THE LAND ~ January 17, 2020 ~ Northern Edition

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THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

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

Big game hunting and Willmar, Minn.

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

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

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hunting days for two clients. All lodging, Attending agricultural conferences skinning and taping of your animals, all these days, you usually know what to your drinks … everything is included.” expect based on who’s hosting the event.

But could you imagine learning all The skinning of your animal certainly about African big game hunts at the suggests a kill is virtually guaranteed.

Minnesota State Cattlemen’s And wild game is indeed available in Association convention? I couldn’t South Africa. Said Smit, “We have over 55 either. But at the December event in different species that can be hunted. We Willmar, Minn. I did an interview with hunt on private lands ranging between Walter Smit. He and partner Jack LAND MINDS 10,000 and 30,000 acres of hunting Sieben had a most inviting display at ground. We’ve got access to over 500,000 By Dick Hagen the convention. acres, so we take you to areas where your success rate is very good. Yes, we Why is an operation from can almost guarantee what you are Thabazimbi, Republic of South Africa looking for.” at a cattlemen’s show?

Smit responded, “I pre“We can’t lawfully fer your event because guarantee your hunt. your people are people But because there is like us. You are really such an abundance of good people and I can animals you are going build a long-time relato be successful … and tionship with your kind have too much fun!” of people.”

So what do American Smit is a good-sized hunters hunt when critter himself, standing they get to Africa? about 6’4” hitched to a “On just about everystout 250-pound body. body’s list is a warthog.

And he’s extremely And every second huntfriendly. He speaks er would also want a English, but that west gemsbuck, or kudu, or Africa twang is most impala or sable. Horns notable. And he enjoys Photo by Dick Hagen on the kudu measure a good chat too. over 50 inches on a Walter Smit (left) and Jack Sieben “Last week we were mature bull. Also, very at the South Dakota cattlemen’s event,” he said. important, we shoot only old animals. It’s all about “You are meeting more and more people with a good management and conservation. This way we are understanding about wild game hunting. And if we making space for the new genes to come in. That’s do a good job we know it’s going to look after us too!” why in South Africa wild game hunts are such a success story. We are not hunting females; we only hunt Smit continued, “Our name is Numzaan Safaris. old male animals.”

We’ve been around for 25 years. Tonight, at the Minnesota Cattlemen’s dinner, we are awarding a “There are now 10 times more animals than ten Safari trip to some lucky winner. It includes seven See LAND MINDS, pg. 4

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

7 — Recent trade developments brighten cattle market outlook 8 — Historic murder is chronicled by Minnesota author 11 — Cover crop species matched with various soil types 15 — Upper midwest seed summit takes place in October

THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “SHOP” — Search for trucks, farm equipment and more • “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

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THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

Common sense rarely is the common denominator Before the year loses its adults” to receive SNAP fresh, youthful promise, benefits. By itself, the new let’s look at some recent rule will remove an estiresearch to, hopefully, mated 755,000 people from address a nagging problem SNAP. carried over from 2019.

Secretary Perdue claims For months last year, U.S. the change is needed Secretary of Agriculture because “What we want to Sonny Perdue defended FARM & FOOD FILE do is increase employthree proposed rule changes ment...” While he didn’t

By Alan Guebert to the Supplemental wink when offering that Nutrition Assistance explanation – the rule’s Program which will clear intent is to cut remove an estimated 3.7 costs, not put people to million recipients from the program. work – there’s a bigger problem with The proposed changes were – and his “want.” still are – strongly opposed by House In May 2019, the Economic Research and Senate Ag Committee democrats Service published a SNAP analysis who rejected SNAP changes during that completely undermines the the 2018 farm bill debate. Perdue per- Secretary’s claim while confirming sisted, though, and is now poised to what SNAP research has proven for implement most by administrative years: SNAP is an economic engine in fiat. every community where its dollars One will go into effect April 1. This flow; cutting it drains its horsepower. change, according to SNAP’s adminisThe latter makes sense for two reatrators at the U.S. Department of sons. First, any time the federal govAgriculture, will limit states’ ability to ernment spends $58.3 billion (SNAP’s issue waivers for “single, able-bodied estimated costs in 2019), it’s going to

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make a big splash – especially in poor communities.

Also, food assistance recipients literally spend every SNAP penny they get. In turn, says the ERS, the spending creates one job for every $10,000 in SNAP spent in their community.

That means if Secretary Perdue knew what his department already knows, he would not be advocating budget cuts to an important job generator in poor and rural communities.

And in tough times or in tougher places, SNAP’s economic impact is far bigger, ERS explains. “During the Great Recession (2008 to 2011) the impacts of SNAP redemptions per dollar spent were larger than impacts per dollar spent on other federal or state government transfer payments combined – including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance compensation, veterans’ benefits and other government transfer payments...”

That’s right. The SNAP program not only creates jobs; in the past it has – dollar-for-dollar – had a larger economic impact than all other major federal or state government transfer payments combined.

As such, the planned cuts to SNAP will, according to USDA’s own analysis, limit economic growth and kill more local jobs than Perdue’s cuts will ever create or fill with “able-bodied adults.”

But, to be fair, critics point out, program spending for all USDA food assistance ballooned from $37.6 billion

in 2008 to, at the Great Recession’s peak, $79.9 billion in 2013. It ballooned for two obvious reasons. First, that’s exactly what you should expect in times of widespread economic calamity. All assistance spending climbs during tough times. Also, SNAP participation rates rose from below 70 percent in many states to near 90 percent when eligible recipients simply showed up to claim benefits they qualified for.

Today, however, SNAP’s estimated 2019 cost is 27 percent lower than in 2013 even though the national participation rate remains a historically high 85 percent. (The participation rate for USDA’s federal crop insurance program was 86 percent in 2016.)

So, SNAP costs continue to fall; SNAP is an enormously important economic generator in every community, oftentimes more important than all other government programs combined; and every $10,000 in SNAP money spent creates one job.

With that pedigree, why is USDA, the People’s Department, defying its own research to enact new, restrictive rules that will harm both SNAP recipients and the communities where they live?

The answer defies common sense; but at its heart you’ll find more cultural engineering than ag engineering.

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

CRP sign-up by Feb. 28 Farmers and ranchers interested in the general Conservation Reserve Program have until Feb. 28 to sign up.

Those who enroll in CRP receive a yearly rental payment for voluntarily establishing long-term covers, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat on marginally productive agricultural lands.

CRP Grasslands sign-up helps landowners and operators protect grassland — including rangeland, pastureland and certain other lands while maintaining the areas as grazing lands.

The sign-up period for CRP Grasslands in 2020 runs from March 16 to May 15.

Land enrolled in CRP under a 15-year contract that expired in September 2017, 2018 or 2019, may be eligible for enrollment if there was no opportunity for re-enrollment and the practice under the expired contract has been maintained.

To enroll in CRP, contact your local Farm Service Agency county office or visit fsa.usda.gov/crp.

This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency. v

THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

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

PAGE 5

Tractor wisdoms can apply to most situations in life A wise man who grew up farming with In life, we all have choices to make. We horses once told me he was happy when can look ahead and steer ourselves in the tractors came onto the scene. direction in which we want to go, or we can see life from a rearview perspective, He said it could sometimes be frustrating seeing where life has taken us, waiting working with animals that had emotions for someone else to put their load on us. and attitudes throughout the day, and that Be the steering wheel, but also know sometimes became tired and had to have a when to carry the load — yours, or somerest and something to eat and drink. Farm one else’s. And it doesn’t hurt to let somelaborers had those same things going on.

TABLE TALK one else take the wheel now and then.

And when the two clashed during the work

By Karen Schwaller day, anything could happen.

Pull your weight — The tractor’s job is to pull or power whatever is behind it. Be As this same centenarian was telling me a source of power for whatever you are how tractor loaders once used belts to work doing in this life, so others can’t help but thrive as a (and couldn’t work once they were wet with snow) I result of what you are doing. The tractor is a farmwas thinking about how tractors have changed over the years, and about all the things we can learn from er’s steady companion. When there is work to be done, show up and power up for whatever that job today’s tractors. is, and help carry the load.

Use your horsepower — We are all stronger than we Less is more — When the pressure is on, we are think, and our strength will be tested from time to sometimes tempted to turn up the heat. Sometimes time. Always show up ready to do the job, and push the result is productive, but excessive heat can somethe throttle ahead when the load weighs you down times serve to be harmful to people and projects. under pressure. Use the right amount of power, though — too much and you may not accomplish what Remember the mantra of the tortoise and the tractor: slow and steady wins the race when it comes to you had hoped … with farm work and with people. climbing steep field hills. A lower gear means more Hydraulics are indispensable — A tractor can productivity sometimes. have all the horsepower in the world, but if there is Be versatile — Tractors can do lots of jobs and are nothing enabling the implements to do their jobs, also made to pull all kinds of implements behind the tractor would be less useful. Always be connected to what you need to make sure you are as useful them. Be open to new ideas and be ready to do the work, no matter what you have to push or pull in for the job as possible. order to get it done.

You can be the steering wheel or the hitch bar —

Always fuel the tank — You don’t get far on a tractor without fuel in the tank, and you don’t get far in life with an empty stomach or too much clouding the mind. Fuel your body to do the job, and find a way to clear out your mind from all that weighs it down. And keep that air filter blown out.

But you might want to do that in private.

Sunday clothes vs. work clothes — There is a time for both, and it’s important to know when to wear them. Show up appropriately ready to do the sweaty work, and show up ready to be part of your community. Present yourself to the world in a way that shows them you know and respect your work, and that you know and respect your community.

Tractors do what they are told to do — Pay attention and your tractor can accomplish great things for the benefit of the farm. But don’t pay attention and the tractor can have a mind of its own, leading us down dangerous paths. Don’t text and farm.

And remember that big wheels and small wheels both have their place on the tractor and on the farm. Always work together to keep the wheels moving in the same direction, regardless of their size.

Wheels of all sizes are important on the farm. Know when and where you need to be a big wheel … and when and where to pull the throttle back and let others lead.

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

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

Jan. 23 — Women in Dairy: Celebrating Women in Agriculture — Hutchinson, Minn. — This session is about speaking up and sharing the real story of agriculture while celebrating strong women. — Contact Karen Johnson at ande9495@umn.edu or (320) 4844303.

Jan. 23 – Cow/Calf Days Seminar – Roseau, Minn.

– The program features information on production management, nutrition, efficiency and marketing. The corresponding trade show features vendors with new information, technology and products. – Contact Eric Mousel at emmousel@umn.edu or (218) 513-0781.

Jan. 24-25 — Emerging Farmers Conference — St. Paul, Minn. — Conference connects farmers with advocates, educators and experts to lead healthy food access, education and economic opportunity. Topics include soil fertility, finding land to farm, USDA programs and resources, record keeping and goat/sheep husbandry. — Contact Mhonpaj Lee at (651) 4333676.

Jan. 24 – Cow/Calf Days Seminar – Iron Junction, Minn. – Contact Eric Mousel at emmousel@umn.edu or (218) 513-0781.

Jan. 27 — Blazing Trails Through the Jungle of Food Regulation — Sartell, Minn. — Designed for people working in local food markets. Topics include regulations, inspections, exclusions, licenses and exemptions. — Contact Katie Drewitz at wins0115@ umn.edu or (320) 255-6169 ext. 1.

Jan. 27 — Cow/Calf Days Seminar — Mora, Minn.

— Contact Eric Mousel at emmousel@umn.edu or (218) 513-0781.

Jan. 28 — Blazing Trails Through the Jungle of Food Regulation — Cold Spring, Minn. — Contact Katie Drewitz at wins0115@umn.edu or (320) 255-6169 ext. 1.

Jan. 28 — Cow/Calf Days Seminar — Starbuck, Minn. — Contact Eric Mousel at emmousel@umn.edu or (218) 513-0781.

Jan. 29 — Farm Transition and Estate Planning Workshop — Preston, Minn. — Topics include farm goal setting, business structures, business succession,

estate planning and retirement and family communication. — Contact Megan Roberts at meganr@umn.edu or (507) 389-6722.

Jan. 29 — Farmland Rental Workshop — Willmar, Minn. — Topics include local historic and projected farmland rental rate trends; current farm land values and sales; rates agreeable to both parties; determining a fair rental agreement; input costs for 2019. — Contact Dave Bau at bauxx003@umn.edu or (507) 3723900, ext. 3906.

Jan. 30 — Produce Safety Rule Training — Rogers, Minn. — Topics include produce safety regulatory requirements; best practices related to worker health and hygiene; crop inputs and soil amendments; domestic and wild animals; water use and testing.

Training is required for farms covered by the FSMA produce safety rule. — Contact U of M Extension at (651) 539-3648.

Feb. 5 — Blazing Trails Through the Jungle of Food Regulation — Little Falls, Minn. — Contact Katie Drewitz at wins0115@umn.edu or (320) 2556169 ext. 1.

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

Author tells tales of Renville County’s grisly past

By DICK HAGEN whole family under the belief that he had The Land Staff Writer Emeritus been instructed by God to do it.

Yes, a certain amount of uncertainty crept “This is a collection of true stories that tell into my mind as I ventured down to Morton, us what happened in Renville County from Minn. and the Renville County Heritage 1868 to 1940. Some of these crimes remain Building. Why? Because I was going to meet unsolved, and a murder victim was never the author of a book with the enticing title, been identified to this day.”

“Murder and Madness.” Patricia Lubeck is Strange coincidence that my first acquainthe author’s name and this book covers 75 Patricia Lubeck tance with Patricia Lubeck was Oct. 30. Yes, years of crime and punishment on the praiHalloween Eve and here I am along with rie in Renville County, Minnesota! another 40 people learning about 75 years of crime According to Luebeck, Renville County’s early his- and punishment in Renville County! tory (1868 to 1940) included some serious crimes.

Lubeck was born and raised in Echo, Minn. After Poisonings, rapes, robberies, shootings, stabbings, graduating from high school, she moved to suicides and other crimes of madness took place in Minneapolis and shortly thereafter to California Renville County. where she lived for over three decades. She returned She noted murder trials were more fully reported to Minnesota in 2005 to care for her parents. She was than other crimes because they excited so much pub- then hired as director of the Yellow Medicine County lic interest. She told us, “If one killed another, there Museum in 2006 and later became director of the was a good chance that he would hang for it — regard- Redwood County Museum in 2009 until she retired less of his intent, or even of his mental capacity. While in 2018. insanity has always been a valid defense to a charge So why the writing career? She simply said, “One of a crime, the question of what constituted insanity day I decided I was going to write a book.” While livwas once quite different from what it is today.” ing in California she earned a Bachelor of Arts She briefed, “Insanity was a legal, rather than a degree at the University of California, Berkley. Her medical concept, and could be determined by apply- writing style was journalistic, meaning she ing certain legal tests. But 100 years ago, many a researched her topic before writing. And she became madman was hanged after he had slaughtered his fascinated with the criminal history one can learn

just by digesting old American newspapers.

“I learned early on that history is meant to be documented and shared with others,” said Lubeck. “I was soon feeling like a reporter going back to the scene of the crime. Yes, crime incidents have always fascinated me. I don’t know why, but I recall always wondering, ‘Why the crime?’ I’m asking what’s the motive?

Yes, I write about the gory details too. But it starts with finding the facts of the case. And if there is a court trial on the murder case, then I try to find the court transcripts if they are still available. If not at the local courthouse, they are usually found in the Minnesota History Center.”

So obviously Lubeck is not writing fictional stories of crime. What’s her best source of info on local crime? County newspapers. She has scoured the front page of hundreds of Minnesota newspapers.

“And in rural Minnesota newspapers, every crime story always made the front page,” she said. “By scanning just the front page it is amazing how many newspapers I can scrutinize in just a week. When gathering information for ‘Murder and Madness’ covers 75 years, I’m certain I visited every newspaper within a 100-mile radius of Olivia.”

Lubeck has authored three previous book titles: “Murder in Gales, A Rose Hanged Twice;” “Murder, Mystery and Mayhem in Minnesota;” and “Crime See MURDER, pg. 8

Author’s east coast metro meets Minnesota nice

out-of-water, Green Acres-type tales Moving stinks.

“If You Lived Here You’d Be Home By Now” always (spoiler alert!) turn out happy. “If You pack your stuff in boxes and old

by Christopher Ingraham You Lived Here You’d Be Home by Now” newspaper, then you haul it to the next is no exception, but it doesn’t entirely c.2019, Harper place and spend a year opening boxes unfold as you’d expect. $24.99 / $31.00 Canada and putting things away. If you’re smart, Author Christopher Ingraham gives 288 pages you keep the boxes because, statistically, balance to this memoir, which is both a you’ll move again soon. If you’re lucky, as good thing, and a bad one. Seeing two rented a car, and visited Red in the “If You Lived Here You’d Be Home sides of the proverbial coin, he writes of Lake County, where he was

by Now” by Christopher Ingraham, you’ll THE BOOKWORM things he loves about the upper Midwest: warmly embraced. love where you land.

SEZ kindness, elbow room and great neighWeeks later, after a conversation In his job as a data reporter for the

By Terri Schlichenmeyer bors; and he writes of things he dislikes: with family about the future, Washington Post, Christopher Ingraham Minnesota cuisine and lack of convenient Ingraham and his wife, Briana, mined the internet for statistics, then he amenities.

Balance is good, but it has its limits. realized that they couldn’t tolerate life in a wrote columns about what he found. It was fun Constant comparisons to a place halfway across the 953-square-foot Maryland house with twin toddlers work which allowed him to play with words in his country doesn’t always seem fair and it comes to be anymore. He couldn’t withstand his three-to-four Washington D.C. office. When he discovered a livarelentless. hour daily commute. They longed for a yard and a bility ranking for each of the thousands of counties Fortunately, abundant humor rescues this book, wider-open place than Baltimore to raise their kids. around the country, he poked a little fun at Red making it both a love song to a new hometown and Lake County, Minn., way up in the state’s northwest Red Lake County started looking better and better. something middle-country residents can ship to corner.

And so they packed up kids, pets, and belongings either-coast relatives. “If You Lived Here You’d Be The list placed Red Lake County dead last. and moved to the corner of Minnesota, where Home by Now” is an easy read and if you love your housing cost two-thirds less than in Maryland, Column done, column posted, and fun poked, it small town, it might almost be moving. everybody knew everybody else, and winter is no wasn’t ten minutes before Ingraham’s inbox was The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has flooded with protest. Red Lake County citizens were joke. It was culture shock, done with love, lutefisk, lefse, and ice-fishing lessons. But with four-star res- been reading since she was 3 years old and never Minnesota-nicely upset. Minnesotans as a whole goes anywhere without a book. She lives in taurants and major medical facilities hours away, were aghast that he would say something callous Wisconsin with three dogs and 10,000 books. v was Minnesota really so nice? without a visit. And so, Ingraham checked with his bosses, booked a plane to nearby South Dakota,

No doubt, you can answer that already. These fish-

THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

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

PAGE 7

AURI unveils sensory evaluation center in Marshall, Minn.

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus The Marshall, Minn. office/lab of Minnesota’s Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) now has a new function: a sensory evaluation center that does ‘taste testing’ on a smaller scale.

Funded with bonding money from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, this new lab service can work with small and large-scale clients. The aim is to evaluate products to safely move them into potential consumer channels.

Explained Ben Swanson, Scientist of Food and Nutrition at the Marshall facility, “We’re just starting up, but have a few interested clients already. As we build up capabilities and interest, I’m certain there can be a steady increase in clients.”

Yes, this is a food-driven service. As consumer interests in the nutrient value and sources of their many foods continues to grow, Swanson expects this new sensory evaluation service will get into remarkable diversity of foods — both plant and animal origin — and ‘synthetic’ foods.

“The biggest concern will be safety of these various new foods,” Swanson said. “Lots of new ideas from people coming in, but not a lot of food safety or food regulation background. That is key with any clients … make sure the products they come in with are safe

within USDA or FDA regulations.”

So in view of this rush towards new foods, new synthetic ‘taste alikes,’ is there also an increase in the numbers of food scams?

Swanson somewhat cautiously responded, “There are a lot of things people put weight into that might not be as healthy or nutritionally enriching as the marketing lingo is suggesting. I advise clients to simply tell it like it is. The FDA and USDA do have regulations prohibiting certain claims — especially health claims — on the label.”

Both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration have standards of identity on many food products. Cheddar cheese and yogurts are examples of foods that have very strict regulations on label identities such as fat content, proteins, additional taste additives, etc.

With proteins a growing concern in health foods, even breakfast foods, are certain crops growing in value as a source of proper proteins?

“Soybeans are in the lead,” Swanson admitted. “Soy proteins have been used as fillers and extenders since back in the ‘70s. Today, promoters of new foods are often talking how soy plant proteins enrich the nutritional value and health value of their foods.”

Is hemp rapidly being discussed as the new source

of enrichment for consumer foods?

Swanson reminded that hemp protein and hemp fiber and hemp oil have been around for awhile. “But the thing most under the microscope of the FDA is CBD. At this stage, it is not considered as generally safe by the FDA. Commodity groups and regulators are working with Congressmen to figure out the regulations. But for now, CBD in food is not legal.”

But will it soon be? Swanson thinks that could happen. Congress is under pressure right now to find a way, but there’s a myriad of things to look at when considering new ingredients for food. “CBD is somewhat the ‘wild west’ right now in the ongoing efforts to work it into food ingredients,” he said.

As consumers become more concerned about the sources of the many foods in their diets, are they more critical about where these foods are grown?

Swanson said definitely so. He’s concerned about what seems to be a growing misconception about today’s foods in food stores across America. “But I do think the growing interest of consumers in their food sources is a definite trend. And that is why a lot of food companies — both large and small — are reformulating their foods.”

To learn more about the new service or other AURI programs, visit its website at www.auri.org. v

Cattle producers optimistic with the recent trade talk

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus WILLMAR, Minn. — “You can’t do this job without being an optimist.” That comment was offered by Minnesota State Cattlemen’s President Mike Landuyt at the Dec 12-13 State Cattlemen’s Convention in Willmar, Minn. Nearly 200 beef producers across Minnesota who attended the event.

Landuyt said folks are still excited about the beef industry. “Just ‘cuz it didn’t go so good this year, you’ve gotta convince yourself It’s gonna be better next year. Look at it this way: Every time it turns bad it’s got the opportunity to turn good too!”

In a brief interview with The Land, Landuyt said this, “Any trade agreement is good if the wording benefits agriculture. With China, so many non-tariff trade barriers are being talked; but we need to be concerned that it doesn’t tie our hands with exactly what kind of beef can be involved. China is its own animal in terms of why and what they allow into trade. We had some traders just returned from China who said the reason China doesn’t allow implanted beef is because they don’t own the technology.”

Those kind of barriers need to be resolved, said Landuyt. But when talking China it’s wise to also talk Japan. Why? “Because they are the number-one buyer of U.S. beef,” Landuyt replied. “We’re excited because Jan. 1 those tariffs supposedly will get cleaned up and we’ll be operating on a level playing field. China is a price based market; Japan is a quality based market.

We think the higher quality of U.S. beef is why Japan has become such a great market. They’re paying more for our beef but they still want it. Yes, quality does influence sales both with U.S. housewives and Japanese buyers. And with the removal of tariffs they can and will buy even more U.S. beef.”

“We’re super excited about the new U.S./Canada/ Mexico trade agreement. We’ve been advocating for that for a long time. Great to see it’s finally moving; but as we all know, the devil is in the details. Even here in Minnesota we have considerable trade just between Minnesota cattlemen and Canadian producers.”

Is President Trump an asset to U.S. agriculture?

Landuyt hesitated a moment, then replied, “Associationwise, we don’t have a position on that issue. But anytime we can move forward with our products into other countries is a win for U.S. agriculture.”

Landuyt is the fourth generation on his Walnut Grove, Minn. farm. “We didn’t have beef for a while,” he admitted. “Beef was something I brought home when I got done with college. But we have some history … 95 years on the same farm. We’re feeding just over 700 head currently. My feeding numbers are what my permit capacity is these days. So how many we feed each year depends also upon on how I am able to buy the cattle. If I’m able to buy bigger yearling cattle and turn the pens faster, my yearly number changes.”

Cattlemen, like other producers, generally have a good memory bank. For Landuyt, his ‘ugly beef years’ were in that 2014-15 time frame when the price of

corn sank and beef went with it. “In my short 20 years feeding cattle was most profitable in that 2012 time frame when corn was getting up over $5 but See LANDUYT, pg. 11

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Book details crimes from 1868-1940 MURDER, from pg. 6

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THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

and Calamity In Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota.”

She sometimes contacts family relatives — hoping they might be willing to share information on a particular crime victim. “But often, a family descendent may not want to talk about it because it was such a horrendous thing.”

Lubeck related that in the 18th and 19th centuries, the most common weapons of death were the axe, the gun, the knife and poison. Often in those days the farmer would have arsenic or strychnine to kill rats or gophers. And often those concoctions were used to do away with somebody — mixed in their food or a drink.

She also noted, “In those days, murder was not a bailable offense. Often the defendant remained in jail until his trial, and if convicted, until his execution.”

By now, Lubeck quite adroitly has hooked her audience. Many are wondering what comes next from the author who obviously has enriched her knowledge of the crime scene in rural Minnesota far beyond the imagination of any of us in her audience.

Lubeck proceeded to give little snippets of information from various crimes. As she put it, “It might prime you to buy the book. First I’ll tell you a bit about Michael Dowling, certainly not involved in any criminal conduct, but a most fascinating life. He was 14 years old in December of 1880. He got lost in a blizzard and almost froze to death. He had both legs amputated, his left arm four inches below the elbow, and all the fingers and part of his thumb of the right hand. But he would not succumb to his misfortunes.

Instead he became a prominent businessman.”

Those of us in the Olivia area know the Michael Dowling story. Only 14 at the time, Dowling agreed to live independently if the Renville County Board of Commissioners paid for artificial limbs for his missing legs and arm; and paid for his education at Carleton College — assuring them that if they accepted his proposition, he would never cost them another cent. By a vote of two to one, his offer was approved.

Dowling rapidly rose in the world. He became a high school teacher. In 1886 he worked as a school principal in Granite Falls, Minn. and the Renville schools in 1887. This led to the flattering offer to engage in the publication and editorship of the Renville Star. Later he became a banker and real

estate agent in Olivia and became active in local Republican politics — including mayor of Olivia.

But his political career was just beginning. Dowling served as assistant clerk in the Minnesota State House of Representatives from 1892 to 1894, chief clerk from 1895 to 1898. Then he was elected as a Minnesota state representative. Later he became a prominent candidate for Congress and was once nominated as a candidate for governor.

A short, silent film of Dowling was made showing how he was able to live his life normally and go about his work despite his missing limbs. After World War I, he traveled to military hospitals to talk with veterans who had lost limbs. As an educator and legislator, he succeeded in having the first bill providing state aid for handicapped children in 1919.

These snippets about the amazing Michael Dowling involve just six pages of Lubeck’s book. “Murder and Madness” is 142 pages and includes several photos of crime scenes, a few historic buildings of Renville County, and fascinating accounts of some remarkable, intriguing, amazing and even grizzly crimes occurring during this 1868-1940 era.

She teased us a bit more as she read a few of the Table of Contents. First Lawsuit in Renville County, page 5; Michael J. Dowling, page 15; Wife Slayer, page 20; Bullets and Poison, page 37; Double Murder and Suicide, page 57; Murder on the Railroad Tracks, page 94; Charred Body Found, page 112; Hacked in Bed, page 125.

Lubeck reminded us, “All the stories in this book are true and yes, many involve diseases of the mind.

I look for all the missing pieces and I write about what I find. It’s an amazing adventure. Every story is different. What once was lost now is found, always remains a real treasure.”

Lubeck intends to continue this unique passion of researching and writing about the ‘behind the scenes’ adventures of criminal conduct in our rural landscapes. She’s a healthy 67 years of age and admits her life is somewhat of a continuous adventure. Her books are available at Outskirts Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other book distributors.

For those who have a story idea to share, Lubeck’s phone number is (507) 640-2408. Her email address is plubeck@m5n.com. v

Compeer Financial offers scholarships Pioneer ® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. TM ® SM Trademarks and service marks of Dow AgroSciences, DuPont or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2019 Corteva. PION9SOYB060

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — The Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America, Compeer Financial’s corporate giving program, is offering 120 scholarships to students this year. High school seniors pursuing a post-secondary education and will study an agricultural field or have a rural background are encouraged to apply between now and March 16.

Each scholarship recipient will receive $1,500 for educational tuition expenses. Qualified applicants must live in Compeer Financial’s 144-county

territory and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, agricultural and community organization involvement and essays.

Students can find the scholarship application at compeer.com. Applications can be emailed to scholarships@compeer.com or submitted in person at a local Compeer Financial office.

This article was submitted by Compeer Financial.v

THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

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

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PAGE 9

THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

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PAGE 11

Strip tilling, cover crops is recipe for healthy soil

By DICK HAGEN Gladiator, 40 feet wide, which he bought used The Land Staff Writer Emeritus for $80,000. He farms 1,600 acres. He said he’s not overly sold on the Krause unit, but WILLMAR, Minn. — Talking with a board cut fuel usage by 70 percent. And quite a few member of the Minnesota Soil Health rocks in Stelling soils, but with strip tillage Coalition, a logical starting question was, you aren’t out there picking up rocks.

“How healthy is the soil on your farm?” The query was posed to Todd County farmer for He likes to strip till in the fall, but weather Eric Stelling. His immediate response, “We’re conditions didn’t permit that so they strip getting it healthier every year.” tilled in the spring just ahead of the planter.

Eric Stelling I caught up with Stelling at the Minnesota Stelling is particular about these cover State Cattlemen’s Convention in Willmar in mid- crops. And he uses multiple species to cover all bases.

December. He explained their yearly manure appli- “That means some forbs, some legumes like clover to cations build soil bacteria which then break down the provide some nitrogen, some tillage radishes with carbon. “We’ve cut our nitrogen requirements more deep roots that penetrate into the soils and get a than half. And not doing deep tillage or plowing. I’m little more oxygen to the corn and soybean plants. not a proponent of excessive tillage. Little is more is We’ve got a broad variety of soils ranging from sands my practice.” to heavy clays and heavy black dirt. So we vary the Keeping everything green is Stelling’s mantra — mix of our cover crops accordingly. Our biggest probthough he admits to some deep tillage to take out lem has been too much rain” some ruts. “We rut some fields up this fall because of Stelling is expecting much the same again this wet soil conditions. We’ve tried to alleviate with till- spring, so minimum tillage will likely pick up even age radishes and turnips. Every year we try to imple- more farmers simply because they might not have ment some sort of cover crops into our cropping rota- time to do conventional tillage this spring. His crop tion. In 2013 we had a lot of prevent plant acres that ratio is corn, alfalfa hay and soybeans. “And we’ll try we planted with radish and turnips. We had like 600 to get some rye planted also because rye is one of the acres that we no-tilled that spring and the ground best builders of organic material in your soil. That’s was just perfect. It was mellow and perfect texture. because rye has the largest fibrous root system of This spring we started strip tilling so we’re just till- any small grain.” ing an 8-inch swath where the corn is planted.”

Yes, he even tried some hemp last year. “It was Stelling’s machine for strip till was a 16-row Krause

seeded in July. We chopped it the second or third week in November and it turned out very well.”

Stelling’s bonuses of his new farming system are better soil health, reduced fertilizer, and significant reductions in both time and fuel. “And you improve your earth worm castings tremendously,” he added.

“I’ve noticed since we started spreading manure to get the biologicals to do their thing of breaking down the carbon, it provides more nitrogen for our corn plants.

“The only thing I would say against the strip till machine is that it doesn’t get the soil warm as quickly,” Stelling admitted. “This last year we had some wet corn and light test weight. We had good yields ranging from 150 to 200 bushels. And that I credit to the much improved soil health of my fields … this with half the nitrogen we used to put on. If you want 160 bushel corn we normally would have put 160 units of nitrogen. Instead, we’re now putting 60 to 80 units of nitrogen so this strip till system is paying us back exponentially.”

“This summer we had a group of farmers from England visit. They’re trying to get into conservation tillage too; but there’s no government assistance to get them going. So they’re doing it out of the goodness of their heart. But they told us too many English farmers aren’t doing any work in rebuilding their soils and it’s starting to show on their landscapes. A lot of erosion and degradation of their soils. They came to America to see what we’re doing to improve our soils. Cover crops and less tillage were mostly new to them." v

Protective equipment can reduce transfer of flu virus SWINE & U, from pg. 10 The team found that the prevalence of influenza in herds over five years ranged from 7 to 57 percent with a median presence of 28 percent. Herd-level influenza occurrences followed a cyclical pattern with levels increasing during the fall, peaking in December and May, and subsiding in the summer.

Researchers were able to correlate the prevalence of herd-level influenza with lower outdoor temperatures and low absolute humidity. The team’s research also showed that, over time, there were genetically diverse influenza viruses co-circulating within the herd. (Frontiers in Veterinary Science, October 2017).

Protect people and pigs Although influenza is not a federally reportable or regulated swine disease, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service — in conjunction with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and National Pork Board — have collaborated on the establishment of a national swine influenza virus surveillance program. Veterinarians can submit nasal fluid, oral swabs or lung tissue to a local lab to be evaluated. In Minnesota, the U of M Veterinary Diagnostic Lab on the St. Paul campus is the surveillance site. Information gathered there can help determine the presence of or changes in influenza

virus on pig farms.

Because flu viruses can be transmitted between pigs and people, guidelines are in place for pig handlers and farm team members. As always, biosecurity is important to prevent the spread of influenza from pigs to people and from workers to pigs.

Wearing personal protective equipment like gloves and masks that cover nose and mouth can reduce the transfer of flu virus. Workers should not eat, drink or put anything in their mouth in pig areas.

Also important is hand-washing often with soap and running water before and after working with pigs. If soap and water is not available, an alcohol-based hand rub is recommended. Pig barn employees with

flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever ends.

The National Pork Board and the U.S. Center for Disease Control recommend that people who work with pigs get a seasonal flu vaccination. Vaccinations are the most valuable tool for preventing flu transmission. Annual vaccination will prevent the spread of the flu between people and from people to pigs.

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

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

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

Beef export news looks positive LANDUYT, from pg. 7 still under $7. I was still making money on the cattle and I was able to turn more dollars per bushel on the corn. We only feed about one-third of our corn production. I could take that $5 corn and add 50 cents to 75 cents through the cattle and make money on both the cattle and the cash corn.”

So should cattle feeders be encouraged about the outlook for 2020?

“There’s definitely some positive things happening

on beef exports,” Landuyt claimed. “Lots of talk on trade works right now. Get that finalized and get our legislators to get the politics out of trade talk and I think the U.S. economy has a strong future … and that includes us beef people too.”

“It was encouraging to see so many people (at the convention),” Landuyt went on to say. “Even with the big struggles of this year, folks here are still excited about the beef industry. Just remember the bad years make some space for some good years too!” v

THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

PAGE 13

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

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The Enlist weed control system is owned by Dow AgroSciences LLC. Enlist E3™ soybeans were jointly developed by Dow AgroSciences and MS Technologies. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use with Enlist crops. Consult Enlist herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Always read and follow label directions.

PAGE 14

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

Mankato, Minn. hosts MN Ag EXPO Jan. 22-23

MN Ag EXPO continues to be a ‘can’t miss’ event

MN Ag EXPO 2020: Making friends, building connections

As president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, I am excited to have you join us for MN Ag EXPO 2020. This trade show is always a highlight of the winter for myself, and this year will once again be a can’t-miss event for the state’s farmers.

Each year, MCGA partners with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association to bring attendees a buzzing trade show floor, engaging keynote speakers, exciting research on display, and of course the opportunity to catch up with your peers in Minnesota agriculture.

I encourage you to visit the MCGA booth where we will be highlighting initiatives to make 2020 a banner year for biofuels, helping us reach the environmental goals shared by all Minnesotans. MCGA grower leaders and staff will also be on-hand to chat about the latest from Minnesota Corn and priorities in the year ahead.

Researchers shaping the future of agriculture will be presenting their projects during both days of the show.

Take a moment to chat with each about their project to learn how your check-off investment is improving on-farm practices and increasing sustainability.

We also look forward to honoring the work of our 52 county corn organizations with a reception held on the first day of MN Ag EXPO. MCGA members are invited to stop by for light refreshments and a silent auction as we celebrate your accomplishments.

Finally, I hope you join me for MCGA’s Annual Meeting. It is a great opportunity to hear grower leaders recap what was an eventful 2019, and learn about the many efforts fueled by our members that increase profitability on the farm while elevating the issues impacting our operations.

See you on January 22-23!

Les Anderson President Minnesota Corn Growers Association

As president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, it’s my privilege and responsibility to represent Minnesota soybean farmers at all types of meetings throughout the year.

This past fall, events included: a round-table hosted by Gov. Walz in Crookston to find ways to support harvest operation; an “ag partners” meeting with the Board of Water & Soil Resources; and an “urban-ag partnership” meeting with the Pollution Control Agency to discuss conditions in the Minnesota River (this was unfortunately held during the thick of harvest, so even two of the four farm panel speakers were absent).

Beyond the subject of each of these meetings, they were also an important opportunity to remind non-agriculturalists how hard Minnesota’s farmers worked during the 2019 harvest – fighting rain, snow, ice, and mud to bring in their crops.

We now turn the page to a new year and new decade and look forward in anticipation to MSGA’s meeting held during MN Ag EXPO in Mankato Jan. 22 - 23. As a non-partisan, grassroots organization, our annual meeting is a chance for our members to voice their priorities and finalize our resolutions for the year. But Ag EXPO is more than just an annual meeting. From the trade show to keynote speakers to annual grower meetings and training, Ag EXPO has something of interest for every Minnesota farmer. But I find the best parts of AG EXPO aren’t always on the robust agenda, and it starts with just getting there – I annually hitch a ride on the Red Lake Falls-to-Mankato grower bus. For folks like me, who are skittish of committing to a January Minnesota road trip, the free bus ride has proven a great way to meet and spend time with devoted Minnesota soybean and corn growers. I will hear stories about the trials and triumphs of harvest, and plans to stay busy this winter. MSGA Vice President and amateur comedian Mike Skaug will commandeer the microphone, subjecting the captive bus to delightful groaner jokes. And by the time the bus enters Mankato city limits, we have new friends to chat with in the hallways of the Mankato Civic Center, and to meet-up with at our legendary fundraiser at the Loose Moose Saloon (this year’s fundraiser is carnival-themed; as always all proceeds go toward funding MSGA’s advocacy efforts in St. Paul and Washington, D.C.).

The best moments of Ag EXPO happen when we sit side-by-side hearing what research has been accomplished with checkoff-funded programs; we stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the back of the trade show floor listening to a Beck’s Hybrid learning session and shake hand-in-hand as we sign-up new MSGA members. This year, with a pivotal election season on the horizon, we are also eager to visit with state and federal legislators at Ag EXPO to discuss ag-related policy priorities and concerns during this crucial moment in agriculture.

We are excited to turn the page on the 2010s as we roar into the 2020s. The dawn of a new era in agriculture begins at the 2020 MN Ag EXPO. We hope you’ll join us along the way.

Jamie Beyer President Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

MN AG EXPO Schedule of Events Wednesday, January 22

MN AG EXPO Schedule of Events Thursday, January 23

9 a.m. – Noon – MCGA Delegate Session and Annual Meeting – Banquet Hall West 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Opening Keynote – Michelle Miller – Trade Show Stage 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Trade Show Open Noon – Buffet Lunch 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Beck’s Hybrid Learning Session – Meeting Room 245 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Solar Energy Panel – Trade Show Stage 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – Profinium Learning Session – Meeting Room 245 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Minnesota Corn Growers Association Silent Auction and Reception 5:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. – Dinner 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. – MSGA Carnival – Loose Moose Conference Center

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. – MCGA PAC Breakfast – Reception Hall 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Trade Show Open 8:15 a.m.-9 a.m. – Positioning for Success in the Economic Reset – Trade Show Stage 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – MSGA Delegate Session and Annual Meeting – Banquet Hall West 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Gislason and Hunter Learning Session – Meeting Room 245 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Impaired Waters: What Does It Mean & How Do You Engage? – Meeting Room 247 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Lunch featuring Dr. Cindra Kamphoff – Banquet Hall 3 p.m. – Bayer Dicamba Training – Banquet Hall

More information on the MN Ag EXPO is available online at mnagexpo.com

THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

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

PAGE 17

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Market looks at unharvested acres

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* St. Cloud $3.49 -.01 Madison $3.59 +.09 Redwood Falls $3.74 -.01 Fergus Falls $3.31 -.01 Morris $3.44 +.09 Tracy $3.80 -.01

soybeans/change* $8.67 $8.72 $8.75 $8.42 $8.62 $8.78

+.07 +.06 +.01 .00 +.04 +.03

Financial Focus

Enhance farm management for 2020

As a dad, I am an expert at dad jokes. You know, the The following marketing analysis is for the week jokes that are so cheesy they are followed by the kids ending Jan. 10. groaning and then giggling; because let’s face it, Average: $3.56 $8.66 CORN – The much-anticipated Jan. 10 monthly they’re funny. My favorite one recently, “What did the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates farmer say when he was frustrated that all his grain Year Ago Average: $3.21 $7.89 report, and Grain Stocks as of Dec. 1 report, hit the disappeared?” “Migraines!” market and we traded them all of about fifteen minGrain prices are effective cash close on Jan. 14.

2019 brought plenty of headaches and uncertainty. utes before markets looked for other things on which *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

In my years of working with farmers, I’ve seen many to focus. The week began with selling pressure which ways of handling the farm manwas carried over from the previous Friday when the agement process.

In many cases, making enhancements to United States eliminated a top Iranian general. Once current practices can yield more strategic decision-making pushed lower, corn moved sideways into the report in a throughout the year and keep financial plans on course. slightly lower range than in the previous three weeks.

These enhancements help farms weather the economic storm The initial reaction to the WASDE report was bearish and as they can forecast and adjust their annual plan as the year March corn dropped to its lowest point since Dec. 12 at progresses. $3.76.5 per bushel before finding its footing and clawing The first step is to know where you are financially. In prepback to settle 2.5 cents higher on the day. March corn has ping for tax season, it is typical to compile your revenues and now closed higher on January report day in five of the last expenses and update your balance sheet. An additional six years. Remember, there was no January report in 2019 PHYLLIS NYSTROM enhancement is to have a process in place to track year-over- DAVID THAMERT due to a government shutdown.

CHS Hedging inC. Profinium year results. Benchmark your progress with peers via online St. Paul Owatonna, Minn.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture surprised nearly everyresources such as FinBin. For those of you with a competitive one this month when they made significant changes to the edge, consider this your scorecard. What can you do this year 2018-19 balance sheet which definitely affected the 2019-20 to improve over last year? balance sheet. For the 2018-19 crop year, planted acres were trimmed 200,000 Next, know your cost of your production. It’s the beginning of 2020 and the acres to 88.9 million acres and harvested acres were cut 400,000 acres to 81.3 milfirst priority is to know your cost of production for the upcoming year. Whether lion acres. This dropped production 80 million bushels to 14.34 billion bushels you do it yourself or work with your banker, prepare a budget to be your startfrom 14.42 billion bushels. Feed and residual were trimmed 186 million bushels ing point for the year. You now know what price to sell your commodity at in from 5.6 billion bushels to 5.4 billion bushels. The end result was 2018-19 carryout order to reach your projected net return. Enhanced budget planning includes increasing 107 million bushels, which carried over to the 2019-20 balance sheet. preparing a monthly cash flow projection for the year, a quick reference Breaking down the January 2019-20 balance sheet, keep in mind there is 8 throughout the year, even when things get busy. Are you on track and can the percent of U.S. corn acrage yet to be harvested. Last year, there was only 2.5 new capital project can be built this summer; or, are you behind and maybe percent of acres left in the field for this report. The USDA signaled they may need to put the new project on hold? Knowing monthly projections at the beginrevise corn and soybean acreage, yield, production and stocks later this spring ning of the year gives farmers options for decisions later in the year. after resurveying farmers with unharvested acres.

Revenues and expenses have been documented, the balance sheet has been Planted acres were lowered 200,000 acres to 89.7 million acres, and harvested developed, and a budget is put in place. Now, take the time to review your acres were decreased 300,000 acres to 81.5 million acres (traded estimate was results. How did your results compare to your budget? How about a year-over81.35 million acres). Yield jumped one bushel per acre to 168 bu./acre compared year trend for the past five years? Enhanced planning is to do an enterprise to estimates for a decline from 167 bu./acre to 166.2 bu./acre. Production was 31 analysis and separate your enterprises. million higher at 13.692 billion bushels vs. 13.661 billion bushels last month Set goals for your operation. Based on Harvard Business Review data, 83 and 13.513 billion estimated. Total supply grew 138 million bushels due to the percent of people do not have predetermined goals; 14 percent of us have 107 million increase in carryin. unwritten goals and are 10 times more successful than those with no goals; and Feed was pushed 250 million bushels higher to 5.525 billion bushels, with corn 3 percent of us have written goals and are three times more successful than usage for ethanol unchanged at 5.375 billion bushels. Exports were slashed 75 those with unwritten goals. Even if the goal is out in the shop on the white million bushels to 1.775 billion bushels. The result was ending stocks down 18 milboard next to the to-do list; enhanced planning turns that goal into a SMART lion bushels at 1.892 billion bushels vs. 1.91 billion last month and trade expectagoal. Make the goal simple, measureable, attainable, relevant and time-based. tions for 1.742 billion bushels. The average farm price was left at $3.85 per bushel.

Time-based is crucial to enhanced planning as that helps to hold you accountStocks-to-use ratio declines to 13.4 percent from 15.5 percent last year. able in getting that goal accomplished. Even better, is to share the goal with your stakeholders.

U.S. corn stocks as of Dec. 1 were lower than expected at 11.389 billion bushels.

The average trade estimate was 11.511 billion bushels and last year there were This brings me to my last tip of taking your farm management to the next 11.937 billion bushels in storage. Of the total, 7.2 billion bushels were stored onlevel. You have teammates in key areas of your operation such as your agronoSee NYSTROM, pg. 18

See THAMERT, pg. 18

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

PAGE 18

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

Soybean market awaits news from Phase 1 agreement NYSTROM, from pg. 17 farm and 4.2 billion bushels were stored off-farm. Any unharvested grain is included in on-farm stocks.

World ending stocks for 2019-20 were neutral at 297.8 million metric tons compared to estimates for 296.6 mmt and 300.6 mmt last month. Brazilian corn production was left unchanged, as expected, at 101 mmt. For Argentina, corn production stayed at 50 mmt. Agroconsult updated their Brazilian corn crop estimate to 101.6 mmt. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange rated the Argentine corn crop 55 percent good/excellent with planting at 88.2 percent complete.

China this week announced they were delaying their 2017 E10 mandate that was to be in effect this year. They cited “food security” issues, alluding to diminishing corn reserves as well as logistical issues.

Their construction of new ethanol facilities has not advanced as much as they initially projected. This could lead to increased ethanol imports from the United States if they stride toward E10.

Weekly export sales were a marketing year low and beneath the lowest trade forecast. Sales were a miniscule 6.4 million bushels, dropping us to 43 percent behind last year. Weekly ethanol production was down 4,000 barrels per day to 1.062 million bpd – the lowest in five weeks, but 6 percent above the same week last year. Stocks were up 1.4 million barrels to 22.46 million barrels. This was the largest single-week gain since they began keeping records in 2010. Margins declined 3 cents to a negative 9 cents per gallon.

Outlook: Moving on from the reports, the market will look for additional demand from the U.S./China trade agreement, if South American weather remains favorable, and how the USDA may tweak future reports. There is the possibility that ethanol demand from China could rise after their decision to delay their E10 mandate this year. They could still move in that direction through increased ethanol imports. A negative for corn this week was China’s comment they won’t raise the annual low-tariff import quotas for corn, wheat and rice to accommodate higher U.S. agricultural imports. As traders digest the new data, questions will linger about what changes could surface on subsequent reports after the USDA resurveys farmers with unharvested acres in Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and Michigan. This uncertainty will likely lean toward the USDA lowering production and stocks on future reports. March

corn may be setting up a short-term trading range from $3.75 to $3.95 per bushel.

For the week, March corn closed three-quarter cents weaker at $3.85.75, July eked out a quartercent gain to $3.99.5, and December closed 2 cents higher at $4.02.75 per bushel.

SOYBEANS – After suffering double digit losses on the previous Friday due to the Iranian situation, soybeans flattened out to begin the week and began to regain a portion of the recent loss. Finding support near $9.37 per bushel, March soybeans are trending sideways in consolidation. China confirmed they will be in Washington, D.C. for the signing of the Phase 1 trade deal on Jan. 15, which helped soybeans find their footing ahead of the Jan. 10 USDA reports.

After the signing, details should be released to give the trade either confidence or disappointment for what this could mean for agricultural exports this year. Funds were net buyers and have built a small net long position in soybeans.

The USDA made just minor changes to the 2018-19 soybean balance sheet with seed cut 1 million bushels and residual raised 4 million bushels. Ending stocks were down 4 million bushels (rounding) to 909 million bushels.

Turning to the 2019-20 balance sheet, planted acres were lowered 400,000 acres to 76.1 million acres. Harvested acres at 75.0 million acres were down 600,000 acres from last month and vs. estimates for 75.46 million acres. There was 2 percent of unharvested U.S. soybean acres still in the field for this report compared to 3.4 percent last year. Yield at 47.4 bu./acre was up .5 bu./acre from last month and higher than the 46.6 bu./acre estimate. Production at 3.558 billion bushels was up just 8 million bushels compared to estimates for 3.512 billion bushels.

Imports were cut 5 million bushels and there were no changes in any of the usage categories. Ending stocks came in unchanged from last month at 475 million bushels. The trade was looking for a drop to 424 million bushels. The average farm price was raised a nickel to $9.00 per bushel. Stocks-to-use ratio is 11.9 percent compared to 22.9 percent last year.

Quarterly U.S. soybean stocks were higher than expectations at 3.251 billion bushels. The average trade estimate was 3.186 billion bushels and last year we had 3.746 billion bushels of stocks on Dec. 1.

Of the total, 1.53 billion bushels were on-farm and

1.73 billion were off-farm.

World carryout was 96.7 mmt, slightly higher than the 95.2 mmt trade forecast. Brazil and Argentina’s soybean production levels were left unchanged at 123 mmt and 53 mmt, respectively. Agroconsult has Brazil’s soybean crop at 124.3 mmt while Conab has them at 122.2 mmt. The BAGE rated Argentina’s soybean crop at 61 percent good/excellent with planting at 93.2 percent complete. China’s soybean imports were unchanged at 85 mmt vs. 82.5 mmt last year.

Weekly export sales were below the lowest prereport estimate at 13.1 million bushels. Total commitments are just 2 percent behind last year with 20.5 million bushels of sales needed per week to hit the USDA’s 1.775-billion-bushel export target.

Outlook: March soybeans have closed higher on the January report day in all four of the last four January reports (no report last year). Soybeans attention will be geared toward what details emerge from the Phase 1 trade agreement when it is signed, how South American’s crop finish, and what changes could still be in store for subsequent WASDE reports.

It’s unlikely we will see a tremendous pick-up in Chinese soybean buying in the wake of the trade deal since it’s believed they have decent coverage for the time being and South American supplies are cheaper March forward. Reportedly, China bought at least 10 Brazilian soybean cargoes this week ahead of the agreement signing. One area of Brazil to monitor for dryness in Rio Grande do Sul in the south where 15 percent of Brazil’s soybeans and 20 percent of their summer corn is produced.

For the week, March soybeans rallied a meager 4.5 cents to $9.46, July was 3.25 cents higher at $9.71, and the November contract settled 3.25 cents higher at $9.74.75 per bushel.

Nystrom’s Notes: Contract changes as of the close Jan. 10: Chicago March wheat moved a dime higher to $5.64.5, Kansas City surged 19.75 cents to $4.94.75, and Minneapolis gained 10.75 cents to $5.58.25 per bushel. All winter wheat acres were pegged at 30.8 million acres by the USDA on the Jan. 10 report. The breakdown was: hard red winter 21.8 million acres, soft red winter 5.64 million acres, and white winter 3.37 million acres. The average trade estimate for all winter acres was 30.664 million and last year we planted 31.159 million acres. The Dow traded over 29,000 this week for the first time ever. v

Setting time-based goals keeps you accountable THAMERT, from pg. 17 mist, marketing advisor, crop insurance rep, CPA, banker, attorney, family members, or others. Meet with your team on a periodic basis throughout the year. It’s another excellent way to help keep SMART goals in check and give your team time to adjust operations based on monthly cash flow results vs. projections. This is a very important step — espe-

cially for those transitioning the farm to the next generation. Keeping everyone on the same page with what is happening with the farm will yield stronger and more successful transitions.

One of my favorite aspects of being an ag banker is to be able to have the conversation with a farm family and show them the implementation of their enhanced farm management is paying off as they

stay the course toward their financial goals.

Then, of course, I tell them a dad joke.

David Thamert is a Senior Vice President of Ag Banking at Profinium. To learn more about how Profinium is a full financial health solutions center offering banking, mortgage, insurance, trust, and wealth planning services in Southern Minnesota visit Profinium.com. v

THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

PAGE 19

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Prices healthy at year’s first Global Dairy Trade auction The first Global Dairy Trade auction of reached an all-time high for the month.

2020 posted a mostly bullish 2.8 percent Volumes to Mexico fell. Demand from rise in the weighted average of products Southeast Asia, Colombia and China offered, just as it did in the first event of drove demand to these levels, according 2019. The uptick followed a 5.1 percent to HighGround Dairy, with the biggest plummet in the last GDT of 2019. All jump by volume to the Philippines – the products were in the black and sellers highest since August 2018. U.S. exports to brought 72.9 million pounds of product to South America reached an all-time high the market, down from 78.8 million in the in November, due to Colombia’s demand MIELKE MARKET last event. for nonfat dry milk, and exports to China WEEKLY were the strongest since June 2018, says The turnaround was led by rennet HighGround Dairy.

By Lee Mielke casein, up 8.6 percent, and buttermilk powder, up 7.4 percent. Skim milk Butter fundamentals remain bearpowder was up 5.4 percent, following ish as higher productivity continues a 6.3 percent decline on Dec. 17. to be paired with slow exports and higher overall fat imports in 2019, Butter and cheese were both up says HighGround Dairy. Exports were down 18.6 3.7 percent, after butter fell 2.4 percent and cheese percent from October and 11.3 percent below a year rose 1.7 percent last time. Anhydrous milkfat saw a ago.

September to November butter exports were 2.3 percent gain, after inching 0.3 percent lower, each the lowest for their month since 2015 as fat to and lactose was up 2.1 percent, following a 0.6 perthe Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and cent gain. Whole milk powder was up 1.7 percent Pakistan as well as to our North American trade after plunging 6.7 percent last time. partners has weakened in recent months.

FC Stone equated the GDT 80 percent butterfat “U.S. butter output has exceeded prior year levels butter price to $1.7831 per pound U.S., up 6.3 cents for six consecutive months,” says HighGround from the last event. Chicago Mercantile Exchange Dairy, “and 2019 is on track to be the strongest butbutter closed Jan. 10 at $1.92. GDT cheddar cheese ter production year since 1941.” equated to $1.8211 per pound, up 6.6 cents, and compares to Jan. 10’s CME block cheddar at $1.87. GDT Butter imports, at 5.2 million pounds, were down skim milk powder averaged $1.3724 per pound and 30.7 percent from a year ago but anhydrous milkfat compares to $1.3004 last time. Whole milk powder imports were up 69.7 percent. Cheese shipments averaged $1.4288, up from $1.4059. CME Grade A moved higher seasonally, up 3.4 percent from nonfat dry milk closed Jan. 10 at $1.2725 per pound. October and 7.3 percent above a year ago, with The surprising strong uptick in the GDT came on gains to the top three destinations: Mexico, South Korea and Japan. the news of the Australian fires, according to FC Stone, but the impact remains to be seen not only Cheese exported to Canada reached a two-year on the poor people of Australia, but specifically on high, while cheese imports, at 33.1 million pounds, key milk producing regions of the country. were down 11.1 percent from a year ago.

FC Stone warned markets don’t move entirely Dry whey exports totaled 27.2 million pounds, up based on data. They move on emotion. And if you’re 29.8 percent from October but down 24.7 percent a buyer of dairy products in that part of the world, from a year ago. you’re likely more worried about your supply today The Daily Dairy Report points out that November than you were a few weeks ago.

U.S. dairy exports totaled $530 million, up 22.1 perA large processor on the southeast coast where cent from a year ago and, “On a daily average basis, the fires are very bad reported on Jan. 9, “While the November was the strongest month for U.S. dairy fires are terrible, it’s the record heat seems to be product exports since April 2015.” more of a problem for milk production. They think n the direct impact to milk production from the fires Back on the home front, most cash dairy prices is very minimal at this point. The biggest headaches fell in the first full week of trading in two weeks. are around getting tankers to and from the farms.

Cheddar block cheese dropped to $1.8250 per pound But this is only the start of fire season, so there seems to be some apprehension/dread around that.” on Jan. 9, the lowest since Dec. 26, but closed the next day at $1.87, 2 cents lower on the week but 46 n cents above a year ago. The barrels fell to $1.5175 November U.S. dairy exports saw strong perforon Jan. 9, the lowest since June 5, but inched back mance across most commodities ― especially cheese to $1.5225 on Jan. 10, down 12 cents on the week and nonfat dry milk, according to HighGround but 27.75 cents above a year ago and a unsustainDairy’s Lucas Fuess in the Jan. 6 Dairy Radio Now able 34.75 cents below the blocks. There were 24 broadcast. cars of block traded on the week and 26 of barrel.

Nonfat dry milk and skim milk powder shipments Midwest cheesemakers had positive reports on were up 41 percent from November 2018 and demand the week after New Years, according to

MARKETING

Dairy Market News. Demand upticks are factored by somewhat lighter market prices when compared to late 2019 and football playoff season, says Dairy Market News. Production is ongoing and picking up.

Spot milk supplies were ample and solely at discounted rates. Cheese stocks are balanced and most loads are spoken for ahead of production. The block barrel price gap is and has been hovering around 25 cents, which is not symbolic of what contacts believe to be stable markets, says Dairy Market News. They prefer a price gap under a dime.

Butter fell to $1.87 per pound on Jan. 8, the lowest CME price in three years, but closed Jan. 10 at $1.92, down 3 cents on the week and 33.75 cents below a year ago as the heavier-than-expected November output weighed on the market.12 cars traded hands on the week.

Butter producers are churning ahead of the spring demand season but some say they can’t churn fast enough with the current availability of cream.

Analysts expect butter to hold in its range this year, but the goalposts have been adjusted from the $1.80s into the $2 area, says Dairy Market News.

“Heavy milk production, high components, and the pull back of Class II dairy production following the holidays have yielded a surfeit of cream for western churns,” says Dairy Market News. “Butter makers report active production. To no surprise, retail butter orders are slow except for the regular refill of store shelves.”

Grade A nonfat dry milk finished Jan. 10 at $1.2725 per pound, up 4 cents on the week, the highest since October 23, 2014, and 24.25 cents above a year ago, with 19 cars exchanging hands on the week.

CME dry whey saw a Jan. 10 finish at 34.75 cents per pound, up 3.25 cents on the week but 14.75 cents below a year ago, with 54 sales reported for the week.

Another landmark dairy business, Borden, announced this week it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after more than 160 years in business.

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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PAGE 24

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THE LAND — JANUARY 10/JANUARY 17, 2020

This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Managing Editor Paul Malchow.

W

Nature saved by the Bell

hile the Bell Museum unveiled a sparkling new facility in 2018 on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus, the state’s museum of natural history has a much longer story.

The museum was established by the Minnesota state legislature 1872 to collect, preserve, display and interpret Minnesota’s diverse animal and plant life for scholarly research, teaching and for public enjoyment. It was first located in a single room in a building on the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus. Fundraising efforts and a generous donation from General Mills founder

Throughout the museum there are videos and interactive activities for all ages. Activities are designed low to the ground to enable even the youngest visitor to take part.

A striking feature carried over from the old Minneapolis museum is the dioramas. Constructed between 1920 and the late 1940s, the Bell Museum’s dioramas illustrate what Minnesota was like before the ax and plow.

Displayed behind large panes of glass, the dioramas create an amazing sensation of depth and detail. Some of the wildlife featured are moose, elk, swans and beaver.

Falcon Heights, Minn.

James Ford Bell created the James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History which opened in 1940 in Minneapolis.

The building was expanded in the 1960s and 1970s, but by the 1980s the building was suffering from leaks, cracks, mold and water damage, which threatened the collections and the dioramas. After a decades-long planning and legislative process, the university broke ground on the current Bell Museum – located at 2088 Larpenteur Ave. W in Falcon Heights, Minn. – on April 22, 2016.

Bright and airy, the Bell Museum features a variety of collections with more than 4 million specimens. Exhibits take visitors from the earliest forms of life on earth to the challenges faced due to urbanization and climate change. Collections feature all manner of Minnesota life – from fungi and plants to reptiles, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals.

In the museum’s Touch and See Lab, visitors can handle many artifacts as well as see live snakes, spiders, scorpions and cockroaches. The Lab was developed in 1968 to allow visitors – especially children – to get their hands on specimens which are traditionally behind glass in museums.

“Under the Fig Leaf” is a living rainforest and active research project. Many of the plants were grown from seeds collected in tropical forests around the world like Papua New Guinea. Visitors can get a ground floor and canopy view of the mini rainforest and learn about related University of Minnesota research.

The Minnesota Planetarium Society operated the Minnesota Planetarium from 1960 until it was closed in 2002 when the Minneapolis Central Library was torn down. In 2011, the Planetarium Society merged with the Bell Museum of Natural History with plans to create a digital planetarium. The 120-seat digital planetarium requires an admission separate from the museum admission.

The museum campus also features outdoor learning landscapes, classrooms and temporary exhibit galleries. The museum also recently launched the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas, an online, searchable interface containing over 400,000 scientific records and as many as 175,000 high-resolution images.

The Bell Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information can be found at the museum’s website, www.bellmuseum. umn.edu. v

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

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Insulate your BEEF barn:

January 10/January 17, 2020 - Page 3

Insulate your DAIRY barn:

Spray foam prevents condensation and rust.

Spray foam prevents condensation and rust.

Call for more info:

Call for more info:

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

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

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

MN LIC BC639351

Page 4 - January 10/January 17, 2020

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Insulate your HOG barn:

© 2020

Jan. 10/Jan. 17, 2020

Proper insulation prevents condensation and rust.

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

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

MN LIC BC639351

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

S P O SH S N R BA S D E SH S E HOM

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION

greener world solutions CALL EDULE H C S TO E A FRE ATE ESTIM

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

www.greenerworldsolutions.com

MN LIC BC639351