THE LAND ~ May 3, 2019 ~ Southern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

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

May 3, 2019 May 10, 2019

Great Gardens!

Scratch your garden itch as Richard Siemers takes us on a tour of one couple’s labor of love

ALSO INSIDE:

The Land kicks off the 2019 From The Fields season!

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THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

Twiddling our green thumbs P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLIII ❖ No. 9 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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Cover photo by Richard Siemers

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

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In this issue, The Land kicks off its plants which seem to be growing with 2019 “From The Fields” feature. First of vigor are the day lilies. Even the rhubarb all, we would like to thank the four farmhas shown little progress over the past ers who graciously agreed to serve as two weeks. this year’s crop reporters. It is a considThree weekends ago it looked like erable commitment on their part to prospring had arrived. Golf courses were vide regular updates throughout the year open, people were raking their lawns (not — especially when there is so much work a good idea, by the way) and we tossed to be done on the farms. some radish and pea seeds into one of LAND MINDS As you can see in this week’s feature, those “sunny” spots of the garden. Since the reporters seem undaunted by a then, we’ve had a snow storm and lessBy Paul Malchow rainy spring and soggy fields. They than-ideal growing conditions. remain optimistic planting will comNonetheless, the vegetables have bromence soon and are eager to embark ken ground to let us know all is not on another growing season. (On April lost.

29 I saw a farmer planting peas in Le Sueur Still, it seems like ages ago when the seed cataCounty.) logs began arriving in the mail — teasing us that This also happens to be The Land’s annual garspring is just around the corner. den issue and I’m not sure gardeners are being Unless you’re operating a CSA, the plight of the quite as patient with the weather. Die-hard garden- gardener pales to the investment and commitment ers have an advantage over crop farmers. Many can of the crop farmer. Aside from bragging rights for scratch the gardening itch in March by starting having the first ripe tomato on your block, little is plants indoors to be transplanted in mid-May. lost if the gardens are planted on May 15 or June 1.

(Historically, the chances for a hard frost are pretty Even in the days of my youth, when my parents slim after Mother’s Day.) The young plants are now counted on our substantial gardens to supply vegein the process of being hardened off — languishing tables for the coming year, there seemed to be little outdoors during the day and brought indoors at fretting about getting them planted in comparison night. to the crop fields. (Of course, garden labor was more Did anyone get their potatoes planted on Good readily available when schools were no longer is Friday? Although some gardeners swear by that session.) In fact, I recall a major factor in the timfabled planting date, it may not have been a good ing of garden planting was having vegetables ready plan for 2019. Cold damp ground can cause the for the county fair. taters to rot and we’ve had plenty of those condiSo as you watch rain drip off the roof and you can tions so far. I’d like to hear from the Good Friday still see your breath in the morning, try to follow planters to learn how things went. the lead of our From The Fields reporters and don’t Judging by our plants at home, the shrubs and fret. We can only take what Mother Nature gives perennials are behind “normal” years. We have seen us. It may seem like an eternity waiting for that cherry blossoms this early in some years, but at this first fresh garden salad. Even pulling weeds sounds point leaves are just beginning to peek out of their like a fun chore right now. In the meantime, plan buds. Bloodroots have broken ground but seem to be what you’ll do with that daily bushel of zucchini waiting for some sunshine to send out their white waiting for you down the road. flowers. Even the sunny spots in the perennial garPaul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land. dens are showing little life. That is, they would be He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com.v sunny spots if we ever get any sunshine. The only

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

6 — Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference continues to grow 7 — Farmers struggle with occupational isolation 9 — New Ulm, Minn. educator is recognized for her work with students

THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Nuts and Bolts” — News and new products from the ag industry • “Calendar of Events” — Check out The Land’s complete events listing • “E-Edition” — Archives of past issues of The Land

THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

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Letter: Livelihood of farming is hanging in the balance

To the Editor, My husband is a retired farmer from southern Minnesota who followed his father into farming. He rents his land to the next generation of farmers — young men and their families whom he grew up with in his community. We spend our winters on the central coast of California in the midst of ranching and agricultural communities to be near our daughter and family in Los Angeles. We follow your articles in The Land carefully — especially Alan Guebert’s column which is always educational and gives us hope things may change.

In the April 5/12, 2019 issue, Paul Malchow’s ‘Opinion’ provided us with statistical evidence from a variety of reliable sources of why we must act together with our state legislators to survive.

Farmers are the canaries in the mine. We are living through climate change that brings increasingly more severe droughts, floods and storms each year.

Not only our livelihoods, but our land’s vitality is impacted severely by extreme weather and the current local, state and federal political party policies.

They are using our lives, our land, like some political pawn — throwing us into a game of their choosing that destroys any sense of our relevance in keeping this country fed and defying all reason.

Where is the outrage? When will farmers take

OPINION

their tractors to the streets to voice together in solidarity the folly of this game politicians are playing with our children’s and grandchildren’s futures? Do they care so little they are willing to ignore what farmers know about the earth? We touch it each day. We feel the wind and the rain and know in our guts there are life-threatening changes happening with a regularity not experienced in our lifetimes.

We need to share our best ideas, our creative-people resources who together can build coalitions formed for the express purpose of working with

what we understand and live each day. We know our land, the soil, the weather and we must try to save it for the next generation. What happened to ‘we are borrowing our children’s land’ and we want to sustain our land for ‘the seventh generation’? We and the earth are one. No one will survive without a living planet.

Randee LaSalle Nipomo, Calif.

Summer residence: Bigfork, Minn.

Life on the Farm: Readers’ Photos If bluebirds haven’t made an appearance in your neighborhood, they soon will! Rose Wurtzberger of New Ulm, Minn. said she spotted a couple at the end of March and sent us this photo.

Anna Kathy Kern of Marion, Iowa sent in this photo of a sculpture at Marion’s Lowe Park.

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THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

Ethanol finding itself in a tightening tough spot If you want to anger over the next decade. almost any American farmThat means “the projected er, write something less decline in the E10 blend than flattering about the wall … represents approxideclining use of biofuels — mately 930 million bushels especially ethanol — in the of lost corn demand, not United States today. considering the offset of lost If you want to realDDGS (Distiller’s Dried ly anger almost any Grain and Solubles, a coFARM & FOOD FILE product of ethanol) producAmerican farmer, write something unflattering tion on feed demand.”

By Alan Guebert about biofuels — espeWhen DDGS are figured cially ethanol — that in, Irwin estimated the includes the sentence, total loss of yearly corn “U.S. farmers, particulardemand would be closer to 650 million ly cornbelt farmers, have gotten a bushels — not a billion bushel punch in really bad deal from the Trump the face, but still a hard smack.

Administration on the biofuels front.”

But that’s only if the U.S. gasoline Both statements are true, according market doesn’t slide further south to Scott Irwin, an agricultural econothan the already dismal forecast premist at the University of Illinois who, dicts. “The best case scenario” for word-for-word, offered the latter one. future American gasoline use, Irwin On April 12, Irwin published an noted in an April 23 telephone interanalysis of today’s ethanol market on view, “is flat-line use; neither up nor the university’s farmdocDAILYwebsite down from today.” under the workmanlike title of Moreover, he added, “I feel pretty “Implications of Recent Trends in U.S. confident in saying we’ve reached Gasoline Consumption for Ethanol.” peak gas usage (in the U.S.) because The seven-page report, however, was this projection from EIA (the U.S. anything but workmanlike. For example, Energy Information Administration) in it Irwin calculated that a forecasted doesn’t even have electric cars coming 26.1-billion-gallon decline in yearly U.S. on strong before 2030.” gasoline usage by 2030 will drain 2.6 If one of the nation’s foremost ethabillion gallons of U.S. ethanol use from nol market analysts is “pretty confithis year’s estimated 14.3 billion gallons dent” that the U.S. has reached peak

OPINION

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gasoline consumption a decade before electric cars even become a market factor, then farmers should be equally aware that peak ethanol consumption has likely occurred, also.

Which is why, Irwin noted in his April 12 analysis, “It is surely … no surprise why the U.S. ethanol industry is pushing so hard for expansion in the use of E15,” (raising the ethanolgasoline blend from 10 percent to 15 percent) “which may be required for the industry to just stay even in total domestic consumption of ethanol.”

The push, however, is being met head-on by Big Oil. First, gasoline retailers are not going to hand over another five percent of their now-eroding market without a very tough fight.

Also, “It will cost billions for 150,000 gas stations in the U.S. to add E15 pumps,” Irwin estimates. No one, not industry, government or agriculture, is stepping up to pay even a part of that tall tab.

An even tougher task for farmers,

though, might be addressing what the White House is doing — and, in some cases, not doing — says Irwin.

Despite the Trump Administration’s often-expressed support of biofuels, farmers have complained bitterly that the White House’s retroactive ethanol blending exemptions for nearly 50 refiners in 2016 and 2017 cost ethanol makers 2.25 billion gallons in sales in 2018.

Irwin is more blunt on the exemption issue: “What Trump is doing is illegal. That isn’t a political statement; that is a statement of fact.”

Illegal though it may be, ethanol still faces a shrinking gasoline market — a hard fight just to keep its exemptionthreatened share of that shrinking market, an even harder fight to get E15 into general use, and a White House whose behind-the-scenes actions belie its public words.

Little wonder, then, why market analysts worry about the future of biofuels. There’s dwindling sunshine wherever they look. v

To the Editor, I read the letter from Don Buck of Zumbrota that you published in the April 26th issue of The Land. The letter was given the misleading title, “Renewable energy unreliable in polar vortex”.

I don’t know where Mr. Buck obtained his information about solar and wind-generated electricity during the polar vortex. However, Mr. Buck’s information was unreliable whereas energy production — both renewable and fossil fuel sources — during that time was reliable.

Although there were power outages in Chicago due to ice bringing power lines down; and problems in Michigan due to a fire at a natural gas compressing station; as well as natural gas delivery issues in southeastern Minnesota; utilities were able to manage the high demands for electricity during the polar vortex. Utilities’ ability to manage demand was based on their planning for a cold snap, based on lessons learned from previous cold snaps, and not on what the generating source was.

Mr. Buck’s claim that the, “industry

had many tense moments those days” is simply false. The electrical grid was nowhere near capacity thanks to good planning by grid managers.

But Mr. Buck’s letter was intended more as a political attack against legislation to put Minnesota on a path to 100 percent renewable sources for electricity by 2050 than as a criticism of management of the electrical grid. The problem with arguing against implementing a 100 percent renewable energy standard is that it has largely been implemented. Xcel Energy, Minnesota’s largest utility, adapted a 100 percent renewable energy standard months ago. Their decision to adapt the standard wasn’t a political decision made by “liberal metro legislators.” It was a hard-headed business decision made by the company’s board of directors.

I am convinced that Xcel’s management had access to far more reliable information to make their forward looking business decision than Mr. Buck had to form his backward-looking political opinion.

Colin King Long Prairie, Minn.

Letter: Renewable energy letter was misleading

THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

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Calendar leaves little ‘good’ time for farm family planning

done faster, or the racks of hay are It’s nothing new to farm families. backed into sheds to wait out the rain.

They schedule a time to turn the rams Those months are most likely out, since it in with the ewes, the bulls in with their would be difficult at best to time labor female counterparts, the boars in with the and rainfall at the same time. gilts and sows, etc. They even artificially Any woman engaged to a farmer, and inseminate. who ever dreamed of having a September Someone once told me anyone can raise or October wedding, knows it will not livestock, but it takes a real manager to happen then, for fear of harvest starting plan and implement a reproduction schedTABLE TALK up before the altar calls. It nearly KO’d ule. But when family planning moves

By Karen Schwaller my then-fiancé when I suggested it. It’s from the barn and into the house, it’s a the same with child bearing then. little more complicated because it also December babies are an especially bad involves what’s happening outside. idea because even mom has no time then with fullWhen barnyard birthing is scheduled around the rest of the work that needs to be done, how does the time work and the long lists that go with holiday preparations. She even faces headlong into it with a human species schedule around a time when all Thanksgiving hangover and bandages for her checkyou-know-what is not breaking loose out in the yards or in the fields? Something is always breaking ing account — binding up damages she knows will be coming with the holidays. She would just have to loose, whether it involves a barnyard gate or fence, hold baby in until January. or something that needs to be cleaned up with a It would appear, by our process of elimination skid loader bucket. then, that January and November would be the Late winter spring UCTIONS Pleaseand read early attached email means no one leaves the farm while farrowing, lambing or calving sched- months for farmers to add to the family.

When it came to our first try, we went for a ules play out. But directly after that, farmers are P NAMES AD THE 3.7461 x ”November baby. Turns out that child took her sweet squarelyALREADY faced withON machinery and LAND land preparatime gracing the world with her presence and she tion, spring planting, rolling and spraying to preappeared in December. It was a fool-proof plan that pare for and carry out before the window of opporwas an epic fail. But we still loved the outcome. tunity closes. I guess that means February, March, April and May could find mothers in the delivery room alone if they truly enjoy celebrating those spring birthdays.

June, July and August bring with it unyielding lists of hay cutting and baling. There would be time for childbirth only if rain threatens and the work is

4

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Unlike my mid-October birthday, her day of world entrance always gets celebrated.

Fast forward to our next attempt at family planning. We thought we’d go for some time in January.

We would miss the tax deduction cut-off, but it would ensure us cheap birthday gifts every year afterwards if we could get in on those after-Christmas sales. Not only did that pregnancy surprise us with a stowaway baby (yes, twins), but they couldn’t wait to come out. They arrived in December, too.

There were many wonderful things wrong with that plan. But we all came home from the hospital on Christmas Day, which seemed somehow poetic.

My mother’s ring, which should have had one amber and two garnet stones, sports three blue stones. They should match my lips (and maybe my hair) by now. This motherhood thing will be the death of me yet.

The way our family planning schedules worked out, it’s a good thing they don’t have us in charge of the peace talks or the world’s tariff negotiations. We better just stick to scheduling baby time for our sheep. So far we’ve hit that one pretty much on the mark every year.

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 — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

Conference expands with women’s roles in agriculture

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus CHANHASSEN, Minn. — More women are taking a lead role in farming each year and more women working in all aspects of the U.S. agricultural industry. Enrollment data from South Dakota State University, North Dakota State University, Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota show there are more women than men enrolling in agricultural curriculums. So what’s happening? The times they are a-changing.

The growth of women’s involvement in agriculture is evident at the annual Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference. This year’s event took place April 10 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Conference co-founder Doris Mold explained this unique organization started 21 years ago when she and Robin Kinney decided something needed to be done to activate more women in agriculture. They started with the theme, “Making Our Place in the World.” The 2019 theme was “Changing the Agspace.”

The women’s ag conference is entirely volunteerdriven and involves women from all walks of agriculture. Over the years, this event has become a leading networking and leadership development resource for upper Midwest women in agriculture.

Based on data collected in 2017, there were more than 2 million farms and ranches in the United States on more than 900 million acres of land. Over one third of these farms are female generated.

The survey showed females accounting for 36 percent of all producers on these operations. Additionally, 56 percent of the farm and ranch operators said they have at least one female decision maker guiding the

operation.

Mold added, “We could still do better but it is getting better. The census on agriculture info coming out tomorrow will show a dramatic increase in the number of women farmers. The test sampling we did ahead of the actual release of data through USDA indicated a 25 percent increase in the number of female farmers from 2012 to 2017. And there very likely have been more the past two years.”

She credits women for being very resourceful and visionary in becoming involved in value-added agriculture. She suggested women are a big driving force behind the continual growth of organic farming. “I would argue that women were the first value-added proponents in agriculture. In earlier years, women were often taking the cream and making that into butter or cheese, then taking these items to their local grocer in exchange for other food items or household goods.

“These farm women saw sense in turning the raw commodity, be it milk or cream, into a viable consumer product of cheese and butter. And they didn’t even take their purse to their local grocery guy. He simply traded and kept a record of whether this particular farm wife owed money or they were even.”

Does Mold see women as key arbitrators in the many community challenges involving ethnic groups?

“I think women as a gender tend to bring people together and bring that sense of community into being better than men. I’m thinking that is more in their skill set than men who are so deeply involved in the production of their farming operation.”

In today’s farm households, who keeps the focus on religious unity?

“That’s an interesting question,” Mold replied. “I think both family members have a role to play. But women are more the center of religious activity within their home, their church and community.”

“All the women and a few men here today are volunteers in their own community. We expect about 230 people. We’ll have attendees from three to four of our neighboring states. All our women wear multiple hats and that’s much the role of most farm women these days.”

Mold teaches Farm and Business Management at the University of Minnesota. I asked if the young men in her classes challenge her? “They used to,” she admitted. “Ten years ago I would get challenged, but they quickly learned I knew what I was talking about. So it’s a rewarding job anymore.”

She summed up, “Participants tell us the conference has made a difference in their lives by providing them with new or improved skills; mentors to assist them in their careers; and an accessible network of other agricultural professionals. Many have told us they even started their own businesses or made improvements in their existing businesses as a result of what they learned at the conference or contacts gained through the event.”

Mold’s business card reads, “AGDAY 365” with a tote line reading, “Ag Day is Every Day.” She’s a busy lady — living and working on a farm and maintaining her own ag consulting service. She is also a dependable volunteer at the 10-day Minnesota State Fair event each year.

Mold can be reached at pastpresident@americanagriwoman.org or by calling (612) 414-7574. v

Women in ag must be willing to put themselves first

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus CHANHASSEN, Minn. — Despite the forecast of threatening weather, over 200 participants showed up at the April 10 Women’s Ag Leadership Conference at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Besides speakers and timely topics, this facility is a natural draw — regardless the season.

There’s no doubt more women are involved in agriculture than ever before. The tide is turning. The enrollment trend in agricultural colleges now shows more women than men!

Doris Mold, past President of American AgriWomen, and co-founder of this Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference 21 years ago, simply said, “The glass ceiling is getting cracked here and there in lots of ways. Women have always had key roles on family farms. But many are now involved in the operation showing up in new markets for niche crops and organic produce.”

One of the presenters at the conference was Terri Mattson, owner of Lifestyle Wellness. Mattson was gracious enough to answer a few question.

The Land: What’s your message today, Terri?

Mattson: I’m talking personnel wellness and how to take care of yourself. In today’s world, women are working so hard to keep up with everything that they forget about taking care of themselves.

The Land: Might this apply even more to farm women?

Mattson: Absolutely. Putting food on the table, keeping houses neat and laundry clean are just accepted roles for women. There’s no debate — though in the modern family today, that role is considerably expanded. Women today play an important role in taking care of our world, our economy, and the entire community structure including our churches and schools. So today I am going to remind these women that they are number-one. And that means taking a look at themselves so they better know who they are and are ready for tomorrow.

The Land: Speaking of wellness, television these days is crowded with scads of get-healthy programs.

Do they work?

Mattson: A good question. I always say, be careful of what you buy into. Virtually everything works IF

you do it the way you are supposed to do it. But not everything is at face value either. Whenever you listen to what someone else is saying, make certain they are a good quality source! You can hear anything you want to hear if you keep asking around enough.

The Land: So what are the common set-backs women make in putting their lives together these days?

Mattson: I would say forgetting that they are number one. We are so busy surrounding ourselves with other details we sort of forget about taking care of ourselves. In agriculture and farm communities, there is so much going on in their minds that they are thinking all the time about how to put that best foot forward. They need to remember they are only as good as they show up to be. So remember, good things in generally means good things out. And the only way to make that happen is to start by taking care of you.

The Land: Are you a farm kid?

Mattson: No, I grew up in Oelwein, Iowa. We had farm kids in our school. My husband grew up on a farm so I’ve had good orientation. My sister was engaged to a hired hand on a dairy farm. I have four See MATTSON, pg. 7

THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

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PAGE 7

Mattson: ‘Wellness is different for each and every one of us’ MATTSON, from pg. 6 boys. When they were kids, our ‘spring break’ was a weekend at the dairy farm. My boys would set that alarm clock … when it was time to get up and get to the barn. They just loved doing that. But as everyone knows, this dairy farming is a whole different picture when it’s your existence 7 days a week.

The Land: Where do you live now and are you selfemployed?

Mattson: Thanks for that question. Yes, I am selfemployed. I live in Eden Prairie. I’m a professional speaker and just beginning my business called Lifestyle Wellness, LLC. So I talk to people about all things wellness. I think wellness is different for each and every one of us. It isn’t particularly a weight loss issue. I want to meet you where you are and take you where you want to be. And if that’s just more body movement such as daily hikes, so be it. Or if it’s

exploring the rainbow of food for a more nutritious life style, I want to help you become the healthiest person you can be. I think everybody with just a little coaching can be the person they’ve always wanted to be. It’s no fun being on the outside looking in.

Everyone wants to be on the inside looking out at that big picture.

The Land: Is obesity a growing issue with people of all ages — especially the kids?

Mattson: I think it has become such an encouraging trend that people are waking up and doing some serious evaluations of their own personal lifestyle.

We’ve just got to be careful about how video games are dominating our lives — especially our kids. You and I are from that generation where our days were generally filled with outdoor fun with local kids. We played outside until the street lights came on. Today, if you ask young people who they are talking to on

that video game, they respond, “Oh I’ve got thousands of friends just at the touch of my fingers.” But their perspective on who their friends really are is completely different today. Getting that personalized one-on-one interaction seems to be a fleeting memory for many kids these days.

The Land: Is it important for parents to assign chores for their kids?

Mattson: I think it’s healthy for kids to have a certain amount of chores. The allowance issue is always just that … an issue. We’ve all tried. For some it works; for some it’s indeed a big joke. I think it is important that you train your kids early in their life that they are each a part of their working home. And it works the best when each has a role.

Mattson can be reached via email at Terri@ Beginning-Today.com; or by phone at (612) 308-0801. v

Isolation is a major issue for farmers’ mental health

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus CHANHASSEN, Minn. — Difficult to discuss, but farm suicide — both men and women — appears to be an increasing issue in rural America. Yes, increasing financial challenges is frequently cited as a major contributor to this growing dilemma. But there likely is an associated factor: Farming at times is a very lonely profession!

That sounds strange at first mention, but think back just a generation or two. Remember when lending a particular piece of machinery to a neighboring farmer was old hat? Or even gathering with a handful of neighbors when an accident or health issue suddenly made it impossible for a farmer to get his crop harvested? Neighbors to the rescue simply happened!

Not so today — at least not like in those ‘olden days’ when a helping hand was commonplace amongst farmers. Like it or not, the ongoing consolidations of agriculture are making farming a lonelier profession than it used to be.

Megan Roberts, one of the speakers at the April 10 Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference at Minnesota’s Landscape Arboretum, discussed the increasing frequency of mental health issues amongst farmers. “Alleviating some of the isolation farmers experience can help alleviate stress,” Roberts said.

“Maybe it’s just one person you reach out to when you’re feeling discouraged; but I rank ‘reaching out’ as the single most important thing to do when stress is bogging you down mentally.”

Roberts is Extension Educator in Agricultural Business Management at the University’s Regional Extension Office in Mankato, Minn. And that puts her in frequent contact with farmers who are struggling with the increasing financial challenges of making farming work these days.

She pointed out relationships between spouses

With so many government services for virtually every issue involving agriculture, might government also provide assistance for persons needing mental health remedies? Roberts said very definitely — starting with her office (email megan@ umn.edu; phone (320) 290-3872). But she also suggested checking the Internet. I did and here’s what I found: Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline (833) 600-2670, ext. 1 Free, confidential 24/7 service. This call center is located in Minnesota. Calls are answered by trained staff and volunteers.

If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts — call. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to somebody you don’t know.

Ted Matthews, Rural Mental Health Counselor (320) 266-2390 Ted works with farmers across the entire state. There is no cost and no paperwork involved. The service is funded by the Minnesota state legislature.

Mobile Crisis Teams Mental health crisis phone numbers are listed by county.

Available in every Minnesota county, mobile crisis team counselors can respond quickly and provide in-person, shortterm counseling or mental health services during a crisis or emergency. Calls are answered immediately 24 hours a day.

National Alliance on Mental Illness — Minnesota (651) 645-2948 Toll free: 1-888-NAMI-Helps (1-888-626-4435 Email: namihelps@namimn.org NAMI Minnesota is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families. They offer information, classes, support groups and suicide prevention training.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255 (Veterans, press 1) The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

works both ways: it can cause stress and it can alleviate stress. “But this means taking time to talk through these issues. And that means being a good listener too. I so frequently hear women saying, ‘Well I’m talking to him, but he’s not listening. Or, he seems to be listening, but five minutes later he can’t recall a word I said to him.’ Sometimes you simply have to be firm and say, ‘this time it’s your turn to listen.’ That sounds harsh, but if necessary, do it,” said Roberts.

Is this balancing of a relationship a place for your local pastor? “Yes, but it really depends upon the specific individuals,” Roberts said. “It is so important to generate conversation; to reach out to providers that you feel comfortable with. For some, it might be your family doctor. For some, it might be their pastor; or maybe an agricultural professional that is visiting your farm. The key here is reaching out. Don’t be timid. Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t be angry! Even a simple ‘I’m sorry’ can be the opener.” v

The Land office will be closed on Memorial Day

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THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

Research station is accumulating data on growing hemp

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus When talking hemp these days (and who isn’t?) lots of folks are cautiously excited. But almost without exception comes this summary comment: Yes, hemp intrigue is ramping up … but give it some time!

Dr. Burton Johnson, Plant Science Department, North Dakota State University, coordinates research efforts on minor and new crops. Hemp is on that agenda as an old crop. The research extension center in Langston, N.D. is field testing hemp. North Dakota producers have grown 3,000 acres in each of the past two years.

During an April 9 visit to his NDSU office, Johnson commented, “A lot of thoughts go through your mind when you think about a new crop. We’ve1 seen many.

They come and go. There was the Jerusalem artichokes back in the 1980s. Borage, cuphea and camelina followed with mixed success. We think of industrial hemp as a new crop, but it was grown fairly extensively during World War II when we needed the fiber for cordage and cloth. Back then, we weren’t growing hemp for the grain which is what we are primarily growing the crop for now since this is the primary current market.”

Johnson says hemp as a crop has a lot of potential.

“We have some in state processing; we have some instate markets and there are markets beyond the confines of North Dakota. The new farm bill has relaxed some of the movement of the seed that we plant as well as the grain that we sell. We’re learning more about the agronomy. We’ll get there, but it will take some time.”

Johnson also sees processing as being a major driver in hemp’s development. “The more markets we create because of processing and adding value to the crop, the more production will happen. There are a lot of products that potentially can be developed from the different parts of the plant. Many products have been developed already such as building materials from the fiber. Hemp seed is available in food products.”

Hemp seeds are a valuable source of oil with many potential uses ranging from food to fuel. The cannabinoid CBD (produced primarily in the plant’s floral structures) has reported medicinal value.

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since the psychoactive THC components is very, very low … less than 0.3 percent.

Current research by NDSU plant scientists evaluates variety performance so growers have information on which variety to select. “We source our seeds from Canada which has been doing genetic research and growing hemp since 1998. Over the past 20 years, Canadian-based industrial hemp breeding efforts have developed many good varieties that perform well in North Dakota.

“Yes, various European countries have been doing industrial hemp for several years. The crop performs differently wherever it is grown — depending upon environmental conditions. Is the Canadian hemp production light years ahead of us? No, I wouldn’t say that. I think their production has defined the primary market which is currently the seed/grain. And they continue to explore and make progress developing the fiber aspects of the plant and the fiber industry.

“The varieties we evaluate at Langdon Research Station perform just like they were grown in Canada.

Keep in mind that Langdon is only 20 miles from the Manitoba border.”

For grain production, Johnson said narrow planting rows work best because the crop is its own weed control mechanism. “Its rapid growth enables the leaf area to canopy the ground surface as quickly as possible,” Johnson explained. “And that’s good because there aren’t any labeled herbicides or pesticides to use on the crop. In essence, the crop is on its own when it comes to weed control. So rows 7 to 12 inches apart, like a solid seeded situation is what we recommend.”

Does hemp need a 90-day growing season? Johnson said at Langdon, with late May plantings, the crop is being harvested around Labor Day. Harvest is direct with straight grain headers so there is no swathing ahead of harvest with industrial hemp. “We harvest

when seeds are between 12 and 17 percent moisture,” Johnson said. “It’s important to rapidly get moisture down to 10 percent. Harvest in early September means grain drying should be accomplished at ambient air temperatures. Daytime temperatures are warm enough, so with some airflow bin drying is possible — but only with shallow bin grain depths.

Suggestions are to get the grain cart up to the farmstead right away to get air moving through the grain.

Waiting until the next morning may not be a good idea.”

Yields are measured in pounds per acre. Johnson said North Dakota yields range from 400 to 1,400 pounds per acre. Nutrient needs? Use your canola or wheat fertility management guidelines as a starting point for hemp fertilization. Since there are no herbicides labeled for use on industrial hemp, a clean seedbed is desired. “That doesn’t mean you couldn’t do a pre-plant ‘burn down’ — especially in a no-till situation,” said Johnson. But he thinks most growers would be doing a tilled seed bed in North Dakota.

Seeding rates are 20 to 25 pounds per acre. Seed costs were about $2.50 per pound just two years ago.

“They’ve gone up, but right now I can’t quote you a price,” Johnson admitted. He’s not aware of any North Dakota seed company handling industrial hemp yet, but there are seed companies beginning to handle hemp in both Minnesota and North Dakota.

2017 yield data in pounds per acre for Langdon’s four hemp varieties is as follows: CRS-1, 1,513 lbs.; Grandi, 1,443 lbs.; Joey, 1,433 lbs.; and Picolo, 1,386 lbs.

On a side note, Johnson’s wife uses hemp when making cookies and several other baked items.

Reports on hemp variety performance are available on the Langdon REC website. Johnson’s email address is Burton.Johnson@ndsu.edu. His phone number is (701) 231-8895. 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.

May 4 — Grazing Field Day — LaCrescent, Minn.

— Field day will feature a spring pasture walk. Topics include: managing farm without fertilizer, pesticides or tillage; improved forage production, water infiltration and the biological activity in soils. — Contact Alex Romano at aromano@landstewardshipproject.org or (507) 523-3366 May 7 — Transitioning to Organic Agriculture — Ames, Iowa — Farmers will focus on marketing and the promotion of goods in accordance to fair practices of the Organic Trade Association. — Contact: Erin Greazel at greazele@iastate.edu greazele@iastate. edu

May 9 — 4-H Livestock Jamboree — Pocahontas, Iowa — Adults and youth will be sharing how to care for, groom, and show their fair animal. — Contact Lisa Zeman at (712) 335-3103 or lzeman@iastate.edu May 11- 12 — Cattle Fitting Clinic — Estherville, Iowa — Cattle Fitting Clinic with McCullough Fitting Clinics offered for 4-H and FFA youth. — Contact Morgan at (712) 362-3434 or morgan1@iastate.edu May 11 — 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. — Contact (651) 645-0818

THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

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

PAGE 9

Students’ interest in gardening is teacher’s real reward

By KRISTIN KVENO garden and many other The Land Staff Writer STEM projects are partially funded from NEW ULM, Minn. grants Sletta receives.

— Beth Sletta has She “had kids help with taught almost every a lot of grants too.” grade level in elemenSletta’s excited about tary school; but it was getting her hands dirty her development of the in the soil and so are science, technology, the students. When she engineering and math needs additional help program at Jefferson in the garden before Elementary School in school, on the weekNew Ulm that started ends, etc., she puts a her on a new path of post on the STEM discovery and enrichFacebook page she crement. Her teaching of ated. Students and parSTEM has peaked and ents alike volunteer transformed students’ Photos submitted their time to keep the interests. The use of garden growing. agriculture in the Beth Sletta incorporates a heavy dose of agriculture in her STEM program curriculum.

STEM curriculum has It’s the whole gardenhad a lot to do with to-table concept which that. has been integral for Sletta. She works with Sletta initially startthe school district’s ed teaching STEM to summer child care third and fourth gradprogram. Those chilers three years ago. By dren help harvest the the next year grades fruits and vegetables first and second were in the summer. also part of the program. “I have a lot of Through a grant freedom to choose lesfrom Allina Health, sons.” Sletta tries to folSletta received cooklow what the students’ ing equipment and the homeroom teacher is students got creative are teaching. The stuin making culinary dents come to her classmasterpieces out of room once every six the garden produce. days for one hour.

“We made a chocolate For Sletta, the agri- This garden at New Ulm, Minn.’s Jefferson Elementary plays beet cake. It was really great,” Sletta said. cultural component to a key role in Slett’s teaching.

STEM is important, as Sletta is an educator, “we are an ag-based community.” but she loves that “I learn right Its valuable not only in New Ulm, with the kids.” She tells them, “let’s but for all communities as well. “I learn together.” Through trying new think everybody should know where ideas there’s success and failures. “I our food comes from,” she explained, just love giving students the tools to “where our clothes come from, learn on their own.” For Sletta “I where our energy comes from.” think we need to encourage kids to step out of their comfort zone and The garden at Jefferson try new things.”

Elementary is a key part of Sletta’s teaching, and she’s proud that it “all Many backyard gardens have started with student interest.” Sletta’s students are been started in New Ulm as the students were excitcurrently learning other ways that seeds are started. ed to come home and share what they learned with They’re making milkweed seed balls, a technique the their families and begin growing their own produce.

Japanese used to reinvigorate areas decimated by Learning can be infectious and understanding how war. As for the garden, preparations start well before food is grown great at any age. it’s time to get put the crops in the ground as Sletta Sletta received the Minnesota Agriculture in the “started a winter sowing project.” Sletta points out Classroom 2019 Outstanding Teacher Award and that “the seed will know when to start growing.” was also selected for the 2019 National Excellence in “This will be our third summer of the garden.” The

Teaching about Agriculture Award for her innovative use of agriculture in the classroom. Sletta was awarded a trip to the 2019 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Little Rock, Ark. that will be held this summer. This is the second year that Sletta attended the conference. Last year it was held in Maine. “The conference was just amazing!” she exclaimed. Educators from every level of education were in attendance. “The workshops were hands-on.”

It was a “nice network of teachers and educators.”

Sletta is looking forward learning more at this year’s conference.

While being recognized for her efforts to bring agriculture into the classroom is appreciated, for Sletta it’s the feedback she gets from her students that bring her joy. The learning that happens in the STEM classroom, the school garden and beyond have shaped the way these children view the world around them. They’re developing critical thinking skills that will help them now and for years to come. Sletta is proud to be part of that educational experience for the students of Jefferson Elementary. v

PAGE 10

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THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

Equipment is ready to go, the weather is not Brandon Fast, Mountain Lake, Minn. – April 25



Just when it seemed like conditions were good enough to get in the field, rain came and set everything back. The Land spoke with Brandon Fast on April 25 as he just had to cancel manure application that was to be done on three fields. An inch of rain fell the night before. With more rain expected for the weekend, Fast believes that planting is at least 10 days away.

The equipment is all set to go. “We do maintenance in the shop in the winter.” That allowed Fast the time this spring to work with his 75 seed and chemical customers.

In the meantime, he’s working on getting three fields tiled. Once they can get in the field, Fast’s dad, Myron, will run the cultivator and Fast will be in the planter during the day. “We don’t farm a ton, but we’re spread out 40 miles.” That kind of distance requires organization in getting the farm equipment to where it needs to go when it needs to get there. Fast’s brother Trevor and uncle, Rick will get in the field as soon as they’re done with their other jobs for the day.

This spring is certainly making it a challenge to get in the field; but Fast has farmed a long time — long enough to know that it will happen, hopefully, sooner rather than later.

From the Fields

John Haarstad, Rothsay, Minn. – April 26 It’s amazing what a couple of days of sunshine can do to lift the spirits of a farmer ready to get the crops in the ground. The Land spoke with John Haarstad on April 26 as he was happy to report that the weather had been pleasant the past few days. Though that might all change with the forecast. “I’m wondering what the weather is going to do this weekend.”

If conditions are right, planting may not be too far away for Haarstad. “I’m hopeful for a week from today.” His neighbors are doing tillage in their field but Haarstad hasn’t been out in his fields. “I haven’t started even picking rocks yet.” He’s working on finalizing paperwork and paying bills right now, trying to get that all taken care of before the hectic days of planting begin.

The forecast calls for cloudy and cooler weather next week. “It’s still April,” Haarstad said. Now if he can’t get in the field in early May, then he may start to get a little nervous. “We won’t get too excited until the 5th.”

“There’s no point in being anxious.” Haarstad has been through planting many times. “When it’s time to go, we’ll go like mad.”

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Dale Bissen, Adams, Minn. – April 26

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“We finally got working on pumping hog pits last night.” The Land spoke with Dale Bissen on April 26 as he was handling quite a few projects around the farm. One of those projects is pruning the grape vines, which he hopes to be finished within a couple of days.

As for planting, Bissen is all set. “We are ready to go.” He just needs to hook the planter up and he’s ready to get started. In the meantime, he’s been selling cattle. He has 60 to70 head yet to sell.

While Bissen isn’t in the field yet, he has neighbors that are already out planting. “We’re never the first one.”

Bissen is a school bus driver and has been dealing with the spring thaw from the driver’s seat of the bus. The frost boils that he’s encountered on the roads are the worst he’s ever seen. It’s been a bumpy spring and the roads agree.

The weather has been sunny and cool, 38 degrees in the morning. “That’s not really good corn planting weather.” Bissen has been planting for 40 years and says the planting dates don’t bother him. He knows that once field conditions are ready, he’ll be ready to plant.

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“We’re delivering seed as much as we can.” The Land spoke with Nancy Rys on April 26 as she was keeping busy while waiting for planting conditions to improve. Along with delivering seed, Rys was also getting the machinery ready. The time is right to think plant nutrients. “We’re getting in some fertilizer.”

The weather hasn’t been cooperating for Rys to get in the field and start planting. “We’re pretty wet and cold. The soil temperatures are cold.”

Always looking for the positive, Rys was thrilled to report some good news on the weather front.

“Thankfully, it looks like the system over the weekend is going south.”

For Rys, “some sun and wind goes an awful long way.”

Unfortunately, there’s none of that in the forecast. There’s cooler-than-normal temperatures and chances of rain. Though there’s no more talk of snow – for now.

Rys has farmed a long time and knows that waiting for field conditions to improve is the best thing for the crops. Until those conditions improve, Rys will stick to delivering seed and preparing for when it’s time to get in the field. “We like conditions to be right. We’ll just patiently wait.”

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THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

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

PAGE 11

Meet The Land’s 2019 ‘From The Fields’ reporters Rose City’s Dale Bissen chooses to remain optimistic Halfway between the southern Minnesota towns of Adams and Rose Creek, you’ll find the Bissen farm. Dale Bissen recalled, “started renting here in 1973.” He grew up on a farm just five miles south of there. What started with renting some acres all those years ago Dale Bissen and his son, Kim turned into buying a couple

quarters of land.

Bissen now farms with his son, Kim. They have 200 head of cattle, a custom finish hog operation that has space for 2,400 pigs, they also grow corn and soybeans.

For planting this spring, Bissen will once again “switch corn to beans, beans to corn.”

Tillage did not get done last fall, so he’ll be “doing a little more no-till on soybeans” this year. He also wasn’t able to get fertilizer down as “last fall got late.”

Bissen ideally would like to be planting by the end of April. With rain in the forecast however, it remains to be seen if that will happen.

Along with the livestock, corn and beans, Bissen also grows grapes. The vineyard is two acres in size and contains two grape varieties: Frontenac Gris and See BISSEN, pg. 14

Brandon Fast stays busy when he’s not in the field

Brandon Fast

Brandon Fast has a passion for agriculture. That’s evident within the first few minutes of speaking with him. He’s first and foremost a farmer. He and his brother, Trevor, farm 1,200 acres near Mountain Lake, Minn.

Fast is also a Mycogen Seed dealer and a Titan Pro chemical dealer. If

that wasn’t enough to keep Fast busy, he also serves as secretary for the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council board and is the vice chair of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and MCR&PC production stewardship team.

Fast knew from an early age he wanted to be involved in agriculture and has been farming since he was 19. “I’ve had ground for 25 years.” Fast farmed with his dad, Myron until Myron retired in 2017.

Fast is now partners with his brother Trevor in their farming operation. His uncle, Rick Oeltjenbruns, also farms a couple hundred acres with them.

Fast grows corn and soybeans. “We’re moving towards the two-thirds corn, one-thirds beans rotation,” he said. He decided to do more corn-on-corn this year. This will be the fifth year he planted cornSee FAST, pg. 14

All signs point to a good year for John Haarstad John Haarstad is a thirdLooking ahead to planting generation farmer and honthis spring, “we try to do someored to be carrying on his famthing new but it’s getting too ily’s farming legacy. The expensive.” The financial focus Haarstad farm is location six this year will be “putting more miles southeast of Rothsay, money into maintenance.”

Minn. “Grandpa started the For Haarstad, the ideal farm,” Haarstad’s dad then planting date? “We shoot for farmed and now Haarstad and the 20th of April.” Though he’s his brother Paul are partners “not very confident that we’ll in the farming operation. see that.” There’s rain the in The Haarstads raise corn the 10-day forecast coupled and soybeans. Looking back with lots of clouds making for at last year, harvest was a John Haarstad still has the guidance of his less-than-ideal field drying challenging one. “It was a bit 91-year-old grandpa (left). conditions. of a struggle” as they had to In addition to farming, Haarstad and his brother switch between combining corn and beans a few have an excavating business. Paul runs it and has times. one full-time employee. Haarstad and his dad “help

out when we can.” Last year was their first year owning the business, and it was a “very good year.” They also have a sign business. The business involves taking city, state, county and township signs, stripping the reflective material off the signs then returning them so that new reflective material can be put on.

As busy as Haarstad is with farming and his other businesses, he’s first and foremost a proud father and husband. He’s been married to wife, Angela, for 18 years. They have three children: Kaden, 14; Hailey, 12 and Isaac, 7.

As spring’s work preparations are underway, “I have to go into planting confident. I don’t really have a choice.” He feels that in terms of prices, “I don’t see any reason to rebound as we’re growing such good crops.” Farming is filled with unknowns, but what is known is that Haarstad is looking forward to getting into the field and getting the crop planted. v

Diversity is the name of the game for the Rys family farm Nancy Rys wears many hats in the agricultural industry: farmer, grain elevator owner, Pioneer Seed dealer and does all of that with immense enthusiasm and pride. Rys, husband, Tom; daughter, Cami and son-in-law Joe, farm 1,600 acres in Pine County, Minn. near the town of Rock Creek.

Rys grew up in Harris, Minn. on a farm 20 miles south of where she now lives. In addition to farming, her “family was in the implement business.” It was

through that business that Rys met her husband — town. It’s not that way here.” The Ryses started drythus starting their adventure in farming together. ing corn for other farmers and now have 20 to 25 The partnership grew as Cami and Joe, “came into small farmers who store their corn and soybeans the operation in 2011.” Joe “grew up on a dairy farm there. They’re currently at capacity as they have and his family was in the excavation business.” enough storage for 317,000 bushels. Having their In addition to growing soybeans and corn, the Rys own grain elevator is “unique to the area.” family has sold Pioneer Seed for 19 years. They also Looking ahead to planting, “we’re kind of sticking saw a need in the community for grain storage. “In to our standard rotation,” which is 50/50 corn and southern Minnesota, there’s a grain elevator in every See RYS, pg. 14

PAGE 12

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This miniature farm garden is just one of the many displays highlighting Bill and Helene Dykstra’s showcase south of Willmar, Minn.

By RICHARD SIEMERS The Land Correspondent BLOMKEST, Minn. — Anyone who has visited the gardens of Bill and Helene Dykstra goes away refreshed in spirit and filled with wonder that two people could accomplish such a feat.

Bill and Helene Dykstra

“We’ve always had large gardens,” Bill said. Raising five children, the early gardens featured mostly vegetables, which they sold at the farmers market in Willmar. Even then, Bill was planting large floral scenes of American flags, farms, and trains along the road.

The vegetable gardens diminished as

See DYKSTRA, pg. 13 There are ponds with water lilies and lotus, miniature gardens with succulents, and thousands of annuals and perennials planted in rock gardens and reaching back into the grove behind their house — all interspersed with a gazebo and other points of interest.

They have a daughter in a wheelchair, so all of it is wheelchair accessible on paths of crushed granite.

The Dykstras have lived 40 years on their acreage south of Willmar, Minn., near the unincorporated village of Red impatiens stand out among this Roseland. bed of coleus.

THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

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

PAGE 13

Plants are selected for wind tolerance, drought resistance DYKSTRA, from pg. 12

Birch trees and caladium line this walking path. the children grew and left, and Bill and Helene began to move the flowers in closer where they could enjoy them. From there, it just grew.

Bill has two greenhouses where he typically starts 20,000 annuals from seed and plugs. This past winter he lost one greenhouse to the snow, so he’s down to about 18,000 plants this year. When the frost danger has passed, all 18,000 are transplanted to the gardens. He is especially fond of lanta-

nas, salvia, and coleus, and last year tried a new annual — popcorn plant. The name comes not from the yellow blossoms but from the scent of buttered popcorn exuded when the leaves are rubbed.

“We have a lot of wind, so I like plants that will take wind, don’t need a lot of deadheading, and that will take drought,” said Bill.

“Typically, if we have a dry spell, I wouldn’t consider watering unless it doesn’t rain for six weeks.”

He also plants 100 bags with wax begonias — a flower he says is very forgiving even when it is not wellwatered. That’s important because 50 of those bags spiral around a tree trunk, and the top ones can only be watered by spraying with a Rock gardens and ponds provide contrast to the thousands of hose. flowering plants in the Dykstras’ collection.

The rocks on the place have all All of the walls are freestanding. Other rocks serve been hauled in by Bill, from farmers who let him raid as ornaments in the garden plots. their rock piles. That all started with a fireplace.

In 2000, a small tornado came through and took a “We had put an addition on the house,” Helene said.

“Our son built the fireplace out of stones Bill hauled lot of the big trees out of the grove, so they began in. Then he added ponds and it just kind of kept grow- extending the garden located in the back of the house. ing. We’d give him rocks and he would make walls.”

See DYKSTRA, pg. 14

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THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

Garden visitors are encouraged to donate for wheelchairs DYKSTRA, from pg. 13 Bill said it takes about five weeks to transplant all of the annuals. The soil has to be turned by hand since he can’t use a tiller among the rocks. Helene starts a month before to clean out the rocks. She’s a stickler for neatness, so debris doesn’t accumulate. She also creates miniature gardens with succulents and figurines in a variety of containers and among the rocks.

Once everything is planted, then comes the weeding. They don’t use spray; all is done by hand.

“When it gets overbearing, I think of what I’m doing it for. I’m doing it for Guatemala,” said Helene.

While the Dykstras love the beauty, their gardens serve a larger purpose. There is a mission in Guatemala that has camps for people in wheelchairs, and the Dykstras support it with money to buy wheelchairs.

Small groups can schedule luncheons to go with their tour of the garden. Helene bakes fresh buns and serves salads made with their fresh garden vegetables. There is no charge, but people are invited to make a donation, with all money going for wheelchairs in Guatemala.

“It’s kind of to make sense of all this madness,” Helene said, suggesting that beauty for beauty’s sake is fine, but the work is more worthwhile when it has a larger purpose.

By the time the tours begin, the plants are big enough to shade out weeds and they are able to relax a little and enjoy their visitors. While Helene oversees the luncheons, Bill is working the vegetable gardens, where he staggers plantings so fresh vegetables are available all season for the salads.

In the fall they pull out all of the annuals, take in the miniature gardens, and cut back all of the perennials.

If you ask why he doesn’t save labor and fill the gardens with perennials, Bill will tell you that the perennials blooming time is brief. With annuals, he will have color in the garden until frost.

“I’ve always enjoyed doing gardens,” Bill said. “As long as I’m getting carried away, I want to make it worthwhile.”

Bill is 75 this year, Helene is 70, and they show no inclination to slow up. In fact, Helene has been cleaning out more of the grove. But they don’t intend to plant annuals there. They’ve planted ferns and will leave it with a more natural look.

The Dykstras freely talk about all the physical labor it takes, but never as though it was a chore.

Somehow the pleasure they derive from the gardens, and from seeing other people’s pleasure, shields them from thinking of it as a herculean task. Plus they know it will also yield more wheelchairs for Guatemala.

The gardens are there for people to enjoy, and folks often drop in and walk around. Only if you want a luncheon or a formal tour do you need to schedule ahead. July to September are the times to view.

“We like to share it,” Helene said.

“It’s a lot of work and there are a lot of things to look at and we enjoy it all, so we like people to come and enjoy it.”

The address for the gardens is 20201 37th Street SW, Blomkest, Minn. For information on tours and luncheons or other questions, you can reach the Dykstras at (320) 978-8622 or helenedykstra49@gmail.com. v

‘From The Fields’ reporters will share crop progress RYS, from pg. 11 beans. Rys is hopeful for a good start to the planting season as last fall was a challenge. “We were pretty wet all through harvest.” The goal was to be done by Thanksgiving, “I think we froze up a week before.”

Rys expects to be planting by May 1. “If we can be in the fields the last week of April, it’s a blessing.”

Life on the Rys farm is a family affair. Pitching in are: (front) Melia and Milo; (back, left to right) Macie, Nancy, Tom, Cami and Joe.

After the cold, cruel, snow-filled winter, this spring’s gentle thaw has done wonders for optimism for a wonderful growing season. While, “the farm economy is always on our mind.” Rys expects that there’s going to be some marketing opportunities this growing season. “I think we’re optimistic.” With fields drying out thoughts turn to getting the crop in the ground on time with hope for an excellent growing season and profitable harvest. v BISSEN, from pg. 11 Marquette. Growing grapes is labor intensive, and it starts right now for Bissen as he was busy pruning when The Land spoke with him. Bissen sells his grapes to Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery in Spring Valley, Minn. Last year Bissen “probably had one of the best crops ever.” Bissen is looking forward to seeing if this year’s grape crop will be just as good.

In addition to his son, Bissen and his wife Sandy have four other adult children. Bissen and his wife built a house in Rose Creek six years ago and moved off the farm. He admits he spends the majority of his time at the farm.

Thinking positive is the name of the game for Bissen and that’s true when he talks about the trade issues with China. He knows that there needs to be a good deal made and he’s thinks that deal will happen. “Most farmers are optimist. Otherwise we wouldn’t be doing it.” v

FAST, from pg. 11 on-corn on part of his ground. Fast feels that corn’s higher yields make this an easy choice.

Fast is reducing some of the seed trait technology he’s using this year. “We backed off on traits on seed to save a few dollars.” Overall though, its business as usual in terms of agronomic decisions for this planting and growing season. “We’re staying the course.

You got to spend money to make money.”

Fast’s wife Kristina helps with the books on the farm as well as works in the Farm Service Agency’s state office.

Trevor’s wife Crystal is a fourth grade teacher.

They have three children.

Fast has some concerns going into this planting season. “We’re definitely cautious.” Some of those concerns are the low prices, tariff issues, African swine fever and the ethanol plant waivers. “Small refinery waivers are absolutely killing us.”

Last year’s crops were a struggle. “We were farming for crop insurance.” But this is a new year and Fast is eager to get out there and get the crop in the ground. “We’re ready to go.” v

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PAGE 15

Great flavor at a barbecue — pork with fat on it

After a long Minnesota winter, spring is here at last. Long sunny days, warmer weather, and all the trees and grass are coming back to life, turning green. Great weather for that first barbecue of the season!

As you start up the charcoal, ready to prepare that first cookout of the season for family and friends, take a moment to think about the food that will be served and the lessons we’ve been taught over time — and to what extent, if any, they make sense.

Over the past couple of decades, the UniversityofMinnesota message we’ve conEXTENSION sistently heard is that if we are going to eat meat at all, it should be lean; because the fat in meat is more detrimental to our health than other fats. Pork fat (both rendered and un-rendered pork fat are called lard) is often condemned as the worst culprit of the bunch. We’ve heard it often enough that we accept the message as gospel that “fat is bad.” Yet we crave the flavor and sense of satisfaction that fat gives us — and rightly so, because it should be a portion of our diet, though the actual amount is still debated. (In fact, new research has determined that it is the amount of sugar in our diet that may be making us fat and increasing our risk for disease. Our body can only use so much sugar at one time and excess sugar is converted into saturated fat so our body can store it.)

So off we go to purchase the fixings for the party, and what do we buy? For appetizers, we’ll have chips and dip (loaded with fat), part of the main course will be lettuce salad with dressing (loaded with fat), and we’ll finish up the meal with a nice bowl of gourmet ice cream (loaded with fat).

And the main course for this fat-laden extravaganza? Lean meat. If there is some logic in that I approach, I fail to see it.

I am a fan of cooking meats on the grill that are easier to manage, and are loaded with flavor as well. Much of the good flavor, especially with barbecued pork, comes from the fat attached to it. Fat brings flavor to life. Give me shoulder steaks or roasts, or ribs any day compared to other leaner cuts of meat. I SWINE & U end up with a tasty, juicy, tender chunk of meat, even if it is

By Diane DeWitte cooked more than medium. As and Wayne Martin luck would have it, the shoulder meats tend to be cheaper cuts as well, so I win again.

Of course, this approach goes against the message we’ve been hearing for years, that lard and fat consumption is something to minimize or avoid altogether. However, recent evidence suggests that lard may not be quite the villain as portrayed. Lard is high in the monounsaturated fat, oleic acid, up to 50 to 60 percent. This is the same fatty acid that is found in olive oil (70 percent Oleic acid) and a main fat in the Mediterranean diet. Dr. Doug Bibus, a regular consumer of pork and noted fatty acid expert, refers to pork as “the olive oil of the Midwest.” I told this to graduate students from Spain, and they responded by saying, “In Spain, we call pigs olive oil with legs.”

Oleic acid is also the predominant storage form of fat energy in humans. The body converts it to fuel, and it helps absorb nutrients — particularly calcium and vitamins. By the way, lard is not only rich in monounsaturated fat, but it is also a good source of Vitamin D. It also contains no trans-fats, which are currently indicated as the fats to avoid. (Transfats may be in the chips and dip, salad dressing and ice cream you purchased to go with the lean meat barbecue.) In 2006 New York City restaurants were banned from using trans-fats in foods they prepared. A recent paper published in the American

SWINE & U

USDA loans for natural disasters ST. PAUL — Minnesota agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture physical loss loans. Farmers who incurred losses caused by blizzard, excessive snow, excessive rain and high winds which occurred between Jan. 28 through March 23 should contact their local FSA office. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock.

Applications are due Dec. 9.

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replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.

For more information on FSA disaster assistance programs or to find your local USDA Service Center visit https://www.farmers.gov/recover.

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

Journal of Public Health reported the trans fatty acid levels in the blood of New York City residents decreased 57 percent between 2004 and 2014.

To add to the discussion, and to strengthen the argument for reasonable, moderate intake of animal fats, research has been conducted on people of southwest France who eat pork on a regular basis — including the lard in considerable portions. If pork fat is truly detrimental to human health, the rate of cardiovascular disease in that region should reflect that fact. Yet people there have the lowest rate of heart disease in France, a country where heart disease is lower than Britain or the United States.

It should be noted that because of these recent research discoveries, the message about dietary fat has significantly changed. Current dietary guidelines and food labels no longer track total fat intake largely because science linking fat intake to disease is not as strong as we once thought. In fact, some studies have recently reported no relationship between how much fat we eat and dying from heart disease.

So as you light up the charcoal, don’t hesitate to put on pork that has a little more fat on it, and enjoy a meal that is loaded with flavor — almost guilt-free. (You’ve got to have a little guilt.) We need to enjoy life’s journey. What better way to do so than eating really good food?

Wayne Martin is an Extension educator specializing in Alternative Livestock Systems. He can be reached at marti067@umn.edu.

Diane DeWitte is an Extension educator focused on swine. She can be reached at stouf002@umn.edu. v

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PAGE 16

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THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Cool weather could boost corn

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* soybeans/change*

Stewartville Edgerton Jackson Janesville Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye

$3.18 -.02 $3.38 .00 $3.55 +.06 $3.43 +.05 $3.18 -.03 $3.20 -.04

$7.59 -.33 $7.69 -.34 $7.71 -.39 $7.68 -.45 $7.59 -.36 $7.62 -.39

Grain Angles

Things to remember during volatile times

The following marketing analysis is for the week ending April 26.

CORN — Nothing changed as we returned from the Easter holiday with plentiful world supplies, U.S. commodities not competitive with South America, no trade agreements in place, and no one panicking over planting weather.

Funds continued to add to their record net short position which pushed nearby corn prices to fresh contract lows. The May corn contract traded below the December 2018 contract low, hitting $3.42.25 per bushel. Decent weekly export sales and a cooler, wetter early May forecast bounced prices off the new low PHYLLIS NYSTROM for a higher daily close on fund CHS Hedging Inc. short covering.

St. Paul The week closed on a strong note, but still showed a loss for the third week in a row. The run-up in the U.S. dollar to nearly two-year highs, and plunging Argentine and Brazilian currencies, also lent pressure to the agricultural sector.

Weekly export sales were good at 30.7 million bushels. We are still 9 percent behind last year’s pace with 1.79 billion bushels of commitments. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is calling for a 5.7 percent decline in year-on-year exports. We need to average 22 million bushels of sales per week to achieve the USDA’s outlook. We normally have 87 percent of the USDA forecast sold by this time, but this year we are only at 78 percent. The USDA’s target is 2.3 billion bushels of exports. New crop sales were just 100,000 bushels. Total new crop commitments are 80 million bushels, slightly ahead of last year’s 77.2 million bushels.

Weekly ethanol production fell 32,000 barrels per day to 1.05 million bpd. Stocks were up 71,000 barrels to 22.75 million barrels. Net margins improved 2 cents to 3 cents per gallon.

Corn planting in the United States as of April 21 was 6 percent complete compared to 12 percent on average. The April 29 report is expected to show progress to 15-18 percent complete vs. 27 percent on average. We usually have about 49 percent of the crop planted by the week of May 5.

China’s corn imports in March jumped a massive

The livestock markets have seen an increase in volatility in the past few weeks as both cattle and hog prices have moved rapidly — sometimes in opposite directions. With the week ending April 26, both the cattle complex and the hog markets were showing an apparent top in prices in both the cash and futures. This created an interesting finish to the month of April.

As for the cattle market, the recent break in prices has been dominated by the futures market which has moved from a premium to cash to now a discount.

Cash prices have really remained fairly steady, but with small downward drift during the past JOE TEALE several weeks. On the futures Broker side, the commodity funds — Great Plains Commodity which were extremely long the Afton, Minn. market — began to liquidate their positions and this virtually collapsed the futures market for several days. The other factor that stopped the futures market rise in prices was the release of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Monthly Cattle Feed report. Released a week earlier, the report indicated more placement during the month of March than anticipated. This halted the buying in the futures, but had little effect on the cash trade.

Beef cutouts have been fairly stable, but are showing signs of a weakening in the weeks ahead. The export market has been a plus for the cash trade; but as more cattle are marketed, this may produce a softer overall tone to the cattle market. At the writing of article, the futures market is currently over-

Historically, farming has been a high capital, low margin business, where holding working capital and little equity gain is the norm. The current agriculture economy, however, is facing several challenging issues which require some creative navigation.

Between trade concerns, tariffs, tight margins, African swine fever and wet weather, Midwest producers are facing many obstacles out of their control.

It’s easy to compare ourselves to those around us, but it’s important to remember every operation is different. Resources, goals, family relationships, land quality and other factors vary greatly from one farm to the ERIC MADSEN next. You may see your peers or AgStar Assistant neighbors purchasing new equipVice President ment, putting up a new shop or Mankato, Minn. updating a grain facility. However, try not put too much energy or thought into what others are doing. Instead, focus inward to improve areas in your own operation.

Some fortunate operations seem to be running effectively on all cylinders with little to no debt, a high percentage of owner equity and land that is free and clear. This provides more flexibility and greater opportunity for growth and expansion. Additionally, solid businesses likely have more tolerance for measured risk.

On the other hand, an operation with 50 percent or lower owner equity is more risk-sensitive, leading to fewer options. Achieving and maintaining good financial reporting numbers demonstrates your ability to manage your business, making your lender more inclined to support you in working toward your next goal or initiative.

When producers are habitually tight on working capital, have land that is highly-financed or a fair amount of equipment financing, there isn’t much room for negative returns — resulting in much less refinancing flexibility.

What had been $2.00 to $2.50 corn on the Chicago Board of Trade is now $3.50 to $4.00, and soybeans have adjusted from about $5.00 to now about $9.00 to $9.50. I want to emphasize however, although the numbers may have changed, the overall net return to the farm operator remains relatively unchanged.

The Farm Business Management data — which is compiled every year — is a wealth of information

See NYSTROM, pg. 17

See TEALE, pg. 18

See MADSEN, pg. 17

Average:

$3.32

$7.65

Year Ago Average: $3.34 $9.65 Grain prices are effective cash close on April 30. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Livestock Angles Markets slowing as futures dip

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

THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

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

PAGE 17

Daily trading limit for soybeans changed on May 1 NYSTROM, from pg. 16 561 percent from a year ago to 420,000 metric tons.

First quarter corn imports were up 76 percent from a year ago at 980 tmt. Increasing demand from ethanol and poultry producers is anticipated to kick up China’s corn imports to 5 million metric tons in 201920, according the U.S. ag attaché.

Argentina’s corn harvest is 28 percent complete, slightly ahead of the 27 percent average. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange left their corn production outlook unchanged at 46 mmt. A Reuters poll this week estimated Brazil’s safrinha corn crop at a record 68.43 mmt, — up from the March survey estimate of 66.22 mmt.

The Commitment of Traders report as of April 23 showed funds held a record net short in corn of 334,300 contracts.

Outlook: The weather may finally be a friend to prices with a wet, cool forecast for the first week of May. However, this doesn’t help us get the crop in the ground. Funds were moderate buyers late in the week, but the Commitment of Traders report as of April 23 showed them with a record net short. There is still a tremendous amount of corn in the growers’ hands that will need to move before the next crop is ready to harvest. South American crops are big. The window gets smaller to move those bushels every day. We need demand (China?) and/or Mother Nature to provide an opportunity to catch up on sales. For the week, July corn declined 6 cents to $3.61.25 after setting a new contract low of $3.42.25 per bushel.

The December 2019 corn contract fell 5.5 cents to $3.80.75 per bushel after trading as low as $3.71.75 per bushel. When looking at old crop, don’t forget about new crop. The December 2020 contract settled at $4.10.75 per bushel.

The next World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report on May 10 will include a change.

The world balance sheets will break China out separately — showing world totals minus China. We will also get the first 2019-20 marketing year balance sheets.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans essentially followed the same pattern as corn this week, but were unable to bounce late in the week on weather concerns. If acres

MARKETING can’t be planted to corn, it may mean more soybean acres. Funds were sellers of soybeans, sending nearby prices to their lowest point since September. On the latest Commitment of Traders report as of April 23, funds were just 500 contracts shy of holding a record net short in soybeans. They were net short 146,200 contracts on the COT report.

Weak currencies in South America kept U.S. supplies uncompetitive for what little demand is available. Argentina’s peso fell to a new low against the U.S. dollar. At one point, trading of the peso was temporarily halted by the Central Bank to restore order. Farmers there are said to be holding soybeans as a hedge against inflation — selling corn if they need to.

Trade chatter once again suggested a trade deal with China was getting closer, but we have yet to see any concrete agreements. The best guess is a late May or June time frame for a deal. At this juncture, it seems too little, too late to be of much help for this year’s balance sheets. The United States is also working on trade agreements with Japan and the European Union, although the EU is excluding agriculture in the talks.

China imported 4.9 mmt of soybeans in March with 1.5 mmt coming from the United States. This was about half of what they bought from us in March of last year. They satisfied over 56 percent of their bean imports in March from Brazil. China’s Vegetable Oil Industry Association is expecting China’s soybean imports for 2018-19 to fall to 85 mmt vs. the USDA’s 88 mmt projection.

China reported this week that 1 million pigs have been culled since August. The number of sows in March was down 21 percent from a year ago. They predict the price of live hogs in the fourth quarter will hit new historical highs. China’s Ministry of Ag reported as of the end of March, they had 375 million sows, pigs, and piglets vs. 428 million at the end of December. Many in the trade feel China’s hog losses are greatly underreported.

Weekly export sales were within estimates at 21.9

million bushels. Total old crop commitments stand at 1.65 billion bushels, down 17 percent from last year.

The USDA is forecasting a 12 percent cut in exports year-on-year. We need to average 12.4 million bushels of sales per week to hit the USDA’s 1.875-billionbushel projection. Total sales are just 88 percent of the USDA forecast compared to 96 percent on average. New crop sales were 900,000 bushels, bringing total commitments to 29.3 million bushels vs. 168.2 million last year. There were no new pork sales reported to China in this week’s report.

Argentina’s soybean harvest is nearly 51 percent complete. The BAGE kept their soybean production forecast at 55 mmt while the Rosario Grain Exchange raised their number to 56 mmt. There has been some chatter that Argentina is having problems making protein levels. Brazil has sold 290 tmt of soybeans to Mexico from February through April, up from 120 tmt last year in the same time frame.

Outlook: Just a repeat of last week, only more so. A poor close for the week with July soybeans collapsing to $8.67, down 27.25 cents and the November contract falling 25.75 cents to $8.87.75 per bushel.

Delayed corn planting will bring up talk of more switching of acres to soybeans. Weak South American currencies keep us uncompetitive for what little demand there is. African swine fever is cutting China’s feed demand, and this is a situation that will not be solved quickly. Sorry to be so negative, but until funds want to take profit and reduce their short positions, it will be difficult to hold any substantial rally.

The daily trading limit for soybeans will change from 60 cents to 65 cents per bushel beginning May 1. Limits are reevaluated twice a year on May 1 and Nov. 1.

Nystrom’s Notes: Contract changes for the week ended April 26: Minneapolis May wheat tumbled 17.75 cents lower to $5.11.75, Chicago was only off 5.75 cents at $4.42.5 and Kansas City dropped 18.25 cents to $4.07.5 per bushel. The Kansas Wheat Quality Tour is the week of April 29. Crude oil for the week was down 77 cents at $63.30, ULSD was 2 cents lower, RBOB rallied 2.75 cents, and natural gas gained 7.5 cents. v

Knowing your numbers is key factor in dealing with economy MADSEN, from pg. 16 and helps support this concept. Breakeven numbers, in particular, can vary greatly across operations. The latest data (collected for 2019) is now available on their website. The information and tools they provide allow you to see how your operation compares to others in your area.

Industry experts, marketers and lenders frequently discuss the importance of knowing your numbers, which may result in some eye-rolling. But it truly is one of the key factors differentiating top producers

from the rest. Additionally, tracking your numbers, and updating them frequently, is one aspect you can control no matter what the economy is doing. This foundation is the basis for decisions that will keep your operation on track or continue its’ success.

Important metrics related to knowing your numbers include: commodity breakeven prices; the level of crop insurance that’s right for you; amortizing loans to fit cash flow; and succession or retirement planning strategies.

We can’t control commodity prices, the weather or

political issues, but we can control our attitudes and how we run our business. In order to retain our farm lifestyle, we need to be students of our business for continual improvement. Learning to focus on what we can influence — not dwelling on what’s happening on the other side of the fence — will lead to a culture and business positioned to advance.

Eric Madsen is a Financial Office at Compeer Financial with over 20 years of experience serving clients in the Ag industry. For additional insights from Eric and the Compeer team, visit Compeer.com. v

PAGE 18

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THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

Cash dairy prices mixed to close out month of April This column was written for the marketyear ago. ing week ending April 26.

The “other” cheese category climbed to U.S. milk production in March fell below 565.9 million pounds, up 12.9 million that of a year ago for the first time in six pounds or 2.3 percent from February and years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 36.9 million or 7.0 percent above a year preliminary 50-state data put output at ago.

18.9 billion pounds, down 0.4 percent The total cheese inventory stood at 1.38 from March 2018. Output in the top 23 billion pounds, up 14.6 million pounds or 1 producing states was at 17.8 billion percent from February and 57.2 million MIELKE MARKET pounds, down 0.1 percent. Revisions lowpounds or 4.3 percent above a year ago WEEKLY ered the original February total by 37 and the 53rd consecutive month stocks

By Lee Mielke million pounds, to 16.0 billion pounds, up topped a year ago. just 0.4 percent from February 2018.

FC Stone stated in its April 23 March cow numbers in the 50 Early Morning Update, “The March states totaled 9.34 million head. This Milk Production number appears to is down 10,000 from February, 86,000 below a year garner more attention than the Cold Storage report ago, and the ninth consecutive month cow numbers as market participants will want to see how April were below a year ago since May 2016. Output per inventory numbers stack up with Easter falling 20 cow managed to climb to 2,024 pounds, which is up days later this year than 2018. We’ll also need to get 10 pounds from a year ago and the 41st consecutive a look at what overall product production looked like month of gain. for March, which we won’t see until the first week of The USDA’s latest Livestock Slaughter report May.” shows dairy cow culling picked up in March and was Cash dairy prices were mixed the last full week of well above March 2018. An estimated 302,400 head April. The cheddar blocks closed April 26 at $1.6850 were slaughtered under federal inspection in March, per pound, up 1.75 cents on the week and 6.5 cents up 23,500 head from February and 15,500 or 5.4 per- above a year ago. The barrels, after losing 10.25 cents cent above a year ago. The three-month total stands the previous week, rallied this week to finish at at 879,800 head, up 42,500 or 5.1 percent from the $1.63. This is 11.5 cents higher on the week and same time a year ago.

14.25 cents above a year ago. Twenty-one cars of The USDA’s annual Livestock Slaughter Summary block were sold on the week at the Chicago Mercantile shows 3.15 million head of dairy cows exited the Exchange (the highest total since early November business in 2018, up 164,600 head from 2017 or 5.5 2018) and 19 of barrel. percent. The cull number in 2018 was up 102,700 Cheese demand reports were mixed this week, head from 2017 or 3.6 percent. according to Dairy Market News. A number of n Midwestern producers suggest demand is growing The USDA’s latest Cold Storage report shows seasonally while others say orders have yet to pick March 31 butter stocks totaled 270.2 million pounds. up. Milk availability is balanced to short, compared This is up 26.7 million pounds or 11.0 percent from to recent years and spot milk prices ranged from $1 February; but 3.8 million pounds or 1.4 percent over to $1 under Class. Most contacts continue to run on internally sourced milk. With fewer spot milk below those in March 2018. offers in general and cheese plant managers opting American-type cheese, which includes cheddar, to ebb production schedules since the last half of totaled 784.6 million pounds, up 1.4 million pounds 2018 when possible, regional contacts report a generfrom February but 18 million or 2.3 percent above a ally balanced cheese inventory — unlike national

MARKETING

Hog market may have topped out TEALE, from pg. 16 sold and could bounce in the near future; but overall, it appears the market is more than likely going to drift lower in all aspects. So producers should keep a close eye on the conditions effect on the market and protect inventories as needed.

The hog market, which has been on a furious rally this spring, has now what appears to be at some sort of a top. Cash and futures have sharply higher during that period in response to the African swine fever breakout in several Asian countries and in particular China. This has seen an active export of pork to China, which has ignited the strong rally this spring.

However, as the month of April comes to a close, both the futures and cash markets have turned lower as both markets were very overbought. It is not unusual to experience this type of activity after such a rapid rise in prices.

If the outbreak of ASF continues, the corrective action may be short-lived and prices may once again firm in response. On the other hand, if the demand for pork both domestic and foreign begins to wane, one would start to believe that a top has been made.

This will all be determined in the weeks ahead, so producers should be very cognizant of current market conditions and protect inventories as required. v

inventories which remain a concern for the longterm market.

Western cheesemakers continue to receive plenty of milk and are busy making cheese. Some are running at or near full schedules while others are more cautious.

Contracted cheese sales and offers of specialty cheeses seem to be moving well, but buyers are hesitant to take additional loads. Contacts relay overall demand is uninspiring. Cheese stocks are ample, but not burdensome. “Manufacturers hope the warming weather and outdoor festivities can resurrect the appetite for cheese as part of the backyard barbeque or picnic,” says Dairy Market News. n Butter traders, surprised by the larger-thanexpected Cold Storage data, took the CME price down to $2.2550 on April 24, but it closed on April 26 at $2.27. This is down 1.25 cents on the week and 9 cents below a year ago with 26 sales on the week.

Cream supplies bound for the churns were mixed this week. Some plants have already noted tightness.

Others say they took on cream at prices similar to last week. That said, most expect it to tighten soon as bottlers move nearer to wrapping up school system orders. Production schedules are mixed from plant to plant. Bulk butter is somewhat available according to brokers, while producers suggest demand has generally matched supplies — particularly in the 82 percent butterfat variety headed for the export market. Unsurprising to anyone in the industry, butter market tones remain “resolute,” according to Dairy Market News.

Butter inventories in the west continue to build, but not at a fast pace. A lot of cream is moving to ice cream, so butter makers are not receiving the cream offers of previous weeks. But they still have enough for churning. Food service has started putting in butter replacement orders since their holiday stocks have cleared, so butter sales are generally good.

Some sellers are reevaluating holiday retail sale volumes to plan near-term retail demand. The expectation is that sales will be strong in the coming months and butter makers are preparing for it.

Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk had a good week — climbing to $1.04 per pound on April 26. This is the highest CME price since Jan. 15, up 4 cents on the week and 19.75 cents above a year ago. Fourteen cars found new homes on the week.

The spot dry whey closed April 26 at 32.75 cents per pound, down 1.25 cents on the week, but 1.75 cents above a year ago. Nineteen sales were reported on the week.

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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100+/- acres, can be split, 80 FAST side dress applicator acres cropland, some pas- 24R22” or 16R30”, 1600 gal ture, 50x48 heated shop, tank, $21,000. Olivia MN 320grain bin setup, woodland, 523-1099 wildlife. Call Scott 507-339FOR SALE: Fantini chopping 1302 8R & 12R CH; 70’ Elmer Sell your land or real estate in drag, Merritt alum hopper 30 days for 0% commission. grain trailers; 24R30” JD pl Call Ray 507-339-1272 on Kinze bar; Big A floater; 175 Michigan ldr; IH 964 Real Estate CH; White 706 & 708 CH & parts; White plows & parts; Wanted 54’ 4300 IH field cultivator; WANTED: Land & farms. I JD 44’ field cult; 3300 Hinihave clients looking for ker field cult; header trailer. dairy, & cash grain opera- 507-380-5324 tions, as well as bare land parcels from 40-1000 acres. FOR SALE: ‘75 JD 7520 tracBoth for relocation & invest- tor 4x4; ‘95 JD 12R30” front ments. If you have even fold vac planter, liq fert, thought about selling con- herb, insect, monitor, Vetter tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & row cleaners; JD 28’ digger; Land Specialist, Edina Re- JD 3600 6x18 onland plow; alty, 138 Main St. W., New White ripper. 507-276-3654 Prague, MN 55372.

FOR SALE: JD 16R30” plantpaulkrueger@edinarealty.com er, 500 gal fertilizer tank, (612)328-4506 scale; 36’ JD field cultivator, completely gone through, new shovels; 7830 tractor, Feed Seed Hay FWA, low hrs. 507-525-0634 ALFALFA, mixed hay, grass hay & feed grade wheat straw, medium square or round bales, delivery available.

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FOR SALE: ‘01 JD 8110, 2WD, 5k hrs, new 480x46; ‘02 WilRich V957DDR 7 shank ripper, 26” blades. Both excellent condition. 507-478-4221 FOR SALE: 4 Tractor Tires with rims, duals 380/90R50 GY tires, 75% tread, nice, off JD tractor, $4,500. Please call 507-847-2710 FOR SALE: 5100 8R fold 30” White planter; IH 8R 30” fold cultivator; IH 45 vibra shank digger, 18.5’ with a Nobles mulcher. 507-439-6889 FOR SALE: Case IH 560 manure spreader, excellent condition, always shedded, $3,500/OBO. 320-583-6824

Farm Equipment

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Tractors

Harms Mfg. Land Rollers, FOR SALE: 2001 440 Case Brand New. 12’-$6,800; STX tractor, 4490 hours, 14’-$7,000; 16’-$7,800; 24’- guidance system, P.S., 4 hy$14,800; 32’-$17,500; 42’- draulics, triples, 520-85R42s, $20,500. Others from 8’-62’. front 6 are brand new. 218715-234-1993 437-8120

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IH 756 gas tractor, 3pt, FOR SALE: JD 8300, good Tractor/Trailer Experience Needed 18.4x38, fenders, $4,750; rubber all around w/ duals, JD 1710 12x30 3pt planter, $50,000. 507-744-2472 liq fert, Mudsmith gauge Looking for something special? whls, TW, 250 mon, $9,750; Put a line ad in The Land and find it!

CALL 800-533-1564 X 205 • WWW.MCFGTL.COM JD 9300 20’ press drill w/ Call 507-345-4523 grass seeder, $2,750; JD 980 44’ field cult w/ JD harrow, $6,900; JD 400 30’ hyd fold, HAY TOOLS USED TRACTORS rotary hoe, $4,500; Parker ‘03 Versatile 2310, PS ..................................... $82,000 New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND 510 grain cart, 24.5x32 tires, ‘12 Buhler 280...............................................$109,000 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT $5,900. 320-769-2756 NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader.. ...... On Hand

McFarland Truck Lines

IH 2350 Mount-O-Matic Loader with Quick tach and 7’ material bucket, $3,750.

(651) 387-2085 We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910 Wil-Rich 614NT 27’ disk, 385x22.5 tires, HD 3 bar harrow, exc cond, $26,900; Balzer 15’ stalk chopper w/ 4 wheels, $1,750; Degelmann reel type rock picker, hyd drive, $3,450; L.P. Reel, skid loader mounted, hyd reel rock picker, $2,450; JD 7000 8x30 planter, liq fert & Yetter TWs, $3,500; JD 566 baler, standard pickup w/ net & twine wrap, $5,750. 320-7692756

Tractors 1973 JD 4430, 6630 hrs, 3 pt hitch, cab, quad range transmission, best offer. 320-9052536

Chandler 22’ PTO poultry litFOR SALE: ‘72 JD 4020, front ter spreader, tandem flota- Gehl 100 Grinder - Mixer Mill weights, rear axle weight tion tires, like new, $17,500. 100 bu mill, good condition, w/ axle duals, very nice, $8,500. (320) 587-5357 Olivia MN 320-523-1099 $17,500; JD 1520 bean drill, 10” spacings w/ hyd down Sell your farm equipment Demco 600 gal tandem axle pressure & JD markers, sprayer, 45’ hyd boom, PTO in The Land with a line ad. $6,500. 320-226-3453 pump, $3,000. 507-380-2956 507-345-4523

NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders ... On Hand NH T8.275, 495 hrs ....................................... $145,000 ‘08 NH 8010 .................................................. $110,000 ‘96 White 6175 FWA....................................... $49,500 New Massey 4710 w/cab and loader ............ On Hand New Massey 4710 rops/loader...................... On Hand New Massey 6713 w/cab and loader ............ On Hand New Massey 1735 w/cab and loader ............ On Hand 09 Versatile 435 3000 hrs .................................Just In 12’ Massey 1648 ............................................. $29,000 95’ Agco Allis 9670 fwa .................................. $39,750 08’ Agco RT 155A ........................................... $92,500

New NH E37C mini excavator ....................... On New NH E26C mini excavator ....................... On New NH track & wheeled skidsteers............. On New NH L228/L220/L232 wheeled units ....... On New NH C227/C237 track units .................... On

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‘15 Gleaner S88 ............................................... Coming ‘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 TILLAGE 14’ Sunflower 4412-05.....................................$32,500 NEW Fantini chopping cornhead ........................... Call Geringhoff parts & heads available 10’ Sunflower 4412-07 .................................... $31,000 ‘95 JD 726, 30’ ................................................ $21,500 MISCELLANEOUS 10’ Wilrich QX2 37’ w/basket.......................... $38,500 NEW Salford RTS Units .......................................... Call Wilrich QX 55’5 w/bskt............................................ Call NEW Salford Plows................................................. Call CIH 730b cush. w/leads ................................. $19,500 NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call ‘03 NH ST250 40’FC w/Bskt ........................... $34,500 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 JD 7200 8-30 w/dry fert ...............................Let’s Deal REM 2700, Rental ................................................... Call Pre-Owned Grain Cart ................................... On Hand New Horsch Jokers ....................................... On Hand

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 ‘15 White 9816FS 16-30 w/Agleader ...........Let’s ‘06 White 8516 cfs .......................................Let’s

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JD 3010, gas, good condition FOR SALE: JD 750 No till 50’ bale conveyor; 570 NH, wide front, good tires, no drill 15’, Markers, Drag, 7.5” like new; 9 x 18 bale rack w/ 3pt, new fuel pump, shed- spacing, S.I. Bean Meters, JD tandem running gear, al$11,500. Lewisville (507) 236- ways shedded. 507-732-4415 ded. 320-587-9207 2198 NEW AND USED TRACTOR FOR SALE: Owatonna 260 14’ PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, FOR SALE: DMI track draper windrower w/ condi55, 50 Series & newer trac- scratcher, good condition, tioner, Ford engine; NH 852 tors, AC-all models, Large $275, delivery if possible. round baler. 507-859-2766 Inventory, We ship! Mark 320-220-3114 FOR SALE: BushHog heavy Heitman Tractor Salvage FOR SALE: 8800 White 24 row duty rotary flail mower, 15’.

715-673-4829 30” planter, 5 yrs old, shed- 507-859-2766 ded, center fill. 507-822-2509 FOR SALE: H&S 820 blower, Tillage Equip FOR SALE: JD 7000 Corn Victor 200 blower: H&S twin Planter 2R 3PT $1,800; Fert. 12 merger. 651-380-2861 2004 JOHN DEERE 38 Ft #726 Avail. $350/Row. 715-234-1993 Late Model Mulch Finisher FOR SALE: Hesston 540 (Hvy Shanks) New Blades & FOR SALE: JD LL press round baler, always shedgrain drill w/ grass seeder, Sweeps Shedded Real Good. ded, $4,500. 507-744-2472 2016 MANDAKO 42 Ft Land 15’. 507-859-2766 Haybuster 2564 Bale shredRoller (Low Acres) Like der with blower. Dry or wet New. 319-347-6282 Shop Spraying Equip bales, blows 60’, $14,950. Call DMI Tigermate Field culti320-543-3523 vator 30.5’ with 5-bar spike FOR SALE: 60’ or 66’ big whl harrow, walking tandems sprayer w/Top Aire bi-fold and gauge wheels, 7.5” booms w/breakaways, 1000 Wanted sweeps, 6” spacing, sharp, gal poly tank, Tee Jet confield ready, $11,500. (651) troller, PTO or hyd pump, All kinds of New & Used farm 387-2085 adj whl width, short hitch, equipment - disc chisels, field FOR SALE: 2009 JD 200 good for side hills, bottom cults, planters, soil finishers, crumbler soil finisher, 30.5’, fill, pics avail, $4,200. 507- cornheads, feed mills, discs, balers, haybines, etc. 507exc cond, used very little, 227-3428 438-9782 $7,000/OBO. 952-556-5562 or FOR SALE: 500 gal pull type 952-426-2428 crop sprayer, $1,500. 507-744- WANTED: 9610 or 9650 Walk2472 er combine, must have low separator hours, excellent Planting Equip FOR SALE: Fast 9518T 120’ condition. 320-760-1169 pull type sprayer, 1850 gal FOR SALE: Bulk seed wag- tank, shedded. 507-822-2509 WANTED TO BUY: 14’ silage on; Parker 350 bu gravity conveyor. 320-396-2436 box w/ brush auger, hyd mo- Water trailers, 1000 gal S/S on trailer, $2,300; 1000 gal Ag tor, tarp, two compartment, Systems poly tank on trailer, JD 1075 gear. 651-380-2861 Livestock $2,300; 500 gal S/S tank on trailer, $1,200; 150 gal poly FOR SALE: Christianson(TM) bulk seed vac system two - tank w/ saddle, $150. Olivia FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls also Hamp, York, & two box stands, hyd motor, MN 320-523-1099 Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts. mounts on flat bed trailer.

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THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019 Cattle

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Trucks & Trailers

Swine

Trucks & Trailers

NH,FOR SALE: Complete herd Spot, Duroc, Chester White, FOR SALE: 46’ Ravens flat- FOR SALE: ‘03 Ford mini k w/ of 21 registered & purebred Boars & Gilts available. bed semi trailer, new lights transit buses, 7.3 diesel, auto al- British white cows & heifers. Monthly PRRS and PEDV. & wiring harness, excellent trans, 160K miles, run exc, Some with calves at side. Delivery available. Steve condition, $8,750. 507-261- $2,900. 320-583-0881 15 18 yrs of outcross breeding. Resler. 507-456-7746 3042 FOR SALE: 1974 International 14’ This is a group worth the ndi- drive. $1,750/ea. 320-815-5192 FOR SALE: Ford 7.3 diesel truck, 1800 twin screw, 20’ 852 engines & automatic trans- box & hoist. 507-427-3561 Cars & Pickups FOR SALE: Angus Salers Opmissions, low mileage, testSell your farm equipment timizer bulls, yearlings & 2 ed with guarantee. Parts and 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2 avy yr olds, easy calving, good in The Land with a line ad. service also. 320-583-0881 15’. disposition good thick bulls. door, 8’ box, 2 WD, 4.3 V6, 507-345-4523 18,500 miles, towing pkg, Oakhill Farms. 507-327-1030 $19,650. Mapleton, MN 507wer, 340-3914 or 507-524-3980 win

Swine

alklow ent

age

gus & ilts.

Farmland Auctioneer Dover, MN

507-216-2432 • keefeauction.com

Steffes Auction Calendar 2019

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

Industrial & Construction

540FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hamped- shire, Duroc & Hamp/Duroc boars, also gilts. Excellent Case 850 Crawler motor, 4 and selection. Raised outside. 1 bucket, rear ripper, showed- Exc herd health. No PRSS. ing 3066 hrs, asking $7,000. wet Delivery avail. 320-760-0365 320-275-3045 Call

arm field ers, scs, 507-

PAGE 21

WANTED

DAMAGED GRAIN

Renville County, MN

STATEWIDE

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

Trucks and vacs available.

Immediate response anywhere.

Jordan

(605) 809-5552

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

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PRUESS ELEV., INC.

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Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MNNorthern IA May 17, 2019 *May 31, 2019 June 14, 2019 June 28, 2019

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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!

Opening April 29 & Closing May 9 Swenson Farms Inventory Reduction Auction, Park Rapids, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 3 & Closing May 8 Online Steffes Auction - 5/8, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening May 10 & Closing May 20 Sletten Excavating Excess Equipment Auction, Center, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 13 & Closing May 22 Jim Oelfke Inventory Reduction Auction, Hamburg, MN, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, May 14 at 12 PM Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN Opening May 14 & Closing May 21 Steffes Construction Consignment Auction, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, May 28 at 11 AM Harvey Sand & Gravel Auction, Harvey, ND Tuesday, May 28 at 12 PM Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN Wednesday, June 5 at 11 AM Gadberry Farms Farm Retirement Auction, Grandin, ND Opening June 10 & Closing June 18 Zych Estate Farm Auction, Beardsley, MN, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, June 11 at 12 PM Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN Friday, June 17 at 12 PM Jon & Alison Ragatz Farm Auction, Cassville, WI Tuesday, June 18 at 10 AM Steven & Jennifer Kahlbaugh Farm Retirement Auction, Mahnomen, MN Wednesday, June 19 at 10 AM Morris Vigen Estate Farm Equipment Auction, Adams, ND Thursday, June 20 at 10 AM Morris Vigen Estate Collectible Auction, Adams, ND Thursday, June 27 at 10 AM Short & Sweet Farms Inc. Retirement Auction, Grandin, ND Wednesday, July 10 at 10 AM Don Hanson Farm Retirement Auction, Hillsboro, ND

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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.

Thank you Farmers!

Trucks & Trailers Parting out ‘94 Chevy 3500 dually, 454 eng, auto trans, runs exc, has new trans, will sell complete truck. 320-5830881

Miscellaneous Barn and Quonset Roofing and Straightening. Also polebarn repair and giving more head room. Kelling Silo. 1-800-3552598 PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS New pumps & parts on hand.

Call Minnesota’s largest distributor HJ Olson & Company 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 WANTED FREON R12.

We pay CA$H. R12 R500 R11. Convenient.

Certified professionals. www.refrigerantfinders.com 312-291-9169 Winpower Sales & Service Reliable Power Solutions Since 1925 PTO & automatic Emergency Electric Generators. New & Used Rich Opsata-Distributor 800-343-9376

MEMORIAL DAY The Land office is closed.

EARLY DEADLINES for the May 31st issue of THE LAND Display Ads: copy is due on Wednesday, May 22 Classifed Line Ads: copy is due on Thursday, May 23

THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

500 ans, will 583-

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.

and arn ead 355-

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t. . om

vice ons atic ner-

‘13 JD S660, 892 sep/1180 eng hrs, Contour-Master, chopper,

‘11 NH T9.390, 905 hrs, pwr shift, 4 hyd valves, hi-flow, HID lights, 480x50 tires &

520x38 tires & duals ....................................................$135,000

duals ........................................................................................................... $120,000

‘04 JD 9760, 2268 sep/3460 eng hrs, Contour-Master, chopper,

‘18 C-IH 370 HD, 670 hrs, 1000 PTO, 3pt hitch, 5 hyd valves, hi-flow, 480x50” tires

480x42 tires & duals ......................................................$54,000

& duals, warranty until May 2020 ................................................................ $194,000

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

‘14 C-IH Steiger 370 HD, 7052 hrs, 1000 PTO, big hyd pump, 710x38 tires ............$79,000

520x38 tires & duals ......................................................$42,000

‘90 Ford 876, 12spd, 8253 hrs, 520x38 duals ............................................... $25,000

‘01 JD 9650 STS, 3014 sep/4325 eng hrs, Contour-Master,

‘12 JD 8235, 2WD, 1235 hrs, pwr shift, 3pt, 1000 PTO, 4 hyd valves, 18.4x46 duals, extra clean ................................$109,000 ‘13 C-IH Magnum 290, 1250 hrs, 1000 PTO, 3pt, 4 hyd valves,

ADVERTISER LISTING AgVisors ....................................................................... 21

COMBINES

‘13 JD 9360R, 1970 hrs, 1000 PTO, pwr shift, 620x42 tires & duals .......... $150,000

ROW CROP TRACTORS

MPS nd. dis-

336

4WD TRACTORS

PAGE 23

chopper, 520x38 tires & duals ........................................$39,000 ‘00 JD 9650 STS, 2645 sep/3623 eng hrs, single point hookup, chopper, bin ext. .............................................................$42,000 ‘14 C-IH 5130, 660 sep/928 eng hrs, rock trap, chopper, tracker, 700 monitor, 900x32 single tires ......................$132,000 ‘15 C-IH 6140, 810 eng/685 sep hrs, rock trap, chopper,

big pump, 480x50 tires & duals, front duals & wgts ....$110,000

tracker, pro 700 monitor................................................$155,000

‘12 C-IH Magnum 260, 1784 hrs, susp front, 1000 PTO, 3pt,

‘11 C-IH 7120, 2200 eng/1610 sep hrs, rock trap, chopper,

4 hyd valves, 480x50 rear tires & duals, front duals ......$99,000 ‘11 Versatile 305, MFWD 690 hrs, 3pt, 4 hyd valves, 1000 PTO,

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

HID lights, 480x46 tires & duals .....................................$95,000

‘09 C-IH 7088, 1275 sep/1807 eng hrs, rock trap, chopper,

‘11 Challenger MT665C, 2703 hrs, MFWD, 5 hyd, CVT trans,

tracker, HID lights, Pro 600 monitor, 520x42” duals ......$92,000

Anderson Seeds ...............................................................4

3pt, complete auto steer syst, 540/1000PTO .................$82,500

Beck's Hybrids ................................................................1

CORN HEADERS

C & C Roof ing ...............................................................8

‘13 Drago 6R30 chopping, fits JD combine ..........................$25,000

hrs, Quick Tach bkt, dozer blade, aux hyd, track rubber ...$32,000

‘09 Drago 6R30 chopping, fits JD combine ......................$19,000

‘12 JD 710K, 2424 hrs, ldr backhoe, 4x4, cab, air...........$79,000

‘06 Drago 8R30 chopping, fits flagship C-IH combine ...........$14,500

‘11 JD 850J LGP Dozer, 6926 hrs, blade ...........................$95,000

Dahl Farm Supply ......................................................... 15

‘13 C-IH 3408 8R30, hyd deck plates, fits flagship combine ..$21,000

‘11 JD 290LC, 3350 hrs, 42” bucket ...............................$120,000

‘08 C-IH 2408 8R30, hyd deck plates,

‘11 JD 672G, 5720 hrs, 14’ blade ...................................$110,000

Greenwald Farm Center ................................................. 20

fits flagship combine .......................................................$12,500

‘11 JD 624K wheelloader, 4450 hrs, cab air, 3.5 yd Quick Tach bkt .. $92,000

‘02 C-IH 2208 8R30, hyd deck plates,

‘11 JD 624K wheelloader, 4450 hrs, w/ quick coupler, w/

Courtland Waste Handling ............................................. 13

Kannegiesser Truck Sales .............................................. 10 Keefe Auction ............................................................... 21 Larson Implement ......................................................... 23

fits older 1600-2000 series C-IH combines ....................$11,500

TRACK TRACTORS

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT ‘11 Bobcat E45EM excavator, 10000 lb machine, cab air, 2964

bkt, ride control ..................................................... $92,000 ‘12 Volvo L50F wheelloader, w/quick coupler & bkt .........$65,000 ‘06 Volvo G960, 6460 hrs, 14’ blade..................................$65,000

‘15 C-IH 500 Quadtrac, 2750 hrs, 36” tracks, cab susp, HID

‘17 Case LX57C excavator, 336 hrs, cab air, 13000 lb machine,

lights ..............................................................................$169,000

19” bkt, aux hyd, push blade, 15.5” rubber tracks like

Mike's Collision ..............................................................5

‘15 C-IH 370 Rowtrac Quadtrac, 918 hrs, 1000 PTO,

new ..................................................................................$53,000

Nachurs ..........................................................................3

80” spacing, 4 hyd valves, hi-flow, ...............................$159,000

‘11 Case 580N, 2540 hrs, ldr backhoe, 4x4, cab, air .......$42,500

‘14 C-IH 350 Rowtrac Quadtrac, 1865 hrs, 1000 PTO, 120”

‘11 Case CX300C, 2658 hrs, 54” bucket .........................$117,000

Mankato Civic Center ................................................... 12

Northland Buildings ........................................................5

spacing, 18” tracks, 4 hyd valves, hi-flow ....................$152,000

Pruess Elevator ............................................................. 21

18” belts, 6 hyd valves, 1000 PTO, 3pt ........................$180,000

Rush River Steel & Trim .................................................9

TILLAGE

‘08 Cat D6T XW dozer, 5860 hrs, blade, winch ...............$132,000

JD 512 5 shank disc ripper ................................................ $9,500

‘10 Kawasaki 65ZV-2 wheelloader, 6510 hrs, w/2.5 yd pin on bkt...$54,000

‘08 JD 512 5 shank disc ripper .........................................$11,500

‘08 Kawasaki 80ZV wheelloader, 5773 hrs, 4.25 yd pin on bkt .. $65,000

Schweiss Doors ............................................................. 21 Smiths Mill Implement .................................................. 19 Steffes Group ................................................................ 21

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

‘14 C-IH 340 Magnum Rowtrac, 290 hrs, lux cab, susp front axle,

‘06 ASTEC RT960 trencher, 3000 hrs .................................$18,500 12 Cat 924K wheelloader, 3355 hrs, quick coupler, w/bkt, ride control ............................................................. $91,000

‘06 ASTEC RT960 trencher, 3000 hrs .................................$18,500

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 24

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

THE LAND — MAY 3/MAY 10, 2019

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

E

nos Schwartzentruber wants to do something meaningful with his life by using the gifts his Creator provided for him. When Enos was younger, Mr. Jacob Stutzman taught him how to make fine furniture from rough lumber. Enos had a talent for the work and it gave him satisfaction. But the Amish community is rich with talented wood workers.

“I was looking for something unique to do,” he said. “I wanted to find a need in the community that no one else is responding to.”

At about that time, Enos was visiting the Ohio Amish community where he was born. The word went out that a young man had been killed in a buggy-truck collision and everybody was summoned to the home of the deceased to offer support to the family. As a wood worker, Enos was asked to help build the casket.

“Building that casket for my friend was a powerful experience,” Enos said.

Through that experience he found his calling.

Enos, Mary, and their family are no longer part of the Amish community; but in 2009, they established Living Hope Wood Work at their farm on County Road 11 between Sauk Centre and Long Prairie.

Their specialty is well-made wooden caskets and urns constructed from red oak, pine, and Eastern red cedar.

Enos everlasting

Enos makes the caskets from scratch in his workshop using rough lumber purchased from nearby Amish sawmills. After he carefully applies a stain and a finish, Mary upholsters each casket.

The finished caskets sell for $1,750 to $750. The urns sell for $150 for the cedar and $100 for the oak urn.

“Our prices are low because we don’t want to take advantage of people when they are vulnerable,” Enos said.

Sometime people will bring their own lumber for Enos to make a custom casket.

“I don’t think they are necessarily trying to save money,” he said.

“It’s more like the particular lumber or tree was important to the deceased. It’s more a matter of heart than money.”

Living Hopes customers include a funeral home which carries their caskets regularly as well as many local non-Amish families.

Enos has also delivered caskets to Minneapolis and even shipped one to Texas. He’s happy to show you the various models that he has in his show room or, given time, he can custom make a casket for you. To visit him he suggests that you call ahead at (320) 533-0611.

You can also see photos of Enos building a casket at livinghopewoodcaskets.com. v

Todd County

Page 4 - May 3/May 10, 2019

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Proudly insulating the Midwest for 10 years.

SPRAY FOAM & BLOW-IN CELLULOSE BARN INSULATION ACROSS MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, IOWA, INDIANA, NEBRASKA & MISSOURI

© 2019

May 3/May 10, 2019 (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002

Restore & Repair Your Metal Roof

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION MANKATO, MN

SPRAY FOAM ROOF BARRON, WI ROOF REPAIR & TANK INSULATION NEW RICHLAND, MN

Waseca County Fair Grounds

Before

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION & WEATHER BARRIER PRESCOTT, WI

REPAIR VS. REPLACE

Why would you spend money to replace an existing metal roof when it can be rejuvenated to look and perform like new?

YOUR LOCAL MINNESOTA CONTRACTOR: CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM

greener world solutions

HOW IT WORKS: 1. The roof is thoroughly cleaned.

2. Fasteners are tightened. Missing fasteners are replaced. Sealant is applied to any fasteners that are no longer watertight.

3. Seams and flashing are treated with sealants.

4. If needed, a primer is applied to increase adhesion.

5. If needed, a basecoat is applied.

6. The topcoat is applied.

ADDED BENEFITS OF METAL ROOF RESTORATION: • Restoring the roof is less expensive and less disruptive than replacing the roof • Seals deteriorated fasteners • Restores wind resistance • Treats and controls rust • Seals seams and flashings • Improves building aesthetics • Reduces metal roof movement • Repairs hail or mechanical damage • Limits tear-off and waste generation • Can be recoated in the future

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

855-612-8038

855-612-8038 | www.greenerworldsolutions.com

www.greenerworldsolutions.com MN LIC BC639351

Serving Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

MN LIC BC639351

Page 2 - May 3/May 10, 2019

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

O G T DON’ R E H ANOT H T I W R A E Y G N I K A E L A L A T ME F O O R

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

SPRAY FOAM

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

May 3/May 10, 2019 - Page 3

S S P P O O H SSH S S N N R R BA BA S S D D E H HE SS S S E E INSULATION M M O HO H

Eliminate Leaks • Tighten Fasteners • Prevent Rust CALL E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE ESTIM

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

MN LIC BC639351

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

Page 2 - May 3/May 10, 2019

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

O G T DON’ R E H ANOT H T I W R A E Y G N I K A E L A L A T ME F O O R

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

SPRAY FOAM

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

May 3/May 10, 2019 - Page 3

S S P P O O H SSH S S N N R R BA BA S S D D E H HE SS S S E E INSULATION M M O HO H

Eliminate Leaks • Tighten Fasteners • Prevent Rust CALL E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE ESTIM

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

MN LIC BC639351

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

Page 4 - May 3/May 10, 2019

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Proudly insulating the Midwest for 10 years.

SPRAY FOAM & BLOW-IN CELLULOSE BARN INSULATION ACROSS MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, IOWA, INDIANA, NEBRASKA & MISSOURI

© 2019

May 3/May 10, 2019 (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002

Restore & Repair Your Metal Roof

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION MANKATO, MN

SPRAY FOAM ROOF BARRON, WI ROOF REPAIR & TANK INSULATION NEW RICHLAND, MN

Waseca County Fair Grounds

Before

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION & WEATHER BARRIER PRESCOTT, WI

REPAIR VS. REPLACE

Why would you spend money to replace an existing metal roof when it can be rejuvenated to look and perform like new?

YOUR LOCAL MINNESOTA CONTRACTOR: CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM

greener world solutions

HOW IT WORKS: 1. The roof is thoroughly cleaned.

2. Fasteners are tightened. Missing fasteners are replaced. Sealant is applied to any fasteners that are no longer watertight.

3. Seams and flashing are treated with sealants.

4. If needed, a primer is applied to increase adhesion.

5. If needed, a basecoat is applied.

6. The topcoat is applied.

ADDED BENEFITS OF METAL ROOF RESTORATION: • Restoring the roof is less expensive and less disruptive than replacing the roof • Seals deteriorated fasteners • Restores wind resistance • Treats and controls rust • Seals seams and flashings • Improves building aesthetics • Reduces metal roof movement • Repairs hail or mechanical damage • Limits tear-off and waste generation • Can be recoated in the future

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

855-612-8038

855-612-8038 | www.greenerworldsolutions.com

www.greenerworldsolutions.com MN LIC BC639351

Serving Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

MN LIC BC639351