

Virnig’s paint system is actually a powder which is baked on during the final process. The powder helps Virnig eliminate hazardous chemicals and the excess powder is sucked back into the system to be used again.

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Virnig used to cut its steel with plasma cutters, but has since upgraded to cutting with lasers. The computer-driven lasers allow for a more precise cut while at the same time getting the most parts out of a piece of steel. Scrap is almost non-existent.

“Tariffs have been a struggle,” admitted Virnig, referring to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. “We don’t have any problem getting the steel, but we’ve seen a 30-40 percent price increase. So getting the most we can out of each piece of steel is more important than ever.”

Virnig uses a combination of robotic welders and skilled welders for the assembly process. Once that step is complete, each unit goes through a large washer which removes any loose particles. A conveyor carries the units through a drying system after which each unit is covered with a phosphorus coating. During the painting process, the paint sticks to the phosphorus and not the metal itself. This helps protect the units from rust.

Virnig’s product line includes several different buckets, snow handling attachments, forks, brush cutters, augers, a tree puller, trencher and manure handling equipment. The company employs three full-time engineers and designs all of the products it sells.

“We see some copying of our designs by other manufacturers,” said Director of Sales and Marketing Bryan Virnig. “It’s somewhat disappointing, but it also tells us we’re doing something right. Plus, we See VIRNIG, pg. 13

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

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

PAGE 13

Dean and Lois Virnig started the company in a garage VIRNIG, from pg. 12 The paint is applied to the units as a powder. By using powder, Virnig Manufacturing reduces the environmental footprint through the elimination of hazardous chemicals and a 96 percent reduction in water usage. A positive/negative charge adheres the

Midwest, the company is making inroads in markets in Florida, North Carolina and Massachusetts. “Our products feature a universal hook-up, so they’ll work on any skid steer,” said Vernig. “Our sales run about 50 percent for agriculture and 50 percent for construction.”

Agriculture and construction were the basis of Virnig’s modest beginnings. Dean and Lois Virnig started Virnig Manufacturing and Welding out of a garage outside of Pierz in 1989.

The Virnig’s first business was repair work for local farmers and construction companies in central Minnesota. Word of the Virnigs’ quality work traveled fast and the Virnigs saw their little business grow quickly.

Bryan Virnig examines one of the company’s rock Within five years of openbuckets as it comes out of the dryer. The bucket’s ing the doors, Dean and design, incorporating rows of cut sheet steel for Lois moved from their strength and lightness, was created by Virnig engimakeshift shop into a neers. “It looks very simple, but it’s quite revolutionlarger building and ary,” Virnig said. “We were the first to do that style. expanded into manufacNow they all look like this.” turing skid steer attachments and dump trailers — subsequently changing their name to Virnig Manufacturing, Inc. High product demand warranted additions in 1994, 1997 and 1999.

Finally, in 2001, the Virnigs decided to build the manufacturing facility in Rice. In 2010, an additional facility was constructed across the parking lot from their This brush cutter is quickly becoming one of Virnig’s current shop to add more more popular items. workspace. A 28,000 powder to the steel. A vacuum system square foot expansion, which included sucks the excess powder back into the the automated wash bay and powdersupply, so very little goes to waste. The coat paint system, was completed in powder is literally baked onto the steel. 2014.

Each unit comes out of the dryer comA major development in Virnig’s pletely cured. expansion took place in 2017 when the “We have what we call the ‘south company installed a 500 kw solar power Florida test’” said Virnig. “We leave system. 40 percent of the plant’s elecproducts sitting in the sun all day long tricity will now come from the solar for two years. We feel the dry coating panel rooftop. paint offers better fade resistance.”

The system was put in place with Speaking of south Florida, although help from a U.S. Department of Virnig’s sales are strongest in the Agriculture Rural Energy for America

Program grant. The 1,800-panel system was designed by St. Paulbased company Innovative Power Systems, and the installation was completed by Oxbow Sunworks out of Stillwater, Minn.

Virnig said the solar system, which powers the laser cutters and welders, makes business and environmental sense.

The amount of carbon Steady expansion of space has allowed the company dioxide reduced by the to maintain plenty of elbow room and a safe working solar panels will be environment. equivalent to the amount most valuable resource is its expericreated by burning 520,000 pounds of enced, professional staff — totaling coal or powering 70 homes. “It’s nice to more than 425 years of experience see our (electric) bills are lower even within the company. though we’re putting out more prod“We’re known in the area as a preuct,” he said. ferred employer,” Virnig admitted. “We Dean and Lois are still actively have a good worker pool. Quality peoinvolved in running the family busi- ple bring in quality people.” v ness which now is home to 83 employees. The company recently added 18 workers. Virnig said the company’s

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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

Plan in place to keep Minnesota’s swine production secure In every size and type of pig production system, health is the utmost concern. American pig farmers have learned the fine details of recognizing, treating, vaccinating against and avoiding familiar diseases in swine. What would happen in the event of a Foreign Animal Disease outbreak?

Nationally, Secure Food Supply plans have been developed for milk, poultry, beef and pork. The purpose of the Secure Supply plan is to provide livestock producers with a workable continuity of business plan should an FAD occur.

In the event of an FAD outbreak, livestock movement would be restricted, and preparation for such a catastrophe is the best way to ensure that producers could continue to move animals on and off of the farm and move products to market.

The Secure Supply plan also prepares producers for cooperating with animal health officials in the event of an outbreak, and provides consumers with confidence that their meat, milk and egg supply is safe.

Minnesota’s preparation Over a year ago, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health appointed Buffalo veterinarian Dave Wright Minnesota’s coordinator of the Secure Pork Supply plan. During 2018, Dr. Wright has met with producers, veterinarians, packers and producer groups to help them learn how to participate in the program.

The University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine has worked extensively with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health in evaluating outbreak scenarios, and creating response plans and risk assessments.

In May 2018, Dr. Wright organized the fundamentals from the National Pork Board’s securepork.org website into seven steps. Minnesota swine producers can use these seven steps to organize a farmspecific Secure Pork Supply plan. During the summer, University of Minnesota Extension swine educator Sarah Schieck put the seven steps into an online format and distributed one step weekly for seven weeks. Producers had the opportunity to construct their own SPS plan on their own time, one week at a time. The online Seven Steps is still available https://z.umn.edu/SPSsevenSteps.

The seven steps to participate These seven steps to participate were developed to assist Minnesota swine producers to construct their own SPS plan for each of their sites. They are intended to offer producers a simplified step-by-step protocol to guide them through the participation process while referencing the SPS website at www. securepork.org.

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with www.securepork.org Step 2: Validate your premises. Obtain a premises ID number. Print a map.

Step 3: Locate and compile records, logbooks, certificates of veterinary inspection and standard operating procedures.

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Step 7: Foreign animal disease training and response.

A shining star within these seven steps is that many of the components of the Secure Pork Supply plan already exist. The swine producer’s Pork Quality Assurance Plus documentation of the care of their pigs contains written movement and biosecurity protocols. These existing records can easily be used in the farm’s SPS plan.

Premises ID number (PIN) The national premises ID number is a unique seven-character identifier assigned to a premises where pigs are produced, kept or moved through. Each state’s Board of Animal Health manages the identification program and assigns the PIN for producers.

National PINs are not specific only to swine.

Premises where any food animal is raised can have a PIN. Today, more than 95 percent of swine premises use the national PIN. The pork industry is striving to reach 100 percent adoption of PINs. Not only will PINs on every pig farm provide pinpoint accuracy to reduce disease spread, but PIN use demonstrates a superior traceability system to the United States’ international trade partners.

PINs are a key component of the Pork Quality Assurance Plus site assessment, and many packers require a PQA+ site assessment as a condition of sale. Since January 2015, all sows and boars sold into the food chain must have an ear tag containing the farm’s PIN. PINs are also required by many major swine shows and exhibitions.

To obtain a PIN, producers can contact the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at www.bah. state.mn.us/register-your-premises/ or call (651) 201-6816.

Familiarization with foreign animal diseases Part of the Secure Pork Supply plan wants swine farm personnel to become familiar with the three most common swine foreign animal diseases: Foot and mouth disease; Classical swine fever (formerly known in the U.S. as hog cholera); and African

swine fever (ASF). Note that FMD, CSF, and ASF are not public health or food safety concerns. Meat will still be safe to eat.

However, these diseases are very contagious in swine, and each team member on the pig farm should be able to recognize clinical signs. Currently, swine producers are asked to keep a daily observation record of their pigs. Doing so will help provide timely documentation in the event of a disease outbreak. If suspicious signs are observed, farm personnel will be asked to collect oral and nasal swab samples to submit for testing. Any suspicions about pig health should be reported to a veterinarian immediately.

SPS workshops in Minnesota University of Minnesota Extension personnel and Dr. Wright hit the road across southern Minnesota in November and December to provide the SPS message face-to-face. The Secure Pork Supply workshop for producers had two goals: Help producers develop their own farm-specific SPS plan with the least amount of inconvenience to them; and send producers home with their SPS plan under their arm.

The workshops provided participants with a printed map of their site on which to complete Steps 2 and 5 and sent them home with “STOP” biosecurity signs for their farm gate and barns. Laminated posters detailing symptoms of the three foreign animal diseases were also supplied to producers.

Additional Secure Pork Supply workshops for producers have been scheduled in January to cover areas in central Minnesota. Swine producers and affiliated industry personnel are welcome. The first workshop takes place on Jan. 14 at the Pine Country Bank, 750 County Road 21, in Rice, Minn.

The second workshop will be held on Jan. 29 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, 46352 State Hwy 329, in Morris, Minn.

The registration fee is $15 and while registration is preferred, it is not required. Participants may register and pay online at https://z.umn.edu/ SPSregister2019, or by telephone at (507) 389-6714.

Swine producers are encouraged to take some time this winter to put together a Secure Pork Supply plan. The SPS is voluntary. Countless hours and thought have gone into preparing the pig community for continuity of business in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak. As one of the workshop participants responded, “Be ready!”

Diane DeWitte is an Extension Educator specializing in swine for the University of Minnesota Extension. Her e-mail address is stouf002@umn.edu v

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

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PAGE 15

Weak markets have growers looking at industrial hemp

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer WILLMAR, Minn. — With many farmers struggling to make a buck, might becoming a hemp grower be a potential breakthrough? Such was the intrigue of a Nov. 15 breakfast workshop at the Kandiyohi Power Cooperative community room. The topic: Industrial hemp value chain!

But don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched. We asked Harold Stanislawski, Project Development Director of Minnesota’s Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, “Are we on the verge of something that could dramatically change the landscape of Minnesota agriculture?”

Stanislawski responded, “I think it’s a little premature. But we certainly are on the verge of better understanding how this crop might fit into the Minnesota landscape. It will have limited acres initially, but when we get everything figured out I think this crop provides the opportunity for tremendous diversification in food, fiber, feed and CBD (medicinal usage). Suffice to say, you’re on the right track learning about hemp now.”

There appeared to be lots of interest at this workshop — especially among younger farmers. Noted Stanislawski, “You can see here today … we’re all over the board. And the crop can be grown anywhere in Minnesota’s farming zones. Northwest Minnesota has some unique advantages. It’s a little cooler up there. The heavier soils of the Red River Valley would be good. We had one of the larger pilot fields at East Grand Forks two years ago. The yield was phenomenal.”

But one caution: there is no established hemp processing industry yet in Minnesota.

However, Hultgren Farms in northern Kandiyohi County planted 40 acres of organic industrial hemp last year. Explained Nate Hultgren, “We had some certified organic acres. But we sort of burned ourselves out doing kidney beans, so we started looking at some organic options. Also, we had weed problems on that field. I had read about industrial hemp doing a really good job competing against weeds. Hemp gets up above the weeds and screens them out. We thought, if this is our last year organic on that piece of ground, why not try hemp?” “ I thought our first year effort went okay. We used a few YouTube videos and talked to a couple growers.

We heeded all the warnings and did it exactly as we were told. Yields netted about 1,000 pounds and for organic that’s okay. Plus it was on irrigated soil so that helps.”

Hultgrens had signed a marketing contract for $1.07 per pound — about twice what conventional hemp is going for. “We had a contract with Legacy Hemp at Prescott, Wis. where they are building a processing facility. They are a Kentucky firm who’ve been in business for some time. We shipped some totes to a customer lined up by Legacy. They said our

got some chatter about growing marijuana. My hired men thought maybe they could make some extra money if they pocketed some of this stuff,” chuckled Nate. But he added that once you learn about the science of hemp and understand this is a different strain than what is used for the drug culture.

Industrial hemp is a distant cousin to marijuana, but with extremely low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol — the chemical that produces a ‘high’.

A potential hemp grower as this meeting said his level of confidence for planting hemp in 2019 depends upon the passage of the next farm bill. Commented Rick Squibb, Renville County, “With the right language in the next bill and a market in this area, we likely would try hemp next year. Like most farmers, we desperately need an alternative crop because it looks like corn, soybeans, even sugar beets won’t be good money next year either.” Right now he’s thinking 80 acres for their first venture with hemp.

The University of Minnesota has been plugged into feral hemp and cannabis genetics research for several years. Dr. George Weiblen heads up this team Photo by Dick Hagen which includes agronomic hemp variety trials for the Nate Hultgren planted 40 acres in organic industrial Minnesota Department of Agirculture pilot program. hemp last year. “Our first year effort went okay,” he Twelve of the highest-yielding oilseed varieties from said.

Canada are being tested for suitability in Minnesota.

For more information, check the MDA website hemp looked really good. After screenings, about 93 www.mda.state.mn/hemptrials. v percent of our crop made contract.”

And there will be a few more hemp acres for the Hultgrens in 2019. Another 20 acres of organic ground is going into hemp.

“Yes, it’s very competitive against weeds,” Hultgren admitted. “We drill plant in seven-inch rows, so it’s dense right from the get-go. Fertilize it properly so it gets off to a fast start and once its about a foot tall, weeds are no longer an issue. It leaves them in its track. It’s like overnight the stuff is four feet tall. We seeded June 10 and harvested Sept. 20 or so.

Moisture was at 19 percent. We put it in a bin, put a lot of air to it and we rotated it in the bin (that’s draining the bin and refilling it again). We were real intense about managing that moisture. Got it down to 9 percent moisture. It’s a different behavior when it’s in the bin.”

And a possible soil remedial tool also? Hultgren acknowledged that’s a big if. “We’re sugar beet growers and we know beets remove organic matter. So it would be nice if hemp could act like alfalfa and rebuild some of that soil structure. We’re doing a lot of tillage experimenting to keep residue on our fields.

Most farmers are doing that with cover crops. But it looks like hemp is so tough it can be a great soil holder after harvest. It could act as a cover crop even though it’s no longer alive.”

Nate, his brother Noah and his parents are progressive in agriculture. “We’re used to growing these crops such as beets and edible beans that require some extra headaches. So growing hemp wasn’t above the realm of what we’ve done before. Yes, we

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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

Hemp a ‘many splendored’ new cropping opportunity

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer WILLMAR, Minn. — The 2014 farm bill defined industrial hemp for the first time and allowed states to develop research pilot programs to study the growth, cultivation and marketing of industrial hemp. In 2015, the Minnesota Industrial Margaret Hemp Development Act became law Miatrowski and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture became administrator of the industrial hemp pilot program.

Optimistic about hemps future is MDA’s Industrial Hemp Program Coordinator Margaret Wiatrowski.

At a Nov. 15 workshop in Willmar, Minn., she commented, “Things are changing so fast it’s hard to keep up. It’s been crazy the number of people contacting me about wanting to grow hemp.

“In 2016 we had eight applicants and seven license holders who grew only 38 acres. In 2017, applicant number were 42 with 38 license holders and 1,210 acres. In 2018, 45 growers, 700 acres and about half were CBD producers with intentions of more revenue per acre. Just this October there were 40 applicants with 80 percent planning to grow for CBD extraction.

“We’re into our fourth year and it seems the public has now accepted hemp and its various derivatives.

Yet I still have people calling saying they just found out they can now grow hemp.”

“People are really doing things right now with the grain and fiber side of hemp production. The CBD side, the medical/medicinal stuff, I think will continue to exist in this legal gray area of confusion until the feds take action. It’s in peak popularity right now.

Everyone’s talking about it because of the ‘big bucks’ inference. But I think that will level off and then the other uses of hemp will catch-up.”

Wiatrowski is much aware additional help will be needed to coordinate this program in view of the incredible expansion likely to happen in 2019. “Right now I’m doing all of the licensing and 80 percent of the inspections,” she admitted. “Fortunately, four of our Minnesota seed inspectors are expanding their duties to also work with me. Hopefully a new hire will be on staff by January.”

Certified seed sources for grain and fiber type varieties developed in Canada and Europe are available.

“We have a list of both Canadian and European certified seed producers. (Wiatrowski’s phone number is (651) 587-6795). “The CBD stuff comes from various U.S. sources. However, these are not certified, not really regulated and much less reliable.”

Hemp seed comes in 50-lb. bags. “The CBD stuff is being sold by the seed up to $4 per seed!” Wiatrowski said. “Canadian seed will be around $2.50 per lb. — higher for imported seeds from Europe, like about $4 per lb.”

Grain production utilizes a seeding rate of about 30

lbs. per acre — 60 lbs. for fiber production because you want dense stands of vertical growth with little branching. For medicinal purposes, the CBDs are spaced 4-5 inches apart because the intent is a really wide and bushy plant, said Wiatrowski.

DNA analyses of the seed is being done by Dr. Weiblen in the University of Minnesota Plant Science Department. His studies are to determine if THC and the CBD levels of the plant can be predicted through DNA analyses before it even starts growing. “Get that technique perfected and it could potentially revolutionize how we do the testing,” said Wiatrowski.

“We may not need go and visit every field. We would just test the seeds prior to planting. That’s exciting.”

Wiatrowski sees a bright future of Minnesota grown hemp. “I think what’s ahead for the really technical grade fibers like making tiny semiconductors from the tiny fibers of the hemp plant ... for use in computer chips and cell phones. It’s way beyond my comprehension, but thinking of making computers from hemp fibers – that is really cool.”

Strict regulations apply for those considering hemp as a crop possibility. Individuals must first get a license through MDA to grow or process hemp. That involves a criminal history background check and precise field locations. Also at the end of the growing

season, licensees are required to report agronomic, processing and marketing findings.

Wiatrowski said the application process cost is $350 per year for five acres or less. Over five acres, the fee is $550 and with additional fields even more.

If you want to be a processor only, the yearly fee is $250.

License holders grow hemp predominantly to harvest grain for oil and animal or human food consumption. Some also process the stalks for fiber usage in textiles, animal bedding, building materials and landscaping. The fiber is extremely durable. A 12-inch insulation panel made from hemp stalk residue has an R80 insulation rating!

Industrial hemp may even have value in the beer brewing industry. Already, three Minnesota brewers are substituting hemp for some portion of hops used in their brewing process.

Industrial hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa L with a delta-9 THC content of 0.3 percent or less. All fields are sampled within 30 days of harvest by MDA inspectors. Plant samples are tested for delta-9 THC concentrations to insure compliance with the statutory industrial hemp definition. 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. 15 — Farm Transition and Estate Planning Workshop — Lamberton, Minn. — Workshop will feature information on farm goal setting, family communications, business structures, mechanisms for inheritance and transition, estate taxes, and other basic concepts such as retirement planning. Contact Megan Roberts at meganr@umn.edu or (507) 3896722 Jan. 16 — Farmland Rental Workshop — Rochester, Minn. — This workshop will answer any questions you have about farmland rental rates in Minnesota. The workshop will go over historical rates for farmland in the area and the rental rates for pasture land and other types of farmland. The presenters will help farmers, landlords, and professionals use datadriven decisions to determine a fair price for rental.

There will also be time to ask any questions about farmland rental. Contact David Bau at bauxx003@ umn.edu or (507) 360-0664 Jan. 16 — Farm Transition and Estate Planning Workshop — Madison, Minn. — Contact Megan Roberts at meganr@umn.edu or (507) 389-6722

Jan. 17-19 — Practical Farmers of Iowa annual conference — Ames, Iowa — Topics include using cover crops to control weeds; niche pork production; biodynamic farming; growing winter small grains; eggplant production; prairie habitat; organic dairy; rural mental health; regenerative grazing; marketing — Contact Debra Boekholder at debra@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661 Jan. 17 — Managing for Stewardship Workshop — Albert Lea, 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 — Waseca, Minn. and 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. 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

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

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WED

JAN 23RD

MN AG EXPO 2019

NOON 12:30PM - 1:15PM

JANUARY 23-24 VERIZON CENTER MANKATO, MN Don’t miss this lineup of speakers and sessions!

Register at mnagexpo.com

8AM - 5:30PM 8AM - 10:30AM 7:30AM - 9AM 9AM - NOON 10AM - 10:45AM 11AM - 4PM 11AM - 11:45AM

1:45PM - 2:45PM 4PM - 5:30PM 5:30PM - 6:45PM 7PM - 11PM

THU

JAN 24TH

7AM - 3PM 8AM - 4PM 8:15AM - 9AM 9AM - NOON 10AM - 10:45AM 11AM - 11:45AM 12:30PM - 2PM

PAGE 19

Registration Open Exhibitor Set Up MN Corn PAC Breakfast MCGA Delegate Session & Annual Meeting MN Ag in the Classroom Learning Session Trade Show Open Profinium Learning Session Charitable Remainder Trusts for Agriculture Producers with Wade H. Abed II, J.D. Boxed Lunch Beck’s Hybrids Learning Session A Fresh Perspective on Old Agronomy with Jim Schwartz, Director PFR & Agronomy The Benefits of On-Farm Solar Energy Sponsored by Blue Horizon Energy MCGA Reception & Silent Auction Dinner featuring Jim Wiesemyer, Pro Farmer Sponsored by MN Corn & MN Pork Beano & Vino Casino Night

Event Center Reception Hall Banquet Hall West Meeting Room 245 Event Center Meeting Room 247

Trade Show Floor Meeting Room 245

Trade Show Stage Reception Hall Banquet Hall Mankato City Center

Registration Open Trade Show Open Event Center US Farm Report with Tyne Morgan Trade Show Stage Sponsored by Profinium MSGA Delegate Session & Annual Meeting Banquet Hall West Gislason & Hunter Learning Session Meeting Room 245 Estate and Succession Planning with Attorney Kaitlin Pals Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance of Iowa Meeting Room 247 Learning Session Banquet Hall

2:30PM - 3:30PM

Food for Thought sponsored by MSR&PC Lunch featuring Colonel Parker Schenecker Closing Keynote Sponsored by Asgrow

3:30PM - 6:00PM

Bayer Dicamba Training for Applicators

Banquet Hall

Trade Show Stage

RESEARCH STAGE • AURI RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTER 2ND FLOOR WEDNESDAY 10AM Corn & Soybean Researchers 11:30AM Weed Resistance Panel UFC, U of MN, MDA - Panelists TBA 2PM Corn & Soybean Researchers

THURSDAY 9AM Corn & Soybean Researchers 10:30AM Open Session 2PM Corn & Soybean Researchers

PAGE 20

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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

Opportunities abound at the 2019 MN AG EXPO JANUARY 23 & 24 MN AG EXPO brings together Minnesota’s corn and soybean farmers, agribusiness and university researchers at the Verizon Center in Mankato, Minn.

The Trade Show is full of companies with emerging technologies, equipment specials, and new information.

Companies showcase their latest products and equipment as part of the annual trade show.

Networking Opportunities are endless at MN AG EXPO. From dinners featuring top notch speakers to receptions with plenty of time to gather the best information from fellow farmers, you can make the most out of your time at MN AG EXPO, and find valuable new connections.

Educational Sessions on hot button issues affecting your farm operation are abundant this year. From understanding your insurance needs to mental health and rural America, we have it all covered at this year’s MN AG EXPO. Change the way you think about your farm and the impact to your bottom line.

MN AG EXPO Schedule of Events

Wednesday, January 23

7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Minnesota Corn PAC Breakfast Reception Hall The PAC Breakfast is a PAC fundraiser for the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Minnesota Corn Growers Association Delegate Session and Annual Meeting Banquet Hall West 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Minnesota Ag in the Classroom Learning Session — Engaging K-12 Students Meeting Room 245 Presented by Keri Sidle Find out resources you can use to tell your agricultural story with students and teacher through Minnesota Ag in the Classroom. Keri Sidle is an education specialist with Minnesota Ag in the Classroom.

Verizon Center Mankato, Minn.

There’s something for everyone at the Expo Welcome to the 2019 MN AG EXPO, Minnesota’s premier indoor agriculture trade show! The two days will be packed with a robust industry trade show, sessions on hot button issues affecting farmers, and annual meetings for the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.

The issues and challenges which affect farmers every day are the focus of this year’s EXPO. Sessions this year include a wide variety of topics ranging from renewable energy, value-added agriculture products to a U.S. farm report panel and the latest developments in checkoff-funded research.

Simply put, there’s something for everyone who farms or works in agriculture at the 2019 MN AG EXPO. We encourage you to forge new relationships with your fellow farmers and network with a variety of agribusiness while you are here. With plenty of new and returning exhibitors this year, the trade show provides a perfect opportunity to build connections for the success of your farm operation.

2018 was marked by tariffs, uncooperative weather and low commodity prices, challenging our farmers throughout a turbulent year. In 2019, we are looking forward and starting fresh, while building a strong foundation for the future.

For decades, MN AG EXPO has been a winter reunion for our agriculture community, a chance to renew and jumpstart relationships. This year aims to be the best one yet. We have more than 70 exhibitors from all walks of agriculture, including a full slate of speakers and panelists. And don’t miss our speaker for Thursday’s lunch, Col. Parker Schenecker. His moving story of courage, love, loss and gratitude is one that will stay with you long after the Colonel has shared his story. Col. Schenecker will remind us that even in today’s farm economy, agriculture will rebound, adapt and emerge stronger.

While you’re walking the trade room floor at MN AG EXPO, be sure to visit the MSGA booth and visit with our farmer leaders about why joining our joining our organization is a sound investment in your operation, for today and tomorrow.

As we look to the future of agriculture in Minnesota, MN AG EXPO continues to be the place for farmers to learn, connect and grow to support their farming operation. We’re turning the page in 2019, and hoping you’ll join us along the way.

Enjoy your time at MN AG EXPO! Michael Petefish President Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Trade Show Opens Event Center 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Charitable Remainder Trusts for Agriculture Producers — sponsored by Profinium Meeting Room 247 Join Profinium for a learning session with Wade H. Abed II, J.D. Learn how to give your family the ability to selling land, livestock, or equipment to avoid or defer tax on the sale and potentially generate lifetime income fore retirement. Abed is Vice President of Trust and Corporate Council for Profinium Financial.

12 noon Boxed Lunch Trade Show Floor 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

A Fresh Perspective on Old Agronomy — Sponsored by Beck’s Meeting Room 245 Join Beck’s Hybrids for the learning session “A Fresh Perspective on Old Agronomy” with Jim Schwartz, Director of Practical Farm Research and Agronomy for Beck’s Hybrids 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

The Benefits of On Farm Solar Energy — Blue Horizon Energy Keynote Panel Trade Show Stage Join Blue Horizon Energy for a keynote panel to learn more from farmers implementing and using on-farm solar energy as part of their operation.

4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Minnesota Corn Growers Association Silent Auction and Reception Reception Hall 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Dinner featuring Jim Wiesemyer, Pro Farmer — Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers Association Banquet Hall Wiesemyer is a Pro Farmer policy analyst.

7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Beano and Vino Casino City Center Hotel - Poolside Join the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association for an evening of fun! Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the door.

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

MN AG EXPO Schedule of Events

Thursday, January 24

8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Trade Show Open 8:15 a.m. – 9 a.m.

U.S. Farm Report with Tyne Morgan Trade Show Stage Watch a special taping of the U.S. Farm Report. The panel will feature Sue Martin of Ag & Investment Services; and Duwayne Bosse, a market analyst with the Bolt Marketing Team. Tyne Morgan is host of the U.S. Farm Report — a magazine-style program which focuses on news in the agriculture and agribusiness industries.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Delegate Session and Annual Meeting Banquet Hall West

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

10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Gislason and Hunter Learning Session — Estate and Succession Planning Meeting Room 245 Join Attorney Kaitlin Pals of Gislason and Hunter for a learning session on estate and succession planning for farm families.

11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance of Iowa — Learning Session Meeting Room 247 Join Ken D. Ripley and Ryan Benes for a discussion on precision solutions

and RAMP within the agriculture insurance industry and the benefits for your farm operation. Ripley is a strategic account manager and Benes is a district sales manager for Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance of Iowa.

12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Food for Thought with Colonel Parker Schenecker Banquet Hall Gather for a lunch featuring speaker Colonel Parker Schenecker who will speak on learning how to move beyond tragedy and keeping promises, because you said you would. Colonel

Check out the AURI research and innovation center

Stop in at the second-floor research area to learn from the various corn and soybean researchers from University of Minnesota, South Dakota State University, Iowa State University and North Dakota State University. Learn from farmers about their on-farm research projects. Speakers will discuss some of the hot items in soybean and corn research.

David Nicolai is a University of Minnesota Extension Educator in Crops and Coordinator of the Institute for Ag Professionals. He will be on the panel on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 11:30 a.m. in the research center. Other panel members include Andrew Lueck who had roles within weed science with Monsanto, North Dakota and Minnesota State Extension. Lueck currently owns an independent agricultural contract research company, Next Gen Ag, in Renville county, Minn. Also on the panel will be Dan Miller — a field sales agronomist with United Farmers Cooperative.

PAGE 21 Schenecker was a senior leader and strategist in the United States Intelligence Community — responsible for support to the U.S. defense and counter-terrorism efforts in the Middle East. While on a quick deployment to Afghanistan, Schenecker learned his children were murdered by their mother. Immediately upon returning from deployment and after laying his children to rest, Parker made a promise to remember how his children lived, not how they died and began his philanthropic efforts in earnest.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Future of Digital Agriculture with John Jansen, Vice President of North American Agronomic Services at The Climate Corporation — Sponsored by Asgrow Trade Show Stage Join Jansen for a vision of what the future of digital agriculture looks like for the industry.

3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Bayer Dicamba Training for Applicators Banquet Hall

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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

MN AG EXPO Exhibit Hall and Exhibitors 360 Yield Center................................. 60 Acceleron Seed Applied Solutions....... 87 Adrian Seed Company - Low MuTech.. 44 Ag Spray Equipment........................... 25 Agassiz............................................... 28 AgFocus............................................. 40 Agnition.............................................. 73 AgSolutions........................................ 64 AgVend................................................. 9 AgXplore............................................. 32 American Lung Association................. 92 AURI................................................... 93 BASF.................................................. 79 Bayer.................................................. 84 Beck’s................................................ 65 Blue Earth Soil & Water Conservation District................. 45 Blue Horizon Energy............................ 80 CFS.................................................... 67 CHS.................................................... 23 Connect the Grey................................ 34 Country Enterprises............................ 88

Dekalb / Asgrow................................. 86 Ellingson Companies........................... 24 Environmental Tillage Systems........... 71 Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance of Iowa............................................... 36 Gislason & Hunter............................... 76 Gold Country Seed.............................. 62 Green Energy Products....................... 29 GreenSeam......................................... 13 Heads Up Plant Protectants Inc........... 89 Hefty Seed.......................................... 55 Hewitt Drainage Equipment/Hewitt Precision Insights................................ 90 Houston Engineering........................... 27 Indigo Ag............................................ 99 Irrigators Association of Minnesota..... 43 ISG..................................................... 72 K&S Millwrights.................................. 54 LandProz............................................ 63 Linder Farm Network.......................... 96 MARL............................................... 101 Mathiowetz Construction.................... 69

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Novel Energy Solutions......................... 8 Perten Instruments / University of MN.21 Pioneer............................................... 10 Prinsco............................................... 98 Profinium............................................ 18 Proseed............................................ 102 Renk Seed Company........................... 31 Rinke Noonan..................................... 20 SB&B Foods........................................ 35 Sentera............................................... 30 Snell Motors......................................... 1 Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance...... 11 Steffes Group Inc................................ 26 SunOpta............................................. 52 The Land magazine............................ 53 Titan Pro SCIL....................................... 3 U.S. Meat Export Federation................ 66 University of Minnesota Dept. of Agronomy.............................. 38 Ziegler Ag Equipment............................ 6

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MARKETING

Grain Outlook Corn closed higher each day in 2019 The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Jan. 4.

CORN — The trade is flying somewhat blind without some of the government reports — including export sales, commitment of traders, etc. Corn prices crept higher this week out of their tight $3.72.5 to $3.80 trading range on the back of soybean and wheat strength. There were some rumors about China having buying interest in U.S. corn, but no export values or freight numbers supported the chatter. China stated they wouldn’t be interested in purchasing U.S. corn or sorghum until at least after the Jan. 7-8 meetings in Beijing.

The Jan. 11 World Agricultural PHYLLIS NYSTROM Supply and Demand Estimates CHS Hedging Inc. report, quarterly grain stocks, St. Paul and winter wheat seeding reports will be delayed indefinitely until the U.S. government departments go back to work. They say it will take a week to put the reports together once the departments resume operations. Traders are expecting the U.S. corn yield and ending stocks to show a small decline when the WASDE report is released. Weekly ethanol production continues to be reported. This week, production slipped 31,000 barrels per day to match the lowest production of the year at 1.011 million bpd. Stocks rose 100,000 barrels to 23.2 million barrels. Margins improved a penny but were still a negative 4 cents per gallon.

South American has not been ideal, but it hasn’t been a disaster either. Top end production ideas have been lowered closer to a “normal” yield crop. Argentina has been too wet in areas and Brazil has struggled with areas of dryness. The most recent forecasts, however, show improvement to favorable conditions for areas of each country.

Outlook: For the week, March corn rallied 7.5 cents to $3.83, July was 7.75 cents higher at $3.98.25, and December closed 6.5 cents higher at $4.04 per bushel. Corn has closed higher every day in 2019!

Ethanol margins are slowing improving, but we still hear of cutbacks and shutdowns. This may lead to a small cut on the next balance sheets, but a decline in production will mostly offset any decrease. Since Nov. 20, March corn has traded a $3.72.5 to $3.87.5 per bushel range, and I don’t see a standout reason for it to move much outside of that range.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans got off to a slow start See NYSTROM, pg. 24

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* soybeans/change*

Stewartville Edgerton Jackson Janesville Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye

$3.28 +.05 $3.38 +.02 $3.38 +.05 $3.44 +.07 $3.31 +.04 $3.36 +.07

$8.15 +.21 $8.29 +.30 $8.28 +.24 $8.30 +.24 $8.15 +.23 $8.24 +.25

Grain Angles Quarters, dimes and pennies

New Year’s resolutions are often times made to make or a break a habit. Most of these goals are meant to help make us better as a person and increase our longevity. While these goals are made Average: $3.36 $8.24 for ourselves, it’s important to take the time to ana Year Ago Average: $3.01 $8.81 lyze habits of our operation and refresh those goals.

Take the time to reflect on the successes of the past Grain prices are effective cash close on Jan. 8. year, and areas of opportunity. It’s important to ask *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period. yourself what small changes or habits you can make on your operation to capitalize on. What may seem like just cents can make an impact in the long run and really add up to increase the longevity of your operation. When looking at ways to make your change add up, consider these four key steps as you begin a new year.

CARMEN MICHEL The livestock markets feel as if we had continued Decision-making driver. Compeer Financial trading in the holiday style while we moved into the Routinely updating financial Officer first week of the new year. For the most part, all records is crucial for your operaWaite Park, Minn. traded very sluggish — appearing to wait for some tion’s financial health. A balance direction from the consumption results from the sheet and income statement allow Christmas and New Year period. The cattle complex you to reflect on your operation’s strengths and seemed to move in the opposite opportunities of the past year. Hone in on these direction from the hogs during areas. It can be helpful to discuss your balance sheet that period. The question now and income statement with your lender to have becomes, is this the direction another viewpoint on how the year went. Keeping these markets will continue into records each year can allow you to reflect on where the first part of the new year? the operation has been and where it is headed.

Cattle have appeared to estabOne of the most crucial metrics to know is your cost lished some sort of a top in the of production year over year. Knowing your operarecent trade during the first week tion’s cost of production will help in the decisionof 2019. Cash has slipped as well making process by allowing your break-even to drive JOE TEALE as the beef cutouts after a fairly the decision. This keeps emotion out of the decision Broker good increase in the last part of Great Plains Commodity and allows your quarters, dimes and pennies to stack December. Weather has played a up more effectively. I recommend getting started on Afton, Minn. significant role as wet conditions honing in on your numbers with Compeer’s margin in many major feedlots are very sloppy with mud- manager, which can be found on compeer.com. caked cattle. The fact that we are in January now, Maximize the return on your hard work. The weather will continue to play a major role — espehard work you put into your operation shouldn’t be cially if temperatures begin to drop as they normally held back by costs which are stealing your quarters, do in the next two months. dimes and pennies. While cutting necessary costs can Beef production has been increasing through the negatively impact your return, it’s crucial to analyze past several months and has pressured the beef cut- the impact of every dollar spent on your operation. outs and as a result, packer margins have tightened. When doing so, keep your cost of production numbers This could set the tone for a further defensive action handy to aid in the decision-making process. in the bidding process by the packers. Of course, a Your ‘change’ can add up by negotiating your input main ingredient in this scenario will continue to be the demand for beef products. If demand remains costs (feed, fertilizer, chemical, seed, etc.) with dealstrong, the downside in price will then be limited. ers. Another key area to evaluate is your land base Producers should be aware of changes in market con- costs. Although it can be tough to give up rented ground, you need to analyze your break-even against See TEALE, pg. 24 See MICHEL, pg. 24

Livestock Angles Beef production is increasing

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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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

Ag market focus will be on government shutdown NYSTROM, from pg. 23 before welcoming 2019! Returning to a fresh slate/ new year, soybeans rallied on trade talk of China was returning to the U.S. soybean market looking for offers for the February-March time frame. Based on values, U.S. beans are more expensive than Brazil for that time slot. However, if the Chinese government says “Buy!,” we’ll see some purchases made. Cofco was the firm mentioned as making inquiries, which means it’s the government. If so, those bushels will likely be bound for state grain reserves. Without the USDA in their offices, we have no confirmation that anything has been done. China did not import any U.S. soybeans during November. In November 2017, they imported 4.7 million metric tons. Brazil’s soybean shipments to China in November were 5.1 mmt — up 84 percent from last year. In December, Brazil exported 4.23 mmt of soybeans, a record for the month. China’s African swine fever problem has not abated. They continue to find new cases. Although they have reported 100 cases, many believe this number is underreported.

A U.S. delegation will head to Beijing for Jan. 7-8 meetings. These will be the first face-to-face meetings since a trade war truce was announced at the beginning of December. Phone conversations between the two countries have been reportedly been going very well. If the in-person meetings go well, it’s

expected a Chinese delegation will be in the United States the following week. A wariness over whether these talks will result in any substantive agreements has kept traders cautious about reading too much into the talks. China’s Purchasing Managers’ Index for December fell to 49.4, the first time it’s been under 50 since June 2016. A number under 50 signals contraction in the economy. China’s central back is lowering their reserve requirement ratio by 50 basis points on both Jan. 15 and Jan. 25 as they try to prevent further economic slowdown.

South American weather has become a more closely watched event, which it always seems to be this time of year. Brazil has areas that have been adversely affected due to a lack of rain, but it’s unclear what lasting effect it has had on yield potential. Brazilian soybean production ideas have mostly dropped from the 125 mmt and up area into the 116120 mmt range. A Brazilian grower group even slashed their crop estimate to the 110-115 mmt range, down 4 mmt from their previous outlook! Wellrespected consultant Dr. Cordonnier has cut his Brazilian soybean production forecast to 119 mmt and Conab is at 120.1 mmt. IEG Vantage, the former Informa Economics, and the USDA are pegging Brazil’s soybean production at 122 mmt. Changes in the value of Brazil’s currency has helped support U.S. soybean prices. Argentina has areas that have

received too much rain, causing delays to planting and potentially hurting yields.

Outlook: March soybeans have closed higher every day of 2019! The U.S. government shutdown, upcoming Chinese talks, and South American weather will be the focus in the coming week. If rain is less than expected for southern Brazil, it will be viewed as friendly to the market. If the rain develops and/or is greater than anticipated, a retracement of recent gains will be expected. The trade is anticipating a good outcome to the Chinese talks, which could extend recent gains. Keep in mind that agricultural won’t be the only topic of these talks. Disagreement over intellectual property rights may be a sticking point to any meaningful agreement. Overall, the world still has plenty of soybeans.

For the week, March soybeans gained 26 cents at $9.21.5, July was 25 cents higher at $9.46, and November beans were up 21.25 cents at $9.57 per bushel.

Nystrom’s Notes: Contract changes for the week ended Jan. 4: Minneapolis March wheat rallied 19.75 cents to $5.70.25, Chicago was 5.5 cents higher at $5.17, and Kansas City was a dime higher at $5.06 per bushel. Crude oil surged $2.63 higher at $47.96 per barrel. The U.S. dollar index fell 253 ticks. v

Knowing your break-even is vital to 2019 decision making MICHEL, from pg. 23 your rental price agreements to ensure it’s a healthy relationship. Does your break-even price support what you are paying for rented ground? Negotiating rent or forgoing a piece of ground allows your quarters, dimes and pennies to add up.

Another way to stockpile your cents is to scrutinize your repairs and replacements. While sometimes it seems easier to get a new piece of equipment when a piece breaks, will a repair work as a solution, or will additional required repairs down the road be more costly than replacing it now?

Lastly, it is important to liquidate assets that aren’t working as hard as you are. Review your balance sheet and analyze whether an asset, such as equipment or land, is generating enough revenue to hold its place. Consider ways to change how you have typically performed a task with that asset if you are working harder than it is. Liquidating these assets will not only provide a one-time pile of change, but can increase the return on your hard work in the future.

Market your product. The hard work you put into production should be awarded by investing time and analysis into how you are selling your product.

Whether you are selling grain, milk, meat or another product, you should be mindful of how you are selling your product and who the intended buyer is. Now more than ever, it’s important to be proactive about the sale of your product. Make a New Year’s resolution to be proactive in the marketing of your product.

Ask your elevator if you can place a sell order for your grain, or learn more about how you can lock in a floor with the new dairy revenue protection program; or discover ways you can lock in prices at the slaughter plant. Marketing changes can save you quarters, dimes and pennies.

Structure your operation. I always encourage the clients I work with to scrutinize the debt structure of their operation. I urge you to discuss this with your lender, consultant or advisory team to look for ways to best use your debt to provide working capital needed in today’s environment and in the long run.

Ask your trusted advisor to review if there are ways to fix in long term rates to minimalize future business risk. Be sure to know your interest costs to help

drive decisions and ensure your debt structure meets your operation’s cash flow.

Knowing your break-even to aid in decision making can allow you to maximize the return on your hard work and market your product effectively. Discussing your structure of your operation can aid in saving you money. While it’s much more comfortable to continue to run your operation the same year after year, growth and comfort often do not coexist. Challenge yourself to make a New Year’s resolution for your operation, and use your break-even to exploit ways to save and add up those quarters, dimes and pennies in both savings and profit For additional insights from Michels and the Compeer Financial team, visit Compeer.com v

World hog inventories are declining TEALE, from pg. 23 dition and watch the weather conditions and protect inventories if needed.

The hog market has improved in the past couple of weeks as the cash trade has seen some advance in prices paid by the packers. At the same time, pork cutouts seen to be stabilizing around $70 cwt. with product movement remaining fairly consistent. This has seen the futures market improve ever so slightly giving some promise for potential price appreciation.

The African swine fever is still inflicting the Asian

continent giving rise to the fact that world inventories may be declining. If that is true, the U.S. exports may see an increase in the months ahead which of course would help in price appreciation of hog prices overall. Because we are in the full throes of winter now, weather could also become a factor if temperatures drop significantly and or if snowfall becomes heavy in production areas. It would appear the next few weeks could determine the overall direction of hog prices for the next few months. Producers are urged to pay close attention to market developments and protect inventories if necessary. v

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PAGE 25

Analyst hopeful for price, consumption increases in 2019 This column was written for the market4 at 97.5 cents per pound. ing week ending Jan. 4. n The December Federal order Class III Matt Gould, editor and analyst with the benchmark milk price was announced by Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletthe U.S. Department of Agriculture at ter, said in the Jan. 7 Dairy Radio Now $13.78 per hundredweight. This price is broadcast the GDT lends some optimism down 66 cents from November and $1.66 — even though the dairy industry and below December 2017. It equates to $1.18 others still face the “trade war” left over per gallon, which is down from $1.24 in MIELKE MARKET from 2018. He stated while there have November and $1.33 a year ago. It is the WEEKLY been some concessions from China, the lowest Class III price since February retaliatory tariffs from Mexico are still in By Lee Mielke 2018 and put the 2018 Class III average place. at $14.61, down from $16.17 in 2017 China lowered tariffs on infant forand $14.87 in 2016. California’s mula and whey products, which is Class 4b cheese milk price averaged good for global demand, Gould said, $15.20 in 2017 and $14.27 in 2016. plus trade in general is growing, indicative of that Late morning Jan. 4 Class III futures portended a are the shrinking inventories of milk powder in January price at $14.28; February, $14.72; and every place where data is available. “Demand March at $15.14, with a peak at $16.75 in appears to be getting better,” Gould said, and both September. he and the people he talks to are more optimistic The December Class IV price is $15.09, up 3 cents than they have been. from November, $1.58 above a year ago, and the Switching to domestic demand, I asked about one highest Class IV price since September 2017. It of dairy’s biggest customers: restaurants. Gould said averaged $14.23 in 2018, down from $15.16 in 2017 “2018 was a challenging year economically due to a and compares to $13.77 in 2016 tight job market which meant higher wages and The four-week average cheese price used in calcu- more turnover of employees so their bottom lines lating the month’s Class prices was $1.3742 per got pinched.” pound, down 7.2 cents from November. Butter averGould adds that sales volumes were fairly weak aged $2.2425, down 2.5 cents, nonfat dry milk aver- and very weak for the big chains. So as they look to aged 90.2 cents per pound, up 1.6 cents, and dry 2019, “There’s talk of recession and the tight job whey averaged 46.85 cents per pound, up fractional- market remains — which means their costs are ly. high — so at least at the restaurant level, things The first Global Dairy Trade auction of 2019 saw look a bit challenging going forward.” its weighted average of products offered jump 2.8 Pizza chains were also challenged in 2018, accordpercent, following the 1.7 percent rise on Dec. 18 ing to Gould; primarily from other convenient fast and 2.2 percent on Dec. 4. Sellers brought 63.2 mil- foods plus “They face a more competitive 2019 after lion pounds to market, down from 79.8 million in having really booming years in 2015, 2016, and the Dec.18 session and the lowest amount since 2017.” In summary, Gould said the domestic situaJuly 17. tion is “mediocre.”

All products offered were in the black, led by butn termilk powder, up 9.3 percent, followed by skim Back on the farm, “Dairy margins were flat over milk powder, up 7.9 percent, which follows a 3.4 perthe second half of December with limited movement cent rise last time. Anhydrous milkfat and butter in the milk and feed markets to close out 2018,” were both up 3.9 percent, following a 4.0 and 4.9 according to the latest Margin Watch from Chicagopercent respective gain in the Dec. 18 event. based Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC. The Cheddar was up 3.2 percent, after a 2.2 percent Margin Watch stated, “While nearby margins congain. Lactose was up 1.6 percent and rennet casein tinue to reflect losses through first quarter, deferred was up 1.3 percent. Whole milk powder brought up margins are holding up better, with both second and the bottom, up 1.2 percent, after it inched up 0.3 third quarter at or near the 70th percentile of the percent last time. previous ten years, and fourth quarter just beneath FC Stone equates the GDT 80 percent butterfat that level.” butter price to $1.8037 per pound U.S., up 6.6 cents “The forward curve continues to reflect optimism from the last session. Chicago Mercantile Exchange over improving fundamentals for milk supply and butter closed Jan. 4 at $2.25. GDT cheddar cheese equated to $1.5289 per pound, up 4.9 cents from the demand, with deferred futures holding a $3.00 per last event and compares to Jan. 4’s CME block ched- cwt. premium over spot prices based on the September Class III contract. Thawing U.S-China dar at $1.4175. GDT skim milk powder averaged trade relations are behind some of that optimism as 99.82 cents per pound, up from 92.63 cents last time. Whole milk powder averaged $1.2269, up from a recent phone conversation between President Trump and Premier Xi reported that tangible prog$1.2129. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Jan.

MARKETING

ress is being made on some of the more sensitive issues that have blocked previous rounds of talks as negotiating teams prepare for new meetings next week in Beijing.”

“Excess cheese production continues to weigh on nearby futures, as cheese output through October exceeded 2017’s record-breaking volume by 2.5 percent while U.S. milk production is only up 1 percent from 2017. This preference for directing milk production towards cheese is also being reflected in monthly Cold Storage inventories, as USDA reported November butter stocks at a three-year low of 153.7 million pounds vs. November cheese inventories of 1.35 billion pounds which were up 7.5 percent from a year ago. While the October to November draw of cheese inventories was larger than average, overall cheese inventories remain abundant which will put additional emphasis on demand improvement in 2019,” the Margin Watch concluded. n The block cheddar price closed the first Friday of 2019 at $1.4175 per pound, down 1.25 cents on the New Year’s holiday-shortened week and 7.75 cents below a year ago. The barrels closed at $1.3025, up 1.25 cents on the week, 8.75 cents below a year ago, and 11.5 cents below the blocks. Two cars of block were sold on the week at the market of last resort and four of barrel.

The markets will have less to digest in terms of USDA reports due to the partial government shutdown, so rumors and speculation will play a bigger role. The November Dairy Products report, scheduled for Jan. 3, was the next casualty, following the loss of the Ag Prices report on Dec. 27.

U.S. cheese markets were termed “quiet” by Dairy Market News. Contacts in the Midwest report a number of plants are down for various reasons — particularly maintenance issues. Plant managers who had a smooth holiday run are now on increasingly busy schedules, some scheduling seven-day workweeks.

Milk was heavily discounted over the Christmas weekend and into New Year’s week, with prices ranging $2 to $4 under Class, although contacts suggest that late Christmas week brought even lower prices. Some cheesemakers expect discounts until mid-month, when bottling starts to pick up.

Cheese demand has been steady to mixed. Regional pizza cheese producers have remained busy throughout the holiday season, while most other producers have experienced expected seasonal slowdowns.

Western cheese shipments are moving steadily through existing contracts and the occasional spot sale. Mozzarella makers are hopeful for a lift in orders for the upcoming football playoffs and the return of kids to schools. Cheese demand is “a little See MIELKE, pg. 26

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THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

Butter sales are up, inventories beginning to climb MIELKE, from pg. 25 subdued,” says Dairy Market News.

Block sales have slowed in the wake of the passing winter holidays. Plenty of milk is available and because milk components remain high, cheese yields are strong. Cheese inventories are heavy and Dairy Market News warns that it seems unlikely for cheese production to slow much soon, and without a boost in sales, cheese stocks could grow further.

The cash butter price saw a Jan. 4 finish at $2.25 per pound, up 3.25 cents on the week and 1.25 cents above a year ago. Seven loads traded hands on the week.

Dairy Market News reports cream availability for churning was expected to increase, but some contacts report offers are “pouring in.” It adds, “untimely maintenance issues have held some Midwestern butter production back, hence other plants are seeing more cream offers at multiples well below recent norms.”

Food service and retail butter sales continue to be positive to steady yearover-year, but butter inventories are beginning to build for the spring push.

“All said, butter markets are holding steady in the first week of 2019, after a bullishly steady 2018,” according to Dairy Market News.

Cream is readily available in the west and is trading at discounted prices. Most butter plants are running at full capacity as they attempt to clear as much cream to the churn as possible. Bakery sector interest for butter has slowed somewhat, but other buyers are getting a head start on replenishing print butter inventories for use later in the year.

Spot butter sales are light however prices remain mostly stable. Some connections report that current prices are “higher than anticipated.”

Spot Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Jan. 4 at 97.5 cents per pound. This is up 3.75 cents on the week, 29.5 cents above a year ago, and could top $1 per pound for the first time at the CME since January 2017. Five carloads were sold New Year’s week at the CME. The spot dry whey price was up a penny on the week, closing Jan. 4 at 49 cents per pound, with only one car selling in the four days of trading. n With the start of another new year, I remind readers of some points on milk pricing. In most of the United States (California now included), milk prices are determined using complex formulas by the USDA. The system has

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evolved over the years from a simple volume/ butterfat basis to the current multiple component pricing — which takes into consideration volume, butterfat, protein and various other components of the milk, as well as where the milk is to be used.

There are four Classes of milk: Class I is fluid in the bottle or jug and yields the highest rate of return to farmers.

Class II is milk used in ice cream, yogurt, and cream cheese. Class III is milk that goes to cheese and dry whey.

Class IV is milk used in butter, nonfat, and whole milk powder.

It takes 9.6 pounds of milk to produce a pound of cheese, so every penny movement in the cheese price equates to about 10 cents on the Class III milk price.

Dry whey is a bi-product from making cheese. One hundred pounds of milk will yield about 10 pounds of cheese and 6 pounds of dry whey. A 1 cent movement in the dry whey price equals about 5.9 cents on the Class III milk price.

The Class IV milk price is driven by powder and butter. One hundred pounds of milk yields about 8.6 pounds of nonfat dry milk and 4.2 pounds of butter.

A penny movement on the nonfat dry milk price means about 8.6 cents on the Class IV price and a penny movement on butter results in a 4.2 cent impact on the Class IV price.

Dairy farmers receive a uniform or blend price, which is determined by their region of the country, based upon how much of that farmer’s milk went into the four different classes in his or her milk market order. That is a simplified “Cliff Notes” perspective. Call your cooperative for complete details. n Milk production trends across the county Christmas week were basically unchanged from the previous week, according to the USDA’s weekly

MARKETING

report. “Farm level milk output in the western and central U.S. is increasing at moderate rates, while eastern milk output continues to be mixed. Milk distribution over the holiday weekend was busy. No major issues were noted as handlers dropped off loads at intake plants and processors accommodated, operating at/near full capacity in some instances,” the report states.

“Surplus milk offerings increased into cheese operations; while at other times, the only option was to move volumes into neighboring states. Heavier condensed skim supplies were on the market as processors› needs slowed — prompting increases in dryer schedules around the country. Cream is readily available and considerable quantities cleared to butter plants,” the report went on to say. n Lastly, the International Dairy Foods Association has consolidated the governance of its constituent organizations, as of Jan. 1. The Milk Industry Foundation, the National Cheese Institute and the International Ice Cream Association are now under one central organization — IDFA. “As the preeminent advocacy and membership-driven organization supporting the dairy foods business, the IDFA has worked for the last 30-plus years to advance and protect our industry, while acting as a trusted advocate for our members’ regulatory, legislative and communications needs,” explained IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes. “Like our industry, however, the needs of dairy processing companies and suppliers are changing and growing. As our industry and the needs of our members evolve, so must IDFA.” 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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Sell your land or real estate in ‘13 Case IH Puma 185 CVT, Livestock 30 days for 0% commission. 1291 hrs, tractor number ZDBS06282, rear tire size Call Ray 507-339-1272 18.4R42, front tire 16.9R28, FOR SALE: Black Angus Frontlink Front hitch 11,000 bulls also Hamp, York, & Real Estate lb w/ PTO 1000 RPM, also Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts.

Wanted has joystick for the hyd, sus- 320-598-3790 WANTED: Land & farms. I pended cab, HD suspended have clients looking for front axle, extra lift capacity dairy, & cash grain opera- on rear hitch - 110 mm cyls, tions, as well as bare land high capacity hyd pump, 4 parcels from 40-1000 acres. rear remotes & 3 electronBoth for relocation & invest- ic mid-mount valves. (507) ments. If you have even 530-1645 Give Mike Keefe a call thought about selling contact: Paul Krueger, Farm & NEW AND USED TRACTOR for a free market analysis Land Specialist, Edina Re- PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, of your farmland. alty, 138 Main St. W., New 55, 50 Series & newer tracOffice: 507-216-2432 Prague, MN 55372. tors, AC-all models, Large paulkrueger@edinarealty.com Inventory, We ship! Mark Cell: 507-208-8969 (612)328-4506 Heitman Tractor Salvage www.keefeauction.com mike@keefeauction.com WANTED: TOP DOLLAR 715-673-4829 1601 Cty Rd. 7 NE FOR QUALITY FARMDover, MN 55929 LAND. Long term contracts Tillage Equip ideal, no smaller than 80 acre parcels with CPI of 85+. Must be within 20 mi. FOR SALE: Case-IH field culradius of New Richland tivator 4800, 26’ with harrow, MN. Call. (507) 327-6430; used on low acres, very nice, (507)461-4474; (507)317-9317 $6,650. Please call 507-8472170

Please support the advertisers you see here.

Tell them you saw their ad in The Land!

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

www.pbofmn.com 2518 Superior Dr., NW #103 Rochester, MN 55901 507-282-1700 • 888-835-8141 Fax: 507-288-8141

Alfalfa, mixed hay, grass hay, and feed grade wheat straw.

Medium squares or round bales. Delivery available.

Call or text LeRoy Ose. 218689-6675

Bins & Buildings FOR SALE: 10,000 bushel grain bin, floor and fan included. Phone 507-327-8101

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

RETIRING

2004 GREAT PLAINS 30 Ft Turbo-Till w/ NEW Rolling Harrow/Reel Was $37,900 Reduced $29,900.

2006 Great Plains 33’ 5” Discovator/Finisher Low Acres Was $29,900 Now $19,900.

2006 Great Plains 36 Ft Discovator/Finisher Dbl Fold Was $33,900 Now $25,900.

Dealer 319-347-6282 Can Del

Harvesting Equip 2007 C-IH 8010 combine, 2407/1500 hrs, 620/70R42 duals, big top topper, lot of recent work, exc shape, $87,500. 612-685-5743

www.thelandonline.com

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

2019

LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY, MN

Feed Seed Hay

PAGE 27

241 acres Single Tract

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

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.

Land Specialists

Sealed Bid And Land Auction

January 10 • 99.78± Acres Garden City Township, Blue Earth County • Ag./Development land January 17 • 164± Ac. Long Lake Twp., Watonwan Co. For information brochures CALL 1-800-730-LAND (5263) or visit www.Wingert Realty.com.

Only registered bidders may attend.

View our other available properties for sale on our website.

1160 Victory Drive South, Suite 6 • Mankato, MN 56001 • 507-345-LAND (5263)

Charles Wingert, Broker # 07-53

PAGE 28

Do you have an upcoming

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

Steffes Auction Calendar 2019

For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com 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

USED PARTS 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.

Wheaton, MN

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

Trucks and vacs available.

Immediate response anywhere.

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

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

Have an upcoming Auction?

Wednesday, February 20 at 10AM

Brad & Glenda Johanson Farm Retirement Auction,

STATEWIDE

We Ship Daily Visa and MasterCard Accepted

Timed Online Auction

Tuesday, February 26 at 10AM

DAMAGED GRAIN

CAMBRIDGE, MN 763-689-1179

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

Smith Farms LTD Farm Auction, Sawyer, ND

WANTED

6 miles East of

Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Opening February 15 & Closing February 20

Please support our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad in THE LAND.

LARSON SALVAGE

Tuesday, February 12 at 12PM Litchfield, MN

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

Talk to your auctioneer or call our friendly staff at 800-657-4665 to place your auction in THE LAND theland@thelandonline.com or www.thelandonline.com

Tuesday, February 26 at 10AM Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN Opening February 26 & Closing March 5 at 11AM Lorang Farms Realignment Auction, Mt. Vernon, SD, Timed Online Auction Opening February 26 & Closing March 5 Jason Leer Farm Retirement Auction, Wolford, ND, Timed Online Auction

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR: •

MECHANICS

•

BUS DRIVERS

Opening February 26 & Closing March 5 Gary Bacher Retirement Auction, Wolford, ND, Timed Online Auction

AND MUCH, MUCH MORE.

Place your auction ad where it will get noticed...

Wednesday, February 27 at 10AM Keith Axtmann Farm Retirement Auction, Rugby, ND Thursday, February 28 at 10AM Johnny Herr Farm Retirement Auction, Sawyer, ND Friday, March 1 at 10AM Roger Walkinshaw Farm Auction, Argusville, ND Wednesday, March 6 at 10AM Jaeger Farm Retirement Auction, Balfour, ND Tuesday, March 12 at 12PM Quality Tested Hay Auction Steffes Group Facility,

507-345-4523 800-657-4665 TheLandOnline.com

Litchfield, MN Wednesday, March 13 at 10AM Aglron West Fargo Event, Red River Valley Fairgrounds, West Fargo, ND

MANKATO & AUSTIN full time positions with benefits Austin call Heather @ 507-433-5358 Mankato call Shelly @ 507-385-3650

ALL LOCATIONS part-time positions with flexible schedules To learn more, visit our website at

WWW.PALMERBUSSERVICE.COM click on the school district nearest you to learn more and to contact our site manager

DON’T LET THIS OPPORTUNITY PASS YOU BY!

of s.

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019 Cattle 7 bred Black Sim/Angus due in spring to easy calving to Final Answer bull, selling by the lb, market price. Also, 10 Black Polled Yearling Sim/ Angus bulls, easy calving, good disposition. $1,995 for choice. 50 yrs of AI breeding. (Epic Renown 10 Speed) Riverside Simmentals Gerald Polzin 320-286-5805 FOR SALE: 9 Shorthorn steers, avg weight aabout 500 lbs, shots and poured.

Nelson Family Shorthorns at Renville. 320-894-6271 FOR SALE: Texas Longhorns.

(1) Four year old cow, (2) two year old heifers, (1) 18 month old heifer. Kimball MN 320-398-5420

Swine FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc & Hamp/Duroc boars, also gilts. Excellent selection. Raised outside.

Exc herd health. No PRSS. Delivery avail. 320-760-0365 Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available.

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

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

BOGO

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

Classified Line Ads in The Land

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MNNorthern MN Northern IA Jan. 18, 2019 Jan. 25, 2019 Feb. 1, 2019 Feb. 15, 2019 * Feb. 8, 2019 Feb. 22, 2019 Mar. 1, 2019 Mar. 8, 2019 Mar. 15, 2019

FREE

Purchase one line ad at regular price and get the second one free in the same editions. Offer good for one full circulation combo. Free ad must be of equal or lesser value.

Hurry! Offer ends soon.

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EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 30.5X32 singles, 1028 Sep, hrs ........................................ $79,500 ‘05 JD 9760 STS combine, 520/85R42 duals, contourmaster,

FOR SALE: Rat Terrier Puppies, Shots, Dewormed. 507426-7676.

Miscellaneous

28L-26 rear tires, 1510 Sep, hrs, through service program yearly ................................................................................... $69,500 ‘17 CIH Magnum 250, 480/80R46 duals, 380/85R34 single fronts, CVT transmission, 4280 hrs, just through service program............................................................................. $72,500

FOR SALE: IH gas 446 truck motor, recent re-manufacture, $1,100. 507-956-2667

‘17 JD Gator TS, 4X2, 514 hrs .......................................... $4,900

PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS New pumps & parts on hand.

Call Minnesota’s largest distributor HJ Olson & Company 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336

4 remotes 2585 hrs, just through service program .......... $79,500

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

*

Deadline is 8 days prior to publication.

Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication.

Call The Land 507-345-4523

‘08 JD 9570 STS combine, contourmaster, chopper,

Pets & Supplies

PAGE 29

‘14 CIH Magnum 235, 480/80R50 rear duals, 380/80R38 single fronts, 23 speed creeper transmission, high capacity hyd. pump, ‘11 CIH Magnum 290, 19 speed powershift, 380/90R54 rear duals, 380/80R38 single fronts, front weights, 14130 hrs .......................................................................... $29,500 ‘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

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

USED TRACTORS

HAY TOOLS

‘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................................................................ SOLD Kubota L245 2wd ...............................................$6,500

New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND

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

Deal Deal Deal Deal Deal

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

New NH W80C wheelloader .......................... On Hand New NH E37C mini excavator ....................... On Hand New NH E26C mini excavator ....................... On Hand New NH track & wheeled skidsteers............. On Hand NH 230 w/cab & heat ...................................... $37,900

COMBINES

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

MISCELLANEOUS

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

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

smithsmillimp.com Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN

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

PAGE 30

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

irst Your F or f Choice ds! ie Classif

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

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

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 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 31

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

ADVERTISER LISTING Agri Systems ................................................................ 13 Anderson Seeds ...............................................................8 Beck's Hybrids .................................................... 1, 16, 17 Broskoff Structures ....................................................... 15 Compeer Financial ..........................................................5 Courtland Waste Handling ...............................................9 Curt's Truck & Diesel .................................................... 11 Dahl Farm Supply ......................................................... 10 Dairyland Seed ...............................................................3 Dan Pike Clerking ......................................................... 27 Doda USA ......................................................................6 Ellingson Companies ..................................................... 22 Homestead Sales ........................................................... 27 K & S Millwrights ........................................................ 21 Keefe Auction ............................................................... 27 Keith Bode .................................................................... 29 Larson Implement ................................................... 28, 31 Mike's Collision ..............................................................7 Minnesota Soybean ....................................................... 19 Northland Buildings ...................................................... 12 Palmer Bus Service ....................................................... 28 Pruess Elevator ............................................................. 28 Schweiss Doors ............................................................. 29 Smiths Mill Implement .................................................. 29 Southwest MN K-Fence ................................................. 10 St. Peter Toy Show ..........................................................4 Steffes Group .......................................................... 27, 28 Wingert Realty .............................................................. 27

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

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 &

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 32

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 11/JANUARY 18, 2019

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

S

Pining for tranquility?

ome time during this decade, the Norway pines in the Preachers Grove overlooking the east arm of Lake Itasca will celebrate their 300th birthday. The state park plaque on the edge of the narrow road that winds past the grove says the trees likely germinated following a fire sometime during the decade of the 1710s.

That’s the way it is with Norway (or otherwise known as red) pines. They thrive as part of an ecosystem of regular fires. Fire is their friend because it burns away the underbrush that steals the sunshine from the Norway seedlings.

The seedlings need to get as much sunshine as possible so they can grow fast and get their branches out of the way of the next fire that passes through the neighborhood. They need to self prune their branches so they are out of reach of the flames and they need to develop tough scaly armor-like bark to protect them from the heat as the fire passes quickly under them.

The bark of the pines at Preachers’ Grove didn’t quite get tough enough before the next fire. Perhaps they were 50 or 60 years old when a fire came

crackling down the hill towards the lake. You can see the fire’s effect on the scarred trees some 200 years later. Some of the trees are still scorched black on their trunks wounds; while other fire scars are grey and lichened.

But the trees survived.

A hundred years ago, in 1920, a group of preachers felt that the cathedral-like space under the Norway pines was the right place for a convention. While the breezes sighed through the already-ancient trees, the ministers gazed out over the lake and sent their prayers and wishes for a kinder world skyward.

Preachers Grove was, even then, a place where one felt they truly understood what was deserving of our prayers and what wasn’t.

Today, even when the big park is busy with speeding bicyclists and splashing swimmers, Preachers Grove is a quiet place of peace suited for contemplation. You can go there and shut out all sound except the chatter of squirrels and calls of ravens. You can wonder about the nature of suffering and the capacity to heal and go forward. Just put your hand on those old fire scars and see what the trees tell you. And you can lean against one of these ancient beings and ponder your past and pray for the world’s future. v

Lake Itasca, Minn.

Page 4 - January 11/January 18, 2019

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Insulate your HOG barn:

© 2019

Jan. 11/Jan. 18, 2019

Proper insulation prevents condensation and rust.

greener world solutions CALL E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE ESTIM

855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com A Minnesota Family-Owned Business

MN LIC BC639351

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

S P O H S S N R BA S D E SH S E M HO

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION

greener world solutions CALL E HEDUL C S O T E A FRE ATE ESTIM

855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com A Minnesota Family-Owned Business

www.greenerworldsolutions.com

MN LIC BC639351

Page 2 - January 11/January 18, 2019

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

January 11/January 18, 2019 - Page 3

Insulate your BEEF barn:

Insulate your DAIRY barn:

Spray foam prevents condensation and rust.

Spray foam prevents condensation and rust.

Call for more info:

Call for more info:

855-612-8038 33908 128th Street Waseca, MN 56093 www.greenerworldsolutions.com

MN LIC BC639351

855-612-8038 33908 128th Street Waseca, MN 56093 www.greenerworldsolutions.com

MN LIC BC639351

Page 2 - January 11/January 18, 2019

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

January 11/January 18, 2019 - Page 3

Insulate your BEEF barn:

Insulate your DAIRY barn:

Spray foam prevents condensation and rust.

Spray foam prevents condensation and rust.

Call for more info:

Call for more info:

855-612-8038 33908 128th Street Waseca, MN 56093 www.greenerworldsolutions.com

MN LIC BC639351

855-612-8038 33908 128th Street Waseca, MN 56093 www.greenerworldsolutions.com

MN LIC BC639351

Page 4 - January 11/January 18, 2019

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Insulate your HOG barn:

© 2019

Jan. 11/Jan. 18, 2019

Proper insulation prevents condensation and rust.

greener world solutions CALL E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE ESTIM

855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com A Minnesota Family-Owned Business

MN LIC BC639351

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

S P O H S S N R BA S D E SH S E M HO

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION

greener world solutions CALL E HEDUL C S O T E A FRE ATE ESTIM

855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com A Minnesota Family-Owned Business

www.greenerworldsolutions.com

MN LIC BC639351