THE LAND ~ February 26, 2021 ~ Northern Edition

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Februar y 19, 2021 Februar y 26, 2021

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Frosty February!

Mother Nature reminds us of what we’ve been missing this winter INSIDE: Time is now to make crop insurance decisions for 2021 Dick Hagen interviews Darren Hefty Grain bin safety, fresh recipes from Kristin Kveno ... and more!

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Do animals have rights?

P.O. Box 3287 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XL ❖ No. 4 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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Cover photo courtesy of Rose Wurtzberger

COLUMNS Opinion Green & Growing Life on the Farm: Readers’ Photos Farm and Food File Cooking With Kristin Deep Roots Mielke Market Weekly Farm Programs Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-5 4 4 5 6 7 9 12 14-15 17-23 23 24

STAFF

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In December of 2019 I attended way beyond my “ordinary perceptions.”

GreenSeam’s Rural Forum dinner in Vast Self may just be hitching up with Mankato. The featured speaker that evePETA to get a piece of the $50 million ning was Richard “Rick” Berman, pie; but to quote Lowell George, “To a boy President of Berman and Company, a from the woods this don’t sound so good.”

Washington, DC-based public affairs firm A couple of days later I read a story by specializing in research, communications Donnelle Eller of the Des Moines Register and creative advertising. titled, “Charges dropped against animal Berman’s message that evening was a rights activitist who secretly filmed Iowa LAND MINDS wake-up call for agriculture to pay attenpigs being killed.” tion to the anti-ag messages permeating Eller’s story states, “a northeast Iowa

By Paul Malchow print, visual and social media. Most of county attorney has dropped trespass these efforts are quite subtle, Berman charges against an animal rights activwarned, yet have a definite impact on ist who secretly filmed a company the public’s perception of ag products destroying thousands of pigs it was unable to send — especially meat. He said unless agriculture to packinghouses during last spring’s coronavirus mounted their own campaigns to dispel anti-ag shutdowns.” myths, the grocery-buying public will support those Grundy County Attorney Erica Allen filed the myths which will turn into habits — and eventually motion at the request of West Des Moines-based — truths.

Iowa Select. (Iowa Select is the nation’s fourthAmerica’s appetite for meat has been an agricullargest pork producer). ture battleground for generations now, but the “Iowa Select … has denied any wrongdoing and financial stakes are getting higher all of the time. said it worked with veterinarians to determine how This is probably why I’m seeing more press releases best to destroy the animals it was unable to slaughdealing with farm and animal security. ter,” Eller wrote. “(Iowa Select) asked that the Most anyone who has owned animals for profit or charges be dropped because it ‘cannot be distracted pleasure is familiar with PETA (People for the by individuals who choose to break the law and Ethical Treatment of Animals). PETA makes no grandstand.’» bones about using controversial methods to create Pursuing the trespassing charge in court would splashy headlines in the name of “animal rights.” have put Iowa Select employees and owner Jeff One of PETA’s standard guerilla tactics is to release Hansen on the stand to defend not only the euthacontained animals into the wild where, ironically, nasia of the pigs, but the company’s general practicthey are left to starve or die from exposure. es as well. At best, a public relations nightmare.

Ethical treatment indeed. Yet in 2019 PETA took But while big corporations have long been targets of in revenues exceeding $50 million. espionage and hidden camera-toting activists, there is A couple of weeks ago I read an email titled, a growing concern these activists may be coming to a “PETA owns a secret to ending animal farming and farm near you. The Covid-19 pandemic has created a other unfortunate animal-human relationships.” surge in farm-to-table public interest and consumers The article stated Vast Self Public Charity buying their food directly from the grower. announced the sharing of a newfound secret During a recent Dairy Business Association’s annuwith PETA which will help end animal farming and al conference, Hannah Thompson-Weeman voiced other unfortunate relationships between humans concerns over animal rights activists’ access to farms and animals currently protected by the law. and warned of the need to protect against it.

Now there’s an attention-getter.

Thompson-Weeman is the vice president of strateA little Google digging revealed Vast Self Corp is a gic engagement at Animal Agriculture Alliance, a public charity whose “mission is world peace and nonprofit organization working to “bridge the comhappiness. This is achieved by demonstrating that munication gap between farm and fork.” She says in our ordinary perceptions are mistaken.” Vast Self the age of activism, some resort to extreme meadoes not go into detail as to why their perceptions sures, going undercover on farms whether as a visiare spot-on. tor, customer or employee.

Anyway, Vast Self’s “newfound secret” is based on Thompson-Weeman suggests when farmers “the fact that the senses of most humans cannot receive a visit request to search for their profiles on perceive that they and animals are the same self. social media. “You can tell a lot about a person by Since humans and animals are the same self, posts and photos,” she said. “Be careful. There are humans cannot ‘own’ animals. Ending animal farm- such things as fake profiles. So, search for people ing by reversing the view that animals can be prop- with Google or other search engines. Of course, not erty will bring great benefit to humans, animals, everything on social media is true, so try an oldand the environment,” Vast Self claims. fashioned approach: call. Talk to them verbally.

I’m no Rhodes scholar and this philosophy goes See LAND MINDS, pg. 8

OPINION

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Pansies are perfect indoor starters for spring One variety of seeds that gardeners large colorful blooms. may start growing indoors are for panPansy blossoms are edisies. This lovely member of the violet ble, so they are safe to family has flowers which look a little like grow around children faces. Pansies thrive in all but the hottest and pets. part of the growing season and survives Pansy seeds are very even then with sufficient watering. tiny and should be The name “pansy” is thought to come planted six to eight GREEN AND GROWING from the French word pensée meaning a weeks before the thought or remembrance. Today’s pansies expected last frost.

By Linda G. Tenneson However, starting them were formed when English gardeners began to cultivate and cross breed them earlier will result in blooming plants that in the 1800s and created the five-petaled bloom we are not too large to manage indoors. Pansies can are familiar with. Those breeders started with the withstand some cold temperatures or light frosts various kinds of violas which have been known and may be moved outdoors earlier than other since 400 B.C. Breeders are still working with panannuals. When planting, barely cover the seeds with sies; so new colors and varieties will appear in the soil and keep it moist. A plastic cover is one way to catalogs. In this area, pansies are annuals; but the preserve moisture while the seeds are germinating plant may be moved indoors and held over winter. which may take two or three weeks. Remove the covers once the first sets of leaves appear. Place the Pansy blossoms range from one to four inches in young plants in individual pots once they have width. They love full sun but will grow in semigrown a second set of leaves. shade. The plant does not grow very tall, but will spread and has attractive leaves with notches on Pansies may be grown in outdoor beds set about them. The petals may be a single color, often yellow six inches apart or planted under larger annuals or or blue, but is most often seen with a variety of colperennials, providing an interesting contrast to ors in a single bloom and with or without black lines other plants. They are often planted in between radiating out from the center (which is usually yelspring bulbs and will begin blooming as tulips and low). “Swiss Giants” are a well-known variety with other bulbs are dying back.

Pansies suffer from a few diseases such as root rot, leaf spot and mildew. These problems may be avoided if the plants are watered at the soil level keeping the leaves as dry as possible. Aphids, spider mites and slugs may eat the leaves. However, those pests have attacked my pansies much less frequently than other flowers.

On a side note,the Benton County Extension Master Gardeners’ gardening seminar is schedule for April 15 at 7 p.m. Entitled “Ornamental Invasive Plants,” the event is free; but online registration is required at z.umn.edu/SpringSeminar.

Registrants will receive a link to the event by email the day before.

The program will include: What is a native and non-native plant; why and how invasive plants succeed; how they were introduced into our environment; what to do with those already in our yards; and how to stop their spread.

More information may be obtained at www.extension.umn.edu/Benton or by calling (800) 964-4929.

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

Life on the Farm: Readers’ Photos

Brown County resident Rose Wurtzberger sent in a couple of photos she took of farms in Sigel Township. Her other photo graces the cover of this edition of The Land.

Hartland, Minnesota’s Al Batt sent in a supply of photos showing visitors you might find at your feeder this winter. At top left is a black capped chickadee and next to him is a red bellied woodpecker. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, few bird feeders are complete without the resident fox squirrel (bottom left).

E-mail your Life on the Farm photos to editor@thelandonline.com.

Extension announces Seed Trial winners ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteers have been running a flower and vegetable varietal trial since 1962. The University selects six vegetables varietals and two flower varietals each year. In 2020 an herb was also included.

Winners are based on flavor, disease and insect tolerance, productivity and germination rate.

The 2020 winners are: Cauliflower, “Amazing”; Tomato (medium size, red), “Wisconsin 55”; Purple Pole Bean, “Purple King”; Cucumbers (mini), “Picolino”; Red Leaf Lettuce, “Garrison”; Basil (mildew resistant), “Emerald Tower”; White Larkspur, “Fancy Smoky Eyes”; and Portulaca, “Stopwatch.”

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

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Peterson needs to let go now that he’s gone After Collin Peterson, the former chairScott’s committee expansion, explains man of the House Ag Committee, lost his Peterson, creates two other problems.

Nov. 2020 reelection bid to Republican First, it gives bona fide rural Republicans challenger Michelle Fischbach, the more credibility to challenge the now 15-term congressman packed 194 boxes more-urban, majority Democrats on farm with office material and Capitol Hill programs. “‘This is bad,’” he told memories and returned to his native the News Tribune, “I was able to hold Minnesota. things together, keep things bipartisan.

But I’m worried about what’s going to The memorabilia included stacks of FARM & FOOD FILE happen.” paper, piles of walnut plaques, one wellused office desk, and an impressively Bipartisan, Peterson’s progressive critBy Alan Guebert large elk head mount. ics might say, in that he was able to deflect every attempt by fellow Dems Peterson also brought home a couple to limit farm program payments to, of chips on his shoulder. ironically, the utter delight of his In a recent long and reflective interview Republican committee foes. with Duluth News Tribune, the 76-year-old veteran But it was less about committee politics and more of farm bill battles related that he had counseled about political philosophy, he now says. “You’re pickhis Democratic successor, David Scott of suburban ing winners and losers for no good policy reason, Atlanta, not to expand the Ag Committee from its other than size.” longstanding 47 members to a bigger, more unruly 53 members.

Exactly, Peterson critics often replied; government shouldn’t shower big benefits on Big Ag that it then After Peterson’s departure, however, Davis did just that — mostly to accommodate Fischbach, Peterson uses to become even bigger. believes.

New Chairman Scott made one other move that irritates his predecessor: He added “one of the most Whatever the reason, Davis opened a can of liberal members of Congress” to the committee: Rep. worms Peterson says he spent 10 years keeping a Ro Khanna, who, Peterson explains, “has been agitight lid on. It’s political math, explained the onetating me for the last two terms to get on the comtime accountant to News Tribune readers. mittee because he has an agenda to change agriculDuring his 40 years in politics and 30 years in ture and get rid of what we have.”

Congress, Peterson watched as rural Democratic district after district — some that had sent powerhouses like Tom Daschle, Dan Glickman, Tom Harkin and Tom Foley to the Ag Committee — go Republican. So OWATONNA, Minn. — With regard to the current much so that today, relates Peterson, almost every event capacity restrictions in Minnesota, Tradexpos rural district across the U.S. is Republican.

Inc. has cancelled the 2021 North American Farm That means Peterson had an increasingly tough and Power Show scheduled for March 18, 19 and 20. time finding enough rural Dems to fill his party’s Show Director Brock Nelson said, “We’ve held off on share of the 47-member Ag Committee. Now, howevmaking this decision for as long as possible, but it’s er, with 53 total members, there are, in fact, too important to us that our exhibitors have enough many Dem seats for Chairman Scott to fill and at advanced notice to adjust their marketing plans and least two majority Ag seats remain empty.

OPINION

Well, maybe not “get rid of” but at least reform parts of “what we have.” Last May, Khanna offered legislation which echoed Sen. Cory Booker’s efforts to reshape the Packers & Stockyards Act to pare meatpacker influence in U.S. livestock and poultry markets.

Peterson, however, sees the California congressman very differently. Khanna, he explains, shouldn’t even be in ag policy because he represents the high tech Silicon Valley and “‘not one inch of his district has anything but concrete on it.’”

Maybe so, but Khanna, a Phi Beta Kappa scholar in economics from the University of Chicago and a Yale Law School graduate, is what U.S. agriculture and Congress might need to meet the challenges of today’s new farm and food environment: climate change, market resiliency, alternative energy, pending water shortages, and increasingly powerful food buyers here and abroad.

If anything, the clear difference between old bulls like Peterson and rising roosters like Khanna is the difference to where a farm-centered ag policy often went and where a food-centered ag policy needs to go.

House Ag Chairman Scott has signaled his willingness to sort through those differences.

Meanwhile, in Minnesota, Peterson will sort through his memories.

The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the United States and Canada. v

Tradexpos cancels 2021 NAFP show

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undo their preparation for the show. Everyone involved wants to have the show, however we understand the current conditions regarding the pandemic.”

The North American Farm Show will return on March 17-19, 2022 at the Four Seasons Center in Owatonna, Minn.

This article was submitted by Tradexpos, Inc. v

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Bundle up these wraps for an easy meal When I was a teenager, some of the best memoThere’s nothing like taking some deliries I had were from days out with my mom at the cious filling and putting it in a wrap, rollSouthdale Shopping Center in Edina, Minn. Sure, we ing it up and devouring it. Wraps are a had a mall closer to us, but Southdale at that time to simple and easy way to eat on the run or me was the pinnacle of cool, sophistication and around the table with family. Here are home to one of my very favorite restaurants: P.F. some of my favorite recipes, so whether Chang’s. There was nothing like ending a day of you’re in the mood to begin your day with shopping with some delicious Chinese food. It a wrap in the morning or finish up the wouldn’t be a dining experience at P.F. Chang’s day with a wrap in the evening, you can’t COOKING without having the chicken lettuce wraps. The go wrong either way.

WITH KRISTIN ground chicken impeccably spiced, the crunch of Why start your day with dry toast when you can By Kristin Kveno the chestnuts wrapped in fresh lettuce made the properly greet the morning with a cheesy egg and perfect day out with my mom complete. I’ve discovbacon burrito? Enjoy it leisurely at the kitchen table or take it ered this recipe that tastes just like the real deal, so if you’re in wherever you need to go. This is a quick way to fill you up and the mood for a light appetizer then give these wraps a try. begin your day off right.

Bacon and Egg Breakfast Wrap

Bacon and Egg Breakfast Wrap - Alex Daynes 1 Flatout wrap 2 eggs 1 tablespoon sour cream 1 tablespoon bacon bits Laughing Cow lite cheese wedge 1 tablespoon shredded cheddar cheese Heat a frying pan to medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and sour cream. The sour cream makes the eggs fluffy! Pour the eggs into the pan and top with bacon bits. Scramble the eggs in the pan. Once they are cooked, remove from the heat and top with shredded cheese.

Meanwhile, spread the laughing cow cheese wedge on the Flatout wrap. Place the cooked bacon and egg mix in the center of the wrap and roll it up. Cut in half and enjoy! n

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Chicken Lettuce Wraps

P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps {Copycat Recipe} - Averie Cooks

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 pound ground chicken (I’ve also used ground turkey with good results) 1 medium/large sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, diced small 1/3 cup hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon Asian chili garlic sauce, or to taste (sriracha may be substituted) 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, or to taste one 8-ounce can water chestnuts, drained and diced small 2 to 3 green onions, sliced into thin rounds 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste butter lettuce leaves, for serving To a large skillet, add the oils, chicken and cook over mediumhigh heat until chicken is cooked through; stir intermittently to crumbly while cooking. Add the onion, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, chili garlic sauce, stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, or until onion is soft and translucent and most of the liquid has been absorbed; stir intermittently. Add the garlic, ginger, stir to combine and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the water chestnuts, green onions, salt and pepper to taste and cook for about 2 minutes, or until tender.

Taste filling and make any necessary flavor adjustments, like more soy sauce, hoisin, pepper, etc. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the mixture into the lettuce leaves to serve. n Since most of us aren’t doing much traveling, enjoying a triedand-true Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia isn’t going to happen anytime soon. Here’s a tasty alternative to the traditional Philly and it fits perfectly in your hand.

Philly Cheesesteak Wraps

Best Philly Cheesesteak Wraps Recipe-How To Make Philly Cheesesteak Wraps—Delish.com 1 pound flank steak 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil kosher salt freshly ground black pepper 1 white or red onion, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

8 slices provolone 4 large whole wheat tortilla wraps Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brush steak with oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook steak until pink just disappears in the middle, 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest, 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in the same skillet, cook onions and peppers until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Thinly slice steak across the grain and transfer back to skillet. Top with provolone and cover until cheese is melty, 2 to 3 minutes. Fill tortillas with steak mixture, wrap tightly and serve. n I love any recipe that has the name slow cooker in the title.

Throwing something in the slow cooker in the morning and letting it do all the work while I enjoy the delicious aroma all day makes me happy. This wrap recipe marries the slow cooker pulled pork and the tangy crunch of the coleslaw.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Wraps with Coleslaw

Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Wraps with Coleslaw Recipe BettyCrocker.com 1 boneless pork roast (4 pounds) 1 bottle (18 ounces) barbecue sauce 1 / 2 head green cabbage, shredded 2 large carrots, shredded (1 cup) 3 / 4 cup mayonnaise 1 / 2 cup buttermilk 3 tablespoons sugar 1 - 1 / 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 / 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 / 4 teaspoon onion powder 1 / 4 teaspoon ground mustard 1 / 4 teaspoon salt 1 / 4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 2 4 (8-inch) flour tortillas Place pork in 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker; pour one bottle barbecue sauce over top. Cover, cook on low heat setting 9 to 10 hours.

Thirty minutes before pork is done, in large bowl, toss cabbage and carrots until mixed. In small bowl, mix remaining ingredients except tortillas with whisk until sugar is dissolved. Pour over cabbage mixture; toss until coated.

Transfer pork roast to bowl. Shred pork, using two forks. Skim fat off surface barbecue sauce liquid in slow cooker; pour over shredded pork. Stir in more barbecue sauce, if desired.

Using slotted spoon, spoon about 1/3 cup pork mixture over tortillas. Top with about with about 1/3 cup coleslaw; roll up.

However you like to wrap, these recipes offer lots of options for you to have a scrumptious meal all wrapped up!

Kristin Kveno scours the internet, pours over old family recipes and searches everywhere in between to find interesting food ideas for feeding your crew. Do you have a recipe you want to share? You can reach Kristin at kkveno@thelandonline.com. v

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

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PAGE 7

As individuals, we all decide what to put into our pockets You never know what you before me, I realized that I might find in a farm kid’s had some rather incrimipockets. Pockets hold a nating items that could child’s most precious trealead a person to believe sures, even if it’s just a that I was working in a far rock. My daughter Cora, different profession than much like Cinderella, has farming! I had a razor pocketed many of her aniblade for cutting net wrap, mal friends, including toads a syringe and extra needles DEEP ROOTS and worms. I have pictures for treating cattle, a lighter of her with kittens in her

By Whitney Nesse for our recent brush fire, a pockets as well as her boots. flashlight, and some odd My boys always puff their chests out screws. Caught by the wrong person, I and strut a little when they are armed could be looking at jail time! I shared with a pocket knife. I’ve sent more my amusement with a friend who also pocket knives through the washing farms and she said that her purse machine than I can count. With the tells a similar tale. When she recently number of bullets that have gone cleaned out her purse she had a knife, through my washing machine, one duct tape, and twine string! Stuck in might think that I had taken up a new the wrong place at the wrong time and hobby of washing .22 shells!

I’d be bringing her a file in a cake!

I’ve learned to check and doublePockets, in my opinion, are the check the pockets of my kids after unsung heroes of the fashion industry. they have been riding in the tractor In more primitive times, pockets were with their Uncle Bud during harvest more utilitarian and weren’t sewn into season. Uncle Bud has been known to the lining of the modest attire but fill up the kids’ pockets (not just one worn around the neck in the form of a or two, but every pocket he can find) pouch. I bet those pouches saved many with soybeans or corn. surprises of forgotten pocket treasures during laundry day!

My Aunt Kathy has a hilarious recollection of a time when she forgot to 1 Samuel 17 tells the account of the check her then toddler, Leah’s, pockets. importance of pockets when we read Leah had spent the morning helping the story of David and Goliath. my Dad, Mark, with pig chores many David, the youngest of eight sons, years ago. Kathy had dropped little who was in charge of his father’s Leah off to “help” Uncle Mark with flocks of sheep, was likely the boy who chores. Unbeknownst to Kathy, my always had his pockets full of treaDad was docking tails that morning. sures. When David was out tending Leah found it amusing to pick up sheep, he probably came across all those little black, pink and rust-colsorts of pocket-worthy riches like ored tail ends and pocket them. Later arrowheads and spearheads, coins, on, Kathy was washing Leah’s barn and of course, rocks. clothes. She opened the washing David was always armed with his machine mid cycle and much to her surprise she found dozens of tail stubs slingshot when tending the flocks of that looked like worms floating in her his father’s sheep. We are told in verse washing machine! A startling sight for 36 of 1 Samuel 17 that David had defended his father’s sheep against her, to say the least. both bears and lions by striking them Last week I was standing at my down and killing them. kitchen counter, emptying the pockets When the time came, David spoke of my barn jacket and bib overalls out against Goliath to the Israelite before throwing them in the wash. As my pocket paraphernalia was laid out armies, inquiring which of the

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Israelites would go against him.

David’s words spread like wildfire and reached King Saul in no time. King Saul summoned David and David courageously offered to go out and fight against Goliath the Philistine — reminding King Saul of his bouts with lions and bears in which he was always the victor. King Saul agreed to allow David to take on the Philistine.

However, before David went out to confront Goliath, Saul gave David his suit of armor, helmet and coat of mail.

David respectfully tried them out but replied to King Saul (in verse 39) “I cannot go with these for I have not tested them.” So David put them off.

Then David, armed with his slingshot and five smooth stones from the brook (which he put in his pocket) took on and defeated Goliath in the name of the Lord.

Saul had a mold which he tried to fit David into — the mold of a warrior, fully suited in armor. David tried to fit into that mold, but he didn’t. It was clumsy and ill fitting, not uniquely tailored to David. Had David chosen to go forth in a mold that wasn’t fitted to him, he would surely have been defeated. God had presented David with the earlier challenges of defending his father’s flocks of sheep against lions and bears. God was preparing David during these battles against

wild animals for his battle with Goliath. David knew God and trusted that the Lord would deliver a victory to the one who would stand up to Goliath.

David’s approach to battle was unique. So unique in fact that his opponent made fun of him. Little did Goliath know, David used his uniqueness to show the world the living God. David announced that he came against the Philistine in the name of the Lord and that the battle belonged to the Lord. The contents of his pocket, quirky as they were, delivered a fatal blow to the giant. The battle indeed belonged to the Lord and the Lord used David, His servant, to bring victory.

Humanity does not have a one size fits all mold. Our uniqueness is as evident as the contents of our pockets.

Looking through David’s pockets, I would have pegged him as a rock collector, not a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). Our uniqueness is used to show the world the living God. It’s also a good reminder to check pockets before doing the laundry.

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 — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Proper soil care and a little luck make for solid yields

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus A 15-minute telephone interview with Darren Hefty on Jan. 29 generates enough for a “Here’s How To Do It” handbook. Hefty is the ‘PhD’ seedsman at Baltic, S.D.’s Hefty Seed Company. Because of his vast agronomic skills, coupled with his grandfather’s diligent teachings, he agreed to share our conversation with readers of The Land.

The Land: What is your crop outlook for this new season?

Hefty: We look forward to this 2021 growing season. Farmers are excited for a lot of reasons. Yes, the pandemic continues to be a struggle for many folks.

The mental health of many is down. But being able to get back in their fields planting their crops will be the tonic boost for farmers everywhere. Obviously, these stronger commodity markets are the added touch.

The Land: Do you think we can continue to depend on China as a price booster for U. S. soybeans?

Hefty (without pause): Their demand is so strong.

Even the combined totals of the next four buyers of U.S. soybeans don’t come close to China’s purchases.

Yes, China has become an important player for U.S. farmers. They’re rebuilding their huge hog industry quickly. They have a huge population. And already this year on a global basis we’re short on soybeans.

We need more acres; we need big yields.

We don’t know how long these market prices will last. But short term … once farmers have their input costs locked in they should also lock in some new crop prices. Farmers are excited about seeing where crop insurance prices break out. February markets will be a big deal in determining some of that.

The Land: Let’s say I’ve got 400 acres corn and 400 acres soybeans. How should I use those acres this year?

Hefty: I think for farmers already in a 50-50 rotation, stick with it. They’ve gotten to that 50-50 ratio for a lot of reasons, and those reasons still exist.

However, for a young farmer cash renting, his singular goal is making the most money on every acre this year! Right now on soils with good fertility, it appears corn looks like it will dollar out better. Also, it seems some younger farmers do a better job raising soybeans. I know for lots of North Dakota farmers, soybeans looks like a ‘no-brainer.’ On our farm operation just north of Sioux Falls, we’ll pretty much continue with our regular corn/soy rotation.

I suggest if you aren’t willing to lock in some of those fall prices right now, you’re taking a chance on what’s ahead. We see it happen so often … plant more soybeans and the corn market goes up. Come next fall we’d be wishing we had more corn. It pays to be a contrarian; but unless you have a big reason to do so, diversifying your acres is still the good option.

The Land: I’m a nervous Norwegian. Should I contract 25 percent of my anticipated production? Or 50, 80 percent or the whole works?

Hefty: About three-quarters of my background is Norwegian; so I’m a bit conservative I suspect. But my Grandpa Hefty taught me, “You can’t go broke if you’re taking a profit. So if you can lock in prices at profitable levels, go for it. Your ag banker gives good advice when suggesting to lock in a portion of your anticipated crop at a profit because that lessens your gamble on the rest. So determine what storage you have for new crop; then consider advance selling the remainder. The point being, we don’t have certainty on commodity markets.

I recall another story from my Grandpa. When young farmers would ask him about when to sell, he would tell them, ”I would sell 1/52nd of your crop every week throughout the year. Then you don’t need to worry about when to sell. Instead, you could spend all your time on the agronomics of how to grow more bushels per acre the next season.”

My Grandpa’s advice was ‘be content selling for the average price.’ Those folks who study the markets say two-thirds of farmers sell in the bottom third of the market. So my Granddad felt if he was getting an average price that put him in the top third of all farmers. He added, “And if I’m in the top 10 percent on yield, how can I lose?”

The Land: Are treated soybeans a must anymore?

What seed treatments are you recommending?

Hefty: Treated soybeans are an absolute must. I recall in the ‘80s and ‘90s when soybeans were like $10 a unit, cleaned and bagged. Now we’ve got $50 and $60 soybeans. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out you’ve got a lot of seed dollars out there.

Yet for a few dollars we can protect that seed cost.

With soybeans, the fungicide is so critical — especially when looking at some of these new traits like Enlist soybeans and Extend Flex. These new beans yield really well; but in some cases, they have some defensive weaknesses. Protecting them with a fungicide or insecticide seed treatment is absolutely critical.

On our farm acres, and for other farmers, we’ve found additional treatments really helping. I’m talking about beneficial microbes. We’ve been putting inoculants on soybeans for years to help produce more nitrogen. Now we’re seeing real benefits from other microbes that help bring in additional nutrients for See HEFTY, pg. 10

Even small farms should be cautious of visitors, employees LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 Being able to ask questions not only provides a clear picture of what the customer wants, but also requires them to answer quickly. Sometimes that exercise alone can provide you with a sense of the person’s motives.”

Thompson-Weeman also suggests to meet off the farm. Consider delivering farm products to a neutral location such as a local gas station or grocery store parking lot. This allows safety for both farmer and consumer to complete the transaction.

If you must have customers, employees or visitors on the farm, use a check-in procedure complete with visitor identification badges. Consider visitor escorts while customers are on the farm. Set up times for customers, allowing for one visitor at a time. Make sure areas like office doors, file cabinets and animal product storage are locked down.

If your farm is hiring new employees, ThompsonWeeman urges you to screen job applicants and check references. “Is your candidate over-educated

or inappropriately educated for the job they are applying for? Does their license and other information contrast with the background they’ve shared with you or their past work history? If something doesn’t feel right, explore it further,” ThompsonWeeman said. “If hired for seasonal or full-time work, monitor new employees, making sure they leave the farm after a shift and stay away from restricted areas.”

The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association has scheduled a webinar, “Consumer Perceptions and Animal Welfare Considerations.” It takes place on March 2 at 1 p.m.

“Animal welfare is an ever-increasing concern for our consumers,” DCHA says in a release announcing the webinar. “In a world where we have endless dietary options and choices, we must build consumer trust around our farming practices. Animal welfare and calf care specifically, are highly sensitive topics for consumers. We will discuss consumer insights around production animal agriculture and dive into specific future considerations for manage-

ment, diet, health treatments, housing and more.”

If interested in registering for the webinar, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ n0WSE72vTTqCPpC9gCZTbg. Can you be a farmer and an animal activist? The farmers I’ve ever known knew the importance of animals to their livelihood and work long days to ensure their animals’ well-being. A healthy animal is a productive animal and an asset to the farm.

True, there are instances where animals are mistreated, but it’s wrong to condemn an entire profession for the practices of a few.

It is also true that few farm animals die of old age. It’s a valuable lesson every farm kid learns early on. If you want to eat meat, cheese and eggs, and if you want to drink milk, this is where it comes from. It involves imposing our will over the “rights” of animals. Does this make us cruel monsters? If so, I guess heaven is full of vegans.

Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land.

He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com. v

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

MILKER’S www.thelandonline.com — MESSAGE “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 9

Winter blast impacted dairies all the way to Texas This column was written for the marketing week ending Feb. 19.

Winter weather has hit the United States hard — especially in Texas where over four million people were without electricity and temperatures fell to record lows in some parts of the state. HighGround Dairy reported that regulators were prioritizing electricity access to residential areas and balancing surging demand as people heat homes with significant generation loss.

Natural gas powered plants were offline, wind turbines were frozen solid, and solar panels were covered in snow.

Needless to say, impacts were significant on dairy farms and processing plants over the holiday weekend, according to HighGround Dairy. “Milk production and collection was impacted in the Texas panhandle and in other parts of the state as record low temperatures created significant onfarm complications. Processing plants were shutdown, as utilities restricted electricity and natural gas availability to industrial users. Milk dumping was prevalent across the state.”

The Feb. 16 Daily Dairy Report stated, “Other states also faced power outages and slick roads as the storm barreled across the southern and central tiers of the country before moving into the Northeast. A separate developing storm was expected to dump more snow on Oklahoma and Arkansas.”

The storm was reminiscent of Goliath, a smaller winter storm which pounded west Texas and eastern New Mexico in late 2015. The resulting fallout lasted for months, says the Daily Dairy Report, forcing extraordinarily high culling and adversely affected production in the remaining cows.

“One month after Goliath, milk production had fallen 12 percent in New Mexico and 6.7 percent in Texas, compared to January 2015,” the Daily Dairy Report stated. n Meanwhile, the global dairy market continued to strengthen. The Feb. 16 Global Dairy Trade auction saw its weighted average rise for the seventh consecutive event, up 3 percent, with all products offered in the black. The weighted average followed a 1.8 percent rise on Feb. 2; 4.8 percent on Jan. 19; and 3.9 percent on Jan. 5. The average winning price was $3,746

News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers U.S., up from $3,614 on Feb. 2.

Gains were led

By Lee Mielke by whole milk powder, up 4.3 percent, following a 2.3 percent gain on Feb. 2. Cheddar was up 2.4 percent after a 2.3 percent gain. Butter was up 2 percent after jumping 6.2 percent last time, and anhydrous milkfat was up 1.1 percent following a 1.3 percent rise. Skim milk powder was up 0.3 percent after slipping 1.5 percent in the last event.

StoneX Dairy Group says the GDT 80 percent butterfat butter price equates to $2.2696 per pound U.S., up 4.5 cents from the last event, which saw a 13-cent rise. Chicago Mercantile Exchange butter closed Feb. 19 at a bargain $1.55 per pound. GDT cheddar equated to $1.9357 per pound, up 4.1 cents, and compares to Feb. 19’s CME block cheddar at $1.5375. GDT skim milk powder averaged $1.4548 per pound, up from $1.4506, and whole milk powder averaged $1.64 per pound, up from $1.5685. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Feb. 19 at $1.0925. n December commercial dairy product disappearance data shows total U.S. cheese disappearance was down from a year ago for the third consecutive month. Lower exports and domestic demand was blamed and HighGround Dairy says it was the weakest December disappearance since 2016.

Butter was up for the second consecutive month, “a promising sign for demand,” says HighGround Dairy, “but not enough to overcome bearish fundamentals in the oversupplied market.”

Total nonfat dry milk disappearance was up for the second consecutive month, thanks to strong domestic demand. Export sales sank to the lowest monthly volume since February, according to HighGround Dairy.

The GDT helped propel CME cash butter higher in the President’s Day MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY

holiday-shortened week and added to the previous week’s 12.75 cent gain.

Traders jumped the butter price 6 cents on Feb. 16, 4 cents Feb. 18, and 5.5 cents Feb. 19, hitting $1.55 per pound. This is up 15.5 cents on the week, (the highest since Sept. 22, 2020) but 26 cents below a year ago. Only nine sales were reported on the week.

Central butter production is strong due to seasonal demand and the current availability of cream, says Dairy Market News, and churning was notably active. The current weather situation in the southern United States had some Midwestern butter producers taking on cream that would otherwise lack a destination. Some contacts told Dairy Market News their respective brands are moving well in the retail sector, but food service demand is gen-

erally lackluster. Butter market tones are in a short term bullish push, says Dairy Market News, and prices have moved from $1.21 per pound on Feb. 1 to a Feb. 19 close at $1.55 per pound. n Cheese was unchanged on Feb. 16, but headed south from there. The cheddar blocks fell to $1.51 per pound on Feb. 18 (the lowest since May 12, 2020) but regained 2.75 cents the next day to close at $1.5375. This is down 2 cents on the week and 23 cents below a year ago.

The barrels finished 7.75 cents lower at $1.4125, 17.75 cents below a year ago, and 12.5 cents below the blocks.

Seven cars of block traded hands on the week at the CME and 26 of barrel.

See MIELKE, pg. 10

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MILKER’S MESSAGE www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Dairy markets awaiting word on government assistance MIELKE, from pg. 9 Cheese market tones remain uncertain, says Dairy Market News, though demand is strong, according to a growing number of Midwestern producers. More areas are lifting dining restrictions at restaurants and bars. Spot milk prices at midweek were slightly higher than previous weeks but still below previous years. Weather throughout the country spawned hauling delays in the Midwest but cheese output was generally quite busy with ample milk available.

Cheese inventories are not an overwhelming stressor for producers in the region, says Dairy Market News, “Particularly when demand seems to have received a shot in the arm in recent weeks.”

The western cheese market appears to be in the same holding pattern that it has been in the last few months. Manufacturers report that milk is ample and are running plants at or near full capaci-

ty. The storms in the Pacific Northwest, eastern New Mexico and Texas had milk handlers pushing milk to facilities that could take it. Truckers found it difficult to pick up milk on farms and transport it to their usual manufacturing facilities, some of which were running with a reduced crew.

Cheese inventories are heavy and while cheese is moving well, buyers are hesitant to take on more.

Uncertainty regarding the impact of further government purchases and weak food service demand are putting a damper on the market, says Dairy Market News, even as retail demand is ahead of sales from last year. n Grade A nonfat dry milk was down 2 cents on the week, finishing at $1.0925 per pound, 7.75 cents below a year ago, with 17 sales for the shortened week.

CME dry whey climbed to 55 cents per pound on Feb. 17 (the highest since Oct. 19, 2018) but closed Feb. 19 at 54.75 cents per pound, up a half-cent on the week and 17.75 cents above a year ago. Only two sales were reported on the week.

As stated previously, uncertainty surrounds the dairy markets which are waiting to see what will happen to government assistance. StoneX Dairy broker Dave Kurzawski said in the Feb. 22 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast that word on the street at week’s end was the food box program would continue in March with funding close to what was spent in February — or about $350 million. Bottom line, he says, the food box program, Section 32 funds for commodity purchases, and all of the other government programs on the table combined could potentially mean Uncle Sam will spend more money on food in 2021 than it did in 2020.

See MIELKE, pg. 11

Additional nitrogen for soybeans ‘always a hot debate’ HEFTY, from pg. 9 your growing soybean plants. We’re seeing faster and healthier early growth and net result is more yield.

The Land: So will you have enough of this new seed to meet expected demand?

Hefty: That’s a great question. At this point, supply is still good. But there are more acres competing for these seeds this year … perhaps more corn, edible beans — even perhaps some new hemp acres too.

The Land: I’m hearing talk about planting soybeans earlier … even ahead of corn? Explain.

Hefty: Earlier corn planting gets talked both by University folks and farmers; but think additional seed treatments if planting corn into colder soils.

That is why some farmers are planting soybeans first if their ground is still too cold for planting corn.

They’ve found soybeans to be much more resilient.

Also, when you’re planting five times as many soybean seeds compared with corn seeds per acre, you’ve got more flexibility if you lose a little bit of stand.

The 2019 South Dakota soybean yield champ credited some of his exceptional yield was because he planted ahead of his corn planting. That works because we’re growing indeterminate soybeans which start flowering when day-length starts shortening.

So June 21, the longest day of the year, your beans are into full flowering. This South Dakota grower also noted planting earlier produced a larger soybean plant. So his soybeans enjoyed two weeks of ‘longest day length’ benefits. Net result: More key blooming days and 10-bushel more yield compared with the other half of the same field which he planted after he finished planting his corn.

The Land: 2020 was an exceptional season in Renville County. But the season pretty well drained soil moisture too. Are April rains needed to recharge for 2021 season?

Hefty: On our farm we wrapped up 2020 season with the driest six months in 130 years of records.

Fortunately, April and May rains were abundant in Spring 2020 — and thank goodness! Because essentially it quit raining after the first week of July. So naturally we’re again counting on spring rains for 2021. Those April/May rains last year saved us because of our heavier soils.

Note that for each 1 percent soil organic matter, your soil will hold 4 percent more water! So if you can increase organic content of your soils by two-and-ahalf percent, you’ve got 10 percent more water-holding capacity. And that is why land that farmers own often outperforms land they rent in stressful years.

The Land: Do you see more emphasis on reduced tillage and/or no-till as a way to build organic content of our soils?

Hefty: There are challenges with each system. On our farm we’re into strip tillage. We’re leaving the root mass intact from our previous crop between the rows as we plant. That gives the corn stalk root mass another year to decompose naturally. We’re finding spoil organic levels rising, yet we still have a ‘black dirt’ space in which to plant. Some farmers prefer full-scale no-till; some like to use cover crops. Those practices also will accelerate the building of organic content.

The Land: Are there optimum organic content levels? Can you have too much?

Hefty: Yes, you can have too much … like in some of the peat soils of Minnesota for example. We like our soils to be around 5 percent organic matter.

Check soils in your old pasture fence lines and you’ll get 5 to 6 percent readings. Why? Because these are untilled soils. Check soils with 100-plus years of tillage and you’ll find organic contents down to 2 percent or lower.

The Land: Can you shed some light on the ‘nitrogen for soybeans’ debate?

Hefty: Additional nitrogen fertilizer for soybeans is always a hot debate. We look at corn and soybean rotation ground a bit differently than first-year soybeans. Why? Because in your rotated soils you’re building rhizome bacteria. That’s why we recommend adding nitrogen … 25 to 55 pounds at planting time.

Soil moisture activates nitrogen utilization by the soybean, so that’s why the importance of adding nitrogen when planting; rather than the risk of drier soils with later nitrogen apps.

So the typical corn/soybean rotation guy is probably now wondering, ‘Can I bump my soybeans to 80 bushels with additional nitrogen?’ The answer is maybe — depending upon your current fertility levels. And always check organic content of your soils.

On our farm we figure 20 pounds of free nitrogen each year out of each 1 percent of organic matter. So on our 4 percent organic content soils, we figure we’re getting 80 pounds of free nitrogen. That’s quite a bit of nitrogen already; but if striving for high yields, how much nitrogen is needed?

Soybeans actually need a lot of nitrogen because it’s a high-protein crop. If you figure 100 bushel soybeans, it takes roughly 435 pounds of nitrogen to raise that 100-bushel soybean crop. Yes, soybean nodules produce up to 70 percent of the nitrogen needs of that crop — or about 300 pounds of that 435pound requirement. So you still need another 135 pounds of nitrogen. Credit your 4 percent organic matter soils with 80 pounds of nitrogen. This means another 55 pounds of nitrogen to meet the appetite of that 100-bushel yield.

So there you have it. Start with the correct soil elements, then pray for good soil moisture; also proper soil temps and toss in that additional 50 pounds of nitrogen. Why won’t there be good money in 100-bushel soybean yields with $15 markets?

Perhaps this final touch: Wrap your growing season in prayers and thanks to your Lord. v

MILKER’S MESSAGE www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

PAGE 11

USDA anticipates a tempering of cheese, butter prices MIELKE, from pg. 10

The Margin Watch stated, “There is growing optiwas announced by the USDA at $15.20 per hundredmism that part of the new stimulus package being weight, down 34 cents from February, $2.26 below WE BUILD OURper STALLS RIGHT! put together by Congress will include another round March 2020, and equates to $1.34 gallon, down Take Class a look at of food box purchases which would be supportive for from $1.50 a year ago. The three-month I averdairy prices while continued vaccine distribution age stands at $15.29, down from $18.01 a year ago. our tubing with and declining Covid caseloads are allowing restaucorrosion Speaking of Class I, the plungeunequaled in fluid sales rants to restore and expand indoor dining which protection! reversed direction in December. USDA’s data shows should likewise help to increase dairy demand.”

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As to the impact on cheese prices, Kurzawski cautioned we have a lot more milk to deal with right now — especially as we come into the spring flush.

Plus cheese demand has slowed throughout the pandemic. Retail sales may be up 10-15 percent, he said, but hasn’t offset the loss is restaurant and foodservice demand.

The government has made up a lot of that difference, he said in closing, but U.S. cheese manufacturing has been somewhat constrained through the end of last year and if that changes this year, we could see additional pressure on prices. n Dairy farm margins were mixed over the first half of February, though trending firmer on higher milk prices with feed costs largely unchanged over the past couple weeks, according to the latest Margin Watch from Chicago-based Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC.

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

The time is now for making 2021 crop insurance decisions During the next few weeks, many farm Feb. 12, the 2021 estimated crop insurallow producers to insure crops separately in each operators will be finalizing their crop ance spring base prices in the upper individual township section. Enterprise units usualinsurance decisions for the 2021 crop year.

Midwest were estimated at $4.52 per ly have considerably lower premium costs (approxiMarch 15 is the deadline to purchase crop bushel for corn and $11.66 per bushel for mately $7 to $10 per acre) compared to optional insurance for the 2021 crop year. soybeans. The current 2021 base price units for comparable revenue protection and reveestimates compare to 2020 base prices of nue protection with harvest price exclusion policies.

The rise in corn and soybean prices in $3.88 per bushel for corn and $9.17 per Producers should be aware that enterprise units are the past several weeks will likely enhance bushel for soybeans.

The 2021 crop insurbased on larger coverage areas, and do not necessarthe available crop insurance coverage for ance spring base prices will be finalized ily cover losses from isolated storms or crop damage 2021 compared to recent years. However, FARM PROGRAMS on March 1. which affect individual farm units such as damage premium costs are also likely to be higher

By Kent Thiesse See THIESSE, pg. 16 than a year ago for similar crop insurA historical analysis for the past 14 ance products. years (2007-2020) shows A comparison of revenue protection and yield the final crop insurance Producers have several crop insurharvest price for corn has protection insurance coverage for corn ance policy options to choose from, been lower than the Based on an actual production history of 200 bushels per acre; an 85 percent yield protection including yield protection policies and revenue probushel guarantee of 170 bushels per acre; a yield protection market price of $4.50/bushel tection policies, supplemental crop option, enhanced spring base price in 10 of the 14 years — (CBOT December futures estimate); revenue protection/ revenue protection with harvest price including from 2013-2019.

That trend coverage option and other private insurance policy exclusion spring base price of $4.50/bushel (CBOT December futures estimate); and an 85 was reversed in 2020 when the harvest percent revenue protection minimum guarantee of $765 per acre. options. There are also decisions with using “enterprise units” vs. “optional units,” as well as decisions price for corn was $3.99 per bushel,

Estimated Actual 2021 Production (Bushels per Acre) on the use of “trend adjusted” actual production his- which was 11 cents above the $3.88 per

Insurance Type 210 200 190 180 170 160 bushel spring price.

The only other years tory yields. which saw an increase in the harvest

Estimated Insurance Indemnity Payment Per Acre Yield protection insurance policy options provide price were 2010, 2011 and 2012. The

(Before premium deductions) for “yield only” insurance protection, based on histor- range has been from an increase in the 0 0 0 0 0 $45 ic actual production history yields on a given farm harvest price of $1.82 per bushel in 2012 Yield Protection (85%) unit. Yield protection prices are based on average to a decline of $1.27 per bushel in 2008 Revenue Protection (85%) Chicago Board of Trade prices for December corn and a decline of $1.26 per bushel in 2013. (CBOT harvest price futures and November soybean futures during the

per bushel) For soybeans, the harvest price has month of February — similar to revenue insurance

$4.75 0 0 0 0 0 $47.50 increased in six years (2007, 2009, 2010, products. Producers can purchase yield protection $4.50 0 0 0 0 0 $45 insurance coverage levels from 50 to 85 percent, and 2012, 2016 and 2020), decreased in seven years (2008, 2011, and 2014-2019) and

$4.25 0 0 0 0 $42.50 $85 losses are paid if actual corn or soybean yields on a stayed the same in 2013. The range has

$4.00 0 0 $5 $45 $85 $125 farm unit fall below the yield guarantees. been from an increase of $2.84 per bush $3.75 0 $15 $52.50 $90 $127.50 $165 In recent years, most farm operators chose reveel in 2012 to a decline of $3.00 per bush $3.50 $30 $65 $100 $135 $170 $205 nue protection or revenue protection with harvest el in 2008. In 2020, the final harvest price exclusion insurance policy options which proprice for soybeans was $10.55 per bushel, vide a guaranteed minimum dollars of gross reveA comparison of revenue protection and yield an increase of $1.38 per bushel from the nue per acre (yield times price). This minimum spring price of $9.17 per bushel. protection insurance coverage for soybeans guarantee is based on actual production history and Based on an actual production history of 60 bushels per acre; an 85 percent yield protection Many producers in the upper Midwest the average CBOT prices for December corn futures bushel guarantee of 51 bushels per acre; a yield protection market price of $11.50/bushel (CBOT December futures estimate); revenue protection/ revenue protection with harvest price and November soybean futures during the month of have been able to significantly enhance their insurance protection in recent exclusion spring base price of $11.50/bushel (CBOT December futures estimate); and an 85 February. The revenue protection and revenue propercent revenue protection minimum guarantee of $586.50 per acre. years by utilizing the trend-adjusted tection with harvest price exclusion insurance poli Estimated Actual 2021 Production (Bushels per Acre) cies function essentially in the same manner, except yield endorsement, with only slightly

Insurance Type 60 55 50 45 40 35 that the guarantees on revenue protection with har- higher premium costs. The actual production history yield exclusion option vest price exclusion policies are fixed at the base Estimated Insurance Indemnity Payment Per Acre allows specific years with low production price level and are not affected by harvest prices

(Before premium deductions) to be dropped from crop insurance actual which exceed the base price. The revenue guarantee production history yield guarantee calcu Yield Protection (85%) 0 0 $11.50 $69 $126.50 $184 for revenue protection policies is increased for final lations.

Several counties in the upper insurance calculations if average CBOT prices durMidwest and plains states are eligible for Revenue Protection (85%) ing the month of October are higher than the (CBOT harvest price yield exclusion for corn and soybeans in February CBOT prices, which is why the revenue per bushel) some of the past several years. For infor- protection policies tend to be more popular for corn

$12.00 0 0 $12 $72 $132 $192 mation on which counties, crops, and and soybean producers.

$11.50 0 0 $11.50 $69 $126.50 $184 years are eligible for yield exclusion, go Farmers who purchase revenue protection and

$11.00 0 0 $36.50 $91.50 $146.50 $201.50 the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s revenue protection with harvest price exclusion Risk Management Agency web site

$10.50 0 $9 $61.50 $114 $166.50 $219 insurance coverage levels from 50 to 85 percent, and http://www.rma.usda.gov/.

$10.00 0 $36.50 $86.50 $136.50 $186.50 $236.50 losses are paid if the final crop revenue falls below Enterprise units and optional units

$9.50 $16.50 $64 $111.50 $159 $206.50 $254 the revenue guarantee. The final crop revenue is the Enterprise units combine all acres of a NOTE: The preceding crop insurance tables were developed by Farm Management Analyst actual yield on a farm unit times the CBOT Kent Thiesse. The tables are for example only. Actual crop insurance calculations will vary, December corn futures price and November soybean crop in a given county into one crop depending on the insured crop, farm location, APH yield, endorsements, etc. insurance unit, while optional units futures price during the month of October. As of

MARKETING

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

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

PAGE 13

Grain bin safety requires a team effort, communication

By KRISTIN KVENO The Land Staff Writer There are countless stories about grain bin deaths around the country — even as first responders and safety educators work tirelessly to combat these tragedies. The University of Minnesota Extension, along with North Dakota State University Extension, created a webinar in January which examined grain bin safety issues and what can be done to keep producers safe when dealing with grain bins.

The webinar featured Rich Schock, captain of the Sheyenne Valley Technical Rescue Team in North Dakota; and Ken Hellevang, agricultural engineer with NDSU Extension. Schock has been a rescue technician specializing in grain entrapment and rescues for the past 10 years.

Schock’s interest in grain bin safety and rescue is a personal one. “In 2008 I lost a fellow firefighter,” Schock said. Schock was on the first truck that arrived at the scene. The firefighter who died was working in a grain bin on the family farm when a grain avalanche occurred — burying him in 350 to 400 bushels of corn.

“It hit our department really hard,” Schock said.

After that, a group of firefighters got together to work on safe entry procedures in grain bins. “These accidents are happening more frequently,” he said.

Hellevang has been an NDSU Extension agent for over 40 years and has seen a lot of change in grain handling. When he started off his career, 3,000-bushel capacity bins were the norm. Now 50,000 to 60,000 bushel bins are routine. “The size of the facility has increased; but probably more importantly is the size of the conveying equipment. So where we used to be moving a couple hundred bushels an hour, now we’re moving thousands of bushels an hour. So the grain that’s flowing within the structure is flowing much more rapidly than what it used to,” Hellevang said.

With grain now flowing quicker and bins having more capacity, issues can arise. “We used to talk about being able to go in a bin and walk your way out

of a flowing grain accident. That isn’t going to happen today. That grain is flowing so rapidly that we routinely talk about it being quicksand,” he said.

Hellevang noted that in 2019 there was some corn harvested with less than ideal moisture levels. “We had a lot of corn harvested, placed into storage when it was higher moisture content,” he said. When corn is at 23 to 24 percent moisture or higher that corn doesn’t flow. That can lead to bridging and compaction issues in the grain bin.

“Many people aren’t monitoring the grain going in or the moisture content,” Hellevang said. All that can result in problems in the grain bin which may lead to someone entering the bin in an attempt to get the grain moving again.

Schock is an ardent supporter of the lock out/tag out system when someone needs to enter a grain bin.

That method includes utilizing tags with each farm worker’s name on it. For example, when someone throws the breaker for the bin, they would clip their tag right there. It’s a visual alert letting others know what you’re doing so someone doesn’t come along and turn things on while you’re in the bin.

Communicating with others who are working on the farm is essential when there’s an issue in the grain bin. Schock pointed out it’s imperative a person doesn’t ever enter a grain bin until there’s someone else at the site. For anyone who has to enter a grain bin, they should have their personal protective equipment which includes a harness and small section of rope.

What happens if someone is trapped in a grain bin?

“Emergency services should be the first call made,” Schock said. He understands that emotions are high, and your instinct is to try to rescue the person trapped; but calling 911 is the best thing you can do.

Trying to rescue them yourself may put the person trapped, yourself and the first responders in danger.

Hellevang explained that unloading the bin to rescue a person trapped has to be done in a way as to quickly remove the grain while keeping the bin

NMPF appauds immigration efforts MIELKE, from pg. 11 Skim milk sales, at 234 million pounds, were down 11 percent from a year ago and down 14.6 percent for the year.

Total packaged fluid milk sales, January through December, amounted to 46.2 billion pounds, down just 0.1 percent from 2019. Conventional product sales totaled 43.3 billion pounds, down 0.7 percent.

Organic products, at 2.9 billion pounds, were up 10.4 percent and represented 6.2 percent of total fluid milk sales in 2020. n In politics, the National Milk Producers Federation praised the immigration bill introduced Feb. 18 in Congress.

NMPF President Jim Mulhern stated, “We applaud President Biden, Representative Sanchez, and Senator Menendez for stepping up and leading with the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, making clear that immigration legislation is a significant, immediate priority. Still, reforms to our immigration system must include changes crucial for the dairy workforce. These include extending to current workers and their families the legal protections they have earned and enabling dairy farmers to use a guest worker program to supplement their domestic workforce when needed.”

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

structurally safe. “We don’t just want to punch a hole in one side and let all the grain flow out there. It not only is going to be flowing past the individual that’s in the bin and causing stresses there, but there really is a concern about the structural integrity of that bin,” he said.

Removing grain safely is imperative in a grain bin rescue.

There’s much to be learned regarding how to keep safe in and around grain bins. With more grain entering the bins now more than ever, there’s greater chances of issues arising. Having clear and concise grain bin safety protocols on the farm is essential to ensure those working around grain bins are better protected. v

PAGE 14

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Corn uptrend dims during quiet week

Cash Grain Markets

corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $5.10 -.02 $13.49 +.17 Madison $5.18 +.02 $13.58 +.16 Redwood Falls $5.22 -.02 $13.52 +.05 Fergus Falls $5.12 -.02 $13.26 +.04 The following marketing analysis is for the week Morris $5.17 +.01 $13.36 +.04 ending Feb. 19.

Tracy $5.16 +.05 $13.61 +.09 CORN — The bumpy ride leveled out this week as Average: $5.16 $13.47 the market consolidated ahead of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Outlook Forum. March corn circled Year Ago Average: $3.45 $8.09 $5.50 per bushel, trading a weekly range of $5.38.5 to Grain prices are effective cash close on Feb. 23. $5.55.5 per bushel. December corn set a new contract *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period. high at $4.66.5 per bushel on the release of the USDA’s 2021-22 balance sheet which doesn’t offer much relief next year.

There were no fresh daily export sales announcements during the week which kept buying interest at bay; but South American crops aren’t in the bin yet, which was mildly supportive. Argentina PHYLLIS NYSTROM could use more rain to finish their The month of February has started off with all liveCHS Hedging Inc. corn, but the two-week forecast is stock in the midst of a fairly good rally in prices.

St. Paul dry. There was chatter that Weather has played a significant role in this price Argentina’s corn crop could be as appreciation from the standpoint of the extremely low as 46 million metric tons vs. cold temperatures and the heavy snowfall in some the current USDA forecast of 47.5 mmt. The Buenos areas. These weather conditions have hampered the Aires Grain Exchange this week rated Argentina’s corn movement of animals as well as crop at 12 percent poor/very poor vs. 9 percent in the product which contribute to the previous week. Brazil’s safrinha corn planting is behind firmness in the live prices as well and much of the crop will be planted outside the Feb. as the product movement which 20 ideal planting window. Brazil’s first corn harvest was estimated at 23 percent complete as of Feb. has been mixed for the cutout 12 compared to 20 percent on average. However, their values — depending on whether safrinha corn planting was only 8 percent complete as it is beef or pork. It is very likely of that date compared to 30 percent on average. that the live prices for both cattle Argentina is on pace for the second-driest February in and hogs will see the potential JOE TEALE 30 years and for the coolest February in over 20 years. for some setbacks as the weather moderates in the weeks ahead.

Broker The USDA Outlook Forum released its 2021-22 bal- So the probability of some volatilGreat Plains Commodity ance sheet on Feb. 19. The numbers are not survey ity is quite possible in the future.

Afton, Minn. based. We won’t get survey-based acreage numbers The cattle market has apparuntil the March 31 Prospective Planting report. ently reached a point where there has become some This week’s numbers didn’t hold any big surprises resistance to the increase in the cutout value as in compared to what the trade was already anticipating. recent days the movement of beef has slowed. At the Corn acres for 2021-22 were set at 92 million acres, same time, live prices have slipped — suggesting the up 1.2 million from last year and compared to estipacker is not as aggressive in accumulating a lot of mates for 92.9 million acres. 2021-22 production at live inventory as it was weeks ago.

15.15 billion bushels was derived using a record yield The futures market appears to be dominated by of 179.5 bushels per acre. Corn for ethanol was kicked up from 4.95 billion bushels this year to 5.2 billion speculation that prices will continue to move higher. next year. Food, seed and industrial use went from However, as cash drifts lower, and considering the 6.375 billion to 6.625 billion year-over-year. Feed premiums carried by the futures, if cash prices don’t usage is expected to increase from 5.65 billion to 5.85 move higher the futures are vulnerable to the possibillion bushels. Exports are expected to see a modest bility of corrective type action. Considering the past 50 million bushel increase to 2.65 billion bushels. placements numbers of cattle into the feedlots, the Ending stocks would then rise just 50 million bushels future of further price appreciation could be likely if See NYSTROM, pg. 15 See TEALE, pg. 15

Livestock Angles Cold weather heats up market

Financial Focus Budget checkup: Tax time is right time According to 2019 data from the Internal Revenue Service, every year about 140 million households file their federal tax returns. For many, the process involves digging through shoe boxes or manila folders full of receipts; gathering mortgage, retirement, and investment account statements; and relying on computer software to take advantage of every tax break the code permits. It seems a shame not to make the most of all that effort.

Tax preparation may be the only time of year many households gather all their financial information in one place. That makes it a perfect time to take a critical look at how much money is coming in and where it’s all going. In other words, this is a great time to give MARISSA the household budget a checkup.

JOHNSON A thorough budget checkup Profinium involves six steps.

Investment Advisor Creating some categories — Fairmont, Minn.

Start by dividing expenses into useful categories. Some possibilities: home, auto, food, household, debt, clothes, pets, entertainment and charity. Don’t forget savings and investments. It also may be helpful to create subcategories. Housing, for example, can be divided into mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance.

Following the money — Go through all the receipts and statements gathered to prepare taxes and get a better understanding of where the money went last year. Track everything. Be as specific as possible, and don’t forget to account for the cost of a latte on the way to the office each day.

Projecting expenses forward — Knowing how much was spent per budget category can provide a useful template for projecting future expenses. Go through each category. Are expenses likely to rise in the coming year? If so, by how much? The results of this projection will form the basis of a budget for the coming year.

Determining expected income — Add together all sources of income. Make sure to use net income.

Doing the math — It’s time for the moment of truth. Subtract projected expenses from expected income. If expenses exceed income, it may be necessary to consider changes. Prioritize categories and look to reduce those with the lowest importance until the budget is balanced.

See JOHNSON, pg. 15

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

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

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PAGE 15

South American soybean crop will not meet projections NYSTROM, from pg. 14 from 1.502 billion bushels this year to 1.552 billion bushels next year. The stocks-to-use ratio would remain at 10.3 percent year-on-year. The final corn ending stocks number has been lower than the February USDA forecast in six of the last nine years.

Weekly export sales at 39.3 million bushels were within expectations, but smaller than the previous week. Total old crop export sales commitments are 89 percent of the USDA’s 2.6-billion-bushel outlook. We only need to average 9.2 million of sales per week for the balance of the marketing year. This compares to 27.5 million of weekly sales last year from this date.

China has 437 million bushels of unshipped U.S. corn purchases remaining on the books, but will likely be larger when assuming a portion of sales to unknown will end up going to China.

Weekly ethanol production was down 26,000 barrels per day to 911,000 bpd and the third-lowest of the marketing year. Stocks were up 500,000 barrels to 24.3 million barrels. Margins improved 6 cents to a positive 2 cents per gallon. Gasoline demand rose from 7.8 million bpd to 8.4 million bpd. The four-week average demand is down 10 percent from last year.

Outlook: Markets were relatively quiet this week as the market waited to see the USDA’s Forum 202122 balance sheet. The report didn’t hold any shock value, but did confirm that year-on-year ending stocks would stay tight and not allow for any crop problems this summer. However, fund selling into the weekend and weaker energy markets pressured corn into the weekend. Markets were consolidating this week and I’ll stick with the mantra of we have bent the uptrend but haven’t broken it.

For the week, March corn managed a 4-cent gain to close at $5.42.75, July rallied 8 cents to $5.33, and December moved 11.25 cents higher to $4.60 per bushel.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans traded a narrow weekly range in the holiday-shortened trading week. March soybeans traded from $13.66.5 to $13.94 per bushel.

The November contract came within a penny of setting a new contract high in post-USDA Outlook Forum report release. Soybeans need to buy additional acreage this spring. Earlier thoughts stated some acres could come from cotton, but recent price increases in the cotton market have dimmed that view. The current corn:soybean ratio for new crop is 2.6 which doesn’t seem to be enough for growers to switch significant acres.

The USDA Outlook Forum this week confirmed we’ll be looking at tight stocks for at least another year. The breakdown included an acreage increase from 83.1 million acres in 2020-21 to 90 million acres in 2021-22. Production at 4.525 billion bushels is arrived at using a yield of 50.8 bushels per acre.

On the usage side, crush is expected to fall 10 million bushels and exports to decline 50 million bushels to 2.2 billion bushels in 2021-22. Ending stocks at 145 million bushels are only marginally higher than

this year’s 120 billion bushel forecast. The stocks-touse ratio is forecasted to rise from 2.6 to 3.2 percent in 2021-22.

Brazil’s exporter association expects their February soybean exports to be as high as 6-8 mmt vs. 6.6 mmt in February last year. According to reports, they have only shipped 2 mmt this month so far with a line-up of up to 15 mmt waiting to load. This seems optimistic since their soybean harvest is well behind average. As of Feb. 12, Brazil’s soybean harvest was pegged at 7 percent complete vs. 20 percent on average. There was trade chatter that Argentina’s soybean production may be 46 mmt vs. the USDA outlook of 48 mmt. The Buenos Aires Grains Exchange rated Argentina’s soybean crop at 11 percent poor/ very poor vs. 8 percent the previous week.

Weekly soybean exports were 16.8 million bushels which were lower than the previous couple of weeks as Brazil begins to seasonally take over exports. This week’s number was within expectations. Total commitments are 2.2 billion bushels which are 98 percent of the 2.25 billion bushel projection. We can only

average 2.5 million bushels of sales through the end of the marketing year without exceeding the USDA’s forecast. China has just 69.8 million bushels of unshipped U.S. soybeans on the books. The National Oilseed Processors Association January crush was a record for the month and the third-largest for any month at 184.65 million bushels.

Outlook: Soybeans moved sideways in the holidayshortened week. Demand was quiet with China returning late in the week from their Lunar New Year holiday. Logistics in the United States were snarled during the week as a frigid front moved across the country. This may take a few more days to unfurl, but warmer weather was in the forecast. We still need to buy more new crop acres. Volatility should remain in the market and South American weather will need to be watched.

For the week, March soybeans were 5.25 cents higher at $13.77.25, July gained 11 cents to close at $13.67.75, and the November contract rallied 23.25 cents to settle at $11.96.25 per bushel. v

Strong exports supporting hog market TEALE, from pg. 14 the economy remains positive in the months ahead.

The short term outlook is in question because of the slowing beef movement and the slipping cash prices for cattle at the present time.

The hog market has seen a very nice rally over the past several weeks as prices have moved to levels not seen since May of 2019. Product movement has been the catalyst to push prices to the current levels.

The export market as well as domestic demand

have been main features in this current strength in hog prices. The fact that pork in cold storage in the last report was less than expected indicated the strong demand for pork.

Weather has also contributed to the rapid increase in prices during the month of February as movement of animals and potential death loss have created a lot of concern. The main concern for the remainder of the month would be as temperatures begin to warm, will the prices be able to maintain current price levels? v

Use tax info to make financial plans JOHNSON, from pg. 14 Sticking to it — If it’s not in the budget, don’t spend it. If it’s an emergency, make adjustments elsewhere.

Tax time can provide an excellent opportunity. You have a chance to give your household budget a thorough checkup. In taking control of your money, you may find you are able to devote more of it to the pursuit of your financial goals.

Securities and insurance products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC (doing insurance business in Calif. as CFG STC Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Neither firm is affiliated with the financial institution where investment services are offered.

Advisory services are only offered by Investment Adviser Representatives.

Investments are not FDIC/NCUSIF insured and may lose value. Funds are not financial

institution guaranteed, not a deposit and are not insured by any federal government agency.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced

by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

To learn more about how Profinium is a full financial health solutions center offering banking, mortgage, insurance, trust and wealth planning services in Southern Minnesota, visit Profinium.com. v

PAGE 16

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Supplemental policies provide wider coverage options THIESSE, from pg. 12

chase an additional 6 percent Supplemental Coverage Option coverage. from hail, wind or heavy rains. So additional insurSupplemental Coverage Option coverage is a ance, such as hail or wind insurance, may be required to insure against these types of losses. It is county revenue-based insurance product which is somewhat similar to some of the area risk protecalso important for producers to run “what if” scetion crop insurance products available. The calculanarios when analyzing the comparison between tions for Supplemental Coverage Option coverage enterprise units and optional units. function very similarly to revenue protection insurMany times, producers automatically opt for enterprise units every year, due to the lower premi- ance policies since they utilize the same crop insurance base price and harvest price. The biggest difum cost per acre for similar coverage. It is imporference is that Supplemental Coverage Option covtant to analyze the yield risk on each individual farm unit when determining if paying the extra pre- erage uses county level average yields, rather than the farm-level actual production history yields mium for insurance coverage with optional units which are typically used for most revenue protection makes sense. If a producer has uniform soil types and yield protection policies. As a result, the and drainage in a close geographical area, and is primarily concerned with a price decline, a revenue Supplemental Coverage Option and revenue protecprotection policy with enterprise units is probably a tion insurance policies may achieve different results. good option. However, if a producer has farm units The Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) is a new which are more spread out geographically, with crop insurance option available for 2021. ECO promore variation in soil types and drainage, and has vides area-based insurance coverage from 86 pergreater concerns with yield variability, they may cent up to 95 percent coverage. ECO also utilizes want to consider a revenue protection policy with county-level yields, similar to SCO coverage. optional units.

Producers can choose between 90 or 95 percent ECO SCO and ECO insurance coverage for 2021 coverage. Unlike SCO coverage, the purchase of The Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) coverECO coverage is available with selection of either age is only available to producers who choose the the PLC or ARC-CO farm program choice for 2021.

Price Loss Coverage farm program option for the Producers can utilize both ECO and SCO together, 2021 crop year. Approximately 75 percent of the in addition to their underlying revenue protection corn base acres and 14 percent of the soybean base or yield protection insurance policy. For example, a acres in the United States were enrolled in the Price Loss Coverage program in 2019 and 2020 and producer could have an 80 percent revenue protection policy, carry SCO coverage from 80 to 86 perwere eligible for Supplemental Coverage Option cent, and carry ECO coverage from 86 to 95 percent. insurance coverage.

It is possible for a producer to collect on an indiThe deadline for 2021 farm program sign-up is vidual revenue protection policy, but not collect on a March 15, which is the same as the enrollment SCO or ECO policy, or vice versa. For example, a deadline for 2021 crop insurance; meaning that producer with an 80 percent revenue protection polfarm operators will need to consider Supplemental icy may have a loss that qualifies for an insurance Coverage Option coverage at the same time they are indemnity payment, while the county as a whole finalizing their 2021 farm program choice. The fedmay not meet the threshold to qualify for either a eral government subsidizes 65 percent of the premiSCO or ECO payment.

It could also be possible to um for Supplemental Coverage Option coverage, so collect a SCO or ECO payment for a county-level farm-level premiums are quite reasonable. revenue loss while not qualifying for a revenue proSupplemental Coverage Option coverage allows tection insurance indemnity payment at the farm producers to purchase additional county-level crop level. Interested producers should check with their insurance coverage up to a maximum of 86 percent crop insurance agent for details on SCO and ECO coverage. For example, a producer who purchases an insurance coverage and premiums for 2021.

80 percent Revenue Protection policy could purKey items to consider with 2021 crop insurance decisions FROM GRAND There are a wide variety of crop insurance policies $ 1,799 and coverage levels available. Make sure you are ALASKAN $ comparing “apples to apples” when comparing crop 1,549 * CRUISE & TOUR insurance premium costs for various options or 12 days, departs types of crop insurance policies, as well as recognizMay - Sep 2021 ing the limitations and the differences of the various insurance products. 2021 crop insurance premiFREE ONBOARD CREDIT ums for most coverage levels of corn and soybeans in the Midwest will be significantly higher than promo code N7017 comparable 2020 premium levels, due to the higher *Prices are per person based on double occupancy plus $299 in taxes & fees. Single supplement and seasonal surcharges crop insurance guarantees available for 2021 and may apply. Add-on airfare available. Onboard Credit requires purchase of Ocean View or Balcony Cabin. Offers apply to new bookings only, made by 3/31/21. Other terms & conditions may apply. Ask your Travel Consultant for details. the higher volatility levels.

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View crop insurance decisions from a risk management perspective. Given the potentially higher profit margins for crop production in 2021, there may be a tendency to reduce crop insurance coverage. However, a producer must first decide, “How much potential profit margin do I want to risk if there are greatly reduced crop yields due to potential weather problems in 2021, and/or lower than expected crop prices?” Revenue protection crop insurance policies serve as an excellent risk management tool to protect profit risk for these situations.

Take a good look at the 80 percent or 85 percent coverage levels — especially when using enterprise units with revenue protection insurance policies. In many cases, the 85 percent coverage level offers considerably more protection with a modest increase in premium costs. Many producers will be able to guarantee near $650 to over $800 per acre for corn, and near $450 to over $600 per acre for soybeans at the 85 percent coverage level for 2021.

Evaluate SCO, ECO and other “buy-up” insurance options. In addition to the government subsidized SCO and ECO county-based insurance products which allow insurance coverage up to 95 percent coverage, there are also “buy-up” private policies using farm-level yields up to 95 percent coverage.

Private companies also offer separate wind and hail insurance endorsements. Of course, any of the “buyup” or “add-on” insurance options add to the premium cost. Producers need to ask, “What mix of crop insurance products gives me the best risk protection for the premium amount that I am willing to spend for protecting my 2021 crop investment?”

A reputable crop insurance agent is the best resource to find out more details of the various crop insurance coverage plans and premium quotes, as well as to receive assistance with putting a sound risk management program in place for the 2021 crop year. Ag lenders, marketing analysts, and farm management advisors can also be helpful with finalizing crop insurance decisions.

Following are some very good web sites with crop insurance information: USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA): http://www.rma.usda.gov/; University of Illinois FarmDoc: http://www.farmdoc. illinois.edu/cropins/index.asp 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

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

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19 /FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Real Estate Wanted

Real Estate Prime Farmland 80 acres, 1 mile from Fairfax, Minnesota. Renville County property ID 31-00170-00.

Sect 06, Range 32, Fairfax City Township. 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 Sell your land or real estate in 30 days for 0% commission.

Call Ray 507-339-1272

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

Farm Rentals

Antiques & Collectibles

PAGE 17

Feed Seed Hay

Feed Seed Hay

WANTED: Land & farms. I For Rent: Available Septem- AO Smith Harvestore collect- 4x5 Net wrapped conventional ALFALFA, mixed hay, grass have clients looking for ber 1: (3) 1,000 head wean ibles including glassware, (Non-GMO) corn stalks, $20hay & wheat straw, medium square or round bales, dairy, & cash grain opera- to finish hog barns north of mugs, coolers, bowls, jewel- $30 ea. Grass hay $30-$60; delivery available. tions, as well as bare land Fairmont, next to a blacktop ry, salt & peppers, jackets, shedded rotary chopped parcels from 40-1000 acres. a mile north of I-90 entrance. much more! For list and oat straw or soybean stubThief River Falls, MN. Call Both for relocation & invest- Cell 507-848-1765. Ask for pricing please text 952-297- ble, $150; Alfalfa $60-#70, or text LeRoy Ose: 7627. up to 150 RFU. Can possibly ments. If you have even Glenn.

218-689-6675 deliver. (Cell)320-905-6195, thought about selling conwww.thelandonline.com Please recycle this magazine.

(Home)320-382-6288 tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Farm Services Land Specialist, Edina Realty, 138 Main St. W., New Prague, MN 55372.

Niesen’s Silo Demolition USED TRACTORS PLANTERS paulkrueger@edinarealty.com We pay cash for Harvestors, NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader.. ...... On Hand (612)328-4506 JD 520 20' 20" sp. .............................................$3,900 charge for Stave silos. Turn NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders ... On Hand ’11 White 8516 CFS, Loaded .......................... $63,000 your old combines and ma‘13 NH T9.610 ............................................... $159,000 ’06 White 8516 cfs .......................................... $34,000 chinery into cash. ’11 NH T8.300 ................................................. $94,500 ’95 White 6722 loaded ....................................... $7,500 JD 4450PS W/148 LOADER............................ $37,000 Call Dennis 507-995-2331 with a classified line ad!

SELL IT FAST Call us today 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665

Please support the advertisers you see here.

Tell them you saw their ad in The Land!

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.

• 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

’84 JD 4850 FWA ............................................ $34,500 JD 8310T 5400 hrs ......................................... $62,500 Farmall 340 wf w/mower ....................................$4,250 ’07 Massey GC2300 w/loader........ ................. $13,900 New Massey Tractors .................................... On Hand Massey 1660 cab/loader.................................. Coming

TILLAGE ’14 Sunflower 4412-05.....................................$30,000 ’11 Sunflower 4412-07.....................................$28,000 ’13 CIH 870 9-24 ............................................. $38,500 ’13 Wilrich 513 5-30 ........................................ $31,500 ’10 Wilrich QX2 37' w/basket .......................... $34,500 ’09 Wilrich QX2 55'5 w/bskt ............................ $34,000 Glencoe 7400 9sh ..............................................$6,500

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW NH E26C mini excavator ...................... On Hand NEW NH E37C mini excavator ...................... On Hand NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ...... On Hand NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units .......... On Hand ’12 NH 225 C/H ............................................... $27,000 NH LS150 ........................................................ $14,500

HAY TOOLS New Disc Mowers - 107,108,109 New Disc Mower Cond. - 10', 13' New Wheel Rakes - 10,12,14 New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND

COMBINES NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead .................... Call ’12 Gleaner S77 ............................................ $179,000 ’03 Gleaner R65 .............................................. $72,000 ’95 Gleaner R52 w/cummins .......................... $32,500 ’89 R60 w/both heads ..................................... $15,500 ’90 Gleaner R40 w/heads ............................... $17,500 Geringhoff parts & heads available

MISCELLANEOUS NEW Salford RTS Units .......................................... Call NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call ’11 Unverferth 3750 ........................................ $21,000 NEW Westfield Augers ........................................... Call NEW REM VRX Vacs. .............................................. Call NEW Hardi Sprayers............................................... Call NEW Riteway Rollers .............................................. Call NEW Lorenz Snowblowers ..................................... Call NEW Batco Conveyors ........................................... Call NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ......................... Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons .................................. Call NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ......................... Call REM 2700, Rental ................................................... Call Pre-Owned Grain Cart ................................... On Hand New Horsch Jokers ................................................ Call ‘16 Hagie STS12 ..................................................... Call

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

PLEASE SEND IN YOUR 2021 SUBSCRIPTION CARD FOR THE LAND. WE WOULD APPRECIATE IT!

PAGE 18

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

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Steffes Auction Calendar 2021

Feed Seed Hay

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

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

Opening February 20 & Closing March 1 Satrom Grain Farms, LLC Equipment Auction, Oriska, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 22 Closing March 3 at 7PM Private Firearm Collection Dispersal Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction

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.

Opening February 23 & Closing March 2 at 7PM Gudajtes Family Farm Excess Equipment Auction, Minto, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 23 & Closing March 2 E&M Services Equipment Reduction Auction, Williston, ND & Arnegard, ND, Timed Online Auction

OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn.

Produces more high quality silage on less acres than hybrid. $67/bushel plus shipping. High feed value grain.

Located at Teutopolis, IL 217-857-3377

Opening March 1 & Closing March 9 John & Kari Gramith Farm Retirement Auction, Norwood, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 1 & Closing March 9 at 7 PM Bertrand Borgen Estate Gun Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 1 & Closing March 10 at 1PM Tjosvold Equipment Auction, Granite Falls, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 1 & Closing March 11 at 7PM Richard Gabrielson Estate Auction, Darwin, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 3 & Closing March 10 at 7PM Collectible Snowmobile Collection Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction

Bins & Buildings Mark ZIEMER New London, MN (320) 979-4044 Auctioneer

Brian ZIEMER New London, MN (320) 979-4044 Auctioneer

Belgrade, MN Belgrade, MN The Following Described Property Will Be Sold At Farm Located At 21241 Farmcrest Rd Belgrade, MN. From Belgrade MN 1 1/2 Miles South On Stearns Co Rd 197 Then 1 Miles E On Stearns Co Rd 116 1/2 Mile NE On Farmcrest Rd

Saturday March 13th 10:00 AM

Opening March 3 & Closing March 10 at 6PM Steve Meyer Collectible Snowmobile Auction, Steffes Group Facility, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening March 3 & Closing March 10 at 1PM Multi-Party Consignment Auction, Mt. Vernon, SD, Plankinton, SD & Avoca, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 4 at 8AM & Closing March 4 at 12PM Burke County, ND, Land Auction - 260+ Acres, Columbus, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening March 4 & Closing March 11 Rust Sales Equipment Auction, Harwood, ND & West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening March 5 & Closing March 9 at 12PM Online Hay Auction - Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 5 & Closing March 11 Online Steffes Auction - 3/11, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening March 5 & Closing March 12 at 1PM Gerald W. Nepodal Estate Hay Auction, Platte, SD, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, March 9 at 10AM Jim & Debby Coughlin Trust Farm Retirement Auction, Iroquois, SD

Wednesday, March 10 at 10AM Agiron West Fargo Event, Red River Valley Fairgrounds, West Fargo, ND Wednesday, March 10 at 1PM Trempealeau County, WI, Land & Home Auction - 232± Acres - 3 Tracts, Strum, WI

Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys.

100% financing w/no liens or red tape, call Steve at Fairfax Ag for an appointment.

888-830-7757

Farm Equipment TRACTORS Case-IH 165 Puma Diesel Tractor MFWD, Cab, 18 Speed Transmission, 480-80R42 Good Rear Rubber 2485 Hrs (Nice), Versatile 835 4 Wheel Drive Diesel Tractor 18.4x38 Rubber w/ Duals, Bare Back, International 856 Diesel Tractor, Wide Front, 3 Pt, 540/1000 PTO, Good Torque, 18.4x38 Good Rubber, Farmall 706 Diesel Tractor Wide Front, Fast Hitch, Good Rubber, Good Torque, Fast Hitch, 540/1000 PTO, Case 1030 Diesel Tractor, Wide Front, Comfort King, Draft-O-Matic, 3 Pt, 540/1000 PTO, 8100 Hrs, Allis Chalmers 8050 Diesel Tractor Cab, MFWD, 3 Pt, 540/1000 PTO, 20.8x38 Rear Rubber, Band Duals, 6892 Hrs, Farmall 300 Gas Tractor Narrow Front SKID LOADER & BUCKETS Case SR-210 Skid Loader 2 Speed, Diesel, Cab, Heat, Air, and Stereo, 1429 Hrs, Front Hydraulics, Material Bucket, Pallet Forks, 2 Grapple Forks, Snow Bucket 9 Ft, 3 Tine Bale Spear, Skid Loader Quick Tach Wood Splitter

Opening March 9 & Closing March 16 at 2PM Air Control Heating Inc. Retirement Auction, Grand Forks, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening March 9 & Closing March 18 at 7PM Darwin & Kris Panning Farm Retirement Auction, Hamburg, MN, Timed Online Auction

Barn and Quonset Roofing and Straightening. Kelling Silo. 1-800-355-2598

HAY & FORAGE EQUIPMENT PICKUPS Case IH RB-455 Round Baler w/ Net 2018 Chevrolet HD2500 Duramax Diesel Wrap 1889 Bales (Nice), New Holland Pickup w/ Allison Transmission, Full H-7450 12 Ft Swing Tongue Discbine Crew, 4x4, Leather, LTZ, 7 ft Box, 5th (Like New), New Holland Square Baler Wheel, 30,500 Actual Miles (Like New), w/ Thrower, 16 Ft Metal Thrower 1973 Chevrolet 1 Ton Pickup, 292, 6 Rack On JD Running Gear, 16 Ft Metal Cyl, 4 Speed, w/ Tree Spade 33”, 1977 Thrower Rack On MN 8 Ton Running C-60 Chevrolet Truck w/ Cab & Chassis Gear, Sitrex 9 Wheel Rake Pull Type, Vicou 3 Pt Disc Mower, JD 3800 Forage PLANTING & TILLAGE Chopper w/ 2 Row 30” Corn Head, Gehl 2012 Case-IH 1220 Early Riser 8 16 Ft Front Unloading Forage Box w/ Row 30” Planter, Liquid Fertilizer, Row Wood Sides On MN 12 Ton Tandem Axle Cleaner, Monitor, 2650 Acres (Nice), Running Gear International 620 Press Drill 12 Ft w/ 6” Spacing And Grass Seeder w/ Front COMBINE - HEADS Dollie, DMI Ecolo Tiger 5308 Slash 1998 Case-IH 2388 Axial Flow Combine & Chisel 9 Shank w/ Disc Leveler, Diesel Engine, w/ Big Top Hopper Wilrich Field Cultivator 36 Ft w/ 3 Bar Extension, 3690 Engine Hrs, 2776 Axial Mulcher, International 490 Tandem Disk Flow Hrs 480/80R38 Rubber & Duals w/ Folding Wings 24 Ft, International Rock Trap, Ag-Leader PF3000 Monitor, 475 Tandem Disk 20 Ft w/ Spring Type 2001 Geringhoff Rota-Disc 8 Row, 30” Wings, International 183 8 Row 30” 3 Corn Head, Poly Snouts, International Pt Danish Tooth Cultivator w/ Rolling 1083 8 Row 30” Corn Head, 2 - Case-IH Shields, Wetherall 6 Row Danish Tooth 3 1020 20 Ft Bean Head, Case-IH 1020 25 Pt Cultivator, Ford 151 6x18 Auto Reset Ft Bean Head, International 810 5 Belt Mounted Plow, Melroe 5 Section Spring Tooth w/ Hyd Evener Grain Pickup Head, Head Trailer Kuhn Knight 1150 Tandem Axle Spreader Double Apron, Poly Floor, Front Screen, Hydraulic End Gate, New Idea 3632 Tandem Axle Spreader w/ Poly Floor (Needs Gear Box)

Bid Live & Live Online! Proxibid Items Begin at 12:00 Noon.To Bid Online Visit www.proxibid.com/hilbrands

AUCTIONEER NOTES Please Join Us On Sat, March 13th For a Good Line of Farm Equipment.

In Case Of Severe Weather Please Listen To KASM 1150 AM Or KDJS 95.3 FM Thank You, Mark, Brian, Terry

For Full Listing go to: www.ziemerauctions.com or call 320-354-4312

Lyle Boie Estate, Darlene Boie Owner AUCTIONEERS

Mark Ziemer, Lic. 34-46 New London, 320-354-4312 Cell: 320-979-4044 Brian Ziemer, New London 320-354-5308 Terry Hilbrands, 239-777-3120

Not responsible for accidents Lunch on grounds Number system used www.ziemerauctions.com or midwestauctions.com, click on Ziemer Follow Ziemer Auctioneers on Facebook!

Usual Auction Terms

(Cash or Approved Check Day of Sale).

No Items Removed Until Settled For. Everything Sold As Is.

Hilbrands Auctions Clerk 239-777-3120

8FT Heavy Duty Snowblower Mod #4096D 2 Augers Heavy Flighting 540 RPM, Loaded, (Used Twice) New Condition (Shedded) Best Offer. 2006 Great Plains (36 Ft 9”) Discovator/Finisher Hi-Trash Drag (Long Tines) Double Fold (Original Blades) (18 3/4) Real Good. Retiring 319347-6676 or 319-269-4226

Your ad could be here!

507-345-4523 Brillion 27 ft X-fold Packer, very nice, no welds, $9,800; Rhino 160 Brush cutter, like new, $1,200. 715-572-1234 FOR SALE: 2006 John Deere 200 soil finisher, 27 1/2’, very nice, $5,700. WANTED: John Deere 200 soil finisher, 30’ to 32’ double fold, must be nice.

320-269-6653 FOR SALE: John Deere front mounted snowblower for 1400 Series commercial lawn mower, hyd spout, $3,100/ OBO. 320-573-2614 or 320360-2117 Leave message.

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19 /FEBRUARY 26, 2021 Farm Equipment

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

Tractors

Harvesting Equip

Wanted

PAGE 19 Wanted

Wanted

dHanson Silo unloader, 20 ft, FOR SALE: 1937 Allis Chalm- FOR SALE: John Deere 7720 WANTED DAMAGED WANTED: JD 480 fork lift, 21’ WANTED: Nice lower houred mast, 20.8x38 band duals w/ farmer owned Ford 7710 - 10 Horse motor; Bou mat- ers A, with start lights, very combine, 915 bean head, CORNLIGHT TEST original condition, 440 cornhead, $10,000 for all hardware, JD 953 wagon w/ Series 2 MFD tractor, cab, . ic vacuum pump-handles good WEIGHT & HIGHER three. 952-393-1784 e 8 units, Calf Tel huts - poly $14,500. 507-429-8990 barge box & hoist. Wheat- air, heat, 8spd dual powered MOISTURE CORN. PAY. individual pens - 6 stall calf land fenders for JD 5020- transmission, 2 hydraulics, ING COMPETITIVE t barn; Gehl chopper box on NEW AND USED TRACTOR 6030. All must be in good loader would be fine also.

PRICES DEPENDING PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, Wanted 320-760-9371 10T wagon. 507-289-2200 shape. 507-251-2344 QUALITY. ZANE HAN55, 50 Series & newer tracSON (507) 459-8653 aHarms Mfg. Land Rollers, tors, AC-all models, Large WANTED TO BUY: John i Brand New, 12’-$6,800; Inventory, We ship! Mark All kinds of New & Used farm Deere 4040 with power shift. Classified line ads work! equipment disc chisels, field Wanted to Buy: JD725 6, 8 & m 14’-$7,000; 16’-$8,000; 24’- Heitman Tractor Salvage 507-359-3065 Call 507-345-4523 cults, planters, soil finishers, 12 row - front mount cultiva. $14,800; 32’-$17,500; 42’- 715-673-4829 cornheads, feed mills, discs, tors; Stanhoist and Bushhog - $21,500; Others from 8’-62’. balers, haybines, etc. 507- steel barge boxes; Gehl and d 715-234-1993 438-9782 Lorentz grinder/mixers; plus Tillage Equip JD 7000 Corn Planter, 2Row, all types of farm machinery.

WANTED: Used LP propane Wanted: also JD 4430 1975 or . 3PT, $1,800, Fert. Avail.

60’ Wil-rich Quad-X digger, tank, 12,000, 15,000, 18,000 newer. 507-251-2685 - $350/Row. 715-234-1993 double springs on shanks, w/ or 21,000 gallons or greater. n -WANTED TO BUY: Pull type tine drag & rolling baskets 507-327-6430 www.thelandonline.com . cultipacker, and 8’ or 10’ off- + Wil-rich air seeder, press L set disk. 320-493-3394 eve- wheels, + 1,000 gal water tank on Wil-rich seeder nings frame, w/ monitors. Always We buy shedded, not used for last 5 Salvage Equipment yrs. Retired. 507-220-7910 Parts Available FOR SALE: 960 JD field culHammell Equip., Inc. tivator, 34 ft, 6” spacing, g (507)867-4910 knock-on 7” shovels, 3R g spring tooth drag, excellent Tractors condition, $4,500. 507-276.

8345 r 2016 Case 580SN WT tractor loader backhoe, 2012 CIH 235, one owner, FOR SALE: 30’ IH field cul4WD, extendahoe, cab with heat and air, pilot . 18.4R46 rear tires w/ du- tivator with nearly new 7” als, fronts 14.9R34 tires, 4 sweeps, 3 bar tine harrow, controls, quick tach loader bucket, 3265 hours, remotes valves, 3pt, fac- field ready, $5,250/OBO. 651just serviced ................................................$47,500 tory auto steer, 321 hrs, P/ 503-5087 2013 John Deere 8260R, IVT transmission, Shift, never seen hard work, CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY 1500 front axle, 380/90R54 rear duals, 380/80R38 like new, always shedded, cutting back on farming. front duals, 60 GPM hyd. pump, 5 remotes, Planting Equip r $136,500. 651-503-5087 front weights, HID lights, active seat, y 5,000 hours .................................................$98,500 John Deere 7000 planter ,2011 NH T6070 Elite, MFWD, n 2700 hours, 3 remotes, 16spd, 6R30” liquid fertilizer, preci2013 John Deere 8335RT, IVT, 18" tracks, 6 18.4x42 rear weights, load- sion meters, row cleaners, 6450 hrs. .....................................................$85,000 - er ready, suspended cab, always shedded, good condition, $6,500/OBO. 952-292h $59,900. 507-920-7954 2017 Deere 324E skid steer, EH controls, 2-speed, 2019 e cab with heat and air, hi-flow, ride control, 76" 8 bucket, 1150 hours, warranty .....................$31,000 Upcoming Issues of THE LAND

Looking for New or Used FARM EQUIPMENT?

Check out The Land classifieds first!

WANTED

DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE

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

Trucks and vacs available.

Immediate response anywhere.

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

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

Southern MNNorthern IA March 5, 2021 March 19, 2021 April 2, 2021 April 16, 2021

, ; e

e y n o .

t r n / -

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

*

Northern MN March 12, 2021 March 26, 2021 April 9, 2021 April 23, 2021 May 7, 2021

Deadline is 8 days prior to publication.

Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication.

2012 John Deere S680 combine, 2WD, 520/85R42 duals, power fold tank ext., power cast tailboard, 1880 sep. hours, through service program ... $95,000 2009 John Deere 612C 12X22 Stalkmaster chopping cornhead ....................................$29,500 1998 John Deere 9610 combine, 18.4R42 duals, yield monitor with display, chopper, chaff spreader, tank extension, 2750 sep. hours, nice machine...............................................$29,000

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

PO Box 3287 • Mankato, MN 56002-3287 Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 Fax: 507-345-1027 Website: www.TheLandOnline.com e-mail: theland@TheLandOnline.com

Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!

Please call before coming to look at equipment.

Keith Bode

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

PAGE 20

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

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

irst Your F or f Choice ds! ie Classif

Place d Your A Today!

Livestock, Machinery, Farmland... you name it! People will buy it when they see it in The Land!

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

Plus! Look for your classified ad in the e-edition.

South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

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THE FREE PRESS

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• Reach over 150,000 readers • Start your ad in The Land • Add more insertions • Get more coverage

The ad prices listed are based on a basic classified line ad of 25 words or less. Ads running longer than 25 words will incur an added charge.

CHECK ONE:  Announcements  Employment  Real Estate  Real Estate Wanted  Farm Rentals  Auctions  Agri Business  Farm Services  Sales & Services  Merchandise  Antiques & Collectibles  Lawn & Garden  Feed Seed Hay  Fertilizer & Chemicals  Bins & Buildings  Farm Equipment  Tractors  Tillage Equipment  Planting Equipment  Spraying Equipment

 Hay & Forage Equipment  Harvesting Equipment  Grain Handling Equipment  Livestock Equipment  Wanted  Free & Give Away  Livestock  Poultry  Dairy  Cattle  Swine  Sheep  Goats  Horses & Tack  Exotic Animals  Pets & Supplies  Cars & Pickups  Industrial & Construction  Trucks & Trailers  Recreational Vehicles  Miscellaneous

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

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

THE LAND (Includes 1 Southern & 1 Northern issue)

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Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per line per issue = _____________________________ EXTENDED COVERAGE - must run the same number of times as The Land FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 21,545 circ.

THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) - Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 21,000 circ.

THE FREE PRESS (FP) - Serving south central Minnesota, 19,025 circ.

PAPER(S) ADDED (circle all options you want): FN CT FP $7.70 for each paper and $7.70 run each issues x $7.70 = _____________________________ STANDOUT OPTIONS (THE LAND only) $2.00 per run: = _____________________________  Bold  Italic  Underline  Web/E-mail links

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

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19 /FEBRUARY 26, 2021

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

PAGE 21

Tell your auctioneer to advertise your auction in The Land

TIMED ONLINE AUCTION! Thursday, Oct. 1st, 2020

: Hamilton Auction Co. off Interstate 90 at Dexter, MN exit #193 then ¼ mile east on Hwy 16 (130 State Hwy 16, Dexter, MN 55926) Check web site for complete listing and pictures

SPRING CONSIGNMENT SALE!!!

FARM RETIREMENT

LOCATION: 12680 YALE AVENUE NORWOOD, MN 55368

INCLUDING MULTIPLE FARM RETIREMENTS ONLINE ONLY Date: Tuesday, March 9th 2021

OPENS: MONDAY, MARCH 1

2021

CLOSES: TUESDAY, MARCH 9 | 10AM PREVIEW: By Appointment / LOADOUT: Thursday, March 11 from 9am - 4pm

TRACTOR 1949 John Deere Royal row crop cultivator, 6R30”, 3 pt. mount, danish tine, rolling shields TRACTOR - 2WD 1977 John Deere 4430, 3,806 actual hrs.

1967 John Deere 2020, 4,945 hrs.

TRACTOR - MFWD 1987 John Deere 4650, 4,011 hrs.

TRAILERS Gleaner pick up head, 6’ 1977 Livestock trailer, 16’x7’ GRAIN CARTS & GRAVITY Shop built pull type BOXES fertilizer caddy (2) M&W gravity box, 12.5-15 Flatbed water tender trailer, tires 8’x14’ Minnesota 130 flare box Utility trailer, 7’x14’x16” GRAIN HANDLING COMBINES EQUIPMENT Gleaner combine cab, 1,527 Westfield auger, 61’x8” sep. hrs., 1,807 eng. hrs.

Feterl grain screener HEADS LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT Gleaner bean head, 13’ Gleaner corn head, 3 row, 30’ Artsway 450 grinder/mixer

SteffesGroup.com

OTHER EQUIPMENT CONTRUCTION/HEAVY Brillion seeder, 10’ EQUIPMENT John Deere 48 all hyd. loader SPRAYERS & SPREADERS New Holland 155 manure HAY EQUIPMENT H&S small sq. thrower rack, spreader Pull type sprayer 9’x16’ TILLAGE EQUIPMENT H&S small sq. thrower rack John Deere 328 small square DRILLS / MOWERS / TIRES TRACTOR/IMPLEMENT baler PARTS / ATV’S, New Holland 258 roll bar rake New Holland 492 haybine, 9’ SNOWMOBILES, BOATS, RECREATION Small square thrower rack, 9’x16’ MISC.ITEMS Small sq. thrower rack Flat bed hay rack, 8’x14’

Bidding will open on 2/23/21 @ 9:00 a.m. and begin closing at 6:00 p.m. on 03/09/21.

TRACTORS-2016 JD 9620 RX tractor, 5 hyd, 1950 hrs; 2006 NH TC 40DA tractor, mfd, w/NH 17LAHolland loader,T-8360, 1270auto hrs;steer JD 4440 tractor; 630JDg,8100 wf;MFD BACKHOE-SKID LOAD2013 New pkg, 4700 hours;JD 1999 3369 hrs; JD 4240, cab, ER-ASPHALT back hoe, 4wd, JD 316 GRhrs,skid loader, heat, air, 148 ldr,PAVER-Case 9387 hrs; 1996#580K JD 8300, MFD, 3715 hrs; ext.

1981hoe; JD 4240, 5792 quad trans, 279 hyd. Kubota outlets, 1BX owner 1992 JD 4255,loader power shift, 2WD, 455 hrs;hrs; JD 2755, cab,mini heat,excavaair, quad hrs; 25 tractor; DLB tractor, mfwd, & backhoe, 199 Hitachi trans, 2518 hrs; JD 8650 w/blade; IH 1086; 2010 Case IH 330 Vertical Till, 34’, rolling baskets, hyd. tor Z AXIS 50U; 2011 Lee Boy 8515 B asphalt paver; TRUCKS-2006 Peterbilt 379 semi, tilt; (3) Kuhn Krause Landsman Soil Finishers; 2011 McFarlane RD 4044 RB6; McFarlane RD 4030 C15 18Earth speed; 1984 Ford LT 9000 tk,240 20’RTS boxseed & hoist; 2001 Sterling5042, semi RB6;Cat, M&W Master 9900, 9 shank ripper; grain Meridan tender; Kuhn/Knight tractor, cab &JDchassis; 1X semi Flower 40’ TMR mixer; 2210 field2006 cult., Int. 27’x9900 6”, level-lift; 2012tractor; KrauseTILLAGE-Sun 5635 field cult., 50’; FAST 1444 sprayer 9600,McFarlane 60’ booms; 1995 9500, 3950 engRB6; hrs, 2700 sep hrs; 7200,Sun 16R30”; JD 1760, wingdisc; reel JD disc, RD-4044 JD 3710 10xJDplow; Flower 4511hyd.

9 shank fold, 3 bu hoppers; Case IH 1200, 16/31 row; 2008 KINZE 3000, 8R30” planter; 2004 JD 1770NT l ripper; 2013 JD 2410 chisel plow/applicator, 62.5’; JD #1293 corn head, 12 r 30”, head6R planter; 2012 JD 612C, chopping cornhead; 2017 JD 612FC Stalkmaster Cornhead, 12R30”; Top erAirheight SKID EQUIP. TA 800, control; 800 gal, 60’; 2009LOADER Deere 700JATTACHMENTS-WAGONS-LIVESTOCK LGP Dozer, cab, heat, air, 30” tracks, 7500 hrs; 1982 CAT

D7G Dozer, 12’, 75 dozer; 2013 Gehl V270 Skid loader, cab, heat, air; 1996 Case 1845 C Skid loader; 2005 JD 320 skid loader; 2009 Bobcat V417 telehandler; 2017 JCB 560-80 telehandler

ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE THRU Hamilton Auction Co.

ForCash complete listings,Check photos, -and online bidding www.hamiltonauctioncompany.com Terms: or Good Nothing to bevisit: removed until settled. All announceCash,ofgood or credit card - nothingover to be any removed until settledmaterial. for. mentsTerms: the day thecheck, sale take precedence advertised th Tuesday, March , Trucks & Trailersvisit: For UPCOMING completeSALES: listings, photos and16online bidding Tuesday, April 6th, Spring Tillage & Planting - SEMA Equip., a local John Deere dealer in South East MN,WWW.HAMILTONAUCTIONCOMPANY.COM has updated their fleet of vehicles and will be liquidating their excess vehicles.

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

JOHN & KARI GRAMITH | JOHN, 612.247.4325 Or Randy Kath at Steffes Group, 320.693.9371 or 701.429.8894 Complete terms, lot listings and photos at SteffesGroup.com / Randy Kath MN47-007

130 STATE HWY 16 DEXTER, MN 55926

Call our office:

507-584-0133

PAGE 22

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

COMPLETE LIQUIDATION OF COUNTRY PRIDE COOPERATIVE’S C-STORE - CAR WASH FACILITY - REPAIR SHOP TIRE INVENTORY - BUILDINGS TO BE MOVED

ON-LINE ONLY AUCTION

Monday, March 1, 2021 - Auction begins to close at 6:00 P.M.

LOCATION: 251 First Avenue Windom, Minnesota. The junction of highways #71 & #60 in Windom, Minnesota just east of Hardees.

INSPECTION DATES & TIMES: Inspection of all items will be held on Thursday through Saturday, February 25th - 27th. On Thursday & Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. & on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to Noon and again on Monday, March 1st from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. PARTIAL LISTING INCLUDES: Complete line of Car Wash Equipment Buildings to be moved - Fuel Station Equipment - New Tires & Inventory Items C-Store Equipment - SHOP EQUIPMENT - Office Equipment & Signs - Pickup Payloader - Forklift For complete listing, sale terms and more information go to either ww.danpikeauction.com or www.danpikeauction.hibid.com or call 507-847-3468.

COUNTRY PRIDE COOPERATIVE For more information contact either Kevin Jackson at 507-831-2580 or Tom Mryvold at 507-822-1165

SALE CONDUCTED BY

For those wishing to bid they must register by going to www.danpikeauction.hibid.com.

10% Buyer Premium applies to all items purchased.

410 Springfield Parkway Jackson, MN. 56143 Office Phone 507-847-3468 www.danpikeauction.com

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19 /FEBRUARY 26, 2021 Livestock

Industrial & Construction

FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls 2007 Toyota Fork lift, Cab, also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ 5,000 pound lift, Cushion Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred tires, NICE! $9,800. 715-572Kemen 320-598-3790 1234

Swine

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

Trucks & Trailers

FOR SALE: Yorkshire, 2008 GMC 2500HD crew cab, Hampshire, Duroc, cross leather, sunroof, Duramax bred boars, gilts & 4-H pigs. Diesel, very clean, was a Top quality. Excellent herd Utah truck, 134K, $20,900. health. No PRSS. Delivery 715-572-1234 available. 320-760-0365 Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Miscellaneous Boars & Gilts available.

Monthly PRRS and PEDV. PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS Delivery available. Steve New pumps & parts on hand.

Resler. 507-456-7746 Call Minnesota’s largest distributor Sell your livestock in The Land HJ Olson & Company with a line ad. 507-345-4523 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336

Miscellaneous REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 Winpower Sales & Service Reliable Power Solutions Since 1925 PTO & automatic Emergency Electric Generators. New & Used Rich Opsata-Distributor 800-343-9376

PAGE 23

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

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507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665

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

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

ADVERTISER LISTING Agri Systems/Systems West ................................................ 9 American Angus ................................................................. 7 Beck's Hybrids ................................................................... 1 Dahl Farm Supply .............................................................. 6 Dan Pike Clerking .............................................................22 Freudenthal Dairy .............................................................11 Greenwald Farm Center .....................................................17 Hamilton Auction Service ..................................................21 Henslin Auctions, Inc. ........................................... 18, 21, 22 Keith Bode........................................................................19 Pioneer .............................................................................. 3 Pruess Elevator, Inc. .........................................................19 Rush River Steel & Trim ...................................................13 Schweiss Doors .................................................................19 Scott Buboltz .................................................................... 4 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ..............................................17 Spanier Welding ................................................................. 5 Steffes Group ........................................................ 18, 21, 22 YMT Vacations .................................................................16 Ziemer Auction .................................................................18 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 PO Box 3287, Mankato, MN 56002-3287 www.thelandonline.com

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PAGE 24

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 19/FEBRUARY 26, 2021

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

Public musictorium

I

f you’re just dying to belt out the “Star Spangled Banner” or your rendition of Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight,” the band shell in Sinclair Lewis Park is just the place for you.

Roger Reinardy, the fellow who painted the spectacular (and somewhat mindbending) mural in the band shell, commented on both the spontaneous possibilities and the remarkable acoustics of the Sauk Centre, Minn. venue.

“People would come by when I was painting it and ask if they could sing on the stage,” Reinardy told Roberta Olson, of the Dairyland Peach, in a 2017 interview. “There are incredible acoustics,” he said, “especially in one spot, where every sound from the audience and from passing vehicles on nearby Highway 71 can be heard.”

It’s true. Standing in the band shell we heard the mallards quietly quacking in the river a block away.

The curvature of the band shell creates the acoustics. That’s also what makes Reinardy’s painting seem to be three dimensional and alive. If you look straight into the shell, the band director (who depicts Sauk Centre Band Director Alan Raitor) seems not to be a part of the painting, but to be standing in front of it. If you step to the side the director bends at the waist and appears to be signaling to the trombones to crescendo.

The whole project, from impromptu concerts to the painting itself, was done in a spirit of spontaneity. Reinardy started with the keyboard, which floats and curves in a groovy way which would have appealed to the great Duke Ellington.

But Reinardy didn’t think up the warm golden musical notes which float off the cool blue surface. That, he told Roberta Olson was suggested by a woman — an audience of one — who was watching him paint from the seats of the band shell’s outdoor auditorium.

Reinardy listened to suggestions from the public, whether he was 25 feet off the ground in a scissors lift painting the sparkling Milky Way (which tops off the painting) or on a boat ride on nearby Sauk Lake Someone suggested he include a guitar. He did. There’s also a saxophone and trombones. Alan Raitor’s son, out on that boat ride, suggested including his Dad. The mural became not only the work of a talented artist, but the work of a community of talented and creative people. If you enjoy public art, it’s well worth a visit. And if you want to bring your own saxophone that’s just fine. v

Sauk Centre, Minn.