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THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
Small town teamwork
418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLV ❖ No. 25 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements
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Cover photo by Richard Siemers
COLUMNS Opinion From My Farmhouse Kitchen Farm and Food File Green & Growing Marketing Mielke Market Weekly Swine & U Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads
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STAFF
Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Kristin Kveno: kkveno@thelandonline.com Staff Writer Emeritus: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives: Joan Streit: (507) 344-6379, jstreit@thelandonline.com Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Office/Advertising Assistants: Joan Compart: theland@TheLandOnline.com Lyuda Shevtsov: auctions@thelandonline.com For Customer Service Concerns: (507) 345-4523, (800) 657-4665, theland@TheLandOnline.com Fax: (507) 345-1027 For Editorial Concerns or Story Ideas: (507) 344-6342, (800) 657-4665, editor@TheLandOnline.com Because of the nature of articles appearing in The Land, product or business names may be included to provide clarity. This does not constitute an endorsement of any product or business. Opinions and viewpoints expressed in editorials or by news sources are not necessarily those of the management. The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The Publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement. Classified Advertising: $19.99 for seven (7) lines for a private classified, each additional line is $1.40; $24.90 for business classifieds, each additional line is $1.40. Classified ads accepted by mail or by phone with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Classified ads can also be sent by e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com. Mail classified ads to The Land, 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001. Please include credit card number, expiration date and your postal address with ads sent on either mail version. Classified ads may also be called into (800) 657-4665. Deadline for classified ads is 5 pm on the Friday prior to publication date, with holiday exceptions. Distributed to farmers in all Minnesota counties and northern Iowa, as well as on The Land’s website. Each classified ad is separately copyrighted by The Land. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Subscription and Distribution: Free to farmers and agribusinesses in Minnesota and northern Iowa. $49 per year for non-farmers and people outside the service area. The Land (USPS 392470) Copyright © 2021 by The Free Press Media is published biweekly by The Free Press, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Business and Editorial Offices: 418 S. 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727, Accounting and Circulation Offices: Steve Jameson, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Call (507) 345-4523 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Mankato, MN. Postmaster and Change of Address: Send address changes to The Land, 418 South Second St., Mankato MN 56001-3727 or e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com.
It seems that every Minnesota State Minneapolis. High School League tournament has a While I was walking around Fertile on Cinderella story or two, and this year’s black Friday, Nov. 26, it was almost a football championships were no excepghost town. Few shops were open for tion. While winning isn’t everything, this business, but many were not. The town year winning meant a whole lot to seemed to have already headed south to Fertile, Minn. The town, located in the Minneapolis for the game, or getting northwestern part of the state with a ready to travel there early the next population of 808, isn’t known for always morning. The shop windows were LAND MINDS having the best football record in the adorned with “We Believe” Falcon signs. area. But that changed this year. A lot By Kristin Kveno The team spirit was infectious all along changed. Main Street. This year was a special year for the When so much changed in the last Fertile-Beltrami High School Falcons 20 plus months, the opportunity to football team. cheer on the There was hometown team, enthusiasm playing in such a going into the grand venue, season. The team seemed the best was filled with way to bring experience and a about some happurpose: Win for piness. Jude. Fans boarded In 2020, Jude buses in Fertile Olson — a at 3:30 in the beloved teammorning on Nov. mate and friend — died at the age of 16 in an ATV 27 and headed for U.S. Bank Stadium. They flooded accident. This year would’ve been his senior year. the stands there in a sea of red. If team pride Losing a valuable member of the team was heartcould’ve scored touchdowns, the game would’ve been breaking. They decided to take Jude’s jersey to all so close. Unfortunately, the Falcons’ winning season the games. It was a tangible sign that he was still came to an end with LeRoy-Ostrander beating them part of the team. 58-8. The Falcons were fierce competitors this season, While it certainly wasn’t the ending they hoped winning all the regularly-scheduled games and con- for, it was a beautiful journey to the championship tinuing that streak into the playoffs. The team game. The team was welcomed home that night by joined the 9-man section in 2019. The last time they the loud roar of fans at the pep rally in the school’s made the semi-finals was in 2006. Until this year gym. The Falcons were winners in the eyes of the they had never made it to the championship game. town. The Falcons’ fans weren’t going to let a little disThe support of the crowd, a winning season deditance (277 miles to be exact) keep them from cheercated to a fallen friend, and the pure joy of the ing on their team at the U.S. Bank Stadium in game will leave lasting memories for those Falcon Minneapolis. The team needed their steadfast fans players. There’s plenty of things out there to disand the fans needed to cheer them on in person, so agree about, but the Falcons’ season this year was the wheels were set in motion to do just that. something to celebrate and that’s exactly what the Nathan Stuhaug, owner of Stuhaug Sanitation Service in Fertile, and the parent of two of the play- town of Fertile did! ers, was instrumental in organizing the bus transThis holiday season may we be filled with hopefulportation for the fans. Stuhaug, along with other ness and wonder just like the Fertile-Beltrami comlocal businesses owners and area farmers donated munity had on the journey to the state champion$25,000 to cover the cost of the coach fan buses to ships. Wishing all our Land readers a very Merry the semi-finals and championship game in Christmas and a Happy New Year! v
OPINION
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
12 — Iowa farmers’ decorations have turned into a Christmas destination 15 — German prisoner of war created life-sized nativity scene in Algona.
THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Calendar of Events” — Check out The Land’s complete events listing • “E-Edition” — Archives of past issues of The Land
THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
27
TOP 5 FINISHES
* 6 - 1ST PLACE FINISHES * IN 2021 MINNESOTA & RED RIVER F.I.R.S.T. CORN GRAIN TRIALS
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 3
BRAND
TRIAL NAME
RANK
YIELD TEST AVG ADVANTAGE
DS-3022AM™
Red River Central - Full (Summary)
1 of 32
214.3
194.1
20.2
DS-3022AM™
Red River Central - Full (East Grand Forks, MN)
1 of 32
229.5
203.9
25.6
DS-3727AM™
Minnesota West Central - Early (Summary)
1 of 48
234.4
218.5
15.9
DS-3727AM™
Minnesota West Central - Early (Brooten, MN)
1 of 48
286.6
244.5
42.1
DS-3550AM™
Minnesota East Central - All (Taylors Falls, MN)
1 of 43
223.4
188.0
35.4
DS-3550AM™
Minnesota South - Ultra Early (Nerstrand, MN)
1 of 35
258.9
236.1
22.8
DS-2828AM™
Red River South - Early (Wendell, MN)
2 of 37
236.6
213.9
22.7
DS-3727AM™
Minnesota West Central - Early (Clinton, MN)
2 of 48 244.6
221.4
23.2
DS-4018AM™
Minnesota West Central - Full (Lester Prairie, MN) 2 of 46
228.0
200.5
27.5
DS-3193AM™
Minnesota East Central - All (Milaca, MN)
2 of 43
180.7
161.7
19.0
DS-3959Q™
Minnesota Southwest - Early (Mankato, MN)
2 of 72
244.5
204.3
40.2
DS-3959Q™
Minnesota Southeast - Early (Cannon Falls, MN)
2 of 72
277.6
246.2
31.4
DS-3022AM™
Red River Central - Full (Buffalo, ND)
3 of 32
228.1
209.5
18.6
DS-3022AM™
Red River Central - Full (Warren, MN)
3 of 32
179.3
163.6
15.7
DS-3366AM™
Red River South - Full (Doran, MN)
3 of 40 248.0
229.2
18.8
DS-4000AMXT™ Minnesota West Central - Full (Lester Prairie, MN) 3 of 46
221.1
200.5
20.6
DS-4510Q™
Minnesota Southeast - Full (Kasson, MN)
3 of 58
290.7
259.2
31.5
DS-3022AM™
Red River Central - Full (Georgetown, MN)
4 of 32 220.3
198.9
21.4
DS-3162Q™
Minnesota East Central - All (Summary)
4 of 43
191.6
179.8
11.8
DS-3162Q™
Minnesota East Central - All (Taylors Falls, MN)
4 of 43
210.9
188.0
22.9
DS-3959Q™
Minnesota Southeast - Early (Summary)
4 of 72
244.2
229.4
14.8
DS-3727AM™
Minnesota Southeast - Early (Cannon Falls, MN)
4 of 72
275.4
246.2
29.2
DS-4310AM™
Minnesota Southeast - Full (Dexter, MN)
4 of 58
253.7
230.8
22.9
DS-2828AM™
Red River Central - Full (East Grand Forks, MN)
5 of 32 220.0
203.9
16.1
DS-3550AM™
Minnesota East Central - All (Summary)
5 of 43
191.2
179.8
11.4
DS-3550AM™
Minnesota East Central - All (Royalton, MN)
5 of 43 254.3
238.4
15.9
DS-3727AM™
Minnesota Southeast - Early (Nerstrand, MN)
5 of 72
232.8
28.8
261.6
See how our strongest lineup ever performs in your area at DairylandSeed.com or call one of our local reps: BROWN CO. Rossbach Seed (507) 220-3378
FILLMORE CO. Jay Miller (507) 951-1971
LE SUEUR CO. Tye Scott, DSM (605) 824-0559
LYON CO. Enemark Seeds (507) 828-3695
OLMSTED CO. J & A Seed (507) 481-5047
RENVILLE CO. Dale Filzen (320) 894-7480
SIBLEY CO. Merlin Schwecke (507) 276-6900
CARVER CO. David Richter, DSM (320) 248-1794
HOUSTON CO. Irvin Schansberg (507) 724-2445 (507) 450-9463
Whitewater Creek G & F (Howie) (507) 720-4618
NICOLLET CO. Mark Legare (507) 276-8115
Jay Miller (507) 951-1971
Voges Seeds (507) 766-0202
REDWOOD CO. Kirk Engen, DSM (507) 240-0034
STEELE CO. Karl Steckelberg, DSM (507) 475-0365
LINCOLN CO. Enemark Seeds (507) 828-3695
RICE CO. Whitewater Creek G & F (Howie) (507) 720-4618
Zimmerman Seeds (507) 217-7066
Swanson Seed Center (507) 828-0698
DODGE CO. J & A Seed (507) 481-5047
JACKSON CO. Jacob Ackermann (507) 840-0112
WABASHA CO. J & A Seed (507) 481-5047
WASECA CO. Whitewater Creek G & F (Howie) (507) 720-4618 WINONA CO. Haase Sales & Service Mike Unruh (507) 458-2977
Data based on 2021 F.I.R.S.T. (Farmers’ Independent Research of Seed Technologies) corn grain trials. No product recommendation by F.I.R.S.T. is implied. TM ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2021 Corteva.
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
Any time of year, fairs are a good tradition In most of our minds, fairs conjure up images of warm summer days, seeing old friends and just having a good time. But why wait until that season of summer fairs to partake in the happiness a fair brings? Many towns are hosting vendor fairs at this time of the year. They are reminiscent of ancient fairs which have been going on since commerce began. Anyone who had knack for baking or working with textiles, metal, wood, glass, growing garden produce or livestock had a booth on these fair days. Some might have been held weekly.
Fairs provided a place for people to gather to celebrate their communities, to meet their neighbors, newcomers and visitors to their towns, and to find a useful or decorative item. The fairs were an important part of a town’s social and business life. The social aspect is still very apparent. FROM MY It is possible that after the phrase, “How FARMHOUSE are you?,” the next most common phrase KITCHEN is, “Oh … it is so good to see you again.” By Renae B. These vendor fairs are still a great Vander Schaaf opportunity to showcase items made by skillful hands and to make available for sale to a person who has need of it. They are a great place to learn just what some of the area dwellers are doing in their spare time. Take for instance Nick and Marlena Fanning from Hudson, S.D. They are relatively newcomers to having a home-based business. M+N Custom Creations was begun last May. This husband and wife team focus on creating custom wood designed items. Nothing is more exciting than finding a one-of-a-kind item to give to a friend or have on display in my own home. Their business was started to give Marlena the opportunity to work from home, so that she could spend more time with their children. In my mind, that is a good reason for a home-based business. Elaine Wassink from Hull, Iowa is supposed to be retired. But she can’t stand being idle or seeing things go to waste. She offers a potpourri of items from jam flavors which aren’t usually found in stores. Elaine smiles when she talks about the Mulberry trees in her back yard. “God must have created them for more than the birds’ use; because over 30 years ago I developed a
recipe for mulberry rhubarb syrup that is a favorite amongst customers.” A few years ago I purchased a handy bag from their business named Yardage Fabric & Food at a vendor fair. It goes with me many places, but is even more special because I know her daughter Jackie created and designed it. Elaine did the sewing. A very talented mother and daughter duo. Also from Hull, Christiana Westra had a most beautiful display. She specializes in wood flowers. Yes, you read that right. Now that was a new concept to me. I really thought the flowers were real in her displays. She calls her home-based business C Anna’s
Things. There her three children are learning responsibility and business skills as they help in the creative process and at vendor fairs. Christiana loves helping bring people’s dreams to life as she hand paints the flowers used in her creations. She also custom designs longlasting bouquets for weddings and gifts. These few examples are just a very limited show of the talent one will see at a vendor show. Every town has its own unique flair with master craftsmen which makes it a delight to visit. Many of these vendors will not only acknowledge that their skillful work is a gift from God, but also the enjoyment they derive from their work. Ecclesiastes 3:12b-13 reads, “but for man to rejoice and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is a gift of God.” Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v
THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 5
Will carbon sequestration follow in ethanol’s footsteps? It’s an ever-more uncomfortable fact for eral well-connected contributors to the journalists like me that 67 percent fore who played critical roles in ethanol’s of today’s media-consuming Americans do fast rise. Many tell compelling stories of not have one paid-for subscription to anypolitical intrigue, changing geopolitics, thing. and fast market moves that often had nothing to do with farmers, farm groups, Even more striking, 87 percent of the or farm politicians; but everything to do Baby Boomer generation — we of gray with getting the fuel in millions of hair and paid subscriptions — use free, American cars. It’s one side of the ethaelectronic media like Facebook, Twitter FARM & FOOD FILE nol origin story that few have ever heard. and podcasts every day. Only Gen Z, the By Alan Guebert 18-to-25 year-old youngsters who actually More importantly, these experiences remember their website passwords, with building, expanding, and then use social media more. riding the biofuel boom give them unique insight into what to expect That describes me to a T: I have a when — or even if — the farmers ever partner with dozen paid print subscriptions and two dozen free carbon emitters. They have many questions. electronic subscriptions to podcasts on everything from “The Lutheran Hour” (which, oddly for the fasFor example, should a sequestration program be tidious Lutherans, is just a half an hour) to the voluntary, as most farm groups suggest. If so, who BBC’s “Farmarama.” establishes its rules for fairness, accuracy, and The best of my current listening, however, is an ag whether it even works — the U.S. Department of podcast titled “Corn Saves America,” a fact-filled, compelling dive into the potential, profitability, and probability, of ag-aligned carbon markets through, what its writer and host, Sarah Mock, explains, “the lens of corn ethanol.” The series (there are nine episodes varying in Send your letters to: length between 40 and 60 minutes each) is an audio Editor, The Land history of what we’ve learned in the rocky, 40-year 418 South Second St. marriage of broad environmental goals like clean air to far narrower farm needs like value-added Mankato, MN 56001 markets and better incomes. e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com Those lessons serve as a yardstick to measure the All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone next big environmental-ag policy push, carbon number (not for publication) to verify authenticity. sequestration. Mock, and the pod’s full-time sponsors and part-time contributors, Brent Gloy and David Widmar of Agricultural Economic Insights, are clear-eyed in their reporting and even-handed in their analysis of ethanol’s slow start in the 1990s, its gold rush in the 2000s, and now, its likely peak. But the series isn’t the fuzzy, “we persevered” success story offered by farm group officials, ethanol executives, and commodity association lobbyists who have so often mixed thin facts with thick fiction that few policymakers now know what government’s role could be in the rush to sequester carbon. Not so for Mock and the aei crew; they bring sev-
OPINION
Letters to the editor are always welcome.
Agriculture? private business? farm groups? a new government agency? Even before then, though, “...while everyone is figuring out how to sequester carbon,” say Mock and the aei economists, many interested players are “still trying to figure out what all this means to commodity prices, land values, and farm business in general” given today’s “financial, political, and climatic uncertainties.” Again, while no one knows, ethanol can provide some insight. When the Bush Administration lit a fire under biofuels with the 2005 and 2007 Renewable Fuels Standards, they brought government’s biggest blowtorches to the party: mandated blending levels, import tariffs to wall off cheaper imports, and generous tax breaks to encourage investment and usage. But no one in either the federal government or the private sector is calling for anywhere near that level of heat in any carbon sequestration program today. Why, Mock asks the experts, when everyone knows we don’t have an ethanol-like 40 years to design, fund, and put into action any carbon sequestration plan. Or do we? I can’t say; because I’m only five episodes into the deeply-researched and well-written “Corn Saves America” that is delivered to me for free. What a delicious — and worrying — treat. The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the United States and Canada. Past columns, events and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
Letter: U.S. agriculture better off without a farm bill To the Editor, I always enjoy reading Dick Hagen’s articles in The Land magazine. He has been writing stories about me for almost 60 years. I consider him a very good friend. Seeing him still writing gives me hope that someday he will get his story right. He has a bad habit of writing about ag politicians and ag lobbyists in glowing terms. As a veterinarian, I have watched public policy destroy the small family livestock farms. I recently drove through Carver County and drove by many empty dairy barns. I would provide animal health care to the milk cows they housed. One of the workers at the local feed mill said they have lost 15 good dairy farms since Jan. 1, 2021. Thank you USDA dairy buyout, 1985. I have watched mega crop farms gobble up many small family crop farms. These large mega farms make it almost impossible for a young beginning crop farmer to have a chance to get started and survive. These mega crop farms are also discouraging sons and daughters of existing family farms from wanting to take over their family farm. Thanks to the very corrupt federal crop insurance program that protects mega farms. I feel very fortunate to have two sons and two grandsons following me. Andersons have been farming this land for 150 years and I am sure my grandsons are already planning our farms bicentennial in 2071. I have confidence that my grandsons can take on those friends of Dick Hagen and survive.
How does a grass and alfalfa farmer, like myself, that enjoys protecting the environment compete with the traditional row crop, corn and soybean, farmers and wheat farmers and all their public subsidies to do it wrong? What is the CCC loan value on alfalfa bales? Did I miss the “Pick and Roll” for alfalfa hay? What are the ARC or PLC values for alfalfa hay this year? As your readers and Dick know, I could go on and on!! Yes, I do know my way around public policy. I started in 1972 with my first piece of state legislation. Don Johnson and I started discussions on a beef check-off program with the Minnesota Livestock Feeders Association at their annual meeting in Sleepy Eye. I have helped develop a number of ag pieces of legislations from the sidelines over the years. On the federal level, I worked with Dan Pierson and U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz on the 1985 USDA Farm Bill. I was encouraged by then U.S. Senator Paul Simon from Illinois to write a farm bill for farmers. In 1987, I wrote the outline for the Farmer Freedom Act (FFA). With the help of then U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone and Tom Meium, his ag person, it was passed as the 1995 USDA Farm Bill. The important part of the bill was the seven years of severance pay to farmers to eliminate farm payments to farmers in the future. After President Bill Clinton signed the bill, some of the people Dick Hagen brags about and big ag corporations got the
OPINION
severance package removed before the next farm bill was passed. I believe farmers and their efforts are so important to this country that we do not need a farm bill for big money to manipulate. My dad has been gone a long time. Dick would write stories about him and his many innovative ag projects as well. My dad told me many times we would be better off if they quit USDA Farm Bills after the boom of 1948. He enjoyed watching the stupidity of ag politicians. He went on to name our farm “Idle Acres” after one of their stupid ag programs. One of his favorite comments was, “do those 535 politicians think they can outsmart 2.5 million farmers lying awake at night?” I also believe we would have a very healthy farm economy with a lot more farms with no farm bill. A diversified agriculture would be healthier for our country rather than agriculture controlled by a few big money interests. I think it is too late for our country. If you study history, food or the lack of it has led to the decline of most civilizations. Dick’s friends are doing a very good job of helping history repeat itself. Even if he is wrong, Dick is still a very good friend and I do enjoy his writings. I have told him many times that I understand because I believe he is still a little young and naïve. Some day he will learn. Harlan R. Anderson Cokato, Minn.
Letter: Gone in 60 seconds To the Editor, Remember the movie? Well that is how long it feels that it took for our country to sink into total anarchy. Even though the Biden administration has been in charge for 10 months (I say Biden administration, but it is handlers that we have to be worried about — he is only the mouthpiece) it feels like 60 seconds. Notice how everything coming out of the federal government is a “mandate?” The administration
wants OSHA to “mandate” vaccines with companies over 100 people or be fined, or lose government contracts if not following government “mandates.” People will lose their jobs, pensions and livelihoods. This never went through Congress. This is only another avenue to destroy the infrastructure of this country. It was horrifying to see the way that this administration pulled out of Afghanistan, letting 13 servicemen get killed and leaving 30-plus billion dollars worth of highly technical equipment for our enemies to use against us directly, or to reverse engineer it to create more — not to mention the torture and murde the terrorists are employing there. From 80,000 more coming up through Panama from Haiti to an open border, to $3.5 trillion (actually $5 trillion) social welfare bill, abortion on demand up to birth, critical race theory, trying to form a civilian climate corporation, forcing military members to be vaccinated or quit, or pushing gender identity. These issues are just a microscopic cross section of what this administration is trying to do to weaken the military and destroy the economy.
OPINION
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We are in a time where deviant behavior is praised, and more rights are given to people entering the country illegally (of which they will not stop) than the citizens within this country, and during this time there are news organizations (using the term loosely) whose sole purpose is to provide cover for this administration. Anyone who cares about a constitutional republic would not allow us to continue down the path of destroying this nation. There are books that people must read to give insight as to what is happening with this country. First, “The Dying Citizen;” second, “American Markisim (sic);” third, “Give Me Liberty, Not Markisim (sic).” There has been only one United States of America, but this will not continue if we do not reverse the direction we are going, nor will your children or grandchildren be able to embrace what was once a free America. Mike Handzus Lakefield, Minn.
THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 7
A holiday mainstay, Poinsettias can be trained to bloom again One flower that often decland on the yellow blooms orates our homes during and pollinate them. Blue, the holidays is the purple, or other unusual Poinsettia (botanical name colors are achieved by Euphorbia pulcherrima). spraying cream-colored Like the Holiday cactus and leaves with paint and are Amaryllis, it can be kept also sometimes sprinkled after blooming, grown, and with glitter. GREEN AND encouraged to rebloom in GROWING The Poinsettia gets its succeeding years. name from the first U.S. By Linda G. Tenneson ambassador to Mexico Dr. This native of Mexico is triggered to have its upperJoel Robert Poinsett, a botmost leaves turn red when the days anist and physician, who sent cuttings get shorter. The actual bloom is the of this plant to his home in South small yellow bud like formations in Carolina in 1828. Poinsett died on Dec. the middle of each set of red leaves. 12, 1851, and this date is celebrated as Hybridizers have also bred those mod- Poinsettia day in Mexico. Poinsettias ified leaves or bracts to turn red, grow wild in the lower altitudes of white, or shades of pink, as well as Mexico and may reach fifteen feet in variegated leaf patterns. Those leaves height. A large percentage of may remain colored until summer. Poinsettias are grown for sale are Their purpose is to attract insects to raised in California.
Calendar of Events Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar and enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com. Dec. 11 — Dairy Goat Management Meeting — Orange City, Iowa — The meeting will focus on dairy goat housing and ventilation, milking equipment maintenance and milk quality to improve overall milk efficiency on the farm. All dairy goat producers are welcome. Contact Fred Hall at fredhall@ iastate.edu or (712) 737-4230. Dec. 11 — FEAST! Festival — Rochester, Minn. — 100 regional food businesses on display. Most use locally-grown ingredients. Contact Elena Byrne at elena@rtcinfo.org or (608) 712-8340 Dec. 14 & 15 — Soil Management Summit — Mankato, Minn. — The Summit features presentations and Q&A sessions with researchers, farmers and agricultural advisors, information from sponsors and conversations with farmers experienced in different soil health practices. Contact Jodi DeJong-Hughes at dejon003@umn. edu Jan. 4 — Ag Outlook Meeting — Willmar, Minn. — Topics include weather patterns for 2022, outlook for U.S. agriculture, and what’s ahead for commodity prices and how farmers
adapt to changing markets. Contact Linder Farm Network at (507) 4449224. Jan. 5 — Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops — Online — Crop fertility adjustments: Extension nutrient management specialist Dan Kaiser and Extension educator Brad Carlson will provide information based on up-todate research to help optimize crop management strategies for 2022. Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Jan. 5 — Ag Outlook Meeting — Marshall, Minn. — Topics include weather patterns for 2022, outlook for U.S. agriculture, and what’s ahead for commodity prices and how farmers adapt to changing markets. Contact Linder Farm Network at (507) 4449224. Jan. 6 — Ag Outlook Meeting — Mankato, Minn. — Topics include weather patterns for 2022, outlook for U.S. agriculture, and what’s ahead for commodity prices and how farmers adapt to changing markets. Contact Linder Farm Network at (507) 4449224.
This plant may be kept indoors where it will receive bright light or placed outdoors in partial shade. It should be moved back indoors before the temperature goes below 50 degrees. Regular watering and fertilization will encourage the plant to grow. It may also need to be moved to a bigger pot or container. Poinsettias may be pinched or cut back to maintain the plant in a manageable size. It will recover and grow new leaves if some leaves have shriveled due to a missed watering and dead branches may be easily removed. Starting in mid-September, keep the plant in a room that is not used in the evenings or provide 12 to 16 hours of darkness to trigger blooming. The darkness prevents the plant from producing chlorophyll, which is the substance that makes leaves appear green. Continue watering the plant during this period so that it remains healthy. A cardboard box placed upside down over the plant or moving the plant into a closet will provide this
amount of dark time. Short periods of light such as a streetlight shining through a window may interrupt the blooming cycle. When purchasing a Poinsettia, make sure it is protected by a paper or plastic cone to keep cold outdoor air from causing the leaves to drop. Plants in bloom may be damaged by cold drafts or high heat from fireplaces. The blooms may be displayed in a vase if the cut stems are first singed with a candle or match flame to keep the sap from emerging. Poinsettias are toxic to pets but not poisonous to humans, but caution is advised when handling the plant because the sticky white sap can cause skin rashes. The University of Minnesota Extension and the Illinois Extension web sites have additional details about this plant. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota master gardener and tree care advisor. v
Talk crops with U of M Extension Join University of Minnesota Extension this winter to discuss crop issues through its “Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops” webinar series. This live online program will provide up-to-date research to help optimize crop management strategies for 2022. Sessions will be held over Zoom and they’ll run from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays from Jan. 5 through March 30. Each session will start with a brief presentation by the discussion leaders for the day, followed by discussion framed around farmer-participant questions on the topic. For more details on each session, go
to z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. You need only register once for the program series. At registration, organizers request that you take a moment to let them know what questions you would like highlighted during the discussions. There is no charge to participate, thanks to sponsorship from the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. Sessions will be recorded and posted for viewing later at your convenience. This article was submitted by Liz Stahl and Phyllis Bongard, University of Minnesota Extension. v
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Association events prove beneficial for Ag attraction do students and young professionSometimes little things go a long als meet others who are studying way. The impact of doing something or interested in pursuing a career out of the ordinary might not be in agriculture, they hear about the seen for a while; but can have a big breadth of types of jobs in agri-food impact later in life. and supporting industries.” As a college professor I underMinnesota State University, stand education has an impact on Mankato student James Ziegweid students later in life. Although, I commented on the AgriGrowth have also come to realize that forSummit. “I had a blast at the mal education is not always the TALENT IN THE GREENSEAM Summit,” Ziegweid said. “I got the best way to learn. For me growing opportunity to meet so many new up I remember mimicking the By Shane Bowyer people and they were all so pasthings my role models did, listensionate about agriculture and food. ing to mentors, and never forgetI learned a lot by just being there. It piqued my ting those people who did the little things to make me feel special. Sometimes it was as simple as going interest even more about careers in this industry.” out for lunch and just talking. Pioneer Bank CEO David Krause agrees with I recently had the opportunity to hear from college Nelson on the impact industry professionals can have on students. “The Rural Forum presented a students about their experience and what it was unique opportunity for students in our region to be like to be able to sit down for a meal with ag and food professionals, attend a professional conference, exposed to issues impacting agriculture in a real world setting while allowing them to interact with and network in a social setting. industry leaders, farmers and agriculture advoTamara Nelsen, Executive Director of the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council, has seen the impact cates,” Krause said. “It provides an enhanced opportunity for those students to explore the broad diverof engaging the younger generation at industry sity of career choices available in the ag industry as events such as GreenSeam’s Rural Forum and they interact with companies engaged in agriculAgriGrowth’s Food and Ag Summit. ture.” “I truly believe that the leadership, examples, and Minnesota State Mankato business student passion shown for our industry by speakers, attendBreanna Novak was at the Rural Forum which ees, and sponsors at such events provides inspiraattracted nearly 250 industry professionals. “Living tion and fresh perspectives on the many career in the small town of Le Center I knew a little about opportunities in agriculture,” Nelsen said. “Not only
Intern in the Baylee Sorensen Blooming Prairie, Minn. School: Minnesota State University, Mankato Major: Business Marketing with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation Internship company name: FarmAmerica How did you learn about your internship? Samantha Campa in the College of Business Advising Center at MNSU Mankato
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Have you always wanted a career in agriculture? I have always wanted to stick to the rural and small-town side of a business. I enjoy how this type of business creates a community instead of just a group of employees. Whether or not this job would be in the career field of agriculture, I was not sure. Why did you choose an internship in the ag industry? I chose this internship because I believe that to market a product or service I will need to support and believe in this product or service personally. Teaching the community about the history and importance of agriculture is definitely something that I support and will continue to support. What are you learning on the job you did not learn in class? I learned about how creating and growing relationships with the consumers of a product or service is super important. This allows me to see how I can improve the product or service and also more accurately market the product or service to the right consumers. Personally, I believe that personal relations are one of the biggest parts of marketing and it is also the part I am most passionate about.
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agriculture, but did not really understand the impact it has,” Novak said. “The Rural Forum opened my eyes to that. I also got to experience what it was like to attend a professional event and meet new people. It was a good learning experience for me as I am about to graduate.” Nelson wishes she had a similar experience when she was in college. “As far as I am concerned, it took me four years of college and four years of professional experience to dovetail back into agriculture,” Nelson said. “If I had attended something like the Rural Forum when I was 19 to 21, I would have pursued this path a lot earlier because I would have seen the opportunity, passion and great people that work within it.” As you know, Minnesota has a number of agriculture and food conferences and events all across the state — large and small. So next time you are planning to attend one of these conferences or events, think about what it would have felt like when you were younger if an adult invited you join them. Do something out of the ordinary and buy a ticket for a student and take them along. Little things do go a long way. Talent in the GreenSeam focuses on developing talent and promoting careers in agriculture and food. Dr. Shane Bowyer is the Director of AgriBusiness and Food Innovation in the College of Business at Minnesota State University, Mankato and is on the GreenSeam Talent Committee. He can be reached for comments or talent ideas at shane. bowyer@mnsu.edu. v What surprised you about the internship? I was surprised by how much information I didn’t know about the history of agriculture in Minnesota. I grew up in the country surrounded by agriculture and learned a lot about it through the classes I took and the books I read in my free time. However, I was amazed by how much I did not know before my internship. In what ways has your employer worked with you to be flexible for your student life and classes? My internship was during the summer, so this wasn’t super relevant. However, Farmamerica did a great job of meeting with me regularly to see if I was learning everything I wanted to during the summer and allowing me to experience as much real-world experience as I could. What is your favorite animal? Goat What is your favorite food? Banana bread Who is you favorite musical artist/band? Zach Bryan
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MARKETING
Grain Outlook
Corn market awaiting some news to move The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Dec. 3. CORN — Corn got off to a rough start as the market continued to digest the possible implications of the Omicron deviant discovered just after Thanksgiving. Heavy fund liquidation was seen on both Nov. 29 and 30. This week’s low at $5.62.5 was the lowest March corn has traded since Nov. 9. Fresh news specific to corn was thin without any export sales announcements and with the beginning of a new month. Funds sold an estimated 25,000 corn contracts early in the week, but bought back approximately 12,000 during the first three PHYLLIS NYSTROM days of December. March corn is CHS Hedging Inc. back within the $5.70 to $5.95 St. Paul range it had been trading for the
Cash Grain Markets corn/change* soybeans/change*
Stewartville Edgerton Jackson Hope Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye Average:
$5.55 +.15 $5.76 +.04 $5.74 +.07 $5.63 +.12 $5.54 +.12 $5.73 +.11
$5.66
$12.15 -.05 $12.05 -.39 $12.20 -.25 $12.12 -.18 $12.06 -.23 $12.25 -.14
$12.14
Year Ago Average: $3.85 $9.09 Grain prices are effective cash close on Dec. 7. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service October Grain Crush report for corn used for ethanol was 469.3 million bushels, just shy of the 2017 record of 470.1 million bushels. Weekly ethanol production was down 44,000 barrels per day to a seven-week low of 1.035 million bpd. This remains above the needed pace to hit the USDA’s 5.25 billion bushel corn for ethanol forecast. Ethanol stocks were 137,000 barrels higher at 20.3 million barrels and the highest in 12 weeks. Lower production and higher stocks are not unusual for this time of year. Gasoline demand fell 538,000 bpd to 8.8 million bpd. Ethanol crush margins fell 29 cents but remain at a spiffy $1.31 per gallon. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange raised its Argentine corn acreage for this year to 18 million acres from 17.5 million acres. The USDA is using 16.8 million acres. However, they left production unchanged at 55 million metric tons compared to the USDA at 54.5 mmt. While La Niña concerns linger in the background, the BAGE rates their corn crop at 90 percent good/excellent. The corn crop is 31 percent planted. A well-respected private consultancy expects Argentina to produce 54.5 mmt of corn this year and Brazil’s corn crop to increase to 121 mmt. Agroconsult put Brazil’s corn crop at a record 124 mmt. The USDA has Brazil’s corn crop at 118 mmt. Scott Irwin, an economist from the University of
last three weeks. Weekly export sales were within expectations at 40.2 million bushels and the third-lowest in the last nine weeks. Total export commitments stand at 1.394 billion bushels, running 7 percent behind last year. We will need weekly sales to average 27.1 million bushels to hit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2.5 billion bushel export target. Canada was the second-largest buyer this week and they continue to provide a good market for U.S. corn this year. The only new export sale announcement this week was See NYSTROM, pg. 11 5.9 million bushels to Columbia.
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Everyone is a lumberjack at Guggisberg Tree Farm
By KRISTIN KVENO In the summer, there’s plenty of weeding to do The Land Staff Writer around the trees. Guggisberg and his wife Marie have six children, many of whom help at the tree NEW ULM, Minn. — Americans really like farm. their Christmas trees. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 25 to 30 million Every spring Guggisberg and his children real Christmas trees are sold in the United plant between 1,000 to 1,200 trees. They can States each year. Over 500 of those trees were hand plant 300 to 400 trees in a day. The trees sold the weekend after Thanksgiving at the are around 12 inches high when planted in the Guggisberg Tree Farm near New Ulm, Minn. ground. Owner Tony Guggisberg started planting trees Once a tree is three years old it will need to be in 1994 on former corn and soybean ground. trimmed. Trimming is a vital task at the tree With a degree in horticulture and a keen interfarm. Without it, the trees would not have that est in Christmas trees, Guggisberg is enthusiasdesirable Christmas tree shape. Guggisberg uses tic about growing trees. a machete to give the trees a nice shape. He can trim 50 trees in an hour. In 2006 the Guggisberg Tree Farm opened for customers to cut down their own trees. The farm In addition to planting trees every spring, sells seven varieties of trees: scotch pine, blue Guggisberg has the task of digging out the spruce, Black Hills spruce, white pine, Canaan stumps of trees which have been cut. It’s been a fir, Fraser fir and balsam fir. Every type of tree mild fall which has allowed Guggisberg to get a sold at the farm has its unique qualities. “Balsam start on stump removal. He uses the skid loader fir probably smells the best.” Guggisberg is growto dig out the stumps. ing a few hybrids, combining the finest of both Most of the trees sold at the farm are between varieties, like the balsam/Fraser hybrid which seven and nine feet tall, though they do sell some smells good and offers strong needle retention. A that are up to 20 feet high. Customers pay by tree that won’t shed needles is high on most cussize, height and quality of the tree. “We usually tomers’ tree wish lists. Once the tree is taken Photos by Kristin Kveno have a tree for everybody.” home Guggisberg suggests keeping it away from “The market for real trees the last couple of heat and keeping it well watered to ensure it Tony Guggisberg looks over a stand of trees which will be ready for cutting for Christmas 2022. years has gone up,” Guggisberg said. The weeklooks good throughout the holiday season. end after Thanksgiving this year, the farm had more Visitors to the Guggisberg Tree Farm take a walk the growing season. These were young trees and sapthan 1,000 people come to cut down their perfect tree. from the sale shed out to the tree groves where they lings. The rest of the trees exhibited stress due to the The surge in popularity of fresh trees has been have the opportunity to cut down their tree. If cut- lack of rain. “They put on very little growth this ting down a tree isn’t your thing, Guggisberg also year.” Losing hundreds of trees in a year is unusual wonderful for Guggisberg. However, it takes up to 10 sells his trees at River Creek Nursery in New Ulm. for Guggisberg. “On a good year, I probably lose five years for a tree to grow to the height fit to be cut. Guggisberg tries to figure out the trends, but it was Tree farming isn’t easy. Mother Nature can provide to 10 trees.” impossible to predict a pandemic was on the horizon A blizzard during the second weekend of selling many obstacles in the growing and selling season. A when he planted trees a decade ago. “Last year was few years ago, wet growing conditions resulted in the trees one year resulted in a single customer who the first time we had to close early.” Selling out the death of a couple of hundred trees on the farm due to braved the elements to get a tree. Weather can make trees so quickly was a pleasant surprise for root rot. This year, Guggisberg reported that 300 to or break both growing and sale seasons. Guggisberg. It was an ideal outside family activity. 400 trees died as a result of the lack of rain during Besides weather, pests can be a problem as well. Getting a fresh tree became a popular thing to do. “Spider mites and aphids can attack trees,” This year was another stellar sales season for Guggisberg said. The spider mites may turn the trees Guggisberg. to an off-color. Guggisberg sprays for pests as needed. In addition, pocket gophers will eat the roots of young trees, so Guggisberg is always on the lookout for those pesky varmints. EARLY DEADLINE
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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.
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With a 10-year growing window, weather and pests can have a lasting effect on Guggisberg’s trees. These trees have a few years to go before they’re ready to sell.
See TREES, pg. 11
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Soybeans rally to end the week on a positive note
NYSTROM, from pg. 9 Illinois (my alma mater), participated in the Illinois Farm Economic Summit this week and said 2022 U.S. corn acres will rise by 3 percent despite the high cost of fertilizer. He predicts corn acres will increase 2.7 million acres to 96 million acres and soybean acreage will decline 1.7 million acres to 85.5 million acres. With normal weather and yields, the corn crop next year could be a record 15.9 billion bushels. Outlook: Big picture factors are carrying the weight in the markets with Covid variants leaving traders to wonder what various governments’ reactions may do to demand and economic direction. Domestic demand for corn has stayed firm with bin doors closed and prices not at high enough levels to draw bushels into the pipeline. The nearby corn spreads have narrowed significantly to reflect nearby demand needs. March corn’s recovery puts it back into its $5.65 to $5.95 per bushel trading range set in November. For the week, March corn fell 7.75 cents to $5.84, July down 10.5 cents at $5.85.5, and December 2022 dropped 10.24 cents to $5.52.25 per bushel. The December World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report will be released on Dec. 9. The average trade estimate for U.S. corn ending stocks is 1.487 billion bushels vs. 1.493 billion last month; world ending stocks 304.47 mmt vs. 304.42 mmt last month; Argentina’s corn crop at 53.96 mmt vs. 54.5 mmt last month; and Brazil’s at 118.26 mmt vs. 118 mmt last month. SOYBEANS — Soybeans suffered the same rollercoaster ride as corn as the January contract dropped to its lowest since Nov. 11 in post-Omicron trading. The $12.00 level was never tested, but it did cause one to pause when January traded as low as $12.14.25 per bushel. Soybeans rallied in the second half of the week when new sales were announced, and a late-week friendly canola report propelled soyoil higher. New soybean export sales were announced three times during the week to both China and unknown, which most will assume were to China. Soybean oil
was chaotic during the week and traded a huge range from 54.59 to 60.25 in the January contract. It closed near the middle of the week’s range. January soymeal closed near the week’s high after trading a wide 338.10 to 360.50 range. Crude oil has closed lower on the weekly chart for the last six weeks. OPEC plus met this week and reaffirmed they will honor the 400,000 bpd production increase in January, but also said that could change at any time if demand wanes. Weekly export sales were on the lower side of estimates at 39.1 million bushels and the lowest in eight weeks. China accounted for approximately 65 percent of the week’s sales. Cumulative sales are 1.365 billion bushels and are 29 percent behind last year. We need to average 17.4 million bushels of sales per week to reach the USDA’s 2.05 billion bushel outlook. China’s total U.S. purchases so far this year are 749.6 million bushels vs. 1.091 billion bushels last year by this date. Net cancellations for the 2022-23 crop year erased all previous sales. New export sales announcements this week included 15.3 million bushels to unknown and 4.8 million bushels to China. The NASS October Oilseed Crush report showed a record 197 million bushels of soybeans were crushed. Soyoil stocks were higher than anticipated with a record oil yield. StatsCan showed their canola production slightly below trade expectations at 12.6 mmt vs. the estimate for 12.8 mmt and 12.8 mmt previously. This is the lowest production since 2007. The BAGE rated Argentina’s soybean crop at 88 percent good/excellent with 46 percent of the crop planted. Their crop estimate is 44 mmt vs. USDA at 49.5 mmt. A well-known private consultancy estimates Argentina’s soybean crop at 49.5 mmt and Brazil’s at 145 mmt (USDA at 144 mmt). Brazil’s government will keep the 10 percent biodiesel blend for 2022 to crushers consternation. The rate had been cut from 13 percent earlier this year on soyoil shortages. Crushers predict their crush will be down 6 mmt due to the change.
TREES, from pg. 10 The farm has saws for customers to use. For safety reasons, chainsaws are not allowed. Once the tree is cut, employees put the tree in the shaker which rids the tree of loose needles and loads it onto the car. “We basically don’t have to advertise anymore.” Guggisberg’s wife Marie and daughter, Rachel, manage the farm’s social media pages and those posts bring in the crowds. This year that resulted in selling out of the Christmas trees at the farm in just a few days. Why cut your tree? Guggisberg believes his customers like to cut their own tree, knowing that it’s fresh. After Christmas, many people put the tree outside for their feathered friends. “It’s one of those
great renewable resources. A lot of people set them out for the birds.” Just as any farmer would tell you, weather can be a challenge, and tree farming is no exception. Losing trees in drought or wet years can be frustrating, as is battling gophers and other critters chewing up young trees. The best part of owning and operating a tree farm for Guggisberg is the customers. He›s grateful the tree farm is part of a holiday tradition for many who come from near and far to pick out their trees. “Seeing all the families have a good time. We’ve met so many great people.” Visit Guggisberg Tree Farm at https://www.guggisbergtreefarm.com/trees.html. v
The Dec. 9 WASDE report may include a cut to U.S. exports. China currently has bought 20.4 mmt of U.S. vs. 29.7 mmt last year by this date. Some traders believe China’s soybean imports from the United States this year could decline to below 30 mmt vs. last year’s total of 35.5 mmt. Some factors to consider are Brazil’s crop will be available earlier this year than last year, weaker hog margins, and Brazil’s higher protein content. Outlook: After a rocky, Omicron variant influenced start to the week, soybeans rallied to end the week on a positive note. Market volatility will stay with us directed by weather and Covid news. Brazil’s early soybean harvest will be here before you know it. January soybeans haven’t traded above $13.00 per bushel since Sept. 30, so it will take more positive news to overcome that obstacle. Buying has surfaced when prices have faded below $12.25 per bushel. South American weather and Chinese interest will be factors to watch in addition to any Covid/lockdown news. For the week, January soybeans rallied 14.5 cents to $12.67.25, July was 5.25 cents higher at $12.84, and November 2022 fell 6.25 cents to $12.34 per bushel. The average trade guesses for the December WASDE report: U.S. ending stocks at 352 million vs. 340 million last month; world ending stocks at 104.13 mmt vs. 103.78 mmt last month; Argentina’s soybean production at 49.39 mmt vs. 49.5 mmt last month; and Brazil’s soybean production at 143.79 mmt vs. 144 mmt last month. v
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Christmas Acres celebrates 25 years of Christmas chaos By RENAE B. VANDER SCHAAF The Land Correspondent LE MARS, Iowa — Big city lights may be attractive to some young farm boys, but for Rob Scheitler of Le Mars, Iowa it was the Christmas lights that enthused him. His parents annually took several drives to see the displays in area towns.
By age 12 he was already decorating their farmstead with lights on the fences, trees and buildings. “Then my dad joined in the action,” said Scheitler. “He put lights on the tractors and farm implements. These were the type of lights that made the machinery look as though it was running.”
Take-down begins in January, weather permitting. Both Rob and Joyce Scheitler have full time jobs, so the work is done after hours and on days off. The help from volunteers is very much appreciated. “Every things is labeled, cleaned up and stored,” said Scheitler. “Every year it goes back to the same place outside.”
Shaunna, Joyce and Rob Scheitler (left to right) started their Christmas chaos 25 years ago.
Photos by Renae B. Vander Schaaf
When it gets close to 5 p.m. the Christmas decoration enthusiasts start driving in to the Scheitler family farm.
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Twenty-five years ago, Scheitler and his wife, Joyce, built their new home just north of the family farm. That first The LED lights are on from 5 to 10 year they began their own Christmas p.m. each evening, weather permitting. display. When Christmas Light devotees began “It was easy to decorate the trees handing the Scheitlers money, they felt then,” laughs Scheitler. “They were just a bit uncomfortable. small ones. Now it is a quite a task.” But that doesn’t seem to deter the Scheitler family which now includes daughter Shaunna (a student at the University of Northern Iowa) from undertaking this immense decorating job each year. It may well be the largest the outdoor country display in the state of Iowa, certainly in the area. This Christmas train brings good cheer. This isn’t just a drive“My wife said this isn’t why we do by display. Well-lit walking paths bring visitors up close to the lights and deco- this,” said Scheitler. “She said we were going to find a charity.” rations. The work begins in August with deco- See CHRISTMAS ACRES, pg. 13 rating the trees and bushes. Scheitler does his last mowing Oct. 1, at which time he begins laying wires and setting out decorations. The items in the fields go out once the crops have been harvested. Walking paths meander through the lights.
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PAGE 13
Scheitlers added home-baked goods to offer visitors CHRISTMAS ACRES, from pg. 12 So they did. All the donations go to the Christian Needs Center in Le Mars — a charity which provides food, clothing and other items to people in need. “Last year, we donated $41,000,” said Scheitler. “The Center was able to pay off unpaid lunch balances of students in Plymouth County. They also bought winter clothing for those that were without.”
Rob Scheitler hands out candy canes to Kayla Lund and Grace Pauley visiting from Shelby, Iowa.
The homemade treats are available on Friday and Saturday night in the garage. Besides Rob and Joyce, Rob’s mother, Lois Ernst, helps out. Her specialty is molasses The lights begin to shine as the sun sets in the west at Christmas Acres. cookies. The The Christmas decorations continue money from the baked goods funds their to multiply each year. Scheitler has fun daughter’s college education. in his workshop. Some items have been Another new item donated. Others are purchased from this year is local Christmas decorator aficionados (many honey from neighof whom are in their upper 80s and into bors Dean and Barb their 90s) who have retired from setJohnson. The ting out their displays. Adaville Honey Company earned its Last year, the Scheitlers added a name for a small bake shop in their garage. Many years town which existed ago Joyce sold homemade jams at a for just a few years local farmer’s market. As her success around the turn of grew, they began adding baked goods. the 19th century. Rob became well known for his pies. Lois Ernst and her They wondered if they could continue molasses cookies. the business in their garage.
In honor of Christmas Acres, Virginia Freyermuth of Le Mars designed and sewed a quilt. This quilt is being raffled off. She had one stipulation: the money raised stays with the Scheitler family. The Scheitler family also have one stipulation: “Have yourself a merry Christmas!” Christmas Acres is located at 18481 Impala Ave., Le Mars, Iowa (seven miles west of Le Mars on Highway 3, then south on Impala Ave.) The Scheitlers can be reached at (712) 5410577. v
Santa Claus can be found everywhere.
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
Demand for U.S. milk is up 4 percent, supply is not week and 500 head or 0.9 percent above This column was written for the marketthat week a year ago. ing week ending Dec. 3. n The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the November Federal order Omicron became the buzzword of “Black Class III milk price at $18.03 per hundredFriday” and ever since, as another chapter weight. This is up 20 cents from October, is written in the ongoing Covid saga. $5.31 below November 2020, but the highGrowing concern unleashed widespread est Class III price since May. The 11-month commodity market selling for those open average stands at $16.96, down from on that Friday, with crude oil taking the MIELKE MARKET $18.39 a year ago and compares to $16.74 brunt, according to StoneX Dairy Group, WEEKLY in 2019. as countries scrambled to formulate and By Lee Mielke institute travel bans in an effort to Late morning on Dec. 3 Class III contain Omicron. futures portended a December price at $18.43 which would result in a While several reports downplayed 2021 average of $17.09, down from the seriousness of the new variant, $18.16 in 2020 and compares to the President tried to ease the fear, promising there $16.96 in 2019. would be no new lockdowns. The Class IV price is $18.79, up $1.75 from October, “It may be much ado about nothing,” said StoneX $5.49 above a year ago, and the highest Class IV broker Dave Kurzawski in the Dec. 6 “Dairy Radio price since October 2014. Its 11-month average Now” broadcast. “Dairy has taken the news in stride,” stands at $15.74, up from $13.50 a year ago and he said, but “One thing is for sure, Omicron doesn’t down from $16.26 in 2019. make more milk.” Meanwhile, a sharply higher October All Milk Price That’s the issue we’re dealing with right now, he and sharply lower corn and soybean prices propelled said, and follows anemic growth and even negative the October milk feed ratio higher for the second milk growth in October. Year-to-date U.S. milk output month in a row. The USDA’s latest Ag Prices report is up 1.6 percent while domestic dairy demand is up has the ratio at 1.87, up from 1.69 in September, but 2.4 percent. Throw in exports, he said, and demand is still down from last year’s 2.49. up over 4 percent. The index is based on the current milk price in “We don’t have as much milk,” Kurzawski rearelationship to feed prices for a ration consisting of soned, “And the cost of producing milk has gone 51 percent corn, 8 percent soybeans and 41 percent through the roof for a lot of producers — especially in alfalfa hay. In other words, one pound of milk would the last few months, so $18 milk isn’t what it used to purchase 1.87 pounds of dairy feed of that blend. be.” The U.S. All Milk Price averaged $19.70 per cwt., That said, he quickly added, “The market doesn’t up $1.30 from September but 30 cents below October have to give you a profit. If demand slows down 2020. The California price climbed to $19.90, up because of Omicron or some other variant or some$1.10 from September and a dime above a year ago. thing else comes out of the woodwork, prices can sink Wisconsin, at $19.60, was up $1.30 from September back down.” but $2 below a year ago. Kurzawski says he doesn’t see people eating any The national average corn price fell to $5.02 per less because of Omicron so he still sees a stable and bushel, down 45 cents per bushel from September, slightly bullish market as we head into the end of the after dropping 87 cents from the August level, but is year. When asked how high milk prices might go in still $1.41 per bushel above October 2020. 2022 he answered, “No one knows for sure; but the Soybeans averaged $11.90 per bushel, down 30 reality is, I wouldn’t rule out $20.” cents from September, after dropping $1.50 from “We’re not out of the woods yet,” he said, “but I don’t August, but is $2.27 per bushel above October 2020. think milk production is going to turn on a dime Alfalfa hay averaged $213 per ton, up $4 from here. After talking with dairy producers all day long, September, after gaining $3 from August, and is a every day, I don’t see the capital investment being put back into dairy farming today and I don’t see whopping $44 per ton above a year ago. Looking at the cow side of the ledger, the October demand slowing down a tremendous amount.” n cull price for beef and dairy combined averaged $70.60 per cwt., down $2.30 from September, $10.60 Looking globally, we got a peek at New Zealand’s above October 2020, but $1 below the 2011 base aver- October dairy exports. Whole milk powder was off 1.3 age of $71.60 per cwt. percent from a year ago while skim milk powder was Dairy Margin Coverage payments will be triggered up 12.9 percent. for the 10th month in a row. HighGround Dairy says, “October was not an allIn the week ending Nov. 20, 59,200 dairy cows were time high for the month even as volume shipped to sent to slaughter. This is up 900 from the previous China, the top destination, did hit a record. Strong
MARKETING
powder exports were recorded into the country despite rumors of high inventories.” HighGround Dairy says the strongest increase by volume into the rest of the world was on cheese, at 69.6 million pounds, up 20.1 percent from a year ago, strongest for the month in five years. China’s market share reached 26 percent as it remained the numberone destination; but gains over prior year were strongest to Japan. Year-to-date, cheese exports were up17.1 percent. Butter totaled 41.8 million pounds, down 17.7 percent, though year-to-date is up 2.1 percent. n In politics, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced legislation this week which calls on the Agriculture Secretary to begin a national hearing process on Federal Milk Market Orders within six months of its passage. The hearings will consider the Class I mover, but may also address other issues as well. A task force from six Midwest dairy groups gave the measure a thumbs up and stated, “The Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act leaves the door open to considering various proposals, such as the Class III Plus proposal put forth early this year, and the ability to address other areas of the system that are just as urgent, such as increasing price transparency.” The task force also supports creation of an academic dairy pricing study that would aid in the discussion and called on lawmakers to “support this research effort to help inform whatever emerges from the hearing process. We look forward to working with the Senate and USDA to find a lasting solution for our dairy farmers.” The National Milk Producers Federation says the legislation “adds bipartisan momentum to a range of critical milk pricing discussions that dairy farmers are having through NMPF’s Economic Policy Committee. NMPF is continuing to work with USDA and Congress on how best to remedy deficiencies in the Class I mover formula and fully recoup $750 million in unintended losses felt by farmers of all sizes.” The International Dairy Foods Association recognized six individuals this week at the annual Celebration of Dairy, “whose work in federal legislation and food and agricultural policy has helped to advance the economic impact of the U.S. dairy industry.” IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, recognized Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Rep. David Scott of Georgia, Rep. Sanford Bishop of Georgia, Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho, and Jason Hafemeister and Bruce Summers of the USDA with the IDFA Leadership Award. 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
THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
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PAGE 15
POW’s nativity scene continues to awe and inspire By RICHARD SIEMERS The Land Correspondent God moves in mysterious ways, and Marv Chickering thinks that can be seen in a nativity scene which annually draws 1,500 people to Algona, Iowa each December. It was built by Eduard Kaib and five other German prisoners of war and donated to the community at the war’s conclusion. During World War II, over 400,000 prisoners of war were housed in the United States — most of them German — and many of them captured in North Africa. Non-commissioned officer Eduard Kaib was never near North Africa. He was wounded at the battle of Stalingrad. He was taken to a hospital in France and nursed back to health, then sent to a holding camp in Italy before being transported to the United States and sent to Algona, Iowa. What are the odds, mused Chickering, that this particular German prisoner, captured in Russia, would end up in Photos by Richard Siemers Algona? Because “without him, we Eduard Kaib’s lifesize nativity scene in Algona, Iowa is made up of 65 figures – including 30 have no story,” Chickering said. sheep. Camp Algona was one of the 155 base camps for prisoners of war around the United States. were used to replace the men who were Camp Algona had 34 branch camps in Minnesota overseas fighting. They worked on farms, in (20), Iowa (10), and the Dakotas (4). The prisoners canning factories, and lumber camps. Following the Geneva Convention, they were paid 10 cents an hour (80 cents a day). ON THE COVER: The holy family in the manger Being an officer, Kaib was not required to is guarded by volunteers in work; but when he arrived he was physitwo-hour shifts throughout the cally unable anyway, suffering from a gasmonth of December. There are tric ulcer. Kaib was an architect by trade, 97 volunteers who erect, disand a good artist. As Christmas 1944 mantle and watch the display approached, Kaib dealt with his loneliness which draws 1,500 viewers (he had a wife and daughter back in A photo of Eduard Kaib every year. hangs in the lobby.
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Germany) by building nativity scene figures out of the loamy soil. He dried them on the stove and painted them. He set up the 12-foot scene in the mess hall with a Christmas tree to help lift the spirits of other prisoners. The Camp Commander, Lt. Col. Arthur Lobdell, was impressed and encouraged Kaib to build a larger one for the following Christmas. Kaib accepted the challenge. He and five friends worked on it when it fit their schedules. For the sheep, small logs were cut, legs were screwed on, and the form was covered with cement, textured to look like wool. For other figures, wooden frames with wire were covered with cement, then coated with plaster for a smooth surface which could be carved and painted. By December 1945, the nativity scene of one-half life-sized figures included the Holy Family, shepherds, magi, townspeople, an angel, camels, and a flock of 30 sheep — 65 figures in all. “It’s a miracle in itself that six men built this in less than a year,” Chickering said. The scene was part of the 1945 Camp Christmas service, with carols sung in English and German. During a tour some years ago, a woman told Chickering her remembrance of being at that service. When she was four years old, her family lived across the street from the family of the camp commander. On that Christmas evening, the Lobdells invited her family to come out to the service at the See NATIVITY SCENE, pg. 16
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
Kaib brought family to view his work in 1968
NATIVITY SCENE, from pg. 15 camp, which was not open to the public. Chickering recalled her memory: “They were introduced to Kaib, and she was persuaded to sit on his lap. She was very frightened. And years later she was told that while she sat there he was crying his eyes out, thinking of his own daughter back in Germany.” After Christmas the public was invited to view the creation, and Chickering said about 3,000 people from different states stopped at the camp during the next six weeks. When Camp Algona was closed in February 1946 and the prisoners were returned to Europe, the community asked if they might keep the nativity scene. Kaib agreed with three conditions: that it never be sold; that it be open to visitors during the holiday season; and that they never charge admission for people to see it. Prisoners helped move and reassemble it (the camels alone weigh 500 pounds) and it was set up in a building at the Kossuth County fairgrounds in Algona. The Junior Chamber of Commerce took responsibility, and when that organization disbanded, the Men’s Club of the United Methodist Church took over. Today it is the congregation that sponsors the nativity scene. In 1963, a new building was constructed to house The Delightful Gift 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 8
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the nativity scene, and many upgrades to the scenery have taken place since — all provided by donations and volunteers. In 1968, Eduard Kaib brought his family to the United States to see where he had been and what he had built. While in Algona, he painted a mural of Bethlehem as background to the scene.
One sheep from the display is sectioned to show how they were built of wood, sticks and concrete. The camels weigh about 500 pounds each.
It takes 97 volunteers to have the display open every day during December. They each take a twohour shift “babysitting the baby Jesus,” as they refer to it. Marv Chickering chairs the Nativity Scene Committee and continues to be moved by the stories and responses the scene elicits from visitors. One of his favorites happened just before it closed one of those years. “I always sign up for the last time slot — we close New Year’s Eve at 6:00 p.m. — and just before closing in walked a WWII veteran with two great-granddaughters — around ages 7 and 10. He started sharing war stories, and I could tell that the girls were not enamored with this.” Marv Chickering
Chickering suggested, as a diversion, that they go back into the nativity scene and count how many sheep there were. At that time there were 31 sheep. When they came out, he asked the oldest girl how many she had counted, and she said 32. He was puzzled and asked her how she came up with 32. “Well, she said, there are 30 adult sheep, there is the lamb in the shepherd’s arms, and there is the Christ child, the Lamb of God.” In a 1985 letter written to grade school children and displayed at the Camp Algona POW Museum in Algona, Kaib wrote: “I never intended to create a piece of art. The only intention when making the nativity scene was to help to bring the joy of Christmas to our camp. And you can imagine that I am very glad that the nativity scene … helps to heal the wounds of war.” As it continues to bring wonder and healing to visitors, Chickering is convinced it was not just coincidence that an artistic German soldier was captured in Russia, sent to Algona, Iowa, had a camp commander who encouraged his work, and left the community a one-of-a-kind nativity scene which has inspired thousands through the years. He senses divine guidance that brought about a creation which continues to have an impact on people The only thing that might top the Algona POW Nativity Scene is the wonder and mystery of the story it depicts. Scheduled hours for visiting from Dec. 1-31 are Sundays and Christmas Day 12-8 p.m.; Monday through Saturday 2-8 p.m.; and New Year’s Eve 2-6 p.m. For appointments at other times, contact Marv Chickering at (515) 395-8373; or the First United Methodist Church office at (515) 295-7241. Find more information on location at https://www.pwcampalgona.org/nativity. v
THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
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PAGE 17
Reducing sow mortality in the farrowing room Mortality rates are highest in the farrowing room, whether it be for pigs or sows. A lot of farrowing room focus is put on pre-weaning mortality; but reducing sow mortality also needs to receive producer attention. When we include stillbirths, it is not uncommon to see three-quarters of growing pig mortality showing up before weaning. If we take this risk on a daily basis, a pig is 20 times likely to die on a day in the farrowing room than a day subsequent to that. Based on this higher risk, we have studied both stillbirth rates and preweaning mortality rates in great detail. We know there are factors such as birth weight, colostral intake, facility design and facility factors that lead to higher and lower pre-weaning mortality rates. The rates of mortality for sows are also much higher in the farrowing room than in breeding or gestation. We can see daily rates which are eight times as high in the farrowing room than in breeding and gestation. The difference is there has not been a particular emphasis on the study of this aspect of sow mortality in the same way that pre-weaning mortality has been emphasized as a separate category of mortality versus post weaning mortality. With the levels of mortality seen in the farrowing stall, it may be useful to understand the processes which lead to sow death, as well as leading to additional compromised sows at time of weaning. There are additional pressures on the sow through parturition and lactation that appeared to result in a proportion of sows unable to cope with the added physical requirements. Moreover, it may be worth questioning whether the physical environment in the farrowing stall is too biased toward the piglet rather than the stall. Though the studies are limited, it may be useful to start viewing the farrowing stall as a point of intervention to reduce sow mortality rates. Here are a few factors worth considering as we try to help the sow survive and thrive in the farrowing stall. Lameness — In our work, a sow that is lame at
UniversityofMinnesota
EXTENSION
SWINE &U
entry into the farrowing stall has a 40 percent higher mortaliSWINE & U ty rate — even if the lameness By John Deen, DVM appears to be minor. Moreover, these sows are also much more likely to be compromised at weaning so they are culled at a higher rate. Analgesia — Though it is particularly true in lame sows, there is a positive effect of long-acting pain control in sows. Behaviorally, these sows are more likely to get up and eat and drink shortly after farrowing. Unfortunately, here in the United States no such product is registered for use in sows. Off-feed events — We have shown that even one day off feed can significantly increase the mortality rate and decrease the quality of sows at weaning. Heat — Hot, humid nights particularly result in higher sow mortality in the farrowing stall. Farrowing difficulties — Slow parturition is also an indicator of a sow having difficulty in coping and predicts higher levels of mortality. As any good herdsperson will point out, these are not independent subjects. The real problem is when these factors start coming together. A lame sow going
into a farrowing stall during hot weather is much more likely to see those off-feed events and have trouble farrowing. It is in the multiplicative aspects that we truly identify at-risk sows. It is a cascade of events which leads to sow death in many cases, and catching sows in early stages of difficulty may be our best chance of providing an efficient intervention. However, there may be a need to also change some of our emphases in pig rearing. I would argue that there is a greater emphasis on reducing pre-weaning mortality in the farrowing room than reducing sow mortality. An illustration I use in this argument is asking what is the optimal temperature for a farrowing room — especially when the sows are farrowing? The answers I receive are usually more closely correlated with piglet comfort than with sow comfort. Sows would do best at a temperature of 60-65 F. Farrowing rooms are already places of intense activity and focus, and redirecting some of that effort toward the comfort and well-being of the sow may have real returns. John Deen is a professor in the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He can be reached at deenx003@umn.edu v
2021 variety crop trial results available
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Agricultural barley, canola, corn grain, corn silage, oat, soybean, Experiment Station and the College of Food, spring wheat, winter rye, and winter wheat. Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences have Results can be found at varietytrials.umn.edu/2021. published the 2021 Minnesota Field Crop Trials. This article was submitted by the University of Crops included in this year’s trial include alfalfa, Minnesota. v
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THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021 Real Estate Wanted
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GREENWALD FARM CENTER Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177 14 miles So. of Sauk Centre
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 20
www.thelandonline.com —”Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021 T
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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• 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 — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 21
Steffes Auction Calendar 2021
Wanted
For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com
All kinds of New & Used farm equipment - disc chisels, field cults, planters, soil finishers, cornheads, feed mills, discs, balers, haybines, etc. 507438-9782
Opening December 1 & Closing December 14 at 7PM Blue Earth Grain Bin Auction, Blue Earth, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 6 & Closing December 13 West Central MN Farmers Inventory Reduction Auction, Multiple Locations in West Central, MN, Timed Online Auction
Wanted to Buy: JD 4430 and 4440, 1975 or newer. JD 725 6, 8 & 12 row - front mount cultivators; Stanhoist and Bushhog steel barge boxes; Gehl and Lorentz grinder/mixers; plus all types of farm machinery. 507-251-2685
Opening December 6 & Closing December 14 at 7PM Steve Nielsen Farm Retirement Auction, Luck, WI, Timed Online Auction Opening December 6 & Closing December 15 at 1PM Jon White Retirement Auction, Morris, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 6 & Closing December 16 at 10AM AgIron Litchfield Event, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction
WANTED TO BUY... HAY: Round or square bales, Dairy and Beef Quality. Call or text 218-689-2696
Opening December 8 & Closing December 15 at 10:30AM South Central SD Multi-Party Consignment Auction, Armour, Delmont, Mitchell, Parkston & Platte, SD, Timed Online Auction
Livestock
Opening December 8 & Closing December 15 Steffes Construction Consignment Auction, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction
FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred Kemen 320-598-3790
Opening December 9 & Closing December 16 at 2PM Burke County, ND Land Auction 107± Acres, Lignite, ND, Timed Online Auction Friday, December 10 at 10AM Don Fiedler Farm Retirement Auction, Stanchfield, MN
wants your feedback. Email: editor@thelandonline.com or visit: www.thelandonline.com or call: our friendly staff at 507-345-4523 800-657-4665
Opening December 10 & Closing December 14 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 10 & Closing December 20 at 12PM Allen Ward Estate Farm Auction, Mooreton, ND, Timed Online Auction
The Land, a weekly farm and rural life magazine has an IMMEDIATE OPENING for an
Outside Sales Representative
Candidates should have professional sales skills to service existing clients and develop new businesses in a designated territory. Also essential are strong organizational and communication skills, along with attention to detail. Full-time position with base pay plus commission and complete benefits package. Candidate must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license to be considered.
Opening December 13 & Closing December 20 at 7PM Rory Dunn Estate Equipment Auction, Osakis, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 13 & Closing December 21 at 12PM Korinek Farms Sugarbeet Equipment Auction, Breckenridge, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 13 & Closing December 21 at 1PM Joshua Olin Estate Auction, Blackduck, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 16 & Closing December 22 at 3PM Red Wing Lodge Inventory Update Auction, Walker, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 17 & Closing December 22 Online Steffes Auction – 12/22, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening December 19 & Closing December 22 at 12PM Hong Farms Equipment Update Auction, Buxton, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening December 20 & Closing December 22 at 12PM Wilkin County, MN Land Auction - 156± Acres, Barnesville, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 20 & Closing December 28 at 1PM Beach Family Farms Inventory Reduction Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 20 & Closing December 28 at 7PM Johnson Collector Snowmobile and ATV Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction
Interested candidates should email their resumes, salary requirements and a cover letter to Deb Petterson, General Manager at: dpetterson@thelandonline.com
Opening December 20 & Closing December 29 at 2PM Boehnke Waste Handling Inventory Reduction Auction, Marietta, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 22 & Closing December 29 Schmidt Bros. Farm Inventory Reduction Auction, Sioux Falls, SD, Timed Online Auction
PAGE 22
www.thelandonline.com —”Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021 T
If you’re having a Farm Auction, let other Farmers know it! Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MN/ Northern IA *December 24, 2021 *January 7, 2022 *January 21, 2021
*
Northern MN December 17, 2021 *December 31, 2021 January 14, 2021 January 28, 2021
Swine
Pets & Supplies
FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Purebred Heelers for sale, Hampshire, Duroc, cross 5 red males, 6 months old, bred boars, gilts & 4-H pigs. puppy shots, farm raised Top quality. Excellent herd looking for good homes, sehealth. No PRSS. Delivery rious inquiries only. Contact available. 320-760-0365 David at 651-214-0072 Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available. Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Delivery available. Steve Resler. 507-456-7746
Classified Line Ads
WORK!
Call 507-345-4523
Deadline is 8 days prior to publication. Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication. is now
Upcoming Sealed Bid Land Auctions December 14 160 ± acres farmland Flora Township, Renville County, MN
418 South Second Street • Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 Fax: 507-345-1027 Website: www.TheLandOnline.com e-mail: theland@TheLandOnline.com
January 13 81 ± acres farmland Lake Hanska Township, Brown County, MN
Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!
Have an upcoming auction?
Only registered bidders may attend
Talk to your auctioneer or call our friendly staff at 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 to place your auction in The Land. theland@thelandonline.com or www.thelandonline.com
For property brochures, contact Hertz at 507-345-LAND (5263) WWW.HERTZ.AG 151 St. Andrews Court #1310, Mankato MN 56001
Timed Online OPENS: MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 2021
CLOSES: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 | 10AM LITCHFIELD AGIRON TIMED ONLINE CONSIGNMENT AUCTION
BID ON: 2WD TRACTOR / COMBINES / DRAPER HEADERS / CONVENTIONAL TRUCK W/O SLEEPER / PULL-TYPE SPRAYERS & SPREADERS INLINE BALERS / GRAIN CARTS & GRAVITY BOXES / ATVS, SNOWMOBILES, BOATS, RECREATION / WHEEL SKID STEER LOADERS & MORE! AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: Contact auctioneers for owner information, new consignments, or changes at 320.693.9371. Registration, terms, & details at SteffesGroup.com.
320.693.9371 | SteffesGroup.com Steffes Group, Inc. | 24400 MN Hwy 22 S, Litchfield, MN 55355 | 320.693.9371 Complete terms, lot listings and photos at SteffesGroup.com / Ashley Huhn MN47-002, Randy Kath MN47-007, Eric Gabrielson MN47-006, Scott Steffes MN14-51
#07-53
THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 23
Miscellaneous
,New farm & ranch sign. Two , 8’ - 4” square posts * shind gled roof * 4’ square sign - board * primed and painted t white * ready for your farm name. Photo can be found online. $300 651-788-2591 PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS New pumps & parts on hand. Call Minnesota’s largest distributor HJ Olson & Company 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 Looking for something special? Put a line ad in The Land and find it! Call The Land today! 507-345-4523
ADVERTISER LISTING
Ag Builders ........................................................... Cover Wrap Beck's Hybrids ..............................................................1, 9, 13 Dairyland Seed Co., Inc. ....................................................... 3 Fladeboe Land ..................................................................... 18 Generac ................................................................................. 6 Greenwald Farm Center ........................................................ 19 Hertz Farm Management ..................................................... 22 Kannegiesser Truck .............................................................. 15 Kerkhoff Auction ................................................................. 22 Kristi Jo Block ......................................................................11 Land Resource Management ................................................. 19 Mathiowetz Construction Co. ................................................. 7 Mike's Collision & Repair Center ........................................... 5 Minnwest Bank .................................................................... 12 Northland Buildings ............................................................... 5 Omaha Steaks ...................................................................... 16 Pioneer ................................................................................ 17 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ............................................................ 19 Rush River Steel & Trim ........................................................ 4 Schweiss Doors .................................................................... 23 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ................................................. 19 Southwest MN K-Fence ........................................................ 10 Steffes Group ..................................................................21, 22 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com
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PAGE 24
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — DECEMBER 10/DECEMBER 17, 2021
This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Managing Editor Paul Malchow.
Father Christmas, Christkind and the Krampus
B
lack Friday is red, green and gold in Excelsior, Minn. E x c e l s i o r Christkindlsmarkt kicks off the holiday shopping season in grand style with parades, music and an open-air Christmas market on Thanksgiving weekend and the first weekend in December. Shops and businesses downtown are decorated and patrons line the street for the grande parade. Although the festival backdrop is Excelsior Bay of Lake Minnetonka and not the Alps, Christkindlsmarkt carries a definite Bavarian feel with Christmas traditions such as German sausages and potatoes, strudel and “Gluehwein’’ (a warm, sweet, spiced wine). The market features a variety of stalls filled with handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, vintage pieces, Alpaca knitwear and original art. A family affair, Christkindlsmarkt boasts a North Pole Trolley, Father Christmas, live reindeer and tea parties with Frozen Princesses. Patrolling the grounds are the angelic Christkind and the foreboding Krampus. Christkind is a German Christmas figure adorned with golden hair, angel wings, and a crown. She is the traditional Christmas gift-bringer in
multiple European countries and opened Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt Friday morning with a proclamation. Krampus is a creature larger than a man. Covered in fur, Krampus has large exotic horns (sometimes as many as four or six), and hunts the mountain passes in the eastern alpine realm (in modern-day Austria). In the Salzburger history, Krampus was part of pre-Christian traditions and represented the harshness and wilderness of winter. Around 700 A.D. the creature was paired with Sankt Nikolaus. The tradition was outlawed by the Nazis; but in the 1960s, Krampus came back into popular culture. Historically, Christkindlsmarkt is thought to have been established at Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany in 1434. Striezelmarkt was a one-day market to provide the citizens of Dresden with the meat for the Christmas meal after the pre-Christmas period of fasting. Over time, the Christkindlsmarkt festival spread throughout Europe. Eventually, every mid-size town had its own market. In 1995, it finally crossed the ocean to Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago. In 2005, an Excelsior resident visited the Chicago Christkindlmarket and suggested it to a committee of local business owners and residents.
Excelsior, Minn.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt, a completely volunteer and donation driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, manages and coordinates the festival to this day. v
agbuilders.com 507-831-2600 info@agbuilders.com
Commerical and Farm Grain Handling Systems
Save on your project by ordering now!
Galvanized steel prices are on the rise.
Prices subject to change without notice .
agbuilders.com 507-831-2600 info@agbuilders.com
Ag Builders is Your Local
In-Stock!
Farm Fans Grain Dryers 1
CF/AB 270
2
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1
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710bph
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835bph
1
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Call today
for
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1-800-826-2233
BUCKET ELEVATOR 128’ HI CAP 24” 6,000 BPH
BUCKET ELEVATOR 100’ SR 36” 10,000 BPH
Prices subject to change without notice.
800-826-2233 • agbuilders.com • Windom, Mn • 507-831-2600
