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44 minute read
Mielke Market Weekly
MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY By Lee Mielke MARKETING
This column was written for the market- A small gain in February’s All Milk ing week ending April 1. price could not offset sharply higher The world sits on pins and needles over the war in Ukraine while hopes were dashed this week after Moscow hinted it would cut military operations near the corn, soybean, and hay prices and reversed five consecutive gains in the USDA’s milk feed price ratio, though it was still above February 2021. Ukrainian capital after negotiators met in The USDA’s latest Ag Prices report Turkey. There was little evidence that shows the ratio at 2.07, down from 2.18 occurred and, in fact, Russian President in January, and compares to 1.80 in Feb. Putin announced that exports of natural 2021. The index is based on the current gas would be halted April 1 unless buyers milk price in relationship to feed prices paid in rubles. for a ration consisting of 51 percent corn, Meanwhile, President Biden announced the largest release ever of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, providing 1 million barrels per day start8 percent soybeans and 41 percent alfalfa hay. In other words, one pound of milk would purchase 2.07 pounds of dairy feed of that blend. ing in May and lasting for six months in an effort to The U.S. All Milk Price averaged $24.70 per cwt., soften high gas prices. up just 50 cents from January, but was $7.60 above
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U.S. farm milk prices keep heading higher, but Feb. 2021. they need to. The U.S. Department of Agriculture The national average corn price shot up to $6.10 announced the March Federal order Class III per bushel, up 53 cents from January, after gaining benchmark price at $22.45 per hundredweight, up a dime in January, and $1.35 per bushel above Feb. $1.54 from February, $6.30 above March 2021, and 2021. the highest Class III since Nov. 2020. The three month average stands at $21.25, up from $15.98 at this time a year ago and $16.77 in 2020. Soybeans averaged $14.80 per bushel, up $1.90 from January, following a 40 cent jump in January, and are $2.10 per bushel above Feb. 2021. Class III futures portend another $1.36 rise in April to $23.81; May, $24.84; June, $24.66; July, $24.38; August, $24.10; and September was at Alfalfa hay averaged $214 per ton, up $3 from January and $43 above a year ago. $23.84. Looking at the cow side of the ledger; the The March Class IV price is a record high $24.82, up 82 cents from February, the previous high, and is a whopping $10.64 above a year ago. The three month Class IV average is at $23.97, up from February cull price for beef and dairy combined averaged $77.90 per cwt., up $6.30 from January, $12.30 above Feb. 2021, and $6.30 above the 2011 base average. $13.71 a year ago and $15.91 in 2020. Dairy economist Bill Brooks, of Stoneheart Consulting in Dearborn, Mo., does not see any Dairy
Margin Coverage payment for the remainder of 2022. In the week ending Mar. 19, 64,100 dairy cows were sent to slaughter, down 900 from the previous week, but 1,800 head or 2.9% above a year ago. n The last week of March was a bit shy on USDA reports we regularly monitor but we did get Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks data. There was added interest considering the higher input costs, primarily fertilizer, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The higher fertilizer-demanding corn acreage was estimated at 89.5 million acres, down 3.87 million acres or 4 percent from last year and 2.5 million below the trade estimate, according to StoneX Dairy Group. Soybean acreage was estimated at a record 91.0 million acres, up 4 percent from a year ago, with acreage up or unchanged in 24 of the 29 estimating States. Cotton acreage was estimated at 12.2 million acres, up 9 percent. StoneX stated in its March 29 “Early Morning Update,” “Normally when we model our producer margin we have looked at the gross difference between feed costs and milk price. Given the recent increase of non-feed inputs impacting farmer margins recently, we have taken a dive into the net margin that producers may be experiencing in order to provide a clearer perspective.” “We have been expecting that the high Class III and IV prices should be able to offset the increases in input values. However, given the continued growth in feed, energy and labor costs, that may no longer be the case. The decline in Class III and IV
See MIELKE, pg. 8
EPA approves 2022 Minnesota-specific dicamba restrictions
ST. PAUL — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given approval to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s state-specific use restrictions for three dicamba herbicide products during the 2022 growing season in Minnesota. The restrictions are aimed at curbing off-site movement of the products.
The affected dicamba formulations are Engenia by BASF; Tavium by Syngenta; and XtendiMax by Bayer. These are the only three dicamba products labeled for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans.
Because of a high number of alleged drift complaints in the 2021 growing season, the MDA is registering the three products for use in Minnesota in 2022 with the following additional restrictions:
Date cutoff — No application shall be made south of Interstate 94 after June 12, 2022. North of Interstate 94, use is prohibited after June 30, 2022.
Temperature cutoff state-wide — No application shall be made if the air temperature of the field at the time of application is over 85 F or if the National Weather Service’s forecasted high temperature for the nearest available location for the day exceeds 85 degrees. Forecasted temperature must be recorded at the start of the application.
The product label with these EPA-approved Minnesota-specific restrictions will be available on the product manufacturer’s website (Bayer, BASF, or Syngenta). Check the company’s website to download the restrictions prior to application of any of these three dicamba products. The restrictions will also be promoted through the mandatory dicamba-specific training required for anyone applying one of the approved products. Compliance with these Minnesotaspecific restrictions and other restrictions listed on the product label is mandatory.
Other federal requirements for the products which appear on the 2022 labels include:
Requiring an approved pH-buffering agent, also known as a volatility reducing agent, be tank mixed with dicamba products prior to all applications
Requiring a downwind buffer of 240 feet and 310 feet in areas where listed endangered species are located.
In addition to the cutoff date, Xtendimax and Tavium have crop growth stage cutoffs.
In Minnesota, Engenia, Tavium, and XtendiMax formulations of dicamba are approved for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans only and are restricted use pesticides. The dicamba products are only for retail sale to and use by certified applicators.
Pesticide product registrations are renewed on an annual basis in Minnesota.
This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v
MIELKE, from pg. 7
(futures) prices will press on already tight margins,” StoneX warned.
“Given the data that we have available we expect that the average sized dairy in the United States is likely experiencing a negative margin at the moment and will most likely continue to do so through the next year to year and a half.”
Speaking in the April 4 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast, broker Dave Kurzawski said the war in Ukraine is influencing the market because “the news cycle is hour-to-hour.” However, while a lot of the risk premium is “baked in,” the day-to-day fundamentals continue. The key take away in March, he said, was that “The availability of dairy products seems to be increasing, not decreasing.”
The risks remain quite substantial as we progress beyond first quarter, he said. However, whether its cheese, butter, nonfat dry milk or whey, “there’s more product on offer in the United States today than there was a month ago,” and “while that doesn’t mean a bear market is looming, it does mean that price pullbacks can happen — for different reasons.”
The key of course is what happens to milk production globally as well as in the United States; but Kurzawski warned, “There may be headwinds ahead on dairy prices.”
n
Tough economics have already taken a toll. The March 30 Daily Dairy Report says, “Relentless consolidation in the dairy industry persisted across the country last year as farms continued to get larger and cows became more productive.”
“USDA data shows the total number of licensed dairy herds in the United States fell by 1,794 to 29,858, a 5.7 percent overall decline,” according to the Daily Dairy Report. “At the same time, cow numbers climbed 0.6 percent, or 56,000 head, to 9.448 million, and milk per cow rose 0.7 percent to 23,948 pounds.”
That plentiful volume Kurzawski referred to drove prices lower this week but another part of the blame, according to StoneX, is “Chinese demand, or rather a fear that Chinese demand will be reduced as a result of their lockdowns.”
Chinese imports are currently tracking 2.2 percent below last year through the first two months of the year, StoneX warned, plus, “The U.S. dairy herd reductions that we’ve been seeing, look to be transitioning to a growth stage.” n
Chicago Mercantile Exchange cheese prices saw some ups and downs the last week of March. After jumping 14.5 cents the week before, the cheddar blocks fell to $2.17 per pound on March 29, then rallied to close April Fool’s Day at $2.295. This is up 2 cents on the week, 26.5 cents above their March 1 perch, and 52 cents above a year ago.
After gaining 22 cents the previous week, the cheddar barrels fell to $2.16 per pound on March 30, but finished April 1 at $2.2525. This is a quarter-cent higher on the week, 31.75 cents above where they were on March 1, 74 cents above a year ago, and 4.25 cents below the blocks.
There were seven sales of block on the week and 38 for the month of March, up from 16 in February. Barrel sales totaled 30 for the week and 108 for the month, up from 39 in February.
Midwest cheesemakers tell Dairy Market News demand is strong to very strong. Customers were hesitant during the variant market movements in February and earlier this month, but as prices began to climb, buyers had to refill their pipelines ahead of further increases. Milk is available though some plants continue to deal with staffing and supply shortages. Plants that are running full, or near full, were clearing spot milk at discounts as low as $4 under Class mid-week. Cheese inventories are moving well.
Western cheese makers say export demand remains strong as U.S. prices remain at a discount to internationally produced product. Purchasers in Asia are, reportedly, interested in buying loads to ship in late fourth quarter and early first quarter 2023. Domestic cheese demand is steady in retail markets, while food service demand continues to increase. Spot cheese availability is trending higher in the region. Port congestion and the shortage of truck drivers continues to cause delays. Cheese producers are running busy schedules to work through the available milk supplies but labor shortages and delayed production supply deliveries continues to prevent running at full capacity.
CME butter got down to $2.70 per pound on March 31 but saw its April 1 finish at $2.71. This is down 8.5 cents on the week, 17.5 cents above the March 1 post, and 86.5 cents above a year ago. There were 27 cars sold on the week and 99 for the month, up from 69 in February.
StoneX reminds us that domestic butter sales were up 15 percent in January and it will be interesting to see how February fares, with the higher prices, given that stocks were heavier than expected.
Butter makers in the Central region say spring holiday demand has picked up a little later than expected. Production is busy however employment shortages are still being reported from multiple plants. Export demand remains but plants are pulled in two directions, says Dairy Market News, between international buying or growing stocks for seasonal fall demand in the domestic sector.
Cream is “findable,” says Dairy Market News, but costs are ticking up week by week. As cream cheese and ice cream production increases, cream availability is not expected to increase near-term. Some Midwestern butter producers continue to find it from Western sources but freight costs and limitations are deterring them.
Western demand for cream is also strengthening as ice cream makers are increasing output and pulling heavily on cream supplies. Butter makers are internally utilizing cream loads to build inventories. Demand for butter is increasing in retail markets as grocers prepare for spring holiday demand. Food service demand is unchanged and export demand is strong, as internationally produced butter is being sold at a premium to U.S. loads. Butter makers are running busy schedules throughout the region, though some continue to cite labor shortages as preventing them from running at capacity, according to Dairy Market News.
Grade A nonfat dry milk closed the week at $1.85 per pound, a quarter-cent lower, a penny below where it was on March 1, but 66 cents above a year ago. There were 22 trades on the week and 82 for March, up two from February.
Dry whey closed April 1 at 61 cents per pound, down 11 cents on the week, lowest since Oct. 20, 14.25 cents below its March 1 position, and 5 cents below a year ago. CME sales totaled 15 for the week and 19 for the month, down from 30 in February.
Higher dairy product prices are hitting consumers, the Analyst warned. IRI’s Inflation Tracker shows average dairy product prices were up 11 percent from a year ago in the latest week and “Dairy prices are now outpacing overall grocery,” as prices throughout the store are up 8 percent. n
The Analyst reports the Global Dairy Trade auction will launch a new auction product called GDT Pulse, which will be a weekly auction. Whole milk powder is the first planned product to more regularly auction. Additionally, the dairy auction is considering holding daily auctions.
In politics, the International Dairy Foods Association and National Milk Producers Federation submitted joint comments this week to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service urging the agency to “improve nutrition security by updating school meal nutrition standards to encourage increased consumption of dairy in keeping with recommendations from the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans report and with leading health organizations.”
In 2020, the federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report found that a staggering 79 percent of 9- to 13-year-olds are not meeting the recommended intake of dairy foods and thereby underconsuming a variety of nutrients during childhood and adolescence, including potassium, calcium, and vitamin D.
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
By DICK HAGEN
The Land Staff Writer Emeritus
MANKATO, Minn. — I was patrolling the exhibit hall at the Minnesota Pork Congress always looking for something new … and different. The Pork Congress took place Feb. 15 and 16 in Mankato, Minn. I wasn’t disappointed in my search when I visited with Brad Hennen of Hennen Pig Chutes.
It didn’t seem to matter to Hennen I wasn’t in the market for his product. He chimed in with his sales pitch all the same. “The primary objective is to improve the accuracy of the vaccination process,” he began. “As opposed to just jabbing the vaccinating gun anywhere in his body, the objective is to get that vaccination right behind the pig’s ear where it’s supposed to be.”
Hennen explained the original concept came about four years ago when he was on that’s the reason we set it up and check it out before the National Pork Board Task Force — charged with we depart the premises.” trying to eliminate the many 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.” A Hutterite colony in South Dakota manufactures the chutes. It was my good fortune that one of the colony members was also at Hennen’s booth. “We buy feeder pigs, 2,600 hundred at a time,” he said. “They all get two vaccine shots in the softer part of the neck. That’s actually the law in this feeder pig business. And broken needles are not tolerated, so that’s
The chute in Hennen’s display looked like two why the law. So injury-free vaccinations are a must. stretched out metal containers with conveyor belts And this Pig Chute really makes a difference. When on each side and bolted into a metal base. “We funnel we’re unloading these 2,600 pigs and getting them pigs into these chutes through this six-foot conveyor ready for vaccinating, it’s a five-guy crew: three guys which allows the person, or team, doing the vaccinat- moving the pigs into the chutes and two doing the ing a clear shot at the animal’s neck.” vaccinating. We can actually get 3,000 pigs through Hennen said the chute has generated a lot of interest at the shows he has attended. “I will deliver my eighth sale next week,” he said optimistically. “Sure, still a little slow to adopt at this stage, but the ones already using the chute are providing some very this chute in an hour. We’re saving at least one hour’s time with each batch of pigs. But you have to push them … nose to tail. good reviews. Some like it because of the improved More information can be accuracy; some because it’s less stressful on the pig; found at www.hennenpigsome because it’s less stress and injury on the person chute.com. Hennen’s phone doing the vaccinating. Many tell me it’s the fastest number is (507) 828-0276. way to get pigs vaccinated. Being able to see properly
Hennen Pig Chutes run $6,000 for the whole unit is also important in raising which includes delivery, set up and training of the hogs and my next stop in crew. “Every finishing barn is a little different, so the exhibit hall was a visit each setup might be a little different,” Hennen with Pat Murphy of Algona, explained. “So I have to make certain that it works in Iowa. Murphy represents this guy’s barn. Even if I tell them I have a hog fin- ONCE Animal Lighting — isher down in Texas who has run 3 million pigs a lighting company which through his Pig Chute already … that doesn’t mean produces LED swine and much if they haven’t seen it work on their farm. So poultry lights.
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.
Most anyone who uses electric lights is by now aware of LED lighting and its energy-saving qualities. Hog producers watching their budget are looking at lowering electrical costs in growing/finishing barns or farrowing and nursing facilities for newlyborn piglets.
“These are rugged, robust lights that stand up to the rigors of washing, the dust, the humidity generally prevalent in livestock barns — especially hogfinishing 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 performance.”
ONCE has been in business for seven years. Two
See PRODUCTS, pg. 11
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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 actually Kernza pancakes that Chris Pancakes cooked for us using their own pancake formula mix. It was not all Kernza, but you can tell a difference.” The Kernza came through the winter of 2020-21 … but so did the rye. “We did not have a harvest,” Posch said. “The rye that was there before we planted the Kernza overtook the Kernza and choked it out.”
Wagner-Lahr points out there was a drought during the 2021 growing season, so the recently-planted Kernza had to compete for water with the well-established rye.
“Our first year did not go as planned,” Berger admitted, “but we did come out with 15-and-a-half large round bales that went to supplement livestock feed. Berger, the FFA chapter, and the community members are not giving up on Kernza — even though their first attempt didn’t go as planned. In August they were back in the field drilling oats. “We will harvest the oats in the spring of 2022,” Berger said. “We are hoping that with the oats we can get rid of the rye and other weeds that are there and then start fresh by replanting Kernza in late summer of 2022. We hope to see what markets are available to us at that time, and there has even been discussion about using some of the Kernza flour in recipes for students to eat at ROCORI.”
The oats were planted with five different treatments ranging from tilled to no-tilled to control plots where nothing was done to the rye. Berger says the variety of plot treatments will be educational for the community and club members.
While everyone is waiting to see what will happen with the various small grain experiments, the gardening project will continue during the 2022 growing season. Posch says the gardeners hope to grow enough to freeze some of the harvest to eat during the colder months.
The ROCORI school district serves three Minnesota towns whose names form the acronym ROCORI: Rockville, Cold Spring and Richmond. v
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FOLEY, Minn. — With our first 60-degree day in the books, it won’t be long before alfalfa stands start to green up. This means stand assessments are right around the corner. Stand assessments are necessary every year and can help prevent unwelcome surprises.
For perspective, last year’s stand assessments for the Alfalfa Harvest Alert program started on April 28. For this year’s stand assessments, we will be looking for damage caused by last year’s drought along with the usual suspects.
We had adequate snowfall throughout the winter which should help prevent winter injury issues. With the snow cover mostly melted off, keep a watchful eye on areas of pooled water. If temperatures dip back well below freezing, these areas may see stand loss due to suffocation.
For stand assessments we need to focus on two parts: stem counts, and root and crown health.
With stem counts, we usually measure this as stems per square foot. The relationship between stem density and yield is constant, making this method reliable in estimating yield. The steps of the procedure are as follows: Mark off a 2-square-foot section in each area you take a count. Count only those stems 2 inches or taller. Divide your count by two and average across all section.
This will get you to the necessary stems per square foot needed to check yields. Typically, stem counts over 55 stems per square foot indicates a good stand. In that condition we would expect you could lose some plants and still produce good yields. Whereas, with stem densities of 39 stems per square foot or less, we would expect yields in those stands to be low enough to consider replacing.
When it comes to assessing stands visually, typically we would start from the top down. Looking at the tops of alfalfa plants, we look for symmetry of the buds coming from all sides of the crown. Asymmetrically plants indicate winter injury did occur and yield potential may be lower. At this point you will also want to check to see if the root system is up out of the ground. Alfalfa taproots which have
been pushed out of the ground by over an inch will most likely be short-lived during the spring — provided they don’t break off. Next, dig up plants from three or four representative locations in the field — including at least the top 6 inches of the taproot to examine. Cut the crown in half and examine the color and rigidity of the inside of the crown. You want to see a firm, off-white interior with little to no signs of rotting. Discolored and spongy crown interiors indicate rotting and a plant that may not live another year. When making decisions on whether to keep or replace a stand, keep in mind both steps in the assessment. This is especially important with marginal stands as stands with 40 stems per square foot may still yield — provided plant health is good throughout the field. Whereas the same stand containing plants with discolored crowns and asymmetric bud growth would indicate a potential reduction in yield and may need to be replaced. This article was submitted by Nathan Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension. v Current ag economy makes trying new products easier
PRODUCTS, from pg. 9
years ago they were purchased by Signify (the new name for the Phillips Lighting Company). “With this new ownership, we have access to ever-more creative thinking — both in our livestock lighting equipment and our marketing,” Murphy said. “We already have a lot of good customers … both in finishing barns and producers just doing the piglet business. We have producers in Canada, and pretty much 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. Producers are pleased with the lower energy costs. “You should see a 40 to 50 percent savings in energy if you went from an incandescent to an LED bulb system,” he said. “Many electrical suppliers offer 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.” Lyle Lange
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 and parts facility in Fairmont,
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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
Our FFA issue offers a glimpse into the lives of the former state FFA officers from 25 years ago. This year we were able to get in contact with four out 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 Laura (Klein) Richardson, Aaron Stegemann, Tyson Hill, Cory Buysse, Cindy (Mulert) Birchmeier and Patricia (Norman) Carlson for taking time out of their busy schedules to chat about those FFA times and what they have been up to since those days.
ON THE COVER: Front (left to right): Aaron Stegemann, Tyson Hill and Cory Buysse; back (left to right): Patricia (Norman) Carlson, Cindy (Mulert) Birchmeier and Laura (Klein) Richardson.
(Klein) Richardson 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.”
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. 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
See STEGEMANN, pg. 14
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 relationshipbuilding 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 small-town 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 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 attri-
See HILL, pg. 14
By KRISTIN KVENO
The Land Staff Writer
“I grew up on a beef/calf farm near Owatonna (Minn.).” Cindy (Mulert) Birchmeier enjoyed all things agriculture in her youth which included ag organizations. “We were a very active family in 4-H and FFA.” She participated in public speaking and beef judging. Owatonna high school had/has a strong animal science/ag department and FFA involvement. “A very active FFA chapter, historically.”
Birchmeier served as a chapter officer and region seven president before embarking on her journey to a state office. She saw running for state office as the culmination of her FFA career.
When it was announced that Birchmeier was state sentinel she was thrilled. “Pure excitement. I worked so hard for this.” Her family was in attendance, which made the moment even more special. “I really appreciated all that support from my family.”
Some of Birchmeier’s best memories from her time as a state office were the Business Industry and Education Tours. “I remember doing those tours, meeting students.” Her time working with the high school FFA members was important. “Every high schooler needs a sense of belonging.” She saw students finding that sense of belonging in FFA.
Traveling across Minnesota as a state officer, Birchmeier witnessed the beauty and strength of rural communities. “The traditions, the history and sense of family are really strong in rural areas.” During her time as state sentinel, Birchmeier was a student at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. After that year she transferred to the University of Wisconsin - River Falls where she obtained a degree in agricultural business with a minor in animal science.
After graduation, Birchmeier began her career with farm credit, working for AgStar. It was during that time that she met her husband, Darron, at a National Agri-Marketing Association competition. In 2005 Birchmeier obtained a master’s degree in agribusiness from Kansas State University.
Birchmeier and her husband live in Westphalia, Mich. with their three children: Blake (16), Alex (12) and Hailey (6). She is the senior vice president of regional credit at GreenStone Farm Credit Services in East Lansing, Mich. In her position, she utilizes skills from her FFA state officer days. “Leadership skills, doing the right thing and being involved.” The confidence gained in public speaking is a big asset to her today. “I do that all the time in my current job.” She encourages anyone interested in a state FFA officer position to work hard and take the challenge. “It’s such a special opportunity to get connected to the business and agricultural world. It opens many doors.” While it may have been 25 years since Birchmeier held an FFA office, she still gives back to the organization which provided her with so many wonderful memories. She is the Greenstone Farm Credit Services representative for the Michigan FFA Foundation. Maintaining that connection is special for Birchmeier as she continues to see the value FFA plays for so many. “It gives agriculture a voice.” v (Norman) Carlson brought community to FFA communications
By KRISTIN KVENO
The Land Staff Writer
Growing up in the quaint town of Hanska, Minn., Patricia (Norman) Carlson’s interest in FFA began by hearing about her older cousins’ positive experience in the New Ulm FFA chapter. When it was her turn to join the organization, she was impressed with the chapter’s strong showing at the state level. “The New Ulm program was very involved.”
Carlson served as chapter vice president for two years and had her sights on revamping the state FFA newsletter and decided to run for reporter. “I had always had a goal to shift the state newsletter to more chapter involvement. My goal was the state reporter position.” Going through the election process was a good experience for Carlson. “You learn to look at yourself. I had to be enough even if I didn’t get an office.”
When it was announced that Carlson was state reporter, disbelief was her initial reaction. “Honestly,
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just shocked. This can’t be real.”
Once in the role as reporter, Carlson enjoyed getting to know fellow state officers as well as her time at the FFA camps. She fulfilled her goal of changing the feel of the state FFA newsletter. Carlson was grateful that FFA advisor, Jim Ertl was receptive to this change. “Mr. Ertl was very excited about it.” The newsletter shifted its focus to chapter involvement with an emphasis on community. This change by Carlson highlighted the good that the chapters were doing and illuminated many members that were doing important things in FFA and beyond.
Carlson went to the University of Minnesota during her time as state officer. She left school after that to come home and care for her Grandma who had cancer. She then went on to work in management roles at Casey’s convenience store for four years.
Caring for others has always been important to Carlson. She spent several years working with children with autism. She coached Special Olympics bowling, basketball, softball, track and field and unified bowling. She also set up all the fundraising efforts in New Ulm for Special Olympics for 10 years. Carlson is currently working at 3M in Hutchinson, Minn. where she’s involved in the production of electrical tape. She lives on a farm near Stewart, Minn. with her boyfriend, William Shuck.
When thinking back to her time as a state officer, Carlson points out the organization promotes togetherness. “It teaches you how important community is.” In addition, working with fellow FFA members allowed Carlson to see the value of helping others. “In dealing with members of the FFA, I learned to be compassionate and listen. There’s nothing more rewarding than to help someone else out.”
What would Carlson tell a current FFA member thinking of running for a state office? “To look inside themselves and why they’re running for office.” She also believes in sticking with that goal.
The time spent in FFA allowed Carlson to develop that passion for helping others, the importance of giving back to your community, and those qualities she holds on to, to this day. “It was one of the best experiences of my life.” v
STEGEMANN, from pg. 12
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
HILL, from pg. 13
butes 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