From My Farmhouse Kitchen

City or country, housewives had their struggles with meals

It’s a busy time of year on the farm. for morning and afternoon They worked hard — thus needing But is there ever a time on the farm lunches. But I didn’t realplenty of food for fuel. when we can really say the work is caught up? Each season has its own priorities and busy-ness. But right now, as I look at the work staring me in the face, all I can say it’s going to be a busy couple of weeks. ize that supper was often served too. One woman had written a letter wondering how necessary it was to serve an evening meal after the “City women have it ‘easy’,” one woman wrote. “No cows to milk, no churning, no vegetables to gather, no poultry to care for, no chickens to run down, dress, etc. She just steps down to the telephone and in a short time

That garden, which was going to FROM MY work of the day was done. everything is delivered to her back decrease in size this year, somehow did FARMHOUSE Her letter garnered plenty door.” of replies. Some were in agreement — remarking on the fact that if they finished at your place early harvesting, the whole crew moved on Breakdowns or uncooperative weather may have caused issues so that no evening meal was needed; but the meal had already been prepared. not. Even though the rains have been lacking, a few strategic days of watering has resulted in produce: beans of all kinds; tomatoes of all sizes and colors; okra (it’s hibiscus-like flowers are not just for beauty sake); grapes (if we get them before the birds); Aronia berries (which the birds leave alone until the grapes are gone); and apples (but who cares if only half the trees have apples on this year). And so it goes. KITCHEN By Renae B. Vander Schaaf Photos by Renae B. Vander Schaaf Okra blossoms (above) are not just limited to good looks, while a tray of colorful tomatoes awaits processing. There’s another side to story, according to the city woman. “Cooking three meals a day for 365 days a year would not be one-fourth the trouble if I didn’t have to pamper the appetites of my family. But it’s no wonder! Here we are cooped up without fresh air, sunshine or exercise. My country sister has no worries, for her family will eat any wholesome There is no need for Covid isolation rules as the trail from the garden to my kitchen becomes my only world. Out of curiosity, I looked at The Iowa Homestead newspapers of one hundred years ago to see what farmwives were busy with. One person wrote she has known of women whose health suffered from preparing so much food in stifling, non-air conditioned kitchens over a very hot wood stove. She thought the men should spend a few days in the food set before it. They have fresh fruits and vegetables by simply stepping into the garden. Then too, creamy milk, good butter, meat and poultry can all be had right there on the farm.” It seems like there was a quite a debate on the necessity of feeding the threshing crew when it was your time to have the threshers at your farm. The whole family was busy then. There seemed to be plenty of stress to make sure you were ready when the threshing machines came to your farm, and that there would be plenty of food to feed the kitchen to know what it was really like. Others felt it was privilege to send the threshing crew with a full stomach and that the men had labored in hot, dusty fields. After all, in 1920, would most of the thresh ing crew have walked home? The city woman also often found that when she phoned in her grocery order, she got so many inferior products or was short-weighted, she went to doing her own marketing. Which meant changing from a house dress to a street dress, walking one and a fourth mile to possibly wait in line at the market to make her purchases before walking back crew. The other debate was whether city or farm women home with a heavy basket, according to the article. I always knew a huge meal at noon was prepared and served; and plenty of sandwiches and cookies had it easier. The farm wife had to prepare 1,095 good, nutritional meals a year for hearty appetites. All these women have legitimate opinions and concerns, and I do find them interesting. It will sure Funding available give me something to think about as I’m laboring over my not-so-hot stove in my air-conditioned house. All the while thankful that storms, locusts AD COPY INSTRUCTIONS Please read attached email and pestilence have avoided my garden thus far this year. for sustainable agriculture projects

ST. PAUL — Farmers and Minnesota nonprofit involved in the project. CODE AND REP NAMES ALREADY ON AD THE LAND 3.7461 x2” Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 and educational organizations focused on testing new ideas in sustainable agriculture are encouraged to apply for a Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant by 4 p.m. Dec. 10. SustAg grants have funded a wide range of projects; such as exploring farm diversification, cover crops and crop rotation, conservation tillage, and input reduction strategies and alternative energies or agripen@live.com. v

SustAg grant projects explore farm profitability, like wind, methane, and biomass. energy efficiency, and environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture practices or systems. Grantees must be willing to share what they learn with others. Projects are published annually in the MDA’s Greenbook, which provides a summary of each project along with results, management tips, loca

Projects last two to three years and may be funded tions of previous projects, and other resources. at up to $50,000, with applicants providing a dollarfor-dollar match on amounts above $25,000. A total of $200,000 is available this year. Applications from For more information and to apply, visit state.mn.us/sustagdemogrant. www.mda. Minnesota farmers receive priority, but the program This article was submitted by the Minnesota also funds Minnesota nonprofit and educational Department of Agriculture. v organizations if Minnesota farmers are meaningfully

Gerald and Connie Mulder awarded ‘Kernel Crown’

By DICK HAGEN Mulders was Brian The Land Staff Writer Emeritus Thalmann, a Plato, Minn.

OLIVIA, Minn. — The corn farmer, past MCGA Honorary Title of “Kernel” President and now a was bestowed upon board member of the Gerald and Connie National Corn Growers Mulder on Aug. 27 for Association. “Grass roots dedicated service to the is what separates us from Minnesota Corn Growers many organizations,” Association. Thalmann said. “That’s This ‘crowning event’ occurred in Olivia, Minn. — the self-proclaimed Corn Capital of Minnesota — at the Cenex service station on busy U.S. Highway 212. The 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ceremony had a courtyard of spectators too. A special banner — courtesy of MCGA — read “Fuel Promotion Day” and helped draw the crowd. Cenex offered discounted fuel prices such as E85 fuel at $1.04 per because our growing and very active membership is a defining attribute — especially when we are doing comment letters at our state capital and comment letters to key Congressional people in D.C. To be able to say to these people that we’re representing thousands farmers across America brings some added power to our message — both with state legislators and members of Congress.” gallon and E60 at $1.24. Photo by Dick Hagen So are corn growers’ political muscles still growing? Thalmann had this intriguing response: “I think we’ve always been able to punch above our belt … both because of issues we deal with and because of our people. There’s a real face to our organization: the face of the American Farmer. And as you’re seeing in today’s political spectrum, that carries a lot of weight.” Does that mean E-15 will soon be locked in as a nationwide fuel standard? Thalmann feels strongly on this issue and is much aware of the political constraints of the oil industry. “That continues our number-one priority — just as it was this past legislative session. Covid forced us to take a step back; but going into this next legislative session, this will be that South Dakota now advertises attracting Minnesota business firms to South Dakota. I think our Minnesota folks need to wake up and start putting some serious effort into keeping Minnesota businesses in Minnesota. “Clamping down on law and order would be a good start. I think this lawless rioting is killing us. Some aren’t even scared of our cops anymore. Common sense has got to come back. That means better relations with our colored people too … we’re all in this together.” For Gerald, now wheelchair bound, and wife Connie, it was a most surprising and enjoyable event. “Certainly didn’t expect this!” exclaimed Gerald. “Good to see some of my long-time Corn Grower Association friends too. We’ve been blessed in many ways through our work with corn growers and staff.” Gerald has carved a distinguished history with the MCGA: nine years on the state board; 35 years as a dues-paying member. The Mulders also have a reputation as prime membership recruiters for MCGA. Relates Gerald, “Corn Growers Association accomplished many things over the years … various research projects — both with producers and Connie and Gerald Mulder (center) were honored at a special event in Olivia, Minn. on Aug. 27. Participating in the presentation were (left to right): Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council member Doug Albin, MCGA Board MemberTim Waibel, Connie Mulder, MCGA Executive Director Adam Birr, MCGA Board Member Harold Wolle, MCGA Board Member Brian Thalmann, and Renville County Corn and Soybean Grower President Charlie Mathiowetz. University of Minnesota researchers — and so much Gerald is optimistic for 2020 crop yields. “I think our number-one focus.” more. I got very involved in membership recruitment. Yes, that took some time, but it was fun time, too! I feel proud about growing our membership. Plus yearly visits to the big National Corn Expo always added to the satisfaction.” 250 bushels will be the low; I think beets will make 40 tons. Yep, we’re having an incredible year. Thank the Lord. Renville County will continue support of activities and projects of the Minnesota Corn Growers. We’re the highest membership by far. I think Renville Summed up MCGA Executive Director Adam Birr, “How fitting here today honoring Gerald and Connie. Their resolve helped greatly in the success of our organization.”

I had to ask if MCGA will ever catch up with memCounty will go over 1,000 members this year!” Nice going, Kernel Mulder! v bership of the Iowa Corn Growers. Gerald chuckles, On hand at the Cenex station to congratulate the “Every time we get close they just go out and buy more members.” Like most corn growers in Minnesota (and Iowa), Gerald is frustrated by the ongoing battle with the Join The Land Online! Small Refineries Association for not including etha nol-enriched fuels in their distribution to fuel dis Facebook.com/TheLandOnline tributors. “Hopefully, our National Corn Growers are Twitter.com/TheLandOnline making progress,” he said. “I’ve been out for a while so really don’t know the issues. But it does worry me Instagram@thelandmagazineonline

Palmer amaranth suspected in feed ingredients

Keep an eye out for Palmer amaranth hitching a ride into Minnesota via contaminated feed ingredients. Minnesota has at least one infestation in the state which arrived via contaminated cattle feed. The potential for this to happen again is high, especially when sourcing feed ingredients from areas where Palmer amaranth and other problematic weeds are more common.

Pay attention to weeds growing around livestock feeding areas, near manure storage areas, or in fields with a history of manure application. These are likely the areas where Palmer amaranth and other new weeds will show up first.

While weeds can find their way to your farm via wildlife and other uncontrollable factors, many new weed seeds are brought onto the farm from normal farm activities. Most of the new infestations of Palmer amaranth have been brought in via equipment (especially used equipment purchased from an area where Palmer amaranth is more common), contaminated seed, or contaminated feedstuffs. The amount of risk for contamination with weed seeds depends on the type of feed and where it originates. Feed that has been ground, pelletized, or ensiled is less concerning compared to less-processed feed ingredients.

Palmer amaranth is more common further south. Any feed ingredient which was produced where Palmer amaranth is present in fields is more likely to become contaminated. Cottonseed and sunflower screenings have been the source of several infestations in the Midwest. Other feed ingredients, including hay and animal bedding, produced where Palmer amaranth is more common are also concerns. Additionally, herbicide resistance is more common further south, meaning other weed seeds that may travel in with the feedstuffs, including waterhemp, may be herbicide resistant.

Any forage produced in weedy fields will likely contain weed seeds, whether harvested as dry hay or ensiled. Ensiling forages will help reduce the viability of weed seed. This is especially the case for grass weed seeds. Even hard-coated seeds like pigweed can be degraded during ensiling. Palmer amaranth seed viability can drop by 40-60 percent after one month of ensiling alfalfa or corn silage.

Don’t assume animal digestion will kill all of the seeds. Though it will reduce weed seed viability, feeding contaminated feed to livestock will not eliminate all Palmer amaranth seed. Grass and soft-coated broadleaf seeds are more easily destroyed in digestion than hard-coated seeds like Palmer amaranth. In ruminants like cattle, nearly 30 percent of amaranth seed survives digestion. The gizzard digestive system of poultry is highly effective at destroying weed seeds. For instance, only 3.5 percent of Palmer amaranth seeds fed to ducks were recovered and found viable.

Photo submitted by Minnesota Department of Agriculture A recent Palmer amaranth infestiation in Minneosta is linked to contaminated cattle feed.

MDA urges landowners to scout for Palmer amaranth

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is encouraging farmers and agronomists to scout fields now for the invasive weed Palmer amaranth.

Palmer amaranth is listed as a noxious weed in Minnesota and was first discovered in the state in 2016. All above and below ground parts of the plant must be destroyed, and it cannot be moved.

Left uncontrolled, a single female Palmer amaranth plant typically produces 100,000 to 500,000 seeds. It is resistant to multiple herbicides, can cause substantial yield losses, and greatly increase weed management costs in soybeans and corn.

Now is the time when Palmer amaranth is visible in agricultural fields. The MDA is asking farmers and agronomists to pull out any suspicious plants and report them to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Arrest the Pest line at (888) 545-6684 or arrest.the.pest@state.mn.us.

Palmer amaranth can be identified by the green leaves which are smooth and arranged in an alternate pattern that grows symmetrically around the stem. The leaves are oval to diamond or triangle shaped. The leaves of some Palmer amaranth plants have a whitish, V-shaped mark on them. Not all Palmer amaranth plants display this characteristic.

Palmer amaranth looks similar to our native pigweeds such as waterhemp (tuberculatus and A. rudis), Powell’s amaranth (A. powellii), and redroot and smooth pigweeds (A. retroflexus and A.

See PALMER AMARANTH, pg. 10

Internal heat generated by properly composted manure will kill most weed seeds — even Palmer amaranth. Aged manure is not composted manure. Weed seeds are killed in composted manure due to warm temperatures ( greatere than 140 F) for several days. In typical on-farm composting sites, weed seed viability is typically reduced by more than 90 percent. This percentage is even higher in the bestmanaged compost sites.

More information on Palmer amaranth in manure, visit https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn. edu/2019/06/palmer-amaranth-in-manure-what-canyou.html.

Palmer amaranth is a highly competitive pigweed closely related to waterhemp. Like waterhemp, Palmer amaranth emerges throughout the growing season, and can grow 2-3 inches per day, causing large yield reductions if it goes uncontrolled. Control is often challenging, as Palmer amaranth has resistance to many different herbicides. Palmer amaranth is on Minnesota’s prohibited noxious weed eradicate list. For more information and tips on identifying this weed, visit https://extension.umn.edu/annual-broadleaf-weeds/preventing-palmer-amaranth-minnesota.

If you suspect Palmer amaranth on your farm, please contact one of the parties listed below.

Arrest the Pest — web: http://www.mda.state.mn. us/plants-insects/arrest-pest; email: arrest.the.pest@ state.mn.us; phone: (888) 545-6684.

Denise Theide, Minnesota Department of Agriculture — email: Densie.Theide@state.mn.us; phone: (651) 201-6531

Anthony Cortilet, Minnesota Department of Agriculture — email: Anthony.Cortilet@state.mn.us; phone: (651) 201-6538

Shane Blair, Minnesota Department of Agriculture — email: Shane.Blair@state.mn.us; phone: (507) 884- 2116

Bruce Potter, University of Minnesota Extension — email: bpotter@umn.edu.

This article was submitted by Nathan Drewitz, Jared Goplen, Adam Austing, and Chryseis Modderman, University of Minnesota Extension. v

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EPA rejects refinery waivers of ethanol blending

It may seem farmers can’t catch a break in 2020, but there was a little good news to celebrate this week. On Sept. 14, federal regulators refused to allow a group of petroleum refiners in 14 states to forego requirements to blend ethanol into the gasoline they make.

Congress required blending of at least 15 billion gallons of ethanol a year into the nations fuel supply. The waivers were originally designed to help small refineries meet the federally-mandated ethanol targets. However, much to the chagrin of corn growers, larger refineries also have received exemptions from the Trump administration.

The petroleum refiners had sought 54 exemptions retroactively (some as far back as 2011) which would have allowed the petroleum industry to remove hundreds of millions of gallons of corn-based ethanol from the market.

The decision from the EPA rejects 54 so-called “gap-year” petitions which allowed refiners to skip blending in ethanol between 2011 and 2018, though

Book is relevant with current events

BOOKWORM, from pg. 6

If you do, bring your knowledge of current events because Galligan ripped the pages out of a bunch of news magazines to make this book relevant and as fresh as country air. Bring a bookmark, though you probably really won’t need it. And remember: two jumps left foot, two jumps right, and the thrills inside “Dead Man Dancing” will get your heart hopping.

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

Palmer Amaranth

PALMER AMARANTH, from pg. 9

hybridus, respectively). Redroot and smooth pigweeds have fine hairs on their stems and leaves. Palmer amaranth and waterhemp do not have these hairs. The petiole (stalk connecting a leaf to the stem) is longer than the length of the leaf. For waterhemp, the petiole will be only half the length of the leaf. Seedhead spikes on female Palmer amaranth plants are much taller (up to three feet long) and pricklier than waterhemp or redroot and smooth pigweed spikes.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v another 14 are still under consideration. The EPA found the applicants did not make a sufficient economic case for needing a break.

Tensions between refiners and the corn and ethanol producers arose in 2019 after EPA approved more than 80 waivers for refiners.

The Renewable Fuels Association sued, which prompted the latest round of waivers EPA is now rejecting.

“Rejecting the petitions is simply the right thing to do, and today’s decision marks a big step forward toward fully restoring integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard. This should serve as the final nail in the coffin of these gap-year petitions, and we are eager to put this dark and sordid chapter in the history of the RFS behind us once and for all,” the Renewable Fuels Association, which represents ethanol producers, said in a statement.

Iowa Democrat Representative Abby Finkenauer agreed the EPA decision will help Iowa farmers, but

MORRIS, Minn. — Organic dairy farmers will soon have additional resources for improving management strategies from the University of Minnesota certified organic dairy program located at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, Minn.

Dr. Bradley Heins, Associate Professor of Dairy Science at the WCROC, was recently awarded three grants totaling $2.1 million to further research in the areas of disbudding alternatives for organic dairy calves, pre-weaned calf rearing options, and the effect of high-legume diets on milk quality. The grants were provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Disbudding, or horn removal, presents a unique challenge in pain management for organic dairy producers. They must use organic-approved treatments and management practices while maintaining animal welfare. This research project will look at alternative methods for disbudding and pain management and provide scientific evidence to producers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency reminds Iowa and Minnesota producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance for fall-planted crops (such as cultivated wild rice, forage production, grass seed, mint, rye and wheat) is Sept. 30 for the 2021 crop year. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Sept. 30 sales reminded that the Trump administration had approved previous waivers which removed 4 billion gallons of ethanol from production. “Today’s decision by the EPA to reject dozens of pending petitions for small refinery exemptions should have been made years ago — before the Administration gave 85 exemptions to oil companies. They shouldn’t be celebrated for deciding not to further worsen the economic challenges our rural communities are currently facing,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said in a release.

While maintaining the ethanol production levels, the EPA decision also is likely to bring an end to the small refinery exemptions that have plagued the ethanol industry. If the decision isn’t appealed or if it is upheld on appeal, only a few small refineries would remain eligible for waivers, said Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

This report was compiled from releases from vari

www.TheLandOnline.com Grants aim to improve organic dairies

ous sources. v

Dr. Heins and his research team will be evaluating various calf rearing options in the context of calf health, welfare, and wellbeing. Specifically, they will look at individual housing, group housing, pair housing, and raising calves with cows on pasture. Ultimately, the team will provide recommendations on best calf rearing options for organic producers. Using a multiregional approach, the University of Minnesota is partnering with the University of New Hampshire and the University of Maine to look at how farmers can utilize nutrient-rich legumes on pasture to positively impact milk production and herd health. Research projects began Sept. 1 and continue through 2023. For more information about the organic dairy program at the WCROC, visit z.umn.edu/wcrocdairy or follow on Instagram @umnwcrocdairy. This article was submitted by University of Crop insurance deadline nears

Minnesota. v closing date to do so.

Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should contact their crop insurance agents. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.

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