THE LAND ~ April 23, 2021 ~ Northern Edition

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Livestock and machinery are appearing on the landscape as a new crop year commences INSIDE: Ventilation in your swine barn Schmidts stopped tilling in 2012 Renville County landmarks are up for sale Veterinarian recognized for dairy animal health and more!

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Don’t count us out ... yet!

418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XL ❖ No. 8 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Cooking With Kristin Green & Growing Deep Roots Swine & U Farm Programs Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-5 3 4 5 6 7 12 13 16-17 20-23 23 24

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According to U.S. census data, the typiIt was mostly younger people (ages 25 cal U.S. household headed by a person to 45) who elected Barack Obama as age 65 or older has a net worth 47 times president. Taken in by ‘Obama Hype’, I greater than a household headed by even voted for him the first time. I’m someone under age 35. With that in mind guessing mostly younger people carried I understand why younger folks refer to the tide in Biden’s 2020 election. And us seniors as old fogies, geezers … even now I’m suggesting you younger voters dinosaurs. (under age 45) now ‘tasting socialism’ … might be deciding it doesn’t taste so well.

Yes, many of us have already retired.

LAND MINDS We walk a little slower; our memory, eyes You make a lot of noise about your and hearing often aren’t so good. But we careers, even “Climbing the Social

By Dick Hagen worked hard, raised our children, worLadder” and getting involved in such shiped God and have grown old togethmundane things as patriotism. Good er. for you. But those who accepted the ambitions of the Obama era in the Yes, we admit to being over the hill.

1980s, and now the incredible pledges of this curBut before writing us off completely, these few rent administration, might be having some doubts. things for your consideration: In school we studied English, history, government (including the U.S. Perhaps now you are recognizing less than 6 perConstitution and the Bill of Rights), math, and scicent of President Biden’s $1.9 trillion dollar proposence — which propelled us into the technological al would go to fix roads and bridges. It would spend age and our farmers into world leadership in food more on electric cars than on roads, bridges, seaproduction. Yes, some of us even remember what ports, airports and waterways combined. outhouses were! And the days of telephone partyFormer President Trump commented, “This legislines, 25-cent gasoline, even home delivery of milk. lation, if passed, would be the largest self-inflicted Yep, I even remember when cars were started with economic wound in U.S. history. The inevitable a crank. We lived those days. result will be more Americans out of work, more So before you completely write us off, these things families shattered, more factories abandoned, more to ponder: We won World War II, fought in Korean industries wrecked and more Main Streets boarded and Viet Nam. We can quote The Pledge of up and closed.”

Allegiance, and we know where to place our hand We ‘seniors’ chortle, “You drank the Kool Aid. So while doing so. We wore our Military uniform with now get ready for higher prices, higher taxes, fewer pride and lost many friends on the battlefield. We jobs and perhaps even less freedom as today’s govfought for the “Land of the Free and the Home of ernment flexes to control even more of everyone’s the Brave.” ‘new agenda’. This is what you voted for; now this is We know by heart the words to the “Star Spangled what you are getting. We entrusted you with the Banner”, and “America the Beautiful”. You may Torch of Liberty; you traded it for a guaranteed payeven see some tears running down our cheeks as we check and a fancy house.” sing. We have lived what many of you have only But relax … the Grey-Haired Brigade is still here read in history books so we feel no obligation to and we’ll continue fighting for our nation. This land apologize to anyone for America. does not belong to the man in the White House; nor Yes, we admit to being older and slower; but don’t to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. It count us out … yet! We loved this country, fought for belongs to ‘We the people.’ So the next time you it, and died for it, and now we pledge to save it! It is stand up to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, put your our country and nobody is going to take it away hand over your heart and thank God for us geezers from us. We took oaths to defend America against of the ‘Gray-Haired Brigade.’ all enemies, foreign and domestic, and this oath we Dick Hagen is the staff writer emeritus of The Land. plan to keep. We’re much aware of the growing He may be reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. v threats to destroy this land so we are not going to remain silent!

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

8 — Poultry follow livestock in grazing fields strategy 15 — Vet specializes in mastitis prevention and control

THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Nuts and Bolts” — News and new products from the ag industry • “E-Edition” — Archives of past issues of The Land

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The boys of my summer arrive every April I was very young to begin a torrid love In mid-September, the team turned affair (I had just turned eight); but the some unseen corner and began to make a St. Louis Cardinals made it easy. It was run at league leaders Philadelphia and 1963, Stan Musial’s last year in baseball, Cincinnati. and the young team began the season hot Then, at the end of the month, one of and stayed hot through July. those beautiful baseball things happened: So hot, in fact, that the starting infield the Phillies lost 10 games in a row while for the National League’s All Star team my Cardinals won eight in a row. The that year was all Cardinals; around the FARM & FOOD FILE Cards, improbably, were in first place and horn, first to third. It was Bill White, stayed there until late Sunday, Oct. 4,

By Alan Guebert Julian Javier, Dick Groat and Ken Boyer. when they clinched their first pennant in 18 years.

And on the bench was Stan the Man himself, playing in his record 24th All When the final out which sent the Star game.

Cardinals to the 1964 World Series was made, my father danced a little jig in the milkLike I said, love came easy in 1963. ing parlor. I know because I was with him — too That final Musial summer was only a taste of the nervous to stay home and listen to the game alone. supreme delight to come in 1964. When that team What a sight! What a day! What a year! came north from spring training, though, it still had a hole in its line-up: Stan’s leftfield spot. No one The World Series pitted the now-flying Cardinals Manager Johnny Keane had tried seemed to fit. against the powerful New York Yankees, the only Who could replace a legend? major league team to win more pennants and World Series than St. Louis.

Only another legend; and on June 15, 1964, it arrived when the Cardinals traded a tiring star But there was a hitch. By tradition, all World pitcher, Ernie Broglio, for a fleet-but-floundering Series games were day games. That meant, of Chicago Cubs outfielder named Lou Brock. The course, several games would be held on school days. leadoff-hitting Brock would never replace Musial, What rotten luck. but Stan’s ghost gave the skinny kid room and he But lightning struck again: My teacher at St. blossomed.

John’s Lutheran School that year (a dour lady who Still, Brock’s spark couldn’t ignite the team that ruled the classroom with a pine scepter made from had won 90 games the year before. Two months a bed board) was a Cardinals fan. She brought a after his arrival, the Cardinals languished 10 games transistor radio to school so no one missed one pitch back of league-leading Philadelphia. or one beer commercial of one game.

Cardinals’ owner, beer baron August A. Busch, Jr., The 1964 Series was baseball at its best, a sevendecided to act. Since Augie Jr. couldn’t fire any play- game nail biter won by the boys of my youthful ers, he fired the team’s general manager, Vaughn spring and summer. I cried — it seemed like every“Bing” Devine. It was Devine, of course, who only 60 one cried — when pitcher Bob Gibson got the final days earlier had pulled off what would soon become Yankee out on a weak pop fly to second. the biggest steal in baseball history, the Brock-forAnd now I tear up whenever I hear that one of Broglio deal. these incredible players has traded baseball glory

OPINION

Letter: Hagen’s jottings ‘spot on’ To the Editor, A reply to “Hagen is a concerned citizen” (Letters, April 2 and April 9 editions): I couldn’t agree more with Tom Haak’s sentiments on April 2 with his reply to a Mr. Tommy Stiles letter which blasted Dick Hagen. I, in fact, thought of writing the same letter blasting Stiles who was way off base.

Dick Hagen’s jottings have always been spot-on with regards to the current economical and political climate in this country. Mr. Stiles represents the destructionist left who have currently taken over the country and are apparently trying to run us over a cliff as fast as possible. Wide open borders, spending

$1.9 trillion on Covid relief of which less than 10 percent actually goes to Covid relief, and now a $2.3 trillion infrastructure bill of which less than 5 percent goes to fixing our actual infrastructure.

I’m sure Mr. Hagen is a very concerned citizen with these most recent moves by our administration and Mr. Stiles blindly approves of such moves. Keep up the good work Mr. Hagen and thank you Tom Haak for your inputs on Tommy Stiles. I’m sure glad there are some knowledgeable concerned citizens out there yet willing to point out what’s really going on in this country.

Kevin Busch Fulda, Minn.

OPINION

for eternal glory. It’s hard to let go of those who were bona fide heroes on the southern Illinois dairy farm of my youth and, in most cases, I never will.

Brock. Gibson. Boyer. Shannon. McCarver. Flood.

Sadecki. Washburn. Maxvill. Groat. White. Javier.

Yes, they won a few World Series, but they also won millions of hearts. And mine still beats faster at the mention of their names. That’s love, right?

The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the United States and Canada. Past columns, events and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v

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THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

These recipes travel well even if you can’t!

The trip is planned. Optimism has Pizza Margherita replaced fear and worry as the vaccine How to Make It | Taste of Home rollout is in full swing. My old college 3 teaspoons active dry yeast sorority sisters and I go on a trip every 1 cup warm water year. This past February we were sup2 tablespoons olive oil posed to go to Key West. We cancelled 1 teaspoon sugar that trip; but now we are looking ahead 1 teaspoon salt to next February with hopefulness that 3 cups bread flour life will be closer to our old normal. So a COOKING 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico is in the WITH KRISTIN drained works.

20 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

By Kristin Kveno I desperately miss traveling, the excite2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano or 2 teament and anticipation as the trip draws near, the spoons dried oregano fun and adventure that going somewhere new 8 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese brings. I also love trying food that is part of the cul- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ture of the places I visit. I enjoy creating those dish- 1/8 teaspoon salt es at home, bringing a touch of that trip to my din1/8 teaspoon pepper ner plate.

2 tablespoons olive oil Here’s a few recipes from past destinations that I In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in love making in my kitchen. warm water. In a large bowl, comThere’s nothing tastier than some good Jamaican jerk chicken. bine the oil, sugar, salt and 1 When we were in Jamaica four years ago, I couldn’t get enough cup flour; beat until smooth. of the stuff. Luckily we brought back some jerk chicken rub and Stir in enough remaining flour have been making our version of the real deal ever since. to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead Jamaican Jerk Chicken until smooth and elastic, Jamaican jerk chicken - Caroline’s Cooking about 6-8 minutes. Place in a 2 cloves garlic greased bowl, turning once to 1 tablespoon ginger grease the top. Cover with 1/2 red onion small, or around 3-4 scallions/spring onions plastic wrap and let rise in a 2 teaspoons ground allspice warm place until doubled, 2 teaspoons dried thyme about 1 hour. Punch dough 1 tablespoon soy sauce down; divide in half. Roll each 1 tablespoon honey portion into a 13-in. circle. Transfer 1 lime juice and zest to two greased 14-in. pizza pans; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for mild, or 1 scotch bonnet pep- build up edges slightly. Cover with a per, stem removed, for hot clean kitchen towel; let rest for 10 minutes.

1/4 teaspoon salt Spoon tomatoes over dough. Top with basil, oreg1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ano, cheese, pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Drizzle with oil.

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, approximately 4-6 thighs brown.

If using a blender/small food processor, peel the garlic, ginger n and onion then put in the machine with the allspice, thyme, soy It’s amazing how one bite of a food can instantly takes you sauce, honey, lime, cayenne/chili, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. right back to a favorite place.

That’s how I feel about guacamole.

Blend until fairly smooth. Alternatively chop the garlic, ginger and It immediately relaxes me and reminds me of all the fun advenonion finely or grate them and mix with the other ingredients. tures I’ve had in Mexico.

Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken thighs. Make sure the chicken is well covered and leave refrigerated overnight or Traditional Mexican Guacamole for at least 8 hours. Grill over a medium heat until the chicken is Allrecipes cooked through, around 10 minutes on each side, turning every 2 avocados, peeled and pitted few minutes to avoid them sticking.

1 cup chopped tomatoes n 1/4 cup chopped onion Enjoying a piece of pizza in Italy is divine. It’s lighter than most 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons lemon juice pizzas found in the United States and topped with the freshest ingredients. The Margherita pizza is named after an Italian queen 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional) salt and ground black pepper to taste and features all the colors of the Italian flag. My daughter loves making this on Fridays, which is our designated pizza night. She Mash avocados in a bowl until creamy. Mix tomatoes, onion, keeps a basil plant in her windowsill, ready to pluck the leaves to cilantro, lemon juice and jalapeno pepper into mashed avocado top this delicious pizza. until well mixed; season with salt and black pepper. n

The windy road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii, is filled with beauty and banana bread. Take a taste of the adventure with you by giving this tasty recipe a try.

Halfway to Hana Banana Bread 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 cups light brown sugar, packed 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted 4 large eggs, room temperature 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature 3 cups mashed overripe bananas (yellow with spots, not all the way brown, 6 to 8 bananas) Preheat oven to 330 degrees for at least 30 minutes, position rack to lower third of oven. Grease and flour two 9x4 inch aluminum loaf pans. In a small bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.

In a larger bowl whisk together the melted butter, oil, eggs, sugar, vanilla and sour cream. Add in the mashed bananas, stir well. Add in the flour mixture and stir until no streaks of flour remain. Pour into prepared pans.

Bake pans side-by-side in center of rack for 45-60 minutes. Check the loaf at 45 minutes to test for doneness, using a toothpick to see if there is still raw batter in the middle, if so, keep baking checking at 5 minute intervals until done. If the top is getting too brown for your liking, place a piece of foil over the top for the remainder of baking. Bake until deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the middle has a few crumbs on it, but no raw batter is left. 50-60 minutes total.

Let cool in pan for 10 minutes then invert to a wire rack to cool completely. Keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil at room temperature up to a week or up to 3 months in freezer.

Whether you travel near or far, may you have a wonderful time exploring and enjoying the tastes of the places you discover. Safe travels, Land friends!

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 — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

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Tree cracks and wounds? Let nature take its course When there is a crack or hole in a tree, ture like a sponge. Water may accumuthe first instinct is to put a patch or banlate in the resulting open spaces which dage on it. However, leaving the damage then encourages the wood to rot. And if alone is the best treatment because the the tree owner attempts to remove the tree has a mechanism for repairing itself. rotting wood, adjacent healthy tissue may Trees can compartmentalize or seal off a be scraped causing further damage. damaged area and allow the rest of the Trees which have been pruned correctly tree to continue to live and grow.

GREEN AND just above the branch collar will emit GROWING Vertical cracks (also known as frost hormones that create the smooth donutcracks) often occur on the south side of

By Linda G. Tenneson shaped areas often seen around the base the tree where the sun shines and heats of a removed branch. This smooth bark up the bark. The living tissue immediately under will expand and eventually close the open area. the outer bark contains the channels where water However, this process may take several years to finand nutrients move up the tree from the roots. If ish. Smaller wounds will heal quicker than large this area becomes too warm because of the sunshine ones, so pruning is best done when a tree is young. and then freezes when the temperature goes down at night, the water expands and forces the surrounding tissue and bark to crack. Often these cracks will heal or close on their own.

Scientists have noticed that this does not occur on AMES, Iowa — Owning nearly half of the farmall trees. Oak, Maple, Linden and Willow have this land in Iowa, women landowners play an influential problem most often. Another theory is that a defect role in decisions that impact agriculture and natural inside the tree may make some trees more suscepti- resources. To better understand this demographic, a ble to cracks than others. Defective wood may not team of specialists with Iowa State University be as flexible as healthy wood and cracks more easi- Extension and Outreach is beginning a three-year ly when the temperature decreases rapidly in winproject to study the needs, challenges and opportuniter. Injuries to the trunk from broken or torn ties of women landowners. branches or pruning wounds may be covered over The project is called “Enhancing Conservation, with new bark and this is an area where a crack Access and Generational Transition of Iowa Farmland occurs years later. through Women Landowners” and is being funded Another common tree problem is a cavity or hole through a $300,000 grant by the United States in the trunk. Bumping a tree trunk with a lawn Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of mower, vehicle or even a string trimmer may cause Food and Agriculture. damage to the bark and create a wound. Filling According to the 2017 Iowa Farmland Ownership holes in trees does not do anything beneficial and and Tenure survey, 47 percent of all acres and 55 can cause further damage. The materials used to percent of all leased acres in Iowa were owned by patch the hole will be stiff and will rub against the women. In addition, most owners were over the age healthy tissue causing further damage when the of 65 and 13% of female farmland owners in Iowa tree shifts in the wind. Patch materials — even were over 80. flexible ones made of foam — will not bond or attach to the tree wood and instead may hold moisThe disconnect between ownership and operator

Oaks should not be pruned between April and October because the beetles that spread oak wilt are active and will be attracted to the smell of freshly cut wood. Latex paint applied over the wound if pruning is done during this period is the only exception to the advice to leave tree wounds alone.

While openings in the trunk will reduce some of the tree’s strength, a certified arborist should be consulted when deciding whether to keep or remove a seriously damaged tree. With all these tree conditions, the best solution is to keep the tree wellwatered and protected from further damage. Also, mulch the area around the tree trunk, but keep the mulch two or three inches away from the bark.

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

Women landowners are focus of outreach

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can sometimes lead to a disconnect with land-based decision making, whether that’s with leasing, conservation, farmland transition or a combination. The goal of the project is to bring women landowners together to help answer their questions.

The first part of the project will consist of collecting more data and analytics about women farm ownership. From there, will hold online and face-to-face workshops to deliver information and resources.

Specific goals include the use of equitable leases and other economic incentives to increase conservation and land access for beginning farmers, adoption of soil and water conservation practices, and the implementation of efficient plans to transition farmland to the next generation of Iowa farm owners.

A survey will be sent to known women landowners in June, and those interested in participating can contact Madeline Schultz at (515) 294-0588 or schultz@iastate.edu.

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

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THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

When things don’t add up, do the math As far as mathematics goes, division ondary infections, but ultimately survival has never been a favorite subject of mine. of the fittest took place.

I can tolerate addition, subtraction and I dreaded my trek to the barn each day multiplication; but when it comes to fracwondering how many corpses I would tions and division (especially dividing have to drag out. On the worst day, I decimals) I will opt for the dunce cap and took out five lifeless lambs. The negative go sit in the corner. It’s a good thing Karl dollar amount which had to be divided is a math whiz — otherwise our children over fewer lambs was startling. That might be stuck in sandpile math forever! division equation was checked, double DEEP ROOTS Thankfully, in the age of smartphones, checked and triple checked by more than

By Whitney Nesse myself. And division, in this case, did not I have a calculator within reach almost always. It’s a good thing too, because I look good. often find myself using what I thought was “useWe stuck it out to the end, selling the few healthy, less” math daily! Calculating average daily intake fat lambs we had left and we washed our hands of and daily gains for cattle, weights on quarters and the feeder lamb endeavor — never to look back. halves of beef, dressing percent of processed beef or Thankfully, there were a few people who believed in how much bedding and hay I need to store for a us and knew our work ethic was worth something, year’s use are just a few simple examples of the so we turned around and filled our barn with feeder kind of math used on the farm. A misplaced decimal cattle. For me, in this instance, the sum of that divior dividing in the wrong direction can cause undue sion equation was abject. I also learned that allowexcitement or disappointment; and can really cause ing my work to go unchecked can lead to a very disproblems when work goes unchecked. mal outcome.

A number of years ago I had the bright idea to get Not only can division be applied in a mathematiinto feeder lambs. Just recalling the stupidity of the cal way, division can also occur in any instance idea makes me break out in a cold sweat! At the where the action of the separation of something is time, the lamb market was hot and we just so happresent. We see this in cooking and baking, mining, pened to have an empty barn. After doing some plant propagation, estate planning, and unfortunumber figuring — unchecked of course — I showed nately, people groups.

Karl the bottom line and decided to go for it. I As people, we can find infinite ways to divide ourdidn’t just get my toes wet in the sand either. I dove selves; and very often, the result is negative. As a in head-first. Little did I know that a perfect storm follower of Jesus Christ, this leads me to beg the was brewing. question how do I “love [my] neighbor as [myself]” Shortly after filling our barn with lambs, the lamb (Luke 10:27)? In a world where the categoric lines market dropped significantly — delivering blow of division seem to imprison, how do I “put on love, number one. After gathering my wits, Karl and I which is the bond of perfect unity” (Col. 3:14)? decided to ride out the venture knowing we could 1 John 4:8 tells us that “God is love” and Romans not cut our losses by selling immediately. We were 13:10 says that “love does no harm to a neighbor.” going to continue feeding the barn full of lambs So how do I define love? Culture would like to until they were ready for market. define love as the acceptance and tolerance of all Blow number two came in the form of a virus things that feel good. But God gives us a clearer which hit us hard. One group of lambs brought in and more focused definition of love. 1 Corinthians had a virus percolating beneath the surface and 13:4-7 describes love as patient and kind, it prodidn’t show symptoms until a couple of weeks later. tects, preserves, hopes and trusts. Love does not By that time, the nose-to-nose contact of the carrier envy or boast, it is not proud, self-seeking or easily lambs to the rest of the flock had spread the virus angered, it does not dishonor others or keep records to the entire barn. We tried to administer antibiotof wrong. Love rejoices in truth. ics to symptomatic lambs in order to ward off sec-

If God is love and love rejoices in truth, what is truth? Culture wants to define truth in a subjective manner, based on opinions and feelings. God offers each of us absolute morality (a moral compass, so to speak) to which we naturally lean toward; and a focused meaning of truth. God is truth, or Jehovah El Emeth (Ps. 31:5), God’s word is truth (Jn.17:17), God’s Spirit is truth (Jn. 16:13) and truth brings freedom (Jn. 8:32). If truth brings us freedom, then the shackles of division can no longer bind us into categories created and defined by people.

When I choose to allow culture to define love and truth for me, I am like “a reed shaken by the wind” (Matt. 11:7) — allowing the truths that God created as objective and concrete to become subjective and change with opinion and feeling. How do I objectively love and speak truth in a subjective culture? I want to set aside my self-righteous, proud, selfseeking attitudes and choose kindness. I want to preserve and honor the relationships I have by genuinely building others up rather than using tones of mockery and sarcasm. I want to be sensitive to the Spirit of truth, using patience and hope as a guide, not keeping records of wrong. I want to assist in paving the road to freedom that is offered by truth.

There is nothing that the enemy of our souls would like more than to create more division — especially within the church. Our adversary knows that a “house divided against itself will fall” (Lk. 11:17). How can I do my part in erasing the lines of division within the church? I am going to seek wisdom. I am going to slow down and prayerfully consider my reaction and tone toward others. I am going to allow God’s word to renew my mind.

In my quest to become more Christ-like, I am going to invite others to check my work — to make sure the sum of my attitudes can be equally divided into God’s love and God’s truth. I do not want to be too sure that my answers are correct until they have been double checked by either God’s word or a calculator.

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

Beef Quality Assurance, Secure Beef Supply training online

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.

Pre-registration is required. You will not be able to access the Zoom meeting room without first pre-reg-

istering 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. May 6, z.

umn.edu/BQAMay6; May 18, z.umn.edu/BQAMay18; and June 3, z.umn.edu/BQAJune3. All training sessions begin at 6:30 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding certification or how to pre-register, contact Stacey Caughey at butle269@umn.edu.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

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

PAGE 7

Proper ventilation is key to maintaining animal health

SWINE &U

Have you ever stepped into your hog building and thought it felt like a balmy beach day on vacation, only UniversityofMinnesota to realize that the heater EXTENSION and the fans were both running full blast? Comfortable, Unpredictable seasonal but not at all efficient or weather can change quickeconomical. ly. Adjust ventilation conAnimals housed inside a trollers to make certain of building produce heat, gas proper ventilation rates for and moisture. Their heat removing moisture, gas results from their metaboand dust from the inside lism and the larger they environment. Keep heater SWINE & U grow, the more heat they thermostats set to suppleBy Diane DeWitte produce. Gas develops from ment the room or building stored manure. Moisture with heat if the outside temperature occurs from several sources in swine drops. barns including pigs breathing (respiThe following tables below show recration), drinking water spills, and ommended ventilation rates and temevaporation of urine and manure. peratures for pigs according to their Swine barns need ventilation to size. Reviewing these tables when setremove the excess heat, gas and mois- ting the controllers in a swine building ture that buildup in the facility. can help you most efficiently dry and Springtime is one of the most challenging in terms of keepSeasonal ventilation rates for swine barns ing the pigs warm enough at night and com- (Table from MWPS-32, Mechanical Ventilation Systems for Livestock Housing) fortably well-ventilated during the day.

Cold Weather Mild Weather Hot Weather Rates (CFM/hd) Providing ventilation Pig Weight (lbs.)

12-30 2 10 25 in the spring No matter what their 30-75 3 15 35 size, during springtime 75-100 7 24 75 weather changes pigs need to be kept dry and 150-260 10 35 120 out of a draft.

www.TheLandOnline.com Goat marketing webinar April 29 LONG PRAIRIE, Minn. — University of Minnesota Extension will host a goat marketing webinar on April 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Frank Pinkerton, aka “The Goat Man,” will discuss basic management decisions which ultimately affect profitability including animal nutrition, ideal market weight, seasonality, and timing of marketing goats. He will also talk about the prevailing supply/ demand ratios for goat meat, market channels (farm to consumer), and ethnic consumer needs. Additionally, reproduction management tips including estrus induction and synchroniza-

tion of females will highlight how producers can transition to spring breeding/fall kidding and capitalize on seasonal demands of goat meat (and lamb).

Pre-registration is required. Register online at z.umn.edu/GoatMarketing.

The Zoom link will be emailed to you immediately after you register. If you are unable to attend the live session, you will receive the recording via email.

For more information, contact Brenda Miller at nels4220@umn.edu or Colleen Carlson at traxl042@umn.edu.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

dust, moisture or ammonia can damage control units. If you think there are inaccuracies in settings or performance, double-check it or replace it. cool or heat the environment.

Evaluating ventilation needs Managing facilities for efficient Pigs’ body language can also tell you ventilation whether the building or room is ventiGood building maintenance habits lated correctly. Shivering or piled pigs can maximize the effects of your care- are a signal to check for drafts, floor ful controller settings.Repair all leakdampness, or failure of one or more ing drinker nipples and water lines to parts of your ventilation system. reduce moisture in the building. Clean Studies have shown that pigs who up manure and urine to further have to keep themselves warm will reduce both humidity and ammonia in consume more feed but yield lower the area.Remove dust from ventilation average daily gain. equipment, controllers, fans and air Set the fan speeds and temperature inlets.Clean fan blades and shrouds, in the room according to the pig’s size and check fan motors regularly to needs, then leave it. ensure dependable operation.

One case study of a breeding unit to To reduce the dust in the building, limit handling of feed and disturbance identify the source of excess propane of the pigs. Adjust air inlet openings to usage tracked changing temperatures both inside the building and outdoors. the minimum ventilation rate to prevent excess cold air entering the build- A spike in the set temperature in September alerted the researcher that ing. Check to see that the inlets are the barn manager was adjusting the not plugged with dust, snow or buildsettings according to his own comfort ing materials loosened by rodents. after coming in from the chilly Also, check and service heaters regularly and clean the dust out of heating autumn outdoors. units.

The hogs are accustomed to fairly steady temperatures, and it’s imporAs the building ages, corrosion from tant that you don’t drastically change their Recommended temps for swine barns (Table from NPB Swine Care Handbook, Appendix Table 2) environment.

Diane DeWitte is a Pig Weight (lbs) Preferred Temp (F) Lower Range University of Minnesota 10-30 80-90 60 Extension Educator focused on swine. Based 30-75 65-80 40 in southern Minnesota, 75-150 60-75 25 she can be reached at 150-260 50-75 5 stouf002@umn.edu. v

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THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

Chickens and turkeys and soil rejuvenation

By TIM KING “We fabricated our own chicken tractors with The Land correspondent a roof and wheels,” Chris said. “We move them every single day. Their manure is really good GARVIN, Minn. — Pastured chickens and fertilizer.” turkeys are part of the big regenerative picture at Heartland Heritage Farms, a multi-generaFor the turkeys, the Schmidts converted an tion crop and livestock farm near this southold livestock trailer for night-time roosting and western Minnesota town. the daily rotation. They create a paddock for the birds with portable solar electric poultry “We’ve taken all tillage out of our practices,” netting.

Chris Schmidt, who farms with his son and his father Dale, said. “We stopped doing tillage in The poultry generally follow their cross bred 2012 and are doing no-till and incorporating flock of sheep on grass paddocks as the sheep cover crops at that time.” are rotated from paddock to paddock. The notill acres with the cover crops are generally Chris says that his father, who had always grazed by their cattle. farmed with conventional tillage practices, was open to change; but when he saw the initial “We don’t get every acre every year, but we’ve results of those early no-till experiments he developed a rotation,” Chris said about the was doubtful. cattle.

“We twisted his arm a little bit and he finally One result of integrating livestock into the said you guys can take that ten acres and see crop land and of stacking poultry grazing onto how it turns out,” Chris, who had no land at the sheep paddocks has been increased crop yields time, said. “We took the tillage out of the equaand paddock carrying capacity. But, when you tion and added cover crops immediately. That mimic Mother Nature you generally receive first year we did some cereal rye — maybe multiple benefits. some radishes and turnips. Part way through “We’re doing a study with the DNR Photo submitted the year we were walking through the field (Department of Natural Resources) on a field with Dad and he was upset. He said I should The Schmidt family (left to right), Jordan, Lane, Chris, Brad and Taylor at Craft that I farm,” Chris said. “The first year it took charge you guys for every bushel of corn I’m Fusion Restaurant in Brookings, S.D. The restaurant sells their turkey and other two and a half minutes for the first inch of not going to get off that field. I felt bad. I meat products. water to soak in and it took over ten minutes thought we had screwed this up and it’s his cattle graze the cover crops,” Chris said. “We saw a for the second inch. A lot of that would have puddled livelihood.” huge response any place where we put the cattle out and probably run off the field. This fall — six years Chris’ dad told him the average corn yield for that to graze the cover crops and the corn stalks when we later on that same field — we were able to absorb field was 175 bushels per acre. Chris told his dad he’d put beans on those fields next year. The difference in three inches of rain in less than two minutes.” pay for the missing corn if the field came in below yield was very noticeable.”

That increased water percolation is the result of average; but he asked his dad to pay him for any corn The Schmidts had only intended to use those cover improved soil structure; which, in turn, counts for above average. crops to supplement their forage supply for their improved crop yields.

“He said, let’s just see how it does,” Chris recalls. cattle. But when they saw their bean yields increase, “The soil now gets that aggregate look,” Chris said.

“That field went over 200 bushels per acre that year.” they changed their thinking about how they farm.

“It’s not silty. We have air pores going down because “We realized that we needed to get animals on this we’re not tilling the soil and destroying the structure Dale had pretty much the same yield; so, although land scape as much as possible,” Chris said. “We so that water just disappears. We’ve pulled up corn Chris feels he and his son Brad may have been lucky, they showed themselves that no-till can compete decided to mimic Mother Nature back when this all plants that have four to five-foot-long roots. Those was tall grass prairie.” with conventional tillage. roots will find those worm holes and they’ll start divThat’s where the chickens and turkeys come in.

ing deep and pulling the deep nutrients back up to Once Chris and Brad understood that yields from no-till were competitive, they decided to stack their In 2019 the Schmidts started having poultry follow the surface. There’s more drought tolerance, less enterprises. That is to say, they would take two dif- behind grazing livestock. The chickens are kept in runoff, and more nutrients for the plants.” ferent crops from the same ten acres: corn and forage. portable pens, usually referred to as chicken tractors. Those bigger, deeper roots — whether they are corn, bean, or grass roots — are left deep in the soil “We started fencing off the fields and letting the after grazing or harvest. They are decomposing, leaving behind an increased organic matter, or carbon, which is rich in microbes and nutrients. That, in turn, has allowed the Schmidts to cut back on their nitrogen application.

Lately, the Schmidts have been studying aphid predators in their fields. There are plenty of them so they’ve decided to let the predators do the work that Send your letters to: Editor, The Land • 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 insecticides would have done before. e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com It’s all part of working towards regenerating the land by mimicking Mother Nature. v All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

wants to hear from you!

Letters to the editor are always welcome.

THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

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THE LAND THANKS YOU!

PAGE 9

To all of you that returned your 2021 subscription card to The Land we want to say a heartfelt “thank you”. During these especially difficult times we are truly humbled by the outpouring of support that you have shown us. If you haven’t sent in your card yet there’s still time. Please use the 2021 subscription card on this page. Take a minute to fill it out, sign and date it, and mail it back. If you would like to add a donation we would appreciate it. Thank you for reading The Land. We look forward to hearing from you.

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THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

Athmann family saying goodbye to county landmarks

By DICK HAGEN same for 2021.

The Land Staff Writer Emeritus Why did Edna and husband get into It starts with a handwritten agreement the food business? Edna simply says, which reads, “I, Joseph H. Farmer, will “Because the café was for sale. Also my sell for $4,900 , plus stock. A $200 Down husband had two years of carpentry Payment will be refunded if licenses are work and decided, I think, there must be not granted. I, Alcuin M. Athmann, will a better way to support his new bride.” take possession September 1st, 1955. If I She winked giving me that answer! Also, change my mind the $200 down payment Porky’s sister owned a restaurant in will be my loss.

Lake Lillian, Minn.

March 3, 2021 was my pleasure of a ‘sit So in 1955 Porky and Edna purchased down and reminisce’ session with Edna the Korner Café which later became Athmann, wife of Alcuin (Porky) Athmann’s Inn. “But for a long time our Athmann, and now a gracious 92-year patrons simply called this Porky’s place,” old lady of warm spirits, congenial heart, recalls Edna. and positive attitudes. Also at the table Marty relates, “When Mom and Dad were sons Merlin, 62; Marty, 55; and got into this business, they only expected Jean Athmann, 62 wife of son Mark who to be involved for five years or so and passed away last Nov. 25. then move on to something else.” But so The reason for this amiable session? much for those early expectations!

Athmann’s Inn is for sale! Yes, this The Korner Café also included an 66-year-old Bird Island landmark goes to upstairs living area. Perhaps convenient the highest bidder. The sale includes the for Edna and Porky — now starting their tradition-rich Bird Island Ballroom, Photos by Dick Hagen own family — while also providing breakimmediately east of town on busy U.S. fast, noon and evening meals to local Joining Edna Athmann (second from right) at a table at Bird Island, Minn.’s Athmann’s Inn Highway 212. The ballroom initiated the are her children (left to right) Mary Jo Schmoll, Marty Athmann and Merlin Athmann. patrons and highway travelers. popular Polka Fest in 1984 which imme“I’d get up early and do morning coffee diately became a Midwest stomping and breakfasts; then come down and take care of the favorite! noon lunch service; then we’d start preparing the You betcha! Polka Fest, a three-day event held the evening foods. That morning shift also included a first weekend in July, featured a variety of Polka quick breakfast for our boys before they were off to Bands from the upper Midwest. As popular as the school. But we had good kitchen help … certainly music were the delicious servings of breakfast treats, couldn’t have managed this business otherwise,” tasty lunches and luscious evening meals prepared relates Edna. by the same crew prepping those good foods at Soon the Korner Café was expanding. In 1967 Athmann’s Inn, downtown Bird Island. Relates Porky started an extensive remodeling program.

Merlin, “Perhaps our biggest event was 1986. I With help of many family and friends, a new kitchen walked the parking lot counting license plates from Back before lawyers were commonplace, this document and two food service rooms were added. Before own37 states.” served as the original handwritten bill of sale to Alcuin (Porky) ership by the Athmanns, the restaurant had become Covid-19 shut down Polka Fest 2020; likely the Athmann.

See ATHMANN’S INN pg. 11

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THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

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

PAGE 11

Rooms were added to the original building in the 1960s ATHMANN’S INN, from pg. 10 a regular stop for railroad crews, as Bird Island was a water stop for the steam-powered trains in those days. The restaurant even offered mail service. Folks could drop off their letters. The village cop would then deliver to the depot for the 1 a.m. trains which would carry these letters to Minneapolis post office.

In 1973, Porky passed away. Edna and son Mark continued to run the business. They were later joined

by Merlin and Marty — two sons who had both attended restaurant and cooking schools. And the popular restaurant continued to grow. During their 1967 remodeling binge, the “Island Room,” the “Bird Room” and the “Red Room” were added.

This painting of Athmann’s Inn was done when the establishment was still known as the Corner Cafe.

The Athmanns’ expansion bug persisted. In 1977 the Red Room expanded to provide a new meeting room for the Bird Island Lions and Lioness Clubs, Civic and Commerce Association, plus a facility for wedding receptions, anniversaries, etc. In plain language, Athmann’s Inn had become the gathering place for any and all.

Because of their growing reputation, there was a growing request for a catering service. Said Merlin, “Rather than folks coming to our place for homecooked foods, we decided we could provide the same service to others at their locale. It began with small company parties and picnics; then into area businesses; then a big expansion with the purchase in 1984 of the Island Ballroom. (We were) rapidly catching on with area seed companies such as Trojan Seed, then RBA Seeds, then Keltgen Seeds — all at Olivia. We were soon serving upwards of 1,000 peo-

ple at some of their events.”

Adds Marty, “I had recently moved home from college. We could see the restaurant alone wasn’t going to support four families. But the ballroom really enabled us to expand the catering portion of our business. And we were a great venue for hosting large weddings, family reunions, even the new Bird Island Farm and Home Show where exhibitors could set up their equipment both outside and inside.”

“We heard just a few years ago that my dad was considering the purchase of a supper club in Norwood.

But some of their Bird Island friends such as the Sheehans, the Schmeltze’s, and the Setzepfandts convinced them it was better to stay right here,” Marty continued. “I’m speaking for my brothers, my sister, our great working crew, and especially our tremendous friends and family who have helped sustain the business these years. We are grateful to Mom and Dad’s special friends who convinced them Bird Island was the very best place to run a family restaurant.”

And who gets credit for the Polka Fest? Merlin says that was the brainstorm of another Bird Island businessman, Les Frassel, who built the ballroom in the mid 1970s and launched the Polka Fest to help sustain his own investment. “So the Polka Fest was already an annual event when we purchased the ballroom in 1984. But it was just a three-day affair.

We needed the ballroom to generate events year ‘round.”

I asked the Athmanns if 20 years back would you have ventured you’d still be in business today, or would you be comfortably retired and simply living the good life? As expected, some hearty chuckles and arms in the sky from the three offspring. Wizened 92-year old Edna smiled, “I remember my husband suggesting, let’s at least give this a five-year run. But he didn’t tell me which five.”

Most everyone at the table agreed it will be unlikely for the new owner to continue the name. Even Edna agrees a name change will happen. She smiled, “I’ve worn the name for 67 years. But even those things can and do change. Regardless the new owner or the new name, I’ll forever cherish what and how this family enterprise has enriched my life. And literally the thousands of new acquaintances and happy faces added to my own pleasure.”

They pretty much agreed that even with the remodeling and additions they’ve made during their 60-plus years of ownership of the building, the new owner would likely make changes. But would there

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The Island Ballroom

still be a special ‘token room’ for the Bird Island Lions Club — embellished with Lion’s regalia including signature engravings of the past 20 years of Bird Island Lion’s Club presidents?

Both Merlin and Marty are past presidents of the club. That list also include Brian Sheehan, Bird Island President in 1996-97 who this year will serve as President of Lion’s Clubs International. (LCI is the world’s largest service organization.)

With over six decades of history, it would be inevitable there would be pitfalls which really tested the enterprise. With unanimous consent they agreed, “We early on learned to roll with the punches. It is what it is. Stay determined. The present is your gift.

The future is your motivation.” v

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PAGE 12

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THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

Farm custom rates likely to remain steady for 2021 Due to the high cost of investment in a year earlier. The cost for new and used tions on the owner’s land in exchange for a set fee farm machinery, an ever-increasing nummachinery has increased rapidly in the or rate. (Average custom farming rates for 2021 are ber of farm operators are hiring other early months of 2021, which together listed on the 2021 Custom Rate Survey Table.) In a farm operators to provide some — or all — with increasing fuel costs and higher typical custom farming agreement, the landowner of their machinery resources for their farm labor charges, may impact final 2021 cus- pays for all seed, fertilizer, chemicals, crop insuroperation. This is especially true with new tom rates. These factors may result in ance, and other input costs; receives the proceeds and younger farm operators, as well as custom operators trying to more fully from all grain that is produced, as well as all eligiwith children who decide to start farming cover their increasing expenses for cusble farm program payments on the land; and is with their parents. In addition, some land tom operations later in 2021, resulting in responsible to store and market the grain. The cusFARM PROGRAMS steady to slightly higher final average investors are choosing to operate their tom operator provides the machinery and labor for farm themselves rather than cash renting custom rates by year-end. the crop operations.

By Kent Thiesse the land to another farm operator — The complete “2021 Iowa Farm One obvious advantage to the custom operator is thus hiring a farm operator under a Custom Rate Survey” for all farming that a custom farming agreement provides some custom farming agreement. practices is available on-line at the extra farm income, with little or no additional operSome farm operators also hire speIowa State University web site: ating capital or farm machinery investment. Fuel, cific farm operations through a custom arrangement https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/html/ lubrication and repairs are usually the only added with another farm operator, such as combining, a3-10.html costs. In addition, custom farming offers a fixed grain hauling or hay baling. Many farm operators return per acre to the custom operator, and although Custom Farming Agreements negotiate these types of custom rate and custom there is some possibility of higher repair bills, this is One alternative to leasing more farmland may be farming arrangements in the spring of the year, minor compared with the price and yield risks typia “Custom Farming Agreement” with a land owner. while others wait until harvest is completed. cally faced by a farm operator in a normal cash rentIn a typical custom farming agreement, the custom al contract. Of course, in a good year, profits from a One of the best resources for average custom rates operator agrees to perform all the machine operacustom farming agreement is the annual “Iowa Farm will likely be lower than Custom Rate Survey” coordinatunder most cash rental leases. ed and analyzed by Iowa State However, in this era of much (Based on the “Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey”) University. Earlier this year, 559 higher land rental rates and custom operators and farm manCustom Farming Rates Harvesting Grain: increasing crop input costs, agers were sampled regarding (Includes tillage, planting and harvesting costs) Corn Combine.......................................$36.00 per acre there is a much lower risk to expected 2021 custom farm rates Corn..................... $130 per acre (range = $75 - $240) ($40.00 with Chopper Head) a farm operator with a custom to be for various farm operations. Soybeans............. $115 per acre (range = $70 - $220) ($52.50 with Grain Cart and Truck) farming agreement, as comThere were 118 useable surveys Small Grain.......... $110 per acre (range = $80 - $122) Soybean Combine.................................$35.00 per acre pared to a cash lease at high returned. The survey summary ($39.00 with Draper Head) rental rates.

Tillage: lists the average custom rate, as ($50.50 with Grain Cart and Truck) Moldboard Plow....................................$19.40 per acre well as a range, for various tillLandowners also find severSmall Grain Combine............................$31.00 per acre Chisel Plow. . .........................................$18.00 per acre age, planting, fertilizer and al advantages to a wellCorn Grain Cart (in field).........................$6.00 per acre Disk/Chisel ..........................................$20.00 per acre chemical application, grain harSoybean Grain Cart (in field)...................$5.40 per acre designed custom farming V-Ripper (deep tillage)..........................$22.00 per acre vesting, and forage harvesting Hauling Grain (5 miles or less)............ $0.10 per bushel agreement. Landowners with Field Cultivator......................................$15.50 per acre functions on the farm.

Hauling Grain (5-25 miles).................. $0.16 per bushel small acreages can make Tandem Disk........................................$15.25 per acre Grain Auger Use (on farm).................. $0.06 per bushel most of the crop production The survey also includes many Chopping Cornstalks.............................$12.00 per acre and grain marketing decimiscellaneous farming practices, Harvesting Forages: Planting and Spraying: sions without the investment average per hour farm labor Windrowing Hay...................................$15.00 per acre into a full line of farm Planter With Attachments. . ....................$23.80 per acre rates, some machinery rental Hay Baling (small square bales)..............$0.60 per bale machinery. The landowner (Extra charges for GPS, seed shutoffs, etc.) rates, including a formula for Hay Baling (large square bales)..............$8.50 per bale does not have to negotiate Planter Without Attachments. . ...............$21.00 per acre calculating rental rates. The surHay Baling (large round bales)..............$10.50 per bale land rental rates, or worry No-Till Planter.......................................$22.50 per acre vey lists the average custom ($13.00 per bale with wrap) about collecting lease paySoybean Drill........................................$20.00 per acre farming rates for corn, soybeans Corn Stalk Baling (large bales)..............$12.00 per bale ments, since the owner Grain Drill.............................................$18.00 per acre and small grain. The average ($13.75 per bale with wrap) receives all of the crop procustom rates for farm operations Crop Spraying (broadcast)......................$7.50 per acre Silage Chopping..................................... $ 6.78 per ton ceeds. The landowner does (self-propelled sprayer) in most other areas of the upper (or $64 per hour per head row) have to pay the farm operator Midwest tend to be very close to an agreed upon per acre fee Farm Labor Rates: the average Iowa custom rates.

General Farm Labor............................. $17.00 per hour for the custom farming serBased on the Iowa State data, ($18.40 per hour for harvesting and spraying) vices by specified dates. The average custom rates for tillage, landowner is considered to be planting and harvest operations Note: All listed custom rates in the Iowa Survey results include fuel, labor, repairs, depreciation, insurance and inter- the material participant for in 2021 are expected to decrease est, unless listed as rental rates or otherwise specified. The average price for diesel fuel was assumed to be $2.71 income tax purposes and the by about 3 percent compared to per gallon. A fuel price increase of $.50 per gallon would cause most custom rates to increase by approximately landowner is typically entithe rates for similar operations five percent. These average rates are only meant to be a guide for custom rates, as actual custom rates charged tled to all government farm in 2020. The custom farming may vary depending on continued increase in fuel costs, availability of custom operators, timeliness, field size, etc. program payments, crop rates for corn and soybean proand could be adjusted later in the year due to changes in economic factors. insurance indemnity payduction are expected to decrease Table prepared by Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst See THIESSE, pg. 13 by about 1 percent compared to

MARKETING

Average 2021 farm custom rates

THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

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

PAGE 13

Demand for dairy products continues to build This column was written for the marketing week ending April 16.

As I reported last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture raised its estimate on 2021 milk production in the latest World Agricultural Supply News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers and Demand Estimates report issued April 9. The boost was based “primarily on increased cow numbers.” Projected lion bushels based on the most recent data U.S. soybean supply and use changes included MIELKE MARKET Class III and Class IV milk prices were from the Grain Crushings and Co-Products higher exports, lower crush, residual use, and seed WEEKLY also raised.

Production report, and the pace of weekly use. Soybean exports were raised mainly reflecting

By Lee Mielke ethanol production in March as indicated by record exports through the first half of the marketThe 2020-21 U.S. corn outlook was Energy Information Administration data. ing year. Soybean crush was reduced on a lower for greater feed and residual use, domestic soybean meal disappearance forecast and increased corn used for ethanol production, larger Corn exports were increased 75 million bushels, exports, and lower ending stocks. based on export inspection data for March that was a higher projected extraction rate.

Seed use was reduced in line with plantings for the The feed and residual use projection was raised 50 the largest monthly total on record, surpassing the previous high set in November 1989.

The season2021-22 crop indicated in the March 31 Prospective million bushels to 5.7 billion, based on corn stocks average farm price was unchanged at $4.30 per Plantings report. Residual use was reduced based on reported as of March 1, which indicated disappearindications in the March 31 Grain Stocks report. ance during the December to February quarter rose bushel, as reported prices through February indicate much of the crop was marketed at lower prices, Soybean ending stocks were projected at 120 million about 6 percent relative to a year ago. says the WASDE. bushels, unchanged from last month’s forecast.

Corn used to produce ethanol was raised 25 milThe season-average soybean price was forecast at $11.25 per bushel, up 10 cents. The soybean oil price was projected at 45 cents per pound, up 4 cents, reflecting sharply higher prices in March. Higher should be discussed and negotiated between the cus- soybean oil prices are expected to continue in comTHIESSE, from pg. 12 tom operator and the landowner prior to the growing ing months, warned the USDA, as additional renewments, and other government payments. able fuel capacity comes online. Soybean meal prices season; and possibly included in the written conAlthough the concept of a custom farming agreetract. This can become a tenuous issue — especially were unchanged at $400 per short ton. ment is simple, close communication between the in years with challenging weather conditions.

The USDA’s latest Crop Progress report shows custom operator and the landowner is essential. It that 4 percent of the U.S. corn crop was in the The custom operator may be asked for advice by is definitely recommended to have a written conground as of the week ending April 11. That’s 1 pertract for the custom farming agreement which spec- the landowner regarding the seed corn hybrid or cent ahead of a year ago as well as the latest fivesoybean variety to plant, fertilizer rates, chemical ifies the amount of payment by the landowner to year average. The data is from 18 states which the custom operator, and all other pertinent details. applications, levels of crop insurance, farm program planted 92 percent of 2020 corn acreage. sign-up choice, or grain marketing decisions.

The custom farming agreement should specify the However, the final decisions on these type of items In the week ending April 3, 60,000 dairy cows payment amount per acre that the landowner will does lie with the farm owner/operator. The custom were sent to slaughter, down 5,900 from the previpay the custom operator and should list the payoperator needs to be cautious on offering advice and ous week and 4,400 or 6.8 percent less than that ment dates. There needs to be an accurate count on should not take responsibility for the final authority week a year ago. the number of acres under the custom farming on those decisions. Potential conflicts could arise The USDA’s latest Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry agreement for payment purposes. This will enable between the custom operator and farm owner.

Outlook, issued April 15, mirrored milk price and prothe farm operator to accurately plan tillage, plantTypically, as part of the custom farming agreeduction projections in the April 9 WASDE. The ing and harvesting schedules. ment, the harvested grain of the landowner is deliv- Outlook stated, however, that based on information The normal field practices to be included under a ered by the custom operator to a farm storage facili- from the most recent Milk Production report, the U.S. custom farming agreement should be listed (includ- ty owned or rented by the landowner; or to an milking herd is projected to average 9.46 million head ing tillage, planting, weed control, harvesting, haul- agreed upon area grain elevator. Any grain deliverin 2021, 15,000 higher than last month’s forecast. The ing grain, etc.). Typically, these agreed-upon practic- ies beyond the local area usually result in the landnumber of milk cows was forecast to remain steady at es are part of the per acre custom farming agreeowner paying an extra custom rate charge for grain 9.46 million for each quarter of the year. ment and payment per acre which is negotiated hauling. Also, if the landowner uses the custom “Relatively low milk-feed ratios in the first part of between the custom operator and the farm owner. operator’s grain drying and handling facilities, there the year signal limited opportunities for expansion of Additional tillage trips or replanting due to is typically an added charge for these services. the milking herd in 2021,” the Outlook stated. “Milk weather conditions, or added spraying applications For more details on custom farming agreements production usually responds to changes in input pricof pesticides to control weeds, insects or diseases, and other farm machinery information, refer to the es with a lag of several months. Milk per cow is prowhich are provided by the custom operator, are usu- Iowa State University “Ag Decision Maker” website : jected to average 24,070 pounds per head year-round, ally charged to the landowner at a custom rate per http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/ five pounds more than the previous forecast.” acre, which is over and above the base custom farmKent Thiesse is a government farm programs anaDrought in the west is sure to have an impact — ing rate. The 2021 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey contains appropriate charges per acre for additional lyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake particularly in California. The April 15 Daily Dairy Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 726-2137 Report warned, “State and federal officials have farm practices performed. or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com. v See MIELKE, pg. 14 Timing of planting and harvesting operations

Farming agreements can be simple

PAGE 14

www.thelandonline.comMILKER’S — “WhereMESSAGE Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

End of Food Box program puts brakes on dairy prices MIELKE, from pg. 13 already warned farmers to expect water shortages this summer, and dairies in particularly parched areas of the state are already trucking in water and fallowing cropland.” n Looking at U.S. dairy demand, February was not only a good month for dairy exports, the citizenry chewed through a lot of dairy products here at home.

Total cheese disappearance was up from a year ago for the second consecutive month and marked a record start to the year, according to analyst by HighGround Dairy. “February demand was virtually identical vs. the prior month; domestic disappearance stronger yet again on a year-over-year basis.”

Butter disappearance topped that of a year ago for the fourth consecutive month and marked the strongest year-over-year gain in at least five years.

Total nonfat dry milk disappearance increased for the fourth consecutive month, reports HighGround Dairy, “led by exports that surged to the highest monthly volume on record even as domestic disappearance crashed lower.”

Checking prices, Chicago Mercantile Exchange block cheddar cheese climbed to $1.86 per pound on April 12. This is the highest since Jan. 14, but word of the end of the Food Box program sent waves into the markets. They fell to $1.74 on April 15, only to rally to an April 16 close of $1.78. This is down a nickel on the week, but 76.75 cents above a year ago when they hit bottom at $1.0125 per pound.

The barrels got to $1.7650 on April 12, fell to $1.6575 on April 15, but closed the next day at $1.69. This is a quarter-cent lower on the week, 68.5 cents above a year ago, and 9 cents below the blocks.

Sales totaled 18 cars of block and 30 of barrel. n Midwest cheese output is busier than it was this time last month, according to Dairy Market News. A number of producers who were running four and five day workweeks have added a day to their schedules in light of stronger demand and strengthening market prices. Some have remained active throughout most of the year and still report being behind on orders; but spot milk is tightening a bit though prices reported mid-week remained below Class III. With spring flush underway, contacts are unsure what to expect as warmer weather will assuredly bring lower overall milk output.

Western food service cheese demand has continued to grow, while retail cheese demand held steady.

Some contacts reported improvements at ports with getting vessel space and shipping containers, making it possible to move exports more readily.

Dairy Market News says, “The announcement of the cancellation of the Food Box program is causing manufacturers to closely monitor cheese markets, watching cheese futures for any signal of price direction and subsequent demand. With the uncer-

tainty of what government purchases may look like, the market tone within cheese markets is more unsettled than what it had been a few weeks ago.”

Spot butter made it to $1.9050 per pound on April 12 (the highest since June 10), but finished on April 16 at $1.85, down 3 cents on the week though 66.25 cents above a year ago. Thirteen carloads found new homes on the week.

The StoneX Dairy Group stated in its April12 Early Morning Update, “We lean bullish for butter.

Longer-term strength is debatable, but for now we won’t concern ourselves with fourth quarter pricing.

Re-opening demand coupled with strong global demand continues to drive market dynamics.”

Dairy Market News reports churning remains busy for now, but some butter producers suggest the time for active churning may be limited. Cream availability was notably tighter this week and has been tightening the past month. Ice cream producers are ramping up production ahead of their busy season and is keeping cream from the churns. Butter sales are steady to robust — particularly in food service.

Western cream is still plentiful. While some cream is flowing eastward, limited tanker availability is a barrier for moving heavier volumes. Butter production is seasonally active. Inventories are stable.

Week after week, food service demand continues to swell. Some, but not all, market participants feel strongly that rebounding food service orders are the main force behind higher butter prices. Retail butter demand is stable to strong. Export demand is steady and some industry contacts report that port congestion issues seem to be improving.

Grade A nonfat dry milk closed April 16 at $1.215 per pound, up a penny on the week, highest since Feb. 12, 2020, and 36 cents above a year ago, with 27 sales reported on the week.

CME dry whey climbed back to its record 66 cents per pound perch on April 13, but added 1.5 cents on April 16 and set a new CME record of 67.5 cents per pound. This is up 4.5 cents on the week and 28.5 cents above a year ago, on five sales. n The Biden Administration announced it will end the Farmers to Families Food Box program at the end of May; but it appears the Dairy Donation program will remain a part of government assistance due to the Covid pandemic.

Speaking in the April 19 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast, HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess said several billion dollars were spent on the program since the beginning of the pandemic but the aid will go in a different direction in terms of hunger initiatives, such as expansion of Food Stamp benefits and increasing food purchases through existing government food distribution programs.

Fuess charged that the Food Box program caused extreme volatility in cheese prices throughout most of 2020 as new rounds of the program were announced, and cheese prices skyrocketed to fulfill demand. Lessons have been learned by vendors, he said, and the program’s termination was expected.

Initial details were released of the Dairy Donation program, a program funded in the second stimulus bill signed by President Trump in December 2020. Fuess said there are still questions which need answers, such as the reimbursement rate. However, “We do know that donated dairy products will be eligible for retroactive reimbursement back to December as USDA attempts to encourage donations over the next several weeks during the peak spring flush period.”

See MIELKE, pg. 15

SFA schedules forage workshops The Crow Wing River Basin Forage Council, a networking group of the Sustainable Farming Association, is hosting a series of grazing events. Preregistration is required to attend. All are free.

May 12 — Prescribed Burn Farm Tour, 6-8 p.m., Sunup Ranch, 12316 Co 18 SW, Brainerd, Minn.

Visit the on-going silvopasture research and demonstration work at Sunup Ranch. See the results of a prescribed burn on the Sunup Ranch managed woodland grazing site.

July 13 — Hollister Bale Grazing Followup Tour, 6-8 p.m., Hollister Family Farm, 12857 Nokasippi River Rd SE, Brainerd, Minn. This tour will follow up on the April event and look at recovery of the site and impact from previous years of bale grazing.

July 15 – Seven Pines Bale Grazing Followup Tour, 6-8 p.m., Seven Pines Farm, 18618 County Rd 23, Verndale, Minn. This tour will follow up on the April event and look at recovery of the site and impact

from previous years of bale grazing.

Sept. 14 — Creating Forage Chains with Steve Flanagan, 5:30-7 p.m., 36554 620th Ave, Bluffton, Minn. Explore ways to create a continuous forage chain throughout the year, utilizing grazing techniques, cover crops, and practices that reduce feed costs and farm profiability.

Pre-registration is required, and will close at noon the day prior to each event. Each event will be limited to 50 participants. Masks are required, unless a physical limitation or exertion prevents mask use.

Social distancing of 6 feet is required. All participants must signify their Covid symptom status upon registering and upon arrival to the event.

For more details or questions, please contact the Council at foragecouncil@sfa-mn.org.

This article was submitted by the Sustainable Farming Association. v

THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

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

PAGE 15

Vet’s career recognized by National Mastitis Council

By KRISTIN KVENO The Land Staff Writer NEW ULM, Minn. — Gary Neubauer’s long and storied career in veterinary medicine started with a fondness for the world of agriculture. “I grew up on a small farm in Bird Island (Minn.),” Neubauer said.

While attending the University of Minnesota, that deep-rooted interest in agriculture led the broadcasting and journalism major to decide to focus on animal health after his roommates (who were pre-vet majors) encouraged him to apply for veterinary medicine school. So he did.

It was during his time in vet school that launched his interest in swine and dairy health. “I wanted to get more involved in milk quality and reproductive health,” Neubauer said.

After obtaining his veterinary medicine degree, Neubauer moved to New Ulm, Minn. in 1978 and became an owner and partner of the Nicollet-New Ulm Veterinary Clinic. When he began his career, the notion that preventing disease involved herd health, not just an individual animal was gaining more traction. His time with the clinic provided him ample opportunity to work with a variety of dairies and swine facilities concentrating on herd health.

His focus evolved to working mainly with the dairy side. “I started doing more and more on the milk quality,” Neubauer said.

In 1994 Neubauer became a dairy tech- Gary Neubauer nical services consultant for Pharmacia Animal Health. He then went on to work for Pfizer Animal Health for 10 years and then for Zoetis as senior manager of Dairy Technical Services until his retirement in 2020.

Throughout his decades of working with dairies, it was dairy production health that remained his focus.

“Mastitis is the most-costly thing that a dairy can experience,” Neubauer said “It all comes down to cleanliness, cow comfort and a clean environment.” He has witnessed first-hand how hard dairy producers work to keep the cows comfy and dry.

Since Neubauer started his career four decades ago, a lot has changed in the dairy industry. Neubauer points out that in trying to find ways to reduce antibiotic usage, teat sealant has done an excellent job in reducing mastitis — thus reducing the need for antibiotics. That has been a vital component for dairies in

the infection prevention arsenal.

The most rewarding aspect of working on mastitis prevention for Neubauer was helping create a comprehensive milk quality training program for practicing veterinarians. He, along with Dr. John Fetrow and Mark Davis of Davis Family Dairies, collaborated on creating an education center at the Davis Family Dairies in New Sweden, Minn.

Neubauer was able to get some of the top experts in the country to train the veterinarians. Then they had the opportunity to go out to another dairy which was having issues to analyze the problem. The program trained over 300 veterinarians.

The chance to be a part of creating a learning arena to further educate fellow veterinarians in dairy health was a gratifying experience. “Yes, we all need to give back to our professions,” Neubauer said. “That was an enjoyable part of my job.”

Neubauer has had the opportunity to do training in China, Brazil, New Zealand and Ireland with trusted colleagues in the industry. “I’m a people person, the friendships you make are most enjoyable.”

Neubauer’s unrelenting support for the dairies he served and the care for the cows themselves resulted in him

being named Minnesota Veterinarian of the Year in 2000. Neubauer’s passion for cow health coupled with working alongside fellow veterinarians on continuing education opportunities, combined with the many advisory boards and associations he has been a part of led to him being awarded the National Mastitis Council’s Award of Excellence for Contribution to Mastitis Prevention and Control.

According to the NMC website, “This award recognizes an NMC member who has provided sustained contributions to mastitis prevention and control through research, extension and/ or education, clinical practice or service to dairy producers.”

Neubauer is modest when it comes to his many accomplishments and accolades, and said this award was a very unexpected surprise. “It was a complete shock,” he said.

It was Neubauer’s energy and enthusiasm for making herd health better for dairies and his unending commitment in creating learning opportunities for fellow veterinarians in the field that makes Neubauer the perfect person to receive this NMC prestigious award. “It was just an honor, humbling to say the least.” v

U.S. fluid milk sales continue to struggle, organic is up

MIELKE, from pg. 14

producers have suffered and stop the bleeding the current Federal Milk StoneX Director of Dairy Market Pricing Formula has caused … This Insight Nate Donnay wrote in his group of farmers is working on suitApril 15 Udder Intelligence report, “It able and fair solutions and is asking is not clear if the USDA plans to keep for a meeting with NMPF and IDFA dairy purchases going through some leadership.” other program or not.” He suggests NMPF proclaimed April 22 “Earth Uncle Sam would need to buy an addiDay” is a “natural opportunity to hightional $550 million worth of dairy light dairy’s commitment to environproducts to keep the market in balmental stewardship.” NMPF’s Nicole ance this year.

Ayache, senior director for sustainabilMeanwhile, more than 400 dairy ity initiatives and leader of farmers signed on to a letter asking Environmental Stewardship and the National Milk Producers Workforce Development for the Federation and International Dairy National Dairy FARM (Farmers Foods Association to work together to Assuring Responsible Management) “fix the milk pricing debacle.”

Program, stated, “Caring for our natuA press release from the Wisconsinral resources is every day for a dairy based American Dairy Coalition farmer. There’s a lot of inherent dedireported that the letter called on the cation to taking care of the environtwo organizations to “work with them ment, because it’s how you live your to fix the irreparable financial harm life, and where you live your life.”

Ayache discusses details in a podcast on the NMPF website. n U.S. fluid milk sales continued to struggle in February but eked out a small gain from a year ago. USDA’s latest data shows 3.58 billion pounds of packaged fluid products were sold in the month, up 0.2 percent from Feb. 2020, when adjusted for the Leap Day, and follows a 4.9 percent drop in January.

Conventional product sales totaled 3.4 billion pounds, down 0.4 percent from a year ago. Organic products, at 227 million pounds, were up 10.9 percent, and represented 5.7 percent of total sales for the month.

Whole milk sales totaled 1.2 billion pounds, up 0.3 percent from a year ago, but year-to-date sales were 2.9 percent below a year ago.

Skim milk sales, at 203 million pounds, were down 14.3 percent from a year ago and down 16.3 percent year-to-date.

Total packaged fluid milk sales for the two months amounted to 7.5 billion pounds, down 4.1 percent from 2020. Conventional product sales totaled 7 billion pounds, down 4.8 percent. Organic products, at 481 million pounds, were up 7.5 percent.

The figures represent consumption in Federal milk marketing order areas, which account for approximately 92 percent of total fluid milk sales in the United States.

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

PAGE 16

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

THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Plenty of room for volatility in corn

Cash Grain Markets

Financial Focus Choosing a retirement plan

corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $5.87 +.60 $14.27 +.53 Madison $5.79 +.57 $14.45 +.67 Redwood Falls $5.91 +.57 $14.67 +.88 Fergus Falls $5.92 +.70 $14.27 +.63 The following marketing analysis is for the week Morris $5.91 +.68 $14.37 +.69 ending April 16.

Tracy $5.89 +.59 $14.71 +.81 CORN — Corn succumbed to early week selling, Average: $5.88 $14.46 but quickly recovered to set new contract highs in all contracts. Nearby corn traded to its highest level Year Ago Average: $2.61 $7.67 since July 2013, hitting $6.01.5 per bushel! Cool temGrain prices are effective cash close on April 20. peratures and rain/snow events left corn planters at *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period. the end of the field in many areas. Can you say with any certainty we’ll have a record 180 bushels per acre corn yield this year? The drought conditions in the Dakotas, where this year’s acreage increase will mainly come from, may deserve a second look. We can’t afford any glitches this year in either corn or soyPHYLLIS NYSTROM beans with such tight ending The livestock markets have continued their push to CHS Hedging Inc. stocks in both commodities. higher prices as we move into the middle and latter St. Paul half of the month of April. However, there seems to be Corn planting in the United some resistance developing at these higher prices as States as of April 11 was 4 percent complete compared to the 3 percent average and movement of product has become more erratic. This is 6 percent expected by traders. The snug balance beginning to show a little consumer resistance to these sheets in both may not be able to be solved in one higher prices at the retail level. year. Help also came from the Dow trading over The next several week could 34,000 for the first time on record. Fund buying set the tone for the next several pushed their length in corn to a record! months of the price direction in The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange this week raised the cattle, feeder and hog martheir Argentine corn production 1 million metric tons kets. If demand for meat prodto 46 mmt with 19 percent of the crop harvested. The ucts remains firm through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent esti- next month or so, then it is likely mate was a cut of .5 mmt to 47 mmt. This is being only some correction may be all JOE TEALE viewed as a little hasty since harvest is running that is seen to effect prices. It Broker behind both the three-year (31 percent) and five-year would appear we are at a cross(26 percent) averages. However, corn conditions roads with these markets and Great Plains Commodity Afton, Minn. time will tell which direction improved 8 percent to 38 percent good/excellent. these markets will take.

Brazil’s safrinha corn crop in the southern areas The recent upward thrust in the cattle market set remains dry and there is concern over how yields will be affected. Reportedly, rain on Brazil’s safrinha corn recent price highs on a weekly basis. The futures crop in the last 30 days is the driest in the last 40 market indicated a reversal on April 9, and this could years and their forecast through May leans dry. The either indicate a top or just corrective action to the safrinha crop, which makes up 75 percent of Brazil’s recent rally. total corn crop, may suffer up to 10 percent yield The concern has been, for the past several weeks, in losses. It’s estimated that over half of the safrinha the continued light movement in the boxed beef trade corn crop was planted outside the “ideal” window. — which indicates weaker demand for product. The Some of the corn is beginning to germinate and some export market has been fairly decent over the past to pollinate. As of April 9, Brazil’s corn was 72 per- several months which has aided in the recent strength cent harvested vs. 71 percent on average. in the market. The outlook for cattle remains a little Weekly export sales were the second lowest of the questionable, however. There seems to be reason to marketing year at 12.9 million bushels and below expect some weakness to develop even if it is only

One survey found that 79 percent of small business owners expect at least some of their retirement income to come from tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts (according to Gallop March 16, 2017).

If you have yet to develop a retirement plan for your business, or if you’re not sure the plan you’ve chosen is the right one, here are some things to consider.

How much can my business afford to contribute?

The cost of contributions may be managed by the plan type.

A simplified employee pension plan (SEP) is funded by employer contributions only. SEP contributions are made to separate IRAs for eligible employees. Please note MARISSA like a traditional IRA, withdrawJOHNSON als from a SEP-IRA are taxed as Profinium ordinary income; and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to Wealth Management Advisor a 10 percent federal income tax penalty. Under the SECURE Act, in most circumstances, once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions.

Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small Employers (SIMPLE) IRAs blend employee and employer contributions. Like a traditional IRA, withdrawals from a SIMPLE IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty.

Under the SECURE Act, in most circumstances, once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions. Employers either match employee contributions up to 100 percent of the first 3 percent of compensation, or contribute 2 percent of each eligible employee’s compensation.

A 401(k) is primarily funded by the employee; the employer can choose to make additional contributions, including matching contributions. Under the SECURE Act, in most circumstances, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plan in the year you turn 72. Withdrawals from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plans are taxed as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty.

What plan accommodates high employee turnover?

The cost of covering short-tenured employees may be reduced by eligibility requirements and vesting.

See NYSTROM, pg. 17

See JOHNSON, pg. 18

Livestock Angles Market could begin to see resistance

See TEALE, pg. 19

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 — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

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

PAGE 17

Soybean market has potential for further strength NYSTROM, from pg. 16 traders’ expectations. Total export commitments stand at 2.63 billion bushels, just slightly below the USDA’s 2.675 billion bushel target for the marketing year. There shouldn’t be any reason for anyone to expect the USDA number to shrink on future reports.

U.S. corn is competitive with Brazil and lofty corn prices in China should continue to provide underlying support to prices. Export sales for 2021-22 were 2.1 million bushels to bring total sales to 82.8 million bushels. Last year, we had sold 95.8 million bushels for new crop by this date.

Weekly ethanol production was down 34,000 barrels per day to 941,000 bpd. Stocks fell 100,000 barrels to 20.5 million barrels. Net margins were two cents better at a dime per gallon. Gasoline demand rose to a 33-week high of 8.944 million bpd as cities reopen.

USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service announced they will take a “deeper dive” into their methodology on how they conduct the quarterly grain stocks reports by reviewing sampling methods and surveys. Findings and recommendations are due Sept. 30 with any changes effective Oct. 1.

Outlook: The question last week was have we rationed corn? Based on this week’s price action, I would say “no.” Corn closed higher for the third week in a row. Fresh contract highs across all corn contracts were posted amid fund buying, which may be at a record level. We don’t have to climb every day, but setbacks have been opportunities for end-users to extend coverage. The weather has become a major focus, but demand (basis) has also supported the action. There have been reports of summer corn contracts being called in and pushes beyond posted bids

being paid for nearby delivery.

Here’s my caveat: if you have sold 20 percent of your new crop production estimate, you have 80 percent still at risk. Let that sink in. There’s lots of volatility left in the market and funds are holding near/ above record length that can cause decent swings on just nominal profit-taking. Shrinking ending stocks, cool temperatures, dryness in southern Brazil, and a weaker U.S. dollar should limit near-term setbacks.

For the week, May corn rallied 8.25 cents to close at $5.85.5, July was 11 cents higher at $5.73.75, and December jumped 15.75 cents to $5.12.25 per bushel.

We will see our first 2021-22 balance sheets on the May 12 WASDE report.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans resumed their sideways trade after a soft start to the week, but did post a key reversal higher on the weekly chart which opens the potential for further strength. The May soybean contract slipped below the April 1 trading range this week but maintained it sideways direction. Early week weakness held above technical support lines and rebounded to edge higher in the last half of the week. The week’s highs were set into the weekend.

New crop soybeans fell to fund selling to begin the week but also regained their legs to erase losses and maintain its firm stand to try and attract additional acres into soybean production. There was little in the way of fresh news to drive the market and we reverted to the old standbys of weather and export sales.

The BAGE kept their Argentine soybean crop at 43 mmt vs. USDA’s 47.5 mmt forecast. Their soybean harvest is 14 percent complete compared to the three-year average of 30 percent and the five-year average of 23 percent complete. There were late-week rumors of a possible strike in Argentina which would

Alfalfa Harvest Alert program set for 2021 FOLEY, Minn. — Alfalfa fields seem to be coming out of dormancy and so far, winter injury is only a minor concern. There may be some frost risks later this month, but at this point we are coming into the middle part of April on a good note.

With the Alfalfa Harvest Alert project, University of Minnesota Extension monitors alfalfa conditions throughout the Minnesota to help farmers stay on top of their alfalfa fields related to their feed needs, personal experience, and current alfalfa conditions.

This project kicks off when alfalfa reaches between 14 to 16 inches tall. Project cooperators will sample fields Monday and Thursday mornings. Generally, when alfalfa gets around 24 inches tall, we can expect to start seeing buds. With alfalfa, the bud stage is usually when forage quality is in the range for better quality dairy hay and harvest takes place.

Last year, alfalfa sample collection started on May 4 and ended on June 1. Clipped samples are tested to determine Relative Feed Quality, Relative Feed

Value, Neutral Detergent Fiber, and other alfalfa quality factors related to harvest decisions. Quality and maturity will also be estimated through an equation called the “Predictive Equation for Alfalfa Quality.” This process uses the stage of maturity and height of the tallest stems to estimate RFV and NDF. There is also a new tool for this year which puts the past 10 years of scissor cut information at your disposal. This tool will allow you to select and sort data by year, county, and grower to look back and compare RFV, RFQ, and PEAQ RFV. As the 2021 season progresses this will be the home for all collected information and will remain active throughout the entire year.

Go to z.umn.edu/AlfalfaHarvestAlert and check it out.

Internet users can search for “Minnesota Crop News” for posted information. The results can be directly emailed to you by going to z.umn.edu/tricountysignup and subscribing to the email list.

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

be friendly to prices as their harvest gets underway.

Brazil’s soybean harvest as of April 9 was 83 percent complete vs. 81 percent average. The global vegetable oil market continues to supply soybeans with support. Palm oil prices were sharply higher for the week as well as China’s soyoil prices.

Weekly export sales were 3.3 million bushels, but were still within traders’ expectations. Total export commitments of 2.23 billion bushels compared to the USDA’s 2.28 billion bushel export projection, with nearly five months left in the marketing year. We saw China cancel 55,000 metric tons of old crop soybeans on the weekly report, but also added 264,000 metric tons of new crop purchases. China has an estimated 785,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans left to ship. New crop sales were 9.7 million bushels to bring total 2021-22 export sales to 215.9 million bushels vs. 34.6 million bushels last year.

The March National Oilseed Processors Association soybean crush was 178 million bushels. The trade was expecting 179.2 million bushels. This was the second-largest March crush on record and the sixthlargest NOPA crush for any month.

China’s pork production in the first quarter of 2021 was up 32 percent vs. the previous year as they rebuild their herds. Their pig herd was up nearly 30 percent from a year ago as of March 31.

China’s soybean imports in March were 7.8 mmt, up 82 percent from a year ago. Their crush margins have been under pressure as meal supplies grow.

China has been using alternative grains in feed to combat high corn and meal prices, i.e. wheat and sorghum.

Outlook: Basis levels continue to be strong for nearby delivery to processors and delivery receipts were being canceled. This suggests soybeans are being pulled away from the delivery market and moved into domestic channels, which at present basis levels should happen. The new crop soybean price needs to attract acres away from something else to avoid another extremely tight carryout year. The soybean:corn ratio at 2.5 is not high enough on paper to entice growers to switch acres and the balance sheet says we need more acres than the March 31 forecast for 87.6 million acres. The downside in soybeans is likely limited.

For the week, May soybeans soared 30.25 cents to settle at $14.33.25, July gained 24.25 cents to $14.22.5, and November closed 10.75 cents higher at $12.74 per bushel.

Nystrom’s notes: Contract changes for the week as of the close on April 16: Chicago wheat moved 13.75 cents higher to close at $6.52.5, Kansas City rallied 22.75 cents to $6.09.25, and May Minneapolis wheat was 10.25 cents higher at $6.64.25 after setting a new contract high at $6.68.5 per bushel earlier in the week. It was reported that North Dakota saw their driest March since 1895! v

PAGE 18

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

THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

David Nicolai: ‘Agriculture is a good place to be right now’

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus MORGAN, Minn. — At the Renville/Redwood Counties combined corn growers’ annual meeting on March 22, it was my pleasure to meet up with old friend David Nicolai, University of Minnesota Dave Nicolai Extension crops educator.

Said Nicolai, “I’m expanding my role some way, shrinking some duties too. I’m getting more involved in mentoring opportunities for local educators; also assisting in keeping the state up to date on the innovative nature of modern agriculture. I guess that’s a bonus of getting older … with all my years of teaching and talking with farmers and agribusiness groups, we’re trying to be a multiplier effect in sharing knowledge with others.”

I asked if there is more one-on-one involvement than in his past work.

“Very likely, particularly with new faculty members,” he responded. “But as I know from past experiences, just making suggestions doesn’t mean everyone accepts your thinking. And with the continual introduction of new crop fungicides and new research inputs, I’m certain my role as an Extension educator will continue.”

“That means showing up at agricultural events such as the combination meeting tonight of these two county corn grower associations. And it sounds like Farmfest will be firing up again this year. We’ve been doing a lot of virtual programming because of Covid19, but getting back to live audiences and teaching/ training where you can have interaction with your audience is always the very best — and particular with farmers, because they always tend to ask that additional question.”

Being a long-time agronomist prognosticator he adds, “The need for continual education and agronomy information isn’t going away, it’s increasing. In fact, farmers are becoming more inquisitive — even demanding knowledge on how to make better decisions.”

I asked Nicolai about his economic forecast for the upcoming year. “Right now, putting the focus on commodity pricing, you’ve got to be encouraged. But that

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being said, you’ve got to recognize American agriculture now more than ever is being impacted because of worldwide demands for its crop and livestock productions. We have two new faculty staff members from India, right behind China as the most populated country in the world. They advise us of the growing food needs in their home lands.

“So a growing function of U.S. agriculture continues to be expanding our exporting ambitions virtually around the world. Always, weather plays a critical role — especially in South American countries of Brazil and Argentina. Both are very big in soybean and corn production, plus beef production. And now both countries are very much into exports to these major Asian countries.

“Hopefully exports going forward will continue to be a major driver of our U.S. ag economy. It’s comforting we’ve had a relatively mild, easy winter here in our Midwest this year. Soil moistures are good and

April weather looking favorable as growers move into their spring plantings.”

In closing, Nicolai had this to offer: “Lots of opportunities for trends across America these days. We’ve seen a big increase in home cooking because of this pandemic and that translates into more demand of pork and beef meats. My mother used to remind me ‘People always have to eat’ and that’s why agriculture will always have a role. She would tell me working in Extension won’t be the richest salary, but you’ll always have a job because people keep on eating.’

“So being involved in agriculture I think is a good place to be now … and perhaps forever. That means more opportunities too — both to educate teachers and to inform the non-farm world about the important role of agriculture. So helping others about this tremendous role of food production and care of our soils is where we need to be. And we don’t need special political reminders to appreciate that reality!” v

Allowable contributions vary with plan JOHNSON, from pg. 16 With the SEP-IRA, only employees who are at least 21 years old and have been employed in three of the last five years must be covered.

The SIMPLE IRA must cover employees who have earned at least $5,000 in any prior two years and are reasonably expected to earn $5,000 in the current year.

The 401(k) and defined benefit plan must cover all employees who are at least 21 years of age. Under the SECURE Act, these retirement plans are open for employees who have either worked 1,000 hours in the space of one full year or to those who have worked at least 500 hours per year for three consecutive years.

Vesting is immediate on all contributions to the SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA and 401(k) employee deferrals, while a vesting schedule may apply to 401(k) employer contributions and defined benefits.

Do I want to maximize contributions for myself (and my spouse)?

The SEP-IRA and 401(k) offer higher contribution maximums than the SIMPLE IRA. For those business owners who are starting late, a defined benefit plan may offer even higher levels of allowable contributions.

My priority is to keep administration easy and inexpensive.

The SEP-IRA and SIMPLE IRA are straightforward to establish and maintain. The 401(k) can be more onerous, but complicated testing may be eliminated by using a Safe Harbor 401(k). Generally, the defined benefit plan is the most complicated and expensive to establish and maintain of all plan choices.

Securities and insurance products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC (doing insurance business in CA 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 *May lose value *Not financial institution guaranteed *Not a deposit *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. Please 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. Copyright 2021 FMG Suite.

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

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THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

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

PAGE 19

Planting date is just one factor affecting yield WORTHINGTON, Minn. — It is well known that planting date plays a key role in determining yield potential in corn and soybean. Long-term University of Minnesota trials demonstrate, for example, corn yield is usually optimized when corn is planted from April 25 to May 10. Long-term data also shows soybean yield is optimized when planting occurs around May 1.

Planting earlier than these guidelines rarely leads to greater yields, but does increase risk of stand loss from frost or cool conditions after planting. This can lead to reduced yield or even the need to replant. Soil conditions at planting are also a big factor to consider.

Let’s revisit 2019 (only for a little while). Many of us have been trying to forget the excessively wet conditions of 2019. Many farmers faced the decision to plant into sub-optimal conditions, plant very late (e.g. corn and soybeans into June) or to take prevent plant. Information on very late planting dates in corn and soybean in Minnesota is limited, so University of Minnesota Extension requested farmer

input in a planting date survey following the 2019 season. The goal was to determine how those decisions turned out.

Not surprisingly, planting date was the most important factor influencing yield of corn and soybean in 2019. As expected, yield on average decreased as planting was delayed, but there was a lot of variability in the data. Variability increased as planting was delayed into mid-May and beyond, corresponding to an increase in fields planted into wet or very wet conditions.

Yield variability within fields was considerable, with some fields ranging from 0 to 265 bushels per acre in corn and 0 to 70 bu./acre in soybean. Variable soil conditions and drown-out spots were a significant contributor to this extreme range in yield within a field.

One of the key sources of variability when looking at corn yield on a particular date was the condition of the field at planting. Average yield in fields where

Think about equipment safety this spring Now is an excellent time to think about what you can do to prepare for a safe planting season.

Remember, safety on the farm needs to be practiced every day no matter the task you, your family or your farm employees are doing.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, agriculture continues to rank amongst the most hazardous industries. Approximately, 416 farmers and farm workers died from a workrelated injury in 2017. Approximately 100 agricultural workers suffer lost work-time injuries every day.

The University of Minnesota Extension, in partnership with American Family Insurance has launched a new series of farm safety videos. The purpose of this project is to share crucial farm safety messages and reminders with the agricultural community. The videos are all shorter than five minutes and provide a mix of information, demonstration and discussion.

The first video in the series covers roadway safety and includes information about pre-trip inspections, equipment for roadway safety, and safe driving habits. The video can be found at https://z.umn.edu/ AgRoadwaySafetyVideo.

As you prepare for planting season, here are several suggestions to keep in mind: Before operating, fully understand the equipment’s capabilities and hazard potential. Don’t use equipment for tasks that it was not designed for. Use all modern safety features such as rollover protection structures, personal protective equipment and seat belts. Also remember, one seat equals one person. Not only do extra riders distract the operator, but there is also no safe place in the majority of farm equipment for an additional person.

It is important to understand all laws of the center of gravity and centrifugal force to prevent rollovers.

Follow all manufacturer’s recommendations for pulling equipment with the hitch and/or using the hydraulic lifts on the equipment — including proper bucket position and hitch points. Use handholds and care when getting on and off equipment to avoid slips and falls.

Also, ensure the equipment is properly maintained and cared for.

This article was submitted by Karen Johnson, University of Minnesota Extension. v

Hog market expects to remain volatile TEALE, from pg. 16 corrective action.

The hog market has been the most explosive market over the past several months as prices have zoomed to levels not seen since 2014. The fewer available numbers of hogs, plus the increased demand for pork, have ignited the rally since July of last year.

One positive area was the export market which has helped lead the way of the rally to date. The old say-

ing, “all things come to an end” may be getting closer these days as the market in all aspects is extremely overbought. This would warrant paying close attention to the markets on a daily basis as to when and where the possibility of (at minimum) a correction takes place, or a top is initiated.

The volatility in the hog market has been high and the expectation would be this will continue into the near future. v

farmers reported conditions at planting were “good” was 188 bu./acre. Yield was 8 percent lower when conditions were “slightly wet” at planting, and plummeted to 144 bu./acre when fields were planted under “very wet” conditions. Nearly all of the fields planted in “very wet” conditions were also planted after May 14 when many started pushing field conditions given the continued wet forecast in 2019. When adjusted for planting date, planting into “good” conditions resulted in the greatest corn yield. Yields dropped 2 bu./acre when conditions were “slightly wet,” and dropped 10 bu./acre when conditions were described as “very wet.”

On average, soybean yields were greatest when fields were planted under “good” conditions. Average yields were 7 percent lower where planting conditions were “slightly wet,” and 18 percent lower when “very wet.” Similar to corn, soybeans planted into wetter conditions also tended to be planted later. When adjusted for planting date, “good” conditions still resulted in the greatest yields, where “slightly wet” conditions yielded 1.5 bu./acre less and “wet” conditions yielded 2.5 bu./acre less. Soybean fields planted under wet or slightly wet conditions that had poor stands (less than 80 percent of normal) were the lowest yielding. These fields tended to have other issues as well, such as symptoms of nutrient deficiency.

Out of the 215 fields reported on, only 20 percent were planted into “good” conditions. One of the lessons learned from 2019 is that it can be okay to push field conditions a little but don’t push it too much.

Survey comments were telling, such as “Remind me to never plant corn in June again!” and “I should have taken prevent plant”.

Outlook for 2021 — Many factors that influence yield potential were not addressed in this survey, including genetics, crop maturity, disease tolerance, agronomic traits, and pest pressure. Field conditions this spring are looking to be much drier than in 2019, but as the season progresses we don’t want to forget lessons learned from the past.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey – your valuable input was much appreciated and will help us provide better guidance if/when we are faced with planting delays again in the future!

This article was submitted by Lizabeth Stahl and Jared Goplen, University of Minnesota Extension. v

PAGE 20

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Farm Equipment

FOR SALE: Alfalfa, mixed FOR SALE: White 8100 8R30” JD 980 44’ field cult, 3 bar hay, grass hay, straw and in- planter w/ liq fert; White 5100 harrow, knock on shovels, dividually wrapped baleage. 8R30” planter for beans; 70’ $7,900; CIH 5400 15’ soyMedium or large square hyd Herman culti harrow bean special drill, 15” spacbales. Delivery available. w/ new tines; IH 14’ press ing planter units, exc cond, Zumbrota, MN. Call or text drill w/ grass seeder; 50’ $3,900; CIH RMX370 26’ Ray Leffingwell 763-286-2504 Wil-Rich field cult w/ 3 bar cushion gang disk w/ harOPEN Pollinated Seed Corn. harrow; White 2-180 tractor row, $17,900; CIH 183 12x30 Produces more high quali- w/ 4435 hrs, 23.1-34 tires w/ flat fold vibrashank cult w/ ty silage on less acres than duals & 38x19-16.1 front tires. shields, $2,250; 18.4x42 10 hybrid. $67/bushel plus ship- All in good condition. Retir- bolt duals, $1,900/pr.; CIH Magnum 10 bolt hubs, $550/ ping. High feed value grain. ing. 320-630-1777 Located at Teutopolis, IL FOR SALE: John Deere 200 pr. 320-769-2756 217-857-3377 crumbler, 30’ hyd wing fold, JD 7000 Corn Planter, 2Row, low acres, always shedded, 3PT, $1,800; Fert. Avail. light kit, excellent condition, $350/Row. 715-234-1993 Bins & Buildings $7,000/OBO. 952-556-5562 New Holland 853 round baler; FOR SALE: John Deere 3970 John Deere 1000 24’ field culBarn and Quonset Roofing and Straightening. Kelling forage harvester with iron tivator. 952-290-3975 or 507guard, cornhead and hay 364-7631 Silo. 1-800-355-2598 head, $5,000. Best Offer. 715Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. 410-5975 We buy Salvage Equipment p 100% financing w/no liens or FOR SALE: John Deere 220 Parts Available a red tape, call Steve at FairDisk & Knight 2044 Pro- push fax Ag for an appointment.

Hammell Equip., Inc. e manure spreader, horizontal (507)867-4910 - 888-830-7757 beaters. 715-896-1050 c FOR SALE: Covar drag long Farm Equipment tooth, 20’, excellent condition, field ready. 320-252-0674 20 Heavy Duty Steel Jigs For Sheep & Goats To Make FOR SALE: New Holland 311 Turning Cradles Sorting & baler with kicker, $4,000.

Sliding Gates, Corral & Run 507-524-4637 Panels, Mineral Feeders, Bale Feeders, Etc. PLUS 40 FOR SALE: Klondike grain vac. Best Offer. 715-410-5975 Pieces Of Inventory. $7,500/OBO. RETIRING. 319-347-6282 or 319-269-4226

Harms Mfg. Land Rollers, Brand New, 12’-$8,325; 14’-$8,825; 16’-$9,350; 24’$22,450; 32’-$22,450; 42’$26,000; Others from 8’-62’.

715-234-1993

FOR SALE: John Deere 4020, gas, wide front. Silver King cattle processing/handling chute w/ transport on wheels. 507-859-2766 or 507JD 7200 8x36” corn planter 530-0208 $9,500; JD 6620 combine, FOR SALE: Fast side dress 915 bean head, 444 cornhead applicator, 24R22” or 16R30”. $12,000. Both pieces of ma1800 gallon tank, stored in- chinery in exc condition & side, $20,000. Olivia, MN 320- always shedded. Owner is retiring. Call 507-276-6916 523-1099 or 320-894-4489

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.

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

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

Tractors 1993 JD 8770 24 spd. 20.8 x 38 @ 65-70%, 7980 hrs., through J.D. Inspection Program, new head and injectors, $35,500. Call 320-395-2635 FOR SALE: 2010 JD 6430 premium, MFWD, tractor, cab, A & H, air ride seat, 1840 hrs, triple remote outlets, 24spd auto Quad trans, rack & pinion wheel adj w/ near new JD ldr, exc cond, $78,500. 507-877-2036 FOR SALE: JD 9300, 9000 hrs, new motor at 5000 hrs, tires 620-70-42, 75%, always shedded, very sharp, $49,500/ OBO. 612-749-9313 NEW AND USED TRACTOR PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, 50 Series & newer tractors, AC-all models, Large Inventory, We ship! Mark Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829

PAGE 21

Steffes Auction Calendar 2021 For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com

Opening April 19 & Closing April 27 at 7PM Todd Sieben Estate Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening April 19 & Closing April 28 at 1PM Chisago County, MN Country Home Auction, Lindstrom, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening April 20 & Closing April 27 Mike Pence Hay Auction, Westport, SD, Timed Online Auction Opening April 23 & Closing April 27 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening April 23 & Closing April 30 Sioux Falls Area Spring Consignment Auction, Various locations near Sioux Falls, SD, Timed Online Auction Opening April 29 & Closing May 6 at 7PM Steve Meyer Collectible Snowmobile Auction, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 3 & Closing May 12 at 7PM Asphalt and Seal Coating Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 7 & Closing May 11 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 7 & Closing May 12 Online Steffes Auction – 5/12, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening May 12 & Closing May 19 Rink Construction Retirement Auction, Kenne, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 12 & Closing May 21 at 10AM Meeker County, MN Recreation/Hunting Land Auction - 39± Acres, Watkins, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 18 & Closing May 25 at 6PM Lupine Construction Inc. Equipment Reduction Auction, Alexander, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 21 & Closing May 25 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 21 & Closing May 26 Online Steffes Auction – 5/26, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, May 25 at 10AM Lupine Construction Inc. Equipment Reduction Auction, Alexander, ND Opening May 28 & Closing June 3 Myron & Paulette Bosch Farm Retirement Auction, Devils Lake, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 28 & Closing June 7 at 12PM Gene & Mavis Haugom Farm Retirement Auction, McIntosh, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 1 & Closing June 8 at 1PM Davidson Grain Retirement Auction, Creston, IL, Timed Online Auction Opening June 1 & Closing June 10 Andrew & Barb Schiltz Moving Auction, Rosholt, SD, Timed Online Auction Opening June 2 & Closing June 9 at 6PM George E. Karel Estate Firearm Auction 1 of 3, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 2 & Closing June 10 at 1PM George E. Karel Estate Firearm Auction 2 of 3, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction

PAGE 22

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

Hay & Forage Equipment

Tillage Equip

Wanted

Cattle

GREAT PLAINS (2013) 33 Ft FOR SALE: John Deere 3950 WANTED: JD 1760 12RN corn 5” #8533 Discovator/Finisher chopper with 7 foot hay head planter, front fold, must (blades 19 1/2”) (20” new.) and cornhead, narrow row, have low acres; 1 ton bulk Like new, $23,500/OBO. Re- [30 inch]. Runs well, good bin; Brillion packer, 32’-36’, tiring. 2015 Great Plains 9 shape. Asking $7,250/OBO. model LX144; 6R30 chopShank #5109 Turbo Chisel w/ 952-465-4524 ping head to fit 2366 IH combine. 320-282-4845 22” Turbo Blades w/ Leveler (Only 400 Acres) Almost Grain Handling New $16,900?? Retiring 319Wanted: International 540 & Equipment 347-6282 Or 319-269-4226 550 spreaders for salvage or use. Also JD 4430 and FOR SALE: 2 Super B grain 4230 tractors. Call 507-251dryers. models SA500V, sinPlanting Equip 2685 gle phase, LP gas, make offer. Pictures available. 507WANTED: Tile stringer cart FOR SALE: JD 1998 corn 208-0466 in good condition. Homeplanter, model 1760, 12R30”, made okay.

320-223-4110 Martin trash whippers, 3 Leave message.

Wanted bushel boxes, 250 monitor, 3 sets of seed disks, $18,500.

Retired. Contact Bill at 507- All kinds of New & Used farm 847-4693 equipment - disc chisels, field FOR SALE: John Deere 700 cults, planters, soil finishers, planter, front fold, dry fer- cornheads, feed mills, discs, tilizer with auger fill, 8R36”, balers, haybines, etc. 507precision meters. Retiring. 438-9782 507-822-2188

FOR SALE: John Deere 7200 6RN dry fertilizer, insecticide, 250 monitor. 320-2969929

Thank You Farmers!

Your ad could be here!

507-345-4523

Wanted to Buy: JD725 6, 8 & 12 row - front mount cultivaLivestock tors; Stanhoist and Bushhog steel barge boxes; Gehl and Lorentz grinder/mixers; plus FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls all types of farm machinery. also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ Wanted: also JD 4430 1975 or Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred Kemen 320-598-3790 newer. 507-251-2685

DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition.

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

THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021 T Trucks & Trailers

Swine

FOR SALE: Yorkshire, FOR SALE: 1997 Ford 350, Hampshire, Duroc, cross 4x4, dually, 7.3 diesel, 5spd, bred boars, gilts & 4-H pigs. 170k miles, nice cab, runs Top quality. Excellent herd perfect, $5,900. 320-583-0881 health. No PRSS. Delivery available. 320-760-0365

Miscellaneous

Polled Hereford registered yearling bulls for sale.

Have had all shots. Will be semen tested, poured and fly tags before delivery.

Halter broke and broke to lead. Several heifer bulls available. Fantastic growth E.P.D.’s. Delivery available. Klages Herefords, Ortonville, MN 320-273-2163(H) 605-8800521(C) POLLED HEREFORD BULLS, yearlings and 2 year olds, low birth weight, high performance, semen tested and delivery available.

Jones Farms, Le Sueur, MN. 507-317-5996

Sell your livestock in The Land with a line ad. 507-345-4523

Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available.

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

Call Minnesota’s largest disResler. 507-456-7746 tributor HJ Olson & Company www.thelandonline.com 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336

Pets & Supplies

REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073

PUPPIES FOR SALE: Border Collie/Blue Heeler cross, born 12/09/20, have shots and dewormed, $200/each. 507Winpower Sales & Service 383-6701 Reliable Power Solutions Since 1925 PTO & automatic Emergency Electric GenerCars & Pickups ators. New & Used Rich Opsata-Distributor FOR SALE: 1996 Chevrolet 800-343-9376 ext cab, 1/2 ton, 4x4, 350 cu., AT, A/C, very good condiSELL IT FAST! tion, never driven in winter, serious buyer only. $10,000 with a classified line ad!

Call us today at firm. Phone 320-328-5794 or 507-345-4523 leave message.

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 Place 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 d Fax to: 507-345-1027 Your A Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Today!

Online at: www.thelandonline.com

• Reach over 259,000 readers • Get more coverage • Start your ad in The Land • Add more insertions

THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

THE LAND

1 run @ $19.99 2 runs @ $34.99 3 runs @ $44.99 Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per issue EXTENDED COVERAGE - must run the same number of times as The Land FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 14,219 circ.

THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) - Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 25,000 circ.

THE FREE PRESS (FP) - Serving south central Minnesota, 22,500 circ.

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

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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  Housing Rentals  Farm Rentals  Merchandise  Antiques & Collectibles  Auctions  Hay & Forage Equipment

 Goats  Farm Services  Material Handling  Swine  Fencing Material  Bins & Buildings  Pets & Supplies  Feed, Seed, Hay  Grain Handling Equip.  Livestock Equipment  Fertilizer & Chemicals  Farm Implements  Cars & Pickups  Poultry  Tractors  Industrial &  Livestock  Harvesting Equipment  Dairy  Planting Equipment Construction  Trucks & Trailers  Cattle  Tillage Equipment  Recreational Vehicles  Horses  Machinery Wanted  Miscellaneous  Exotic Animals  Spraying Equipment  Sheep  Wanted NOTE: Ad will be placed in the appropriate category if not marked.

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This is NOT for businesses. Please call The Land to place line ads.

Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________________State_________ Zip ___________________________ Phone ___________________________________________# of times _______ Card # ___________________________________________Exp. Date________ Signature ____________________________________________________________

SORRY!

CHECK We do not issue refunds.

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

THE LAND — APRIL 16 /APRIL 23, 2021

• 5/8” drum roller wall thickness • 42” drum diameter wall thickness • 4”x8” frame tubing 3/8” thick • Auto fold

, , s

S .

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6

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

MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

PAGE 23

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.

GREENWALD FARM CENTER Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177 14 miles So. of Sauk Centre

e s c -

Parkinson Disease? Did you or a loved one work as an agricultural worker or a landscaper. If you developed Parkinson’s Disease you may be entitled to compensation.

Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-5355727. (MCN)

ADVERTISER LISTING Beck's Hybrids ......................................................... 1 Blue Sky Financial ................................................... 7 Dahl Farm Supply ................................................... 11 Greenwald Farm Center ...........................................23 Henslin Auctions, Inc. .............................................21 Pioneer ...................................................................10 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ...............................................21 Renewal by Andersen ..............................................18 Rush River Steel & Trim .......................................... 3 Schweiss Doors .......................................................21 Scott Buboltz ..........................................................19 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ....................................20 Spanier Welding ....................................................... 5 Steffes Group ..........................................................21 Ziemer Auction .......................................................20 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 S. Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com

ADOPTION. California couple promises newborn a warm, loving home. Secure future, educational opportunities, devoted grandparents, gentle pets. Generous living expenses paid. Brian and Nicole 1(707)7048340 or attorney 1(310)663-3467.

(MCN) WRIGHTZ AUCTION CO. SPORT & REC CONSIGNMENT SALE, MAY 8, 2021, 9:00 AM. Advertising deadline is April 23. 641-3982218, Hwy 218, Floyd, IA. www. wrightzauctionco.com. (MCN) DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 855-752-6680 (MCN) DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-855-977-7030 (MCN) BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 855-824-1258.

(MCN) High-Speed Internet. We instantly compare speed, pricing, availability to find the best service for your needs.

Starting at $39.99/month! Quickly compare offers from top providers.

Call 1-855-399-9295 (MCN AT&T TV - The Best of Live & On-Demand On All Your Favorite Screens. CHOICE Package, $64.99/ mo plus taxes for 12months. Premium Channels at No Charge for One Year!

Anytime, anywhere. Some restrictions apply. W/ 24-mo. agmt (TV price higher in 2nd year.) Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies.

Call IVS 1-866-387-0621. (MCN)

4G LTE Home Internet Now Available! Get GotW3 with lightning fast speeds plus take your service with you when you travel! As low as $109.99/mo! 844-897-8159. (MCN) DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 7/21/21. 1-844316-8876. (MCN) Earthlink High Speed Internet. As Low As $49.95/month (for the first 3 months.) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology. Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1-855-679-7096. (MCN) TRUCK DRIVERS – REGIONAL Average over .62 CPM. All miles paid.

Home when needed. Nice equipment.

Paid weekly. Benefits. Driver friendly, won’t get jacked around. Class-A license required. WWW.MCFGTL. COM, Call 507-437-9905 . (MCN) 2011 Harley Davidson Road King Dark brown metallic, 17,xxx miles, loaded, like new condition. Factory Cruise, anti theft W/2 key fobs, Air ride suspension, A center stand to get on or off safely, LED everything, LED rear view mirrors, LED turn signals, LED Saddlebag spoilers, LED luggage rack with backrest, LED TAILLIGHTS driver backrest, leather engine guard covers, $12,900. Located in Mankato Minnesota. Call Brad 507382-1277. (MCN) Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare!

Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 844-716-2411.

(MCN) Life Alert. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.)

CALL 844-646-2333 FREE Brochure.

(MCN CANADA DISCOUNT PHARMACY. Save up to 80% off prescriptions. Eliquis, Flomax, Xarelto, Viagra, many more! Mention coupon code “NEWS10” to save $10 on your first order. Call 877-636-0750 (M-F 8am-midnight EST). (MCN)

Become a published author!

Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores.

CALL Christian Faith Publishing for your FREE author submission kit.

1-888-981-5761. (MCN) Eliminate gutter cleaning forever!

LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-5771268. Promo Code 285. (MCN) Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts.

Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 877-326-1608. (MCN) Put on your TV Ears and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59!

Call 1-855-958-5196. (MCN) The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-877381-3059. (MCN) Never Pay For Covered Home Repairs Again! Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE Months! 1-844-596-1237.

Hours Mon-Thu, Sun : 9:30 am to 8:00 pm Fri : 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (all times Eastern). (MCN) LONG DISTANCE MOVING: White-Glove Service from America’s Top Movers. Fully insured and bonded.

Let us take the stress out of your out of state move. FREE QUOTES! Call: 877-351-0672. (MCN) Wanted: Antique Bicycles from 1930’s-50’s. Deluxe or unusual models with horn tanks, headlights, etc. Also buying Schwinn Stingray bikes from 1960’s-70’s. Top prices paid. Will pick up anywhere. 309-6454623. (MCN)

PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — APRIL 16/APRIL 23, 2021

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

National sites are local too

R

ural Minnesota and Iowa are blessed with historic architecture and historic places.

Visiting them can be like taking a course in state history and architectural styles. Thanks to the creation of the National Register of Historic Places, established through federal legislation in 1966, community historians and preservationists have created a data base allowing anyone with access to an internet connection to locate registered historic places in their neighborhood.

For example, Cottonwood County, in southwestern Minnesota, has five designated sites — including the 1888 Isaac Bargen House in Mountain Lake; the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Omaha Railroad Depot in Westbrook; and the Jeffers Petroglyphs rock paintings near Jeffers.

There are several dozen registered historic places in Filmore County in southeastern Minnesota — including the Spring Valley Mausoleum, dating back to the early 20th century.

Allamakee County in northeastern Iowa has a number of interesting sites, including the Effigy Mounds National Monument and the Thomas Reburn Polygonal Barn.

Across the country there are 95,000 registered historic places. They range from ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds to residential homes and grand public buildings. There are also ship wrecks, battle fields, campsites, fountains, gazebos and grain elevators. Iowa has 2,300 sites and Minnesota has more than 1,700.

Most of the 14 sites in Douglas County in central Minnesota are in Alexandria, the county seat. The courthouse, built in 1895, is a grand Victorian red brick building with a magnificent tower full of windows. The building is fun to look at from the outside and it is open for public viewing. It’s located at 320 7th Ave. West.

The Douglas County Historical Society is located in a registered building at 1219 South Nokomis St. The home of Knute Nelson, former Minnesota governor and senator, was built in 1872 and remodeled in 1915. Although the house is on a busy street, it’s easy to imagine sitting on its big porches during quieter and simpler times. The museum is not open during the pandemic.

The 1903 Carnegie Public Library, now unoccupied, is one of the largest Carnegie libraries in central Minnesota. It was paid for by Andrew Carnegie and the people of Alexandria. Its Beaux-Arts architectural style was design by architect Henry A. Foeller. The Grand Central Station Terminal in New York City is in the same architectural style. The building is located at 7th Ave. West and Filmore.

Protection of historic places is not guaranteed by being on the National Register. There are tax incentives for preserving the building, however, and the added prominence can help with preservation. Wikipedia has an excellent state and county list of places for more information. v

Douglas County

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April 16/April 23, 2021 (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001

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© 2021

April 16/April 23, 2021 (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001