THE LAND ~ May 20, 2022 ~ Northern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

© 2022

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

May 13, 2022 May 20, 2022

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

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

418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLI ❖ 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 Readers’ Photos: Life on the Farm Farm and Food File Cooking With Kristin Deep Roots Calendar of Events Green & Growing Talent in the GreenSeam Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-5 4 5 6 7 8 8 12 13 16-17 19-23 23 24

STAFF

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

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

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

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

“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 — WASDE report contains reasons for optimism and skepticism 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.

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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.

Meat packers: ‘Harvested cattle, slaughtered markets’ You don’t need to be a vegan to know Either or both ideas may have had that livestock and poultry aren’t “harmerit 20 years ago when it was already vested” — the squeaky clean verb that’s evident major meatpackers were tightenbecome fashionable among farm and ing their grip on cattle markets. Today, ranch groups to minimize the end (as in however, both plans are window dressing The End) of most animals their members from late-to-the-party politicians. Neither grow. will have a nickel’s worth of impact on prices paid by packers for cattle or for Soybeans are harvested. Pigs are altering any “anti-competitive practices slaughtered. Wheat is harvested. Cattle FARM & FOOD FILE in the meat and poultry industries,” says are slaughtered.

Taylor.

By Alan Guebert It’s not a minor point, insists C. Why? Because, as his readable, Robert Taylor, Eminent Scholar of 49-page report makes clear, major Agricultural Economics and Public packers long ago learned how to miniPolicy at Auburn University, in his mize competition in the live cattle market while recently-released treatise on today’s badly broken maximizing confusion over today’s USDA maze of cattle markets. Taylor telegraphs the paper’s theme reporting requirements. The data bears witness to through its title: “Harvested Cattle, Slaughtered their ever-growing prowess at the expense of both Markets?” cattle growers and consumers.

The semantic sarcasm isn’t accidental: While U.S. Over the last two decades, Taylor writes, “Retail farm and commodity groups spent decades polishing meat’s image (“harvesting”), global agbiz spent their beef prices in constant [deflated] dollars have trended strongly upward… from about $500/cwt [per one time and resources buying up, then dominating — hundred pounds] to over $700/cwt… Grocery store ahem … slaughtering — farm and food sectors like profitability has also trended upward, about douseed, cattle, poultry, and grocery retailing. bling in the last three decades…”

Now, one market — cattle, is so near death that “Profitability of independent cattle feeding has both the Senate and House Ag committees recently trended downward… from an average profit of $50/ held widely publicized hearings to push ideas on head to an average loss of $50/head.” how to resuscitate it. Two plans were showcased.

The first “would create a new U.S. Department of Moreover, these “Sustained financial losses for Agriculture office to monitor for anti-competitive independent feeders likely explain, in part or in practices in the meat and poultry industries,” whole, the loss of 83,000 feedlots with a thousand or reported the Washington Post April 27. fewer head capacity in 25 years and 48,000 in the last decade” alone.

The second, labeled “The Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act,” hopes to establish “miniThese feedlots’ get-out-while-you-can math was mums for negotiated sales and require clear report- pretty simple, offers Taylor. The $50-per-head loss ing of marketing contracts to ensure ranchers are they faced in just the past decade alone would have getting a fair shake in a highly consolidated cattle totaled a devastating $1.5 million per feeder had market,” it continued. they stayed.

OPINION

Somehow, though, the uber-big feeders escaped similar losses and a similar fate: The number of feedlots with over 50,000 head capacity actually increased from 45 in the late 1990s to 77 today.

How? “Sweetheart deals with large captive feeders” — independent feedlots contractually — tied to one of the big four packers “may explain, in part or in whole, how they have survived and even (grew) in the last decade… Publicly available data on costs or returns for giant feedlots are not available to address this question.”

If neither Congressional effort holds little to no hope to even partially repair today’s broken cattle market, what might? Taylor offers four “options for further discussion.” All hold some merit, he explains in a May 9 telephone interview, but also, all require a level of government intervention that hasn’t been seen in most ag markets for decades.

“The bottom line,” Taylor admits, “is that after decades of watching cattle markets become more integrated with meatpackers and meat retailers, I don’t have a good solution that’s politically workable.”

Bottom line? If the experts say it’s slaughter, it’s slaughter.

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

Send your letters to: Editor, The Land 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

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

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

By Kristin Kveno

This recipe is so simple; but the results are so tasty. If you want to add a little more sophistication to your meal, put the shredded turkey in a flaky, buttery croissant.

and serve.

thin pickles Transfer the pork to a large bowl, leaving the cooking liquid in 2-3 cups of shredded cabbage and carrots mixture the slow cooker. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch with 12-16 rolls 3 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Pour into the slow cooker, then whisk to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on In a slow cooker, add beef, hot sauce, butter, soy high whisking every so often, until the sauce is thickened to your sauce and garlic. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low liking, about 20 to 30 minutes. for 6-8 hours. Shred beef once cooked. Assemble sliders by slicing rolls in half, horizontally. Adding a While the sauce thickens, shred the pork with two forks or, if it thin layer of ketchup-mayonnaise to both halves of is cool enough to handle, with your fingers. Stir the shredded pork the roll. Sprinkle a tablespoon of cabbage mixture. back into the thickened sauce in the slow cooker. Taste and adjust Add a generous 3 tablespoons of meat mixture, then seasoning as desired (you may need an extra pinch of salt or some 1 tablespoon of caramelized onion, then a pickle and additional hot sauce if you enjoy a kick). Spoon pork on top of buns close the slider. Secure the slider with a toothpick with coleslaw and pickles to create a sandwich or serve it any way you like. n

n

Pulled pork is always in season. It’s versatile, delectable and I’ve been making this shredded chicken recipe for years. It’s easy to make. This recipe features the zip of sriracha, the tang of simple but a hit every time I serve it. Whether you put the chicken Slow Cooker Shredded Turkey Sandwiches apple cider vinegar and plenty of other spices to jazz up the pork. on a bun, in a tortilla or on top of a salad, it goes great with anything. https://www.foxvalleyfoodie.com/slow-cooker-shredded-turkeySlow Cooker Pulled Pork sandwiches/ Crockpot Pulled Ranch Chicken https://www.wellplated.com/slow-cooker-honey-pulled-pork/ 2 turkey breasts https://www.thepinningmama.com/crockpot-pulled-ranch1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 24 ounces beer (can substitute low sodium chicken broth) chicken/#recipe 6 ounces tomato paste 1 stick butter 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar 2 pounds chicken breast 2 packets onion soup mix 1/3 cup honey 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning or two tablespoons 16 buns 1/4 cup water homemade ranch seasoning, ½ teaspoon reserved Place turkey, beer, butter and soup mix in the slow cooker and 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/2 cup chicken broth cook until turkey is easily shredded with a fork. Approximately 4 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce hours on high, or 8 hours on low. Shred the meat with two forks.

Pour the chicken broth into the Crockpot. Lay the chicken breast 2 teaspoons smoked paprika Serve turkey on buns. on top, then top with ranch seasoning. Cover and cook on high for 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2.5 hours. At the end of the cooking time, remove the chicken and 2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce of choice n shred it. Drain the broth, reserving 1/4 cup of the broth. Place the 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional for the pork We have A LOT of beef in our deep freeze right now so I’ve been shredded chicken, the reserved ranch seasoning and broth back 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional on the lookout for new beef recipes to try. These beef sliders mininto the Crockpot and stir until everything is evenly combined.

1 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder or pork but gle the flavors of the caramelized onions, pickles, hot sauce and 2 tablespoons cornstarch plus 3 tablespoons cold water to creNo matter how you shred it, these recipes will add beef, just to name a few. This is a recipe I will be making often, it’s ate a slurry excitement to your dinner plates with little work. that good.

In the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, whisk together Kristin Kveno scours the internet, pours over old Slow Cooker Spicy Cuban BBQ Beef Sliders the onion, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, water, brown family recipes and searches everywhere in between to https://latinamommeals.com/slow-cooker-spicy-cuban-bbq- sugar, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard find interesting food ideas for feeding your crew. Do beef-sliders/ powder, sriracha, teaspoon salt and liquid smoke (if using), until you have a recipe you want to share? You can reach smoothly combined. Season the pork all over with a generous Kristin at kkveno@thelandonline.com. v 4 pounds beef roast amount of kosher salt and ground pepper.

Add the pork to the slow 2-4 tablespoons of hot sauce cooker and spoon the sauce all over the top to cover it. Cover the 1 stick salted butter slow cooker and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or low for 8 to 10 1 cup low sodium soy sauce hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.

3 garlic cloves minced 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, mix 2-3 cups of caramelized onion

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833-896-0016

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

USDA updates livestock insurance options

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.

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

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

EARLY DEADLINE

for THE LAND on June 3, 2022 DISPLAY ADS - Ad copy due Wednesday, May 25 CLASSIFIED LINE ADS - Ad copy due Thursday, May 26 at Noon

THE LAND office will be closed

on Memorial Day

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

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 25 — 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 1 — Strategic Farming: Field Notes — Online — 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 — A multi-session, hands-on workshop for

women interested in learning more about agronomy.

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

June 8 — Strategic Farming: Field Notes — Online — Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@umn.edu or (320) 5891711.

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) 484-4303.

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.

June 21 & 22 — Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Certification — Caledonia, Minn. — Contact Katie Drewitz at wins0115@umn.edu or (507) 725-5807 June 22 — Strategic Farming: Field Notes — Online — Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming.

Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@umn.edu or (320) 589-1711.

June 24 — West Central Dairy Days Cattle Show — Willmar, Minn. — Ages 5-21 can exhibit. There are classes for all six dairy breeds. For entry form, contact your local 4-H Extension educator or local ag education instructor. Contact Mary Swart at rmswart@tds. net or (320) 220-0904.

June 27-July 1 — National Holstein Convention — Sioux Falls, S.D. — Learn about progress being made within the Holstein breed, dairy farms and the dairy industry. Tours to various dairy operations available. A live auction will take place June 30. Contact Michele Schroeder atmoocheleschroeder@yahoo. com or (507) 276-4810.

Companion planting can cure gardening ills Planting different plants together for pathogens can be easily moved from their mutual benefit or to repel insects plant to plant by the wind, insects, or has long been known. Our experience with larger animals brushing against one planting many ash trees next to each plant and then depositing the fungi on an other and then the Emerald Ash Borer adjacent one. Diseases which affect more moving from one to another has pointed than one related plant may also easily out the value of diversity in horticulture. travel between them. Eggplants, tomaDisease and insects can take advantage of toes and peppers may all suffer damage GREEN AND large groups of the same species planted from the same insects or disease pathoGROWING next to each other. A large patch of the gens because they are genetically-related

By Linda G. Tenneson plants. same species plant will easily attract insects if those plants are its desired food.

Gardeners often plant marigolds around their vegHowever, a variety of plants makes it harder for etable gardens to deter insects with limited success. damage causing insects to “find the grocery store” so Placing strongly scented flowers around vegetables to speak. Plants of differing colors may confuse may deter insects, rabbits or deer. insects so that they cannot find their favorite food Planting nasturtiums around squash has reduced plant when it is growing among other plants. some insect damage to the squash. While this pracThis is also true for diseases. Fungi and other tice does not always work, a physical barrier such as a fence or row cover is more likely to keep insects or animals from causing damage.

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and may eventually kill it. Arugula, rapeseed and napa cabbage can be “trap crops” which attract flea beetles and keep them from eating desired plants.

Sage and thyme have been used to deter diamondback moths from eating Brussel sprouts. Flowers or plants with strong scents like marigolds, onions and nasturtium may deter cabbage worms.

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

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 If you travel change is because of last year’s drought and the need straight east of for more silage.

Fertile, Minn. a While Erickson is looking forward to getting the 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 le d ideal ground for growing crops. “We graze a lot of af by St stuff that’s marginal.” The crop ground will be plantd KR ISTI an N KVENO, The L ed with corn, soybeans and alfalfa this year. “We’re going to have to plant more acres of corn.” This

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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 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 liveSee 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

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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.”

See JOHNSON, pg. 11

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THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022

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 including 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.

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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

Erickson, Johnson, Roelofs and Winslow will report on their farms’ progress through harvest, so don’t miss an issue of The Land!

Winslow plays the waiting game; still plenty to do 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 le d Ashley and their newborn daughter, Lorelei, live a af by St d few miles down the road. So Winslow and his wife, KR ISTI an N KVENO, The L 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 exten- Nathan, also serves as an extension educator. The sion educator for Agriculture Production Systems in family’s rich history in ag continues to inspire Fillmore and Houston counties. Her husband, involvement in their own way, from farming to educating the community.

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, Facebook.com/TheLandOnline the U.S. Grain Council, Minnesota Ag in the Classroom or the Chatfield FFA Alumni. He also Twitter.com/TheLandOnline teaches farm safety every May to 250-300 local fourth-graders in Fillmore County who come to the Instagram@thelandmagazineonline 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 f

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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

THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022

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

#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, “We hope this ongoing campaign will continue to chip away at the old stigmas that sometimes exist in talking openly about the tolls of stress and seeking help—especially in rural communities.”

The #SoyHelp campaign will include 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 encounters 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

Johnson looking at maturity dates JOHNSON, from pg. 9 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 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

Erickson going solar for watering system ERICKSON, from pg. 9 stock. 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 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

Answers located in Classified Section

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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. 17

GreenSeam announces Program Manager Cyphers

In addition to common benefits (health, 401k etc.) does your organization offer any additional incentives?

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

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

THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022

PAGE 13

Dairy, soybeans are big winners in latest WASDE report This column was written for the marketing week ending May 13.

WE BUILD OUR STALLS RIGHT! The U.S. Department of Agriculture Take a look at raised its 2022 milk production estiour tubing with mate for the second month in a row in unequaled corrosion its World Agricultural Supply and News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producersprotection!

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PAGE 14

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

THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022

Cool weather is keeping cows comfortable, production up MIELKE, from pg. 13 month ago, and compares to $17.08 in 2021, and was estimated to average $20.50 in 2023.

The Class IV is expected to average $23.80 in 2022, down 25 cents from a month ago, and compares to $16.09 in 2021. The 2023 average is at $21.40.

The U.S. corn crop is projected at 14.5 billion bushels, down 4.3 percent from last year. The yield is projected at 177 bushels per acre, four bushels below the weather-adjusted trend presented at USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum in February.

Beginning stocks are up relative to a year ago, but total corn supplies are forecast to decline 2.7 percent to 15.9 billion bushels. Total corn use was forecast to fall 2.5 percent on declines in domestic use and exports. Food, seed, and industrial use is virtually unchanged at 6.8 billion bushels. Corn used for ethanol was unchanged relative to a year ago on expectations of flat motor gasoline consumption.

Corn feed and residual use is down 4.9 percent from a year ago, reflecting a smaller crop, higher expected season-average farm prices received by producers, and a decline in grain consuming animals. Corn exports are forecast to decline 4 percent “as lower supplies and robust domestic demand limit prospects,” says the WASDE. The soybean outlook is for higher supplies, crush, exports, and ending stocks. The soybean crop is projected to hit a record 4.64 billion bushels, up 5 percent from last year’s crop, mainly on higher harvested area. Soybean supplies are projected at 4.89 billion bushels, up 4 percent. Total oilseed production was projected at 136.6 million tons, up 6.1 million from a year ago, mainly on higher soybean production. Domestic soybean meal disappearance is forecast to increase 2 percent with low soybean meal prices relative to corn, according to the WASDE. Soybean meal exports are forecast at 14.4 million short tons, leaving the U.S share of global trade near the prior five-year average. Soybean exports are forecast at 2.2 billion bushels, up 60 million from the revised 2021-22 projection.

The season-average soybean price is forecast at $14.40 per bushel compared with $13.25 last season.

Soybean meal prices are forecast down $20 per short ton, to $400, and soybean oil prices are forecast down 5 cents to average 70 cents per pound, as oilseed and product supplies rebound in foreign markets. n The USDA’s latest Crop Progress report shows that only 22 percent of the U.S. corn crop was in the ground, as of the week ending May 8, up from 14 percent the previous week, but a widening 42 percent behind a year ago and 28 percent behind the most recent five year average. The report says 5 percent of the corn has emerged, down from 18 percent a year ago, and 10 percent behind the five-year average.

Soybean plantings are only at 12 percent — up from 8 percent the previous week, but 27 percent behind a year ago and 12 percent behind the fiveyear average.

Planting is not the only challenge, according to the Daily Dairy Report. “Purdue University reported that 26 percent of farmers surveyed were having difficulty purchasing fertilizer and 30 percent were having trouble buying herbicides.”

Dairy cow culling has slowed in the United States, with high milk prices providing the incentive. In the week ending April 30, 51,600 dairy cows were sent to slaughter, down 4,800 head from the previous week, and 4,100 or 7.4 percent below a year ago. n Chicago Mercantile Exchange block cheddar sunk to $2.2625 per pound on May 10 (the lowest since March 31), but rallied and closed on Friday the 13th at $2.3075. This is down 4.25 cents on the week, the third week of decline, but 58.25 cents above a year ago.

The barrels rolled to $2.34 per pound on May 10 but finished at $2.395/ This is up 1.5 cents on the week, 66.5 cents above a year ago, and 8.75 cents above the blocks. Sales numbered 14 blocks and only two barrels on the week at the CME. Spot milk trading was busier at Midwest cheese plants this week, according to Dairy Market News.

Class I intakes have slowed as schools begin to curb

orders, and seasonal milking patterns are putting more milk into the market. The previous week’s market was particularly busy, and although this week was slower, at midweek, discounts and overages remained in the same ballpark as a week ago.

Milk availability growth is timely, as cheese demand, particularly in the upper Midwest, remains somewhat strong. In some cases, loads made available by one customer’s cancellation or slowdown moved to another customer. StoneX informs us that component production has been on the rise thanks to the cool weather lending itself to cattle comfort.

Western contacts report that cheese export demand remains strong. Retail sales reportedly slid lower, but the decrease was countered by an increase in food service demand. Inventories of blocks are becoming more available, as port congestion is causing some exporters to sell loads intended for export. Barrel inventories tightened this week.

Milk is available, as cheese producers are running busy schedules in the region but labor shortages and delayed deliveries of production supplies continue to cause some plants to run below capacity.

Cash butter dropped to $2.61 per pound on May 10, then reversed direction and headed to a May 13 finish at $2.705. This is up 6.5 cents on the week and 83 cents above a year ago. There were 18 carloads that found new homes on the week.

Food service butter demand remains steady while See MIELKE, pg. 15

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 following 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

THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022

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

PAGE 15

Many underestimated market’s strength, inflation MIELKE, from pg. 14 retail orders are in a seasonally quieter phase, says Dairy Market News. Plant managers continue to say they are using this time to churn in preparation for fall demand. Cream is less available, regionally.

Some plants were looking west for similarly priced loads when compared to previous weeks, but local handlers are slowing offers, as busier churning and ice cream production has begun to thin the pool.

Market tones are uncertain, says Dairy Market News, as global butterfat values have begun to shift lower after a sustained bullish run starting since the summer of 2021.

Western contacts report that cream markets are steady. Cream inventories are available, though ice cream makers are buying cream in anticipation of warmer weather. Contacts report they are running busy schedules, trying to build inventory, but labor shortages and delayed deliveries of production supplies also continues to prevent running at capacity.

Retail demand is declining due to the higher prices, while food service demand is steady, according to Dairy Market News.

Grade A nonfat dry milk fell to $1.7225 on May 11 but closed two days later at $1.73, down a penny on the week and 43 cents above a year ago, on six sales.

Dry whey closed May 13 at 53.25 cents per pound.

This is down 5.25 cents on the week and 10.75 cents below a year ago, on nine sales reported on the week at the CME. n Domestic consumption of cheese and dairy exports in March remained strong, according to StoneX May 6 “Early Morning Update.” Domestic disappearance on cheese in March was 5 percent above year ago and year-to-date was up 4.8 percent.

“American cheese exports have been a driving force in the first quarter and up 44 percent year-to-date,” says StoneX, “while Australia’s exports for March were reported to be up 15.5 percent from last year.”

Speaking in the May 16 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast, broker Dave Kurzawski said overall U.S. commercial disappearance, on a milk equivalent basis, was down about 0.7 percent in March, led in large part by butter and high value protein powder.

Butter was down 10.7 percent, he said, but with the high prices that butter and cheese are at, “It almost doesn’t matter what the disappearance numbers say, as these are bullish markets — though they do feel like they’re coming off a bit.”

“Many underestimated the ability of the market to go up,” Kurzawski added, “and maybe underestimated inflation, the story that got start in 2021 but probably had too little coverage.” Nerves were triggered as the market started to go higher, he said, “then got really nervous when Putin went into Ukraine and that sent a surge for all commodity prices — including dairy. Our nerves are dulled now.

Buyers have calmed down, and may step back a bit from aggressive buying.”

Kurzawski predicted the May 17 Global Dairy Trade auction would be down again, following the 8.5 percent plunge on May 3, and said it’s reminiscent of the large drops in 2015. He warned the GDT may be down another 8-10 percent and while some think the bottom is in, “history will prove otherwise,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, fluid milk sales took another hit. The latest USDA data shows sales of packaged fluid products in March at 3.8 billion pounds, down 3.4 percent from March 2021. Conventional product sales totaled 3.5 billion, down 3.3 percent from a

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

year ago.

Organic products, at 253 million pounds, were down 4.3 percent and represented 6.7 percent of total sales for the month.

Whole milk sales totaled 1.3 billion pounds, up 1.6 percent from a year ago, up 0.1 percent year-todate, and represented 33.4 percent of total milk sales in the three months.

Skim milk sales, at 205 million pounds, were down 8.5 percent from a year ago and down 8 percent year-to-date.

Total packaged fluid sales for the first three months of 2022 amounted to 11.1 billion pounds, down 2.7 percent from 2021. Conventional product sales totaled 10.4 billion pounds, down 2.5 percent.

Organic products, at 724 million, were down 4.6 percent and represented 6.5% of total milk sales for the period.

The figures represent consumption in Federal milk marketing order areas, which account for approximately 92 percent of total fluid milk sales in the United States. n In global dairy news, New Zealand-based Fonterra Co-operative revised its 2021-22 forecast Farmgate Milk Price range, from $9.30-$9.90 per kilogram of milk solids, to $9.10-$9.50.

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell said the revision was necessary “due to a number of recent events which have resulted in short-term impacts on global demand for dairy products — in particular, the lockdowns in China due to Covid-19, the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”

“The Russian invasion has upended global food supply chains, raised prices for inputs, energy, and finished food products, and exacerbated nutrition insecurity in countries around the world,” says a joint press release this week following a meeting in the Washington, D.C. offices of the International Dairy Foods Association and leaders of the European Dairy Association.

Lastly, the United States is not the only country calling on Canada to live up to its trade obligations in trade agreements they have signed. You’ll recall the United States has complained about Canada’s application of its dairy tariff rate quotas under the USMCA agreement.

Now New Zealand has initiated dispute proceedings regarding Canada’s tariff rate quotas under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The Canadian supply management program has come under increasing pressure as the country seeks to be a player in the global dairy marketplace.

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 crop future is up in the air The following marketing analysis is for the week ending May 13.

CORN — Corn extended the previous week’s losses as traders returned from the weekend and then spent the balance of the week trying to work out of the hole. On May 9, July corn traded to its lowest point since April 11 — along with equity and energy markets. It’s not unusual for corn prices to see a pullback in early May when planters begin to roll across the Midwest. Troublesome planting weather, ongoing events in Ukraine, dryness in Brazil, and positioning for the May 12 World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report contributed to PHYLLIS NYSTROM CHS Hedging Inc. the recovery. The big news this St. Paul week was the WASDE report and planting delays, so we’ll dig into those first.

The 2021-22 balance sheet was unchanged with the carryout at 1.44 billion bushels. The average farm price increased 10 cents to $5.90 per bushel. The trade was anticipating stocks to fall to 1.403 billion bushels. World ending stocks climbed to 309.4 million metric tons from 305.5 mmt previously, and 303.2 mmt estimated. China’s corn imports were unchanged at 23 mmt. Brazil’s corn crop was left at 116 mmt and Argentina’s production was unchanged at 53 mmt.

Ukraine’s corn exports were left unchanged at 23 mmt.

The 2022-23 U.S. corn balance sheet held one of the biggest surprises when the U.S. Department of Agriculture slashed the yield 4 bushels per acre to 177 bu./acre! The average estimate was 179.6 bu./ acre. This is only the sixth time they have lowered the yield from trendline on the May report. Acreage was as expected at 89.5 million acres. Production was 14.46 billion vs. 14.77 billion estimated. The year-onyear cut to feed and residual of 275 million bushels to 5.35 billion bushels caught traders’ attention.

There is skepticism that a decline as aggressive as this (nearly 5 percent) is warranted this early.

Ending stocks were 1.36 billion bushels compared with 1.335 billion estimated.

For 2022-23, world ending stocks were pegged at 305.1 mmt vs. 296.1 mmt estimated. This would be down from the projected 309.4 mmt this year. China’s corn imports showed a year-on-year decline to 18 mmt vs. 23 mmt in 2021-22. Brazil’s corn crop is fore-

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* St. Cloud $7.76 +.08 Madison $7.87 +.09 Redwood Falls $7.91 +.15 Fergus Falls $7.71 +.08 Morris $7.91 +.18 Tracy $7.88 +.18 Average:

soybeans/change* $16.53 $16.23 $16.33 $16.28 $16.33 $16.28

+.52 +.47 +.57 +.47 +.53 +.58

$7.84

$16.33

Year Ago Average: $6.97

$15.36

Grain prices are effective cash close on May 17. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

bushels. China has purchased 86.6 million bushels of new crop U.S. corn vs. zero last year. We finally saw our first daily export sales flash this week since April 28 when China bought 2.7 million bushels of old crop corn and 21.4 million bushels for new crop.

Dry weather is affecting Brazil’s safrinha corn crop and now there’s the possibility of a frost as early as next week. Conab cut its Brazilian corn estimate this week to 114.6 mmt. The USDA left its outlook unchanged on the May report at 116 mmt. Brazil’s first corn harvest as of May 9 was right on the average at 89 percent complete.

President Biden, in his speech from an Illinois farm the intention to double funding for domestic fertilizer production to $500 million, provide more access to farm management tools for plant and soil needs, and increase the number of counties eligible for double cropping insurance. Will this help add production?

Outlook: December corn posted a reversal higher on the weekly technical chart after setting a new contract high at $7.58.5 per bushel. For the week, July corn fell 3.5 cents to $7.81.25 and December rallied 28 cents to close at $7.48.75 per bushel.

Planting weather and progress in the United States will be watched closely over the next two weeks.

Brazil’s safrinha corn crop status will also be monitored. The market will be wanting to see continued demand both domestically and on the export side.

Historically, corn bounces after its early May setback.

Developments in Ukraine will also demand attention. President Biden said in his speech this week the United States is seeking ways to help Ukraine export 20 mmt of grain through alternative channels.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy predicts world food shortages will get worse if Ukraine can’t export its grain. Russia continues to attack and block the port of Odesa.

We need favorable crop conditions to avoid ending stocks falling below 1 billion bushels and we haven’t started with them. Outside macroeconomic factors will likely spillover to influence commodity prices as well. Buckle up, the ride hasn’t come to a complete stop.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans followed the same pattern as corn with big losses on May 9 followed by four straight higher closes. Soybean planting was 12 percent complete as of May 8 compared to 24 percent on average and 16 percent expected. Illinois was 11 percent planted vs. 30 percent on average and Iowa was 7 percent planted vs. 34 percent on average.

Emergence was 3 percent vs. 4 percent on average.

Covid lockdowns continue to be enforced in China as they pursue a zero-tolerance policy. This is hurting demand for commodity imports as well as causing big delays throughout the world supply chain. We saw China buy 4.85 million bushels of old crop soybeans late in the week. This was the first announced sale in

cast to jump to 126 mmt and Argentina’s to 55 mmt.

Ukraine’s crop was estimated at 19.5 mmt with exports at less than half of this year at just 9 mmt.

U.S. corn planting as of May 8 was only 22 percent complete compared to 50 percent on average and 25 percent expected. This was the second-slowest planting pace since 1993. Iowa was 14 percent planted vs.

63 percent average; Illinois 15 percent planted vs. 58 percent average; and Minnesota 9 percent planted vs.

48 percent average.

The fastest week-on-week corn planting progress in the United States was the week of May 19, 2013, when we planted 43 percent of the crop. The average planting for May 15 is 67 percent complete which means we’d have to make record progress of 45 percent in a week marred by heavy damaging storms in the upper Midwest throughout the week. In Minnesota, the most we’ve planted in a week is 65 percent; 64 percent in Iowa; and 57 percent in Illinois (data is courtesy of the Senate Ag committee).

According to a study, corn yields can decline by 0.3 percent per day when planting is delayed in early May and rises to 1 percent per day by the end of May. Corn emergence on May 8 was only 5 percent vs. 15 percent on average. There is talk we may lose corn acres to another crop, or not get planted at all, in parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota. Will the lure of high prices make growers more willing to plant later, or will input costs/availability and insurance dates limit that choice?

Weekly export inspections (what is shipped) were as expected this week at 54.8 million bushels. Total inspections for the marketing year are 1.495 billion bushels of the 2.6 billion bushel export forecast.

Weekly export sales for old crop were a marketing year low at 7.6 million bushels. Cumulative old crop sales are 2.3 billion bushels. Weekly sales need to average 10.2 million bushels per week to reach the USDA target at 2.5 billion bushels. China has purchased approximately 561 million bushels of old crop U.S. corn so far. New crop sales were 1.8 million bushels to bring cumulative sales to 196.5 million See NYSTROM, pg. 17

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.

THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022

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

PAGE 17

High U.S. dollar has little effect on soybean market NYSTROM, from pg. 16 over two weeks. It was rumored China bought up all the Brazilian soybeans offered for the June time slot this week. Is the United States next in line for additional business?

The 2021-22 soybean carryout is the lowest in six years at 235 million bushels but was slightly larger than the 221 million bushel estimate. This was arrived at by increasing exports by 25 million bushels to 2.14 billion bushels. This cut the ending stocksto-use ratio to 5.3 percent. The average farm price was unchanged at $13.25 per bushel. World ending stocks were projected at 85.2 mmt, below the 88.8 mmt estimate. China’s imports were forecast at 91 mmt vs. 91 mmt expected. Brazil’s soybean crop was unchanged at 125 mmt and Argentina’s was lowered by 1.5 mmt to 42 mmt.

In our first official look at the U.S. 2022-23 balance sheet, acreage and yield were unchanged from the March Prospective Planting report at a record 91 million acres and 51.5 bu./acre. Production would come in at a record 4.64 billion bushels. Year-on-year crush showed a 1.8 percent increase to 2.255 billion bushels and exports up 2.8 percent to 2.2 billion bushels. Ending stocks are expected to grow to 310 million bushels and ending stocks-to-use ratio to 6.8 percent. The average farm price is forecasted at $14.40 per bushel.

The world soybean ending stocks for 2022-23 came in at 99.6 mmt compared to the 97 mmt estimated.

China’s imports are expected to grow to 99 mmt.

They just don’t seem to be able to push through 100 mmt. Have they plateaued? Brazil’s 2022-23 soybean crop was projected at 149 mmt! Keep in mind last fall before La Niña kicked in their crop was originally estimated in the 145 mmt area. Argentina’s soybean crop next year was forecasted at 51 mmt.

were on the low end of expectations and brought total shipments to 1.75 billion bushels. Weekly export sales for old crop were at a marketing year low at 5.3 million bushels, bringing cumulative sales to 2.15 billion bushels. The new export forecast is 2.14 billion bushels with slightly less than four months left in the marketing year. New crop sales were 2.9 million bushels with cumulative sales of 412.5 million bushels. This is a record for new crop sales for this time of year.

Soyoil continues to provide support to the soybeans.

Malaysia is considering cutting its export tax on palm by as much as half from the current 8 percent tax. Malaysia is the second-largest palm oil producer in the world.

Outlook: For the week, July soybeans rallied 24.5 cents to $16.46.5 and November soybeans gained 27.5 cents at $14.98.25 per bushel. The rally came this week despite the U.S. dollar running to a 20-year high. Planting weather will be monitored closely in

the next week to see if planting can progress significantly. The same factors mentioned in the corn comments apply to the soybean market, but later corn planting may push additional acres to soybeans.

We’ll continue to expect elevated volatility in the weeks ahead. Manage your risk!

Weekly price changes in July wheat for the week ended May 13: Chicago wheat was 69 cents higher at $11.77.5, Kansas City soared $1.11.5 to $12.82, and Minneapolis rocketed $1.16.25 to $13.25 per bushel.

Minneapolis and Kansas City wheat raced to new contract highs through the week on rain delayed planting in the upper Midwest. India and Pakistan are facing extreme heat, and the EU dryness, which will hurt wheat production. Chicago wheat made new highs in the deferred months. U.S. winter wheat ratings as of May 8 were up 2 percent from the previous week at 29 percent good/excellent. Winter wheat ratings have been below 30 percent good/excellent only twice before for this week in 1996 and 1989. v

www.TheLandOnline.com Applications open for organic programs

Certified organic and transitioning to organic agricultural producers and handlers can now apply for the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program and the Organic Certification Cost Share Program. These U.S. Department of Agriculture programs help producers and handlers cover organic certification cost and other related expenses. Applications are open now and due Oct. 31.

The two USDA programs cover costs incurred from Oct. 1, 2021, to Sept. 30, 2022. Organic and transiWeekly export inspections at 18.5 million bushels tioning agricultural producers should contact their

local Farm Service Agency office and/or participating State agency to apply.

“If someone is considering getting certified, they should definitely look into the program as it can reduce some of the financial burden,” says organic farmer and OFRF Board Chair Bryan Hager.

More information is available at https://www.farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance/.

This article was submitted by the Organic Farming Research Foundation. v

‘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

PAGE 18

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THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022

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I do not qualify but would like a one-year subscription.

Full Year Subscription:  $49

Important – Please check all boxes that best match your farming operation.

Acres Corn Soybeans Alfalfa Wheat Sugar Beets TOTAL ACRES

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

Livestock Head  250-499

 500-999

 1000+

 250-499

 500-999

 1000+

 250-499

 500-999

 1000+

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Data will NOT be sold.

Mail to: THE LAND 418 South Second Street • Mankato, MN 56001 PLEASE PRINT Name ______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________________________ Phone # ____________________________________________________________________________ E-mail Address _____________________________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________________ Date __________________

This form MUST BE signed and dated to meet postal regulations.

A wild fox from Anoka County in Minnesota has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in a wild mammal in Minnesota.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratory later confirmed the positive test.

Last week, two red fox kits in Ontario, Canada tested positive for HPAI. The Minnesota fox also was a kit.

In light of these most recent findings of HPAI in fox kits, the DNR will add avian influenza to the routine screening process when foxes exhibiting neurological symptoms are submitted to the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

“Testing in Minnesota has confirmed HPAI in nearly 200 wild birds, including 19 species of birds, primarily waterfowl and raptors,” said Michelle Carstensen, the DNR’s wildlife health program supervisor.

The DNR is coordinating bird sampling efforts with U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, The Raptor Center, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, Wild and Free, and other wildlife rehabilitation centers.

“Wild animals can sometimes transmit diseases to humans, and while we typically think of rabies or other wellknown diseases as the primary concerns, this shows that there are other risks to keep in mind as well,” said Dr. Joni Scheftel, state public health veterinarian with the Minnesota Department of Health. “The best advice we have for Minnesotans is to avoid contact with wildlife that appear sick or injured and contact your healthcare provider if you are bitten or have other close contact with wildlife.”

Minnesotans who find sick or dead waterfowl and raptors — which are the wildlife most affected by HPAI — should contact the DNR to file a report.

Learn more on the DNR website: mndnr.gov/AI. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. v

Deadline for public input extended The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced a 30-day extension to the public comment period to identify the impacts of concentration and competition challenges in seed, fertilizer, other agricultural inputs, and retail markets. The new deadline is June 15.

USDA seeks information about competition matters as they relate to fertilizer; seed and agricultural inputs (particularly as they relate to the intellectual property system); food retail, including access to retail for agricultural producers and small and medium-sized food processors through wholesale and distribution markets.

The RFIs are intended to provide USDA with data on competition and market access for farmers and ranchers, new and growing market competitors, especially small and mediumsized enterprises, and the context of these markets for farmers.

Additional information is available at www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/faircompetitive/rfi.

All written comments should be posted online at https://www.regulations. gov. Comments should reference the docket number of the RFI, the date of submission, and the page number of this issue of the Federal Register.

Comments may also be sent to Jaina Nian, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 2055-S, STOP 0201, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0201. Comments will be made available for public inspection at the above address during regular business hours or online.

This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. v

THE LAND — MAY 13 /MAY 20, 2022

Real Estate Wanted

PAGE 19

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

Bins & Buildings

Tractors

Tractors

Tillage Equip

Spraying Equip

WANTED: Land & farms. I Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. FOR SALE: ‘05 Case IH Stei- NEW AND USED TRACTOR Wil-Rich Harrow All 2, pull 2006 Rogator 1074 self-prohave clients looking for 100% financing w/no liens or ger SGX 325 4WD tractor, PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, type, 19’, new tires and has pelled sprayer, 4WD, Michelin tires 70%, 4100 hrs, new dairy, & cash grain opera- red tape, call Steve at Fair- 2673 hrs, 20.8-42 tires. ‘98 55, 50 Series & newer trac- rolling baskets. 701-899-3693 injectors, Cat eng, 80’ boom, tions, as well as bare land fax Ag for an appointment. FNH 8970, FWA, 6900 hrs, tors, AC-all models, Large PLANNING AN AUCTION? 14.9-46 rears, 14.9-30 fronts, Inventory, We ship! Mark triple nozzles, 5 section shut parcels from 40-1000 acres. 888-830-7757 the best results when you HID lights. new water pump, Heitman Tractor Salvage Getadvertise offs, 20” spacing, Foamer/ Both for relocation & investin THE LAND alt, turbo, etc. 701-899-3693 new light bar, Raven 4000 715-673-4829 ments. If you have even 507-345-4523 Farm Equipment monitor. 507-276-3174 thought about selling conFOR SALE: 2955 John Deere tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Land Specialist, Edina Re- FOR SALE: Owatonna 8’ tractor, open station, excelalty, 138 Main St. W., New horse grain drill. Lyle Kuhns, lent paint, new front tires, approx 5400 hrs, always Prague, MN 55372.

507-835-4691 shedded, everything works paulkrueger@edinarealty.com Int’l 986 tractor, 3 pt hitch, as should. 612-655-1053 (612)328-4506 18.4x34 tires, 60%, 3350 FOR SALE: 1980 Versatile 835 hours, 2 rear hyd outlets. tractor, 7600 hrs, runs good, PLANTERS TRACTORS Feed Seed Hay 507-236-9168 good condition, $17,500/OBO. NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader On Order White 6531 31R-15”…..................................… Just In Taking 2023 New Spring Orders NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders On Order JD 7200 8RN planter, w/ 320-220-3114 Alfalfa, mixed hay grass dry fert, always shedded, Please recycle this magazine.

NEW NH 25S Workmasters ...…......…. On Order hay & wheat straw. $5,000; JD 3010 diesel, nicely NEW Versatile DT610 ……….............…… SOLD Medium squares or round COMBINES restored w/ JD 46 ldr, $8,500; NEW Massey Tractors ........................... On Order bales. Delivery available.

Caterpiller D2 bulldozer, NEW Massey 4710 w/loader ….......... COMING NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead ................... Call Call or text Leroy Ose runs good, needs starting 3-New Massey GC1725 ……..................... Just In ’89 Gleaner R60 w/both heads ........................ $15,500 218-689-6675 engine, $4,000. 507-330-3945 17’ NH T4.75 w/loader ……....................… Just In Gleaner R50/320,630........................................ $13,500 18’ NH T4.75 w/loader ............................... Just In Gleaner R6 w/20’................................................ $9,850 McCormick Deering cream We pay dollar for Bins & Buildings separator. 507-236-9168 Geringhoff parts & heads available

THANK YOU FOR READING THE LAND!

Please support the advertisers that you see in The Land.

DAMAGED CORN TOP

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

FULLY INSURED

507-236-9446

damaged corn in any condition. We have trucks & vacs available.

We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910

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

Looking for something special?

Put a line ad in The Land and find it!

Call 507-345-4523

• 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

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

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

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

Thank You For Your Business!

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

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon

PAGE 20

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

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

Find what you’re looking for in THE LAND

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 18 & Closing May 25 at 1PM Cougar Tree Care Excess Equipment Auction, Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction

I’m going to stand outside.

So if anyone asks, I’M OUTSTANDING.

Opening May 19 & Closing May 26 at 12PM Stutsman County, ND Land Auction – 50+/- Acres, Jamestown, 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 8 at 12PM Walsh County, ND Farmstead Auction, Adams, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening June 1 & Closing June 8 at 7PM Douglas Legacie Estate Farm Equipment Auction, Adams, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening June 1 & Closing June 9 at 10AM Wadena County, MN Land Auction, Menahga, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 2 & Closing June 7 at 12PM Cass County, ND Land Auction - 160+/- Acres, Argusville, ND, Timed Online Auction June 3 at 10AM Clarence Pronschinske & Sons Inc. Equipment Retirement Auction, Arcadia, WI Opening June 6 & Closing June 15 at 7PM Don Hefner Online Parts Auction, Easton, MN, Timed Online Auction Thursday, June 8 at 10AM Tom & John Rife Family Farm Retirement Auction, Menahga, MN

FOR SALE: Summers 90’ ul- Hardi Commander Sprayer, timate sprayer, new 14.9-46 750 gal, 60’ HZ 3 section tires, recent new 1500 gallon boom w/ controls, Hardi diatank, Raven SCS 450 moni- phragm pump, 540 PTO, tritor. 701-899-3693 ple nozzles, foam markers, 12.4x42 tires, monitor, always shedded. 952-649-8604

Hardi Commander 1500, one owner, 1500 gal sprayer w/ rinse tank & handwash tank, has 90’ boom w/ triple nozzle bodies & chemical inductor, WANTED: MODEL G 14.9x46 tires, has Hardi 2500 GLEANER COMBINE. 952monitor, field ready, $12,000/ 292-4305 OBO. 763-286-2868

Opening May 16 & Closing May 25 at 7PM Anderson Tool Sharpening Auction, Dassel, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening May 23 & Closing June 1 at 10AM Rodney Hogness Estate Farm Auction, Lidgerwood, ND, Timed Online Auction

Spraying Equip

All kinds of New & Used farm equipment - disc chisels, field cults, planters, soil finishers, cornheads, feed mills, discs, balers, haybines, etc. 507438-9782

Opening May 16 & Closing May 25 at 1PM Meeker County, MN Land Auction - 218± Acres, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening May 20 & Closing May 25 at 10AM Online Steffes Auction – 5/25, Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction

Spraying Equip

Wanted

Opening May 16 & Closing May 24 at 7PM Buetow Farms Hay & Livestock Equipment Retirement Auction, Cologne, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening May 20 & Closing May 24 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction

THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022

TIMED ONLINE | NO-RESERVE

FARM RETIREMENT

AUCTION

BIDDING CLOSES: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 STARTING AT 6:00 PM CT

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 13045 40TH STREET SE, CLARA CITY, MN INSPECTION: TUESDAY, MAY 31 • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM LOADOUT: FRIDAY, JUNE 3 • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

HIGHLIGHTS: ‘68 JD 4020 tractor, diesel, syncro, WF; ‘50 JD B tractor, NF; Farmall C tractor, NF; ‘52 AC WD tractor, NF; ‘51 AC CA tractor, WF w/ Woods 306 belly mower; 952 McCormick Deering W6 tractor; ‘53 Farmall Super M tractor, NF; ‘54 Farmall Super H tractor, IH WF; ‘55 Farmall 300 tractor, NF; ‘50 Farmall M tractor, NF; ‘48 Farmall H, NF, Fenders, PTO, 12.4-38 tires, SN 270831; ‘44 Farmall M tractor, NF; Farmall A tractor, WF w/ loader; ‘41 Farmall A tractor, WF; ‘44 Case SC tractor, NF; Oliver 770 tractor, WF; JD 65 pull type combine, round back; ‘40 JD B tractor, for parts or repair; MM 5 Star tractor, NF, for parts or repair; ‘56 Oliver Super 88 tractor, NF, for parts or repair; Oliver Super 88 tractor, gas, WF, not running; Farmall M tractor, for parts or repair; ‘44 Farmall H tractor, for parts or repair; (2) McCormick Deering W9 tractors, for parts; ‘52 AC WD tractor for parts or repair; ‘75 GMC Sierra 35 1 ton 2WD dually pickup; ‘80 18’ 5th wheel flatbed trailer; Woods MZ2761 zero turn lawn mower w/ 61” deck & Kohler engine; Simplicity front cut Hydro 16 lawn mower w/ 48” deck; JD 111 lawn tractor with 36” deck; Black Diamond 25 ton wood splitter w/ 26” stroke, 6.5 HP Kohler, horizontal or vertical; Selection of farm equipment, parts, tools and 1/16, 1/32, 1/64 John Deere & IH farm toys.

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.

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

PRUESS ELEV., INC. 1-800-828-6642

Charles and Betty Schwitters CHARLES SCHWITTERS (320) 212-4614

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

Answers for Green Thumb Word Search

THE LAND — MAY 13 /MAY 20, 2022

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

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

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

Starts Fall 2022: Ridgewater’s Newest Ag Program!

Sharpen your skills in Beginning Meat Cutting

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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 Learn more at ridgewater.edu/meat-cutting.

Questions? Call 320-222-5271.

A member of Minnesota State and an equal opportunity employer/educator

WILLMAR | HUTCHINSON | ONLINE | Creating opportunities. Changing lives.

800-722-1151

PAGE 22

THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022

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

Your First Choice for Classifieds!

r Place You ! y a Ad Tod

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 56002 Fax to: 507-345-1027 Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com / Online at: www.thelandonline.com

• Reach over 150,000 readers • Start your ad in The Land • Add more insertions • Get more coverage

THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

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

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

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Livestock FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred (Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790

Sell your livestock in The Land with a line ad. 507-345-4523

Cattle POLLED HEREFORD BULLS, yearlings and 2 year olds, low birth weight, high performance, semen tested and delivery available.

Jones Farms, Le Sueur, MN. 507-317-5996 Red Angus & Hereford bulls For Sale, developed on forage, Semen tested & vaccinated, leading genetics for growth & mothering ability.

Colby 507-450-8303 or Doug 507-458-5421 Rushford MN

Swine

*

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 Equipment Livestock Equipment Wanted Free & Give Away Livestock Poultry Dairy

         

Cattle Swine Sheep Goats Horses & Tack Exotic Animals Pets & Supplies Cars & Pickups Industrial & Construction Trucks & Trailers

 Recreational Vehicles  Miscellaneous

NOTE: Ad will be placed in the appropriate category if not marked.

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

(Includes 1 Southern & 1 Northern issue)

= ______________________________________________________ = ______________________________________________________ = ______________________________________________________ = ______________________________________________________

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

 Border $10.00 each per run

 Photo (THE LAND only)

Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available.

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

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

Pets & Supplies = ______________________________________________________ = __________________________________________

oto (THE LAND only) $10.00 per run:



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

Top quality. Excellent herd health. No PRSS. Delivery available. 320-760-0365

= __________________________________________

TOTAL

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

Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ State ____________________________ Zip ____________________________

Signature _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Looking for something special?

Put a line ad in The Land and find it!

Call The Land today!

507-345-4523

One Call Does It All!

Phone __________________________________________________________________________________# of times ______________________________________ Card # __________________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date ______________________________________

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.

SORRY!

CHECK We do not issue refunds.

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

With one phone call, you can place your classified line ad in The Land, Farm News and Country Today.

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

THE LAND — MAY 13 /MAY 20, 2022 Miscellaneous

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MN/ Northern IA May 27, 2022 June 10, 2022 June 24, 2022*

PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS New pumps & parts on hand.

Call Minnesota’s largest distributor HJ Olson & Company 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336

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REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 Tree trimming, cutting and removal.

Boom Truck & Insured.

Call or Text Josh Linder 507-995-7081

Classified Line Ads

WORK!

PAGE 23

Look for the upcoming County Fair Guide June 10 and June 17

sBALE SPEAR $50.00 / BALE FORK $75.00 d CALL 320-779-0298

D r h . .

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

Call 507-345-4523

*

Northern MN June 3, 2022* June 17, 2022 July 1, 2022 July 15, 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!

ADVERTISER LISTING

Auctioneer Alley .................................................................. 21 Beck's Hybrids ....................................................................... 1 Blue Horizon Energy .............................................. Cover Wrap Eric Cooling ........................................................................ 19 Freudenthal Dairy ................................................................ 13 Greenwald Farm Center ........................................................ 19 Leaf Filter ............................................................................. 8 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ............................................................ 20 Renewal by Anderson ............................................................. 6 Ridgewater College .............................................................. 21 Rush River Steel & Trim ........................................................ 4 Schweiss Doors .................................................................... 20 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ................................................. 19 Spanier Welding ..................................................................... 9 Steffes Group ....................................................................... 20 Sullivan ............................................................................... 20 Syngenta/MiravisNeo ............................................................. 3 507-345-4523 • 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)

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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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