Opinion

418 South Second St. P.O. Box 3287 Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XXXIX ❖ No. 23 32 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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Cover photo by Paul Malchow

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Opinion 2-4 Farm and Food File 4 Table Talk 6 Cooking With Kristin 7 Green & Growing 8 From The Fields 19 Mielke Market Weekly 20 Swine & U 22 Marketing 23-24 Auctions/Classifieds 26-31 Advertiser Listing 31 Back Roads 32

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Kumbaya

Although it seems U.S. President Americans who voted for Donald Trump. Donald J. Trump is prepared to sulk his This is not exactly a mandate for Biden’s way to next year’s inauguration, voters “plans.” I suspect passions will have have selected Joe Biden as their next cooled a bit by Jan. 20, 2021, but there president. Social distancing fell by the are more elephants in the room than a wayside as Biden supporters danced in game farm in Tanzania. the streets and a sizeable throng gathered in Wilmington, Del. to hear Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris speak. Perhaps euphoria is the anti-Covid element we’ve been searching for these last eight months. LAND MINDS By Paul Malchow Of course, foremost on everyone’s list is Covid-19. On Nov. 9 the morning newscasts were breathlessly hailing the possibility of a vaccine. Military leaders have assured a distribution system is in place, but so many questions remain as to numBiden ran his “I’m not Donald Trump” campaign hard, steady and OPINION ber of doses needed, who gets first dibs and what about the people who unwavering. Reassurances to the vot- wouldn’t get vaccinated for anything ing public he has “a plan” to deal with (fill in the anywhere at any time over their dead bodies? blank) seemed to be good enough to win votes because … well, Biden is not Donald Trump. But an even bigger concern is the economic pandemic which has yet to gain full strength. Trillions of

The Covid-19 epidemic showcased the ideological government dollars have already been spent in an expanse between the two candidates and proved to effort to keep the boat afloat. (An interesting angle be Biden’s best ally. The pandemic allowed Biden to on Socialism, but I’m not going there today.) Add this limit public appearances which was beneficial on government aid to an already-disturbing national two fronts. debt. Throw in the millions of out-of-work taxpayers First, it controlled the campaign message — removing any spontaneity and political gaffs Biden has earned a reputation for during his time of public service. There were no heated exchanges between Biden and supporters/dissenters. Even the presidential debates were designed to stay on topic. The fact that Trump was such a buffoon during the debates just greased the wheels of Biden’s strategy. and businesses who aren’t paying taxes right now — and probably won’t be for some time to come. Health care reform, global warming and immigration are all good issues, but I haven’t heard any “plans” as to where the dollars are coming from. Making the wealthy pay their “fair share” (whatever that might be) sounds good on the campaign trail, but leaves a lot to the imagination when putting it in practice.

Second, Biden did not have to endure the normal n rigors of a presidential campaign. Covid-19 allowed One last thought on the election results (at least Biden a more relaxed schedule which kept him for today): Collin Peterson was unceremoniously mentally and physically rested. Even as such, at shown the door by Congressional District 7 voters. times Biden looked and moved very much like a Ever the diplomat, Peterson said voters were look77-year-old man; but it was much easier to hide. ing for a change and he would abide by their wishIn the late stages of the campaign and during his Wilmington acceptance speech, Biden wasted little time placing the success of his presidency at our feet. It is up to us to bury the hatchet, set aside our differes. But Peterson was an agriculture force to be reckoned with on Capitol Hill. Farmers within and outside of Peterson’s district might find out the hard way what his absence entails. ences and work together — not as Democrats or I heard today Peterson could be in line to take Republicans, but as “Americans.” The fact that this over the USDA from Sonny Perdue. Perhaps at 76 philosophy is nowhere to be found in our nation’s cap- years of age, the position might be a good repose for ital seems to be beside the point. Biden has “a plan” Peterson from the rigors of Congress. and it is up to us as loyal Americans to support it.

The major fly in Biden’s ointment is the 71 million See LAND MINDS, pg. 6

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

12 — Farm financial outlook is guarded, but optimistic 14 — 2020 sugar beet crop was a much-needed shot in the arm 15 — Processing and distribution drives navy bean production

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