THE LAND ~ April 17, 2020 ~ Southern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

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April 17, 2020 April 24, 2020

Chicks ahoy!

Spring means a fresh batch of layers for L&R Poultry and Produce

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

What the CARES Act means for agriculture Family Farm Defenders Executive Director John Peck What you should know about Fulvic acid

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THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

2019 could have been worse (not much) P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLIV ❖ No. 8 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File From My Farmhouse Kitchen Cooking With Kristin Farm Programs Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

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The word just came out on April 2. In agement instructor at the Moorhead office case you were wondering, Minnesota of Northland Community and Technical farmers continued to struggle with low College. “Add to that the extra costs of profitability in 2019. harvesting in difficult field conditions, and this spring, our producers will have The University of Minnesota Extension to deal with those poor field conditions for and the Agricultural Centers of planting, which increases their costs.”

Excellence within Minnesota compiled the latest figures released in the April 2 With turmoil in the political arena’s report. The analysis includes 2,167 partariffs and trade deals, crop prices were LAND MINDS ticipants in Minnesota State Farm on a roller coaster for much of the year.

Business Management programs and 106 Corn improved at $3.62 per bushel, up

By Paul Malchow members of the University’s Southwest from $3.33 in 2018. Soybean prices, Farm Business Management more impacted by trade issues, were Association. Participating farmers rep$8.48 per bushel, down from $9.04 the resent approximately 10 percent of previous year. Wheat seemed especialMinnesota’s commercial farmers. ly volatile — jumping and dropping several cents Stating the obvious, the report does not exactly send per bushel on a weekly basis. farmers into the upcoming growing season brimOn the animal front, the report stated profits for ming with optimism. participating dairy farms improved in 2019. The “Farming as a business is far from profitable,” said median dairy farm earned $64,144 compared to Keith Olander of the Minnesota State Northern $15,434 in 2018. The average milk price, at $18.81 Agricultural Center of Excellence. “Minnesota farm- per hundred pounds, was the highest since record ers are in need of a good year.” prices in 2014.

The report states that last year, 28 percent of farms Healthier milk prices were not enough to save lost money; 45 percent lost working capital; and 46 many dairy operations, however. The number of parpercent did not earn enough to cover scheduled debt ticipating dairy farms decreased by 13 percent, as payments. Median net farm income was up slightly many producers liquidated their herds. It is interfrom the previous year at $36,211, but was still his- esting to note the USDA reports an increase in the torically low. number of cows in Minnesota. “Get big or get out” “The average producer did a little better, but seems to be the trend. inside the numbers there was a lot of diversity,” said “2019 is really a tale of halves,” said Nate Dale Nordquist of the University of Minnesota’s Converse, farm business management Instructor at Center for Farm Financial Management. “More than the Staples campus of Central Lakes College. “The in most years, earnings depended on where you first six months were similar to 2018 with Class 3 lived, how much it rained and how much your com- prices averaging $15.25. Then in July, Class 3 prices modities were impacted by trade issues.” started to rise and finished the year strong. Even It’s hard to say where many operations would with increased profitability, 33 percent of dairy have finished 2019 without the Market Facilitation farms had negative debt repayment margins.”

Program (MFP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture The threat of African swine fever kept U.S. hog provided payments to producers of commodities producers on edge during 2019 — along with a marimpacted by trade-related losses. ket which saw regular swings in losses and gains.

“It is likely that 20 percent of our producers would Producers expected 2019 to be very profitable, as not have gotten operating credit for next year’s crop disease forced China to liquidate more than one milwithout the MFP payments,” said Ron Dvergsten, lion pigs. However, China later imposed high tariffs farm business management instructor at Northland on pork imports, blunting much of that gain.

Community and Technical College in Thief River Nonetheless, pork producer earnings rebounded Falls. “Those payments were critical to keep many with the median producer earning $96,245 — up of the producers we work with in business.” from $27,799. Wean-to-finish producers made $5 per The other factor in keeping farm operations afloat head after losing over $8 in 2018. was crop insurance. Crop yields were below trend in Hog and dairy producers both received MFP payall regions. A number of growers chose to take the ments to partially offset trade-related impacts. prevented planting crop insurance option, providing Those raising beef also fared a little better in at least some income in exchange for leaving fields 2019. Median net farm income for beef producers unplanted. was just under $7,000, up from just $4,000 in 2018.

The sugar beet region of the Red River Valley However, beef cow-calf producers lost over $140 per experienced some of the worst weather-related har- cow. Cattle finishers made just over $10 per head. vest conditions in the state.

To my knowledge, farm income forecasts have not “There were lots of sugar beets left in the ground been revised in light of the global coronavirus epilast fall and we still have a lot of unharvested corn See LAND MINDS, pg. 3 in the fields,” said Josh Tjosaas, farm business man-

OPINION

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

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Opinion: We need a farm foreclosure moratorium Over the past month, Minnesota and our country overall have been focusing on two co-occurring crises: the Covid19 public health emergency, and an economy on life support. Our state is taking the necessary steps to maintain public health by extending our “stayat-home» order, and has taken significant steps to help small businesses by providing SBA loans and by expanding unemployment insurance to make sure frontline workers who contract Covid-19 on the job have access to workers’ compensation.

But a number of our rural colleagues in the farming profession beset by plunging prices and the added stress of Covid-19 need another precious support: time. Specifically, an additional 180-day window to work through mediation before banks foreclose on their farm business.

This economic crisis comes at a time when requests for farm mediation are at their highest levels since the farm crisis of the 1980’s. In recent years, 85 percent of farmers who have entered the mediation process have been able to make a deal with creditors to consolidate debts, avoid foreclosure and keep farming. Right now, as we all are working to protect our own health and the health of our communities by

maintaining social distance — a farmer cannot have that critical face-toface meeting with creditors. As a result, if a notice from a creditor is received, it is much more likely that a foreclosure is imminent. Right now, we farmers need more time in that process. It would enable us to have these face-to-face meetings safely, reach agreement with creditors, and keep farming.

The recently passed CARES Act has provided farmers some protections to counterbalance the current depressed markets. A bright spot in this package is a dedicated pool of funding for farmers raising food for local markets. We need this now more than ever. These farmers, representing a new and more diverse generation of farmers among us, are not as well protected by farm bill support programs as their more traditional farm colleagues. They continue to create and build the local foods infrastructure based on community resilience and connection during this challenging time when we are advised to keep a distance.

The CARES Act also steers financial support from the Commodity Credit Corporation to traditional family livestock and dairy farms, although just how this will be used and where it will

Letters to the editor are always welcome.

be directed is not yet clear. The need, however, is critical. The outbreak of Covid-19 has exacerbated the farm crisis that traditional small to mid-sized crop and livestock farm families have been navigating for over six years. The prices that farmers are getting for their products have been dropping across the board, with the largest loss being felt by milk producers who’ve felt recent price drops of up to 36 percent — even while demand for milk is high. A similar situation is affecting beef producers. Processor margins have leapt with the soaring demand for beef due to the shelter-in-place orders, yet farmers that raise this beef are operating at a net loss. Add to this an alarming disconnect between cattle cash and futures markets as well as a continued uphill fight by farmers for Country of Origin Labeling in order to gain more market access in a U.S. meat industry where just four companies control 85 percent of the marketplace. That adds another layer of stress weighing on farmers who are now talking to lenders in an attempt to farm another season.

At risk in this pandemic are the foundations of our rural communities — traditional small and mid-sized family farms, as well as a newer generation of farming professionals knitting together a stronger local foods

economy. We need to work together to ensure support from our public treasury during this crisis builds the type of food and farming system we want to see on the land.

During this crisis, we have seen some incredible examples of leadership from our Governor, local officials and a Legislature working in an unprecedented bipartisan manner to address and support those among us hardest hit by Covid-19. We now look for that to continue and ask the Governor and Legislature to impose an immediate time-out on farm foreclosures so that farm families can focus on staying healthy and weathering the worst of the depressed prices as they look to another farming season. Again, 180 days for farmers in mediation to demonstrate a positive cash flow and come to an agreement with lenders could make all the difference.

We all need more farmers, not less.

And Covid-19 should not be the reason that farmers already in economic crisis have to call it quits.

Leon Plaetz, Wabasso Nick Olson, Litchfield Tom Nuessmeier, Le Sueur Mike Gilles, Ridgeway Joel Odie Jansen, Danube Land Stewardship Project farmer members:

Send your letters to: Editor, The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com

All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

A change would do us good LAND MINDS, from pg. 2

occasional blast of snow).

There is plenty of catching up to do. demic. As of the release of the report, the USDA was still expecting net farm Some acres still contain corn. Fields with leftover sugar beets will need income to be up slightly in 2020. additional attention to prepare for this Higher receipts are forecast for hog, dairy, beef and poultry producers. Crop year’s planting. Those who were able to harvest left behind compacted soil receipts are forecast to remain and deep ruts in their fields. unchanged, while government payments are expected to decline. Corn It seems like it’s been so long since and soybean associations both forecast we’ve experienced a normal crop year, an increase in acreage in 2020. I’m not a normal crop year would be abnorsure how that works. mal. Let’s face it … a change would do us good.

What will happen in 2020 at this point is anyone’s guess. Weather wise, Paul Malchow is the managing edithe stage is set for early access to the tor of The Land. He may be reached at fields (although the northern regions editor@TheLandOnline.com. v of Minnesota continue to receive the

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THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

Hey, didn’t rural America invent ‘social distancing’?

There’s a brittle beauty to knows the dark math this year’s spring. Amid the behind them. swaying daffodils, cotton For example, if rural Iowa clouds, and already roaring or rural anywhere gets hit tractors and dust-shaking

by Covid-19 as hard as New planters hides a deadly York or Chicago, it will be virus with a special fondmore lethal; because while ness for those of us in rural rural America is home to 20 America.

FARM & FOOD FILE percent of all Americans, it In fact, rural America is contains only nine percent

By Alan Guebert perfectly primed for Covidof the nation’s hospitals, 19, according to any epitwo percent of its hospidemiologist worth their tal beds, and one percent student loans. The virus of its intensive care beds. finds its weakest, best targets in And that’s the good news. elderly Americans with “co-morbidity” The bad news is the numbers get factors like diabetes or heart disease. worse. Iowa, for example, “has only That’s us.

280 ventilators for its more than 3 “Less than 14 percent of the nation’s million residents.” If current predicpopulation is over 65 years,” noted tions hold, “… up to 150,000 Iowans Megan L. Srinivas in the April 7 Des may need those mere 280 ventilators Moines Register, “but this group repre- over the next 18 months.” sents over 18 percent of the population Note she said months, not weeks. in rural areas.”

Age isn’t the only sweet spot in rural Those numbers, explains Srinivas, America for Covid-19. We country “an infectious disease doctor living in dwellers are poorer than our metro rural Iowa,” have her “terrified… and counterparts and many of our jobs — shaken.” The reason is simple. She

OPINION

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whether well-paying, average or minimum wage in schools, pubs, restaurants or grain elevators — are now gone, going, or facing cutbacks in paid hours.

That means a higher percentage of rural Americans will face difficult months — even years ahead — in paying for housing, food, and, Lord have mercy, life-and-death health care choices.

And don’t believe the blowhards who claim our open spaces and thin population will provide a protective buffer to keep farm and ranch communities safe. It won’t.

In fact, eight in 10 U.S. counties “are under lockdown orders,” the Wall Street Journal reported April 6. “They represent nearly 96 percent of the national output.”

A day later, the New York Times reported America’s countryside was on the same path the newspaper’s hometown was a month ago: “This week, the case rate in rural areas was more than double it was six days before.”

Equally troubling, as this snowball rolls into rural America, its growing size will minimize news of other critically important choices which require rural input and monitoring. For instance, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is sitting on a $50-bil-

lion mountain of bailout money for … whom? How? When?

Now would be a good time to have the expert advice from the more than 200 ag economists who left USDA’s Economic Research Service after Perdue ordered most out of Washington, D.C. in 2019. Since then, according to Politico, “only 41 out of 233 [ERS] positions” vacated under Perdue’s purge had been filled by mid-January.

Given its recent history, there’s little evidence to believe USDA will do better with fewer experts as one of the most wide sweeping, most deadly health and economic calamities slices through rural America like a scythe.

And, of course, all of this is doubly harsh and demoralizing as it hits farms, ranches and rural communities at the height of planting, calving, school field trips, proms and graduations.

But we rural Americans know how to defeat this. We must stay smart, stay safe, and stay home. In short, social distancing.

Which, by the way, we know how to do because we invented it.

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

Opinion: Remind yourself tough times don’t last The year was 1986. Ronald Reagan was the president. Corn was selling for $1.50 a bushel and hogs were forever stuck in the 30 cents a pound range. Land values had fallen to less than half of what they were just a few years before during the go-go times of the seventies. To top it all off, shortterm interest rates had approached 20 percent. The Classy Canary sported pages upon pages of farm auctions as bankers attempted to liquidate upsidedown balance sheets. Rural America was in the midst of the worst farm crisis since the Great Depression.

On this early spring day, an impressive lineup of late model John Deere equipment was being auctioned off by one of the best In the business: Abner

Jacobson. Abner was a short witty Norwegian with a big booming voice.

That day he was selling out the machinery of a couple of brothers who had got in over their heads.

We arrived late (as usual) and walked over a half mile past parked pickup trucks. We picked up a bidding number (in the 800’s) from the clerk.

We came to watch (and maybe bid) on a pair of low-houred 8640’s. They were the biggest four wheel drive tractors that John Deere made until 1981. We thought we were going to see them sell for less than the cost of a new riding lawnmower.

After selling many of the smaller See OPINION, pg. 5

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

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Try a little King Solomon during these troubling times Over the last few weeks But what if it is as bad as we have undergone changes the experts say it can be? to our lives that very few of Life right now is not a us ever expected to see or picnic and is very much out wanted to experience. It’s of our control. Sports game much easier to read about scores have been replaced troubling times like this in with up-to-date numbers history books or view a docand graphs of suspected umentary than to be watchcases, reported cases and FROM MY ing the currents events deaths appearing regularly FARMHOUSE unfold on any media outlet on our screens.

KITCHEN right now.

We realize that we are

By Renae B. Our emotions have run unprepared for any major Vander Schaaf the gauntlet of anger, selfcrisis. We are also realizing ishness, worry and panic. It scares us we can’t handle the situation ourjust a mite to realize how we are selves, too many unknowns and what reacting to the current events. We we do know isn’t all that pleasant. operate between hysteria, despair and Instead of the occasional funeral to the belief that ‘yes, with the right preremind us that life on this earth is cautions I will survive. In a week or temporary, we are being vividly two all will be back to normal, and it can’t be as bad as they are predicting.’ reminded daily that death can occur at any time.

Perhaps in the back of our minds, we knew that when we walked out the door in the morning there was no guarantee we would return. There might be an accident, or a sudden health issue that would cause our demise. We never gave much thought to the Death Angel before.

But now we can’t escape the reality.

We are constantly bombarded with photos and numbers. We look for assurance.

For many of us, we go to the Bible where we find our favorite scripture passages to turn to in troubling times.

Mine this time happens to be the book of Ecclesiastes. A book in the Bible written by a very wise man, King Solomon. He possessed power, wealth beyond imagination and anything this world could offer.

OPINION, from pg. 4 pieces, Abner finally got to the pair of big tractors. Abner described their attributes and then offered them choice to the crowd of more than 1,000 for a starting price of $28,000. Less than a minute later, he was backed up to $20,000 and there were no takers.

Suddenly, Abner’s voice stopped. He turned and asked a young farmer standing in the front row for a smoke.

A few seconds later, he asked the young man for a light. Now Abner had everyone’s attention. You could have heard a pin drop as Abner took what

That day was one of the many lessons we learned from the eighties.

Things like faith and family are as important as financial success. Cash flow planning is a necessity. We don’t need everything today. It’s OK to wait until tomorrow. Emotional and financial depression is sometimes a state of mind. Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.

We have just lived through one of the most challenging farming years of poor weather and low prices since the 1980’s farm crisis. Now we are in the midst of the worst health crisis our

Yet he pondered the purpose of life in a very somber, thoughtful way. He seemed very perplexed at times.

The conclusion to this book has the perfect ending, of course. Here are the last two verses of Chapter 12. Oh wait, I don’t want to spoil it for you.

It would be better for you to open your own Bibles to Ecclesiastes Chapter 1. Yes, you need to start at the very beginning because the verses probably won’t have the same effect.

So do yourself a favor, read the book of Ecclesiastes slowly aloud without peeking at the ending. It doesn’t really take that long as it’s only 12 chapters.

Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker.

Please contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com.

Faith and family are as important as financial success

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seemed like an eternity to smoke that cigarette.

After rubbing out the cigarette butt with his foot, Abner’s voice cackled on the PA system with the words “This young man just offered me twenty thousand dollars for the tractor. The boy’s face turned beet red as Abner began coaxing the crowd for the next bid. A few seconds later someone raised their hand for $20,500. By the time the bidding stopped, Abner had sold the tractor for $28,000 — almost half of what a new tractor was worth.

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nation has seen in 100 years. We question the future of our own well-being and the ability of our economic system to absorb the disruptions caused from fighting Covid-19.

In time we will find a way to contain, treat or prevent the virus.

Beyond that, we will need more people like Abner Jacobson to lead us out of the economic darkness and give us faith that there will be better days ahead.

Jim Anderson Belgrade, Minn.

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THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

Everyone could use a little comfort during trying times grated Parmesan cheese As I write this column, we’re in the 3/4 package (6 oz.) of cream cheese middle of the statewide stay home execu1/2 cup ham, chopped tive order in Minnesota. While many of you are trying to balance working from Cook cauliflower in chicken broth until tender, home, helping children with distance about 10-15 minutes. Drain, reserving broth. Cook learning, others are busy doing field onions and celery in butter until soft. Add flour, stir work. We all are trying to wrap our heads until smooth. Add cauliflower, milk and reserved around what’s going on with this panbroth. Cook until thick. Add cream cheese, salt, pepdemic and doing our best to navigate the per and ham. Just before serving, sprinkle with COOKING unknown.

Parmesan cheese.

WITH KRISTIN We still need to eat though, so I’ve comn

By Kristin Kveno piled some of my favorite recipes which Life is still hectic, so give yourself a break and are perfect if you’re staying in the house make lasagna the easy way. This slow cooker recipe is delicious — or need an easy meal to take with you in the and simple. tractor.

I made this soup last week for the family and it was a success, Slow Cooker Lasagna 1 pound ground beef EVERYONE loved it. It was the perfect comfort food when we all 1 jar spaghetti sauce could use a little comfort.

1 can tomato paste Cauliflower Soup 1/2 package lasagna noodles 1 medium cauliflower, break into pieces 1 jar alfredo sauce 2 cans chicken broth 12 ounces mozzarella 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup Parmesan 2 teaspoons chopped onion Brown ground beef in skillet, drain. Spray slow cooker with 3 celery ribs, minced non-stick spray. Spread 3/4 cup pasta sauce in bottom of slow 1/4 cup flour cooker.

Stir remaining sauce into ground beef. Layer three noo3 cups milk or half & half dles over sauce, breaking noodles as necessary. Top with onesalt and pepper to taste third of the alfredo sauce and spread out. Sprinkle with 1 cup of dash of paprika mozzarella and then top with a third of the ground beef spread evenly in slow cooker. Repeat layers twice. Top with Parmesan cheese, cover and cook on low heat for 3-1/2 to 4 hours. n New & This recipe is called Best Ever Meatloaf for a reason — it’s Reconditioned Pumps really that good. This meatloaf is great in a sandwich, so it’s the perfect on-the-go planting meal. Slice the meatloaf, put it on Designed for some bread, add some ketchup and enjoy!

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2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1-1/2 teaspoons brown mustard 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare sauce in a bowl and set aside. Combine meatloaf ingredients with hands. Add half of sauce with meat. Pour remaining sauce over top. Bake two hours or until meat reaches 160 degrees. n Let the kids join in on the cooking tasks with this wonderfully easy recipe. Bonus, it makes your house smell oh-so-good!

Slow Cooker Applesauce

10 apples 1/2 cup water 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 3/4 cup sugar Peel apples, core and cut into chunks. Put them in the slow cooker along with all the other ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Take a potato masher and mash. This can be eaten warm or cold. Refrigerate the remaining sauce.

While we’re amid this stay home order and are having plenty of time together, whether that’s in the field or at home, give these recipes a try with your family today. Stay well!

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

Iowa Concern helps coping with stress HAMPTON, Iowa — With social distancing, selfisolation and quarantine, the changes required by Covid-19 can be hard to handle. However, Iowans can turn to Iowa Concern, for help, says Tammy Jacobs, coordinator for the long-time service from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

To reach Iowa Concern, call 800-447-1985. Language interpretation services are available. Or, visit the website, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/, to live chat with a stress counselor one-on-one in a secure environment. Individuals can also email an expert regarding legal, finance, stress, or crisis and disaster issues.

“All personal information given to Iowa Concern, whether on the hotline or through e-mail or live chat, is kept confidential,” Jacobs said.

She also suggests visiting Human Sciences Extension and Outreach’s “Finding Answers Now” website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/disaster-recovery for additional information and resources on dealing with stress.

This article was submitted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. v

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

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PAGE 7

What the CARES Act means for agriculture On March 27 President lies and individuals that are Trump signed the included in the CARES Act. Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Any individual who earned Economic Security (CARES) less than $75,000, based on Act into law, following the adjusted gross income unanimous passage by both in either their 2018 or 2019 the U.S House and Senate. federal tax return, would The CARES Act authorizes receive a direct payment of up to $2.2 trillion in aid and $1,200 from the federal govFARM PROGRAMS ernment. Married couples financial assistance do deal with the health and ecowith an adjusted gross

By Kent Thiesse nomic impacts from the income of less than Covid-19 virus pan$150,000 would receive demic in the United a payment of $2,400.

States. This is one of There would be an the largest and most additional payment of comprehensive financial bills ever $500 for every child claimed on the passed by Congress. The legislation 2018 or 2019 tax return. These direct will impact nearly every citizen of the aid payments are expected to be made United States and most aspects of the in April.

U.S. economy in some shape or manThe CARES Act allocated $350 bilner, including farm families, rural com- lion to the U.S. Small Business munities, and the U.S. agriculture Administration for emergency loans to industry. help small businesses keep employees Overall, the CARES Act provides working and to keep their businesses approximately $48.9 billion for United operating during these challenging States Department of Agriculture protimes. The portion of the SBA relief grams. An important portion of this package getting the most attention is funding, $14 billion, is allocated as the Payment Protection Program additional funding authority for the (PPP) which provides 100 percent fedUSDA Commodity Credit Corporation erally guaranteed loans to small busi(CCC). The CCC funds were used to nesses to assist with those efforts. It make the 2018 and 2019 market facili- appears that many farm operations tation program payments to specific and ag related businesses will likely crop and livestock producers, as well as qualify for the PPP loans — especially to fund other USDA programs. The aid those with monthly payroll payments package also authorizes an additional and those which have regular funds $9.5 billion emergency fund that is tar- withdrawn for ownership and managegeted toward dairy and livestock proment payments. PPP loan applications ducers, fruit and vegetable growers, are made through SBA-approved and fresh food markets. banks and lending institutions.

The CARES Act provides $15.5 bilThe CARES Act also provides fundlion in additional funding for the ing for SBA Economic Injury Disaster USDA Supplemental Nutrition Loans (EIDL) for small businesses Assistance Program (SNAP) and an that incur financial hardship as a additional $8.8 billion for child nutriresult of the coronavirus outbreak. As tion programs. While not providing of this writing, there was a considerdirect assistance to farmers, added able uncertainty regarding the potenfunding for these programs will help tial eligibility of farm-related busimaintain and increase demand for cer- nesses for these SBA loans. Loans tain ag products. The dairy industry through the EIDL program are made and fresh food markets have been hit directly by SBA and do not require especially hard by the lack of demand approval by a local bank or lender. For due to school closures and the shutmore information on the EIDL prodown of restaurants across the United gram or to make on-line EIDL applicaStates. The legislation also provides tions, businesses should go to the SBA some added support to rural hospitals website at https://www.sba.gov/fundand medical services, as well as for ing-programs/disaster-assistance other local government functions.

Ag-related Questions Many farm families may also qualify Does the added CCC funding in for the direct cash payments to famithe new CARES Act automatically

MARKETING

mean there will be a third round of MFP payments (or something similar) in 2020?

Not necessarily. The 2018 and 2019 MFP payments were related to lost income due to the trade war with China and other countries. It is not apparent if the coronavirus will necessarily impact the new trade agreement with China or ag trade with other countries. However, given the added funding provided to the USDA and the CCC through the emergency legislation and the financial challenges facing farm operations, it is highly likely that some form of assistance similar to MFP will be made available to farmers and ranchers in the coming months. The aid package will likely look different than the 2018 and 2019 MFP payments, and the aid will likely involve more commodities — especially with the added USDA emergency fund which is targeted toward dairy and livestock producers and others.

What strategies can be utilized following the sharp price decline for unsold 2019 corn and soybeans that are still in storage on the farm?

Many farm operators have a considerable amount of unsold 2019 corn and soybeans in farm storage. Following the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, there was an immediate sharp drop in local grain prices — resulting in cash corn prices to drop 70-80 cents per bushel in just a few weeks at many Midwest locations. In addition, many ethanol plants and other local grain markets are currently not accepting corn or only doing so on a limited basis. One strategy farmers could utilize to get some temporary revenues from their unsold grain in storage is to utilize the CCC commodity loan program through local Farm Service Agency offices. The length of CCC commodity loans has been temporarily See THIESSE, pg. 10

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

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

PPP loan application details 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 email: theland@thelandonline.com

2020 Subscription Form Please complete the form below.

Sign and date, include your check and put it in the mail.

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I own or operate 80+ acres of Minnesota and/or Northern Iowa ag cropland, raise 25+ head of livestock or am actively involved in agribusiness.

Full Year Voluntary Subscription:  $29  Other

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Full Year Subscription:  $29

Important – Please check all boxes that best match your farming operation.

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Hogs marketed  1-99  100-249 Sheep raised  1-99  100-249 Beef Cattle marketed  1-99  100-249 Dairy Cattle milked  1-50  51-99

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Mail to: THE LAND P. O. Box 3169 • Mankato, MN 56002 PLEASE PRINT Name ______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________________________ Phone # ____________________________________________________________________________ E-mail Address _____________________________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________________ Date __________________

This form MUST BE signed and dated to meet postal regulations.

Who is eligible to apply for the PPP loans?

All small businesses with 500 or fewer employees are eligible for the SBA PPP program, as well as certain businesses that exceed that level. The program is also available to sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors, as well as nonprofits, veteran’s organizations, and tribal concerns.

How do small businesses and others apply for the PPP loans?

The PPP loan application process began April 3 for small businesses and sole proprietorships and on April 10 for most others. PPP loan applications must be made by June 30.

Applications can be made through any SBA approved lending institution, including farm credit institutions. A list of banks and lenders participating in the PPP loan applications can be found on the SBA website at: https://www.sba.gov/fundingprograms/loans/coronavirus-reliefoptions/paycheck-protection-program-ppp What can the PPP loans be used for?

The loans can be used to cover up to eight weeks of payroll and salary costs, including costs for medical insurance, retirement plans, sick leave, and some other benefits, as well as state and local taxes assessed on payroll expenses. Payroll expenses are capped at $100,000 per employee.

Sole proprietors and independent contractors can include wages, commissions, self-employment net earnings not to exceed $100,000 on an annual basis for each employee. The loan can also be used for working capital expenses, such as utility bills, rental payments, and mortgage interest payments, provided that these expenditures were in place prior to Feb. 15.

What is the maximum amount that can be borrowed with a PPP loan?

The maximum amount that any small business, sole proprietor or other entity can borrow through the PPP loan program is 250 percent of the average monthly payroll expenses that were identified earlier. The intent is to cover eight weeks of payroll and other expenses. The eight-week period may be applied to any time frame between Feb. 15 and June 30.

What are the terms and requirements for the PPP loans?

All PPP loans will have the same terms, regardless of the lender or borrower. Loan applicants simply need to complete the PPP loan application and submit it to a participating bank or lender. Applicants may also need to provide necessary payroll documentation to verify the loan qualification.

No collateral or personal guarantees are required to apply for the PPP loans, and there will be no SBA fees charged on these loans.

What is the criteria to have a PPP loan forgiven?

If a small business or approved entity retains all employees and uses the funds for appropriate payroll expenses and other working capital expenses (defined earlier), it is possible to have the entire PPP loan forgiven at the end of the eight-week loan period. The payroll expenses must comprise at least 75 percent of the loan expenditures in order to qualify for full forgiveness of the PPP loan. If the PPP loan is forgiven after the designated eight-week period, there is no interest or principal due on the PPP loan.

What happens to the PPP loan if the payroll or number of employees are reduced?

If total payroll costs are reduced by more than 25 percent during the eight-week period of the PPP loan, the amount of the PPP loan forgiveness will be reduced by a corresponding amount. If employees have already been laid off, it is possible to still get the full PPP loan forgiven, if the employees are rehired by June 30.

What happens to the portion of the PPP loan that is not forgiven?

Any portion of the PPP loan that is not forgiven becomes a 100 percent SBA guaranteed loan with the cooperating lender. The remaining loan will be for two years at an interest rate of 1 percent. The first required loan payment will be deferred for six months from the origination date of the loan.

For more information of the PPP loans, small businesses or individuals should contact their local bank or lender, or visit the SBA website at: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-reliefoptions/paycheck-protection-program-ppp.

— Kent Thiesse

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

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

PAGE 9

Chicks rule the roost this time of year for Rusnak

By KRISTIN KVENO The Land Staff Writer Rae Rusnak has been around ducks and chickens her whole life. Originally from Plymouth, Minn. it was her grandfather who initially got her interested in raising chickens as he had a large poultry operation in addition to being a high school teacher.

Located half-way between the Cannon River and Zumbro River, on the rolling woodland hills of Goodhue County near Kenyon, Minn. you’ll find L&R Poultry and Produce. Owner Rusnak started her poultry business 17 years ago during the dawn of consumers’ growing interest in sustainably and Photos submitted locally-produced food. She began selling her eggs at Every March, Rae Rusnak introduces new chicks to the Northfield farmer’s market in 2003. “Demand L&R’ flock of 600 birds. kept getting bigger and bigger,” Rusnak said.

Working with both these local businesses for this long has been a wonderful opportunity for Rusnak. “It’s been nice, we know each other well.” Rusnak is proud that all the eggs produced on her farm are utilized, which is part of her commitment to sustainability. “We don’t have wasted eggs.”

“I’ll keep birds until they are three years old.” Keeping layers that long is unusual in commercial egg facilities. It takes six months for adult hens to lay eggs on a regular basis. “We get our babies in March, because the peak of the egg selling is fall-winter,” Rusnak said.

In addition to the egg business, Rusnak grows seven acres of vegetables. She follows organic practices, though L&R produce is not certified organic. “Everything is direct seeded.” She raises potatoes, a variety of summer and winter squash, root veggies, sweet corn, pumpkins and rhubarb.

Rusnak used to sell broiler chickens but is now concentrating on layers. As it was a challenge to have broilers and layers together. “The meat birds will overpower the layer hens.”

“I still have people purchase directly from the farm.” Otherwise, all her eggs are contracted. “We really have the perfect blend of wholesale accounts.”

All Rusnak’s good nest eggs have gone to the Ferndale Market in Cannon Falls since 2006. The cracked eggs, floor-layed eggs, thin-shelled eggs, all go to Raw Bistro Pet Fare in Cannon Falls since 2012. See L&R POULTRY, pg. 10

JCB does the

Heavy Lifting Rusnak displays one of L&R’s prize kohl rabi plants.

Rusnak’s chickens are free-range. “There are no fences.” The birds are primarily in the woods. “They find a tremendous number of beetles, grubs and worms,” she said.

Rusnak currently has a flock of 600 chickens, with 300 chickens and 300 chicks. “I raise all my own replacement chickens,” she said. Rusnak has a variety of bird breeds — including Calico Princess, Rhode Island Red, Sapphire Gem and Barred Rock. These breeds do well in Minnesota winters.

For Rusnak, it’s more about quality of the egg over the quantity. It’s important the breeds at L&R Poultry and Produce are tough enough to handle the wide range of weather we have in the state.

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PAGE 10

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

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

Rusnak also taps 100 sugar maple trees each year “We’ve grown to get a lot better in knowing our L&R POULTRY, from pg. 9 buyers.”

From selling to grocery stores, schools, at Rusnak has contracts with the St. Paul and farmers markets and on the farm, each have unique Minneapolis public school districts. She sells thousands of pounds of produce to the school districts including 7,000 pounds of squash and 6,000 pounds of kohlrabi. She also has sold produce to Northfield, Kenyon-Wanamingo, Goodhue, Red Wing and Pine Island school districts. It’s a win-win for the school districts and for Rusnak, as the districts know where the produce is grown and who grows it and Rusnak feels that it’s easier to sell to schools as she knows in advanced how much produce is contracted. It’s vital for Rusnak to maintain good communication with school districts to let them know when the crop will be harvested and ready for delivery.

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L&R Poultry and Produce sells 7,000 pounds of squash each year to the St. Paul and Minneapolis public school districts.

needs. “We need to help educate them on what we can and can’t do.”

In addition to eggs and veggies Rusnak produces and sells maple syrup. She taps 100 sugar maples.

Rusnak appreciates the sustainability of making maple syrup as the taps and jars are reusable. The timing of tapping trees and making syrup in March is during Rusnak’s slower part of the year for produce and eggs. “Most of the farm sales are during the summer months.” Rusnak started taping her maple trees right away in March this year. She had four weeks of straight sugaring. Rusnak sells the maple syrup in half pints, 12 ounces, pints, quarts and half gallon sizes. It’s available in both bulk or in retail.

Rusnak sells the maple syrup at a multitude of places including Good Acres in St. Paul and the Sogn Valley Art Fair in Cannon Falls.

Raising chickens, making maple syrup and growing veggies isn’t a one-woman show. Rusnak is proud to be running her farming operation with her son, Leo Rusnak; sister, Paula Hoisve; and father, Milo Hoisve.

“We want to work with the environment, we don’t want to hurt it,” Rusnak said. That extends to the attention which goes into raising and tending her flock. “We take care of our birds; we love our birds.

Caring for the fields, the chickens and the people L&R Poultry and Produce serve is vital. The relationships forged through that process is truly gratifying for Rusnak. “There’s no substitute” for fresh produce and eggs. “Customers like to see us and get to know us.”

To learn more about L&R Poultry and Produce, visit their website at http://lrpoultryproduce.com/. v

Livestock, poultry safe from Covid-19

Get connected to your customers today!

Josh Zimmerman Digital Sales Manager

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jzimmerman@mankatofreepress.com

AMES, Iowa — The virus causing the Covid-19 outbreak doesn’t appear to cause noticeable infections in livestock and poultry, an Iowa State University veterinarian said.

But the virus could disrupt U.S. food supply by causing workforce shortages for the meatpacking industry, said Jim Roth, director of the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University.

Roth, along with Professor of Veterinary

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Microbiology and Preventive Medicine Clarence Hartley Covault, said the virus most likely jumped from an animal species into humans and mutated into a virus that mostly affects people. No evidence has emerged that the virus causes noticeable infections in livestock or poultry.

“If livestock were getting the virus and getting sick, we’d most likely know that from what’s gone on in other countries,” Roth said. “It does seem to be pretty species-specific to people.”

He said ongoing research elsewhere is looking into the possibility that livestock might experience minor infections or carry the virus, but the virus is still too new to draw definitive conclusions.

Roth said the possibility of Covid-19 causing widespread infections among livestock producers or meatpacking employees from human to human transfer could disrupt supply chains.

Roth reiterated that all available evidence suggests meat, milk and eggs remain safe to eat.

This article was submitted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. v

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

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

PAGE 11

Marketing assistance loan maturity extended Agricultural producers now have more time to repay Marketing Assistance Loans as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. The loans now mature at 12 months rather than nine, and this flexibility is available for most commodities.

Effective immediately, producers of eligible commodities now have up to 12 months to repay their commodity loans. The maturity extension applies to nonrecourse loans for crop years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Eligible open loans must in good standing with a maturity date of March 31 or later, or new crop year (2019 or 2020) loans requested by Sept. 30. All new loans requested by Sept. 30 will have a maturity date 12 months following the date of approval.

The maturity extension for current, active loans will be automatically extended an additional three months. Loans which matured March 31 have already been automatically extended by USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Producers who prefer a nine-month loan will need to contact their local FSA office. Loans requested after Sept. 30 will have a term of nine months.

Eligible commodities include barley, chickpeas (small and large), corn, cotton (upland and extra-long staple), dry peas, grain sorghum, honey, lentils, mohair, oats, peanuts, rice (long and medium grain), soybeans, unshorn pelts, wheat, wool (graded and nongraded); and other oilseeds, including canola, crambe, flaxseed, mustard seed, rapeseed, safflower, sunflower seed, and sesame seed. Seed cotton and sugar are not eligible.

These loans are considered nonrecourse because the commodity is pledged as loan collateral. Producers have the option of delivering the pledged collateral to the Commodity Credit Corporation for repayment of the outstanding loan at maturity.

For more information on Market Assistance Loans, contact the nearest FSA county office. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment.

More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

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

Lower prices could impact 2019 farm program payments THIESSE, from pg. 7 extended from 9 months to 12 months. Local CCC loan rates vary from county-to-county. Loan rates are generally slightly over $2.00 per bushel for corn and $6.00 per bushel for soybeans in many areas of the Midwest. The current interest rate in April on CCC grain loans is only 1.625 percent. Be aware that due to the coronavirus, most FSA transactions need to be completed via phone or e-mail.

Will the decline in cash grain prices impact 2019 farm program payments?

Any 2019 farm program payments for the PLC, ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs will be based on the final 2019 market year average prices for corn, soybeans and other crops. The 2019 market year average price for corn and soybeans is based on national average monthly farm-level prices from Sept. 1, 2019 through Aug. 31, 2020, which are weighted for the percentage of bushels sold in each month. The USDA 2019 market year average price projections

as of March 1 were $3.80 per bushel for corn and $8.70 per bushel for soybeans. However, many analysts expect the final 2019 market year average prices to decline slightly in the coming months.

Further declines in the market year average prices would potentially enhance the amount of 2019 ARCCO and ARC-IC payments for producers who are already likely to qualify for payments if they have not reached the maximum payment level. It could also make a few more counties potentially eligible for some 2019 corn and soybean ARC-CO payments.

Corn and soybean PLC payments for 2019 still appear unlikely at this time, as do ARC-CO payments for corn in many counties.

Why is it important to communicate with your ag lender, farm management advisors and family partners during financial challenges we are currently facing?

View ag lenders, farm business management instructors, marketing advisors, and other consultants as informal partners in a farm business. Ag

lenders and others can be a valuable resource in making management decisions and understanding some of the emergency financing tools which may be available.

It is best to include all partners and family members who are part of the farm operation in the discussion process so all key players are “on the same page” regarding financial decisions and adjustments which may affect the farm business. The added financial difficulties being brought on by the coronavirus also adds a lot of personal stress for farm operators and their families. Families are encouraged to utilize the free resources which are available at the state and local level to assist in these situations.

Kent Thiesse is a government farm programs analyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 726-2137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com. v

PAGE 12

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THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

Dairy assistance proposal is sent to Washington This column was written for the marketing week ending April 10.

Farmers continue to feel the effects of Covid-19 even though they may not have it, and are dumping thousands of gallons of precious milk while others News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers destroy their crops because the restaurants that used to purchase them are deepens across our economy, the federal pathetic $1.0550. GDT skim milk powder averaged shuttered.

MIELKE MARKET government must go above and beyond tra$1.1403 per pound and compares to $1.1462 last WEEKLY The National Milk Producers ditional programs and solutions to bring time. Whole milk powder averaged $1.2793, up from Federation and the International Dairy

By Lee Mielke balance and certainty to the dairy industry.” $1.2687. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed April Foods Association announced in a joint 10 at 89.75 cents per pound.

FC Stone dairy broker Dave Kurzawski, press release this week they have subwriting in his April 7 Early Morning Update opined, Kurzawski credited a return of Chinese buying mitted a request for assistance to U.S. Agriculture and stepped up purchases from Southeast Asia and Secretary Sonny Perdue, concerning the devastation “It’s a pretty big ask to cut production 10 percent from March levels for the next six months. It doesn’t Oceania at the GDT; but asked, “Have we seen a to dairy producers and dairy processors from the actually reduce milk production by 10 percent bottom? With foodservice wailing in most of the Covid-19 outbreak. The plan will be presented to though.

Looking at the numbers, the reduction is world, it would seem obvious that the answer is no.

Congressional Ag Committee leaders, Secretary closer to 8 percent due to the seasonality involved.

However, it does seem likely to us that the world Perdue and leadership at the U.S. Department of On an annual basis, it would pull milk production markets have already adjusted for the lion’s share Agriculture and the White House. down about 2.2 percent from 2019. The last time we of the Covid-19 impact at this time,” he said, but NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern stated, saw a production drop that big was 1984 when the predicted, “Markets will be volatile in our view.”

“As most of the country shelters in place and large government was running the Milk Diversion n swaths of the foodservice sector come to a standstill, Program. Nevertheless, such a program would be dairy sales outside retail channels have plummeted. supportive for prices at least near-term.”

Cash cheese prices continued to weaken in the Market prices have fallen rapidly, creating a crushGood Friday holiday-shortened Week. Cheddar block HighGround Dairy emphasized the necessity for ing economic outlook for producers of nutritious, cheese closed April 9 at $1.0550 per pound, down USDA to move quickly, arguing, “In 2009, governand necessary, milk and dairy products.”

9.5 cents on the week, following losses of 44 cents ment assistance did not arrive until after several the previous week and 24.75 cents the week before “The goal is to help offset the steep decline in farm months of depressed milk prices. It is important to that. They are now 59 cents below a year ago and at milk prices and encourage producers to reduce remember this is just a proposal, but some of the the lowest CME price since Jan. 15, 2009. excess supply resulting from demand disappearactions would support prices if implemented, includance,” the statement says, by paying producers $3 The barrels closed at a 20-year low, $1.00 per ing the milk supply reduction provision and the per hundredweight on 90 percent of their producdirect purchases of dairy products. Market volatility pound, down 13.75 cents on the week, 61.75 cents tion, if they cut production by 10 percent from a below a year ago, and the lowest they’ve been since will persist until details become clear, but these March 2020 baseline.

Nov. 9, 2000. Two loads of block traded hands on the actions to reduce supply and drive demand could week and 20 of barrel.

The proposal also calls for a loan program for pro- prevent milk prices from declining further.” cessors as well as a dairy product donation program Midwest cheese plants continue to run in the midst n with the government purchasing $525 million worth of the pandemic. Some have a handful of employees Meanwhile, butter greased the gears in April 7’s of butter, cheese, fresh and powdered milk to give who have stepped aside for health concerns, but most Global Dairy Trade auction — resulting in its first away. There are also proposals to loosen packaging are fully staffed and running. Milk availability is positive move in five sessions. The weighted average plentiful to excessive but plant managers say they requirements for the Women’s, Infant’s, and of products offered inched up 1.2 percent, but folChildren’s (WIC) programs and re-opening Dairy are processing as much milk as possible. Food service lows the 3.9 percent plunge on March 17 and 1.2 Margin Coverage for dairy farmers. demand lulls have more cheese heading into cold percent drop on March 3. storage. Plant managers are trying to manage proIDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes said, Butter led the gains, up 4.5 percent, after inching duction schedules and inventories with the mounting “The Covid-19 crisis has hit the dairy industry with 0.3 percent higher last time. Whole milk powder amount of milk and affected cheese demand due to a unique set of challenges that impact our dairy was up 2.1 percent after it fell 4.2 percent last time. food service account slowdowns. Spot milk was at farmers and processors equally hard. As the impact Anhydrous milkfat inched 0.4 percent higher after a notable discounts mid-week. The previous week’s pre1 percent loss and cheddar was up 0.2 percent folcipitous price declines on the CME were unprecelowing a 2.6 percent jump. dented, says Dairy Market News.

You know you need life insurance, but don’t like the Buttermilk powder led the losses, down 11.9 perExport buyers are showing some interest, but the We can answer your life insurance questions. big premiums. Eliminate the requirement for large cent. Rennet casein was down 2.6 percent and skim strength of the dollar is making it difficult to comWe can design policy for company. you. up-front premiums to anainsurance Give milk powder slipped 0.8 percent following its 8.1 plete some sales. Cheese production is steady, with percent plunge last time. many manufacturers continually running near yourself needed coverage without liquidation of We can answer your questions on any existing policies. capacity. other assets to pay premiums. Avoid the high cost FC Stone equated the GDT 80 percent butterfat We know lifenet insurance! of paying premiums with after tax out of pocket butter price to $1.8864 per pound U.S., up 5.2 cents Butter saw a little strength April 7 and 8, but it dollars.

Benefit fromme retained capital. from the last event. Chicago Mercantile Exchange was short lived and finished April 9 at $1.2475 per Please contact for a free consultation. butter closed April 9 at a bargain $1.2475. GDT pound. This is down 3.25 cents on the week and $1.01 Please contact me for a free consultation. cheddar cheese equated to $1.9937 per pound and below a year ago, with 17 cars sold on the week.

Ronald E. Stevens compares to April 9’s CME block cheddar at a See MIELKE, pg. 13 C# 507-828-4325 / rstevens@blueskyfinancial.biz

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THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

PAGE 13

Butter makers doing everything to avoid discarding cream MIELKE, from pg. 12

down and orders from food service are break, and was the sixth straight January to February volume up 24 almost nonexistent, which has led to month of positive growth.

But it percent from a year ago. Whey shipCream is full for currently operating OURAsia STALLS more bulk butter in storage. warned the break in global demand in mentsWE to BUILD Southeast haveRIGHT! also butter plants which are running hard.

Take a look at March will likely mean lower volumes been strong this year, up 16 percent.

Grade A nonfat dry milk climbed to Some plant closures in other regions in the months ahead. our tubing with 90.5 cents per pound by April 8, but Cheese exports, at 68.2 million have butter churning going hard in unequaled corrosion U.S. suppliers shipped 37.6 million pounds, were the most in nine months, the Midwest. Food service reports are closed the next day at 89.75 cents. though 8 percent belowprotection! a year ago. dim. Contacts say whether directly or This is up 3.5 cents on the week, but 9 pounds of milk powders, cheese, whey cents below a year ago on 12 sales. products, lactose and butterfat in the Shipments to Mexico were at a indirectly, food service slowdowns are Freudenthal Tubing has been 20-month high of 21.2 million creating a glut in the milkfat market; Dry whey held at 33 cents per pound month, up 3 percent from 2019. The engineered for yourpounds, specific value of all exports was $529.0 million, up 19 percent, while sales but bulk butter offers are not increas- for 13 consecutive sessions, then requirementstowhere strength for leap day.

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PAGE 14

MILKER’S MESSAGE www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

Family Farm Defenders provide solidarity in policy

By TIM KING The Land Correspondent MADISON, Wis. – The Land recently interviewed John Peck, the Executive Director of Wisconsinbased Family Farm Defender. FFD is a domestic and international farm advocacy group currently focusing on blocking the proposed Deans/DFA dairy merger and incorporating food sovereignty and agroecological proposals on a just transition for a Green New Deal.

The Land: Family Farm Defenders started in the mid-1990s as an effort to end the mandatory check off on raw milk and to demand labeling for rBGH Milk. Are those struggles still relevant today or have you moved on?

Peck: We were indeed started in the early 1990s

by Wisconsin dairy farmers as part of a grassroots rural resistance movement to the mandated USDA dairy check-off program. That program requires all dairy farmers to pay into a corporate controlled commodity marketing programs over which they have little say. It’s a classic case of taxation without representation. We also resisted the aggressive taxpayer subsidized promotion of rBGH which was a huge moneymaker for Monsanto and facilitated rapid expansion of factory farms.

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many farmers and a core focus of our group, by the late 1990s Family Farm Defenders had expanded its mission and membership to include those who support sustainable agriculture, farm/food worker rights, animal welfare, consumer safety, fair trade and food sovereignty.

This shift was in large part due to the influence of La Via Campesina (LVC), which crafted its food sovereignty principles in 1994 in response to the passage of NAFTA and the growing threat of neo-liberal globalization. FFD had adopted those principles by 1999.

The Land: How was it that those early efforts defended family farms? Why did you call yourself that?

Peck: Many of the family farmers who founded FFD were survivors of the 1980s farm crisis. They had been involved in the AAM Tractorcade to (Washington) DC, had attended the first Farm Aid concerts, and they saw that the cultural identity and economic viability of rural America was being destroyed by the imposition of an industrialized factory farm agribusiness model in which family farmers lost their autonomy and were reduced to being modern day peasants.

Increasing monopoly control of commodity markets at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange meant that family farmers could no longer get a parity price, and they were under the thumb of processor contracts, bank loans, patent rules, and so many other constraints on their decision-making. Many of them were also looking for better alternatives that they found in new trends such as organic certification, rotational grazing, and direct marketing.

I think the founders of FFD liked the term “family farm” since that provided a contrast with the “get big or get out” policy being promoted by then USDA Secretary Earl Butz. That approach meant a vertically integrated factory farm under nominal “farmer” management; but was entirely dependent upon outside capital investors, oppressed farmworker labor, rampant animal abuse, and integration into global corporate commodity markets.

The Land: FFD talks about food sovereignty. What the heck is food sovereignty? What has it got to do with defending family farmers?

Peck: Food sovereignty is a concept coined by LVC in 1994 and which FFD has adopted. It emerged from struggles in the global south as an alternative to the dominant “food security” concept being pushed by If your local Home or Farm Show was cancelled, remember

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Henry Kissinger and other proponents of the larger neoliberal capitalist agenda. According to food security, lack of food is not a political problem but a technical challenge that will be solved by privatizing common property, global market integration, patented biotechnologies, and the like.

In contrast, food sovereignty sees the perpetuation of hunger as a political issue. Economic inequality caused by privatization, commodification, and globalization are the root causes of the problem.

LVC is the largest family farmer, hunting/fishing/ herding/gathering, and indigenous community umbrella organization in the world, and FFD is proud to be an active member. In the U.S. farm context we often explain food sovereignty as being democratic local control over agriculture. However, for native tribes in the U.S. we do not have to really explain the concept of sovereignty since they have been struggling for that for more than 500 years.

The Land: Who was John Kinsman and why do you have a prize in his name?

Peck: John Kinsman was one of the founding members of FFD and an amazing pioneer of both the organic movement and the global food sovereignty struggle. John was among the first to raise the alarm about the insidious dangers of genetically modified organisms and his foresight continued in his opposition to global free trade, the military industrial complex, factory farming, carbon trading, land grabbing – name the issue, and John was probably involved in one manner or another. He passed away in 2014 on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and to honor his legacy we launched the John Kinsman Beginning Farmer Food Sovereignty Prize.

The Land: Every politician in rural America used to make empty claims about supporting family farms. They don’t so much anymore. I think that’s because there’s not many of us left. Is the relatively small number that are left really worth supporting or defending or whatever you want to call it? Why? Peck: Well, we have more prisoners than farmers in the U.S. now - and you don’t hear many politicians advocating for prisoners either. So, yes, the steady decline of family farmers has certainly reduced their power to influence public policy. In Wisconsin alone we’ve lost half of our dairy farms over the last decade. So, 7,000 family dairy farmers, or 20,000 inmates, don’t have much sway on their own in a state of 5.8 million. But that is where solidarity comes in. Family farmers are not alone in this struggle, and FFD has many allies among consumer advocates, environmental activists, labor unions, and indigenous communities.

John Kinsman used to joke about how he did not want to be the last family farmer on display in the Smithsonian Museum. And now we do have many new farmers who are not only hoping to survive this current crisis, but serve as an inspiring role model See PECK, pg. 15

MILKER’S MESSAGE www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

Members are in all 50 states PECK, from pg. 14 for others. These new farmers often do not reflect the older white male stereotype. They are more likely to be women, people of color, recent refugees or immigrants who are operating smaller more diversified operations. These farms may also not be in a rural area, but on the edge or even within larger cities. How we define “family” is also changing. The majority of U.S. households are not two parents with two kids anymore and that is also true for folks producing our food.

The Land: Somebody said that you’re from a Minnesota farm family. Is that true and if so, what the heck are you doing in Wisconsin?

Peck: Yes, I grew up on a 260-acre family farm in central Minnesota, in Stearns County, surrounded by dozens of family dairy farms. I was one of only a handful of students from my school that did not join the military. I went off to college instead. Thanks to tuition reciprocity I ended up at UW-Madison

in the College of Agriculture for my graduate school work. I got a PhD in Land Resources from the Gaylord Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies. For two decades now I’ve been the part-time staff person for FFD, while also teaching economics and environmental studies part-time at Madison College. For the last three years my partner and I have been owners of a one and a half acre farm, called Yellow Dog Flowers and Produce, near Edgerton, Wis. The Land: You have members in Minnesota and Iowa, right? Where else?

Peck: Over half of FFD’s 2,500 members are in the Midwest, but we have members in all fifty states, as well as in Canada, Mexico, Australia, Europe, and other parts of the world.

You can contact John Peck at P.O. Box 1772, Madison, WI 53701 or by phone at (608) 260-0900. The website is familyfarmdefenders.org. v

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4 lbs. chicken wings, cut in 2 pieces (discard ends) 1 c. water ¼ - ½ tsp. garlic powder 3 Tbsp. sesame seeds

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Combine all ingredients. Marinate for 24 hours in covered container in refrigerator.

Bake covered for 1½ hrs at 300°, then uncover and bake another 1½ hours.

Recipes from Volume IV

ATTENTION ADVERTISERS: Please note that The Land sales representative, James McRae, is no longer working for The Land.

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

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Several factors holding back corn

Livestock Angles Finally! Positive news in the futures market

prognosticators. The interestThe following marketing 5 million bushels, increased The past several weeks ing thing about this is, beef analysis is for the week endfeed/residual 150 million to its have played havoc on the livemovement has picked up the ing April 10. largest in 12 years, left exports stock markets — all from the past several weeks which alone at 1.725 billion bushels, fear of the coronavirus. All of CORN — After falling to indicates the sale of beef at slashed corn for ethanol 375 the livestock markets at every new contract lows to begin the retail level is still fairly million bushels to 5.05 billion level have literally collapsed the week when the OPEC+ good. bushels, and increased FSI 20 during this period and each partners meeting was postThere is some fear if beef million bushels. The bottom- futures market has been at poned until April 9, corn packing house employees get line result was an increase in extreme discounts to cash — rebounded on short-covering PHYLLIS NYSTROM JOE TEALE infected with the virus, some ending stocks of 200 million even with cash moving lower ahead of the April 9 World CHS Hedging Inc. Broker may cease operations. This bushels to 2.092 billion bush- at the same time.

Agricultural Supply and St. Paul Great Plains Commodity would back up cattle ready for els. This was higher than the Demand Estimates report, Finally, at the close of busiAfton, Minn. market. average trade projection for ness on April 9 (which was the OPEC meeting, and the 2.004 billion bushels and last Most everything is just conjecture at long Easter weekend. The new contract the end of the week due to the Easter low in the May contract is $3.25.5, July month’s 1.892-billion-bushel outlook. holiday), the futures markets closed this time. Supply and demand will still at $3.31.25, and the December contract The average farm price was cut 20 higher for the week. This in part was dictate which direction prices will take at $3.46.25 per bushel. The market cents to $3.60 per bushel. Argentina due to the better news regarding the in the future. With the cattle market and Brazil’s corn production were spread of the virus in the United States. summered in rumors and fear, producmoved into consolidation mode. unchanged at 50 mmt and 101 mmt Weekly ethanol production at 672,000 respectively. Conab’s updated Brazilian The question is, will this continue to ers should remain diligent and pay barrels per day was the lowest since corn estimate was 101.9 mmt, up from help firm prices in the future; or is this close attention to market developthe early days of the industry and 100.08 mmt. World corn ending stocks just a correction from being so over- ments.

The hog cutout has literally plumdown 168,000 bpd from the previous were 303.2 mmt vs. 298.5 estimated sold? week. This was also the biggest single and 297.34 mmt last month.

The futures market has been extreme- meted over the past several months — weekly decline in history. Stocks rose ly discount to the cash price of cattle reflecting the increase in hog numbers Brazil may have to import corn start- for quite some time as fear has domi- and the fear of the effects of slowing 1.4 million barrels to a record 27.1 million barrels. Net margins improved 7 ing next month after last year’s strong nated the market. The fear has been demand because of the coronavirus. cents per gallon to a negative 15 cents export pace and domestic corn prices based on the fact that restaurants have During the week ending April 9, the per gallon. Ethanol refinery runs are reached record highs. Imports would been required to close to in-house din- hog futures actually closed higher for around 75 percent with storage getting first come from Argentina and ing and the demand for beef will be the week after setting a new weekly tight to hold inventories. Also on the Paraguay. The comparatively strong decreased. low in over 10 years. This could signal weekly energy report, crude oil stocks U.S. dollar will likely prevent imports Because of reduced demand, the sup- an end to the collapse of prices since from the United States.

China raised jumped for the eleventh week in a row ply of market-ready cattle is expected the beginning of the year. Fear of too to 15.2 million barrels vs. 9.2 million See NYSTROM, pg. 17 to increase in the near term by many many hogs and weakening demand anticipated. Gasoline supply increased because of the virus were the major 4 percent, or 10.5 million barrels, vs. contributing weakness. estimates for a 4.3-million-barrel build Interesting enough has been the as demand hit a record low. Gasoline recent increase in the movement of demand over the last four weeks end corn/change* soybeans/change* pork — suggesting pork prices have ing April 3 was down 19 percent vs. the Stewartville $2.71 -.25 $7.91 -.39 dropped enough to entice the purchase same period last year. The bearish eth Edgerton $2.96 -.15 $7.97 -.35 of pork by the public. anol report was anticipated and the Jackson $2.89 -.11 $7.99 -.39 market’s reaction was muted. U.S. ethWith summer grilling season now Janesville $2.81 -.11 $8.01 -.39 anol producer Poet announced this approaching, demand for pork is Cannon Falls $2.86 -.15 $7.98 -.40 week the closure of three plants, the expected to increase in the weeks

Sleepy Eye $2.86 -.15 $7.92 -.39 delayed opening of another, and plans ahead. This could result in further for other locations to slow their grind. strength in the short run for pork and Average: $2.85 $7.96 The three plants account for 110 milpotential higher prices for hogs. lion bushels of annualized corn use.

Producers should monitor market con Year Ago Average: $3.32 $8.02 ditions and respond accordingly to The April WASDE report was neutral Grain prices are effective cash close on April 14. price movements. v to slightly bearish for the corn market. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

The U.S. balance sheet lowered imports

Cash Grain Markets

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 — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

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

PAGE 17

Soybean meal price keeps sinking, China silent so far NYSTROM, from pg. 16 their corn import outlook from 3 mmt to 4 mmt citing the Phase 1 trade deal with the United States. China has purchased over 1 mmt of U.S. corn over the last month. Based on recent comments, we could expect additional buys. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is carrying China’s corn imports at 7 mmt.

There were rumors during the week of China’s interest in up to 500,000 metric tons of U.S. corn, but nothing has surfaced or been confirmed.

The USDA announced they will resurvey farmers in Michigan, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin yet this month to update production estimates. This comes after many acres went unharvested last fall. Any revisions however won’t show up until the May 12th WASDE report. A resurvey of North Dakota won’t be done until a yet to be determined date. As of December 8, 2019, there were an estimated 360 million bushels of unharvested corn in South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan combined with about 260 million bushels of unharvested corn in North Dakota.

Weekly export sales were tremendous and a marketing year high at 72.8 million bushels. Total commitments are 1.33 billion bushels, down 23 percent from last year. We need to average 16.2 million bushels of sales per week to hit the USDA target of 1.725 billion bushels.

As of April 9, there were 1,490,790 worldwide cases of Covid-19 with 88,891 deaths. The United States had

432,438 confirmed cases with 14,808 deaths. Wuhan, where the virus originally hit, lifted the lockdown, but factories must open their windows three times a day for 30 minutes.

Due to the reduction in ethanol production, meatpackers are experiencing a shortage of CO2, of which ethanol producers supply 40 percent of their needs. Workers testing positive for Covid-19 have caused some meat packers to close.

Outlook: Reduced demand from the ethanol industry; significant quantities of corn bushels yet to move to the market; expected corn plantings to be extremely high; and cool weather may slow U.S. planting but not prevent it; all combine to limit the upside in corn.

Doubts are surfacing about China’s compliance with the Phase 1 trade agreement even as rumors floated around the trade of recent Chinese interest in U.S. corn since it is the cheapest in the world. The United States has criticized how China handled the coronavirus and China is not appreciative of the comments. Corn needs a significant weather problem, a recovery in the energy market, or a pick-up in Chinese purchases of corn or ethanol to sustain any upside potential. Any weather delays may attract buyers moving forward, but betting on Mother Nature for your marketing plan is dicey.

For the week, May corn was a penny higher at $3.31.75, July and December contracts were unchanged at $3.36.75 and $3.50.75 per bushel, respectively.

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SOYBEANS — Soybeans settled into rangebound trading during the holiday-shortened week. Meal had been the leader of the complex to the upside before it reversed lower last week.

Meal closed lower eight out of the last eight trading sessions. Both Argentina and Brazil shipping remains strong as production estimates for both are declining. Dry weather is pushing Argentina’s soybean harvest along and Brazil’s harvest is nearing completion with harvest 83 percent complete as of April 6. Argentina’s soybean harvest was 18 percent complete vs. 17 percent on average. Their corn harvest was 24 percent complete vs. 21 percent on average. AgRural lowered their Brazilian soybean production estimate from 124.3 mmt to 123.8 mmt. Conab slashed their Brazilian soybean production estimate 2.1 mmt to 122.1 mmt from 124.2 mmt. The Parana River in Argentina is causing logistical maneuvering as water levels are the lowest in 40 years. Less-than-optimal loading capacities were being noted.

The April WASDE report was termed bearish based on the numbers, but the market didn’t show much of a reaction.

U.S. soybean crush was raised 20 million and exports were cut 50 million bushels to 1.775 billion bushels. Seed was lowered 2 million and residual was reduced 24 million bushels. The bottom line was an increase in ending stocks of 55 million bushels to 480 million bushels. This was higher than the 430 million bushel average trade estimate and last month’s 425 million bushel forecast.

The average farm price was a nickel lower at $8.65 per bushel. Brazil’s soybean production was reduced 1.5 mmt from 126 mmt to 124.5 mmt vs. estimates for 123.7 mmt. Conab earlier in the day had slashed their number from 124.2 mmt to 122.1 mmt. Argentina’s soybean outlook at 52 mmt was down 2 mmt from last month and slightly lower than the 52.5 mmt average guess.

World ending stocks were 100.5 mmt compared to the average estimate of 101.1 mmt and last month’s 102.44 mmt outlook — mainly due to the smaller South American production.

China’s soybean import line was increased by 1 mmt to 89 mmt.

China was set to release 500 tmt of soybean state reserves as they move to fill a gap in imports. Imports from

Brazil were delayed early in the season due to wet conditions, and while China is said to have covered their soybean needs through June, there may be logistical gaps to fill.

OPEC+ partners, which included Russia, apparently agreed to cut back crude oil production 10 million barrels per day through June. The schedule of reductions then drops to 8 million bpd from July through December, and to 6 million bpd from January through April 2021. This is less than what was hoped for, but the expectation is that there will be another 5 million bpd combined reduction from other countries. Crude oil initially responded well to the news, before giving up decent gains on the day. However, there were reports that talks were on-going and further cuts were possible. There was chatter during the week that Canadian cash crude oil was trading in negative numbers, i.e. they were paying someone to take supply that they didn’t have space or a home for.

Weekly export sales were on the low end of expectations at 19.2 million bushels. Total commitments are 1.37 billion bushels and 15 percent behind last year.

Outlook: The bearish U.S. WASDE numbers were somewhat offset by a slightly friendlier outlook in South America and lower world ending stocks.

This week was a relatively quiet news week until report day. The weekly trading range was smaller than what we’re seen recently. Prices saw a nice, but small, bump in post-report trading.

Talk of acres switching from corn to soybeans is surfacing due to planting costs and the corn/soybean new crop ratio. If the coronavirus numbers begin to level off in the United States, we could spark interest.

For the week, May soybeans were 9.25 cents higher at $8.63.5, July was up 11.5 cents at $8.71, and July jumped 14.25 cents to close at $8.75.75 per bushel.

Nystrom’s Notes: Contract changes for the week as of the close April 9: Chicago March wheat gained 7.25 cents to $5.56.5, Kansas City rallied 20 cents to $4.92, and Minneapolis managed an 8-cent gain to $5.32.5 per bushel. Crude oil was down $3.25 at $35.09 per barrel. v

PAGE 18

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

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

Fluvic acid stimulates intake of minerals in the soil

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus “Once the guys use it they put it with pretty much every crop they grow. It’s getting better utilization of the fertilizer materials they are purchasing. It simply boils down to getting more bang from each dollar you spend to enrich your crops”.

Tyson What is “it?” Fulvic acid, said Sonnenberg Tyson Sonnenberg of AGVantage Inc. “Fulvic acid is a natural chelator for mineral uptake in various crops,” Sonnenberg explained. “You can use it in furrow; you can use it as a foliar. It opens the cell walls of the plant — helping uptake of the nutrients or herbicides. If you put it in furrow with your liquid fertilizer, it will bring over 60 mineral and trace elements into that plant because its small molecular structure stimulates plant metabolism and that boosts nutrient uptake. It boosts cation exchange capacity so your crops access more nutrients” “I’ve been using it going on nine years now and am seeing great responses. You can use it in different applications. Some cattle guys use it to clean up scouring problems in their young calves. Just a couple ounces in the water with your milk replacer, then pour it into a bottle and run it through the scouring calves. Basically it helps repair cells that are disturbed in the intestinal tract. Some use this product for human consumption too! They drink it to help settle their guts. It helps repair some of those disturbed body cells in the GI tract.”

But I wanted to learn how this product helps build soil health. “Yes, between Fulvic acid and Humates, two main things should be considered: stimulate your soil bacteria and also stimulate nutrient uptake

by your crop,” said Sonnenberg.

With these amazing virtues, how expensive is the product? ”Depending on how much you use, your cost per acre would be in that $3 to $4 bracket. So it’s very affordable and if rebuilding soil health is on your agenda in 2020, this is a good way to start,” said Sonnenberg.

How quickly does it go to work in your soil? I got a bit more of a chemistry lesson from Sonnenberg.

“Humic acid has a large molecular structure, so it can’t penetrate the cell walls of the root system readily. Fulvic acid, however, has a small molecular structure which gets into the root system quickly. That’s why we urge the usage of both products. Humates starts the biological activity of the bacteria in your soil. The Fulvic acid stimulates the uptake of the minerals that the bacteria have broken down.”

You can purchase these products in either liquid or dry formulas. “Some guys don’t want to mess with handling a dry product, so we bring it out to them liquid. We’ll take care of their needs either way.”

Sonnenberg reports the product has been doing very well in various field trials. He’s a farmer, but not a certified organic farmer — preferring instead the label of ‘sustainable farmer’.

“Since all my crops go into my animals, I haven’t felt the need to be certified because I’m not selling the meat for that purpose.”

Yes, he’s a farmer-to-consumer beef man. Customers buy his beef critters because they know his farming operation. “They like to know the environment of the beef they are putting into their bodies from the meats they purchase.”

Sonnenberg has also noted the growing conversations about nitrate levels building up in soil due to excessive rates of nitrogen being used on corn; and

the runoff from these soils into streams and waters.

“If you have a sandy loam, you’ll have more leaching than from clay loam soils,” Sonnenberg explained.

“Some of the sands around my area have a leach capability of around 12. You get into those heavier valley-area soils and you’re looking at 20 to 30 total exchange capacities. Humic acid will aid in holding that nitrate nitrogen in place. So if you side dress with 28 percent you should be adding a carbon source. Nitrogen is looking for a carbon source to attach to the soil particles. These Humates chemically change the fixation properties of the soil so you are getting better use of your nitrogen … maybe you can even cut back on the amount of nitrogen fertilizer application rates.”

Sonneberg grew up on a livestock farm — both beef and sheep. He chuckles, “I graduated from the ‘Keystone College’ and majored in Beach.” So how does he approach farmers this spring when they likely are already grouchy about this 2020 farming year?

He said, “Farmers are some of the most optimistic people on this planet, regardless the weather or the price of corn. Just watch … they’re going to get it done this year too!”

AGVantage Inc. is headquartered in Vergus, Minn. (about 10 miles south of Detroit Lakes). Sonneberg, 31 , farms his 115-acre hobby farm in Ottertail County and has four salesmen assisting him. He started with AGVantage in 2014, but was putting their products to work on his own farm six years prior to joining the firm. “We’re all trying to make a better world for everyone else.”

For more information, Sonneberg can be reached at (218) 841-8252; or via email at tysonagvantage@ gmail.com. v

www.TheLandOnline.com

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Real Estate

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

Feed Seed Hay

Bins & Buildings

Bins & Buildings

PAGE 19

Bins & Buildings

Farm Equipment

SILO REMOVAL 507-236-9446

Sell your land or real estate in OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn.

WANTED: 5,000 - 6,000 bush- 1830 Case IH 12R30” cult, 30 days for 0% commission. Produces more high qualiel cone bottom bin. 507-327- $3,750; Case IH 5300 grain Call Ray 507-339-1272 drill, 24’ tandem unit, $7,000; ty silage on less acres than 6430 hybrid. $67/bushel plus ship2870 Case tractor, duals, reping. High feed value grain. cent eng OH, $8,500; 3pt fork Real Estate Farm Equipment Located at Teutopolis, IL lift, 3 stage, 20’ reach w/ 4x8 Wanted 217-857-3377 platform, $2,500; lg horizonWANTED: Land & farms. I ‘05 Hardi Navigator, 1000-m tal fuel tanks, will hold transStormor Bins & EZ-Drys. Sprayer, 60 ft all hydraulic port, $2,500. 507-240-0294 have clients looking for Bins & Buildings 100% financing w/no liens or boom, foamer and monitor, NATION’S STRONGEST dairy, & cash grain operaSell your farm equipment red tape, call Steve at Fair- nice shape, $6,950/OBO. De54x98 $74,550 Now $50,787 tions, as well as bare land fax Ag for an appointment. livery Available. 815-988-2074 in The Land with a line ad.

80x154 $197,400 Now $138,026 parcels from 40-1000 acres. Barn and Quonset Roofing 507-345-4523 888-830-7757 90x252 $375,900 Now $263,858 Both for relocation & investand Straightening.

60x126 $108,150 Now $75,887 ments. If you have even Also polebarn repair and 70x126 $136,500 Now $95,550 thought about selling congiving more head room.

100x294 $527,100 Now $368,550 HAY TOOLS USED TRACTORS tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Kelling Silo. 1-800-355-2598 218-863-6445 NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader.. ...... On Hand New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND Land Specialist, Edina ReNEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders ... On Hand alty, 138 Main St. W., New FREE - 20x45 Madison sealed CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT silo and 20x65 conventional NEW NH T9.645 ............................................. On Hand Prague, MN 55372.

NEW NH E26C mini excavator ...................... On Hand silo.

Need to be taken down. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com NEW Massey 6713 w/cab and loader ........... On Hand NEW NH track & wheeled skidsteers............ On Hand 507-732-4415 (612)328-4506 NEW Versatile 610 Wheeled .......................... On Hand NEW NH L228/L220/L232 wheeled units ...... On Hand H HHHHHHHHHHHH H

Thank You Farmers!

NOTICE

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Thief River Falls, MN. Call or text LeRoy Ose: 218-689-6675 FOR SALE: Round bales, grassy hay. La Crosse Co. 608-526-4195

Due to the Coronavirus some auctions may have been canceled or postponed.

Please make sure your auction has not been rescheduled before you go.

H H WEEKLY H AUCTION H H H H Every Wednesday H H H Hay & Straw H H 6:00 PM H H Homestead H H H H Sales, Inc. H H HWY 15 N, HUTCHINSON, MN H H H 320-433-4250 H H homesteadsalesinc.com H H HHHHHHHHHHHH H

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NEW NH C227/C237 track units.................... On Hand 17’ NHL234 cab H/A ....................................... $32,000 2-’12 NH 225 C/H ............................................. Coming

COMBINES NEW Fantini chopping cornhead ........................... Call ‘15 Gleaner S88 ............................................ $230,000 ‘12 Gleaner S77 ............................................ $200,000 ‘03 Gleaner R65, CDF ..................................... $85,000 ‘98 Gleaner R62 .............................................. $62,000 ‘98 Gleaner R62 .............................................. $59,000 Geringhoff parts & heads available

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

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PAGE 20

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THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

Farm Equipment

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Farm Equipment

6122 Agco White 12R30” plant- FOR SALE: JD 1765 12R30 JD 7300 12x30 planter w/ lift er w/ liq fert & mon, 540 PTO planter, Seed Star II, row assist, 250 Monitor, row hyd pump, very good cond. command, liquid fertilizer w/ cleaners & insecticide boxMF 8780 combine w/ 863 6R Yetter openers, 1700 acres; es, $4,750; Krause 4612 CH, nice, always shedded; Hardi 750 sprayer, 60’ w/ all 12x30 flat fold cult, exc cond, MF 9750 25’ BH w/ trailer, options. 320-360-1240 $3,450; Case IH 1830 12x30 very good. 507-340-1001 flat fold cult, $4,450; IH 756 FOR SALE: JD 960 field culAgritech INP - We have your tivator, 36 1/2’, walking gas tractor, 18.4x38 tires, lining needs & fertilizer pro- tandems, 3 bar harrow, 7” 3pt, 2 hyds & fenders, $4,250; gram! Bio-liquid Cal, cheap- knock-on sweeps, all good, JD 1010 24’ flat fold field cult er & more effective. Call new shank bushings and w/ walking tandems, 3 bar JD harrow, $1,450; 18.4x46 Gary, soil advisor. 800-972- tires, $2,900. 507-451-9614 10 bolt duals, 90% rubber, 1029 or 715-533-0174 For Sale: 8x16 ft. flat rack; $2,600/pr. 320-769-2756 Field cultivator DMI, 41’, 3 bar John Deere 2800 plow, harrow, $14,500; White plant5-row; 470 bushel, like new Kovar Tine Weeder 40-Ft Tine er 8202, 12R, Sunco trash gravity wagon, truck tires. Weeder. Mounted on JD 845 whippers, 540 pro pump, 700 tool bar. New paint, excellent 507-794-7801 acres on new discs, $22,000; condition, $8,000. Call Matt 4840 JD tractor, 18.4x46 FOR SALE: EZ Flo gravity at (320) 296-4100 tires, $19,000; Jet trailer, 38’, wagon w/ Sudenga brush au$17,000; Harms roller, 42’, ger; Melcam fork style rock MF 4880 4WD Tractor; JD 8110 MFD; 2 Compartment like new, $17,000; Westfield picker. 507-640-0146 Parker Gravity Box with 10’x61’ swing hopper auger, like new, $6,000; Frontier 40’ FOR SALE: 1000 gal fuel Brush Auger; 80/50 KW PTO steel grain trailer, like brand tank, dual wall w/ pump, like Generator and others; 28” Fan and Burner; 21’ and 18’ new, always shedded, never new, $2,800. 320-583-3131 used in winter, $22,000. 507- FOR SALE: Notch feeder Grain Bins some air floors; Walk Behind Trencher; 9’ 317-6201 wagon, 16’ long. 320-583-7550 and 10’ Ag Baggers; PJ 26’ FOR SALE: BJ model C9000 Gooseneck Trailer. Call 320IHC 6500 disc chisel, 11 shank scale/mixer feed wagon, 3 760-1634 hyd disk lift, 12’, good condiaugers, extra scale head tion, field ready.

763-682-2124 available; JD 5 belt grain Ravon 440 spray controller windrow pickup, fits 69” JD 7000 planter, front fold, w/ Garmin Astro speed confeeder houses. 507-859-2766 8x36 row, dry fert, auger trol, brand new, never used, or 507-530-0208 fill, trash whippers, preci- $500 firm; IH 720 5-18s plow w/ coulters onland hitch w/ For Sale: JD9600 31 ft Digger; sion meters; Wil-Rich quad 5 new shears and land slides, JD2810 7 bottom variable field cult, 37’ w/ good drag; $2,500/OBO. 320-309-0952 Hardi sprayer, 80’ hyd fold, width onland plow; 24 1/2 ft.

3 way nozzles, high wheel JD digger; Agco 3743 maWANTED TO BUY: Pull type nure spreader; 14 ft. Hiniker model, 950 gal tank. All culti-packer. 320-493-3394 chisel plow; IH600 blower. items in good shape. Retiring. 507-822-2188 507-621-1279 We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910

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Farm Equipment

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Tractors 2-Super 99 Detroits, complete, not restored; 1-950, NiceEng. 6 cyl/Waukasha; 3-HD drawbars-2 w/ tongues; 1-set 99 fenders; 2-rear rims for above/primer condition; 1-steering sector. Plus more, Must take all! Located in SE Minnesota $23,700.00 Call David 612-374-1933 ‘89 Versatile 876 tractor, w/ duals, new clutch, 280hp, 8,000 hrs. 612-741-7949 or 612-7017901

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!

For Sale: Case IH 2096, 5000 hrs, $18,500. JD 24’ 9300 press drill & transport, $2,750. IH 710 5x16 & 720 7x18 AR plows $1,750 & $3,750. IH 2250 Mount-O-Matic loader, $1,750. Call 320-808-0392

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020 Tractors

Tillage Equip

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

Spraying Equip

liftFor Sale: JD 3010, gas, good Great Plains (2006) 36 Ft ‘96 Century sprayer, 750 gal., (H.D. 60’ boom, 20” tip spacing, row condition, good tires, wide Discovator/Finisher Shanks) w/ Hi-Residue Drag hyd. pump, tandem axle, box- front, shedded, new fuel 4612 pump, no 3pt., low hours, (Long Teeth) Double Fold Hiniker 8160 controller, nd, new diaphragm in carb., Real Good. 2015 Heavy Duty $6,000. 507-327-3476 Rock Picker Extra Wide 5 x30 $4,100. 320-587-9207 Ft Latest Model New Condi- For Sale: Ag Chem sprayer, 756 750 gal., 60 ft. boom, PTO, NEW AND USED TRACTOR tion. Retiring 319-347-6676 res, pump, tandem axle, $2,350.

50; PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, Wil-Rich V957DDR, 2004, 26” 507-995-9676 cult 55, 50 Series & newer tracblades, new points, good bar tors, AC-all models, Large harrow, shedded, ex. cond., Please recycle this magazine.

Inventory, We ship!

Mark x46 $8,900.00. Call 507-478-4221 ber, Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829

Planting Equip Retiring. For Sale: NH TM165 Tine tractor, 2WD, auto steer, du845 als, wgts, 2074 hrs, planter ent & sprayer tractor, always ‘93 7200 MaxEmerge planter, Matt shedded, excellent. 507-640- 12R30, precision corn meters, soybean meters, liq 0146 fert & insect, front fold, Precision 2020 monitor, $15,000; JD Marless no-till drill w/ coulter ent Tillage Equip cart, 15’, 10” spacing, $5,000. with Both always shedded. 612PTO 741-7949 or 612-701-7901 28”2013 Great Plains 33 Ft 18’ Series 8 Finisher w/ Hi-ResFOR SALE: Older John Deere ors; idue Harrow (Long Tines) 10 ft. grain drill, good tires, Nice, $24,500??.

Glencoe 9’ hand lift, very clean, always 26’ 1990 28 Ft #3500 5 Bar Field shedded. Retired 10 years 320- Cult w/ 4 Bar Harrow (New Tines) Real Good, $5,900??. ago. $100. Call 320-598-3506 Retiring. 319-347-6282 FOR SALE: JD 7100 6 row ller rear mounted corn planter, FOR SALE: Salford 6 boton$3,500/OBO. 507-330-2808 ed, tom moldboard plow, onland hitch, 18” bottoms w/ JD 7000 6 row narrow, w/ 60 low w/ coulters, new 2013, excellent Monitor, liquid fertilizer, herdes, condition. Arlington MN 507- bicide & insecticide. 320-583237-2247 2587

ete, iceHD -set for on; ore, SE Call

du000 701-

000 300 ort, x18 IH der,

FOR SALE: John Deere 328 square baler, with #40 ejector, always shedded. 320-2481360

For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com Opening April 10 & Closing April 21 Sunrise Construction & Services LLP Auction, Steffes Group Facility, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction

Why hang on to stuff you don’t use? Put a line ad in The Land and sell those things for some extra cash. It makes sense.

Opening April 13 & Closing April 23 at 7PM

Call The Land at 507-345-4523

Opening April 14 & Closing April 23 at 7PM

Secured Lender Farm Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Tower Hill Angus Excess Hay Equipment Auction, Sauk Centre, MN, Timed Online Auction

DAMAGED GRAIN

Opening April 15 & Closing April 24

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.

Opening April 20 & Closing May 4

Benz Farm Retirement Auction, Steele, ND, Timed Online Auction

Opening April 17 & Closing April 22

STATEWIDE

Online Steffes Auction, 4/22, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Jeremy & Sara Jennen Farm Equipment Auction, Hillsboro, ND, Timed Online Auction

Opening April 24 & Closing Tuesday, April 28 Quality Tested Hay Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN

Opening April 28 & Closing May 5 Jeff Almen Retirement Auction, Graftion, BD, Timed Online Auction

Opening, April 30 & Closing May 7

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

Steffes Construction Consignment Auction, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction

PRUESS ELEV., INC.

Opening, May 1 & Closing May 6 Online Steffes Auction - 5/6, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction

1-800-828-6642

Opening, May 4 & Closing May 12 at 3PM

AUCTION

LOCATION: Steffes Group Facility, 24400 MN Hwy 22 S, Litchfield, MN 55355

OPENS: MONDAY, APRIL 13

CLOSES: THURSDAY, APRIL 23 | 7PM

2020

ypeFOR SALE: 45’ Wil-Rich Minneapolis Moline (Model Quad 5 field cultivator, 210 E?) 12’ rubber tire drill w/ lb shanks, 9” sweeps, field grass seed, converted to 3pt ready. 507-351-0257 hitch, $950. 507-381-6719

Steffes Auction Calendar 2020

Hay & Forage Equipment

WANTED

Farm

PAGE 21

PREVIEW: Monday - Friday 8:00-5:00PM / LOADOUT: Monday - Friday 8:00-5:00PM

Sibley County, MN - Home w/Outbuildings, Hunting Ground, Tillable Farmland Auction - Multiple Tracts — 240± Acres, Henderson, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening, May 4 & Closing May 14 Douglas County, MN, Gravel Pit/Farmland Auction 71± Acres, Alexandria, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening May 7 & Closing May 15 at 7PM RLP Services LLC Online Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening May 8 & Closing May 18 Rush River Farms Equipment Auction, Hunter, ND, Timed Online Auction

FARMLAND Fillmore County: NEW LISTING Approx. 165 acres, Spring Valley Twp. Olmsted County: Approx. 132 acres Rock Dell Twp. Mower County: Approx. 121 acres SE edge of Austin Olmsted County: Pending Approx. 106 acres High Forest Twp. Mower County: Pending Approx. 156 acres, Prime Farmland 93.2 CPI, Good tenant in place, Grand Meadow Twp.

COMMERCIAL Racine: Completely remodeled 10,000 sq. ft. building on 2.12 acres. Many possible uses including event center, day care, offices, retail.

Need assistance with Rental Rates, Government Programs or Environmental Issues? Call us for your Farm Management needs!

Randy Queensland • 507-273-3890 • randy@lrmrealestate.com Ryan Queensland • 507-273-3000 • ryan@lrmrealestate.com

Grand Meadow, MN • www.lrmrealestate.com 507-754-5815 • 800-658-2340

2WD TRACTORS

wide front, 4,693 hrs.

1976 John Deere 4430 1957 John Deere 520 wide front, shows 2WD, 10,361 hrs.

000012 hrs.

1970 John Deere 2520 1938 John Deere GP-B 2WD, 5,674 hrs.

ANTIQUE TRACTORS wide front 1950 John Deere A 1958 John Deere 420, narrow front 2,553 hrs.

TRAILERS 1957 John Deere 320 2010 ABU tandem axle wide front bumper hitch flatbed 1937 John Deere GP-B trailer w/dovetail wide front 2006 Wilson DSCN-5724T 1951 John Deere B 5th wheel tandem axle narrow front 1945 John Deere A wide livestock trailer front LIVESTOCK 1938 John Deere GP-B EQUIPMENT wide front Kuhn Knight Maxx 5135 1954 John Deere 40 vertical TMR utility tractor For-Most livestock 1958 John Deere 320 working chute utility tractor Tru-Test livestock scale 1936 John Deere GP-A MVE Millennium 2000 wide front XC-20 semen tank w/ 1958 John Deere 530

semen & embryos A.I. breeding kit (45) Free standing panels, 24’ (4) Free standing panels, 24’, w/swing gate (9) Gates (10) Hi Qual slant bar feed thru panels Easy Way mineral feeder (4) Feed bunks (5) Livestock water tanks Branding Cattle prod Spool of cable Livestock show supplies

bucket Virning bale fork Pallet forks Meads hyd. drive PTO conversion Blade Double receiver

OTHER FARM EQUIPMENT & SUPPORT ITEMS

Water trailer Southern brush mower (3) Plows (2) John Deere 3 pt. arms Agromatic floor fan

RECREATIONAL ITEMS

SKID STEER LOADER Ranger XP800 & ATTACHMENTS Polaris side-by-side, 1,077 hrs.

Bobcat S185 skid steer Ez-Go K-101 golf cart loader, 4,543 hrs.

SHOP ITEM Bobcat 15C auger Shop-Built auger bucket Finishing nailer Prime snow bucket (2) Material buckets Shop-Built grapple

SteffesGroup.com

Steffes Group, Inc. | 24400 MN Hwy 22 South, Litchfield, MN 55355

For information contact Randy Kath at Steffes Group, 320.693.9371 or 701.429.8894 Complete terms, lot listings and photos at SteffesGroup.com / Randy Kath MN47-007

Opening, May 11 & Closing May 19 at 3PM Douglas County, MN, Recreational/Hunting Land & Tillable Ground Auction — Multiple Tracts - 98± Acres, Osakis, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening May 11 & Closing May 20 at 3PM Isanti County, Cambridge, MN, 6.5± Acre Wooded Lot Auction, Cambridge, MN, Timed Online

Opening May 19 & Closing May 28 at 12PM Clay County, MN, Land Auction - 3.34± Acres, Moorhead, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening, May 27 & Closing June 3 Paul & Rosemary Patrick Farm Retirement Auction, Wilton, ND, Timed Online Auction

Opening, June 5 & Closing June 15 Eugene & Delores Undem Farm Retirement Auction, Rogers, ND, Timed Online Auction

Tuesday, June 9 at 10AM Kyle & Stacy Marschke Farm Retirement Auction, Alice, ND

Opening, June 9 & Closing June 18 at 7PM Tod & Renee Becker Farm Retirement Auction, Park Rapids, MN, Timed Online Auction

PAGE 22

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

First Your e for Choic ieds! if Class

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

our Place Y ! ay d Ad To

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

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

Plus! Look for your classified ad in the e-edition.

*

• Reach over 150,000 readers • Start your ad in The Land • Add more insertions • Get more coverage

THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

Livestock

FOR SALE: 2020 Neville built FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls aluminum grain trailer, ag also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ hoppers, aluminum outside Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred wheels, 38.5’, new condition. Kemen 320-598-3790 For photo and information call or text 218-791-3400

Cattle

Wanted

FOR SALE: Polled Black Registered Simmental, Sim Angus bulls, top AI sires.

Semen checked. Also, June calving pairs. John Volz 507520-4381

All kinds of New & Used farm equipment - disc chisels, field cults, planters, soil finishers, cornheads, feed mills, discs, balers, haybines, etc. 507Polled Hereford Bulls 438-9782 Yearlings and (1) two year WANTED TO BUY: CIH Mag- old, semen tested. Also, Hernum 215 tractor or equiva- eford and Black Baldy heiflent, Also 8 or 12RN plant- ers. Jones Farms, Le Sueur er, & Farmall 504 tractor MN 507-317-5996 complete or for parts. FOR SALE: Red Angus bull, ser- Registered Polled Hereford viceable age. 320-282-4846 Springing Heifers, excellent quality. Call 715-781-7056

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

Exc herd health. No PRSS. Delivery avail. 320-760-0365

The ad prices listed are based on a basic classified line ad of 25 words or less. Ads running longer than 25 words will incur an added charge.  Antiques & Collectibles  Harvesting Equipment  Goats CHECK ONE:  Announcements  Lawn & Garden  Grain Handling Equipment  Horses & Tack  Employment  Feed Seed Hay  Livestock Equipment  Exotic Animals  Real Estate  Fertilizer & Chemicals  Wanted  Pets & Supplies  Real Estate Wanted  Bins & Buildings  Free & Give Away  Cars & Pickups  Farm Rentals  Farm Equipment  Livestock  Industrial & Construction  Auctions  Tractors  Poultry  Trucks & Trailers  Agri Business  Tillage Equipment  Dairy  Recreational Vehicles  Farm Services  Planting Equipment  Cattle  Miscellaneous  Sales & Services  Spraying Equipment  Swine NOTE: Ad will be placed in the  Merchandise  Hay & Forage Equipment  Sheep appropriate category if not marked.

Now... add a photo to your classified line ad for only $10.00!!

THE LAND

1 run @ $19.99 2 runs @ $34.99 3 runs @ $44.99 Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per line per issue EXTENDED COVERAGE - must run the same number of times as The Land FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 21,545 circ.

THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) - Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 21,000 circ.

THE FREE PRESS (FP) - Serving south central Minnesota, 19,025 circ.

PAPER(S) ADDED (circle all options you want): FN CT FP $7.70 for each paper and $7.70 run each issues x $7.70 STANDOUT OPTIONS (THE LAND only) $2.00 per run:  Bold  Italic  Underline  Web/E-mail links (Includes 1 Southern & 1 Northern issue)

oto (THE LAND only) $10.00 perper run:run  Border $10.00 each



Grain Handling Equipment

 Photo (THE LAND only)

= __________________________________________ = __________________________________________ = __________________________________________ = __________________________________________

'04 JD 7920 MFWD

40K IVT Tranny, NEW 46’s, Greenstar, Deluxe cab with command arm & active seat. Recent engine work – new bearings, water pump, turbo & injectors. Used on our farm this past yearfield - LOOKS AND RUNS GREAT! ............................ Only $54,600

= __________________________________________ = __________________________________________ = __________________________________________

TOTAL

TRACTORS

= __________________________________________

This is NOT for businesses. Please call The Land to place line ads.

Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________________________________State ______________________ Zip _________________

Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________

NO-TILL DRILLS LD JD 1590 NT $$CALL SODrill............

SORRY!

CHECK We do not issue refunds.

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.

Pets & Supplies Australian Shepherd Blue-Merle, Red-Merle, Black & Red. First Come, First Pick.

507-390-4619 Leave Message.

FOR SALE: Puppies, Border Collie Blue Heeler cross, born 1/10/2020, 3 males and 2 females, $200/each. 507-3837061

Trucks & Trailers 1989 Chevy Dually service truck w/ side boxes, excellent runner, $2,700. 507-3276430

JD 1560 NT Drill............ $$CALL JD 750 NT Drill.............. $$CALL

Phone ________________________________________________________# of times __________________________ Card # ________________________________________________________Exp. Date __________________________

‘01 JD 8210 MFWD .......$59,600 ‘01 JD 7920 MFWD .......$54,600 LD .......$38,900 ‘04 JD 7420 MFWD SO ‘08 JD 6430 MFWD w/ 673 loader & grapple ........................$57,500 LD .......$21,900 ‘83 JD 2950 SOMFWD ‘04 JD 5420 2WD with JD 520M loader.............................$24,500

Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available.

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

507-789-6049 WWW.SKYBERGIRON.COM 384156-1

Miscellaneous PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS New pumps & parts on hand.

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

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

ulls mp/ red

ATTENTION ADVERTISERS:

Miscellaneous 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. ack Convenient. Certified profesSim sionals. 312-291-9169 res. RefrigerantFinders.com/ad une 507-Winpower Sales & Service Reliable Power Solutions Since 1925 PTO & automatic Emergency Electric Generear ators. New & Used HerRich Opsata-Distributor eif800-343-9376 eur

ord ent

mproc ent ide.

SS. 65

Please note that The Land sales representative James McRae is no longer working for The Land. We are presently trying to contact all of his accounts to let them know of this change. If you normally worked with James and need immediate assistance, please call The Land office at 507-345-4523

Get the best results when you advertise in

THE LAND! Call

507-345-4523 800-657-4665 ’13 JD 660, 892/1180 CM, chopper duals.............. $129,000 ’04 JD 9760, 2268/3460 CM, chopper duals............ $50,000 ’01 JD 9650 STS, 3014/4325 CM, chopper, duals .... $37,000

336

’11 Bobcat E45EM, cab & air, 2965 hrs ..................... $30,000

WHEEL LOADERS

’18 JD 824K, 7980 hrs, cab air, ride control,

’00 JD 9650 STS, 2645/3623 chopper, duals ............ $37,000

6.25 yd bkt ............................................................... $149,000 ’14 JD 724 K, 9587 hrs, third valve, w/ medford forks ... $82,000

TRACK & 4WD TRACTORS

’90 Ford 876, 8523 hrs duals .................................... $24,500 ’14 Case/IH 370 HD, 7065 hrs, 1000 PTO duals ....... $75,000 ’14 Case 350 Rowtrac, 1865 hrs, 120” 1000 PTO ... $147,000 ’11 Case 580 5N, 4X4 cab, 3322 hrs, extend-a-hoe . $42,000

TRACTOR LOADER BACKHOES

’11 Case 580N, 4x4 cab 2540 hrs ................................$42,000 ‘11 Case 580 SN, 4X4 cab,3322 hrs, extend-a-hoe ������������� $42,000

ROW CROP TRACTORS

vice ’17 Kubota M7-151, cab air, MFWD, 545 hrs, front axle suspension, 3pt PTO, cel327w/ Kubota loader .................................................. $84,000

MPS nd. dis-

SMALL EXCAVATORS

’17 Case CX57C, cab & air, 333 hrs........................... $49,000

’01 JD 9750 STS, 3013/4156 CM, chopper, duals .... $37,000

erd ’11 Case/IH 8120, 1650/2250 Tracker, Rt, duals ....... $89,500 rle, ’11 Case/IH 7120, 1610/2200 Tracker, Rt, duals ....... $89,500 me, 4619 ’10 Case/IH 7120, 1650/2250 Tracker, Rt, duals ....... $89,500

’04 McCormick MTX125, 2) 3415 hrs, cab air,

PAGE 23

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.

ADVERTISER LISTING

PLANNING AN AUCTION?

ite, COMBINES ble.

DV. ’15 JD 690, 4x4, 1745/1160 sep hrs, CM, chopper, 650x38 tires & duals ................... $175,000 eve

Boross, nd 2 383-

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

’13 JD 644 K, 5520 hrs, quick coupler, 4.25 yd bkt .... $115,000 ’15 Volvo 90G, 4927 hrs, quick coupler & bkt ................ $89,000 ’12 Volvo L50F, 5733 hrs, cab air, quick coupler & bkt .. $65,000 ’09 Cat 938H, 7174 hrs, quick coupler & bkt ................. $69,000 ’16 Komatsu WA 270-7, 8193 hrs, Q.C., 4 yd bkt........... $72,000 ’16 Komatsu WA 320-7, 6936 hrs, Q.C., 3.5 yd bkt........ $83,000 ’13 Komatsu WA320-7, 7267 hrs, cab air, quick coupler & bkt ................................................... $78,000 ‘12 Komatsu 380-7, 8850 hrs, 4.25 yd bkt ..................... $69,900 ’14 Kawasaki 70Z7, 7628 hrs, cab air, quick coupler & bkt ................................................... $69,000 ’10 Kawasaki 65Z V, 6682 hrs, cab air, ride control, w/ bkt ......................................................................... $51,000

EXCAVATORS ’15 Cat 323 FL, 3768 hrs, 40" bkt............................ $119,000 ’14 Komatsu PC 138US-10, hyd thumb, 36" bkt ........ $80,000

320X54 rear tires & duals, 540/1000 PTO, 3 hyd,

’11 JD 290GLC, 3347 hrs, 12'6" stick,42" bkt .......... $110,000

3 pt ....................................................................... $32,000

’11 Case CX300C, 2658 hrs, 12' stick, 54" bucket .. $110,000

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

Look at our website for pictures & more listings: www.larsonimplements.com

Anderson Seeds ...................................................................... 3 Asbestos Disease LLC .......................................................... 18 Beck's Hybrids ....................................................................... 1 Blue Sky Financial ..........................................................10, 12 C & C Roofing ....................................................................... 6 Courtland Waste Handling ...................................................... 9 Freudenthal Dairy ................................................................ 13 Generac ............................................................................... 18 Greenwald Farm Center ........................................................ 19 Grizzly Buildings Inc ............................................................. 7 Group Leaf LLC .................................................................. 14 Homestead Sales .................................................................. 19 Land Resource Management ................................................. 21 Larson Brothers Implement .................................................. 23 Northland Buildings ............................................................. 14 Pioneer .................................................................................11 Pruess Elevator Inc .............................................................. 21 Pumps Motor & Bearings LLC ............................................... 6 Schweiss Doors .................................................................... 23 Skyberg Iron ........................................................................ 22 Smiths Mill Implement Inc ................................................... 19 Southwest MN Farm Business .............................................. 15 Spanier Welding ..................................................................... 5 Steffes Group ....................................................................... 21 Thinlight Technologies ........................................................... 4

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

PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — APRIL 17/APRIL 24, 2020

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

Staples by rail

W

hen a train passes the passenger platform at the Amtrak depot in Staples, the ground vibrates and then there is thunder — and speech is no longer heard. As the engine passes the depot, the engineer gives a couple of hoots, we wave, and then car after car roars by only feet from the depot door.

“About sixty of them come by every day,” Tom Kajer says.

Kajer is the president of the Staples Historical Society and the Society has owned the depot for 12 years. The depot is one of five Amtrak stops in Minnesota and is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2019 over 6,000 passengers used it. Even so, when the Society took ownership of the 110-year-old building, it was in serious disrepair.

“The first thing we did was have a new roof put on,” Kajer said.

In the last decade, the Society has completed nearly 30 restoration projects ranging from a new heating system, new bathrooms, restored lighting, new oak doors, and the refinishing and reinstallation of 25 grand oak-framed windows.

The large windows in the lobby of the threestory depot, along with the high ceiling and white terrazzo floor, make for a bright and uplifting space.

As a special touch, Kajer has got a dozen or so thriving house plants in the lobby. Along the walls are historical railroad photos and a large dynamite proof safe.

Staples, Minn.

“Did you know that Staples had a stock yard?” Kajer asked, pointing to a photo of cattle in pens. “The ranchers from Montana would ride the train with their cattle to Staples. The cattle and ranchers would stay overnight before heading to South Saint Paul or Chicago.”

The Society has a mini-museum next to the lobby. There visitors can see railroad artifacts such as dramatic photos of the 1969 blizzard which covered the tracks in towering drifts, the bell off the last Northern Pacific steam engine, an 1870s conductor’s lantern, a widow maker, and more.

The depot lobby and restrooms are open all the time. During Railroad Days, which is a weekend in late August, the museum is open all day. Normally, Kajer comes in every morning to clean the immaculate depot and sanitize door handles and other frequently touched surfaces, however it would be best to call (218) 894-2906 for an appointment to visit the museum itself.

If you want to take Amtrak from Staples, the daily Seattle-bound train leaves at 1:26 a.m. The Chicago-bound Amtrak leaves at 4:14 a.m. Amtrak was operating as of late March. No tickets are sold in Staples. v

CUSTOMER

HIGHLIGHT

SOLAR ENERGY FOR

FARMS AND BUSINESSES

ELIMINATE YOUR ENERGY BILLS AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ELECTRICITY EXPENSES AND GIVE YOUR FARM A NEW ELEMENT OF FINANCIAL PREDICTABILITY WITH YOUR OWN SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER.

Solar energy is more than clean energy, it’s financial stability, predictability, and independence.

We know the challenges of planning for the future, and we’re here to help you take control of what you can. Blue Horizon Energy works with the best suppliers and partners in the solar industry so you can rest easy knowing that you can trust your solar system to support your family, farm, and business for decades to come.

WE LET OUR CUSTOMERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. WANT TO HEAR WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY? JUST ASK!

©2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY

CONTACT US AT: 507.424.0001 INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

507.424.0001

INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

©2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY LLC

MAXIMIZE YOUR ENERGY YIELD CUSTOMIZE A SOLAR SYSTEM TO YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS AND

DURABILITY. RELIABILITY. QUALITY.

LE SUEUR, MN

MAXIMIZE YOUR ENERGY SAVINGS.

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TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR RISING ENERGY EXPENSES BY GOING SOLAR!

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IT IS ALWAYS THE RIGHT TIME TO CONTROL COSTS AND LOCK-IN LONG-TERM SAVINGS. WE'VE HELPED HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES AND FARMS ACROSS THE MIDWEST SAVE THOUSANDS ANNUALLY BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SOLAR ENERGY. WE CAN SHOW YOU HOW.

RECEIVE A FREE CONSULTATION TO DETERMINE HOW SOLAR ENERGY CAN BEST WORK FOR YOUR SPECIFIC SITE, CIRCUMSTANCES, AND NEEDS.

©2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY

©2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY

507.424.0001 INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM WWW.BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

507.424.0001 INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM WWW.BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

MAXIMIZE YOUR ENERGY YIELD CUSTOMIZE A SOLAR SYSTEM TO YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS AND

DURABILITY. RELIABILITY. QUALITY.

LE SUEUR, MN

MAXIMIZE YOUR ENERGY SAVINGS.

FIXED RACK

RENVILLE, MN

ROOF MOUNT

DUAL-AXIS TRACKER PROVEN. RELIABLE. PREDICTABLE. Blue Horizon Energy has delivered hundreds of turn-key solar projects across the Midwest and our results are proven by all of these happy customers.

Our projects are backed by industry-leading warranties, up to 25 years on key components, to create long-term reliable performance and savings.

BRAHAM, MN

Our top-shelf technologies yield more power and more savings, delivering up to 40% more energy and a stronger, more predictable return on investment.

GREEN ISLE, MN

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR RISING ENERGY EXPENSES BY GOING SOLAR!

CONTACT US TODAY!

IT IS ALWAYS THE RIGHT TIME TO CONTROL COSTS AND LOCK-IN LONG-TERM SAVINGS. WE'VE HELPED HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES AND FARMS ACROSS THE MIDWEST SAVE THOUSANDS ANNUALLY BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SOLAR ENERGY. WE CAN SHOW YOU HOW.

RECEIVE A FREE CONSULTATION TO DETERMINE HOW SOLAR ENERGY CAN BEST WORK FOR YOUR SPECIFIC SITE, CIRCUMSTANCES, AND NEEDS.

©2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY

©2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY

507.424.0001 INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM WWW.BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

507.424.0001 INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM WWW.BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

CUSTOMER

HIGHLIGHT

SOLAR ENERGY FOR

FARMS AND BUSINESSES

ELIMINATE YOUR ENERGY BILLS AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ELECTRICITY EXPENSES AND GIVE YOUR FARM A NEW ELEMENT OF FINANCIAL PREDICTABILITY WITH YOUR OWN SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER.

Solar energy is more than clean energy, it’s financial stability, predictability, and independence.

We know the challenges of planning for the future, and we’re here to help you take control of what you can. Blue Horizon Energy works with the best suppliers and partners in the solar industry so you can rest easy knowing that you can trust your solar system to support your family, farm, and business for decades to come.

WE LET OUR CUSTOMERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. WANT TO HEAR WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY? JUST ASK!

©2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY

CONTACT US AT: 507.424.0001 INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

507.424.0001

INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

©2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY LLC