43 minute read
Green & Growing
Late fall is easy time of year to identify buckthorn
Is there a bush or small tree (possibly 1854treatyauthority.org/images/IDCompa up to 20 feet tall) on your property that is risonsofInvasiveBuckthorn&Honeysuckle still green? There is a noxious weed toNativePlantsinNEMN which has a lot known as buckthorn which is likely to of pictures of both the common and the still have green leaves — even after our glossy buckthorn and the plants that they recent low temperatures. may be confused with.
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The problem plants are the common or The name “buckthorn” comes from the European buckthorn (Rhamnus catharti- GREEN AND two slightly curved horn-like projections ca) and the glossy buckthorn (Frangula GROWING at the end of each stem. They look like alnus). Both varieties have male and female plants with berries found only on By Linda G. Tenneson the hooves of a buck deer. In between the horn-like projections is a small thorn. the female plants. Common buckthorn Both a female and a has serrated or male plant are saw-toothed leaves, needed to produce while the glossy berries. buckthorn has There is also a native version called Alder-leaf buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia) which looks like the problem non-native plant. However, the native version is shorter — growing to only 3 feet tall and is not aggressive. leaves with smooth on the edges. The glossy buckthorn prefers to grow in wet areas, but has been found in other places. The bark is smooth and shiny, and gray or brown with light-colored lenticels or corky projections. If the outer layer of the bark is scraped
The web site with a knife, the extension.umn.edu/ inner layer is identify-invasivespecies/commonbuckthorn has a video which Buckthorn will retain its leaves much later after most trees and shrubs have shed theirs – making the invasive plant easier to identify and eradicate. orange. The leaves are dark green and oval — plus the leaf veins are easy to describes the best see. The leaves do not change color in the fall. The way to identify buckthorn. Another useful website is plant flowers in May or June and produces small
AMES, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is announcing a new educational program aimed at delivering crop production information directly to farmers and agribusinesses.
CropsTV provides the convenience of viewing at home, office or anywhere there’s an internet connection. Live webinars allow interaction with specialists, presenters and panelists. On-demand viewing of topics allows schedule flexibility. Participants can select from over 30 topics from Iowa State University faculty and staff as well as invited guest presenters. The 10-week program launches Dec. 1.
CropsTV replaces the Integrated Crop Management Conference, originally scheduled for Dec. 2-3, and the Crop Advantage Series, scheduled for January at 14 Iowa locations. These two programs are temporarily suspended due to safety concerns for attendees and staff as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and are scheduled to return next year. CropsTV was developed to reach this audience conveniently, safely and effectively in the absence of these two programs. “As pandemic uncertainty continues, there is still a need for science-based agronomic information,” said Mark Licht, assistant professor in agronomy and cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “The ICM Conference and Crop Advantage meetings were very effective at providing timely information to producers. CropsTV will provide the same top-quality programming Iowa farmers and agronomists have come to expect from ISU Extension and Outreach in a safe and accessible format.” The 10-week CropsTV season begins Dec. 1 and continues through Feb. 4, 2021. Live webinars are scheduled each week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9-10 a.m. Recordings of previous webinars, as well as additional topics, will be available for on-demand viewing throughout the program. berries which turn from green to black and remain on the plant in the winter. A problem with identifying buckthorn is that it can be confused with native plants such as wild cherry, wild plum, chokecherry and dogwood.
Native buckthorn has stipules or long green extensions at the base of each stalk, and it does not have thorns. There are also some differences between the flowers of the native and non-native plants. Go to minnesotawildflowers.info/shrub/ alder-leaved-buckthorn for more details and illustrations of the stipules.
The non-native buckthorn is an aggressive grower which crowds out native plants and shelters the soybean aphid insect. Plus, the plant gives off a chemical which keeps other plant seeds from germinating. It creates dense shade, crowding out native plants. Once established, it is difficult to remove. Both non-native buckthorn plants are on the restricted noxious weed list. It is illegal to import, sell or transport them in Minnesota.
If the berries are eaten by birds, they have a laxative effect and are quickly defecated in other locations. Unfortunately, the seeds have a high germination rate and can remain viable for five or more years.
Young plants may be pulled out of the ground with their roots. Taller established plants can be sawed off near ground level. However, the remaining stumps must be sprayed with herbicide — making sure to cover the cambium or growing layer outside the heartwood and just under the bark. If not treated, the remaining roots will sprout — creating many new plants.
Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota
ISU Extension announces CropsTV for viewing at home
master gardener and tree care advisor. v Webinars will be a combination of live presentations and pre-recorded content, with a live question and answer session allowing discussion and interaction with presenters.
Registration for CropsTV is $45 and includes all live webinar broadcasts, on-demand viewing of previous webinars and over 30 CCA credits. Online registration opens mid-November.
Additional information is available at www.aep. iastate.edu/cropstv. For questions, contact ANR Program Services at (515) 294-6429, or email cropstv@iastate.edu
This article was submitted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. v
Always follow stewardship practices in accordance with the Product Use Guide (PUG) or other product-specific stewardship requirements including grain marketing and pesticide label directions. Varieties with BOLT® technology provide excellent plant-back flexibility for soybeans following application of sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides such as DuPont™ LeadOff® or DuPont™ Basis® Blend as a component of a burndown program or for doublecrop soybeans following SU herbicides such as DuPont™ Finesse® applied to wheat the previous fall. Always follow grain marketing, stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Varieties with the Glyphosate Tolerant trait (including those designated by the letter “R” in the product number) contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate herbicides. Glyphosate herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Always follow grain marketing, stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Varieties with the Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® (RR2Y) trait contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Genuity®, Roundup® and Roundup Ready 2 Yield® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC used under license. Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible. Varieties with the STS® trait are tolerant to certain sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides. This technology allows post-emergent applications of DuPont™ Synchrony® XP and DuPont™ Classic® herbicides without crop injury or stress (see herbicide product labels). NOTE: A soybean variety with a herbicide tolerant trait does not confer tolerance to all herbicides. Spraying herbicides not labeled for a specific soybean variety will result in severe plant injury or plant death. Always read and follow herbicide label directions and precautions for use.
Varieties with the LibertyLink® (LL) gene are resistant to Liberty® herbicide. Liberty®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are registered trademarks of BASF.
DO NOT APPLY DICAMBA HERBICIDE IN-CROP TO SOYBEANS WITH Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® technology unless you use a dicamba herbicide product that is specifically labeled for that use in the location where you intend to make the application. IT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAW TO MAKE AN IN-CROP APPLICATION OF ANY DICAMBA HERBICIDE PRODUCT ON SOYBEANS WITH Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® technology, OR ANY OTHER PESTICIDE APPLICATION, UNLESS THE PRODUCT LABELING SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZES THE USE. Contact the U.S. EPA and your state pesticide regulatory agency with any questions about the approval status of dicamba herbicide products for in-crop use with soybeans with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® technology. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS.
Soybeans with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® technology contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate and dicamba. Glyphosate herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Dicamba will kill crops that are not tolerant to dicamba. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC used under license. Varieties with Enlist E3® (E3) technology: The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Dow AgroSciences LLC and M.S. Technologies L.L.C. The Enlist weed control system is owned and developed by Dow AgroSciences LLC. Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use in Enlist crops. Always read and follow label directions. Consult Enlist herbicide labels for weed species controlled. P = Plenish® high oleic soybeans for contract production only. Plenish® high oleic soybeans have an enhanced oil profile and are produced and channeled under contract to specific grain markets. Growers should refer to the Pioneer Product Use Guide on www.pioneer.com/stewardship for more information. SCN = Resistant to one or more races of soybean cyst nematode.
Partisan split isolates farmers
Opinion courtesy of The Free Press Mankato. The Free Press and The OPINION limited to Minnesota. It is not certain who will follow Peterson as chairman of Land are sister publications owned by the ag committee, but next on the The Free Press Media. seniority list is Rep. David Scott of Georgia, whose Minnesota’s Democratic party has a unique official name: the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. But the “F” in DFL has become rather faded. district is in the suburbs of Atlanta. Another prominent possibility is Rep. Marcia Fudge, who represents an urban district in northeast Ohio. The latest manifestation of this came last week when the dean of the state’s congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, was defeated in his bid for a 16th term. It may turn out that the voters of Minnesota’s 7th District should have been more careful about their wishes. To be sure, a third veteran of the panel, Rep. Jim Costa of California, would be a more traditional, commodity-oriented chairman for the panel. But scan the roster of the Democrats on the ag committee, and you won’t find many from districts whose economies are rooted in corn and soybeans. Peterson has represented the 7th District — a sprawling geographical district that covers most of western Minnesota, stretching from the borders of Canada and North Dakota to Sibley County in this area — since 1991. With that lengthy tenure in the House comes power and influence. That Peterson would eventually pass the torch was inevitable; nobody holds office forever, even if the electorate cooperates. But his departure from the nation’s Capitol underlines the growing geographic and demographic divide between the two major parties: The Democrats are increasingly multicultural and urban; the Republicans are increas-
His electoral loss to Michelle Fischbach means the ingly white and rural.heavily agricultural district has booted the chairman of the House ag committee for somebody who will be not only at the bottom of the seniority list but a member of the minority to boot. When the House majority has few rural members — as is the case now and will be in the next Congress — it is less likely to prioritize the concerns of rural America. That has obvious implica-
What’s more, Peterson was an increasingly rare tions for agriculture policy. v creature in the House: a Democrat from a farming S:9.666" T:10.166" B:10.166" district. The party’s problem in rural America is not
wants to hear from you! Letters to the editor are always welcome. Send your letters to: Editor, The Land P.O. Box 3287, 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.
Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. TM ® SM Trademarks and service marks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2020 Corteva. PION0LOCL055
Perennial crop insurance deadline nears
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency is reminding growers the final date to apply for crop insurance for perennial crops (such as apples, cranberries, grapes, and tart cherries) is Nov. 20 for the 2021 crop year.
Growers who are interested in the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection policy and are late fiscal year filers have until Nov. 20 to apply for crop insurance.
Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Nov. 20 sales closing date to do so.
Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2021 crop year. Agents can help producers determine what policy works best for their operation and review existing coverage to ensure the policy meets their needs.
This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. v
TRANSPARENT DATA. CLEAR RESULTS.
To see the latest results near you, contact your local Pioneer sales professional or text HARVEST to 94353.
PIONEER® PRODUCT/BRAND
P13T61E™ brand P16T58E™ brand P20T64E™ brand P22T86E™ brand P24T35E™ brand RM
1.3 1.6 1.9 2.2 2.4 COMPETITOR VARIETY/ BRAND
STINE 19EA32 STINE 19EA32 STINE 19EA32 STINE 19EA32 STINE 19EA32
NUMBER OF COMPARI SONS
27 30 30 27 17
Pioneer.com/harvest
PERCENTAGE OF WINS
67% 57% 73% 59% 53%
PIONEER YIELD ADVANTAGE (BU/A)
2.1 1.3 2.6 1.3 1.5
Data is based on an average of 2020 comparisons made in eastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota, northern Iowa through November 9, 2020. Comparisons are against any number of products of the indicated competitor brand, unless otherwise stated, and within +/- 6 RM of the competitive brand. Product responses are variable and subject to any number of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data are a better predictor of future performance. DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION. Refer to www.pioneer.com or contact a Pioneer sales representative or authorized dealer for the latest and complete listing of traits and scores for each Pioneer® brand product. By texting HARVEST, you agree to receive recurring autodialed marketing text messages at the phone number you provide. Your consent is not a condition of purchase. Message and data rates may apply. pioneer.com/privacy Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. TM ® SM Trademarks and service marks of Corteva Agriscience and its a liated companies. © 2020 Corteva. PION0LOCL055_TP
Local banker is optimistic after healthy crop year
By DICK HAGEN
The Land Staff Writer Emeritus
OLIVIA, Minn. — As Minnesota’s first ‘winter storm’ was blanketing fields with 6 to 8 inches of snow, F&M Bank President Erik Peterson was graciously willing to share a few minutes of his time on Oct. 22.
Peterson, 40, is into his third year Erik Peterson as bank president. He grew up as a farm kid with his father, Rabbi, and grandfather Paul, raising corn, soybeans, and pig farming on their farmstead just north of Olivia. Peterson majored in mechanical engineering at North Dakota State University. Upon graduating, Emerson Electric out of St. Louis offered him a position and a Master’s degree opportunity at the University of Minnesota. Soon Peterson was flying to China and other Asian countries making business deals on behalf of Emerson Electric. After 14 years with Emerson, Peterson decided Minnesota agriculture and working in a bustling new bank in his hometown should be the next chapter in his life.
The Land: Was Crop Year 2020 a good year?
Peterson: We would have liked for the weather to cooperate a little bit longer here at the end, but it was a nice growing season. Yields are really good. Sugar beet crop so big that it’s maxing out the plant’s processing capacity. And great quality with over 17 percent sugar content. This is a welcome improvement after several years in the red for those producers.
Soybean and corn yields really good — even specialty crops like our edible navy beans were above average. Our sweet corn farmers faced some slowdowns because our canneries couldn’t always keep up with daily harvest from grower fields.
The Land: So the big question, how were yields on Petersen farms this year?
Peterson: They did fine. It’s all out of the field so that’s good! Now we’re wrapping up tillage and getting manure incorporated for next year’s corn crop. Vertical tillage has become popular — especially with more weather challenges each fall. Yesterday our Salford tillage equipment was working with several inches of snow on the ground. It gives you a little more window to work in tough conditions; it does a great job breaking down crop residue; and can build soil health by keeping more structure in place.
The Land: Is this season making your farm customers more financially healthy?
Peterson: Well, we won’t be seeing things quite as dire (meaning horrible) as they have the past couple of years. Good yields have helped; safety nets provided through USDA are important; and I give credit to farmers doing a good job keeping expenses in check. So overall, things are looking more reasonable than past years.
The Land: Is debt load an increasing reality in farm finances?
Peterson: Overall farm debt is on the rise, but we’re expecting it to cycle. Like most banks supporting agriculture, we take a long-term view across the ups and downs. Yes, some operations dug a bit of a hole in prior years. 2020 might backfill some debt, but there’s still work to do.”
The Land: Some economists say money is a ‘bargain’ these days with interest rates on a downward trend. What are your thoughts?
also. — Erik Peterson
Peterson: Guidance from the FED (Federal Reserve Board) tells us short-term interest rates are not expected to change for potentially a few years. That should keep variable rate operating loan costs down. Long-term money, for land or buildings, looks pretty optimistic right now also. Bonds are a primary money source and those rates are staying low; but they’re tougher to predict. There’s a lot of uncertainty around inflation and where it might go, but the FED recently indicated that when it starts to creep up, they’ll let it run longer than they have in the past before they pump the brake … creating a likely delay or lag for when they would increase benchmark interest rates.
The Land: What are these rates today?
Peterson: They’re historically low. On home loans for example, we saw the 15-year rates as low as low to mid-2s. Land deals are pretty variable, but typically start with a 4. Yes, I recall my Granddad Paul trying to work with interest rates in the 20-22 percent range in the ‘80s. Almost impossible to believe today!
But now with these moderate rates on land it will be interesting to see the effect on land values. Over time, we see land values trend up when interest rates go down and vice versa. With lower rates, buyers might afford a little more in the budget and sellers might be asking for more. We’re already seeing this in residential housing. As rates go down there’s more people buying; and that’s part of the reason home prices are trending up these days.
The Land: Is it fair to say consumers — including farmers — have more money to put to work these days?
Peterson: I would say consumers face a mixed bag right now. Some real challenges facing many households while others are trying to find better return on their assets — especially those on a fixed income. The stock market has enjoyed a good run, but tough to weigh where it will go. Plus, safe investments, like money markets, have such low returns these days that people are looking for other ways to generate returns on their assets.
The Land: Now that China is rebuilding their swine industry, is the U.S. swine industry likely to continue in financial turmoil? (The Peterson family also operates a 4,000-hog grow out program which produces about 12,000 pigs yearly.)
Peterson: Yes, the hog market has been very turbulent. It’s tough to say what’s ahead, but for hog operations with some integration and hedging, they’ll be okay. We’re optimistic for the long term. China continues to grow. They have huge populations with increasing earnings. That tends to change diet preference to higher-end protein sources. And there’s only so much useable land in China so they’ll always need outside help. It’s just a question from where. They know it’s in their best interest to have multiple sources for the same product. So even as China rebuilds their internal supply chain for pork, many expect we’ll still see solid overall exports of U.S. farm products to China.
The Land: Do you advise your farm customers on marketing — particularly on hedging?
Peterson: A good question. It’s really up to our customers. We offer an opinion when asked and let our farmers run their operations. Like many ag banks, if a customer wants to get bigger into hedging to manage their marketing risk, we’ll break out a separate account to keep a clean financial structure. We don’t want to see their hedging account being muddied up with their operating money.”
The Land: With record crop yields around here, did growers have adequate bin space?
Peterson: Apparently so. We’re not seeing outdoor corn piles. Plus virtually all corn went directly from the combine into storage, bypassing the dryers. Being able to avoid the cost, the labor, and the time of having to dry your grain before storage is a substantial saving. One farmer joked his savings on propane this year can make his annual payment on his new dryer. Good sense of humor. Also, teams at the local elevators did an excellent job of moving grain as needed — both on exports out and new grain in. Nothing was overloaded like last year.
The Land: With more and more money needed by farmers to run their operations each year, is the banking industry continuing as a dependable financial source?
Peterson: Yes, we’re very much aware of farming getting more capital intense which also applies to we lenders. We’re fortunate to have common ownership with a few other larger banks in rural Minnesota, so
See PETERSON, pg. 16
After tough years, 2020 sugar beet crop a needed hit By DICK HAGEN “We’ve been reviewing this system since about harvesters and other big equipment.” The Land Staff Writer Emeritus For veteran Bird Island area farmer Keith McNamara, sugar beet farming dates back into the 1980s. However, he recalls in the 1960s, ‘70s era his father, Larry, would haul his beets to a processing facility at Chaska, Minn. After that plant’s demise, Larry and other Minnesota beet farmers would haul to a rail-car siding in Bird Island for railroad delivery to sugar beet processing facility on the north edge of Mason City, Iowa. Fast forward to the May, 1973 construction start of the huge Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Company facility at Renville, Minn. Larry was a charter board member of the new co-op. In 1975 nearly 50,000 acres of beets were planted by 400 farmers in 12 westcentral Minnesota counties. That 1975 crop produced 2012,” admitted SMBSC Vice President of Agriculture Todd Geselius. “We’ve looked at different ways, but still haven’t found the best way that works for us. We did not use it that past two years when we had smaller crops. But when we did have larger crops we used as a way to mitigate how many tons were going into our various piling sites. This year we are sending these loads directly here to the factory.” In 2020, 380 growers planted 121,500 acres and produced an estimated 3.5 million tons of sugar beets. A typical beet weighs 2 pounds, is 75% moisture and produces 6-8 ounces of processed sugar. Minnesota is #1 sugar beet producing state (tons produced). With semi rigs being loaded at the end of this field, isn’t there a fair amount of soil compaction occurring? “Sure, if soils were wet this would be a concern,” explained Geselius. “You can’t avoid compaction when you’re running loaded beet trucks over the same portion of a field. But with the extremely favorable weather conditions for this harvest — plus remarkably dry soils — it’s a lesser issue this year.” None the less, grower Ron Mehlhouse was using a big 4WD tractor and vertical tillage machine on this compacted area as soon as the semi rigs departed the field. Geselius was reluctant to predict how big the 2020 sugar beet crop will be. “I’d rather not put a number 768,000 tons of sugar beets. Minnesota accounts for 35% of national sugar beet out today,” he said. “We’ll know in about three weeks Since that time, continual improvements and additions have increased grower base to 465 shareholders and 100,000 shares. SMBSC has also made many economic contributions over the years. Currently, production. The Russian Federation tops the world in sugar beet production. Their 2018 crop produced 42.1 million tones accounting for 15.27 percent of the world’s sugar beet when this harvest season will be pretty much wrapped up, assuming no weather interruptions. Yes, lots of good yields out there. I can’t predict a record, but it will be close.” there are nearly 500 shareholders with operations in production. The next four top countries are America, Geselius added SMBSC growers planted about 121, 17 counties. The largest sugar beet plant in the Germany, France and Turkey which account for 56.92 500 acres this season. He said there were a few United States employs 350 full-time and 450 sea- percent of the world’s production based on 2018 data. drowned-out spots, but he figures about 119,000 sonal workers. SMBSC produces enough sugar for acres will be harvested. And good sugar content too. 12.5 million people. “The last few days sugar contents have been quite I visited with Keith on Oct. 9 as he monitored his fleet of 10 semi rigs being field-loaded by a huge German-built machine. The unit gathered beets from a half-mile long berm of freshly-harvested beets on the west end of a 180-acre sugar beet field. For us newcomers to such a scene, I mostly just marveled this new system. Beets get field loaded and delivered directly to the processing plant. Surpriing to me, this is how the beet crop is routinely handled in Germany where fields are smaller. They don’t use piling sites located in various parts of their sugar beet production areas. If SMBSC were to adopt this system it could justify a significant reduction in manpower and equipment. “But that created other problems because we eliminated ‘management pile’ techniques in the process. So we’re trying to find a different way to utilize the machine. So this year we’re putting these beets into long-term storage piles to see how they store. If they store, that opens some new possibilities. When fieldloaded such as from the Mehlhouse field, the beets are quite clean. This year’s harvest is uniquely good in that respect.” Called a ReLoader machine, the Germany-based company manufacturing this particular machine is HOMER. Geselius noted other companies make similar machines. “A more commonly-known name is ROPA. These companies also make self-propelled See SUGAR BEETS, pg. 18 good … helped by this great sunshine and favorable temps. It looks like we’re going to average about 17 percent when all done.” The SMBSC processing facility located east side of Renville has the appetite to handle a big harvest. “When we’re clipping along we can do about 16,000 tons per hour,” said Geselius. And if growers averaged 30 tons per acre you can do the arithmetic on total tonnage to be processed. That transcends into about 223 days (mid-April) processing campaign without disruptive slowdowns. Summed up Geselius, “It’s so refreshing to not have
Proactively Managing Soybean Cyst Nematode
Agronomic insights and innovations for forward-thinking farming.
Some producers have started to encounter severe soybean cyst nematode (SCN) infestations recently, even in fields where resistant varieties have been planted. The above-ground symptoms can be quite subtle but are verified by examining roots in summer for cysts on the roots or by soil testing for SCN egg counts. This widespread and yield-robbing pest can develop resistant strains that escape some varietal genetic resistance.
There are currently three main sources for genetic resistance to SCN in commercially available soybeans: PI88788, PI548402 (Peking), and PI437654 (Hartwig and CystX). PI88788 is used in most existing SCN-resistant varieties and only a small number use PI548402 or PI437654. Unfortunately, recent years have seen the most common resistance lose effectiveness as a management tool.
The first step to managing SCN is to test your fields and determine the level of infestation. Soybean specialists now recommend retesting infested fields every six years. Be sure to Sample at the same time of year and following the same crop each time – SCN populations vary during the growing season and in response to host and non-host crops.
Rotating to different resistant varieties such as Peking is recommended if SCN populations are increasing. The Peking source of SCN resistance was identified from an older soybean cultivar and has been associated with yield drag, but luckily, Pioneer has been using molecular markers to isolate Peking genes and eliminate yield drag associated with the trait.
You should also consider seed treatments as an added layer of protection. Several nematicide seed treatments with activity against SCN are currently available and can provide added protection when used with a SCN-resistant soybean variety. These nematicide seed treatments are intended to supplement current SCN management strategies, not replace them.
Finally, rotation to non-host crops is helpful to reduce SCN pressure. Corn, alfalfa and small grains are the most common non-crop choices for reducing SCN numbers. While this will reduce pressure, it will not fully eliminate it as SCN may persist in soil for many years. For more information, contact your local Pioneer sales representative or visit Pioneer® agronomy at pioneer.com/agronomy.
Sign up to receive the latest agronomy updates for your geography from Pioneer at
pioneer.com/signup.
CLYDE TIFFANY
Field Agronomist Spicer, MN
Are edible beans still the ‘quiet crop?’
By DICK HAGEN
The Land Staff Writer Emeritus
Over the years I’ve liked to keep the readers of The Land informed about the commodity of edible beans. In December 2006 I wrote an article, “Edible beans, Minnesota’s ‘quiet crop’.” I led off the article with this: Perhaps because Minnesota ranks only sixth in the nation in the proRobb Zenk duction of dry edible beans, this crop seldom makes farm magazine headlines. Depending on the price outlook, Minnesota farmers grow only 120,000 to 170,000 acres per year.
This fall (2007) the edible bean crop is making good coffee shop conversation because it appears to be generating more revenue per acre than soybeans. With potential new uses such as a renewable fuel resource, the crop could have a brighter future.
Bounce ahead to November 2009 when my message read: Sometimes you just luck out — especially when Mother Nature assists with the production of record yields. Such is the satisfaction of Minnesota farmers growing navy beans in 2009
Check the arithmetic:
Yields generally exceeding 3,000 pounds per acre.
Contract prices at $27 per hundredweight.
Total production costs (land at $200) of about $350 per acre.
That shows a net profit of $460 per acre. And with some yields zipping up to 3,900 lbs./acre there’s little doubt navy beans put some bucks into grower’s bank account.
So much for past history.
What’s the coffee shop talk this year? Even diehard conservatives are chattering about harvest yields from all crops this year — including dry edible beans. So today I’m zeroing in on two dependable sources: Robb Zenk, agronomist/technical field rep for the Archer Daniels Midland-owned facility in Olivia; and Zach Ankney, plant manager of this ADM facility.
Zenk has been a navy bean grower for over 20 years and keeps a keen but cautious eye on each navy bean crop — particularly as it relates to potential production the next season. “Next year’s acres depend upon how much of this year’s crop gets processed and moves into commercial markets,” Zenk explained. “We can only handle so much here at our Olivia facility. Navys are a contract crop, so the industry closely follows both production and marketing cycles.”
Some navy beans move into export markets. United Kingdom countries have been long-time buyers of U.S. edible beans. The United States is the sixthleading exporter of dry edible beans behind Brazil, India, China, Burma and Mexico. Currently, about 20 percent of American-grown beans are shipped to 100 different countries around the globe.
Years back, growers often needed special harvesting equipment for edible beans. Not so today, says Zenk. “Navy beans don’t require any special equipment. Yes, more fertility and management than soybeans; but less than corn or sugar beets. And disease issues such as Rhizobia, Fusaria root rot can be an issue. Also good weed control. Often desiccants are used to kill late-season weeds ahead of harvest.”
Zenk’s beans are hauled directly to the Olivia facility. Once delivered, beans are processed, cleaned and either bagged or bulk stored until orders start moving them into delivery across America and export countries around the world. Beans move out in everything from 50-100 pound bags, 2,000-pound totes or bulk delivery — either by semis or rail cars. “Essentially you tell us how you want your navy beans packaged and delivered … that’s how we do business,” related Zenk.
In 2018, Otter Tail County was the largest dry edible bean-producing county in Minnesota with 353,000 hundredweight. Otter Tail was also the highest-yielding county averaging 2,540 pounds per acre. Chippewa and Kandiyohi were second and third, respectively. Minnesota produced 3.96 million hundredweight of dry edible beans. This is up 11 percent from 2017. Yield increased 170 pounds from last year to 2,360 pounds per acre.
As a well-trained agronomist and now a veteran farmer, Zenk pays attention to genetic improvements in navy bean varieties — similar to his strict adherence to genetic improvements in the corn, soybean and sugar beet varieties he plants each season.
“We’re continually trying one to two new varieties each season,” he said. “That’s important so we’re not stuck on one variety like we often were in past seasons. Yep, it’s a competitive business for seed providers of these edible crops also.”
“Up-right varieties are now common which have greatly lessened harvest problems. A major focus of breeders is strong, up-right plants with higher pod set and greater disease resistance. Easier harvest ability is the goal. Rust used to be a challenge, but not so anymore in navies”
Zenk’s favorite variety is HMS Medalist, by far the largest acreage planted in this area. It’s a 103-day
WORTHINGTON, Minn. — Like many annual events, this year’s Soil Management Summit, formerly known as the Conservation Tillage Conference or CTC, has had to make the transition from in-person to online.
The Soil Management Summit emphasizes proven farmer experience and applied science. Straight from the fields, learn how heavier, colder soils aren’t necessarily the challenge they’re made out to be. Hear from long-time no-till, reduced tillage and cover crop farmers as they share their experiences.
maturity. Zenk plants 100,000-120,000 seeds per acre in 22-inch rows. And no rush into early planting. To the contrary: he stressed the importance of warmer soil temps so late May into the first week of June is his date. “Memorial Day plus or minus a week is the planting window I recommend,” summed up Zenk. An enticement into edible bean production is the option of contract pricing a portion of your crop, even before planting. “Yes, so many pounds per acre at a given price is the contract format,” explained Zenk. “Last year we were in the upper 20s, lower 30s. This year, because of good harvests in all production areas, ADM (and I suspect all major handlers) are delaying forward pricing contract info for the 2021 growing season.” He wraps “Yes, 2020 produced a nice, clean crop for all of us. So let’s hope Mother Nature repeats again next year.” “Yes, 2020 was a great year,” concurred Ankney. “Everyone got planted timely. Lots of extended sunshine days after June showers developed healthy plants. Harvests were virtually without weather interruptions; so I’m guessing yields this season ranged from 2,800 to 3,200-pound averages….and obviously some pushing into the high 30s. Plus it was a very clean crop … pick discounts at a minimum. Growers are happy.” Navy bean board price was 26 cents on Oct 14. Ankney said last year it was at 20 cents. Sure, he’s aware growers would like more acres next year based on yields, pricing and uniquely good harvesting this year. “We normally contract enough to fill the elevator every year so we’re pretty much limited to 10,000 acres yearly goal. Right at 90 percent of our production gets marketed directly to our major canner customers for usage right here in America.” That includes delivery to some Minnesota canners, but Zach said canners across America are on the delivery list so that means a combination of truck and rail deliveries. The Olivia facility was built in the mid-1970s. Since then, a couple of additional storage tanks were built. Total bulk storage today is 285,000 hundredweight Soil Management Summit Dec. 15-16
which translates to 450,000 bushels. v
Some of this year’s topics include tillage erosion, soil organic matter and water dynamics, and the conference staple - a panel of farmers sharing their own personal experiences with soil management.
For more information and to register, visit z.umn. edu/SMS2020
This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
Seehusen brothers pleased with hemp firm’s first year
By DICK HAGEN
The Land Staff Writer Emeritus
OLIVIA, Minn. — With the 2020 harvest behind us, I thought I’d check in on prairiePROducers— the Olivia hemp brokerage started up by brothers Tim and Paul Seehusen. The firm works with area farmers to fill hemp contracts with assorted Tim Seehusen product producers and the Seehusens were aiming for 1,000 acres planted in 2020.
“No, we didn’t reach that 1,000-acre goal,” Tim admitted. “Our growers planted 180 acres. However, we did a bunch of learning and that should make next year’s crop a little bit better. We were hoping for 5,000 to 7,000 pounds of fiber per acre. We were using seed varieties out of Canada. In our lower latitudes down here we likely didn’t get full growth out of the plants. Longer summer days up there make some difference.” “Next year we’ll be going only with an all-fiber variety for a little more weight and height. Yes, 7,000 lbs. would be an excellent crop. The right variety with a growing season like this year and 9,000-pound yields are doable too. This year we averaged just a
Kent Thiesse lauded at Summit
Kent Thiesse, Senior Vice President at MinnStar Bank, was awarded the AgriGrowth Distinguished Service Award at the recent Minnesota Ag and Food Summit.
AgriGrowth Executive Director Tamara Nelsen stated, “I also want to add a special congratulations to Kent Thiesse. His significant contributions to agriculture and his leadership in our industry is greatly appreciated by everyone who knows him. He is very deserving of this recognition.”
Thiesse’s “Farm Programs” column appears in The Land every month.
Since 1968, ArgiGrowth has annually recognized an outstanding leader for their unique service and significant contributions to strengthening food systems and agriculture in Minnesota.
AgriGrowth is a non-profit and nonpartisan organization representing Minnesota’s agriculture and food industry. little over 5,000 pounds fiber. Our seed source will be from a European country with seed production in about the same latitude as us.”
He notes Wisconsin hemp growers getting 40 to 50 cents per pound for their grain; but nothing for the fiber (about 3 feet of fiber from each plant). “But we could be the buyer of this fiber. For them that would be just a little more frosting on the cake.”
Yet to be installed are decortication equipment and refining tools ”for combing out the fiber to make it more ‘cotton-like’ plus special equipment to process the hurd,” noted Tim. As word spreads into the financial world, Tim is very encouraged since potential investors are now contacting the Seehusens! Buyers will likely be scattered across the textile and manufacturing industries. So far, textile firms are primary contacts. ”We’re happy with this first year,” Tim exclaimed.
PETERSON, from pg. 12
we keep our local rural focus; but have the financial banking in our network to do larger projects. The current interest rate environment is helping too. Many operations are taking the opportunity to refinance and restructure their debt which helps their cash flow.
The Land: In situations such as wanting bigger equipment, or renting more land, or simply wanting to start farming … what’s the advice?
Peterson: We are a community bank so our major mission is to help grow and support our community. And if we have a financing request we can’t make work, we have no problem going out to other institutions. FSA often is that good helping hand for young and beginning farmers. Expansion might make sense, but not always. Each operation is unique. And yes, every banker has some challenging discussions. Unfortunately in some situations, “no” is the better answer — but only if we have explored every logical option available … either within our bank or with other financial sources. Sometimes an analytical, neutral opinion might not be the answer an owner wants to hear; but it can be important they hear and consider their options.
The Land: Slip on your Chamber of Commerce cap. Why should any farmer or business entity want to join with this Olivia community?
Peterson: This area continues to be a seedbed of success stories. We need to keep our entrepreneurial spirit to maintain our thriving community. At F&M we take pride in our building here in Olivia; formed years ago by farmers and business owners of the area, each with ties to the seed industry dating back “Yes, we made a few mistakes, but gratified we were spot-on with most of our decisions. Most of our growers did 20 acres with field sizes ranging from 10 acres to 50. One grower double-cropped after his pea harvest … that didn’t fare well. Yes, we know farmers like to experiment also … that’s what we appreciate about these guys. They were willing to take a chance on us.”
Grower contracts dictate growers don’t get their checks until “year end.” Once buyers get into the market, the revenue stream for prairiPROducers will be solidified. “So we’re enthused — even though our strategy is a reverse of starting a business. Usually you want the demand; then start the processing. But our potential buyers aren’t signing orders until they can be assured of steady supplies. And that’s why 2021 will really be our launching year,” summed up
Tim Seehusen. v to Trojan Seed some 60 years ago. Once you get that charisma working, it seems each generation feels a responsibility to keep it going and advancing to the next level. There’s a precedent of innovation from Renville County. Hemp farming may be next. The Seehusens and their team at PrairiePRO are paving a new path in the complex, growing world of industrial hemp.
The Land: And any new learning from your 2020 farming experience?
Peterson: (Chuckling) Of course. Plenty of mistakes and lessons learned again this year. I recall my Granddad saying, “Learn something new every day, but never forget to keep on learning.”
Every farmer likes the challenge of trying to improve each year, but agriculture is unique from other businesses as you only get one chance a year. In my lifetime (God willing) I’ll get maybe 30-40 chances to try and apply the lessons learned and that’s it. Game over! This is why agriculture is a many-splendored ambition … often at the whim of Mother Nature … but often incredibly rewarding too!
The Land: Could 2021 be almost as good as 2020?
Peterson: We hope so, or even better. U.S. agriculture is becoming a desirable business partner for more and more people worldwide and we hope our trade channels and pricing continue to improve. Current grain markets have experienced a nice bounce; and with a weaker dollar, we’re still competitive on the global market. Some producers are putting a price floor on part of the production for next year. With the good Lord favoring us with another comparable growing season, 2021 can be a prosperous year also — but with less October snow! v
U.S. farm bill provides protection for sugar producers
SUGAR BEETS, from pg. 14
to deal with mud. I’m speaking for our entire staff, for all are great workers in the factory, and I’m certain for every one of our growers, we’re very appreciative of how things have gone so far this campaign. Yes, it’s very fitting to say our good Lord has favored us mightily.”
Keith McNamara was also pleased with the 2020 crop. “Yes indeed, this is a good harvest. Beets are lifting clean and sugar content is coming up. However, we’re starting to plateau so it’s time to finish harvest.” MCNamara was reluctant to speculate whether you could pick up a point of sugar content by delaying harvest a few days. “A point of sugar is a lot,” he hedged. “It’s hard to know when the beet starts dehydrating in the field. Once the beet reaches that stage, you’re at the plateau where you have the reverse of water and sugar content. Right now our beets are mostly at the 17 percent content … and that’s respectively good. Sure, can always hope for more, but this
Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) is accepting grant applications for livestock and poultry farmers who wish to expand animal welfare, build capacity, and/or improve pasture for their animals. Grants of up to $2,500 are available to working, independent family farmers located in the United States who raise beef cattle, bison, broiler chickens, dairy cows, goats, laying hens, pigs, sheep and/or turkeys.
All applications will be submitted online through one main Fund-a-Farmer grant application, no matter the type of project. Only one application per farm per year will be accepted.
All proposed projects must begin and be completed within the time frame of February 2021 through May 2022. Projects completed before February 2021 are not eligible for funding. Eligible expense categories include: materials, supplies, equipment, shipping/ delivery costs, consultant/professional fees, travel, training, and hired labor costs.
No funds will be awarded to farms which that cannot provide a valid Schedule F, Schedule C or comparable form by February 2021. Non-profit organiza-
Syngenta announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the registration for Tavium Plus VaporGrip Technology herbicide in dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton. As the market’s first dicamba herbicide premix, Tavium contains built-in residual control to manage resistant weeds and maintain clean fields throughout the season. Tavium, a proprietary Syngenta premix, will be available for the 2021 growing season, subject to
— Keith McNamara
already looks like the best in the past five years.”
Fund-A-Farmer grants available
And he’s content if his 2020 crop averages 30 tons tions, schools and farm sanctuaries are not eligible.
The purchase of animals (with the exception of livestock guardian dogs for all applicants, and breeding stock for animal welfare-certified farms), land, or recurring operational expenses such as animal feed will not be funded.
Projects related to the production of raw milk or to the slaughter of animals will not be funded.
If awarded a grant, farmers must agree to a possible scheduled farm visit(s) by FACT and/or ASPCA staff, as well as flash photography and videos during the visit, and the use of the farm name/photos/video in FACT and/or ASPCA publications and websites.
Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 1 to be considered for this round of funding. Grants will be awarded in February 2021.
Questions regarding grant requirements and an application form is available at grants@foodanimalconcerns.org.
This article was submitted by the National Farmers Union. v state approvals.
Tavium can be used preplant, at planting and early post-emergence on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton. A combination of the contact control of dicamba and the residual control of S-metolachlor, Tavium offers growers a premix to manage key ALS-, PPO- and glyphosate-resistant broadleaf and grass weeds.
Tavium should be used as part of a two-pass pro-
per acre. “Back when my Dad grew beets 20 tons was a good average. With today’s costs and pricing of our beets, 30 tons is acceptable.” Like most beet growers, McNamara is keenly aware of sugar markets nationally; and into export areas as well. “We’re a net importer of sugar,” he told me. “We’re the only country that does not export. So our U.S. sugar beet industry is based on quota. Seventy-seven percent of our nation’s total sugar needs are grown domestically by we beet growers and our sugar cane growers in our southern states. “All exporting countries are allowed a quota as to how much sugar they can export into our country. This is subject to yearly revisions depending upon world productions and continually changing market demands for sugar. However, thanks to our USDA farm bill which puts some stability into yearly revenues for we producers. Without the protection of our farm bill, the wild gyrations of these world sugar markets would likely drive many of us into bankruptcy.” McNamara said he would like to see a repeat of this season in 2021. “This needs to be the new normal,” he stated. “We have genetic potential to reach 40-ton yields. Recall when 300-bushel corn was the ambition? This year some fields in Renville County pushed that figure. The point being, with the increasing costs of growing beets, you have to anticipate higher yields on a consistent basis down the road. And that’s why domestic protection of the USDA Sugar Program is an absolute must!” “Agriculture needs support at all angles. We need unity regardless of who is in office. We need to remind our consumers that they have the broadest array of foods of any country. It’s a God-given gift. We’ve been afforded the right to eat. Let’s keep policies in place that continue the opportunity for we farmers to provide this abundance!” v For more news briefs, visit the “Nuts and Bolts” section at EPA extends registration for Tavium VaporGrip Technology
www.TheLandOnline.com gram to preserve the efficacy of auxin technologies like dicamba. Syngenta recommends applying Tavium following a preemergence application of herbicides in soybeans.
To learn more about Tavium, visit SyngentaUS. com/Tavium.
This article was submitted by Syngenta. v
