Green & Growing

Gardening can continue in the winter need deeper pots. However, plants with some evaporation through the sides of the pots and by keeping plants indoors in containers shallow root systems are often grown in may require more frequent watering. Monitor the or pots. Plant containers are available deep pots because they are aesthetically moisture level of these plants more closely than made from clay, plastic, metal, ceramics pleasing if the height of the above ground those grown in metal or plastic containers. and other materials. Household items such as the bottom half of a one-gallon milk or juice bottle can be used as shortterm plant containers. More substantial containers may be created from large detergent bottles or fiber jars after the tops have been removed and discarded. GREEN AND GROWING By Linda G. Tenneson growth is equal or similar to the height of the container. Plants grown in pots react more rapidly to environmental changes. Changes in temperature affects the surface of outdoor soil and so the soil temperature changes slowly. However, the soil in a Container-grown plants do best in soil that has been mixed with peat, sand, vermiculite, or perlite to keep it from compacting and slowing root growth. Self-watering pots which use wicks to pull water from a bottom reservoir into the soil will help keep the soil moisture at the right level.

Gardeners who start seeds in early spring may container can heat up or cool faster because the An online search for “container gardening.edu” use paper pots which last long enough for a seed to sides and bottom of the container quickly transmits will show detailed articles on this subject from sevgerminate and grow before being transplanted to a changes in the surrounding air temperature into eral neighboring state extension websites — particlarger pot or outdoors. Creative gardeners may also the container. Dark colored containers placed in ularly the article from the University of Illinois. have containers made from wood, old shoes, or other southern windows or under grow lights will also Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota unusual items. Take care when using unusual plant have this effect. Clay or terra-cotta containers allow master gardener and tree care advisor. v containers. It is important that they have not been manufactured with chemicals which may harm Send your letters to: Editor, The Land, 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001plants. e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com

All containers must be thoroughly clean and drainage holes or slits made in the lower sides or bottoms. Containers should be disinfected with a solution of nine parts water and one part household Letter: We are in difficult times bleach to kill any potential plant pathogens. Recycled containers are not as attractive to look at and are often placed inside other containers. The outer container does not need a drainage hole and so serves as a drip tray to collect excess water. However, be sure to empty drip trays or saucers before too much water accumulates in them and is reabsorbed into the soil. Too much water will rot plant roots and keep needed oxygen from existing in the soil. Do not put gravel or pieces of broken pots in the bottom of containers. Water remains in the soil just above the gravel instead of draining out of the pot. Containers are best selected to accommodate the size of the plant and its root ball. Plants with shallow root systems can grow in shallow pots, while plants that extend their roots deep into the soil OPINION home used equipment. They want new and our defense industries, which provide jobs in all 50 states, want to build new and our Congress people want to fund them. Republicans want mandated forced birthings, but of course no government help for mother or child. Republicans hate to allow women to have the freedom to control their own bodies. America has a history of freedom for heterosexual white males only. Everyone else has had to fight for their freedom. Difficult times loom. Trump’s Big Lie has pushed many Republican leaders into thinking that democracy is no longer in their interest. Difficult times indeed. Greg Rendahl Ostrander, Minn. To the Editor, Mr. Handzus’ recent letter to the editor (The Land, Dec. 10/17) expressed opinions that were basically the exact opposite of my hopes and wishes. I would have hoped that all Americans would have worked together to end the scourge of covid, but a large percent of Republicans refuse to be vaccinated. 800,000 dead Americans apparently means little to them. We should have left Afghanistan as soon as we failed to find bin Laden, but I guess we learned nothing from Vietnam. Even the Russians were not so stupid as to stay in Afghanistan for 20 years. When 241 US soldiers were killed in Lebanon President Reagan withdrew all our soldiers. President Biden could also see the reality of our situation. Our military does not really want to haul

By DICK HAGEN

The Land Staff Writer Emeritus

OLIVIA, Minn. — Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Thom Petersen was a guest speaker at the Minnesota National Farmers Organization annual convention. The event took place at Max’s Grill in Olivia, Minn. on Dec. 4. Appointed Commissioner in 2019, Petersen is a long-time resident of Royalton Township near Pine City, Minn. where he lives on a horse farm. Prior, he was director of government relations for Minnesota Farmers Union — working in both Washington, D. C. and St. Paul.

I was able to chat with Petersen at the Olivia event about farm economy, Minnesota markets and the state’s ongoing battle of the parties in St. Paul.

The Land: Welcome to Minnesota’s Corn Capital. You know this Renville County area quite well?

Petersen: Indeed. This is a highly-productive county blessed with good soils and innovative farmers. I recall two seed companies out here, RBA Seeds and Keltgen Seeds … both were big news makers in the seed industry. And that I suspect spurred the Minnesota Legislature in the early 1990’s to designate Olivia as the “Corn Capital of Minnesota.”

The Land: We’re seeing lots of new wealth in Minnesota agriculture this year. Is this a short-term bump or a continued bonanza?

Petersen: Most of the state is in good shape; but quite a few cattle producers in northwestern Minnesota are still feeling the effects of our draught this season. Many farmers tell me they were pleasantly surprised with yields, high test weight corn and market prices that strengthened — even stayed strong through the harvest season. But we are concerned about input costs. I’m told fertilizer costs pushing into the $300 per acre category. Virtually all other costs also significantly higher … including land rental charges. Hopefully farmers can now enjoy a couple of good years, because a farmer’s financial health is vital to our rural communities also.

The Land: This inevitable … do you think the November 2022 election will be a turning point in the politics of America?

Petersen: I’ve learned to not make predictions because just a couple months can make a huge difference in the political structure of our state — even our country. But what’s great about Minnesota is our people really get engaged in politics, even at the highest level. Best I can say today, Dick, is let’s just see how it plays out. Yes, some change seems inevitable based on political polls aired on the news networks these days.”

The Land: Let’s talk about hemp, still being touted as a new crop industry here in Minnesota. Here in Olivia we have a company (Seehausen Brothers) striving to finance the building of a hemp processing facility. What’s your take on the status of the hemp industry in Minnesota?

Petersen: We have about 400 farmers with some hemp acres this year. Because of limited processing and marketing however, there’s been little increase in the past couple of years. We’ve got to get more processing going. It’s not bigger companies getting involved; it’s younger start-ups. But startups are tough. Get some processing going and I think we’ll see hemp emerge as a nice new niche crop. We’re talking about 5,000 acres currently.

The Land: Are there any cattle on your own farming operation?

Petersen: Not anymore … just horses now. But I’m thinking about buying some cattle. I was working on one of my fence lines yesterday and was inspired to possibly buy some feeders next year. I’m about one hour north of the Cities in Pine City.

The Land: So with grain markets strong, more corn for your operation next year?

Petersen: We’re on the ‘corn line’ north to Duluth. Since I bought my first land 30 years ago, genetics have boosted corn’s durability considerably. And that’s making corn a more attractive crop — even for us more northern growers with shorter seasons. But I do know export shipments out of the Duluth harbor often include lots of corn. And that’s good for all producers. So maybe some more corn for us in 2022.

The Land: Any policy issue in this legislative session on your agenda?

Petersen: Yes, we’re still trying to expand our local meat processing capabilities. You’ll recall a couple years back some meat processing facilities got shut down because of Covid-19 impact and regulations. Yes, some producers had to slaughter their own animals because processing facilities were shut down. Farmers here today telling me of up to a year-long delay to get their own animals processed at their local locker plant. So more expansion is definitely needed.

We’re also working to expand E-15 marketing across the state. E-15 sales will set a record this year. Yes, this helps bolster corn prices, but also ethanol fuel emissions produce cleaner air. And that’s why I think E-15 fuels eventually will become the new standard at Minnesota fuel pumps. It’s a slow process, but it might organically happen because we’ve got smart consumers. As they tune into the environmental bonuses of ethanol fuels, plus cheaper pump prices too, E-15 will become stronger across Minnesota.

Also, water quality issues are a constant. Because of our 10,000 lakes legacy we have WACO — the Wetlands Conservation Act — so Minnesota already has wetlands regulations. So we’re less concerned about national wetland Issues again being discussed. Common sense so farmers can farm while still protecting the environment is our thinking here at the Commissioner’s office.

The Land: The Minnesota Senate has removed a couple of department heads and has not ruled out more. How comfortable is the Commissioner’s chair these days?HHh

Petersen: My appointment started three years ago. It’s gone by fast, but is most interesting work … including this pandemic crisis; the wettest year in 2019; and then now this droughty 2021 season. But Minnesota is an agricultural powerhouse. We’re known and respected amongst other major farm states. It’s an honor to be the Ag Commissioner in this state.”

Appointed by Gov. Tim Waltz in 2019, Petersen makes it a point to travel almost every county in Minnesota each year to fully understand how these policies affect farmers’ daily lives.

To learn more about the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, visit www.mda.state.mn. v

www.TheLandOnline.com Apply now for Minnesota Association of Townships scholarship

ST. MICHAEL, Minn, — The Minnesota Association of Townships recently announced its 2022 Scholarship Program, which will award up to five $2,000 scholarships to high school juniors. All students currently enrolled in 11th grade and attending a Minnesota public, private, or parochial school, or a home-study program, are eligible to apply for this program.

Since its inception in 2001, the MAT Scholarship Program has had over 2100 submissions and 92 winners.

Applicants should submit a written essay using critical thinking on the topic of promoting township government by May 1. Winners will be chosen by an independent panel of judges and will be notified midAugust 2022. They will also be invited to attend MAT’s annual conference in St. Cloud, Minn. in October.

For more information and application details, call the MAT offices at 1-800-228-0296 or visit www. mntownships.org.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Association of Townships. v

By KRISTIN KVENO

The Land Staff Writer

FAIRMONT, Minn. — Suzanne “Suzy” Sukalski is a chief executive officer, inspirational speaker, breakfast hostess at the Hampton Inn, a daughter, a sister, an aunt and so much more. At 29 years old, Sukalski has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments. Sukalski has Down syndrome, but she is quick to point out that it doesn’t define her. She believes that we all have different abilities.

Sukalski lives at the family farm near Fairmont, Minn. with her parents, Diane and Larry. She’s proud of her farming heritage and is happy to lend a hand during those busy times in the fields. “She helps with babysitting and getting meals together,” Diane said.

Happy hostess

Sukalski first became interested in the hospitality profession while taking an education career exploration class in high school. After graduation, the Hampton Inn breakfast host position became available. In meeting with Sukalski, Jason Subbert, general manager of Torgerson Properties Inc. (which includes the Hampton Inn) thought this could be a great fit for her and he was right. Nine years later, Sukalski exuberates pride and satisfaction in her role as breakfast hostess. “I love that job a lot.”

Photos submitted Suzanne Sukalski began packaging “Sunshine Suzy Super Crunchy Corn Nibblets” in 2015 and now distributes the snacks in 24 states.

She began the position with a job coach and was quickly able to master the skills needed to perform the hostess duties. She refills breakfast supplies, cooks waffles, eggs and sausage, makes coffee all with a friendly smile.

In addition to all that she does in her job, Sukalski has created cards which she gives out to the Hampton Inn guests. “That’s my idea. I love crafts a lot.” She makes cards for every season and occasion. The cards contain a simple message, bringing a little joy to the guests. “It gave her a way to connect with the guests,” Diane said.

Suzy also does her job while wearing one of her 30 signature aprons. “Aprons for every season,” Diane said. Suzy designs them all. “I make my own.”

Her friendly demeanor and can-do attitude have been an asset to the Hampton Inn. She and the rest of the Fairmont Hampton Inn employees received a number one rating for service out of the more than 1,200 Hilton brand hotels worldwide.

A sunny idea

The idea to get into the corn nibblets business came about after sampling some at a tradeshow. It was something Sukalski and her parents enjoyed. When inquiring on how to purchase the corn nibblets, they discovered the corn snacks were only sold in bulk. At

See SUNSHINE SUZY, pg. 10

SUNSHINE SUZY, from pg. 9

that moment, a light bulb went off. Why not package and sell these tasty treats? That’s how Sunshine Suzy Super Crunchy Corn Nibblets was born in 2015.

The Hampton Inn was looking for a local snack they could give to their Honors Members. “What’s more local than Suzy — who lives here and works here,” Diane said. Thus began the opportunity to get the corn nibblets in the hands of customers all over the country.

One of the first large-scale sales of the snack was to the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council which ordered more than 20,000 bags of corn nibblets. They use the nibblets as a marketing tool to promote U.S. corn.

The corn nibblets are bagged and labeled in a certified commercial kitchen at the Sukalski farm. “Kettle corn is my favorite one,” Sukalski said.

Sukalski weighs a batch of snacks at the Fairmont, Minn. facility. The company donates snacks to first responders in the area and is working on shipping some to U.S. troops overseas.

Last spring a meeting was called. Sukalski, her parents and siblings, nephews and niece, sat around the board room table and taste-tested various flavors and decided on sea salt, spicy buffalo ranch, kettle corn, barbecue and ranch. The corn nibblets come in 1-ounce, 2-ounce and 5-ounce bags. The snack has been purchased for wedding favors, graduations parties, business giveaways, or just for the corn snack fan.

The corn nibblets differ from many of the corn nuts found in stories. “Nice on your teeth, it’s a waxier corn,” Diane said. The corn is grown in Indiana and Illinois. The hope is someday Sukalski can get the product grown locally — whether on the family farm or by another local producer.

When Covid-19 hit, the Sunshine Suzy business had to pivot from doing mostly custom labeled mass packaging to focusing efforts on online sales. Sukalski can do all aspects of the packaging and labeling, and mailing of the snacks; though with so many orders, family pitches in to help as well.

Within the first 53 days of the new website with the convenient online ordering capabilities, 500 boxes of corn nibblets were shipped to 24 states. Online ordering continues to grow as word spreads about Sukalski’s mission to spread sunshine everywhere. The products can also be purchased at True Value, Fareway and Sterling Drug — all located in Fairmont, as well as Ghost Town Tavern in Imogene, Minn.

Giving back

Sukalski recently sent boxes of Sunshine to some families of Down syndrome babies. It was her way to Diane Sukalski show the families there’s a world out there for people of all abilities, Sukalski is proof of that. She has also donated corn nibblets to troops overseas. She and Diane are working on packaging 1,500 bags to send to Kuwait for National Guard troops. Sukalski has dropped off corn nibblets at fire stations, police and sheriff stations. Diane explained that it’s important Sukalski donates to first responders and other members of the community as her way of giving back for all the help she’s received. “She’s been helped by people — from teachers to paras at school to people at work,” Diane said.

Inspiring speeches

The first speech Sukalski gave was with her Hampton Inn manager. She spoke about her role at the hotel. She can now give solo presentations up to 45 minutes in length. She’s given speeches at schools, businesses and to international delegations. Her story about resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity rings true to many.

Diane’s pride and love for her daughter are evident. “People with disabilities belong in the world. They’re an asset,” she said. The Sunshine Suzy mission is to “Nourish the soul. Celebrate abilities. Inspire possibilities.” What started as sampling a tasty corn snack over six years ago has developed into the opportunity for Sukalski to share kindness and smiles with people everywhere.

If you are interested in ordering some sunshine or want to learn more about Sukalski and her mission, visit www.sunshine-suzy.com. v

Smaller farmer pool concerns Glessing and Farm Bureau

LAND MINDS, from pg. 2

I happened to have the radio on when KNUJ Farm Director Jim Bartels was interviewing new Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing. Glessing said he was “Quite honored” to be selected to succeed longtime Farm Bureau head Kevin Paap. “When I became a member of the Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Committee, I got some bigger ambitions,” Glessing said. “But now I really can’t believe I’m here. I credit my experiences on the YF&R Committee for fueling my passion for higher ambitions within this remarkable farm organization.”

Glessing’s home town is Waverly, Minn. in Wright County. He and wife Seena have four children ages 15 to 7.

Glessing said Farm Bureau has been a fixture in his family for three generations. “My grandparents were members; so were my parents and when I became a young farmer, I started realizing the importance of joining a group that represented all of us farmers — regardless the age. And I quickly learned it just made sense to have an organization that represents us in St. Paul at the state capitol; or in Washington D.C. on national and international agricultural issues; or even in our local community on food issues, local school board concerns, even county roads and ditches … these are reasons why Farm Bureau became important in my life.”

“I recall when signing new members they would often comment ‘gosh, if I’d known what all Farm Bureau was doing I’d have joined long ago.’ So that’s my call to action … telling our Farm Bureau story. We’re not just production agriculture; we’re about community improvement; we’re about better education; and we’re always about a stronger and brighter future for America.”

Glessing added he felt his biggest challenge as new president is the ongoing trend of bigger and fewer farms in rural Minnesota … and every other farm state. “That membership pool keeps getting smaller. Yes, we keep adapting to change, but maintaining membership is my number-one concern.” n

See LAND MINDS, pg. 11

By DICK HAGEN

The Land Staff Writer Emeritus

On Nov. 19 at Farm Bureau’s State Convention I had the pleasure of meeting Shayne Isane, FB State Director from District VII (deep in the northwest corner of Minnesota). Badger is his home town (Roseau County).

Isane was a candidate for state president and thus my reason for our visit. The 94 voting delegates elected Wright County dairy farmer Dan Glessing as president. However my conversation with Shayne that morning provided some interesting commentary.

I asked Isane in view of all the road bumps, what are his thoughts about the future of U.S. agriculture?

“Being a farmer, you need to be optimistic,” he replied. “We wouldn’t be in this business if we weren’t positive about the future. I’m a second generation farmer. My grandfather immigrated from Norway when he was 15. I’m now 54 and farming has been good for me. You quickly learn the value of friendship; the importance of building confidence; and the need of vigor, sharing and team work. Yes, my involvement in FFA definitely helped springboard me into leadership ambitions. The role of this new generation will be critical to the future of agriculture.”

“My son Devyn is 34,” Isane continued. “He’s an electrical lineman. My daughter, Danielle, 32, works as a cosmotologist in California. I farm together with my brother and a nephew just graduated from North Dakota State University and now joined into our Isane Farms Inc. farming operation. We are beef (cows and calves), corn, soybeans, spring wheat,

alfalfa and this crop called perrenial rye grass which we grow for grass seed for lawns, golf courses and such. We don’t raise hogs … only beef cows from which we feed out their offspring each season. “Our farm today consists of almost 6,000 acres including pasture acres. We’ve got mostly Black Angus cattle, a very popular breed right now. But also have some Red Angus and some Charolais. We run about 300 cows.” “You have to be positive,” stressed Isane. “Our job is growing food for America, so it’s our duty and opportunity to help feed America. That’s the beauty of farming … we can customize our work to accommodate what people need.” “Yes, I understand today’s housewives want to know more about the origins of the foods they buy; but that hasn’t changed our focus. Keeping them aware their food comes from farmers is important to us. Let’s be honest … their nutritional well-being is also our well-being. We need to cultivate that relationship.” “I say without a doubt the generation of farmers we have on the ground today are the best generation ever produced. And if, or when my son and daughter they too will be part of the best generation.” Isane admits it was dang dry in his part of Minnesota this 2021 season. “Our crops suffered. We had very low yields; our pastures dried; but we’ve survived these weather crunches and we’re now looking forward to a great 2022 season. We’ll be much the same on crop acres, but might expand spring wheat acres. Wheat prices have been good and look okay into this new season also. And I’m optimistic about 2022 looks to be encouraging

LAND MINDS, from pg. 10

Yes, 2021 is soon history. And what an incredible year! For us ‘Aggies’, financially it’s been surprisingly strong! Despite outrageous fertilizer prices, etc., 2022 looks encouraging too. Here’s 20 comments that I think will add to your lives also:

Compliment three people everyday.

Watch the sunrise, at least occasionally.

Be first to say ‘hello’.

Live beneath your means.

Treat everyone like you want to be treated.

Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen.

Forget the Jonesses.

Never deprive anyone of hope. It may be all he has.

Pray not for things, but for wisdom and courage.

Be tough-minded but tenderhearted.

Be kinder than necessary.

Don’t forget a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.

Keep your promises.

Learn to show cheerfulness, even when you don’t feel like it.

Remember that overnight success usually takes about 15 years.

Leave everything better than you found it.

Remember that winners do what losers don’t want to do.

When you arrive at your job each morning, let the first thing you say brighten everyone’s day.

Don’t rain on other peoples parades.

Never waste an opportunity to tell someone that you love them.

In closing, May 2022 be as enjoyable to each of you as 2021turned out to be. Cheers and God’s blessings.

Dick Hagen is the staff writer emeritus of The Land. He may be reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. v the future of Minnesota Farm Bureau too. Sure, some challenges — especially on input costs for the next season. Agriculture gets attacked from different directions. But it’s Farm Bureau’s unity that keeps us strong. And that’s why I think Farm Bureau is vital to the future of agriculture in Minnesota.”

“Yes, I could throw some stones on this current American administration,” Isane continued. “Farm Bureau simply hasn’t had White House access with this president. When Trump was president he did pay attention to agriculture — perhaps surprising for a New York City real estate magnet. But he sensed the critical importance of farmers feeding America and other countries.”

“I admit, we farmers tend to be somewhat independent. Yes, we appreciate the importance of federal crop insurance. But we want to contribute too. It’s always a delicate balance. So as we advocate for agriculture we also need recognize consumer interest too. But too much regulation stifles our ambitions … and usually becomes costly to all taxpayers.”

I asked Isane if he thinks America’s farmers are favored in the political mainstream.

“That’s why the story of American agriculture needs to be told across our nation,” he replied. “Yes, Farm Bureau diligently works to build relationships at both the state capitol and in D.C. However, farmers should be tuned to the population centers also. That’s where the votes are. We’re vastly outnumbered, so building connections with the metro populations is vital too.

“Many positive things keep happening in agriculture,” stressed Isane. “It’s a good story for everyone — including the younger generations and women too. Farm Bureau is highly regarded. We know people respect our organization and they look to us for leadership. Regardless of political party, we strive for good relationship with both parties. Our Farm Bureau theory … we support those who support agriculture. We may not always agree. It’s a slippery slope out there. Staying tuned to issues mattering most to farmers is just common sense to me.”

So there you are. Isane admits being a bit bummed about the election; but concedes, “I had good competition and Dan will do a good job. We’re a strong organization. That’s what really counts.” v

By DICK HAGEN

The Land Staff Writer Emeritus

OLIVIA, Minn. — Attending a National Farmers Organization meeting — either local, state or national — certainly provides great conversations. At the Minnesota NFO state convention on Dec. 4, I ‘relearned’ collective bargaining still Bruce Schultz gets a big play.

NFO National Vice President Bruce Schultz was the guest speaker at the event. He’s a Raynesford, Mont. cattle man. “My wife and I run the family farm which has been in the family since the 1930s. We’re a cow-calf operation … Angus and Angus cross-breds with some Chelvy bulls that we put in with them. We usually run about 110 cows now. We just liquidated about a third of our herd. We got rid of 31 cows, down to about 80 right now. Drought really shrunk our pastures this season and there likely won’t be a lot of grass when we move them back out next spring.”

Schultz said the decision to sell cows was necessary “Because the price of hay is through the roof! Usually, when there’s a drought in Montana, the whole state isn’t hit. But not so this year … and then Wyoming also got dried out, and Washington, and southern Canada and the eastern Dakotas. So hay just wasn’t available anywhere. So people who did have hay started cashing in. Like a neighbor was selling hay for $385 a ton. Until this drought I would usually put up some hay for selling too … about $100 a ton.’’

“So we went through our cow herd. Any that were open went. Any 10 years old or older also went down the road. And some late breeders also went down the road. Then through the National Farmers Organization we put carloads of cows together for direct shipping to packing plants in Idaho. Compared with guys selling off their cows in the ring, we got about $200 more per cow … just by cutting out the middle man.

“Then, younger cows that were open (unbred) we stuck into a feed lot about 50 miles away from that packing plant, Schultz continued. “Somebody there is taking care of the custom feeding and trucking to the packing plant when finished. They’ll finish out at about 1,200 pounds; but that extra finish will likely bump them up a class and that’s another 10 to 15

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cents more per pound. So working our way through these drought issues has been a challenge; but thanks to common sense collective bargaining, we’re not going broke.”

Schultz said he sat in on webinar by the Montana Department of Natural Resources just this past week. “And this hydrologist, water expert, using graphs and drought monitors, told us we’re in for a long- sustained drought. It’s been going on for a couple years already, so my wife and I may be getting rid of more cows. November, I believe, was the warmest on record in Montana — basically just warm, windy and dry. And that doesn’t bode well for anybody.”

I asked Schultz if he has a working relationship with the White House these days? “We’ve sent letters to the White House and the USDA,” Schutz replied. “Gene Paul, our National Farmers Legislative Coordinator (also at this Olivia meeting) is our key contact man in Washington. If it pertains to dairy issues, we’re working with Senator Gillibrand of New York. We’re trying to get politicians to understand it’s a structure management issue that’s hurting us. We’re talking family farms; not the 10,000-cow milk factory farms beholden to their Investors.

“So we’re advocating a price break just for the first million pounds of milk by any producer … $4.00 more per hundredweight for that first million pounds. This would require one Federal Milk Order for the entire country rather than 15 to 20 different marketing orders currently prevailing across the country.”

Schultz is optimistic the proposal is actually getting momentum. “We’re working with National Farmers Union and American Farm Bureau. When you get those two to agree on anything you must have a good idea. People are starting to understand our food system needs some fixing. I think the pandemic proved that: packing plant shutdowns; milk dumping episodes; school closings because their food supply channels became unreliable.”

Schultz added he was encouraged by the public demanding to know where and how their foods are being produced. “I do think knowing where your food comes from is important,” he stressed. “And housewives buying their pork, their beef, even their poultry need assurance American farmers produced this food. If imported products I think they should know that also. That’s why I think Country of Origin labeling is a big step. When consumers want to know about an animal’s farm existence, but don’t care where that animal was raised, seems a little odd to me! Yes, we’ve learned people will pay a premium for background information on some of their food purchases. If these foods make them feel better, so be it; but more important to we farmers is consumers wanting to know about us. Knowing their foods are coming from American farmers with families engaged in school activities and community life much like them would be a positive feeling. Learning ‘big money’ interests in San Diego, Chicago and elsewhere are kingpins of the food industry doesn’t satisfy their curiosities about American food. “

“When people understand we farmers live and work together to supply this incredible American food system, then I also believe they appreciate that farmers do care for their animals and the crops they grow. And I’m convinced a growing number of farmers are willing to go that extra mile to let their story be known!” v

Signup for Dairy Margin Coverage is open

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently opened signup for the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded the program to allow dairy producers to better protect their operations by enrolling supplemental production. The signup period runs to Feb. 18.

Supplemental DMC will help small- and mid-sized dairy operations that have increased production over the years but were not able to enroll the additional production. Now, they will be able to retroactively receive payments for that supplemental production.

Eligible dairy operations with less than 5 million pounds of established production history may enroll supplemental pounds based upon a formula using 2019 actual milk marketings, which will result in additional payments. Producers will be required to provide FSA with their 2019 Milk Marketing Statement.

Supplemental DMC coverage is applicable to calendar years 2021, 2022 and 2023. Participating dairy operations with supplemental production may receive retroactive supplemental payments for 2021 in addition to payments based on their established production history. Producers will be able to revise 2021 DMC contracts and then apply for 2022 DMC by contacting their local USDA Service Center.

DMC provides eligible dairy producers with risk management coverage that pays producers when the difference between the price of milk and the cost of feed falls below a certain level.

For DMC enrollment, producers must certify with FSA that the operation is commercially marketing milk, sign all required forms and pay the $100 administrative fee. The fee is waived for farmers who are considered limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged, or a military veteran.

USDA is also changing the DMC feed cost formula. FSA will calculate payments using 100 percent premium alfalfa hay rather than 50 percent.

USDA is also amending Dairy Indemnity Payment Program (DIPP) regulations to add provisions for the indemnification of cows that are likely to be not marketable for longer durations.

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