THE LAND ~ April 22, 2022 ~ Northern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

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April 15, 2022 April 22, 2022

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Whitney Nesse takes us to two farms with flower power!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Is there anything better than a fish dish?

Corn and soybean grower looks ahead to 2022 crop year; and a new book is filled with Minnesota history

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THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

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

Corn on another continent 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLI ❖ No. 8 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Cooking With Kristin Deep Roots Talent in the GreenSeam Green & Growing Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

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“What we bring to the table is common mind even further. So Ed left the corposense!” rate world in 2005 to pursue his dream of starting his own seed company.

That comment by Ed Baumgartner, president of 3 MG Seeds in Olivia, Minn.

“We started 3rd Millennium Genetics succinctly illustrates why this seed comin Puerto Rico in 2005,” he said. “Being pany is thriving in the highly competitive able to pursue insect and drought tolerAmerican seed industry. And perhaps ant breeding methodologies in an enviamazing …. his company produces and ronment where we could be creative was markets ONLY non-GMO hybrids! The truly liberating! We have developed sevLAND MINDS unconventional conventional is the mareral proprietary non-GMO methodologies keting message of 3MG. to move tropical corn genes into temperBy Dick Hagen ate corn.” And thus the BASS identiDuring a March visit at his Olivia ty: Baumgartner Agricultural Science office, Ed explained, “At BASS Hybrids & Service. we believe in maintaining the integrity of corn as nature intended. Why make life more It seems to be working. Ed said their seed corn complicated than it already is by adding genes from sales for the 2021 growing season doubled the preother species? But just because we choose to sell vious season and 3MG sales are already about 50 only conventional hybrids does not mean those percent ahead of last year! hybrids have to be developed like they always have So based on current world issues, what’s the been. We combine our time-honored values — like impact on his seed efforts in Kazakhstan? being stewards of the land — with new technologies Responded Ed, “One word: negatively! Though indethat allow for faster development of tougher corn. pendent of Russia, Ukrainian currency has taken a And this unique combination has resulted in the beating. When I left in December their tengu development of a new kind of hybrid: The (Unkrainian currency) relative to the U.S. dollar was Unconventional Conventional!”

425 to one U.S. dollar. Today, it is now 520 per dollar I’ve known Ed for 40-plus years since moving to — so a 20 percent loss in value in just the past two Olivia myself in 1975. And chatting with Ed is months. And that’s making our seed costs to their always a pleasure — whether talking corn, farmers 20 percent more expensive also. Plus ferMinnesota Gopher football, or politics. But a partic- tilizer shortages, pesticide shortages and higher fuel ular treat is talking agriculture and farming in costs also. And shipping has come to a halt. We’ve other parts of the world like Kazakhstan, a goodgot five seed containers en route to Kazakhstan sized country in southwest Russia where some which may not get there in time for planting this farmers are now growing BASS hybrids the spring. Three seed containers have made it so far …

“American way” thanks to Ed’s influence. but five still to arrive. Usually takes 60 to 65 days; but right now, who knows?”

Because of communist government, innovative agriculture has lagged in Kazakhstan. They simply Each seed container is 1,000 units of seed (about don’t have a legion of ag industry people teaching 41 pounds per unit, so about 4,400 pounds of seed and training farmers like we do here in America. per container). If every container arrives, about 18,000 acres of Kazakhstan corn could be planted to “We’re into our third year with these farmers …

BASS hybrids in 2022! but we’re making progress,” Ed admitted. So much so that Ed and his wife Betsy now routinely live a According to Ed, corn planting is an April/early few weeks each year in Kazakhstan. “Great people,” May event in Kazakhstan also. “Like us, it’s northEd claimed. “Eager to learn and always thanking us ern hemisphere; so by April 25 Kasakhstan farmers for the help in learning more about growing corn better be rolling also.” the American way.”

Ed also noted Kazakhstan farmers tend to be ‘risk Ed was born on a farm just south of Olivia and adverse’ so they simply use less fertilizer. “Also, recalls detassling experiences — riding a frontthey don’t have crop insurance like we do here; nor mounted detassling rig with three other young kids bankers eager to help. So their question is more ripping out tassels as the machine slowly traveled likely, ‘How conservative can we be and still raise a each seed production field. Ed remembers two rows good crop?’ Even so, they were planting more seeds per detassler, so 16 rows per trip through the field. per hectare (2.5 acres) than I thought they should At that time, both RBA Seeds and Keltgen Seed be. But some of that is because of poor quality seed were headquartered in Olivia so seed fields were so they overplant as a precaution. Also, the prevailabundant. ing mindset is to plant more seed to get more yield.

And seed is less expensive than fertilizer. But it After graduating from the University of takes a while to make believers about some corn Minnesota in Agronomy/Plant Genetics, Ed growing techniques here in America. They’ve been returned to Olivia to work at Keltgen Seed in 1984 in Research and Development. Supervising Keltgen reared in a communist environment of only doing what they are told to do. So our U.S. system of Seed’s Puerto Rico research station in a tropical See LAND MINDS, pg. 11 environment stimulated Ed’s research inquisitive

OPINION

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

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

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‘I used to say FDA stood for foot-dragging artists’ Indeed, FDA slowness is so achingly FDA is, of course, government shortdeliberate that it borders on incompehand for the Food and Drug tence. Examples abound: It was years Administration or, as Helena Bottemiller before FDA acknowledged dangerous Evich makes crystal clear in a deeplypathogens and heavy metal contaminasourced, richly detailed April 8 exposé, tion in baby foods; it was “slow” to recogthe Food and Drug Ad ministration. nize the danger of “PFAS — so-called forThe emphasis is required, explains ever chemicals” — found in food packagBottemiller Evich, a senior editor and ag ing; and it spent “the better part of a reporter at Politico, because “a FARM & FOOD FILE decade working on voluntary sodium monthslong… investigation” found “that reduction goals” while “other countries

By Alan Guebert regulating food is simply not a high primoved ahead with their own years ority at the agency, where drugs and ago.” other medical products dominate…”

This tortoise approach with the That’s a deadly problem for every nation’s food safety carries a price.

American because the FDA “oversees nearly 80 per“This government dysfunction has a real impact…” cent of the American food supply.” For decades, writes Bottemiller Evich.

“The CDC (Center for though, it hasn’t done that job well, FDA official Disease Control) estimates that more than 128,000 after FDA official told Bottemiller Evich. are hospitalized and 3,000 people die from foodFor example, she notes, “‘There are a lot of things borne illnesses each year — a toll that has not lessthat languish,’” Stepan Ostroff, “who twice served as ened after a sweeping update to food safety a acting commissioner of FDA,” told her. “‘There’s decade ago.” nobody pushing very hard to get them done… We And the dysfunction is bipartisan. Republican and don’t have that… pressure to actually make things Democratic White Houses and Congresses have both happen on the food side.’” been badly served by FDA, reports Bottemiller More pointedly, “When Politico called Ostroff, he Evich, who spoke with “more than 50 people” and was so eager to discuss the agency’s problems, he found a “remarkable level of consensus that the prepared a laundry list of his concerns.” agency is simply not working.”

OPINION

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It’s more than that, though. Former — and, remarkably, even current — “officials and industry professionals used terms like ‘ridiculous,’ ‘impossible,’ ‘broken,’ ‘byzantine,’ and ‘a joke’ to describe the state of food regulation at FDA.” Some of FDA’s problems are tied to its dual mission: both food and drug safety. “‘They have too many programs and not enough resources,’” Bottemiller Evich quotes one principal deputy commissioner, “‘and the mismatch is profound.’”

Currently, the “vast majority… [or] about two thirds” of FDA’s “roughly $1 billion food budget goes… to pay for inspections” even though the “number of food inspections performed each year have been going down…” How can that be?

Because, “‘There is simply no accountability in Congress,’” a long-time FDA economist told Bottemiller Evich. “‘I guess most of their staff really don’t understand the risk issues that FDA faces [and, in turn] (t)hey don’t really know what to say to FDA to hold them accountable.’” That’s shameful.

Equally shameful, a recent reshuffle inside FDA food safety programs ignited intraoffice turf fights over jurisdiction and authority, again grinding agency gears already slipping after years of neglect and inactivity. Lobbying by Big Food through the See GUEBERT, pg. 5

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

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

There’s no limit when catching these delicious recipes removed or 2 cups flaked imitation crab meat I just returned from spring break with 4 green onions, thinly sliced the family in Santa Barbara, Calif.

2 round loaves (1 pound each) sourdough or Italian Known as the American Riviera, Santa additional sliced green onion (optional) Barbara’s coast is full of beautiful beachassorted fresh vegetables, crackers and/or toasted es and breathtaking views of the Santa bread cubes Ynez Mountains. We loved the time at the beach as well as hikes on the foothills.

In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream; mix well. Fold in crab, cheese and The more fishing-adventurous memonion. Cut the top third off each loaf of bread carebers of my family went out to the COOKING fully hollow out bottoms, leaving 1-inch shells. Cube Channel Islands off the coast of Santa WITH KRISTIN removed bread and tops; set aside. Spoon crab Barbara on a fishing excursion. They

By Kristin Kveno mixture into bread bowls. Place on baking sheets. caught rockfish, whitefish, lingcod and Place reserved bread cubes in a single layer around bread bowls. sculpin.

We enjoyed a variety of fresh seafood on our vaca- Bake uncovered, at 350 degrees until the dip is heated through, tion. Now that we’re back in Minnesota, I wanted to 40-50 minutes. Garnish with green onion if desired. Serve with assorted fresh vegetable, crackers or toasted bread cubes. make a few seafood dishes that would harken back n those wonderful memories.

It’s one pot of deliciousness! This shrimp boil features shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes along with lots of seasonings to create one pleasing pot. https://littlesunnykitchen.com/shrimp-boil/ 16 cups water 2 lemons divided 1 red onion peeled and cut into 4 wedges 4 cloves garlic minced 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning 1.5 pounds baby red potatoes halved, sliced lengthwise (or medium potatoes quartered) 1 tablespoon salt 4 ears of corn each cut into 4-5 pieces 14-16 ounce smoked andouille sausage sliced into 1-inch slices 1.5 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails left on 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted ground black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons parsley chopped

Baked Crab Dip

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/baked-crab-dip/ 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 cups sour cream 2 cans (16 ounces each) crabmeat drained, flaked and cartilage

n With the Lenten season upon us, fish fries are a popular Friday night event. You don’t have to leave your home to enjoy that flakey fish in a light and crispy batter — just give this beer battered recipe a try.

Beer Battered Fish

Shrimp Boil

To a large pot or Dutch oven, add water, lemon wedges, onion, garlic and old bay seasoning. Give the mixture a quick stir, bring to a boil over medium-high heat and add the potatoes. Season with salt and cook the potatoes for 10-12 minutes or until they’re almost done. Add the corn ears and sausage, and cook for 4-5 more minutes. Remove the Dutch oven from heat. Add the raw shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes or until opaque. Be very careful not to overcook the shrimp. Drain the mixture immediately (reserving 1/2 cup of the broth for serving).

Place all of the ingredients on a platter or sheet pan, drizzle with melted butter (and some of the reserved broth if desired), lemon juice, sprinkle with additional Old Bay seasoning, ground black pepper and garnish with chopped parsley. n Sometimes the most delicious way to enjoy seafood is in dip form in a hollowed-out bread loaf. The crab, sour cream and cream cheese combination is a tasteful trifecta of flavor.

2 tablespoons lemon juice Pat salmon dry, then season with salt, pepper, paprika and blackening seasoning (if using). Set aside. Adjust oven rack to middle position, then preheat broiler.

Add butter and oil to a large, oven-safe skillet over med-high heat. Once butter is melted, add garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey and lemon juice and cook 30 seconds or so, until sauce is heated through. Add salmon, skin side down (if using salmon with skin), and cook 3 minutes. While salmon cooks, baste frequently with sauce from the pan by spooning it over the top of the salmon.

Broil salmon for 5-6 minutes, basting with sauce once during the broil, until salmon is caramelized and cooked to desired doneness. Garnish with minced parsley if desired.

Who doesn’t love a salmon filet? It’s heart-healthy and delicious. This recipe calls for a honey-glaze on the salmon which add a spectacular splash of sweetness.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

https://www.thechunkychef.com/honey-garlic-glazed-salmon/ salmon: 4 (6 ounce) salmon filets 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon blackening seasoning sauce: 3 tablespoons butter 2 teaspoons olive oil 6 garlic cloves minced 1/2 cup honey 3 tablespoons water 3 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon sriracha

https://www.savoryexperiments.com/fish-fry-beer-battered-fish/ 2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying 24 ounces cod fish fillets, cut into 8 pieces 1-1/2 cups flour, divided 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon paprika 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons fine sea salt 2 teaspoons ground black pepper 1 egg, lightly beaten 12 ounces light beer tartar sauce cocktail sauce Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees. If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can use a large Dutch oven or cast iron skillet. Rinse fish and pat dry. Leave whole or cut into smaller pieces. Combine 1 cup flour, garlic powder, paprika, fine sea salt, baking soda, ground black pepper in a shallow dish, stirring to combine. Stir egg into dry ingredients.

Gradually mix light beer until a thin batter is formed. Toss filets in 1/2 cup flour and tap off excess, this helps the batter stick. Dip fish fillets into the batter and immediately drop into hot oil. Work in batches to not crowd the pan. Turn once to ensure all sides are lightly brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch (although this will be dependent on the thickness of your filets as well). Transfer to a wire rack on a backing sheet to drain.

Set into a hot oven to keep warm. Serve with cocktail or tartar sauce.

Whether you’re enjoying some locally caught fish or seafood from far off oceans, treat your taste buds with one of these tantalizing 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 — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

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Are field rocks a nuisance or a blessing?

The number of rocks which surface picked up over the course of many generfrom deep beneath the topsoil of a field ations. Out of many of these rock piles, that has been slumbering for months is those who cared for the land before us, always astonishing to me. A field that has constructed the very foundations of their been cleaned up, taken care of and homes and barns. These rocks became “tucked in” after harvest can birth and the foundation on which their livelihoods become home to scores of rocks by spring. and families were built.

I am amazed when I think of the farmers Are these rock piles much different of generations past and how physically than the altars built by Abraham, Isaac, DEEP ROOTS taxing it was to hand-pick rocks.

Jacob, Moses or other forefathers of the Although farming practices have changed

By Whitney Nesse faith? Altars made of uncut stones piled and rock picking looks much different on top of one another, signifying a place now, I imagine one would be hard pressed to find a for all succeeding generations to stop and remember farmer whose beginnings do not include rock pickthe things that God had done in the past. ing. Even the most seasoned farmers who hire Perhaps this year, instead of grumbling at the ambitious neighbor kids to do their rock picking for rocks that break our planters, become lodged in our them will still find themselves hopping out of the finishing baskets, shear off shovels on our cultivacab of their tractors and picking up a stray rock tors and try our sanity, we can look at them differhere and there.

For as much of a nuisance rocks can be, I have an intriguing thought. I think of the farmer — the steward, the caretaker of the land — and how the farmer bends low, face towards the ground, breathing in deeply, filling his nostrils with the earthy and unmistakable scent of soil, surrounded by land that the farmer owns, but is merely lent by God himself.

One by one, over and over, the farmer bends low, face to the ground picking up rocks that the land births with each spring season.

GUEBERT, from pg. 3 How similar is the farmer’s posture when toiling under the sun to the posture of the tax collector in U.S. Department of Agriculture didn’t help, either. the synagogue who could not lift his eyes to heaven “‘The food industry is lobbying USDA, which in as he humbled himself before the Lord (Luke 18). turn puts pressure on FDA through the White Could it be that God, in his mercy, allows these House and Capitol Hill, in a way that’s unproducrocks to continually surface in order to offer the tive…’” former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb farmer the opportunity to humble himself over and told Politico. over across thousands of farm acres?

Bottemiller Evich, however, makes it clear that I think of the rock piles growing larger and larger FDA has more problems than just Big Food bigfoot— added to year after year. How they are strategically placed so they are easy to access, yet out of the ing its way around FDA. FDA has become a shrimp in an ocean of transnational whales and its — and way. Rocks of every shape, size and color have been

ently. What if we choose to take a moment each time we bend low, to humble ourselves before the Lord?

What if we choose to see those rock piles as altars for the Lord — a place to remember his faithfulness and thank him for giving us the opportunity to steward the land? Or maybe we will find a greater appreciation for the backbreaking work past generations endured that has now become the foundation on which our very own livelihoods are being built.

My hope is that with each passing year, as more and more rocks find their way to the surface, I will allow myself to be humbled before the Lord, be reminded of his faithfulness, and to deepen, enhance and grow my sense of gratitude for the generations gone before me.

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 — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

Ag education experience is a rewarding one Editor’s note: This month’s “Talent pivotal point in my life. My passion TALENT IN THE GREENSEAM in the GreenSeam” column comes for education flourished in this

By Anna Buckentine courtesy of Anna Buckentine. environment. I couldn’t believe I was able to come to work every day I never thought I wanted to be a and talk with visitors about Minnesota’s agriculteacher. A career as an agricultural education teachture, food systems, and natural resources. er was a fleeting thought during my sophomore year at the National FFA Convention. I was swept up in The following fall I was working part-time for my the passion at the Teach Ag booth and thought that college instructor on his vegetable farm, where his this was it. planted ideas came to fruition. When the world shut However, when I returned home and fell back into down in 2020, mine opened up. I decided that agriculture education was the career I needed to pursue a routine, the warm and fuzzy feelings retreated, and I found myself with a typical high schooler men- and that the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities tality. “Who would want to spend their entire career was going to support me. in a high school” was what I thought to myself.

I began feeling that ag ed was my home. I spent my fall and spring semester between work at the My senior year was quickly approaching, and I Children’s Museum, classes, and field observations was faced with the same choice of every young perwith ag programs around the state. These schools son: what to do after graduation? I knew I was continued to strengthen my passion for agriculture, bound for more schooling, but didn’t know what or and I was beginning to see how the classroom was where. After a few scrappy ideas and a modest colan environment where I can thrive. lege tour, I was accepted and registered for my fall semester at South Dakota State University in purCome summer 2021, I was once again an intern, suit of a degree in Agribusiness. but this time for the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council, placed in Mankato, Two weeks into my semester, I knew that Brookings, S.D. was not my home; and I transferred to South Central College in North Mankato, Minn. I was lost, but I knew that I needed to keep moving forward. To my surprise, South Central College was the beacon of hope I so desperately needed. I fell back in love with American agriculture and learning — something I had not felt since my sophomore Olivia Spande year of high school.

Uptown Minneapolis, Minn.

Once again, my graduation was approaching, and I was faced with a choice: what next? I knew agriSchool: Minnesota State culture was where I needed to be; but didn’t believe University, Mankato that industry was for me. Thankfully, I was blessed Major: Family Consumer Science to have an instructor (who now is my inspiration with an emphasis in food and and role model as a teacher) plant a few ideas in my nutrition with a minor in mind early on. He knew I belonged in the classroom Agribusiness and Food Innovation. and continued to pester me about it. Just like in high school, I couldn’t imagine why anybody would Have you always wanted a want to be a teacher. career in Ag? Before I could graduate, I was required to comI always knew I wanted a plete an internship in agriculture. Rather than career in food since I was a child. working in the industry like my peers, I landed a I used to come home from eleposition as the Farmyard Intern for the Children’s mentary school and watch the food network. Some of my Museum of Southern Minnesota. This came to be a favorite memories are in the kitchen with my mom. When I

Intern in the

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came to MSU I knew that I wanted to study food and nutrition; but I didn’t find my Agribusiness minor until last year. This minor is the perfect counterpart to my degree because it’s the business behind food and it also has many creativity courses geared towards making you think outside of the box.

What type of internship are you looking for?

After I graduate from MSU, I’m charging full speed ahead into the culinary world. I plan to go to culinary school at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver B.C to get my associates in culinary arts. I plan to use these degrees to establish myself as a freelance commercial food stylist. I searched for a food styling internship and was able to secure

Minn. I spent my summer with the newly resurrected Mankato ag program, and the Southern Agriculture Center of Excellence. These brief three months gave me my first taste of life as an ag teacher, and ever since I’ve been all in.

January 2022 arrived, and I began student teaching at Dassel-Cokato High School. Currently, I have taken over two classes: Animal Science and Floriculture. By the end of my experience, I will have taught a full course load, survived SAE season, and experienced my first State FFA convention as an advisor.

After years of frustration, doubt, and worry, I have finally found a home within agricultural education.

Nevertheless, this journey is far from over, in fact, it has only just begun.

Talent in the GreenSeam focuses on developing talent and promoting careers in agriculture and food.

Dr. Shane Bowyer is the Director of AgriBusiness and Food Innovation in the College of Business at Minnesota State University, Mankato and is on the GreenSeam Talent Committee. He can be reached for comments or talent ideas at shane.bowyer@mnsu. edu. v one in Minneapolis with Amalia Moreno-Damgaard — a professional chef, food stylist, food editor, author and entrepreneur.

What are you interested in learning more about you that have not learned in your classes?

In this internship, I am excited to network and make connections with people in the food industry so that I have connections that I can come back to after culinary school that will hopefully offer up some amazing opportunities.

What skills do you hope to develop?

I hope to develop my public speaking skills and social media management skills. I will be doing some hands-on food styling projects which will expose me to how the food styling world operates. I will also be able to get a one-on-one lesson with a local food photographer so I can learn the basic principles of food photography and ultimately start taking pictures of the food I style so I can build a portfolio independently.

What has surprised you about college?

Something that has continued to surprise me throughout my college journey is how supportive and helpful my professors are. I came into college with a sort of “it’s me against the world” mindset. No one will hold your hand in college that’s true — it’s an independent journey. However, in my own personal experience here at MSU, my professors have offered me lots of advice and understanding I previously thought was unattainable. I urge anyone struggling to try MavPass or go to your professor’s office hours!

What is your favorite animal?

Longhair Siamese ragdoll kitties are so cute and sweet!

What is your favorite food?

I love Bao! Who is you favorite musical artist/band?

My favorite band right now is Big Thief!

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

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

PAGE 7

Geographic encyclopedia is a catalog of bygone places

By TIM KING The Land Correspondent “Minnesota Place Names: A Geographic Encyclopedia,” which weighs in at 718 pages (including a 67-page index of place names), was first written by Warren Upham in 1920 under the title “Minnesota geographic names: their origin and historic significance”. The Minnesota Historical Society published it and then put out revised and expanded editions in 1969 and again in 2001. The ’69 edition contained 15,000 separate entries of names and researchers bumped that up to 20,000 for the 2001 edition.

Among those 20,000 entries are the names, and the stories behind the names, of every township and county in the state. For example, if you live in Cottonwood County, you likely know your county is named after the river of that name. What you may not know is Cottonwood is the English translation for the Dakota word waraju, which is what those first peoples called the river. The French called it by the same name; only they said it in their language, Riviera aux Liards.

There is more to the story of the history of the name of the place called Cottonwood County and there are similar stories for the other 86 Minnesota county names. What’s important to remember is this book is not a history of Chisago County, for example, but simply a history of its name. It’s worth noting that Chisago is two syllables of a three-syllable Ojibway word (Ki-chi-sago) which is what those first people called that area’s largest lake.

The book is organized alphabetically by county.

Within each county are all its townships, which total 2,275 of them statewide. Goodhue County, for example, has 21 townships. Goodhue County’s Featherstone Township, to give another example, “derived its name from William Featherstone who, with a large family settled there in 1855,” the Encyclopedia writes. “A post office was located there in 1858 - 63,” the book continues.

The Encyclopedia catalogues hundreds, if not thousands, of these short-lived post offices sprinkled across Minnesota in places that continue today as small villages or crossroads with a house or two. But some of these places have disappeared altogether and their names may only be remembered by a few elders or forgotten entirely - except in the historical record of the Encyclopedia. There was, for example, a post office in a place called Harlin in Jackson County from 1892 to 1900. The place was in sections one and two, and was even platted in 1888. Does anyone in Jackson County remember anything about this

place?

Some of the post offices, such as Elm in Enterprise Township in Jackson County, are just referred to as farmers post offices. The Elm post office was open from 1894 - 1901.

Elm is lucky in that the record indicates roughly where it was. Egly, in Todd County, served as a post office from 1880 to ’84. But neither Upham nor the researchers that followed him could determine where Egly was. There is a hint in Todd County’s Streams and Lakes section (each county has one) because there is an Egly Creek in the north central townships of the county.

So, what is this 102-year-old book for? In my case, I learned more about my township and county by reading the sections dedicated to them. Knowing the names of places — even those that no longer exist — makes me more at home here. But the book has historical and research value as well. According to the Minnesota Historical Society it is “… a rich reference for historians, linguists, geographers, folklor-

ists, genealogists, and those interested in the origins of place names.”

Several years ago, Erik Moore, the head of the University of Minnesota Archives, was cataloguing the Department of Botany’s photographs of the flora of Minnesota which were taken between 1899-1903; and the Bell Museum of Natural History glass plate negatives, the first portion of which is dated 18981900. He found that a number of the photographs were described as having been taken at places no longer on current maps. He gives Holmes Station as an example. It’s not on the maps, but Upham has it in Polk County in the Red River Valley.

“If I ever lost my reference copy of this book, or if the companion website ever became inaccessible, my work on the Exploring Minnesota’s Natural History grant would be extremely curtailed,” Moore wrote.

The web site is not currently available; but the hard cover book can be found in your public library, book stores, or the Minnesota Historical Society Press. v

Letter: We need to help Ukraine To the Editor, The number 1 problem for the world is not climate change — it is PUTIN! What we are doing to help Ukraine always seems to be “too little — too late.”

For the past year our country should have continued to be self sufficient in all forms of energy — particularly crude oil, natural gas, and the piping of these products. If we had done this we would not have purchased 230 million barrels of crude from Russia to fund Putin’s War and we would have had these products to supply our European allies to

reduce their dependence on Russia.

In addition, we could be using more corn and soybeans to produce ethanol and biodiesel which would be cleaner for our environment by reducing carbon emissions. These two biofuels are also salable to our European allies.

We need to do everything possible to help the brave Ukrainian people in their fight to save their country and democracy. We need to act quickly.

Gene Smallidge Hastings, Minn.

OPINION

Minnesota hemp licenses due April 30 ST. PAUL — Those wanting to grow and process hemp in Minnesota in 2022 must apply for a license with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture by April 30.

The online application for growers and processors can be found on the MDA website at www.mda.state. mn.us/industrialhemp. Along with the online form, first-time applicants need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check.

This is the seventh year of the state’s industrial hemp program. Last year, 425 people held licenses to grow or process hemp. Over 2,800 acres and 318,713 indoor square feet were planted in Minnesota. To date, over 200 people have applied for a 2022 MDA license.

There are several changes to the 2022 program.

The tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) testing fee per grower sample has been reduced from $125 to $100

each. Previously, growers were not invoiced for the cost of the first sample; however, fees now will be charged for each sample collected.

The MDA will also begin inspecting processor locations. The processor license fee remains at $250, but each processing location will cost $250. Therefore, the minimum cost of a processing license will be $500.

Anyone growing on tribal lands within a reservation’s boundaries or other lands under tribal jurisdiction (e.g., trust lands off-reservation) must obtain a license from the tribe or the USDA if the tribe does not have an approved hemp production plan.

Questions about the MDA’s hemp program should be sent to hemp.mda@state.mn.us or call (651) 2016600.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v

PAGE 8

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THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

Annexstad steers the Nicollet/Sibley corn, soybean growers

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus WINTHROP, Minn.

— Anticipation of spring planting produced a great turnout at the March 24 annual banquet of the Nicollet/ Sibley County Corn and Soybean Growers at the AgQuest Activity Center in Winthrop, Minn. A super Brett Annexstad meal by Hahn’s Dining filled the room ahead of the 12:15 p.m. keynote speaker Lynn Ketelson — who certainly didn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for the latest on farming issues, ag politics or E-15 fuels, this 40-year voice of the Linder Farm Network delivers. Lynn not only informs farmers and consumers about what’s going on in the ag world, he also shares detailed and sometime humorous things (rushing into women’s outdoor potty at FarmFest) when telling the remarkable story about American agriculture.

A new acquaintance for me at this March 24 event was Brett Annexstad, 34 years of age and chairman of the Nicollet/Sibley Corn and Soybean Growers Association. He said because of fewer farmers on the Minnesota landscape each year, corn and soybean growers a few years back decided a merger into a single organization made sense. And today, Annextad chairs this organization and they are achievers

indeed — handing out $10,050 in scholarships just the past two years.

The Annexstad farming operation sits in the St. Peter, Minn. area. Brett is a North Dakota State University graduate, loves the challenges of farming, and credits his dad, Grant, for much of his intestinal fortitude about the continual challenges in being an American farmer.

“I grew up with my dad raising hogs in the ‘90s, plus of course corn and soybean crops … and that’s where our hearts still are,” Annexstad said. “Yes, farming has been financially solid the past couple of years; but we’ve also been through many difficult years. However, it certainly feels good to see $7 corn prices these days!”

Any particular concerns for this young achiever?

Annexstad admits to anxieties about current trends in grain markets, saying, “Ultimately you’re going to price yourself out of market demand. So we have to recognize $7 corn is not here to last. We have to be ready for the ‘down times’ also — because we know they’re coming someday.”

Annexstad said he does some forward pricing of his corn and soybeans. “It’s difficult without having anything yet planted. Most important at this stage is having most of our inputs already covered so we’ve got a pretty good understanding of our production

costs even before we plant. We’re about the same acres of each crop again this year. And thanks to years of conservation technologies, we pretty much know soil health field by field. Also, our hog operation greatly reduces purchases of commercial fertilizer.”

Yes, the Annexstadts are aggressive in corn production. Routine planting populations are now in the 35,000-36,000 plants per acre range.

I’ve known Grant Annexstad (Brett’s dad) for many years; so I was comfortable asking Brett about his thoughts on the upcoming elections in November. “As farmers, we watch elections closely,” he admitted.

“Biofuels are very important to us and we’re weary how the current administration is handling this issue. Sure, we’re thinking this election could generate positive actions on biofuels. Yes, because of Ukranian issues — plus a growing interest in America again becoming self-sufficient on energy — I think E-15 mandated as the new standard for Minnesota and national fuels would be great. And that would also require education of the populace so everyone understands why E-15 is the greatest benefit for all.” v

Extension training for dealing with loss

ROCHESTER, Minn. — University of Minnesota Extension will offer training to professionals who work with farm families experiencing stress, loss or tough decisions for their family or business.

The program is called “A changing way of life: Ambiguous loss and farming.” Trained facilitators will receive all the materials needed to provide the program and are asked to offer the program to three to five farm families by July 31.

Answers located in Classified Section

Training will be offered at three locations: April 26 at the Extension regional office at 1961 Premier Drive, Sakatah Trail Room, Mankato, Minn.; April 28 at the Extension regional office at 3601 18th St. S., St Cloud, Minn.; and April 29 at the Clay County Family Service Center building, meeting room 4, 715 11 St. North, Moorhead, Minn.

All sessions will be from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will include lunch. There is no cost to attend, but preregistration is required. Register by visiting z.umn. edu/ALtrainingreg. Registration is due four days prior to the scheduled training date.

Ambiguous loss is an unclear loss without closure.

In its wake, people may not be able to address needs or problems. Loss of land, livestock, changing markets and even relationships can be ambiguous losses that lead many to feel “stuck.”

For more information, contact Emily Krekelberg at krek0033@umn.edu or (612) 756-3977.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

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

PAGE 9

Flowers are a specialty crop for former dairy farm

By WHITNEY NESSE The Land Correspondent GLENCOE, Minn. — Agriculture is a diverse, multifaceted industry with many avenues of interest.

One can go from being a full time dairy farm one year to being a specialty cut flower farm two years later.

Dawn Schauer would know — because that is precisely what she did. In 2019, two short years after Dawn and her husband said goodbye to their dairy herd, Milkhouse Flowers, a speciality cut flower farm, was birthed.

“In 2017, we decided to sell the cows and expand on our (heifer raising). So that left my day, morning and night, wide open,” said Dawn.

After a while of hemming and hawing, her interest in floristry led her to take classes in the Twin Cities for floral design. During one of her classes, Dawn struck up friendly conversation with a classmate.

“She told me that she grew all of her own flowers and designed them,” added Dawn. Immediately, Dawn recalls having a lightbulb moment thinking, “I could do that!” Upon returning home, she shared the idea of growing and designing her own flowers with her husband Tim, who agreed that Dawn should try it. So in 2019, after finishing her classes, working part time for a florist for a year, and slowly beginning to grow her own flowers, the Schauers had an official beginning of Milkhouse Flowers.

As you may have already guessed, Dawn has set up shop in the milkhouse of their old dairy barn.

Milkhouse Flowers offers over 50 different varieties of cut flowers every season. Dawn shared that of those flowers, 40 percent are perennials, 40 percent are annuals and 20 percent are tubers and bulbs like dahlias, gladiolus and tulips. “We start 90 percent (of our annuals) from seeds and the other 10 percent I order as plugs,” said Dawn. A plug is a young plant that comes in a three inch, cylinder shaped, plant growing medium.

Every one of the 20,000 or more seeds Dawn plants is germinated in the milkhouse using heat mats and a germination chamber. “I do rent greenhouse space north of town. So once the plants are up and established, they go over there to grow until I can bring them home, harden them off, and put them in the ground,” she added. Hardening plants started indoors is the process of preparing them for outdoor planting.

Planting begins in mid-February with perennials that can be started from seed. From there, Dawn said she starts snapdragons (which are slow to grow).

“What we do is succession planting. Every three weeks we start snapdragons so we have fresh snapdragons all summer long. Sunflowers, we seed every week so we have a fresh supply of them. There are 10 varieties that we do succession with so that we always have a supply.” Succession planting lasts until mid-July. Dawn also said there are some varieties of flowers she does not plant in succession because of the length of time it takes them to grow or their lack of heat tolerance.

Photo submitted

Dawn Schauer holds a few of the 20,000 seedlings which will make up the cut flower crop at Milkhouse Flowers.

and delivering bouquets, and supplying local florists and grocery stores.

Harvesting blooms is more intricate than one may think. Between 6 and 7 a.m., the folks at Milkhouse Flowers are out in the field, looking for flowers on plants that have not yet bloomed, but are still closed.

It is important to cut and harvest the flowers before they fully open, exposing their pollen; because once pollinated, their vase life is cut much shorter than flowers that are unpollinated. Once cut, the stems are submerged into a hydrating solution and brought inside of the milkhouse to cool down. Once cooled, the stems are placed into a holding solution and placed in a large walk-in cooler which is housed in the retired dairy barn. Dawn has a goal of getting her flowers out to her customers in two days or less.

“Probably 50 percent of my flowers are sold through our subscription and just locally. Typically mid-May through October we run a full time floral shop,” Dawn said.

Milkhouse Flowers offers a seasonal, cut flower subscription where the subscriber gets weekly or biweekly bouquets that include fresh, colorful blooms which can be either delivered or picked up at the farm. About 40 percent of the blooms are sold to floral shops within a 60 mile radius of Milkhouse Flowers. The last 10 percent is sold as grocery store bouquets. If there are any flowers remaining, Dawn makes small bouquets to take to area retirement facilities and the local food shelf.

After the first frost, Milkhouse Flowers begins their fall clean up. This includes rolling up landscape fabric, cleaning up perennial beds, any fall tillage that is needed and digging tubers.

Immediately following fall clean up, Milkhouse Flowers is preparing to host classes on spruce pot arranging and wreath making in November. Dawn said that she purchases specialty greens and spruce tips from a wholesaler for her classes. She then spends December making holiday table arrangements to sell using leftover greens from the spruce pot and wreath making classes. And finally, in January, Dawn takes a much needed rest and begins planning for the upcoming season.

The road is not always easy for Dawn. “Weather is our biggest challenge. We are subject to whatever comes.” Dawn added that the high temperatures of June and July are specifically hard on the new seedlings, as they dry out so quickly. Thankfully, Milkhouse Flowers is equipped with a drip irrigation line which helps protect her crop from drying out. The drip irrigation line is also infused with a 5-10-5 fertilizer which helps promote stem length and strength as well as bloom size.

Good soil health is vital for Dawn. She said that each fall she samples the soil in her field to get an accurate measurement of nutrient presence and deficiency. She also adds aged cattle manure to her field

“April gets busy!” Dawn exclaimed. Her time is spent potting and repotting plants which have outgrown their plugs before the ground is ready for planting; and splitting, dividing and potting Dahlia tubers. By mid-April, work begins outdoors on Milkhouse Flowers’ one and a half acres. “Where our annuals go, we till. We bought a small garden tiller that hooks up to a smaller garden tractor and that we do in spring and fall,” she said.

Landscape fabric is used as a weed barrier in the annual beds. Dawn said that she has a metal template laid out on top of the landscape fabric and heat is used to melt holes into the tarp where the plants will be put in. “We reuse that fabric,” Dawn continued, “once the holes are burned, we’re good. We roll it up in the fall and reuse it in the spring.” Milkhouse Flowers uses multiple templates with different spacing, depending on the flowers that will be planted and what they need. “We do go through and weed those little holes probably twice until there is a canopy.” Once the flowering plants canopy, there is less weed pressure.

In her perennial beds, she uses shredded corn stalks for walkways and weed barrier. Dawn added that using the landscape fabric and shredded corn stalks cuts down the time spent weeding immensely.

“We hope to have our first cuttings by the end of May or beginning of June, depending on how warm of a spring we have.” Dawn and her team of two seasonal employees — as well as her husband and sons (who she says are very helpful) — spend June through the first frost harvesting flowers, designing See MILKHOUSE FLOWERS, pg. 12

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THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

Swenson Gardens specializes in ‘showstopper’ peonies

By WHITNEY NESSE is the time that we are taking photos The Land Correspondent for the whole year because we actually have a product,” explained HOWARD LAKE, Minn. — In Becky.

Japan, the peony is known as the humble king of flowers and can be The Swenson’s spend long days in found throughout the country — not the fields capturing photographs of only in ornamental gardens but also the hundreds of varieties of peony displayed in traditional Japanese blooms at each stage. Because artwork.

Swenson Gardens only sells the bare root product, the photos of the Keith and Becky Swenson of blooms are imperative to their webSwenson Gardens in rural Howard based business. Their website feaLake, Minn. share the same affinity tures photos of each variety at diftowards peonies. You will find peoferent bloom stages. nies in their decorative landscaping and interior design; but their love June is also the time of year plant for peonies grows much deeper than breeding takes place. “When the that. Not only do Keith and Becky buds are just starting to get soft, like own and operate a fully-functioning marshmallow stage, our hybridizer, peony wholesale and retail farm and Dan Zabel, will peel the petals off, website, but they are also cutting collect pollen, dry it for a little bit edge peony botanists who breed, and then he’ll take those bags of polhybridize and develop the historic, len that he’s numbered and then go eye-catching blooms. around and do the same thing on another variety,” shared Becky. Zabel Keith Swenson is the son of a takes the collected pollen and applies dairy farmer from Wisconsin and it to the carpel of another predeterhas always loved the agricultural mined parent plant. In the fall, the industry. “[Keith’s] dad and grandPhoto submitted ma grew peonies and he’s always Becky and Keith Swenson sit in front of one of the farm’s five peony fields. The couple grows 150 vari- seed pods of the bred plants are collected and the viable seeds are sortloved peonies,” shared Becky. eties of the popular plant which they sell as bare-root stock. ed and planted. “The rate at which In 1998 Keith decided he wanted good fit,” Becky said. “So we started looking for a those germinate is pretty low, so you start with a lot to grow peonies “but I don’t want pink, red and white place where we could have peonies, the farm, and our of seeds,” explained Becky. “The ones that actually like you see everywhere. I keep hearing rumors of home on the same spot.” grow and produce a bloom are even fewer.” purples, yellow, and coral.” Keith connected with Through a series of events with land sales and What Swenson Gardens is looking for in the new Roger Anderson of Ft. Atkinson, Wis. splits, auctions and buyer fall-out, the Swensons blooms are showstoppers. Becky said the common Anderson hybridized the world famous Bartzella were able to purchase a 40 acre farm near Howard colors, like white, are discarded because there are so peony and has been a mentor to Keith and Becky for Lake, Minn that was the perfect fit. “It was a total many of those on the market. They are looking for many years now. It was Roger who encouraged Keith answer to prayer!” exclaimed Becky. blooms with striking colors, different from what is to start growing peonies commercially, noticing Keith Swenson Gardens now has five fields where they already available. They are also hybridizing “peonies had the desire and agricultural background that it grow 10,000 to 12,000 peonies in about 150 different that don’t flop” Becky said chuckling. Almost all of takes to be successful, explained Becky. Swenson varieties with five different bloom styles. their peonies are bred for stem strength so they do Gardens was born, and is now entering their 20th The Swensons began their farm chemical free and not need to be staked. year of commercially growing peonies.

August through October are equally busy months. it remains so 20 years later. “We are the ones crawlIn 2002, Keith and Becky leased one and a half ing through the fields on our hands and knees. Our That time is spent cleaning up the fields, making acres of land near Delano, Minn. and planted their kids were little, four and six, when we began and we sure they are weed free. It is also the time where first commercial, bare-root peonies. “As we saw that didn’t want them handling chemicals. That’s just how they are digging, dividing and shipping bare root this business was growing, we knew that we wanted we started and we kept it that way,” said Becky. peonies. Using a tractor with a tree spade, peony to have people on site. [The land in Delano] wasn’t a Swenson Gardens now employs about seven sea- roots which have been maturing for three to five sonal workers, usually teenagers, who help weed and years are extracted from the ground and transferred tend the peony fields as well as assist in the harvest- to a shed equipped with washing stations to clean the Save now with ing or digging of the peony roots in the fall, splitting root systems. Then, the leathery peony roots are and washing the roots and shipping the bare roots to divided, carefully tagged for accuracy, and stored in * Get the most customers. “We really want these students to be bet- peat. The bare roots are then shipped priority mail OFF ter workers for a lifetime. We want to help them (because they are perishable) to buyers. out of your lawn Your First Application Planting also happens in October and all of the develop better work habits here. We want them to be this spring. newly-planted root systems are covered with mulch successful,” Becky added.

SCHEDULE YOUR June is one of the busiest months for Swenson or straw to protect them during the first winter.

APPOINTMENT TODAY! 1-833-912-3666 *Requires purchase of annual plan. Special price is for first Lawn application only. Requires Gardens. Not only is June the month peonies bloom “Mature plants do not need mulching,” Becky said. purchase of annual plan, for new residential EasyPay or PrePay customers only. Valid at participating TruGreen locations. Availability of services may vary by geography. Not to be Interestingly, peonies cannot be planted in the and they host field days, but it is also the time Keith combined with or used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Additional restrictions may apply. Consumer responsible for all sales tax. †Purchase of annual lawn plan required for and Becky spend much time behind a camera. “[June] See SWENSON, pg. 12 Healthy Lawn Analysis, which is performed at the first visit. Guarantee applies to annual plan

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customers only. BBB accredited since 07/01/2012. ©2022 TruGreen Limited Partnership. All rights reserved. In Connecticut, B-0153, B-1380, B-0127, B-0200, B-0151.

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

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

PAGE 11

Try these annual flowers to add beauty to your garden Annual flowering plants will be sold in Geraniums are an annual which may be various stores in the coming months and started from seed indoors, grown during are an easy way to add color to our garthe summer and then overwintered dens. indoors. Their colors range from white, to pink, salmon, orange, red, fuchsia and Annuals are flowering plants which live lavender. There is even a very dark varifor one season only. Their blooms become ety that appears black. They may also be seeds which will drop off the plant when bicolored. Geraniums have a distinctive mature and many annuals will easily GREEN AND scent, and some varieties are known as reseed themselves.

GROWING scented and smell like citrus, peppermint, Some of the frequently grown annuals

By Linda G. Tenneson pineapple, and other pleasant odors. are the following.

Petunias are very easy to grow, bloom Marigolds range in shades of pale yellow to dark from spring to frost and have a pleasant fragrance. orange. They will grow in sun, survive in moist or They range in size from miniature to grandiflora dry soil, and don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Marigolds which may be three or four inches wide. Some have a distinct odor which repels deer and rabbits. spread easily and are called “wave” type petunias.

While they are often planted around vegetable garPetunia seeds are very small and require 10 to 12 dens to repel pests, this doesn’t always work. weeks to germinate, so they are harder to start French marigolds grow 6 to 12 inches tall with sin- indoors from seed. gle or double bloom petals, which may be up to two Zinnias come in a wide range of colors and sizes inches wide. African marigolds are the biggest plants and are another easy to start indoors from seed. The and may reach 3 to 4 feet tall. Their blooms may be blooms may have a single or double row of petals up to five inches wide. Signet marigolds are six inch- and appear all summer long. The stems may be es tall or less, have a single row of petals and are short or tall depending on the variety. edible. They may be used as a salad garnish.

Coleus, a member of the mint family, has small

unimportant blooms, but it is grown for its colorful leaves. Most varieties prefer shade, but a few new ones will tolerate full sun. The leaves come in various color combinations and patterns in green, yellow, pink, red and maroon.

The University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center horticulture display garden in Morris, Minn. is one place to visit and view the 2021 top ten performing annuals. These plants have been evaluated from hundreds of cultivars for desired characteristics and disease resistance. The top ten selections from previous years of testing at Morris are also listed on its website.

All annuals require a lot of sunlight, water and drainage. Some are more adaptable to growing in heavy clay soil and all will improve with fertilizer and compost.

The University of Minnesota yard and garden website contains much detailed information and pictures of these and other annuals to grow in our gardens.

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

3MG Seeds focuses on hybrids for the livestock producer LAND MINDS, from pg. 2

me into talking about Durayield Traits which we select from managed stress environments and Extension educators, seed company agronomists, extreme stress breeding in our special breeding and the entire ag service industry that both teaches plots in both the Dakotas, plus Minnesota, and sells to farmers is unknown to Kasakhstan Wisconsin and Iowa. farmers. But right now, everything is upside down “Durayield traits are additive; so each generation in Kazakhstan. And until the Ukranian situation gets settled, this topsy-turvy environment will likely of Durayield will be better than the previous. So no need to worry about pest adaption as Durayield continue over there too.” hybrids evolve into the market. So now my sales “Creating drought-tolerant corn has always been pitch: Durayield products can be grown at lower our ambition,” Ed went on to say. “This simply populations per acre vs. other products to achieve means hybrids that can get through dry periods maximum yield. They allow for more efficient use of without yield loss. We have found various mechaavailable water and nutrients, have natural insect nisms to achieve this. The most common being a tolerance, have natural droughts tolerance, and larger root mass to extract water. This also means have no market restrictions because these are conmore nutrients are also pulled into the plant. And ventional hybrids. that’s why drought tolerant corn has a tendency to Summed up Ed, “Our business is more focused on yield more because of this single dynamic. Also, the livestock producer. So that’s why — as an indethrough controlled breeding work we are finding pendent seed producer — we decided to develop differences in the efficiency of the corn plant such more than just a high-yielding #2 yellow dent corn. as water efficiency. And when your corn is more We want improved grain quality in the corn prowater efficient, it’s also more efficient in nutrient duced for the end user — whether a food grade use. And that’s a win-win for the farmer and the application or a feed for livestock. So our question environment. often deals with silage corn, or grain corn. It’s a ”Also, the old school of thinking was rolling corn highly competitive market. And that’s why brand leaves indicated dying corn. But not necessarily so. names mean a lot these days. And for us to build We’ve learned heat and drought-resistant hybrids the BASS brand name takes effort, time and comdo not roll very easily. Instead, they grey and wilt. parative data that tells and supports our story.”

And the longer a plant goes without rolling, the Sure, Ed admits to the continual urge to make more heat and drought tolerant it is. This was especially evident this past season with exceptional heat what you already have even better. “To some extent and drought conditions in many areas. Which leads you are continually making adjustments in this

very challenging business. But no longer are there ‘hard lefts’ or ‘hard rights.’ Our first decision was the biggest and providing out to be the best: no GMO’s. And we’ll always be working on delivering personalized seed for the grower. That explains why we are working more with livestock farmers because most of our products have higher protein and oil percentages in the composition of the kernel. And the livestock farmer knows these factors contribute very directly to their livestock revenues. Knowing the nutritional value of our products is how we successfully market to the livestock farmer, or to neighboring farmers who sell their corn to area feedlot operations.”

He concludes, “We’re not selling a lower price seed.

We develop everything we sell. We’re not selling 30-year-old hybrids dressing them up with some genetically modified organisms. These are brand new products from our very competitive research trials. And if they aren’t better, we wouldn’t be putting them into the market.”

Dick Hagen is the staff writer emeritus of The Land.

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

Letters to the editor 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 by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

PAGE 12

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THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

Inflation hits a 40-year high of 8.5 percent

This column was written for the marketing week ending April 14.

As reported last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture raised its milk production estimate for the first time in a while in its latest World News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, citing expected higher dairy cow numbers.

Pakistan, and the EU. ports. The USDA says Ukraine’s corn exports will MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY Price forecasts for cheese and butter Soybean supply and use changes included drop to 23 million tons, down 4.5 million from last month’s estimate, while wheat exports were lowered were raised due to tighter stocks and increased exports and seed use, and lower

By Lee Mielke firm demand. Non-fat dry milk prices ending stocks. Soybean exports were raised to 19 million tons, down 1 million tons from the previous estimate. were raised fractionally while whey 25 million bushels to 2.12 billion. prices were lowered. Class milk price projections In the week ending April 2, 61,000 dairy cows were Soybean ending stocks were projected at 260 milwere also raised. sent to slaughter, down 3,200 from the previous lion bushels, down 25 million from last month. week, but 1,000 head or 1.7 percent above a year ago.

2022 production and marketings were estimated Soybean oil changes include increased exports and at 226.3 and 225.3 billion pounds respectively, up lower ending stocks. A lower soybean meal export n 300 million pounds on both. If realized, 2022 proforecast is offset by slightly higher domestic disapThe Good Friday week gave us some startling duction would mirror output in 2021. pearance. news from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Cheese is now projected to average $2.15 per The global supply and demand forecasts include reported that inflation hit a 40-year high of 8.5 perpound in 2022, up 12 cents from last month’s estilower production, crush, trade, and ending stocks. cent, as fuel and food prices skyrocket. mate, and 47.5 cents above the 2021 average.

Global soybean production was reduced 3.1 million The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s food tons to 350.7 million on lower crops for Brazil and Butter was projected at $2.64 per pound, up 6.5 price index hit record levels for three months in a cents from a month ago and 90.75 cents above 2021. Paraguay. row, according to Chicago-based StoneX Dairy Estimates for Ukraine’s corn and wheat exports Nonfat dry milk was projected at $1.745 per See MIELKE, pg. 13 were reduced, citing the shutdown of Black Sea pound, up a half-cent from last month’s estimate and 47.6 cents above the 2021 average.

Whey is projected to average 69 cents per pound, down 2 cents from last month’s estimate but 11.6 roots. If that crown stays consistently wet in the soil, SWENSON, from pg. 10 cents above the 2021 average. it’ll rot. It’s called crown rot and the plant will die,” The 2022 Class III milk price was projected to same spot immediately following a harvest because she explained. average $22.75 per hundredweight, up $1.10 from the plant will not thrive. Becky said their practice is The only day the Swensons water is the day they what was expected a month ago, and $5.67 above to harvest the bare roots, fertilize with cow manure, the 2021 average of $17.08. and plant a cover crop of mixed annual grasses. plant bare roots. Becky said that by keeping the root Swensons then allow the ground to lie fallow for dry, it causes the root system to send out feeder roots The Class IV average was projected at $24.05, up three years. According to Becky, this provides chal- very quickly which helps with plant vigor and dis35 cents from a month ago, and $7.96 above the lenges in managing the land well — yet it also helps ease resistance because of the fast growth.

2021 average of $16.09. with soil health, minimizes erosion and suppresses Swenson Gardens invites the public to come and The WASDE stated Russia’s recent military action weeds. walk through the peony fields when they are in full in Ukraine significantly increased the uncertainty Another challenge they face is proper drainage. bloom during the month of June. “We just love sharof agricultural supply and demand conditions in the Peonies do not like wet roots. “We have to be really ing peonies with people! Come and enjoy the peoregion and globally. careful how we steward those fields. We’ve got some nies!” Becky offered. Field days are free.

This month’s corn outlook is for offsetting changes really low spots and peonies don’t like water. They You can find out more about Swenson Gardens on to feed and residual use and corn used for ethanol like to stay fairly dry. That is because the root system their website, www.swensongardens.com, as well as production, with unchanged ending stocks. Feed and has two parts to it. Thicker roots, a crown and feeder social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.v residual use was lowered 25 million bushels to 5.625 billion. Corn used to produce ethanol was raised 25 million bushels.

Ending stocks were unchanged at 1.44 billion bushels. The season-average farm price was raised continue to add different varieties of flowers. For MILKHOUSE FLOWERS, from pg. 9 15 cents to $5.80 per bushel based on observed priceach year to help boost nutrients and organic matter. instance, Dawn said she planted 500 tulip bulbs for es to date.

Another challenge all specialty cut flower farmers the first time last fall which will hopefully allow her Global coarse grain production was forecast 2.7 face is making sure there is a market. “(Cut flowers) to offer flowers earlier in the growing season. million tons higher to 1.5 billion. This month’s forare a perishable crop. I can only hold them so long For more information on Milkhouse Flowers you eign coarse grain outlook is for higher production, and then they need to move.” can find them online at www.milkhouseflowers.com reduced trade, and larger ending stocks relative to The future looks bright for Dawn and Milkhouse and Facebook. You can also look for Milkhouse last month. Foreign corn production was forecast Flowers.

She hopes to add her own hoop house in the Flowers’ telltale milk bottle logo featuring Dawn’s higher with increases for Brazil, Indonesia, v future to extend her growing season and she will favorite flower, the zinnia, at your local grocer.

Swensons enjoy showing fields to public

Schauer has added tulips to offerings

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

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

PAGE 13

Core inflation is up only three-tenths of one percent MIELKE, from pg. 12 Group, up 34 percent from a year ago. The February jump alone was up by 12.6 percent — the largest single month rise ever, says StoneX. “These are prices as high as seen since the last major food crisis in 2008 and 2011. This is not exactly fresh news; it is an unfolding story. Food price inflation on this scale can lead to famine for lessdeveloped countries, political instability, mass migrations and ultimately commodity market volatility.”

Speaking in the April 18 “Dairy Radio Now” program, broker Dave Kurzawski said food and fuel is the big difference between today and 1981. Core inflation, which is everything but food and fuel, was only up three tenths of one percent, he said, which is the slowest increase since last September.

Kurzawski said overall core inflation, on an annualized basis, is up about 6.5 percent, which is well above the Fed’s desire of 2.5 percent, “So we’re missing the mark. It seems reasonable to see government cut spending, they should have done that a while ago, and it has to raise interest rates and do it with vigor.”

He believes we will see demand issues but offered some hope, stating the crude oil price has pretty much surrendered most, if not all, of its gains since the start of the Russian Ukraine war and there are other markets doing something similar. He admits inflation is not going away overnight, but says “It’s interesting to note that while there was a burst of price increases across many of these markets, courtesy Russia-Ukraine, those markets are starting to calm down on those fears.”

StoneX adds, “Developed nations may not face the brunt of the food insecurity that potentially lay ahead, but higher food prices are on the way. What we don’t know is the myriad of implications this will have on dairy demand. While some products, retail processed cheese, for example, might fare better

than others, we believe more and more that the seemingly one-sided supply side story for the past six months will have stiff competition from growing demand side implications going forward.” n On a brighter note, the April 8 Dairy and Food Market Analyst reports “Foodservice sales are hovering near pre-pandemic levels. The latest data from OpenTable shows seated diners down just 0.8 percent from 2019. This is a significant improvement from the more than 20 percent declines in February.

Air travel also remains on an upward trend. The latest data from the Transportation Security Administration shows air travel was down just 9.5 percent from pre-pandemic levels, which was the best performance so far in 2022” One other bit of good news the Analyst offered concerned ports. The Marine Exchange of Southern California reports there were only 27 container ships waiting to berth in Los Angeles and Long Beach on April 8, which was down sharply from the all-time high of 109 on Jan. 9 and comparable to prior-year levels. n Most cash dairy prices strengthened in the Good Friday holiday-shortened week. Block cheddar closed April 14 at $2.3735 per pound, up 5.25 cents on the week and 59.25 cents above a year ago.

The barrels finished at $2.44, 7.25 cents higher, 75 cents above a year ago, and an inverted 6.75 cents above the blocks. There were eight sales of block on the week at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and 12 of barrel.

“Cheese market tones remain in a bullish stronghold,” says Dairy Market News. Midwest sales remain very strong from a myriad of cheese producers. Over 4,000 cheese industry leaders, suppliers, and marketers gathered this week in Milwaukee, Wis. for the annual Cheese Expo.

Hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Center for Dairy Research, attendees learned the latest in technology, new products, whey opportunities, product safety, marketing, and annual awards were presented.

StoneX learnings at the event included, “Transport is still far and away one of the biggest issues the dairy industry faces. Export demand is really good, or at least it could be really good if transport was better.

While cheese inventories are impressive, there may not be as much overhang in the fresh market as thought, and there is a widespread belief that impressive inflation is here to stay.”

Dairy Market News reports that difficulties remain See MIELKE, pg. 15

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Analysis shows higher mycotoxin risk The results from Alltech’s 2021 U.S. harvest analysis revealed that the mycotoxin risk was notably higher for forage harvested in 2021 compared to the previous year.

As dairy producers are now opening their forage bunks and taking 2021 corn out of their silos, the mycotoxin risk has been found to be amplified in the total mixed rations being tested in the Alltech laboratory. Almost 140 samples have been tested since the beginning of January and the results show 100 percent of samples contain mycotoxins, with an average number of 7.5 mycotoxins per sample.

For dairy producers, type-B trichothecenes such as DON and zearalenone are the mycotoxins which can cause the most issues, as synergistic effects can occur between the type-B trichothecenes and zearalenone,

and the presence of multiple mycotoxins can lead to additional challenges.

Long periods of drought during the 2021 growing season were compounded by late-season rains close to harvest, presenting significant challenges to the crop quality. Fusarium mycotoxins dominated as levels of type-B trichothecenes — including DON — doubled compared to the numbers seen in 2020. The humid conditions also favored the development of zearalenone, a toxin which can lead to significant fertility problems in livestock.

For more information about Alltech’s mycotoxin management program, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

This article was submitted by Alltech. v

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PAGE 14

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

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

Forward marketing: ‘Don’t sit on your hands doing nothing’

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus WINTHROP, Minn. — When asked about the current mood of farmers this spring vs. their attitudes in spring of 2021, AgQuest’s Vince Stool commented, “I think it’s a different optimism. Today we’re in the midst of better commodity prices which helps mitigate higher input costs. This past season, in this immediate area, we were blessed with very good crops. Current commodity markets support some good bottom lines; however, risks are always involved.

Farmers are cautiously optimistic … the basic nature of famers every spring. They understand maintaining a profit is their key to existence.”

Founded in 1992, AgQuest specializes in agriculture financing, crop insurance, property and casualty insurance and leasing. They are headquartered in Morgan, Minn.

I visited with Stool at the March 24 Sibley/Nicollet County Corn and Soybean Growers’ annual banquet at United Famers Coop in Winthrop, Minn. Stool is a money management guy with AgQuest. So from me, this logical question: Do you encourage forward pricing when markets suggest it’s the thing to do?

Stool didn’t hesitate, saying, “I know some lenders don’t want to be involved in the marketing option; but I like to educate. I like to make certain our farm clients understand all their tools available so I’m not afraid to encourage them if I know they are at a certain level of profit margin. I use the analogy that when the plate of cookies comes around, just maybe you should take at least one cookie — because the next time it comes around that plate might be empty.

I’m not saying sell everything, but I’m also saying don’t sit on your hands and do nothing. It simply boils down to manage your risks.”

So is the very competitive nature of farmers generating that ugly word ‘greed’; or is that inevitably the capitalistic nature of American agriculture?

Stool responded, “You hit the nail partially on the head because of our capitalistic society. That’s some of the freedoms this system gives us. I love the freedoms this country has afforded to so many people … so I want to make certain we don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. And I certainly don’t want to squash capitalism if that comes with the cost of us losing our freedoms. But these freedoms come with some responsibilities too. It’s fair to say the vast majority of agriculture is about sustainability — making certain we are doing something about the next generation too. There are some large farms upwards of 15,000 acres. But if that mega farm is supporting five farm families, then everything is okay to me.”

Stool’s father is an immigrant from Holland. “My parents are both immigrants. My dad came to America in 1953 to evaluate if U.S. agriculture was an opportunity. He didn’t see his homeland providing much future. He was here two years and decided, ‘I think I can make a go of it here in America.’ So he

want back home and married his girlfriend and then brought her to America. They started in the Mankato area at Easton (Minn.) Some families in that area sponsored them — including finding a farm residence which led to some crop-share farming. And then in the fall of 1968 they moved to the Winthrop area, bought an operating farm which has now moved into the second generation with my older brother Harry.”

Have you been back to Holland?

“Yes, indeed. One of the gifts from our parents to all of us kids was a gift trip back to Holland. There were 11 of us — eight sisters and three boys. My dad raised crops and had some hogs. When I was real young we had some sheep too. But it was a hog operation then and still is today. I was back there in 1978 when I was 12 years old. Holland is still an independent country; farmers own their property.

There is some similarity to Canadian cooperative milking operations; but in general, farmers in Holland today operate in a capitalistic economy.”

So how to you envision the future of American agriculture — especially for the younger ‘wannabe’ guys?

“I would say they are prudent,” replied Stool.

“Some financial assist from parents or in-laws is certainly helpful. They certainly can access tools to assist them such as various young farmer programs; or beginning farmers programs; even crop insurance packages such as offered through AgQuest here at Winthrop; and there’s a wide plethora of lending agencies out there also. And thankfully, here in America, there are multiple generations to support the next generation coming on.”

“As I look around, I don’t view any successful farmer today who hasn’t made it without some help of some kind. We can be very sensitive to subsidies and government assistance; but when you boil it down it often amounts to personal assistance. Even my dad, who came to America with $250 in his pocket, still needed some help. There’s nary any farmer today who didn’t have some other outside help that assisted in getting started.”

So what guide stones enabled your father to come here and carve out a new career as an American farmer?

Stool paused slightly, then commented, “Dad ultimately let the economics tell him what to do. He also had a deep faith and I’m certain he took his prayers to God; because he once told me, ‘Son, the Lord will open doors and the Lord will close doors.’ And the door was open when he and my mother moved to Winthrop. But there was also a great community in the Easton area which supported my parents when they originally settled in that area … taught them the ropes as to ‘this is how you do this in America.’”

“My mom and dad were driven by a very strong ethical foundation and a strong faith in God. Their premise: just do the right thing, even when it may not be the most popular, good things will come. Plus my dad had a strong work ethic. The times my dad literally broke his back doing the manual labor to make himself successful, provide for his family, and grow food for the other people of this world; that has spilled over to every one of his children today and we too are most grateful.” v

www.TheLandOnline.com

Farmers asked to participate in survey There is much discussion and anecdotes about farmers who no-till and plant cover crops getting into the field faster than neighbors waiting for a compacted area to dry out. In a new research project, University of Minnesota Extension is trying to address that question with field studies exploring how row crop management systems change soil response to rain, and farmer access to fields after rain.

Extension will be monitoring pairs of farms using contrasting management for soil structure and moisture for two growing seasons. The project will also look at how field workability impacts farmers’ quality of life and stress levels.

While gathering field data from cooperator farms and the Southern Research and Outreach Center, Extension is also looking to gather information from Minnesota farmers. Any crop farmer in Minnesota is invited to participate in the farmer survey. This survey will collect information including farm characteristics, how farming practices impact workable field

days, and the impact this has on farmer stress and overall quality of life.

The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and can be completed online at https://z. umn.edu/FieldworkSurvey. Prior to beginning the survey, all respondents will be asked to sign a document, consenting to participation in the research study.

Participation in the survey is completely voluntary and individual data gathered will be kept private. In any sort of report we might publish, we will not include any information that will make it possible to identify an individual subject. Research records will be stored securely and only researchers will have access to the records.

Questions about the survey can be directed to Anna Cates at catesa@umn.edu or (612) 625-3135.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

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

PAGE 15

Fluid milk sales drop continues MIELKE, from pg. 13 among staffing and, more particularly, hauling sectors. Stunted production rates at some plants has made milk accessible, but “It’s a mixed bag according to cheese plant managers. Milk is more balanced, and some handlers are asking them to release contracted milk loads in order to fulfill other cheese and bottling plants’ needs. Still, more discounts are being reported than Class prices.”

Demand for cheese is steady in the West across retail and food service markets and international demand remains strong. CME prices have strengthened however cheese is still competitive to international prices.

Same old story on port congestion and the shortage of truck drivers causing delays to both export and domestic loads. Milk production is steady to higher throughout the region, leaving supplies available for cheesemakers to run busy schedules and they are, with the exception of those still dealing with labor shortages, according to Dairy Market News. n Cash butter dropped to $2.775 per pound on April 12, and back-tracked to an April 14 close at $2.755. This is down 2.75 cents on the week and 90.5 cents above a year ago, with five sales posted for the week.

Central butter producers report sales were boosted the previous week and into the weekend for last-minute orders ahead of the spring holidays.

The emphasis now is on fall demand and export interests. As cream remains available, churning remains active despite continued staffing shortages. Bulk butter is tight, says Dairy Market News, and remains at a premium. Butter market tones are firm, with CME prices in a newfound range in the mid to high $2.70s.

Cream demand is strengthening in the West as cream cheese and ice cream producers increase production in preparation for warmer weather.

Cream is available. Demand for butter is steady in food service markets, while retail demand has declined.

Strong export demand is present, as U.S.-produced butter is being sold at a discount compared to international product. International demand is strong but port congestion is prevent-

ing greater volume. Bulk butter inventories are available, though unsalted inventories remain tighter than salted. Contacts report that some purchasers in other regions are purchasing butter from the West to meet current demand. Butter output is steady to higher as butter makers are running busy schedules to work through available supplies of cream.

Grade A nonfat dry milk closed April 14 at $1.8225 per pound, unchanged on the week, but 60.75 cents above a year ago. Five sales were reported on the week.

Dry whey held all week at 63.5 cents per pound. This is 13 cents below a year ago, with two sales reported on the week at the CME. n Fluid milk sales continue to take a beating. USDA’s latest data shows February sales of packaged fluid products at 3.5 billion pounds, down 3 percent from February 2021.

Conventional product sales totaled 3.3 billion pounds, down 3 percent from a year ago. Organic products, at 225 million pounds, were down 3.9 percent, and represented 6.5 percent of total sales for the month.

Whole milk sales totaled 1.2 billion pounds, off 0.9 percent from a year ago, down 0.7 percent year-to-date, and represented 33.4 percent of total milk sales in the two months.

Skim milk sales, at 188 million pounds, were down 6.9 percent from a year ago and down 7.7 percent year-todate.

Total packaged fluid sales for the first two months of 2022 amounted to 7.3 billion pounds, down 2.3 percent from 2021. Conventional product sales totaled 6.8 billion pounds, down 2.1 percent. Organic products, at 471 million, were down 4.7 percent and represented 6.5 percent of total milk sales for the period.

The figures represent consumption in Federal milk marketing order areas, which account for approximately 92 percent of total fluid milk sales in the United States.

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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THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

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

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Corn moves ahead in short week The following marketing analysis is for the week ending April 14.

CORN — Same song, second verse. After a slow start to the week, corn continued to set new contract highs throughout the curve as the week progressed with the money people not seeing any reason to purge their length. For the second Monday in a row, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported a big corn sale to China of 26.7 million bushels for old crop and 13.4 million bushels for new crop.

Winter storms across the upper Midwest and cool, wet conditions over much of the Corn Belt erased ideas of “early” planting, but it’s too early to say we’ll be PHYLLIS NYSTROM delayed. Drier weather was CHS Hedging Inc. returning to parts of Brazil and St. Paul Argentina which may put their production back in the spotlight.

News on the war front was nothing new with talk of further sanctions against Russia by the West. The EU has not yet stopped all crude oil purchases from Russia and OPEC stated its production won’t make up for lost Russian barrels if a full embargo would be enacted. The Russian offensive is expected to intensify in the eastern regions at any time. Ukrainian grain and oilseed exports in March were a meager 300,000 metric tons compared to 6 million metric tons per month pre-invasion.

Inflation concerns continue to attract money to commodities. In March, inflation was 8.5 percent and the highest in 41 years! The week was a short one with no markets on April 15 in observance of Good Friday.

President Biden’s announcement that E15 would be allowed to be sold through Sept. 15 didn’t move the market. It’s estimated only 10-20 million bushels of additional corn grind may come from the extension. This seems like a band-aid in terms of prices at the pump.

As of April 10, U.S. corn planting was unchanged from the previous week at 2 percent complete. This compares to 3 percent on average and 4 percent last year. Planting should slowly pick up speed; but the forecast for the next week still looks cool and wet for many areas. The heavy snow across parts of North and South Dakota and northern Minnesota will take time to dry enough to allow fieldwork. Brazil’s first corn harvest is estimated at 73 percent complete

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* St. Cloud $7.64 +.59 Madison $7.85 +.57 Redwood Falls $7.82 +.52 Fergus Falls $7.70 +.52 Morris $7.80 +.58 Tracy $7.76 +.54 Average:

soybeans/change* $16.66 $16.37 $16.32 $16.42 $16.42 $16.32

+1.15 +.78 +.83 +.78 +.78 +.78

$7.76

$16.42

Year Ago Average: $5.26

$13.76

Grain prices are effective cash close on April 19. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

compared to 69 percent on average and 72 percent complete last year.

Weekly export sales were within expectations at 52.5 million bushels. This brings total export commitments to 2.2 billion bushels compared to the USDA’s target of 2.5 billion bushels (88 percent). We need 13.4 million bushels of sales per week to reach the forecast. Total commitments are down 17 percent vs. last year when the USDA is forecasting a 9 percent year-on-year decline. New crop sales were 16 million bushels, and all bound for China. Total new crop commitments are 117 million bushels compared to just 82.8 million bushels last year and are the third-highest on record for this date. The Deputy Ag Minister of Ukraine estimates its corn export could fall to 17 mmt this year vs. 23.1 mmt last year.

Weekly ethanol production fell 8,000 barrels per day to 995,000 bpd and was near expectations.

Ethanol stocks finally declined, down 1.1 million barrels to 24.8 million barrels which was much larger than the estimate for a 250,000-barrel decline.

This was the largest single-week stock decrease in 59 weeks, but stocks are the second-highest on record for this week. There is no way to verify if ethanol exports surged higher. Margins improved 16 cents to 17 cents per gallon. Gasoline demand rose slightly to 8.7 million bpd, but the four-week average is down 2.3 percent from the same period last year.

The price of eggs in the United States and elsewhere is soaring due to bird flu and the Easter holiday demand. In the United States, 19 million egglaying chickens on commercial farms have been destroyed in the worst bird flu outbreak since 2015.

Outlook: Without a substantial reason to reduce net length, funds will likely continue to add to long positions. U.S. weather is being traded as neutral until we see where planting is headed. If there are delays, it is more likely that we won’t see many acres switched from soybeans to corn. The announcement of more Chinese purchases suggests they are either replacing Ukrainian purchases or may be concerned with South American supplies. Weather in the United States and South America will take center

stage without a change in the war status in Ukraine.

For the week, May corn surged 21.5 cents higher to $7.90.25, July gained 23 cents at $7.83.75, and December raced 19.25 cents higher to $7.35.25 per bushel.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans began the short trading week on the defensive following energy markets lower and without any fresh export sales announcements. Soybeans and soyoil recovered the early week losses as energies rallied back with crude oil surpassing $100 a barrel once again. Old crop soybeans have returned to the middle of their March trading range and new crop soybeans to the upper end of that range. November soybeans were finally able to close above the “magic” $15.00 per bushel level.

South American conditions have turned slightly drier with traders on the outlook for any production changes. Brazil’s soybean harvest is estimated at 86 percent complete compared to 83 percent on average and 83 percent last year. Looking ahead, the USDA attaché in Brazil is predicting soybean acreage to increase from 40.7 million hectares this year to 42.5 million hectares in 2022-23. Its 2022-23 soybean production outlook is 139 mmt vs. their estimate for 124.8 mmt this year. Their export projection for 202223 is 87 mmt compared to 77 mmt this year.

Argentina’s truckers went on strike April 11 for higher freight rates due to rising fuel costs. At this writing, export sales have not been affected since there were stocks at the ports. If the strike lasts another week, export shipments will either slow or be halted. Eighty-five percent of Argentina’s crops move to the ports by truck.

Weekly export sales were within estimates at a meager 20.2 million bushels for new crop. Total old crop commitments are 2.1 billion bushels. This equates to 98.4 percent of the USDA’s 2.115 billion bushel projection. We only need to average 2.9 million bushels per week to hit the USDA’s number.

Traders will be expecting a higher export number in the May World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report. New crop sales were very good at 16.8 million bushels with total commitments at 328 million bushels vs. 216 million bushels last year. New crop sales are at a record level for early April. China’s soybean imports in March were down 18.3 percent from last year. Its soybean imports in the calendar year 2022 are down 4.2 percent from 2021.

Outlook: Soybeans continue to be well supported on pullbacks. U.S. planting weather, South American weather and harvest, and the war in Ukraine will remain in the headlines. Dryness has been creeping into areas of Argentina and Brazil. U.S. weather will eventually dry out enough to begin planting but any corn planting delays will diminish ideas that soybean acres may be switched to corn.

China was largely absent this week from the export scene with just one small sale announced but there See NYSTROM, pg. 17

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.

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

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

PAGE 17

Calendar of Events Alfalfa harvest alert program is back Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar & enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com.

May 7 — Rose Education Day — St. Cloud, Minn. — Presentations include “Growing Roses at Lyndale Park,” and “Rose Pruning Fundamentals.”

Contact Stearns County Master Gardeners at (320) 255-6169.

May 11 — Agronomy in the Field — Mason City, Iowa — A multi-session, hands-on workshop for women interested in learning more about agronomy.

The goals of this series are to provide a better understanding of inputs for crop production, different conservation practices and increase confidence in communication with their spouse, farming partner, ag retailer or tenant. Contact Sarah DeBour at sdebour@iastate.edu or (641) 423-0844.

June 27-July 1 — National Holstein Convention — Sioux Falls, S.D. — Learn about progress being made within the Holstein breed, dairy farms and the dairy industry. Tours to various dairy operations available. A live auction will take place June 30.

Contact Michele Schroeder atmoocheleschroeder@ yahoo.com or (507) 276-4810.

July 12 — 2022 Minnesota Summer Beef Tour — Apple Valley, Minn. — Stops on the tour include the UMN Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science, UMN College of Veterinary Medicine and UMN Forage Research plots. Attendees will have exclusive access to the entire zoo from 4 to 8 p.m. Lunch and supper included. Contact Joe Armstrong at armst225@umn.edu or (612) 624-3610.

Soybean swings could be big NYSTROM, from pg. 16 were rumors of more interest. Inflation concerns continue to attract money into commodities. Soybeans are back into the trading range where they spent much of March. Until there’s a solid reason for money to exit its length, the downside will likely be limited.

However, the volatility and swings could be big.

Continue to manage your risk for any remaining old crop and new crop bushels.

For the week, May soybeans fell 6.75 cents to $16.82.25, July was 2.75 cents lower at $16.65.25, and November was up 6 cents at $15.01.5 per bushel.

This was the first weekly close over $15.00 per bushel for the November contract.

Weekly price changes in July wheat for the week ended April 14: Chicago wheat rallied 46.25 cents to $11.04.5, Kansas City jumped 47.25 cents to $11.57.25, and Minneapolis was 15 cents higher at $11.37.5 per bushel. v

FOLEY, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Extension is working with the Central Minnesota Forage Council, agribusinesses, and farmers on the Alfalfa Harvest Alert Project again this year. This project monitors alfalfa conditions throughout the Minnesota to help farmers stay on top of their alfalfa fields related to their feed needs, personal experience, and current alfalfa conditions.

This project kicks off when alfalfa reaches between 14 to 16 inches tall. Project cooperators will sample fields Monday and Thursday mornings. Generally, when alfalfa gets around 24 inches tall, we can expect to start seeing buds. With alfalfa, the bud stage is usually when forage quality is in the range for better quality dairy hay and harvest takes place.

Last year alfalfa sample collection started on May 4th and ended on June 1st. Clipped samples are tested to determine Relative Feed Quality, Relative Feed Value, Neutral Detergent Fiber, and other alfalfa quality factors related to harvest decisions.

Quality and maturity will also be estimated through

an equation called the “Predictive Equation for Alfalfa Quality” RFV. This process uses the stage of maturity and height of the tallest stems to estimate Relative Feed Value and Neutral Detergent Fiber.

The Alfalfa Harvest Alert Data Tool is active again this year. This tool will allow you to select and sort data by year, county, and grower to look back and compare RFV, RFQ, and PEAQ RFV. As the 2022 season progresses this will be the home for all collected information and will remain active throughout the entire year. Go to z.umn.edu/AlfalfaHarvestAlert to learn more.

The Alfalfa Harvest Alert Project information will be shared similarly from past years. Internet users can search for “Minnesota Crop News” for posted information. The results can be directly emailed to you by going to z.umn.edu/tricountysignup and subscribing to the email list.

This article was submitted by Nathan Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension. v

Register for MFU leadership camps ST. PAUL — Registration is now open for Minnesota Farmers Union summer leadership camps.

MFU’s leadership camp is open to youth ages 8 to 18. Youth need not be connected to agriculture to attend camp.

MFU’s leadership camp is held in two locations in Minnesota: June 20-24 for ages 8 to 11 near Erskine, Minn.; June 27-July 1 for ages 11 to 14 near Erskine, Minn.; July 11-15 for ages 8 to 11 near New London, Minn.; July 18-22 for ages 11 to 14 near New London, Minn.; and July 24-29 for ages 14 to 18 near New London, Minn.

attract about an equal number of youth from rural Minnesota and the Twin Cities metropolitan area, giving them all an experience in diversity and informing the state’s future leaders about the essential role of agriculture.

Covid-19 vaccinations will not be required to attend camp this year, but students will be screened upon arrival and there will also be daily health screenings.

Enhanced cleaning protocols are in place and there will be multiple hand washing stations around camp.

The Farmers Union five-day, four-night leadership camps are priced at $115 to $140.

To learn more, visit mfu.org/camp.

MFU leadership camp curriculum promotes leadership development while teaching youth about agriThis article was submitted by the Minnesota culture, cooperatives and Farmers Union. The camps Farmers Union. v

Diesel yardage calculator estimates costs HAMPTON, Iowa – Current retail values of diesel fuel can be used as an index to estimate current and near-future yardage charges in maintaining livestock. It’s important for producers to know their costs — especially in light of higher fuel prices. An updated resource from the Iowa Beef Center, which is a part of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, allows producers to better estimate energy costs.

When feeding cattle, the items which make up the yardage cost are influenced by energy costs, and diesel fuel prices are a good gauge to what should be happening to the yardage charge within a given operation, and when it needs to be adjusted.

“The energy costs precede all other costs, and diesel fuel pricing is something that is easy to discover and

has less ‘data noise’ than following the price of oil on the Board of Trade,” explained Garland Dahlke, an associate scientist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

“We can do a fairly good job in estimating what the yardage cost of feeding a pen of cattle will be.”

Dahlke has updated the Iowa Beef Center’s Yardage-Diesel Fuel Relationship calculator to help producers determine cost estimates. This Excelbased calculator allows an existing yardage fee to be adjusted as changes in diesel fuel price occur.

The calculator file is available for free download from the calculators page on the Iowa Beef Center website at https://iowabeefcenter.org/calculators.html.

This article was submitted by Garland Dahlke, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. v

PAGE 18

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022 T

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

5.17” x 8” Spring Consignment Auction Saturday, April 30th - 9:30 am Mages Auction Site 55780 St Hwy 19, Winthrop, MN Ring 1 - Live & Online Simulcast - Machinery & Vehicles Saturday, April 30th - 9:30 am Tractors, Farm Machinery & Equipment: White 2-105 tractor, 3pt, PTO, hyd, rock box; Allis Chalmers 190XT; ‘80 Ford M1900 tractor, FWA, turf tires; JD 4400 combine, 4161 hrs, diesel; JD 216 bean platform, 16’; Farmall M, NF; ‘75 International grain truck; Case 1818 skid steer, 1964 hrs, gas w/ mat bucket & bale spear; Bobcat skid steer, new tires, new seat, open cab; ‘85 Kiefer 16’ livestock trailer; Top Air TA800 sprayer, 800 gal T-tank, 60’ X-fold boom, 440 Raven control,100 gal rinse tank, self leveling boom, foam markers; Duetz 8-row planter, 3 sets of plates incl round seed; IH 25’ field cultivator; Wilrich 24’ field cultivator w/ walking tandems, 3-bar harrow; Case IH 800 plow, 10 bt, w/ coulters, auto trip reset; JD 5-bottom plow; JD 450 4-bottom plow; Glencoe 11-shank chisel plow; JD 230, 22’ disk; JD 18’ disk; IH 490 disk; NI 3622 manure spreader; NI 3626 manure spreader, slop gate; JD 780 swather w/ transport cart; Vermeer 504 round baler, 540 PTO; rnd bale feeder; Notch bale wagons on MN & Gehl running gears; 8’ x 24’ throw rack w/ built in bale conveyor; Roose hyd trailer, 16’ w/ center divider; JD 6-row stalk chopper; Westco 8” x 60’ auger; Speed King 6” x 60’ auger; Feterl 6” x 50’ auger; AP & GSI 4.4 ton bulk bins; McKee 720 snow blower, PTO, 2-stage; Allied snow blower, 2-stage; Vehicles, Motorcycles & Trailers: ‘04 International 4300 truck, 321912 mi, 24911 hrs, bare rear chassis; ‘00 Chevy Blazer, 182000 mi, new tires, sunroof; ‘06 Yamaha V-Star 650, 4364 mi, new battery, saddle bags; Honda 1100 Goldwing, new tires, new battery; ‘04 Felling 16’ skid steer trailer; Ring 2 - Online-Only - All Other Items Ring 2 Bidding Ends: Saturday, April 30th - 4:00 pm Payment & Pick-up: Monday, May 2nd - 9 am to 5 pm Lawn & Garden: ‘98 JD 345 riding mower, 645 hrs; JD RX73, rear engine riding mower, new drive belts; Husqvarna LGT48DXL riding mower, 73.5 hrs; Cub Cadet LTX1046KW riding mower; Snapper SR1030 riding mower; Craftsman self-propelled mower, rear bagger, new transaxle; Murray push mower, rear bagger; Snapper self-propelled mower, mulcher; JD 826D snow blower, electric start; Fimco pull behind yard sprayer; utility trailer; Jiffy Ice model 30 ice auger; Shop & Tools: Lincoln arc welder; EZ Load ladder rack for cargo van; pick-up tool box; work bench; aluminum ladder; hand tools; power tools; yard tools; Guns, Ammo, Appliances, Furniture, Toys, Antiques & More! see magesland.com for complete terms & details.

Area Neighbors Auctioneer: Matt Mages, 507-276-7002 Lic: 52-21-018 Auctioneers: Lar r y Mages, Lafayette; J oe Maidl, Lafayette; J oe Wer sal, Winthr op; John Goelz, Franklin; Ryan Froehlich, Winthrop.

Broker/Clerk: Mages Land Co & Auction Ser vice, LLC Terms: 10% Buyer ’s Premium. 15% Buyer’s Premium on Online items. Everything sold “AS IS”.

Everything to be paid for immediately after the auction. Sales tax, license & registration fees may apply on some items. Fire arms buyers must have valid drivers license.

Not responsible for accidents. Lunch & restroom on grounds.

magesland.com

ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs.

We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

TRACTORS NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader On Order NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders On Order NEW NH 25S Workmasters ...…......…. On Order NEW Versatile DT610 ……….....…… IN STOCK NEW Massey Tractors ........................... On Order NEW Massey 4710 w/loader …............ April 2022 3-New Massey GC1725 ……..................... Just In 17’ NH T4.75 w/loader ……....................… Just In 18’ NH T4.75 w/loader ............................... Just In

PLANTERS White 6531 31R-15”…..................................… Just In Taking 2023 New Spring Orders COMBINES NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead ................... Call ’89 Gleaner R60 w/both heads ........................ $15,500 Gleaner R50/320,630........................................ $13,500 Gleaner R6 w/20’................................................ $9,850 Geringhoff parts & heads available

TILLAGE MISCELLANEOUS ’11 Sunflower 4412-07 .............................. $28,000 ’06 CIH MRX 690 .................................... $16,500 NEW Salford RTS Units ........................................ Call CIH 490 30’ disc .......................................... SOLD NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call CIH 730B w/leads ..................................... Coming NEW Westfield Augers .......................................... Call NEW REM VRX Vacs. .......................................... Call NEW Hardi Sprayers ............................................. Call NEW Riteway Rollers ........................................... Call CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ....... On Hand NEW Lorenz Snowblowers ................................... Call NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units .......... On Order NEW Batco Conveyors ......................................... Call NH L228 low hours ..................................... Just Traded NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ....................... Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons ................................ Call NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ...................... Call HAY TOOLS Pre-Owned Grain Cart .................................. On Hand New Disc Mowers - 107,108,109 New Horsch Jokers ................................................ Call New Disc Mower Cond. - 10’, 13’ New Wheel Rakes - 10,12,14 NOW HIRING PARTS TECHS New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND

Thank You For Your Business!

(507) 234-5191 (507) 625-8649 Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon

THE LAND — APRIL 15 /APRIL 22, 2022 Real Estate

Bins & Buildings

Sell your land or real estate in 30 days for 0% commission.

Call Ray 507-339-1272

SILO Take-down & clean up Specializing in silos in congested areas.

FULLY INSURED

Real Estate Wanted

OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn.

Produces more high quality silage on less acres than hybrid. $67/bushel plus shipping. High feed value grain.

Located at Teutopolis, IL 217-857-3377 or 217-343-4962

Bins & Buildings FOR SALE: GSI 30’ top dry grain bin, fan and burner needs replacement. Good condition. You take down. $3,900. 507-327-6430

Farm Equipment

Farm Equipment

FOR SALE: DR Stump Grind- FOR SALE: Owatonna 8’ er, electric start w/ tow hitch, horse grain drill. Lyle Kuhns, near new condition, $1,200. 507-835-4691 Also, JD 709 rotary mower, 7’ wide, 1000rpm PTO, 3pt Int’l 986 tractor, 3 pt hitch, 18.4x34 tires, 60%, 3350 hitch, $1,500. 507-877-2036 507-236-9446 hours, 2 rear hyd outlets.

507-236-9168 Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. Please recycle this magazine.

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

888-830-7757

WANTED: Land & farms. I have clients looking for dairy, & cash grain operations, as well as bare land parcels from 40-1000 acres.

Both for relocation & investments. If you have even Farm Equipment thought about selling contact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Land Specialist, Edina Re2013 Kubota F3080, commeralty, 138 Main St. W., New cial lawn mower, 3 cyl 30HP Prague, MN 55372. diesel, 4WD hydro, 1364 hrs, paulkrueger@edinarealty.com 60” tilt up fabricated deck, (612)328-4506 steering wheel steer, bought new, nice, always shedded. $14,750/OBO. 507-440-1990 Feed Seed Hay Alfalfa, mixed hay grass hay & wheat straw.

Medium squares or round bales. Delivery available.

Call or text Leroy Ose 218-689-6675

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

FOR SALE: Tractor tires with rims, used once, as duals, front Titan 8-16, $700/ pr; rear Armstrong 14.9-26, $1,200/pr. $1,800 for all. They are off of front & rear of JD 4710. 612-581-5002

DAMAGED CORN We pay TOP dollar for damaged corn in any condition. We have trucks & vacs available.

Call or Text David 507-327-8851 Eric 507-317-5227

GREATER MINNESOTA TWO-CYLINDER CLUB

McLeod County, Minnesota

REAL ESTATE AUCTION

Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 10:00 AM

REAL ESTATE SELLS: VIRTUAL ONLINE

Saturday Events:

Antique Tractor & Garden Tractor Pulls 12 Noon, Pedal Tractor Pull 11 AM Horse Show 10 am – 6 pm Jam Session, Silent Auction, Kids Activities

Saturday & Sunday: Swap Meet & Toy Show Show Featuring:

Styled Letter Series Tractors All Brands John Deere vs Cub Cadet Garden Tractor Displays Snowmobiles: Celebrating John Deere’s 50th and Arctic Cat’s 60th Anniversaries, Arctic Cat vs Polaris Displays All Tractors, Gas Engines, Snowmobiles Exhibits, Musicians and Vendors Welcome Info: 320-393-JDJD (5353), www.gmntcc

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

Opening April 18 & Closing April 25 at 10AM Doug & Marilyn Stein Farm Retirement Auction, McVille, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening April 18 & Closing April 26 at 1PM Clarence Pronschinske & Sons Inc. Dairy Cattle Retirement Auction, Arcadia, WI, Timed Online Auction Opening April 21 & Closing April 28 at 12PM Skaurud Grain Farms Excess Equipment Auction, Gary, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening April 21 & Closing April 28 at 7PM Richards Inc. Trucking Auction, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening April 22 & Closing April 26 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening April 22 & Closing April 26 at 1PM Radermacher Farms Inventory Reduction Auction, Monango, ND, Timed Online Auction

10 TAXABLE ACRES± SELLING IN 1 TRACT Open House: Wed., April 20th • 10 am - 2 pm Physical Address: 19463 Walden Ave, Hutchinson, MN Farm site is located west of Hutchinson, MN. From Hwy 7, turn south on Walden Ave. Property is one mile south, on west side of the road.

10 acre building site. 2,548 square foot home built in 1973. 3 Bed / 3 Bathroom. Attached 1 stall garage is 14’x26’. 100 amp breakers.

Forced air furnace new in 2020. Water softener is owned. Electric water heater. Block foundation, vinyl and brick siding, asphalt shingles. Appliances included in sale.

Farm site is a dairy farm with numerous outbuildings. Can be used for livestock or personal/boat/RV storage. Machinery and dairy equipment sold separately on online auction.

NO-RESERVE

EQUIPMENT AUCTION

Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 12 Noon ITEMS WILL SELL FROM THE FARM NEAR HUTCHINSON, MN

EQUIPMENT SELLS: TIMED ONLINE

Opening April 22 & Closing April 28 at 7PM Goodhue County, MN Land Rental Auction - 261± Acres, Wanamingo, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening April 26 & Closing May 3 at 12PM Polk County, MN Land Auction - 56± Acres, Fertile, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening April 26 & Closing May 3 at 2PM Watford City, ND Commercial Property Auction, Watford City, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening April 26 & Closing May 3 at 3PM McKenzie County, ND Land Auction 197.19± Acres, Alexander, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening April 26 & Closing May 3 at 7PM Brandt Brothers Farm Retirement Auction, Binford, ND, Timed Online Auction April 29 at 10AM Two Party Farm Equipment Auction, Waubun, MN Opening May 3 & Closing May 10 at 7PM City of Fargo Fleet Equipment Auction – Ring 1, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 3 & Closing May 10 a 7PM City of Fargo Impound Vehicles Auction – Ring 2, Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 5 & Closing May 12 at 2PM Tyler Moen Estate Machinery Auction, Newburg, ND, Timed Online Auction

30th Annual

FIELD DAYS, SWAP MEET, TOY SHOW AND HORSE SHOW May 7 & 8, 2022 Morrison County Fairgrounds Little Falls, MN

PAGE 19

Opening May 5 & Closing May 12 at 3PM Bottineau County, ND Bin Site Auction, Russell, ND, Timed Online Auction INSPECTION: WED., APRIL 20TH • 10 AM - 2 PM HIGHLIGHTS: Selling CaseIH MX170 MFWD tractor, manure equipment, yard & shop items, goat milking equipment, feeding equipment, bulk milk tanks & antiques. Full listing is available online.

Kranz Dairy

BRYANT KRANZ (507) 251-4811 Representing Attorney: Sene Zupke | Kraft Walser Law Office 131 Main St S, Hutchinson, MN 55350 | (320) 523-1322 Auction Managers: Real Estate: Laura Posl (320) 262-4893 Equipment: Allen Henslin (320) 979-1808

Opening May 6 & Closing May 10 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 6 & Closing May 11 at 10AM Online Steffes Auction – 5/11, Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening May 6 & Closing May 16 at 10AM Westby Farms LLP Cattle & Forage Realignment Auction, Pelican Rapids, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 9 & Closing May 18 at 1PM Breezy Point Properties Buildable Lots Auction, Breezy Point, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 9 & Closing May 19 at 1PM Chippewa County, MN Country Home 5± Acres, Milan, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 10 & Closing May 17 at 10AM S&H Construction Retirement Auction, Velva, ND, Timed Online Auction

PAGE 20

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022 T

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

Waseca Soil & Water Conservation District has an immediate opening for a District Technician.

Farm Equipment

WANTED

JD 520 20’ 3pt drill, 10” spacings, hyd markers, $5,750; JD 569 round baler, net & twine wrap, mega wide pickup, large tires, w/ preservative applicator, $17,750; Horovac 1000 gal liq tender, w/ 235x16 tires, $3,750; WilRich 12x30 flat fold cult w/ shields, $2,450; EZ Trail 1384 13T running gear w/ 14Lx16.1 tires, $1,450. 320-769-2756

DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE

Full time $18-$29/hr with benefits Min Qualifications: 2 yr degree biology, environmental science, soils, agronomy natural resources or related field. Ability to work independently, indoors, outdoors, on rough terrain, and able to lift up to 70 lbs. Must have valid driver’s license. For a complete job description and application: www.wasecaswcd.org/careers or call 507-835-0603.

Accepting applications until 4:30 pm on Friday, May 6, 2022

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

MANDAKO

Have you renewed your subscription to The Land?

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

JD 620 tractor, NF, 13.6x38 tires, power steering, great condition. 15.5x38 band duals. WANTED: JD 338 or 328 baler w/ 42 thrower, must be in very good working cond.

Reasonable 612-229-2566

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS

McCormick Deering cream separator. 507-236-9168

GREENWALD FARM CENTER

ORGANIC TRACTOR FRONT MOUNT 6-30 PROPANE FLAMER, B/O. INT’L 21’ TANDEM DISC, $2,500, MELROE GEYSLER CHISEL PLOW, 15 CHISELS, $1,250. 320-557-7336

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

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

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MN/Northern IA

Northern MN

April 29, 2022 May 13, 2022 May 27, 2022 June 10, 2022 June 24, 2022

May 6, 2022 May 20, 2022 * June 3, 2022 June 17, 2022 July 1, 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

Website: www.TheLandOnline.com • e-mail: theland@TheLandOnline.com

Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!

JD 953 wagon gear/Hiniker 195-bu barge-box, hyd hoist, 30/9.5 tires, side swinging rear door on barge box, great looks/shape, $2,300.

Bossworth-630 sickle mower (China), category one three-point hitch, 63” bar, 540 PTO, great looks/shape, $500. 507-440-5151

Answers for Veggie Garden Word Search

We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910 WinPower 25/15 power takeoff driven generator, mounted on 2 wheel cart. 125’ power cord. Both Items used very little. 507-236-9168

Tractors ‘57 Farmall 350 gas, 1574 hrs, new Firestone 13.6-38/600-16 tires, pwr steering, IH fenders, whl wgts, 12 volt elec, pulley, 3 valve hyd, fast hitch w/ depth gauge, dual rear/ frt hyd-outlets, IH WF, looks new/great shape. $12,500; ‘59 JD 630 gas, 1536 hrs, new Firestone 16.9/34 Good Year 9.5L-15SL tires, pwr steering, 12-volt elec, dual hyd/ dual rear outlets, 3-pt hitch, JD dual light fenders, JD WF, looks new/great shape, $13,500. 507-440-5151 Please support the advertisers you see here.

Tell them you saw their ad in The Land!

THE LAND — APRIL 15 /APRIL 22, 2022 Tractors

Tillage Equip

PAGE 21

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

Spraying Equip

Livestock

Cattle

Pets & Supplies

Mankato Pet Cremation -FOR SALE: IHC 450 runs FOR SALE: Wil-Rich 24’ dig- FOR SALE: Walsh 500 gal, 45’ FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls is family owned & operated. ; good, good TA, fair tires, ger, 4 bar harrow, nice con- hydro lift boom, 540 PTO, also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ Offering pre-planning, urns, & original paint, $3,500. 507- dition, asking $4,500/OBO. new pump, Micro Trak au- Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred and in-home euthanasia by tomatic sprayer control sys- (Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790 507-227-2602 - 276-7785 Gentle Goodbyes. tem, very good condition, mankatopetcremation.com always stored inside, $2,800. ;NEW AND USED TRACTOR 507-995-7126 or text us.

Planting Equip Cattle 507-234-5282 , PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, - 55, 50 Series & newer tracTrucks & / tors, AC-all models, Large FOR SALE: John Deere 7000, Sprayer Hardi Navigator M 4 Inventory, We ship! Mark 6R30” planter, excellent con- 60’ Eagle Boom, 550 Gal, 540 9 Angus and Sim-Angus Trailers Registered Hereford yearcow/calf pairs. Registra1 Heitman Tractor Salvage dition with John Deere 100 PTO, Model 2500 controller, ling bulls for sale.

Have Triple Nozzles, Foamer, 11.2 715-673-4829 tion and DNA on cows.

FOR SALE: 1971 GMC grain monitor, liquid fertilizer with X 38 tires, $9,000/OBO (or all shots, semen tested & $2,500 a pair. (507) 626-1183 truck, V8, 10R225 tires, w/ Kinze soybean cups, one best offer). (952) 367-7226 poured. Halter broke & r tag axle w/ 825/20 tires, twin owner, retiring, $5,900/OBO. broke to lead.

Fantastic Tillage Equip , hoist w/ Omaha box, 18’x4’3” FOR SALE: 8 registered short 612-708-7015 growth E.P.D.’s. Will deg sides, roll tarp, exc, wood horn yearling bulls, 4 roan liver. Klages Herefords, Wanted ,‘58 IH tandem disc, 10’, 7” floor, 2spd axle, runs good, color, 2 red and 2 white, good FOR SALE: 1760 JD planter, Ortonville, MN 320-273. spacing, new Firestone tires, $2,700/cash. stored inside, blood lines, $2,500/choice.

12R30”, 20/20 precision moni2163(H) 605-880-0521(C) - IH 2/way hyd cyl lift, great Retired. 507-234-5282 tor with row flow, wave seed All kinds of New & Used farm 507-534-2048 or cell 507-273e looks/shape; $3,300; ‘54 Mctubes, fertilizer, Yetter row equipment - disc chisels, field 4421 FOR SALE: ‘73 Ford Tandem , Cormick collector 34-30 fast cleaners, new disk openers, cults, planters, soil finishers, grain truck, 534 gas eng (reSwine , hitch 3/14 plow, 2-pc shares, POLLED HEREFORD cornheads, feed mills, discs, excellent shape. 701-899-3693 placed approx 38,000 miles balers, haybines, etc. 507- BULLS, yearlings and 2 year ripple coulters, great looks/ ago), air brakes, tires good olds, low birth weight, high FOR SALE: Yorkshire, to exc, steel box w/ wood 438-9782 8 shape, $1,200; ‘59 JD CCA FOR SALE: 2014 Meridian performance, semen testHampshire, Duroc, cross floor, fold out endgates, runs t field cult, 11’, 6” spacing, 110 BST seed tender, Honda WANTED: Hanson Posi-trac ed and delivery available. bred boars, gilts & 4-H pigs. good. $3,900. 507-327-6430 - new Firestone tires, 2-way motor, elec start, corded re- Ring Drive Silo Unloaders.

Jones Farms, Le Sueur, MN. Top quality. Excellent herd 8 JD hyd cyl lift, great looks/ mote, $7,500. 507-276-7785 20’, 18’, 16’, or 14’.

507-317-5996 health. No PRSS. Delivery e shape. $1,100; ‘66 JD collecRISTAU FARM SERVICE JD1520 drill, 15’, 10” rows, available. 320-760-0365 Miscellaneous tor F145H 3-pt hitch plow, .

507.765.3873 Red Angus & Hereford bulls downpressure, JD adj hitch w/ JD 2-way hydraulic For Sale, developed on for- Spot, Duroc, Chester White, hyd cyl, new Firestone rear mounted on JD1570 coulter ristaufarmservice@gmail.com PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS m & gauge tires, 2 way JD hyd cart, very good, $14,500/OBO WANTED: Stormor EZ dryer age, Semen tested & vacci- Boars & Gilts available. New pumps & parts on hand. nated, leading genetics for Monthly PRRS and PEDV. cyl lift, 3/14 HS400 bottoms, (or best offer) (952) 367-7226 Call Minnesota’s largest disbin, 24’ diameter, 36” burner growth & mothering ability. Delivery available. Steve ripple coulters, great looks/ tributor fan; Also 980 JD field culResler.

507-456-7746 T shape, $1,250 507-440-5151 Colby 507-450-8303 or Doug McCormick Deering end gate HJ Olson & Company tivator, 34-36’ wide, single E 507-458-5421 Rushford MN seeder. 507-236-9168 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 point depth.

507-251-2344 ’FOR SALE: Wil-Rich 2500 , 36’ field cultivator, good VIRTUAL ONLINE LIVE & ONLINE | NO-RESERVE - condition, sweeps are 70%, Your ad , shanks in good condition, 4 MONTEVIDEO, MN LARGE ANNUAL bar harrow, $2,500/OBO. 507could be here!

384-7321

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www.thelandonline.com

507-345-4523

RETIRING FARMER

Renville County, Minnesota

LAND AUCTION

Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 11:00 AM

SPRING INVENTORY REDUCTION AUCTION

Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 9:30 AM PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 3134 EAST HWY. 7, MONTEVIDEO, MN

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4x4, reg cab, 42,516 one owner miles, oil changed every 2000 miles, vortex engine, non-smoker.......$42,500 Ag Chem SS874, 90' booms, A/R, 1335 actual hrs, boom level, excellent condition.......$89,900 John Deere 750 no-till 20' drill, 7,5'' spacings, markers, Kasco fill auger, new bearings 100 acres ago, ½ speed sprocket, 2 pt hitch, excellent.................................................$24,900 John Deere 4430, 7014 hrs verified, excellent, 134 A/C, good rubber...........$24,900 Deutz-Allis 21' center fold disc, nice shape.................................................$3,500 2022 Gehl VT 320 track, skid loader, 115HP, 195 hrs, 18 month warranty left............$89,900

507-251-2685

35.25 SURVEYED ACRES SELLING IN 1 TRACT

The McCall farm is located north of Hector, along County Road 22 and is further described as being located in Section 34, T-116-W R-32-W, Brookfield Township, Renville County, MN.

The land represents hunting/recreational land & an old gravel pit which offers whitetail deer, goose & other wildlife hunting.

Rita McCall Estate

Representing Attorney: Sene Zupke | Kraft Walser Law Office 107 N 9th St, Olivia, MN 56277 | (320) 523-1322 Auction Manager: Allen Henslin (320) 979-1808

INSPECTIONS WILL BE WELCOMED ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE AUCTION DURING AMERICAN SURPLUS BUSINESS HOURS

GENERAL INFORMATION: 15+ used and demoed Ice Castle fish houses (loaded with many options), portable storage buildings (various sizes), tools, furniture, carpet & flooring, fish houses and RV doors, ice fishing and building supplies, lumber (various dimensions and lengths), new 6 1/2 hp gas portable air compressors. Additional information available online at: www.SullivanAuctioneers.com

American Surplus

3134 East Hwy. 7, Montevideo, Minnesota (320) 269-5428 | www.icecastlefh.com

Auction Managers: Frank Roering (320) 290-8490 LaDon Henslin (320) 894-5959 & Allen Henslin (320) 979-1808

PAGE 22

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

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022 T

PLANNING AN AUCTION?

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Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 877-326-1608. (mcn) Looking for assisted living, memory care, or independent living? A Place for Mom simplifies the process of finding senior living at no cost to your family. Call 1-877-580-3710 today! (mcn)

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507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665

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-Will Rodgers

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ADVERTISER LISTING Beck's Hybrids ........................................................................... 1 Blue Horizon Energy .................................................. Cover Wrap

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Eric Cooling .............................................................................19

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IDEAg Group, LLC .................................................................... 3

Campers / Fifth Wheels / Destinations / Park Models. 7th Annual Open House and RV Show.

April 18-24, M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5; Sun 8-2. Indoor heated showroom.

Register for great door prizes! $500 discount on any unit purchased during the show with this ad. Quietwood RV, 1710 Hwy 14 W. Janeseville WI, 608757-2700(mcn)

Greater MN 2 Cylinder Club .....................................................19 Greenwald Farm Center .............................................................20 Kerkhoff Auction ......................................................................23 Leaf Filter ................................................................................. 6 Mages Auction Service ..............................................................18 Pruess Elevator, Inc. .................................................................20 Rush River Steel & Trim ...........................................................13 Schweiss Doors .........................................................................20 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ......................................................18

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Spanier Welding ......................................................................... 5

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Terry LaCanne ..........................................................................21

Steffes Group ............................................................................19 Sullivan .............................................................................. 19, 21 TruGreen ..................................................................................10 Waseca SWCD ..........................................................................20 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com

THE LAND — APRIL 15 /APRIL 22, 2022 Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073

Tree trimming, cutting and removal.

Boom Truck & Insured.

Call or Text Josh Linder 507-995-7081

Thank You Farmers!

Looking for something special?

Put a line ad in The Land and find it!

Call 507-345-4523

PAGE 23

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

Classified line ads work!

507-345-4523

Place d Your A ! y a d o T

irst Your F for Choice ds! ie if s s la C

Livestock, Machinery, Farmland... you name it! People will buy it when they see it in The Land!

To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665 Mail to: The Land Classifieds 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 Fax to: 507-345-1027 Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Online at: www.thelandonline.com

• Reach over 150,000 readers • Start your ad in The Land

THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

• Add more insertions • Get more coverage

DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition. Plus! Look for your classified ad in the e-edition.

* Only a partial listing. Plan on two auction rings.

TRACTORS

JD 9300 4WD Tractor, 6612 hrs New Holland Boomer Hyd Loader, 2720 Hrs 1996 White 6195 Tractor, 4165 Hrs Gehl 6635 SXT Skidloader, 2464 Hrs Farmall F-20 Tractor

CONSTRUCTION

Ladders Air Compressors Large Assortment of Hand & Construction Tools Mark IV Industrial Trimmaster Metal Bender

AND MUCH MORE! GRAIN VAC

REM 2700 Grain Vac, 179.5 Hrs

MACHINERY

2 Wheel Trailers 1000 Gal Poly Water Tank Pull Type Grader Hyd Barge Box Wagon JD RM 8 Row Cultivater JD Van Brunt Grain Drill Case IH 800 Cyclo Planter (2) 250 Bu Gravity Wagons M & W Gravity Wagon IH 480 Pull Type Disc JD 220 Pull Type Disc

AND MUCH MORE! LIVESTOCK/HAY

New Holland #56 Hay Rack Land Pride RTR 1058 3pt, 5’ Tiller 1977 Keifer Stock Trailer JD 335 Small Round Baler

VEHICLES/TRAILERS (2) Load Trail 7’ x 14’ Box Dump Trailers Chevy C60 Grain Truck JD Donahue Trailer Silverado 138,335 Miles 1992 International 810 Diesel Truck w/ 20’ Box & Hoist Cargomate 6’ x 10’ 1997 Harley Davidson Motorcycle - Not Running

LAWN & GARDEN 3 PT Finish Mower Fimco Pull Type Lawn Sprayer Snapper Z2003K Zero Turn Mower Kingkutter 6’ Finish Mower

AND MUCH MORE!

GO TO KERKHOFFAUCTION.COM TO VIEW FULL LISTINGS

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The ad prices listed are based on a basic classified line ad of 25 words or less. Ads running longer than 25 words will incur an added charge.

CHECK ONE:  Announcements  Employment  Real Estate  Real Estate Wanted  Farm Rentals  Auctions  Agri Business  Farm Services  Sales & Services  Merchandise  Antiques & Collectibles

 Lawn & Garden  Feed Seed Hay  Fertilizer & Chemicals  Bins & Buildings  Farm Equipment  Tractors  Tillage Equipment  Planting Equipment  Spraying Equipment  Hay & Forage Equipment  Harvesting Equipment

 Grain Handling  Horses & Tack  Exotic Animals Equipment  Livestock Equipment  Pets & Supplies  Wanted  Cars & Pickups  Free & Give Away  Industrial &  Livestock Construction  Trucks & Trailers  Poultry  Recreational Vehicles  Dairy  Miscellaneous  Cattle  Swine NOTE: Ad will be placed in the  Sheep appropriate category if not marked.  Goats

Now... add a photo to your classified line ad for only $10.00!!

THE LAND

1 run @ $19.99 = ___________________________________ 2 runs @ $34.99 = ___________________________________ 3 runs @ $44.99 = ___________________________________ Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per line per issue = ___________________________________ EXTENDED COVERAGE - must run the same number of times as The Land FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 21,545 circ.

THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) - Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 21,000 circ.

THE FREE PRESS (FP) - Serving south central Minnesota, 19,025 circ.

PAPER(S) ADDED (circle all options you want): FN CT FP $7.70 for each paper and $7.70 run each issues x $7.70 = ___________________________________ STANDOUT OPTIONS (THE LAND only) $2.00 per run:  Bold  Italic  Underline  Web/E-mail links = ___________________________________ (Includes 1 Southern & 1 Northern issue)



 Border $10.00 each per run  Photo (THE LAND only)

= ___________________________________ TOTAL

= ___________________________________

This is NOT for businesses. Please call The Land to place line ads.

Name ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________________State _______________ Zip ______________________ Phone ______________________________________________# of times ____________________________________ CHECK

We do not Card # ______________________________________________Exp. Date _____________________________________

SORRY! issue refunds.

Signature __________________________________________________________________________________________ ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad.

Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — APRIL 15/APRIL 22, 2022

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

No biz like shoe biz...

T

im Koenig gave me a photo of German immigrant Henry Bermel in his shoe and harness repair shop in Randall, Minn. recently. Henry, who started the business in this little central Minnesota railroad town when he was 17, looks to be going on 30. What struck me about the photo was a pair of pretty well-worn shoes in the photo’s foreground. They must be in for a repair job — even though they look to be pretty much beyond repair. Those old people were frugal and knew how to make things last.

That same ethic lives on at Bermel’s Boots and Shoes 105 years later. The Friday morning we visited the shop, Tim — who got the store from his Dad who got the store from Henry’s son — had repair customers three deep. Sandy Koenig, Tim’s wife and business partner, was working the bustling sales floor with two of the store’s knowledgeable clerks.

Tim took a look at the repair needed on my boot, explained how he could repair it and said the epoxy that he’d use would have to sit overnight.

“You’ve got a long drive to get here,” he said. “Why don’t I mail it?”

We agreed to that and I went to the sales floor in the small, well-organized store.

Randall, Minn.

I spend nine months of the year on my feet walking our vegetable fields or collecting firewood for maple syrup harvest. So I’m serious about my foot wear. I want quality manufacturing — preferably American made. I also prefer all leather boots since synthetics don’t breathe and I most certainly want a boot that can be repaired.

I told Sandy Koenig this, expecting her to roll her eyes at my fussiness.

She didn’t. Bermels carries 20 different brands of boots and shoes including Red Wing, Wolverine, Irish Setter, Keene, and Kamuk. It was not hard to find what I wanted.

Like any decent shoe store, Bermels has a place to sit down, put your boots on, and walk in them to see how they feel. Sandy tied them up and checked the toe and sides for tightness. Then she suggested Tim could replace the top two eyelets with hooks to make the boots easier to lace. All in ten minutes!

Bermels also has lots of boot and shoe socks, a variety of boot laces, leather care products, leather belts, arch supports and insoles and more. They have a website (bermelsshoes. com) and their phone is (320) 749-2355; but people regularly come from 100 miles or more. v

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