THE LAND ~ February 18, 2022 ~ Southern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

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Februar y 18, 2022 Februar y 25, 2022

FOUNDED in faith . forged in america .

TM

Cows cool, prices hot The dairy market roller coaster is inching up ... for now INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Milker’s Message; Grain market keeps watchful eye on the Ukraine; and Kent Thiesse preps you on crop insurance coverage

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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

Paging Thomas Paine...

418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLVI ❖ No. 4 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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Cover photo by Paul Malchow

COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Deep Roots Cooking With Kristin Green & Growing Calendar of Events Talent in the GreenSeam Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Farm Programs 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: 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.

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a woman failed to realize that a steaming While it has made the rounds over the cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little years, I recently ran across this “obituin her lap, and was promptly awarded a ary” published Aug. 11, 2008 in the huge settlement.

London Times. More than a decade old, the piece seems to still be most fitting — Common Sense was preceded in death considering the hyperbole of American by his parents, Truth and Trust; by his politics these days. wife, Discretion; by his daughter, Responsibility; and by his son, Reason.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who He is survived by his five stepchildren: I LAND MINDS has been with us for many years.

Know My Rights; I Want It Now; Someone

By Dick Hagen Else Is To Blame; I’m A Victim; and Pay No one knows for sure how old he was, Me For Doing Nothing. since birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. But he will Not many attended his funerbe treasured for cultivating such valual because so few realized he was gone. able lessons as: knowing when to come in out of the If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, rain; why the early bird gets the worm; life isn’t join the majority and do nothing! always fair; and maybe it was my fault. n Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and As many of The Land’s young, long-time readers reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in are well aware, I’ve seldom worried about what charge). topic to chew on for my next “Land Minds” contribuHis health began to deteriorate rapidly when well- tion. Not to disappoint, one of my favorite browsing references is “The Pocket Guide to Brilliance” by intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexu- Bart King. My copy dates back to 1962. al harassment for kissing a classmate; teens susI’m increasingly confounded with the number of pended from school for using mouthwash after people who are discovering a government job is lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an apparently the least-threatening occupation in unruly student; only worsened his condition.

America these days. And perhaps not surprising, Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked the White House leads the parade. teachers for doing the job that they themselves had In Jan. 3 press briefing by Jen Psaki (who, in my failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. opinion, has made significant improvement in her handling of questions from the press corps) quietly It declined even further when schools were and confidentially answered any and all questions required to get parental consent to administer sun pertaining to the trillions of dollars in the everlotion or an aspirin to a student, but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and expanding ambitions of her boss. And that includes a seemingly casual reference to the 2,000 White wanted to have an abortion.

House employees. No one in the press corps even Common Sense lost the will to live as churches had a response. became businesses; and criminals received better But that figure certainly got the attention of this treatment than their victims.

86-year old Norwegian — 2,000 workers in this Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t iconic structure. What on earth might they be defend yourself from a burglar in your own home doing, I wondered? But good evidence is that once and the burglar could sue you for assault.

See LAND MINDS, pg. 3 Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

9 — USDA extends dairy margin coverage sign-up deadline 10 — Education is foundation for strong agriculture economy 15 — Deadline to purchase 2022 crop insurance is March 15

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

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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

PAGE 3

Life on the Farm: Readers’ Photos

“My yard is crammed with Common Redpolls and I couldn’t be happier,” writes Hartland Minn.’s Al Batt. “It’s as if I’d driven the entire yard to a gas station and said, ‘Fill ‘er up with redpolls!’”

Keep the photos coming E-mail your Life on the Farm photos to editor@thelandonline.com.

At Rose Wurtzberger’s farm near New Ulm, Minn., one could almost reach up and touch the clouds passing overhead. Rose also shared a photo of their young kittens. “Our barn cats enjoying the 42 degree day we got on January 18th,” she writes. “I enjoyed it too!”

2022 will be a good year LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 you get a taste of the government trough, it apparently tastes even better with each succeeding bite.

Wake up America! “Reader, suppose you were an idiot; and suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” said Mark Twain.

Twain didn’t think the average politician in Congress was very bright. But apparently he never heard of Congressman

John Dingell of Michigan. First elected in 1955, Dingell served 27 consecutive terms. As we know, Congress is made up of 435 mostly brilliant members in the House, 100 generally brilliant members in the Senate.

But “The Pocket Guide to Brilliance” asks, “How do I know these politicians are brilliant? For one thing, they’ve given themselves a staff of 102 pages — highly motivated teenagers charged with running errands whenever their House member or senator calls upon them. Congressional pages are highachieving high school juniors currently paid about $20,000 a year for one semester’s work.

Yes, the political quagmire of this current Administration continues to irk me (and that’s being polite). But I confidently feel 2022 will be a good year. With God as our keystone, 2022 will be a year of providence and good will for millions. And America’s freedom will glow brightly.

I suggest you try this “Recipe for Friendship” which hangs inside our front entry at our Olivia home. I guarantee it will brighten your day also.

Dick Hagen is the staff writer emeritus of The Land.

He may be reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. v

Letters to the Editor are welcome Send your letters to: Editor, The Land 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com

All letters must be signed and accompanied with a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

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

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

Smarm, snarl and snark can’t replace facts, honesty and ideas As deep winter reasserted itself over But The Times video sticks with its most of the nation’s farms and ranches, figure to then figure that agriculture is a the New York Times brought some real “significant polluter,” responsible, in fact, heat to the Big-Ag-Fights-Climatefor annual emissions that are “about the Change debate. same as 143 million cars,” or one-half of all vehicles in the U.S. In a 14-minute, fast-paced video titled “Meet the People Getting Paid to Kill Again, not so, according to EPA data.

Our Planet,” the film’s subtitle not only The Times points to fat profits as the names the killers, it convicts them, too: FARM & FOOD FILE reason for all ag’s emissions: “Annual “American agriculture is ravaging the air, profits?” it asks to immediately answer,

By Alan Guebert soil and water” and, it adds, “But a pow“About $116 billion.” erful lobby has cleverly concealed the If only that were true. But this is damage.” farming and ranching — two notoriThe “powerful lobby,” says the newsously feast-or-famine businesses where paper, is the American Farm Bureau Federation — profits rise and fall faster than the local creek. In the nation’s largest farm group.

2020, for example, U.S. net farm income was $121 To hear The Times tell it, AFBF is at the center of billion; in 2016, it was half that, or $62.3 billion.

Big Ag’s “web of industries” responsible for Adding legitimacy to The Times video is New “churning out at least one-third of all greenhouse Jersey Democrat Cory Booker, a member of the gas emissions around the world.”

Senate Ag Committee. Booker makes a handful of Well, maybe not, according to the Environmental appearances throughout the video to note — corProtection Agency. rectly — that any solution to our worsening climate predicament will also require fixing “the American The United States is the world’s second-largest and global food system.” contributor to climate change; China is first. EPA data shows that 25 percent of all global greenhouse Quickly, however, that contention is jettisoned for gases derive from “electricity and heat production,” the video›s central theme: “It’s time for you to ditch 21 percent from “industry,” and 24 percent from your view of the farm,” the narrator urges. To drive “agriculture, forestry, and other land use.” home the point, an activist attorney appears on In the United States, however, “agriculture,” notes camera to say a cow’s gassy “burp” is like a bullet — EPA, is responsible for 10 percent of all greenhouse it “doesn’t last long-term but it can have a big impact.” gases. Whatever number you choose, neither is “at least one-third of… all.”

Finally, we are introduced to the video’s fall guy,

OPINION

Zippy Duvall, the Georgia dairyman who serves as AFBF’s current president. Zippy and his allies are “out to destroy the truth,” “buy influence,” and have “gotten away with” defeating any regulation of aggenerated methane by labeling — rather cleverly, truth be told — any effort to do so as a “cow tax.”

“That’s the big ag lobby, baby,” the narrator breezily notes, adding a bit later on a different AFBF stand, “Seriously, that is some manure lagoon-sized BS.” The Times describes the video editorial as an “innovative video journalism commentary.” It’s not; it’s a sloppy slice of half-truths and loose connections presented in a casual, “Yo, bro!” style which generates more derision than discussion.

AFBF thought the snarky editorial so off the mark it didn’t even publicly comment on it. Why would it?

Having The Times as an enemy only raises AFBF’s credibility in really red rural America.

Make no mistake, though, AFBF — and Big Ag — can’t do enough climate penance in the coming two generations to make up for the climate sins they’ve committed in just this generation. But it’s not alone.

Like Sen. Booker notes, the world won’t fix the wobbling climate unless the world fixes all farming and food from, literally, the ground up.

That means the AFBF, The Times, and you and me.

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

Letter: Farmers can help fight climate change To the Editor, I have read Alan Guebert’s column for many years, and recently read “American agriculture needs to deal with climate change”. (The Land, Jan. 7) I want to share that I am optimistic because there is a movement to bring farmers to the discussion.

I am working with RIPE (Rural Investment to Protect our Environment) because I believe that agriculture can play a major role to alleviate the effects of climate change, and we can do it without regulations and penalties. We believe that farmers have a significant role to play in tackling climate policy, but they shouldn’t sacrifice their livelihood in the process. The RIPE100 policy plan proposes to pay farmers $100 per acre which reflects the value of benefits delivered to the public.

Current programs require farmer cost share which often creates a barrier to participation. This proposal allows farmers to earn a reasonable return, similar to other industries, like green energy. In addition to $100/acre, policy principles include: • No penalty for early adopters • Completely voluntary

• Applicable to farms of all sizes and types • Simple enrollment and verification • Does not compete with existing safety net program funds Legislators have told us they’re open to this policy but need to hear from farmers. To that end, we’re building a coalition of producers to help advance the

conversation. While we have work to do, our message is resonating.

I invite you to browse our website at RIPEroadmap.org for more information, including a list of approved practices.

Eunice Biel Harmony, Minn.

Letter: The Land needs standards too To the Editor, I see in a recent Land, Editor Mr. Malchow was giving us some guidelines on letters to the editor.

He made me feel pretty small as I don’t know the difference between there, their and they’re. When many draft dodgers were getting an education on the taxpayers’ dime, I was serving my country.

It’s ok to have some standards for letters to the editor; it’s just a little hard to swallow coming from someone who has NO standards for the people that write for The Land — at least one person.

The most vicious article I ever read in a magazine or newspaper was an article written by Mr. Hagen in The Land. I don’t need to put a date on the article. Everyone that works at The Land and most people that read The Land know the article I’m talking about.

So, Mr. Malchow, when it comes to setting standards for anything, you have NO credibility.

Tommy Stiles Henning, Minn.

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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

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February is the month of love … and adventure?

February is widely known as the preneur, I just might take this cue to month of love. Hearts, candy and kisses start teaching classes on how to plan adorn doors and dominate the decor at adventurous dates. And if my Grandpa shopping centers. Florists, chocolatiers Dale were still living, I would employ and sappy card making companies are him as my partner. preparing arrangements, sweets and When my Grandpa and Grandma were sweet nothings for admirers to gift one dating, they often doubled with their another. Karl and I have celebrated 15 friends Shelly and Max. In the late 1930s Valentine’s Days as a married couple and and early 1940s, there was no such thing DEEP ROOTS I know that I can expect a card and a as frivolous spending for this quartet. box of fancy sweets from him and he can

By Whitney Nesse Shelly and Grandpa Dale had to get expect a lovely meal of mashed potatoes inventive when it came to date night! and meatloaf from me. Not exactly romantic, but it One of their ideas included taking the girls, Max works for us! and Grandma Winnie, to the local landfill — or Karl and I avoid making Feb. 14 date night. “dump” as they called it.

However, we have found the importance of continually dating one another. Both he and I have noticed that unless we intentionally plan a date for just the Keeping a relationship interesting, two of us, we get stuck in the rut of the daily grind. lively and exciting certainly Don’t get me wrong, we always have a good time no includes adventure in one form or matter what we do and to keep things interesting, another. Bear in mind, however, exciting and adventurous we like to change it up that any adventure, excitement or from time to time. spontaneity not done in love or is I think dating is more of an art — abstract and self-serving is of no gain. spontaneous — than an exact science. We have found that we very much enjoy hiking in new terGrandpa and Shelly would gather up four lengths rain, fishing on new lakes, playing pickleball with of old garden hose about six feet long, each still new opponents, learning new games, challenging equipped with one brass fitting. They would then each other in Scrabble (I only have one victory in 15 drive and pick up the girls, Grandma and Max, who years) and we especially enjoy any time that allows had been told to wear pants. Arriving at the dump us to deer hunt together. As the years pass, I hope during the twilight hours, Grandpa and Shelly we find even more ways to date one another. would help the girls and themselves tie their pant I was scrolling through news articles recently legs closed around their ankles to show “no vacancy” and came across one by the New York Post. The to suspecting visitors … and a rat hunt would headline was, “The Hot New Thing in Dating? ensue!

Actually Going on Dates.” To summarize the artiTrudging through the mounds of garbage, the cle (thus saving you from losing brain cells over foursome, armed with garden hoses, would search the lunacy of it) young people are giving online for the beady-eyed rats. Then, with the quick whip dating the ax and are more interested in meeting of the brass ended hose, their prey would lay strickpeople in real life, spontaneously, through friends, en and dead!

The date would positively turn into a at singles groups and the like. If I were an entre-

Maternity Pen Call for Price

20’ Fence Line Feeder Call for Price

friendly competition, the adoring young women with their valiant warriors, one attempting to champion the other.

I cannot help but smile when I recall this story that my late grandparents would share in animated fashion, both laughing at the hysteria of the ordeal more than 50 years later. I would be curious to know what Grandma Winnie’s folks thought when they heard of the knuckleheaded idea that their future son-in-law thought of!

I wonder … is it the simplistic adventure, the creative thoughtfulness, the warm admiration and the rouse of the champion that helped create the bond of two persons who even death could not separate?

I think so.

Keeping a relationship interesting, lively and exciting certainly includes adventure in one form or another. Bear in mind, however, that any adventure, excitement or spontaneity not done in love or is selfserving is of no gain. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 reminds us, “love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”

My invitation to you during this month that celebrates love is to take your special someone on an adventure. Adventure and excitement is going to look different for each one of us and if adventure is hard for you to come by, go and find it! Keep your Valentine at the forefront of your mind when planning, considering their preferences and being thoughtfully inventive. And if all else fails, go on a rat hunt!

Whitney Nesse is a sixth-generation livestock farmer who is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She writes from her central Minnesota farm. v

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

These delicious pizza recipes are easy as pie for the dough: Mama Mia! Who doesn’t like a good 3/4 cup pizza?!? Of course, we Americans enjoy a lukewarm water pizza pie, but the Norwegians hold the 1 teaspoon active dry yeast distinct honor of devouring more pizza 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading than any other country. Whether you’re 3/4 teaspoon salt Norske, Italian, or Minnesotan, pizza is 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided popular. Here are a few of my favorite recipes that are perfect pizza perfections!

For the toppings: Ciao!

COOKING 1/2 cup pizza sauce, such as classic red sauce or WITH KRISTIN a white sauce I vividly recall the aroma of the pizza day at my elementary school which signaled that a delicious 1 to 2 cups shredded cheese: one or a combination

By Kristin Kveno meal was about to ensue. Those rectangles of of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, fontina, goodness dotted with sausage brought happiness to me and still Romano, or asiago cheese do to this day. My daughter made this recipe for the family, and it topping options: sautéed onions or mushrooms, sliced red pepharkened me right back to the cafeteria and that tasty pizza. If pers, pepperoni, cooked sausage, cooked bacon, etc. you want to relive a bit of your childhood, give this recipe a try.

Arrange a rack in the bottom third of the oven, place a rimmed School Cafeteria Pizza baking sheet on the rack, and heat the oven to 450 degrees. https://www.plainchicken.com/school-cafeteria-pizza/ Meanwhile, make the dough. Pour the water into a medium 1 tablespoon shortening bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let stand until the 1-1/2 tablespoons cornmeal yeast is dissolved and foamy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the flour and 1 (0.25-oz.) packet of yeast salt. Mix with a stiff spatula or wooden spoon until floury, shaggy 1-2/3 cups water dough forms. Turn the dough onto a work surface and knead until 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour it forms a smooth, slightly tacky ball that springs back when you 3/4 cup instant non-fat dry milk powder poke it, 5 to 8 minutes. If the dough sticks to your hands like 2 tablespoons sugar bubblegum, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it›s easier to 1/4 teaspoon salt work with; avoid adding too much flour if possible. Cover the 1-1/2 teaspoons oil dough with the upside-down bowl or a clean kitchen towel and 1-1/3 cups pizza sauce, or to taste let sit while you prepare the pizza toppings, about 10 minutes.

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, or to taste pizza toppings of your choice Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Working with one piece Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Oil a half sheet pan with 1 table- of dough at a time, stretch or roll it into a thin, 10- to 12-inch round. Form from the middle of the dough outwards, using the spoon shortening. Sprinkle pan with cornmeal and set aside.

Dissolve yeast in warm water and let stand for 4 to 5 minutes in heel of your hand to gently press and stretch the dough until it›s about a 1/4-inch thick or less. For an extra-thin crust, roll it with the bowl. Add flour milk, sugar, salt, and oil to the bowl. Mix for a rolling pin. If the dough starts to shrink back, let it rest for 5 10 minutes. The batter may be lumpy. minutes, and then try rolling again.

Spread batter into the prepared pan and let rest for 20 minCarefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven utes. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven and and place it upside down on a wire rack. Transfer the dough top with sauce, toppings, and cheese. directly onto the upside-down baking sheet. Brush the dough Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is with 1 teaspoon of the oil. Spread 1/4 cup sauce into a thin layer melted and brown. Slice and serve. of dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle on the cheese and other toppings. Bake until the crust is golden-brown, and the n cheese is melted and browned in spots, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove Calling all thin crust pizza fans, this is your recipe. It’s fast, the pizza from the oven and cool for about 5 minutes before slicdelicious and crispy! ing and serving. Repeat with the remaining dough and toppings.

Thin-Crust Pizza n The Best Homemade Thin-Crust Pizza (thekitchn.com) For those thick-crust folks, here’s a recipe we use at our house all the time. The chewy crust is supreme, and the taste is superbly splendid.

The Absolute Best Thick Crust Pizza Dough Recipe (andreasnotebook.com) dough: 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 1 cup warm water 1 tablespoon olive oil

pizza toppings: 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, parsley) 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder dash salt 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Combine the first four dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine water and oil, then add to the dry ingredients. Mix by hand, then knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth elastic dough.

Grease a bowl with olive oil and put the ball of dough in it. Toss it around to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise 20 minutes.

Grease a 12” or 16” pizza pan and spread the dough out with your hands on the pan. Don’t use a rolling pin. Let rise for 15 more minutes. Top pizza with olive oil, Italian spices, garlic powder, salt. Then add your favorite pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, toppings and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 450 degrees for 11-15 minutes. n Can you ever really have enough cheese on a pizza? I know I can’t; that’s why I love this recipe, as it calls for cheese stuffed in the crust. That brings me back to when I first tried stuffed crust pizza at Pizza Hut in the mid-1990s. I loved stuffed crust right from the beginning and still do.

Stuffed Crust Pizza

How to Make Stuffed Crust Pizza - Sally’s Baking Addiction (sallysbakingaddiction.com) pizza dough 7 string cheese sticks, unwrapped 1/2 cup pizza sauce, or more depending on how much you like (homemade or store-bought) 1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese big handful of pepperonis (or any other toppings you like) optional: Italian seasoning blend or dried basil for sprinkling on top Prepare the pizza dough; preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Lift the edge of the dough up to create a lip around the edges.

Arrange the string cheese around the edges of the crust, leaving a ¾-inch space. Fold the edges of the dough over the string cheese, pinching down to seal. Let the dough rest for a couple of minutes if you›re having trouble sealing it completely.

Top with pizza sauce, the mozzarella cheese, then the pepperoni. Sprinkle lightly with seasoning.

Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned and the cheese is bubbling. For the last minute, move the oven rack to the top rack to really brown the edges. That›s optional.

Remove from the oven. Slice pizza and serve immediately. Store leftover pizza covered tightly in the refrigerator and reheat as you prefer. Baked pizza slices can be frozen up to one month.

Thick, thin, stuffed or school-style, pizza is as versatile as it is delicious. So, pep up a night with one of these perfect pizza recipes!

Kristin Kveno scours the internet, pours over old family recipes and searches everywhere in between to find interesting food ideas for feeding your crew. Do you have a recipe you want to share? You can reach Kristin at kkveno@thelandonline.com. v

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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

PAGE 7

With little fuss, ferns can add beautiful element to landscapes Foliage plants such as Ferns prefer well-drained ferns are a pleasing consoil with organic matter. trast to the blooming plants Most prefer moist shady and trees in our gardens. locations, in the forest or Their leaves are quite difthe north side of buildings. ferent from many of our Some species, like the cinplants, like the broad leaves namon, royal and southern of hostas and others. shield ferns, will grow in GREEN AND full sun if there is enough GROWING Fern fossils show that moisture. They also like they have existed for more By Linda G. Tenneson slow-release fertilizer and than 70 million years. Now mulch. they are the second-most diverse group of vascular plants, with Ferns may be divided in the same only flowering plants having more. A manner as iris or hostas. When the vascular plant has specialized cells center of a group of ferns appears that move water and nutrients up dead, cut between the living rhizomes from the roots to the leaves. Trees are and replant the sections in a new locaa common example of vascular plants. tion. Rhizome sections may also be Perennial vascular plants store sugar removed from the outer edges of fern in their roots over winter and can rhizomes. grow multiple years.

Ferns do not have flowers and reproFerns grow as single stems emerging duce from spores found on the bottom from rhizomes. They emerge with the of the leaf fronds. The spores are the leaves coiled in a circle often referred brown spots or dots found on the botto as a fiddlehead. The fiddlehead tom of most leaves. The American opens and expands as it grows. The Fern Society web site has some excelleaf stalk or stem, together with the lent pictures of the spores on the botattached leaves, are called fronds. tom of fern leaves. They may also While the above-ground growth dies reproduce by cloning, also called vegedown each winter, the rhizomes tative reproduction. Some species have remain and send up new fronds each bulblets which grow on the fronds. If spring. they fall off from, or are placed on the There is a great variety of fern sizes ground, they will germinate and grow.

The Walking Fern has long pointed and leaf patterns. Some are natives tips that produce new plants when and may appear in our gardens on those tips touch the ground. The name their own. Ferns are both cold and comes from the appearance that the heat tolerant and so there are species that grow all over the north and south. fern is walking across the ground.

Most grow between one and three feet The Brooklyn Botanical Garden web tall, but the resurrection fern is only a site “bbg.org/gardening/article/growfew inches tall while royal and ostrich ing_ferns_from_spores” has a detailed article on collecting spores from existferns may reach six feet tall. ing plants and growing new plants.

Once they germinate, they may take as much as six months to produce new fronds.

Ferns suffer from few pest problems.

Slugs may eat the young fronds and insecticidal soap may eliminate scale insects.

The website “minnesotawildflowers. info/page/ferns-and-fern-allies” shows pictures of several dozen ferns that will grow in this state.

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

USDA organic listening session

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Time. Details on how to sign up to seeks stakeholder feedback on regula- make oral comments, submit written tory priorities for the development of comments, and the meeting link (via clear organic standards that support a Zoom) can be found at https://www. level playing field and market develop- ams.usda.gov/event/national-organicment. USDA intends to use informa- program-priorities-listening-session. tion received through public comments The deadline to submit written comto guide the prioritization of future ments is March 30. organic standards development.

This article was submitted by the U.S. The virtual meeting is scheduled for Department of Agriculture. v woman to pursue accredited courses in March 21 from noon to 2 p.m. Eastern agriculture leadership, communica30676 County Rd 24 tions, rural sociology, medicine or other Sleepy Eye, MN. 56085 www.mathiowetzconst.com college-level studies directly related to office@mathiowetzconst.com agriculture. American Agri-Women 507-794-6953 members and affiliates maintain the scholarships.

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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.

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Feb. 21 — Carver County Dairy Expo — Norwood Young America, Minn. — Trade show and breakout sessions with a dairy tract, farm transition tract and crop tract. Contact Colleen Carlson at trax1042@umn.edu or (507) 521-3540.

Feb. 22 — Produce Safety Rule grower training — Online — Learn about produce safety, good agricultural practices and the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. Register at www.mnd. state.mn.us/fsmatraining. Contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at (651) 539-3648.

Feb. 22 — Cover Crop Seminar — Faribault, Minn. — Panel of experienced farmers will discuss interseeding, diverse cover crop mixes, full season forage and grazing cover crops.

Contact Land Stewardship Project at (612) 722-6377.

Feb. 22 — Gardening From The Ground Up: Nutrient Management — Online — Join Extension educators to discuss how to best manage your fertilizer, soil and garden in extreme weather conditions. Contact z.umn. edu/GardenUp. Feb. 23 — Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops — Online — Small grains management update: Extension small grains specialist Jochum Wiersma will provide information based on up-to-date research to help optimize crop management strategies for 2022. Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming.

Feb. 24 — Screening of “Livestock on the Land” and Soil Health Presentation — Ridgeway, Iowa — Learn how regenerative practices benefit soil, plant and animal health; the ecosystem; climate and human resiliency — regardless of landscape, climate or foods being grown. Contact Alex Romano at aromano@landstewardshipproject.org or (612) 767-9880.

Feb. 24 & 25 — USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum — Online — Program includes 30 breakout sessions. Topics include climate mitigation and adaptation; production innovations; trade and global markets; a commodity outlook; supply chain resilience; and equity and inclusion. Register at usda.gov/oce/agoutlook-forum.

Feb. 25 — Data-driven Dairy Cattle Management — Online — Dairy herd manager Chris Szydel will share his experiences using a dairy cattle health monitoring system and how it has changed management practices on the dairy farm. Contact Alex Scanavez at alex.scanavez@altagenetics.com Feb. 25 & 26 — Farm Couple Getaway — Holstein, Iowa — Designed to help farm couples deal with stress; learn creative communication skills; learn about personality differences; discover helpful resources; and make plans for your farm and family’s future. Contact Fred Hall at fredhall@ iastate.edu or (712) 737-4230.

March 2 — Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops — Online — Soybean gall midge - knowns and unknowns: Extension pest management specialist Bruce Potter, Extension soybean entomologist Bob Koch and research assistant Gloria Melotto will provide information based on up-to-date research to help optimize crop management strategies for 2022. Register at z.umn.edu/ strategic-farming.

March 3 — Central Minnesota Crop and Pest Management Update — Cold Spring, Minn. — Topics include tar spot and SDS management; waterhemp and barnyardgrass management; corn rootworm management; grain marketing; and nitrogen management.

Contact Natan Drewitz at ndrewitz@ umn.edu or (608) 515-4414.

March 3 — I-29 Moo University: Dry Cow Treatment Options — Online — Webinar explains algorithm-guided and culture-guided selected dry cow treatments, when to consider them and when not to. Contact Fred Hall at fredhall@iastate.edu or (712) 737-4230.

March 5 — Gardening Education Day — St. Joseph, Minn. — Breakout sessions include perennials, flower design, garlic, food safety in the garden, orchids and hydroponics. Keynote speaker is director of operations at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Vendors will be on hand with products.

Contact Stearns County Extension at (320) 255-6169 ext. 1.

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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PAGE 9

2021 export news is good, but can 2022 match it?

This column was written for the marketing week ending Feb. 11.

U.S. dairy exports were record-high in 2021, but hit some headwinds in December. Starting with our biggest category, nonfat-skim milk powder exports totaled 127 million pounds.

This is down 3.9 percent from December 2020, but they were up 10.7 percent for all of 2021.

Speaking in the Feb. 14 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast, HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess said the decrease is “a concerning sign that possibly signifies that logistical and shipping issues are finally negatively impacting the ability of U.S. exporters to move product overseas.” He adds that volume was down 27 percent from November, “even as global demand remained firm into the end of the year with prices continuing to climb in the absence of available product from key global exporters.

Mexico remained the top destination, but volume was down 2 percent.”

Cheese exports totaled 68.4 million pounds, up 20.1 percent from a year ago, with year-to-date up 14.2 percent.

HighGround Dairy says December was the sixth consecutive month cheese topped exports of a year ago and set a new record on a calendar year basis. The largest year-over-year gain was in cheese moving to Mexico, up 17 percent.

Butter totaled 7.6 million pounds, up 19.6 percent from a year ago and up 110.7 percent year-to-date.

Dry whey exports fell to 31.8 million pounds, down 16.3 percent from December 2020, but 5.6 percent ahead of 2020 overall, as it appears China’s hog herd has been rebuilt.

December was a 23-month low for dry whey exports, the weakest of any month since January 2020, according to Fuess. Chinese market share fell from 53 percent last year to just 27 percent this year, and volume was down 58 percent from a year ago.

The increased dairy product prices drove the value of December exports to just under $595 million, up $90 million from a year ago.

Exports for all of 2021 totaled 5.93 billion pounds, up 10 percent from 2020, and value hit a record $7.7 billion and accounted for over 17 percent of U.S. milk production.

News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY

Fuess says it’s encouraging for farmers to see

By Lee Mielke product leave our shores and not weigh down our markets, depressing prices; but he warned that with 2021 being such a great year, it may be difficult to match in 2022.

Continued good exports and robust domestic demand should keep prices well supported, he concluded.

The strong export data drew praise from the National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, and the International Dairy Foods Association — all of whom decried current backlogged port conditions and supply chain challenges. n Dairy product prices were mostly higher the second week of February.

The cheddar blocks held at $1.90 per pound for four sessions, then gained three-quarters of a cent on Feb. 11 to close at $1.9075, 35 cents above a year ago.

The barrels saw a Feb. 11 finish at $1.91. This is up 1.5 cents on the week, 42 cents above a year ago, and 2.5 cents above the blocks. There were two sales of block and 10 of barrel.

The Feb. 4 Dairy and Food Market Analyst reported foodservice sales are beginning to improve again as the latest Covid-19 surge dies down. Dairy Market News says Midwestern cheesemakers reported stronger customer demand the previous week but, as January progressed and prices fell, customers began to pace their orders.

The recent bullish movements brought the buyers back. Cheese production is busy though some plants still face employee shortages. Spot milk prices were discounted around $1 under Class, according to Dairy Market News.

Retail demand for cheese is steady in the West while food service demand continued to decline. Many restaurants in the region continue to operate

with reduced hours or are closed due to Covid concerns and labor shortages.

International cheese demand is strengthening as U.S. prices were below European prices. Loads of cheese continue to face delays due to a shortage of available truck drivers and exports continue to face delays from port congestion. Spot inventories are meeting current demand. Milk is available for cheese producers to run busy schedules though some are still dealing with labor shortages and delayed deliveries of production supplies, says Dairy Market News.

Butter soared to a $2.755 per pound close, up 25.5 cents on the week, highest since Jan. 24, $1.36 above a year ago, with eight sales reported on the week

Central region butter producers are wrapping up spring holiday inventory preparations. With cream available in and out of the region, they are running busy churns, but still note employee shortages are inhibiting full production. Some plants are still receiving cream from the west, but driver shortages, particularly out west, are prevalent.

Cream inventories are available in the west, but demand is holding steady. Transportation delays and labor shortages are causing some plants to run below capacity. Demand for butter is strong in both domestic and international markets. Retail butter sales are steady while food service See MIELKE, pg. 11

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

Education, industry collaboration builds strong programs This month’s Talent in the es, updates from various agencies GreenSeam column highlights the — including the Minnesota work of the Minnesota Association Department of Education, of Agriculture Educators through a Minnesota State Colleges and Q&A format.

Universities, and the University of Minnesota — are provided. Awards Throughout the year, Minnesota are presented to the members, and Association of Agriculture tours of regional business and Educators members participate in industry are held. The annual busia variety of networking events and ness meeting and annual banquet ongoing professional development. are held at the summer conference.

TALENT IN THE GREENSEAM Members have access to valuable curriculum resources, the MAAE also hosts professional

By Shane Bowyer potential to receive scholarships development workshops throughout and awards, and benefit from the summer. These workshops are numerous legislative advocacy initiatives. developed to be deep dive, hands on, engaging workshops that teach skills our instructors can bring With 364 active members, MAAE works cooperatively with the National Association of Agricultural back to the classroom. The workshops offered this year are Construction and Power Technology, Food Educators as “Professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through vision- Chemistry, Welding, Veterinary Science Techniques, Agricultural Economics, Landscape and Electricity. ary leadership, advocacy, and service.”

The Reverse College Fair started at the winter The MAAE recently completed its annual winter MAAE conference in 2020. To outsiders, it looks like conference which brought together nearly 270 educators from across the state. This month’s “Talent in a college fair; but there are two main differences. the GreenSeam” column highlights comments taken First, all the college booths are being run by actual college ag faculty, not admissions representatives or from the conference by MAAE Executive Director Tom Appel; Jessica Daberkow, MAEE president and recruiters. Second, the attendees are not high school students trying to find a college, but rather high teacher at Heron Lake Okebena; and T.J. Brown, a school teachers trying to learn more about colleges in South Central College faculty member. which they can encourage their students to attend.

The primary focus the MAAE conferences is to proIt’s incredibly important for higher education facvide professional development workshops for instruculty to network and connect with secondary teachtors to stay updated on the most current agricultural ers. Research done at the University of Minnesota topics. The summer conference is a four-day conferabout a decade ago showed that for students who ence which travels around the state. The winter choose to major in agriculture, their high school Agriculture Technology Conference takes place over agriculture teacher is the second most influential two days in St. Cloud, Minn. During both conferencperson in their college decision-making process —

Intern in the Carly Reinke

Morristown, Minn.

School: South Central College Major: Agribusiness Service and Management Internship company name: Ag Partners

How did you learn about your internship?

There were a couple different things that led to my internship. I spoke with the agronomy sales manager for the Western region of Ag Partners, my senior year during a career day. About a year later I contacted him to set up an interview for my Ag Orientation class and it led to an internship. Being offered the internship was a shock to me but has been one of the greatest opportunities I have had.

Have you always wanted a career in agriculture?

I wasn’t interested in a career in agriculture until the end of my sophomore year of high school. I had friends and family who were involved in farming, but it wasn’t until my sophomore year I became interested. My ag teacher pushed me to become more involved in FFA. After that I began helping my cousin on his dairy farm. It didn’t take very long for me to fall in love with agriculture.

Why did you choose an internship in the ag industry?

Honestly, I didn’t really choose an internship at first. When I first began college I knew very little about agriculture; but I was determined to work hard and learn as much as I possibly could. Once we had to do interviews for Ag Orientation and I was offered an internship, I knew that it was a great opportunity to maximize my education.

What are you learning on the job you did not learn in class?

College is meant to give you just a foundation of knowledge for a career; but my internship has given me the opportunity to look further into what a career entails. I have learned everything from data entry, combine calibrations, how to use a weigh wagon, and have helped create and read the annual report books. My favorite experience so far has been interacting with the growers we work for because we are not only being able to help them but learn from them as well.

right behind their parents.

It really comes down to the pipeline from high school to ag careers. We in post-secondary are sitting right in the middle of that. We’ve always known we need to have connections with the employers to help connect our students to those careers; but it’s becoming more important to have connections with those high school classrooms to be a feeder for our collegiate programs.

The need for talent in the agriculture industry appears to be at an all-time high. This means it’s a very good time for our students to be entering the profession; and it could help reinforce the need for our post-secondary ag programs. But this need for talent can often be a negative. The job market is strong, so employers are desperate. They are willing to hire students right out of high school without proper training or skills in hopes they will work out.

Agriculture education allows for unlimited possibilities for both teachers in the classroom as well as for the students. This past year, Minnesota had 41 first-year instructors; and we will see at least one agriculture education instructor in each district in the near future. Agricultural education instructors teach with a vision and a passion for their program.

This profession allows for teachers to continue to build upon their vision. There are programs within the state which are operating greenhouses, high tunnels, school and community gardens; housing bees and processing honey; operating orchards; running aquaculture programs; school barns; stocking trout in local streams; and running a raptor center and breeding program. This ingenuity continues to grow each year with current programs finding ways See GREENSEAM, pg. 14 What surprised you about the internship?

My internship has surprised me the most by how much they have taught me. In the few months that I interned at Ag Partners they have exposed most of what an AYS Specialist would do at that time of the year and have walked me through what the other months would entail. It also surprises me how out of the way they have gone to teach me and walk through the tasks I was not 100 percent confident in.

In what ways has your employer worked with you to be flexible for your student life and classes?

Being a full-time student makes it hard to do both; but they have been so understanding of my schedule and have allowed me to choose what days to work and how long. They also have made sure to schedule a few of the grower meetings at times that I am able to come so I can see the final product of the work we have put in throughout the year.

What is your favorite animal?

Holstein cows What is your favorite food?

Steak and fried potatoes Who is you favorite musical artist/band?

This question is a tough one, but I would have to say Tyler Childers

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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

PAGE 11

USDA forecasts higher prices for cheese, butter, whey MIELKE, from pg. 9 sales have declined in recent weeks. Inventories of salted and unsalted butter are tight. Butter deliveries are also facing delays due to port congestion and a shortage of truck drivers but butter production is trending higher, according to Dairy Market News.

Grade A nonfat closed Feb. 11 at $1.8975 per pound, up 6.5 cents on the week, highest since April 15, 2014, and 78.5 cents above a year ago, on 16 sales.

CME whey saw its first loss since Dec. 21 on Feb. 9, dropping 4 cents, biggest single day drop since Jan. 26, 2021. It fell to 79 cents per pound on Feb. 10 (the lowest since Jan. 19), but regained 3.25 cents the next day to close at 82.25 cents per pound.

This is down 3.5 cents on the week but still 28 cents above a year ago. There were 15 sales on the week, the most since the week of June 29, 2020. n The U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered its estimate for 2022 milk production in its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, blaming lower dairy cow numbers. The Cattle report estimated the Jan. 1 dairy cow inventory almost 1 percent below 2021 and the number of replacements 3 percent lower.

2021 production and marketings were estimated at 226.3 and 225.2 billion pounds respectively, up 100 million pounds on production from last month’s estimate, and unchanged on marketings. If realized,

2021 production would be up 3.1 billion pounds or 1.4 percent from 2020.

2022 production and marketings at 227.2 and 226.1 billion pounds respectively, down 500 million pounds on both. If realized, 2022 production would be up 900 million pounds or just 0.4 percent from 2021.

Annual product price forecasts for cheese, butter, nonfat dry milk and whey were raised from the previous month — based on current prices, lower expected milk output, and tightening stocks. Cheese was projected to average $1.90 per pound in 2022, up 2.5 cents from last month’s estimate, and 22.5 cents above the expected 2021 average.

Butter was projected at $2.39 per pound, up 9 cents from a month ago and 65.75 cents above 2021.

Nonfat dry milk and whey were projected to average $1.665 and 70.5 cents per pound respectively, up 40 cents and 13.1 cents respectively from their 2021 averages.

Class III and IV milk prices were raised. Look for the 2022 Class III to average $20.30 per hundredweight, up 65 cents from what was expected a month ago.

That compares to a $17.08 average in 2021. The Class IV price was projected at $22.30, up $1.40 from a month ago, and compares to $16.09 in 2021.

This month’s corn supply and use was unchanged.

The season-average farm price remains at $5.45 per

Dairy coverage enrollment extended The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the deadline to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage for program year 2022. The deadline to apply for 2022 coverage is now March 25.

“Over the past two years, American dairy farmers have faced unprecedented uncertainty, from the ongoing pandemic to protracted natural disasters. As producers continue to manage these interconnected challenges, FSA has tools at the ready to provide critical support,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We are encouraging dairy operations to take advantage of the extended deadline and join the 8,969 operations that have already enrolled for 2022 coverage.”

Enrollment for 2022 DMC is currently at 48 percent of the 2021 program year enrollment. The DMC program offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.

Additionally, FSA updated how feed costs are calculated, which will make the program more reflective of dairy producers’ actual expenses. FSA now calculates payments using 100 percent premium alfalfa hay rather than 50 percent.

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.

Supplemental DMC will require a revision to a producer’s 2021 DMC contract and must occur before enrollment in DMC for the 2022 program year.

Producers will be able to revise 2021 DMC contracts, apply for 2022 DMC, and enroll in other FSA programs by contacting their local USDA Service Center.

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.

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

bushel. Global coarse grain production was projected 2.7 million tons lower to 1.497 billion.

Soybean meal exports were reduced for Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay as drought-reduced crops limit crush prospects. The season-average soybean price was forecast at $13.00 per bushel, up 40 cents from last month partly reflecting drought in South America. Soybean meal was forecast at $410 per short ton, up $35. n U.S. dairy margins “strengthened sharply to start the year,” according to the latest Margin Watch from Chicago-based Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC., “as a continued surge in milk prices combined with a mild correction in the feed markets to boost projected profitability.”

The Margin Watch said, “The milk market has caught fire from a perfect storm of declining global production at the same time as demand for dairy products soar,” and cited the record November export data, up 17.3 percent from 2020 and 60 million above the previous record set in 2017.

Increased exports of nonfat dry milk has helped to support Class IV prices, according to the Margin Watch. “The USDA announced price in December of $19.88 per cwt., up $6.46 from 2020 and the highest announced price in seven years. In addition, Class IV futures were trading above $22 per cwt. in each of the next four months. Fonterra was forecasting their highest pay price ever as production declines in New Zealand.”

Australia’s December milk output was down 1.2 percent from a year ago, according to StoneX. “Protein and fat content levels were greater than last year, bringing component adjusted production down only 0.4 percent. Production this season has been below year ago levels every month. Moisture levels are very mixed across Australia with the western part facing dryer than normal conditions, while the eastern part particularly in the south, seeing wetter than normal conditions.”

The USDA reports 2020 receipts of milk pooled under Federal Orders totaled 137.8 billion pounds marketed by 24,906 dairy producers. Total receipts were 11.9 percent lower than 2019. Pooled producer numbers were 15.5 percent lower. The average daily delivery of producer milk per pooled producer was 4.1 percent higher compared to 2019. Milk marketed through Federal orders accounted for 63 percent of all milk sold and 62 percent of fluid grade milk sold to U.S. plants and milk dealers.

USDA has extended the deadline to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage for program year 2022. The deadline to apply for 2022 coverage is now March 25, 2022.

Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist who resides in Everson, Wash. His weekly column is featured in newspapers across the country and he may be reached at lkmielke@juno.com. v

PAGE 12

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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MARKETING

Grain Outlook Russia and Ukraine lead market talk Editor’s Note: Joe Lardy, CHS Hedging research analyst, is sitting in this week for Phyllis Nystrom, the regular “Grain Outlook” columnist.

The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Feb. 11.

CORN — Wow! What a week! March corn futures close the week 30.5 cents higher. Lots of volatility in the market this week with the World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report, Conab estimates, and Russia/Ukraine tensions.

The week started off with a good inspection number. It marked the seventh straight week with inspections over 40 million bushels. We are getting to the point in the year when inspections really start to jump higher.

JOE LARDY CHS Hedging Inc. Export sales this week were St. Paul sadly pretty terrible. At only 23 million bushels, it was half of last week’s total. There was one flash sale announcement for corn to Japan for the 2021-22 crop year.

Ethanol production dropped off this week by 47,000 barrels per day to 994,000 bpd. Production continues to remain a bit sluggish, but is still in line with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s number.

The WASDE was the feature this week; but the USDA did not make any changes to the U.S. corn balance sheet. Brazil corn was trimmed by 1 million tons; but the weather pattern still looks threatening so that will need to be closely watched as the

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* Stewartville Edgerton Jackson Hope Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye Average:

$6.00 +.03 $6.18 -.02 $6.28 +.07 $6.09 +.04 $5.97 -.11 $6.20 .00

soybeans/change* $15.09 $14.76 $14.86 $14.78 $14.88 $14.86

+.30 +.22 +.65 +.18 -.10 +.23

$6.12

$14.87

Year Ago Average: $5.12

$13.25

Grain prices are effective cash close on Feb. 15. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Safrinha corn crop develops. The strength of the soybean market pulled the corn market along.

The Russian/Ukrainian tensions have supported the market all week. The Ukraine is the fourthlargest global corn exporter and the only other major North American exporter along with the United States. The potential of a military conflict along with the real possibility of declining south American production has the U.S. corn market positioned well.

Outlook: There is lot to digest that is front and center. But don’t forget that the USDA outlook conference is only two weeks away and we are going to get the first estimate on acreage. The corn market should stay very volatile until we get some certainty on the big issues, but that certainty is months away.

SOYBEANS — The soybean market had a good performance with March beans up 29.5 cents on the week.

Inspections were ok, but they were the lowest of the past month. We are right about the point in the marketing year where inspections transition away from beans as the corn program ramps up.

Combined export sales were outstanding with the second-highest total of the year. Both old crop and new crop sales were strong. We did see flash sales

announcement every day this week for soybeans.

The WASDE report was a strong catalyst for the upward price move. The USDA made only small revision to the U.S. balance sheet. The crush figure was increased by 25 million bushels. It was probably a little surprising to some that the export category was left unchanged given the big cuts to South American production. For South America, Brazil beans were cut by another 5 million metric tons to 134 mmt. Two months ago, the USDA had Brazil at 144 mmt and we’ve seen a 5 mmt cut in both the January and February reports. I’m expecting another big cut for the March report as well. Argentina soy was cut another 1.5 mmt this month as well. And we can’t ignore the production losses in Paraguay. They might be the hardest hit of all. Two months ago, their production was at 10 mmt, reduced to 8.5 in January, and now at 6.3 mmt. That’s a substantial 40 percent production cut in just two months … and there could be more cuts to come.

On Feb. 10, Conab projected the Brazilian soybean crop at 125 mmt. This is a number the market has whispered about; so to see it in print caused the market to rally sharply before profit taking kicked in — causing a massive reversal. The underlying support still remains though and Feb. 11’s trade recovered a bit.

Outlook: The market is fundamentally supportive, but demand will be key. Is the United States going to steal away some old crop business that normally would belong to Brazil? The USDA also cut China’s imports from 100 to 97 million tons. And just like the corn, the bean market is fighting for acres this year. In two short weeks the outlook forum will give us the first look.

It notable to see how the wheat market reacts to the Russian/Ukrainian tensions. The markets — but especially wheat — are going to be very reactive to both military action and to de-escalation. At a press conference late Feb. 11, the United States said military action could be days away; but sanctions could have a major impact. Russia is the world’s leading wheat exporter, so any sanctions could shift the balance of wheat trade. v

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

Careers in agriculture may provide the best job security GREENSEAM, from pg. 10 to further connect agriculture into the classroom Agriculture education is also not limited to just the high school setting, but also within farm business management and at the post-secondary level.

With these three sectors working together, the opportunities for students are endless.

Anything to show high school students there are good and rewarding jobs in agriculture is positive.

MAAE finds that most of the career guidance websites make agriculture look like a low demand, low pay career field. In our experience, that is just not the case. We all need to fight that myth and push

students into this viable career option. Careers in agriculture may provide the best job security of any industry because people will always have to eat.

Any partnerships formed between the ag community and higher education — whether it be high school recruiting, scholarships, tuition sponsorships, and general promotion — will help raise awareness and raise the bar for all of us.

There are several ways to develop successful partnerships. Get to know the local agriculture teacher to see what the program is doing. Communicate to help build upon their successes; but be willing to change in the ever-changing world of agriculture

and technology. Be a guest speaker, line up a tour or be a resource for the teacher. Provide resources for the instructor to build their program and allow for their vision within the program to become a reality.

For more information on the MAAE, visit www. mnaged.org 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 at shane.bowyer@mnsu.edu. v

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

PAGE 15

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Don’t leave crop insurance decisions to the last minute The deadline for farm operators to purtion on which counties, crops, and years chase crop insurance for the 2022 groware eligible for yield exclusion, go the U.S. ing season is March 15. The 2022 Spring Department of Agriculture’s Risk prices for corn and soybean are likely to Management Agency web site: https:// be near or above the highest base price www.rma.usda.gov/ levels in the past decade. This will Historical harvest prices for corn and enhance the available crop insurance soybeans guarantees for 2022 compared to recent An analysis for the past 15 years (2007years. However, due to the higher insur2021) shows the final crop insurance harance guarantees, premium costs are also FARM PROGRAMS vest price for corn has been lower than likely to be higher than a year ago for the Spring base price in 10 of the 15

By Kent Thiesse similar crop insurance products. years — including from 2013-2019. That Producers have several crop insurtrend was reversed in 2020 when the ance policy options to choose from, harvest price for corn was $3.99 per including yield protection policies bushel, which was 11 cents above and revenue protection policies, supplemental crop the Spring price. This occurred again in 2021 when option, enhanced coverage option, and other private the Spring price was $4.58 per bushel, compared to insurance policy options. a harvest price of $5.37 per bushel (an increase of 79 cents per bushel). The only other years which In recent years, most farm operators have chosen saw an increase in the harvest price were 2010, revenue protection insurance policy options which provide a guaranteed minimum dollars of gross rev- 2011 and 2012. The range has been from an increase of $1.82 per bushel in the harvest price in enue per acre (yield multiplied by Spring price).

2012 to a decline of $1.27 per bushel in 2008 and a This minimum guarantee is based on yield history on a farm unit times the Spring (base) price. Spring decline of $1.26 per bushel in 2013. price is the average of the Chicago Board of Trade For soybeans, the harvest price has increased in prices during the month of February for December seven years (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2016, 2020 and corn futures, and November soybean futures. As of 2021), decreased in seven years (2008, 2011, and Feb. 11, the 2022 estimated crop insurance Spring 2014-2019) and stayed the same in 2013. The range prices in the upper Midwest for yield protection and has been from an increase of $2.84 per bushel in revenue protection policies were estimated at $5.79 2012 to a decline of $3.00 per bushel in 2008. In per bushel for corn and $14.07 per bushel for soy2021, the final harvest price was $12.30 per bushel, beans. The 2021 crop insurance Spring prices will which was an increase of 43 cents per bushel from be finalized on March 1. the Spring price of $11.87 per bushel.

The current 2022 base price estimates compare to Enterprise units and optional units 2021 base prices of $4.58 per bushel for corn and Enterprise units combine all acres of a crop in a $11.87 per bushel for soybeans. The final crop reve- given county into one crop insurance unit, while nue for 2022 will be the actual yield on a farm unit optional units allow producers to insure crops sepatimes the final crop insurance harvest price, which rately in each individual township section. is the average CBOT prices in the month of October Enterprise units usually have considerably lower for December corn futures and November soybean premium costs (approximately $8-$12 per acre) comfutures. pared to optional units for comparable revenue protection policies. Producers should be aware that Another insurance option which carries a lower enterprise units are based on larger coverage areas, premium than a typical revenue protection policy and do not necessarily cover losses from isolated with harvest price protection is a harvest price exclusion policy. This functions similar to a standard storms or crop damage that affect individual farm units — such as damage from hail, wind or heavy revenue protection policy except the guarantees on harvest price exclusion policies are fixed at the base rains. So additional insurance, such as hail or wind insurance, may be required to insure against these price level and are not affected by harvest prices types of losses. It is also important for producers to that exceed the base price. The revenue guarantee for standard revenue protection policies is increased run “what if” scenarios when analyzing the comparison between enterprise units and optional units. for final insurance calculations if average CBOT prices during the month of October are higher than Many times, producers automatically opt for enterthe February CBOT prices. This has occurred for prise units every year, due to the lower premium cost corn and soybeans in both 2020 and 2021. per acre for similar coverage. It is important to understand the differences in coverage between Many producers in the upper Midwest have been able to significantly enhance their insurance protec- enterprise units and optional units. It is important to analyze the yield risk on each individual farm unit tion in recent years by utilizing the trend-adjusted yield endorsement, with only slightly higher premi- when determining if paying the extra premium for um costs. The actual production history yield exclu- insurance coverage with optional units makes sense. sion option allows specific years with low production If a producer has uniform soil types and drainage, in to be dropped from crop insurance actual production a close geographical area, and is primarily concerned with a price decline, a revenue protection policy with history yield guarantee calculations. For informa-

MARKETING

enterprise units is probably a good option. However, if a producer has farm units which are more spread out geographically, with more variation in soil types and drainage, and has greater concerns with yield variability, they may want to consider a revenue protection policy with optional units.

SCO and ECO insurance coverage for 2022 The Supplemental Coverage Option coverage is only available to producers that choose the Price Loss Coverage farm program option for the 2022 crop year. The deadline for 2022 farm program signup is March 15 (which is the same as the enrollment deadline for 2022 crop insurance). As a result, farm operators will need to consider Supplemental Coverage Option insurance coverage at the same time they are finalizing their 2022 farm program choice. The federal government subsidizes 65 percent of the premium for Supplemental Coverage Option coverage, so farm-level premiums are quite reasonable, which may make Supplemental Coverage Option a viable option for producers that choose the price loss coverage farm program option.

Supplemental Coverage Option allows producers to purchase additional county-level crop insurance coverage up to a maximum of 86 percent coverage.

For example, a producer who purchases an 80 percent revenue protection policy could purchase an additional 6 percent Supplemental Coverage Option coverage.

Supplemental Coverage Option is a county revenuebased insurance product which is somewhat similar to some of the area risk protection crop insurance products available. The calculations for Supplemental Coverage Option function very similarly to revenue protection insurance policies, since they utilize the same crop insurance base price and harvest price. The biggest difference is that Supplemental Coverage Option uses county level average yields, rather than the farm-level average production history yields typically used for most revenue protection and yield protection policies. As a result, the Supplemental Coverage Option and revenue protection insurance policies may achieve different results.

The Enhanced Coverage Option was a new crop insurance option in 2021 and will again be available for 2022. Enhanced Coverage Option provides areabased insurance coverage from 86 percent up to 95 See THIESSE, pg. 16

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

A reputable crop insurance agent can be a big asset THIESSE, from pg. 15 percent coverage, utilizing county yields similar to Supplemental Coverage Option coverage. Producers can choose between 90 or 95 percent Enhanced Coverage Option coverage.

Unlike Supplemental Coverage Option coverage, the purchase of Enhanced Coverage Option coverage is available with selection of either the price loss coverage or agriculture risk coverage farm program choice for 2022. Producers can utilize both Enhanced Coverage Option and Supplemental Coverage Option together, in addition to their underlying revenue protection or yield protection insurance policy.

It is possible for a producer to collect on an individual revenue protection policy, but not collect on a Supplemental Coverage Option or Enhanced Coverage Option policy, or vice versa. For example, a producer with an 80 percent revenue protection policy may have a loss which qualifies for an insurance indemnity payment on a farm unit, while the county as a whole may not meet the threshold to qualify for a Supplemental Coverage Option or Enhanced Coverage Option payment.

It could also be possible to collect a Supplemental Coverage Option or Enhanced Coverage Option payment for a county-level revenue loss, while not qualifying for a revenue protection insurance indemnity payment at the farm-level. Interested producers should check with their crop insurance agent for details on Supplemental Coverage Option and Enhanced Coverage Option insurance coverage and premiums for 2022.

Key items to consider There are a wide variety of crop insurance policies and coverage levels

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ducer must decide how much potential profit margin to risk if there are greatly reduced crop yields due to (Figures use an average production history of 200 bushels per acre; an 85 percent yield protection guarantee of potential weather problems in 2022, 170 bushels per acre; a yield protection market price of $5.50 per bushel (CBOT December futures estimate); and/or lower-than-expected crop prica revenue protection spring base price of $5.50 per bushel (CBOT December futures estimate); es by harvest time. and an 85 percent revenue protection minimum guarantee of $935 per acre.)

Take a good look at the 80 percent

Estimated Actual 2022 Production (bushels per acre) or 85 percent coverage levels — espe 210 200 190 180 170 160 cially when using enterprise units. In Insurance Type Estimated Insurance Indemnity Payment Per Acre many cases, the 85 percent coverage

(before premium deductions) level offers considerably more protecYield Protection (85 percent) 0 0 0 0 0 $55.00 tion, with a modest increase in preRevenue Protection (85 percent) mium costs. Many producers will be (CBOT harvest price per bushel) able to guarantee near $700 to over $6.50 0 0 0 0 0 $65.00 $900 per acre for corn, and near $500 $6.00 0 0 0 0 0 $60.00 to over $700 per acre for soybeans at $5.50 0 0 0 0 0 $55.00 the 85 percent coverage level for 2022. Refer to Tables A and B for $5.00 0 0 0 $35.00 $85.00 $135.00 2022 corn and soybean examples $4.50 0 $35.00 $80.00 $125.00 $170.00 $215.00 with revenue protection and yield $4.00 $95.00 $135.00 $175.00 $215.00 $255.00 $295.00 protection insurance coverage.

Evaluate Supplemental Coverage Option, Enhanced Coverage Option Table B — Comparison of Revenue Protection and Yield Protection Insurance and other “buy-up” insurance options.

Coverage for Soybeans In addition to the government subsi(Figures use an average production history of 60 bushels per acre; an 85 percent yield protection guarantee of 51 bushels per acre; a yield protection market price of $13.50 per bushel (CBOT November futures estimate); dized Supplemental Coverage Option a revenue protection spring base price of $13.50 per bushel (CBOT November futures estimate); and Enhanced Coverage Option and an 85 percent revenue protection minimum guarantee of $688.50 per acre.) county-based insurance products which allow insurance coverage up to

Estimated Actual 2022 Production (bushels per acre)

60 55 50 45 40 35 95 percent coverage, there are also Insurance Type Estimated Insurance Indemnity Payment Per Acre “buy-up” private policies using farm (before premium deductions) level yields up to 95 percent coverage. Private companies also offer Yield Protection (85 percent) 0 0 $13.50 $81.00 $148.50 $216.00 separate wind and hail insurance Revenue Protection (85 percent) endorsements. Of course, any of the (CBOT harvest price per bushel) “buy-up” or “add-on” insurance $14.50 0 0 $14.50 $87.00 $159.50 $216.00 options add to the premium cost. $14.00 0 0 $14.00 $84.00 $154.00 $224.00 Producers need to ask what mix of $13.50 0 0 $13.50 $81.00 $148.50 $216.00 crop insurance products gives the $13.00 0 0 $38.50 $103.50 $168.50 $233.50 best risk protection for the premium amount I am willing to spend for $12.50 0 $1.00 $63.50 $126.00 $188.50 $251.00 protecting my 2022 crop investment? $12.00 0 $28.50 $88.50 $148.50 $208.50 $268.50 A reputable crop insurance agent is Note: The crop insurance Tables are for example only. Actual crop insurance calculations will vary, the best resource to find out more depending on the insured crop, farm location, actual production history yield, endorsements, etc. details of the various crop insurance coverage plans and premium quotes, Crop Insurance Tables were developed by Farm Management Analyst Kent Thiesse as well as to receive assistance with Make sure you are comparing “apples to apples” putting a sound risk management program in place available. when comparing crop insurance premium costs for for the 2022 crop year. To receive a free copy of an various options or types of crop insurance policies, information sheet, “2022 Crop Insurance Decisions” as well as recognizing the limitations and the difwritten by Kent Thiesse, e-mail kent.thiesse@ ferences of the various insurance products. 2022 minnstarbank.com. crop insurance premiums for most coverage levels There are also some very good web sites with crop of corn and soybeans in the Midwest will be higher insurance information: USDA Risk Management than comparable 2021 premium levels, due to the Agency (http://www.rma.usda.gov/); and University higher crop insurance guarantees available for 2022 of Illinois FarmDoc (http://www.farmdoc.illinois.edu/ and the higher volatility levels. cropins/index.asp) View crop insurance decisions from a risk manKent Thiesse is a government farm programs anaagement perspective. Given the significantly higher crop input costs in 2022 and the high degree of crop lyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake price volatility, it may be more important than ever Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 726-2137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com. v to have adequate crop insurance coverage. A pro-

Table A — Comparison of Revenue Protection and Yield Protection Insurance Coverage for Corn

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022 Feed Seed Hay

Farm Equipment

FOR SALE: Large round 36’ Case IH TigerMate II, field bales of grass hay. 320-587- cult, 4 bar harrow, walking tandems. 32’ IH 496 disk, 5823 notched blades on front, rock HAY FOR SALE: 1st, 2nd, flex. 876 Versatile VG 18.4x32 3rd, 4th & 5th crops avail- duals, heat, AC, 4 remotes, able, RFV 120-181, 16-25% 12spd, 5,144 hrs. 952-649-8604 protein. Dry hay or baleage available in squares or FOR SALE: Hiniker front rounds. Trucking available. mounted snowblower, in Call or text Jim 507-254-4807 very good condition, $3,500 cash; John Deere 4010 gas, OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn. completely OH’d, new tires, Produces more high quali- Year-Round cab, partly rety silage on less acres than stored, $19,000. 507-744-2472 hybrid. $67/bushel plus shipping. High feed value grain. FOR SALE: 66” ACC unlimitLocated at Teutopolis, IL ed skid loader now blower, 217-857-3377 or 217-343-4962 $4,895; Tebben 3pt tractor fork lift, $2,795; 88” Bobcat WANTED TO BUY... skid loader snow bucket, HAY: Round or square bales, $1,395. 507-276-8823 Dairy and Beef Quality. Call or text 218-689-2696 FOR SALE: 530 DMI ripper, excellent condition, $13,500.

Classified Line Ads 320-583-0194

WORK!

Call 507-345-4523 Bins & Buildings SILO take-down & clean up - Specializing in, but not limited to, silos in congested areas.

507-236-9446

Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys.

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

888-830-7757

Haybuster 2800 round or large square bales shredder, very good condition, $16,900 - new one costs $37,000; NH 555 skidsteer diesel, 40HP, 1700 lift, good condition, $8,995.

320-543-3523

Looking for something special?

Why not place a “want” ad in The Land classifieds?

Call The Land today!

507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665

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

WANTED

DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE

We pay top dollar for your damaged grain. We are experienced handlers of your wet, dry, burnt and mixed grains.

Trucks and vacs available.

Immediate response anywhere.

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

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

PAGE 19

Steffes Auction Calendar 2022 For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com

Opening February 14 & Closing February 21 at 12PM Weckerly Farms Equipment Update Auction, Hurdsfield, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 14 & Closing February 22 at 12PM Larry & Susan Richard Farm Retirement Auction, Horace, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 14 & Closing February 24 at 7PM Zavoral Family Farmland/Recreational Land Auction - 160± Acres, McLeod County, MN, Timed Online Opening February 15 & Closing February 24 at 7PM Darwin Manufacturing & Turbo Service Liquidation Auction, Darwin, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening February 18 & Closing February 22 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening February 18 & Closing February 23 at 10AM Online Steffes Auction – 2/23, Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening February 22 & Closing March 3 at 10AM Mcleod County, MN Tillable Land Auction 37± Acres, Silver Lake, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening February 23 & Closing March 2 at 7PM Darrell & Linda Bassen Farm Retirement Auction, Lamoure, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 28 & Closing March 8 at 1PM Grain Storage & Handling Auction, Atwater, MN & Lakefield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening February 28 & Closing March 9 at 6:30PM Dennis Jones Farm Retirement Auction, Bath SD, Timed Online Auction Opening March 1 & Closing March 8 at 12PM Walsh & Ramsey County, ND Land Auction 406± Acres, Lawton, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening March 2 & Closing March 9 at 12PM East Grand Forks Area Land Auction – 64± Acres, East Grand Forks, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 2 & Closing March 9 at 6:30PM Randy & Lisa Hajek Farm Retirement Auction, Davenport, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening March 3 & Closing March 10 at 7PM Mark and Noreen Fahsholz Farm Retirement Auction, Walcott, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening March 4 & Closing March 8 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 4 & Closing March 9 at 10AM Online Steffes Auction – 3/9, Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening March 4 & Closing March 14 at 12PM Kibble Equipment Auction, Steffes Group Facility, Sioux Falls, Timed Online Auction

$85,000 for all equipment 3-12,000 bushel bins 27ft 10 ring 2-18,000 bushel bins 30ft 10 ring 1-5,000 bph 100ft grain leg with 10 hole distributor

350ft of down spouting

8in diameter 70ft of 8in u-trough

Call Dan 507-327-1903

Opening March 7 & Closing March 15 at 10AM Kenny and Julie Hendricks Retirement Auction, Beardsley, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 7 & Closing March 15 at 7PM R&L Farms Antique Tractor Auction, Lake Crystal, MN, Timed Online Auction

PAGE 20

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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

Did you know you can place a classified ad online?

www.TheLandOnline.com

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

W LISTING! STEWARTVILLE: $549,900 location 4 BR 2 BA picturesque rambler 75,000.

Great location 4 BR Great 2 BA picturesque rambler GRAND MEADOW $600,000 Beautiful turn-key acreage with 4&BR 3BA on MOWER COUNTY: Approx.

60 Ac. MLS# 6146162 LISTED PENDING! Oversized stall garage with2 2fencing storage sheds approx.

24 25acres.

Oversized stall garage withjust 2 storage sheds justac. minutes to rambler, sheds, abundant and pasture on approx.

18.7 r!Rochester!

MLS# 5716953 LISTING! MLS# 5716983 PRICE REDUCED! MLS#5718863 NEW LISTING! MOWER COUNTY: Approx.

80 Ac. MLS# 6146162 LISTED & PENDING! STEWARTVILLE: $575,000.

Great location 4 BR 2 BA with picturesque rambler GRAND MEADOW $600,000 Beautiful turn-key acreage 4 BR 3BA rambler 3BR, 1BA, on 10-acres.

MLS# 5701169 PENDING MOWER COUNTY: Approx.

74 Ac. MLS# 6146171 LISTED & PENDING! on approx.

24 acres.

Oversized 2 stall garage with 2 storage sheds just 5 sheds, abundant fencing and pasture on approx.

18.7 ac. pprox. 193-acres. MLS# 5695397 PENDING minutes to Rochester!

MLS# 5716953 NEW LISTING! MLS# 5718863 PENDING! pprox.

120-acres.

MLS# 5705409 SOLD RACINE: $299,000.

3BR, on 10-acres.

MLS# 5701169 PENDING RACINE: $299,000.

3BR, 1BA, onSOLD 10-acres.

MLS# 5701169 PENDING pprox. 108-acres. MLS# 1BA, 5705429 MOWER COUNTY: Approx.

193-acres.

MLS# 5695397 PENDING t. building onRental 2.12-acres.

Multiple uses!

MLS# 5247299 “Need listings!

We have qualified buyers!” Issues including Rates, Government Programs & Environmental MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 120-acres. MLS# 5705409 SOLD MOWER COUNTY: Approx.

193-acres.

5695397 PENDING MOWER COUNTY: Approx.

108-acres.

MLS# 5705429 SOLDSOLD! arm Management Services MOWER COUNTY: Approx.

32MLS# Ac. MLS#6107695 MOWER COUNTY: Approx.

120-acres.

MLS# 5705409 RACINE: 10,000Programs sq. ft. building on 2.12-acres.

MultipleSOLD uses! MLS# 5247299 ates, Government & Environmental Issues MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 108-acres. MLS# 5705429 SOLD and • “Ne 507-273-3890 • randy@lrmrealestate.com RACINE: 10,000 sq.Farm ft. building uses! MLS#5247299 tings lis ! Management Won ed Full Services e 2.12-acres. have quMultiple alifed buyers!” and •including 507-273-3000 • ryan@lrmrealestate.com RentalFarm Rates, Government Programs Services & Environmental Issues Full Management d Meadow, MNRates, • 800-658-2340 including Rental Programs & Environmental Issues Randy Queensland •Government 507-273-3890 Randy Queensland • 507-273-3890•• randy@lrmrealestate.com randy@Irmrealestate.com Ryan Queensland • 507-273-3000 •ryan@lrmrealestate.com ryan@Irmrealstate.com Randy Queensland•• 507-273-3000 507-273-3890 ••randy@Irmrealestate.com Ryan Queensland Grand Meadow, MN • 800-658-2340 Ryan Queensland • 507-273-3000 • ryan@Irmrealstate.com Grand Meadow, MN • 800-658-2340 Grand Meadow, MN • 800-658-2340

Virtual Online Auction – Bid @ www.SullivanAuctioneers.com

Renville County, Minnesota

LAND AUCTION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022 @ 1:00 P.M.

Full Farm Management Services

FAIRLAND MANAGEMENT COMPANY 339 11th Street, Windom, MN

YOUR AG REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS FOR 100 YEARS, SINCE 1922.

— For Sale — REDWOOD COUNTY

650.00+/- acres of prime farmland in Sections 13, 14, and 23-112-36 in Redwood Falls Township, located south of the City of Redwood Falls. Highly productive soils with a CPI of 93.4. Very well tiled and tile maps are available. Property will be sold via a multi-parcel private SEALED BID LAND Auction on 3/10/22.

155

ACRES±

subject to survey

1 TRACT

507-831-2808

www.fairlandmgmt.com BROKERS: Cynthia K. Moen & Klay D. Walinga FARM MANAGEMENT ADVISORS/SALESPERSONS: Charles P. Dewanz & Cody I. Adrian fairland@fairlandmgmt.com

to everyone who sent in the 2022 LAND subscription card.

We really appreciate it!

If you haven’t done it yet you’ll find a form on page 8 of this issue. Please take a minute and do so today.

Fill it out, sign & date it, add your donation and mail it back.

It’s that simple.

LAND AUCTIONS

The land is located between Fairfax, MN and Franklin, MN on County

Road 16. It is further described as being located in Section 36, T113N R33W, Bandon Township, Renville County, MN.

THE FARM REPRESENTS PRODUCTIVE, TILLABLE FARMLAND.

WILBERT FRICKSON TRUST

Attorney: Kristal R. Dahlager | Anderson Larson Saunders & Klaassen, PLLP 331 3rd St SW, Willmar, MN 56201 | (320) 235-4313 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT AUCTION MANAGERS: Allen Henslin (320) 979-1808 or Laura Posl (320) 262-4893

SULLIVAN AUCTIONEERS, LLC •TOLL FREE (844) 847-2161 www.SullivanAuctioneers.com • IL Lic. #444000107 Lic. # Mn 65-57 • Mn Brokers License # 40452766 Virtual Online Auction – Bid @ www.SullivanAuctioneers.com

Lyon County, Minnesota

LAND AUCTION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022 @ 11:30 A.M.

148.25

COTTONWOOD COUNTY NW¼ & N½SW¼ of Section 35-106-36 in Dale Township, located northwest of the City of Windom.

Very productive soils with a CPI of 91.6 with 20.1 acres of CRP. Tile maps are available. Private SEALED BID LAND Auction on 3/2/22.

For additional information, contact:

A BIG THANK YOU

SURVEYED ACRES 1 TRACT

The Bahn land is located in northeastern Lyon County. Property is 3.5 miles east of Cottonwood, MN on 380th Street. The tract is further described as being located in Section 13, T113N – R40W, Lucas Plat Township, Lyon County.

March 18 • 344 ± ac • Delafield Twp, Jackson Co Only registered bidders may attend

For property brochures, contact Hertz at 507-345-LAND (5263) WWW.HERTZ.AG 151 St. Andrews Court #1310, Mankato MN 56001

#07-53

Virtual Online Auction – Bid @ www.SullivanAuctioneers.com

Renville County, Minnesota

LAND AUCTION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022 @ 10:00 A.M.

119.18

SURVEYED ACRES 2 TRACTS

The land is located southeast of Bird Island, MN. The farm is further described as being located in Section 36, T115N – R34W, Bird Island Township and Section 1, T114N – R34W, Norfolk Twp, both in Renville County.

THE FARM REPRESENTS PRODUCTIVE, TILLABLE FARMLAND WHICH SELLS FREE & CLEAR FOR THE 2022 CROP YEAR!

BOTH TRACTS REPRESENT PRODUCTIVE, TILLABLE FARMLAND.

Attorney: Spencer Kvam | Holmstrom, Kvam, & Blackwelder, PLLP 685 Prentice St, Granite Falls, MN 56241 | (320) 564-3825

Attorney: Kristal R. Dahlager | Anderson Larson Saunders & Klaassen, PLLP 331 3rd St SW, Willmar, MN 56201 | (320) 235-4313

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT AUCTION MANAGERS: Allen Henslin (320) 979-1808 or LaDon Henslin (320) 894-5959

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT AUCTION MANAGERS: Allen Henslin (320) 979-1808 or LaDon Henslin (320) 894-5959

LALAH BAHN ESTATE

SULLIVAN AUCTIONEERS, LLC •TOLL FREE (844) 847-2161 www.SullivanAuctioneers.com • IL Lic. #444000107 Lic. # Mn 65-57 • Mn Brokers License # 40452766

NANCY (DAHLGREN) JURGENSEN

SULLIVAN AUCTIONEERS, LLC •TOLL FREE (844) 847-2161 www.SullivanAuctioneers.com • IL Lic. #444000107 Lic. # Mn 65-57 • Mn Brokers License # 40452766

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022 Farm Equipment

Tractors

Tillage Equip

Planting Equip

2000 John Deere 980 Field Cul- RETIRING: White 8222 12R, OWNER RETIRING tivator Tank, pump, GPS FF, flex, liq, Redball, row ‘89 JD 8760 4WD, 300hp, barefor pre plant navigation. cleaners, 3 bu boxes, 6R back, 3 remotes, 20.8/38 Very good condition, always shutoff, 4000 Mon, small w/ duals fronts 80%, rears stored in shed. Other mis- 1000 PTO pump, less than 50%, 24spd, 7403 hrs, very cellaneous machinery also 3000 acres. 952-649-8604 good cond, $39,900; ‘13 White available. Retiring farmer.

8222 planter, 12-30” center Call for price or other inforflex, 3 bu boxes, hyd wing Harvesting Equip fold, liq fert. (2) 200 gal 2000 John Deere 7610 mation. (507) 276-9586 tanks John Blue pump, Yet- 2WD tractor w/ 18.4R38 1998 Parker 510 grain cart. ter row cleaners, very good rears(90%) 19 speed power Planting Equip Diamond tread tires. Well cond, $39,500; JD 980 field shift, 3 hyd remotes, 540/1000 maintained and stored incult, 38.5’, 3 bar harrow, PTO, 3-point hitch, 6900 hrs, knock-on sweeps, bushings Excellent original condition! 2001 White 6000 series 24R22”. side. 320-583-5324 replaced, walking tandems, Asking $54,500/OBO. Call Martin row cleaners. Trurear hitch, very good cond, 507-789-6049 Count air clutches. Tubelar Wanted $11,900; DMI Crumbler 40’, in furrow starters. Hydrauadjustable hitch, double fold, FOR SALE: 2009 John Deere lic driven starter and seed very good cond, $6,900. 320- 8330, MFWD, 1053 hours, population. Stored in heated All kinds of New & Used farm equipment - disc chisels, field duals and rock box, one own- buildings. 320-583-5324 241-8074 cults, planters, soil finishers, er. 320-583-3471 We buy FOR SALE: Amvac smart cornheads, feed mills, discs, Salvage Equipment boxes and brackets from balers, haybines, etc. 507Parts Available John Deere planter, 8 units 438-9782 Your ad Hammell Equip., Inc. with wiring harness and could be here!

(507)867-4910 monitor. $1,200/OBO. Call Wanted to Buy: JD 4430 and 4440, 1975 or newer. JD 725 6, 612-756-4277 507-345-4523 8 & 12 row - front mount culFOR SALE: 4 yr old Kinze tivators; Stanhoist and Bush3200 12R30 planter, front hog steel barge boxes; Gehl With one phone call, you can place NEW AND USED TRACTOR fold, very low acres. Asking and Lorentz grinder/mixers; your classified line ad in The Land, PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, $53,000. Very good condi- plus all types of farm maFarm News and Country Today.

55, 50 Series & newer trac- tion. 507-227-2602 chinery. 507-251-2685 tors, AC-all models, Large Call The Land Inventory, We ship! Mark for more information OUTSTANDING BROWERVILLE, MN Heitman Tractor Salvage 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 REAL ESTATE AUCTION 715-673-4829

One Call Does It All!

TUESDAY MARCH 29TH, 2022 – 10:30 AM CONSIGNMENT EVENT

100 ACRE +/- DAIRY OR MULTI USE FACILITY SELLS IN TWO PARCELS ONSITE

LIVE & ONLINE BIDDING FOR 155 ACRES MATT MARING

CO.

We Sell the Earth & Everything On It.

155 Acres In Section 36 Walcott Township, Rice Co., MN, 91 Crop Productivity Index, Some Drain Tile, Selling in Two Separate Parcels Auction Location: Maring Auction Building 930 Red Wing Ave. • Kenyon, MN

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 • 10:00 a.m.

FOR ONLINE BIDDING AND INFORMATIONAL PACKET GO TO

www.maringauction.com

Directions to Farm: From Faribault, MN Take HWY 60 (Kenyon, BLVD) East to Gates Ave., South on Gates Ave. to 270th Street East, West on 270th Street East, then continue West on 86th Street, Watch For Signs.

155 Acres of Bare Land, 130 Acres Tillable Crop Land, Selling in Two Separate Parcels, Rural Faribault, MN

FEB.28

This is a large Multi-Ring Event with many items already consigned! Tractors, Combines, Heads, Trucks, Semis, Tillage, Construction Equipment, Hay & Livestock Equipment, and More!

Auction will be held on Thurs., March 31, 2021

320.693.9371

CONSIGN NOW! Litchfield@SteffesGroup.com

PARCEL # 1

NICELY DESIGNED 70 FREE STALL DAIRY BARN WITH ATTACHED PARLOR, ALL MILKING EQUIPMENT, DRIVE THROUGH FEED ALLEY, CEMENTED MANURE PIT, ALL NEW IN 2007, 48 X 64 CEMENTED YOUNG STOCK FACILITY, DRIVE THROUGH FEED ALLEY WITH HEAD LOCKS NEW IN 2014, 3 BEDROOM HOME, MISC. SUPPORT BUILDINGS. ON APPROX. 70 ACRES WITH 30 ACRES +/- TILLABLE, GOOD SOILS

PARCEL # 2

28 ACRES +/- WITH APPROX. 23 TILLABLE. BUILDING ELIGIBILITY ALSO SELLING FARM MACHINERY & LIVESTOCK EQUIP. FOR COMPLETE BROCHURE PH. MID-AMERICAN AUCTION CO. AL WESSEL -320-760-2979 OR BROKER- STEVE HANSEN REMAX RESULTS 320-241-0905 OR SEE ONLINE AT www.midamericanauctioninc.com

AMSTUTZ FAMILY OWNERS 22776 320TH ST. BROWERVILLE, MN Steffes Group Facility Litchfield, MN

AL WESSEL LIC #77-60 PH. 320-760-2979 AUCTIONEER

Parcel 2

Area: 110+/- Acres (Survey To Be Completed By Auction Date) Address: 65XX NE 86th Street, Faribault, MN 55021 Tillable Acres: Approx. 109 Tillable Crop Acres Crop Productivity Index: 80 Average, Good Soils Good Field Driveways From NE 86th Street

~ PARCEL 2 ~ 45+/- ACRES OF BARE CROP LAND, SECTION 36 WALCOTT TOWNSHIP, RICE CO. MN

*** Area: 45+/- Acres (Survey To Be Completed By Auction Date) *** Address: 65XX NE 86th Street, Faribault, MN 55021 *** Tillable Acres: 21.92 Tillable Crop Acres *** Crop Productivity Index: 95.6 Average, Good Soils *** 23 Acres Of Pasture and Woodland *** Farmland Is Leased Out For The 2022 Crop Growing Season.

Special Note: Seller to Pay All Real Estate Taxes Due and Payable for the Year of 2022. Buyer Shall Receive All Cash Rents for the 2022 Growing Season. Rent is $250 Per Acre. This Will Be Paid to Buyer at Closing.

Please Contact Us to Get Pre-Qualified for Online Bidding at 800-801-4502 Terms: $25,000 down per parcel the day of the auction; which is non-refundable if buyer fails to close on said property. The balance is due and payable in full to the seller on or before April 15, 2022; at which time the buyer shall receive clear and marketable title and cash rent receipts for tillable acres at the rate of $250 per tillable acre. All taxes due and payable in the year of 2022 shall be paid by the seller. All real estate is selling is as-is condition with no warranties or guarantees expressed or implied by the seller or any of their agents. All bidders and buyers must have their finances in order prior to auction date.

Richard & Anna M. Willette Estate MATT MARING CO.

MID-AMERICAN AUCTION CO., INC.

Parcel 1

~ PARCEL 1 ~ 110+/- ACRES OF BARE CROP LAND, SECTION 36 WALCOTT TOWNSHIP, RICE CO. MN

*** *** *** *** ***

Advertising Deadline

PAGE 21

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

We Sell the Earth & Everything On It.

MATT MARING AUCTION CO. INC.

PO Box 37, Kenyon, MN 55946 507-789-5421 • 800-801-4502

Matt Maring, Lic. #25-28 • 507-951-8354 Broker: Maring Auction & Realty Inc., Lic# 40241191

PAGE 22

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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

Wanted

No Farm = No Food

Cattle

Swine

Miscellaneous

WANTED: JD 450 or 780 FOR SALE: 10 Registered RETIREMENT SALE For PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS manure spreader, good or Shorthorn beef heifers born Sale: Used stainless steel New pumps & parts on hand. parts; also JD 336 or 327 bal- spring 2021 at Verndale MN feeders & waterers, other Call Minnesota’s largest diser or NH 315 baler, good or 218-924-2337 miscellaneous equipment. tributor parts. 320-630-8131 Albert Lea, MN 507-383-7858 HJ Olson & Company FOR SALE: Thirty (30) mixed 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 WANTED TO BUY... age stock cows. 507-639-2974 Spot, Duroc, Chester White, HAY: Round or square bales, Boars & Gilts available.

REINKE IRRIGATION Dairy and Beef Quality. Call Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Sales & Service or text 218-689-2696 Swine Delivery available. Steve New & Used Resler. 507-456-7746 WANTED TO BUY: Duetz AlFor your irrigation needs lis rock flex disks. IHC 715 FOR SALE: Yorkshire, 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 combine. 507-251-2685 Hampshire, Duroc, cross Pets & Supplies bred boars, gilts & 4-H pigs.

Top quality. Excellent herd Livestock health. Delivery available. FOR SALE: 5 purebred collie with a classified line ad! puppies, 1 female, 4 males, 320-760-0365 Call us today FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls asking $200/OBO, 12 weeks 507-345-4523 or also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ Please recycle this magazine. old, make great farm dogs.

800-657-4665 Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred 507-822-2111 (Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790

SELL IT FAST

Thank You Farmers!

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

MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

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

Farms Are Selling!

In 2021 we helped our clients sell/buy over $526 million dollars worth of farmland covering 53,403 acres in the Midwest!

We sell farm properties by private listing, public auction and sealed bid sale methods. We also assist investors in locating farmland that fits their requirements.

We have enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to be of service this past year. We look forward to assisting land owners and buyers with their real estate needs in 2022.

Caring for You and Your Farm®

Serving the Midwest with 14 office locations in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska

From all of us at Hertz - We Wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2022 151 St. Andrews Ct., Ste. 1310 • Mankato, MN, 56001 • 507-345-5263 • www.Hertz.ag

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

S .

-

6

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

PAGE 23

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

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND

Southern MN/Northern IA March 4, 2022 March 18, 2022 April 1, 2022 April 15, 2022

Northern MN February 25, 2022 March 11, 2022 March 25, 2022 April 8, 2022

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

418 S. Second Street • Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 Fax: 507-345-1027 Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!

Wanted Old Kawasaki 1000, 900 and 750 Motorcycles and Parts. Any Condition. Top Dollar Paid. 408- 2026481 (mcn) DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-855-977-7030 (mcn) DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details.

855-752-6680 (mcn) CASH FOR CARS! We buy all cars!

Junk, high-end, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash! NEWER MODELS too! Call 1-855-548-5240 (mcn) SAVE MONEY ON EXPENSIVE AUTO REPAIRS! Our vehicle service program can save you up to 60% off dealer prices and provides you excellent coverage! Call for a free quote: 877-3853047 (Mon-Fri :9am-4pm PST) (mcn)

ADVERTISER LISTING

Beck's Hybrids ............................................................ 1, 12, 13 Blue Horizon Energy .............................................. Cover Wrap Citizen Publishing ................................................................ 20 Dan Osborne ........................................................................ 19 Generac ..........................................................................15, 16 Grain Millers ......................................................................... 9 Greenwald Farm Center ........................................................ 22 Hertz Farm Management ................................................20, 22 Holland Auction Co.............................................................. 22 Kerkhoff Auction ................................................................. 19 Land Resource Management ................................................. 20 Mathiowetz Construction Co. ................................................. 7 Matt Maring Auction Co. ...................................................... 21 Mid American Auction ......................................................... 21 Northland Buildings ............................................................... 6 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ............................................................ 19 Rush River Steel & Trim ........................................................ 3 Schweiss Doors .................................................................... 17 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ................................................. 17 Spanier Welding ..................................................................... 5 Steffes Group ..................................................................19, 21 Sullivan ............................................................................... 20 507-345-4523 • 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 — FEBRUARY 18/FEBRUARY 25, 2022

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

Courthouse reclaimed

I

n the spring of 2010 the Todd County courthouse, built in 1883, was put on the Minnesota Preservation Alliance’s list of the Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in Minnesota. It was a reasonable distinction. During the previous two decades, all county offices — from social services to the courts — had migrated out of the building and into new and modern facilities immediately adjacent to the original courthouse. The only things left in the spacious old building were boxes of dusty records and a 911 emergency telephone system.

Outside, standing as a sentinel, a granite obelisk naming local soldiers who died in war during the building’s life time, quietly stood watch.

Next door, in an up-to-date building, the county board of commissioners considered the future of the old building.

They had repaired the roof and the windows; but still the building was unusable. The commissioners grew impatient. “Tear it down!” some said. But the county administrator at the time warned them, demolition can be as expensive as construction. He encouraged them to hire an architect experienced with historic restoration. The architect discovered the administrator was on the right track. Restoration would cost just over $4 million.

Destruction, the same!

So, not wanting to make a decision of such magnitude on their own, the commissioners decided to put the question to build or not build to a vote in November 2010. Taxpayers

Todd County

were warned, on the printed ballot, that voting yes would raise their taxes.

Todd County voters did vote to raise their own taxes. They wanted their iconic 130 year-old Court House saved and made useful.

So, over the next several years, the commissioners oversaw everything from repairs to the building’s foundation and historic windows to the design for the lighting in the county commissioners’ board room.

Indeed, the handsome board room was created out of the old courtroom and jury box. The terrazzo flooring and stairwells were restored and preserved and the great tall windows throughout the building were restored and weatherized. The restoration, and its attention to detail, removed the old building from the endangered list; and, on Sept.

27, 2013, gained the citizens of Todd County a Minnesota Preservation Award from the Preservation Alliance.

The administrator who shepherded the project to completion has moved on.

“I enjoy being surrounded by the history, and seeing the architectural beauty on a daily basis,” Chris Pelzer, the current county coordinator, said.

Pelzer, who has a busy schedule, says she enjoys showing off the building to visitors.

“People always get a kick out of the old safe,” she said . v