THE LAND ~ June 25, 2021 ~ Southern Edition

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Spraying and Praying Relief is spotty as many fields are begging for rain INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Dick Hagen reports from the World Pork Expo Hispanic farmer expands enterprise from humble beginnings Kent Thiesse runs down the latest PAP details ... and more!

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THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

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418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLV ❖ No. 13 28 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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I’ve learned to not ever utter, “I’ll never.” Chances are very high that I will in fact do the thing I have stated that I’ll never do.

I remember being a “parenting expert,” judging (inside my head) when a child had a temper tantrum on a plane and the parents seemed to be not in control of that little person. Fast forward to years LAND MINDS later as my heart now goes out to any

By Kristin Kveno parent on a plane with a screaming kid, as it’s tough to calm your child while so many of your fellow passengers’ judging eyes are on you.

“I never want a cat in the house.”

That was said multiple times over the years by my husband, Seth. He was raised with the animals outside — not in the house. Dogs were protectors of the farm and the kids that lived there, cats were professional mousers keeping the rodent population in check.

We are now the proud owner of a GIANT Maine Coon cat who has zero hunting instincts, except for getting the occasional dead bug. We haven’t actually tested the hunting prowess of Ole, our cat, as he’s strictly an indoor feline.

We have one daughter in particular who has adored cats since she was a toddler. Her first grade teacher asked Ole us to please get a cat, so that Lauren’s sentence of the day could then be about something different than wanting a cat. Lauren got plenty of time with the barn cats at her grandparents’ farm but she still desperately wanted one of her own.

Then one day Seth came across a Maine coon kitten that needed a home and the stubborn cat-outsideonly guy became an indoor cat owner.

Not only is Ole an inside cat, he’s a cat with one leg shorter than the other. See, this delicate cat, while a kitten a few years ago, ran under the couch. While doing so, he hooked his leg around the leg of the Toby and Claire couch, snapping his hip bone right off. The vet was able to re-attach his femur, but had to do so a little further up, thus his shorter leg.

OPINION

When we picked up Ole after his femur reattachment procedure, the receptionist at the vet clinic handed me some pain meds for Ole and a Ziploc bag with what she and I both thought was a large pill. I asked when he needed to take this, and she went back to check with the vet who informed her that it in fact wasn’t a pill, it was actually the head of Ole’s femur.

Apparently you get a souvenir to keep when you get that procedure done. We promptly threw the bone away. I didn’t want to chance it that Ole would swallow that thing and we’d end right back at the vet. This all happened two weeks after our daughter broke her wrist falling over a hurdle at a track and field meet, needing surgery complete with pins. That was a very, very pricey two weeks for the Kvenos.

Our sweet 18-year-old mutt Jack Kveno passed away last fall. For almost Jack’s whole life, Seth said that this will definitely be our last dog and I agreed with him as I wanted a lap dog and he wanted an outside pup. We agreed to disagree on that subject.

Well, meet Toby Kveno, our fivemonth-old Lhasa Apso/ Bichon Frise mix puppy. I got my lap dog and Seth got a small little buddy who loves to try to boss around cows — from a distance of course.

Named after Michael Scott’s most-hated employee, Toby Flenderson, from The Office, Toby is anything but hated in our family.

This lovable pooch is a sweet addition to our family, minus his car sickness antics.

Life is full of curve balls — some amazing, some heartbreaking; but just when you think you’ll never do something, you may very well end of doing it. BUT NOT THIS: My daughter is lobbying for a pet snake. That will NEVER happen …

I mean it this time!

Kristin Kveno is the staff writer of The Land. She may be reached at kkveno@TheLandOnline.com. v

THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Calendar of Events” — Check out • “E-Edition” — Archives of past The Land’s complete events listing issues of The Land

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

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Worker wages are not the cause of higher food prices After my first year at the Big U, I U.S. Department of Labor National returned to the southern Illinois dairy Agricultural Workers Survey, the “averfarm of my youth for a summer of work. age total income of farm workers is The first task, however, was to ask my between $15,000 to $17,499 a year for father to double my hourly pay from 50 individuals and $20,000 to $24,999 for a cents an hour — the amount I’d been family.” paid through high school — to $1 per That means, notes the survey, “... 25 hour. percent of all farm workers had a family “Well,” Dad said calmly, “a dollar an income below the federal poverty line.”

FARM & FOOD FILE hour is a man’s wage and I don’t see a This less-than-a-living wage reality for man standing in front of me.” Discussion

By Alan Guebert most farm and food workers points to over. another central truth in U.S. agriculFederal minimum wage that year ture: worker wages are not the central was $2 an hour; but no “hired man” (or, component of increased food costs evidently, “hired boy”) ever received that wage from despite Big Ag’s constant whining that they are. my father.

For example, in early June, the fast casual restauI didn’t make the same mistake the following rant chain Chipotle announced it was raising menu summer. After a month home at, again, 50 cents an prices four percent, or about 35 cents per order, to hour, I returned to the university to work at its pay for the company’s raising average worker wages dairy research farms for the fantastic wage of $2.10 from $13 to $15 per hour. an hour.

Two months earlier, Chipotle acknowledged that And my father? He encouraged it because hired its CEO, Brian Niccol, had earned $38 million in men (and even hired sons) back then were both 2020, or 31 times his $1.2 million base salary. plentiful and cheap. He also had the law on his side.

BusinessInsider.com did the math on Niccol’s pay.

Farmworkers were exempt from federal wage It “was 2,898 times more than the median Chipotle requirements. worker’s $13,127 salary in 2020 working 25 hours a Little has changed since. According to a recent week in Illinois.”

OPINION

Moreover, it continues, “A study from California State University San Bernardino found that for a minimum wage increase of 10 percent, food prices increased by just 0.36 percent” — or a fraction of the price hike Chipotle instituted because of “higher worker wages.”

The company is simply pocketing the lion’s share of the price increase as profit and blaming it on higher worker pay. Baloney.

If we’re talking baloney, cue Big Meat.

Once again, meatpackers are bellowing about how they must have less government oversight and more labor leeway to survive today’s pandemic-squeezed market.

In April, a federal judge told JBS USA, the global meatpacking giant, that it must slow kill floor line speeds at its Ottumwa, Iowa hog killing plant back to 1,106 hogs per hour. JBS had recently raised line speeds under a U.S. Department of Agriculture Oct. 2019 rule change. That rule, however, was contested in federal court.

More remarkable than the order to return kill speeds to just 1,106 hogs per hour, is how many federal politicians, led by Iowa’s Sen. Charles Grassley, rallied to restore unlimited kill speeds because, as See GUEBERT, pg. 4

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THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

The garden and life are synonymous — weeds and all All winter long I had been dreaming may not even be known to us — until, at about being outdoors and spending time some inopportune time, it will suddenly in my garden. Well, summer has finally expose itself. So many times I may be arrived for real. These weeks of 90-plus sharing my garden with others. It looks temperatures only confirms that summer clean, but all of a sudden there is this is here. It is time to put all that winter glaring ugly weed that somehow was ambition into action and enjoy the warm missed. So it is with us. sunshine.

Throughout the years, new plants are And so I am. Usually I just enjoy listenadded to the garden. Some I have FROM MY ing to the birds sing their praises, and let searched for, others just seem to find me FARMHOUSE my mind wander to wherever it wants to and are perfect for a specific location.

KITCHEN go: menus, people, writing. It is always Scripture is like that. Sometimes when

By Renae B. fluttering off somewhere — somewhat our souls are hungry or desirous for Vander Schaaf akin to the bumblebees buzz around the encouragement, direction or correction, Drumstick Alliums for a bit, then off to the we search the Bible for help. Other times, a verse Beardtongue/Penstemons. jumps out grabbing our attention.

But this season that old gospel song “Life Is Like Most of my plants are perennials, returning each A Mountain Railroad” just keeps playing in my spring. They are reliable and familiar. We all have mind. Railroads were quite significant when this our scripture passages we depend on to bring comsong was written and played a role in almost every- fort; or when rejoicing, the verses will just flow from one’s life. our heart.

Railroads conveyed people, livestock, food, dry On that same note, gardens will not thrive withgoods, farm machinery, and whatever was needing out water and nutrients. So too do we need spiritual transporting to destinations hither and yon. Since food which comes from reading and meditating on most of us have never ridden on a train, or loaded scripture, listening to sermons and worshiping with livestock to be taken to the Chicago Stockyards, we other believers. When that is neglected, we suffer. rather forget how the words of this song really corIt seems as though asparagus, cilantro and garlic related to life — and still do. like my flower garden spot. They pop up wherever I can hear the train whistle when I am weeding. It they want to. I leave them, as it is hard to weed out seems to me that there is much in the garden that food that may be needed someday. These plants also parallels life, too. remind me to sprinkle good deeds whenever, wherever possible throughout each day because someone Obviously, the weeds are easy to equate to sin in may be in need. many ways. Purslane is quite small at this time of the year and appears quite harmless. But … oh, It’s evident in the garden that there are seasons. how it spreads. Even so, a seemingly small sin can The crocus and tulips have finished their blooming. escalate and invade our whole being.

The peonies and lupines are in their prime now. As they fade away, the Monarda and Butterfly Weed A weed growing close to a plant is often hidden and overlooked until revealed through closer inspec- will burst forth in colorful bloom. tion; or it towers over the plant that it had been So it is with us. We are as grass, here today, gone using for cover. We may harbor hidden sins; or a sin tomorrow. The Bible tells us: “For all flesh is as

Because I mentioned this song, I suspect the tune is now in your mind.

Life Is Like A Mountain Railroad (from Hymnary.org) Life is like a mountain railroad, with an engineer that’s brave; We must make the run successful, from the cradle to the grave; Watch the curves, the fills, the tunnels; never falter, never quail; Keep your hand upon the throttle, and your eye upon the rail.

Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us, Till we reach that blissful shore; Where the angels wait to join us In Thy praise forevermore.

You will roll up grades of trial; you will cross the bridge of strife; See that Christ is your Conductor on this lightning train of life; Always mindful of obstruction, do your duty, never fail; Keep your hand upon the throttle, and your eye upon the rail.

You will often find obstructions; look for storms of wind and rain; On a hill, or curve, or trestle, they will almost ditch your train; Even if true (Grassely cited an Iowa State Put your trust alone in Jesus; never falter, never University source for the number) not even a nickel fail; of the money would flow to most hog farmers since Keep your hand upon the throttle, and your eye about 85 percent of all U.S. hogs are raised under upon the rail. contract for … wait for it, yes … meatpackers.

As you roll across the trestle, spanning Jordan’s As such, most — if not all — of any extra profit swelling tide, made through faster, more dangerous kill speeds You behold the Union Depot into which your train would flow to the packers, not the hog farmers or will glide; plant workers.

There you’ll meet the Superintendent, God the But that’s the way it’s been since … well, too long. Father, God the Son, With the hearty, joyous, plaudit, “Weary pilgrim, The Farm and Food File is published weekly welcome home!” through the United States and Canada. Past colRenae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, umns, events and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v

Workers won’t profit from new rules GUEBERT, from pg. 3 reported by DTN, Grassely claimed “slower line speeds could lead to a $23 per head decline in hog prices.”

Correction Well … there’s bad news and good news. The bad news is the dates for the Todd County Fair were incorrect in The Land’s County Fair Guide. The good news is, you haven’t missed out on this year’s Todd County Fair. The correct dates for the event are July 15, 16, 17 and 18. We apologize for any confusion we may have caused. Enjoy the fair.

grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” (I Peter 1:24,25 King James version)

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

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PAGE 5

Independence Day not exactly a holiday for Mom There is hardly a national holiday eat well 365 days of the year — often get it. We would make soft drink mix in two pitchers, which fits into a farmer’s schedule more so involved in their work they become then pack it all up — popcorn, bowls, glasses, pitchthan the Fourth of July. experts at dissecting and consuming shoe ers of soft drink mix, and sittin’ blankets. leather. Ketchup to a farmer is almost as For your average farmer who rarely has Unbelievably, all of it — and a family of nine — fit important to keep in the side holster as time to socialize because there is always into the car. We were skinnier then. his pliers. so much work to be done, this celebration It all got unpacked and distributed at the faircan rank high on the list of convenience Perhaps some of the wonder of the grounds. And for that short time, Mom’s life was one holidays because the main event happens Fourth of July has passed us by. But of leisure — enjoying the fireworks and some popafter dark. again, I’m now entering that era of peocorn if there was any left.

TABLE TALK ple who begin their stories with “…when Dark is just the right time for any But no great thing can last forever; so when it was

By Karen Schwaller I was growing up…” important summer celebration to begin. finished, it would all be packed up: this time an After all, by then the chores are usually Sometimes I wonder which generation empty garbage bag; all the metal bowls and glasses, finished, the hay is too damp to continue is harder of hearing. empty pitchers, blankets now laden with grass clipcutting, the livestock are content, and supper is usuI do remember Fourth of July holidays when I was pings, and the family — back in the car for the ally still warming on the stove or in the oven (from a kid. I would never take away from how hard my 30-minute drive home. Then it was brought back in which the rest of the family ate three hours previdad worked all year long to support a family of nine. the house by tired and perhaps surly kids by that ously).

He was never finished with his work before dark. hour, and unpacked again to be washed and put Ironically, farmers — who grow food and should And when us kids got old enough to play outside away the next day. after dark, rare were the days when Dad would stop She must have hit the pillow all those holidays in front of the shop and hit some balls with a bat for with the functioning brainwaves of a cantaloupe. us to catch.

Like I said, Dad worked hard every day of his life.

Those times seemed so very special.

But Mom worked hard too, and I’m pretty sure this But the Fourth of July for Mom as a farm wife holiday was one she may have opted to bypass altowas perhaps a Twilight Zone marathon on wheels. gether in exchange for a little quiet time alone at For her it was just more work, mostly. home for once, to let Dad ride herd over the noise and squabbles of seven kids like she did every day.

Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete It was our family tradition to climb into the staAnd yet we had no idea how obnoxious we were. calendar & enter your own events, or send an e-mail tion wagon and drive to the Plymouth County with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com.

Fairgrounds, where the fireworks took place. But in I think I understand now why — in her exasperaorder to first get into the station wagon, Mom had tion — she always threatened to get herself a oneJune 29 — Feedlot Forum — Sioux Center, some work to do. way ticket to France.

Iowa — Matt Deppe, CEO of Iowa Cattlemen’s We always went there with snacks and drinks, but Except it would be a mystery to us kids that she Association, is teaming up with Brad Kooima of not pre-packaged snacks and drinks like we might would go without us.

Kooima Kooima Varilek Trading, Inc., and Cora Fox, bring today. That would be far too expensive. Mom Iowa Cattlemen’s Director of Government RelaKaren Schwaller brings “Table Talk” to The Land would make supper and we would clean it all up. tions, to present “Regulatory Solutions to Cattle from her home near Milford, Iowa. She can be Then she would get the popcorn pan on the stove Marketing.” The program focuses on issues critical reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v and pop away until she filled a garbage bag full of to beef feedlot producers and cutting-edge technology available from agri-business professionals.

Contact Beth Doran at doranb@iastate.edu or (712) 737-4230.

June 30 — Soil Health Field Day — Stephen, MURRAY COUNTY urray ounty airgrounds layton Minn. — Research of on-farm soil data will be BELGIANS, PERCHERONS, CLYDESDALES & SHIRES shared. Field day is an opportunity to discuss soil Friday Evening Classes: 7:30 p.m. health practices and network with other land ownGATES OPEN: OPEN: Friday Evening Classes: GATES Classic Cart,Team, Jr. Driver Team, 7:30 p.m. Classic SeriesSeries Cart, Jr. Driver Jr. Driver Cart & Draft Team ers. Contact Katie Feterl at katie@sfa-mn.org. a.m.both both days days 99 am Jr. Driver Cart & Draft Team July 7-10 — Pipestone Sheep for Profit School Saturday: 10:00 A.M. Saturday: 10 a.m.

— Pipestone, Minn. — A professional manageFarm Team Demonstrations Farm Team Demonstrations south of the horse arena ment and business school for the sheep industry to south of the horse arena Admission: 10&&under under FREE Admission:$7/person; $7/person; 10 FREE help improve sheep management skills, increase Show Show Times: Sat.Sat. - 2 -p.m.; Sun. - -12:30 p.m. times: 2 p.m.; Sun. 12:30 profitability and form relationships in your business - combining lecture, group discussion and visits to area sheep operations. Contact Philip Berg at Philip.berg@mnwest.edu or (507) 825-6799.

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THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

World Pork Expo a hot time (literally) in Des Moines

By DICK HAGEN said no decision has been made yet on appealing the The Land Staff Writer Emeritus ruling of the slow down in line speeds — indicating the decision is up to the Solicitor General.

DES MOINES — The June 9-11 World Pork Expo at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines is “We’re encouraging the appeal of this decision,” indeed a showcase for virtually anything and everysaid Dierks. “We’re encouraging resolution to this thing going on in the swine industry. Yes, perhaps issue. The swine industry is enjoying good times the hottest three days in the event’s 33-year history. right now.”

Covid-19 wiped out the 2020 Expo. A nation-wide Said Dr. Hayes, “Six pork processing plants are curswine flu scare cancelled the 2019 event. However, rently operating at higher line speeds under the new 2021 was not to be denied. Thousands of producers USDA inspection system. Five have been operating listened and learned as hundreds of pork industry at these speeds for more than 20 years under the professionals collectively shared latest technologies, pilot program introduced during the Clinton admininnovations and networking opportunities. Plus, free istration.” pork luncheons were served each day. And the few capacity if the ruling stands.”

Three of the impacted plants are located near Iowa. beer tents could barely keep up with the herd!

But perhaps new thinking by the U.S. Department Hayes estimates this will cost producers $83.2 milSaid National Pork Producers Council President of Agriculture: During a press conference with report- lion via lower spot market prices with small hog Jen Sorenson, “We’re excited to be gathering for the ers this week, Agriculture Secreatary Tom Vilsack farmers likely to bear the brunt of the decision. v first time since 2018. This year, the show features more than 700 vendors representing companies from North America and around the world. And this year’s trade show will likely be the world’s largest pork-specific event.”

I’m always curious about what’s going on in this However, their government directed billions of Added Doug Fricke, Expo director of trade show dizzy world of agriculture. And when it comes to yuan (money) into new, intensive farms over the marketing, “This year’s show expanded to more than world pork production, there’s no better place to last year to rebuild the herd. Yes, under their 300,000 square feet plus more than 50 hospitality get educated than the recent World Pork Expo in totalitarian system, things can and do happen tents. Also, attendees could take part in 13 business Des Moines, Iowa. quickly in China. seminars informing on ecosystems, new production With the Expo drawing a true international Check this: China’s pig herd rose 23.5 percent in packages, climate neutrality and more.” audience, I wondered what the top producing May from a year earlier according to the Ministry Yes indeed, a virtual educational bonanza for any countries might be. of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The sow herd and all attendees. But stealing the chatter was the Perhaps being biased, obviously I was thinking increased 19.3 percent during the same period, March Federal Court ruling ordering six packing America would be the leader. Yes, China has reaching 98.4 percent of its population at the end plants to operate at slower speeds. Said to take effect always been big in swine producing because they of 2017.

July 1, these six would need to revert to their old are also the world’s most populated country. And According to Xin Guochang, an official with the speeds of 1,106 animals per hour. their people have a huge appetite for pork. But I agricultural ministry’s Animal Husbandry and Neil Dirks, CEO of the National Pork Producers was also aware a rare disease called African swine Veterinarian Bureau, “We can now say with comCouncil, calls this the most pressing issue for the fever had virtually decimated Chinese swine herds plete confidence that the original three-year mispork industry. He says recent studies have shown the past couple of years. sion for the restoration of pig production has been reductions of line speeds don’t improve worker safety However when it comes to current rankings look completed ahead of schedule.” like proponents claim. “And smaller producers will at this data: However, China is now urging its pig farmers to be most impacted.” be cautious. Live hog prices have plunged by 60

Rank Country 2018 Production According to Dr. Dermot Hayes, Iowa State percent since the start of the year and are cur (1,000 metric tons) University economist, “When plants have to cut back rently at an average of 14.68 yuan ($2.29) per on daily processing it creates chaos amongst produc 1 China 54,040 kiklogramme, lowest level in two years. This ers. Even with possible mandatory overtime to comcaught the market by surprise coming even before

2 European Union 24,300 pensate for lost capacity, our study showed the the herd fully recovered from the African swine 3 United States 11,942 industry will lose 2.5 percent of overall harvest fever outbreak that began in 2018.

4 Brazil 3,763 Pam Chenjun, senior analyst at Rabobank, said Surprised? I certainly was. China is rebuilding farmers are unlikely to respond to the government their swine industry. Their people are earning advice to hold onto pigs, with a supply shortage of more; demanding better food; and fortunately, hogs in the second half now likely.

America continues to be the number-one provider “At the moment there’s a kind of panic as prices of pork, beef, even dairy products to this hungry keep falling,” she said. “When there’s panic sellmarket. ing, many follow and that makes it worse.”

China’s huge hog herd (much to my surprise) Good advice to American hog producer’s also? produces about half of the pork consumed globally!

Perhaps so — especially in view of current U.S. Yet that huge production plunged 40 percent in swine markets.

But stay tuned … the entire U.S. 2019 official data shows after the deadly African farm market is topsy turvey these days. v swine fever virus swept through its farms.

Who leads in world pork production?

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

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PAGE 7

Iowa pork producer likes the look of swine’s future

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus DES MOINES — “The industry is very profitable right now … the best it’s been in many years.

Sustainability? I can’t really say. Nobody knows what’s going to happen. The consumer drives what takes place here. The pork industry has been real good about making changes as needed to keep up with consumer demand. They want quality and they want traceability with that product — even to the very farm that is producing the pork they are buying.”

My first interview at the World Pork Expo generated these comments from Iowa pork producer Dennis Gienger who was one of dozens of fellow pork producers serving free pork lunches at the expo.

Hailing from Webster County, Gienger complimented the pork industry. He’s been in it for 45 years and currently produces 8,000 animals per year. “I’m just a finish man,” he admitted. “Used to do the farrow to finish routine, but that has changed for many of us.

Today we just provide the facilities. We have six finishing barns and do 1,200 head in each. We’re still growing and intend to build some more barns. The hog industry has been my bread and butter; but its changed 180 degrees from what it was just a few years back. And it will keep changing. That’s what makes the Expo such a big deal for us guys and producers from around the world. This event always gives some clues as to who are the current shakers and doers.”

“If you’re going to adapt and follow, that’s why

Telling the story…

Giving a chance for rebuttal from the younger generation, I also spoke with Jason Geinger, son of Dennis Geinger.

Hagen: You’re 35 years old. How long have you been farming?

Jason: All my life. Probably 10 or 11 when I started with my Dad. And I’m pretty confident about the future of farming. Everyone needs to eat. And we have the most affordable pork of any country … and the safest also.

Hagen: Your Dad told me you guys are finishing 8,000 pigs per year. Who calls the shots on your feeding operation?

Jason: When you are a contract finisher you don’t have any say on the feeds. They adjust the feeding program according to pricing and the diets needed for the particular growth sequence of each batch of pigs.

Hagen: Does this incredibly hot weather impact the rate of gain and mortalities?

Jason: We’ve got extra fans cranked up in each facility. We’re sprinkling water on them all day.

Everything is automated … the side curtains are down. The pigs are comfortable. They don’t move around much. When it’s 95 degrees outside, it’s also 95 degrees inside — but always easy access to both feed and water. And the pigs are always in the shade because these are total confinement structures — no open pens or outdoor feeding. We have slat flooring in each pen so the pigs stay clean.

the soil. This eliminates the need for buying commercial fertilizers, which have become a growing expense for farmers.

Hagen: Things seem to be working great for you guys. Any changes ahead?

Jason: We’re always making some changes. And that’s the primary reason so many of us show up at this World Pork Expo. There isn’t a more convenient way to catch up on the very latest technologies — be that equipment, air quality ideas, nutrition improvements. Plus the incredible ‘pig talk’ we pork producers thrive on. There’s tremendous talent serving this industry and they’re all here.

So the fun part is picking and choosing.

For me, new technologies for the ventilation systems would be a priority. Plus, of course, what new automations are available. We’re looking at sensors that control humidity levels within each pen so that we can adjust fans individually within each building as needed … so we’re not running fans continuously for the entire building if we don’t need to.

Hagen: You’re here working at your big free pork feed starting at 11 a.m. How many do you expect to feed during this two-hour free lunch session?

Jason: We’re hoping to get 4,000 to 5,000 today.

We’ve got enough meat. Tomorrow, two other county pork producers take over offering different pork sandwiches. But because its pork, it will be delicious. In addition to the free pork sandwiches, additional munchies are provided — plus a chilled Hagen: How do you handle pig manure? bottle of water. Yep, it’s sort of a big deal; but Jason: Manure drops into the pit beneath each that’s one reason we’re here. Showing and telling building. Every spring and fall we pump out these the success story of the American swine industry v pits into our manure tanks and spread over our is what keeps us going. fields — digging this manure 6 inches deep into

we’re here feeding all these people. We want to put ourselves front and center of all these people so they can see what we are doing and relate the farmer to the product.”

Like many, Gienger’s operation grows enough corn to feed the 8,000 hogs he finishes each year. And like many, he’s not concerned about marketing the pigs.

“The hogs are all contracted through the guy that provides the pigs to us. We get 45-pound pigs and grow them to 300 pounds. All we do is just take care of the pigs. A few years back, 220 pounds was the market weight. Genetics, nutrition and handling facilities today have improved so much we can get our pigs to 300 pounds just as rapidly as it used to for a 220-pound pig. You just need larger boxes to put the cuts in.” (I like the sense of humor in these modern pork producers too!)

Yes, Gienger know the genetic traits of today’s pigs too. “You’ve got to have the white breeds for the mothering ability and the color breeds for the quality of the meat … the taste, the texture, the eating satisfaction. And that’s why the importance of genetics.

Litter size and ‘mothering ability’ comes from the white-skinned animals; carcass quality more a function of the colored breeds.”

Cost per pound of gain? It’s hard to nail a pork See GIENGER, pg. 8

PAGE 8

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THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

At age 71, Gienger isn’t about to call it quits GIENGER, from pg. 7 producer down these days on that score — simply because the scenario as they say keeps changing.

Instead, Gienger opted, “That’s changing constantly.

The good thing right now is the pig market is so strong right now. But on the other side, the corn market is pushing $7; soybeans trending the same direction. Soybean meal is over $400 a ton right now.

That’s takes a big chunk out of your profit. You’re still making money, but the ‘break even’ is changing daily.

“A year ago we were getting $80 a head for our pigs.

Today we’re getting $250 a pig. But the corn has doubled; soybeans have more than doubled.”

I asked Gienger how important is China to the U.S. hog industry?

He responded very directly: “China is important to U. S. agriculture big time. Their huge population is earning more; they want better foods — especially meats. I just wish they could be more trustworthy in what they do and what they say. However, that is the unique position of Iowa and this pork industry. We create the food … nobody can match what we do. As long as we have that power, America will survive.

But if we lose that power, its over for us!”

At 71 years of age, Gienger isn’t about to call it quits. “The farms been good to me,” he said. “I have a son and two other guys working with us. I have no plans to retire; maybe slowing down just a bit, but the farm has been good to me and the pork industry is thriving these days. So we keep right on getting and giving. That’s the beauty of agriculture — people willing to share and sustain.”

With 90 degree weather and little or no rain for nearly two weeks, how are his crops looking? Perhaps a typical farmer response, Gienger said, “Right now we’re looking good. But we looked good last year too — until Aug. 10 when that derecho wind storm hit and wiped out our corn crop. This year we had a perfect spring … got planted early, four-and-a-half inches rain in May. But it looks now like we’ll be using our subsoil moisture up in June rather than July and August. But Mother Nature usually responds.”

The Pork Checkoff rate is 40 cents per every $100 of the sale price. The U.S. pork industry has had a 100 percent checkoff program since 1986 when Congress created the checkoff as part of the Pork Promotion and Consumer Information Act of 1985.

Recalled Gienger, “It started at 25 cents … then got raised to 40 cents, but I’m okay with that. So those 300-pound pigs are costing me $1.20 per critter. It’s stabilized there now. The pork industry does a good job of spending our dollars — better than a lot of others and way better than our government.”

Since he brought up the government… Quickly Gienger said, “What’s going on right now is going to be devastating to our country. We can’t sustain the kind of spending this current president is demand-

ing. I thought it wouldn’t happen in my lifetime; but right now that debt will consume us and it may only be a matter of a few more years. When the debt gets so large you can’t pay it back, then the fight world-wide will be what monetary system takes control. It appears to me the only objective of the bureaucrats now running our country is that they end up con- Dennis Gienger trolling the money.

“This idea of taking the money from taxpayers and spreading it out to everyone will never happen.

There’s a reason the rich are rich. They’ve come to America; they do the American dream; they work hard, make money. I have no problem with that.

Everybody still has that chance today. It’s still out there. But thinking ‘big government’ knows how to make this work is simply becoming a big joke.”

Gienger has a 35-year old son helping with the

farm and pig operation, plus a 32-year old who is a police officer. He persists the future is still there for his family. “My grandson is 5 years old. He’s already looking like he wants to step into my shoes and hopefully that can happen — because his opportunity will be there. But that’s one thing about the current course of American agriculture: we’re losing so many people who could be good on agriculture’s side; but the ‘opportunity scale’ has been tipping against them in recent years. I think our education system is much to blame … and somewhat we farmers too — complaining about the challenges of agriculture and encouraging our kids get trained for other work.”

Perhaps surprising (at least to me) this well-spoken guy doesn’t have a lick of college education! Pardon my bias, but I figured he must have some Iowa State University training. “I got out of high school, did a little diesel training and then started farming.” v

Survey shows Iowa land rents up in 2021 AMES, Iowa — Most farmers in Iowa are seeing a significant increase in what they pay for land rents this year, according to a recent survey conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

According to the “Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2021 Survey,” which is conducted annually and available at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/homepage.html, rates have increased an average of 4.5 percent, an increase of about $10 per acre, for a total per-acre rent of $232.

Land considered to be “high quality” saw an average of a 3.9 percent increase, up from $257 per acre in 2020 to $267 in 2021. “Medium quality” land saw a 4.5 percent increase, from $223 per acre in 2020 to $233 in 2021, and “low quality” land is up 4.8 percent, from $188 per acre in 2020 to $197 in 2021.

“This is the first substantial increase in cash rents since 2013, when rents peaked and four years of declining rents and three years of relatively stable rents followed,” said Alejandro Plastina, associate professor in economics and extension economist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

One bright spot for farmers has been a significant increase in commodity prices since late 2020 and into 2021. But Plastina said it’s unlikely crop prices will be high enough to offset the income farmers will lose as recent government payments expire.

In 2020, about one-third of net farm income was supported by government payments. Much of this came from emergency funding and market disruptions caused by COVID-19.

“The (USDA) Economic Research Service is projecting a decline in net farm income this year, despite the increase in commodity prices,” Plastina said. “Corn and soybean prices are going up and are very high

compared to recent years, but for the whole farming operation, it’s very unlikely that prices will run up high enough to offset the loss of government payments.”

The 2021 cash rent survey is based on 1,363 usable responses from Iowans about typical cash rental rates in their counties for land producing corn and soybeans, hay, oats and pasture. Of these, 41 percent came from farmers, 33 percent from landowners, 11 percent from professional farm managers and realtors, 9 percent from agricultural lenders and 6 percent from other professions and respondents. Respondents indicated being familiar with a total of 1.5 million cash rented acres across the state.

As always, Plastina reminds farmers and the industry that the survey uses averages, and is meant to be a reference for decision making — not a blueprint.

“This survey should be use as a discussion starter and not as a price setter,” he said. “It provides something to share between landowners and tenants as they discuss whether the county averages make sense to them and why, and as indicated in the survey report, they should handle the negotiation in terms of the actual characteristics of the farm.”

Plastina said he’s hopeful the number of survey participants will increase next year, as the state and country move beyond Covid-19 and return to business as usual. To be included in the survey, send him an email at plastina@iastate.edu.

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

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

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

PAGE 9

Danish swine genetics making their way to the U.S.

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus DES MOINES — Yes, the World Pork Expo provides great opportunities for snoopy ag writers like me to learn.

For example, my chance meeting with Ramon Martinez, a Canadian working the DanBred exhibit at the Expo. He told me some very intelligent Danish swine breeders — through intensive genetic progeny studies — had developed a new strain delivering upwards of 18 to 20 pigs per farrowing.

“And soon, European swinesmen were clamoring to get this new genetics into their hog production systems,” Martinez told me.

Soon this ‘new bloodline’ showed up in Latin America in places like Colombia, Mexico, Chile and Argentina. “Next was to bring this new genetics to North America via Canada and proper quarantine. Then into North Dakota and Minnesota. We’re looking to establish a nucleus to start re-building new herds in eastern Canada and our benchmark states here in North America.”

At the Expo, Martinez said, “Because of heat conditions we were expecting small attendance. But this first day is exceptional. And I’m learning interest in our new DanBred swine line is great too.

Because the profit cycle is good right now in the swine industry and Covid issues are now behind us, hog farmers appear to be gearing up for bigger herds, more produc- Ramon Martinez

Photo by Dick Hagen

DanBred’s booth at the World Pork Expo was loaded and ready to receive interested customers.

seven farrowings are also common in this new DanBred breeding.”

Martinez also told me Danish law outlaws total confinement production.

Instead, open pen housing is mandated in Denmark.

So do these significant advances in production efficiencies of the new genetics have any impact on pork quality?

“None whatsoever,” Martinez responded, and no change in muscle mass vs. fat content of the pig carcass.

I asked Fred Segrid, DanBred Manager-Americas, what precipitated this new breeding line within your company?

“Improvement is the obvious answer,” David Nicolai, and local Extension Segrid replied. “We first talked this Educator Nathan Drewitz. change at the 2015 World Pork Expo.

The field location is about 2 miles south of Albany on Highway 41 and half a mile east on 330th Street on the south side of the road.

Pre-registration is not required but In All We Do, Farm Friendly Since 1924 helps with planning. For more inforWe Do It Right! mation and to pre-register, contact – Aggregates – Grove Removal Drewitz at (608) 515-4414 or by email – Building Pads – Hauling at ndrewitz@umn.edu.

– Demolition – Site Grading This article was submitted by – Ditch Cleaning – Terraces University of Minnesota Extension. v – Farm Drainage – Equipment Sales & Service tion.

“Hog people knowledgeable about swine genetics in Europe recognize the DanBred name,” Martinez went on to say. “I visited Denmark three months ago. I was impressed … they are now talking 43.5 weaned pigs per sow per year. That’s an improvement in litter size of 22 to 23 pigs per farrowing. Yes, a small decrease in birth weight of these piglets; but look at the bonus of more piglets. Four to five farrowings per lifetime is normal. But now, six to

Weed Management Field Day FOLEY, Minn. — Plan to attend the Weed Management Field Day July 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at 22760 330th St Albany, Minn. This field day will address corn and soybean weed management concerns facing growers in Central Minnesota. Topics covered will include weed identification, herbicide best management practices, and a plot tour of both the corn and soybean weed management plots.

Presenters for the day will be University of Minnesota Extension Weed Scientist Debalin Sarangi, Regional Extension Educator for Crops

Yes, this involved hundreds of trials; thousands of comparisons of various genetic blood lines. But big news at this expo: We’ve got 900 females just out of quarantine in Ontario Province, Canada now heading for our new nucleus system at Crosby, N.D. Plus, 100 boars also just cleared quarantine and arrived yesterday at our Bricelyn, Minn. facility. These are the first animals directly from Denmark into the United States in nearly 20 years!

Segrid said the hogs had been in quarantine for about four months.

“They’re weighing close to 350 pounds.

Give them about four weeks to settle in and they’re ready to go to work. Then we’ll start collecting semen offering to current DanBred producers in both Minnesota and North Dakota, plus of course additional commercial swine producers wanting to check us out.

Is this new bloodline likely to replace current genetics with your producers?

“Our Canadian/U.S. venture started with imported some boars from Denmark in the mid-1990s and they did very well. Evaluated in the National Swine Registry, these boars ranked 1, 2, 3 and 4. Yes, they did quite well. At that time DanBred had a business relationship with a Nebraska group called DanBred North America. That business broke down in 2012. That company turned into DNA which has done very well. But then, another group from Denmark came here with another new Danish line. So this is a new DanBred line — but the ‘children’ of previous generations were already well known here in the U.S. Since then, genetic progress within the DanBred Company has been considerable. World-wide, they are a reliable breeder — particularly within the Duroc lines. So, yes … I think this new genetics will gain rapid acceptance everywhere.” v

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PAGE 10

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THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

USDA begins contacting swine producers this month America’s swine health study census has taken place in agriculture since 1983. It has a tremendous impact on perspectives of livestock health in the United States. Conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, this study takes an indepth look at livestock operations, their management and their health. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service oversees the National Animal Health Monitoring System. NAHMS works with the National Agriculture Statistics Service to collect the data and evaluate it.

The National Animal Health Monitoring System NAHMS was formed to collect, analyze, and disseminate data on animal health, management and productivity across the United States. The NAHMS team conducts national studies on the health and health management of U.S. livestock populations.

U.S. livestock commodity groups, along with the people who work within the industries, use the NAHMS information to meet their information needs.

NAHMS teams conduct species studies on a rotating schedule. They first collected swine data in 1990, followed by studies again in 1995, 2000, 2006, and 2012. In 2007 they collected information about swine raised in small-scale operations. In the years between these swine studies, they are learning more about health management in dairy, beef, sheep, equine, goats, bison, cervids and aquaculture. Each species is on a rotating schedule which implements a study every five to six years on average.

Data collected from previous swine studies can easily be found on the internet at the NAHMS website. The NAHMS Swine Studies website contains data from all previous NAHMS swine studies, and tremendous information which has been analyzed and distilled to illustrate changes in the swine industry from study to study. Data collected in these studies is strictly confidential and used to generate scientifically based and statistically valid national estimates which can be used for education, research and policy development.

NAHMS Swine in 2021 The 2021 NAHMS Swine Study was originally scheduled for launch in the summer of 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic and its affiliated effects on the US pork industry necessitated postponement of the study to summer of 2021. In preparation for the study launch, USDA-APHIS has been sending out announcements, collaborating with state Departments of Agriculture and university Extension programs to get the word out.

The actual swine study will be conducted in three phases from July 2021 through January 2022. In June 2021, selected producers will be mailed a letter describing the study and be provide a questionnaire to be completed and returned. Selected producers who do not respond will be called by a NASS representative to arrange a convenient time to com-

UniversityofMinnesota

EXTENSION

SWINE &U

plete the questionnaire via telephone interview.

Participation in the study is voluntary and confidential.

The privacy of every participant is protected, and only those people collecting study SWINE & U data know the identity of

By Diane DeWitte respondents. No name or contact information will ever be associated with individual data, and no data will ever be reported in a way that could reveal the identity of a participant. After the survey is complete, data are presented only in an aggregate or summary manner.

Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii, and six small urban states in the northeastern United States are the states who do not have a large population of small enterprise swine farms.

Large Enterprise Study — This survey will take an in-depth look at U.S. swine operations with 1,000 or more pigs. Approximately 2,700 swine farms will be selected from 13 states. These states, Minnesota, Iowa, North Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma represent 90 percent of the U.S. hog operations with 1,000 or more pigs.

The objectives of this large study were developed through discussion and surveys within the swine industry, including focus groups populated with representatives from the National Pork Board, the The study will provide data which National Pork Producers Council, and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. Much of the can be used by researchers and information collected in this survey will assist the private enterprise to focus on swine industry in disease management and preparedness health issues — both large and strategies to protect the swine industry. small. It will also help identify eduThis study of large pig farms will describe current cational needs related to health U.S. swine production practices related to housing, and production on small and large productivity, biosecurity, and morbidity and mortaliswine farms. ty prevention. The study will help determine the producer-reported prevalence of select pathogens in Not a “one size fits all” kind of study weaned market pigs; and describe antimicrobial The 2021 NAHMS Swine Study has been develstewardship and use patterns. The study will also oped to address two specific types of pig farms. evaluate the presence of select economically imporDivided into the “Small Enterprise Study” and the tant pathogens and characterize isolated organisms “Large Enterprise Study” the two will collect differ- from biological specimens. ent types of information based on the size of the Epidemiologist Charles Haley of USDA-APHIS operation. recently discussed the upcoming swine health study Small Enterprise Study — In contrast, this study and its value to producers and researchers during a will collect data from swine operations with fewer University of Minnesota Extension swine podcast than 1000 pigs. The NAHMS team hopes to learn with Extension Educators Sarah Schieck Boelke more about the swine health and management prac- and Diane DeWitte. He emphasized the important tices used on these farms and the alternative marmedical information which can be gathered from keting strategies they implement. large swine producers across the country. “In addition to combating misinformation, the large enterSmall enterprise swine production is a growing prise study is useful in resource planning should sector of the U.S. swine industry because it’s a primary supplier of many niche-market products. This the worst happen, so that USDA knows what’s out there and can plan for allocating resources in the industry segment is very diverse, and the study event of a large disease outbreak.” hopes to learn more about small-farm health and production practices, animal movement and mortaliHaley also spent time discussing the important ty on small pig farms, and contrast the differences details of small-farm or niche-marketed pig farm between small and large pig operations. data which USDA hopes to collect this summer.

For the small swine enterprise study, 5,000 swine “Previously we called swine producers ‘small’ when they were less than 100; but it was suggested to us operations from 38 states will be asked to particithat a better representative inventory would be less pate. Interestingly, these 38 states account for 95 percent of the U.S. pig farms with fewer than 1,000 than 1,000”. Haley shared the small enterprise pigs. North Dakota, Wyoming, New Mexico, See SWINE & U, pg. 19

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

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

PAGE 11

Drought is putting wheat, alfalfa crops in peril Mark Wettergren, Blair Hoseth,  St. Peter, Minn.  FROM THE Mahnomen, Minn. — — June 18 June 17

“Dry.” That’s how Blair Hoseth summed up the field conditions when The Land spoke with him on June 17. A half an inch of rain fell on June 11.

That was just enough moisture for Hoseth to then re-seed 80 acres of soybeans. The re-plant was necessary due to dry conditions initially at planting this spring.

The first cutting of alfalfa yielded half of what Hoseth usually gets. The bugs seem to love the dry conditions. “They moved in by the hoards.” Hoseth has now sprayed the alfalfa fields. Looking at those fields, Hoseth is concerned about the second cutting of alfalfa if rain is still in short supply.

“Very little chance of rain.” The temperature on the Hoseth farm have been unseasonably warm with plenty of days in the 80s and 90s. “Now we’re dropping back into a more normal weather pattern.”

Hoseth isn’t panicking but he is concerned about what he’s seeing in the fields. “I’m not saying it’s a disaster yet.”

He sees the stress from the lack of rain in the wheat. There are fields of wheat that are substantially below average. One field is headed out already. “If this keeps up, we’ll be harvesting wheat at the end of July.” Last time he saw wheat like this was in 1988, that was the year that Minnesota recorded its worst drought ever.

“Everything is dependent on rain. That is what everyone is concerned about.” v

FIELDS

Compiled by KRISTIN KVENO, The Land Staff Writer

Wertish, Olivia, Minn. — Steve June 17 “Things right now this time of morning look wonderful.”

The Land spoke with Steve Wertish on the morning of June 17. He reported that by the afternoon some of the crop start to look rough due to the lack of moisture.

Wertish likes what he sees in the sugar beet fields. “They are beautiful.” With the long taproot, the crop doesn’t need much water.

The soybean rows are now closed. “They are limping along.” Wertish has been doing some spraying of Enlist herbicide in the bean fields.

The late-planted edible beans have taken the biggest hit with the drought.

The corn is currently at the 10-leaf stage. Its growth is slower than it should be at this time. Wertish is concerned that the yield is already taking a hit because of the lack of rain. “I would definitely call it a drought, it’s real.”

There’s a 60 percent chance of rain late Saturday, early Sunday morning. He’s crossing his fingers that rain is finally on its way.

Wertish will continue to monitor the bean fields for weeds. He’s hauling beans from the bins right now and expects to be done with that in four to five days. He will scout all his fields — keeping a close eye on any potential problems that could pop up. What he does hope that pops up is some nice rains — and soon! v

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“We need a drink.” The Land spoke with Mark Wettergren on June 18 as he reported things are getting mighty dry out in the fields. “A week ago today we had a half an inch.” That’s all the rain that fell in the past few weeks.

“The beans are starting to show stress.”

Wettergren reported that where the ground is a little heavier soil, the crops are faring better.

The corn is starting to close rows. “The corn looks good.” Though the crop is dealing with the lack of rain as well. “When we had those hot days, the corn was protecting itself — curling up.”

Wettergren would like to spray the beans after a good rain. He hopes to get to do that the last week of June. He expects that it will take two to three days to get all the beans sprayed.

Looking on the bright side, Wettergren noted he hasn’t had to mow the lawn. He is spending quite a bit of time watering his garden though.

With rain in the forecast, some respite from the incessant heat, Wettergren is hoping better growing days are ahead. Who knows, maybe that lawnmower will get a workout mighty soon! v

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PAGE 12

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THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

Garcia brothers built successful farm from scratch

By TIM KING “I couldn’t farm without the The Land Correspondent plastic mulch or the irrigation from the drip line hoses,” Javier LONG PRAIRIE, Minn. — said. “It is the growing system Before the recent heat wave, sevthat most vegetable growers use eral days of freezing tempera— even the certified organic one tures passed through central like Agua Gorda.”

Minnesota. The cold hit the Agua Gorda farm hard.

The Agua Gorda farm consists of 50 acres owned by Javier and “We lost 1,500 cucumber plants his brother Jose, and several to the frost,” Javier Garcia, who adjacent acres rented from the has been farming here since towns’ industrial park.

2012, said in Spanish.

“We rent from the city so we Garcia has a homemade germican get our irrigation water,” nation chamber in one of his Javier said. “Our water bill is three high tunnel hoop houses, pretty big; but we’ve been unable warmed by an old milk house to drill a well here.” heater and lit by off-the-shelf fluorescent lights which he uses Agua Gorda’s relationship to germinate fussy seedless with Long Prairie goes back to watermelons. After the unseathe early days of its planning. sonal frost, he immediately seedDuring the winter of 2011-12, ed some flats of cucumbers, Jaime Villalaz, of the Latino popped them into the germinaEconomic Development Council, tion chamber, and within a little held a number of meetings with over two weeks had a new batch Latinos interested in forming a Photo courtesy of the Long Prairie Chamber of Commerce farming cooperative. A group of of seedlings to transplant.

The Garcia family named their farm Agua Gorda after a town in Mexico. people, including the Garcia “The harvest will be a little brothers, were interested and later than I expected,” he said. area come from, has nine acres of vegetables and vine they agreed to test their ideas out in the 2012 growGarcia, who came with his family from the fruit crops. That adds up to many dozens of 280-foot plas- ing season on four community garden plots. The groves of California in 2000, sets out his plants using tic mulch covered rows of growing transplants. gardens were operated by Long Prairie’s Economic a tractor-pulled, two-person transplanter. As it slow- Under all the plastic film are one inch in diameter Development Authority. Villalaz helped the new ly moves forward, the transplanter punches a hole in hoses with a pin hole every foot. farmers organize as a cooperative and found them the three-foot wide raised bed covered with black an experienced farmer, plastic mulch. With a hole in the mulch, a rider drops named Rodrigo Calla, to a plant in. The machine firms the transplant up, and consult with. finally waters it from the tank mounted on the back.

The 2012 growing season A crew member walks behind the transplanter lookwas a success and, in 2013, ing for holes that were missed.

Agua Gorda rented several Agua Gorda, which is named after the town in the acres in a flood plain owned Mexican State of Michoacan many immigrants is this by the Development Corporation. In 2015 they expanded again by purchasing the 50 acres adjacent to the D evelop ment Corporation. By then, all the co-operative members (except the Garcia brothers) had decided that farming wasn’t for them.

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See AGUA GORDA, pg. 13

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PAGE 13

Garcia learned to set up markets in advance the hard way AGUA GORDA, from pg. 12 In 2019 the Garcia family, and Agua Gorda, was named Todd County farm family of the year by the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

Reflecting on the early years of Agua Gorda, Javier recalls that they grew five different crops in 2012. Now they are growing around 15 different crops. In 2013, when they moved to the larger piece of rented land, Jaime Villalaz helped them arrange for a contract to sell tomatillos to La Loma, a Twin Cities tamale maker. At that time, however, most of their crops were still grown on speculation.

“I remember one year we grew a lot of very nice cucumbers but we didn’t have customers for them,” Javier says. “There was a whole pickup load of cucumbers and they were just garbage. That was very hard.”

Now Javier won’t grow anything without Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota an order. This year he’s got orders for everything from Romaine lettuce to Roma toma- Javier Garcia and his family were honored in 2019 as Todd County’s Farm Family toes to watermelon. And, of course, cucum- of the Year. bers.

Most of the produce grown by Agua Gorda is sold through Shared Ground Farmers’ Cooperative in the Twin Cities. Rodrigo Calla helped create that connection and Agua Gorda has been a member of the cooperative for four years.

In the early years Agua Gorda bought a lot of their transplants. Now Javier grows all of the farm’s seedlings and direct seeds a few crops, like cilantro and radishes, in one of the high tunnels. He also sells a few seedlings.

Javier has learned a lot over the years but he still places a call to his mentor, Rodrigo Calla, from time-to-time.

“I’ve been lucky to have a very good teacher,” he said.

Like any farmer, Javier is always dreaming of new projects. Lately, he’s been thinking how he could use his non-cultivated acres to raise some calves. In addition to growing produce at Agua Gorda, Javier manages the calves for Double Eagle Dairy near Clarissa, Minn. v

Project to measure the cost or benefit of conservation practices Three Stearns County dairy farmers have experienced improved environmental impacts and lower financial costs while implementing conservation practices on their farms. Steve Schlangen, Tim Kerfeld, and Tom Gregory grow crops and milk cows on their farms in central Minnesota and a recent report showcases their data.

All three farmers are part of a Return-onInvestment study led by the Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership to explore the connections between conservation practices and profitability. Each farmer has been analyzing different costs and revenue for their farms with instructors through the Farm Business Management program. They also worked with Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District to track the environmental benefits of the practices they use.

All three farmers are motivated to improve water quality and ensure that their land is healthy when they pass it on to their children. They are all optimistic that conservation practices are a sound approach to maintain their livelihood which is dependent on

rich, fertile soils. “I think conservation is important because we want our land to be here for the next generation,” shares Steve Schlangen. “We raise our family on this farm, and we want to make sure the water is safe to drink and that the water going downstream is as clean as possible. We try to do practices that improve all that.”

Each farmer continues to explore new practices — such as buffer strips, cover crops, and manure stacking slabs — using data in their decision-making about what to try. “If you’re not changing with the times, you’re sitting still,” says Tim Kerfeld. “And nowadays, you have to keep moving.”

On average, the three farmers in this study had greater environmental and financial performance compared to regional benchmarks. The recently released report analyzed financial and environmental data from the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons.

Averaged across crop enterprises, farmers had a 21 percent higher gross return as well as 23 percent higher crop yield, with 12 percent lower production costs. Farmers built soil carbon and had 79 percent

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less soil erosion compared to regional benchmarks.

The farmers suggest testing new practices on a small piece of land and talking with neighbors already employing these practices to learn more.

Finding a trusted specialist or farmer is the best way to learn about new practices and determine what might work for your operation. “I don’t see different types of conservation practices coming to an end,” says Steve Schlangen. “I think there are always ways that we can improve, and I think that as farmers we need to keep improving, not just to protect the environment but to protect our bottom line and stay in business.”

This project continues this summer and is scalable depending on availability of future funding.

This article was submitted by the Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership. v

PAGE 14

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THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

USDA announces additional pandemic assistance On June 15, USDA announced addi2020. The payment eligibility for crops tional aid to farmers and other agriculwas based on the same criteria which tural entities as part of the Pandemic was used for the 2020 CFAP 2 payments.

Assistance to Producers (PAP) program.

Some cattle producers also received an In March of 2021, USDA authorized up to additional PAP payment earlier this year, $12 billion for the PAP program as part based on the cattle inventory numbers of the overall $900 billion Consolidated submitted for CFAP 1 eligibility in 2020.

Appropriations Act which was passed by This “top-up” CFAP payment was basicalCongress late in 2020. USDA utilized the ly a doubling of the original 2020 CFAP 1 FARM PROGRAMS payments, with payment rates depending latest round of PAP program funding to especially target farmers and ranchers on the size and type of cattle.

By Kent Thiesse who did not previously qualify for Noticeably missing in the latest aid through other coronavirus assisPAP program assistance announced tance programs; as well as to assist

by USDA was the additional “topbeginning, socially disadvantaged, up” payment of $17 per head to hog and small-to-medium sized farm operations. producers who had previously applied for and Following is a brief summary of the information received a CFAP 1 payment in 2020. Hog producers from USDA regarding the latest round of PAP proinitially received a CFAP 1 payment of $17 per gram payments: head, so the additional payment would raise the Support for dairy farmers and dairy processors — total payment to $34 per head. The additional “topup” CFAP payments to hog producers apparently is $400 million is earmarked toward the new “Dairy still under review by USDA and there was no Donation Program,” designed to address food inseupdate on the status of these payments. For the latcurity and mitigate food waste and loss. Additional est details on many of these programs, farmers pandemic payments will be available to dairy proshould contact their local Farm Service Agency ducers who have demonstrated losses which were office or refer to the following web site: https://www. not covered by previous pandemic assistance profarmers.gov. grams. Also, approximately $580 million has been set aside for “Supplemental Margin Coverage” to Update on 2019 WHIP+ and QLA program paysmall and medium sized dairy operations. No ments details were released on how this will be adminisUSDA also recently announced the authorization tered by the USDA. of more than $1 billion in additional 2019 payments through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Assistance to poultry and livestock producers left Program (WHIP+) and for payments to producers out of previous rounds of pandemic payments — that qualified under the Quality Loss Adjustment Financial assistance will be made available to con(QLA) program. Many farmers in southern tract growers of poultry who were impacted by the Minnesota and other areas of the upper Midwest coronavirus pandemic. (Note: In the USDA were eligible to receive the additional WHIP+ payannouncement, there was no mention of additional assistance to contract hog producers or contract pro- ments, due to significant crop losses which resulted from late planting and excessive rainfall in 2019. ducers of any other livestock entities.) The USDA will also provide assistance to poultry and livestock Most eligible producers who applied had already received their 2018 Whip+ payments and the first producers who were forced to euthanize animals half of eligible 2019 WHIP+ payments. The funding during the pandemic from March 1, 2020, through for the second half of the 2019 WHIP+ payments Dec. 26, 2020. was authorized in the COVID relief bill passed by Other PAP program provisions — $700 million is Congress in late 2020. Following are the details on dedicated to biofuel producers to offset the market the latest WHIP+ and QLA payments: loss during the pandemic in 2020. $700 million will P+ payments — Producers who were eligible for be made available for “Pandemic Response Safety WHIP+ for the 2019 crop year and have already Grants” which are targeted toward specialty crop received 50 percent of the eligible payment are now growers, meat packers and processors, seafood receiving a second WHIP+ payment on 2019 crop industry workers and others for PPE equipment, losses. No additional WHIP+ application was necessupplies and other measures. An additional $200 sary, and no new applications were accepted. The million has been set aside for small, family-owned second payment is 40 percent of the total eligible timber harvesting and hauling businesses. Up to 2019 WHIP+ payment, bringing the total 2019 $20 million is planned for additional organic costWHIP+ payment to 90 percent of the eligible share assistance, including for producers who are amount. (Example --- $10,000 total 2019 WHIP+ transitioning to organic production. payment eligibility; $5,000 paid earlier; $4,000 paid Earlier this year, eligible crop producers received now, and $1,000 remaining to be paid). The second an additional $20 per acre PAP program payment 2019 WHIP+ payment was reduced by USDA to (so-called “CFAP 3 payments”) as part of the panassure adequate funding exists to make the paydemic assistance aid authorized by Congress in ments. If sufficient funds are available, a third and

MARKETING

final WHIP+ payment may occur.

Producers with eligible 2018 crop losses already received the entire 2018 WHIP+ program payment.

WHIP+ payments for 2020 crop losses, including the devastating Derecho storm in Iowa and surrounding states, was not included in the latest announcement by USDA. Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) payments — The QLA payments are for crop and forage producers who suffered quality losses due to the natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. The application period for the QLA program was from January 6 through April 9 of this year.

Producers who qualified for QLA assistance will receive 100 percent of the eligible payment amount.

The maximum payment limit a person or legal entity may receive through the QLA program in a given year is $125,000. Persons or entities with an adjusted gross income exceeding $900,000 are not eligible for QLA benefits unless 75 percent or more of the adjusted gross income is derived from farming and ranching.

All producers receiving WHIP+ or QLA benefits are required to purchase federal crop insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program cover for the next two available crop years at the 60 percent or higher coverage level. For most crops, this requirement can be met by purchasing USDA Risk Management Agency Revenue Protection insurance policies which are offered through local crop insurance agents.

For more information refer to the USDA WHIP+ website at: https://www.farmers.gov/recover/whip-plus.

PPP loan program ended In late May, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced loan applications for the Paycheck Protection Program were being discontinued. SBA had previously announced a PPP application deadline May 31, 2020. However, all allocated PPP loan fund had been exhausted prior to the deadline.

If eligibility requirements are met, PPP loans may be forgiven by the SBA. Many first round PPP loans and some second round PPP loans have already been forgiven. The application for forgiveness of PPP loans for farmers and other small businesses is administered through the local banks and ag lenders which originally submitted the PPP loan to SBA. More details on PPP loan applications are available on the SBA website at: www.sba.gov/.

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

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

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PAGE 15

Heat and feed costs taking a toll on dairy operations This column was written for the marthe week but 28.25 cents above a year keting week ending June 18. ago. Only two cars were sold on the week.

Mid-June dairy prices weakened and n the week was lean on fodder for the marThere’s plenty of uncertainty in the kets. The most anticipated report, May markets and, even as concern mounts in Milk Production, was to be released June the United States over growing inflation, 18 after the markets has finished tradthe U.S. dollar has strengthened considing, but was delayed until June 21 in erably, which is not a good sign for observance of the Juneteenth federal holexports — especially powder.

MIELKE MARKET iday, as federal offices were closed. Many WEEKLY Milk production typically peaks at this expect a sizeable gain in milk output time of year, but StoneX Dairy reminds from May 2020.

By Lee Mielke us that component levels typically fall.

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange Components are indeed following cheddar blocks closed June 18 at seasonal trends, says StoneX, but $1.4925 per pound, down three-quar“We are seeing levels at a surplus to ter cents on the week and $1.1575 where they stood at this time over the last couple of below a year ago. The barrels finished at $1.5425, years. High volume as well as higher than normal down 13 cents (the lowest since April 6), 74.25 cents component percentages means we can stretch an below a year ago, and 5 cents above the block. There already ample supply of milk even further to meet were 14 sales of block on the week and 42 of barrel. production demands.”

Milk remains plentiful in the Midwest despite Thankfully, consumers are chewing through a lot temperatures hitting the 90 degree mark, according of dairy products. Matt Gould, editor and analyst of to Dairy Market News. Some cheesemakers said the Dairy and Food Market Analyst, reported details plentiful was an understatement, and are operating in the June 21 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast, creditat maximum capacity. The block-over-barrel price ing food service sales shooting higher as we inversion is viewed by many as an indicator of mar- reopened our country from the Covid-driven disasket stability. ter of a year ago, even though retail sales have fallRetail and food service cheese demand in the west en some. Global sales also did well, he said, in part held steady this week. Export demand increased, from Asian countries and their belief that dairy particularly from Asian markets, as prices fell. products help improve immunity.

Cheesemakers are running full schedules to take Disappearance comparisons to a year ago may advantage of the available milk, says Dairy Market seem a little out of whack, he said, because last year News. people were going to grocery stores instead of resButter closed the week at $1.785 per pound, down taurants but, starting with butter; in the three 0.75 cents and 6.5 cents below a year ago, on 17 months ending in April, sales were up about 2 persales. cent from a year ago and up 13 percent compared to two years ago.

Midwest butter producers are staying busy as cream is plentiful. Retail demand has slowed but is Cheese had a similar story. American type cheese meeting seasonal expectations. Some butter plant was up 8 percent compared to a year ago and up 6 managers continue to say that food service sales are percent from two years ago as restaurants were better than expected. reopening and stocking up on dairy products.

Plenty of cream is available in the West though At the same time, U.S. exports have been phenomcontacts report that widespread transportation enal, seeing the highest levels in years, if not record issues were creating delivery delays. Lots of cream highs, on whey and milk powder. Whey exports the is flowing into Class II and III production to suppast three months were up 28 percent from a year port growing cream cheese demand and steady to ago, as was skim milk powder, he said. strong ice cream orders. Retail demand remains soft n but food service orders are healthy. Dine-in restricSpeaking of the international market, powder and tions were lifted in California this week, and contacts expect that will provide an additional boost to butter pulled this week’s Global Dairy Trade lower.

The weighted average fell 1.3 percent — the largest demand in the next few weeks. decline since March 16. It follows a 0.9 percent drop Grade A nonfat dry milk fell to $1.25 per pound on June 1 and was the fifth consecutive decline. on June 17 (the lowest since April 21), but closed The losses were led by whole milk powder, down the next day at $1.265, down 3.5 cents on the week 1.8 percent, following a 0.5 percent decline on and 23.25 cents above a year ago. There were 19 June 1. Skim milk powder was down 1.7 percent sales reported on the week. after falling 0.5 percent last time. Butter was CME dry whey fell to 59.25 cents per pound on down 1.7 percent, following a 5.4 percent decline June 16 (the lowest since March 12), but closed on June 1.

June 18 at 61 cents per pound, down 1.75 cents on

MARKETING

Anhydrous milkfat inched 0.6 percent higher after slipping 0.8 percent. Lactose was up 0.4 percent after slipping 1.6 percent, and GDT cheddar inched 0.2 percent higher, following a 0.5 percent rise.

StoneX equated the GDT 80 percent butterfat butter price to $2.0408 per pound U.S., down 3.5 cents, and compares to CME butter which closed June 18 at $1.785. GDT cheddar, at $1.9632, was up fractionally, and compares to June 18’s CME block cheddar at $1.4925. GDT skim milk powder averaged $1.5222 per pound, down from $1.5491, and whole milk powder averaged $1.8128 per pound, down from $1.8426. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed June 18 at $1.2650.

See MIELKE, pg. 16

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PAGE 16

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THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

Heat and dry conditions expected to drop milk production MIELKE, from pg. 15 n In other trade news Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Salud Carbajal and Subcommittee Ranking Member Bob Gibbs held a House Transportation and Infrastructure hearing this week to examine the impacts of shipping container shortages and delays on supply chains.

U.S. Dairy Export Council President Krystra Harden praised the hearing, calling it “a step forward in resolving the issues the U.S. dairy industry faces,” and urged House T and I leadership to “ensure this oversight action results in tangible action to alleviate and resolve the challenges exporters face.”

National Milk Producers Federation President Jim Mulhern also praised the hearing and warned, “Dairy producers throughout the country are feeling the consequences of port congestion as delays in loading U.S. dairy exports onto carriers creates a chilling effect on farm-gate milk prices.”

Meanwhile, the United States and European Union announced a five-year detente in aircraft case tariffs this week, also welcomed by USDEC and NMPF. A joint press release urged that “further steps be taken by the EU to ensure that food and agricultural trade is not upended in the months to come.”

In another political issue: while the U.S. dairy industry is fighting against the use of dairy terms on plant-based beverages and spreads, the June 16 Daily Dairy Report says the EU dairy industry did

not fare well in that regard.

“Earlier this month parliament withdrew Amendment 171, which would have prevented plant-based alternative products from mimicking dairy products,” the Daily Dairy Report stated. “Last October, the European Commission voted in favor of banning the use of dairy-related, descriptive terms such as ‘buttery’ and ‘creamy’ on the packaging of plant-based alternative products. While parliament did not specify why it withdrew the amendment, draft legislation faced opposition from a coalition of 21 environmental, consumer, and animal welfare groups.” The amendment would also have prohibited plant-based companies from using familiar dairy packaging such as cartons for milk alternatives or blocks for margarines. n The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook mirrored milk price and production projections in the June 10 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. The Outlook projected U.S. milk cows to average 9.495 million head in 2021, 25,000 higher than last month’s forecast. Based on the recent upward trend in milk cow numbers and relatively low dairy cow slaughter, milk cows are expected to continue increasing into the third quarter of 2021. With relatively high feed prices and slightly lower milk prices than expected last month, cow numbers are anticipated to level off in the second half of the year.

Expected high summer temperatures and dry conditions affecting cow comfort and grain crops resulted in a slightly lower forecast in yield per cow for

third quarter but unchanged for the rest of the year.

Consequently, the 2021 milk per cow forecast is 24,065 pounds, 5 pounds less than last month’s forecast.

Cow numbers in 2022 are also forecast to average 9.495 million head, 30,000 higher than last month’s estimate. The Outlook stated, “Milk production usually responds to changes in input costs with a lag of several months. Due to relatively high input costs and weaker expected milk prices in mid-2021, milk cow numbers in 2022 are expected to decline from the second half of 2021. The forecast for milk per cow was 24,335 pounds, unchanged from last month’s forecast.” n Extreme hot weather, particularly in California, could temper milk output in June. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in California is offering just under $22.8 million in aid through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program according to Western United Dairymen.

“California is one of four states in the nation to pilot this important program,” says WUD, “to help agricultural producers, including Tribes, alleviate the immediate impacts of drought and other natural resource challenges on working lands.”

This week’s Crop Progress report shows 96 percent of U.S. corn was emerged, as of the week ending June 13, up from 90 percent the previous week, 2 percent ahead of a year ago, and 5 percent ahead of the five-year average. Sixty-eight percent was rated good to excellent, down from 72 percent See MIELKE, pg. 20

Be on the lookout for wild parsnip (and cover your skin) Wild parsnip is a noxious weed on the control list in Minnesota. It has continued to spread across the state over the past few years despite efforts to slow or stop the spread. Wild parsnip is enforced by the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law which mandates the weed must be controlled by preventing the maturation and spread of propagating parts. The sale, transportation and propagation of the plant is not allowed and is enforceable by counties or local municipalities.

Wild parsnip is native to Europe and Asia and was brought to North America and grown as a root vegetable. Wild parsnip has escaped from cultivation through the years and is now commonly seen in ditches and along railroad tracks. It may also be found along trails, pastures, waste areas, and in unmaintained gravel pits.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture describes wild parsnip as an aggressive, monocarpic perennial that grows four to six feet in height. The wild parsnip lifecycle starts with the plant germinating from seed, it spends the first year or more as a rosette. The plant then bolts into a mature plant in the second

year or more, it flowers, sets seeds, and dies. The leaves alternate along the stem of the plant and consist of egg-shaped leaflets with saw-toothed edges.

Leaves get smaller closer to the top of the stem. You can find wild parsnip plants blooming from June to late August. The flowers are recognizable by their 2-6 inch wide flower clusters containing many small, five-petaled yellow flowers. The seeds are small, broad, oval, and slightly ribbed.

It is very important to use caution when near this plant. The chemical properties of wild parsnip cause phytophotodermatitis. This means when skin comes

in contact with plant sap in the presence of sunlight it can cause severe rashes, blisters, and discoloration of the skin. Wear protective clothing — including gloves, long sleeves, and long pants when working around the plant. Direct contact with wild parsnip should be avoided. If sap comes in contact with skin, be sure to avoid exposure to the sun and immediately wash skin with soap and water, and seek medical attention.

Wild parsnip, as well as other noxious weeds, needs to be persistently managed over a span of up to five years to significantly decrease the population.

For more information on wild parsnip and how to control it, follow https://www.dot.state.mn.us/roadsides/vegetation/pdf/noxiousweeds.pdf and https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/wildparsnip, This article was submitted by Katherine Gathje, University of Minnesota Extension. v

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PAGE 17

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THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Corn market takes a dive, recovers slightly

Livestock Angles Willing packers keep cash cattle strong

Triple digit moves are an will increase. As this happens The following marketing The Federal Reserve sigand the supply of beef analysis is for the week ending naled this week they will almost daily occurrence in becomes more ready availJune 18. likely raise interest rates the livestock futures as of late.

Some is due to the cash able to the consumer, expect twice in 2023 vs.

2024 as CORN — Oh my gosh, where prices moving in large direcprices paid for live cattle to they indicated previously. to begin! It didn’t take long for tions on a daily basis.

Some is peak soon after this happens.

Interest rates were left the tide to turn in the markets due to the large speculative unchanged for now.

They The short-term outlook will and for a variety of reasons. In also raised their 2021 infla- makeup in the market at the remain questionable and just nine trading sessions, tion rate to 3.4 percent vs. present time. Also, it is partly expect a continuation of radiDecember corn retreated from JOE TEALE cal behavior in the futures a recent high on June 10 of PHYLLIS NYSTROM 2.4 percent predicted in due to the overall uncertainty March. Their comments of the underlying economic CHS Hedging Inc. Broker market as well in the live $6.28.25 to a low this week of were considered “hawkish” conditions at the present.

St. Paul Great Plains Commodity trade. $5.30.5 per bushel.

Afton, Minn. and pushed the U.S. dollar to The current Covid-19 panic The hog market has Weather forecasts are the fresh two-month highs. has disrupted the supply line appeared to find a potential top during easiest and quickest way to account for Adding fuel to the uncertainty about the rapid change in price direction and the markets is the administration’s from top to bottom for the last year and the week ending on June 18. Futures that’s where we’ll begin; but it’s not apparent consideration of revising the is still a factor in the uncertainty of the prices have plummeted under heavy only weather. The fall began when fore- biofuel mandates using waivers or supply chain of the entire meat produc- long liquidation as pork cuts outs have tion. Another cause of wide swings is also begun to fall back from the recent casts indicated better chances of rain- some other alternative. purely the dynamics of the trade. When rally. fall into the last half of June for most of prices move to higher prices than norThe markets imploded on themselves the Corn Belt, but favoring the eastern There is an old saying when hog mal range at any given time, the volaon June 17 with corn locking down the belt. However, drought areas will prices exceed cattle prices it won’t be tility will normally expand.

The future 40-cent daily limit — leaving us to go remain unless the forecasted rain is long before the hog market will fall. much heavier than the current outlook. into the weekend with a 60-cent will decide when the volatility will This appears to be what is taking place The weekly drought monitor showed expanded daily trading limit. Funds diminish and the wide swings in prices at the present time. Therefore, the outIowa had a 5 percent increase in some were estimated to have sold 35,000 will also subside. look has the possibility of suggesting As for the cattle market, prices have lower hog prices may be in the future level of drought conditions to where corn contracts during the limit down nearly 82 percent of the state is at least session. The next day’s trade was more moved higher over the past few weeks heading into the fall months. abnormally dry and 50 percent of their subdued as prices retraced over half of as packers continue to buy cattle at Because the export of pork has been higher prices in an attempt to bring corn crop under severe drought. For the June 17 surprising losses.

Minnesota, 92 percent of the state is Weekly export sales were within back a better supply of beef to the con- so exceptional over the past year, the experiencing drought, up 4 percent expectations but still the second-lowest sumer. The disruptions because of the initial drop may be the most severe folfrom the previous week. of the marketing year. Old crop sales pandemic have slowed the production lowed by an easing lower as we move into the fall months.

China’s Premier Li continues to talk were just 700,000 bushels to bring total of beef products for the past several months.

However, as we get back to commitments to 2.73 billion bushels. n about keeping commodity prices at more normal conditions, production “reasonable” levels. This seems to See NYSTROM, pg. 19 I would like to thank The Land for include auctioning or releasing stocks the opportunity to write “Livestock of grains and metals (copper, alumiAngles” for their magazine for all these num, zinc) and restricting speculative years. It has been a pleasure and I will trading. According to news reports, certainly miss writing the livestock

corn/change* soybeans/change* China will implement new rules for article in the future. However, after 48 Stewartville $6.55 -.20 $13.54 -1.86 commodity price indexes. Direct stakeyears in the futures industry, I felt it Edgerton $6.33 -.49 $13.52 -2.08 holders in the commodity will not be was time to move on in my life and Jackson $6.48 -.20 $13.55 -1.86 allowed to be part of the price index, retire. Thank you and God bless. v Janesville $6.34 -.35 $13.56 -1.86 effective Aug. 1. A government agency will also determine what commodity Cannon Falls $6.30 -.32 $13.55 -1.87 price news will be made public. The Sleepy Eye $6.23 -.57 $13.64 -1.81 state-owned Assets Supervision and Average: $6.37 $13.56 Administration Commission reportedly ordered state-owned businesses to con Year Ago Average: $2.94 $8.23 trol risks and limit their exposure to Grain prices are effective cash close on June 22. overseas commodities markets.

Cash Grain Markets

*Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

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

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

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

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

PAGE 19

Buyers say ‘wait and see’ in volatile soybean market NYSTROM, from pg. 18 The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s forecast is 2.85 billion bushels. New crop sales were 10.9 million bushels. New crop total commitments are 605 million bushels vs. 140 million bushels last year.

Weekly ethanol production was down 42,000 barrels per day to 1.025 million bpd. Ethanol stocks were 642,000 barrels higher at 20.6 million barrels and a 10-week high. Net margins were down 9 cents to a positive 10 cents per gallon. Gasoline demand was up 880,000 bpd to 9.36 million bpd. This is only down 5.7 percent for the same week in pre-Covid 2019.

Corn conditions as of June 13 declined 4 percent to 68 percent good/excellent. This included a 14 percent drop in Iowa, 11 percent in Minnesota, and 6 percent in Illinois. It’s estimated U.S. corn pollination will occur 3-5 days earlier than average with 50 percent of the crop pollinated by July 14.

The Rosario Grain Exchange raised their Argentina corn estimate from 48.5 million metric tons to 50 mmt. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange is forecasting the corn crop at 48 mmt. The BAGE also put Argentina’s corn harvest at 42 percent complete vs.

71 percent last year.

Outlook: Will the crash in prices entice China back into the market? Will dry, hot weather return in a big way? What will the June 30 acreage and stocks reports say? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 30-day outlook for July calls for above-normal temperatures with normal chances of rain for the Corn Belt. The forecast for this period for the northern plains calls for above normal temperature but below normal rainfall. Any of these can prompt a bounce, but it may take a major weather threat to propel prices back to the highs. Weather will continue to be the lead headline; but watch for updates on the other factors mentioned above to also influence price direction.

Looking ahead to the June 30 reports, in six of the last 11 years, December corn has closed higher the day of the report. In 10 of the last 11 years, whichever direction December corn closes on report day, it closes in the same direction the day after the report.

The average move higher is 15.7 cents per bushel.

For the week, July corn dropped 29.25 cents to close at $6.55.25 per bushel. The December corn contract plummeted 43.5 cents to settle at $5.66.25 per bushel. The trading range in December corn for the week went from $5.98.75 to $5.30.5 per bushel.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans took advantage of the expanded daily limit of $1.50 per bushel on June 17 to set a record one-day loss of $1.18.75 per bushel in the July contract. If we still had open outcry trading pits, you would have likely heard “Sell, Mortimer, sell!” across the floor. The previous one-day loss was on July 18, 1988 when the July contract dropped $1.09.5 per bushel (the July contract was in delivery with no daily limit). Funds were estimated to have sold 35,000 soybean contracts during the race lower

MARKETING on June 17. November soybeans have plunged from the contract high made June 7th at $14.80 to this week’s low at $12.40.5 per bushel. This was a loss of $2.39.5 in just eight trading days. The day after the price shock, soybeans retraced over half of those losses.

Factors mentioned in the corn comments were also active in the soy complex. There were unconfirmed rumors after the crash lower that China had stepped in to purchase eight U.S. soybean cargoes off the PNW for October. If accurate, this would be the largest U.S. soybean purchase in four-and-a-half months.

Coincidence so shortly after China had expressed growing concern over rising prices and their intention to keep prices reasonable, which contributed to the record pullback?

Soyoil prices plunged down their normal limit and then down their expanded limit at mid-week before heading into the weekend on a positive note. World vegetable oil markets were on the defensive throughout the week. Palm oil production is expected to increase into the summer.

Weekly export sales were in the lower half of expectations. Old crop sales were 2.4 million bushels. Total commitments are 2.26 billion bushels vs. the USDA’s target of 2.28 billion bushels. New crop sales were 300,000 bushels to bring total commitments to 278 million bushels vs. 203.4 million bushels last year.

The May National Oilseed Processors Association Crush was disappointing at 163.5 million bushels compared to ideas for 165.2 million bushels. Soyoil stocks were 1.67 billion pounds vs. 1.71 billion estimated.

Soybean yields are usually made in August and the current above trendline outlook is not guaranteed.

This is a year where we need nearly ideal conditions to keep ending stocks at comfortable levels. This is why the acreage and stocks numbers on June 30 will be very important. Soybean conditions as of June 13 were down 5 percent to 62 percent good/excellent.

Iowa’s rating fell 12 percent, Minnesota’s 9 percent, and 10 percent in Illinois.

Outlook: Big macro selling late in the week left many with their jaws hanging down. Prices bounced into the weekend, but the volatile markets will likely put many on the sidelines until there is more confidence in the weather forecasts or there is a better grasp on how the macros may continue to affect the agricultural sector. Are the markets broken? At times it feels like it, but this is the hand we’re dealt.

Stay vigilante and manage your risk in these volatile times. Current prices aren’t as attractive as a few weeks ago, but profits can still be made.

July soybeans nosedived $1.12.5 to close at $13.96 per bushel. The November soybeans plunged $1.25.75 to settle at $13.13 per bushel. The range this week in the November contract was from $14.30.5 to $12.40.5 per bushel.

A historical look at November soybean action the day of the June 30 reports shows they have closed higher the day of the reports six times in the last 11 years. The average move higher on report day is 30.6 cents per bushel in the November contract.

Nystrom’s notes: Contract changes for the week as of the close on June 18 (July contracts): Chicago wheat was down 18 cents at $6.62.75, Kansas City declined 31.5 cents to $6.06.5, and Minneapolis was only 2.25 cents lower at $7.62.5 per bushel. v

www.TheLandOnline.com

Swine study provides credible information SWINE & U, from pg. 10 study will help identify niche marketing pig farmers and learn what specific or even older-style health challenges these producers face.

Why should selected producers participate?

Producers who are selected to participate in the 2021 NAHMS swine study can benefit the swine industry in many ways. The study will provide transparent, credible information on industry practices which will help counter misinformation. It will assist the U.S. swine industry to understand disease preparedness strengths and vulnerabilities; as well as help policymakers and industry stakeholders make science-based decisions. The study will provide data which can be used by researchers and private enterprise to focus on swine health issues —

both large and small. It will also help identify educational needs related to health and production on small and large swine farms.

The NAHMS Swine team is gearing up to meet and visit with swine producers across the United States beginning in the summer of 2021. Producer participation is a great way to provide credible data to researchers, and later in the study, to get some biologics testing of the herd. Data collected in this 2021 Study will provide an unquestionable benchmark for swine production and health in the United States, and assist the industry in planning for the future.

Diane DeWitte is an Extension Educator specializing in swine for the University of Minnesota Extension. Her e-mail address is stouf002@umn.edu v

PAGE 20

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

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

Sharp: More heifers up for sale as production costs rise MIELKE, from pg. 16

n U.S. fluid milk sales continue to struggle. USDA’s the previous week and 3 percent behind a year latest data shows April sales totaled 3.7 billion ago. pounds of packaged fluid products, down 3.8 percent Soybean plantings were 94 percent completed, up from April 2020. from 90 percent the week before, 2 percent ahead of Conventional product sales totaled 3.5 billion a year ago, and 6 percent ahead of the five-year pounds, down 3.7 percent from a year ago. Organic average. Eighty-six percent are emerged, 7 percent products, at 240 million pounds, were down 4.8 perahead of a year ago and 12 percent ahead of the five-year average. Sixty-two percent of the crop was cent, and represented 6.5 percent of total sales for rated good to excellent, down from 72 percent a year the month. ago.

Whole milk sales totaled 1.2 billion pounds, down The StoneX June 15 “Early Morning Update” says, 10.5 percent from a year ago, with year-to-date consumption down 8 percent from a year ago. Whole “Many of our dairy farm customers want to know milk represented 32.4 percent of total milk sales for when to buy feed. The short answer: no one knows the four month period. for certain. We don’t have corn on a buy-signal yet.

What we do know is that historically its July weathApril skim milk sales, at 213 million pounds, were er not June that really impacts yields. So plenty of down 11.4 percent from a year ago and down 14.5 upside risk potential still exists, yes, but people who percent year-to-date. do not need to be in the market for physical, only Total packaged fluid milk sales for the four profit, are selling these days. So let them.” months amounted to 15.1 billion pounds, down 4.9 The Daily Dairy Report’s Sarina Sharp put things percent from 2020. Conventional product sales into, pardon the pun, sharp perspective in the June totaled 14.1 billion pounds, were down 5.4%.

11 Milk Producers Council newsletter. She wrote, Organic products, at 976 million pounds, were up “In a normal year, $17 and $18 milk is more than 2.3 percent, and represented 6.5 percent of total enough to pay the bills but amid higher feed costs, milk sales for the period. rising wages, and a trucker shortage, expenses are adding up quickly. Losses are accumulating, especially for producers who suffered from last year’s depooling and this year’s spike in feed costs. In recent weeks there have been noticeably more heifers for sale, and more chatter about dairy producers ready to exit the business, either due to their own fatigue WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of or at the behest of their banker.”

Agriculture recently announced the availability of up There are expansions underway and Sharp says, to $4 million for grants to support the development of “Producers in regions with onerous supply manageurban agriculture and innovative production projment programs stand ready to fill any vacuums left ects. USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and by their peers who sell out. In some cases, the cows Innovative Production is accepting proposals for will simply move a few miles down the road, and planning and innovation projects, and these grants the milk will keep flowing. In others, producers who are part of USDA’s broader efforts to support urban have been held back by base programs will be given agriculture. the opportunity to step up milk yields incrementally “Urban agriculture can play an important role in as their neighbor makes room. We’re likely to hear food justice and equity,” Deputy Under Secretary for of more sellouts in the near future, but the dairy Farm Production and Conservation Gloria Montaño herd is massive, and it will take many months of Greene said. “Such projects have the potential to edured ink to push milk production noticeably downcate, innovate, and unify communities to improve ward.” nutrition and food access and increase local food production in urban areas.”

BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND “With 80 percent of the U.S. population living in or CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE near urban centers, urban agriculture can make a CALL US TODAY FOR significant positive impact on the health and wellA FREE ESTIMATE 1-855-577-1268 being of many individuals,” said Leslie Glover II, the % % % new program manager for the Office of Urban OFF + OFF + OFF Agriculture and Innovative Production. “Empowering YOUR ENTIRE TO THE FIRST SENIOR & MILITARY PURCHASE DISCOUNTS 50 CALLERS! communities to grow local, healthy food goes a long Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, | Promo Number: 285 Sun: 2pm-8pm EST way towards solving issues of food justice and access.”

There are two categories under the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) competitive grant opportunity: Planning Projects and

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issue a final rule to modernize the standard of identity for yogurt. The announcement comes more than 20 years after the yogurt industry first petitioned the agency to update the standard of identity, according to the International Dairy Foods Association, and more than 11 years since the agency first issued a proposed rule.

IDFA called the move “a highly anticipated and much needed first step, and advocated that FDA more expeditiously and transparently modernize food standards, including the 102 dairy food standards of identity, to allow the industry to continue to offer nutritious, innovative foods that satisfy consumer needs and desires.”

Meanwhile, the IDFA and other U.S. dairy industry leaders are virtually meeting this month with Members of Congress to advocate for changes to several Child Nutrition Reauthorization policies and discuss the nutritional benefits of dairy products in child nutrition programs.

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

USDA announces grants for urban agriculture and innovative production

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Implementation Projects.

Planning projects initiate or expand efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools and other stakeholders in urban and suburban areas.

Projects may target areas of food access, education, business and start-up costs for new farmers, urban agroforestry or food forests, and development of policies related to zoning and other needs of urban production.

Implementation projects accelerate existing and emerging models of urban, indoor and other agricultural practices that serve multiple farmers. Projects will improve local food access and collaborate with partner organizations and may support infrastructure needs, emerging technologies, educational endeavors and urban A pre-recorded webinar will provide an overview of the grants’ purpose, project types, eligibility and basic requirements for submitting an application.

The webinar will be posted at farmers.gov/urban.

USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on July 30.

More information is available at farmers.gov/urban.

This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. v

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

Real Estate

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

Farm Equipment

Farm Equipment

FARMLAND FOR SALE: Harms Mfg. Land Rollers, JD 4760 MFW tractor, P/S, 140 acres in Butternut Valley, Brand New, 12’-$8,325; 8600 hrs, 3 hyds, 18.4x42 w/ Section 18, Blue Earth Coun- 14’-$8,825; 16’-$9,350; 24’- duals, recent $7,300 work orty. Call 507-380-8447 or $18,700; 32’-$22,450; 42’- der, $46,900; Wil-Rich 12x30 $26,000; Others from 8’-62’. flat fold cultivator w/ shields, 507-380-7895 $2,250; IH 133 16x22 folding 715-234-1993 Muchow Auction Ad cultivator, $1,750; JD 346 SELL YOUR LAND small square baler, w/ bale OR REAL ESTATE IN Copy is 5.16” x 6” chute, $4,750; Wheatheart Your ad 30 DAYS FOR 10x61 swing hopper auger, could be here!

0% COMMISSION. exc cond, $4,900. 320-769-2756 Call Ray 507-345-4523 507-339-1272

Please recycle this magazine.

Real Estate Wanted WANTED: Land & farms. I have clients looking for dairy, & cash grain operations, as well as bare land parcels from 40-1000 acres.

Both for relocation & investments. If you have even thought about selling contact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Land Specialist, Edina Realty, 138 Main St. W., New Prague, MN 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com (612)328-4506

Feed Seed Hay ALFALFA, mixed hay, grass hay & wheat straw, medium square or round bales, delivery available.

Thief River Falls, MN. Call or text LeRoy Ose: 218-689-6675

Bins & Buildings

SILO REMOVAL 507-236-9446 Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys.

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

888-830-7757

Farm Equipment RETIRING. 5080 FWA Allis Chalmers, 20’ disk, 24’ field cultivator, 9 shank soil saver, White 518 vari-width plow, bale thrower wagons and gravity boxes, 7720 John Deere combine. 952-393-1784 We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910

Real Estate Auction

PAGE 21

160 Acres all in The NE¼ of Section 29 Walcott Township, Rice County MN. 140 Tillable Acres, Older Building Site MATT MARING CO.

We Sell the Earth & Everything On It.

Auction Location: 25190 Cabot Ave NE, Faribault, MN

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 • 10:00 a.m.

Viewing Dates: Monday, June 21, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 26, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

www.maringauction.com

Tuesday, July 13th - 4:00 pm 24849 521st Ave, Winthrop, MN

This 5.58 ac farm site is a must see! The home is a 4 bedroom, 1 1/4 bath home featuring a porch with granite flooring, large kitchen and dining room area, den/office area and hardwood flooring throughout the main level. The outside of the home has a deck, detached oversized 2-stall garage with third door in the rear, large well-maintained yard and many outbuildings including: a barn, machine shed, granary and 3 grain bins. You will not want to miss this chance!

For complete information packet or viewing property contact: Matt Mages - (507) 276-7002 Tractors & Equipment: J D 4430 diesel, appr ox. 7000 hr s, showing 2000, 3 pt, Vaughn hyd quick attach loader w/ 72” mat bucket & pallet forks; JD 4010 Syncro, diesel, 3pt, dual hyd, 1000 & 540 PTO; Inland DA-84 snow blower, 2-stage, dual auger, 3 pt, PTO; IH 133 12-row folding cultivator; danish tine 17’ 3pt field cultivator; McCormick-Deering grain drill; AC sickle mower; hay rack on gear; 3pt grader blade; Shop & Tools: ‘18 Poulan Pro 27” snow blower, 208 cc, used only 1 hour; Powermate 11 gal air compressor; JD GT262 mower, good deck, carb issue, not running; utility trailer w/ ramp; Lincoln arc welder; welding helmets & accessories; Century battery charger/tester, 6-250 amp; Stihl chainsaw; Cadet 220 V garage heater w/ extensions; Ready propane heater; 12 ton hyd jack; screw jack; extension ladders; appliance dolly; car ramps; several log chains; saw horses; tools; yard tools; ext cords; tarps; scrap iron; Furniture & Household: Insignia 55” flat screen TV; round oak table & chairs; drop-leaf table; oak china hutch w/ lights; sofa; loveseat; recliner; antique 3 pc bed set; lg dresser; coffee table w/ matching end tables; glider rocker w/ ottoman; bed frames; lamps; tables; Weber BBQ grill; clay pigeon thrower; fishing equip; ant duck boat; household items; See magesland.com for complete details.

David & Lisa Muchow

Listing Auctioneer: Matt Mages, 507-276-7002, Lic 52-21-018

Broker/Clerk: Mages Land Co & Auction Ser vice, LLC. All Items Sold “AS IS”.

Not responsible for accidents. Terms: buyers premium applies on all online bidding only

magesland.com

160 Acres Selling in One Parcel all in The NE¼ of Section 29 Walcott Township, Rice County MN. 140 Tillable Acres, Older Building Site *** Address: 25190 Cabot Ave NE, Faribault MN 55021 *** PID: 15.29.1.00.001 *** Taxes: $3,562.00 *** Legal Desc: NE1/4, Section 29, Walcott Twp, Rice Co. MN *** Area: 160 Acres *** Tillable Acres: 139.17 Acres *** CRP Acres: 2.10 Acres, Payment $481.00 Per Year *** Crop Productivity Index: 73.8 *** Drain Tile In Place: Approximately 12,000 Feet *** Older Building Site with 1½ Story House in Poor Condition, Mature Trees In Yard *** Morton Shed: 70’ x 44’ *** Menards 2 Car Garage *** Located On Black Top Road *** This Parcel of Land is Selling All in One Parcel:160 Acres.

Many Opportunities For The Buyer

David G. Swanson Estate

Terms: $40,000 down the day of auction, which is nonrefundable if the buyer fails to close. The balance is due and payable in full to the sellers on or before August 20, 2021; at which time the buyer shall receive a clear and marketable title. Possession of crop land shall be when the 2021 land tenant has removed all crops grown in 2021. New buyer can operate land for 2022 and new buyer will receive possession of building site the day of closing. All real estate taxes for 2021 shall be prorated between seller and buyer. Septic on said property is selling in noncompliant condition and house is not occupied. All real estate is selling as-is, where is with any and all faults. Bidders and buyers must conduct their own due diligence. All bidders and buyers must have their finances in order prior to auction day.

MATT MARING

MATT MARING AUCTION CO. INC. PO Box 37, Kenyon, MN 55946 CO. We Sell the Earth & Everything On It. 507-789-5421 • 800-801-4502 Matt Maring, Lic. #25-28 • 507-951-8354

PAGE 22

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

W $600,000 Beautiful turn-key acreage with 4 BR 3BA , abundant fencing and pasture on approx. 18.7 ac.

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MLS# RACINE: 10,000Approx. sq. ft. building on 2.12-acres.

MultipleSOLD uses! MLS# 5247299 al Rates, Government Programs & Environmental Issues MOWER10,000 COUNTY: 108-acres.

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MultipleSOLD uses! MLS#5247299 sland • 507-273-3890 • randy@lrmrealestate.com RACINE: 10,000 sq.Farm ft. building on 2.12-acres. uses! office/retail MLS#5247299 Full Management Services BROWNSDALE: $134,900 Turnkey remodeled 2Multiple commercial sland •including 507-273-3000 • ryan@lrmrealestate.com spaces.

GreatFull investment opportunity!

MLS#5751160 RentalFarm Rates, Government Programs & Environmental Management Services Issues rand Meadow, MNRates, • 800-658-2340 including Rental Government Programs & Environmental Issues Full Farm Management Services Randy Queensland • 507-273-3890 • randy@lrmrealestate.com including Rental Rates, Government Programs & Environmental Issues Randy Queensland • 507-273-3890 • randy@Irmrealestate.com Ryan Queensland • 507-273-3000 • ryan@lrmrealestate.com Ryan Queensland 507-273-3000 ryan@Irmrealstate.com Randy • 507-273-3890 Grand Meadow, MN •• randy@Irmrealestate.com 800-658-2340 Grand Meadow, MN • 800-658-2340 Ryan Queensland • 507-273-3000 • ryan@Irmrealstate.com Grand Meadow, MN • 800-658-2340

Looking for New or Used FARM EQUIPMENT? Check out The Land classifieds first!

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021 Tractors

Planting Equip

NEW AND USED TRACTOR FOR SALE: 2008 John Deere PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 1750 planter, 8R30”, finger 55, 50 Series & newer trac- pickup, dry fertilizer, row tors, AC-all models, Large cleaners, John Deere monInventory, We ship! Mark itor 350, low acres, $30,000.

Heitman Tractor Salvage 320-583-3131 715-673-4829

Find what you’re looking for in THE LAND 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 202.10+/- Acre La Crosse Township Jackson County, Minnesota

FARMLAND AUCTION

Tuesday, July 20, 2021 @ 10:00 A.M. SALE LOCATION: Heron Lake Community Center at 312 10th Street Heron Lake, MN. Watch for signs.

PROPERTY LOCATION: From the junction of Highway #60 &

Jackson County Road #7 (350th Avenue) southwest of Heron Lake, Minnesota 3 miles north on #7 to 910th Street, then 3 miles west on 910th Street.

PROPERTY LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS: PARCEL #1: The Fractional SW1/4 Section 18, Township 104N, Range 38W Jackson County, Minnesota. Jackson County Parcel #11.018.0700. PARCEL #2: That part of the E1/2 of the NE1/4 & the NE1/4 of the SE1/4 of Section 19, Township 104N, Range 38W, Jackson County, Minnesota, lying North of the right-of-way of the Southern Minnesota Branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company AND All that part of the abandoned railroad right-of-way of the Chicago, Mil-waukee, St. Paul & Pacific Rail Company located & lying in the SE1/4 of the NE1/4 & the NE1/4 of the SE1/4 in Section 19, Township 104N, Range 38W Jackson County, Minnesota. Jackson County Parcel #11.019.0300.

PROPERTY INFORMATION: Deeded Acres: 202.10+/- Acres Cropland Acres: 189.44 +/- Acres Crop Productivity Index Rating: 70.5 Estimated by Agra Data Mapping For more detailed information go to our web site

www.danpikeauction.com

OWNER - LUCILLE H. FERGUSON ESTATE

Carol Larson Trustee Attorney for the Seller: Brandon Edmundson Fairmont, MN. 507-238-4717

SALE CONDUCTED BY 1362 Springfield Parkway Jackson, Minnesota 56143 507-847-3468 www.danpikeauction.com

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021 Hay & Forage Equipment

Livestock

eFOR SALE: New Holland 273 FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls r baler, w/ belt thrower, very also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ w nice shape, works great. 3 Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred - bale thrower wagons, on Kemen 320-598-3790 . heavy gears. 32’ bale conveyor on wheels. 320-238Classified line ads work!

2281

Grain Handling Equipment

All kinds of New & Used farm equipment - disc chisels, field cults, planters, soil finishers, cornheads, feed mills, discs, balers, haybines, etc. 507438-9782

Looking for something special? Put a line ad in The Land and find it! Call The Land today! 507-345-4523

PAGE 23

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

Opening June 18 & Closing June 28 Scott Hefta Farm Equipment Inventory Reduction Auction, Adams, ND, Timed Online Auction

Call 507-345-4523

Opening June 18 & Closing June 28 at 12PM Ron & Nick Adams Farms Inventory Reduction Auction, Northwood, Grand Forks & Reynolds, ND, Timed Online Auction

Cattle

Opening June 21 & Closing June 29 Sherburne County, MN Mississippi River Front Property - 11± Acres, Sherburne County, MN, Timed Online Auction

FOR SALE: FarmFans 420J grain dryer, single phase, DC drive, legs, 510 bu per hr 3 Registered Angus Bulls - 2 at 10 point, Good condition, are yearlings, 1 is 4 yrs old, asking $17,500. 320-894-3303 All calving ease, $2,000/pc.

Delivery available.

715-667-5245

Wanted

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

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 Want to contract for purchase of F1 Jersey cross calves.

Will provide semen and or bull at no cost to the producer. Call 507-383-6867

202.61+/- Acre Alba Township Jackson County, Minnesota

FARMLAND AUCTION

Wednesday, July 14, 2021 @ 10:00 A.M..

SALE LOCATION: Heron Lake Community Center at 312 10th Street Heron Lake, MN. Watch for signs.

PROPERTY LOCATION: From the south side of Heron Lake, Minnesota on Jackson County Road #25 (380th Avenue) 2 miles south on #25 to 880th Street, then 1-1/2 miles west on 880th Street. Watch for signs.

PROPERTY LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS: PARCEL #1: Part of the S1/2 NW1/4 & the SW1/4 excepting the south 1,920.64’ Section 1, Township 103N, Range 38W Jackson County, Minnesota. Jackson County Parcel #01.001.0180. Containing 79.02+/- acres according to Jackson County Beacon information.

PARCEL #2: The Fractional N1/2 NW1/4 AKA - Gov Lot 3 &4 & Part of Fractional S1/2 NW1/4 Sec-tion 1, Township 103N, Range 38W Jackson County, Minnesota. Jackson County Parcel #01.001.0150 & #01.001.0170. Containing 123.59+/acres according to Jack-son County Beacon information.

PROPERTY INFORMATION: Deeded Acres: 202.61+/Acres; Cropland Acres: 193.4 +/- Acres; Crop Productivity Index Rating: 86.5 Estimated by Agra Data Mapping.

For more detailed information go to our web site

www.danpikeauction.com

OWNER - SOLETA FAMILY - Marleen, Tanya & Jason Attorney for the Seller: Patrick K. Costello Lakefield, MN. 507-662-6621 SALE CONDUCTED BY 1362 Springfield Parkway Jackson, Minnesota 56143 507-847-3468 www.danpikeauction.com

Opening June 21 & Closing June 29 at 1PM John Neumann Farm Retirement Auction, Hammond, WI, Timed Online Auction Opening June 22 & Closing June 29 at 7PM Kevin Hewitt and Hewitt Drainage Retirement Auction, LeSueur, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 23 & Closing June 30 at 10AM Bud’s Welding Commercial Real Estate Auction, Langdon, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening June 23 & Closing June 30 at 10AM Steffes Construction Consignment Auction, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening June 23 & Closing June 30 at 11AM Turtle Lake Mercer School Shop Inventory Reduction Auction, Turtle Mountain, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening June 23 & Closing June 30 at 2PM Bud’s Welding & Machine Shop Estate Auction, Langdon, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening June 24 & Closing June 30 at 12PM North Central Planning Council Machine Shop Equipment Auction, West Fargo & Dunseith, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening June 24 & Closing July 1 at 4PM Riverview Farm Inc. Auction, Hazelton, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening June 28 & Closing July 6 Roger Sandstrom Farm Auction, Roseau, MN, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, June 29 at 10AM Lynn Van Dyke Estate Farm Auction, Ypsilanti, ND Wednesday, June 30 at 10AM Duane Gunderson Farm Retirement Auction, Bejou, MN Thursday, July 1 at 10AM RiverView Farm Inc. Auction, Hazelton, ND Opening July 1 & Closing July 8 Gopher Excavating Retirement Auction, Glyndon, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 2 & Closing July 7 Online Steffes Auction – 7/7, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening July 2 & Closing July 12 at 12PM Valley Tree Services Farm Equipment Inventory Reduction, Hankinson, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening July 5 & Closing July 13 at 7PM David Gibson Farm Retirement Auction, Mankato, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 5 & Closing July 14 at 7PM Bill Brown Farm Retirement Auction, St. James, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 6 & Closing July 14 John Sommerfeld Estate Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction

PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

irst Your F or f Choice ds! ie Classif

Place d Your A Today!

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

To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665 Mail to: The Land Classifieds, 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 Fax to: 507-345-1027 • Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Online at: www.thelandonline.com DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition.

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

South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

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THE FREE PRESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE LAND (Includes 1 Southern & 1 Northern issue)

1 run @ $19.99 = _____________________________ 2 runs @ $34.99 = _____________________________ 3 runs @ $44.99 = _____________________________

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

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

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

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

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

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

Farm Retirement

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

1372 150th St, Bejou, MN 56516. From Bejou, MN, 1 mile south on Hwy 59, 1/4 mile west on 150th St.

2021

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30 | 10AM

1993 JOHN DEERE 9600

PAGE 25

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.

COMBINED MULTI-PARTY RETIREMENT FARM EQUIPMENT

ONLINE ONLY AUCTION

1993 JOHN DEERE 4760

2012 SUMMERS SUPER COULTER PLUS

2003 JOHN DEERE 1730

PREVIEW: By appointment from 8:00AM-5:00PM. Contact Duane, 218.280.8679 LOADOUT: Wednesday, June 30 – Friday, July 9 from 8AM-5PM. No loading Saturday, July 3 or Sunday, July 4.

AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: Major equipment begins selling at 10:00AM. Live online bidding available on major equipment. Registration, terms, & details at SteffesGroup.com

INCLUDES: MFWD Tractor, Harvest Equipment, GPS Equipment, Grain Cart, Planter & Drill, Seed Tender & Drill Fill, Tillage Equipment, Box Trucks, Sprayer, Chemical Equipment, Grain Handling Equipment, Other Equipment, Tires, Parts & Farm Support Items

SteffesGroup.com Steffes Group, Inc., 2000 Main Ave E, West Fargo, ND

DUANE GUNDERSON | 218.280.8679 or Brad Olstad at Steffes Group, 701.237.9173 or 701.238.0240

All items sold as is where is. Payment of cash or check must be made sale day before removal of items. Statements made auction day take precedence over all advertising. $35 documentation fee applies to all titled vehicles. Titles will be mailed. Canadian buyers need a bank letter of credit to facilitate border transfer. Brad Olstad ND319

Begins Closing - Wednesday, June 30, 2021 @ 10:00 A.M.

Larry G. & Denise Hansen Retirement Equipment

1999 JD 9610 combine w/ Mud Hog RWD, 3,211 sep. & 5,111 eng. hrs., very nice unit. Ser. #680722; 1996 JD 693 LP oil drive 6RN corn head, Ser. #665527; 2001 JD 930F 30’ flex bean header platform w/ two point hookups, Ser. #693348; 2003 IH 9200i day cab semi-tractor w/ Cat C-12 engine, 10 spd. trans.; 2010 AgriLite 42’ aluminum grain hopper trailer; 1974 Ford F-700 truck w/ 20’ box; Parker 510 grain cart; Ser. # P10681; Brent 744 gravity wagon; Brent 644 gravity wagon; Parker 2600 gravity wagon; 2 - Parker 4000 double door gravity wagons; Mayrath direct drive 10’ x 71’ auger; Hutchinson direct drive 10” x 61’ auger; Mayrath 8” x 28’ side PTO truck auger; JD 1600 16’ 3pt. chisel plow. For in-formation regarding Larry G. & Denise Hansen Equipment call Larry at #507-840-0478. Equipment maybe viewed by appointment only at the farm located at 87247 520th Avenue Jackson, MN.

Smith Farms of Jackson, LLC. Retirement Equipment 2008 JD 9770 STS combine w/ 1,930 Sep. & 2,894 eng. Hrs., very sharp Ser.# H09770S725283; 2012 JD 608C Stalk Master 6RN corn head Ser. #1H00608CPEC765501;

Killbros UT 130 4-wheel header cart; 2 - Brent 540 gravity wagons; Brent 780 grain cart w/ Digi-Star weigh bars, Ser.#B23860140; Sunflower 4511 13 shank disk chisel. Pur-chased new by Smith Farms and very sharp.

Ser.#AGCS45110CZ400058*13; Westfield MK 100-71 direct drive auger Ser. #216235; Top Air 3pt. 300 gal. sprayer; JD 1100 24’ 3pt. field cultivator. For information regarding Smith Farms of Jackson, LLC. equipment call Dave at #612-8657590 or Knute at 507-920-9205. Equipment maybe viewed by appointment only at the farm located at 77730 580th Avenue Alpha, MN.

OTHER CONSIGNED ITEMS Deutz-Allis 1400 25’ field cultivator; Brady 24’ PT field cultivator; Parker 275 bu. gravity wagon; Westfield truck end-gate mounted brush hyd. seed auger; 3pt. hyd. wooden post pounder; Flatbed rock trailer & Other Items.

To bid on this equipment through Auctiontime.com go to www.PIKEBID.com SALE CONDUCTED BY

JACKSON OFFICE LOCATION 1362 Springfield Parkway Jackson, Minnesota 507-847-3468 Web site: www.danpikeauction.com Serving auction clients since 1975

PAGE 26

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

AUCTION

FARM RETIREMENT

222 162ND STREET HAMMOND, WI 54015

TIMED ONLINE

CLOSES: TUESDAY, JUNE 29 | 1PM

2021

OPENS: MONDAY, JUNE 21

PREVIEW: Friday, June 25, 2021 9AM-3PM / LOADOUT: Thursday, July 1, 2021 9AM-3PM

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

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

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND

Southern MN/Northern IA *July 9, 2021 July 23, 2021 August 6, 2021 August 20, 2021

Northern MN July 2, 2021 July 16, 2021 July 30, 2021 August 13, 2021

Deadline is 8 days prior to publication. *Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication.

418 S. Second Street • Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 Fax: 507-345-1027 MFWD TRACTORS

MISCELLANEOUS SHOP Dealers livestock feed bin FLAT TRAILER EQUIPMENT / WHEEL LOADERS John Deere 6170R MFWD, 1,410 hrs. (2)Flatbed hay rack 16’x8’ on John Dealers livestock bulk feed bin Fenceline feed bunk hardware MANURE HANDLING EQUIPMENT John Deere 7330 MFWD, 3,241 hrs. Deere 1065A running gear Hi-Qual half moon tub, 20’ John Deere 7520 MFWD, 8,595 hrs. FORAGE PROCESSING WHEEL SKID STEER LOADERS Hi-Qual 90° alleyway pin connect SKID STEER LOADER 2WD TRACTOR 2017 Hay buster 2665 pull type bale (2) Lil Spring 3100 livestock auto ATTACHMENTS / FUEL TANK John Deere 7610 2WD, 10,028 hrs. processor waterers TRACTOR/IMPLEMENT TIRES Patz 1200 Series V500 vertical TMR, TILLAGE Northstar livestock working GRAIN BIN / MISCELLANEOUS John Deere 2410 chisel plow, 12’ Roto Mill AT6362013 portable system, 2000 v. roller mill PARTS & ITEMS PLANTER Stronghold livestock working chute FARM SUPPORT ITEMS LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT 2010 Kinze 3000 planter, 6x30” BLADE Round bale feeder DISC John Deere 65 blade, 8’ Livestock sorting sticks Landoll 6230 disc, 21’

SteffesGroup.com

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

JOHN NEUMANN FARM RETIREMENT | JOHN 715.796.2713 or Randy Kath at Steffes Group, 320.693.9371 or 701.429.8894

COMPLETE TERMS, LOT LISTINGS AND PHOTOS AT STEFFESGROUP.COM / RANDY KATH MN47-007

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Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021 Swine

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

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

Miscellaneous

FOR SALE: Yorkshire, PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS Hampshire, Duroc, cross New pumps & parts on hand. bred boars, gilts & 4-H pigs. Call Minnesota’s largest disTop quality. Excellent herd tributor health. No PRSS. Delivery HJ Olson & Company available. 320-760-0365 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available.

Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Delivery available. Steve Resler. 507-456-7746

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

Sell your livestock in The Land with a line ad. 507-345-4523 Winpower Sales & Service

Reliable Power Solutions Since 1925 PTO & automatic Emergency Electric Generators. New & Used Rich Opsata-Distributor 800-343-9376

Sheep

20 Heavy Duty Steel Jigs For Sheep & Goats To Make Turning Cradles Sorting & Why hang on to stuff you don’t Slide Gates, Corral & Run use? Put a line ad in The Land Panels, Mineral Feeders, and sell those things for some Bale Feeders, Etc. PLUS extra cash. It makes sense.

Approx 40 Pieces Of InventoCall The Land at ry. $7,500/OBO. RETIRING. 507-345-4523 319-347-6282 or 319-269-4226

USED TRACTORS NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader... On Hand NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders.. On Hand New NH 25S Workmasters……. ………..OnHand ’17 NH T4.75 w/loader…………................$43,750 ’14 NH T8.350 ............................................ SOLD ’13 NH T8.390 ......................................... $169,500 Farmall 340 wf w/mower ..............................$3,000 New Massey Tractors .............................. On Hand Buhler 2145 FWA……………….........…..Coming Ford 4000……………............................…..$5,250

PLANTERS ’11 White 8831 31-15...................................... $78,000 ’09 White 8816 cfs .......................................... $58,000 ’05 White 8186 DF............................................ $24,900 Taking 2022 New Spring Orders COMBINES NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead ....................Call ’12 Gleaner S77 ..............................................$179,000 ’03 Gleaner R65 .............................................. $72,000 ’95 Gleaner R52 w/cummins ........................... $32,500 ’89 Gleaner R60 w/both heads ........................ $15,500 Geringhoff parts & heads available

TILLAGE MISCELLANEOUS ’11 Sunflower 4412-07................................$28,000 NEW Salford RTS Units ........................................ Call ’13 CIH 870 9-24 ....................................... $38,500 NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call ’13 Wilrich 513 5-30 .................................. $31,500 NEW Westfield Augers .......................................... Call NEW REM VRX Vacs. .......................................... Call CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW Hardi Sprayers ............................................. Call NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ........ On Hand NEW Riteway Rollers ........................................... Call NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units ............. On Hand NEW Lorenz Snowblowers ................................... Call ’13 L225 EH 937hrs............................................... $33,500 NEW Batco Conveyors ......................................... Call NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ....................... Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons ................................ Call HAY TOOLS NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ...................... Call New Disc Mowers - 107,108,109 REM 2700, Rental ................................................. Call New Disc Mower Cond. - 10’, 13’ Pre-Owned Grain Cart .................................. On Hand New Wheel Rakes - 10,12,14 New Horsch Jokers ...................................... ......... Call New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND

Thank You For Your Business!

(507) 234-5191 (507) 625-8649 Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon

PAGE 27

MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

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

THANK YOU FOR READING THE LAND!

Please support the advertisers that you see in The Land.

ADVERTISER LISTING

Beck's Hybrids ....................................................................... 1 Bosacker Auctions................................................................ 26 Dan Pike Clerking ..................................................... 22, 23, 25 Ediger Auctions ................................................................... 25 Greenwald Farm Center ........................................................ 27 Henslin Auctions, Inc. .....................................................22, 23 Hertz Farm Management ...................................................... 23 IDEAg Group, LLC ................................................................ 3 Jason Helicopter Services, LLC .............................................. 7 Kannegiesser Truck ...............................................................11 Land Resource Management ................................................. 22 Leaf Filter ........................................................................... 20 Mages Auction Service ......................................................... 21 Mathiowetz Construction Co. ................................................. 9 Matt Maring Auction Co. ...................................................... 21 Murray County Draft Horse .................................................... 5 Northland Buildings ............................................................. 13 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ............................................................ 22 Rush River Steel & Trim ...................................................... 15 Schweiss Doors .................................................................... 22 Scott Buboltz ......................................................................... 6 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ................................................. 27 Steffes Group ............................................................ 23, 25, 26 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com

PAGE 28

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

THE LAND — JUNE 25/JULY 2, 2021

This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Managing Editor Paul Malchow.

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Crazy about curds

otorists whizzing along on U.S. Hwy. 212 east of Norwood/ Young America may not notice the hamlet of Bongards, Minn. But cheese lovers from throughout the United States have learned to make the stop.

“People come from everywhere!” exclaimed Bongards’ retail store manager Cathy Kerber. “New York, Texas. California … we have a signin book and you’ll see people come from all over.”

Indeed, even on a weekday morning, there were a number of shoppers examining the Bongards shop. “We stay pretty busy year-round,” said Kerber. “In January and February it’s a little quieter.”

Even the Covid-19 pandemic did little to slow down the store. “We did curbside pick-up for a month or two and still did good business,” Kerber admitted.

The Bongards retail store packs a little space with a lot of variety. In addition to cheeses and butter, meat products from the French Lake Butcher Shop and Knaus Sausage Haus are popular items. Freezers are filled with ice cream and pizzas.

There is a nice selection of gift items as well — cows, of course, being very popular.

“Everyone wants to have their picture taken with the cow,” laughed Kerber. The cow she’s talking about is hard to miss. It stands a good 12 feet tall outside the retail shop. Bongards employees named the cow “Bonnie” as they felt it went well with Bongards. She became the company mascot and was even featured in the 1999 movie “Drop Dead Gorgeous.”

The Bongards retail store is dwarfed and surrounded by the cheese plant. In early October of 1908, the Bongards’ town creamery burned to the ground in a fire. In response, local farmers gathered to discuss forming a new farmer-owned co-op creamery. Ninety farmers signed up to become the company’s first shareholders. Construction of the new creamery was completed in February, 1909. When creamery operations began, the first shipment of Bongards’ butter and cream was sent to a customer in New York.

In 1941, Bongards expanded into cheese making. By 1944 Bongards cele-

brated its first $1 million year, producing over three million pounds of cheese. A new plant was built to produce whey products. Plant Manager Jack Budahn created all of the machinery himself.

By 1960 the plant was processing up to one million pounds of milk a day.

In 1968 the co-op added its first automated continuous cheese making system to the plant. It could convert 1.5 million pounds of milk into 150,000 pounds of cheese and 85,000 pounds of dry whey each day.

Unfortunately, on Dec. 17, 1968, an explosion destroyed the cheese-wrapping building, including the warehouse and retail store. The lab and remaining plant buildings were severely damaged. A new warehouse, laboratory, and retail store began construction in the spring.

In 1982 Bongards earned the title of “The Largest Cheese Plant in the World Under One Roof”, processing two million pounds of milk per day. The co-op was comprised of 1,300 Minnesota farmers and had just under 250 employees.

Kerber explained that due to safety considerations, the plant does not conduct tours to the general public. However, visitors can watch a live feed of plant operations inside the retail shop.

Today, Bongards continues to update equipment and product offerings. In 2003 the company bought a cheese and whey manufacturing facility in Perham, Minn. In 2010 Bongards purchased a manufacturing facility in Humboldt, Tenn. Bongards products of slice, loaf and shredded cheeses, butter and whey are found in groceries and convenience stores. Bongards began processing commodity cheese for the National School Lunch Program and has been a large supplier to the USDA ever since the early days of the company.

But cheese curds are king at the Bongards retail store with a wide variety of flavors occupying an entire cooler. Fresh batches are packaged daily.

Bongards will be hosting an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 21. Kerber promises plenty of curds, polka music, prizes, various animals and other surprises.

Bongards has a Facebook page and other information can be found on their website, www.bongards.com. v

Bongards, Minn.