43 minute read
From My Farmhouse Kitchen
A month ago I cut an apron out from an for the glamour girl rather than the old dress that was looking a bit worn, but farmer’s wife who cooks up plenty of too good to throw away. It may have been mashed potatoes and gravy. a frugal moment on my part, but keep that under your hat, please. I recently saw the most beautiful handmade apron. It must have only been worn
Because there are many things my when the neighbor ladies came over to farmer calls me, but frugal and economi- tea. On the sheer white material were cal minded are definitely not among two embroidered girls wearing sunbonthem. And I certainly don’t want him to FROM MY nets. The girls were probably twelve go into shock or worry that there is some- FARMHOUSE inches tall. Another neat feature about thing desperately wrong with me. KITCHEN the apron was that the bonnets were So it goes, practically every single day I put a clean apron on over my dress. It is necessary to have a half dozen of those By Renae B. Vander Schaaf made from material. The designer fashioned them to serve as the pockets. So sweet! handy fashion items. At the beginning of the year, It might be impractical for use on an everyday one apron had to be tossed into the fire for real. It basis, but it sure was perfect for very special occahad two major faults: the fabric was wearing thin sions. and the holes were no longer protecting my clothing. It was time for a new addition to my apron wardrobe. This time I went with a vintage style. It is one I remember my Grandma Reemtsma wearing. My
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Aprons are fun to make. The difficult part is fabric is floral and the apron is made up of pieces choosing the pattern as there are so many ideas - outlined with pink binding. some that are even practical. Others are not; more Although I didn’t have the problem this time, selecting the material can also be difficult. Have you been to a fabric store lately? They are just bursting at the seams with material in designs that would make cooking a delight. Cooking is messy and I do get covered grease and flour quite early in the day. So wearing an apron is a must here. Also it adds to the illusion that the food served here might taste good. Afterall appearances do make a difference on what we think. Therefore, my simple thinking tells me that if I dress for the part of the cook, perhaps it will appear that I know what I am doing just a wee bit especially if I have several cookbooks setting around that were carefully chosen from the hundred cookbooks on the kitchen shelf. Now wouldn’t that give everyone the idea that the meal was well planned, and concocted to taste fabulous? Sorry, that doesn’t always happen, that’s why I keep a good supply of bread and cheese in this farmhouse. The reality is, it’s a pleasure to prepare three meals a day even if they don’t always turn out as any of us expected or desired. Because the actual sitting down to eat breakfast, dinner and supper together provides time to talk with each other whilst partaking of food that our physical bodies need.
It is also a good time to thank God for the food and other blessings He has so graciously bestowed. After each meal, it’s only natural that we nourish our souls too, by reading a portion of scripture. Because we know ‘that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.’ This is just a portion of the words found in Deuteronomy Chapter Eight. Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v
New data shows what Iowans charge, pay for custom farming
AMES, Iowa — Many Iowa farmers continue to hire at least some of their fieldwork and livestock work to be done by others, and new data provides ranges and averages of what is being paid.
The “2021 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey,” conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, covers the amounts charged and paid for common crop and livestock services. Tillage, planting, harvesting, manure hauling and livestock transportation are all included, along with dozens of other tasks and data points.
Compared to last year, most custom rates saw a decline except for the cost of farm labor, according to Alejandro Plastina, associate professor in economics and extension economist at Iowa State University. Plastina, sent 361 surveys via the U.S. Postal Service in February and 198 by email. The results were based on 118 responses and 3,785 custom rates submitted.
Fourteen percent of the respondents perform custom work, 16 percent hire work done, 45 percent indicated doing both and 25 percent did not indicate whether they perform or hire custom work.
The cost of combining corn ranged from $22 to $45 per acre, with an average of $35.10 per acre. The cost of combining soybeans ranged from $22 to $46 per acre, with an average of $34.20.
The cost to mow hay ranged from $8 to $15 per acre, with an average of $11.35 per acre. The average cost for baling small square bales was $.59 per bale, $9.35 for large square bales, $10.80 for large round bales without wrapping, and $13.20 for large round bales wrapped.
New information in this year’s survey includes rates for seeding cover crops, combining corn with a reel and scouting crops with fixed wing drones.
For more information, Plastina can be reached at (515) 294-6160 or plastina@iastate.edu.
This article was submitted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. v
By PAUL MALCHOW business prepare for this, and how can The Land Managing Editor consumers pay for it? Or think about NORTH MANKATO, Minn. — The county ordinances. The only business we world of agriculture is unpredictable, regulate the size of is animal agriculture. and that was never more so the case We don’t limit the size of gas stations or these past 12 months. Buoyed by Covid banks or restaurants; yet we determine vaccine headlines and market prices not as a society what size a dairy farm should seen in years, responders to GreenSeam’s be. Most of the time, businesses do not annual State of Ag survey were full of complain about the regulation itself. It is optimism. the process — which can stretch out and GreenSeam is a division of Greater Mankato Growth. Its mission is to procost time. How can we be more efficient on this as time is money.” mote the southern Minnesota region as a More than 60 percent of survey responworld-class food and agribusiness epicen- dents have seen an increase in people ter. To that end, GreenSeam partners taking side jobs to supplement income. with agriculture-related business to The top occupations mentioned included address issues ranging from developing construction, trucking, factory work and new markets, products and technologies; food service. to local, state and federal issues and reg- “We need to do a better job really ulations. For the past two years, GreenSeam has relied on input from business, financial Photo by Paul Malchow MSU-Mankato’s Shane Bowyer (left) and GreenSeam Director Sam Ziegler (right) faced the media at Mankato Brewery on March 23 for the release of GreenSeam’s 2021 State of Ag survey. understanding the economics of our communities,” urged Ziegler. “Often people look at who the largest employer is in a and educational institutions to develop a survey of questions pertaining to the current state of agriculture and issues facing the industry. On March 23 GreenSeam released the 2021 State of Ag report during an event at Mankato Brewery. The report carried an unusual and interesting element in comparison to the 2020 survey. When the 2020 survey was being distributed and responses compiled, Covid-19 was relatively unknown; and few anticipated the economic impact the pandemic would have. When the 2021 survey was conducted, businesses and families had experienced perhaps the most unusual year ever. But a vaccine was on the horizon and ag commodity prices were robust. “The results were fascinating,” said GreenSeam Director Sam Ziegler. “While citing community pressures about affordable housein, available child care, health care and an unpredictable farm economy, a jamority of respondents said they were either “very optimistic” (16.4 percent) or “somewhat optimistic” (52.7 percent) about the economic prosects of the local communities over the next five years. A full 62.3 percent of respondents said the region is headed in the right direction.” Just over half of the respondents said Covid-19 had a negative impact on their business. At the same time, some indicated positives — such as lower travel expenses and saving money with employees working from home. Forecasting the change of their business in the next year, 60 percent reported they foresee growth, while only 12 percent thought their business will decline. More than half of surveyed businesses are looking to hire additional employees and nearly a quarter of respondents said they believe immigrant workers are an important factor in allowing them to grow their business. “Education, talent and employees are all tied together,” Ziegler said. “Businesses need to do a better job staying in contact with their educational institutions and educational institutions need to do a better job looking beyond standardized testing and reaching out to businesses. I have been told by k-12 administrators that ag is not a driver; and there is no need to put additional resources to ag education as the amount of farmers are getting less. Yet they forget to understand we have just as many people in ag today as we did in the past — they are just not community. However, in many cases, the largest employer is only there because of agriculture. We need to better understand the ripple effects and be sure we give notice to what is the driver of our communities and regions; then commit purposeful resources to improve this — rather than trying to be something we are not.” Joining Ziegler at the Mankato Brewery event was Minnesota State University Mankato Professor Shane Bowyer. Bowyer is an assistant professor of management, as well as director of the school’s AgriBusiness and Food Innovation Program. Also taking part in the program were Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen; Andrew Herr, president of GAT Farms; Brad Schloesser, Dean of Agriculture at South Central College; and Val Johnson, who serves as Vice President of Human Resources for Christensen Farms. The survey in its entirety can be found online at https://greenseam.org/. Interested parties can view the Mankato Brewery event on GreenSeam’s Facebook page. v
Ziegler said data showed strong yields and good farming.” crop prices are leading reasons for the optimism, along with advances in innovation and sustainability. “Agriculture in the past year has had trade issues with China, Mexico and Canada,” he explained. “To back large world supplies, to Covid causing meat processing shut-downs to a change in customer purchases, to now where trade is open, world stocks are down and the supply chain has worked out a lot of challenges. We are seeing manufacturers with increased sales. The focus groups and survey respondents were from all of these sectors with a positive Survey respondents also voiced a number of concerns for the health of agriculture. The biggest threats to business growth were seen as increased regulation, lack of potential employees, and taxes. “Reports from the Center for Rural Policy about health care mention the lack of competition in rural areas as the issue behind some of the concern,” commented Ziegler. “Other parts is policy-related as farmers end up in the single payer category which pays the highest amount for insurance. Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator FREE 7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value! REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! 877-228-5789 O er valid February 15 - June 6, 2021 outlook.” “When it comes to policy and regulation, think about the crazy Prop 12 from California. How can a Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval *To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.
Many farmers and applicators will soon be applying anhydrous ammonia (NH3) ahead of the planting season. Even with a rush against time and the weather, safety should never be compromised.
Always wear appropriate goggles and gloves. Never wear contact lenses. Be sure to have a clean, adequate emergency water supply of at least five gallons. Exercise caution when making connections and disconnections as if lines contain anhydrous ammonia. Stand upwind when connecting, disconnecting, bleeding lines, or transferring NH3. Also, close, bleed, disconnect, and secure valves and transfer lines when taking breaks or disconnecting lines, and be sure to handle hose end valves by the valve body. Position equipment away and downwind from homes, people, and livestock. Never assume NH3 lines are empty, always wear proper protective equipment, and have access to safety water.
When towing a nurse tank down the road, drive sensibly. Do not go any faster than 30 miles per hour, display a slow-moving vehicle emblem visible from the rear, and be sure the tank is secured to the trac-
tor or truck with two separate, independent chains that supplement the hitch pin/clip. If an accident or spill occurs, immediately call 911 and then the Minnesota Duty Officer at (800) 4220798 or (651) 649-5451. You can find more safety, storage, and transportation information on the MDA’s website at www.mda. state.mn.us/nh3. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v Beef producer improves forage on former CRP enrollment
VILLARD, Minn. — Jennifer Olson is building up a herd of beef cattle as she works to develop a more productive pasture on the Pope County farm where she grew up.
“Our end goal here is farm-raised beef. We’ll do some farm-to-fork eventually,” Olson said.
With the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Olson introduced British whites to the Charolais-Angus mix, selecting animals that exhibit a docile temperament and finish well on grass. She’ll add diversity to the brome grassdominated pasture, land previously enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) assistance from NRCS will offset the cost of fencing the 155-acre pasture, installing a watering system, and seeding 4.2 acres with a native plant mix. As a beginning farmer, Olson, who recently took over the operation, qualifies for slightly higher payment rates.
Olson and her husband, James, recently completed the second year of her five-year NRCS contract. Their three-year rotational grazing plan is designed to support 50 cow-calf pairs.
Between full-time day jobs (she’s a Farm Service Agency program technician, he works in automation manufacturing) they’ve erected all 5,000 feet of fourwire perimeter fence and about a third of the 12,000 feet of single-wire interior fencing.
The finished pasture will contain 20 rotationally grazed paddocks, more than one mile of buried water pipeline and nine shared water tanks.
Rotational grazing results in more lush, green grass with well-developed root systems which help to stifle weeds. By keeping cattle out of streams, water systems address water quality and erosion concerns.
Olson’s contract is one of about 20 active grazing contracts in Pope County. Throughout Pope County, 2,860 acres were enrolled in NRCS grazing contracts in 2020.
“So much of the land is either in production or it’s in CRP. We had to better manage the pastures and grassland we had. I think that’s where some of this came from, is there’s a shortage of land for grazing producers,” Behrens said.
Perham-based NRCS regional grazing specialist Jeff Duchene worked with Olson on her rotational grazing plan. “The idea is to get some cool-season native grasses for early in the season, and then some native warmseason grasses, and then add some forbs for diversity and hopefully make some habitat for native pollinators and other wildlife,” Duchene said.
For the 4.2-acre native prairie seeding, Duchene suggested adding to those cool- and warm-season grasses a legume-heavy mix of forbs — including purple prairie clover, white prairie clover and Canada milk vetch; plus golden Alexander, Maximillian sunflower and long-headed coneflower.
“In general, with a well-managed pasture you’ll have virtually no soil erosion if you maintain good ground coverage in the pasture, and very little runoff. A well-managed pasture will soak up virtually all the rainfall,” Duchene said.
Olson will receive about $59,500 in NRCS reimbursements.
“Without NRCS assistance we probably would have still completed this project,” Olson said, “but it would have taken us a lot longer to accomplish. We would have been looking more at a 10-year to a 15-year plan vs. a five-year plan. So it allowed us to move forward a lot faster, and thus benefiting water quality and environmental concerns through the rotational grazing.”
The Olsons plan to install the watering system over the next two summers. Meanwhile, Olson continues to improve herd genetics.
“I’ve got grass and I’ve got time,” Olson said.
This article was submitted by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. v
Online Beef Quality Assurance and
University of Minnesota Extension, along with Minnesota Beef Council, will host several online Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Secure Beef Supply (SBS) training sessions. Producers only need to attend one of these free workshops to receive a threeyear BQA certification and they will also learn the steps needed to begin their own Secure Beef Supply plan.
A BQA certification is being required by many major industry buyers and processors. BQA certification is still voluntary for producers to complete. However, when a producer does not have current BQA certification, many packers and feedlots simply cannot purchase those cattle because their company cannot source cattle from a producer who does not meet their certification requirements.
Pre-registration is required. You will not be able to access the Zoom meeting room without first pre-registering and receiving the secure Zoom link and passcode. The two-hour training and certification session is free. Only one person from each operation is required to be certified to ensure the entire operation follows the BQA standards. However, everyone who handles and manages fed cattle is encouraged to become BQA certified. Certification is good for three years.
Register for the online training using the specific link for the training you wish to attend. All training sessions begin at 6:30 p.m.
April 20, z.umn.edu/BQAApril20; May 6, z.umn. edu/BQAMay6; May 18, z.umn.edu/BQAMay18; and June 3, z.umn.edu/BQAJune3.
Families will be able to view the training on the same computer/mobile device, and all viewers will receive credit for certification.
If you have any questions regarding certification or how to pre-register, contact Stacey Caughey at butle269@umn.edu.
Those unable to attend a scheduled Zoom session can also earn free certification online, anytime, at www.BQA.org.
This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
When memories and experiences remain with someone for 25 years, the stories are worth noting. Every year, The Land tracks down the Minnesota state FFA officers from 25 years ago to hear of the impact FFA had made in their lives. And every year the stories carry a common thread of hard work, nerves, comradery and rewards sometimes not realized until years later.
This year’s batch of recollections had a more unusual, distinctive bond involving a camp and a big Minnesota thunderstorm. We’ll let the officers tell the story.
ON THE COVER: Minnesota state FFA officers in 1996 were (front row, left to right) and in a virtual format. Unfortunately, the 2021 Minnesota State FFA Convention will also be held virtually the week of April 19-23. Reporter Stephanie Yonker, Senti- We would like to thank the people who shared nel Laura Heiden, and Secretery their time and stories for this issue. The Land Arianne (Oudekerk) Steenblock. Back row, (left to right) Vice President Mark Jirik, Treasurer JoshTjosaas and President Lance Miller. would also like to thank the many ag instructors and FFA advisors who guide and influence our future leaders. Congratulations to the FFA organization, its members and their families for another successful year in dealing with the setThe Land’s visit with past officers always prints in backs of the pandemic. It is our hope you all may April to coincide the state FFA convention. Because gather in unison in 2022. v of Covid-19, the 2020 convention took place in May Agriculture, FFA has always been in President Miller’s life
By KRISTIN KVENO
The Land Staff Writer
Lance Miller was raised on a diversified livestock farm near Pipestone, Minn., where he had the opportunity to show sheep, shorthorn cattle and market hogs in 4-H.
“I’ve got an older sister, three years ahead of me, she was doing FFA things.” Miller was intrigued by hearing all about his sister’s experiences in FFA. “Most of the youth from 4-H participated in FFA. It was a natural progression for me.” The Pipestone chapter had around 80 members at the time.
While in high school, Miller was the Region Four president. “I naturally gravitated toward leadership roles and activities.” Miller remembers the competition for the Region Four president position was fierce. “I was very fortunate to be elected to regional president.”
Stephanie Yonker, who went onto serve as a state FFA secretary, was regional vice president at that same time. For Miller, once he was elected to that position, it really solidified his interest to run for a state office. The election process for state office wasn’t too bad for Miller. “For me, sitting down chatting with a couple of people is comfortable. Larger groups do kind of unnerve me a lot.” The interview process consisted of talking to a group of eight to 10 people, the perfect size for Miller. “I’m comfortable thinking on my feet.” When it was announced that Miller was state president, he was shocked. “I was the last officer to be named.”
Looking back at his time as state president, Miller remembers the triumphs of working alongside such a strong group of leaders. “I don’t recall much struggles, the team was a really good team to work with. I think our team was a neat combination of talent and personalities.”
Miller was at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus while serving at state FFA president. Having that position in FFA while in his first year of college wasn’t always easy. “It was a balancing act. There is the balance of college life and being a state officer and those commitments you made.”
FFA offered Miller the ability to become part of a solid ag organization and obtain leadership qualities that he has carried with him to this day. “It’s a great foundation. I’m truly blessed to be in the ag industry my whole life.”
After getting his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Miller went on to receive his master’s degree from the U of M as well in ruminant nutrition. He then moved to Wyoming where he taught at the University of Wyoming and had the opportunity to coach the livestock judging team as well for 12 years. He is now with Purina Animal Nutrition as a sales specialist covering the state of Wisconsin.
Today, Miller and his wife Lori, along with children Liam and Layla, reside in Edgar, Wis.
His advice to FFA members today as they decide whether to run for a state office? “Just do it. If you’re debating about it, run.” Miller’s appreciative that he did. v
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By KRISTIN KVENO
The Land Staff Writer
Raised on a dairy farm outside of Mahnomen, Minn., Mark Jirik had a passion for all things agriculture. That zest for farming, coupled with the family tradition of participating in FFA, made joining the organization an easy choice. Jirik’s three older brothers were involved in FFA. Hearing all about their experiences made Jirik excited to jump right in.
It wasn’t just his brothers who made Jirik enthusiastic about the numerous opportunities in FFA, it was his advisor who pushed him to his potential. “We had an ag teacher, Mr. Erickson, who was fabulous,” Jirik said.
The Mahnomen FFA chapter had 70 members at the time. Jirik served as chapter president, secretary and then Region One treasurer and sentinel.
While Jirik had leadership experience in the FFA organization, he still felt his chances of getting a state officer position were limited. “In a lot of ways, I was a very unlikely candidate.” Jirik had never attended an FFA convention or a camp. It was Erickson who encouraged him to run for a state office.
Jirik recalls the state officer election interviews were an interesting experience. “I remember it being relatively stressful.” Jirik went into the election process ready for whatever the results were. “If it happens, it happens.” When Jirik’s name was announced for the vice president position, surprise came over him. “I was shocked. I wasn’t expecting to be vice president.” Jirik didn’t think he had much of a chance after all other officers were named. “It was very much overwhelming.” The state officer team that year was filled with people from all over Minnesota with the common goal of making a positive impact on the Minnesota FFA organization through their leadership. The state officer team put together a leadership camp were 100 FFA members attended. “It was a lot of responsibility,” Jirik recalled. “We were basically the adults on site. We just had a tremendous team.”
A windstorm came through the camp causing a power outage and there was no running water. “Nobody complained, the students took it like champs,” Jirik said.
Jirik was a student at North Dakota State University in Fargo while serving as a state officer. While many of the officers were in school at the University of Minnesota, others were in different parts of the state, with Jirik being in North Dakota and Laura Heiden (sentinel) in Wisconsin. “It was somewhat difficult to not all be together.” Though Jirik points out that it made the time the officers got
to spend together all the more special. Jirik looks back fondly on his time as a state officer. “It really changed my perspective on going for it. I never thought I could be a state officer.” Jirik had the opportunity to work with so many fellow FFA members from all over the state, making an impact on them through his leadership abilities. After his time as a state officer, Jirik went on to graduate from NDSU with a degree in ag economics. He then obtained a master’s degree in ag economics from the University of Illinois in Urbana. That led to a career with Cargill in commodity merchandising and commercial management, where he spent 17 years working in various locations from Wichita, Kan. to Melbourne, Australia. He’s now the director of the Northern Crops Institute in Fargo. “Our mission is to expand crops grown in this region.” Jirik resides in Detroit Lakes, Minn., not too far from where he grew up. “Roots and family are where I feel home is.” Having now been a world traveler and lived abroad, it was FFA that first introduced Jirik to a world outside his community. “The seed of travel was planted while I was in FFA,” he said. In his career, Jirik has utilized numerous skills he obtained during his time in FFA which includes the ability to work with people from different backgrounds. He’s grateful for the opportunity he had to become a state officer and the connections he made. He encourages those who are interested in running for a state office to take that chance. “You never know unless you put your hand up.” Jirik is grateful that he made the decision 25 years ago to simply put his hand up. v State Secretary Steenblock is now in the cattle business
By KRISTIN KVENO
The Land Staff Writer
For Arianne (Oudekerk) Steenblock growing up outside of Austin, Minn. on a small hobby farm, her enthusiasm for agriculture was ingrained in her at an early age. That interest continued to grow throughout the years. “I worked in middle school, high school and some of college on dairy farms. I have always loved agriculture and caring for animals.”
It was an ag class in ninth grade in Austin which gave Steenblock the opportunity to learn more about FFA. She jumped right into the organization by participating in the FFA creed contest that year as well as attending Greenhand camp that summer. “It was so much fun,” Steenblock said. She went on to serve her local chapter in a variety of ways. Steenblock transferred to Waseca high school in her junior year and was elected as Region Seven president.
Steenblock knew she wanted to become an FFA state officer as she looked up to so many past state officers. She wholeheartedly wanted to serve in a leadership capacity in FFA, giving back to the organization which had given her so many wonderful memories.
The state officer election process was nerve-racking for Steenblock. “It was my biggest goal up to that point in my life.” Some of Steenblock’s life decisions were on hold until she found out whether she was elected to a state officer position.
When it was announced that she was state FFA secretary, Steenblock was thrilled. “I was shocked — but very excited. I was probably kind of surprised to get the role of secretary.”
For Steenblock this ended up being the perfect position. “I think it was the ideal fit for each team member and the selection process gave us an amazing team that strived to give back to our state, members, and communities.” During her time as secretary, it was connecting not only with her fellow state officers but with other FFA members as well that she treasured. “I really enjoyed the summer camps. They were filled with lots of stories — good ones and some kinda stinky — like the camp we lost power for several days after a bad storm.” Steenblock found that being a state officer offered her the chance to meet people and be involved in new experiences. “I thrive on learning new things and personal growth.” It was the ability to get outside her comfort zone and seek opportunities to better herself. “FFA pushed me to set big goals, to become a better version of myself, and never settle.”
See STEENBLOCK, pg. 13
By KRISTIN KVENO
The Land Staff Writer
Growing up on a 10-acre hobby farm near Long Prairie, Minn., Josh Tjosaas had a passion for agriculture — especially horses. That passion led Tjosaas to seek opportunities in the ag arena, leading him on a path which continues in his career today.
While in eighth grade, Tjosaas was already interested in taking ag classes in high school and being a part of FFA thanks to the ag instructor/FFA advisor, Tim Wickstrom. “We had a young energetic ag instructor.”
That enthusiasm for ag, coupled with already having been a part of 4-H, it was a natural progression for Tjosaas to join FFA. While in high school, Tjosaas jumped right into leadership opportunities in the chapter. He was chapter vice president and president. He then served as district vice president and region vice president.
His interest in serving in a leadership compacity in FFA continued to grow. “I went to the state Greenhand camp.” While there he ran for camp officer, he was elected camp president. Tjosaas fondly remembers advisor Paul Day writing him an encouraging note at camp. That, along with meeting some state officers there, planted the seed for Tjosaas to eventually run for a state office.
“It was a very interesting process,” Tjosaas said. While at the convention, in addition to running for state office, he competed in the horse evaluation contest and the extemporaneous speaking contest. As he was busy competing in the contest as well as participating the state officer interview process, Tjosaas was exhausted and stressed. “I actually fainted on stage after I got elected.” All that excitement on stage was Tjosaas introduction to the world of the being an FFA state officer and what a thrilling ride it ended up being.
“I really enjoyed the camps and conferences.” Getting the chance to meet fellow FFA members oneon-one was a privilege for Tjosaas. What did he treasure most about his time as a state officer? “The friendships.” He also fondly recalls the business industry tour that he was a part of traveling around portions of the state. His role as treasurer offered Tjosaas the chance to get into the world of finance on a level he hadn’t had before. “It was unique in that Mr. Ertl trusted me with a lot of treasurer duties.” Tjosaas was attending the University of Minnesota majoring in and living on St. Paul campus while he was state treasurer. “The FFA program really developed me into the person I am.” Through his time in the organization, Tjosaas was able to gain interpersonal communication skills. Presenting to groups isn’t a problem for him now. “It doesn’t bother or rattle me.” The state officer interviews were a great opportunity to become a better interviewee. “It prepared me well for job interviews.”
After graduation from the University of Minnesota with a degree in agricultural education, Tjosaas went onto to teach at Buffalo Lake-Hector where he was also the basketball and FFA advisor there for 13 years. In 2012, Tjosaas moved north where he is a farm management instructor at the Moorhead Northland site. Tjosaas and his wife, Alyssa, live in Barnesville, Minn.
He encourages those FFA members considering running for a state office to go for it and learn from the process. “Everybody that has the desire and interest to run should run for state office. The experience in running was invaluable.” v
Steenblock still very goal-oriented
STEENBLOCK, from pg. 12
When Steenblock was elected FFA state secretary, she decided to enroll at Minnesota State University Mankato so she could stay in state and more easily attend officer activities. After that year, Steenblock went onto Iowa State University where she received a degree in ag business in 1998. After graduation, Steenblock worked in marketing for John Deere in both Moline, Ill. and in Des Moines, Iowa. She received a master’s degree in business administration from Drake University in 2003.
Steenblock married her husband, Ryan, in July 1999 and are the proud parents of Arilyan, 14 and Brody, 10. They started their ag production dream with two bottle calves on their acreage outside of Panora, Iowa. They now own and operate over 200 head commercial cow-calf operation along with hay and row crops. Starting in 2010 she chose to be a fulltime mom and live her dream of raising cattle and kids.
It’s the skills learned during her time in FFA that Steenblock utilized both in her corporate career and today in her cattle business. “During my career, the leadership, speaking and writing experiences in FFA gave me a huge advantage in the corporate world.”
On the farm, Steenblock continues to be ambitious in all her endeavors. “I’m still very goal orientated, striving to continually improve our practices as we feed our family, neighbors, America and the world. But my greatest accomplishment will always be my role as wife and mother as Ryan and I grow a legacy for our family.”
Steenblock looks back fondly on her time in FFA and holds those memories dear. “FFA helped me to rise above adversity to achieve my dreams, sent me on great adventures to travel around the country and even overseas, and captured memories that will forever be treasured in my heart.” v
Women’s Ag Leadership Conference
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Mark your calendars for April 14 for the 23rd annual Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference. This year’s virtual conference, “Agriculture 2021: Leading for Change Into a New Decade” will focus on developing women in agriculture, empowering new leaders, bringing in diverse perspectives, and preparing leaders for the next decade.
Featured presenters in 2021 include Adrienne DeSutter, owner of Sow Hope Grow Hope; Artha Jonassaint, 2020-2021 National FFA Southern Region Vice President; Deanna Kovar, Vice President of Production and Precision Ag Production Systems, John Deere; Somula “Sam” Schwoeppe, dairy farmer and Feeding America senior account manager; and Julie Tesch, President and CEO, Center for Rural Policy and Development.
This free event will be held from 8:30-11:30 a.m. using the Zoom virtual platform. Visit www.womensagleadership.org for details on how to register.
This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v
By KRISTIN KVENO
The Land Staff Writer
For Stephanie Yonker, her foray into FFA life started at home near Jackson, Minn. “My dad back in the day was actually an ag teacher.” Growing up on a hog farm, her interest in agriculture was homegrown.
It was natural that Yonker would join FFA when she was in ninth grade. She jumped right into the world of FFA and sought out as many opportunities as she could. “I was involved in the chapter and was Region Six vice president.”
Yonker thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the speech competitions. “I won the creed, public and extemporaneous contests.” Yonker also competed in meat judging.
Being so heavily involved in FFA, plus watching fellow chapter member Kimberly (Peterson) Kamolz become state FFA reporter in 1993 allowed Yonker to dream big and seize the chance to realize that dream of being a state officer.
“The election process was pretty grueling. It was more grueling than most job interviews. I still think that a lot of people that were state officers that year were some of the most talented people I’ve worked with.” One of Yonker’s most memorable experiences as state reporter occurred when she and her fellow state officers were at the FFA camp in Hackensack, Minn. and the power went out due to a strong windstorm. “I ate moldy bread.” Dealing with the power outage and having to be responsible to staying calm and leading the campers through that is something that Yonker looks back at and is grateful for the experience. Though she her stomach still turns thinking of that moldy bread. During her time as state reporter she was on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota — the only one of the state officers to be at that location. “People were at so many campuses.”
Yonker graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in genetics and cell biology. She went on to the University of California Berkley where she received a PhD in molecular and cell biology and then on to law school at Harvard School of Law.
Yonker has worked in San Francisco as a business centered attorney. She and her husband, Carylai are the proud parents of two girls, Serena, Mila and live in the bay area.
Throughout all her years in the business world, it is her time in FFA that was instrumental in giving her invaluable tools she uses every day — like honing her communication, teamwork and organizational skills.
Yonker recalls while working alongside her fellow state officers, they were extremely goal driven and that drive allowed them to work together focusing on that common mission. “It was a very cohesive time that year.” She is quick to point out that a mutual reverence for each other was part of their success as state officers. “We fundamentally respected each other.”
Yonker is grateful for what FFA taught her and the memories that she made and still holds dear. She encourages those in FFA that are considering running for state office to give it a shot. “If you never try you never know if you can get it.”
Yonker is thankful she went for it in 1996. No matter what the outcome was, the experience gave her insight on her own strength and determination for working towards a now-treasured goal. v
FFA Sentinel Heiden recalls different talents coming together
By KRISTIN KVENO
The Land Staff Writer
Laura Heiden grew up on a crop and livestock farm near Rushford, Minn. Her background in agriculture made joining FFA a perfect fit for her. “I fell in love with the scope and variety,” Heiden said.
The Rushford FFA chapter prided itself on being a community organization. “We had a good relationship with the ag businesses.” That involvement in turn supported the organization. It was a good match. Heiden enjoy the chance to make a different in her own community by helping out through FFA.
While in high school, Heiden was FFA chapter president and treasurer, She also served as region president. It was attending Greenhand camp after her ninth grade year that solidified Heiden’s goal to run for a state office. “It was seeing the larger scope of what you could do.” She looked up to the previous state officers at the camp and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people from all over the state.
The state officers’ election process for Heiden was intense. “It was a lot of people; it was a big group.” Heiden, though, kept her eyes on the prize. “I wanted it so bad. I had been pushing myself.”
When it was announced that Heiden was named sentinel, joy ensued. “I was so happy; I couldn’t stop smiling. It was an honor to be selected.”
Looking back at her time as a state officer, Heiden is filled with gratitude for experiences she got to share with her fellow state officers. “We had a really amazing team. We were all very different in personality. We all brought something different. It was rooted in friendship and respect.”
During her time as sentinel, Heiden was a student a University of Wisconsin River Falls. “Of course, it was a balancing act. I really enjoyed doing it.”
Heiden remembers the nownotorious state leadership camp storm. “We were out of power for three days. It was hot, it was sticky, there was no running water.”
Heiden laughs when explaining the ironic name of the final banquet at the camp, “Unplugged.” The theme for that night had been planned long before the storm took the electricity out, though it ended up being very fitting. The whole experience of dealing with a severe storm while hosting the FFA campers and trying to remain calm through it all was an experience Heiden vividly recalls. “It was memorable,” she said. It’s memories like these, persevering in tough situations and having some fun along the way that made Heiden’s experience as a state officer such an exceptional one. Heiden gained skills during her time in FFA that she employs today — like being resourceful. “This for me started at the chapter level. We were really involved in building a community park.” After Heiden graduated from UWRF with a degree in ag education she has worked in the ag industry in marketing and business development. Heiden lives in St. Paul. “I’m a farm girl who really loves the city.”
Heiden’s advice to FFA members is to do something every day that scares them, to push themselves out of their comfort zone, in doing so they’ll broaden horizons. Taking that leap into pursuing a state officer position all those years ago pushed Heiden outside her limits and she’s thrilled she took that chance on herself. v
By DICK HAGEN
The Land Staff Writer Emeritus
Editor’s note: Last December Dick Hagen visited with Buffalo Lake farmer Brian Ryberg for an update on Ryberg’s soil building efforts. This will be Ryberg’s seventh year of employing strip till farming techniques along with cover crops in an effort to reduce field time, save energy and build organic matter into his soil.
On March 16 the American Soybean Association presented Ryberg with the 2021 National Conservation Legacy Award. The Conservation Legacy Awards program is a national program designed to recognize the outstanding environmental and conservation achievements of soybean farmers who help produce more sustainable U.S. soybeans.
Shortly after the award was announced, Hagen caught up with Ryberg to offer congratulations.
On March 19 it was my pleasure for another visit with this young (age 55) but now highly-honored conservation farmer. He had just received word he had been awarded the National Conservation Legacy Award — a most prestigious recognition.
Recognizing top conservation farmers across America, the selection narrowed the process to four regional finalists. And from this ‘Best of the Best,’ Minnesota’s Brian Ryberg, emerged national champion.
Ryberg, in his quiet way said, ”I’m humble to be recognized for our efforts. With Chris and Jason, I have a great team. We are together sharing this honor.”
He related to the virtual awards banquet program which took place the evening of March 16. “We tuned in at our home,” said Ryberg. “The spokesperson shared some of the conservation background of the four regional winners. Yes, Sandy (his wife) and I were more than just a bit overwhelmed when they read our names as national winners. And I’m still in awe and humbly grateful.”
The Rybergs are gracious people. Their homestead sits about 2 miles off busy U.S. Highway 212, directly south of Buffalo Lake. A huge farm shop dominates the complex, plus a few sizeable steel bins to accommodate their corn and soybean crops. However, for Ryberg Farms, forward pricing moves considerable quantities of both crops. And like many farmers these days, Ryberg said a significant portion of their 2021 production is already priced.
But conservation farming and minimum tillage was their honor so let’s stay on track. In a story I did in May 2019 for The Land, Ryberg told me, “Five years ago we had the discussion of how to change our farming methods. Those talks with Chris and Jason, my two valued partners in this operation, were a bit uncomfortable since this was indeed a compete transition. Five years of continuous corn was our story book. We were doing some serious looking at what we were doing to soil structure on our cropland.” Their program at that time involved a Wishek disc after a chopping corn head followed by a ripper. Then before planting, a field cultivator to prepare a smooth, level seed bed. Yes, lots of field trips and lots of equipment. They convinced themselves it was time for a change. Brian Ryberg Their data tells the story: Total field hours went from 430 hours (with two, 4-wheel drive tractors) down to 210 hours with one, 4-wheel drive power unit. With conventional farming and upwards of five passes on each acre, gasoline consumption was almost 5 gallons per acre. With the Soil Warrior incorporating both tillage and fertilization with a single field trip, diesel fuel consumption dropped to .6 gallons per acre.
I asked Ryberg if his operation had made any changes in its program since we spoke two years ago. “Like most, we’re always tweaking a few things. But for the most part, pretty much the same. Corn, sugar beets and soybeans are the hub of our entire cropping program. We’re now into some vertical tillage for soybeans however.”
“I’ve got two long-time employees, Chris and Jason, that I consider as equal partners. So when the ideas start flowing, we pretty much listen to what each has to say. As you might imagine, this gets to be some lively conversations. But inevitably, a new idea or two survives this incredible scrutiny. And that’s the genuine satisfaction to me of having such innovative partners.”
“The key drivers don’t change: Reducing wear and tear on equipment; holding the reins on man power for each production year; keeping fuel costs to a bare minimum; and of course the ongoing evaluations of seed genetic changes, new herbicide considerations and the latest info of soil fertility techniques. Plus this year with the significant increase in fertilizer prices for this new season, we’re asking what changes can we make to keep the lid on our total production costs.”
A key component in Ryberg’s field management is the Soil Warrior and a lot of research went into the decision to purchase such expensive equipment ($80,000 at the time). “We started checking manufacturers with equipment that would work in 22-inch rows. Soil Warrior, built at Faribault, Minn., only about 80 miles, did offer equipment that fit in 22-Inch row configurations. So obviously their location was a benefit. It seemed their machine was pretty much the ‘Cadillac’ of the reduced tillage equipment.”
Ryberg said an added bonus is the implement’s durability. “It’s a well-engineered, solidly built piece of equipment. That was important in our decision six years ago. We’ve had to replace a few things as expected, but now it’s ready to roll again for our 2021 season.”
In the last couple of years, soil health has gained a lot of traction with crop farmers who are partnering with soil and water conservation districts to implement various techniques. Even though Ryberg could be considered a pioneer in soil health practices, he feels he is just scratching the surface.
“Still a lot to learn,” he admitted. “You can see changes just by the texture of the soil and water infiltration. Plus a requirement of being in the SWCD Conservation program is the Haney test which gives you a ‘soil health’ reading. Key is to have these Haney test numbers increasing each year … it’s a score so to speak of the biological activities in your soils. They increase each year. We provide soil samples each year to the soil testing lab at New Ulm. I don’t know the exact procedures in their testing,
See RYBERG, pg. 16
