THE LAND ~ January 1, 2021 ~ Northern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

© 2021

P.O. Box 3287, Mankato, MN 56002 • (800) 657-4665

www.TheLandOnline.com • theland@TheLandOnline.com

December 25, 2020 Januar y 1, 2021

MAY YOU KNOW THE COMFORT AND JOY OF GOD’S PRESENCE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND ALWAYS.

“There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.

And look, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.”

Luke 2:8

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

A rosy outlook for farm income?

P.O. Box 3287 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XXXIX ❖ No. 26 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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Cover photo by Paul Malchow

COLUMNS Opinion Green & Growing From My Farmhouse Kitchen Deep Roots Farm and Food File Farm Programs Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-8 5 6 7 8 12 15 18-19 20-23 23 24

STAFF

Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Kristin Kveno: kkveno@thelandonline.com Staff Writer Emeritus: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives:

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Well, maybe… On Dec. 2 a U.S. three months since the government’s preDepartment of Agriculture forecast vious income forecast. However, sales in reflected an increase in government aid the animal sector were seen falling 5.5 due to market impact of Covid-19. Along percent from the September outlook with with higher prices for crops and livestock, producers receiving lower prices despite the assistance could propel net farm increased volume. income to a seven-year high of $134.1 bilF&M Bank President Erik Peterson in lion in 2020. If realized, that would be Olivia reminds us, “It’s important to look up 22.6 percent from 2019! across the years rather than at just one LAND MINDS On Dec. 3, founder and CEO of Act year. Some of the safety net programs Global, John Baize, had this to say: “The paying out in 2020 were triggered by

By Dick Hagen improving outlook means farmers have disasters in 2018 and 2019. Overall, more cash to spend — a boost for farm debt has been on the rise and equipment makers like Deere & Co. proceeds from 2020 should help backBut the forecast also shows U.S. farmfill some holes. That’s not to say 2020 ers remained highly dependent on government aid wasn’t a good year for net income; but we also have — even as crop prices rebounded in the second half to consider the rising of 2020 when China resumed buying U.S. crops liabilities on the balance sheet for the full picture after a U.S.-China trade war.” of what’s happening on the farm.”

Baize continued, “Government payments, ranging Jim Boersma, Pioneer Field Agronomist from longstanding crop insurance payments to new (Emeritus) and long-time Olivia resident shared his programs compensating farmers for lost sales durperspective on 2021. Said Jim, “Marketing is the ing trade war, rose every year since Donald Trump key to success. There are opportunities growers became president. However, farmers are worried the should be considering for the 2021 season. We were generous subsidies are unlikely to continue once fortunate to see market spikes this fall. Without Democrat Joe Biden takes office in January.” these spikes most balance sheets would likely be in The latest income forecast was $18.9 billion high- a different scenario. er than September projection. It included an addi“Covid-19 continues to cast doubts on the future. tional $9.3 billion in government aid, $3.6 billion However, there is reason to be optimistic about the more from sales of farm crops, and $4.6 billion more 2021 growing season provided crop insurance profor sales of livestock and related products. tection and best management practices are in place.

Direct government payments were expected to That means being timely, watching input costs, utitotal $46.5 billion — more than double what farmlizing technology, exercising strong marketing and ers got in 2019 and the highest on record. Two being a low cost-per-bushel farmer.” rounds of Covid-19 aid were projected at $24.3 bilHe concludes, “Merry Chritmas and a prosperous lion. The government’s previous forecast projected New Year.”

Covid-19 aid at $16 billion.

We at The Land echo those very sentiments!

Cash receipts from crop sales were expected to be Dick Hagen is the staff writer emeritus of The up 3.3 percent from 2019, largely stemming from a Land.

He may be reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. sharp rally in the soybean market. Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures surged 20.7 percent in the

v

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

8 — 2021 should see more corn planted, fewer soybeans 10 — Farmamerica teams with Beck’s Hybrids in search of 100-bushel beans 11 — SureFlex business model is finding success 12 — True picture of 2020 farm income muddied by government aid

THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Nuts and Bolts” — News and new products from the ag industry • “E-Edition” — Archives of past issues of The Land E-mail your Life on the Farm photos to editor@thelandonline.com.

Your photo may be published in our next issue!

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

Letter: Electric vehicles do indeed carry ‘consequences’ To the Editor, As the proud driver of a 2020 Chevy Bolt EV, I took notice of Dick Hagen’s dire warnings (The Land, Nov. 13) about economic consequences of going electric. His claim is that electric vehicles will be bad for farm country. I agree with Hagen that moving to electric vehicles “carries consequences,” but not exactly in the way he intends and that there are also advantages to going electric in the rural Midwest.

I live on my farm in central Iowa and before COVID, commuted weekly to my job at Minnesota State Mankato. My car has a maximum range of 258 miles and I start out with a full charge from my own electric “fueling station” at home.

After driving 154 miles, I often pick up a bit more range at the Green Giant Park in Blue Earth, Minn., where I pay to charge at the Chargepoint charger that is owned by Blue Earth Light and Water. That gives me time to patronize DQ, McDonald’s, Subway, or Bomgaars, all nearby. After a 41-mile drive north on Hwy 169, I am at work on campus in Mankato; again I pay to charge at one of the four Chargepoint chargers so that I will have full range when I head home to Iowa at the end of the work week.

So where does my electricity come from? In Mankato, in 2019, Xcel Energy showed the following fuel sources for its power: coal: 23 percent; natural gas: 23 percent; nuclear: 28 percent; and wind: 15 percent. (Note: BENCO, the local REC, does also serve some of the households in Mankato.)

At home in Iowa I “farm the sun” with 24 solar panels. If I charge while the sun is shining, my two solar arrays power my vehicle charger, but at night, the local REC grid (Consumers Energy) does. The 2019 fuel sources for CIPCO, the cooperative that supplies electricity to Consumers Energy, were coal: 32 percent; nuclear: 33.2 percent; wind: 31.3 percent; hydro, solar and landfill gas: 3.3 percent; and natural gas: 0.2 percent.

So yes, there are consequences: cleaner air, a new revenue stream for companies that build, install and furnish chargers, and a boost for the distributed renewable industry so we can charge with green power on our farms.

There is also no danger of going “cold turkey” from ICE (internal combustion engine)-based vehicles to electric. My Bolt EV is manufactured in Michigan using fossil fuels. John Deere’s electric tractor isn’t in production yet, though Ford has announced an F-150 EV for 2022 and Chevy is committed to a Silverado EV with a 400-mile range. Our electric grids, where we charge our vehicles, are still largely dependent on fossil fuels. It will take time to increase our wind, solar and hydro grid capacity. At the same time we can individually also “farm the sun” at home to make our charging “greener and cleaner,” though our RECs are not always “net-metering friendly.”

Let’s not resist adoption of electric vehicles, but rather to learn to adapt our farm production models to new technologies, just like we did in the 1940s and 1950s with hybrid corn and growing soybeans as a grain crop, cabs on our equipment, and these days, cover cropping. After all, we want our grandchildren to breathe cleaner air, don’t we? Clearly we are not going to see an end to corn ethanol and biodiesel fuel tomorrow; however, we need to work at increasing our renewable energy mix in order to leave our grandchildren with a more sustainable planet. We can say that not moving to electric vehicles also “carries consequences.”

Lee S. Tesdell Slater, Iowa

OPINION

Letter: Dubbe hit the nail on the head To the Editor, Regarding the letter to the editor in the Nov. 27 edition of your magazine by Luke Dubbe: All I can say to him is “amen.” He hit the nail on the head!

The only thing I would add is as conservatives we would not have permitted people to desecrate our statues and our flag. Nor would we allow them to

loot and to torch stores, police department and to knell when we sing our national anthem.

And so Mr. Dubbe, again I say and a big thank you.

Kathy Rupprecht Lewiston, Minn.

Letter: Farmers should ‘man up’ To the Editor, In his recent letter, Mr. Dubbe says he believes in free markets and supports disbanding of government subsidies and insurance programs.

My question to him is, does he use any of these programs? If so, why? He can farm without a handout if he wants. Otherwise he is just blowing smoke.

Many farmers are wealthy today because of the free ride they’ve gotten for the last 40 years. They need to man up and admit it. No one drags them to the FSA office to fill their pockets.

Tommy Stiles Henning, Minn.

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 with a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

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

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Where water is scarce, xeriscaping may be the answer Areas with minimal rain- soil by poking small narrow Xeriscaping is a garden fall benefit from this kind holes may break up soil compacterm you may have heard WE BUILD OUR STALLS RIGHT! of gardening. Irrigation tion and increase the amount of and wondered about. The when needed is best done water that can be absorbed. name comes from Greek Take a look at with soaker hoses and drip “Xeros” meaning dry. our tubing with Various web sites or reference systems which place water Xeriscape gardening refers unequaled corrosion books have lists of plants which right at soil level so little of will do well in low moisture conto water-wise gardening, protection! it is lost through evaporausing drought-tolerant GREEN AND ditions. With some research and Freudenthal Tubing has been tion. Plants with the same plants. However, this style GROWING planning, a garden that is colorengineered for your specific water and light needs may of gardening does not mean ful all season long but is also requirements where strength

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

Chickens — just like us — have a habit of living dangerously Farm living and chickens seem to comtors while they enjoy an insect or two plement each other. At one time they and fresh grass. My, that dilapidated fallwere a source of income for my parents; ing down shed sure sounds delightful. with my brothers and sisters providing A few months ago we sold our older some of the labor to feed the hens and birds which had been living in the main gather the eggs. chicken house. One summer night after It was a busy night before the schedsupper, my farmer and I thoroughly uled day the egg man cometh to carry the washed it until not one remnant of chickfilled egg boxes up from the basement en feathers, dander and that all-imporFROM MY stairs. These were huge boxes holding tant by-product — fertilizer — could be FARMHOUSE two columns of grey flats. Each flat held found. Oh how that coop sparkled!

KITCHEN 30 eggs.

I debated about sewing some curtains

By Renae B. Baskets full of eggs needed washing for the windows to give the chicken Vander Schaaf and drying before they could be packed house that homey look before we moved on the trays. It was indeed a task done carefully the next dwellers in. But since light is important to with as much hurrying as possible when dealing egg production, I chose not to. with delicate eggs.

We moved our pullets into the shed. The little Later, these white feathered birds left the farm — ladies adjusted so well to their new home, they soon probably about the same time the egg price dropped began laying their eggs in the roll-away nests. into a longer lasting slump. Supposedly, studies Alas, we discovered the youngsters have a slight seemed to indicate eggs were not a healthy food. disobedient problem. An automatic door lets the Thankfully, my parents maintained a small flock chickens out every morning. That works terrific. It’s through the years to provide us with those farm the automatic closing at dusk that is causing an fresh eggs that are a powerhouse of nutrition — issue. nourishing the brain, beneficial to eyes, and an There are a few hens who act as naughty teenagexcellent source of protein. ers — staying out past curfew. Or perhaps they are Most of my married life, we have had chickens on innocent school children who wanted just a few this farm — an expensive hobby for sure, but our more minutes of play at recess — racing back to flocks have been entertaining through the years. their classroom, not always making it to their desks before the teacher counts them tardy.

Sometimes we spend weeks scouring the poultry catalogs choosing just the right breeds; but this past Now, my chickens know they are naughty. I have spring we knew exactly what we wanted. So when seen them race in a fury like Jehu in the Bible in an the local farm store had just the right number, we attempt to get to the door before it closes. To get in indulged ourselves and purchased 15 perky little chicks.

For several weeks the chicks were kept in a controlled environment with a regulated room temperaTo the Editor, ture: not too hot, nor too cold, and most assuredly without any breezes to upset their teeny bodies.

Historians tell us there were 600,000 Frequently fresh water was supplied with a nutrideaths because of the Civil War. tionally-balanced feed. These little chicks are cerBecause of Covid we have 1.4 million deaths worldtainly needy and perhaps a tad bit spoiled? wide. In the U.S. we have 265,000 deaths and counting.

Once we deem them old enough, the chicks are relocated to the summer cottage — a place where You and I are responsible for our actions under screened windows let in plenty of fresh air and an the law whether intentional or accidental. What outside pen which keeps the birds safe from predaabout China?

their way as they beeline for the door would be sheer folly. There isn’t a doctor who wouldn’t re-read my accident report in disbelief, because it states the cause as a speeding chicken.

When my farmer or I leave the house to open the big door to let these stragglers in, they come running up to meet us — full of excuses why they were late. Some quickly go in to have a bedtime snack of feed and water, others go right to bed penitently, and a few lift up their heads strutting slowly into the coop as if they were Queen of Sheba.

Predators are real on this farm. When the night count showed one missing for several nights, we assumed the worst. Later a few feathers found near some bushes confirmed our suspicions.

The chickens know they are living dangerously if they are not in their house on time. I have heard them make a ruckus as they swiftly seek cover when a hawk flies over. (No doubt reliving the morning a hawk took residence on the pen of their summer cottage. They were all cowering inside when I came out to do the chores. Of all the times not to have a camera with me! The hawk was within a few yards of me quite content where she was obviously wondering how to procure its next meal. So close, yet impossible. It would have been quite a photo.)

In some ways, these chickens are a reflection of us.

We know there can be real consequences; yet we seem bent on re-sinning each and every one of the Ten Commandments and living careless lives.

Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v

Letter: We are drowning in debt The U.S. taxpayer funds the U.N. and the World Health Organization. What have they done? Meanwhile, our politicians have made the issue political. They respond in typical fashion by throwing money at the problem indiscriminately. We are drowning in debt with no end in sight.

A house divided against itself cannot stand.

Lloyd Robertson Worthington, Minn.

OPINION

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Ag Council announces essay contest In preparation for National Ag Day 2021 on March 23, the Agriculture Council of America is hosting an essay contest. The theme for this year is “Food Brings Everyone to the Table.”

This essay contest is divided into two categories of competition: written essay and video essay. Both are national competitions. Both winners will receive $1,000.

The contest is open to students currently enrolled

in grades 9 through 12. Contestants must be a U.S. citizen and attending school in the United States.

The complete list of rules and regulations for this contest may be found at https://www.agday.org/essaycontest. The deadline for submitting entries in the essay contest is Jan. 31.

This article was submitted by the Agriculture Council of America. v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

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

PAGE 7

Changing Christmas plans is nothing new In August of 2010, I was surprised to was an unwed young woman, engaged to learn that my husband and I were be married to Joseph. Here she was, a expecting our first child. Karl was in the virgin in the midst of planning her wedmiddle of the morning milking routine at ding when an angel of the Lord appeared the farm where he was employed, and I to her telling her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, was getting ready for my work day at for you have found favor with God. another large dairy. I called him at 5 a.m.

Behold, you will conceive and give birth and told him the news. We were both to a son, and you are to give Him the feeling a whirlwind of emotions. I had name Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31).

DEEP ROOTS graduated college only six months prior I cannot imagine the surprise, terror, and Karl had just begun his senior year

By Whitney Nesse and disbelief that she must have been of college. The timing felt horrible; but a feeling in that moment. Mary asks in quick nine months later we drove to the hospital to verse 34, “How can this be…” (Luke 1). Nonetheless, welcome our first baby. before the angel departs, Mary says “I am the Lord’s I was fortunate enough to have my mom (a seaservant, may it happen to me according to your soned veteran in childbearing) in the delivery room word.” (Luke 1:38). with me — coaching me through the laboring proIn the midst of planning her wedding, a wrench cess. Thankfully, Karl knew enough to keep the was thrown in — a big wrench. Mary, not only “Whitney’s springing” jokes to himself that day. In stunned to hear the news that she was carrying the no time at all we were gazing at the full head of Son of God, would have to tell this news to her long, black hair on our Abby, who conveniently betrothed Joseph as well as her family and others arrived on the first day of Karl’s spring break. close to her who would begin to notice the physical I can recall each of my five children’s births vivid- changes of pregnancy. The probability that people ly. In my mind, I had birthed each of my kids thouwould believe her was slim to none. God had not sands of times prior to their arrival. As a mother, I spoken to his people in hundreds of years. had envisioned every scenario possible for the arriv- Thankfully, God knew this and sent the angel to al of my babies: in the car, at home, in the hospital Joseph, revealing to him the same message: that elevator, at a random event, in the hospital, in the Mary was bearing a son who would be called barn, in the tractor — the list goes on. Karl would “Immanuel — which means God with us.” (Matt. always proudly boast of his calf-pulling skills, say1:23). ing that humans can’t be much different, which In time, I’m sure the initial shock that Mary was always received a dramatic eye roll. In the end, each carrying the Son of God in her womb waned a bit of my children were born in fairly normal fashion — and turned into excitement and joyful anticipation in the hospital where I was attended by a doctor for both Mary and Joseph. My guess is that Mary and surrounded with the most conscientious and was planning to deliver her son at home, possibly tender-hearted nurses, my mother and my loving surrounded by her mother and maybe a midwife. husband.

Joseph, being a carpenter, was possibly constructing Each time I learned that I was pregnant, I waited a cradle for God’s Son to lie in. Then, another in eager anticipation and expectation until the wrench was thrown into the plans. Caesar Augustus arrival of a pink, screaming, healthy baby. Until issued that a census be taken when he got wind recently, I always imagined that Mary, the mother of that another King was to be born. Bible scholars Jesus, must have felt much the same way that I did believe that there had not been a census in 10 to 12 about my pregnancies — delighted and eager. And years prior to the one that was to take place while then, about a week ago, something clicked. Mary Mary was pregnant with Jesus.

Drought-tolerant grasses help your lawn GREEN & GROWING, from pg. 5 um and perennial version also known as Cranesbill, will survive with low moisture — along with many kinds of ornamental grasses. Herbs such as thyme, sage and oregano are also on the drought tolerant list; along with milkweed which is attractive to the Monarch butterfly.

For those who want to keep their lawns, changing the kind of grass may solve drought problems.

Kentucky Blue Grass, which is used in many urban lawns, is not drought tolerant. However, the turftype tall fescue grass is better adapted to low moisture conditions. Tall fescues also grow better in

shade. North Dakota State University has an excellent article on the various types of fescue grasses that will grow well in this area and includes Creeping Red Fescue which has narrow deep green blades and is used in golf greens as well as in lawns. The “Cindy Lou” variety will spread through underground shoots and can fill in bare spots in a lawn.

Xeriscaping is a project which may be done in stages, with small areas of the garden converted each year.

Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota master gardener and tree care advisor. v

I can only imagine the disappointment, fear and anxiety which may have crept up on Mary, who now knew she would not be delivering this child in the comfort of her own home. I am sure Mary never guessed the pangs of labor would be upon her in the likes of a barn. And Joseph, who likely witnessed the birthing of animals growing up, probably wasn’t planning on delivering the Christ. However, through all of the disappointments of things not going as planned for Mary and Joseph, they were the first to gaze upon the face of Immanuel, God with us. Not only that, but through the wrenches thrown into their plans, they gifted the world with baby Jesus, giving those who believe in Him the chance to gaze upon the face of God the Father for all eternity.

I am overwhelmed when I think about this event.

I am even more overwhelmed when I think about the way God uses each of our disappointments, letdowns, debacles, misfortunes and setbacks for His greater plans. When we choose to receive these sometimes shocking changes like Mary who said, “May it happen to me according to your word,” we often have the opportunity to see Jesus and allow others to see Him as well (Luke 1:38).

This Christmas season is one far different than those of years past. Plans are being changed and the disappointments of not doing what is usual and customary are very real. Perhaps this is our opportunity to see Christ in a different way, or maybe for the very first time. Through this new opportunity, maybe we can show Christ to the world.

Whitney Nesse is a sixth-generation livestock farmer who is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She writes from her central Minnesota farm. v

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

‘Why are you giving extreme voices so much attention?’

The last column of the year usually feaI answered with my long-held view of tures comments from readers whose all reader-writers: good, bad, or incendiviews differ from those found here the ary, they can have their say because I’ve previous 50 or so weeks. Most point out had mine. (often in vivid language) the shortcomNot good enough, came the quick reply, ings of my ideas, opinions, and — especially now when lives are being lost increasingly — the “fake news” I peddle to misinformation spread in the name of through both. “balance.”

At least that’s how it has been for at True again. Spotlighting my crankiest FARM & FOOD FILE least 25 post-Christmas columns. critics does, in fact, push valid policy

By Alan Guebert Not this year, however, because I arguments and honest political debate received a reader email Dec. 9 that into the shadows. When that happens, asked me to stop highlighting these the yellers take center stage. venomous reader-written notes For example, the devastating panbecause they are “the ones intent on getting you off demic has made clear what every rural American the page and blasting anyone who dares to think has known for decades: On a per capita basis, rural other than they do.” communities are older, poorer, sicker, hungrier, and True, 2020 has been the worst year for journalism more reliant on federal programs — like Social I’ve seen in 35 years as a free-lance writer.

Security, Medicare, Medicaid, farm subsidies, and Pandemics, we discovered, not only infect humans; SNAP — than urban areas. but also eat away at the cornerstones of a free sociThese facts are proven by government data; or, ety like elections, the media and honesty. better yet, by simply driving through the empty “Why are you giving extreme voices so much business districts and decaying neighborhoods of attention?” the emailer asked. “When you do, it almost every rural community today. pushes the needle right (and) moderate voices And yet, many political and farm leaders in these appear off-center.” communities continue to howl about the evils of “big True. As newspaper pages thin and lines of unem- government” and “socialism” even though these big ployed journalists lengthen, column space becomes government social programs keep their communities more precious than water in the Sahara. from disappearing into their pot-holed streets and “Do not misunderstand me,” the writer explained. unsafe bridges.

“I see nothing wrong in hearing out all sides ... The A big part of this open deceit is, the rise in value trouble is, far extreme viewpoints give little regard of farm and ranch assets now are held by an everfor any opinion deviating from their own.” narrowing base of mega-operators and outside investors. This realignment draws attention away

OPINION

from the growing weaknesses of the overall rural economy: fewer jobs, an aging population, little to any health care, and a crumbling infrastructure.

For example, according to a recent report by a Champaign, Ill.-based farm management company, “… institutional investors and family offices have invested over $635,000,000 in farmland in just 16 counties in Illinois from 2015-2020.”

And yet, the U.S. farm economy was so fragile over that same period that the “big government” agency responsible for its welfare, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, sent $118 billion in farm subsidies to farmers and ranchers — $131 billion when the Christmas Covid payments are added.

Both facts reinforce the ageless Land Grant dogma that ag subsidies are capitalized into ag assets (chiefly farmland) and offer little, if any, support to rural economies overall.

Equally ageless is the question: If policymakers know this is true, why do they (we) fund “big government” subsidy programs that fuel asset concentration — even as the subsidies undermine the rural economy?

If you have ideas about why, drop me an email. If you want to yell, insult or denigrate me, go ahead.

Drop me an email, too.

After all, if 2021 is anything like 2020, we’re going to need all heat and the light we can get in the coming year.

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

Will there be enough crop acres for 2021 production?

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus With market prices strong, are we headed for a dilemma of not enough crop acres to fill the cropping demand of American farmers? Jerry Gulke, Illinois farmer, veteran commodity trader and frequent voice to American farmers, suggests such an acreage battle may be looming. And U.S. Department of Agriculture supply/demand table that theory.

Gulke noted since prices peaked in 2012 with soybeans at $17 and corn at $8, overall price direction of American crop commodities trended downward until ‘price discovery’ came back again this season.

Gulke comments, “Rarely do we producers have the luxury of making planting decisions based on profit potential — regardless of planting choices. But now I’m having concern about enough acres of corn and soybeans to meet 2021-22 demand, while having enough access for a yield cushion just in case.”

On the Nov. 30 Linder Farm Radio noon show, Lynn Ketelson said wheat farmers too are projecting

expanded acres for 2021.

Gulke is saying soybean stocks under 190 million bushels could be an understatement. A year ago, USDA estimated Chinese usage at 85 million metric tons. Current estimates are near 100 mmt this year and 105 mmt next year. Carryout evaporates this 2020-21 marketing year if South America production falters more or usage estimates are still too low.

On corn, unchanged acres (91 million) for 2021-22 takes ending stocks number to 1.4 billion bushels, leaving no cushion for adversity. Gulke says 94 million acres of corn is needed to rebuild that market cushion.

He also noted Russia has wheat production issues; the Ukranian corn supply dropped 10 mmt affecting their exportable supplies; price action is not an issue for China as currency issues are not as relevant when stock are tight.

In Gulke voice, “Technical price chart action brought me to the dance to warn of a turnaround last August.

The media is running amuck with innuendos. Price

auction is already indicating not IF but HOW robust the competition for acres will be in 2021.

“I can see 94 million acres of corn, but not 90 million acres of soybeans. The needed 10-million-acre increase of U.S. production is a tall order for 2021.

Price is a great fertilizer. I’ll go home with the one that brought me to the dance to help ascertain how high is high enough!”

Gulke cushions his ‘bottom line’ with these three factors: South American weather/production; Chinese demand exceeding expectations; and Covid-19 and its implications to encourage building strategic reserves.

History teaches us Gulke is generally right when sounding off. And as usual, his advice is no guarantee of profitable projections. And at our morning coffee table brain storming sessions, we don’t make any guarantees either. v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

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

PAGE 9

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PAGE 10

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

Farmamerica bean crop teases 100 bushels per acre

By KRISTIN KVENO The Land Staff Writer WASECA, Minn. — It began with a goal, and a lofty one at that. Gene Kuntz, site manager for Farmamerica, worked with Beck’s Hybrids’ field agronomist Mike Blaine to try to reach 100 soybean bushels per acre. The challenge trial started on April 27 when Kuntz’s planted Beck’s 2662FB bean variety on over five acres at Farmamerica.

Kuntz put the beans in ground which was strip tilled with band fertilization last November. The bean seed was treated with ILeVO, a nematode seed treatment. An inoculant and pop-up starter were also applied at planting. Kuntz sprayed pre-emergence herbicide a few days after planting. Through the growth stages, he applied nutrients and herbicides, carbohydrates and fungicides.

“We didn’t only plant 5.41 acres; we planted a larger area. This was the harvested area. The goal with these type of trials is to harvest a minimum of five acres, with uniformity of the site. We aren’t looking to measure the variability of a field; but rather the yield/income opportunity,” Blaine said.

This isn’t the first time Blaine has worked with Farmamerica. He’s been coordinating on various projects there since 2011 — including high management/yield trials, genetic, nutrient management and crop protection.

“We have 100 acres that is managed by Crystal Valley Co-op with primarily a 50/50 corn soybean rotation. They perform herbicide, variety, fertility and tillage studies and use that information yearly to inform their members,” Kuntz said.

Farmamerica has 15 acres in a five-year study on cover crops in corn and beans. Twenty-five acres of peas and 25 acres of corn is grown at Farmamerica and 45 acres of land is rented out. According to Kuntz, all crops raised at Farmamerica are marketed through Crystal Valley Co-op.

The 100 Bushel Challenge was first attempted at Farmamerica in 2019. It resulted in an impressive 80 bushels per acre. “This kind of approach isn’t for all fields. You’re going to be putting in a lot of effort,” Kuntz said.

This year the beans were looking great in the field all growing season and the work Kuntz put into the crop paid off. “I knew we were going to hit at least the 80s.”

So many aspects worked in the crops’ favor, starting with Kuntz being able to get an early start getting the beans in the ground. It continued with the four inches of rain which fell in August, which was just what the crop needed. “They were monster plants,” Kuntz said. The beans were 42 inches tall; the leaves were four to five inches in diameter.

While the yields in this bean field was remarkable, it was simply an impressive year to grow beans in the area. “It was a good bean year,” Kuntz said. The yield ended up being 94.52 bushels per acre at 10.3

percent moisture, 99.28 bushels per acre at 13 percent. “I don’t think anyone has had this yield in southern Minnesota,” Kuntz said.

The extra cost was $88.94 per acre over traditional bean inputs. It resulted in $260 additional grain

profit per acre, $140 after removing the added $89 in inputs. The crop was sold for $8.60/bushel. Kuntz enjoys a good challenge and will try the same methods again next year to see if he and Blaine can replicate the success or even beat it. v

Manure management field day Jan. 7 WAITE PARK, Minn. — An informational webinar session about low disturbance manure injection, soil health, manure management, and tillage practices will take place on Jan. 7 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. via Zoom. Participants will learn how low soil disturbance manure injection into the soil is an effective management strategy for soil health and nutrient management.

The virtual field day will include live interviews, videos, presentations, research updates and Q&A. This session is designed for a wide audience including — but not limited to — farmers, landowners, agency staff, custom applicators, farm equipment

dealerships, and anyone who utilizes manure on their operation.

Pre-registration is required. Participants are encouraged to register by Jan. 5. To register, visit www.stearnscountyswcd.net or www.popeswcd.org.

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with your own personalized Zoom link.

For more information, contact Holly Kovarik, Pope SWCD at (320) 634-5327 or Brittany Lenzmeier, Stearns County SWCD at (320) 251-7800 ext.3.

This article was submitted by the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District. v

‘Boots in the Barn’ goes virtual AMES, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host “Boots in the Barn” virtually.

Boots in the Barn is a three-part series for women involved in a dairy operation or industry and will be held as a webinar series.

The webinars will be held Jan. 22 and 29, and Feb. 5, via Zoom from noon to 1:15 p.m.

The Jan. 22 session will feature Sarah Adcock, assistant professor in animal welfare research/teaching at the University of Wisconsin. Adcock will discuss pain management for disbudding and steps producers can take to stay ahead of consumer concerns and changing industry standards for this procedure.

On Jan. 29, Emily Krekelberg, farm safety and health Extension educator at the University of Minnesota, will present “A Better Farm Starts with a Better You.” Farm families are experiencing a high amount of stress. Krekelberg will interact with the

group about wellness, self-care and strategies to help yourself and others cope with stress.

The Feb. 5 webinar includes a panel of dairy women sharing their own personal dairy hacks, tips and tricks. Find how out these three women take care of their animals and balance life. Bring your own ideas and join in the discussion of sharing dairy farm tips and tricks.

There is no fee for this program, but registration is required. To register, visit https://iastate.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tJwlc-qrqjoqGNTHMDSYCIkCj8BDFZHHgzdA. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For more information on Boots in the Barn, contact Bentley at jbentley@iastate.edu or (563) 382-2949.

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

No-tillage conference held Jan. 12-15 BROOKFIELD, Wis. — No-Till Farmer has announced it will transition the 2021 National No-Tillage Conference from a live event (previously planned in Indianapolis) to a virtual event taking place online Jan. 12-15.

The Virtual National No-Tillage Conference will provide ideas and practices for 2021 and beyond; assembling no-tillers, agronomists and researchers through an interactive online community platform.

The 2021 conference will feature general sessions featuring top no-tillers and agricultural experts;

classrooms led by no-till experts; interactive online farmer-to-farmer roundtables; and virtual networking.

Registration can be made online at NoTillConference. com or by calling (262) 432-0388. There are two registration options: Standard access ($99) which includes access to select conference presentations for four days only (Jan. 12-15). An all access registration ($199) includes multiple bonus sessions, plus extended 12-month access to all event content.

This article was submitted by No-Till Farmer. v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

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

PAGE 11

SureFlex sees market expand — even to Saudi Arabia!

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus A couple years I stopped in Jackson, Minn. at a former DeKalb seed corn processing facility which apparently shut down during the ‘evolution and upgrading’ then underway within the American seed corn industry. I stopped because at 2018 Farmfest event, I heard about this guy, Mitch Rowe, buying this seed plant and was gearing up to produce and market his own non-GMO seed. And delivered at less than $100 a bag!

Being a long-time seed corn guy myself in the Trojan Seed and Keltgen Seed era at Olivia, this intrigued me. So I stopped and had my first visit with Mitch Rowe. Somewhat cautiously, I waded in with my first question, “What gives you this ambition in today’s competitive seed corn market thriving on super-traited GMO hybrid?”

Perhaps somewhat leery with my very direct question, I recall Rowe responded, “Because there’s a time and a place. The time is now. Corn farmers need some help. I think I’m the guy.”

We had a good chat. He’s got seed experience prior to this huge adventure on his own. He’s farm-reared, still farms and tends to think like most farmers … inquisitive and believable up to a point. But as I journeyed the next 90 miles north to my Olivia destination, I couldn’t help but wonder, will he make it?’

Sureflex Hybrids certainly didn’t register deeply on my front burner. But today, Dec. 10, scanning my daily email, I noted a SureFlex Hybrid listing. I punched in and noted this question: “Have you purchased your 2021 seed? SureFlex offers an affordable option that saves farmers an average $25/acre. With 34 hybrids we have the right option to fit your farm needs. Give us a call at 833-300-9797.”

So at 1:30 p.m. Dec 10 I did just that. And somewhat to my amazement the person taking my call said, “My name is Mitch Rowe. Can I help you?” Wow, thought I, he’s the owner answering his own phone.

Mitch Rowe Tell me when that happens in any seed company. So I explained my call, reminding him we had visited two years earlier — shortly after he had launched his new seed ambition.

Now aware that SureFlex was indeed alive and thriving, I somewhat jokingly inquired “With that $97 price have you run out of seed?”

Rowe, now a vigorous 36-year old, quickly responded, “No, we have not. We had a great seed production season, so lots of seed for 2021 — with the expectation that our new customers generated the past two years will be growing even more of our corn in their 2021 crop program. But admittedly seed is now going out fast.”

That demand perhaps gets sped along with SureFlex’s early season discount program of $80 per bag through Nov. 30. However, Rowe mentioned, “Yes, but we’re now back again to that ‘outrageous’ $97 price that perhaps you and a few others chat about over your morning coffee.”

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So how many states grew SureFlex corn in 2020?

“We finished off last year in 38 states,” Rowe said, adding “I just got word that’s now up to 39. And this year even some into Saudi Arabia.”

I asked Rowe if he had a ‘seed friend’ over there too?

“Nope, they just called the 1-800 number like everyone does,” said Rowe. (I didn’t ask, but suspect that customer paid some freight to get his seed delivered. Free delivery is part of the SureFlex offer anywhere in the states.

SureFlex packages in conventional 80,000-kernel unit seed bags; or custom package in 20, 30 or 40-unit bulk containers … and even more if the buyer so desires.

So with gangbuster sales this season, even more seed production for 2021? Yes, said Rowe talking a two to two-and-a-half times increase in seed acres for 2021. And yes, they’ve certainly outgrown seed processing capabilities of their Jackson plant; so additional seed is now grown in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.

SureFlex does not offer a ‘haul back’ package. Once you buy the seed, you own the seed. “Farmers certainly understand us on that issue. And thanks to our growing customer base, more and more farmers are realizing you don’t need $250 to $300 GMO pedigrees to make this corn business work.”

He added, “I think everybody pretty much agrees that ‘traits’ are beginning to break down in the marketplace. So I also believe the trait emphases may not be so relevant down the road.”

I couldn’t resist. “Anything else I should ask?”

Being a marketing guru, Rowe responded, “More guys got to give us a try because next year we’ll launch again with our $80 campaign ending the end of November.”

And either credit card or personal checks will get the deal done. v

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

2020 farm income was enhanced by government payments Based on the data cash income includes cash released by the U.S. receipts from all farm-relatDepartment of Agriculture’s ed income, including govEconomic Research Service ernment payments, minus (ERS) in early December, cash expenses for the year.

U.S. net farm income is Net farm income is accrualexpected to increase by $36 based, which includes billion (or 43 percent) above adjustments in the cash 2019 levels. The USDA’s income for changes in FARM PROGRAMS inventories, depreciation, 2020 Farm Income Forecast stated net farm income is and rental income.

By Kent Thiesse now estimated at $119 bilGenerally, net farm income lion, which would be is a truer measure of the highest inflation overall profitability in adjusted net farm the farm sector. income since 2013 and The Farm Income Report also is 32 percent above the 20-year (2000- included a number of statistics to note.

2019) average net farm income of Overall, 2020 cash receipts for all $90.6 billion. commodities on U.S. farms are estiIt should be noted, however, the mated at $366.5 billion, which is a 2020 net farm income is greatly inflat- decline of $3.2 billion or 0.9 percent ed by the highest level of government compared to 2019. farm program payments in decades.

Total 2020 crop receipts are expected In the recent farm income report, to increase by $3.3 billion or 3.3 perUSDA estimated 2020 total U.S. net cent over 2019 levels, primarily due to cash income for 2020 at $134.1 billion, an estimated increase of $2.6 billion in which is an increase of 24.7 billion or receipts for soybeans, as well as high22.6 percent from a year earlier. Net er receipts from sugar beets, potatoes,

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U.S. Net Farm Income — 2011 to 2020

Year

Net Farm Income Total from Net Crop and Net Farm Income Livestock Receipts (Billions of Dollars) (Billions of Dollars)

Net Farm Income Percent of from Government Net Farm Income Farm Payments from Federal (Billions of Dollars) Program Payments

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014

$119 $84 $81 $75 $62 $82 $92

$73 $62 $68 $64 $49 $71 $82

$46 $22 $13 $11 $13 $11 $10

39 Percent 26 Percent 16 Percent 15 Percent 21 Percent 13 Percent 11 Percent

2013 2012 2011

$124 $96 $114

$113 $85 $104

$11 $11 $10

9 Percent 11 Percent 9 Percent

Note: Data based on USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) annual U.S. farm income estimates.

fruit and nuts. Receipts from corn sales are expected to decline by $2.5 billion, primarily due to reduced corn inventories following the 2019 crop year. Receipts from 2020 wheat and cotton production also declined from 2019 levels.

Total cash receipts from livestock production in 2020 are expected to decline by $9.7 billion or 5.5 percent, reflecting the market disruptions and price declines which resulted from the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020. As compared to a year earlier, 2020 receipts from cattle sales dropped by $4 billion, hog sales declined by $1.1 billion, and broiler sales fell by $6.7 billion. Sales from turkey production and egg production increased in 2020.

The biggest factor in the sharp increase in 2020 net farm income and net cash income levels was the major increase in the level of government payments to the farm sector during 2020. Direct government payments to farmers in 2020 was listed at $46.5 billion in 2020, which was an increase of $24 billion or 107 percent from 2019 levels.

Ad hoc or one-time government program payments accounted for $35.7 billion of the total payments to farmers. This included $11 billion in Coronavirus Food Assistance Program-1 (CFAP1) payments, $13.3 billion in CFAP2 payments, $5.9 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) payments, and $2.4 billion in

other ad hoc payments.

There was another $3.7 billion from the final 2019 market facilitation program payment, which was paid in 2020. 2019 farm program payments, which were paid during 2020, increased by $3.1 billion for the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program and only $0.4 billion for the Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) farm program. This was primarily due to a large number of corn base acres being switched from the ARC-CO to the PLC program option in 2019, which was the first year of the new farm bill.

Total farm production expenses in 2020 are estimated at $343.6 billion, which is a decline $5.2 billion or 1.5 percent from a year earlier. The 2020 total farm expenses are at the lowest level since 2011. Major factors in the decline of farm-level expenses are lower interest rates, lower fuel costs, and reduced livestock purchase costs.

On the other hand, land rent expenses increased by $1.3 billion, fertilizer costs increased by $1.1 billion, and taxes and fees increased by just over $1 billion in 2020.

Working capital, which measures the cash available after all farm expenses have been paid and all annual debt payments have been made, is expected to increase by 6 percent by the end of 2020. Deterioration of working capital has been a major concern in many See THIESSE, pg. 14

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

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

PAGE 13

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POWER OF HIGHYIELDING GERMPLASM: Backed by uncompromising yield potential and outstanding agronomic performance in all maturities, XtendFlex® soybeans are built on the same proven genetic performance of highyielding Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans, now with the power of Liberty herbicide.

While weed control continues to provide new challenges with each growing season, you will have the option to bring the power to your soybean platform in 2021 with XtendFlex soybeans.

The EPA is currently reviewing a new registration for XtendiMax® for the 2021 season and beyond.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS FOR USE ON PESTICIDE LABELING. IT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAW to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its labeling. NOT ALL formulations of dicamba or glyphosate are approved for in-crop use with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans. ONLY USE FORMULATIONS THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY LABELED FOR SUCH USES AND APPROVED FOR SUCH USE IN THE STATE OF APPLICATION. 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 Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans. Products with XtendFlex® Technology contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, glufosinate and dicamba. Glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Dicamba will kill crops that are not tolerant to dicamba. Glufosinate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glufosinate. Contact your seed brand dealer or refer to the Bayer Technology Use Guide for recommended weed control programs. XtendFlex®, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® are trademarks of Bayer Group. Liberty® is a registered trademark of BASF.

FIGURE 1: INFLUENCE OF MULTIPLE SOAs ON WATERHEMP CONTROL (% VISUAL CONTROL) Number of SOAs (Pre-Emerge) Influence on Waterhemp Control from Beck’s Multi-Year Practical Farm Research (PFR) ® data.

97% 89%

60% 3 SOAs

2 SOAs

1 SOA

PAGE 14

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

MDA announces June 30 dicamba cutoff date ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recently announced it will follow federal registration and label usage for the herbicide dicamba on dicamba-tolerant soybeans in Minnesota for the 2021 growing season.

In October, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it registered XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology by Bayer (EPA Reg. No. 264-1210), Engenia by BASF (EPA Reg. No. 7969472), and Tavium Plus VaporGrip Technology by Syngenta (EPA Reg. No. 352-913) with new control measures to curb alleged off-site movement (spray drift and/or volatilization) issues.

New federal label requirements for the products include an application cutoff date of June 30 (unless growth stage cutoff comes first); requiring an approved pH-buffering agent, also known as a volatility reducing agent, be tank mixed with dicamba products prior to all applications; requiring a downwind buffer of 240 feet and 310 feet in areas where listed endangered species are located; and additional recordkeeping items.

In addition to the June 30 cutoff date, Xtendimax and Tavium have crop growth stage cutoffs.

In Minnesota, the XtendiMax, Engenia, and Tavium formulations of dicamba are approved for use on dicamba tolerant soybeans only and are “Restricted Use Pesticides” for retail sale to and for use only by certified applicators.

Pesticide product registrations are renewed on an annual basis in Minnesota.

Dicamba is used to control weeds in cotton and soybeans genetically engineered to tolerate over-thetop use of the herbicide. The chemical is highly volatile and can damage non-target plant species through spray drift and/or volatilization. Volatility is influenced by several factors including temperature, relative humidity, rate of application, and crop stage.

On June 3, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued an order vacating EPA’s pesticide registration of three products containing the active ingredient dicamba: Xtendimax with Vaporgrip Technology (EPA Reg. No. 524-617), Engenia (EPA Reg. No. 7969-

345), and FeXapan (EPA Reg. No. 352-913).

The MDA, citing state law, allowed for the continued use of the three products, along with the dicamba product Tavium (EPA Reg. No. 100-1623), until the Minnesota required cutoff of June 20, 2020.

On Oct. 27, the EPA announced it was approving new five-year registrations for Xtendimax and Engenia and extending the registration of Tavium.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v

Sign up for farm couple retreats ST CLOUD, Minn. — The Minnesota Dairy Initiative will be hosting two farm couple retreats for farmers across the state of Minnesota.

The retreats will take place on Feb. 5-6 in Alexandria, Minn. at the Holiday Inn and Feb. 12-13 in Rochester at the Hampton Inn and Suites.

The purpose of the retreat is to have couples come together to enjoy a mini vacation away from the farm with each other. The focuses of the retreat will include communication with your partner, communication with family, relationship building, handling stress, managing personalities, problem solving, action planning, and learning about additional resources. The retreat will also include opportunities to network with other farming couples, short lecture, group activities, and partner exercises.

Monica Kramer McConkey, Rural Mental Health Specialist with MDA will be presenting and facilitating the retreat. Emily Krekelberg, University of Minnesota Farm Safety and Health Extension Educator, and Jim Salfer, University of Minnesota Extension Educator - Dairy, will also be presenting.

Farm couple retreats are limited to the first ten couples that sign up per location. All lodging, meals, refreshments and materials are included in registration.

To learn more or to register, contact Leah Bischof at (320) 429-0611 or leahbischof@gmail.com.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

Govt. payments made up 39 percent of net farm income THIESSE, from pg. 12 farm businesses in recent years.

The nominal value of U.S. farm assets is expected to increase by 1.5 percent or $45.5 billion in 2020, raising the total value of U.S. farm assets to approximately $3.12 trillion. This increase comes primarily from higher farm real estate values in some portions of the U.S. However, when adjusted for inflation, the value of farm assets and the equity level of farm operations is almost unchanged from 2019 levels.

Even though net farm income is expected to increase in 2020, total U.S. farm debt is also expected to increase by year-end. Total farm debt is projected to increase by 4 percent or about $16.6 billion in 2020, raising the total U.S. farm debt to $435.2 billion.

The overall farm sector debt-to-asset ratio remains relatively low at 13.95 percent at the end of 2020. However, this is a small increase from 13.65 percent a year earlier. The debt-to-equity ratio increased to 16.2 percent in 2020, which is at the highest level since it was 17.6 percent in 2002.

However, the 2020 ratio is still well below the record high ratio of 22.2 percent in 1985.

While the 2020 U.S. net farm income projections do show some dramatic improvement in 2020 as compared to the previous six years (2014-2019), a person does have to take a pause and dig a little deeper into the data behind that increase. The net farm income which resulted from crop and livestock sales was $73 billion in 2020, which was the highest in recent years — primarily due to the increase in crop prices in the final four months of the year. The 2020 net farm income from crop and livestock receipts was comparable to 2015 income levels.

However, it was still well below net income levels achieved from 2011-2014.

Just over $46 billion of the estimated $119 billion in projected 2020 net farm income was due the farm program payments from the federal government, with ad hoc or one-time program payments accounting for over 75 percent of that total.

Federal farm program payments had an annual total of $11 to $13 billion from 2011 to 2018, before increasing to $22 billion in 2019, which was the result of the market facilitation payments paid to

farmers to offset losses from the trade war with China and other countries. Government farm program payments accounted for 39 percent of the net farm income in 2020, which was an increase from 26 percent in 2019, and compared to 9-16 percent in most other years from 2011 to 2018.

There are some certainly some reasons for optimism in net farm income and profitability levels revealed in the latest USDA farm income report for the U.S. farm sector. However, it will be interesting to see how sustainable the improved farm income levels are in 2021 and beyond. Obviously, it is likely not realistic to expect the same level of government farm program payments in 2021 as existed in 2020.

A big key going forward will be maintaining the strength in crop and livestock prices which existed late in 2020 due to the improved U.S. export markets to China and other countries.

Of course, weather is always a big wild card in final U.S. net farm income figures from year to year.

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

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

PAGE 15

Covid relief package signed amid political wrangling This column was written for the marketThe Covid-19 relief and government ing week ending Dec. 24. funding bill carries a price tag of $2.3 trillion and passed the House 359 to 53 Just as a Brexit deal appeared to have and the Senate 92 to 6, making the packcome together on Christmas Eve, U.S. lawage “veto proof” but the uncertainty was makers cobbled together another Covid creating anxiety in the market. relief package which promises much for the dairy industry. Unfortunately, it was The Daily Dairy Report says the bill combined with a monstrous Omnibus allocates $400 million for dairy donations Appropriations bill which became a very and directs the U.S. Department of MIELKE MARKET expensive Christmas tree laden with Agriculture to purchase “not less than” WEEKLY insane spending — both home and abroad. $1.5 billion in seafood, produce, meat and

By Lee Mielke dairy products for those in need. But the The measure prompted harsh criticism Daily Dairy Report warned, “The from President Trump who vetoed a pending transition to a new adminis$740.5 billion annual defense spendtration could slow implementation, ing bill on Dec. 23. Lists were which requires a review of previous appearing everywhere of what the donation programs.” two combined bills had funded, with many constituents terming the legislation as “wasteful spending,” “The bill includes $473 million for small dairy while only allocating $600 per person in Covid farms to increase coverage levels in the Dairy relief. The President wants $2,000.

Margin Coverage program,” says the Daily Dairy Report, and directs the secretary to “make addition-

MARKETING

Women in Ag conference Feb. 3 WILLMAR, Minn. — “Building Bridges, Cultivating Connections,” the sixth annual Women in Ag Network Conference will be held virtually on Feb. 3. The conference will be from 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Michele Payn, CSP will be the keynote speaker, with her presentation titled “Celebrating Agriculture.”

Payn connects the people and science of food and farming as principal of Cause Matters Corp.

Breakout sessions will feature Bridging the Gap with Social Media, Cultivating Management Best Practices, and Connecting Farmers and Consumers through Marketing.

The day will end with a panel discussion, “Direct Marketing: Taking it to the Next Level.” It will fea-

ture women who have taken marketing of their agriculture ventures to a completely new level.

Pre-registration is required to obtain the virtual link to the conference, as well as conference materials.

To register, visit z.umn.edu/ WAGN2021ConferenceReg. Registration is $35, with a special rate of $15 for students.

For more information, visit z.umn.edu/ WAGNConference21 or contact Sarah Schieck Boelke (schi0466@umn.edu) or Amber Roberts at AmberR@ umn.edu or (218) 236-2009.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

Minnesota Organic Conf. goes virtual ST. PAUL — Minnesota’s only statewide conference on organic agriculture is going virtual for 2021.

The Minnesota Organic Conference, hosted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will take place every Thursday in January, beginning on Jan. 7.

Virtual sessions will begin at 3 p.m. and provide the opportunity to learn more about healthy farms, food businesses, and soils.

The conference sessions lineup is as follows: Jan. 7 — Back to the Future: Regenerative-Organic Food Production for Good Health. Bob Quinn, PhD, organic farmer, entrepreneur and author.

Jan. 14 — Connecting Soil, Animal and Human Health. Silvia Abel-Caines, PhD, Organic Valley ruminant nutritionist.

Jan. 21 — The Challenges of Our Times: Climate

Change, COVID, and Organic Farm Viability. Carolyn Dimitri, PhD, New York University Department of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health; Andy Pressman, National Center for Appropriate Technology; and Cristel Zoebisch, Organic Farming Research Foundation Jan. 28 — Soil Health on Organic Farms. Amber Sciligo, PhD, The Organic Center Science program manager.

To register and for more information, visit www. mda.state.mn.us/environment-sustainability/minnesota-organic-conference or call Cassie Dahl at (651) 201-6134.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v

al payments to ensure that” Coronavirus Food Assistance Program aid “more closely aligns with the calculated gross payment or revenue losses of any person or entity.”

That, says the Daily Dairy Report, “suggests more aid could be forthcoming for producers with medium and large herds who received far less in aid intended to cover 80 percent of pandemic-related losses due to the $250,000 payment cap.” n Meanwhile, U.S. butter stocks fell again in November but were still well above those a year ago. The USDA’s latest Cold Storage report shows the Nov. 30 inventory at 251.8 million pounds. This is down 47.9 million pounds or 16 percent from October, but a whopping 71.2 million pounds or 39.4 percent above November 2019 — the 17th consecutive month they topped the year-ago level.

HighGround Dairy points out this was the steepest butter drawdown of the year, as is usual in the month, but was less than the five-year average.

American type cheese climbed to 760.2 million pounds, up 4 million pounds or 0.5 percent from October and 19.8 million pounds or 2.7 percent above a year ago.

The “other” cheese inventory slipped to 564.5 million pounds, down 600,000 pounds or 0.1 percent from October, but 6.9 million pounds or 1.2 percent above a year ago.

The total cheese inventory inched up to 1.34 billion pounds, up 3.4 million pounds or 0.3 percent from October; but 22.3 million pounds or 1.7 percent above a year ago.

Dairy cow culling fell in November, according to the latest Livestock Slaughter report, and was well below a year ago. An estimated 229,400 head were sent to slaughter under federal inspection, down 29,600 head or 11.4 percent from October and 26,700 or 10.4 percent below November 2019.

A total 2.79 million head have been culled in the first 11 months of 2020, down 168,800 head or 5.7 percent from the same period in 2019.

In the week ending Dec. 12, 62,100 dairy cows were sent to slaughter, down 3,800 from the previous week, and 3,400 or 5.2 percent below a year ago. n As reported last week, dairy farm margins strengthened over the first half of December following higher milk prices with feed costs holding mostly steady, according to the latest Margin Watch from Chicagobased Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC. The Margin Watch stated Class III Milk prices were drawing support from expectations for another round of government buying to extend into first quarter. It speculated “Any new dairy donation program will be different from past programs in that it See MIELKE, pg. 16

PAGE 16

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

Cash dairy prices all over the map Christmas week MIELKE, from pg. 15 will encourage donations of surplus products such as butter. In addition, the USDA must conduct a study of programs administered thus far before any new funds can be dispersed, which will likely limit a repeat of running the cheese market up to $3 per pound again.”

Reporting on the latest Global Dairy Trade auction, the Margin Watch stated, “The GDT index rose 1.3 percent to $3,317 per metric ton which was paced by strong advances in butter, cheddar, whole milk powder and skim milk powder. This has continued to help lift Class IV milk prices which have been trading at significant discounts relative to Class III.” Switching to the feed side of the ledger, the Margin Watch reported, “Feed costs have traded mostly sideways although both corn and soybean meal are holding support at the higher end of a recent trading range following a significant price increase that has added to breakeven levels for most dairy producers in forward margin projections.

Concerns over South American crop availability have caused Chinese buyers to shift late-winter cargoes to U.S. origin with strong export demand expected to continue through first quarter. n Cash dairy prices were confused in the Christmas holiday-shortened week. The 40-pound cheddar block cheese started the week losing 4 cents, then jumped 9.75 cents on Dec. 22 on news that a Covid relief bill had been agreed upon. The veto talk likely turned things around and the blocks closed Dec. 23 at $1.5975 per pound, down 2 cents on the week and 23.25 cents below a year ago.

The 500-pound cheddar barrels pole vaulted 15.25 cents on Dec. 22 to $1.6250 (the highest since Nov. 12 and just 5 cents below the blocks) only to give back 7 cents on Dec. 23 and 9 cents on Dec. 24 and close at $1.4650 — a penny lower on the week, 13.5 cents below a year a year ago, and 13.25 cents

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below the blocks. Twenty-seven cars of block exchanged hands in the four days at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and seven of barrel. n Spot milk was widely available in the Midwest Christmas week at even bigger discounts than in recent weeks, according to Dairy Market News, and cheesemakers were shifting production to agingfriendly varieties when possible.

“They foresee the writing on the wall with food service demand, which has taken the brunt of the Covid-19 impact,” says Dairy Market News. “On the other hand, some pizza cheese producers have reported strong remaining sales. Some producers are granting more days off than usual to staff in light of Covid-19 issues, while others were using the ample milk to run steadily through the weekend.

Western cheese makers are running at capacity.

Milk collections are adequate and there are some discounted loads of milk floating around the region, according to Dairy Market News, which says that industry contacts are “studying the lessons learned from the 2020 cheese markets. Some customers are taking regular shipments, but also reflecting on how buying patterns may have changed. In general, retail demand is stable and stronger than previous years.

However, snack cheese items are not selling as well.”

Cheese demand for institutional and sit-down dining is still weak, but pizza, fast food and other takeout options have helped move cheese.

Manufacturers and end users are watching inventories closely. Some expect cheese stocks to grow in the near term as market participants sort out strategies for the coming year.

Spot butter saw a Christmas Eve close at $1.5250 per pound, 7 cents higher on the week but 51 cents below a year ago, with 20 cars trading places on the week.

The price uptick is a bit surprising in view of the Cold Storage data showing a build in inventory at the wrong time of the year. Dairy Market News reported butter plants were closed anywhere from one to four days for the Christmas weekend which perplexed cream suppliers trying to find homes for loads which were heavily discounted this week.

Food service demand continues to find low points and, with long cream supplies, plant managers are producing bulk butter at growing rates though they are concerned about inventories coming into the new year.

Western butter output is gradually climbing and manufacturers are challenged to find room for the extra cream from suppliers. Pre-holiday week sales of butter were better than anticipated but sources indicated that orders dropped off considerably Christmas week. Restaurant closings continue to occur and remain a stumbling block for food service, says Dairy Market News. Frozen butter stocks are “fully adequate,” but demand for first quarter bulk butter is “heavy.”

Grade A nonfat dry milk finished the week at $1.1475 per pound, down 0.25 cents and 8.5 cents below a year ago, with four sales reported on the week.

Dry whey climbed to 46.75 cents per pound on Dec. 22 and that’s where it stayed, up 1.25 cents on the week and 15.25 cents above a year ago, with no sales.

The USDA announced the first Federal order milk price of 2021. The January Class I base is $15.14 per hundredweight, down $4.73 from December and $3.87 below January 2020. It is the lowest Class I price since June’s $11.42 and equates to $1.30 per gallon, down from $1.71 in December and $1.63 in January 2020. n See MIELKE, pg. 17

Practical Farmers set annual conference AMES, Iowa — Registration is now open for Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2021 virtual annual conference, “Coming Home,” which will take place Jan. 21-23.

The conference will take place on a special platform designed for ease of use that lets attendees create a personalized conference agenda with session reminders; network with other attendees and exhibitors; browse a virtual tradeshow; re-watch sessions; and easily participate via computer or mobile devices.

Live sessions will take place each day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m., after which attendees can choose from a range of self-directed activities, including visiting the virtual tradeshow; watching recordings of earlier sessions; browsing a gallery of curated PFI content; or gathering with other attendees in virtual meeting rooms. From 6-8:30 p.m. each evening, live conference events will resume, with a capstone fea-

ture planned each night.

Other conference highlights include the premiere of PFI’s first feature-length film, “Livestock on the Land.” Author Sarah Smarsh will deliver the keynote speech which examines how rural, suburban and urban life are intertwined. Spanish-language sessions are offered either bilingually or with Spanish interpretation available.

The conference will feature over 50 practical, farmer-led sessions.

The cost is $25 to attend the whole conference. A number of free tickets are available for those experiencing financial hardship, no questions asked. Learn more or register at practicalfarmers.org/ 2021-annual-conference.

This article was submitted by Practical Farmers of Iowa. v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

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

PAGE 17

China’s dry milk powder consumption expected to wane MIELKE, from pg. 16 Dairy Market News reports, “Farm level milk production is steady to increasing across the regions as cows respond to somewhat cooler and favorable temperatures. Bottling shipments across the country are mixed. Class I milk demand was up some in the south central area and Midwest.

California bottled milk demand was starting to slow as schools prepared to close for the winter break. Class I sales were stable to declining in Arizona but, as the winter snowstorm developed in the northeast, the region was experiencing a spike in Class I sales. Florida operations, meanwhile were importing milk from other regions to supply Class I needs. U.S. cream sales were down a bit, ahead of the Christmas holiday, according to Dairy Market News, and suppliers were trying to ensure that all loads have a destination over the next few weeks. n Cooperatives Working Together member cooperatives accepted 11 offers of export assistance this week from CWT that helped them capture sales contracts for 1.133 million pounds of cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese, and 628,318 pounds of butter. The product is going to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Oceania and Central America and will be delivered from January through April 2021.

CWT’s 2020 export sales now total 116 million pounds of product made up of 36.7 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 14.8 million pounds of butter (82 percent milkfat), 2.8 million pounds of anhydrous milkfat, 7.3 million pounds of cream cheese, and 55.4 million pounds of whole milk powder. The product is going to 30 countries in seven regions and are the equivalent of 1.198 billion pounds of

milk on a milkfat basis, according to the CWT. In other global news, HighGround Dairy reports New Zealand’s November dairy exports “recorded the largest gains over prior year by volume since May 2019 with incredible growth recorded to China on whole milk powder, and Southeast Asia, offsetting lower shipments into the Middle East and North Africa.”

Whole milk powder exports were the second highest of any month on record, according to HighGround Dairy, and second only to December 2018. “It was the highest monthly volume on record to ever ship to China in a single month.”

There were notable losses on key commodities from the Middle East/North Africa region however, says HighGround Dairy, “due to a combination of weaker oil prices and New Zealand milk powder premiums limiting export opportunities. But, oil prices are on the rise and vaccine optimism will stem economic disruption.”

HighGround Dairy concludes, “Fulfilling China’s needs remains the primary focus for New Zealand and demand is not expected to slow substantially into the first few months of 2021, keeping prices supported in the near term. Downside risk comes in the form of stronger global milk powder production into 2021 as infant formula demand from China backs down and product mix focuses on whole milk powder and skim milk powder and fat. However, global demand may be understated into the back half of 2021 following widespread vaccine distribution, bringing another year of volatility to the marketplace.”

And, as we all anticipate the end of a very challenging year in many ways, I would like to offer my wish and prayer for a better 2021 for you my readers. I look forward to serving you in the months ahead.

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

Next-generation farmers and business partners are encouraged to join Purdue Extension for the eight-session virtual series “Grow Your Farm Operation.” The series will be delivered via Zoom on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-8 p.m. beginning on Jan. 12 and ending on March 2.

Designed for young, new or beginning farmers, the series will help develop key skills to manage their farm in an ever-changing agribusiness climate Speakers from Purdue Extension and industry will discuss crop production, marketing, precision agriculture, drones, financial management, communica-

tion and succession planning. Attendees can also join regional networking sessions for topic discussions.

Continuing education units are available for certified crop advisers and commercial applicators, and pesticide applicator re-certification program credits for private applicators.

The registration fee is $100 per farm operation.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/GYFO2021 by Jan. 8.

For more information, contact Kelly Heckaman at (574) 372-2340 or kheckaman@purdue.edu.

This article was submitted by the Purdue News Service. v

Virtual crop, finance program series set

Are you and your livestock ready for winter?

Animals in general have three different processes to prepare themselves for winter. Livestock can grow long, thick coats to provide insulation against cold weather. If livestock are not exposed to the cold such as in a warm barn, they acclimate to the temperature of their given environment. The hair coat needs to stay clean and dry to provide the best insulation protection. Also, livestock tend to put on more weight in the winter months. Be sure to talk with your nutritionist ahead of time to make sure your livestock have enough energy in their diet to help protect them from the cold weather. Lastly, animals naturally adjust their metabolic rate to help produce more heat to help maintain their core body temperature. This need for energy takes these resources away from other body functions — such as milk production — if a higher energy diet is not provided.

What are some things that we can do as farmers to get ready for winter? Think about the basic

needs of all living things and apply them to your livestock: Food, water and shelter.

Nutrition — Livestock need more calories to keep themselves warm — especially during some of the bitter cold winters we experience in Minnesota.

Discuss with your nutritionist or feed dealer the ideal options for your herd and facilities. You may consider sorting out thin animals in order to provide them more specialized care such as a higher energy ration and less crowded, draft-free shelter.

Water — Be sure to be checking your waterer or water tanks regularly for frozen water. Frozen water or excessively cold water significantly limits water and feed intake of livestock. Animals, like humans, prefer the temperature of the water to be between 40 and 65 F. Consider utilizing a thermometer to determine if tank heaters and waterer heating elements are in proper working order.

Shelter — Provide a shelter for livestock to get

them out of the elements. A wind break is one solution; providing a roof is ideal. Providing deep, clean, dry bedding is essential to help keep the animals warm. Remember that a clean dry hair coat provides significantly better insulation than a dirty, wet hair coat. Also take time to evaluate your building for drafts which can create a problem.

Look around doors, windows and curtains for areas that should be sealed.

Keep in mind livestock which remain healthy throughout winter can fare cold temperatures more efficiently. Work with your veterinarian to keep livestock in tip top shape and up-to-date on their vaccinations. The other thing to consider is that with cold temperatures comes ice! Ice creates unsafe walking surfaces for both your livestock and yourself. Consider ruffing up the surface and adding sand or gravel for traction.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Corn heads into new year on a high note

Livestock Angles Outlook for 2021 livestock market remains unclear

The following marketing for this week. Production was Boxed beef movement has analysis is for the week endup 19,000 barrels per day to The year in the livestock been improving as boxed beef ing Dec. 24.

976,000 bpd. Ethanol stocks markets is one of collapse prices declined — which is a were up 219,000 barrels to because of the pandemic; positive. The negative would CORN — Corn edged high23.17 million barrels and the then some recovery through be the number of cattle availer to begin the week and just highest since May. Gasoline the remainder of the year. able for market and the kept going to a 18-month demand at 8 million bpd is weights of animals (which high. Corn was a follower of As we close out the year of 13.8 percent lower than the 2020, all of the livestock marincreased during the past few volatile soybean action, but same week a year ago. kets have seen some weakmonths). the underlying demand on its JOE TEALE own was supportive. New PHYLLIS NYSTROM Margins dropped a nickel to a ness or stagnation in prices For the longer term outlook negative 8 cents per gallon.

Broker CHS Hedging Inc. contract highs were set in old during the fall into the winto improve, the economy must St. Paul crop contracts, but the Outlook: The uptrend has ter months. Both the cattle Great Plains Commodity improve and businesses must Afton, Minn.

December contract was at times has been bent, but and hog markets have tried reopen; or the cattle market unable to breach the $4.25 not broken. This holiday- to stabilize in the last few could be subject to more slugcontract high. Corn has closed higher shortened trading week was higher all weeks and have virtually gone side- gish trade through the year. for 10 consecutive sessions. From this the way. Managed money maintains its ways awaiting some new input from Hogs have had the wildest ride this month’s low in March corn on Dec. 2 at length, and nothing was obvious this cash or futures. year. The market has been on a roller $4.14.25 to the new contract high at week to change that mindset. For those The outlook for 2021 will likely $4.51.5 per bushel, March corn has trying to manage risk on unpriced remain a little unclear as the funda- coaster as prices dropped dramatically soared 37 cents. May corn on the Dalian bushels, I would suggest using a trail- mentals are still a little negative while in the spring (due to the pandemic) Exchange traded to as high as $10.38 ing stop below the market, use special- the technical outlook is a little positive. only to recover from the low in April to per bushel late in the week. ty contracts which use option strate- This is all conjecture at this time as we a high in October. This was all done without any major changes in the overManaged money continues to add to gies (derivative contracts), buy a put, or await the outlook for the United States all hog fundamentals. their length and has thus far seen little just scribble down a price on a piece of to get back to a normal economy.

These sharp moves have now settled reason to exit those positions. We will paper what level prices would need to Therefore, the beginning few months of wait and see if any end-of-year locking fall to for you to add to old and new the new year may be very unpredict- down and the market is virtually sidein of profits shows up next week. Corn crop sales. Use the tools available that able and be very volatile in the live- ways. Producers are anxiously awaiting news from The U.S. Department of didn’t have much news on its own, but you are comfortable with. There are stock trade.

Agriculture’s Hogs and Pigs report due also tools available if you want to rethe spillover strength from soybeans Cattle have seen a bit of a rebound in Dec. 23. That report should set the tone own bushels to benefit from price has kept the uptrend intact. both live and futures as we approach and direction of the hog market for the increases on the board of trade.

The weekly export sales report this the holidays. However, the large preIf the strike is settled in Argentina or mium of futures over cash may suggest first quarter of 2021. week was the second lowest of the marAs with the cattle market, for the hog keting year at 25.6 million bushels. their weather forecast takes on a wet- that cash will need to improve immediThis was at the bottom of the pre- ter pattern, prices could fade into the ately or the market could stall at pres- market to gain any positive upward direction the economy will have to report estimates. China was listed as a See NYSTROM, pg. 19 ent levels. improve and businesses to reopen. buyer of just 472,400 bushels, but their Obviously the outlook could be very total U.S. purchases this year are 455 similar to last year with continued million bushels. U.S. commitments are volatility.

137 percent higher than last year at

corn/change* soybeans/change* I wish everyone a merry Christmas 1.662 billion bushels. This equates to St. Cloud $4.12 +.32 $11.97 +.83 and a happy and prosperous New Year.

62.7 percent of the U.S. Department of Madison $4.24 +.32 $11.95 +.70 v Agriculture’s 2.65 billion bushel export Redwood Falls $4.20 +.31 $11.95 +.71 forecast just four months into the mar Fergus Falls $4.14 +.32 $11.85 +.71 keting year. We only need to average 26.1 million bushels of sales per week Morris $4.23 +.33 $11.87 +.73 to reach the target. U.S. corn is still the Tracy $4.18 +.31 $11.88 +.71 cheapest source in the world.

Average: $4.19 $11.91 Weekly ethanol production continues to sustain numbers above the average Year Ago Average: $3.54 $8.63 needed to reach the USDA’s 5.05 billion Grain prices are effective cash close on Dec. 28. bushels estimate of corn for ethanol. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Weekly stocks, however, were a record

Cash Grain Markets

For marketing news between issues ... visit www.TheLandOnline.com

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 — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

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

PAGE 19

Soybeans, meal and soyoil all set new contract highs NYSTROM, from pg. 18 end of the year. Managing your risk is a never-ending job, but it doesn’t mean you have to let the parade pass you by. The next resistance level in old crop is the high on the continuous chart from July 2019 at $4.60 per bushel. The path of least resistance is still higher.

For the week, March corn rallied 13 cents to $4.50.5 with a new contract high at $4.51.5 per bushel. The July contract gained a dime to settle at $4.49.75 per bushel. December corn was 5.75 cents higher this week at $4.24.25 per bushel. The contract high in December 2021 contract is $4.25 per bushel set back in 2018.

SOYBEANS — Last week ended on a very positive note with soybean prices gaining nearly 60 cents.

This week began with a highly volatile trade as soybeans and meal markets set fresh contract highs and just took it from there. Soybeans closed higher in 10 of the last 12 trading sessions and for the last six straight days. This month’s January soybean low so far was set Dec. 8 at $11.42.5 per bushel. The new contract high this week was $12.74.25 per bushel, giving us a $1.31.75 gain from the December low to high. China’s soybean prices hit $16.68 per bushel equivalent on the Dalian Exchange this week. Funds have not been given a reason to abandon to their length.

The strike in Argentina by oilseed workers and grain inspectors continued with the vessel line-up to load rising to 170 vessels and other unions joining in with limited strikes in support of the oilseed workers and grain inspectors. The strike began on Dec. 9.

Since that time, no trucks have accessed the terminals at the port of Rosario from where approximately 80 percent of Argentina’s ag exports are shipped.

According to reports, Argentina has only shipped 25 percent of its meal commitments for December. There has been chatter in the trade of end-users switching soybean purchases from both Brazil and Argentina to the United States.

Weather in South America was variable. Argentina’s weather pattern was turning drier in typical La Niña fashion, but scattered rains were forecasted.

Argentina has received just 70 percent of normal precipitation in the last 30 days. For perspective, it’s the first week in June in Argentina. Buenos Aires Grains Exchange cautioned that Argentina may plant fewer soybean acres due to the dry conditions.

As of Dec. 23, 77 percent of their soybean acres were planted. Brazil received enough rain to hold its own and had more in the pre-Christmas forecasts. The recent rains have helped in the short run, but more is needed as soybeans enter the pod filling stage.

Weekly export inspections were above the highest estimate and reinforces the demand structure. There continued to be rumors of more soybean, meal, and/ or soyoil business coming to the United States, but there was no confirmation in the absence of any daily export sales flashes. Brazil’s grain growers’ associa-

tion Aprosoja cut their soybean production outlook 2 mmt to 127 mmt. The USDA is at 133 mmt.

Weekly export sales were the lowest of the marketing year and below the lowest estimate. Old crop sales were 13 million bushels to bring total commitments to 1.99 billion bushels. This is 86 percent higher than last year by this date. This is 90.4 percent of the USDA’s 2.2 billion bushel export forecast four months into the marketing year. We need to average 6.3 million bushels of sales per week to achieve the USDA’s outlook. U.S. soybeans are the cheapest into the first couple of months of 2021.

China bought 5 million bushels of U.S. soybeans during the reporting period with 14.5 million bushels switched from unknown, bringing their total 2020-21 purchases to 1.17 billion bushels. China only has 261 million bushels left to ship. At mid-week, the Dalian Exchange saw beans trade to $16.43 per bushel.

There were also 6 million bushels of new crop sales, bringing 2021-22 commitments to 18.2 million bushels vs. 6.6 million last year by this date.

Outlook: Traders will come back from the holidays looking at South American rainfall totals and peeking ahead to the Jan. 12 World Agriculture Supply

and Demand Estimates report and how much the U.S. soybean carryout may be lowered. The role of the market is to ration demand and we haven’t accomplished that feat yet. The U.S. dollar bounced off last week’s 2½ year lows, but I wouldn’t term it a rally. A weak U.S. dollar makes U.S. commodities more attractive to foreign buyers. The uptrend remains unbroken.

For the week, January soybeans jumped 43.5 cents to $12.63.5, setting a new contract high at $12.74.25 per bushel. July soybeans rallied 38.75 cents to settle at $12.58 per bushel. The November 2021 contract only managed a 1.5 cent gain to close at $10.82.75 per bushel. A new contract high was set this week in the November contract at $10.94.5 per bushel.

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and wondrous holiday season!

Nystrom’s notes: Contract changes for the week as of the close on Dec. 24: Chicago March wheat rallied 19.5 cents to $6.27.75, Kansas City was 20.75 cents higher at $5.90, and Minneapolis was 14.75 cents higher at $5.82.75 per bushel. v

Risk management series starts Jan. 19 ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Inspired by Annie’s Project is offering a seven-week program focusing on risk management topics.

All sessions will take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. starting in January.

Jan. 19 — Human Resources: Learn how to navigate different communication styles on your farm to avoid miscommunication. Presenter, Nancy Hegland.

Jan. 26 — Legal Risk: One of the hardest and most important topics to discuss on family owned farms is transition and succession planning. This session will guide you in how to start that conversation and begin the planning process. Presenter, Amber Roberts.

Feb. 2 — Marketing: This class will focus on the cost of production and profitability on your farm.

Presenter, Joleen Hadrich.

Feb. 9 — Financial: An overview on the importance of financial documents and why to have them for your farm. Presenter, Liz Tauer.

Feb. 16 — Production (crops focused): Learn how to use a critical eye in evaluating information, how all

sources of information are not created equal, and why a one size fits all approach can be risky for your farm. Presenter, Liz Stahl.

Feb. 23 — Production (livestock focused): Discover management options to increase productively while protecting your cost of production. Presenter, Dr. Joe Armstrong.

Interested parties only need to register once to gain access to the entire course. Register at z.umn.edu/ CMNAnniesInspired. This course will not be recorded. In order to get the most out of the course, you will need to attend each class live.

If you have questions or need assistance with registration, call (320) 255-6169 or email wins0115@ umn.edu.

Annie’s Project is a nationwide program that empowers farm and ranch women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information.

This article was submitted by Katie Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension. v

Join The Land Online!

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 25/JANUARY 1, 2021

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25 /JANUARY 1, 2021 Real Estate Prime Farmland 80 acres near Fairfax MN & St Hwy 19. Renville Cty property ID 31-00170-00. Well drained and well tiled, production rating 91. Incredible investment opportunity to own prime farmland w/ development potential in close proximity to city limits. For more info contact 507-201-9636 or email hunter2003mn@ yahoo.com

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

Bins & Buildings

Farm Equipment

Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. Harms Mfg. Land Rollers, 100% financing w/no liens or Brand New, 12’-$6,000; 14’red tape, call Steve at Fair- $7,000; 16’-$8,000; 24’$14,800; fax Ag for an appointment. 32’-$17,500; 42’-$21,500; Oth888-830-7757 ers from 8’-62’. 715-234-1993 JD 7000 Corn Planter, 2Row, 3PT, $1,800; Fert. Avail. $350/Row. 715-234-1993

Farm Equipment

“Where Farm and Family Meet” THE LAND...since 1976

Alfalfa Hay - Dairy or stock cow quality. Big square bales. Delivered from South Dakato. John Haensel 605351-5760 FOR SALE: Alfalfa, mixed hay, grass hay, straw and individually wrapped baleage.

Medium or large square bales. Delivery available.

Zumbrota, MN. Call or text Ray Leffingwell 763-286-2504 High Quality Western Alfalfa Hay delivered by the semi load. Also low potassium grass hay & clean straw.

Don Christianson 608-7817765. 40 years of satisfied customers.

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

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COMBINES

GRAIN CARTS & GRAVITY WAGONS

’13 Case IH 9230, 36” track, rear wheel assist, 2108 hrs, ’13 Brent 557, 550 bushel, 4 wheel brake, fenders, tarp ..$13,250 1562 sep hrs, fully loaded w/ full guidance, 2 sets of concaves ........................................................ $150,000 ’07 Gehl RS6-34, 34 3519 hrs, OROPS, 36’ lift hgt, 48” forks, ’13 JD S680 4WD, 1881 hrs, 1427 sep hrs, C/M, 5 speed chopper, 15-19.5 tires. ............................................................. $32,000 26ft auger, 650x38 tires & duals ............................. $120,000 ’13 JLG G12-55A, 6694 hrs, cab air, 12,000# lift cap, 55’ lift hgt, ’01 JD 9750 STS, 3013/4156 CM, chopper, duals ....... $32,500 outriggers, 60” forks ................................................. $52,000

TELEHANDLERS

TRACK & 4WD TRACTORS

THANK YOU

FOR READING THE LAND!

COMBINE HEADS

’14 Case IH 370 HD, 7065 hrs, 1000 PTO duals........... $72,000 ’02 Case IH 2208, corn head 8 row 30” ....................... $10,000 ’04 JD 630F, 30’ flex head, high dam ............................ $7,000 ’05 Versatile 2335, 5002 hrs, power shift, PTO ........... $62,000 ’06 Drago, 8 row 30” chopping corn head .................. $12,000 ’09 Case IH 3412 corn head 12 row 30” ...................... $19,000 ’13 Case IH 3162 40’ flex draper ................................. $29,000 2010 White 8500, 24 row, 22” spacing, yetter row cleaners, ’13 Case IH 3020 35’ flex head, 3” sickle.................... $18,000 markers, corn, soybean, sugar beets disc, very clean ..$29,000

PLANTERS

ROW CROP TRACTORS ’18 JD 6155R MFWD, 385 hrs, 3PT PTO, front hyd, TLS front susp., elec joystick, 14.9x46 tires & duals ............. $129,000 ’18 JD 6130R MFWD, 640 loader, elec joystick, 3 hyd 540/1000 PTO, HID lights, 420x38 rear tires..... ....................... $94,000 ’13 NH T7.210 MFWD, 1175 hrs, cab air, 540/1000 PTO,

EXCAVATORS ’11 JD 290GLC, 3347 hrs, 12'6" stick,42" bkt.............. $105,000 ’11 Case CX300C, 2658 hrs, 12' stick, 54" bucket ...... $105,000

WHEEL LOADERS

’16 JD 824KII, 7480 hrs, RC, 6 yd bkt.............................. $134,500 ’14 JD 724K 6980 hrs, 4.75 yd pin on bkt, RC .................. $95,000 ’13 JD 644 K, 5520 hrs, quick coupler, 4.25 yd bkt ........ $105,000 ’15 Cat 950M, 7205 hrs, RC, 4.5 yd pin on bkt................. $110,000 ’15 Cat 980M, 10,970 hrs, joystick steering, scale w/printer, RC, auto greaser bkt................. ......................................... $185,000 ’14 Cat 938M, 8416 hrs, 3.5 yd pin on bkt, RC.................. $82,000 ’11 Cat 966K, 7,022 hrs, joystick steering, RC, QC w/bkt...$135,000 ’18 Komatsu WA 270-8, 995 hrs, 3.5 yd pin on bkt..... ..... $105,000 ’16 Komatsu WA 270-7, 8193 hrs, Q.C., 4 yd bkt .............. $70,000 ’16 Komatsu WA 320-7, 6936 hrs, Q.C., 3.5 yd bkt ........... $72,000 ’14 Kawasaki 70Z7, 7628 hrs, QC & bkt ............................ $69,000 ’12 Case IH 721F, 3254 hrs, RC, 3.5 yd pin on bkt ................ $69,000 ’11 Case IH 721F 7650 hrs, QC 3 yd bkt, Aux hyd, 4 new 20.5 Rx25 tires ................................................................................. $69,000

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

Steffes Auction Calendar 2020 For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com

Opening January 1 & Closing January 6 Online Steffes Auction - 1/6, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening January 4 & Closing January 13 at 7PM Honeyman Firearms Collection Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield MN, Timed Online Auction Opening January 7 & Closing January 14 at 3PM Marion Café Auction, Marion, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening January 8 & Closing January 12 at 12PM Online Hay Auction - Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction

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Your ad could be here!

507-345-4523

DAMAGED GRAIN

18.4x46 tires & duals..... ........................................... $90,000

Bins & Buildings

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

WANTED

Sell your land or real estate in 30 days for 0% commission.

Call Ray 507-339-1272 60 Ft. Toolbars. Moore Built double fold and Elmers 58’ Real Estate single fold that could be conWanted verted to a 60’. Toolbars only.

No row units/gauge wheels.

WANTED: Land & farms. I MB is $15,000, Elmers is have clients looking for $3,000. $16,500 for both. 7x7 dairy, & cash grain opera- bar for your next cultivator, tions, as well as bare land strip-till, side dress, planter, parcels from 40-1000 acres. project. Call Matt (320) 296Both for relocation & invest- 4100 ments. If you have even thought about selling conFOR SALE: 2013 Yetter rotatact: Paul Krueger, Farm & ry hoe, 40’ flat fold, $9,800; Land Specialist, Edina Re2013 Einbock tine weeder, 80’ alty, 138 Main St. W., New folding, excellent condition, Prague, MN 55372. $29,000. 507-327-6430 paulkrueger@edinarealty.com (612)328-4506

Feed Seed Hay

Farm Equipment

PAGE 21

458934-1

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

Friday, January 22 at 5PM Barnes County, ND Farmland For Rent, Valley City, ND Opening January 22 & Closing January 26 at 12PM Online Hay Auction - Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening January 22 & Closing January 27 Willard Onchuck Estate Collectible Toy Auction, Steffes Group Facility, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Friday, January 29 at 5PM Cass County, ND Farmland For Rent, Gardner, ND Opening February 4 & Closing February 9 at 12PM Walsh County, ND Land Auction - 732± Acres, Edinburg, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 9 & Closing February 16 Dakota Valley Growers Inventory Reduction Auction, Bathgate,ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 11 & Closing February 23 Bryan Albertson Excess Equipment Auction, Foxhome, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening February 18 & Closing February 25 David & Aileen Clough Farm Retirement Auction, Fessenden, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 20 & Closing March 1 Satrom Grain Farms, LLC Equipment Auction, Oriska, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening March 1 & Closing March 9 John & Kari Gramith Farm Retirement Auction, Norwood, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 1 & Closing March 11 at 7PM Richard Gabrielson Estate Farm Equipment Auction, Darwin MN, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, March 9 at 9AM James P. & Debra D. Coughlin Trust Farm Retirement Auction, Iroquois, SD Opening March 9 & Closing March 18 at 7PM Darwin & Kris Panning Farm Retirement Auction, Hamburg , MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 11 & Closing March 16 Kenneth Stadick Farm Retirement Auction, Underwood, ND, Timed Online Auction Wednesday, March 17 at 10AM Ken Rustad Farms Retirement Auction, Roseglen, ND Opening March 17 & Closing March 24 Lawren & Lynette Wold Retirement Auction, Glenburn, ND, Timed Online Auction Friday, March 19 at 1 OAM Donavan Vandervoort Farm Retirement Auction, Hector, MN Tuesday, March 23 at 1 OAM Gary & Cindy Haman Farm Retirement Auction, Rolette, ND Opening March 23 & Closing March 30 Gunderson Farms Inc. Farm Retirement Auction, Fessenden, ND, Timed Online Auction

PAGE 22

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

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Planting Equip

FOR SALE: 2006 JD 7830 2001 Moore built AGCO tractor/FWA, w/ 2014 West- 24R22” 6000 series, Martin endorf loader w/ forks, 3920 row cleaners, hyd driven, hrs, excellent condition starter, tru count air clutch$83,900. 507-327-6430 es, 3 corn seed plates, 1 soybean plate, stored in heated NEW AND USED TRACTOR shop. exc shape, looking to PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, sell, bought newer planter.

55, 50 Series & newer trac- 320-583-5324 tors, AC-all models, Large Inventory, We ship! Mark Wanted Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829 All kinds of New & Used farm equipment - disc chisels, field Tillage Equip cults, planters, soil finishers, cornheads, feed mills, discs, FOR SALE: Wil-rich 513 Soil- balers, haybines, etc. 507Pro, 9 shank, 24” spacing, 438-9782 very nice shape, only used on 3,500 acres. 507-456-4012 www.thelandonline.com

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 2014 John Deere 8285R, IVT transmission, ILS front axle, 480/80R50 duals, 420/85R34 single fronts, 3980 hrs. ...................................... $117,500 2012 John Deere 7230R, IVT transmission, TLS suspended front axle, 380/90R54 duals, 5 remotes, 3160 hrs. .................................... $94,500 2012 Case IH Magnum 235, 19-speed powershift, 320/90R54 rear duals, 320/85R38 single fronts, 540/1000 PTO, cab suspension, complete guidance system, 2645 hours ................... $87,500 2016 John Deere 7230R, 25-speed E23 transmission, 380/9R50 duals, 380/85R34 single fronts, 540/1000 PTO, 5340 hours............. $79,000 2010 John Deere 9330, powershift, active seat, 710/70R38 duals, 5250 hours, just through service program .................................................... $87,500 2012 John Deere S680 combine, 2WD, 520/85R42 duals, power fold tank ext., power cast tailboard, 1880 sep. hours, through service program .................................................... $92,500 1998 John Deere 9610 combine, duals, 2750 sep. hours ........................................................ $29,000 2016 Case 580SN WT tractor loader backhoe, 4WD, extendahoe, cab with heat and air, pilot controls, ride control, 3250 hours ............. $47,500

AgDirect financing available, rates as low as 2.99% fixed.

Please call before coming to look at equipment.

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

Tractors

SORRY!

CHECK We do not issue refunds.

ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Keith Bode

70786 510th St. • Fairfax, MN 55332 507-381-1291 • www.keithbodeeq.com

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25 /JANUARY 1, 2021 Wanted

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

Swine

Miscellaneous

OWANTED TO BUY: 50 or 55 or Spot, Duroc, Chester White, PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS n 8000 series John Deere trac- Boars & Gilts available. New pumps & parts on hand. , tor, 130-200 HP, 9510 or 9550 Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Call Minnesota’s largest dis- John Deere combine and Delivery available. Steve tributor Resler. 507-456-7746 HJ Olson & Company - older JD Gator. 320-248-5394 d 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 WANTED: Tile stringer cart o Trucks & in good condition. Home.

Trailers REINKE IRRIGATION made okay.

320-223-4110 Sales & Service Leave message.

1997 Volvo day cab semi tracNew & Used WANTED: Used LP propane tor, Cummins N14 select plus For your irrigation needs tank, 18,000 gallons or larg- engine, Eaton Fuller, 10spd, 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 er. 507-327-6420 less than 400K miles, locking m dif, A/R, newer steer & drive d tires, accepting best reason- Winpower Sales & Service , Livestock Reliable Power Solutions able offer. 320-583-5324 , Since 1925 PTO & automatic Emergency Electric GenerFOR SALE: Black Angus bulls Sell your farm equipment ators. New & Used also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ in The Land with a line ad.

Rich Opsata-Distributor Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred 507-345-4523 800-343-9376 Kemen 320-598-3790 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.

USED TRACTORS

PLANTERS

NEW Versatile 610 4WD ................................ On Hand NEW Versatile DT610 Quad........................... On Hand NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader.. ...... On Hand NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders ... On Hand ’17 NH T4.65 ................................................... $42,000 ’13 NH T8.330 w/auto steer .......................... $143,000 ‘11 NH T8.300 ....................................................94,500 JD 4450PS W/148 LOADER............................ $39,500 ’84 JD 4850 FWA ............................................ $37,500 JD 8310T 5400hrs ........................................... Coming Farmall 340 wf w/mower.................... ................$4,250 ’07 Massey GC2300 w/loader........ ................. $13,900 WHITE 2-88 W/LOADER ....................................16,500

’11 White 8516 CFS, Loaded .......................... $68,000 ’06 White 8516 cfs .......................................... $39,000 ’06 White 8186 w/fert ...................................... $28,000 ’95 White 6722 loaded ....................................... $7,500 ’96 White 6222 forward fold w/liq ................... $10,500

TILLAGE

COMBINES 14’ Gleaner S78 ............................................... Coming NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead .................... Call ’12 Gleaner S77 ............................................ $179,000 ’03 Gleaner R65 .............................................. $72,000 ’98 Gleaner R62 .............................................. $59,000 ‘95 Gleaner R52 ............................................... Coming ’89. R60 w/both heads .................................... $15,500 ’90 Gleaner R40 w/heads ............................... $17,500

NEW Wilrich 513 9-24 .................................... On Hand ’14 Sunflower 4412-05.....................................$30,000 Geringhoff parts & heads available ’10 Wilrich QX2 37’ w/basket.......................... $34,500 MISCELLANEOUS ’09 Wilrich QX2 55’5 w/bskt............................ $34,000 ’05 CIH 730B w/lead ....................................... $16,500 ’13 Wilrich 513 5-30................. ..........................31,500 NEW Salford RTS Units .......................................... Call NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW Westfield Augers ........................................... Call NEW REM VRX Vacs. .............................................. Call NEW NH E26C mini excavator ...................... On Hand NEW Hardi Sprayers............................................... Call NEW NH E37C mini excavator ...................... On Hand NEW Riteway Rollers .............................................. Call NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ...... On Hand NEW Lorenz Snowblowers ..................................... Call NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units .......... On Hand NEW Batco Conveyors ........................................... Call ’17 NH L234 C/H/A.......................................... $32,000 NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ......................... Call ’12 NH 225 C/H ............................................... $27,000 NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons .................................. Call NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ......................... Call HAY TOOLS REM 2700, Rental ................................................... Call Pre-Owned Grain Cart ................................... On Hand New NH Hay Tools - 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

PAGE 23

• 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

ADVERTISER LISTING Agri Systems/Systems West .....................................12 Beck's Hybrids ................................................ 1, 3, 13 Dahl Farm Supply .................................................... 7 Dairyland Seed Co., Inc. ......................................... 9 Freudenthal Dairy .................................................... 5 Greenwald Farm Center ...........................................23 Henslin Auctions, Inc. .............................................20 Keith Bode .............................................................22 Larson Brothers Implement .....................................21 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ...............................................21 Renewal by Anderson ............................................... 6 Rush River Steel & Trim .......................................... 4 Schweiss Doors .......................................................20 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ....................................23 Spanier Welding ...................................................... 11 Steffes Group ..........................................................21 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 PO Box 3287, Mankato, MN 56002-3287 www.thelandonline.com

PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 25, 2020/JANUARY 1, 2021

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

Call of the historic highway

I

n the 1880s, students at the schoolhouse in the village of Spruce Hill often had their lessons interrupted by the squalling noise of ox carts traveling past the door as the carts made their way up the Ottertail Trail to Fergus Falls.

Now, 140 years later, you can stand near the remnants of the school’s foundation, look north a mile and see that school sporting a new metal roof and siding. Today the building serves as the Spruce Creek township hall.

The former village is now a Douglas County Park; and county officials have placed walking trails and interpretive signs where the village, with its school, sawmill, hotel, saloon, post office and store once stood.

Visitors can still see the shadow of the Alexandria Trail, one of the county’s oldest roads, where it intersected with the Ottertail Trail, one of Minnesota’s first state highways. For the adventurous, there is actually a several miles-long minimum maintenance section of the old highway going south from the park.

The sawmill must have been a technological wonder. Water falling from a nine-and-a-half-foot dam on Spruce Creek ran a water turbine which operated at 440 revolutions per minute to power the mill’s saws and equipment.

Douglas County

You don’t have to be either an adventurer or a history buff to enjoy Spruce Hill, however. If you are a trout fisherman you will enjoy exploring Spruce Creek, a Department of Natural Resourcesdesignated trout stream. You can get a good look at it from the footbridge or right below one of the park’s picnic shelters.

If you’re planning a picnic to the park remember — there is no running water. You have to pump it by hand. Never mind that though!

Modern children enjoy the novelty of hand pumps!

Kids also enjoy a game of softball and, thanks to the Rose City Lions and Douglas County, there’s a very wellkept ball field at the park’s entrance.

You can see the old school house, now town hall, to the northwest of the park. Just a bit to the southeast of the park, on a short stretch of the Ottertail Trail that is maintained, is the Swedish Lutheran church. The church, known as the Svenska Augustana Synod Forsamlingen, has its origins in a congregation founded by Swedish immigrants in 1876. In 1902 a small log church was built on the site and later the elegant little building which stands there today was built. v

Changing the game

Soy checkoff investments revolutionizing agriculture

THE SOY CHECKOFF AT WORK

The Council invests in agronomic research into pest and weed management, soil health and breeding and genetics.

RESEARCH

EXPORTS

14: The number of production research projects the Council invested in during the 2020 fiscal year

The Council continues to find ways to impact exports even during a pandemic

AG INNOVATION CAMPUS

This crushing facility will have classrooms, laboratories and be home to innovative research.

On 12 separate occasions, MSR&PC has testified, written public comments and met with officials to try to eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade.

PLASMA BLUE MSR&PC research led to a revolutionary new way to make biodiesel

Located in Crookston, the AIC combines research, crushing and education

ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS Soybean quality is key to marketing Midwest soybeans

U.S. SOY 1/2 of 1 percent of the value of a bushel of soybeans is checked off

Using plasma technology, this innovation creates fuel more efficiently and can use green energy to make green energy.

The federal soybean checkoff requires half of that money stays in state, while the rest goes to the United Soybean Board. Checkoff money cannot be spent on lobbying.

MN, ND and SD have invested in research proving Midwest soybeans are high in amino acids, which is a better measure of feed quality.

MSR&PC seeking candidates for commodity elections

MSR&PC invests in UMN soybean gall midge series

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is looking for interested candidates to run for positions on the Council board. There are five Council seats up for election in 2021. Council directors help direct the state’s soybean checkoff dollars on behalf of Minnesota’s nearly 28,000 soybean farmers. Interested participants must fill out a candidate certification form and a candidate biography form. Interested candidates can go to mnsoybean.org/msrpc.

Join Extension entomologists for a three-part Midwest soybean gall midge discussion series to hear research-based updates from the experts. This virtual program, set to run in January, will feature several short presentations during each session, with plenty of time for questions and discussion.

For more information or to register, visit http://z.umn.edu/ SoybeanGallMidge2021

LEARN MORE ABOUT MSR&PC INVESTMENTS AT MNSOYBEAN.ORG

2021: WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK.

No two legislative sessions are created equal. 2020 drove this point home, as a global pandemic upended business as usual in St. Paul. Despite the upheaval brought forth by COVID-19, MSGA still secured major wins on several policy fronts in 2020. From Section 179 Tax Conformity to securing $5 million for the Ag Innovation Campus, MSGA was still able to check the box on several priority areas in 2020. But our eyes are now set on 2021.

1

PROTECT AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS IN THE BIENNIUM BUDGET

The state’s biennium budget will be a top priority for lawmakers, the proverbial “elephant in the room.” MSGA will advocate with legislators to ensure agriculture, which accounts for approximately 25 percent of the state’s GDP, is a budgetary priority.

3

PROTECT BIODIESEL Minnesota enters the fourth season of its B20 blending requirement in 2021. Renewable fuels have faced opposition – and support – from both sides of the aisle. With climate change and electric cars discussions ramping up, MSGA won’t play it safe in 2021.

2

Protect you and your family’s ability to farm in Minnesota.

ADVOCATE AGAINST TAX INCREASES

MSGA secured one of its biggest wins in years when the Legislature passed full Section 179 conformity in October, 2020. MSGA will continue to ensure farmers aren’t saddled with additional tax burdens.

4

INCREASE VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE

MSGA is a staunch proponent of promoting value-added agriculture products like road sealants and roof extenders. MSGA will work with legislators and the Walz administration to promote the economic and environmental benefits of these value-added endeavors.

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association pounds the pavement all year long in St. Paul and Washington, D.C., for our state’s soybean farmers and their families. Because soybean checkoff dollars cannot be used for legislative activities, our success depends on you and your membership dollars. mnsoybean.org/msga | 507-388-1635 | info@mnsoybean.com

WE FIGHT TO PROTECT YOUR FARM, FAMILY & FUTURE.

mnsoybean.org/msga

Gordon family, Nobles County Promoting and defending farm-friendly policy requires heavy lifting. With fewer than 10% of Minnesota’s nearly 28,000 soybean farmers active in MSGA, we need your support. The future depends on it. Join us today.

Learn more about MSGA, our successes and 2021 legislative priorities inside.