Mielke Market Weekly

This column was written Update” says, “The grain for the marketing week end- complex continues to rip ing March 25. higher as the war continues to rage unchecked in Ukraine. Private analysts UKRAgroConsult just released new estimates and expect Ukrainian corn plantings to drop 29 percent year-over-year. They also expect all of their other crops to drop significantly as well. Informa released U.S. estimates on March 22 and Faced with balancing what would normally be considered profitable milk prices against profit robbing feed and fuel prices, U.S. dairy farmers keep weeding out their less profitable cows. Culling was up slightly from January and a tad above a year ago. USDA’s latest MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY By Lee Mielke MARKETING Livestock Slaughter dropped corn plantings report shows an estimated 266,500 to 91.4 millimeter acres — down from head were sent to slaughter under fed- 93.4 last year.”eral inspection in February, up 5,700 from January, and 1,300 head or 0.5 percent above Feb. 2021. Culling in the first two months of 2022 totaled 527,400 head, down 15,100 or 2.8 percent from the same period a year ago. Cheddar interests are reportedly very strong right now, according to Dairy Market News. Contacts say buyers were hesitant about market price increases as they hovered around $2, but “that hesitancy may have morphed

In the week ending March 12, 65,000 into urgency as customers’ pipelines dairy cows were sent to slaughter, ran short and market prices continued down 2,500 from the previous week, northbound.” Spot milk is available for and 3,800 head or 5.5 percent below a most needs with some reports of an year ago. early flush. n The butter marched to $2.8025 per

The USDA announced the April pound on March 23, the highest since Federal order Class I base milk price Feb. 15, but was offered lower on at $24.38 per hundredweight, up $1.50 March 25, slipping to $2.795. This is 7 from March and $8.87 above April cents higher on the week and $1.02 2021. It is the highest Class I price above a year ago. There were seven ever, topping the previous high of carloads that exchanged hands. $24.47 in May 2014, and equates to Butter producers able to source cream $2.10 per gallon, up from $1.33 a year from the West are still finding relative ago. The four-month average stands at pricing deals, says Dairy Market News, $22.15, up from $15.35 in 2021, and while more who take on locally sourced $17.67 in 2020. cream are seeing upticks on multiples.

After falling 6 cents the previous Churning is somewhat busy as spring week, cheddar block cheese shot up to holidays approach, though some pro$2.2750 per pound on March 25. This ducers say demand is a little lighter is up 14.5 cents on the week (the high- than expected this close to the onset of est since Nov. 10, 2020) and 55.5 cents spring and the upcoming holidays. above a year ago. The barrels closed at Bullish market prices based on limited $2.25, up 22 cents, highest since Nov. supplies, both now and down the line, 6, 2020, and 78.75 cents above a year have created hesitancy among retail ago. There were eight sales of block on buyers. Food service demand, though, is the week at the Chicago Mercantile mostly steady. Exchange and 27 of barrel. Demand for cream continues to pick

StoneX warns that worries about up in the West as ice cream makers high labor, feed, and energy costs increase output. Cream is available posed more of an impact on market but tightening as some butter makers participants than the stall in milk pro- use their cream internally rather than duction decline or the stall in interna- sell on the spot market. Butter makers tional demand for products that have are running busy schedules, though been driving export volume. labor shortages continue to prevent

The March 23 “Early Morning full capacity. Food service butter demand is steady to higher and retail is strengthening as customers prepare for the spring holidays. Export demand for butter is steady. Butter makers are working to build inventories in the region, limiting availability.

Grade A nonfat dry milk climbed to $1.88 March 24, the highest since Feb. 16, but closed the next day at $1.8525. This is down three-quarter cents on the week, though 68.25 cents above a year ago. There were 24 sales reported on the week.

Dry whey finished at 72 cents per pound, down 4 cents on the week and the lowest since Dec. 16, 2021, but 9.25 cents above a year ago. Three cars were sold.

n

Checking the demand side of things, the March 18 Dairy and Food Market Analyst reports, “Total sales at foodservice and drinking places were up 24 percent year-over-year in January and up an estimated 33 percent in February. Compared to before the pandemic (2020), sales grew by 7.0% in February. Limited-service sales (cheesefriendly) continue to out-perform relative to before the pandemic and were up 15 percent vs. the 2020 level, according to Census Bureau data.”

By the way, the Analyst also pointed out that the numbers of ships waiting to be unloaded at West Coast ports is near the lowest level in several months. The average wait time for ships to berth has shrunk to just 11 days after peaking at more than two weeks during December.

That port congestion prompted action by lawmakers and one such move was passage by the Senate Commerce Committee of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. The legislation garnered praise from the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

The measure also got a thumbs up from the International Dairy Foods Association. Next step is a vote by the full Senate.

The IDFA gave a thumbs down, however, to the Food and Drug Administration’s response to its objections and request for a hearing on the final rule to amend and modernize the standard of identity for yogurt released in June 2021.

IDFA President Michael Dykes stated, “Last July, IDFA forcefully objected to the FDA’s final rule to amend and modernize the standard of identity for yogurt released in June. In December. IDFA sent a letter to Dr. Woodcock, Acting Commissioner for FDA, reiterating our request for a hearing with FDA to resolve the industry’s objections, along with providing manufacturers sufficient time for compliance. Today, after eight months of waiting, FDA issued a notice staying certain provisions of the yogurt standard of identity final rule. IDFA was able to leverage unique formal rulemaking procedures available to the dairy industry to object and, ultimately, prompt a stay of certain provisions that are detrimental to our industry. Without this lever, an impractical final rule would have gone into effect, damaging yogurt makers, throwing retail establishments into confusion, and limiting choice for consumers. While a stay is helpful at this stage, IDFA’s efforts to reform the yogurt SOI will continue into an inexplicable fifth decade.”

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

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By DICK HAGEN ready for vaccinating, it’s a five-guy crew: The Land Staff Writer Emeritus three guys moving the pigs into the chutes

MANKATO, Minn. — I was patrolling and two doing the vaccinating. We can the exhibit hall at the Minnesota Pork actually get 3,000 pigs through this chute Congress always looking for something in an hour. We’re saving at least one hour’s new … and different. The Pork Congress time with each batch of pigs. But you have took place Feb. 15 and 16 in Mankato, to push them … nose to tail. Minn. I wasn’t disappointed in my search More information can be found at www. when I visited with Brad Hennen of Hennen hennenpigchute.com. Hennen’s phone Pig Chutes. number is (507) 828-0276.

It didn’t seem to matter to Hennen I Being able to see properly is also imporwasn’t in the market for his product. He tant in raising hogs and my next stop in the chimed in with his sales pitch all the same. exhibit hall was a visit with Pat Murphy of “The primary objective is to improve the Algona, Iowa. Murphy represents ONCE accuracy of the vaccination process,” he Animal Lighting — a lighting company began. “As opposed to just jabbing the vac- which produces LED swine and poultry cinating gun anywhere in his body, the lights. objective is to get that vaccination right behind the pig’s ear where it’s supposed to be.” Most anyone who uses electric lights is by now aware of LED lighting and its energysaving qualities. Hog producers watching

Hennen explained the original concept their budget are looking at lowering electricame about four years ago when he was on cal costs in growing/finishing barns or farthe National Pork Board Task Force — rowing and nursing facilities for newlycharged with trying to eliminate the many born piglets. broken vaccination needles found in pork. “That doesn’t happen very often,” he admitted, “but even one in a million is 120 times a year in our industry. So it’s a troubling issue; and my objection was to figure out how to properly restrain the pig so that we could be more accurate in the vaccination process.” Hennen Pig Chutes run $6,000 for the whole unit which includes delivery, set up and training of the crew. “Every finishing barn is a little different, so each setup might be a little different,” Hennen explained. “So I have to make certain that it works in “These are rugged, robust lights that stand up to the rigors of washing, the dust, the humidity generally prevalent in livestock barns — especially hog-finishing facilities,” Murphy said. “They have an internal enclosed circuit board so moisture can’t get to them which is usually the number-one factor in diminishing lighting perfor-

The chute in Hennen’s display looked like two this guy’s barn. Even if I tell them I have a hog fin- mance.” stretched out metal containers with conveyor belts on each side and bolted into a metal base. “We funnel pigs into these chutes through this six-foot conveyor which allows the person, or team, doing the vaccinating a clear shot at the animal’s neck.” isher down in Texas who has run 3 million pigs through his Pig Chute already … that doesn’t mean much if they haven’t seen it work on their farm. So that’s the reason we set it up and check it out before we depart the premises.” ONCE has been in business for seven years. Two years ago they were purchased by Signify (the new name for the Phillips

Hennen said the chute has generated a lot of inter- A Hutterite colony in South Dakota manufactures Lighting Company). “With est at the shows he has attended. “I will deliver my the chutes. It was my good fortune that one of the this new ownership, we eighth sale next week,” he said optimistically. “Sure, colony members was also at Hennen’s booth. “We buy have access to ever-more still a little slow to adopt at this stage, but the ones feeder pigs, 2,600 hundred at a time,” he said. “They creative thinking — both in already using the chute are providing some very all get two vaccine shots in the softer part of the our livestock lighting good reviews. Some like it because of the improved neck. That’s actually the law in this feeder pig busi- equipment and our marketaccuracy; some because it’s less stressful on the pig; ness. And broken needles are not tolerated, so that’s ing,” Murphy said. “We some because it’s less stress and injury on the person why the law. So injury-free vaccinations are a must. already have a lot of good doing the vaccinating. Many tell me it’s the fastest And this Pig Chute really makes a difference. When customers … both in finishway to get pigs vaccinated. we’re unloading these 2,600 pigs and getting them ing barns and producers just doing the piglet busiBACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND ness. We have producers in CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE Canada, and pretty much CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 1-855-577-1268 across the American hog belt from east to west.” Murphy said farmers would have to hire locally for installation, but that is generally not a problem. Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS!** Producers are pleased with the lower energy costs. “You should see a 40 to 50 percent savings in energy *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. **Offer valid at time of estimate only Sun: 2pm-8pm EST if you went from an incandescent to an LED bulb 2The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” Manufactured in Plainwell, Michigan and processed at system,” he said. “Many electrical suppliers offer LMT Mercer Group in Ohio. See Representative for full warranty details. CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 WA UBI# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suffolk See PRODUCTS, pg. 9 HIC License# 52229-H License# 2705169445 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License# 0086990 Registration# H-19114 Photos by Dick Hagen Brad Hennen displays the Hennen Pig Chute which is designed to make innoculating hogs easier and safer. Pat Murphy displays the ONCE LED lights which he says will reduce energy savings of 40 to 50 percent.

PRODUCTS, from pg. 8

rebates to hog producers who upgrade to LED systems simply because that means less energy being consumed in their total grid. Our LED bulbs have a 50,000-hour warranty or five years.”

Headquarterd in Plymouth, Minn., ONCE offers a premium-line heat lamp bulb which producers use in their sow barns for their young piglets. Another product they offer is the Bio-Shift — a UBC disinfectant chamber especially convenient for those small items that can’t go through a shower or a washing machine coming into a sow facility. Running these items through the Bio-Shift unit decontaminates any viruses.

Murphy explained there are the two different styles of ONCE LED lighting. “The one with the smaller heat sync is a 10-watt LED; the other taller heat sync is a 14-watt. The 14-watt produces 1,500 lumens; the 10 watt 1,100 lumens.”

The lights come with a dimmer which permits the producer to offer ‘sunrise to sunset’ lighting intensities. Or a producer can set the timer to shut off all lighting at a certain time; plus relight at a certain hour. “Our swine lights dim to red,” Murphy said. “The red spectrum that swine see in the light is a vision of night time. So you could dim to red at night and still go into your farrowing facility, walk through and look at your piglets. This keeps the piglets sleeping as you walk through.”

I also had a chance to catch up with Lyle Lange of Lange Ag Systems. His entrepreneurial spirits fired up in 1980, so he’s had 42 years of experience improving the ease and life of hog producers across the Midwest.

Based out of Willmar, Minn. Lange Ag Systems also has a warehouse Lyle Lange and parts facility in Fairmont, Minn. “We market across America today and even a few overseas sales,” Lange said. “We like to say, ‘good products sell themselves.’ so it’s very important for us to pick quality products.”

Lange said the company’s number-one selling item is its ventilation systems. “We have an installation crew that rigorously attends to every installation — knowing exactly how to set up the systems on each farm,” he said.

With each system comes the teaching of every producer how the ventilation system should function. “And my guys know ‘exactly right’ is always a must,” he stressed. “There’s no such thing like, ‘well, that’s close enough’ in our operation.”

“We do dairy barns; even a few poultry barns,” Lange went on to say. “And now we are doing a lot of silage storage systems with these bagger machines. And we do a big business with the grain bagger and grain unloader to livestock producers and grain farmers.”

The current ag economy has supplied Lange Ag Systems with plenty of work. “Last year was the best in the history of our company,” Lange said. “We’ve got five more people working for us today than we did six months ago. I’ve a great staff of employees. My three kids and their spouses work in the business; also one of my brother-in-laws and his son.

“I’m there every day because I totally enjoy my work,” Lange admitted as I said goodbye. “Don’t have any idea when I might retire. I love my work and our livestock farmers are absolutely the finest customers. My hobby is working with farmers and it is indeed a most wonderful hobby.” v

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Protect your flock from Avian Influenza

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is highly pathogenic (highly capable of disease) making appearances throughout the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control, HPAI poses minimal risk to public health. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health recommends knowing the signs of HPAI. These include unexplained and sudden deaths, decreased water consumption, decreased egg production, respiratory issues (ex: heavy breathing and wheezing), and quiet or depressed birds. If you find dead birds in your flock and cannot explain their death, contact your veterinarian or the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (320) 231-5170 immediately.

There are several things those who manage poultry can practice to control their flock’s susceptibility.

Wild waterfowl are natural reservoirs of the virus. Other birds, like raptors, are part of ongoing HPAI H5N1 activity. Recently, this virus has turned up in domestic poultry farms in 15 states and is as close as South Dakota, Iowa, and most recently, Wisconsin.

One of the most important things you can do to keep your flock healthy is to work with your veterinarian. They will be a valuable resource for all the health and biosecurity questions you may have. They can help you if your animals become sick or if you want to evaluate your biosecurity plan.

Secondly, keep outside pets, wild birds, and waterfowl from coming in contact with your poultry. Now is the time to take steps to prevent contamination of tools, feed, or clothing that you use. For birds housed outside, cover and enclose outdoor feeding areas and water sources to deter other birds and animals (which may be sick) from coming near your flock.

An important part of taking care of your poultry animals is providing clean food and water. Take the time to both clean and disinfect water bottles and feed dishes often. Don’t forget to store feed in containers that keep out insects and rodents. This will help reduce exposure to illness.

Finally, make sure you are keeping yourself clean to keep your birds healthy. Wear clean clothing or coop-specific clothing when you work around your flock — even if it’s for a minute! Don’t forget to use coop-specific boots, coveralls, and clean gloves, washing them routinely. Make sure to scrub and disinfect the soles of your shoes with a bleach solution. Think about having a scrub station right next to the coop, easily accessible. Wash your hands with warm soapy water both before and after caring for your poultry.

This article was submitted by Dana Adams, University of Minnesota Extension. v

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Our FFA issue offers a glimpse into the lives of the former state officers from 25 years ago. This year we were able to get in contact with four of the six state officers from 1996-1997 group. They have moved all over the country from Alaska to Texas; but pride in the FFA organization remains steadfast for them all.

A big thank you to Cory Buysse, Tyson Hill, Laura (Klein) Richardson and Aaron Stegemann, for taking time out of their busy schedules to chat about FFA and what they have been up to since those days. Thank you also to Mark Jirik, Minnesota FFA Alumni president for helping us get in contact with the former officers and to Jim Ertl, former Minnesota FFA executive secretary for all the great photos.

At press time we were unable to reach Cindy Mulert (sentinel) and Patricia Norman (reporter).

ON THE COVER: Front (left to right): Aaron Stegemann, Tyson Hill and Cory Buysse; back (left to right): Patricia Norman, Cindy Mulert and Laura (Klein) Richardson.

State president Klein found FFA support beyond agriculture

By KRISTIN KVENO

The Land Staff Writer

A keen interest in agriculture fostered Laura (Klein) Richardson’s interest in the FFA program. Richardson grew up in Fairhaven, Minn., a few miles from the town of Kimball. “My family had dairy cattle until I was in elementary school.”

In high school, Richardson had the opportunity to work for other farms in the area. It was a natural progression for Richardson to join Kimball’s FFA, as it aligned with her passion for agriculture. “Kimball has always had a strong program.”

Once Richardson joined FFA, she wanted to participate in as much as she could, taking advantage of all the leadership opportunities offered. In addition to serving as state FFA president, she was also Region 5 president, chapter president and Greenhand representative. “I was always involved.”

Richardson also won the state FFA job interviewing contest. “The career development events were always fun for me.” It was the public speaking and networking that were Richardson’s favorite aspects of FFA. With the love of both those elements, Richardson decided to run for state office her junior year. While she didn’t get an office that year, she did gain confidence and ran again her senior year. “I’m sure I was probably a lot more nervous than I can recall.” Richardson walked into that experience trying to enjoy the process, no matter what the outcome was. “What will be, will be attitude.” When it was announced that Richardson was selected as state FFA president, it was thrilling for her. “So exciting, really disbelief.”

Looking back at her time as state president, it was those moments spent visiting chapters across Minnesota she enjoyed the most. “Seeing all the ways the FFA chapters were making a difference across the state.” During her time as president, she was also attending North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D. where she obtained her undergraduate degree in special education.

After graduation, Richardson moved to Alaska on a whim and worked as an assistant principal there. She also obtained a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies, was a stay-at-home mom for nine years and now teaches in Palmer, Alaska. Richardson, her husband Todd, children Ella (12), Ian (11), Audrey (6) and Millie (5) live in Wasilla, Alaska.

Her experience as a state officer taught her the ability to hone the skills needed to work with a variety of people. It also showed her that there are plenty of adventures that await you out in the world. The connections that Richardson made in FFA have been lifelong. When Richardson’s son Gabriel was stricken with a brain tumor and passed away in 2014, the kindness of her FFA friends was comforting in that difficult time. “The people came out of the woodwork with love and support.”

She encourages any FFA member thinking of running for state office to embrace that opportunity. “What’s the worst that can happen? You’ve just had a whole lot of experience getting to know yourself well.” The skills you learn in FFA can help you throughout your career. “Take advantage of the diversity of opportunities in FFA.” v

Variety propelled Stegemann to state FFA vice president

By KRISTIN KVENO

The Land Staff Writer

Aaron Stegemann’s foray into FFA began in Lakefield, Minn. “I was very active in 4-H when I was younger.” Stegemann participated in the general livestock judging and public speaking events. His older brother Mike was active in FFA and was state treasurer in 1993-94. In high school, FFA became a great fit for Stegemann as he was looking to get involved in something that wasn’t sports-related. “I am very competitive and am driven to win and I’m not very athletic.”

Being a part of the Heron Lake-Okabena-Lakefield chapter of FFA allowed Stegemann the chance to compete differently. And compete he did, participating in everything from parliamentary procedure to meat judging to floriculture. The meat judging allowed Stegemann to better understand that industry, experiencing it first-hand. “I got to spend time at a meatpacking plant in Windom, Minn.” The floriculture experience for Stegemann was filled with quite the curve. “At the region competition, I called a tulip, a rose.” Through hard work and great coaching by FFA advisor Louise Worm, he became the national FFA floricultural champion.

Stegemann served as chapter president but wanted to be a part of the state FFA leadership team just as his brother had. “Based on the fact that my brother went through that experience.” Stegemann saw the impact that his brother made during his state officer time. “I had a lot of encouragement from both my FFA advisors (Louise Worm and Keith Place).”

The state officer selection process was quite an experience. “I remember it being a very rigorous process.” When it was announced that Stegemann was the FFA state vice president, “I was thrilled to have that opportunity to be a state officer.”

It was the team of people that he got to work alongside that made it a wonderful experience. “It was just a combination of great people.”

Some of Stegemann’s greatest memories as a state FFA officer were networking and collaborating with state officers from other states. “I built some friendships that lasted some time.”

See STEGEMANN, pg. 11

By KRISTIN KVENO

The Land Staff Writer

Raised on a corn, soybean and pork production farm near Tracy, Minn., Cory Buysse has always had a love for agriculture. That lead him to follow in his brother Chad’s footsteps by joining FFA in high school. Buysse saw the connections and relationship-building opportunities in FFA and decided he wanted to be part of the organization. Buysse served as chapter secretary, president and region secretary.

Buysse decided to run for a state officer position because of the leadership experiences those positions brought. “To be able to have an influence on the FFA foundation.”

State officer interviews weren’t the only thing Buysse was involved in during that weekend. “I had prom the night before the interviews.”

Being a little preoccupied and tired from prom may have aided Buysse in staying relaxed. “I didn’t know what I was getting into with the interview process.” He was also thrilled to see some familiar faces there as he knew a few of the fellow officer candidates from various FFA events he was involved in. “I had the chance to meet Aaron (Stegemann) at Greenhand Camp.”

When Buysse’s name was announced as state secretary, he was filled with excitement. “I was surprised.”

During his time as a state officer, Buysse attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. where he majored in agronomy. (Fellow state officer Cindy Mulert also attended SDSU. In addition to Mulert, there were a few South Dakota state officers who were also attending college there. Buysse had gotten to know them when attending FFA state officer camp.)

Buysse’s favorite memories as a state officer were the times spent on the road, enjoying the moments. “It’s some of those road trips you did with fellow officers,” he said.

“Agriculture is extremely small at times.” That was evident during Buysse’s state officer years and still remains true today. “I’ve always stayed in agriculture.” Buysse lives in Nerstrand, Minn. and is a Brevant Retail Development Leader. The skills that he obtained during his time as a state FFA leader have allowed him to excel in his career thanks to being confident in public speaking. “The ability to speak comfortably in a group.” That all began as a state officer when at age 19 and he was speaking in front of 2,000 people at the FFA convention. In addition to his job with Brevant, Buysse also utilizes skills he learned on the farm growing up. “I’ve also got a side woodworking business.” He started North by South Woodworking two years ago. This business allows Buysse to use his creative side to craft everything from cutting boards to bar counters, working with both residential and commercial customers. For Buysse, it was the whole experience from running for state office to his time as secretary that he holds dear. He encourages anyone interested in running to go for it. “It’s a time I look back at very fondly.” v Hill’s FFA skills have taken him around the world

By KRISTIN KVENO

The Land Staff Writer

“I was pretty much a smalltown city kid.” Tyson Hill may not have grown up on a farm, but he knew a bit about agriculture as his father worked in that industry and he recognized that FFA was a great organization to be a part of.

The opportunities that abound in FFA led Hill to join the organization. The Willmar, Minn. chapter had members who served in various capacities in region and state offices. “We always had good representation.”

While in FFA, Hill held several positions including chapter president. “I enjoyed being a part of the organization.” That led Hill to want to make a difference on the state FFA level and he decided to run for an office. Hill recalled attending the state convention was always a good time — even more so when he

STEGEMANN, from pg. 10

Stegemann attended the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a degree in agricultural and food business management. He then went on to work for John Deere for 10 years. “I got to see agriculture in different parts of the world.” He also got his master’s of science degree from Purdue University in ag economics and a master’s of business administration from Indiana University.

He was recruited to work for Polaris Industries for a position in Medina, Minn. He has been with the company for 10 years and is the vice president of commercial utility vehicles. pursued a state office. When Hill was named state FFA treasurer, joy followed. “I remember elation and surprise.” In addition to being excited about becoming a state officer, Hill was honored to serve as a state officer with a great group of people. “I definitely knew most of them.”

Hill fondly recalls some of his favorite memories from being state FFA treasurer were the times spent with the officer team. “Surrounding yourself with good people.” Hill still stays in contact with many of his fellow state officers to this day.

While serving as state FFA treasurer, Hill attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D. where he majored in industrial engineering. After graduation Hill joined the Navy and served seven years in active duty. During that time was stationed in Florida, Georgia and Maryland and was also deployed to Iraq. He then became a Navy reservist and went on to do project management contractor work supporting the Navy. In 2012 he was deployed to Afghanistan. He has worked in systems engineering, software development and is now in cyber security for TransUnion. He and his wife, Kelly, reside outside of Austin, Texas with their two children.

His service to our country and subsequent work in software development and cyber security has taken Hill abroad and all over the United States. He attributes the skills he learned during his time in FFA that have helped him in his career. “The biggest was learning leadership. The ability to adapt, to be coachable, to lead.”

His advice for those currently in FFA is to take those opportunities to pursue leadership roles. “The experience alone strengthens you. It’s a great steppingstone.”

From Wilmar to Austin and everywhere in between, Hill has taken what he gleaned from his time in FFA and put those proficiencies to use in everything he’s accomplished — from serving our country to working in cyber security. Hill is grateful for the memories from his time in FFA, the friendships he forged, and the opportunities which have come about from the skills he obtained during his time in the organization. v

Stegemann and his wife Jody have two children: Hannah, age 12, and Charlie, age 10. The experience of being a state officer taught Stegemann valuable skills he carries with him today. “Public speaking is one of the biggest skills that I utilize on a daily basis.” The ability to lead a team and be a collaborator are both essential in FFA as well as throughout his career.

His advice to current FFA members is to go for those opportunities in the organization. “Without a doubt, take that chance, give it a shot.” v

By TIM KING

The Land Correspondent

COLD SPRING, Minn. — Tamara Berger, agricultural instructor for the ROCORI consolidated school district, and her students have conducted cooking experiments with Kernza.

“I personally have baked banana bread,” Berger said. “I decided to try it with 100 percent Kernza. The result was very dense and did not rise like regular wheat flour. A 50/50 loaf rose more. Then I compared them to a 100 percent wheat flour loaf. It was interesting to see the difference. Kernza has a much more grain-like flavor. I quite enjoy it, but everyone is different.”

As a group, Berger says she and her students have tried Kernza pasta, pancakes, cookies, bread, tortillas; and she believes some doughnuts have been made.

The cooking experiments are part of a larger ongoing project by Berger, her students, and a group of supportive community members to actually grow Kernza on a 16-acre field owned by the school district.

“Kernza is the world’s first perennial grain,” Jen Wagner-Lahr, a member of the FFA Alumni and Supporters group, said. ‘It was developed by The Land Institute of Salina, Kan. Plant breeders at The Land Institute developed intermediate wheatgrass to produce a grain they now call Kernza. The Land Institute has worked very closely with the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Program to further develop the crop — including varieties specific to Minnesota.”

The Supporters group footed the bill for the project — including providing volunteer farmers John and Aaron Willenbring and a no-till drill, according to Berger. “The FFA Alumni and Supporters includes those who want to support the program, but might not necessarily be a ROCORI or FFA alumni,” she said. “However, they see the positive impact that students can have so they are solely supporting the agriculture and FFA program. We are a newly reestablished chapter, so this is a new avenue we are exploring with the help of community, alumni and supporters.”

Tyler Ratka, a junior and the chapter’s president, says he appreciates the educational aspects of the Kernza project. “It is great for the members to learn about crops and soil testing,” he said. “It will also be used in the future for classroom learning.”

Ratka points out the Kernza was drilled into a harvested rye field. No herbicides were used on the rye since there are no approved herbicides for the grain. The variety in the FFA plot is MN Clearwater which was developed by the University of Minnesota to thrive in Minnesota.

Ninth-grader Bethany Posch, the chapter’s reporter, says that chapter members were stretching themselves by taking on the Kernza project. “We have not planted crops in that size plot before; but we have planted a small garden and it grew well.“

Berger explained the chapter’s decision to learn about a novel agronomic crop in addition to their hands-on horticultural learning. “The chapter and alumni group collaborated, and decided we wanted to do something different than corn and soybeans,” she said. “Not that those are not important, but we are part of education and wanted this to be a learning opportunity for all. Cold Spring is also in a unique area where our nitrate levels in our groundwater are high, so this would not only be a new learning opportunity, but also help the community and environment. Kernza has an extremely deep root system which helps to pull those nitrates out of the water.”

“I’d also add that this decision has afforded an opportunity for ROCORI students to interact directly with UMN agronomists that are working with Kernza, as well as our local SWCD staff,” WagnerLahr said.

The Willenbrings planted the Kernza on Aug. 22, 2020. The students and the community attended the planting and used it as an educational event. Later, a Community Plot Day and Kernza pancake breakfast was held.

“We had speakers, Kernza products available for sale and to sample, and more educational activities to talk about soil and water health and how Kernza can impact that,” Berger said. “The pancakes were

See KERNZA, pg. 15