THE LAND ~ May 29, 2020 ~ Southern Edition

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Dairy’s ups and downs Heading into Dairy Month, producers are finding themselves in the dumps INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

The tradition of maple syruping • What CFAP might mean for you “Big Bud” has junior counterpart in Minnesota

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THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

Charlie, Madden and Big Bud P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLIV ❖ No. 11 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File The Bookworm Sez Life on the Farm: Readers’ Photos Table Talk From My Farmhouse Kitchen Farm Programs From The Fields Swine & U Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

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Back in 1976, Trojan Seed Company Star tractors for the other four grandhosted its first Cornland USA event. The sons,” related Charlie. “But Madden said, three-day September show was open to ‘I don’t want a Jet-Star; I want a Big the public and free. Entertainment galore Bud!’ I thought about it for a year and including stage shows by Rex Allen Jr., finally said, ‘I think I can do it.’”

Nelson Waikiki from Hawaii; 22 acres of Even with help, Big Bud was a twoexhibits; the Cornland 5000 Biggest year project. Charlie recalled, “When Tractor Pull in the Western Corn Belt; word got out about my project quite a plus women’s activities each day in the few ‘I can help’ comments started floathuge Trojan warehouse — even an ag LAND MINDS ing around town. First was David Nelson aviation day with sky diving, aerobatic at Loftness Manufacturing here in town.

By Dick Hagen and stunt flying. Each day featured a He stopped by and said, ‘I can do some free drawing for a Hawaiian trip for frame welding pieces.’ My son-in-law two. did some drawings on these special Estimated attendance to pieces; then Dave Nelson Cornland USA was 30,000. took his drawings and did Spectators couldn’t believe the work needed. Pat it. And a huge surprise to Schmoll at Schmoll’s every farmer: Big Bud, the Welding helped us out. new 650-horsepower tractor Dennis Mosic and his guys manufactured in Havre, helped with some special Mont. Yes, Big Bud was the painting; Cole Carlsom did biggest tractor to ever show the special stickers. We’re its mighty muscles at a just a pretty good communifarm show. And proud to ty. Folks pitch in as they provide this firstt Minnesota can. We powered it with a showing of Big Bud was 25-horsepower, 3-cylinder Renville County agriculturdiesel Yamar engine.” ist Harlan Johnson who Charlie hasn’t put Big Bud thrived on notoriety in his on a scale, but something farming career. over a ton was Charlie’s estimate.

That was 44 years ago.

Photos by Dick Hagen Hector-area farmer Charlie Have any of the Big Bud Charlie Melberg Melberg was 21 and just guys from Montana been getting into this exciting here? “Not yet; but they game called farming. But already he was into tracknow about it,” said Charlie. tor pulling events so this western corn belt’s biggest “I talked with the engineer that helped build Big tractor pull at Cornland was on his agenda.

Bud; and I talked with one of the owners, Ron But he knew nothing about Big Bud until viewing Hardam, about how they created their first Big this mastodon at Cornland.

Bud. Basically they just wanted something bigger and better for modern agriculture. I never did ask The impact of Big Bud never left Charlie’s mind. how many Big Buds were built; that might be accesNope, he never owned one. However, three John sible on the Internet.”

Deere 8620s (620 hp) were sitting in his farm yard when I pulled in for a May 5 visit. I was there to Big Bud definitely had a different look: painted view a scale model Big Bud 525/50 — an exact repwhite with some red touch ups makes this a classy lica of the Big Bud Charlie had first viewed at looking farm tractor. “I found some reading that Cornland USA in 1976. said the first two series were all white,” said Charlie. “Then the third series was touched up with Yes, Charlie, now 65, built this Big Bud from scratch. Imaginative minds, gifted hands, good tools, some red. I even talked with the guy who designed the stickers for Big Bud and still makes them today. welders, metal cutters, scads of creative patience, But he couldn’t make mine because his wife was family help and a few key outsiders produced this sick. He gave me some more ideas anyway.” incredible tractor. Charlie intends to put his Big Bud into a few summer parades — including On that fine May 5 day I squeezed into the cab of Olivia’s Corn Capital Days event July 25 (if CovidCharlie’s Big Bud and enjoyed driving this incredi19 has disappeared). The Renville County Fair is ble gem for a few minutes in the Melberg farmyard. also on Charlie’s itinerary if Covid-19 is history.

Has Charlie’s grandson yet driven his very own So how did this happen? Charlie credit’s Madden, Big Bud? “Not yet,” Charlie stated. “He’s still got his 11-year-old grandson. Two years back, Madden school work and lots of farm activity too. He’s our asked Grandpa to make him a tractor. “We had lawn mowing kid. We just finished getting all our already made four small Minneapolis Molene JetSee LAND MINDS, pg. 5

OPINION

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

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Memorial Day 2020: ‘Because you never know’ Every Memorial Day, my long-time the grain giants expanded into ethanol, friend David would honor both his family fructose, and several never-heard-ofand fellow Vietnam War veterans with a before biotech processes — “bugs,” they visit to his hometown cemetery, an hour’s called them — to “engineer” new items drive west of St. Louis. like lysine, a livestock feed supplement; and citric acid, a food additive.

Once there, and with the help of his siblings and cousins, David would mow Then, in 1993, a bolt of lightning struck the grass in the family plot, scrub its farm country: The U.S. Department of granite and brass grave markers, and FARM & FOOD FILE Justice announced it was investigating place colorful, fist-sized peonies on the Archer Daniels Midland for allegedly fixBy Alan Guebert graves of those he knew and those he ing prices in some of its markets. Even didn’t know. more incredible, the DOJ confirmed its evidence included video and audio Rain or shine, whether he was living tapes made by an ADM insider, an in Miami or Tokyo, David tried to spend executive named Mark Whitacre. every Memorial Day doing what he believed was his sacred duty: remembering the dead and what they Whitacre had two weaknesses no corporate mole had sacrificed so he could stand that day, sweaty but should possess: he couldn’t stop talking; and his free, in their collective, remembered presence. best friend in the grain trade was David. Whatever David had sacrificed to be there also. Two tours of Whitacre knew or learned, David soon would know or learn. duty in Vietnam as an aircraft carrier-based medic meant that he and his crewmates were always in And, soon thereafter, David’s contacts at the New danger whenever they helicoptered to rescue York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and downed pilots on land or sea. The high-risk escaother outlets would know. pades also gave him a saucy, life-long swagger.

The ADM story, however, was unlike most tales of The war and its divisive effects on the United corporate wrongdoing. It was a multi-layered, multiStates never left him. In fact, he left the United year saga of power and corruption which claimed States and lived in Japan for nearly 20 years the careers of both ADM executives who lived it and because of it. Japan brought him peace, a family, journalists who covered it because the truth was and a career as an international trade consultant often hidden in a haystack of lies. fluent in Japanese just as U.S. business ties to Asia One of its biggest victims was David. He came to began to bloom. believe that the Justice Department had intentionInterestingly, the most lucrative, far-reaching ally botched an even bigger case against ADM American contacts he made were in the thenbecause of the company’s legendary political connecexploding U.S./Asia grain trade. Investment money tions. To him, it was 1968 all over again. The nation and U.S. ag exports were flooding Japan and South had betrayed its values — and him — and he slowly Korea and were about to get a toehold in China — sank into a sea of bitterness and paranoia. and smooth, charming David was smack in the midThe last time my family visited him before his dle of it all.

Aug. 2015 death, I spotted a sawed-off, 12-gauge He returned to America in the late 1980s when shotgun painted to match the living room wall it

OPINION

was leaning against making it — in plain sight — all but invisible.

Why? I asked.

“Because,” he said, “you never know.”

Maybe not, but I do know that when his fear and anger at individuals replaced his love and duty for his nation, this honorable lion became a gun-hiding mouse. It was a tragic unwinding; one that no one would wish on anyone or any friend.

Or any nation.

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

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Apply now for CFAP assistance The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The USDA began accepting applications from farmers on May 26. CFAP will provide $16 billion in aid to farmers who suffered economic losses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, Congress approved nearly $24 billion in relief to farmers who have seen their markets impacted by the ongoing pandemic. This funding, included as part of The CARES Act, was split into two separate pots of money: $9.5 billion to directly assist farmers impacted by the ongoing pandemic (including producers selling into local markets); and $14 billion to replenish the Commodity Credit Corporation’s borrowing limit.

USDA plans to distribute CFAP payments to farmers that will partially compensate for losses where

prices, markets, and supply chains have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. To be eligible for a payment, a commodity must have experienced at least a 5 percent decline in price since January.

To be eligible for a CFAP payment, a farmer must complete a CFAP application form and provide any required documentation within 60 days of signing the application.

To apply, download the CFAP application and payment calculator from USDA’s CFAP website (https:// www.farmers.gov/cfap). Farmers can also call their local FSA office and request a paper application.

More information on CFAP can be found in this issue in Kent Thiesse’s “Farm Programs” column.

This article was submitted by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. v

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THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

Stories of troubled horse riders is a captivating read The last time you went riding, the “Half Broke: A Memoir” weather was perfect.

by Ginger Gaffney Did you notice that? Or were you thinking about something, some niggling c.2020, Norton issue, a thorny problem that needed to $25.95 / $34.95 Canada be solved from the back of a sad272 pages dle? They say that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man. In “Half long ago it›s like having Broke” by Ginger Gaffney, the same goes THE BOOKWORM a finger or a nose: it for the inside of a woman.

SEZ She knew she wasn›t going to get paid By Terri Schlichenmeyer never wasn’t. You probably don’t even for the job. remember it, but you won’t That was fine. Ginger Gaffney had a calendar full forget “Half Broke.” of work that paid the bills for the small homeSwinging timelines like a lariat, author Ginger stead she and her partner shared. No, a gig workGaffney tells her own barnboard-rough story. But ing with a New Mexico ranch that served someher story absolutely takes a back seat to tales of what as a transitional option for inmates was horses she›s known and people she knew at the Gaffney›s way of giving back. Gratis work was gratprison ranch near Santa Fe. Her tales are told with itude for a good life. deliberateness, and quietly — even the ones that It wasn›t always good, though.

To say that Gaffney was quiet as a child is putting it mildly. She didn›t speak until she was six years old. She felt like a «genderless thing,» she was angry, scared, hurt, mistrustful, had little selfcontrol, and she sometimes lashed out. Then she got a horse.

And now she›d volunteered to work on this «alternative» ranch with horses which had gone feral because nobody knew how to handle or train them.

She knew exactly how those animals felt because she›d been like them once. So had the ranchers Gaffney was asked to teach: former addicts, lawbreakers, alcoholics who›d been tossed aside, who›d applied for an opportunity to work with horses, and who were constantly monitored and mentored to give them the best chance to avoid being imprisoned again.

pulse with anger or gnashing teeth. The graciousness and generosity here comes out loud and clear, leaving readers with a sad smile, a good chuckle, a gasp, and the thought that books like this just don›t last long enough.

Yes, the skies can be cloudy all day in this memoir, but it›s a wonderful one which horse lovers, armchair cowpokes and reform workers shouldn›t even try to resist. If that’s you, you should know that “Half Broke” is a heckuva ride.

Look for the reviewed book at a bookstore or a library near you. You may also find the book at online book retailers.

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with three dogs and 10,000 books. v

Life on the Farm: Readers’ Photos

Every horse has a story to tell. Every rancher had one, too; but the rules were strict about when they could share them. So Gaffney really knew very little about the people she taught: Eliza, who›d been nearly mute; Flor, an admitted liar; Randy, who dieted to ride; Tony, who had anger issues; Sarah, the biggest enigma of all; and Marco, who leaves this book with a surprise ending.

The first time you were on a horse happened so

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Pete Bouman of Ruthton, Minn. brought a little levity to The Land with photos of these newborn calves. Their names? Charmin and Cottenelle. May you never run out.

Regular contributor Rose Wurtzberger recently sent in this photo of the line fence on her farm in Brown County, Minn.

E-mail your Life on the Farm photos to editor@ thelandonline. com Kathy Kern of Marion, Iowa snapped this picture while on a road trip near Easton, Minn.

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

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Cows and coronavirus: June is still Dairy Month

By Lee Mielke I have written June Dairy Month columns for over 30 years and always celebrated its background and meaning. It apparently started in 1937 when a grocery organization began to promote milk and dairy products at a time of year when milk was available in abundance.

I regularly pointed out how easy it is to assume we will always have the milk, cheese, butter and ice cream we all love — and never be concerned about shortages.

Then came 2020 and something called Covid-19, something that has changed America, the world, and everyone in it, forever.

Is the unthinkable now possible?

We’ve witnessed shortages of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and other items; and the latest is meat. But could it

happen to dairy? What a difference a pandemic can make.

Plummeting milk prices will sadly mean the end of some our dairy farms; but I believe the dairy industry will survive because, just as dairy farmers have been there for the consumers who know the value dairy products, those consumers will be there for dairy farmers as well.

Last year I wrote June was dairy month, not “fake milk month.” I talked about consumers who think that a beverage which comes from a plant is healthier than one which comes from a cow — even though they’re still called traditional dairy names.

I repeat my challenge this year to read the package label and know what is in these products to make them at least taste good. But also ask if they even approach the wholesome nutri-

OPINION

tional package that dairy offers; and do they have a carbon footprint which has actually shrunk like dairy’s has.

Dairy still is facing challenges in a crowded beverage marketplace. Percapita fluid milk consumption in the United States is down by a quarter in the past 20 years, according to the National Milk Producers Federation, and the number of U.S. dairy farms dropped 6.8 percent in 2018.

But the NMPF says, “a more accurate picture of the health of the dairy industry is much brighter than the doom and gloom conjured from selective use of data. No matter what critics may say, attempts to craft a ‘death of dairy’ narrative are mistaken.” “ Looking more broadly than milk in a glass, per-capita dairy consumption has been on the rise since the 1970s, according to USDA data. Last year’s level, 646 pounds per person, was the

most popular year for dairy in the United States since 1962.”

“Cheese per-capita consumption has tripled since 1971,” says NMPF, and “butter is at its highest per-capita use since 1968. Contrast that with nosediving sales of margarine — the longest-established ‘plant-based’ dairy alternative — which in 2010 was at its lowest per-capita consumption since 1942. After that, the federal government stopped tracking it altogether.”

Fluid milk consumption may be down, but certainly not out; nor is the dairy industry. Mark Twain said it best when reacting to an erroneous news story, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.”

Dairy is very much alive and on the rise. U.S. dairy farmers have supported us. We will support them. Give your family a dairy special treat this June Dairy Month. v

Melberg has visited farms all around the world LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 crops planted. Perhaps the best spring in recent memory that job done.” Two 48-row JD planters each powered by a JD 8425 speeds that planting effort.

Charlie’s somewhat of an inquisitive guy.

That’s almost a natural trait when you’re in farming and curious about the next chapter in your farming career. He’s done a bit of world traveling — throughout much of Europe, the Ukraine, Russia a couple of times, into Africa and twice down to Brazil.

And always asking questions about farming — especially sugar beet production. Yes, sugar beets got on the Melberg farming agenda years ago when the big sugar beet plant at Renville got into production.

I asked Charlie how long he’s been farming. His immediate response, “All my life. It’s just great work. New technology, new crop seeds, new pesticides, new farm equipment keeps stirring up interest and excitement. Yep, we’ve got

some tough months ahead for both crop and livestock production. Some of these ‘band aid’ programs help a bit; but what we really need are better prices … we need to get supply and demand working again.

“I’m still sold on agriculture. We are living in a beautiful state growing corn, soybeans and sugar beets. I’ve been around the world a few times and with each journey I appreciate our home farm even more.”

He’s entertained Russian, Ukrainian and German famers on his farm too. He’s hired South American immigrants to assist at Melberg Farms.

Yes, curiosity often compels Charlie Melberg on his overseas visits. “My good friend Gary Toreen once asked, ‘where next?’ I told him I’ve read about all the technology showing up on farms in the Ukraine. We wanted to see where all the John Deere tractors and other technology was doing in

these countries. The guy in the Ukraine took us around his country for two weeks. He’s now been to America and visited my farm also.

That’s the good nature of farmers and farming around the world. We don’t mind seeing … and learning.”

Charlie and his wife Barb raised two sons, Brad, 45, Mark, 41, and daughter, Tracy, 37. They have six grandchildren (five boys and a girl).

Dick Hagen is the staff writer emeritus of The Land. He may be reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. v

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THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

Words of wisdom: Secrets of the Toilet Paper Roll Covid-19 brought with it a host of pecuMy mother always had a long list to liar human behaviors that may have take with her to the grocery store — actually served best to remind us of why storm or not. And with a family of nine, Marlin Perkins chose to host a television toilet paper was usually on that list (and show about the animal kingdom. lots of it). After all, she had to have it cocked and loaded if she was going to be Compared with human behaviors when the one responsible for going to town to they feel threatened, I’m pretty sure he get more if we ran out — which was not thought it would be easier to explain anigoing to happen, living 10 miles from mal behaviors since he only had 30 minanywhere.

TABLE TALK utes to work with.

Mom would always write “bathroom tisBy Karen Schwaller When the squirrels know the winter sue” on her list of things to buy, in case will be harsh, they store up more nuts she lost her list and someone else found than can be found on any courtroom T.V. it.

She would say, “… it would be nicer if they saw show. ‘bathroom tissue’ on the list instead of ‘toilet paper.’ “ When a tsunami is going to hit, the elephants will My mother must have learned to be proper from gather their young and head for higher ground. the British.

When a chameleon feels threatened, all it does is And for as much fun as we like to make of people change color to match its environment. coming out of stores with more toilet paper than But human beings have a whole different way to common sense, there are actually principles that panic. When threatened by the warning of a sixthose coveted white rolls of hope can teach us about inch snowfall, it’s a rush to the grocery store to get life. Here’s my take on it: all the essentials: six loaves of bread, five gallons of • You don’t have to be famous to be noticed. milk, ten dozen eggs and a bag of coping candy to be creatively hidden from the children.

• Some cleaning essentials are taken for granted until you can’t get them anymore.

Covid panicking, however, created a whole new branch on the oak-and-acorn tree — in the hoard• Some days are over the top, and some days it’s ing of toilet paper. hard to roll out from underneath the covers. Choose how your day will be and keep going.

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• Some days you’re in it deeper than others, as most livestock producers will concur.

• It’s all about being flexible. No matter where you find yourself, show up for the job.

• Value is in the eye of the beholder. The closer a person is to the end of the roll, the more each square retains its value.

• The thicker (skinned) you are, the more you can take.

• If each square remains connected to the other and works together, they create something larger than themselves.

• Some days our lives are neatly folded; other days seem all crumpled up. Regardless, we still have a job to do, and we just need to do it.

• Hanging out somewhere new every now and then — such as in a tree — gives us a new perspective on life and can give us new adventure and purpose.

• The more people who want something from you, the more you spread yourself thin.

• Moderation is the key to staying power. Don’t take more of things than you need, lest your toilet paper roll — and your bank account — grow thin.

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

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Letter: Try to take advantage of opportunities during trying times To the Editor, I usually read Alan Guebert’s “Farm & Food File” with mild amusement. To say his opinion is typically 180 degrees with my views wuld probably be accurate. To be fair, Alan at least gets people thinking.

After reading Alan’s March 20 column, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. His article focused on the current crash in crude oil prices (and it certainly has been shocking). Alan asked readers to consider what would happen to rural America’s economy if cash soybeans fell from $9 per bushel to $4.50 or if corn prices dropped from an already-low $3.60 per bushel to $1.80.

Excuse me, Alan, but most of us active farmers have been living the nightmare of slashing our prices by half for quite some time. It’s not that long ago that $7.20 corn was a reality, only to be cut in half to the $3.60 you quoted. It’s even been some time since your $9 soybeans have been around, but $15

soybeans of not that long ago are now roughly half that lofty price. I don’t have to imagine what would happen to our finances if our prices were cut in half, I’m already living it! I would agree that taking another 50 percent cut would be chaotic, but so would $15 per barrel for crude oil.

I don’t pretend to have many answers. I will say this: I’ve been around long enough to know that high prices cure high prices, and low prices cure low prices. Basically, the free market works. Almost everything operates in cycles. I might suggest, rather than running around in fear of the current situation, try to take advantage of opportunities while they exist. The sun will eventually shine. And someday, after a very long, painful string of supporting Democrats, Minnesota will vote for a Republican President of the United States.

Paul Platz Lafayette, Minn.

OPINION

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PAGE 7

‘In the garden’ is the place to be for me In 1942 the United States government have done a better job than she was letappealed to Americans to grow gardens. ting me believe.) It’s only natural to hide Their slogan, “Sow the seeds of victory” in the garden. A scarecrow may not even was meant to encourage self-sufficiency be needed. and to have healthy, nutritional food Garden seed catalogs are doing a banreadily available. These gardens became ner business this year. In fact some have known as Victory Gardens, and were proeven refunded money because they do moted by towns and businesses as vital not have the seed the customer has to the war effort. ordered. Minnesota seed potato growers FROM MY Gardening experts from every state are actually one of the bright spots in the FARMHOUSE KITCHEN gave their advice to the leaders of this ag economy. It’s about time we realize program which caught on almost as fast how important every segment of agriculBy Renae B. as wildflowers can spread. Speakers visitture is.

Vander Schaaf ed towns to give pertinent instruction on How-to-garden growing fruits and YouTubes are popvegetables; along ular right now as with canning classwe want to learn es. the best way to All they would grow everyday have had to do was foods like corn and ask my grandparbeans; along with ents for practical exotic ones such as wisdom in knowing endive and cow what works, and peas. If those are how to garden the only vegetable without spending seeds remaining on great funds. the shelf, we realBecause my grandize that any vegeparents had table is better than depended on their starving. gardens for years Those fortunate to feed themselves to have gardening as their parents experience are now had taught them the sagaciousness of taking care of the most sought after persons during coffee breaks their basic needs themselves. at the office. At the appropriate six-foot distance, Today we have now actually experienced bare gro- people are discussing what they have planted in cery shelves, limits on the amount of food we can their gardens. No one is laughing or listening purchase, and closed schools. Each reminds us our through sheer politeness. Gardening is the thing to children need food and possess boundless energy do. which needs to be put to good use. Gardening seems As far as I am concerned, it is one of the positives like a good idea. which can come out of this whole pandemic thing.

Since many of you (like me) have taken to cutting My farmer and I have always enjoyed gardening, so our own bangs, we will not allow ourselves to be it’s life as usual this spring. It’s gratifying to know seen in public. (It is for good reasons my mother hid that others are also going to share this pleaure. the scissors from me when, as a young child, I cut There is more to gardening than just growing food my younger brother and sister’s hair. Looking at for eating. I find myself refreshed as my hands get some of the hair styles considered vogue, I may dirty digging in the dirt; my mind relaxes as I hear

Letters to the editor are always welcome.

Send your letters to: Editor, The Land P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

the multiple species of birds of tweeting out their particular songs; and sunshine on my shoulder really does feel good.

One of my Oma’s favorite hymns is also one of mine. Perhaps you will find yourself singing it too as fill your buckets with the produce of your garden.

“I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses, And the voice I hear falling on my ear The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing, And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing.”

– “In The Garden,” by Charles A. Miles Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v

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PAGE 8

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

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

USDA is taking Coronavirus Food Assistance applications The U.S. Department of plete the application onAgriculture recently line. The CFAP application announced details for tool and forms will be availenrollment in the able at www.farmers.gov/ Caronavirus Food CFAP Assistance Program (CFAP).

Other CFAP requireUp to $16 billion in direct ments — For producers payments to farmers and who normally enroll in ranchers has been authofarm programs or utilize FARM PROGRAMS rized to partially help offset other FSA services, the the financial impacts U.S.

By Kent Thiesse FSA offices likely already farmers and ranchers have have most of the backincurred as a result of ground information the Covid-19 pandemic. needed to apply for The aid package also CFAP payments. For included $3 billion for producers new to utilizing FSA proUSDA to purchase fresh produce and grams and services, they will need to meat to be delivered to those in need supply the FSA office with name, through food banks and other charita- address and personal information, as ble organizations, which is already well as business structure, adjusted occurring. The payment structure and gross income verification, direct deposformulas for CFAP crop and livestock it information and conservation compayments are somewhat complex. pliance.

MARKETING

Following is a brief overview of signup details and payment calculations for the CFAP payments:

CFAP enrollment — Sign-up for the CFAP program is May 26 through Aug. 28 at local Farm Service Agency offices. Currently, FSA offices are open for business by phone appointment only. Once FSA has verified CFAP eligibility, producers will be able to com-

Covered commodities Field Crops — Corn, soybeans, spring wheat, drum wheat, sorghum, oats, malting barley, canola, upland cotton, millet and sunflowers.

Livestock — Cattle, hogs, sheep, wool, and dairy.

Specialty Crops — Numerous fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other specialty

CFAP Crop Payment Examples

crops. For a complete list, go to www. farmers.gov/CFAP Commodities not covered Winter wheat, rice, rye, flax, feed barley, peanuts, alfalfa, forage crops, ESL cotton, eggs, poultry, hemp and tobacco. Note: Commodities were deemed eligible for CFAP based on a 5 percent or more price decline from

Field crop payment rates Corn — CARES rate = $.32 per bushel; CCC rate = $.35 per bushel; Total = $.67 per bushel.

Soybeans — CARES rate = $.45 per bushel; CCC rate = $.50 per bushel; Total = $.95 per bushel.

Spring Wheat — CARES rate = $.18 per bushel; CCC rate = $.20 per bushel; Total = $.38 per bushel.

Jan. 15 to April 15. Except for hemp and tobacco, USDA may reconsider eli- Livestock payment rates gibility of the other commodities, if Hogs — CARES rate = $18 per head there is evidence that supports the for market hogs; $28 per head for hogs required 5 percent price decline. under 120 pounds. CCC rate = $17 per Payment structure and timeline head for all hogs.

— The funding for the CFAP direct Cattle — CARES rate = $214 per payments will be derived as follows: head for market cattle; $102 per head $9.5 billion from the $2.2 trillion for feeder cattle under 600 pounds and CARES Act and $6.5 billion that is $139 per head for 600 pounds and currently available through over; $92 per head for market cows.

Commodity Credit Corporation funds.

CCC rate = $33 per head for all cattle.

There are two listed payment rates for Sheep — CARES rate = $33 per each commodity, one for the CARES head for market sheep less than two Act funds and one for the CCC funds. years old. CCC rate = $7 per head for The eligible payments are then comall sheep. bined into one payment to producers, which will be paid at 80 percent as an Dairy — CARES rate = $4.71 per initial payment and the final 20 perhundredweight of eligible production. cent will be paid later, as funds become CCC rate = $1.47 per hundredweight available. FSA hopes to have initial of eligible production. payments out very soon after the See THIESSE, pg. 11 CFAP application process is completed.

CFAP Livestock Payment Examples

Background information: Farmer produced 200,000 bushels of corn and 60,000 bushels of soybeans in 2019. Farmer had 150,000 bushels of corn and 20,000 bushels of soybeans in inventory on Jan. 15 (unpriced).

Background information: Hogs — Farmer sold 5,000 market hogs from Jan. 15, 2020 to April 15 2020, with 8,000 head in inventory on May 1, 2020. Cattle — Farmer sold 100 yearling steers (700 lb.) on March 1, 2020 and has 400 calves in inventory on May 14, 2020.

Eligible Bushels

Payment Rates

Lesser of 50 percent of production or the unpriced inventory on Jan. 15, 2020.

Corn — 100,000 bushels (200,000 bushels x .50) is less than 150,000 bushels (inventory on Jan. 15, 2020).

Soybeans — 20,000 bushels (inventory on Jan. 15, 2020) is less than 30,000 bushels (60,000 bushels x .50).

Payment Rates

Corn —67 cents per bushel (32 cent per bushel CARES rate plus 35 cent per bushel CCC rate).

Soybeans — 95 cents per bushel (45 cent per bushel CARES rate plus 50 cent per bushel CCC rate).

Payment Calculations and Amounts

CFAP payments for crops are paid on 50 percent of the eligible bushels (calculated above).

The initial CFAP payment will be 80 percent of the eligible amount, with 20 percent later.

Corn — 100,000 bushels x .50 = 50,000 bushels x 67 cents per bushel = $33,500 (total payment) x .80 = $26,800 (initial).

Soybeans — 20,000 bushels x .50 = 10,000 bushels x 95 cents per bushel = $9,500 (total payment) x .80 = $7,600 (initial).

Hogs — $18 per head (CARES rate on hogs marketed) and $17 per head (CCC rate on inventory).

Cattle — $139 per head (CARES rate on yearlings sold) and $33 per head (CCC rate on calves in inventory).

Payment Calculations and Amounts

Livestock CFAP payments are paid as follows: CARES payment rate on animals sold from Jan. 15, 2020 to April 15, 2020, and the CCC rate on the highest inventory number between April 16, 2020 and May 14, 2020.

The initial CFAP payment will be 80 percent of the eligible amount, with 20 percent later.

Hogs — 5,000 head sold x $18 per head = $90,000 (CARES) + 8,000 head inventory x $17 per head = $136,000 (CCC).

CFAP payment = $90,000 + $136,000 = $226,000 (total payment) x .80 = $180,800 (initial) Cattle — 100 steers sold x $139 per head = $13,900 (CARES) + 400 head inventory x $33 per head = $13,200 (CCC).

CFAP payment = $13,900 + $13,200 = $27,100 (total payment) x .80 = $21,680 (initial) Table developed by Kent Thiesse

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

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

PAGE 9

Planting near completion, but seeds are thirsty



Andy Pulk — Wannaska, Minn.

May 22

Planting is now in full swing on the Pulk farm. The Land spoke with Andy Pulk on May 22 as he reported that 400 acres of corn and 500 acres of oats have been planted so far. “It went in beautifully.”

Pulk finished planting oats on May 20 and still has a ways to go in getting all the corn planted. He started corn on May 17.

Pulk rolled all the rye grass acres this week and will be fertilizing it today. “I have one field of beans that are prepped.” He was able to get a lot accomplished in the field lately thanks to great planting weather. “This past week, it’s been exceptional.”

Andy Pulk In the next two weeks he will be spraying rye grass and top dressing the corn fields with urea. Pulk will continue to work on corn stalks, trying to get those fields ready to plant. “I’m concerned about the corn ground. It would be close to a miracle to get the corn stalks tilled up and seeded.”

All that field work may have to wait as there’s a chance of rain this Saturday and Sunday. “I’m expecting to be shut down for the weekend.”

While Pulk would like to be in the field planting, a little rain break allows him the opportunity to work on his garden, something he doesn’t always have time to do.

Though planting in the field and in the garden still needs to be completed, Pulk is happy to finally begin getting the seed in the ground.

  

FROM T

FIELDS

Compiled by KRISTIN KVENO – The Land Staff Writer



Colby Deters — Sauk Centre, Minn.

May 24

The planting is complete on the Deters farm.

The Land spoke with Colby Deters on May 24 as he reported that the corn crop was planted by May 7. Deters is currently in between planting and first crop hay. Right now, working on machinery will be a priority. “There’s a lot of equipment repair and maintenance.” He’s also moving cattle and working with the dairy employees on keeping Colby Deters them updated with the latest information for the dairy operation. Deters will be doing the first crop hay next weekend.

Until then he will be keeping his fingers crossed that rain is on its way. “We have gotten zero rain.”

Deters is grateful that the manure application on the fields is helping retain moisture. It hasn’t rained on the Deters farm since April 25.

There’s a small chance for rain on May 25. Unfortunately, other than that, there’s no moisture in the forecast.

Deters typically sprays for flies after it rains. Since that hasn’t happened in a month, he will start spraying this Tuesday or Wednesday.

“It’s a significant job that needs to be done.”

While rain is currently in short supply, work is not for Deters. He continues to get ready for the first hay crop and hopes the rain will follow.

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Todd Wentzel — Murdock, Minn.

May 22

“Fast, long days.” The Land spoke with Todd Wentzel on May 22 as he reported the end of planting went well. He finished soybeans on May 7 and planted black beans for the first time ever on May 20. “It went fine,” he said.

The Wentzel farm received a lit- Todd Wentzel tle less than a half an inch of rain last weekend — which was just what the fields needed as moisture is in short supply. Unfortunately, that may be all the rain for some time as the chances for a rain-filled Memorial Day weekend keep getting reduced in the forecast. Warm weather is also wanted as that too seems to be lacking.

Wentzel will be spraying wheat in the next week and then onto spraying corn. After that, he will be spending time scouting fields, checking on the remaining corn and soybean emergence. “Stands look good for the most part,” Wentzel said.

While the other crops may not love this coolerthan-normal weather which has seemed to have stuck around, Wentzel’s wheat is enjoying it and doing well. Overall, the rain seems to be scarce and so is the warmer temperatures; but there’s optimism for the newly-planted crops. “We just need some sunshine.”

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PAGE 10

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

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

Dummer family continues maple syrup tradition

By KRISTIN KVENO The Land Staff Writer ST. GEORGE, Minn. — Every spring you will find a fire crackling and steam rising from a vat of boiling maple syrup on a bluff above Rock Creek, near St. George, Minn. For 40 years and counting, making maple syrup has happened in this very spot. Matt Dummer is proud of this fact and works hard to ensure this practice will be around for years to come.

Dummer and his wife Nicki are farming and raising their family on the same land his grandpa, George Dummer, and grandma, Jean, farmed — and also made maple syrup. “Grandpa loved the woods, that describes Nicki, me and the kids too,” Dummer said. The syrup-making process involves the whole Dummer family which includes, Zach, age 5; Luke, age 3; and Leah, age 1.

On the Dummer farm, they raise hogs and grow corn and soybeans. Also found on the farm are 100 hard maple trees which are tapped every spring for maple syrup.

Tree tapping usually starts in March, though it is all weather-dependent. Above freezing temperatures during the day and below freezing temps at night is what gets the sap flowing. Some of the trees Dummer taps are 100 years old. They are healthy and viable.

Most of those same trees were tapped by Grandpa George all those years ago.

According to Dummer, where you put the tap in the tree makes a difference. “You favor the south facing Photos by Kristin Kveno side as it heats up quicker,” he said. The taps are five Matt and Nicki Dummer live on the family farm raising sixteenths of an inch in diameter and are drilled two children (left to right) Luke, Zach and Leah. and a half inches into the tree. Using that small of a

Photo submitted

Tree tapping usually begins in March.

Some of the trees tapped at Dummer’s farm are 100 years old.

diameter tap allows the tree to heal quicker while getting the same amount of sap production as a larger diameter tap. Dummer puts two taps in per tree.

A well-beloved tractor on the Dummer farm is a vital part of sap collecting. The 1950 8N Ford was restored by Dummer and Grandpa George 18 years ago. The tractor has barrels on it which holds the sap that has been collected from the trees.

The collection of sap is an important job for the Dummer kids and one they take pride being a part of.

They take the pails containing the sap and empty them into the barrels. Each tree produces four gallons per day. It takes Dummer and family about 90 minutes each day to collect the sap.

Once the sap has been collected, it is time to turn it into syrup. Dummer cooks 100 gallons of sap at a time. It takes 35 to 40 gallons to make one gallon of syrup. In cooking syrup, there is a definite risk of burning it or not cooking it enough. Overcooking causes crystals to form in the syrup. If it is not cooked enough, mold can form in the jar.

“It’s a lot of wood and a lot of time,” Dummer said.

It takes about six hours for the sap to cook in the evaporating process and turn into syrup. This involves cooking the water out of the sap. It is then time for the finisher process, which brings the syrup to the right consistency. Dummer uses a hydrometer to test the syrup’s density during this part. The syrup is ready when it measures 66 percent sugar solids on the hydrometer. “Finished syrup goes through a See SYRUP, pg. 11

Photo submitted

Once collected, the sap is filtered to remove impurities.

This cooker can handle 100 gallons of sap at a time.

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

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

PAGE 11

Syrup season lasts two to six weeks, ‘never a dull moment’ SYRUP, from pg. 10

A 1950 8N Ford tractor, restored by Dummer and Grandpa George, is the workhorse of the operation, hauling barrels of sap.

series of filters before bottled at a hot temperature,” Dummer said.

While Dummer does most of the work in making maple syrup (along with Nicki and the kids), friends and relatives help cut wood which is used to heat the sap in the evaporating process. “People are very interested in this (maple syrup). It’s never a dull moment when it comes to showing people the process.”

Making maple syrup goes on daily at the Dummer farm every day for two to six weeks during syrup season. This year was a good year for making syrup.

“It looks like it will be a record syrup year,” Dummer said.

Dummer and Nicki sell the syrup to family, friends and through Facebook.

They both explain that when they head into New Ulm to run errands, they always bring a few bottles of syrup along, as they seem to run into people they know who would like to buy a

Bottles of syrup are lined up in the sugar shack, displaying the frruits of Dummer’s labor. bottle or two. The money they make from their maple syrup sales go to their children’s education.

A lot has changed since Grandpa George started making maple syrup 40 years ago, but the syrup making process has not. “The concept has never changed.” Dummer has so many wonderful memories of making syrup with

his Grandpa, those memories can be felt every time he creates a new batch of syrup with his family. The tradition of spending time with family while making syrup out on the farm is one that Dummer is honored to continue.

“It’s something we look forward to every year.” v

Program applications on a first-come, first-served basis THIESSE, from pg. 8 CFAP payment calculations Field crops — Both the CARES and CCC payments will be based on the following bushels or amount: The lesser of 50 percent of the verified 2019 production for a crop or the unpriced bushels in inventory on January 15, 2020. The CARES and CCC rates are then applied on 50 percent of the eligible bushels (refer to examples in the accompanying table).

Livestock — The CARES rate funding is based on the number of head sold from Jan. 15 to April 15.

The CCC rate funding is based on the highest inventory between April 16 and May 14 (refer to examples in the accompanying table).

Dairy — CARES payments will be based on the certified milk production for the first quarter of 2020. The CCC payments will be based on the first quarter production times a factor of 1.014.

Calculations for specialty crops and other commodities are available at www.farmers.gov/CFAP.

encouraged to be patient with FSA office staff, as this is a new program and there is likely to be heavy demand for enrollment, due to the wide range of commodities which are eligible for CFAP payments.

Payment limits — Following are payment limits that apply to CPAP payments: $250,000 per individual or entity or all commodities. A corporaThe application and other information or partnership may have payment tion for CFAP are available at: www. limits for up to three individuals, for a farmers.gov/CFAP total of $750,000 — provided they meet eligibility requirements. A person must have an adjusted gross income of less than $900,000 to be eligible.

Other details — Payments through CFAP are direct payments to producers of crops, livestock, and specialty crops and do not have to be repaid.

This is different than the PPP and EIDL loan funding that was received through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Southwest Minnesota Farm Business Management Association membership is an investment in your farm’s financial success.

Personalized Benchmarking Reports On-farm Consultations Educational Opportunities Monthly Newsletters Comprehensive Financial Statement Preparation Tax Planning

Become a member today!

Visit: swfm.umn.edu Call: 507-752-5094 Email: gthillen@umn.edu

Information on the CFAP program and applications will be available at local FSA offices. Producers are

Join The Land Online!

Facebook.com/TheLandOnline Twitter.com/TheLandOnline

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) 7262137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank. com. v

Affiliated with: The University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator & employer.

PAGE 12

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

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

Pork continues to have a place on your plate The implications of the current Covid-19 pandemic have resulted in a number of unique challenges in daily life. Months ago, it would have been hard to imagine a world where common, everyday products and services — such as hand sanitizer or haircuts — would become nearly unavailable.

In the situation of bars and restaurants being closed or under limited service, families have found themselves needing to cook from home more often and assume greater responsibility over their weekly meal plan. Although many dining establishments are in the process of slowly phasing back into normal business operation, there undoubtedly will be a cultural shift in dining habits as we uphold a priority for precaution and distance awareness in the near future. In doing so, social gatherings and family outings once planned for public areas might take advantage of more private alternatives in order to reduce unnecessary risk — especially to individuals of advanced age or illness.

Covid-19 has caused us to rethink the activities we’ve grown accustomed to. But one thing unlikely to change will be our penchant for grilling and the American tradition of the outdoor barbeque. As the Midwest moves into summer time and warmer temperatures, outdoor cooking will become more and more frequent across neighborhoods. While the number of different options for the grilling season are endless, so too are the reasons why we should be saving room on our plates for pork and pork products.

Pork is an excellent source of many nutrients — including protein, zinc, iron and B-vitamins. Three ounces of pork is also a source of thiamin, selenium, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin and potassium.

Modern pork in the United States is leaner than it was even 20 years ago — about 16 percent leaner, according to the National Pork Board. Cuts from the loin, such as pork chops and pork roast, are leaner than skinless chicken thigh, and pork tenderloin is as lean as skinless chicken breast, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

Americans have historically held red meat as the preferred source of protein, and even during these unprecedented times, that sentiment remains true.

Despite the impacts of supply and grocery store accessibility, recent retail sales data from March and April 2020 show that U.S. meat department sales were up substantially in both value and volume, and accounted for more than a 20 percent increase compared to the same period a year ago (according to 210 Analytics, LLC).

In an effort to alleviate the bottleneck and backups created by plant shutdowns or reduced processing capacity, many people are also taking the opportunity to support local pork producers and custom processors by buying whole or half hogs direct from the farm. This practice, coupled with the stocking up done in preparation for various shelter-in-place/ stay at home orders, means many freezers are teem-

UniversityofMinnesota

EXTENSION

SWINE &U

ing with meat and ready for the patio season. The questions now SWINE & U are: what pork recipe to choose,

By Jason Ertl how to prepare it, and how to do so safely.

Because no two people have the same taste preferences, it’s impossible to make a claim about which cut or recipe ranks among the best.

The Pork Checkoff website (https://www.pork.org/ cooking/) has a myriad of resources and further information about the different cuts of pork, where they come from, and featured recipes to help consumers bring the best out of the pork they purchase.

If you’re still looking for inspiration on what to make for a dinner with family or friends, check out social media — another great source for recipes and preparation techniques. Liking or following certain food/cooking channels will supply these ideas directly to your daily feed, and can provide hours of satisfying video clips to relax and enjoy.

Food safety is top priority to the farmers, the processing plants, haulers and at the grocery store.

This commitment to maintain safe food doesn’t need to end at the checkout aisle. Whether you get your pork from a nationwide chain or a local butcher, similar practices should be taken to properly transport, store and prepare pork for the next homecooked meal.

Washing your hands has certainly become an essential part of daily life, and this practice should continue at the grill out — before and after handling or the preparation of food. Using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds has been shown to be effective at reducing bacteria and other pathogens present on hands. Washing surfaces, as well as utensils, with hot, soapy water will also reduce the risk of harmful microorganisms.

Raw meat provides an ideal environment for bacteria and germs to grow. After purchase or transport, it’s recommended to return raw pork or other meats to refrigeration as soon as possible — never allowing meat to sit in temperatures over 40 F for more than two hours. When outdoors (and especially during the dog days of summer) that threshold for time left outside refrigeration will be reduced to one hour at maximum.

Store raw meat, poultry and seafood on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator in order to prevent cross contamination from juices onto produce or other foods intended to be consumed raw. Cross contamination can also occur on dishware and cutting boards, so using separate plates or containers to handle raw meats, cooked meats, and fresh fruit

and produce will greatly reduce that risk potential.

A general guideline would be to cook or freeze raw meats within two or three days of purchase or thawing. Check the settings of the freezer to ensure the temperature doesn’t stray more than a few degrees away from 0 F. If kept in properly sealed packaging, the quality characteristics of raw and cooked meat products can be preserved for 3-4 and 2-3 months respectively. Although it won’t be dangerous from a food safety perspective, meat quality can begin to deteriorate beyond that window.

Ideally, frozen pork and other meats should be thawed in the refrigerator. Microwave defrosting and submersion in cold water are also safe and effective ways to bring meat to a workable temperature. However, when done by this method, meat must be cooked or prepared immediately following.

Never thaw meat at room temperature as there is a greater likelihood of meat surfaces reaching the unsafe zone outside of 38-40 F — leading to an increased risk for the development of bacteria or other food borne pathogens.

In the past, it was common practice to cook pork to or beyond 160 F — out of fear of parasites such as Trichanella spiralis. Modern production practices, including indoor housing-based systems or use of anthelmintics, have essentially eliminated this problem in the United States. However, that tradition of overcooking pork remained — leaving choice cuts of meat dry, tough and with a less than-enjoyable eating experience.

In recognition of this issue, the U.S. Department of Agriculture revised their cooking temperature recommendations for whole muscle cuts of meat — including pork — in 2011. These revisions, based on a better understanding of the fat to lean composition of modern hogs and food-borne pathogens, lowered the safe thresholds for whole muscle pork cuts from 160 F down to 145 F with a 3-minute rest following removal from heat source.

It is important to remember there are differences in the recommended temperatures meat products need to reach in order to be considered safe: Ground products (ground pork, beef), 160 F; whole muscle cuts of pork, lamb and beef),: 145 F (plus a 3 minute rest); and recooked ham (to reheat), 165 F. Reheat cooked hams packaged in USDA-inspected plants to 140 F. A full list of safe minimum cooking temperature charts can be found at https://www.foodsafety.gov/ food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-cooking-temperature.

See SWINE & U, pg. 15

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

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

Dairy producers can now sign up for USDA payments This column was written was off 1.8 percent on 2,000 for the marketing week endfewer cows and output per ing May 22. cow was unchanged.

Washington State was up Preliminary data in the 1.2 percent on 2,000 more U.S. Department of cows and a 10-pound gain Agriculture’s latest Milk per cow.

Production report pegged April output at 18.7 billion FC Stone says the story pounds, up a somewhat bullwith this report is the numMIELKE MARKET ish 1.4 percent from April bers and how they relate to WEEKLY 2019. Output in the top 24 March. “Revisions were

By Lee Mielke producing states amounted made to March U.S. milk to 17.8 billion, up 1.6 production, which percent. pushed March production higher 0.6 percent Revisions added 115 or 115 million pounds million pounds to the original March — putting an already bearish March total, now put at 19.38 billion pounds, report up 2.8 percent from the original which is up 2.8 percent from March 2019. The April total included dumped 2.2 percent. The revision to March numbers makes the 1.4 percent growth milk and the smaller increase over in April even more surprising as the March is likely due to farmers reducrate of production growth decreased by ing output. that much more. If this rate of slowed April cow numbers totaled 9.38 mil- down production growth continues, and lion head in the 50 states, down 4,000 with the knowledge that many milk head from March but 49,000 above a reduction programs began in May, then year ago. Output per cow averaged May’s milk production will likely go 1,993 pounds, up 18 pounds from a negative.” We will see. year ago or 0.5 percent.

Dairy cow culling dipped in April, but California output was up 0.3 percent was up from a year ago. The USDA’s from a year ago. Cow numbers were latest Livestock Slaughter report down 4,000 but output per cow was up shows an estimated 279,400 head were 10 pounds. Wisconsin’s April output sent to slaughter under federal inspecwas unchanged from a year ago on tion. This is down 8,600 head or 3 per9,000 fewer cows. However, output per cent from March; but 10,900 head or cow was up 15 pounds.

4.1 percent above April 2019. A total of 1.13 million head have been culled in Ticking down the list, Idaho was up the four month period, down 16,300 6.3 percent, thanks to 29,000 more head or 1.4 percent from 2019. cows than a year ago and 30 pounds more per cow. Michigan was up 1.6 n percent, thanks to a 20-pound gain per Meanwhile, Covid-19 infections of cow and 3,000 more cows. Minnesota animal processing plant labor forces inched up 0.4 percent on a 20-pound have disrupted beef, pork, broiler and gain per cow offsetting 3,000 fewer turkey production in the United cows. New Mexico was down 0.3 perStates since early April according to cent on a 65-pound loss per cow, the USDA’s latest Livestock, Dairy though cow numbers were up 9,000. and Poultry Outlook. The Outlook New York was up 1.5 percent on a notes each federally inspected meat 35-pound gain per cow offsetting 1,000 category showed decline. fewer cows. Oregon was up 1.9 percent, Estimated pork production in April, with 3,000 more cows offsetting a at 2.3 billion pounds, was more than 10-pound drop per cow. Pennsylvania 11 percent below a year earlier, as hog was up 1.6 percent on a 65-pound gain processing plants in several states per cow making up for a loss of 10,000 cows. Texas put 4.9 percent more milk reduced throughput or shut down temin the tank than a year ago (easy to do porarily due to Covid-related labor shortages. with 28,000 more cows) although output per cow was unchanged. Vermont See MIELKE, pg. 15

MARKETING

PAGE 13

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THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Limited news keeps a lid on the corn market The following marketing analysis is for the week ending May 22.

CORN — Corn got a little bump higher to begin the week on very little news, but faded into the long Memorial Day weekend.

July corn managed to close higher on a Monday for the first time since March 2. The announcement of CFAP/CCC payment PHYLLIS NYSTROM CHS Hedging Inc. rules and rates added to uncerSt. Paul tainty over when and at what price farmer selling may occur.

Despite rumors of Chinese interest in U.S. corn and soybeans, there weren’t any announcements this week for either commodity. Rhetoric between the two countries has increased concern that the Phase 1 trade deal could be in jeopardy. China has made statements they intend to honor the trade agreement purchase levels, but many are not confident this will happen. A quick start to the crop this year and no impending weather threats in the forecast limited any upside potential. China is also beginning to once again auction state reserve corn as their hog herd rebuilds and production switches from backyards to larger operations, demanding higher feed supplies.

Here’s my understanding for the CFAP payment, but please check with your Farm Service Agency office for official rules: Sign up begins May 26 with payments to begin one to two weeks after sign-up. To determine bushels, the grower uses the smaller of 50 percent of 2019 production or inventory on Jan. 15.

Payment is based on 50 percent of the eligible inventory. Inventory is bushels that have price risk associated with them on Jan. 15. If bushels were still onfarm Jan. 15, but were already sold flat price for March, they would not be eligible for payment since they no longer had price risk associated with them.

This is really two programs with one payment. The CFAP rate for corn is 32 cents and the CCC portion is 35 cents per bushel. As an example, 2019 corn production was 90,000 bushels and inventory on Jan. 15 was 40,000 bushels. You use the smaller number of the two which is 40,000 bushels. Fifty percent of the eligible 40,000 bushels is 20,000 bushels. Twenty thousand bushels times 32 cents equals $6,400 for the CFAP portion of the payment. Twenty thousand bushels times 35 cents equals $7,000 for the CCC portion of the payment. Total payment would be $13,400. Eighty percent of the payment is to be made quickly, with the remaining 20 percent to come at a later date — depending on availability of money. I claim no guarantee to my accuracy, so it’s best to check with your local FSA office. Winter wheats are

excluded from the program since they did not meet the 5 percent price loss threshold from Jan. 15 – April 15.

The extended summer forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration this week didn’t hold any major crop threats. The upper Midwest’s outlook is for normal temperatures and above normal rainfall for June. That forecast holds for the June-July-August outlook as well. The eastern belt, Indiana and Ohio, may be warmer during those time frames. Forecasts are always subject to change, but for now there isn’t a weather issue to trade for the United States.

Weekly export sales were in line with expectations at 34.8 million bushels. Total commitments gained on last year, but are still 17 percent behind last year at 1.55 billion bushels. Sales need to average 11 million bushels per week to reach the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s forecast for 1.775 billion bushels.

New crop sales showed net cancellations of 1.2 million bushels. New crop commitments are 131.4 million bushels vs. just 99 million bushels last year on this date.

Weekly ethanol production was higher for the third week in a row, but is down 38 percent below the same week last year. Production increased 46,000 barrels per day to 663,000 bpd. Stocks were down 564,000 barrels to 23.6 million barrels to the lowest since late January. Net margins fell 12 cents to just a penny positive Gasoline demand fell last week to 6.8 million bpd from 7.4 million bpd. Demand over the last four weeks has averaged 29 percent below last year. China is set to receive its first U.S. ethanol cargo this month that was originally sold to someone else. This would be the first shipment since the Phase 1 trade deal was struck.

U.S. corn planting on May 17 was 80 percent com-

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* soybeans/change*

Stewartville Edgerton Jackson Janesville Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye Average:

$2.74 -.01 $2.82 .00 $2.82 +.06 $2.76 +.06 $2.82 .00 $2.74 .00

$2.78

$7.97 -.04 $7.92 -.15 $7.99 -.04 $8.01 -.04 $7.98 -.14 $7.92 -.05

$7.97

Year Ago Average: $3.79 $7.73 Grain prices are effective cash close on May 26. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

plete vs. 71 percent average. Emergence was 43 percent vs. 40 percent average. Planting is expected to be near completion by May 24.

Outlook: July corn has been trading in a $3.12.25 to $3.25.5 range during the month of May. For the week, July corn was down 1.25 cents at $3.18 and December eked out a three-quarter cent gain at $3.32.75 per bushel. News has been limited to inspire either a rally or a test of the contract low at $3.09 per bushel. The lack of any confirmation of additional corn export sales to China, possible disruption of the Phase 1 trade deal, and forecasts for non-threatening U.S. weather have capped any upside potential.

The downside has been limited by the return of domestic ethanol demand, a lack of farmer selling, the large short funds are carrying which could be subject to short covering, and ideas we may have seen the biggest U.S. corn acreage number we’ll see this year. Without funds exiting their net short position or improved demand, it will be difficult to hold short term upticks.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans tried to trend higher in the first half of the week despite no daily export sales to anyone. The latter half of the week saw fund selling pick up and push prices to a new May low of $8.28.5 per bushel. Soymeal contracts also made new contract lows. As in corn, there weren’t any big headlines to guide traders but the rising tensions between the United States and China had many on edge. The U.S. Senate passed a bill that could prohibit some Chinese companies from being listed on U.S. exchanges. The companies would have to prove they had not been connected to the Chinese government for the last three years. The United States is also dissatisfied with the way China handled the Covid-19 outbreak and the aftermath. China continues to confirm their commitment to the agreement.

U.S. weather has allowed excellent planting progress, but wet weather will slow progress in the short term. The Brazilian real has rebounded off lows vs. the U.S. dollar and farmers there have sold a substantial amount of this year’s crop. Brazil’s soybean exports have been huge this year and this month’s numbers are record large, too. This may provide an opening for U.S. exports, along with uncertainty surrounding Brazil’s Covid-19 situation where cases are rising.

The CFAP payment rate for soybeans is 45 cents per bushel and the CCC rate is 50 cents per bushel (two programs, one payment). If eligible inventory is 30,000 bushels, you use 50 percent or 15,000 bushels.

The payment would equate to (15,000 x 45 cents) + (15,000 x 50 cents) = $14,250. Eighty percent would See NYSTROM, pg. 15

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

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

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

PAGE 15

U.S. soybeans are cheapest in the world, but few buyers NYSTROM, from pg. 14 be paid now with the remaining 20 percent paid later.

Please check with your local FSA office for definite details and rules.

Weekly export sales were a 22-week high at 44.3 million bushels. Over half of the sales were to China, bringing year-to-date commitments to China to 14.6 million metric tons vs. 13.3 mmt last year. Total commitments of 1.525 billion bushels are down just 9 percent vs. last year. Sales need to average 10 million bushels per week to hit the USDA’s 1.675-billionbushel target. China was the largest buyer of the week. New crop sales were 17 million bushels. This

brings new crop sales to 78.2 million bushels — well ahead of last year’s pace of 52.3 million bushels.

Argentina’s soybean harvest is nearing completion.

The Buenos Aires Grains Exchange is holding their crop estimate at 49.5 mmt. U.S. soybean planting was 53 percent complete as of May 17 ves. 38 percent average. Emergence was 18 percent vs. 12 percent average.

Outlook: Soybeans suffered this week from a lack of confirmation that additional business has been done with China. Weather has been conducive to crop development. U.S. soybeans are the cheapest in the world August forward, but buyers have been reluc-

tant to hit the market. For the week, July soybeans were down 5.25 cents at $8.33.25 and November fell a penny to $8.44.5 per bushel. The market needs something to inspire it, otherwise we may continue to drift lower.

Nystrom’s Notes: Contract changes for the week as of the close on May 22: Chicago July wheat rallied 8.5 cents to $5.08.75, Kansas City dropped 7.75 cents to $4.44.5, and Minneapolis gained 6.75 cents at $5.13 per bushel. Crude oil jumped $3.73 to $33.25 per barrel, a 12.6 percent increase for the week.

Jobless claims this week were 2.4 million, bringing the nine-week total to 38.5 million claims. v

Government assistance is improving dairy margins MIELKE, from pg. 13

impacted by the pandemic.

In addition, USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Estimated beef output, at about 1.8 billion pounds, Box program is partnering with regional and local was almost 21 percent lower, and Covid contagion of distributors, whose workforces have been signifipoultry plant employees caused year-over-year reductions in broiler and turkey production as well. cantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase Estimated April broiler production, at 3.27 billion $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat. pounds, was down 2 percent; and turkey was down 8.3 percent to 420 million pounds.

Beginning May 26, dairy producers can sign up at their local Farm Service Agency for direct payments Speaking of Covid-19, U.S. Agriculture Secretary to offset losses due to the pandemic. They will Sonny Perdue announced details this week of the receive $6.20 per hundredweight for all first-quarter Coronavirus Food Assistance Program which will milk, including what was dumped at 80 percent, provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to with a follow up round of payments, if the $16 bildeliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers lion set aside for direct support for agriculture is

Use a meat thermometer to be safe SWINE & U, from pg. 12

the most reliable reading in only a matter of seconds.

While some grill masters may claim to know Check out the National Pork Checkoff website at exactly when a particular cut of meat is “done”, the only true way to know is by using a meat thermom- https://www.pork.org/food-safety/ for more informaeter. Digital meat thermometers are well worth the tion about food safety and pork quality. investment and reduce the margin for error in these Jason Ertl is the Extension Educator for Ag types of cooking applications. Inserting the therProduction Systems in Nicollet and Sibley Counties. mometer into the center or thickest cross section of He can be reached at ertlx019@umn.edu. v the meat, away from bone, fat or gristle will yield

U of M requests help with study UMASH/University of Minnesota is studying whether agricultural workers and dairy producers are uniquely resilient to the health and economic effects of COVID-19 by having prior knowledge of biosecurity and infection control related to worker occupational health, safety, and food hygiene. Our outcome aims are to help dairy farms find ways to keep workers as safe and healthy as possible from COVID-19, thereby decreasing the economic impact of a sick workforce on production, as well as the creation of future educational materials for worker safety and occupational health.

Your participation in this study is requested. This

will be conducted through a one-time 16-question survey about biosecurity practices and preparedness during the COVID pandemic, done by a phone or video interview. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Participation in this study is voluntary and all answers will remain anonymous.

If you are willing to participate or have any questions or concerns, please email myung@umn.edu for further details. Your contact information will not be shared or used outside of this study.

This article was submitted by the University of Minnesota. v

sufficient to meet all of the requests.

Government assistance is helping, according to the latest Margin Watch from Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC. The Margin Watch stated, “Margins improved significantly over the first half of May following a strong recovery in milk prices due to optimism stemming from government intervention to aid the dairy sector.” But the Margin Watch warned the Class IV milk price is expected to remain depressed, “dragging on total milk value which may remain below the cost of production.” n The Dairy Outlook mirrored milk price and milk production projections in the May 12 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. It also stated the corn price estimate for the 2019-20 marketing year was $3.60 per bushel, and the 2020-21 forecast was $3.20.

The soybean meal price estimate for 2019-20 was $300 per short ton, and the 2020-21 forecast is $290.

The alfalfa hay price in March was $175 per short ton, $4 higher than February but $11 lower than March 2019. The five-state weighted-average for premium alfalfa hay was $205 per short ton, $5 lower than February and $8 lower than March 2019.

Forecasts for first quarter 2020 milk cows averaged 7,000 head higher than expected last month. Due to low milk prices, recent dairy cow slaughter data, and actions by some milk handlers to discourage milk production growth, milk cow numbers are expected to decline gradually through the year, says USDA. Milk cows are expected to average 9.355 million in 2020, an increase of 5,000 from last month’s forecast.

Milk per cow was higher than expected in the first quarter, but yield forecasts for the remaining quarters of 2020 were unchanged from last month’s forecast as some dairy farmers are expected to take steps to limit yields. Milk per cow for the year was forecast at 23,770 pounds, which is five pounds higher than last month’s forecast. n See MIELKE, pg. 16

PAGE 16

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THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

Cold Storage report shows America’s refrigerators are bulging MIELKE, from pg. 15 Lactose and skim milk powder lifted this week’s Global Dairy Trade auction as the weighted average was up 1 percent after slipping 0.8 percent on May 5 and 4.2 percent on April 21. Some 37 million pounds of product was offered, up from 36.2 million last time.

Lactose led the gains, up 15.6 percent, which followed a 7.9 percent gain last time. Skim milk powder was up 6.7 percent after inching 0.1 percent higher; and anhydrous milkfat was up 2.7 percent after falling 2.4 percent in the last event.

Losses were led by GDT cheddar, down 6 percent following a 6.8 percent drop last time. Rennet casein and butter were both down 1.9 percent after the butter fell 5.8 percent last time; and whole milk powder was off 0.5 percent following a 0.1 percent increase last time.

FC Stone equated the GDT 80 percent butterfat butter price to $1.6831 per pound U.S., down 2.8 cents from the last event. Chicago Mercantile Exchange butter closed May 22 at $1.5925. GDT cheddar cheese equated to $1.7527 per pound, down 11.4 cents, and compares to May 22’s CME block cheddar at $1.9375. GDT skim milk powder averaged $1.1563 per pound, up from $1.0763; and whole milk powder averaged $1.2141, down from $1.2452. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed May 22 at $1.0125. n America’s refrigerators are bulging. The USDA’s latest Cold Storage report fed the bears, showing April 30 butter stocks totaled 368.7 million pounds. This is up a whopping 59.1 million pounds or 19.1 percent from March and 77.9 million or 26.8 percent above those a year ago. Closed restaurants will do that.

American cheese jumped to 836.2 million pounds, up 59.8 million pounds or 7.7 percent from March and 53.5 million pounds or 6.8 percent above a year ago.

Stocks in the “other” cheese category hit 620.8 million pounds. This is up 45.9 million pounds or 8 percent from March and 33.8 million or 5.8 percent above a year ago.

The total cheese inventory stood at a record 1.483 billion pounds, up 10.8 million pounds or 7.9 percent

from March, and 84.9 million or 6.1 percent above April 2019. This ends seven consecutive months that total cheese stocks were below the year before.

HighGround Dairy warned, “The cheese in storage will fundamentally weigh on markets for months to come, and with production increasing in recent weeks, stocks are likely to increase through the summer.” n Checking the latest demand data, dairy products looked promising in March. However, the onslaught of Covid-19 and the resulting collapse in restaurant demand portends a different story for April.

March cheese disappearance topped the previous year for the first time since October, according to HighGround Dairy, but year-to-date remained below a year ago. The March increase was driven by domestic demand, says HighGround Dairy, as total exports were lower into the month for the second consecutive monthly decline.

Butter shined as disappearance surged to the strongest March disappearance on record and the highest year-over-year gain since January 2019.

Nonfat dry milk use remained below a year ago for the third month in a row, pulled down by sharply lower domestic demand, says HighGround Dairy, even as exports were slightly higher vs. the prior year.

Dry whey disappearance was up in March after February’s decline. Domestic disappearance was similar versus the prior year, down just 0.2 percent year-over-year and up 32.2 percent from January, according to HighGround Dairy. n Cash block cheddar entered the Memorial Day weekend at $1.9375 per pound, up 15.75 cents on the week, highest since January 24, and 25.5 cents above a year ago. The barrels finished at $1.89, 17 cents higher on the week and 31 cents above a year ago, with four cars of block sold on the week and 49 of barrel.

Cheese market tones are in a “bullish fervor,” says Dairy Market News, and some Midwest cheese producers are concerned about falling behind demand.

Mozzarella-provolone producers in particular say their East Coast customer base has come back and pipelines are getting refilled. Milk availability has tightened and Midwestern cheese inventories are moving, when just weeks ago they were a “looming concern.”

Western cheese plants are running near capacity but are cautious. Market uncertainty is prompting a few processors to hold back; but surges in food service demand and government purchases are clearing available stocks. Inventories are heavy, but much of the supply is committed to purchases made at lower prices and set to ship in the next few months. n Butter climbed to $1.6425 on May 21 but closed the next day at $1.5925. This is down 5.25 cents on

the week and 79.5 cents below a year ago on 22 sales at the CME. Butter makers report cream is tightening noticeably. Food service demand is picking up and retail is steady; but butter inventories are a concern for some who question if they will fall behind orders for later in the year — particularly as cream availability has shifted. Some question its longevity, but the current tone is bullish.

Western food service butter usage remains poor as only a few restaurants had reopened so far, and people are still cautious about dining out. Bulk butter sales are good, but there is presently more interest in retail butter. Meanwhile, more and more cream is being rerouted to ice cream production, says Dairy Market News. n Nonfat dry milk hit $1.0150 per pound on May 21, but closed the next day at $1.0125. This is 7.75 cents higher on the week, but 3.25 cents below a year ago, with 28 sales.

CME dry whey lost 2.75 cents this week, closing May 22 at 36.25 cents per pound, a quarter-cent higher than a year ago, with 13 sales for the week.

The June Federal order Class I base milk price was announced at $11.42 per hundredweight. This is down $1.53 from May, $5.65 below June 2019, and the lowest Class I price since September 2009. It equates to a June Dairy Month price of only 98 cents per gallon vs. $1.47 a year ago. The mid-year Class I average stands at $15.84, down from $15.94 a year ago and compares to $14.47 in 2018. n Even as Uncle Sam continues to assist recovery in the dairy industry from the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, and the International Dairy Foods Association jointly called on Agriculture Secretary Perdue to “use all tools at his disposal to ensure high-quality, nutritious U.S. dairy products are made available to our international neighbors in need.”

The organizations’ respective presidents and CEOs wrote, “As a nation, we are blessed to have an abundance of dairy available, even during this difficult time. Taking steps to share that abundance with the world will provide a lifeline for regions where food is needed while supplying an additional outlet for American farmers to share their abundance of dairy products. We encourage a focus in particular on countries that have indicated a food or nutrition deficit in their country during these times and that lack the infrastructure or resources to reliably deliver dairy supplies through robust commercial channels.”

Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist who resides in Everson, Wash. His weekly column is featured in newspapers across the country and he may be reached at lkmielke@juno.com. v

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

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

PAGE 17

Producers should explore options for reducing herds

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus Yes, these are weird times. Never could I imagine a virus so deadly it could strangle the world’s economy. Nor a virus killing thousands of people around the world. Nor American farmers having to slaughter their animals because livestock processing facilities were shutting down as this deadly virus was infecting processing workers.

The ugly reality is hog and cattle farmers are depopulating their herds by the thousands! They literally have no choice. By April 30, plants which process about 25 percent of U.S. pork were closed.

Steve Meyer, pork-industry specialist with Kerns and Associates of Ames, Iowa, said farm economics have never been so distorted. The disgusting reality is no one can predict what’s ahead with accuracy.

On May 4, the Minnesota Department of Animal Health released a livestock carcass disposal guide featuring options for dealing with culled livestock.

Burial is effective for fewer carcasses; but be aware of the ground water level. If buried too deep, the carcass will not decompose readily and could remain intact for many years which could threaten ground water quality.

Incineration is also effective for smaller scale disposal. This method requires special equipment and permits from the Pollution Control Agency. Ash and gas emissions from the incinerator cannot exceed pollution standards.

Rendering creates a usable byproduct, but requires the assistance of an outside agency. Companies pick up directly from the farm and haul to their own rendering facility. Rendering company trucks must be inspected and permitted by the Board of Animal Health, unless the vehicle belongs to the owner of the animal.

The Board of Animal Health listed nine Minnesota rendering companies in its report: Central Bi-Products in Todd and Redwood County (800-7672569); Darling International in Faribault and Fillmore County (507526-3296); Sanimax in Dakota County (651-451-6858); T-N-T Rendering in Lyon County (712-348-2407); West

Central Sanitation in Kandiyohi County (320-235-7630); and Worthington Rendering in Nobles County (507-376-4711).

Composting is simple if you know what you’re doing. Once you understand the process and what ingredients are needed to make a good compost, you can do the work yourself.

Composting relies on naturally occurring microbes like bacteria and fungi.

These microbes need a well-rounded diet, air, water and shelter. The most efficient are the thermophilic microbes which work best in temperatures higher than 130 F. When these thermophiles are thriving, they turn carcasses into a useful humus-like material — much like a slow-release fertilizer, organic soil addition or water-saving mulch.

A compost pile should have three to five cubic yards of porous compost materials for every 1,000 pounds of carcass surrounding its core to serve as an insulator. Use carbon-rich material such as sawdust, small wood shavings, ground-up woody plants, rotten hay bales, shredded sugar beets, peanut hulls or other brown-colored crop residues. Mixing two or three types of carbon-rich material together works best.

You will need 3 to 5 cubic yards of this material for every 1,000 pounds of carcass. ‘Seed’ the pile of material with some manure, broiler litter or unfinished compost ahead of time to kickstart the process.

The larger the carcass, the longer the composting process will take. It is helpful to open up a larger carcass to give the microbes more surface area to work on. A front-end loader to move carcasses, assemble and turn the pile and load the finished compost into a spreader truck is necessary.

With euthanasia, the most logical alternative for larger producers is to see if your meat processing facilities will euthanize your animals. Also check if you may be able to haul your dead animals back to a composting pit on your own farm to produce nutrients for your own fields.

More information is available at www.mn.gov/bah/carcass-disposal; e-mail at animalhealth@state.mn.us; or (651) 296-2942. v

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If it’s too good to throw away then sell it in The Land and make some extra $$$.

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507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 USED TRACTORS

HAY TOOLS

NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader.. ...... On Hand NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders ... On Hand NEW NH T9.645 ............................................. On Hand NEW Massey 6713 w/cab and loader ........... On Hand NEW Versatile 610 Wheeled .......................... On Hand NEW Versatile DT610 trac ............................. On Hand NH TL100 w/cab ................................................22,500 Massey 8690 CVT..........................................$135,000 Massey 1552 w/loader .................................... $21,500 ‘12 Buhler 280..................................................$99,500 ‘09 Versatile 435 3000 hrs ............................ $128,000 ‘08 NH 8010 .................................................... $99,500 ‘08 Agco DT180 CVT...................................... $89,500 ‘07 Massey 1533 ............................................. $11,000 ‘96 White 6175 FWA....................................... $41,500 ‘96 White 6175 2wd ........................................ $27,500

New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND

TILLAGE ‘14 Sunflower 4412-05.....................................$30,000 ‘10 Wilrich QX2 37’ w/basket.......................... $38,500 ‘09 Wilrich QX 55’5 w/bskt.............................. $37,500 ‘05 CIH 730b cush. w/leads............................ $16,500 JD 512 9-24 blades ......................................... $12,500 JD 512 7-30 blades ............................................$8,500

PLANTERS ‘11 White 8516 CFS, Loaded .......................... $70,000 ‘06 White 8516 cfs .......................................... $45,000 ‘06 White 8186 w/fert ....................................... Coming ‘95 White 6722 loaded .................................... $11,500 White 8202 12 row .......................................... Coming White 6222 forward fold w/liq ......................... $10,500

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

NEW NH E26C mini excavator ...................... On Hand NEW NH track & wheeled skidsteers............ On Hand NEW NH L228/L220/L232 wheeled units ...... On Hand NEW NH C227/C237 track units.................... On Hand 17’ NHL234 cab H/A ....................................... $32,000 2-’12 NH 225 C/H ............................................. Coming 2-NH L225 ................................................. $24-27,000

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

MISCELLANEOUS

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

Thank You For Your Business!

(507) 234-5191 (507) 625-8649

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

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020 TH

Employment

Feed Seed Hay

Bins & Buildings

WANTED: Harvest help needed! 2 combine operators, need CDL or Class B truck drivers for summer of 2020.

Meals and lodging included.

320-815-3495

ALFALFA, mixed hay, grass hay & wheat straw, medium square or round bales, delivery available.

Thief River Falls, MN. Call or text LeRoy Ose: 218-689-6675

FOR SALE: Grain bins (2) 10,000 bushel, (1) 12,500 bushel, (2) with drying floors, all three with fans.

Located near Mankato MN. 507-317-0629

Real Estate

OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn.

Produces more high qualiSell your land or real estate in ty silage on less acres than 30 days for 0% commission. hybrid. $67/bushel plus shipping. High feed value grain.

Call Ray 507-339-1272 Located at Teutopolis, IL 217-857-3377

Real Estate Wanted

FOR SALE: Grain bins - (1) 27’ x 6 rings, and (1) 27’ x 9 rings, located in Fountain MN area. Reasonable. Call 507-459-1724 Leave message.

Classified Line Ads

Fertilizer & Chemical

WORK!

Call 507-345-4523

WANTED: Land & farms. I have clients looking for FOR SALE: Grain bin, 18x23 dairy, & cash grain opera- Badger liq manure pump, w/ side leg to load trucks, model BN104, used in 8’ pits, tions, as well as bare land $1,500. 507-732-4415 parcels from 40-1000 acres. modified for tractor hookup, approx 40’ of 6” hose w/ Both for relocation & investments. If you have even fitting; Adams 5T S/S fert compl recond. thought about selling con- spreader $3,995/OBO/EA. 507-381-6719 tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Land Specialist, Edina Realty, 138 Main St. W., New Bins & Buildings Prague, MN 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com Barn and Quonset Roofing (612)328-4506 Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. and Straightening.

100% financing w/no liens or Also polebarn repair and Please support the advertisers red tape, call Steve at Fairgiving more head room. fax Ag for an appointment. you see here. Tell them you Kelling Silo. 1-800-355-2598 888-830-7757 saw their ad in The Land!

SILO REMOVAL 507-236-9446

• 5/8” drum roller wall thickness • 42” drum diameter wall thickness • 4”x8” frame tubing 3/8” thick • Auto fold

MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

GREENWALD FARM CENTER Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177 14 miles So. of Sauk Centre

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020 Farm Equipment

Farm Equipment

2012 JD 8285R MFD, Front FOR SALE: Vermeer 605C dual ready, early engine re- balers, 1 is repairable and build w/warranty, new rear 1 has been used for parts. tires, in-field work, very $300/OBO. 320-894-6271 nice, $92,500. 715-572-1234 Harms Mfg. Land Rollers, New, 12’-$6,800; Demco Conquest sprayer, Brand 1100 gal tank, 60’ boom, Tee- 14’-$7,000; 16’-$8,000; 24’32’-$17,500; 42’Jet monitor, 320x46 tires, $14,800; $4,750; Case IH 1830 12x30 $21,500. Others from 8’-62’ flat fold Vibra shank culti- 715-234-1993 vator, $4,450; Wil-Rich 12x30 flat fold cultivator w/ rolling JD 7720 Combine, 3800 hours; shields, $2,750; 2012 Bobcat JD Grain pick-up head; NH T650 track skidloader, cab 311 Baler, $4,500; IHC 720 w/ air, power Bobtac, 2spd, 5-18 Plow, $3,000. Please call (2) 6100 hrs, $19,750; Westendorf 507-524-4637 500 12T HD running gear, $1,275.

JD Model 700 7 Yard Dirt ing 320-769-2756 Scraper, Good Condition, ans. $6,950. Delivery Available MN.FOR SALE: Case IH 8860 self propelled haybine, 14’ sickle Winnebago, IL 815-988-2074 cut w/ cond, very low hrs; JD 7000 Corn Planter, 2 Row, (1) (2) Hiniker cult, model 5000 3PT, $1,800, Fert. Avail.

7’ x & black cult, both 8R30” $350/Row. 715-234-1993 ain with rolling shields. All in Call good condition. 320-630-1777 Knight 252 Box Manure ge.

Spreader with Hydraulic FOR SALE: Hesston 30 Stack- End Gate, Shedded, Not hand, w/ stack mover, $250; Used last 10 years, Nice. DeBinkley 30’ implement mov- livery Available, $4,250. er, $100; International 8R30” 815-988-2074 rear mount cultivator, $100.

507-859-2766 or 507-530-0208 MF 4880 4WD tractor; JD 8110 MFD; 2 compartment ParkFOR SALE: 2017 72’ Summers er Gravity Box w/ brush aux23 Harrow, 5/8” x 24” tines, ger; 80/50 KW PTO generacks, less than 3,000 acres of use. tor and others; 28” Fan and Can text pictures. Must sell. Burner; 21’ and 18’ grain bins $28,000 218-686-9589 some w/air floors; 9’ and 10’ FOR SALE: 24’ 4 seat soy- Ag Baggers; 20’ Grain Pup bean riding bar, 30 gal tank; trailer. Call 320-760-1634 16R30” hooded spray band- New Idea 3618 Spreader with er, 300 gal tank & pump. hyd. gate, $1,750; Melroe 507-859-2766 or 507-530-0208 Danish Cultivator with roll-

L 46

FOR SALE: Case IH 1830 ing shields, 4-row - 30”, $500; 12x30 flat fold vibra shank JD 1941B, runs, new rear rys. cult w/ rolling shields, shed- rubber, B.O.. 320-587-4544 s or ded, $4,500. 507-828-1036 WANTED: 6’ tandem pull airtype International Harvester ent. disk. 507-339-3745

Thank You Farmers!

WANTED

DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE

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

Trucks and vacs available.

Immediate response anywhere.

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

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

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

Have you renewed your subscription to The Land?

PAGE 19

Steffes Auction Calendar 2020

For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com Opening June 1 & Closing June 8

Our Family Serving Families for Over 40 Years!

For More Information go to: www.FladeboeLand.com

Services We Offer:

• Auctions • Listings • Appraisals • Private Sale Negotiations • Complimentary Consultations Sign up for our free E-Newsletter by emailing your request to Patti@FladeboeLand.com

Farmland Professionals Since 1978

HOLLAND AUCTION COMPANY   Saturday, June 13, 2020 - 9:30 A.M.

LOCATION: East of Beaver Lake, Ellendale MN.

Tractors • Combines • Haying Equip. • Tillage Equip. • Planters • Wagons • Farm Pickups & Trucks • Construction Equip. • All Types of Farm Machinery • Recreational Items Welcomed (No car or truck tires)

Call early to take full advantage of advertising.

Always a large auction, running two auction rings all day.

Delivery of Consignments will be on June 7, 8, 9, & 10, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

NO Consignments on June 11th and 12th!!   Holland Auction at (507) 684-2955 or Tracy Holland, 507-456-5128 (cell) or

e-mail hollandauction@frontiernet.net

R&J Farms of Perley Partnership Estate & Farm Retirement Auction, Perley, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 2 & Closing June 9

Kyle & Stacy Marschke Farm Retirement Auction, Alice, ND, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 4 & Closing June 10

Andringa Brothers Inc. Farm Retirement Auction, Crookston, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 4 & Closing June 11

Rust Sales Tillage Auction, Steffes Group Facility, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 4 & Closing June 11

Mark C. Muellenberg Estate Farm Equipment Auction, Rockham, SD, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 5 & Closing June 10

Online Steffes Auction – 6/10, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 5 & Closing June 15

Eugene & Delores Undem Farm Retirement Auction, Rogers, ND, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 9 & Closing June 18 at 7PM

Tod & Renee Becker Farm Retirement Auction, Park Rapids, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 12 & Closing June 17

Larry & Monica Wieers Farm Retirement Auction, Argusville, ND, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 12 & Closing June 19

Doug & Diane Moderow Farm Retirement Auction, Buffalo, ND, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 15 & Closing June 22 at 1PM

K&D Krueger Farms Crop Plan Adjustment Auction, East Grand Forks, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 15 & Closing June 24 at 1PM

Anderson Farms Inventory Reduction Auction, Andover, SD, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 15 & Closing June 25 at 7PM

Ed & Shari Nytes Farm Retirement Auction, New Prague, MN, Timed Online Auction

FARMLAND Fillmore County: Approx. 165 acres, Spring Valley Twp. Olmsted County: Approx. 132 acres Rock Dell Twp. Mower County: Approx. 121 acres SE edge of Austin Mower County: Approx. 156 acres, Grand Meadow Twp. SOLD!

COMMERCIAL Racine: Completely remodeled 10,000 sq. ft. building on 2.12 acres. Many possible uses including event center, day care, offices, retail. MLS# 5247299 LeRoy: Office or business space. MLS# 5286067 PENDING! Grand Meadow: Business Opportunity! 17 lot mobile home park. Great rental and occupancy history. Includes 14 well maintained mobile homes. MLS# 5540256 PENDING!

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

Opening June 15 & Closing June 25 at 7PM

Gary & Deborah Guse Farm Retirement Auction, Harris, MN, Timed Online Auction

Thursday, June 18 at 10AM

John McConnell Farm Retirement Auction, Casselton, ND

Opening June 18 & Closing June 26

Country Lane Farms, LLC Farm Retirement Auction, Fairview, ND, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 19 & Closing June 23

James Legacie Farm Retirement Auction, Edmore, ND, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 19 & Closing June 24

Online Steffes Auction - 6/24, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction

Opening June 19 & Closing June 29

Ron & Terry Huber Harvest Equipment Auction, Steffes Group Facility, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction

Tuesday, June 23 at 10AM

Bryce Hoime Estate Farm Auction, Edmore, ND

Opening June 23 & Closing June 30

Pilon Brothers Inc. Retirement Auction, Grafton, ND, Timed Online Auction

PAGE 20

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

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020 TH

Your First Choice for Classifieds!

r Place You ! y Ad Toda

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

• 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

DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition.

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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.

CHECK ONE:  Announcements  Employment  Real Estate  Real Estate Wanted  Farm Rentals  Auctions  Agri Business  Farm Services  Sales & Services

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Spraying Equipment Hay & Forage Equipment Harvesting Equipment Grain Handling Equipment Livestock Equipment Wanted Free & Give Away Livestock Poultry Dairy

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Cattle Swine Sheep Goats Horses & Tack Exotic Animals Pets & Supplies Cars & Pickups Industrial & Construction Trucks & Trailers

 Recreational Vehicles  Miscellaneous

NOTE: Ad will be placed in the appropriate category if not marked.

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

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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

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ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad.

Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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

Tractors ‘71 JD 4020, Cab, Air, Runs, Drives, Looks very Good, From Retiring Farmer, $13,900. 815-988-2074 NEW AND USED TRACTOR PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, 50 Series & newer tractors, AC-all models, Large Inventory, We ship! Mark Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829

Tillage Equip FOR SALE: IH 1820 30 in. cultivator, plumbed to sidedress liquid nitrogen, tunnel shields, always shedded, looks new. $5,000 Phone 507-360-5810

Planting Equip ‘93 7200 MaxEmerge planter, 12R30, precision corn meters, soybean meters, liq fert & insect, front fold, Precision 2020 monitor, $15,000; Marless no-till drill w/ coulter cart, 15’, 10” spacing, $5,000.

Both always shedded. 612741-7949 or 612-701-7901

Spraying Equip (2) A-1 mist blower/sprayers for orchards, livestock producers, (1) 50 gal tank w/ 3pt/ hyd or PTO drive, $2,650; (1) blower/sprayer no tank/3pt/ PTO drive, $2,250. Both used only 2 yrs, like new. 507-3276430 Hardy 1000M Pull Type Sprayer, 60’ Boom All Options, $6,000 OBO. Winnebago, IL Delivery Available.

815-988-2074 PROGRESSIVE 1000 gel sprayer, 60’ booms, hyd fold, hyd pump, Tee Jet 744A-3 zone controls, 16.5Lx16.1 tires on 120’’ wheel spacing, Spartanburg foamer, $2,000. 715-878-9858

Hay & Forage Equipment FOR SALE: John Deere 337 square baler w/ 40 ejector, good condition, $3,400.

612-247-0297

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020 Hay & Forage Equipment

Wanted

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

Cattle

Have an upcoming Auction?

Swine

FOR SALE: Vermeer R2300 WANTED: 1909-1940 Ford 3-2yr old Angus AI sired bulls, FOR SALE: Yorkshire, HampTwin Rake, 20 feet wide, hy- Cars & Parts, Old Tin, Por- 2 by Sav Renown, $2,995/ shire, Duroc & Hamp/Duroc draulic drive and hydraulic celain & Neon Signs, Old Gas OBO. 1 by Final Answer, boars, also gilts. Excellent fold. Good condition. $8,500. Pumps & Globes, Old Oil $2,500/OBO. Our herd sires, selection. Raised outside.

Cans & Bottles, Other Old can see their calves, 1 long Exc herd health. No PRSS. Call 507-259-6952 Car Related Items. Please yearling sired by Genex Delivery avail. 320-760-0365 Ten Speed, $2,500/OBO. Exc Call 507-665-6893 quality, 50 yrs AI breeding. Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Your ad Gerald Polzin, Riverside Sim Boars & Gilts available. uns, could be here!

Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Livestock Angus. 320-286-5805 od, Delivery available. Steve 507-345-4523 mer, Resler. 507-456-7746 FOR SALE: Polled Black FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls Registered Simmental, Sim also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ Sell your livestock in The Land OR Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred Angus bulls, top AI sires.

Semen checked. Also, June with a line ad. 507-345-4523 50, Harvesting Equip Kemen 320-598-3790 calving pairs. John Volz 507rac520-4381 rge JD 9500, 2,500 Hours, $18,900; Cars & Pickups ark Dairy JD 693 with Hydraulic Deck FOR SALE: Polled Limousin age Plate, just rebuilt, $7,950; JD bulls, black or red, low birth FOR SALE: ‘98 Chevrolet Lu920 Poly Snout, Upper Excel- Custom Heifer raiser has weight, 40 yrs of raising Limmina 3.1 V6, auto trans, powlent, $7,950. Delivery Avail- openings to raise your Heif- ousin, John Goelz, Franklin er steering, 4 door sedan, ers, we offer free stall fa- MN 507-215-0309 able. 815-988-2074 103,500 miles, burgundy, cilities all TMR fed, $2.35 a stored winters, exc shape, in.JD 9650 STS, 2,700 Hours, day from weaned through FOR SALE: 6 Hereford beef must see, retiring, $2,500. pre-fresh.

Call Ben for more cattle w/ April born calves, de- Very Nice, $32,500; ‘03 JD 507-744-5693 Webster MN $1,200/each. 763-658-4269 Upper Excellent, details. 715-495-0481 nnel 925F, ed, $7,950; ‘03 JD 930F, AverPlease recycle this magazine. one age Shape, $4,950. Delivery Available. 815-988-2074

Talk to your auctioneer or call our friendly staff

at 800-657-4665

to place your auction in THE LAND theland@thelandonline.com or www.thelandonline.com

Land Specialists

Upcoming Sealed Bid Land Auctions June 23

163.48 ± Acres • Lake Prairie East Twp, Nicollet Cty

June 24

135.6 ± Acres • Mankato Twp, Blue Earth Cty

June 26

155 ± Acres • Petersburg Twp, Jackson Cty For information brochures call 1-800-730-LAND (5263) or visit www.Wingert Realty.com Only registered bidders may attend

Charles Wingert, Broker # 07-53 1160 South Victory Drive Suite 6, Mankato MN 56001

TIMED ONLINE FARM RETIREMENT

14730 139TH AVE., PARK RAPIDS, MN 56470 LOCATION: From Park Rapids, MN, 2 miles south on US Hwy 71, 3/4 mile west on 150th St., 1/2 mile south on 139th Ave.

Grain Handling Equipment

ter,FOR SALE: (2) Superb conme- tinuous flow grain dryers, liq Model SA500V, LP gas, Pre- $4,500/EA or $8,000/pr. Pic00; tures available. 507-208-0466 lter 000.

Livestock 612-

2020

OPENS: TUESDAY, JUNE 9 / CLOSES: THURSDAY, JUNE 18 | 7PM

Equipment

FOR SALE: Used Foremost squeeze chute w/ transport wheels; Used calving pen. ers 507-259-3544

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

pro3pt/ Wanted (1) 3pt/ sedAll kinds of New & Used farm 327- equipment - disc chisels, field cults, planters, soil finishers, ay- cornheads, feed mills, discs, ons, balers, haybines, etc. 507IL 438-9782

gel hyd Jet ols, 20’’ urg 858

PAGE 21

WANTED: DAMAGED CORN LIGHT TEST WEIGHT & HIGHER MOISTURE CORN, PAYING COMPETITIVE PRICES, DEPENDING QUALITY. ZANE HANSON (507) 459-8653

WANTED TO BUY: Field sprayer, any condition for parts; also Gehl silage box 337 w/ tandem running gear for tor, parts. FOR SALE: Yearling Red Angus bull & 240 International tractor. 320-282-4846

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MNNorthern IA June 12, 2020 June 26, 2020 *July 10, 2020 July 24, 2020

*

Northern MN June 5, 2020 June 19, 2020 July 3, 2020 July 17, 2020 July 31, 2020

Deadline is 8 days prior to publication.

Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication.

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!

AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: After a lifetime of farming Tod & Renee have decided to retire. Most equipment purchased new and shedded.

Equipment has had excellent maintenance. Equipment is ready for viewing.

PREVIEW: Friday, June 12 from 9AM - 2PM or by appointment / LOADOUT: Friday, June 19 from 9AM - 4PM or by appointment

TRACTORS

2013 Caterpillar MT765D, 4,019 hrs.

2011 Caterpillar MT875C, 4,312 hrs.

2001 John Deere 7810, MFWD, 7,581 hrs.

1995 John Deere 8100, MFWD, 8,966 hrs.

2008 John Deere 8130, MFWD, 5,968 hrs.

2013 John Deere 8335R, 2,941.3 hrs.

John Deere 3010D, 3,623 hrs.

1973 John Deere 4230, 2WD, 5,932 hrs.

TILLAGE EQUIPMENT

Case-IH 730B disc ripper 2015 John Deere 2730 disc ripper John Deere 3600 Summers coil packer 2015 John Deere 2623 John Deere 637 Wil-Rich 3400 Wil-Rich Quad X Alloway 2040 Alloway 2070 M&W 1925 Yetter 3541

GRAIN CARTS & GRAVITY BOXES

(2) Killbros 350, gravity box Kinze 1050 Sof-Trak Harvest Commander - grain cart

HOPPER BOTTOM TRAILERS

2015 Timpte hopper bottom trailer 2012 Timpte hopper bottom trailer 2003 Timpte hopper bottom trailer

BEAN EQUIPMENT

2017 Picket Twin Master F pull-type DAY CAB SEMIS edible bean combine COMBINE & HEADS (4) Bob Bean King 666 edible bean 2012 Case-IH 9230T, 2,412 sep. hrs., 2007 Freightliner Columbia, combine 3,142 engine hrs.

520,850 miles 2011 Case-IH 2162 flex draper 2009 Kenworth T800, 76,765 miles Elmers BCDBFSP 1630 edible 2012 John Deere 616C 1999 Kenworth T800, 350,015 miles bean cutter Picket crop divider PLANTING EQUIPMENT OTHER TRUCKS 2002 Picket 1268-B-E windrower John Deere 455, drill, 30’ 1984 White Volvo WCS64T, 529,915 miles 2010 Picket C8030-2B one step 2012 Montag C06B, air cart 1984 Mack MR686S, 44,903 miles bean lifter 2012 John Deere 1770NT, planter 1990 Chevrolet 1500, 154,878 miles 2009 Picket C8030-2B one step 1993 Ford F150 XLT bean lifter 1994 Ford F350 XLT

SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYER & SPREADER

2014 Apache AS1020 sprayer 1,456 hrs.

2009 Apache AS1210 dry fertilizer spreader, 2,026 hrs.

MANURE HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Houle 5250 tandem axle liquid manure tank

GPS & NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT

John Deere 2630, display, SF2, RTK John Deere 2630, display, SF2 John Deere 3000, receiver, RTK (2) John Deere 6000, receiver, RTK Navigator Automatic guidance system

ROUND BALER & TRAILER LIVESTOCK, HEADER & UTILITY TRAILERS / AND MORE!

SteffesGroup.com

Steffes Group, Inc., 24400 MN Hwy 22 S, Litchfield, MN 55355 | 320.693.9371

TOD & RENEE BECKER | TOD 218.255.0582

or Eric Gabrielson at Steffes Group, 320.693.9371 or 701.238.2570 Complete terms, lot listings and photos at SteffesGroup.com / Eric Gabrielson MN47-006

PAGE 22

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

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020 TH

Raise your words not your voice.

It is rain that grows flowers not thunder. ~ Rumi

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Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-855-3723080 or visit www.walkintubquote.com/ midwest (MCN)

NOTE TO READERS! In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer “employment.” Some of them sell information on manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. It is always best to “investigate before you invest.”

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 855-836-2250 (MCN)

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Farm Retirement OPENS: Thursday, June 4

TIMED ONLINE

CROOKSTON, MN

CLOSES: Wednesday, June 10 |

27326 360th St. SW, Crookston, MN 56716. From Crookston, MN, 7 miles south on County Rd. 14, 1/4 mile 10AM west, north side of road.

2020

INVESTIGATE BEFORE YOU INVEST! Midwest Free Community Paper Association does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising.

Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all classifieds and other ads which require an investment. (MCN)

Preview by Appointment.

Loadout: After June 12, by Appointment.

INCLUDES: Track Tractors, MFWD & 2WD Tractors & Loaders, GPS Equipment, Combines & Tracks, Heads, Grain Cart, Air Drill & Grass Seeder, Tillage Equipment, Row Crop Equipment, Box Trucks, Pickups & Sedan, Trailers, NH3, Chemical & Fertilizer Equipment, Augers, Laser Equipment, Other Equipment, Tires & Wheels, Recreation, Radios, Parts & Farm Support Items

(2) CASE-IH 500 QUADTRAC; (2) CASE-IH 8230

2013 JOHN DEERE 7200R

(3) BOX TRUCKS

SteffesGroup.com

Steffes Group, Inc., 2000 Main Avenue East, West Fargo, ND

ANDRINGA BROTHERS, INC

Scott Steffes MN14-51

MIKE & DON ANDRINGA | Don, 218.289.7273

or Dave Benedict at Steffes Group, 701.237.9173 or 701.238.5062 TERMS: All items sold as is where is. Payment of cash or check must be made sale day before removal of items. Statements made auction day take precedence over all advertising. $35 documentation fee applies to all titled vehicles. Titles will be mailed. Canadian buyers need a bank letter of credit to facilitate border transfer.

THE LAND — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020 Trucks & Trailers

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

Miscellaneous

One Call Does It All! With one phone call, you can place your classified line ad in The Land, Farm News and Country Today.

FOR SALE: 2013 Great Dane Winpower Sales & Service Refer Trailer, 53’ x 102”, Reliable Power Solutions 14,600 hours on Carrier Since 1925 PTO & automatic unit, under carriage air Emergency Electric Generflow, nice shape. Must sell. ators. New & Used Rich Opsata-Distributor $12,000 218-686-9589

Call The Land for more information 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665

800-343-9376

FOR SALE: Ford 7.3 power stroke diesel engines, transmissions and parts, low mileage and tested. Service available. 320-583-0881

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.

Miscellaneous PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS New pumps & parts on hand.

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

ADVERTISER LISTING Anderson Seeds ...................................................................... 5

REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073

Beck's Hybrids ....................................................................... 1 C & C Roofing ....................................................................... 4 Fladeboe Land ..................................................................... 19

WANTED FREON R12. We pay CA$H. R12 R500 R11.

Convenient. Certified professionals. 312-291-9169 RefrigerantFinders.com/ad

COMBINES

’15 JD 690, 4x4, 1745/1160 sep hrs,

Greenwald Farm Center ........................................................ 18 Henslin Auctions Inc ............................................................ 22 SMALL EXCAVATORS

Holland Auction Co.............................................................. 19

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

Imogene Ingredients ............................................................... 7

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

CM, chopper, 650x38 tires & duals ................... $175,000 ’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 ’00 JD 9650 STS, 2645/3623 chopper, duals ............ $37,000 ’01 JD 9750 STS, 3013/4156 CM, chopper, duals .... $37,000 ’11 Case/IH 8120, 1650/2250 Tracker, Rt, duals ....... $89,500 ’11 Case/IH 7120, 1610/2200 Tracker, Rt, duals ....... $89,500 ’10 Case/IH 7120, 1650/2250 Tracker, Rt, duals ....... $89,500

TRACK & 4WD TRACTORS ‘10 Case IH 535 Quadtrack, 3977 hrs, full auto steer, big pump .................................... $135,000 ’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

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 ‘16 Cat 420 F2, 4x4, 1088 hrs, cab extend-a-hoe ..... $69,000

ROW CROP TRACTORS

’17 Kubota M7-151, cab air, MFWD, 545 hrs, front axle suspension, 3pt PTO, w/ Kubota loader .................................................. $84,000 ‘09 JD 7830 MFWD, 6185 hrs, 3PT PTO, 4 hyd, 20 speed auto quad, 48050 tires & duals ........................................ $77,000

WHEEL LOADERS

’18 JD 824K, 7980 hrs, cab air, ride control, 6.25 yd bkt ............................................................... $149,000 ’14 JD 724 K, 9587 hrs, third valve, w/ medford forks ... $82,000 ’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 ‘15 Cat 930 M, 6599 hrs, ride control, w/ quick coupler & bucket ........................................ $85,000 ’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 ‘13 Case 721 F, 4717 hrs, ride control, quick coupler w/bucket ............................................. $75,000

EXCAVATORS ’15 Cat 323 FL, 3768 hrs, 40" bkt............................ $119,000 ’14 Komatsu PC 138US-10, hyd thumb, 36" bkt ........ $80,000 ’11 JD 290GLC, 3347 hrs, 12'6" stick,42" bkt .......... $110,000 ’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

Kannegiesser Truck ................................................................ 9 Land Resource Management ................................................. 19 Larson Brothers Implement .................................................. 23 Pruess Elevator Inc .............................................................. 19 Pumps Motor & Bearings LLC ............................................... 6 Renewal by Andersen ........................................................... 16 Rush River Steel & Trim ........................................................ 3 Schweiss Doors .................................................................... 23 Smiths Mill Implement Inc ................................................... 18 Southwest MN Farm Business ...............................................11 Steffes Group ......................................................

19, 21, 22

Wingert Realty & Land Services ........................................... 21

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 — MAY 29/JUNE 5, 2020

This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Richard Siemers.

T

Patchwork, pies and plants

his summer would have been the sixth annual Tracy Area Gardens and Quilts Tour sponsored by the Catholic Church Women of St. Mary’s in Tracy. Because of the pandemic, quilters and gardeners and ordinary “lookers” will have to wait another year to again enjoy this creative combination.

During the first four years of the tours, St. Mary’s CCW partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Tracy, and last year struck out on their own when Kiwanis moved on to other projects.

Elise Lanoue coordinates this fundraising activity.

“It all started in my neighbor’s beauty shop,” Lanoue said. “I was getting my hair done and the gal from the Kiwanis group was sitting there. We at St. Mary’s had thought about having a garden tour. All of a sudden the other gal mentioned that Kiwanis was thinking about having a garden tour.”

Surprised that both groups had been considering the same project, they decided to team up their organizations. Then the ideas began to roll out.

“My hairdresser is a quilter as well as a gardener,” Lanoue said. “She wondered what quilts would do outside.” They decided that would add interest, since many women quilt in the winter and garden in the summer. They weren’t done yet.

St. Mary’s CCW has a pie project fundraiser. Every year the women get together and make 700 pies that they sell. So Lanoue suggested another twist.

“I said, ‘How do you think it would be if we added a little to the cost

Tracy, Minn.

and served pie and ice cream as part of their ticket price?’” That idea also went over well.

“That’s how it came to be … in the beauty shop,” Lanoue said. And it has turned out to be a success. One draw may be that they don’t confine it to the town of Tracy, but bill it as being the Tracy Area. In addition to in-town gardens, they feature country locations — including on Lake Shetek south of town. One year they featured gardens in Balaton (Balaton is part of the Tracy-Milroy-Balaton school district).

Last year Garvin hosted the pie and ice cream with the garden spots all accessed from State Highway 59.

The quilts are a combination of full quilts, lap quilts and quilted wall hangings. They are artfully displayed out in the yards and gardens — draped over benches, hanging from balconies or wires strung between trees. That’s the biggest part of the job — getting out in the morning to get all of the quilts placed.

“You’ll notice how the quilts just pop and add so much color to a yard,” Lanoue said. “It’s just fun.”

Gardens and quilts are a treat for the eye; pie and ice cream are a treat for the taste buds.

Good things can come from all that beauty shop talk. Anyone know of a good project which has come from barber shop talk?

Make a note that next year’s tour is scheduled for July 14.

Check the Facebook page of Tracy, Minn. Area Garden Tour next July for details.

The photos are of the 2019 tour. v

SOLAR ENERGY FOR

FARMS AND BUSINESSES

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 your solar system will reliably support your family, farm, and business for decades to come, backed by the best warranties and support in the industry.

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507.424.0001

INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

SAVE MONEY BY GOING SOLAR! REAL RESULTS: YTD PERFORMANCE: 104% APRIL PERFORMANCE: 129% “Blue Horizon Energy did exactly what they said they would do and greatly exceeded my high expectations. The tax credits and grants provide great short term benefits. The energy cost savings provide great long term benefits. My advice is to go solar as soon as possible and start saving on your energy!” — Virgil: Mayer, MN (pictured above) 507.424.0001

INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

© 2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY LLC

REAL CUSTOMERS. REAL RESULTS. YTD PERFORMANCE: 102% APRIL PERFORMANCE: 115%

Results Matter.

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Blue Horizon Energy’s expertise in agricultural and commercial operations and professionalism stood out through the entire process. Our system delivers more power than projected and BHE is very good about checking in to see how we’re doing.”

— Adrian: Murdock, MN (pictured)

YTD PERFORMANCE: 106% APRIL PERFORMANCE: 114% “We chose Blue Horizon Energy because they are an experienced and innovative Minnesota company that understands Agriculture. The entire team with Blue Horizon Energy was incredibly positive and have gone above and beyond our high expectations.

Their solar product has made a big difference.”

We see every project as the start of a longterm partnership. A commitment from us to you that your solar energy system is going to deliver the performance we projected, reliably, year after year.

Endurance Farms “After doing my research I decided to start by installing a smaller system on one of my grain bin sites.

We watched the performance of that system for a year and were very, very satisfied. Then we decided to add two larger systems to our primary grain bin sites.

We are very happy with our decision to go solar and believe this is the future of agriculture. Blue Horizon Energy did a great job on all of our projects and we highly recommend their services.”

— Bill M. (Site 1 of 3 Pictured)

Our team makes hundreds of decisions, big and small, when designing a project to make sure it meets our high standards for reliability and performance. We don’t cut corners and if something is wrong we fix it and make it right - period.

Not just because every project is backed by our industry-leading warranty, but because fixing problems and delivering on your word is just the right thing to do.

That’s why our customers come back two, three, even four (and fourteen!) times, to work with us again and again.

We’d be honored to work with you too.

— Barry: Benson, MN (pictured)

FIXED RACK, DUAL-AXIS TRACKER, OR ROOF MOUNT WHETHER YOU HAVE A SMALL PLOT, OPEN FIELDS, OR UNUSED ROOF SPACE, WE HAVE A SOLAR SOLUTION FOR YOU. WE DESIGN EVERY PROJECT TO DELIVER RELIABLE LONG-TERM SAVINGS, THE LOWEST TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP, AND THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE YIELD. YOUR FARM’S OR BUSINESS’ SUCCESS IS OUR TOP PRIORITY.

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

© 2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY LLC

507.424.0001 INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM WWW.BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

REAL CUSTOMERS. REAL RESULTS. YTD PERFORMANCE: 102% APRIL PERFORMANCE: 115%

Results Matter.

“If I had to do it over again, I’d have done this sooner!

Blue Horizon Energy’s expertise in agricultural and commercial operations and professionalism stood out through the entire process. Our system delivers more power than projected and BHE is very good about checking in to see how we’re doing.”

— Adrian: Murdock, MN (pictured)

YTD PERFORMANCE: 106% APRIL PERFORMANCE: 114% “We chose Blue Horizon Energy because they are an experienced and innovative Minnesota company that understands Agriculture. The entire team with Blue Horizon Energy was incredibly positive and have gone above and beyond our high expectations.

Their solar product has made a big difference.”

We see every project as the start of a longterm partnership. A commitment from us to you that your solar energy system is going to deliver the performance we projected, reliably, year after year.

Endurance Farms “After doing my research I decided to start by installing a smaller system on one of my grain bin sites.

We watched the performance of that system for a year and were very, very satisfied. Then we decided to add two larger systems to our primary grain bin sites.

We are very happy with our decision to go solar and believe this is the future of agriculture. Blue Horizon Energy did a great job on all of our projects and we highly recommend their services.”

— Bill M. (Site 1 of 3 Pictured)

Our team makes hundreds of decisions, big and small, when designing a project to make sure it meets our high standards for reliability and performance. We don’t cut corners and if something is wrong we fix it and make it right - period.

Not just because every project is backed by our industry-leading warranty, but because fixing problems and delivering on your word is just the right thing to do.

That’s why our customers come back two, three, even four (and fourteen!) times, to work with us again and again.

We’d be honored to work with you too.

— Barry: Benson, MN (pictured)

FIXED RACK, DUAL-AXIS TRACKER, OR ROOF MOUNT WHETHER YOU HAVE A SMALL PLOT, OPEN FIELDS, OR UNUSED ROOF SPACE, WE HAVE A SOLAR SOLUTION FOR YOU. WE DESIGN EVERY PROJECT TO DELIVER RELIABLE LONG-TERM SAVINGS, THE LOWEST TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP, AND THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE YIELD. YOUR FARM’S OR BUSINESS’ SUCCESS IS OUR TOP PRIORITY.

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

© 2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY LLC

507.424.0001 INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM WWW.BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

SOLAR ENERGY FOR

FARMS AND BUSINESSES

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 your solar system will reliably support your family, farm, and business for decades to come, backed by the best warranties and support in the industry.

CONTACT US:

507.424.0001

INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

SAVE MONEY BY GOING SOLAR! REAL RESULTS: YTD PERFORMANCE: 104% APRIL PERFORMANCE: 129% “Blue Horizon Energy did exactly what they said they would do and greatly exceeded my high expectations. The tax credits and grants provide great short term benefits. The energy cost savings provide great long term benefits. My advice is to go solar as soon as possible and start saving on your energy!” — Virgil: Mayer, MN (pictured above) 507.424.0001

INFO@BLUEHORIZONENERGY.COM

© 2020 BLUE HORIZON ENERGY LLC