THE LAND ~ April 29, 2022 ~ Southern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

© 2022

418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 • (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com • theland@TheLandOnline.com

April 29, 2022 May 6, 2022

HPAI hits home “We were hit in early April this year and have lost 94,500 birds on two farms.”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Kristin Kveno reports on mental health services; Grits for organic chicks; and Kent Thiesse talks dollars and cents

PAGE 2

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

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

Inside the ol’ mail bag 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLVI ❖ No. 9 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

www.TheLandOnline.com facebook.com/TheLandOnline twitter.com/TheLandOnline

Cover photo courtesy of University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease and Research Policy

COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File From My Farmhouse Kitchen Table Talk The Bookworm Sez Mielke Market Weekly Swine & U Farm Programs Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-3 3 4 5 8 11 12 13 15-16 17-23 23 24

STAFF

Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Kristin Kveno: kkveno@thelandonline.com Staff Writer Emeritus: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives: Dan McCargar: (507) 344-6379, dmccargar@thelandonline.com Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Office/Advertising Assistants: Joan Compart: theland@TheLandOnline.com Lyuda Shevtsov: auctions@thelandonline.com For Customer Service Concerns: (507) 345-4523, (800) 657-4665, theland@TheLandOnline.com Fax: (507) 345-1027 For Editorial Concerns or Story Ideas: (507) 344-6342, (800) 657-4665, editor@TheLandOnline.com Because of the nature of articles appearing in The Land, product or business names may be included to provide clarity. This does not constitute an endorsement of any product or business. Opinions and viewpoints expressed in editorials or by news sources are not necessarily those of the management.

The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The Publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement.

Classified Advertising: $19.99 for seven (7) lines for a private classified, each additional line is $1.40; $24.90 for business classifieds, each additional line is $1.40. Classified ads accepted by mail or by phone with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Classified ads can also be sent by e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com. Mail classified ads to The Land, 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001. Please include credit card number, expiration date and your postal address with ads sent on either mail version. Classified ads may also be called into (800) 657-4665. Deadline for classified ads is 5 pm on the Friday prior to publication date, with holiday exceptions. Distributed to farmers in all Minnesota counties and northern Iowa, as well as on The Land’s website. Each classified ad is separately copyrighted by The Land. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Subscription and Distribution: Free to farmers and agribusinesses in Minnesota and northern Iowa. $49 per year for non-farmers and people outside the service area. The Land (USPS 392470) Copyright © 2022 by The Free Press Media is published biweekly by The Free Press, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Business and Editorial Offices: 418 S. 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727, Accounting and Circulation Offices: Steve Jameson, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Call (507) 345-4523 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Mankato, MN. Postmaster and Change of Address: Send address changes to The Land, 418 South Second St., Mankato MN 56001-3727 or e-mail to theland@ TheLandOnline.com.

While farmers are preparing to plant kicking around the idea of printing “Back fields, bringing new piglets, calves, kids Roads Vol. 2.” If that’s something you’d and lambs into the fold, it is a busy time like to see, drop us a line. for us at The Land as well. Our subscripWhile it’s not news that the average age tion drive for 2022 has been very sucof our farmers keeps going up, the letters cessful and we thank you all for your we receive from readers is a sobering support. reminder. “We are 84 years old and my In order for The Land to qualify for husband has Alzheimer’s;” one reader lower postage rates, the post office writes, “but I still like to read your paper.

LAND MINDS requires proof that readers are requestWe still own some land, but soon will be ing the publication. The subscription selling to our son as he owns the main

By Paul Malchow forms serve as that proof — which is farm — been in my husband’s family why it is so vital we receive a signed for going on five generations!” form from each and every subscriber.

“I appreciate The Land Now your time is valumagazine,” another subable, so to show our scriber writes. “I am 83 appreciation we gave years young and always away $400 to one lucky look forward to reading it. subscriber. Everyone who Thank you!” sent in a signed subscripAnother octogenarian tion form by March 4 was penned this kind meseligible to win. Kent sage: “I own 240 acres, Flohrs of Trimont, Minn. but live alone and rent was the lucky winner of out my farm. Will be 86 this year’s drawing. in March, but really enjoy My favorite part of the Dick Hagen’s column. annual subscription drive Hope you can keep it is the notes folks send in going.” along with the form.

We certainly intend to Almost all of them were keep it going; but it very supportive. Not only wouldn’t be possible withdoes this feedback help us out the support of our make The Land better, it readers and advertisers. also gives us a little The Land General Manager Deb Petterson (left) presents Kent Even the smallest ads morale boost in knowing Flohrs (right) of Trimont, Minn. with a check for $400 as the and classified advertising people appreciate our winner of The Land’s subscription contest. Flohrs runs a cow/ keeps the whole thing efforts. calf operation, farming a little over 200 acres plus renting going. We received a numStill smarting from the pasture land. “Conception to carcass,” he chuckled. Flohrs ber of comments wishing raises registered angus and Hereford cross and is just wrap- we had more machinery Covid shutdown, which ping up a 60-head calving season. “Just got five left and they was nothing but bad ads in the classifieds — should be coming any time,” he said. Flohrs admits to having news, one reader asked us a “real good year” and was able to build a new barn to shel- adding they’ve had great to “squeeze in some jokes ter his animals. The 2021 hay crop was good and Flohrs has success and response selland games.” Humor is in plenty of chopped silage to keep the operation going. He ing their own items in the eye of the beholder, helps out as a part-time rural mail carrier in the Trimont area The Land. and I think Karen and also pitches in for other post offices who need a hand.

The notes and com“Everyone’s short on help,” he said. “I get a lot of calls. But Schwaller can be pretty ments we receive from darned funny; but we are once I start calving, I only go out a couple days a month.” our readers are a good pretty light on the jokes. reminder of the value literally thousands of people You may notice however, we added a new feature — find in reading The Land. Even if we get taken the Word Search Puzzle now appears in each issue. behind the woodshed once in a while, we appreciate “My husband has read your magazine for the feedback and important connection to all of you. decades,” one letter stated. “We especially loved your As we embark on another growing season, everyBack Roads travels during the pandemic. We did one here at The Land wishes everyone safety and many of the drives and learned about places we had health in 2022. “Hope you can keep it going.” visited before.”

Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land.

“Enjoy your work immensely — front to back He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com. v page,” one subscriber wrote. Our back page, more commonly known as “Back Roads,” has been so popular with readers The Land selected a few and published a book — which has sold out. We’ve been

OPINION

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

PAGE 3

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

First steps are honesty and courage, not offsets and credits Last May, the Canadian farm group first-of-its-kind, “comprehensive assessNational Farmers Union submitted a ment of agricultural greenhouse gas detailed response to the Canadian govemissions in Canada.” The report strongernment’s earlier “Draft Greenhouse Gas ly supported reduction again.

Offset Credit System Regulations.” The The “assessment,” done by Darrin response, like the government request, Qualman, a long-time NFU researcher went relatively unnoticed in U.S. ag cirand self-described “civilizational critic,” cles. shows carbon emissions by Canadian It shouldn’t have — because the FARM & FOOD FILE agriculture grew from 67 million metric 23-page reply by the 200,000-member tons in 1990 to 84 mmt in 2019. That

By Alan Guebert NFU was as shocking in its brevity as it rise, however, masks two untracked was bold its central tenet: “For the sources (one good, one bad) of CO2 in next two decades,” NFU strongly Up North ag. urged, the nation should “shelve offset First, “Emissions from nitrogen fercredit systems and emissions trading… and instead tilizer production and use have nearly doubled since focus on actually reducing fossil fuel combustion 1990” and, if current trends continue, will “nearly and emissions.” double again by 2050.” In 2019, CO2 emissions The reason, the report explained, was a second “related to nitrogen fertilizer…” were 22 mmt, or hard poke in Ottawa’s eye: “According to… expert more than one-quarter of Canadian ag’s total CO2 analyses, offset systems should not be first-line emissions. Very few folks saw that coming. measures. Instead, offsets should only be deployed Second, neither did anyone ever quantify how a after we achieve deep reductions in actual greenmassive shift in Canadian agriculture, the twohouse gas (GHG) emissions…” prong move away from nearly all tillage for both In short, the NFU is saying, “Everyone knows the cropping and summer fallow, improved carbon key to reducing carbon in our atmosphere tomorrow sequestration. In short, the near-total adoption of is to stop putting carbon in our atmosphere today. no-till by Canadian farmers since 1990 sequestered So why are we talking about offsets and credits an estimated 13 mmt CO2 in 2019. first?”

That’s remarkable.

The bluntness of a national farm group saying It’s also not enough, says Qualman, in a telephone what almost every soil and climate scientist knows interview, “because Canada’s ag emissions continue to be true is refreshingly honest. Any immediate, to climb. Right now our farmers and ranchers offset measurable impact farmers and ranchers anywhere only about 7 percent of what all agriculture — from might have on climate change will not be tied to cattle to fertilizer dealers — emit, or less than 1 building manure digesters on 5,000-cow dairies or percent of the greenhouse gas emissions for all of nudging no-till corn acres a few percent in the com- Canada.” ing decade.

To some, that might sound like a lot of blue sky Instead, every farm and ranch needs to be “reduc- for improvement, eh? ing fossil fuel combustion and emissions” today.

“Not really,” says Qualman, “because the basic The NFU doubled down on its reduce-now, seques- math doesn’t work. If you’re sequestering 6 million ter-later position in late March when it published a

OPINION

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tons [of CO2] a year and emitting 84 million tons, you’d be a net buyer of carbon credits, not a net seller, right?”

Right — if you’ve done the honest math of the actual problem.

In fact, if climate change requires all net CO2 emitters to cut output, farmers from Canada to Columbia to China would be net buyers of carbon credits, not net sellers. That’s just a fact, says the only ag energy analyst I know to have ever done the math for a country’s agriculture.

Despite the fact that “we’re running with scissors,” Qualman is optimistic the world can avoid total climate disaster. “If we repurposed our industrial capacity for, say, three or four years of World War II-style commitment, we could rapidly change our climate trajectory. Rapidly.”

The question isn’t if we can do it; the question, he offers, is if we have the courage to try.

The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the United States and Canada. Past columns, events and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v

Letters to the editor are always 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.

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PAGE 4

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

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

The disappearance of MWP becomes a new MWP Forty years ago this month of April, my it. The few remaining trees needed to be farmer and I moved to our farm home. It removed. was our third move since we had We had also planted a windbreak exchanged matrimonial vows less than a around two sides of the farm. They were year prior. a fast-growing tree which did exactly This farm acreage was a beautiful wellwhat we wanted. They blocked the north kept farm. A large lawn with a few trees and west winds very well. We were surrounded the old farmhouse which had thankful to have it. been built in 1935. The small grove of FROM MY This windbreak was becoming more of mature trees was more interesting than FARMHOUSE problem. As it aged, branches and twigs most — with a slope that added interest KITCHEN would litter the ground after any wind. and character.

The youngest children coined it the MWP

By Renae B. A very tiny creek (actually the word trees — Make Work Project. They were Vander Schaaf creek is almost too generous to describe not happy with this chore they deemed the trickle of water) occasionally runs through the unnecessary. farm stead. There is a little larger one that goes Well, they grew up and left. Just as the dairy cows through the pasture. often were sold when the youngest child left, so Normally in a snowy year, the melting snow these trees had to be removed when it was just my makes the tiny creek a point of interest. The meltfarmer and me to do the cleanup. ing snow can cause a turbulent mini waterfall with quite a bit of power as it flows through the narrow gorge.

Sometimes the rushing water disappeared under a remaining snow bank before it emptied into a swampy area.

By summer, there is little trace of this stream which earlier announced spring had arrived.

Yes, this acreage was and still is my ‘dream’ farm.

The grove was a favorite place for me to be. There were trees to climb. Who cares if I was supposed to be mature married woman? The shady canopy was a favorite destination for a Sunday afternoon walk. The birds would fly from tree to tree singing their songs.

Patches of violets grew naturally in open areas.

Once the dastardly deed of taking trees was done, the farm has a new look. Surprisingly in a way we Chokecherries and elderberries would spring up liked it. This isn’t a level piece of land so the natuin the most surprising places. Mulberry trees grew ral hills and valleys on this eleven acres have along the east edge. It was a paradise. always suggested beauty. It is a bit easier to imagDid you notice the verb “was?” When we moved ine a treeless prairie. here, the trees were already mature. Through the The wind of this winter reminded us why the years many had come down during storms. It was time to bite the bullet as much as we dreaded doing early settlers soon planted trees upon their arrival.

Also, with the disappearance of windbreak, the woodpeckers packed up and left. Not a single one Prepare for unexpected appeared at the suet feeder this winter. power outages with a Only a handful or two of the original trees remain Generac home standby on this place. Three pines are at least 90 years old. I generator know because the man we purchased the farm from REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! said he had to water those trees when he was a 877-228-5789 young boy. If he were alive, he would be over 100 years old.

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along our road. It is a majestic looking tree. The kind that inspires one to plant a tree in hopes it too will grow into a tree that says ‘This is my home, and I like it here.’

Thankfully we have been planting trees over the past 40 years — wherever we could find an open spot. The lawn was and remains an obstacle course for the person who does the mowing.

Fruit trees, such as apple, cherries, plums, and pear trees do well. I still keep trying to have good apricots.

We like different varieties of trees, so have planted Burr oaks, butternuts, green ashes, maples and more evergreen trees, a black cherry, elm, walnut, sycamore and of course, a cottonwood.

I’m realizing now that butternut trees needed more room than was allowed. There is definitely more to this project than purchasing a couple of trees, digging a hole and carrying buckets of water.

Not every tree we have planted has survived for one reason or another. In one location the trees were doing well until several real wet years occurred.

The normally dry land remained wet too long. Apparently the soggy soil didn’t let enough oxygen reach the roots.

This cold, snowless, windy winter has taken its toll on many of the pine trees. They desperately need water and less wind.

Other trees haven’t made it because of rodent and deer problems. In years past voles especially have made tracks under the snow to chew on the bark.

Deer have marked this place as the hobos once did. Somewhere they have posted a sign which says “Young tender trees just right for nibbling or rubbing antlers against.”

As my MWP of picking up sticks disappears, a new MWP of choosing and planting more trees and shrubs begins. This really seems more fun of a project. But also a bit scary. One almost feels like an artist with an almost blank canvas to begin the process of planting trees.

When I drive through the countryside, there are many farm homes I have admired for their trees, shrubbery and landscaping. Sometimes I wish signs were posted by an unusual tree or shrub to let me know what the plant is.

My farmer and I are thankful this place has had many wonderful trees for all these years. Now it’s up to us to make this place beautiful once again. It will be a never-ending MWP. It sounds absolutely delightful because this is our home, and we like it here.

Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

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

PAGE 5

Harvesting hens was a family chore not forgotten Was there anything bad Yes, someone had to exeabout growing up on the cute the execution of the farm in the 1960s and strutting fowl that would 1970s? I guess not too much soon be the object of our … unless you were me and baited forks and numerous you had to clean chickens. wish bone-possession fights.

How glorious it was to have How I despised that time fried chicken for dinner; but every summer. It took a lot how dreadful it was to get of food to feed a family of TABLE TALK it from the farm to the fry nine; and part of that involved “putting up” chick- By Karen Schwaller pan. ens.

Doing “the deed” was a job only Dad could do. We As much as I despised it, all had to help catch the chickens (as I think of my poor mother — who blew if they were common street criminals) in from Boston to Kansas City to to help get the process started. northwest Iowa, and arrived on the farm straight out of the church with a Once all of that was finished, the brand new diamond ring, mice in that plucking began. Even that wasn’t so old house, work to do and a whole lot awful, but my sister knew how to work to learn about farm life. the system. She was meticulous, and would clean only one chicken while She was our own version of Lisa Douglas of “Green Acres” fame; except the rest of us carried the load of actually moving the entire project forward.

Mom was much prettier than Ava Gabor.

I suppose Mom learned a lot about all of us kids as we stood around the Dad was the man of the hour to upside-down cow tank which served start the process. He would bring in as our table of deprivation, and listall buckets from outside, fill them tened to our teen and tween stories with water and heat them on the and sass. She even bore the scars of stove. That combination brought the hog house aroma into the kitchen, and having to listen to our brand of music — mostly as a peace offering. (She was a bouquet I didn’t mind packing longed to hear the Mills Brothers, but away when I left for college. usually got The Doobie Brothers.)

When all conditions were met, Dad Mom and us girls processed the would do “the deed.” birds for freezing. I can still recall the

Register for MFU 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.

MFU leadership camp curriculum promotes leadership development while teaching youth about agriculture, cooperatives and Farmers Union. The camps 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, fournight leadership camps are priced at $115 to $140.

To learn more, visit mfu.org/camp.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Farmers Union. v

feeling of reaching inside the cavity. I liken it to sticking your hands into the brains at the haunted house.

Still, I don’t remember Mom complaining about doing the same thing, even though this was certainly a job she didn’t come from the big city knowing how to do. Looking back, I wonder if she ever regretted not reading the fine print on her marriage license. Who would sign up for such a fowl-smelling (pun intended), greasy and disgusting annual ritual?

As kids, I used to always be amazed that when the fried chicken was passed around the table, Dad always took the back. It didn’t have much meat on it—you’d think he’d stick his fork into other plump pieces that offered a hunger-taming mouthful of juicy, poultry-lovers’ delight.

It was many years later when it occurred to me that, while we kids devoured all those sumptuous, plump pieces, Dad took the pieces that no one else wanted to eat. It had to be true — otherwise, why would someone who worked as hard as he did choose to eat those pieces that looked as if they had already been eaten? And every time?

It was after that epiphany that I sorrowfully thought of Dad every time I heard my own thighs rub together when I walked. It was fallout from all those summer days spent in the grove, starting the process of fattening us all up, once the chickens had selflessly completed their part in the first leg of that journey.

Fast forward to when I was married, and we agreed to let my mother-in-law raise some chickens on our farm.

When the day came time to clean them, we invited both sets of parents here to ensure the job got done quickly. None of them minded the work, really; but they both had different thoughts on how the job should be done. I think you know the rest.

I don’t mind saying it was a glorious moment when we saw tail lights in front of us.

And I think I understood how Mom and Dad must have felt when us kids all left home.

Karen Schwaller brings “Table Talk” to The Land from her home near Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v

Farmers asked to take survey In a new research project, University of Minnesota Extension is 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.

Any crop farmer in Minnesota is invited to participate in a survey to 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.

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

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THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

Rothfork: HPAI this time is different from 2015

By TIM KING The Land Correspondent MELROSE, Minn. — Pete Rothfork’s family has been raising turkeys near Melrose, Minn. for three generations. It started 1959 when Pete’s father Harold, along with his partner Frank Maleska, opened the Melrose Feed Mill. Then, in the 1960s, the two men started raising turkeys.

“Through the 70’s and 80’s, they increased production to seven farms — all in Stearns County,” Rothfork said. “I worked on turkey farms through high school and after college. In 1988 I was hired as manager of Melrose Feed Mill. My father died in 1992, and I took over management of his farms and bought out my siblings. In 2013 Frank retired, and I bought his farms.”

Rothfork, who has been a leader in both the state and national turkey industries, ushered his farm through the avian influenza epidemic of 2015 with help and support from family members and loyal employees.

The Land: You told me that other members of your family have joined the business since you took over from Frank and your father. Who is involved in the business today?

Rothfork: My daughter Jessica Westbrock started working with me in the office. Shortly after that, her husband Andy started working the live production side for us. We bought our eighth farm together, with some key employees, in 2019. My grandson Peyton Linn has wanted to be a turkey farmer since he was six. He now works with us, training for my job. That’s generation four!

The Land: Your family’s farm was hit pretty hard in 2015. What did you do to keep your spirits up?

Rothfork: In 2015 we got Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on four of our largest farms. We lost 180,000 birds — 120,000 to the disease, and 60,000 to depopulation because they were on infected sites. The depopulation of healthy birds is the hardest part of dealing with this disease.

At the same time, our feed business went to 30 percent of what it was. When I went to the mill workers and told them we would be very slow, they all volunteered to help with the HPAI clean-up. The workers on the healthy farms continued to raise BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND

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their birds, and the rest of us worked on clean-up and virus elimination. With everyone working together, we were able to keep everyone’s spirits up. A strong faith that things would get better also helped. I was told “if you’re worried, pray. And if you pray, why worry?”

The Land: When you talked to Minnesota Public Radio in June 2015 you described that epidemic as a large bump for Minnesota’s turkey industry. How long did it take the industry to recover from that?

What was necessary to accomplish that?

Rothfork: The Minnesota industry was hit hard in 2015; but we were able to work through it. We knew we had to get back running so we would have birds for Thanksgiving. The turkey industry is the only industry that 18 percent of our annual production is purchased for one day! Thirty percent is consumed between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Minnesota industry worked with the regulators to get as many birds as possible placed on farms in June, July and August so we had flocks to sell for Thanksgiving. The next year, turkey prices went up, and the industry was able to recoup some of the money lost in 2015.

The Land: I’ve read that farmers were more prepared this year than in 2015. What was done to be prepared?

Rothfork: After the outbreak in 2015, the industry — along with the Minnesota Turkey Growers, the University of Minnesota, and the National Turkey Federation — developed biosecurity guidelines to help us better cope with an outbreak. These included, but are not limited to installing Danish Entries on all our barns, installing screens to keep wild birds out, and being very vigilant to rodent control.

The Land: Is your farm ok so far this time around?

Rothfork: We were hit in early April this year and have lost 94,500 birds on two farms. Unfortunately, 24,000 of those were healthy birds that had to be depopulated. We are composting the birds and have started on virus elimination and disinfection of the premises. We hope to repopulate the barns in six to ten weeks from the infection date.

The Land: Some farms which have healthy flocks but are near an infected flock can’t move their birds.

Do you have any advice for farmers with healthy flocks inside a quarantine zone?

Rothfork: When a farm is infected with HPAI, a ten kilometer — or about six miles — control zone is established. A quarantine is established and no birds are allowed in or out. However, permits may be obtained from USDA to move within the control zone.

The control zone can be lifted 14 days after composting begins and outside virus elimination has been done.

If someone is in a control zone they should contact the Minnesota Board of Animal Health to see how to handle any bird movements. Anyone who owns birds — either commercially or backyard — should also contact the Board. If you have a backyard flock, please keep them indoors at least until the end of May. Younger growers or owner operators can contact the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association if they have any questions or need help. MTGA can steer them in the right direction and get them the resources they need.

The Land: How is this epidemic different then 2015?

Rothfork: This strain of HPAI is different from the strain in 2015. In 2015 we were pretty sure that waterfowl were the carriers; but they did not get sick from it. This new strain is actually killing waterfowl.

Another difference is that in 2015 the virus attacked mature birds. We got hit hard because we raise mostly 20-week-old Tom turkeys. The other growers in central Minnesota that raised 14-week-old hens were not hit. This new strain is hitting old and young birds also. I’ve heard of turkey flocks as young as six weeks getting sick this year. It also can make chicken broilers sick. That did not happen in 2015.

The Land: Has the epidemic an effect on sales at Melrose Feed Mill?

Rothfork: Melrose Feed Mill only feeds the turkeys raised by my family and our partners. Our business at the mill has dropped by 30 percent. Normally we make 225 ton of feed a day; but now we are making about 150 ton per day. v

Survey shows farming practice costs HAMPTON, Iowa — In order to help producers and custom operators examine the market, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publishes the Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey. This year’s survey includes 122 responses and nearly 3,400 custom rates for tasks related to tillage, planting and seeding, spraying, harvesting, farm labor and more. It can be found at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/ crops/pdf/a3-10.pdf.

State, and one of the authors of the report.

The cost for labor increased almost 14 percent, reflecting the challenges of a tight labor market nationwide.

Plastina said the information in the survey is meant to be a starting point for farmers and agribusiness to engage in conversations and negotiations.

For more information, Plastina can be reached at (515) 294-6160 or plastina@iastate.edu.

Most custom rates saw an increase of 3 to 10 percent, according to Alejandro Plastina, associate proThis article was submitted by Iowa State University fessor in economics and extension economist at Iowa Extension and Outreach. v

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

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PAGE 7

Independent producers continue to feel corporate squeeze

By RENAE B. VANDER SCHAAF The Land Correspondent SIOUX CENTER, Iowa — On March 22 the Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual ag event at the Terrace View Event Center. There was good conversation at the tables as 250 farmers and local business people enjoyed steak sandwiches and sides. FFA chapters from Rock Valley, Sioux Center, Unity Christian (Orange City) and Dordt University agricultural students were also in attendance.

Matt Nice, AgriVision store manager in Sioux Center emceed the event. “Today is National Ag Day,” said Nice. “This year’s theme is ‘Growing A Climate For Tomorrow.’ We want to recognize our area producers and the work they do. Agriculture has a great effect on our overall economy. We are happy to see students here as a way to connect with others involved in agriculture.”

The Rev. Jesse Henkle, pastor at the Central Reformed Church, talked about the changes that he has seen in his lifetime in agriculture. “God doesn’t change,” said Henkle. “Nor does our need for water.”

(The snow coming down added to the festive feeling of the day, as it has been very dry in northwest Iowa.)

Henkle then prayed, thanking God for the good land, His care and for the people involved in agriculture.

Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, then addressed the audience. “We used the word unprecedented at historic levels in 2021,” said Naig. “Already in 2022 we have felt effects from Canada’s Pacific Rail strike, interest rates and inflation.”

“Last year we saw the food supply chain interrupted,” Naig went on to say. “Rarely before in America’s history have store shelves been empty. Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Ag Day reminds Agriculture, enjoys talking Americans of the impor- about agriculture. tance of agriculture.”

“I’m thankful to live in Iowa,” said Naig, “where our legislature talks about the challenges in our economy. We are working to develop a state brand program, Choose Iowa. Happy Ag Day!” While introducing the next speaker, Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek Trading, Nice injected a bit of farmer humor: “We agree on everything,” said Nice, “except the color of tractors he drives.”

Kooima had his first pen of cattle on feed when he

Photos by Renae B. Vander Schaaf

LeAnn Englin (Central Vet) was busy serving steak sandwiches. Christine Smit (Prime Bank) dished up the beans.

was just 16 years old in 1974. He still feeds cattle with his son. “I am passionate about working for the independent beef producer,” said Kooima. “I say this humbly, but God has provided people to walk alongside me. He also gave me the skills to join in the fight to keep the cattle industry from becoming vertically integrated.”

“It wasn’t that many years ago,” explained Kooima, “that almost everyone had some reference point to agriculture. It may have been a grandparent or uncle. It’s becoming common to see a third generation that has never had manure on their boots. This matters. I was interviewed by the New York CBS national news station while in Minneapolis. During the question and answer time, someone from the crowd asked, ‘What does he mean by meat? I get mine from the grocery store.’”

“If the consumer wants sustainability, we know all about sustainable agriculture,” said Kooima. “No one does cattle like we do here. We plant the seed, tend to it as it grows, harvest it, feed it and return natural fertilizer to nourish the soil.”

Kooima is a member of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association because he said he believes the organization is on the right track. For a long time he wasn’t a member of the NCBA because he didn’t believe they represented the independent producer. “But then I remembered my dad’s words,” said Kooima. “When I complained about something, he would remind me in his soft-spoken voice, ‘you are either part of the solution or part of the problem’.”

Kooima has the joined the NCBA and is now part of the Livestock Marketing Committee and the six member Triggers Committee. He also a member of the Feedlot Council for the ICA. This involvement provides him with opportunities to speak out and be an influence. “I have had manure on my boots,” he

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said. “I do have the ability to throw the bull***t flag at the all-knowing muckety-mucks at meetings.”

“My goal is to slow down vertical integration,” Kooima stated. “When Walmart has 65,000 cows, this move towards corporate feeding isn’t good for the independent producer.”

This was made quite evident during two recent Black Swan events. The Covid-19 pandemic which caused closures or reduced slaughter numbers at packing plants; and the fire at the Tyson plant in Holcomb, Kan. in 2019; had a big impact on marketing cattle.

“I had cattle ready for market,” said Kooima. “But I could not get a bid for six weeks. Market-ready cattle cannot be stored like grain in a bin. Expenses go up, as these cattle still need to eat. Health issues can start. The independent producer was the lowest guy on the totem pole.”

Kooima explained a large slaughter packing plant might offer a cattle feeder who has 100,000 head on feed $2.00 over market price if the feeder sells them all of his cattle. This same packing plant often doesn’t return a call to a smaller producer. This makes it very difficult for the smaller independent producer to Cookies decorated to resemble eggs, donated by Center compete. Even though Fresh Eggs, were served as cattle from the Midwest the dessert. generally score at 90 percent choice grade over a southern-raised beef that often grades 65 percent choice, it has become a matter of quantity of quality.

“I plan to keep fighting my butt off,” said Kooima.

“The right idea at the right time can effect change.

I’m proud to be part of the cattle business.” v

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Women’s Ag Leadership Conference was great experience

By WHITNEY NESSE The Land Correspondent CHASKA, Minn. — On April 13 at The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, around 200 women gathered for the 24th annual Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference. The conference room was bustling with conversation and networking between high school and college students, producers, lenders, ag education supervisors, FFA and 4-H representatives, ag professionals and extension educators.

The theme for this year’s conference was “Agriculture 2022: Deep Roots Strong Future;” and the lineup of speakers and breakout session topics reflected the theme well. Stacked with women excelling professionally in the agricultural industry, there was much to glean at this one-day event.

Helping her students develop deep roots and strive towards a strong future, Tracy Nelson, ag teacher and FFA advisor for the Dassel-Cokato school district, has high hopes for the future of agriculture. “I brought six high school students. Girls that I have [with me], have some leadership roles in our chapter.

I want to show them how to network and show them that women can have a strong role in agriculture.

There is so much variety and so many different careers in agriculture,” Nelson said.

Natalie said. Natalie also said that she was looking forward to learning more about the agricultural industry while in attendance.

During a panel discussion, those attending heard from Sarah Dornink, executive director of MALEC; Heather Moore, owner of Moore Family Farms and Moore Local; and Corey Scott, livestock sustainability services leader with Truterra, LLC, a division of Land O’ Lakes. When asked to comment on growing for the future, Scott responded with encouragement. “Growth is different for every person for every different season of life. Growth isn’t always bigger and better,” she said. Moore chimed Photo by Whitney Nesse in saying it is always good to analyze the worst case scenario when making business decisions.

She is very hopeful when talking about the next generation of young ladies joining the agricultural If you can accept and make peace with the worst industry. “I think that they are creative and they are case, then move forward towards goals. All three of determined. They can hold their own,” Nelson stated. the panelists agreed that exploring options with an agile mindset is beneficial when making decisions Also attending the conference was Natalie and take challenges in stride.

Neumann, a high school senior from Maple Lake, The Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference Minn. Neumann and her cohorts were wearing their green blazers and representing the 4-H state ambas- is organized by women from a variety of ag backsadors. This was the first time she had attended this grounds as well as numerous ag organizations, focusconference and was looking forward to facilitating ing on the fundamental role women play in agriculround table discussions regarding the opportunities ture. By helping develop deep roots, the future of v 4-H has to offer. “This is my thirteenth year in 4-H,” women in agriculture looks bright.

Animal get-togethers have many names Sometimes, you’re such a goose.

“The Social Lives of Animals” And that’s okay; a little horsing around

by Ashley Ward never hurt anyone and times with friends c.2022, Basic Books are the best. You can chatter like monkeys, laugh like hyenas, get a little $30.00 squirrely, and memories are made like 373 pages that. You need your friends to get wild every now and then; and in “The Social Teamwork may Lives of Animals” by Ashley Ward, you’ll THE BOOKWORM be essential at see that flying, running, climbing, and SEZ your job, just as it crawling creatures are really no different

By Terri Schlichenmeyer is with army at all. ants. One bite Anyone watching a few dogs playing in from a single a park, or a clowder of cats in a windowsill would army ant hurts like crazy but likely agree that animals can form relationships. it won’t kill you. A bunch of army But how does that matter to humans? ants, though? That’s a different matter entirely.

Says Ward, being able to “trace direct... parallels Flocks of birds have influenced the making of selfbetween our own societies and those of the animals driving vehicles. Fish have taught scientists how ... [can] help us to appreciate how sociality shapes many influencers are needed to move a crowd. our lives...”

Studies with rats show the effects of dense crowding on mental health, and cows are good at recognizing We love to gather in groups, for instance, and friends by their portraits. Hyenas communicate to Antarctic krill likewise hate to be alone. As it turns the pack which prey they plan to hunt for the day. out, gathering in large groups helps keep krill alive because it confounds whales, who enjoy krill for din- Whales play, and dolphins play with them. Monkeys ner. Being in groups keeps locusts alive, too. Locusts lie to get what they want. Animals innovate, reason, are can be cannibals, and the innate desire not to be have a culture, and communicate, Ward says, and eaten keeps them all moving “in the same direction.” they have a lot to tell us...

So you say that someone called you a birdbrain the other day. What a compliment, as you’ll see when you read “The Social Lives of Animals.”

Chances are (especially if you’re an animal lover) you’ve already an observer of animal behavior and, if so, you’ll be happy that author Ashley Ward extends your knowledge. There are, it seems, dozens of facts on each page that will delight lovers of fin, feather, and fur, as well as new findings and fascinating anecdotes.

But this book isn’t all serious bull. Ward is a lively writer who’s obviously interested in his subject — he’s a professor of Animal Behavior at the University of Sydney, after all — and his personal tales of exploration and discovery are academically lighthearted, like cocktail party banter that’ll make you chuckle.

Perfect for armchair biologists and animal lovers of all kinds, this is one of those “hey, listen to this” kinds of books that you’ll want to share out loud.

Start “The Social Lives of Animals” and you’ll go ape over it.

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with three dogs and 10,000 books. v

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

PAGE 9

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

Mile Four feed caters to backyard flocks

By WHITNEY NESSE families and they really, really The Land Correspondent care about where that comes from,” Huebner said. Mile Four Marrying the worlds of digifeed is milled weekly in order tal marketing and e-commerce to keep their product as fresh to rural farm life is not an easy as possible. Huebner said they task. However, Luke Huebner, offer a subscription on the webowner of Mile Four, an organic site, so most people subscribe chicken feed company, has sucand get feed deliveries once per cessfully done just that. After month. working in digital marketing and e-commerce in the Twin When starting Mile Four, Cities area for 15 years, Huebner worked very closely Huebner was interested in with a nutritionist so they using his career skills and his could offer well-balanced feed love for agriculture in a new products for each phase of a way. Thus, he formed Mile Four laying hen’s life — as well as — a family owned, organic, feeds for hen production. “There non-GMO, antibiotic-free chickare many people selling chicken feed company. en feed of different varieties.

Our big thing is non-GMO, Huebner grew up in the rural organic, non-medicated and Morris, Minn. area on a corn U.S.-only grains. That is how and soybean farm and raised a we differentiate ourselves in few chickens as a hobby. the market,” noted Huebner.

Huebner said his father and brother are the fourth and fifth Mile Four products begin generations to farm their famiwith a starter feed, move to a Photos submitted grower feed, and end with a ly’s land and are still doing so today. The Huebner family Luke Huebner’s Mile Four organic chicken feed is layer feed. Huebner said they farm lies about four miles out developing quite a following among backyard offer a whole grain product, a of town, which is where Luke poultry owners. pelleted feed and a mash, with came up with the name “Mile the whole grain being their most popular feed.

Four” for his company.

Mile Four uses organic field peas and organic Started three years ago and headquartered in wheat as their two main feedstuffs. They also offer Minneapolis, Mile Four still has rural roots. “We extras such as grit to help with healthy gizzard partnered with a smaller, organic grainery in the development, calcium supplements for stronger eggMorris area,” said Huebner. All of the grains used for shells, and scratch as a little treat for the hard-workfeed for Mile Four are grown in Minnesota and the ing layers. Huebner says, “People can see a noticeable Dakotas, are milled and bagged in rural western difference in their eggs and egg colors, and the feathMinnesota and then trucked to Minneapolis for pri- ers or plumage of their chickens and that’s what they vate and wholesale distribution around the United want.”

States.

The springtime rush is no stranger to the folks at In Minneapolis, Mile Four has five employees who Mile Four. Huebner says people usually like to purmanage the day- to-day tasks such as designing, chase chicks in the spring, so their busy season is developing, marketing and media — as well as distri- coming up with new customer acquisition on the rise. bution. “We’re growing faster than anticipated, which Mile Four offers sample feeds and products for new is a great problem,” stated Huebner. “We need to customers to try and Huebner said those new cusincrease staff, warehouse, stock and basically every- tomers tend to stick around. “Customers tend to see thing quickly. Growth is their hens more as pets or family members and great, but we want to ensure really care about what they feed their chickens — we’re growing sustainably.” who, in turn, provide eggs for their families.”

One of the many things Owning a web-based chicken feed company is not which make Mile Four unique is they are almost exclusively an online company. Their main focus is providing feed for folks raisFacebook.com/TheLandOnline ing six to 15 backyard laying hens. “These people Twitter.com/TheLandOnline have chickens specifically so Instagram@thelandmagazineonline they can get eggs for their

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without a unique set of challenges. Huebner and company faced difficulties related to Covid — as did many businesses. “Covid-related trucking delays and trucking cost volatility were a large challenge,” he said. “USPS was so backed up last year we changed vendors — which made us redo all of our packaging, pricing and shipping.”

If you find yourself driving around in Minneapolis, you will not find a Mile Four storefront. “We sell chicken feed on the internet,” Huebner said chuckling. You can find them, however, on all of the major platforms such as Amazon and Chewy as well as their website www.milefour.com. You can also find Mile Four products at Egg|Plant Urban Farm Supply in St. Paul. v

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THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

Connections are vital to maintaining mental health

By KRISTIN KVENO Mental health outreach continues in various forms The MDA has a helpline for people to connect to a The Land Staff Writer through the MDA. The National Institute of Food rural mental health specialist. There is also the option and Agriculture awarded the MDA and 11 project to text or e-mail. “Some age groups are more comfortEnding the stigma of mental health partners grants to address farm stress and mental able reaching out in text… Sometimes it’s easier to is vital for all; but how do we do that, health in Minnesota. These partners will work on reach out to someone you don’t know. It’s an opportuespecially in rural areas? That’s initiatives across the state ranging from expanding nity to unburden themselves,” Moynihan said. what Meg Moynihan, senior advisor farm advocates opportunities to suicide prevention with the Minnesota Department of Monica McConkey is one of the two rural mental train-the-trainer course to traditional healing health specialists in Minnesota. “I’ve been in the Agriculture, is passionate about: approaches in the indigenous communities. Each of mental health field for 25 years.” Raised on a farm in helping her fellow rural Minnesotans. Meg Moynihan these efforts is to try to reduce stress and increase northwestern Minnesota, McConkey understands “How do we make it easiest as possible for farmers to connect with people for support?” well-being in the communities they serve. the complexities and demands that Ending the stigma of reaching out when help is ag producers face. McConkey found Moynihan knows first-hand about the stresses that her calling when the Minnesota legcome from life on the farm. “Our farm went through needed is the first step in knowing things can change.

Moynihan never tires when addressing mental health islature approved funding in 2019 a difficult situation.” In 2016 the co-op no longer needs in rural Minnesota.

“We can never abandon for another mental health profescould take their milk. There was no other market for sional to work with farmers and it. Moynihan’s husband had to temporarily work off our families in stress.” farm families, and she was hired in the farm while Moynihan took a leave from the MDA Getting the information out is essential. MDA does that role. “I feel like I understand the to manage their organic dairy operation in Le Sueur this through brochures, can koozies, magnets and lifestyle. I get the drive to hold on to County. Loneliness and isolation were setting in for go-to events. “It’s an ongoing challenge, You can the family farm.”

Monica Moynihan. A brief ten-minute conversation with a never have enough outreach.”

McConkey veterinarian who stopped to check on the herd proWhen someone reaches out to vided a mood lifter. Moynihan calls that vetMcConkey, she can meet one-on-one erinarian a connector. “You lose that connecin person, via Zoom, or on a phone call. tion to other people.” She forced herself to “Seventy-five percent of the contact with farmreach out to connect with others, helping ers or farm family members is in person. Most Minnesota is working to address access to mental health care in herself find hope in the process. often at the farm around the kitchen table.” rural areas through various programs, but counties’ efforts are Farmers often put the farm and their fami- also critical in getting people connected to services.

McConkey’s free counseling services allow lies ahead of their own needs. “We put ourthe client to share their burdens and concerns Diane Erkens, the social service supervisor with Wright County, selves last.” However, Moynihan points out with her. She understands that farm life can notes there are various ways people are reaching out for help in that addressing your own needs helps the be filled with many stressors. “A farmer/farm family and the farm. “We are the most impor- the county. “There are more options for telehealth — it’s a great family, their identity is wrapped up on the tool.” tant investment.” farm, in the land.”

Erkens often sees older clients asking for in-person services. The Feeling like you’re not alone in dealing with The hesitation to address mental health struggles is essential. That’s why MDA county can accommodate in-person, telehealth or phone visits with issues remains, especially in rural communiteamed up with the Red River Farm Network clients. ties, but it continues to move in a more open Wright County is part of a four-county consortium consisting of direction. “We’ve come a long way in talking to create TransFARMation. “We started sponsoring stories about farmers navigating tough Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright that the CommUNITY about stress, mental health and suicides. It’s times.” In addition to the stories airing on the Adult Mental Health Initiative supports. This initiative was cre- becoming an accepted topic.” However, RRFN, they’re also available on a podcast. ated in 1995 as way to transition mental health access from state McConkey quickly points out that we still “Key was farmers talking about stuff they’re hospitals to more community-based services. The goal is to bring have a long way to go in talking about mental services to the clients, reducing the need for hospitalization. coping with,” Moynihan said. health the same way we do about physical The four counties’ response teams typically receive over 1,000 health. Nevertheless, she encourages anyone The project initially began with five episodes, but public interest led it to expand to calls per month. Erkens has seen a slight increase in calls each struggling with their mental health not to 30 episodes. The series includes stories of month in the last year. That increase in calls could be due to a remain silent. “Reach out and talk to somedealing with the loss of a spouse to suicide, number of factors including pandemic-related isolation. If needed, body. Find a person that will listen. It doesn›t loss of a son and a farm loss. In addition, this a Crisis Response Team can respond to the person in critical situ- get better if we don’t do anything about it.” project expands to southern and central ations.

For McConkey, her desire to help farm famiMinnesota to share these stories on the Linder The county is advertising its mental health services through a lies remains steadfast. “I work with people Farm Network. The TransFARMation series’ variety of way including bulletin boards, radio ads, movie theater every day that are just like my family. I feel it popularity was due to the listeners connecting ads — any way to reach as many people as possible. There is also on a very personal level.” with the stories — whether they were going representation at local career fairs and events to get the word out: For more information on mental health serthrough the same thing or knew someone that help is available if someone is struggling with mental health vices for farmers and farm families, visit was. It was feeling like you weren’t alone. issues. h t t p s : / / w w w. m d a . s t a t e. m n . u s / a b o u t / Moynihan encourages those struggling with “Our mission is to strengthen and support our community.” So if mnfarmerstress/copingstress. The phone nummental health to look for someone to talk to, you live in Wright County and need to talk to someone, help is ber for the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline whether a trusted family member, friend, available. “Just give us a call.” is (833) 600-2670. You can also text clergy, therapist or the MDA Helpline. “Where FARMSTRESS to 898211. Minnesota’s Rural If you are in need of help and live in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns Health Specialists are Monica McConkey, am I most comfortable being vulnerable? Be willing to try something, knowing that things and Wright contact the Four County Crisis Response Team at (320) (218) 280-7785; and Ted Matthews, (320) 266253-5555 or AskCRT@cmmhc.com. v 2390. will change.” v

Counties step up to help

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

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Herd expansion unlikely as input prices keep climbing This column was written April 2021. for the marketing week endUnfortunately, butter took ing April 22. a hit, coming in at 145.5 U.S. dairy cow culling million pounds, down 13 jumped in March but fell percent from a year ago, short of a year ago, accordsteepest year over year ing to the U.S. Department decline since August 2016, of Agriculture’s latest according to HighGround Livestock Slaughter report.

Dairy. Butter exports were MIELKE MARKET An estimated 297,200 head up 46.3 percent but only WEEKLY were sent to slaughter amounted to 11.2 million under federal inspection, up pounds.

By Lee Mielke 30,700 or 11.5 percent Nonfat-skim milk from February; but powder totaled 172.3 5,000 head or 1.7 permillion pounds, down cent below March 2021.

2.2 percent, falling Culling in the first quarter totaled short of the previous year for the 824,600 head, down 20,100 or 2.4 per- fourth consecutive month. cent from the same period a year ago. HighGround Dairy points out while In the week ending April 9, 60,900 domestic disappearance was up from a dairy cows were sent to slaughter, year ago, exports were down 11.5 perdown 100 head from the previous cent — driving the overall decline. week, but 400 or 0.7 percent above a Port congestion issues likely played a year ago. role there.

The USDA’s monthly Livestock, Dry whey disappearance totaled 68.6 Dairy, and Poultry Outlook stated, “It’s million pounds, down 5.8 percent, but not clear if dairy herd expansion will was an improvement over 2020’s weak continue throughout the year. Recent performance, according to HighGround input prices for feed, fuel, and fertiliz- Dairy. Dry whey exports were down er have been high. The corn price fore- 20.1 percent from a year ago in cast has been raised as has the soyFebruary. bean meal price forecast.”

Powder, cheese, and butter (in that “While milk cows are forecast to order) pulled the April 19 Global average 9.37 million for the first half Dairy Trade auction lower, the third of the year, they are projected to consecutive decline. The weighted decline to 9.365 million in the second average dropped 3.6 percent following half. The annual average forecast the 1 percent slip on April 5, and 0.9 rounds to 9.37 million head, 15,000 percent on March 15. higher than last month’s forecast. The All products offered lost ground. forecast for 2022 average milk per cow Whole milk powder led the declines, was unchanged from last month’s fore- down 4.4 percent, after it fell 1.5 percast of 24,160 pounds per head.” cent on April 5. Skim milk powder foln lowed, down 4.2 percent after inching U.S. dairy product commercial disap- up 1 percent last time. GDT cheddar was down 3.9 percent following a 2.7 pearance showed some weakness in percent jump, and butter was down February. The good news was cheese, 3.7 percent after it slipped 0.6 percent. with American-type up 7.2 percent Anhydrous milkfat was off 1.3 percent from February 2021, and the other following a 2.5 percent drop, and laccheese category up 6.4 percent. Total tose rounded out the losses, down 2.4 cheese disappearance hit 1.1 billion percent. pounds, up 6.8 percent. Exports were up 9.2 percent from a year ago.

Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist who resides in Everson, Wash. His HighGround Dairy points out that weekly column is featured in newspaFebruary was the fifth month in a row pers across the country and he may be that total cheese disappearance topped reached at lkmielke@juno.com. v that of the previous year and was the steepest year-over-year gain since

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Hogs marketed  1-99  100-249 Sheep raised  1-99  100-249 Beef Cattle marketed  1-99  100-249 Dairy Cattle milked  1-50  51-99

Livestock Head  250-499

 500-999

 1000+

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 250-499

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 1000+

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THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

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Analyze manure before application in warm weather Spring is here and for some swine producers, moving manure is an important step as the crop gets planted. University of Minnesota Extension Nutrient Management Specialist Melissa Wilson provides good information for farmers who need to make both nutrient management decisions and who may need to get manure out of the way.

When is the best time to apply manure?

That depends on the logistics of each farm, weather, and soil conditions. It is also influenced by what risks you are willing to take. Those risks include losing nutrients if the manure is applied too early; running out of storage for the manure; reducing time for nutrients to release if the manure is applied too late; and having a wet and/or cold spring which could delay manure application and then planting.

As producers consider planting season activities, they’re encouraged to take a look at potential spring or summer application and evaluate the pros and cons of each. Springtime manure application pros include the fact that manure is available closer to when a growing crop will begin using the nutrients and the chance of nutrient losses is lower. The cons of spring application are that manure with high organic matter may have less time to break down and nitrogen release may be slower than expected.

In addition, if soil conditions are poor, delaying manure application may further delay planting.

Wilson’s recommendations are to wait until snowmelt has occurred and the soil is completely thawed.

Avoid applying on wet soil to reduce compaction.

Wilson and her team have completed several years’ research on growing season application of manure directly into young crops. Here are the pros and cons of summer manure application. The pros are that a producer can apply manure directly to a growing crop and reduce nutrient losses. Growing season application also gives farmers another window of opportunity for applying manure. Some of the disadvantages of summer application are that a producer would need specialized equipment and growing season application may not be ideal for timing of livestock operations or solid manures. Dr. Wilson recommends that producers interested in summer manure application Inject or incorporate manure between rows of growing crops as soon as possible to maximize nutrient value.

Manure sampling and nutrient analysis U of M Extension Educator Chryseis Modderman provides these thoughts regarding manure sampling and why producers should do it.

Manure is a valuable source of nutrients for crops.

Testing manure for nutrient content helps meet crop nutrient needs efficiently. This leads to increased profit and decreased risk of pollution.

Nutrient estimation tables give a general idea of nutrient content, but they tend to differ from actual values due to factors like storage type and animal diet. Therefore, we don’t recommend producers rely

UniversityofMinnesota

EXTENSION

SWINE &U

on those tables. The most accurate way to manage manure for nutrients is to analyze for nutrient content.

Nutrient content in manure varies from one area to another. Solids tend to setSWINE & U tle to the bottom of liquid

By Diane DeWitte storage systems. Solid storage systems vary based on bedding content and time of stacking. It is important to make the manure as uniform as possible so that the applied rate is accurate.

Use a pit agitator to mix liquid manure to make it more uniform. The solid portion of the manure will begin to settle to the bottom right after agitation.

Solid manure is more difficult to make uniform.

When piling the manure, alternate between areas with large amounts of bedding and areas of small amounts of bedding.

Manure sampling timing can change the accuracy of a manure test. We recommend taking the sample at manure application. The main drawback of this method is that you cannot use the test results to adjust application rates for the current year.

However, the results will help with future fertilizer rate calculations. Keeping detailed records of manure test results will allow for accurate rates in the following years.

Sampling in storage and before manure application allows time to receive results and adjust rates in the current season. However, nutrients are lost with further storage and handling, so it may not give an accurate picture of the nutrients applied.

This is particularly true for farms with large numbers of livestock and amounts of manure since collecting a representative sample of the manure may not be easy to do.

Manure should be tested each year for the first three years of operation; then every three or four years. Also, test whenever management practices change — which could alter nutrient content — like the storage system or feed. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requires farms with over 100 animal units to test manure at least once every four years. Visit the MPCA website for more information (https://www.pca.state.mn.us/).

Manure sampling helps appropriate applications Just like regular soil tests help farmers know the nutrient condition of their soils, manure tests assist in making application decisions. Dr. Wilson offers these tips for collecting a through manure sample

for laboratory analysis.

Always use caution and proper safety measures while sampling manure.

The best and safest time to sample liquid manure is after the pit or lagoon has been agitated and is being pumped out. Collect 15 to 25 samples as the pit is pumped out from beginning to end. Dump into a five-gallon bucket. Mix the manure thoroughly.

Take a subsample, usually about a quart, and place in a plastic container. Freeze the sample prior to sending to the lab.

This method will not allow you to get the analysis results back prior to application for the current year. But the analysis can be used to determine whether appropriate amounts of manure were applied to meet crop needs and for estimating the Year 2 and 3 nutrient credits.

Solid manure can be sampled from the stockpile or during hauling. Using a pitchfork or shovel, collect 15 to 25 samples from many different depths in the pile — but avoid the crust. During hauling, collect several subsamples from each load. Place samples into a five-gallon bucket and mix very well.

Take a subsample and place in a sealable plastic bag, then double up the bag.

With the stockpile method, you may be able to have your manure analyzed prior to application. If sampling during hauling, you will not get the analysis results back prior to application for the current year.

Nutrient availability Nutrients are not entirely available for crop use the first year after application. This is because nutrients can change forms, and only some of these forms are available for plants to use.

When nutrients are bound to carbon they are in an organic form. If not bound to carbon, they are in an inorganic form.

Typically, plants can only use the inorganic form of nutrients, but manure supplies both organic and inorganic forms. Microbes can break down organic forms of nutrients and mineralize them into inorganic forms. However, this can take several years and depends on soil moisture and temperature conditions.

The U of M Extension nutrient management team of Wilson and Modderman are currently conducting additional research to provide best practice recommendations for warm season manure application.

They can be reached via email to answer specific See SWINE & U, pg. 16

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

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

PAGE 13

U of M reports farm income levels increase in 2021 The University of Minnesota recently Background data reported that the average net farm Following are some of the key points income for southern Minnesota farmers and data that were in the 2021 FBM in 2021 was $280,900, which was at the Summary: highest level since 2012. The very positive The net farm income is the return to 2020 and 2021 net farm income levels follabor and management after crop and lowed seven years (2013-2019) in a row of livestock inventory adjustments, capital sup-par net farm income levels in the adjustments, depreciation, etc. have been region. accounted for. This is the amount that FARM PROGRAMS remains for family living, non-farm capiThe 2021 net farm income levels in southern and west central Minnesota tal purchases, income tax payments, and

By Kent Thiesse were enhanced by robust crop profits for principal payments on farm real which resulted from average to estate and term loans. above-average crop yields and the The “median” net farm income is highest grain market prices since the midpoint net farm income of all 2013. Livestock profit margins in 2021 in southern farm operations included in the FBM summary — Minnesota were mainly positive. However, the profit meaning half of the farms have a higher net farm levels were at much more modest levels than the income and half have a lower net income. The avercrop profits. age median net farm income in 2021 was +$176,426.

The Farm Business Management summary for A total of 1,584 farms from throughout south censouthern and west central Minnesota is prepared by tral, southwest, southeast, and west central the Farm Business Management Instructors. This Minnesota were included in the 2021 FBM summary includes an analysis of the farm business Summary. The average farm size was 659 acres. The records from farm businesses of all types and sizes top 20 percent net income farms averaged 1,611 in southern and western Minnesota. This annual acres, while the bottom 20 percent net income farms farm business summary is one of the best gauges of had 180 acres. the profitability and financial health of farm busiFifty-nine percent of the farm operations were cash nesses in the region on an annual basis.

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crop farms, 14 percent were single entity livestock operations, with the balance being various combinations of crop, livestock and other enterprises.

Four hundred ten farms (26 percent) were under $250,000 in gross farm sales in 2021; 326 farms (21 percent) were between $250,000 and $500,000 in gross sales; 399 farms (25 percent) were between $500,000 and $1 million in gross sales; and 449 farms (28 percent) were above $1 million in gross sales.

In 2021, the average farm business received $58,196 in government program payments, which included two rounds of CFAP payments for crop and livestock producers, some WHIP+ crop disaster payments for 2019, CRP payments and other government payments. In addition, the average farm operation received $8,377 in crop insurance payments, which was about half of the 2020 level of crop insurance payments. The combination of one-time Covid relief payments and crop disaster payments, together with regular farm program payments and crop insurance payments, accounted for approximately 23 percent of the 2021 average net farm income.

This compared to 2020, when government payments and crop insurance payments totaled over $126,000 and made up about 74 percent of the average net See THIESSE, pg. 14

PAGE 14

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

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

Farmers’ financial health improved in 2020 and 2021 THIESSE, from pg. 13 farm income.

The average family living expense in 2021 was $66,335, which increased slightly compared to recent years. The average non-farm income in 2021 was $46,943, which represents about 45 percent of total annual non-farm expenses by families for family living and other uses.

In 2021, the average farm business spent $1,109,001 for farm business operating expenses, capital purchases, and non-farm expenses. Most of these dollars were spent in local communities across the region, helping support the area’s overall economy.

Farm financial analysis The average net farm income for southern and west central Minnesota for 2021 was $280,900, while the median net farm income for the region was $176,426. This compares to median net farm income levels of $102,848 in 2020, $36,547 in 2019, $20,655 in 2018, $25,377 in 2017, and $33,071 in 2016.

As usual, there was large variation in median farm income in 2021, with top 20 percent profitability farms averaging a net farm income of +$620,678, and the low 20 percent profitability farms with an average net farm income of only +$12,706.

The variation in median net farm income in 2021 also tracked very closely with the gross farm receipts of farms. Farms with $1 to $2 million in gross receipts had a median net farm income of +$401,268, compared to +$243,803 for farms with a gross of $500,000 to $1 million, +$136,300 for farms with a gross of $250,000 to $500,000, and +$65,398 for farms with a gross of $100,00 to $250,000.

Interestingly, when you look at profit margin, the order is reversed, with the $100,000 to $250,000 group at 39 percent profit margin, the $250,000 to $500,000 group at 36 percent profit margin, the $500,000 to $1 million group at 29 percent profit margin, and the $1 to $2 million group at 27 percent profit margin.

The average farm business showed a significant improvements in the working capital in 2021, compared to 2020, with a large increase in

average working capital ($454,239 from $295,493), a ing capital to gross revenue ratio (41 percent from significant increase in the current ratio (247 percent 32 percent) The working capital had declined signiffrom 198 percent), and a large increase in the work- icantly and was a major concern for many farm operations prior to 2020, before showing significant improvement in Five-Year Farm Business Management Comparison both 2020 and 2021.

(Data from the 2021 Southern Minnesota Farm Business Management Annual Report) Another measure of the financial Farm Income Data 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 health of a farm operation is the Gross Farm Sales $774,349 $759,254 $771,105 $830,344 $967,436 term debt coverage ratio, which Total Farm Cash Expense $680,554 $675,400 $675,013 $700,336 $790,104 measures the ability of farm operations to generate adequate net farm Median Net Farm Income $25,337 $20,655 $36,547 $102,848 $176,426 income to cover the principal and Top 20 Percent Median interest payments on existing real Net Farm Income $199,320 $158,785 $242,696 $401,000 $620,578 estate and term loans. If that ratio Low 20 Percent Median falls below 100 percent, it results in Net Farm Income ($61,158) ($79,757) ($43,183) $ 369 $12,706 farm operators having to use to use working capital or non-farm income Financial Ratios (Average) sources to cover the difference. The average term debt coverage ratio for Operating Profit Margin 5.8% 3.2% 10.1% 20.6% 27.5% 2021 was at the healthy level of 389 Current Ratio 157% 151% 156% 198% 247% percent, which compares to average Working Capital/ ratios 274 percent in 2020, 148 perGross Income Ratio 25.6% 23.2% 23.8% 32.6% 41.3% cent in 2019, 91 percent in 2018, 102 percent in 2017, and 90 percent in Farm Debt/Asset Ratio 45% 49% 46% 44% 44% 2016. However, the low 20 percent Term Debt Coverage Ratio 102% 91% 148% 274% 389% profitability farms had a term debt coverage ratio of only 109 percent in Crop Data — Corn (Cash Rent Land) 2021.

Yield per Acre (bushels) 215 179 183 206 203 Any additional cash flow dollars Price per Bushel $3.24 $3.48 $3.75 $4.04 $5.36 over and above the term debt princiGross Revenue per Acre $711.55 $674.25 $789.72 $896.62 $1,107.53 pal and interest payments earned by farm operation are available for Direct & Overhead machinery replacement or other capCosts per Acre $748.29 $731.51 $745.92 $735.65 $791.94 ital improvements. In 2021, the Cost per Bushel Produced $3.48 $4.08 $4.08 $3.58 $3.90 average farm had $218,132 available for those purposes, while top 20 perNet Return per Acre ($36.75) ($57.26) +$43.80 +$160.97 +$315.59 cent profitability farms had over Crop Data — Soybeans (Cash Rent Land) $675,000 available. This helps explain the strong demand for new Yield per Acre (bushels) 55 54 51 60 61 and used farm machinery, plans for Price per Bushel $9.25 $8.73 $8.82 $10.21 $12.50 grain system improvements, and Gross Revenue per Acre (*) $526.85 $588.80 $538.87 $664.06 $767.12 other farm and non-farm upgrades that has occurred in recent months.

Direct & Overhead Costs per Acre $498.74 $495.13 $498.27 $497.51 $536.18 Bottom line…

Overall, net returns from both crop Cost per Bushel Produced $9.02 $9.17 $9.71 $8.32 $8.83 and livestock operations were much Net Return per Acre +$28.11 +$93.11 +$40.60 +$166.65 +$230.94 improved for most farm operators in

Livestock Data — Net Return Over Expenses Dairy – Per Cow Beef Cow – Per Cow Beef Finishing – Per Cwt. Hog Finishing – Per Cwt.

+$343

($38)

+$403

+$964

+$208

($19) +$21.44 +$5.64

($54) ($4.19) ($4.01)

($223) +$1.47 +$2.53

($29) +$8.03 +$8.69

($166) +$3.53 +$6.79

NOTES: Net Returns for crops and livestock are before labor and management charges.

Crop net returns include crop insurance and government farm program payments. (*) The Gross Revenue per Acre for 2019 and 2020 includes fairly high levels of one-time government farm program payments.

Table was developed by Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst

2021. However, as usual, there was a wide variation in farm profit levels from the top one-third of net farm income operations as compared to other farms. The overall average financial health of many farm businesses improved significantly in 2020 and 2021 after declining for several years due to low profit levels. Farm profit levels remain favorable for 2021.

However, there are some caution See THIESSE, pg. 16

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

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

PAGE 15

MARKETING

Grain Outlook

Market doesn’t have to go straight up The following marketing analysis is for the week ending April 22.

CORN — It had been nearly a decade since we had seen spot board prices at these levels before prices retreated from those highs in the second half of the week. The lead corn contract hasn’t traded this high since the drought in August 2012. Disappointing weekly export sales drew concern that prices may finally be affecting demand. However, the next day the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced huge corn sales to China and prices still declined.

China purchased nearly 29 million bushels of old crop corn and 24 million bushels of new PHYLLIS NYSTROM crop corn. Mexico also booked 3.5 CHS Hedging Inc. million bushels of old crop and St. Paul 7.5 million bushels of new crop in what was considered routine business.

On-going demand, weather delaying U.S. weather, the war in Ukraine, and drier conditions in South America’s safrinha corn crop areas have all contributed to underlying strength. Fund longs have not been given a reason to significantly reduce those positions; but late in the week, we did see some profit taking.

A weaker U.S. dollar was a supportive factor to higher markets early in the week, but the U.S. dollar index rallied to a two-year high by the end of the week, lending pressure to commodities. Comments

by Federal Reserve Chairman Powell about a 50-point basis hike in interest rates were cited as a factor in the dollar’s upswing.

The war in Ukraine intensified during the week with a new offensive by Russia. There were reports that three of seven Ukrainian grain export facilities have been damaged. This situation shows no sign of abating and how much Ukraine will harvest and plant this year are unknown. Ukraine has reportedly begun corn planting with the deputy agricultural minister estimating 3 million hectares or about 25 percent of expected acreage has been planted to spring crops. The USDA said this week that without boots on the ground in Russia (personnel were evacuated when the invasion occurred) crop forecasting will be very difficult.

South American weather isn’t on the front page yet, but it is gaining attention. It’s estimated a third of

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

$7.57 $7.84 $7.94 $7.67 $7.46 $7.78

+.46 +.29 +.37 +.22 +.27 +.29

soybeans/change* $16.41 $16.07 $15.97 $16.04 $16.34 $16.08

+.60 +.11 +.12 +.12 +.28 +.10

$7.71

$16.15

Year Ago Average: $6.51

$15.15

Grain prices are effective cash close on April 26. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Brazil’s safrinha corn crop in northeast Brazil needs rain and stress may increase; however, rain in the southern third of Brazil will help corn pollination.

The majority of Brazil’s safrinha corn is expected to pollinate by May 5. Parts of Argentina are also experiencing dryness which could lower corn yields. As of April 18, Argentina’s corn conditions fell 2 percent to 18 percent good/excellent, according to the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange. Its corn harvest was 23 percent complete vs. 27 percent on average with yields running 100.6 bushels per acre. The Rosario Grain Exchange raised its Argentine corn production from 47.7 million metric tons to 49.2 mmt and vs. USDA at 53 mmt.

U.S. corn planting was 4 percent complete as of April 17 compared to 6 percent on average, expectations for 5 percent complete, and 7 percent complete last year. No corn planting was reported in the “I” states or Minnesota. Missouri had 4 percent of the corn planted, 2 percent in Nebraska, 12 percent in Kansas, and 64 percent complete in Texas.

Weekly export sales were disappointing at 34.6 million bushels for old crop and 15.3 million bushels for new crop. Old crop sales are 2.23 billion bushels and down 16 percent from last year. We need 12.3 million bushels of weekly sales to reach the USDA target of 2.5 billion bushels. New crop cumulative sales are 132.4 million bushels vs. just 83.9 million bushels last year.

Weekly ethanol production was down 48,000 barrels per day to 947,000 bpd and a bigger decline than anticipated. This was the fourth weekly decrease in a row and the lowest production number in 29 weeks.

Ethanol stocks fell 461,000 barrels to 24.3 million barrels. This was a 13-week low, but stocks are still the second highest for this week. Margins were unchanged on the week at 17 cents per gallon.

Gasoline demand increased 132,000 bpd at 8.8 million bpd and is 2.6 percent below last year for this week.

May corn traded as high as $8.19.75 per bushel with a high closing price of $8.15.75 per bushel. The

highest the lead corn contract has ever traded was $8.43.75 per bushel on Aug. 10, 2012. The highest a December corn contract has ever traded was $8.49 per bushel on that same date. This week, December corn traded to a new contract high of $7.55 per bushel.

Outlook: July and December corn set new high closes and new contract highs this week. Looking down the curve, December 2023 corn had a 21-session streak of higher closes broken at mid-week.

December 2024 closed higher 23 out of 24 sessions as of April 20’s close. Uptrend momentum waned into the weekend and may put long position holders on notice that the market doesn’t have to go straight up.

U.S. weather and planting progress will be top of mind of traders as ideas for early planting are erased. I would say it’s too early to throw in the towel on the crop, but in a year when we wanted/ needed ideal conditions, we’re not seeing them yet.

The later the planting date, the less likely it is we’ll see acres move from soybeans to corn. If the weather is favorable and prices favor corn, we usually see a few extra corn acres go in.

The day-to-day updates on the war in Ukraine have likely been factored into prices as traders wait for the next “big” event, whatever that may be, and whenever it may happen. The war should provide underlying support in general and limit setbacks.

Until the heavily long funds are provided a reason to exit or lighten their positions significantly, the uptrend remains in place. Continue to monitor U.S. planting progress and weather forecasts. This week’s action may slow fund buying, but not eliminate it.

Don’t get caught wishing for prices to come back because “they have to” when making your marketing decisions.

The next World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report will be released on May 12 and will include our first look at the 2022-23 balance sheets.

Traders will be eager to see what the USDA does with Ukraine and Russian production and export numbers.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans edged toward the contract highs set the day after Russia invaded Ukraine on the same list of factors that rallied the corn market. An added factor to begin the week was the flash export sales announcements on Good Friday. While there weren’t any trading hours on Good Friday, the USDA announced the sale of 30.8 million bushels of soybeans with 4.5 million to China for old crop, 19.8 million to China for new crop, and 6.5 million bushels to unknown for old crop. The March National Oilseed Processors Association Crush report was also released on Good Friday. It was a record for March at 181.7 million bushels and near the trade estimate of 182 million bushels. March soyoil stocks were the lowest since November at 1.9 billion See NYSTROM, pg. 16

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.

PAGE 16

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

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

Don’t miss good prices for soybean fall delivery NYSTROM, from pg. 15 pounds and below the trade estimate of 2.07 billion pounds.

In an unexpected announcement ahead of the weekend, Indonesia announced they will ban exports of cooking oil and its raw material beginning April 28. Indonesia is the world’s largest exporter of palm oil. President Widodo said they would monitor the policy until the country has an “abundant and affordable” supply of cooking oil.

The USDA released its first crop progress report for soybeans this week. As of April 17, 1 percent of U.S. soybean planting was complete vs. 2 percent on average, 2 percent expected, and 3 percent last year.

As of April 21, the Rosario Grain Exchange put Argentina’s soybean harvest at 27 percent complete vs. 23 percent on average. The Rosario Grain Exchange estimates Argentina’s soybean production at 41.2 mmt vs. 30 mmt previously. The two grain exchanges in Argentina are not in total agreement. The BAGE estimates Argentina’s bean yield at 46.7 bu./acre for a crop of 42 mmt with 31 percent of the crop harvested and 84 percent mature.

They rated the soybean crop at 18 percent good/ excellent, down 5 percent from last week. The USDA is at 43.5 mmt. Brazil’s soybean harvest is nearing completion.

Weekly export sales were 16.9 million bushels for old crop and 45.6 million bushels for new crop. Old crop cumulative sales are 2.1 billion bushels and down only 6 percent from last year. We need 2.2 million bushels of weekly sales to attain the USDA’s 2.115 billion bushel forecast. New crop total sales are 373.4 million bushels vs. 227.5 million bushels on the books last year.

China’s ag ministry stated they expect China’s soybean acreage to increase 16.7 percent this coming year with production reaching 20.6 mmt, up 26 percent from last year’s 16.4 mmt production. If accurate, its soybean imports could fall to 95.1 mmt from 96.5 mmt in 2021. There has been talk that China’s demand this summer may not be as high as expected.

Their hog and processing crush margins are in the red for June/July and the government has encourage feeders to use alternative sources of protein in feed rations. Traders estimate China has covered just 20 percent of its June through September needs which are expected to be 7-8 mmt per month.

The highest price a lead soybean contract has ever traded is $17.94.75 per bushel on Sept. 4, 2012. This highest a November soybean contract has traded was $17.89 per bushel on the same date.

Outlook: July and November soybeans set new high closes this week but have yet to get back to the

spike higher on Feb. 24. Soyoil contracts set new contract highs during the week and again after the Indonesian announcement. The technical key reversals lower established across the soybean market to end the week may make new longs nervous. Bulls like to be fed daily and will be watching U.S. planting weather closely. Even bullish markets take a break now and then. It will take a few more sessions to see if this is a break or if we’ve seen our highs for now.

Manage your own risk, but don’t miss out on locking in good prices out of the field for fall delivery.

For the week, May soybeans jumped 33.75 cents to close at $17.16, July rallied 22.75 cents to $16.88, and November managed to close 3.75 cents higher at $15.05.25 per bushel.

The FBI is warning the agricultural industry of potential increases in ransomware attacks during planting and harvest seasons. They stated, “A significant disruption of grain production could impact the entire food chain.”

Weekly price changes in July wheat for the week ended April 22: Chicago wheat down 29.25 cents at $10.75.25, Kansas City 7.75 cents lower at $11.49.5, and Minneapolis rallied 16 cents to $11.62.75 per bushel. v

www.TheLandOnline.com

Swine & U SWINE & U, from pg. 12

questions, Chryseis Modderman: cmodderm@umn. edu, and Melissa Wilson: wilso984@umn.edu, and their latest findings are available through the U of M Extension Crops website at https://extension. umn.edu/crop-production.

Diane DeWitte is a Swine Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension, based in Mankato.

She can be reached at stouf002@umn.edu. v

Farm Programs THIESSE, from pg. 14

Answers located in Classified Section

flags on the horizon. These include rapidly increasing input expenses and land costs, potential future declines in grain and livestock market prices, and likely lower levels of government payments.

Complete farm management results are available through the University of Minnesota Center for Farm Management FINBIN Program at http://www. finbin.umn.edu/ Kent Thiesse is a government farm programs analyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 726-2137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com. v

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

PAGE 17

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

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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

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

PAGE 18

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

Consignment Auction Saturday, May 7th • 10:00 AM

LOCATION: SVA Auction Facility, Hwy. 11, Hankinson, ND On-Line bidding provided by Equipmentfacts.com. On-Line auction begins at 11:00AM Sharp! THIS IS A PARTIAL LISTING. CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. Auctioneers note: The excellent line up of John Deere tractors are all coming from a single individual farm/ranch retirement! They are as good as you will find!

MFWD Loader Tractors: 2009 JD 7230 Premium MFWD, PQ trans., LH reverser, 3pt., PTO, 3 hyd. buddy seat, 2985 act. hrs, w/741 SL ldr, single point hookup on loader & bucket, 5 tine grapple, 380/85/R30 fronts, 480/80/R42 rears, Pre DEF, SN/010695; 2000 JD 6410 MFWD, PQ trans., LH reverser, 3pt., PTO, 2 hyd., 2 doors, 3833 act. hrs, w/640 SL loader, 4 tine grapple, 13.6x28 fronts, 18.4xR38 rears, SN/263641. MFWD Tractors: 2009 JD 7230 Premium MFWD, PQ trans., LH reverser, 3pt., PTO, 3 hyd., buddy seat, 2 doors, 1132 act. hrs, 380/85/R24 fronts, 460/85/R38 rears, Pre DEF, SN/598519; 2009 JD 6430 MFWD Premium, IVT trans., LH reverser, 3pt., PTO, 3 hyd., buddy seat, 2 doors, 1506 act. hrs, 320/85/R24 fronts, 460/85/R34 rears, Pre DEF, SN/611964; 2009 JD 6330 Premium MFWD, PQ trans., LH reverser, 3pt., PTO, 3 hyd., buddy seat, 2 doors, 4668 act hrs, 380/85/R24 fronts, 420/85/R38 rears, Pre DEF, SN/602407. 2WD Tractors: John Deere 4430, CAH, quad range transmission, 3pt. PTO, 2 hyd., new seat & interior, front wgts & fuel tank, rebuilt turbo, 5459 hrs, new 18.4x38 inside tires, 18.4x38 hub duals; Ford 8N, new radiator, carburetor & front tires; Allis Chalmers CA. Haying Equipment: 2009 JD 956 MoCo, 2pt. swing, 14.5’, rubber roll conditioner, SN/35924; JD 24T square baler (stored inside); JD 535 round baler; NH 499 haybine; Vermeer Super M round baler, newer belts; NH 259 side delivery rake; NH 276 square baler (stored inside); Vermeer 605K round baler, converging wheels, 1000 PTO; Tonutti P2/82 3pt. swath invertor; NH 499 haybine parts & new sickle sections. New & Unused Livestock Panels: NEW & UNUSED: (20) HD Full Frame 5’10” x 24’ free standing panels; (20) HD 5’x 24’ free standing panels; (80) 20’ x 6' bar continuous panels; (30) 5’x 10’ portable panels; (8) 5’ x 24’ free standing panels; (10) 5’ x 20’ free standing panels. John Deere Air Seeder: 2012 JD 1990 CCS air seeder, 42’, 10” spacing/double rank 20” spacing, Row Sense, ½ disconnect w/white (soybean meter), 2600 or 2630 monitor application. Tillage & Other Equipment: Case-IH 4900 field cult w/3 bar harrow, 40’; IHC 480 disc, 20’; 2012 Batco 1555 belted conveyor, 15” x 55’; 1 year on new belt, set up for elec motor (used for fertilizer); 2) 1500-gallon poly tanks; Woods RM 372 3pt. finishing mower. Trucks & Trailers: '78 Chevrolet C65 Cheyenne twin screw grain truck, 427 V-8 engine, 5x2 trans, air controlled 2 spd shift & differential lock, 19.5’ Frontier box, hoist, plumbed for drill fill, 10:00x20 tires, (super nice truck); '77 Chevrolet C65 Scottsdale twin screw grain truck, 366 V-8 engine, 5x4 trans, dual fuel tanks, 25,946 original miles, 18’ Buffalo box, hoist, 3 piece end gate, roll tarp, plumbed for drill fill, 10:00x20 tires; '87 48’ Great Dane reefer style water trailer, (1) 3000-gal tank, (1) 2000-gal tank, Honda 3” transfer pump, mix cone, 2” electric hose reel; 2012 S&S 16’ bumper pull stock trailer (like new); 8 round bale PT transport. ATV’s & Miscellaneous: 2000 Polaris Sportsman, 500cc ATV, 4x4, new clutch; Honda Rubicon, 250cc ATV, 2WD; 14’ camo boat w/newer trailer, 6HP Johnson outboard motor/camo; Champion portable generator; Hopper extension for JD S690 combine, 550 bu. capacity w/bubble up auger; JD 4430 spindles w/6 bolt rims & 10:00 x16 tires; Bobcat 72” dirt bucket; JD #5 sickle mower parts; Misc. pickup hitches; “Hitch O Matic” farm wagon hitches; Pickup telescoping shock hitch;16.9x38 duals, bands & hardware; 110 mini bulk chemical tank w/pump; 20’ tow rope; 24’ log chain; Case-IH tractor seat (86-88 series); 750x16 tires & rims; Hyd. cylinders & pump. Livestock Equipment: (2) 16’ steel feed bunks; Propane tank heater; Stock tank; Mineral feeder; Solar fencers; Dehorner. Guns & Ammo: All guns and ammo must be picked up at: The Craig Roe facility at Kindred, ND. ALL FFL RULES APPLY! $25.00 PER GUN TRANSFER FEE APPLIES! Kahr CW40 pistol; Lorcin L22 pistol; Phoenix Arms HP22A pistol; FIE Little Ranger revolver; Walther PPK/S pistol; Mosin Magant M91/30 military bolt rifle w/bayonet; Approximately 900 rounds of ammo, pouches & belt; Sig Sauer P320 9mm pistol; Ruger EC9S 9mm pistol; Approximately 1000 rounds of ammunition. Late Additions: Enorossi 9-wheel rake, like new: Farmhand F-10 loader, pump, bucket & grapple fork; Westfield 50’x8” auger, electric motor; Westfield 41’x7” auger, electric motor; Westfield drill fill; 1000-gallon nurse tank; Tandem axle trailer: Delta job box; Torch cart; Service tanks; DeWalt gas air compressor w/Honda motor; Lot’s of misc. items.

Southern Valley Ag & Equipment Auction AUCTIONEERS: Helbling Auctioneers LLC. (701) 428-3184; 321 Hwy 46 Kindred, ND- State Hwy 11 Hankinson, ND; Bob Helbling JR. ND Lic. 285, MN Lic. 14-084, John Kuchera ND Lic. 547, Clerk Lic. 390.

Website: www.midwestauctions.com click on Helbling Auctioneers TERMS: Cash or Check, All items must be paid for day of sale. Statements made auction day take precedence over printed material. A $25.00 fee will be assessed on titled vehicles purchased. Titles will be mailed.

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

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

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 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 3 & Closing May 12 at 1PM Wright County, MN Land Auction - 37± Acres, Cokato, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 4 & Closing May 12 at 1PM Edward Melroe Farm Retirement Auction, Kulm, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 5 & Closing May 12 at 3PM Bottineau County, ND Bin Site Auction, Russell, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 5 & Closing May 12 at 7PM Nepstad Hardware & Convenience Store Retirement Auction, Grandin, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 6 & Closing May 10 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 6 & Closing May 12 at 12PM Summit Siteworks Equipment Realignment Auction, West Fargo, ND, 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 Opening May 12 & Closing May 18 at 1PM Construction Equipment Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 16 & Closing May 24 at 10AM Multi-State Bank Owned Grain Elevator Facilities Auction – 5 Tracts, Iowa, Minnesota, & North Dakota, Timed Online Auction Opening May 16 & Closing May 24 at 1PM Stearns County, MN Land Auction - 148± Acres, Augusta, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 16 & Closing May 24 at 7PM Buetow Farms Hay & Livestock Equipment Retirement Auction, Cologne, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 16 & Closing May 25 at 1PM Meeker County, MN Land Auction - 218± Acres, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022 Real Estate

Merchandise

Feed Seed Hay

Sell your land or real estate in 20 H.D. Steel Jigs For Sheep OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn.

30 days for 0% commission. & Goats To Make Turn- Produces more high qualiCall Ray 507-339-1272 ing Cradles Sorting & Slide ty silage on less acres than Gates, Corral & Run Panels, hybrid. $67/bushel plus shipMineral Feeders, Bale Feed- ping. High feed value grain.

Real Estate ers, Etc. PLUS 35 Pieces Of Located at Teutopolis, IL Wanted Inventory. $6,500/OBO. RE- 217-857-3377 or 217-343-4962 WANTED: Land & farms. I TIRING. 319-269-4226 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 thought about selling contact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Land Specialist, Edina Realty, 138 Main St. W., New Prague, MN 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com (612)328-4506

One Call Does It All! With one phone call, you can place your classified line ad in The Land, Farm News and Country Today.

Call The Land for more information 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665

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

PAGE 19

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

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.

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

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

“Where Farm and Family Meet” THE LAND...since 1976

MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

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

SCHILLVIEW REGISTERED HOLSTEIN DISPERSAL TUESDAY MAY 17TH, 2022 – 11:00 AM

44324 220TH AVE. FREEPORT, MN 56331

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

217 OUTSTANDING OFFICIAL DHIA REGISTERED HOLSTEINS SELL UNDERCOVER DUE TO THE UNFORTUNATE PASSING OF MIKE SCHILLER, THIS ICONIC REPUTATION HERD WILL SELL WITH A RICH HISTORY OF INFLUENCING THE HOLSTEIN BREED WORLD-WIDE. SCHILLVIEW IS THE HOME OF ABS GARRETT AND GERARD AMONG OTHERS. CATALOG AVAILABLE LATE APRIL, ONLINE AT: www.midamericanauctioninc.com OR CONTACT SALE MANAGER 320-760-2979.

ONLINE BIDDING THROUGH COWBUYER.COM. PRE-APPROVAL REQUIRED, PH. AARON RAY TOMKINS 336-363-4639.

HERD AVG 2 X 22,992M, 4.5 980F. 3.4 769 P. LATEST SCC 74,000, MANY BEAUTIFULLY UDDERED 1ST AND LACT. COWS. INC. 4 EX, 35 VG, 34 GP, BAA 106.9, EXCELLENT HERD HEALTH PROGRAM. MILKED IN TIE STALLS, ALL ARE SWITCHED DAILY, GREAT FEET AND LEGS. EXCLUSIVELY AI TO LEADING SIRES INC: ACHIEVER, FRAZZLED, DOC, HUEY, VENTURE, EINSTEIN, DIAMONDBACK, MOOVIN, ACURA, BIG AL, ESSEX, GAMEDAY AND MORE. 90 FANCY BEAUTIFULLY UDDERED YOUNG COWS, MANY RECENTLY FRESH AND MILKING UP TO 125#, 20 DRY AT SALE TIME. 30 FANCY DEEP RIBBED HEIFERS FRESHENING SALE TIME THROUGH EARLY FALL. 28 CONFIRMED AND SHORT BRED HEIFERS. 69 OUTSTANDING OPEN HEIFERS FROM BABIES TO BREEDING AGE. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: SCHILLVIEW BALISTO GRACIE VG-86, SHE SELLS BACKED BY 7 GENERATIONS OF EX & VG COWS. 9 MILKING 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTERS SELL BY HUEY & VENTURE. HER DAUGHTER SCHILLVIEW VENTURE GENIE RECENTLY CLASSIFIED VG85 AND IS DUE TO SEXED PAYLOAD. SCHILLVIEW MEDLEY GABRIANNA, VG 87, SELLS IN FOURTH LACT. FROM EX 90 SILVER X EX 92 JARDIN X EX 91 TITANIC X VG 88 MTOTO. SCHILLVIEW SPARK GUADALUPE VG087, SELLS IN 4TH LACT. FROM VG 85 DAY, MILKING 115#, ALSO SELLING HER RECENTLY FRESH SKYWALKER DAUGHTER. SCHILLVIEW JEDI GRANDPRIZE, VG-86, SELLS IN 3RD LACT. MILKING 91 # FROM GP 81 KINGBOY X VG 88 GERARD IN HER 7TH LACT. WHO ALSO SELLS. SCHILLVIEW ROYAL GALAXY, RECENTLY FRESH 1ST LACT HEIFER WITH GREAT UDDER SHAPE AND SOUND FEET AND LEGS FROM VG 86 MODESTY X 86 SILVER. SCHILLVIEW DIAMONDBACK GLAM, VG 87 AT 2-2, COMES FROM A VG 85 SILVER DAM. MAKE PLANS NOW TO BE A PART OF THIS OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE HERD BUILDERS FROM THIS GREAT HERD.

OWNERS: SCHILLVIEW HOLSTEINS, (KAREN SCHILLER) 44324 220TH AVE. FREEPORT, MN 56331 • CHARLIE SCHILLER 320-493-4082

MID-AMERICAN AUCTION CO., INC.

MID-AMERICAN AUCTION CO. INC AL WESSEL Lic # 77-60 PH. 320-760-2979 KEVIN WINTER 320-760-1593 • STEVE PETERSON 218-849-2238 DENNIS DEVORE (HOLSTEIN USA) 319-270-5038

PAGE 20

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

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

First Your e for Choic ! ifieds Class

our Place Y ! ay d Ad To

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 • Add more insertions • Get more coverage

THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition.

Plus! Look for your classified ad in the e-edition.

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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)

oto (THE LAND only) $10.00 perper run:run  Border $10.00 each

 Photo (THE LAND only)

Farm Equipment

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

FULLY INSURED

FOR SALE: 2018 John Deere Starfire 6000 GPS, $9,000.

2000 Demco 500 gallon big wheel sprayer, 40’ hydraulic fold boom, $5,000. 612-2908436

507-236-9446

Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. FOR SALE: DR Stump Grind100% financing w/no liens or er, electric start w/ tow hitch, red tape, call Steve at Fair- near new condition, $1,200. fax Ag for an appointment. Also, JD 709 rotary mower, 7’ wide, 1000rpm PTO, 3pt 888-830-7757 hitch, $1,500. 507-877-2036

Farm Equipment

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.  Antiques & Collectibles  Harvesting Equipment  Goats CHECK ONE:  Announcements  Lawn & Garden  Grain Handling Equipment  Horses & Tack  Employment  Feed Seed Hay  Livestock Equipment  Exotic Animals  Real Estate  Fertilizer & Chemicals  Wanted  Pets & Supplies  Real Estate Wanted  Bins & Buildings  Free & Give Away  Cars & Pickups  Farm Rentals  Farm Equipment  Livestock  Industrial & Construction  Auctions  Tractors  Poultry  Trucks & Trailers  Agri Business  Tillage Equipment  Dairy  Recreational Vehicles  Farm Services  Planting Equipment  Cattle  Miscellaneous  Sales & Services  Spraying Equipment  Swine NOTE: Ad will be placed in the  Merchandise  Hay & Forage Equipment  Sheep appropriate category if not marked.



Bins & Buildings

= __________________________________________ = __________________________________________ = __________________________________________ = __________________________________________

FOR SALE: Hardi high wheel sprayer 80’, 3 way nozzle, 2013 Kubota F3080, commer- 1000 gallon tank, always cial lawn mower, 3 cyl 30HP shedded. Retiring. 507-822diesel, 4WD hydro, 1364 hrs, 2188 60” tilt up fabricated deck, Int’l 986 tractor, 3 pt hitch, steering wheel steer, bought 18.4x34 tires, 60%, 3350 new, nice, always shedded. hours, 2 rear hyd outlets. $14,750/OBO. 507-440-1990 507-236-9168 Case IH 25’ 496 cushion gang JD 620 tractor, NF, 13.6x38 disc, w/ 3 bar harrow, $8,900; tires, power steering, great JD 980 30’ field cult, w/ 3 condition. 15.5x38 band dubar harrow, $7,450; JD 520 als. WANTED: JD 338 or 328 20’ 3pt drill, 10” spacing w/ baler w/ 42 thrower, must be hyd markers, $4,750; IH 183 in very good working cond.

12x30 flat fold vibra shank Reasonable 612-229-2566 cult, $1,950; Bradford 12T running gear, 12.5x15 tires, McCormick Deering cream separator. 507-236-9168 $950. 320-769-2756 FOR SALE: Int’l 45 vibra ORGANIC TRACTOR FRONT 6-30 PROPANE shank digger w/ drag, 28’- MOUNT 30’, excellent hyds & tires. FLAMER, B/O. INT’L 21’ DISC, $2,500, Int’l cultivator, 3pt, 30” w/ TANDEM shields. 16’ Cattle & Hog MELROE GEYSLER CHISpanels. 50-100 steel posts. EL PLOW, 15 CHISELS, $1,250. 320-557-7336 320-769-2205 FOR SALE: Tractor tires We buy with rims, used once, as duSalvage Equipment als, front Titan 8-16, $700/ Parts Available pr; rear Armstrong 14.9-26, Hammell Equip., Inc. $1,200/pr. $1,800 for all. They (507)867-4910 are off of front & rear of JD WinPower 25/15 power takeoff 4710. 612-581-5002 driven generator, mounted FOR SALE: Owatonna 8’ on 2 wheel cart. 125’ power horse grain drill. Lyle Kuhns, cord. Both Items used very 507-835-4691 little. 507-236-9168

= __________________________________________ = __________________________________________ = __________________________________________

TOTAL

= __________________________________________

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

Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________________________________State ______________________ Zip _________________ Phone ________________________________________________________# of times __________________________ Card # ________________________________________________________Exp. Date __________________________ Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________

SORRY!

CHECK We do not issue refunds.

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.

Answers for Mother’s Day Word Search

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022 Tractors

Planting Equip

PAGE 21

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

Hay & Forage Equipment

Wanted

Wanted

Livestock

eFOR SALE: IHC 450 runs FOR SALE: 2014 Meridian Bale Conveyor, 90’, 2 motors, All kinds of New & Used farm WANTED: Hanson Posi-trac FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls . good, good TA, fair tires, 110 BST seed tender, Honda Best Offer. Henderson, MN equipment - disc chisels, field Ring Drive Silo Unloaders. also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ g original paint, $3,500. 507- motor, elec start, corded re- 56044. 507-602-0752 cults, planters, soil finishers, Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred 20’, 18’, 16’, or 14’. c 276-7785 cornheads, feed mills, discs, (Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790 mote, $7,500. 507-276-7785 RISTAU FARM SERVICE FOR SALE: 4th cut alfalfa balers, haybines, etc. 507507.765.3873 NEW AND USED TRACTOR McCormick Deering end gate hay. 23% protein, 3x3x8 big Sell your livestock with a 438-9782 ristaufarmservice@gmail.com PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, seeder. 507-236-9168 squares, asking $200/ton. line ad in THE LAND! 55, 50 Series & newer trac507-227-2602 www.thelandonline.com Please recycle this magazine.

507-345-4523 , tors, AC-all models, Large Spraying Equip . Inventory, We ship! Mark , Heitman Tractor Salvage t 715-673-4829 2006 Rogator 1074 self-propelled sprayer, 4WD, Michelin tires 70%, 4100 hrs, new l Tillage Equip LAND AND BUILDING SITE FOR SALE injectors, Cat eng, 80’ boom, , triple nozzles, 5 section shut 70.55 ± acres southwest of Le Sueur, MN off Hwy 169 sFOR SALE: Wil-Rich 2500 - 36’ field cultivator, good offs, 20” spacing, Foamer/ • 43.40 ± Tillable Acres • Building Site new light bar, Raven 4000 condition, sweeps are 70%, monitor. 507-276-3174 • Wooded Acres • Outbuildings , shanks in good condition, 4 • Abundant Wildlife • Add’l Building Rights 0 bar harrow, $2,500/OBO. 507. 384-7321

LAND FOR SALE

WANTED

DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE

FOR SALE: Wil-Rich 24’ dig8 ger, 4 bar harrow, nice cont dition, asking $4,500/OBO. - 507-227-2602 8 e Hardi Commander 1500, one Planting Equip . owner, 1500 gal sprayer w/ rinse tank & handwash tank, FOR SALE: John Deere 7000, m 6R30” planter, excellent con- has 90’ boom w/ triple nozzle bodies & chemical inductor, dition with John Deere 100 14.9x46 tires, has Hardi 2500 T monitor, liquid fertilizer with monitor, field ready, $12,000/ E Kinze soybean cups, one OBO. 763-286-2868 ’ owner, retiring, $5,900/OBO. Hardi Commander Sprayer, , 612-708-7015 -FOR SALE: 1760 JD planter, 750 gal, 60’ HZ 3 section , 12R30”, 20/20 precision moni- boom w/ controls, Hardi diator with row flow, wave seed phragm pump, 540 PTO, tritubes, fertilizer, Yetter row ple nozzles, foam markers, cleaners, new disk openers, 12.4x42 tires, monitor, always shedded. 952-649-8604 excellent shape. 701-899-3693

f d r y

MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 160 acres Prime Farmland, BenningtonTwp. MLS# 6181690 NEW LISTING! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 233 acres. MLS# 6175747 LISTED & PENDING! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 75 acres. MLS# 6177106 LISTED & PENDING! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 74 acres. MLS# 6175794 LISTED & PENDING! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 80 acres. MLS# 6175779 LISTED & PENDING! OLMSTED COUNTY: Approx. 35 acres. MLS# 6160091 PENDING! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 52 acres. MLS# 6162644 SOLD!

Full Farm Management Services including Rental Rates, Government Programs & Environmental Issues

“Need listings! We have qualif

ed buyers!”

Randy Queensland • 507-273-3890 • randy@Irmrealestate.com Ryan Queensland • 507-273-3000 • ryan@Irmrealstate.com Grand Meadow, MN • 800-658-2340

PRAIRIE AND HUNTING LAND FOR SALE

80 ± acres northwest of Dovray, MN • Food Plots Allowed • Water/Mature Trees Waterfowl Habitat

• Deer, Pheasant, and

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.

For property brochures, contact Hertz at 507-345-LAND WWW.HERTZ.AG Copy is 6.91” (5263) x 5”

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

PRUESS ELEV., INC.

151 St. Andrews Court #1310, Mankato MN 56001

1-800-828-6642

Successful auctions start in The Land!

Real Estate Auction Thursday, May 12th, 4:30 pm 11 4th St S., Gaylord, MN 55334

Commercial Buildings to sell LIVE onsite!

Personal Property will be sold ONLINE ONLY! Taxes may apply on some items.

Terms: No buyers premium on real estate.

Main Shop: This lar ge 3,840 sqft shop would be the per fect location for a variety of industries or businesses. The east side of the building was added in 1995, it is a 36’ x 50’ shop area with 18’ ceilings, water hookups and drains, 16’ x 24’ & 14’ x 14’ overhead doors. On the west side is a second shop area with loft and 2 standard overhead doors. In between both shops features a 24’ x 30’ office and merchandise area, half bath and basement with utilities underneath.

North Shop: This building has two wor k bays with 8’ x 10’ & 10’ x 12’ overhead doors, one side has a hoist and tall ceiling for larger equipment. Attached to the shop is an office area and plumbing for a 1/2 bath.

Pole Shed: To the west of the nor th shop is a 26’ x 42’ pole shed with rock floor, sliding front doors.

For complete terms or viewing, contact Matt Mages ~ 507-276-7002 Personal Property - Online Only

Inspection: May 12, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Lots Start Closing: May 12, 5:00 pm Pick-Up Date: May 13, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Tractor, Truck, Skid Loader: JD 3020 w/ JD 148 loader & bucket, 6903 hrs, gas, NF, Syncro, 3pt, PTO, hyd, tire chains; Allied snow blower attach, PTO; ‘95 Chevy Silverado 3500, 115000 mi, 4WD, 454 engine, dually; Bobcat 440B with snow blower & bucket attach.

Full list of Tools, Merchandise, Antiques & Miscellaneous available online at magesland.com

Buck’s Welding & Repair

Broker/Auctioneer: Matt Mages, 507-276-7002, Lic 52-21-018

Auctioneers: Matt Mages, Lar r y Mages, J oe Wer sal, J oe Maidl, J ohn Goelz, & Ryan Fr oehlich Clerk: Mages Land Co & Auction Ser vice, LLC. All Items Sold “AS IS”. Buyer is responsible for pick-up, Mages Land Co. does not provide any shipping. For all full terms and bidding go to magesland.com. Not responsible for accidents.

magesland.com

PAGE 22

Adv

Cattle

It Works!

erti

se

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

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

Cattle

Cattle

POLLED HEREFORD Red Angus & Hereford bulls BULLS, yearlings and 2 year For Sale, developed on forolds, low birth weight, high age, Semen tested & vacciperformance, semen test- nated, leading genetics for ed and delivery available. growth & mothering ability.

FOR SALE: 8 registered short Jones Farms, Le Sueur, MN. Colby 507-450-8303 or Doug 507-458-5421 Rushford MN horn yearling bulls, 4 roan 507-317-5996 color, 2 red and 2 white, good Classified Line Ads blood lines, $2,500/choice. Please support the advertisers you see here. Tell them you 507-534-2048 or cell 507-273WORK! saw their ad in The Land!

4421 9

Cattle

Sheep 400 ewe lambs from OPP tested negative flock. 605-8648811 or 605-997-2060

Angus and Sim-Angus cow/calf pairs. Registration and DNA on cows. $2,500 a pair. (507) 626-1183

Call 507-345-4523

FARM & RECREATIONAL LAND AUCTION

320.53 Acres +/- in Adrian Twp., Watonwan Co., MN Tuesday, May 24, 2022 @ 10:00 AM

Auction to be held at the Darfur Community Hall at 204 Adrian St N, Darfur MN

PROPERTY LOCATION: From Darfur, MN: Go 1 mile South on 625th Ave

Farmland Auction in Renville County Thursday, June 9th at 11AM 163.29 Surveyed Acres; 158.13+/- Tillable Acres; CPI=92.1

Pets & Supplies

Registered Hereford yearling bulls for sale. Have all shots, semen tested & poured. Halter broke & broke to lead. Fantastic growth E.P.D.’s. Will deliver. Klages Herefords, Ortonville, MN 320-2732163(H) 605-880-0521(C)

The NE 1/4 exc building site, Section 4, Twp 116, Range 35, Winfield Twp, Renville. Co.

PROPERTY LEGAL DESCRIPTION: NW 1/4; NE 1/4 & N 6 Rods of the SE

1/4 Less 5.47 Acre Building Site in Section 32, Township 107 North, Range 33 West, Watonwan County, Minnesota. For full flyer, informational booklet and bidding details, visit WWW.LANDSERVICESUNLIMITED.COM OWNERS: LESLEY JANZEN, MICHELLE STICKEN & JASON JANZEN

This land has tile and has been surveyed.

Seller: Harlyn and Arlene Lippert Family, Owners

Visit FladeboeLand.com for more details and drone video.

AUCTIONEERS Copy is 6.91” x 5” AND SALES STAFF DUSTYN HARTUNG-507-236-7629 KEVIN, ALLEN, RYAN & CHRIS KAHLER, DOUG WEDEL, SCOTT CHRISTOPHER & DARWIN HALL

Kristine Fladeboe Duininck 320-212-9379 Kristine@FladeboeLand.com Dale Fladeboe, Lic 34-12 Award Winning Auctioneers

Farm Site to sell LIVE onsite! Personal Property will be sold ONLINE ONLY! Terms: No buyers premium on real estate.

This Dreaming of country living? This is your chance!

This 3 bedroom, 1 3/4 bath home has a lot of potential and is set on a magnificent farm site. Main floor master suite with a 3/4 bath and large walk-in closet, eat-in kitchen with patio door access to wrap around porch, and large rear entry way with main floor laundry and extra shower. Outbuildings include: machine shed, barn, garage with office and two sheds.

Gladys Woller

Broker/Auctioneer: Matt Mages, 507-276-7002, Lic 52-21-018

Auctioneers: Matt Mages, Lar r y Mages, J oe Wer sal, J oe Maidl, J ohn Goelz, & Ryan Fr oehlich Clerk: Mages Land Co & Auction Ser vice, LLC. All Items Sold “AS IS”. Buyer is responsible for pick-up, Mages Land Co. does not provide any shipping. For all full terms and bidding go to magesland.com. Not responsible for accidents.

magesland.com

105 Ton IRON

FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc, cross bred boars, gilts & 4-H pigs.

Top quality. Excellent herd health. No PRSS. Delivery available. 320-760-0365 Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available.

Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Delivery available. Steve Resler. 507-456-7746

WORKER, Model P105-24, 12 Inch Depth 1/2x24” Flat or 1/2x6x6 Angle. Notching Lots of Punches Etc. Like New Used Very Little.

319-269-4226 or 319-347-6150

Your ad could be here!

507-345-4523

Have an upcoming Auction?

Talk to your auctioneer or call our friendly staff

at 800-657-4665

to place your auction in The Land

theland@thelandonline.com or www.thelandonline.com

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

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND

No Buyer’s Premium! For complete terms or viewing, contact Matt Mages ~ 507-276-7002 Personal Property - Online Only

Inspection: May 9, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Lots Start Closing: May 9, 5:00 pm Pick-Up Date: May 10, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Tractors, Vehicles & Tools: JD 3020, gas, WF w/ JD 46 loader & bucket, sng hyd (has not ran in 5+ yrs); Farmall C, gas, NF w/ AW Equip belly mower (has not ran in 5+ yrs); ‘00 Buick Century, 125000 mi; JD Gator CS; Cub Cadet RZTS zero-turn mower; Cushman Golfster golf cart (not running); V-style sng stage snow blower, 3pt; pull behind PTO mower; PTO generator; wheel weights; Heavy Hauler yard cart; lawn sweep; snow blowers; lawn mowers; tillers; Lincoln arc 225 AMP welder; power, hand & yard tools; ice augers; Household, Antiques & Misc: Buffalo Farm Equipment signs, 32” x 48”; large nativity scene w/ manger on hay rack; cupolas; Globe wood stove; Hardwick’s Radio stove; Maytag washer & dryer; Crosley freezer; wagon wheels; Victor scale; Spirit of ‘76 bell on pole; Powermaster 760 BB repeater; Daisy Mod 188 BB repeater; 7-gun glass front cabinet; cast iron cookware; collection of glassware, collector plates & pottery; steins; jewelry, gold & silver; various coins, many half & silver dollars; Lane chest; Radio Flyer 80 wagon;

Industrial & Construction

2013 Uni-Hydro

Swine

Real Estate Auction Monday, May 9th, 4:30 pm 24612 521st Ave, Winthrop, MN

Mankato Pet Cremation is family owned & operated.

Offering pre-planning, urns, and in-home euthanasia by Gentle Goodbyes. mankatopetcremation.com 507-995-7126 or text us.

Southern MN/ Northern IA May 13, 2022 May 27, 2022 May 13, 2022

*

Northern MN May 6, 2022 May 20, 2022 June 3, 2022 *June 17, 2022

Deadline is 8 days prior to publication.

Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication.

418 South 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!

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022 Trucks & Trailers

Miscellaneous

-FOR SALE: ‘73 Ford Tandem PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS - grain truck, 534 gas eng (re- New pumps & parts on hand. placed approx 38,000 miles Call Minnesota’s largest disago), air brakes, tires good tributor to exc, steel box w/ wood HJ Olson & Company floor, fold out endgates, runs 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 good. $3,900. 507-327-6430 REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service .

Classified line ads work!

New & Used , For your irrigation needs Call 507-345-4523 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073

2 r s w

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

PAGE 23

Miscellaneous Tree trimming, cutting and removal.

Boom Truck & Insured.

Call or Text Josh Linder 507-995-7081

SELL IT FAST

with a classified line ad!

Call us today 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665

If it’s too good to throw away then sell it in The Land and make some extra $$$.

Call The Land today!

507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665

ADVERTISER LISTING Auctioneer Alley .......................................................................22 Beck's Hybrids ........................................................................... 1 Eric Cooling .............................................................................19 Fladeboe Land ..........................................................................22 Generac ..................................................................................... 4 Greenwald Farm Center .............................................................19 Helbling Auctioneers .................................................................18 Hertz Farm Management ..........................................................21 IDEAg Group, LLC ...................................................................13 Kannegiesser Truck .................................................................... 3 Kerkhoff Auction ................................................................ 17, 19 Land Resource Management ......................................................21 Leaf Filter ................................................................................. 6 Mages Auction Service ........................................................ 21, 22 Mathiowetz Construction Co. ..................................................... 5 Mid American Auction ..............................................................19 MN Soybean .............................................................. Cover Wrap Pruess Elevator, Inc. .................................................................21 Rush River Steel & Trim ............................................................ 9 Schweiss Doors .........................................................................19 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ......................................................17 Steffes Group ............................................................................18 Waseca SWCD ..........................................................................17 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com

ADOPTION. California family promises baby loving home, secure future, full time mom. Educational opportunities, devoted grandparents, gentle dog.

Generous living/ relocation expenses paid. Ed and Danielle 1(818)356-6981 or attorney 1(310)663-3467. (mcn) DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-855-977-7030 (mcn) DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 855-752-6680 (mcn) World’s First - Stem Cell Release Vitamin. Get Your FREE Bottle Now @ www.freebottlebiz.com/ aim2success. Call John @ 843-9480505. (mcn) DIRECTV for $79.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package.

Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere.

First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.)

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Car Loans. Call NATIONAL DEBT RELIEF! We can help! Get a FREE debt relief quote: Call 1-866-5520649. (mcn) BUSINESS LINE OF CREDIT $5000 TO $100K, 550 Credit Score.

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LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 877-327-0795. (mcn) FREE AUTO INSURANCE QUOTES for uninsured and insured drivers. Let us show you how much you can save! Call 855-995-2382 (mcn) NEED NEW FLOORING? Call Empire Today® to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 844-785-0305 (mcn) UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades.

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PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022

This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Managing Editor Paul Malchow.

Goats, kids and gardening

M

uch like small family farms are disappearing in America, family-owned garden centers are becoming rare. Mega-retailers such as Walmart and Menards now feature lawn and garden centers which buy in quantity and enjoy a deeper labor pool which keeps costs down.

Dedicated customers and a discriminating clientele are willing to pay more at a local garden center, but slim profits and a demanding workload takes a toll on the ma and pa operations.

But does Walmart have chickens and micro mini-donkeys?

South of Prior Lake, Minn. gardeners can find Queen Bee’z Lawn and Garden. A true throw-back to the garden center of yesteryear, Queen Bee’z is loaded with country charm.

Crystal Dahlgren is the owner of Queen Bee’z. She purchased the Waderich Feed and Garden operation in 2018. You can’t say Dahlgren is a naïve newcomer to the garden center business. She worked at Wederich since she was 14 years old. “Dennis is like a father to me,” she said.

“At a young age I immediately fell in love with growing all the plants,” Dahlgren went on to say. “As time went on, I knew I wanted to own it one day and that is what I worked towards.”

The bright red growing houses provide a warm welcome to shoppers. Right now they are packed with an impressive variety of plants — just waiting for a break in this cold spring to be moved outdoors. We grow all of our vegetables and herbs from seed,” explained Dahlgren.

“We grow over 50 different varieties of tomatoes and have a big selection of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs.”

Landscapers will find a handy rock and mulch selection.

The quaint garden

Prior Lake, Minn.

shop offers a little of everything — from soil to garden products to decorations and enhancements for lawns and gardens.

But the real show lies in the rear of the garden center. A fair number of chickens are scattered about, busily grazing the yard.

They pay little mind to visitors and don’t seem the least alarmed.

The goats and pony show a curious interest; but the welcoming committee is definitely the mini-donkeys — pressing up to the fence for a close look. “My love for chickens is accidental,” Dahlgren laughed. “People who would order chicks didn’t show up to get their orders; so I just began raising them. They produce the most beautiful colored eggs which we sell in the shop. I love having families come out just to see the animals. Kids — big and small — love coming to visit and the animals love all the visitors too!”

The name Queen Bee’z came courtesy of Dahlgren’s children — who have been accompanying Dahlgren to the center since they were infants. “They said, ‘mom, you never leave the hive!

How about you name it Queen Bee’z!’”

With her daughters now working with her side-by-side, Dahlgren reflected on family. “I would really like to see more kids get involved with growing,” she said. “I’m hoping to get more involved with the community and get these kids’ hands dirty. I want to show them all the beauty that is created from growing all the things — from vegetables to trees. It’s important to show these younger kids the way we grow.”

Queen Bee’z Lawn and Garden is located at 17860 Panama Ave., Prior Lake, Minn.

Their web site can be found at https:// www.queenbeezgarden.com/ and the phone number is (952) 440-8165. v

County soybean boards across the state are coming together to use their checkoff dollars to donate soy-based shoes to local frontline workers, while bringing awareness to the benefits and versatility of soy.

Checkoff taking giant strides with new statewide promotion This summer, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) is taking another giant leap forward to promote checkoff investments – from the farm to frontline.

“Each year, our farmer-led board tasks our team with spotlighting checkoff projects – everything from biodiesel to road sealants to tires – in unique ways,” MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka said. “These initiatives help inform growers throughout the state on the ways the checkoff continues to add to their bottom lines.”

MSR&PC, which directs the state’s soybean checkoff resources, is Stepping Up to amplify farmer profitability and promote the value-added uses of the “miracle bean.” Coming off the heels of the successful Driving Soy promotion, Minnesota soybean farmers are lacing up to promote value-added products while also giving back to frontline health care workers in their counties.

Minnesota soybean farmers ‘stepping up’ for frontline workers In 2020, Skechers released its GO line of footwear, which incorporates soybean oil to improve grip, stability and durability. Skechers is using the same technology featured in Goodyear Tire Company’s checkoff-supported line of soy-based tires, which incorporated soy into its rubber technology. MSR&PC promoted the soy-based tires in summer 2021 by donating sets of tires to dozens of sheriff’s departments throughout the state.

As part of the campaign, Minnesota’s 44 county boards are eligible to donate up to 50 pairs of Skechers soybased shoes to a local health care facility as a thank you for their continuous sacrifice.

The Stepping Up campaign kicks off in May and runs throughout the summer. The statewide effort strives to inform both farming and non-farming public on the environmental advantages of soybean oil and the myriad uses of soybeans. To learn more, visit mnsoybean.org/ stepping-up or follow #SoySteppingUp all summer long.

SOY: IT’S EVERYWHERE! Thanks to the soybean checkoff, consumers across the nation are now able to purchase hundreds of soybased products. From vehicle tires to running shoes to energy efficient roofing materials, these products help curb dependence on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, all while supporting our local farmers and rural economy.

Here are five checkoff-funded, soy-based products you can utilize today.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady & Assurance ComfortDrive Tires Checkoff-supported research showed soybean oil can improve tire flexibility at low temperatures, helping the rubber to remain pliable in cold weather.

Goodyear now has four lines of soy-based tires,two of which are made for everyday vehicles.

Skechers GO sneakers The soybean checkoff is putting its best foot forward on the path toward improving profitability, thanks to a collaboration with Skechers, which uses Goodyear Tire’s soy rubber technology to improve its outsoles in its line GO athletic and leisure shoes. After several test trials, Skechers determined the shoes’ rubber outsole compound featured improved durability and traction in a range of climates and conditions – ideal for Minnesota’s four seasons. It’s GO time for the soybean checkoff!

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council oversees the investment of soybean checkoff dollars on behalf of the nearly 28,000 soybean farmers in Minnesota. This money is used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.

Roof Maxx Through checkoff investments and research, soybean oil is helping keep roofs over people’s heads, literally. Supported by checkoff research and development, Roof Maxx can treat about 90% of roofs, extend its life at five years per treatment and can treat the roof up to three times. In Minnesota, a Roof Maxx application could extend the life of the roof by up to 12 years. The soybean checkoff is raising the roof!

Biodiesel No checkoff, no biodiesel. Checkoff investments helped kickstart biodiesel in Minnesota and fuel its growth nationwide.

Today, homegrown biodiesel accelerates profitability by raising the price of soybeans by as much as $1 per-bushel and The environmentally friendly fuel also removes nearly 1.25 million tons of CO2 from the air. This equates to removing the emissions of a quarter-million passenger vehicles each year.

DUST seed lubricant Marketed as 20 times less abrasive to seed than Talc, Low Mu Tech’s seed lubricant, made from soy protein, is carcinogen-free and reduces health risks to farmers and the environment. DUST was developed to be a direct replacement for Graphite or Talc. Learn more at lowmutech.com.

TWO DECADES.

ONe tough fuel.

Twenty years ago, Minnesota’s soybean checkoff launched a national movement when farmers sought to improve our state’s economy and environment by using soy-based biodiesel.

Today, Minnesota’s historic 20% biodiesel blend in the summer and a 5% blend in the winter removes the emissions from nearly a quarter-million passenger vehicles each year. We’re also boosting the state’s economy – biodiesel contributes nearly $1.7 billion toward Minnesota’s economy and adds nearly 5,400 jobs.

That’s a win-win worth celebrating.

Brought to you by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council