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Sow what?
Growers need patience by the bushel as fields sit idle. 2022 E H T M FRO ELDS FI
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Meet the “From The Fields” reporters for 2022!
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THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
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418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLVI ❖ No. 10 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements
This spring not historical, but is annoying www.TheLandOnline.com facebook.com/TheLandOnline twitter.com/TheLandOnline
Cover photo by Paul Malchow
COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Readers’ Photos: Life on the Farm Cooking With Kristin Deep Roots Green & Growing Talent in the GreenSeam Calendar of Events Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads
2-5 5 4 6 7 8 12 11 13 16 18-23 23 24
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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.
“Nothing ever seems impossible in for planting. Soil temperatures are far spring, you know.” A quote from author from the ideal planting temperatures. L.M. Montgomery from a century ago, EVENTUALLY, spring will arrive and while a beautiful sentiment, certainly when it does the planters will be rolling isn’t accurate when talking about spring across the landscape. With better com2022. Everything seems impossible — modity prices in years, farmers are anxfrom attempting to walk outside without ious to get in the field and get the seed in getting blown over by the insidious wind, the ground. to the flooding in northwestern This spring has been interesting thus LAND MINDS Minnesota, to the torrential rains and far, I think we are more than ready to get blizzards. Any obstacle to stop spring By Kristin Kveno off this wild weather ride and into more from happening has been thrown at stable, warm temperatures. Minnesotans. Once again, I will be following farmWe are a forgetful bunch. Each year ers from planting to harvest for our we think spring will be a linear event, creeping “From the Fields” segment. It’s an honor to have the every day towards warmer weather. That’s not how opportunity to interview farmers from different it goes; and every spring we are painfully reminded parts of the state as they grow their crops. They are of that. Snow in April is normal, according to the a busy bunch, but graciously take the time out of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Here their schedules to provide an update on how things are a few monumental snow events that have are looking in the field. occurred in the state. Our 2022 “From the Fields” producers are Matt In 1893, the town of St. Cloud was walloped with Erickson, Fertile, Minn.; Leah Johnson, Evansville, 30 inches of snow from April 19-21. Just four years Minn.; Bob Roelofs, Garden City, Minn.; and Scott ago, the Twin Cities received 15.8 inches of snow Winslow, Fountain, Minn. from April 13-16. We get snow here anytime April We have farmers from north to south, from east to wants to throw a little winter back in our faces. Snow in May is less common but not unheard of. In west, to give you, the readers, the most coverage of how the crops are doing in various parts of the 1954, a swath from Clearwater to the Iron Range state. received 10 inches of snow from May 2 to 3. Here’s to safe and smooth planting and a prosperThis spring feels different. Instead of warmer temperatures dotted with the occasional snow event, we ous growing season. Let’s not use the “S” word until at least November and let’s tone down the “W” word have been hit with constant cooler temperatures while we’re at it. We could all use a break from the (like, 30 degrees cooler than average), plenty of moisture in the form of rain, sleet and snow, coupled white, fluffy stuff and those nasty gusts. with hollowing winds. Happy 2022 planting to one and all! As I write this, many farmers are getting out in Kristin Kveno is the staff writer of The Land. She the field cultivating, trying to get the ground ready may be reached at kkveno@TheLandOnline.com. v
OPINION
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
9 — Meet the “From The Fields” reporters for 2022. 12 — “State of Ag” report highlights worker shortage concern. 13 — Milk prices look good, but grain and fuel costs keep surging higher. 24 — Tim and Jan King leave no stone unturned in this week’s Back Roads.
THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Nuts and Bolts” — News and new products from the ag industry • “Calendar of Events” — Check out The Land’s complete events listing • “E-Edition” — Archives of past issues of The Land
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
Even corn can see the difference. The greener, the healthier. And with Miravis® Neo fungicide, healthier corn is what you get. Miravis Neo features the highest-performing SDHI for industry-leading activity on Gray Leaf Spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight. It also delivers built-in resistance management and increased plant health. Meaning you get higher yield potential. And a difference anyone can see. Talk to your Syngenta retailer to learn more or visit SyngentaUS.com/Miravis-Neo.
© 2022 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Better Yield is the Better Deal™, Miravis® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. GS 7610_3_1
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THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
Life on the Farm: Readers’ Photos It’s been a while since we’ve published any of your pictures and they’re starting to pile up ... so here goes! To the left is a collection of cats sent in by Linda from the Groth farm near Kerkhoven, Minn. “Uncle Kenneth and his trainees are enjoying the bale without snow outside the barn,” Linda writes. Below is a photo taken by The Land correspondent Renae B. Vander Schaaf during one of the blustery spring days we’ve seen tis year – this one on April 14 north of Orange City, Iowa.
These three photos come courtesy of regular contributor Rose Wurtzberger of New Ulm. These clouds seem low enough to touch during a 42-degree day on Jan. 18. More recently, Rose captured these bloodroot blooms on the farm she grew up on.
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Tammy Kajer of New Prague, Minn. sent this photo of her son Marcus with his 4-H and FFA show heifer Misty which is an Ayrshire fall calf.
Jason Enberg of Kenyon, Minn. shared this photo of his son Oscar. “Growing up on the farm, bibs and Iowa frost free hydrants,” Jason wrote.
“On Friday the 6th some of our neighbors finally got some corn planted!” Rose writtes “We weren’t so lucky, just got some ground worked. Hoping for better luck this week!”
E-mail your Life on the Farm photos to editor@thelandonline.com.
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
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Letter: Biden election “victory” promotes Russian invasion To the Editor, This letter is in response to Mr. Rendahl’s letter in The Land’s March 18 edition (“Trump supported Putin, not Ukraine”). Please find his “letter” and read it for yourselves. One word to describe said letter: WOW! That has to be one of the most unsubstantiated, brainwashed pieces I have ever read. You definitely set the bar high Mr. Rendahl. First off, you noted that Trump begged Putin for help in the 2016 election. Obviously this is a story promoted by the corrupt mainstream media — like CNN which I’m sure Mr. Rendahl has on his TV constantly. Talk about misinformation! Has anyone seen the latest findings of the
Durham investigation? Obviously Mr. Rendahl hasn’t; because CNN won’t allow such findings on their network. Durham is in the process of debunking Mr. Rendahl’s theory of Russian collusion and in fact he’s convicting a number of Clinton top aides for producing such misinformation. He has also proven that the Clinton camp spyed (sic) on the Trump campaign. And besides, Putin didn’t want Trump to be president as he knew he could much more easily push Clinton and now Quid Pro Joe around than Trump. That leads me to next point. Putin would have never invaded Ukraine if Donald J. Trump was still president. He knew Trump would react swiftly
and way more effectively than Slow Joe. Slow Joe has enacted all these “sanctions” on Russia. Wow, they are really working aren’t they? Ukraine will be destroyed before Putin feels the effects of these sanctions. I also had to chuckle that Mr. Rendahl said, “Putin and Trump held several private conversations with no note taking!” Mr. Rendahl, how did you get info on such “private” conversations? Remember the hot mike that caught King Obama telling Putin, “We can work with you much better after the election.”? Lastly Mr. Rendahl, did you see that the leftist news outlet New York Times recently came out and “authenticated” that the found laptop was actually
Hunter Biden’s? Once again, liberals called that laptop issue Russian misinformation and the media swept it under the rug until after the election. Imagine that? If that laptop would have been allowed to take down Sleepy Joe’s campaign, Russia wouldn’t be taking down Ukraine right now. So sad! And one more thing: Mr. Rendahl, please do some research and look into viewership numbers for CNN as opposed to Fox News and Newsmax. You might be alarmed at how low a viewership the fake news, sex scandal ridden CNN really is. Kevin Busch Fulda, Minn.
Democrats lost in the pandering, posturing weeds “another $400 million [to] One of the more confoundfund a two-year increase in ing political riddles pundits loan rates for U.S. producers love to debate is how to encourage them to grow Democrats “lost” rural more select food commodiAmerica. If the past month ties, including wheat, rice is any indication, however, and oilseeds like soybeans, it looks less like the Dems sunflowers and canola.” lost rural America and more like they are just lost It’s very unlikely, however, FARM & FOOD FILE in rural America. that higher loan rates will By Alan Guebert deliver more of these needFor example, on April 28, ed commodities — let the White House asked alone in the time frame Congress for $33 billion the White House says to purchase more weapons of war and supply more “economic they will be needed — because that’s not how commodity loan rates work. and humanitarian aid” to Ukraine. According to Politico, $500 million of “Loan rates really give producers the request is targeted at “American liquidity to hold on to a harvested crop farmers… [to] help boost domestic pro- until they market it. I don’t know if duction of wheat, soybeans, rice and they encourage more production,” a other food commodities” lost to the senior Republican Senate aide (with global market when Russia invaded kind deference to the White House) Ukraine. told Politico shortly after the There are several problems with this Administration announcement. So, “I’m not sure how loan rates are going request, but two stand out. First, as to be helpful.” described, $100 million of the new money “would go toward providing a If the Biden request survives $10-per-acre payment to farmers” who Congress (and already there’s talk of plant a soybean crop after a winter modifying the plan) both ideas might wheat crop in 2023. have a short shelf life. Even Joe Glauber, the chief economist at the U. If this is such a red hot idea — and a $10-an-acre subsidy is, at best, luke- S. Department of Agriculture under Secretary Tom Vilsack during the warm — why wait a year? The 2021Obama Administration, is at a loss to 22 winter wheat crop will be harvested in the coming months, leaving tens explain Biden’s Big Ag ideas. of millions of acres ready for double“I don’t think that this sort of intercrop soybeans this year. vention from the government makes any sense, other than to read it in a Second, the Biden proposal offers
OPINION
pure political sense…” Glauber remarked shortly after the proposals were announced. The same is true for the Biden Administration’s other big April farm idea: expanding sales of E-15, gasoline with a 15 percent ethanol blend rather than the usual 10 percent, between June 1 and Sept. 12. The announcement, made in ethanol-loving Iowa, was touted as a way to lower nationwide gasoline prices by 10 cents per gallon. That’s a big job for such a tiny hammer since less than 2 percent of all gasoline stations nationwide have E-15 pumps. Indeed, there’s little evidence this relatively tiny boost in ethanol sales — if it materializes at all — will impact U.S. gasoline prices this summer. Moreover, the Biden ethanol plan overlooks an authoritative March report from the National Academy of Sciences that “estimated that cornbased ethanol was at least 24 percent more carbon-intensive than gasoline
when emissions from land-use changes… were included,” reported the New York Times April 12. So, in fact, the Biden announcement of summer E-15 sales “‘...will actually work in the opposite direction of the administration’s climate goals rather than being a benefit,’ Jason Hill, a professor of bioproducts and biosystems engineering at the University of Minnesota,” told the Times. If Land Grant University professors think government expansion of ethanol is a bad idea, it’s probably a really bad idea. But bad ideas rarely stop politicians from pandering and posturing to constituents — even if it’s the wrong pandering and posturing. So, pundits, stop wondering about rural Dems; they’re there. They just don’t know where “there” is anymore. The Farm and Food File is published weekly. Past columns, events and contact information are posted at www. farmandfoodfile.com. v
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THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
Slow-cooked meat so good you’ll eat every shred It’s about to get really busy. Whether you’re headed into the field for spring’s work, chauffeuring kids around to baseball, soccer, golf, etc. you don’t have time to cook a labor-intensive meal. Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. All you have to do is shred the meat, put it on the bun, and head out the door. These shredded meat recipes are some of my favorite and I make them quite frequently. Pull out the slow cooker, toss in your favorite meat and get ready to have a delicious meal with minimum fuss.
COOKING WITH KRISTIN
4 pounds beef roast 2-4 tablespoons of hot sauce 1 stick salted butter 1 cup low sodium soy sauce 3 garlic cloves minced 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, mix 2-3 cups of caramelized onion thin pickles 2-3 cups of shredded cabbage and carrots mixture 12-16 rolls
In a slow cooker, add beef, hot sauce, butter, soy sauce and garlic. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Shred beef once cooked. Assemble sliders by slicing This recipe is so simple; but the results are so tasty. If you want rolls in half, horizontally. Adding a thin layer of ketchup-mayonto add a little more sophistication to your meal, put the shredded naise to both halves of the roll. Sprinkle a tablespoon of cabbage mixture. Add a generous 3 tablespoons of meat mixture, then 1 turkey in a flaky, buttery croissant. tablespoon of caramelized onion, then a pickle and close the slider. Slow Cooker Shredded Turkey Sandwiches Secure the slider with a toothpick and serve. https://www.foxvalleyfoodie.com/slow-cooker-shredded-turkeyn sandwiches/ Pulled pork is always in season. It’s versatile, delectable and 2 turkey breasts easy to make. This recipe features the zip of sriracha, the tang of 24 ounces beer (can substitute low sodium chicken broth) apple cider vinegar and plenty of other spices to jazz up the pork. 1 stick butter 2 packets onion soup mix Slow Cooker Pulled Pork 16 buns https://www.wellplated.com/slow-cooker-honey-pulled-pork/ Place turkey, beer, butter and soup mix in the slow cooker and 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped cook until turkey is easily shredded with a fork. Approximately 4 6 ounces tomato paste hours on high, or 8 hours on low. Shred the meat with two forks. 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar Serve turkey on buns. 1/3 cup honey 1/4 cup water n 2 tablespoons brown sugar We have A LOT of beef in our deep freeze right now so I’ve been 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce on the lookout for new beef recipes to try. These beef sliders min2 teaspoons smoked paprika gle the flavors of the caramelized onions, pickles, hot sauce and 2 teaspoons garlic powder beef, just to name a few. This is a recipe I will be making often, it’s 2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce of choice that good. 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional for the pork 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional Slow Cooker Spicy Cuban BBQ Beef Sliders 1 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder or pork but https://latinamommeals.com/slow-cooker-spicy-cuban-bbq2 tablespoons cornstarch plus 3 tablespoons cold water to crebeef-sliders/ ate a slurry By Kristin Kveno
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In the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, whisk together the onion, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, sriracha, teaspoon salt and liquid smoke (if using), until smoothly combined. Season the pork all over with a generous
amount of kosher salt and ground pepper. Add the pork to the slow cooker and spoon the sauce all over the top to cover it. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender. Transfer the pork to a large bowl, leaving the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Pour into the slow cooker, then whisk to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high whisking every so often, until the sauce is thickened to your liking, about 20 to 30 minutes. While the sauce thickens, shred the pork with two forks or, if it is cool enough to handle, with your fingers. Stir the shredded pork back into the thickened sauce in the slow cooker. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired (you may need an extra pinch of salt or some additional hot sauce if you enjoy a kick). Spoon pork on top of buns with coleslaw and pickles to create a sandwich or serve it any way you like. n I’ve been making this shredded chicken recipe for years. It’s simple but a hit every time I serve it. Whether you put the chicken on a bun, in a tortilla or on top of a salad, it goes great with anything.
Crockpot Pulled Ranch Chicken
https://www.thepinningmama.com/crockpot-pulled-ranchchicken/#recipe 2 pounds chicken breast 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning or two tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning, ½ teaspoon reserved 1/2 cup chicken broth
Pour the chicken broth into the Crockpot. Lay the chicken breast on top, then top with ranch seasoning. Cover and cook on high for 2.5 hours. At the end of the cooking time, remove the chicken and shred it. Drain the broth, reserving 1/4 cup of the broth. Place the shredded chicken, the reserved ranch seasoning and broth back into the Crockpot and stir until everything is evenly combined. No matter how you shred it, these recipes will add excitement to your dinner plates with little work. Kristin Kveno scours the internet, pours over old family recipes and searches everywhere in between to find interesting food ideas for feeding your crew. Do you have a recipe you want to share? You can reach Kristin at kkveno@thelandonline.com. v
Business succession strategy class A five-week course focused on business succession strategy will be offered by University of Minnesota Extension beginning June 2. In Minnesota, an estimated 50,000 businesses are owned by individuals 55 and older. Experts recommend starting succession planning at least five years before handing a business off to new owners. Beyond retirement, succession planning is recommended as part of preparing for the “5 d’s” that can occur: death, divorce, disability, disaster and disagreement.
The online course is designed to offer a supportive, confidential learning space for businesses of all types and sizes. Business leaders will learn about options, gain skills in strategy and learn from others in order to create a comprehensive succession plan. For more information see z.umn.edu/BSTclass or contact Michael Darger at darger@umn.edu or (612) 625-6246. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 7
An ordinary day and a glimpse of heaven Yesterday, for the first time in many turned into an invitation for her and her months, I wished that I could stop the preschool son to come along with Jordy clock. I wished time could pause and I and I that afternoon to pick up our corn could live in those moments forever. It seed. Noting we had an hour or so to was a rather ordinary day filled with spare and there was a trout stream on ordinary things, yet I could not think of our way, we packed up some fishing gear, anywhere else I would rather be. peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and hit the road once Jordy was done with The day began with getting my four school for the day. The two boys fished older children ready for school and onto DEEP ROOTS long enough to catch some downed trees the bus. No one was running late or left By Whitney Nesse causing me to wade, bare footed with my the house without a smile. Once the older pant legs rolled up, in the icy cold ones were off to school, I had a few minstream only to lose the lure on the next cast. We utes to spend alone with Jordy, my youngest, as we skipped rocks, hiked up a hill, drank juice, found a waited for the preschool bus. We played a few deer carcass, foraged wild ramps and collected games of tic tac toe, laughing and giggling as he worms. cheated his way to win every game. As his bus arrived, he ran out of the house leaving me with, The next leg of the trip to pick up seed took us “Bye Mom! Love you!” along the Minnesota River. We spied deer and turkeys, sang silly songs and ate snacks. Upon arrival My morning continued as I sat down with Karl and enjoyed a cup of coffee. Our conversation start- at the seed warehouse, we chatted with “the worker guy,” as Jordy called him. He told us about the wilded with daily logistics and ended with a check in life mounts he had in his office, we discussed the where we discussed how each of us were feeling, cold and windy spring, and he made the day for a building each other up, discussing needs, offering couple of boys by offering them candy and brand apologies that may be necessary and sharing what spanking new seed corn hats! We then loaded up the Lord has been teaching each of us. This has our seed, made an obligatory stop at the Dairy become a cherished yet ordinary pattern for us. Queen and headed home. Karl and I bid each other goodbye and my routine chores continued. Running the dishwasher, getting After the older kids came home from school, a load of laundry going, feeding animals and taking 10-year-old Easton made a four square court with dinner out of the freezer. sidewalk chalk on our garage apron. The game The sun shone on my back, warming me through quickly turned very competitive as everyone played together. In jest, we trash talked, made big plays, my winter jacket, as I then relocated a few fence posts along our pasture. It was a tedious job which accused everyone of cheating and laughed! A simple included removing the strands of barbed wire and game turned into big fun for our family and entertained the kids for a couple of hours! high tensile electric wire from each post that needed moving; and then again attaching them Dinner time rolled around and the kids had upon relocation. As I worked, the birds sang and requested Karl’s pancakes. As he made flapjacks, I the goats in the pasture quietly browsed close to heated up some of our homemade maple syrup and me. bacon from the pigs our boys raised last summer. Karl and I went over the top, complimenting our A very regular phone conversation with a friend sons for raising the best bacon this side of the
Mississippi and they soaked it in, grinning from ear to ear. Then our everyday bedtime routine started with preparing the kids for school the next day by laying out clothes, packing backpacks and baths. While Karl concluded the bedtime routine, I ran to pick up our oldest daughter Abby from youth group. On our way home, she chatted my ear off about the fun games they played and about what she learned. It is such a joy to watch her grow in her faith in Christ. As I turned out the lights and surrendered to bed, I thought about the events of the day. There was nothing spectacular, glorious or glamorous about the day, the weather was cool, cloudy and dreary. It was altogether ordinary, filled with regular tasks and duties. Yet in the moments before falling asleep, I was wishing that I could relive the day forever. I was wishing time could stop, I could keep my children at their present age, and we could live these routine moments forever. I wonder if this is what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:5, “The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less” (MSG). Is it the pure joy of the ordinary things that make me long to experience them forever? Was the Lord, in his goodness, giving me a taste of heaven? I believe it was. Although I know that I cannot relive the simple, ordinary joy of my literal yesterday and I know my tomorrow may be chock full of problems, I am going to choose gratitude. I am going to choose to see the ordinary joy the Lord places in front of me knowing it is a mere taste of what is ahead. Whitney Nesse is a sixth-generation livestock farmer who is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She writes from her central Minnesota farm. v
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THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
Companion planting can cure gardening ills Planting different plants together for vegetable gardens to deter insects with their mutual benefit or to repel insects limited success. Placing strongly scented has long been known. Our experience flowers around vegetables may deter with planting many ash trees next to insects, rabbits or deer. each other and then the Emerald Ash Planting nasturtiums around squash Borer moving from one to another has has reduced some insect damage to the pointed out the value of diversity in horsquash. While this practice does not ticulture. Disease and insects can take GREEN AND always work, a physical barrier such as a advantage of large groups of the same GROWING fence or row cover is more likely to keep species planted next to each other. A insects or animals from causing damage. large patch of the same species plant will By Linda G. Tenneson Planting flowers among vegetables may easily attract insects if those plants are its desired food. However, a variety of plants makes attract pollinator insects to visit the decorative plant flowers and then move to the vegetable plant it harder for damage causing insects to “find the flowers and pollinate them. grocery store” so to speak. Plants of differing colors may confuse insects so that they cannot find their An alternative practice is to grow plants which favorite food plant when it is growing among other attract beneficial insects which will eat damageplants. causing insects. Lady beetles, praying mantis and spiders eat other insects. There are also insect paraThis is also true for diseases. Fungi and other sitoids that lay their eggs on other insects. As the pathogens can be easily moved from plant to plant egg emerges and grows, it feeds on the host insect by the wind, insects, or larger animals brushing and may eventually kill it. Arugula, rapeseed and against one plant and then depositing the fungi on napa cabbage can be “trap crops” which attract flea an adjacent one. Diseases which affect more than beetles and keep them from eating desired plants. one related plant may also easily travel between them. Eggplants, tomatoes and peppers may all suf- Sage and thyme have been used to deter diamondfer damage from the same insects or disease patho- back moths from eating Brussel sprouts. Flowers or plants with strong scents like marigolds, onions and gens because they are genetically-related plants. nasturtium may deter cabbage worms. Gardeners often plant marigolds around their A planting practice known as the three sisters
(corn, beans and squash) was first used by Native Americans. Corn grows tall and provides support for the beans to climb on. The corn deters the squash vine borer. Beans provide nitrogen in the soil which is used by the corn. Squash discourages raccoons that prefer to eat corn. Other plant combinations will enrich the soil. Farmers rotate corn, wheat, alfalfa, soybeans, and other crops for this purpose. For example, alfalfa fixes nitrogen in the soil which is used by the corn. The Michigan Extension website warns gardeners that some plants do not do well when planted near each other. Beans do not like to be near onions or garlic. Cabbage does not like tomatoes; and potatoes do not like to be near vine crops, tomatoes or sunflowers. The website extension.umn.edu/planting-andgrowing-guides/companion-planting-home-gardens contains more details on how plants can diversity can help the gardener. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota master gardener and tree care advisor. v
USDA updates livestock insurance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has updated three key crop insurance options for livestock producers: the Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP), Livestock Gross Margin (LGM), and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP). USDA’s Risk Management Agency revised the insurance options to reach more producers, offer greater flexibility for protecting operations, and better meet the needs of the country’s swine, dairy and cattle producers.
Answers located in Classified Section
With the Dairy Revenue Protection update, dairy producers are now able to continue coverage even if they experience a disaster, such as a barn fire, at their operation. For Livestock Gross Margin coverage, cattle, dairy and swine coverage has been expanded, making it available in all counties in all 50 states. Many changes in Livestock Risk Protection coverage were added. Insurance companies are now required to pay indemnities within 30 days, rather than the previous 60 days, following the receipt of the claim form. Head limits have been increased. The termination date under LRP has been extended from June 30 to Aug. 31. Location reporting requirements have been relaxed to list only state and county, instead of the precise legal location. Learn more on RMA’s Livestock Insurance Plans at https://www.rma.usda.gov/Policy-and-Procedure/ Insurance-Plans/Livestock-Insurance-Plans. This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. v
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 9
Wild spring weather has Erickson behind in planting
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While Erickson is looking forward to getting the crops in the ground, right now he’s in the middle of calving. “I’ve never seen a spring this challenging.” Currently, he’s caring for 10 bottle calves — one of which broke its back leg and is in a cast. Many of
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If you travel straight east of Fertile, Minn. a mile and a half, you’ll find the Matt Erickson fifth-generation Fertile, Minn. E r i c k s o n Farms. Matt Erickson is proud to have continued the farming legacy on the very land his great-great-grandfather first toiled the ground. “I’m actually on the original homestead.” Erickson’s farming partner is another member of the Erickson farming legacy: his father, Jerry. The two have been farming together since 2000. Cattle is key for Erickson and the herd continues to get larger, with 325 pregnant cows this spring and another 75 due in the fall. “There’s steady growth through the years.” The emphasis on cattle is due in part to the land, as Erickson admits he doesn’t have ideal ground for growing crops. “We graze a lot of stuff that’s marginal.” The crop ground will be planted with corn, soybeans and alfalfa this year. “We’re going to have to plant more acres of corn.” This change is because of last year’s drought and the need for more silage.
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those calves were born during the difficult weather northwestern Minnesota faced in April. From unrelenting winds, blizzard conditions and heavy snow, it’s something Erickson won’t soon forget. “Calving has been a real struggle this spring. It’s been one fight after another.” While the weather is turning more spring-like as of May 5, Erickson is seeing the lingering effect of the April calving in some of the calves as they deal with respiratory issues. Caring for the livestock is a family affair, Erickson’s wife Pat works full-time as a rural mail carrier and helps with the cattle. She’s been instrumental in keeping the bottle calves thriving these past few weeks. Son Emery, age 20, has some cows of his own and is looking at starting his own operation, specializing in raising registered Angus. “It’s a big commitment for someone his age,” Erickson said. Daughters Catherine, a senior, and Sidney, a freshman at Fertile-Beltrami High School, also care for the livestock. They both have a few cows, as well as a flock of 30 ewes. When Erickson can get into the field, he’ll be planting more corn, less beans and a little more alfalfa than usual. “We’re always looking for an opportunity See ERICKSON, pg. 11
Johnson is optimistic, going back to growing wheat Leah Johnson has a passion for ag. That passion Leah Johnson began on the farm in Evansville, Evansville, Minn. and has Minn. continued with her commitment to helping farmers with seed selection tailored for their farming operations. Today she works her day job selling seed as well as being an integral part of the family farming operation, which consists of her parents Brent and Deb, as well as her brother, Donnie Lesage. Her path to selling seed and farming began during her time in college at North Dakota State University. “I worked for Pioneer in college as a sales intern.” After college she moved to Nebraska working for Pioneer in corn seed production for one year. While a great experience, it provided challenges being that far away from the home farm in Minnesota. An opportunity arose with Red River Marketing Company in Elbow Lake and Johnson has now been there for eight years selling Pioneer Seed. Johnson grew up with livestock. “We had a feedlot when I was little.” The farm has now transitioned to solely crop production. We’re mostly 50-50 corn, soybeans.” The last time Johnson grew wheat was in 2008; but this year she will be planting wheat once again. “Due to the drought last year, we made the
decision to plant some wheat this year. “With higher commodity prices, Johnson is seeing optimism for a good year — not only on her farm, but from what her seed customers are feeling as well. “I think people are a lot more hopeful going into this spring planting.” Last year was a tough year for the Johnson farm, as moisture was in very limited supply. “For us it was 1988.” That was an exceptionally dry year for much of the state and the crops suffered due to the lack of rain. With optimism high, Johnson looks forward to getting in the field and getting the crop planted. As of May 5, Johnson plans to get started on wheat in the next few days. “Corn planting next week.” Ideally, Johnson would’ve liked to be in the field in April. “There’s a chance of rain this weekend.” If the rain
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hits and field conditions don’t improve in the next 10 days, Johnson may have to make seed selection changes based on maturity dates. Concerns for this growing season focus on what moisture will be available throughout the summer months. “Is this drought cycle over because it’s been wet this spring? I still think we could be at risk for being dry.” Looking at the lack of availability of chemicals is also a concern. “How are we going to kill weeds effectively with the shortage of chemicals?” Johnson has a pulse on what’s happening in agriculture across the area. From her own farm to her customers’ fields, she sees enthusiasm as well as a concern going into planting this year. The hope is that weather soon cooperates to get the seed in the ground and provides enough moisture throughout the growing months resulting in high-yielding crops. v
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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
Roelofs goes from laws of man to the laws of nature From leadership roles in agriculture, to a Bob Roelofs 14-year career in Garden City, law enforcement, Minn. to farming fulltime since 2017, Bob Roelofs’ passion for growing crops has never wavered. Roelofs lives on the farm that he grew up on, which is located between Garden City and Vernon Center, Minn. Growing up, he enjoyed farming — though he decided that law enforcement was also something he wanted to pursue. He worked in Blue Earth and Faribault counties and served in various roles includ-
ing police chief, a police officer and sheriff’s deputy. During that time, he also was farming. Five years ago he made the decision to only farm. Roelofs — together with his brother Justin — run Roelofs Ag Resources where they grow soybeans and corn as well as doing custom farming work. They also own Triple R Pork LLC., a feeder-to-finish operation which houses 12,000 hogs at three different sites. When not caring for the hogs and the farm, Roelofs spends his time serving on the board of directors of the Minnesota Farm Bureau. He is also on the Vernon Center fire department and the Vernon Center township board. Roelofs and his wife Jill have three sons, Wyatt (age 14), Tristan (age 11) and Logan (age 7).
When The Land spoke to Roelofs on May 5, he estimated planting would start in two days. “Just getting things ready to go.” He plans on planting soybeans in two-thirds of the fields and corn in the rest. “We’ll probably do a little more fungicide than we have done in the past.” He sees this as a sound financial call. “It’s more bang for the buck.” “Last fall we had excellent crops. We drained our sub moisture last fall.” Looking ahead to the growing season, Roelofs is thinking timely rains. “Hopefully, we get the rains this summer. Soils around here are very good at holding water capacity.” Roelofs is excited to see what this growing season has to offer. “If Mother Nature can get herself straightened out, we have a chance for a good crop.”v
Winslow plays the waiting game; still plenty to do 2022
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Since 1854, the farm just west of Fountain, Minn. has been in the Scott Winslow Winslow family. Scott Winslow is Fountain, Minn. the fifth generation to the farm that very land. This year will be his 49th year of putting in a crop and Winslow is eager to get in the field and get planting. Winslow farms with his son, Colin, who in addition to farming has share in the F’N Trucking Co. Colin will be taking over the farm when Winslow retires; but for now, it’s a father-son operation. Colin, his wife Ashley and their newborn daughter, Lorelei, live a few miles down the road. So Winslow and his wife, Jean, get plenty of opportunities to dote on their little granddaughter while waiting for planting to begin. Winslow’s daughter, Katie Drewitz, is the new extension educator for Agriculture Production Systems in Fillmore and Houston counties. Her husband, Nathan, also serves as an extension educator. The family’s rich history in ag continues to inspire involvement in their own way, from farming to educating the community.
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Winslow is committed to helping out — whether he is serving on the boards of the Fillmore County Farm Bureau, the Minnesota Corn and Research Council, the U.S. Grain Council, Minnesota Ag in the Classroom or the Chatfield FFA Alumni. He also teaches farm safety every May to 250-300 local fourth-graders in Fillmore County who come to the Tesmer Farm Safety Day held at the Fillmore fairgrounds. Grain bin safety is a passion of Winslow’s, as he’s been educating youth about the danger of grain bins for over 30 years. This spring Winslow will be planting corn and beans. He sticks with a 65/35 corn bean rotation. In addition to the crops, Winslow currently has 1,200 hogs he’s finishing for Thome Family Farms out of
Adams, Minn. Colin has six head of beef. In addition to spring work this year, Winslow has been in clean-up mode. On Dec. 15, the farm was hit by heavy winds. “There was a little twist to it,” Winslow said. Those winds with a twist caused damage to Winslow’s house, grain bins, and both hog houses and destroyed his machine shed. “We built that (machine shed) in 1976.” When conditions cooperate, Winslow goes out in the field cleaning up trees that blew down in that storm. He also has been coordinating the upcoming building of a new machine shed. First though, the old shed needs to come down. There’s still plenty of clean-up work to do and at times it can be daunting for Winslow. “We’ll stick to the plan.” Once Winslow can get in the field he will no-till the beans in. He had a lot of ground that needs to be worked as he put manure down on it. “I always like planting by the 24th of April.” Not this year. The soil temperature was in the 30s last week, the morning of May 4, Winslow reported that it was in the 40s, and finally moving in the right direction. Once fields have dried out, he’ll pump the manure pits and get anhydrous on. Winslow hasn’t gotten in the field. “I’m not too concerned yet.” He recalled that on May 2, 2013, the farm received 18 inches that day. “We got our crop in that year.” When he can start planting this spring, he estimates that it will take about a week to 10 days to get the crops in the ground. “You have to take the weather as it comes.” Winslow is hopeful that warmer, drier weather comes soon. v
Erickson, Johnson, Roelofs and Winslow will report on their farms’ progress through harvest, so don’t miss an issue of The Land!
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 11
Calendar of Events Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar & enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com. May 18 — Strategic Farming: Field Notes — Online — Webinar will discuss in-season cropping issues as they arise. Weekly sessions may include topics related to soil fertility, agronomics, pest management and equipment. You need to register only once and may attend any or all of the webinars. Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@umn.edu or (320) 589-1711. May 25 — Agronomy in the Field — Mason City, Iowa — A multi-session, hands-on workshop for women interested in learning more about agronomy. The goals of this series are to provide a better understanding of inputs for crop production, different conservation practices and increase confidence in communication with their spouse, farming partner, ag retailer or tenant. Contact Sarah DeBour at sdebour@iastate.edu or (641) 423-0844.
May 25 — Strategic Farming: Field Notes — Online — Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@umn.edu. June 1 — Strategic Farming: Field Notes — Online — Webinar will discuss in-season cropping issues as they arise. Weekly sessions may include topics related to soil fertility, agronomics, pest management and equipment. You need to register only once and may attend any or all of the webinars. Register at z.umn.edu/ strategic-farming. Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@ umn.edu or (320) 589-1711. June 7 — Pipestone Lamb and Wool Facility Tour — Pipestone, Minn. — This full day tour will feature five producers with new and remodeled facilities. The buildings and feeding systems reduce labor, minimize feed waste and enable larger herds. Contact Philip Berg at philip.berg@mnwest.edu or (507) 825-6799. June 8 — Agronomy in the Field — Mason City, Iowa — Contact Sarah DeBour at sdebour@iastate. edu or (641) 423-0844.
June 8 — Strategic Farming: Field Notes — Online — Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@umn.edu or (320) 589-1711. June 10 & 11 — Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Certification — Fertile, Minn. — The youth tractor and farm safety certification program is a two-part program, including both an online learning experience and two days of in-person hands-on training in the summer. The online course is a self-paced one- to two-week program. Contact Heather Dufault at pohl0024@umn.edu or (218) 563-2465. June 14 & 15 — Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Certification — Howard Lake, Minn. — Contact Karen Johnson at ande9495@umn.edu or (320) 4844303. June 15 — Strategic Farming: Field Notes — Online — Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@umn.edu or (320) 589-1711.
#SoyHelp mental health resource to help manage farm stress The American Soybean Association, United Soybean Board and soy states want to help farmers who may need a hand managing the stress of life on the farm. This May during Mental Health Month, the soy community will continue its proactive communications campaign to combat farm stress by offering #SoyHelp. Help comes in many forms and from many sources that live on the soygrowers.com website year-round. These include national mental health resources, including crisis centers and suicide hotlines; along with griculture-specific resources for farmers and farm families, both national and by soy state. Brad Doyle, president of ASA and soybean farmer from Arkansas said, “We want these resources to resonate regardless of age, location, race, gender, or the circumstances that have led to needing a hand. Whether a long-time farmer feeling overwhelmed by a current situation, a young person just starting out in agriculture facing financial hardships, or family members trying to navigate how to assist their loved ones, we want them to have a starting point for seeking help.” Included in the resources are links to self-assessments, professional services, and local health care facilities; hotlines for urgent needs; warmlines for helpful advice; chat and text lines for instant access; and articles on symptoms, solutions, and how to start uncomfortable but healthy discussions. Soy farmer and USB Chair Ralph Lott from New York said, “The #SoyHelp campaign has two objectives. Certainly we want to get resources in the hands of those who need help and make sure they are aware that options exist for managing and mending their mental wellness. But, we also hope this ongoing campaign will continue to chip away at the old stig-
mas that sometimes exist in talking openly about the tolls of stress and seeking help—especially in rural communities.” The #SoyHelp campaign will include #SoyHelp social media posts throughout May on ASA & USB social media; related content in the organizations’ newsletters shared by soy states and other interested groups; editorials from soy growers on their encoun-
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ters with #FarmStress; and, qualified advice on the subjects of farm stress and seeking emotional support. The #SoyHelp campaign is a joint outreach project started by concerned national and state soy groups in May 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article was submitted by the American Soybean Association. v
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THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
Labor supply is focal point in GreenSeam State of Ag report ronmental regulations. Logistics, GreenSeam’s third annual State transportation and shipping saw of Agriculture Report is a result of the sharpest increase in negative a comprehensive survey of impacts to businesses — moving Minnesota’s agribusiness and relatfrom the sixth threat to the third. ed industries, along with a series of This is not surprising considering nine focus groups conducted in the the disrupted supply chain experifirst 50 days of the year. The report enced across all industries. reveals the perceptions and opinions on the economy and other During the pandemic, people major issues impacting businesses resigned, left the workforce, or TALENT IN THE GREENSEAM in the ag industry and places an changed the way they delivered emphasis on education, as well as work. As a result, 29 percent of By Shane Bowyer talent attraction and retention. The respondents said their business is State of Ag Report enables offering work from home and other GreenSeam to better understand, serve, and supflexible options to retain employees. Out of all surport the workplace, businesses, organizations and veyed businesses that have a wide range of employcommunities in our region. ee sizes, 22 percent now have 15 percent or more of The survey and focus groups dug deeper into what their employees working remotely. was having the biggest negative impact on busiWhen employees could turn to work from home or nesses growth in agriculture. The top issue was the flexible options, remote office support was brought lack of available talent, which was exasperated by in to help create a good work environment at home. retirees, fewer of the younger generation entering This could include office supplies or stipends that the industry and relocating to rural Minnesota, and would help create more productivity. ‘The Great Resignation’. The survey breaks down Retention bonuses are the third most common this result by business size. Regardless of the size, additional incentive. With employees leaving during securing talent is one of the top threats for a busi‘The Great Resignation’, a retention bonus as an ness’s growth. incentive is becoming common to not only think Part of the folklore of agriculture is dirty, physical about bringing on new employees but encouraging work: farm and tractors, pitchforks and hammers, great, existing employees to stay. cows and pigs, all of which fail to create a story that New ways of retaining and attracting employees appeals to the next generation. This overwhelming are being utilized as previously discussed and theme emerged in all the focus group discussions include flextime, remote office support and retention and the State of Ag Survey. bonuses. These are the top three from the survey Telling the real and exciting story of agriculture to results, but that doesn’t dismiss the additional include automation, computers, drones, good salaincentives. If you compare what organizations are ries and lifestyles, and ample opportunities needs to offering and what issues are threatening a business’ be shared. This will help attract, develop, and retain the next generation of workers and leaders throughout the food and ag value chain. Looking at the graph below. Talent is a top threat as well as policy and regulations continually having I am Michalia Cyphers, and I a negative impact on businesses. Challenges and am excited to say that my career concerns affecting the industry include: Proposition at GreenSeam started April 12, CDL/trucking, immigration, and water and envi2022. I thought I would end up in a higher education career. But, Which three of the following issues threaten when I saw the job post for your business’ ability to grow the most? GreenSeam and thought back to the time I saw a GreenSeam booth and the great times I had with my dad revolved around agriculture, it sparked an interest. When looking at the post, there was involvement with the GreenSeam Talent Committee and Branding and Promotion Committee. This excited me as I could be involved with marketing. Now, I learned the Talent Committee is involved with higher education and I am giddy. Who knew that there could be a career with a mix of agriculture, marketing, and higher education? Not me, until now. See CYPHERS, pg. 16
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ability to grow, you will see that they go hand in hand. This shows that businesses are aware and are making necessary changes to grow. In this third year of the State of Ag Report, there were many speed bumps and just as many opportunities. At the end of the day, our agriculture and food supply chain, as well as those who touched it, achieved our mission of ensuring wholesome food was stocked on the shelves, abundant fuels were available to propel our supply chain, and quality feed was available to nourish our animals. Overall, the ag ecosystem never stopped. In this report you will find both a summary and a list of items discussed at each focus group. The group insights and individual survey responses provide some answers; but have also piqued our interest to investigate further for solutions and utilize success stories to build case studies. This year, we added a few questions about what businesses are doing to retain talent. We also dove into the subject of the global workforce and asked what resources are needed to continue to support and expand businesses. In summary, the 2022 State of Ag Report captures the importance of our state’s talent shortage, our continued challenge with the regulation process, and highlights how businesses remain focused on growth despite unavoidable and unforeseen setbacks. GreenSeam will use this comprehensive report to guide programs and services this year — whether it be filling the gaps identified, or accelerating opportunities. The hope is the research and insights provided by this report will make a difference in business decisions and actions. The 2022 State of Ag report — as well as previous years’ reports — is available to view at Greenseam. org/survey. Talent in the GreenSeam focuses on developing talent and promoting careers in agriculture and food. Dr. Shane Bowyer is the Director of AgriBusiness and Food Innovation in the College of Business at Minnesota State University, Mankato and is on the GreenSeam Talent Committee. He can be reached at shane.bowyer@mnsu.edu. v
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THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
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Federal class milk prices set records in April This column was written for the marketing week ending May 6. WE BUILD OUR STALLS RIGHT! The U.S. Department of Agriculture Take a look at announced the April Federal order our tubing with Class III milk price at $24.42 per hununequaled corrosion dredweight. This is up $1.97 from protection! News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers March, $6.75 above April 2021, highest Class III since July 2020, and 18 cents Freudenthal Tubing has been and $15.69 in 2019. Wisconsin produced 296.6 million pounds of specific the shy of the record high. engineered for your MIELKE MARKET March total, up 9.6 percent fromrequirements February butstrength 3 where n WEEKLY Late morning on May 6 Class III percent below a year ago. California provided 213 and corrosion resistance are futures portended a May price at $25.05 Auto was Release Head Locks Panelup 5CORROSION You’ll recall March milk production By Lee Mielke million pounds, percent from February and 1 critical design factors. PROTECTION (which would be a new record high), down 0.5 percent from March 2021 but the percent above a year ago. Idaho added 89.3 million June at $24.47; and July at $24.19 per month’s Dairy Products report shows pounds, up 22.2 percentCS-60 from Comfort FebruaryTie but down 1 Stall cwt. cheese vats and churns still got a workout. percent from a year ago. The four-month Class III average stands at Cheese production totaled 1.197 billion pounds, up The Toughest Italian cheese totaled 512.8 million pounds, up 10 $22.04, up from $16.40 at this time a year ago, and 8.3 percent from February and 1.1 percent above percent from February and 2.1 percent above a year Stalls compares to $15.84 in 2020 and $14.71 in 2019. March 2021. Cheese stocks were down 1 percent ago. Year-to-date, Italian stands at 1.5 billion on the output for the first three The April Class IV price set another new record at from a year ago. Cheese pounds, up 3.8 percent from 2021. • Provides superior lunge area market, $25.31 per cwt., up 49 cents from March, and $9.89 months of 2022 totaled 3.5 billion pounds, up 3 perAmerican-type cheese, at 473.6 million pounds, • Much stronger than ago, our so we’re going cent from the same period a year guaranteed above a year ago. Its four-month average is at competitors’ beam systems See MIELKE, pg. 14 through a lot of cheese. $24.31, up from $14.14 a year ago, $14.78 in 2020, not to bend • No Stall mounts in the • Entire panel made of H.D. 10 gauge tubing concrete or sand are hot dippedWI galvanized after W. 6322 Cty. O,• Panels Medford, 54451 • Fully adjustable welding inside and out (715) 748-4132 • 1-800-688-0104 • Stall system stays high and Heaviest, • 6’, 8’, 10’, 12’ lengths dry, resulting in longer life www.freudenthalmfg.com Strongest, REMODELING, EXPANSION OR REPLACEMENT • 12’ panel weight 275 lbs. • Installation labor savings Custom Buy Direct From Manufacturer and SAVE! We Can Handle All Your Barn Steel Needs • Head-to-head and single row Cattle Diagonal Feed Thru Panel options available Auto Release Head Locks Panel Gates • Compare the weight of this on the system, heaviest available Elevated Dual Market on the market today
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THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
Global Dairy Trade auction sees fourth consecutive decline MIELKE, from pg. 13 was up 7 percent from February but 1.4 percent below a year ago. Year-to-date output, at 1.4 billion pounds is up 0.1 percent. Mozzarella totaled 406.4 million pounds, up 3.5 percent from a year ago, with year-to-date at 1.2 billion pounds, is up 4.2 percent. Cheddar output, the cheese traded at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, jumped to 327.1 million pounds, up 19 million pounds or 6.2 percent from February’s output which was revised down 4.2 million pounds, but was down 9.7 million pounds or 2.9 percent below March 2021. U.S. churns produced 202.6 million pounds of butter, up 19.1 million or 10.4 percent from February, and 3 million or 1.5 percent above a year ago. That ended eight consecutive months output topped the previous year. But, year-to-date butter is at 580.1 million pounds, down 5 percent from a year ago. Butter stocks were down 20 percent from March 2021, according to USDA’s Cold Storage data. March yogurt output totaled 434.7 million pounds, down 2 percent from a year ago, with year-to-date output at 1.2 billion pounds, down 2.5 percent. Dry whey production climbed to 82 million pounds, up 11.7 million pounds or 16.6 percent from February’s total which was revised 4.7 million pounds lower, and was 5.1 million pounds or 6.6 percent above a year ago. Year-to-date is at 232.7 million pounds, down 1.3 percent. Dry whey stocks crept up to 68.1 million pounds, up 5.1 million or 8.1 percent from February, and 4.5 million or 7.1 percent above those a year ago. Nonfat dry milk output climbed to 190.5 million pounds, up 19.7 million pounds or 11.5 percent from February but was down 7.8 million or 3.9 percent below a year ago. Year-to-date, powder was at 531.6 million pounds, down 10 percent. Stocks totaled 288.0 million pounds, down 400,000 pounds or 0.2 percent from February and down 25 million pounds or 8 percent below those a year ago. Skim milk powder output climbed to 33 million pounds, up 3.4 million or 11.4 percent from February, but was down 19.6 million or 37.2 percent below a year ago. Year-to-date, skim milk powder was at 106.0 million pounds, down 26.7 percent from a year ago. March was the ninth consecutive
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month of weaker powder production, says HighGround Dairy. n Fat provided the biggest pull on May 3’s Global Dairy Trade auction, which saw its fourth consecutive decline. The weighted average plunged 8.5 percent (the biggest drop since Aug. 4, 2015) and follows the 3.6 percent drop on April 19. Traders brought 55.5 million pounds to the market, up from 48.9 million on April 19. HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess, in the May 9 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast, said Fonterra increased its offer volumes on May 3 as it attempted to clear inventories before the start of the next new milk production season. All products offered again lost ground, led by butter, down 12.5 percent, following a 3.7 percent dip on April 19. Anhydrous milkfat dropped 12.1 percent after slipping 1.3 percent. GDT cheddar was down 8.6 percent, following a 3.9 percent loss, and the powders followed. Whole milk powder and skim milk powder were both down 6.5 percent, following respective 4.4 percent and 4.2 percent drops last time. Buttermilk powder was down 6.1 percent. StoneX says the GDT 80 percent butterfat butter price equates to $2.5698 per pound U.S., down 36.9 cents, after dropping 11 cents in the last event, and compares to CME butter which closed May 6 at $2.64, 7 cents above the GDT. GDT cheddar, at $2.5635, was down 24.2 cents after losing 13 cents last time, and compares to May 6’s CME block cheddar at $2.35. GDT skim milk powder averaged $1.8731 per pound, down from $1.9995, a drop of 12.6 cents. Whole milk powder averaged $1.7764 per pound, down from $1.9083, a loss of 13.2 cents. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed May 6 at $1.74 per pound. n Nate Donnay, StoneX Director of Market Intelligence, warn in last week’s “Udder Intelligence” report that China’s imports in March were much lower than forecast, down 28.6 percent from 2021. “When the largest buyer in the world is down 20-30 percent, we have a significant global demand problem,” Donnay writes.
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Thankfully, this week’s GDT saw a bit of an uptick from China, according to StoneX. “The slowdown came from the Middle East. We don’t know if that was related to Ramadan or if there is something else driving the weaker demand.” The global market is vital for U.S. farmers and processors and March provided confirmation. Cheese exports totaled a record 91.9 million pounds, up 12.9 percent from March 2021. HighGround Dairy points out volume was driven by product moving to Mexico, up 26 percent and the secondlargest monthly figure on record. Butter exports totaled 13.5 million pounds, up 47.4 percent (the highest since April 2014) thanks to Canada which imported a record amount for the month, up 26 percent. Nonfat dry milk shipments totaled 176.7 million pounds, down 7.4 percent, but was measured against a strong year in 2021. Exports were the highest of any month since June 2021, according to HighGround Dairy, but a 98 percent decline in product moving to Egypt, negatively impacted the total. Powder moving to Mexico improved from the prior year and recent months, reaching the highest monthly volume since August 2021, up 9 percent, according to HighGround Dairy. Dry whey totaled 43.3 million pounds, down 17.9 percent and down 23.2 percent year-to-date. n Even as the United States experiences a baby formula shortage, CME dairy prices saw little reaction to May 3’s GDT fall or the Dairy Products report — buoyed perhaps by the strong export data. The cheddar blocks closed May 6 at $2.35 per pound, down 2 cents on the week but 60.25 cents above a year ago. The barrels saw a May 6 finish at $2.38, up 4 cents on the week, 65.25 cents above a year ago, and 3 cents above the blocks, as America puts cheeseburgers on the grill again. There were seven sales of block on the week and 18 of barrel. Cheese producers continue to report logistical issues to Dairy Market News, but more on the supply side. Shortfalls included production and packaging equipment but no shortness in milk. Spot prices mid-week were around $2 under Class III. Demand remains robust, according to Midwest cheese plants, and some expect demand to remain healthy through second quarter and beyond. Domestic cheese demand was steady to lower in the West. Contacts report that purchases have begun to slow as schools approach summer break. Retail demand is steady and food service demand is increasing, according to Dairy Market News. Export demand is strong. Cheese output is steady, as milk is available, but port congestion and a shortage of truck drivers continues to cause delays. See MIELKE, pg. 15
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
MILKER’S MESSAGE www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 15
Feed prices and fuel are eating up milk returns MIELKE, from pg. 14
month of USDA revising prices higher. In March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated the Dairy CPI had already increased by 7 percent year-overCME butter closed May 6 at $2.64 per pound, year. The latest revision suggests that the governdown 3.5 cents on the week, but 87 cents above a ment now believes prices are going to stay at this year ago, on 14 sales for the week. elevated level at least for the rest of the year,” the Butter producers report seasonal demand slowAnalyst stated. downs are giving them time to build inventory. The n churning question among contacts is how tight butter will be by the expected seasonal upshift in High farm milk prices are not giving dairy producdemand. Cream volumes are slightly lower, accorders much comfort. While the March All Milk Price ing to Midwestern butter producers, as ice cream hit a record high and jumped $1.20, rising feed pricproduction upticks are beginning to, at least slightly, es and fuel — particularly diesel — and fertilizer “thin out the cream pool,” says Dairy Market News. are eating up the milk returns. Demand for cream is steady in the West. Ice The USDA’s latest Ag Prices report shows the cream makers are running busy schedules. Some March milk feed price ratio at 2.06, down from 2.07 butter makers are processing their cream internally in February, but compares to 1.76 in March 2021. to build inventory. Butter production is steady, The U.S. All Milk Price averaged a record high though some plants report labor shortages and $25.90 per cwt., up $1.20 from February, seventh delayed deliveries of production supplies continues to prevent running full schedules. Butter demand is consecutive increase, and was $8.60 above March 2021. California’s price hit $26.20, up $1.30 from steady in food service, though declining at retail as February and $9.50 above a year ago. Wisconsin’s, higher store prices may have caused some switchat $25.30, also up $1.30 from February, was $7.60 ing to butter substitutes. above a year ago. Grade A nonfat dry milk saw its close May 6 at The national average corn price jumped to $6.56 $1.74 per pound, 1.5 cents lower, but 41.75 cents per bushel, up 46 cents from February, after gaining above a year ago, with 12 sales reported on the week. 53 cents in February, and was $1.67 per bushel Dry whey continued to head lower, closing the above March 2021. week at 58.5 cents per pound, down 2 cents, and 4.25 Soybeans averaged $15.40 per bushel, up 60 cents cents below a year ago, on seven sales at the CME. from February, after shooting $1.90 higher in The April 29 Dairy and Food Market Analyst February, and $2.20 per bushel above March 2021. reported “USDA keeps upping its estimate of retail Alfalfa hay averaged $221 per ton, up $7 from dairy prices. The bureau now predicts the February and $44 above a year ago. Consumer Price Index for dairy products will increase 6 to 7 percent this year, according to the The March cull price for beef and dairy combined latest Food Price Outlook report.” averaged $84.70 per cwt., up $6.80 from February, $17.60 above March 2021, and $13.10 above the “That increase marked the fourth consecutive
IDF bulletin on heat treatment of milk The International Dairy Federation has released a bulletin on heat treatments of milk, which looks at the processing of milk, which is the oldest processing technology in the dairy sector. The publication provides an overview of the different heat treatments applied to milk for direct consumption or before further processing and their verification procedures. The 33-page publication can also be described as a very accurate global guidance, as it contains information on these treatments — not only in one country but worldwide — as most countries provide legal requirements for heat treatments of products. Heat treatment is the most widely used processing technology in the dairy sector, which guarantees product safety and longer shelf life, without affecting its nutritional value, quality, and taste. It also serves as a technique to destroy pathogenic bacteria, stressing the importance of food safety. The bulletin also investigates the appropriate types of heat treatment for a specific food.
Furthermore, the shelf life of each product can differ depending on the time and temperature of the heat treatment. Walter Bisig, author of the publication states: “ESL (extended shelf-life) milk is the type of milk most recently introduced to the market. It has a refrigerated shelf-life of 15 to 60 days, depending on raw milk quality, applied ESL technology, type of packaging and packaging system, the extent of post-processing contamination, and the temperature during post-processing, storage, and distribution” The bulletin is available to download at www.idf.org. Interested parties are invited to take part in a webinar dedicated to the publication, which will be held on June 28. Register for the webinar at https:// us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElfuGsqzIpEtD96767dcd2YoYfXc5dgmOO. This article was submitted by the International Dairy Federation. v
2011 base. Quarterly milk cow replacements averaged $1,570 per head in April, up $190 from January, and $200 above April 2021. Cows averaged $1,440 per head in California, up $110 from January, and $40 above a year ago. Wisconsin’s average, at $1,710, was up $240 from January, and $220 above April 2021. Dairy economist Bill Brooks, of Missouri-based Stoneheart Consulting, says “The milk margin over feed costs will be above the maximum coverage of $9.50 per cwt. every month in 2022 with a range of $10.70 in December to $12.35 in April.” Meanwhile, the latest Margin Watch from Chicago-based Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC, says “Dairy margins weakened slightly as the milk market has dropped from recent highs while feed costs have held steady. Milk prices have been facing resistance lately as they trade at historically high price levels with concern of potential demand destruction as inflation continues to bite consumers’ purchasing power.” The Margin Watch highlighted the GDT’s 8.5 percent drop, stating “The lockdowns in China have obviously had a big impact although there has been a generally weaker tone recently in the global dairy market.” It reported on USDA’s Milk Production report, stating, “The March contraction represented the slowest rate of year-over-year declines so far in 2022,” and warned, “A growing herd and expanding milk yields may be signaling that producers are responding to high milk prices, although input costs likewise have risen sharply and cut into producer margins, particularly in states like California.” “Diesel costs are up 70 percent from a year ago to an all-time high of $5.29 per gallon,” according to the Margin Watch, “while natural gas prices have nearly doubled since the beginning of the year. Feed prices likewise remain at very elevated levels, and slow corn planting progress has supported prices.” The USDA’s latest Crop Progress report shows 14 percent of U.S. corn in the ground, as of the week ending May 1, up from 7 percent the previous week, but a concerning 28 percent behind a year ago and 19 percent behind the most recent five-year average. The report says 3 percent of the corn has emerged, down from 4 percent a year ago and 3 percent behind the five-year average. Soybeans are 8 percent planted, up from 3 percent the previous week, but 14 percent behind a year ago and 5 percent behind the five-year average In the week ending April 23, 56,400 dairy cows were sent to slaughter, up 1,600 head from the previous week but 2,700 or 4.6 percent below a year ago. Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist who resides in Everson, Wash. His weekly column is featured in newspapers across the country and he may be reached at lkmielke@juno.com. v
PAGE 16
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
MARKETING
Grain Outlook Corn market slips; planting behind Editor’s Note: Joe Lardy, CHS Hedging research analyst, is sitting in this week for Phyllis Nystrom, the regular “Grain Outlook” columnist. The following marketing analysis is for the week ending May 6. CORN — The positive momentum the market carried into last weekend started to slide away as we began the week. The fresh export announcements we saw last week completely dried up, and left the market looking for bullish inputs to hold on to gains. For the week, July corn futures dropped 28.75 cents. JOE LARDY CHS Hedging Inc. Export inspections continue to St. Paul move along at a good pace. There have been only a few times this year the weekly total has dropped below the five-year average. Although we are at the point in the year when inspections level off before dropping down into the end of the marketing year. Export sales data was ok. China bought nearly a half a million tons of old crop. Planting progress for corn is still terrible. At only 14 percent, this is the lowest activity since 2013. In the past 25 years, only 2011 and 2013 had the corn crop going in at a slower pace than now. The fiveyear average is at 33 percent and the crop should be
Cash Grain Markets corn/change* Stewartville Edgerton Jackson Hope Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye Average:
$7.43 $7.65 $7.75 $7.59 $7.31 $7.57
-.14 -.19 -.19 -.08 -.15 -.21
soybeans/change* $15.69 $15.32 $15.47 $15.39 $15.53 $15.37
-.72 -.75 -.50 -.65 -.81 -.71
$7.55
$15.46
Year Ago Average: $7.28
$16.17
Grain prices are effective cash close on May 10. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.
50 percent planted next week. Clearly, that is not going to happen. Best case scenario is that the weather breaks enough to make up a little bit of the gap. Based on the weather forecasts, there are some open windows coming along with a lot of heat. It might take a couple of weeks, but the corn planting pace does look to improve. Those opportunities to get planting also pressured the market this week. Ethanol production was up for the second week in a row; but the current pace continues to be disappointing. Current weekly production is right in line with last year’s production. Current levels are not back to pre-pandemic levels. The high price of gas is certainly not incenting people to get out and drive more. The weather in Brazil is not good. The rainy season has ended, and the crop is really under stress. Most private forecasts are lowering their corn production estimates. Outlook: The market will be closely watching
planting progress over the next couple of weeks. Will planting catch up quick enough? On May 12 we will get the May World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report. That report will give us the first look at the 2022-23 balance sheets. The big question will be what yield the U.S. Department of Agriculture is going to use and how tight the carryout will be. SOYBEANS — The bean market opened the week with downward pressure and was never able to recover. For the week, July soybean futures lost 68.75 cents. Soybean export inspections are slightly better than the five-year average right now. We are in the seasonally low area for the marketing year; but a short Brazilian crop has certainly pushed some old crop business to the United States. Export sales this week had some positives and negatives. Old crop sales were better than expected with China and unknown (China most likely) the leading buyers. New crop sales were disappointing at the low end of expectations. Although cumulative new crop sales are at a record pace for this point in the marketing year. Brazil continues to struggle with bad weather affecting production. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the USDA make another cut to production in next week’s WASDE. The government issued export figures showing 11.5 million tons of soybeans were shipped out of Brazil in April compared to 16.1 million tons a year ago. In Argentina, the soybean harvest has advanced to 55 percent complete. Crop conditions have dropped again to only 16 percent good/ excellent. Outlook: The big WASDE report will give the soybean market its guidance. Expectations are for ending stocks to be cut. Any cuts will bring supplies close to pipeline minimums. This should add a layer of support to the market. v
Information in the above column 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.
‘I encourage young women to get involved in agriculture’ CYPHERS, from pg. 12 I was born and raised in Fairmont, Minn. and lived two different lifestyles. When with my mom, I did things in town such as visit family, go on walks, or watch her tend to house plants. With my dad, I did things around his farm rental such as dirt bike, hop in a tractor, or ride with him as he hauled grain. So, I understood an agriculture lifestyle, but I wasn’t immersed in it, and would rarely see someone like me, a female, in an agriculture career. Fast forward to a few years after High School, I saw many females excel in or enter agriculture careers. My view quickly changed, but I still didn’t think agriculture was a career for me as I wasn’t immersed in it. During this time, I stayed in the Bacon Capital, but moved to Truman, Minn. where I enjoy the rural lifestyle.
After my dad retired, we worked with a non-profit that would ship donated, restored farm equipment to Africa. My dad would go to the community to teach sustainable farming. Being involved with this as an adult taught me how agriculture impacts our region and the world — and showed me the fun you can have in agriculture. In 2018, I went back to South Central College full-time and learned about a new Business Transfer Pathway to Minnesota State University, Mankato. I had a background in marketing and was encouraged to pursue accounting, so I took the Pathway to MNSU majoring in marketing and minoring in accounting. While at MNSU, I spotted GreenSeam promoting the Agribusiness and Food Innovation minor. I contemplated switching my minor, but I could only imagine working for a non-profit such as the one I
had volunteered at, which is in a large city, and I did not want to leave my rural lifestyle. Boy, was I wrong! There are many options for everyone in agriculture no matter where you grew up, the amount of education you have completed, the educational program you are in, or what gender you identify as. Inclusivity in the ag industry is growing rapidly and I can’t wait to help spread the news and encourage those interested, especially young women, to get involved in agriculture. If I can pass one bit of advice, it would be to keep an open mind and never stop searching for a dream career, you will find it! Michalia Cyphers is a Program Manager at GreenSeam and the GreenSeam Talent Committee Staff Lead. She can be reached at mcyphers@greenseam.org. v
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
PAGE 17
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Use care with spring alfalfa termination FOLEY, Minn. — So far, winter injury issues are not a concern for alfalfa stands throughout the region which had plenty of snowfall through the winter months. For the most part, temperatures have remained mild enough to prevent ice sheeting. The larger concerns will be for stands which are starting to age and thin out due to other issues. For those stands which are less than adequate (less than 40 stems per square foot), what are the alternative options, or should the stand be terminated? With alternative management, consider the cost and benefits of trying to maintain the stand vs. termination. For those stands where alternatives will not be cost effective to maintain, termination will be the next step. Spring termination does have its benefits as there is some potential for a late May harvest prior to termination. Alfalfa can provide soil cover to help prevent erosion. Termination of alfalfa using herbicides is typically done using 2-4-D, dicamba and glyphosate. Check the label of the alfalfa variety for glyphosate resistant traits. If you planted glyphosate-resistant alfalfa, glyphosate application will not help with termination. Also, make sure to follow the herbicide label’s plant back restrictions on whatever crop you are planting fol-
lowing termination. One other benefit is the potential nitrogen that comes from a terminated stand of alfalfa. The amount of nitrogen present can be up to 200 pounds stored in the plant and may be enough to supply corn planted in the first year following termination with its nitrogen requirements. The disadvantage of this route is the decomposition of alfalfa. The release of nitrogen may not be fast enough to supply the entire needs of the corn crop grown in the first year following termination. Scout fields looking for nitrogen deficiencies in the corn and supply extra nitrogen where needed. Since corn is typically grown following alfalfa stand termination, be aware that delayed planting may be an issue. Planting dates of corn usually happens prior to alfalfa reaching 4 inches tall which is around the height that herbicides are applied. Plant back restrictions need to be followed in this situation and may require a couple of weeks before corn can be planted. Alfalfa also uses water at a higher level than other crops. Other options such as planting drought-tolerant corn hybrids should be considered in fields with limited in-season moisture. This article was submitted by Nathan Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension. v
Erickson going solar for watering system ERICKSON, from pg. 9 for forage for the cattle.” “If we don’t get rain over the weekend; we’ll get into the field next week.” The ground is finally drying out from the five inches of moisture that fell in April. Ideally, Erickson would’ve liked to have planted corn earlier. From April 25 to May 1 is when Erickson typically likes to get planting. In addition to the busyness of the spring and summer months, Erickson will be having a solar system installed in a pasture. Those solar panels will allow Erickson to pump water from the
well for tanks, as well as create a pipeline for water. Looking ahead to the growing months, moisture is still a concern — even as Erickson gazes out at his muddy fields. Though he believes this is a better situation this year. “We got moisture in the ground.” With this wild rollercoaster of spring, Erickson would like some leveling off the extremes. “Just some consistency would be the best thing we can hope for.” v
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FOR SALE: IHC 450 runs good, good TA, fair tires, original paint, $3,500. 507276-7785
Tillage Equip FOR SALE: Wil-Rich 24’ digger, 4 bar harrow, nice condition, asking $4,500/OBO. 507-227-2602
FOR SALE: ‘05 Case IH Stei- Wil-Rich Harrow All 2, pull ger SGX 325 4WD tractor, type, 19’, new tires and has 2673 hrs, 20.8-42 tires. ‘98 rolling baskets. 701-899-3693 FNH 8970, FWA, 6900 hrs, 14.9-46 rears, 14.9-30 fronts, Planting Equip HID lights. new water pump, alt, turbo, etc. 701-899-3693 FOR SALE: 1980 Versatile 835 FOR SALE: 2014 Meridian tractor, 7600 hrs, runs good, 110 BST seed tender, Honda good condition, $17,500/OBO. motor, elec start, corded remote, $7,500. 507-276-7785 320-220-3114
Please visit our website:
thelandonline.com • 5/8” drum roller wall thickness • 42” drum diameter wall thickness • 4”x8” frame tubing 3/8” thick • Auto fold
MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS
(507) 234-5191 (507) 625-8649
Tractors
FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!
GREENWALD FARM CENTER Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177 14 miles So. of Sauk Centre
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022 Spraying Equip
Spraying Equip
2006 Rogator 1074 self-propelled sprayer, 4WD, Michelin tires 70%, 4100 hrs, new injectors, Cat eng, 80’ boom, triple nozzles, 5 section shut offs, 20” spacing, Foamer/ new light bar, Raven 4000 monitor. 507-276-3174
FOR SALE: Summers 90’ ultimate sprayer, new 14.9-46 tires, recent new 1500 gallon tank, Raven SCS 450 monitor. 701-899-3693 R Hardi Commander Sprayer, , 750 gal, 60’ HZ 3 section boom w/ controls, Hardi diae phragm pump, 540 PTO, trik ple nozzles, foam markers, e 12.4x42 tires, monitor, always shedded. 952-649-8604
.
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Thank You Farmers!
Hardi Commander 1500, one owner, 1500 gal sprayer w/ rinse tank & handwash tank, has 90’ boom w/ triple nozzle bodies & chemical inductor, 14.9x46 tires, has Hardi 2500 monitor, field ready, $12,000/ OBO. 763-286-2868
PAGE 19
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
RETIRING FARMER
Have an upcoming Auction?
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4x4, reg cab, 42,516 one owner miles, oil changed every 2000 miles, vortex engine, non-smoker.......$42,500
Talk to your auctioneer or call our friendly staff
John Deere 4430, 7014 hrs verified, excellent, 134 A/C, good rubber...........$24,900
theland@thelandonline.com or www.thelandonline.com
Deutz-Allis 21' center fold disc, nice shape.................................................$3,500
LIVE & ONLINE FARM RETIREMENT AUCTION
2022 Gehl VT 320 track, skid loader, 115HP, 195 hrs, 18 month warranty left............$89,900
507-251-2685
SELL IT FAST
with a classified line ad! Call us today 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665
at 800-657-4665 to place your auction in THE LAND
MATT MARING CO.
We Sell the Earth & Everything On It.
Auction Location: 12728 Gates Ave, Northfield MN 55057
Saturday, May 21, 2022 • 9:30 a.m. Only A 1 – 1½ Hour Auction Be On Time LIVE AND ONLINE BIDDING AT www.maringauction.com
WANTED
DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE
We pay top dollar for your damaged grain. We are experienced handlers of your wet, dry, burnt and mixed grains. Trucks and vacs available. Immediate response anywhere.
John Deere 4955 MFWD, 630, 730, Farmall 560 Tractors
JD 4955 MFWD, 6100 Hrs, 2091 Hrs On Overhauled w/Paperwork, 18.4R42 Duals 65%, 3pt., QH, 3 Hyd, PS, Big 1000PTO, SN: P004000, Very Good; JD 730 Dsl., Electric Start, Fenders, 3pt., NF; JD 630 Gas, WF, 448 Hrs On Overhaul; Farmall 560 Gas, WF, 15.5x38, Wheel Weights, Fast Hitch; JD B, NF, Electric Start
Planter, Drills, Tillage And Support Equipment
CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY
PRUESS ELEV., INC. 1-800-828-6642
Answers for Green Thumb Word Search Look for the upcoming County Fair Guide June 10 and June 17 Upcoming Issues of THE LAND
Southern MN/ Northern IA May 27, 2022 June 10, 2022 June 24, 2022*
*
Northern MN May 20, 2022 June 3, 2022* June 17, 2022 July 1, 2022
Deadline is 8 days prior to publication. Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication.
418 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!
JD 7000 Planter, 6R30”, Monitor; JD 8300 Drill, 11’ w/6” Spacings; IHC 5100 Drill, 12’ w/6” Spacings, Press Wheels; CIH 4800 FC, 28.5’, 3 Bar Harrow; WilRich 10 FC, 22.5’, 4 Bar Harrow; DMI Ecolo-Tiger 527 Ripper, 5 Shank, Rear Disc Levelers; IH 720, 5x18’s, Auto Reset; JD 27 Stalk Chopper, 14’, 4 Wheel Transport; IH 5 Section Spike Tooth Drag on Cart; 3 Section Spike Tooth Drag On Cart; (2) JD RM Cultivators, 6R30” & 4R30”; 500 Gal Crop Sprayer, New 540PTO Pump, 36’ Booms; IHC 470 Tandem Disk, 18.5’
IHC Grain Truck, Chevy Coachman RV, Farm Machinery
‘66 IHC Loadstar 1600 Single Axle Grain Truck, V8, 4x2, 13’ Steel Box & Hoist; ‘93 Chevy Coachman 30 Motorhome, V8, Auto, Roof Air; NH Barrel Spreader, 540PTO; Allied Snowblower, 3pt., 7’, 540PTO; JD 603 Rotary Mower; OMC 540 Stacker, 540PTO; OMC 540 Stack Mower, 3pt.; Flair Box with Running Gear; EZ Flow Gravity Box, MN HD 7 Ton Gear; 500 Gal LP Fuel Tank; Pax 6T Bulk Feed Bin; Quincy 60 Gal Air Compressor, 7.5HP, 220volt; 10’x5’ Single Axle Utility Trailer; 30’x5” Auger, EMD, Transport; Implement & Truck Tires Viewing Dates: May 18 – May 20 • 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Terms: Cash, Check, Credit Cards, All Sales Are Final, All Sales AS-IS, All Items Paid For Day Of Auction. All Items Must Be Removed By June 5, 2022.
Gary Falkenberg
OWNER/SELLER - 507-403-3660 MATT MARING CO.
We Sell the Earth & Everything On It.
MATT MARING AUCTION CO. INC.
PO Box 37, Kenyon, MN 55946 507-789-5421 • 800-801-4502
Matt Maring, Lic. #25-28 • 507-951-8354
PAGE 20
www.thelandonline.com —”Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022 T
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 Bidding Will Open Tuesday, May 31, 2022 At 10:00 AM
Bidding Will Start Closing Tuesday, June 7, 2022 At 10:00 AM Central Time Selling 50 Collector Tractors Including - International Titan 10-20-1917; International 1456-Complete Total Professional Restoration; McCormick Deering I-12 Industrial; McCormick Farmall H-1939-Restored; Farmall Super HTA-Restored; 1939-Restored. Several Pieces of Equipment; 13 Cars-Trucks And Pickups Including-1932 Chevrolet Confederate-4 door-Restored; 1928 Chevrolet-2door; 1946 Chevrolet ¾ ton pickup-Restored. For A Complete Listing more information and Photos: go to gehlingauction.com or call David 507-429-8990 or Gehling Auction Company 1-800-770-0347 Inspection of sale items: June 2nd, 3rd and 4th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM-Load out 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM through June 15th-Terms: Cash or Good Check within 3 days of closing, nothing removed from sale site until settled for in full. Buyers should make their own physical inspection of any item or items they wish to bid on. All items sold “as is”, no warranty or guarantee implied or expressed by Dave Alstad or Gehling Auction Company
Get
RESULTS!
Sell it FAST when you advertise in The Land!
Call us today! 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022 Grain Handling Equipment
Wanted
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
Wanted
Livestock
FOR SALE: 10x66 Feterl au- WANTED: Hanson Posi-trac WANTED: MODEL G FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls ger, w/ mechanical swing Ring Drive Silo Unloaders. GLEANER COMBINE. 952- also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred 292-4305 hopper, asking $2,500. 50720’, 18’, 16’, or 14’. (Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790 RISTAU FARM SERVICE 877-2036 507.765.3873
Wanted All kinds of New & Used farm equipment - disc chisels, field cults, planters, soil finishers, cornheads, feed mills, discs, balers, haybines, etc. 507438-9782
Please recycle this magazine.
ristaufarmservice@gmail.com
Wishing All Farmers a Safe and Productive Planting Season
507-345-5263 • www.Hertz.ag
For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com
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 19 at 1PM Chippewa County, MN Country Home 5± Acres, Milan, MN, Timed Online Auction
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
151 St Andrews Ct, Ste 1310, Mankato MN 56001
Steffes Auction Calendar 2022
Opening May 9 & Closing May 18 at 1PM Breezy Point Properties Buildable Lots Auction, Breezy Point, MN, Timed Online Auction
WANTED: Two or three Bronze turkey hens. Contact: Atlee Shetler Jr., 27498 County Road 37, Utica, MN 55979. Looking for something special? Put a line ad in The Land and find it! Call 507-345-4523
PAGE 21
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 Opening May 16 & Closing May 25 at 7PM Anderson Tool Sharpening Auction, Dassel, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 18 & Closing May 25 at 1PM Cougar Tree Care Excess Equipment Auction, Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 19 & Closing May 26 at 12PM Stutsman County, ND Land Auction – 50+/- Acres, Jamestown, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 20 & Closing May 24 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 20 & Closing May 25 at 10AM Online Steffes Auction – 5/25, Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening May 23 & Closing June 1 at 10AM Rodney Hogness Estate Farm Auction, Lidgerwood, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 26 & Closing June 2 at 2PM Tyler Moen Estate Machinery Auction, Newburg, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 26 & Closing June 7 at 10AM DNB Energy Services Inc. Retirement Auction, Watford City, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 30 & Closing June 8 at 1PM Galegher Farms Inc. Inventory Reduction Auction, Thompson, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 31 & Closing June 7 at 10AM City of Menno Grain Elevator Dispersal Auction, Menno, SD, Timed Online Auction Opening May 31 & Closing June 7 at 7PM Dale Vannurden Farm Retirement Auction, Rice, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 1 & Closing June 9 at 10AM Wadena County, MN Land Auction, Menahga, MN, Timed Online Auction June 3 at 10AM Clarence Pronschinske & Sons Inc. Equipment Retirement Auction, Arcadia, WI
PAGE 22
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022 T
www.thelandonline.com —”Where Farm and Family Meet”
Sharpen your skills in Beginning Meat Cutting
Place d Your A ! y a d o T
irst Your F for Choice ds! ie if s s la C
Starts Fall 2022: Ridgewater’s Newest Ag Program!
Livestock, Machinery, Farmland... you name it! People will buy it when they see it in The Land! To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665 Mail to: The Land Classifieds 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 Fax to: 507-345-1027 Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Online at: www.thelandonline.com
• Reach over 150,000 readers • Start your ad in The Land
THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source
• Add more insertions • Get more coverage
DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition. Plus! Look for your classified ad in the e-edition.
ridgewater.edu/meat-cutting Gain a solid foundation for in-demand careers. The Beginning Meat Cutting Certificate is designed to fit your busy schedule. 1 semester • 2 evenings/week • Saturdays
Beginning Meat Cutting Certificate, 18 Credits A blended online and in-person experience • Food safety • Sanitation • Livestock and poultry slaughtering
• Processing practices • Equipment use and procedures • Direct farm marketing
Help put food on the table! Apply TODAY at ridgewater.edu/apply
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The ad prices listed are based on a basic classified line ad of 25 words or less. Ads running longer than 25 words will incur an added charge.
CHECK ONE: Announcements Employment Real Estate Real Estate Wanted Farm Rentals Auctions Agri Business Farm Services Sales & Services Merchandise Antiques & Collectibles
Lawn & Garden Feed Seed Hay Fertilizer & Chemicals Bins & Buildings Farm Equipment Tractors Tillage Equipment Planting Equipment Spraying Equipment Hay & Forage Equipment Harvesting Equipment
Grain Handling Horses & Tack Exotic Animals Equipment Livestock Equipment Pets & Supplies Wanted Cars & Pickups Free & Give Away Industrial & Livestock Construction Trucks & Trailers Poultry Recreational Vehicles Dairy Miscellaneous Cattle Swine NOTE: Ad will be placed in the Sheep appropriate category if not marked. Goats
Now... add a photo to your classified line ad for only $10.00!! THE LAND
1 run @ $19.99 = ___________________________________ 2 runs @ $34.99 = ___________________________________ 3 runs @ $44.99 = ___________________________________ Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per line per issue = ___________________________________ EXTENDED COVERAGE - must run the same number of times as The Land FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 21,545 circ. THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) - Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 21,000 circ. THE FREE PRESS (FP) - Serving south central Minnesota, 19,025 circ. PAPER(S) ADDED (circle all options you want): FN CT FP $7.70 for each paper and $7.70 run each issues x $7.70 = ___________________________________ STANDOUT OPTIONS (THE LAND only) $2.00 per run: Bold Italic Underline Web/E-mail links = ___________________________________ (Includes 1 Southern & 1 Northern issue)
Learn more at ridgewater.edu/meat-cutting. Questions? Call 320-222-5271.
1
Border $10.00 each per run Photo (THE LAND only)
= ___________________________________ TOTAL
= ___________________________________
This is NOT for businesses. Please call The Land to place line ads.
Name ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________________State _______________ Zip ______________________ Phone ______________________________________________# of times ____________________________________
A member of Minnesota State and an equal opportunity employer/educator
WILLMAR | HUTCHINSON | ONLINE | Creating opportunities. Changing lives.
800-722-1151
CHECK
We do not Card # ______________________________________________Exp. Date _____________________________________
SORRY! issue refunds.
Signature __________________________________________________________________________________________ ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022 Cattle
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
Swine
Miscellaneous
POLLED HEREFORD Spot, Duroc, Chester White, BALE SPEAR $50.00 BULLS, yearlings and 2 year Boars & Gilts available. BALE FORK $75.00 olds, low birth weight, high Monthly PRRS and PEDV. CALL 320-779-0298 performance, semen test- Delivery available. Steve PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS ed and delivery available. Resler. 507-456-7746 New pumps & parts on hand. Jones Farms, Le Sueur, MN. Call Minnesota’s largest disPlease support the advertisers 507-317-5996 tributor you see here. Tell them you HJ Olson & Company Red Angus & Hereford bulls saw their ad in The Land! 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 For Sale, developed on forage, Semen tested & vaccinated, leading genetics for Sheep REINKE IRRIGATION growth & mothering ability. Sales & Service Colby 507-450-8303 or Doug New & Used 400 ewe lambs from OPP test507-458-5421 Rushford MN For your irrigation needs ed negative flock. 605-864888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 8811 or 605-997-2060
Swine FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc, cross bred boars, gilts & 4-H pigs. Top quality. Excellent herd health. No PRSS. Delivery available. 320-760-0365
Sell your livestock in The Land with a line ad. 507-345-4523
Pets & Supplies 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.
PAGE 23
Classified Line Ads
WORK!
Call 507-345-4523 Tree trimming, cutting and removal. Boom Truck & Insured. Call or Text Josh Linder 507-995-7081
ADVERTISER LISTING Auctioneer Alley .............................................................................. 20 Beck's Hybrids ................................................................................... 1 Blue Horizon Energy .......................................................... Cover Wrap C & C Roofing ................................................................................... 9 Eric Cooling .................................................................................... 18 Freudenthal Dairy ............................................................................ 13 Gehling Implement & Auction .......................................................... 20 Greenwald Farm Center .................................................................... 18 Hertz Farm Management ................................................................. 21 Land Resource Management ............................................................. 21 Leaf Filter ....................................................................................... 14 Lundeen Auctions ...................................................................... 20, 21 Mathiowetz Construction Co. ............................................................. 5 Matt Maring Auction Co. .................................................................. 19 Mike's Collision & Repair Center ..................................................... 11 Northland Buildings ......................................................................... 10 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ........................................................................ 19 Renewal by Anderson ....................................................................... 14 Ridgewater College .......................................................................... 22 Rush River Steel & Trim .................................................................... 4 Schweiss Doors ................................................................................ 19 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ............................................................. 18 Southwest MN K-Fence ...................................................................... 9 Spanier Welding ................................................................................. 7 Steffes Group ................................................................................... 21 Syngenta/MiravisNeo ......................................................................... 3 Terry LaCanne ................................................................................. 19 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com
WRIGHTZ AUCTION CO. “Your Locally Owned, Full Service Auction Company” MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT SALE, MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 9 AM. CALL TO CONSIGN TODAY! 641398-2218, Hwy 218, Floyd, IA. www. wrightzauctionco.com (mcn) DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-855-977-7030 (mcn) DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 855-752-6680 (mcn) CASH FOR CARS! We buy all cars! Junk, high-end, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash! NEWER MODELS too! Call 1-866-258-6720. (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.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-866296-1409 (mcn) Earthlink High Speed Internet. As Low As $49.95/month (for the first 3 months.) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology.Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1-855-679-7096. (mcn) DISH Network. $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-855-434-0020 (mcn) BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 855-824-1258. (mcn) DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $74.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-558-1767 (mcn) DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866590-6451. (mcn) COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 1-844-843-2771 (mcn)
TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 833-7510776. (M-F 8am-6pm ET) (mcn)
Looking for assisted living, memory care, or independent living? A Place for Mom simplifies the process of finding senior living at no cost to your family. Call 1-877-580-3710 today! (mcn)
Are you a Class A Truck Driver and tired of getting jacked around by employers? Call me to see why our turnover rate is so low. Scott 507-4379905 Apply: WWW.MCFGTL.COM (mcn)
The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-877-381-3059. (mcn)
STOP worrying! SilverBills eliminates the stress and hassle of bill payments. All household bills guaranteed to be paid on time, as long as appropriate funds are available. Computer not necessary. Call for a FREE trial or a custom quote today. SilverBills 1-866-918-0981(mcn) The COVID crisis has cost us all something. Many have lost jobs and financial security. Have $10K In Debt? Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Call NATIONAL DEBT RELIEF! We can help! Get a FREE debt relief quote: Call 1-866-5520649.(mcn) Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 844-716-2411. (mcn) DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insuranceNOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-973-9175 www.dental50plus. com/https://www.dental50plus.com/ midwest #6258 (mcn) Aloe Care Health, medical alert system. The most advanced medical alert product on the market. Voiceactivated! No wi-fi needed! Special offer! Call and mention offer code CARE20 to get $20 off Mobile Companion. Call today! 1-855-6541926. (mcn) Hero takes the stress out of managing medications. Hero sorts and dispenses meds, sends alerts at dose times and handles prescription refill and delivery for you. Starting at $24.99/month. No initiation fee. 90day risk-FREE trial! Call 1-855-4846339.(mcn) Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-5771268. Promo Code 285. (mcn) Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 877-326-1608. (mcn )
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. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 866-970-3073. Ask about our specials! (mcn) BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 855-836-2250. (mcn) Never clean your gutters again! Affordable, professionally installed gutter guards protect your gutters and home from debris and leaves forever! For a FREE Quote call: 877-761-1449 (mcn) Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-877-228-5789 (mcn) Need IRS Relief $10K - $125K+ Get Fresh Start or Forgiveness Call 1-877702-7854 Monday through Friday 7AM-5PM PST.(mcn) PAYING TOP CA$H FOR MEN’S SPORT WATCHES! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner, Speedmaster.. Call: 866-314-9742. (mcn) TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 866-4701643. (mcn)
PAGE 24
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Tim King. Photos by Jan King.
Historic works of stone
I
n eastern Todd County, in central Minnesota, there are two stone bridges that cross the Turtle Creek as it meanders toward the Long Prairie River. Both bridges are recognized as historic and, as such, receive a degree of protection. The bridge photographed here is on Oak Ridge Road, in Turtle Creek Township, and is known as Bridge L7069. The County Highway Department describes it this way: “Overall aesthetic treatment as seen in the roughly coursed granite fieldstone wingwalls, headwalls, arch ring, and parapets reflects the highway beautification and craftsmanship promoted by New Deal policies.” Todd County is rich in stone work craftsmanship. From Bridge L7069 drive west into Browerville. You’ll see a stone facade, dating to the 1940s or earlier, on the modern looking municipal liquor store on U.S. Highway 71. That work is said to have been done by Browerville stonemason Tom Scharnoski. Just a block north from Scharnoski’s work on the liquor store are two large sculptures created in 1932 by Browerville artist Joeseph Kiselewski. The sculptures, known as the Comforting Angel and Christ Prays in Gethsemane, are surround by
Todd County
stone walls. Next to the sculptures is this interesting stone tower. It’s not known who created the tower or stone walls. Further north on Highway 71, in the town of Eagle Bend, is a house built entirely of stone by Tom’s father Frank. West of Browerville, on County Road 14, are numerous houses with stone facades and even a
stone silo. South of Browerville, down Highway 71, is Long Prairie. There, the courthouse on a hill is surrounded by a large retaining wall of cut stone. Elders say that was built by Tom and Frank. Elders also say Frank made the pretty little WPA culvert that’s photographed here, in 1941 or ’42. It’s on 3rd Avenue Southwest in Long Prairie. Unfortunately, the city plans to tear it down and replace it with a concrete culvert. Tom and Frank built fire places in private homes around the County. Tom built one that can be seen by the public at the Long Prairie golf course club house. Below is part of a poem P.L. Ostrom, one of Tom’s customers, wrote about his work: We call him an artist; this stone laying man He creates from God’s waste; of rock and of sand He makes an honest living by the sweat of his brow His tools are his hands, his hammers and trowel But tell me this Tom; Do you understand That the Lord made you a special man? Most people think it a waste; God’s rock and sand But You, create something beautiful with the work of your hands. You can learn more about bridge L7069 at dot. state.mn.us/historicbridges. You can learn about Joseph Kiselewski’s work at www.kiselewskisculpture.com v
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