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Mielke Market Weekly
THE LAND
Christmas & New Year EARLY DEADLINE
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Deadline for Dec. 24, 2021issue is Tues., Dec. 14th at noon. Deadline for Dec. 31, 2021issue is Tues., Dec. 21st at noon. Deadline for Jan. 7, 2022 issue is Tues., Dec. 28th at noon.
Due to the Holidays, THE LAND office will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24th and Monday, Jan. 3rd, 2022.
NYSTROM, from pg. 8
MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY
By Lee Mielke
MARKETING See MIELKE, pg. 13
This column was written for the mar- ago, and compares to $13.49 in 2020 and tion was forecast at 4.42 billion bushels, down 23 keting week ending Nov. 12. $16.30 in 2019. The 2022 average is pro- million or 1 percent on lower yields, but up 5 perThe U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered its estimate for 2021 and 2022 milk production in the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report for the fifth month in a jected at $18.70, up $1.55 from last month’s estimate. The 2022 cheese, butter, nonfat dry milk and whey price forecasts were raised on strength in demand and lower expected milk supplies. cent from a year ago. Yields are expected to average 51.2 bushels per acre, down 0.3 bushels from the previous forecast, but up 0.2 bushels from 2020, and the second-largest on record. Area harvested was forecast at 86.4 million acres, row, citing lower expected dairy cow Reviewing the WASDE and USDA’s unchanged from the last forecast but up 5 percent numbers and slower growth in milk per Crop Production reports, the U.S. corn from a year ago. Lower yields in Indiana, Iowa, cow. outlook is for greater production, Ohio, and Kansas account for most of the change in 2021 production and marketings were estimated at 226.4 and 225.3 billion pounds respectively, down 600 million pounds on production from last month’s estimates and 700 million lower on marketings. If realized, 2021 production would still be up 3.2 billion pounds or 1.4 percent from 2020. 2022 production and marketings were estimated at 228.1 and 227 billion pounds respectively, down 1.6 billion pounds on both production and marketings. If realized, 2022 production would be up 1.7 increased corn used for ethanol, and marginally lower ending stocks. Corn production was forecast at 15.062 billion bushels. This is up 43 million from last month on a 0.5 bushel increase in yield, to a record 177 bushels per acre, and up 5.6 bushels or 7 percent from 2020. Corn used for ethanol was raised 50 million bushels. Area harvested for grain was forecast at 85.1 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast but up 3 percent from 2020. With use rising slightly more than supply, corn ending stocks were lowered 7 million bushels. The season-average corn price production, according to the WASDE. Exports were reduced by 40 million bushels, reflecting reduced global imports and lower-than-expected shipments through October. With use falling more than supply, soybean ending stocks were raised 20 million bushels. The U.S. season-average soybean price was forecast at $12.10 per bushel, down 25 cents. Cotton was forecast at 18.2 million 480-pound bales, up 1 percent from the previous forecast and up 25 percent from 2020. Yields are expected to average 880 pounds per acre, up nine pounds from the previous forecast and up 33 pounds from 2020. billion pounds or 0.8 percent from 2021. was unchanged at $5.45 per bushel. n
Butter, nonfat dry milk and whey price forecasts The soybean outlook is for lower production and were raised from last month on strength in demand exports and higher ending stocks. Soybean producand lower expected production. The cheese price forecast was reduced on current prices and continued large supplies.
The 2021 Class III milk price forecast was reduced as the lower forecast cheese price more than offsets the higher whey price. The 2021 average is now projected at $16.95, down a dime from last month’s estimate, and compares to $18.16 in 2020 and $16.96 in 2019. The 2022 average is pegged at $17.75, up 65 cents from last month’s estimate.
The 2021 Class IV price forecast was raised on higher nonfat dry milk and butter prices. It is expected to hit $16.00, up 30 cents from a month Soybeans should remain in $12 range Brazil, but Argentina will need to continue to receive behind last year at 1.223 billion in cumulative sales. We need to sell 19.5 million bushels per week to achieve the USDA projection of 2.05 billion bushels of exports. Weekly export inspections were above the highest estimate at 2,647,000 metric tons. However, cumulative inspections are down 31 percent from last year by this date. timely rains to avoid further crop reductions. Adding to Argentina’s soybean issues is higher export taxes — possibly pushing some growers to corn. I don’t think many would be surprised to see the U.S. soybean yield regain this month’s loss on the December report and for exports to be lowered. The trade will be looking for nearby export business for support, and we did see a couple of export sales announceChina imported just 5.1 mmt of soybeans in ments this week. October, the lowest monthly total since March 2020 and down 41.2 percent from last October. From January through October, they have imported 79.1 mmt of soybeans — down 5 percent from the same time frame a year ago. January soybeans made a run toward the $12.50 per bushel at the end of the week. That is an area where they were very comfortable ahead of the November WASDE report. The meal market is reclaiming its perch as a product leader and will AgRural estimates Brazil had planted 67 percent of demand additional attention. We may be starting to their soybean crop as of Nov. 4 and 75 percent of their enter the holiday mode and a return to prior trading first corn crop. Weather in Brazil has been favorable ranges with $12.00 as support and $12.75 to $13.00 for planting and early development. The weather in as resistance. Argentina has been good enough to get the crops planted, but with La Niña conditions in place through January, they will need timely rainfall. As of Nov. 8, Argentina’s soybean planting was 1 percent ahead of average at 19 percent complete as of Nov. 11. Conab For the week, January soybeans rallied 38.75 cents to close at $12.44.25, March was 38.75 cents higher at $12.56.25, and November was up 29.75 cents at $12.40.25 per bushel. increased their Brazilian soybean crop by 1.2 mmt to Nystrom’s notes: Contract changes for the week 142 mmt. Safras and Mercado expects Brazil’s soy- ended Nov. 12 (December contract): Chicago wheat bean harvest to begin in the first half of January vs. soared 50.5 cents to $8.17, Kansas City rallied 54.25 last year when it took until mid-February for their cents to $8.33, and Minneapolis jumped 40.5 cents to soybean harvest to reach 10 percent complete. $10.50 per bushel. New contract high in Chicago Outlook: Keep an eye on how the crop develops in South America. Conditions have been favorable in December at $8.26.75 and Kansas City December at $8.43.5 per bushel. v
MIELKE, from pg. 12
Meanwhile, the USDA’s latest Crop Progress report shows 84 percent of the U.S. corn crop was harvested as of the week ending Oct. 31. This is down from 90 percent a year ago, but 6 percent ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans were 87 percent harvested, down 4 percent from a year ago, and 1 percent behind of the five-year average.
In the week ending Oct. 30, 59,600 dairy cows were sent to slaughter. This is down 1,200 from the previous week, but 1,800 head or 3 percent above that week a year ago.
Checking the dairy farm bottom line, StoneX’s Director of Dairy Market Insight Nate Donnay writes in his Nov. 11 “Udder Intelligence” how inflation is affecting U.S. cost of production data and fertilizer impacts globally. “The cost of producing milk globally is shifting higher,” he said. “That doesn’t guarantee strong/higher dairy prices, but it should limit production growth. I certainly feel a little more bullish about the 2022-23 outlook after looking at the shift in costs.”
“The biggest expense for dairy farmers is feed, and feed prices fluctuate wildly depending on weather and government policies. Feed costs are up sharply this year, and they will likely stay high next year, but eventually crop production will rebound and feed costs will come back down. The same is true for energy costs. However, there are costs that are increasing and will probably not come back down again, like labor. Well, even that might be wrong. Maybe robotic milkers will be perfected and some of the costs will shift from labor to capital.”
Group is studying rye as food source
SWINE & U, from pg. 9
new USDA-NIFA grant to investigate hybrid rye production and its uses in raising organic pigs. The Minnesota project is part of a federal Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative investment.
To help drive down expensive organic pig production feed and bedding costs, and reduce negative environmental impacts, University of Minnesota will develop strategies to optimize winter hybrid rye production, evaluate nutritional value of hybrid rye fed to pigs, determine its effects on meat quality, and examine the economic and environmental impacts of integrating hybrid rye into organic pig production systems.
The project team includes University of Minnesota faculty members and Extension specialists from swine nutrition, agronomy, renewable energy, nutrient management, agriculture economics and meat science.
Dr. Li’s project was awarded $1,433,820 and will take place at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, Minn. over the next two years.
The project has already begun with the planting of organic rye plots at Morris. Great soils and rains have yielded an excellent stand of hybrid rye which will provide grain and bedding for the organic swine portion of the project next summer.
Minnesota’s organic swine producers can benefit from this project because winter rye has the potential to reduce costs as an on-farm source of feed and bedding. Its value has not been previously investigated, so this research will add more information to the education of organic pig farmers across the United States.
Diane DeWitte is an Extension Educator specializing in swine for the University of Minnesota Extension. Her e-mail address is stouf002@umn.edu v
Urban agriculture funds available
ST. PAUL — Businesses, schools, nonprofits, local governments, and tribal entities seeking to promote urban youth agricultural education and urban agricultural community development can apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Urban Agriculture Grant.
Eligible project expenses include equipment purchases and physical improvements, and dedicated staff/contractor time.
Proposals must be submitted prior to Jan. 13, 2022 at 4 p.m.
For more detailed information about how to apply, visit https://www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/ urbanaggrant.
This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v
Donnay believes total costs will increase about 16 percent or $3.34 per hundredweight this year with only a small increase next year. n
Dairy prices were mostly higher the second week of November, though the week was a little thin on fresh data. The cheddar blocks climbed to $1.81 per pound on Nov. 11, but dropped 6 cents the next day to $1.75. This is still 16.5 cents higher on the week and 16.75 cents below a year ago when prices were plunging. The blocks lost 42.5 cents a year ago. The barrels were down 70.75 cents, second-highest single week loss ever. The record was 71.75 cents the week of Aug. 3, 2020.
The barrels got to $1.55 on Veterans’ Day, but closed Nov. 12 at $1.4975. This is a half-cent lower on the week, 11.25 cents below a year ago, and 25.25 cents below the blocks. There were four sales of block on the week at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and 40 of barrel — the highest weekly total since the week of June 14.
Some questioned cheese at $1.80, considering the amount in storage and the capacity to produce more. The market will get more insight next week in Nov. 16’s Global Dairy Trade and Nov. 18’s October Milk Production report.
Midwest cheesemakers are busy, reports Dairy Market News. Lighter amounts of spot milk were offered this week, but cheesemakers say they are working full schedules if possible. Foodservice and retail buyers are actively searching, says Dairy Market News. In fact, some cheesemakers say new customer interest has grown as needs are not being fulfilled elsewhere. Worker shortages, thinly spread milk supplies, and holiday demand have created a tighter cheese market.
Western cheese demand is steady at retail as purchasers prepare for the holidays. Food service demand is, reportedly, softening. Contacts suggest that worsening port congestion has caused some decline in international demand. Port congestion and a shortage of truck drivers were causing delays to shipments. Contacts believe declining demand, combined with increased availability, contributed to the previous week’s lower prices. Cheese producers relay that milk is available. Some managers say staffing shortages are causing them to run limited schedules, while others continue running full schedules.
The Nov. 5 Dairy and Food Market Analyst cites three factors in the cheese price drop. “First, cheese backed up when the largest processed cheese manufacturer in the country suddenly shut down operations due to a cyberattack. Secondly, West Coast port conditions worsened significantly that week (at least according to our network) and this is likely resulting in cancelations in cheese export shipments. Thirdly, we are hearing about more supply
MIELKE, from pg. 13
chain shortages that are limiting cut and wrap producers’ ability to manufacture.”
The good news, according to the Analyst, is that “all three are very short-term. And with USA cheese prices as much as 75 cents cheaper than cheese in Europe and Oceania, probably won’t last long.”
The European Energy Exchange announced the launch of four European cheese indices (index) which will be published every Wednesday. It will include prices for cheddar curd, mild cheddar, young Gouda, and Mozzarella.
HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess, speaking in the Nov. 15 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast, said the decision will bring more transparency to European cheese prices just as it has been doing for skim milk powder and butter, and will aid U.S. exports to better compete on the global market.
Fuess stated that cheese has been the most volatile of our four main dairy products and blamed port congestion for all but shutting down exports as end users are hesitant to commit to product, not knowing when they will get it.
He also cited the cyberattack at Schreiber Foods for disrupting the barrel market for several days and said labor and supply chain issues are impacting thru put speed at plants. Bottom line, he concluded, “we’re in the peak of the seasonal demand period as consumers buy for the holidays, and that has lent support to the market, as have current general inflationary pressures.” n
CME butter made another attempt at $2 per pound, climbing to $1.975 on Nov. 10, but fell short again, finishing Nov. 12 at $1.95. This is up 1.5 cents on the week and 55 cents above a year ago, with 17 sales reported on the week.
Butter sales are very strong, according to Central contacts. Retail and foodservice interest has increased, which was seasonally expected, says Dairy Market News, and bulk butter prices have increased as supplies tighten. Butter plant managers say employee numbers have begun to improve. Time and training are expected to aid the labor shortage of the past year. Cream is reportedly tight and getting tighter. Market tones are healthy, with more bullish than bearish undertones.
Cream is available throughout the West though shipments continue to face delays due to a shortage of truck drivers. Food service demand for butter is strong and retail demand is strengthening, as customers prepare for the holidays. Exports are increasing. Some butter makers are, reportedly, running below capacity due to delayed deliveries of production supplies and labor shortages. Spot availability of butter is limited, as demand continues to outpace production. Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Nov. 12 at $1.55 per pound. This is down 2 cents on the week but 46.25 cents above a year ago, on 16 sales. The weaker cheese prices may have undermined the strength in powder prices somewhat. Spot dry whey was unchanged for four days but closed Nov.12 at 67 cents per pound. This is up a penny on the week (the highest since April 29), 24 cents above a year ago, with only one sale reported on the week at the CME. The “Restaurant SmartBrief” reports, “Menu prices at U.S. limited-service eateries surged 7.1 percent last month over October 2020 and full-service eateries saw an increase of 5.9 percent — both record jumps, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Consumer demand for restaurant meals has remained strong, indicating that people are willing to pay the higher prices.” Restaurants are vital customers of dairy products — especially cheese and butter. 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 Minnesota receives stress, mental health funding
ST. PAUL — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is awarding the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and 11 project partners $500,000 to advance work in farm stress and rural mental health in Minnesota.
The MDA’s “Bend, Don’t Break” initiative will build upon existing efforts to connect farmers and rural Minnesotans with resources to help reduce stress, anxiety, and crisis situations, such as the drought that is affecting many Minnesota farms and ranches. It will support, improve, and promote services, such as mental health counseling, farm advocates, marriage retreats, and a 24/7 farm and rural helpline. Funds are also earmarked to expand a radio show and podcast series which profiles farmers who have navigated difficult situations.
“We know from working with farmers that suicide, farm transition and succession, legal problems, family relationships, and youth stress are crucial issues where we can all make a difference,” Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “We’re thankful that the USDA can help us expand our efforts.”
The initiative will also enhance the skills and responsiveness of professionals who work with farm families in stress through workshops, trainings, and other resources.
The MDA will partner with 11 organizations, including several that serve Indigenous or emerging/ underserved farmers.
A full list of USDA NIFA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistant Network grant recipients can be found at https://cris.nifa.usda.gov/.
This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v
By DICK HAGEN
The Land Staff Writer Emeritus OLIVIA, Minn. — When looking at what’s ahead for agriculture in 2022, what better contact than a personable, well-informed banker in your home town? That logical process directed me to a Q & A session with Erik Peterson, President Erik Peterson of F&M Bank in Olivia, Minn.
I’ve known Erik for several years. His father, former Olivia area farmer Paul Peterson, and I were long-time associates in the booming era of RBA Seeds and Keltgen Seed Company. The Land: In view of a droughty season and some recharging of soil moisture this fall, how optimistic are you about farming outlook for 2022? Peterson: Well Dick, we’re always optimistic! Even in the toughest times farmers have a lot of grit and determination to make the most from the hand they’re dealt. 2021 certainly brought challenging weather with a lack of rain in most areas around us; but still ended up with surprising yields for such little rainfall. No bin busters by any means, but not the catastrophe it could have been either. The Land: Yes, better-than-expected yields — both corn and soybeans — for many area farmers this fall. So does this generate better-than-expected net income figures for our farmers also? Peterson: I’d say many will actually land a little below what we projected coming into the 2021 growing season. We already had higher commodity prices factored in and production was right around average; but input costs continued to increase throughout the year making for some headwinds. The Land: Fertilizer prices are virtually exploding, so should farmers be cautious about how much fertilizer they should be purchasing for next spring? Peterson: It’s unreal what’s happening in the fertilizer market over a short period of time. There’s some great analysis which shows, for the current NOLA Urea spot price of $700 per ton, we need corn prices over $10 per bushel to justify that input cost. Something has to give to bring this into balance. Place your bets accordingly.
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4 Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins (5 oz.) 4 Filet Mignon Burgers (5.3 oz.) 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) 4 Gourmet Jumbo Franks (3 oz.) 4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.) 4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.) 1 jar Signature Seasoning (3.1 oz. jar) 8 FREE Filet Mignon Burgers (5.3 oz.) 65658LQX separately $223.93* SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE $9999 The Land: You’ve heard some of the impressive sale prices on farm land this season … and likely to stay strong for some time I’m told. If an older farmer is looking at retiring, should selling the farm now be an inevitable thought? Peterson: It’s tough to ever call a top or bottom to a market; but land prices are the strongest we’ve seen in years. It’s worth looking at converting assets to cash; but then the next question is where to generate a return on that cash? The current low interest rate environment is certainly fueling some of the land price increase. Most are pretty skeptical that rates can stay this low much longer; but we’ve also witnessed times where “stagflation” takes hold — inflation (and rising interest rates) without real growth in the economy. Add tax and estate planning wild cards from the federal government and it’s certainly worth a review. The Land: In China, because of rebuilding of their pig industry, is supporting record grain imports. Yet China’s economy is in a world of hurt too according to recent television reports. What’s your take on this issue? Peterson: This is probably over-simplified, but some of China’s actions stem from what’s happening with their other trade partners. For example, inflation is running rampant in Brazil, where their central bank already increased interest rates five times this year with more expected to come before year end. This continues to make their products more expensive which makes U.S. commodities more attractive. Regardless of how China’s economy is doing, they’ll make sure their people have food at the lowest possible price. The Land: With the net worth of many individual farmers increasing substantially in recent times, are there any particular concerns from your point of view as a prominent and respected ag lender? Peterson: Wow, prominent and respected? I think you have the wrong guy!
From what I’ve seen so far, the last commodity and asset run-up is close enough in the rear-view mirror where lessons learned are still fresh. It’s also really tough to buy new paint right now; so that’s acting as a restrictor too — helping to throttle some spending. The Land: When it comes to suggestions for farmers concerning financial management these days, do you have a listing of the top 10 Do’s and Don’ts? Peterson: How about just a few friendly reminders without sounding like a preacher?
As year-end approaches, be careful taking on debt in order to postpone a tax liability. When times get lean again, the payment is still there. I know it’s easy to say until facing the actual tax bill!
Most have already refinanced to lower fixed interest rates; but if you haven’t already, there’s still time!
And finally, a wise man once said there’s only two things we farmers don’t like: 1 — change; and 2 — the way things currently are. v
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun mailing ballots for the Farm Service Agency county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country.
Each committee has from three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office, and at least one seat representing an LAA is up for election each year. Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2022.
“Now is your opportunity to elect fellow farmers and ranchers in your community to serve on the local county committee,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “These committees are a critical piece to the work we do by providing knowledge and judgment as decisions are made about the services we provide. Your voice and vote matters.”
Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation but may not have applied or received FSA program benefits. Also, for county committee elections, producers who are not of legal voting age, but supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, are eligible to vote.
Producers can find out if their LAA is up for election and if they are eligible to vote by contacting their local FSA county office. Eligible voters who do not receive a ballot in the mail can request one from their local FSA county office.
To be counted, ballots must be returned to the local FSA county office or be postmarked by Dec. 6.
Ballots to elect urban committee members were sent beginning Nov. 1, 2021. These elections will serve local urban producers in the same jurisdiction. A fact sheet on the urban county committee election and a list of eligible cities can be found at fsa.usda.gov/elections.
This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. v
By RICHARD SIEMERS other pilots. After leaving the service, he moved to The Land Correspondent commercial airlines as a pilot and instructor. MONTGOMERY, Minn. — In some ways, While visiting his parents in the small Wisconsin Montgomery, Minn. honors veterans with the same town of Wautoma, he saw a display of plaques with respect that most Iowa and Minnesota photos of veterans and their individual towns do. The local American Legion stories in the foyer of the community spearheaded the development of Veterans building. Memorial Park … and a fine memorial it is. “I thought it was a great idea,” Grimm said, “but Montgomery didn’t have a com-
The attention is centered on a tiled munity building. I thought that instead of area with an American flag flying above concentrating the plaques in one place, the Minnesota flag and a POW/MIA flag why not disperse them throughout which flank it. Behind fly the flags of Montgomery’s business district.” each of the armed services. There is a statue of a soldier, and eagles — one a large carved eagle encased in Plexiglas which stands beneath the roof of a shelter. The shelter also houses a display of photos and stories of veterans. A granite monument sits front and center. He took his idea to Montgomery’s American Legion Post #79 and told them he was willing to pay for it. With the Post’s cooperation, the word went out, stories and photos were gathered. Grimm had a friend who made the wooden frames, and each veteran tribute was
What is different from any other town framed behind glass. Many businesses this writer has been in, the honoring of accepted them in their windows, and othveterans is not confined to a memorial. ers were posted on exterior walls. They are recognized throughout the downtown business district. Pictures and stories of veterans are displayed up and down the main street in store windows After a couple of decades, the wooden frames deteriorated and would leak water — especially those posted outside. and on the sides of buildings. The idea for See GRIMM, pg. 18
that came from John Grimm. Air Force veteran Grimm moved to Montgomery in 1992. He flew during the Vietnam War, but instead of going overseas the Air Force kept him home to train Photos by Richard Siemers John Grimm in front of the lodge at The Harbor
We can’t help your daughter get straight A’s, but we can help you get the best genetics for your farm.
Scan to watch the video
GRIMM, from pg. 17
With the expertise of another Legion friend, they were all converted to waterproof panels. Three hundred and thirty-nine tributes are now on display in the Veterans Memorial Park, on the side of the Legion building, and throughout downtown Montgomery.
Still energetic at the age of 80, Grimm is probably not done with the projects he dreams up. Coming from a family of veterans (his father and brothers also served in the military) honoring veterans with plaques, and now by providing housing for them, John Grimm has made Montgomery a place where veterans are honored in a unique way, and can be at home.
Stories of area veterans are on display throughout downtown Montgomery. With three cabins and the main building, The Harbor has room for 15 occupants.
For more information, especially on The Harbor, you can contact John Grimm at (612) 756-1075. Information about the Veterans Program and the Memorial Park is at the Montgomery American Legion website, www.montgomerymnamlegionpost79.org. v
The American Legion Post continues the veterans program as more tributes are added. It is not limited to Montgomery natives. Anyone can add the photo and story of a veteran they wish to honor. There is a fee to cover the cost.
Honoring the past service of veterans is well and good, but what about after their service? Grimm was aware of the plight of homeless veterans and wanted to do something about that, too. He often drove by a resort about a mile north of town which had gone bankrupt. There was a central building and three cabins. He envisioned a place for veterans to live. Grimm found a way to purchase the property, named it The Harbor, and went to work converting the main building into ten apartments.
A month into the project, he received a phone call from the mother of a homeless veteran. While Grimm was just getting started on the year-long remodeling, he decided he would welcome him — since living in a mess is better than being homeless. It turned out the man was experienced at sheetrocking and was able to exchange labor for a place to live.
With the three cabins, The Harbor has room for 15 occupants. When Grimm did not come up with enough veterans to fill the apartments, he opened it up to other low income residents, but veterans will always receive preference.
Veterans Memorial Park in Montgomery, Minn. This cross is on display at the Veterans Memorial Park shelter.
