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June 24, 2022 July 1, 2022
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Oh Baby! The Metz farm is breaking in a new generation. INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
New Ulm firm looks to expand broadband access; Father and son team up to incorporate modern farm techniques; Minnesota city is using kernza to improve water quality ... and more!
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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
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Get out of Dodge... 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLI ❖ No. 13 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements
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It’s getting mighty expensive around cave opened for tours here. With gas prices exceeding $5 a galin 1934. Travel 200 lon in many parts of the country, it’s pricfeet down (275 stairs ey to travel. The cost of food and lodging to be exact) and get has increased exponentially as well. This ready to be in awe. may be the summer to stick closer to There’s one mile of home. Thankfully, Minnesota has a plethcave path to explore. ora of exquisite destinations that would It’s perfect on a hot be optimal for creating lasting summer and humid summer’s LAND MINDS memories. Here are a few places worth day as the temperature in the cave is filling up the tank to explore. always 48 degrees. My family and I By Kristin Kveno explored the Niagara Cave about ten Charles A. Lindbergh State Park years ago. There was plenty to see Little Falls, Minn. underground, from waterfalls to a wedhttps://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_ ding chapel. Kids and adults alike will parks/virtual_tour/charles_a_lindbergh/dialup. marvel at the beauty formed millions of years ago html by water finding its way into the limestone that Beauty abounds at this state resulted in the Niagara Cave we see today. park in Little Falls, Minn. Visit Itasca State Park the childhood home of Charles Park Rapids, Minn. A. Lindbergh. He’s perhaps best https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/Itasca/ known for piloting the first headwaters.html transatlantic flight from New York City to Paris, France in Visit the place where it all 1927. I visited this park as a begins. The headwaters of the child and can still recall the Mississippi River park was Lindbergh house and all the mementos inside it. established in 1891, making it You can see the Jenny Land Site, where Charles the oldest state park in Lindbergh landed his WWI surplus plane in 1923 Minnesota. There are 100 lakes after flying from Georgia to Texas. In addition to the in the park and plenty of trails Lindbergh historic sites, there is also plenty of to explore. From there, it is a options for hiking, whether you like the prairie 2,318-mile journey down the scenery or prefer the eight-mile path along the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. Little ones will love Mississippi River. There’s so much to see and do! to wade in the water at the start of the Mississippi; I have many photos of my kids doing just that. James J. Hill House St. Paul, Minn. Blue Mound State Park https://www.mnhs.org/hillhouse Luverne, Minn. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park. Take in the luxury and html?id=spk00121#homepage beauty found in the 36,000-square-foot home in This state park, located in the historic Summit Hill the southwest corner of the neighborhood of St. Paul. The state, offers prairie vistas, mansion was the residence of rock climbing opportunities railroad tycoon James J. Hill. and 533 acres of bison habitat. Built in 1891, it has 32 rooms, There are around 100 bison with the exterior built of red that call Blue Mound State sandstone. Growing up in the twin cities, I’ve been Park home. The park has a on this house tour many times, I love learning about 90-minute open-sided bus tour the architecture of the house, and about who James for good views of these majestic creatures. Blue J. Hill was. The neighborhood offers views of other Mound is a must-stop if you head out west to the older historic homes including the home of author, Badlands or the Black Hills in South Dakota. There F. Scott Fitzgerald. It’s also not far from Grand Ave. are plenty of picnic spots and hiking trails to which has many quaint restaurants and shops. stretch those legs before getting back in the car. When I was there, we had fun spotting all the cacti Niagara Cave that grow in the park. Harmony, Minn. https://www.niagaracave.com/ This summer will be a spendy one, so make that money count by visiting places around the state worth This family-owned cave is just southwest of exploring. I’m looking forward to getting out and seeHarmony, Minn. It was first discovered in 1924 by a farmer who went in search of his three missing pigs, ing all the sensational sights closer to home this year. and he found them in a sinkhole. That sinkhole led Kristin Kveno is the staff writer of The Land. She the farmer to a more extensive cave system. The may be reached at kkveno@TheLandOnline.com. v
OPINION
THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
The simple answer to the simple question
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Oftentimes, the simple than 20 million tons of grain answer to a simple question from the world food supply, is the simple truth. driving food prices and world hunger to near-crisis levels.” Some people, however, don’t want the simple truth, Twenty million metric so they bend facts or shave tons, or about 740 million figures so their square pegs bushels, is a lot of wheat — replace roundly accepted except when compared to reality. It’s commonplace in global supplies. The U.S. FARM & FOOD FILE ag. Department of Agriculture’s By Alan Guebert most recent World For example, on April Agricultural Supply and 12, President Joe Biden Demand Estimates foretraveled to Iowa to cast 2022-23 world wheat announce an expansion of production at 773.4 milthe ethanol blend in summertime gasolion metric tons, or 28.4 billion bushels. line from 10 percent to 15 percent. Monte Shaw, the Iowa Renewable Fuels As such, the bottled-up Ukrainian Association boss, called Biden’s action wheat is equal to about 2.5 percent of “the single most important step the this coming year’s world production — President is empowered to take to keep not nothing, but hardly enough to fuel fuel prices down this summer.” a famine this year or any year. But Biden’s political gambit and Some market worriers, though, conShaw’s hefty hyperbole held more gas tinue to make a mountain out of that than any ethanol blend. Nationwide molehill. On June 20, Farm Journal’s gasoline prices that day, according to AgWeb noted that a private forecaster the American Automobile Assoication, had pegged current global wheat stocks averaged $4 per gallon. Today, national at 20 percent of yearly production gas prices hover around $5 per gallon, instead of USDA’s recent estimate of 33 or 25 percent higher. percent. Despite the effort, many in farm Again, that sounds like a dramatic country continue to blame the Biden drop. But, as the story goes on to note, Administration for high fuel prices. even at 20 percent (if accurate and One reason, some conservative critics there’s little proof of that) world stocks cite, is that crude oil production is stand at “over 10 weeks of… wheat slowing due to the White House’s alle- consumption in storage.” giance to the “Green New Deal.” Historically, that’s average supply — That’s a stretch for two reasons. First, especially when compared to current the Green New Deal isn’t law and, sec- and forecasted U.S. stocks of corn and ond, data from the U.S. Energy soybeans. Information Agency shows that “averAccording to the same USDA June age annual domestic crude oil produc- report, current American soybean tion” rose from 5.3 million barrels per stocks now stand at a slim 4.6 percent day during the Bush administration to of total usage; and, given a productive 7.2 million barrels per day under 2022, a year from now will still be only Obama to 11 million barrels per day 6.8 percent. Likewise, this year’s U.S. under Trump to 11.2 million barrels corn stocks are just 10 percent of usage per day under Biden. and, estimates USDA, will slip to 9.6 But, hey, facts rarely sidetrack any- percent in 2022-23. one committed to political railroading. And yet, despite very tight supplies of The same goes for agriculture. For U.S. corn and soybeans in the coming months, we’ve been warned of an year, no one sees either as cause for impending global famine because of global concern. Instead, note the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — an Cassandras, it’s wheat — with at least important wheat exporter. Indeed, a 10-week world supply and, more than reported Politico June 17, U.S. officials likely, a 15-week supply — as the prob“...estimate the (Russian) blockade (of lem. Ukrainian ports) is holding back more See GUEBERT, pg. 5
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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
Town celebrations and shows are tops on my calendar Summer days are filled the western outskirts of with gardening, chores, town in a brand new buildbuilding maintenance and ing. The architecture of the taking care of livestock and building is amazing. It is crops. But that’s not all … surrounded by a landscaped the calendar is filling up prairie park. These and with other things to do. windmill can be toured Some maybe even educathroughout the year. tional events which are The biggest draw is the FROM MY organized by agribusinesses Danish Windmill built in FARMHOUSE or the Extension. 1848. It’s not just the age KITCHEN Or they may be festivals that makes it an authentic By Renae B. celebrating a country of windmill, but it was actualVander Schaaf ancestry — such as the ly constructed on Denmark Tulip Festival in Orange soil. Windmills there dot City, Iowa each May. This year the the countryside because back in the tulips were beautiful in color. The tem- day they were useful for grinding peratures were a bit a cool on grain. Horses and men do not like to Saturday; but so what? Snert — or travel far, so windmills were needed pea soup as we call it nowadays — every few miles. These historic structasted even better! tures are something like our old barns. The town of Elk Horn, Iowa hosted a They have served their purpose, are no longer needed and cost too much to two-day event which included a maintain. Many of Denmark’s windparade and folk dancing with a focus mills are falling into great disrepair. on Denmark. If you are of Danish descent, the Genealogy Center has all With each visit to Denmark, Harvey the information you probably will need Somsen of the Elk Horn/Kimballton to trace your roots. There is also a area became more convinced that a Museum of Danish America located on windmill was just the perfect souvenir
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The Danish windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa.
to bring back to Iowa. So he did. He located the right windmill in Norre Snede. It was dismantled and crossed the ocean in probably more comfort than those first Danish immigrants. Some of the massive timbers were too large to travel on our roads, so they were cut in half — making them unusable. New ones needed to be made. Obviously, relocating windmills was not an easy project. Nor could it have been when the mill was first constructed. It was a challenge even with our modern equipment. Imagine that originally, horses, pulleys and man-power were used to construct this 60-foot tall mill. Horses were really the work force on farms throughout the world. A good reminder of horses’ place in history happens at the Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show in Slayton, Minn. The show does an excellent job of demonstrating how farmers and horses did the farm work. The competition between the 12 six-horse draft horse teams is amazing. These gentle giants are powerful equine. The sound of harness and hoof beats is like no other. At this event it’s as though you get two shows for the price of one. Who doesn’t like a good deal? This year, show dates are July 8, 9 and 10. Then of course, there are the threshing shows. Granite and Albert City are two in Iowa that we have enjoyed. We always write Butterfield’s Steam and Gas Engine Show on the calendar (Aug. 19-21). Each show has similar yet different displays. Atwater Threshing Days (Sept. 10 and 11) has the unique display of Hot Air Technology — think Stirling Engines.
There are many in the area, so we may just have to check out a new threshing show and revisit one as there is bound to have been something we missed. I missed the Beef Expo in Marcus last night; but fully intend to attend the open house at the Marv and Kathy Shelling/Keith and Krystle Schelling dairy farm just a few miles down road. They are a family to be admired as they work hard and well together. My parents first milked by hand, then the pipeline made milking easy enough that I could spend many mornings and afternoons milking 21 calls in my section of the barn, while my brothers milked 70 or more cows in an older part of the barn.
Farming visits days of yesteryear at any number of threshing shows taking place this summer.
Good days, as cows listened contently as I told them my dreams and concerns. They didn’t even mind my singing! I doubt that I ever imagined robots milking. Cleaning house? YES … but milking? If surgery can be accomplished by robots, surely milking cows with robots is a good used of technology. Oh yes, for those of you who do the Dutch Bingo, one of my three sons (who came one at a time) married one of their triplets. I’m sure to check out what my daughter-in-law is wearing on June 15 before she leaves my house, as I still can’t tell the difference between her and her triplet sister. Many churches are hosting Vacation Bible School, nights of gospel music, revivals and meetings. If the dates don’t get written on the calendar, I will never remember to go. Some stores are open every day, then there are occasional stores such as Kanaranzi Creek which opens … well, See KITCHEN, pg. 6
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Wings and halo aside, the angel of the farm wears many hats It was a chilly, gray harvest morning as they have since there were farms and with rain in the forecast as that people to run them. Seldom is there ever Saturday harvest session droned on. an overrun of men to do all the jobs that need to be done on the farm. Over in the combine, my husband’s phone rang. It was the man who owned It was a baptism by fire of sorts when I the field we were harvesting. He had started running the grain cart, not withcompany from California and wanted to out some headaches for my husband at show them a little Iowa hospitality by first. But then, farm hands have for years giving them the chance to sit in the been given a five-minute tutorial and TABLE TALK buddy seat in the combine and talk to a been sent out to carry on, in the rush of farmer as he brought in the bounty that By Karen Schwaller getting it all done in a day. helps feed the world. At least when the headaches come (as They came out and took turns sitting they often do following five-minute tutoriwith my husband, who fielded many questions. The als) my husband knows which bottle to reach for to man asked about the mechanics of a combine, where take care of them. the crop goes, how far apart our fields were, how far While some women in the nation own land outwe drove to the elevator, what machines do what right and some own and run their own operations, jobs, etc. your average woman of the farm shares the finanWhen the woman occupied the buddy seat, she cials, joys, sorrows and the jobs with her other half. asked questions about the corn we were harvesting Her husband might be the one to do the greasy that day, how the crops are used, the seasons of the repair work, but when it’s ‘go-time,’ she’s right there crop year as it progresses — things like that. And with him — watching gates, vaccinating livestock, then she asked the big one. operating the skid loader, driving the seed tender, helping with planting or harvest in an assortment of “Does your wife enjoy driving the grain cart, or machines, stacking and unloading hay bales, rundoes she feel like she’s just been stuck with it?” ning the baler, unloading trucks, filling planters and I wonder if my regular expression had matched the grain bins, cleaning out bins and stalls; working, gray hooded sweatshirt I had on that day. But feeding or loading livestock and cleaning machinery. women are as much about relationships as they are about all the rest of it. It’s the million-dollar question of the farm — next to, “Can you help load hogs in the morning?” (If you GUEBERT, from pg. 3 can help, the packer gets the million dollars.) I’m not alone in my doubt. Few in the futures marThe answer to the woman’s question is that I ket see 2022-23 wheat supplies as worrisome. From actually do enjoy the job and don’t feel like I’ve been mid-May to late June, new wheat crop futures prices stuck with it — even though I guess I have been. dropped 17 percent while new crop corn futures are There is no one else to do it. just 9 percent lower and soybean futures are only 2 Women of the farm get asked to do a lot of things, percent lower.
All of that while she enters bookwork into the computer, mends, mows the yard, plants and preserves the garden, keeps the house, looks after young children and hauls teenagers around before they are deemed good to drive themselves. They are charged with the work of birthdays and the holidays, laundry, cheering on her kids at their activities, helping with school work and church responsibilities, feeding people all year long (in the field and at home); making sure there is food in the house, settling a few scores here and there and caring for sick kids. And sometimes holding down a full-time job in town … along with her husband. While out speaking one day I asked a woman what she does. “Oh,” she laughed humbly and shook her head. “I’m just a farm wife.” “Just a farm wife,” I thought. I knew better. Her value is beyond measure. God placed an angel on their farm, whom she humbly greets every morning when she looks in the mirror. That angel is every farm woman. That angel, ladies, is you. Karen Schwaller brings “Table Talk” to The Land from her home near Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v
Few see wheat supplies worrisome
Simple numbers. Simple facts. Simple truth. Simple, right? 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
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.
July 6 — 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. July 12 — 2022 Minnesota Summer Beef Tour — Apple Valley, Minn. — Stops on the tour include the UMN Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science, UMN College of Veterinary Medicine and UMN Forage Research plots. Attendees will have exclusive access to the entire zoo from 4 to 8 p.m. Lunch and supper
included. Contact Joe Armstrong at armst225@umn. edu or (612) 624-3610. July 13 — Strategic Farming: Field Notes — Online — Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@umn.edu or (320) 589-1711. July 13 & 14 — Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Certification — Faribault, 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 Claire LaCanne at lacanne@umn. edu or (507) 332-6165 July 14 & 15 — Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Certification — Zumbrota, Minn. — Contact Aly
Kloeckner at schw1348@umn.edu or (651) 385-3100. July 15 — Conservation Rotations and Cover Crops Following Small Grains — Easton, Minn. — Learn about managing diverse rotations, no-till corn, spring-seeded covers and the benefits of grazing for soil health. Contact Tamsyn Jones at tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661 ext. 1010. July 20 — Strategic Farming: Field Notes — Online — Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@umn.edu or (320) 589-1711. July 27 — Strategic Farming: Field Notes — Online — Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@umn.edu or (320) 589-1711.
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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
Product knowledge, variety is key to Beck’s presence By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus OLIVIA, Minn. — Skies were clear, temps in mid-60s, and the sun was shining when I walked into Todd Frank’s office at 2 p.m. on May 5. Todd is a corn breeder at Beck’s Seeds in Olivia, Minn. Five years back, Beck’s Seeds pur- Todd Frank chased the Olivia office and warehouse facilities of a sweet corn canning company shut down years previously. And today, with needed apparitions here and there, this former sweet corn facility now throbs with activity as the presence of Beck’s Seeds exerts a growing presence with Minnesota farmers. Cognizant of the late start of the 2022 planting season, Frank greeted me, “Yes, like everyone, we’re patiently waiting for the weather to cooperate. The past few days, soil temperatures significantly increased. And as you so well know, once these guys get cranking, thousands of acres get planted each day. Soil moisture conditions are adequate in Minnesota; some areas of South Dakota still dry and cold; then further north into North Dakota its very wet. So still some potential issues. That’s why our emphasis on good seed treatments, plus our reliance on strong genetics … and that’s how we get good stands.” (Minnesota and South Dakota were drenched with copious rains May 11/12.) For some history on Becks in Minnesota, Frank noted, “We’re starting our fourth year of breeding efforts here at our Olivia facility; but this is our sixth year into the Minnesota market. Yes, we are pleased with the acceptance of our seeds into the Minnesota market. Our product agronomists do intensive product performance screening of all our seed products at our various research locations. They get very knowledgeable about how our various products work in each area.” Beck’s markets organic seeds which keep developing new customers. “But we still see a demand for the insect and herbicide GMOs,” Frank said. “Last year I noted an uptake in corn rootworm insects that I had not seen for several years. So that protection is still needed. The northern and western rootworms are the usual types. These slightly warmer seasons may be a reason.”
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Frank earned his PhD at Iowa State in 1977. However, as it often stated, every great story has to start somewhere. The story of Beck’s Seeds began in 1937 when Lawrence Beck and his son Francis each planted three acres of hybrid parent seed corn from the Purdue University Botany Department. Today, Beck’s has more than 700 employees. Their seed lineup includes corn, silage corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, milo/grain sorghum, certified organic corn and wheat seed — plus a compliment of selected cover crops. Beck’s Seeds is still a family-owned business and markets in 15 states. They are now recognized as the third-largest seed company in America. In 2017, 76-year old CEO Sonny Beck stated, “Our number-one priority is to help farmers succeed. We aren’t selling you a bag of seed; we’re selling you a stand of corn. And that is why started our 100 percent Free Replant Policy.” That policy is still in effect today noted Frank. However, this year, limitations on soybean herbicides are impacting everyone. “That’s resulting in farmers having to make changes in their herbicide platforms for this season,” said Frank. And he’s not suggesting the current weather trends should be altering selected maturity choices in corn hybrids. Beck’s offers 82-day RM hybrids on up to 118-day hybrids. “You have to note maturity is rele-
vant to temps,” Frank added. “By continuing to test across the entire northern corn belt, we are able to adapt new products to these climate adjustments.” Yes, because of overall improvement in corn production, Frank agrees many growers these days are also aggressive in planting populations. “So in our research plots we do mostly normal populations — but also some high-density studies and low-density studies. Also an ongoing trend to narrowing rows — even down to 15-inch spacing. But the 30-inch row still dominates most fields I’m pretty certain.” Looking back, the 2021 season was unseasonably warm through much of July and early August; also very dry. Then some thirst-quenching rains arrived in late August and early September. And amazingly, corn yields were still surprisingly strong. So what happened? “Our current genetics are phenomenal at extracting soil nutrients and moisture,” Frank explained. “That starts with good stalk quality. And last year our emphases on stalk and agronomic efforts were prevalent in the final performance of our hybrids.” “I’m quoting our CEO Sonny Beck who predicts output traits are the new future of hybrid seed,” Frank continued. “How can we get better protein? How can we get better oil? How can we keep tweaking the yield genes? Yes indeed, these are today’s questions.” v
Our final day is not on a calendar KITCHEN, from pg. 4
wilderness. Imagine being the man who received the Ten Commandments written on stone directly from God on Mount Sinai. The last chapter of Deuteronomy talks of his death, which too is unusual.
occasionally. The next tentative planned dates for this eclectic merchandise store in Ellsworth, Minn. is Sept. 16 and 17. These dates may change depending on the ripeness of the pumpkin crop. There is one appointment we can’t put on the calendar, but it is one that is certain and will be kept. The day of our dying. We don’t know when that will be, but God does. Oh, we have had — and continue to have — reminders that our bodies are decaying. The loss of a tooth, whether it be a baby tooth, or one that cracked is a sign of aging. Whenever an illness occurs, we are reminded of the fragility of life. We know that someday it will be our obituary the funeral home Top teams of draft horses appear at the Murray County Classic in Slayton, sends out. Minn. July 8-10. Deuteronomy 32 contains a song of Moses which has some sage advice for In his song, Moses expresses his concern for ‘his’ us. He was 120 years old when he wrote this song people. Deuteronomy 32:29 “Oh, that they were filled with doctrine and admonition for a people he wise, then they would understand this, they would had led. His life! Born to slave parents, rescued by consider their latter end.” Where will you spend the Pharaoh’s daughter, grew up in a palace, then eternity? fled the country to a wilderness to care for sheep. Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, God called him to go before the Pharaoh, to lead the author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 Israelites out of Egypt and then to wander in the or agripen@live.com. v
THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
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New Ulm company looking to expand broadband access By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus “The Time Is Now” … those four words headlined the annual report of Nuvera Communications at corporate headquarters, located at 27 N. Minnesota St. in New Ulm, Minn. It was May 26 and I was traveling with Renville County farmer friend Bob Melhlouse. Years ago, his ‘keen eyes’ had sensed high-speed Internet connections as a major player in the rapidly expanding world of precision agriculture; so I tagged along on his trip to New Ulm to learn more. Our visit started with Glenn Zerbe, CEO and President of Nuvera. He explained, “I was working with one of the larger broadband companies in the Twin Cities. But it just didn’t seem to be a good fit. So I took some down time with my daughter. She was on her way back to school. I got a call from some recruiters including some business friends with Nuvera who said they were looking for new leadership. Fast forward into four/five months of ‘courtship’ and here I am.” Zerbe is a graduate engineer of Rensselar Poly Tech Institute in Troy, N.Y. He added an Executive MBA degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg. I joked, “With that educational background, chances are you even know how to talk to Norwegians.” He chuckled, “I’ve been here long enough to talk with Norwegians and Swedes. But truthfully, I’m most impressed with the toughness of Finns. My oldest daughter — because of a boyfriend — was traveling back and forth
to Norway two to three times a year. So my association with Nordic people is through that — plus living here in Minnesota for 27 years.” In explaining what’s ahead for Nuvera, Zerbe said, “Investment in the future is one of our core values. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, broadband connectivity is now more important than ever — with many people shifting to online learning, working and virtual game nights. Sizeable increases in capacity and reliance on a consistent network has become a request Nuvera is meeting time and again for our business partners.” “A prime example is Martin Luther College right here in New Ulm,” Zerbe continued, “Last year, Nuvera installed two fully redundant 10-gig fiber Ethernet circuits which enabled the college to deliver to its students the bandwidth they need now and into the future.” “So our plans right now are two-fold: Get on a new technology platform to extend fiber to homes and businesses in our communities while also expanding in our adjacent territories where our fiber lines already exist, yet homes and businesses may be underserved currently. We’ll be actively working in the next several years to deliver fiber to the business communities and to the people’s front doors.” “The difference between creating jobs vs. careers in our communities is the success and growth of a company,” Zerbe added. “In addition, our team members are often installing services
for friends, family and neighbors. That kind of trusted relationship is what makes Nuvera the preferred choice.” I asked Zerbe who he felt was Nuvera’s chief competition. He didn’t hesitate. “Each community is slightly different,” he said. “We mostly compete against smaller cable companies … such as Amico, Mediacom. We also see some cooperatives building their own networks that we can help.” Zerbe explained the Covid pandemic had adverse and positive effects on Nuvera’s operation. “It’s been both a blessing and a curse,” he admitted. “We kept our feet moving; we didn’t just go home and hunker down. We did a lot of planning to help us build for a future that’s looking increasing complex. It made us stronger; but we’re very sorry to see the tremendous hardships on the community and individuals.” How big is Nuvera today? Zerbe responded, “We have about 30,000 broad-band customers across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.” Zerbe is a hale and hearty 56 years old and seems to be enjoying his new role leading a regional broadband carrier focused on customer service and community expansion for homes and businesses. “Moving out from the Twin Cities took me a month or so to find an apartment; then I spent the next year renovating and expanding an old warehouse which was formerly Otto’s Laundry. Working with a local businessman who owns the building, you
might say I now Iive in an old renovated warehouse. We have about 5 million outstanding shares; but I can’t tell you how many shareholders.” My cohort Melhlouse asked Zerbe if there are other suitors looking to buy up Nuvera. “There are many,” Zerbe replied. “But we also have bought a handful of small telephone companies. For 2022, Nuvera will roll out first round of services to thousands of customers in New Ulm, Elko-New Market, Glencoe, Goodhue, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Prior Lake, Redwood Falls, Savage, Sleepy Eye, Springfield and Aurelia, Iowa. “If you work with a private equity firm, you give up some equity. Our fiber ambitions are going to self-fund and use bank financing. We also are an investor in 5G fixed wireless. We see that as a bridge to fiber except in the most rural areas where 5G will likely have a little longer service life.” It was time to wrap, so I asked Zerbe about his concerns for the future of America. “My kids are concerned, so that makes me concerned too,” said Zerbe. He added, “Life is complicated — even more so these days with these countless tragedies happening across America. Yet I know we’re a strong nation. Thanks to our inherent capitalistic structure, we continue to advance despite dissidents within various groups and cultures. For us, the answers don’t come from Washington, D.C.” v
Birthday surprise .
wants to hear from you!
Letters to the editor are always welcome. Send your letters to: Editor, The Land 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.
Joan Compart, a valued member of The Land staff for 14 years, celebrated her 70th birthday at a surprise party held in her honor on June 18. Joan is pictured here, second from the left, with her siblings who came from across the country to help her celebrate.
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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
Father/son duo each bring something to the farming table By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus OLIVIA, Minn. — My wife Gladie, along with good help from kind ladies with energy and good sense, had labored diligently in getting ready for our household sale on June 2 and 3. This big shindig was required because on June 12 we’re moving to Northwood, Iowa — my home town and only 14 miles from Albert Lea, Minn. where Gladie’s two sons and four grandchildren reside. So crank- Troy and Cody Elfering ing up for the big move meant clearing out lots of stuff after my 52-year residence in Olivia. And that’s when reality hits home: We had collected lots of stuff! One of several customers at our June 2-3 household sales event was Troy Elfering, now a 15-year veteran Pioneer Seeds sales agronomist and also Renville county farmer. “15 years — though it seems like yesterday,” Elfering admitted. “I was just getting started. Working in agriculture is a fun time for me; and if you aren’t having fun you better be looking for something else.” A spring of volatile weather took some of the fun out of the early 2022 crop year. “Back in February, I’d have probably said we’d be in the fields in April,” stated Elfering. “We had an open winter and farmers would be cranking up. But then we got into a rainy pattern; the frost was deep this winter so we had frost spots that hung around; and the planting season turned into a marathon. So I would say we’re 95 percent planted around here on corn; beans probably 60-70 percent complete … south of (U.S.) Hwy 212 is way better than north of 212.” Late planting had seed customers switching down to earlier maturities. “Guys mostly held in there until the May 20 time frame,” said Elfering, “but
after that, changing down a few days on maturities was prevalent. We had positioned to have some earlier options for our sales guys. Now about 30-40 percent of the beans are yet to be done; and I would say if you’re in Group 2 you probably need to consider moving a little bit earlier. But if you’re in a Group 1, I’d say stay with those for another week. When you get to June 8 or June 10, then moving up to earlier Group 1’s. Photo by Dick Hagen Edible beans are usually a sizeable crop in this area and I asked Elfering for his thoughts on the 2022 outlook. “Edible beans are a specialty crop — meaning a later plant, but an early harvest scenario,” he explained. “On our farm, we plant both Navy beans and kidney beans … they both like warmer soil. Last week of May is our usual planting target, but now it’s first week, even second week of June. And what about planting rates? “Variable rate seeding has become a big deal so I would say with most growers their prescription has stayed pretty much on track,” said Elfering. “Last week, when we were doing some planting, we kept our populations at 34,000-35,000. So I didn’t adjust anything — though I suspect my plant height might be a little taller because we’re likely to get some heat quicker which is going to elongate those nodes — so we’ll perhaps have a slightly taller crop than typical for that hybrid. Elfering didn’t express much concern over soil temperatures. “I’m probably more concerned about soil fitness right now,” he confessed. “Today’s seed treatments have come an astronomical distance in protecting us from pythium, rhizactonia, fuserium. Ask me this question early May or late April, I’m still more of a soil fitness scenario then I am a 50-degree
Compeer accepting nominations SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — Compeer Financial, a Farm Credit cooperative based in the upper Midwest, recently announced nominations are now open for the 2023 GroundBreaker of the Year Award. The deadline to enter is Aug. 31. The award recognizes young, beginning and small farmers who have an unparalleled passion for agriculture and who are making a positive impact in the agriculture industry. Nominees must be actively involved in farming in Illinois, Minnesota or Wisconsin and meet at least one of the following criteria for a young, beginning or small-operation farmer: age 35 or younger; 10 years or less of farming or ranching experience; or generate less than $250,000 in annual gross sales
Potential award recipients may nominate themselves or be nominated by a family member, friend, colleague, partner or acquaintance. Nominees will be evaluated on their agricultural leadership and advocacy, community involvement, perseverance and commitment to the agriculture industry. Nominations are now being accepted at compeer.com/ groundbreakeroftheyear. The winner will be announced at Compeer Financial’s GroundBreaker’s Conference in early 2023 and will receive a $5,000 cash award. The winner will also be featured in a video, article in Compeer’s Cultivate Magazine, social media, press release and more. This article was submitted by Compeer Financial.v
soil temp guy.” Elfering diligently watches the markets and has presold a portion of his 2022 crops. “As a spokesperson for our own operation, I say looking for marketing help is always in our game plan. I’m pretty well sold out of the 2021 crop because we’ve had a huge run beginning in February until now (June 2) because we’ve had some great opportunities to capture some profits. And I’ve now made two forward pricings on the 2022 crop too — because they were way better than my previous years. I do have one contract for $8 corn which I’ve never done before! Sitting alongside Troy was his son Cody, age 23 and now a farming partner. I asked Cody if farming as much fun as he thought it would be? “It’s definitely a challenge,” he said, “but there’s also real satisfactions too. Working with Dad is both a pleasure and at times a challenge. I get to do a different job every day, it seems, and that means even getting dirty hands sometimes also. But to me, that’s a genuine plus — compared with sitting in an office five days a week. And I really like getting into these precision farming technologies. In fact, I’d like to see us using a little more. With today’s electronic drives on planters you just plug and plant on the go. Your computers automatically adjust planting rates as you move from one soils grouping to the next. Cody also had some thoughts on the financial challenges of making a go of it in today’s high-tech agriculture. “It’s a difficult scenario,” he admitted. “You’re putting a lot of money in with hopes of making at least a little profit. I graduated from Ridgewater College, Willmar, one and one-half years ago. And I love farming. To me it’s really fun.” Elfering confessed learning a thing or two from Cody. “I would say that streak goes back and forth between the two of us,” he said. “(Cody) picks up on some of these new technologies and cutting edge things a tad quicker than I — especially when applied to touchscreen applications in your own tractor or harvesting equipment. What’s the predominate color of your farm equipment? “I grew up a complete John Deere green guy;” said Elfering, “but today we’re mixed — both green and red. And what’s amazing we have pieces of equipment 10 years old that are worth more today! And that’s somewhat the cyclical nature of farming these days too. You can’t order a new tractor and get it when you want it which elevates the price of used tractors too. If you can’t afford that half-million-dollar tractor, that $150,000 tractor is now a $200,000 rig today. The reality is that today lots of farmers are turning huge amounts of dollars for about the same amount of profit which we did three to five years ago. It’s just that everyone’s margin took is getting shrunk a little in this cycle.” v
THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
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Starting with 24 cows, Metz operation keeps expanding By TIM KING The Land Correspondent RUSHFORD, Minn. — Ever since Jeff and Mariann Metz were married in 1985, the Metz Family Farm has focused on two basic values: family and diversity. Jeff took up dairy farming in 1983, near Hart, Minn. in Winona County, with a herd of 24. The milking herd has grown to 220 cows today and its makeup of black and white Holsteins, red Holsteins, brown Swiss, and Jerseys reflects the Metz families’ commitment to diversity. The breed diversity, with its high butterfat content, also supports the family’s cheese plant which creates employment for family members. Jeff and Mariann bought a honey processing operation from their neighbor in 2013. It was their first adventure into agricultural diversification. Then came the creamery. “We started the Metz’s Hart-Land Creamery in July of 2014 to allow more family members to become Photos submitted part of the operation — whether it is on the dairy Nathan Metz gets up close in the dairy operation with Nick side or creamery side,” Mariann said. “Jeff always Agrimson and Nick’s sons Dominick and Dawson. had value added in the back of his mind; so as our children grew and decided they wanted to stay on the feedings, field work and other daily happenings that farm, we researched farmstead creameries and decidcome up on a dairy farm. Our daughter, Alicia ed that fresh cheese curds were missing in the groAnderson, does our Facebook posts and helps with cery store shelves. So that was the first product we the website. She also helps with bookwork on the made. Over the last eight years we have come up creamery side. Our daughter, Courtney Metzwith 14 different flavors of curds, more than 20 difKalbarczyk, works on the creamery side, helping ferent flavors of block cheeses, hand pulled string with packaging, labeling, book work and deliveries.” cheese, frying cheese, cottage cheese and 15 different Mariann and Jeff flavors of gelato, a have four married type of Italian ice children and either cream.” their child or a Now-days, Jeff is the spouse of their child head cheese maker at is involved in the the creamery. He also operation. They also takes care of most of have some non-famithe marketing and ly members working delivery to the creamfor them who help ery’s more than 80 with the cheese accounts from the making, honey proTwin Cities to Iowa duction and milking. and Wisconsin. That In addition to sounds like a lot of maintaining a large work; but Jeff’s speretail distribution cialization as cheese network, the Metz maker leaves a lot of family operates an work for other family on-farm store and is members to do. an agricultural tourThe Metz families’ dairy, creamery operation and farm store should “Our son, Nathan ism destination. keep the growing family busy for years to come. Metz, and son-in-law “We carry all the Nick Agrimson, run the dairy side of the operation,” Mariann, who is the office manager and also does dairy products that we make plus other locallydeliveries, said. “They take care of milking, calves, sourced products in the farm store,” Mariann said. “We also have a large playground for kids of all ages.” In addition to the multitude of gelato flavors and ON THE COVER: Nathan Metz sits with his son Easton on Jeff’s grandfather’s John Deere B. Easton is the fifth generation cheese products which can be found in the store, to ride on that tractor. some creative member of the family came up with a
signature Metz’s Heart-Land Creamery Chocolate Bar. Along with operating the store the Metz family hosts a number of on farm special events throughout the year. In late March they held a sampling event where people could taste free samples of their many products. Several weeks before Christmas they featured a “Christmas on the Farm” event with hay rides, a bonfire, and a photo opportunity with Santa Cow. And a couple weeks before that they collaborated with nearby Garvin Height Vineyard for a joint event at Garvin Heights. “We have wineries and breweries that we pair our cheeses with their products,” Mariann said. “It’s a See METZ, pg. 11
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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
Kernza is food for thought for water quality By RICHARD SIEMERS The Land Correspondent EDGERT ON, Minn. — Kernza is gaining traction as an alternative crop which aids in the quality of soil health; but a Minnesota community Doug Brands is using the perennial grain to protect its water supply. Kernza is the trademark name of a grain developed by The Land Institute in Salina, Kan. They describe it as an intermediate wheat grass — a cross between a grass, which is a perennial, and a wheat. It’s the first perennial grain crop in the United States. The grain is being is being tested, improved, and promoted as a new crop by numerous collaborators in the United States, Canada, and Europe. One of their major collaborators is the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative. They are leaders in improving and commercializing the grain. According to an MPR news report last September, 1,300 acres were
grown in Minnesota — over a quarter knew of the Forever Green Initiative, just kind of gets root bound,” Brands of total acres in the United States. they made contact with the University said. He saw a reduction in yield last Thirty-eight acres of Kernza grow on “Through trials, the University dis- year. What happens after five years? the northwest corner of Edgerton in covered that this is a really good crop “How long I continue is to be detersouthwestern Minnesota. It wasn’t above a wellhead area because it uses mined,” Brands said. “The University planted by a farmer trying the new so much nitrogen that it filters it out does a lot of studies and I might wait to grain, but by the City of Edgerton. It is before the water hits the aquifer,” see what they recommend.” in their wellhead protection area. The Brands said. As for its filtering ability, that has city gets its water from that been proven over the first three well and this is part of their years. effort to reduce nitrates in the “The nitrate limit for safe water. drinking water is 10 parts per Edgerton’s wellhead protecmillion,” Brands said. “We are tion area is about 600 acres, but now in the 12-14 ppm range, they don’t control all of that. down from 20-22 ppm. That’s a “We rent 125 acres from a 30-40 percent drop.” Which retired farmer,” explained Doug means less treating of the water Brands, Water Supervisor for which saves money. the city. “We put in 38 acres of Saving money and earning Kernza closest to the wellhead; money from the harvest are the rest of it we put in small helpful, because insuring the grains like cereal rye and oats.” city has safe drinking water Nitrates are the only contamicosts money. Edgerton has nant for which they need to received assistance and grants treat the water. Working with for what they are doing. Photos by Richard Siemers Minnesota Aaron Meyer of the Minnesota Rural Water Rural Water Association, who Part of the harvest from the city of Edgerton’s 38 acres of Association, Minnesota’s Clear Kernza. Water Fund, Pipestone SWCD, and Minnesota Department of The filtering quality comes from a Health Water Source Protection grants root system that runs ten or more feet have all played a role. A Minnesota into the ground. It also has the benefits of other perennials, such as sequester- Board of Water and Soil Resources ing carbon, stopping erosion, and build- wellhead protection partner grant made possible the purchase of 38 addiing soil health. tional acres north of the well that will Kernza was planted for its ability to be seeded to grass. use nitrogen, but there is an annual The City of Edgerton was recognized crop for the city to harvest. for all of its efforts by being chosen for “There’s no challenge to marketing the Extra Mile Award from Minnesota the hay,” Brands said. “Every farmer Rural Water Association in 2019. likes the hay. That sells right away.” “That was for our efforts in wellhead The city sells it right out of the field. protection,” Brands said. “It was for difThey have the grain custom-combined. ferent things we did with Kernza, how Selling the grain is the challenge. “It’s at that in-between stage,” he said. we subsidized a farmer’s CRP to make Take our survey for a Production is not great enough for the it more feasible, just for our efforts to large players, but more than can be be forward thinking, trying different chance to win a things to protect the drinking water.” used by bakers and craft brewers. $200 Visa Gift Card. The award was good recognition. But The first year, Brands sold the crop to https://www.research.net/r/100337 the University for seed, where research the real reward has been to see cleaner continues to improve the grain and water through the reduction of nitrates promote marketing. The next two years’ as a result of their efforts. production of 18,000 pounds is in storYou can learn all about Kernza and age. This will be the fourth year of Minnesota’s role in research and develwhat is considered to be a 3-5 year life opment at the websites of The Land span. Institute and Forever Green Initiative.v “It has a massive root system and
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PAGE 11
Lack of China’s dairy buys continues to puzzle This column was written for the marketpounds. New Mexico was down 10.5 pering week ending June 24. cent on 38,000 fewer cows although output per cow was up 25 pounds. The bigU.S. milk production continues below gest losses were in Florida and Georgia, that of a year ago, with May being the down 11.9 percent and 11.6 percent seventh consecutive month. Preliminary respectively. data shows output at 19.7 billion pounds, down 0.7 percent from May 2021, and folNew York was unchanged despite a lows a 1 percent drop in April. Output in 10,000 cow loss, offset by output per cow the top 24 states totaled 18.8 billion being up 35 pounds. Oregon was up 1.3 MIELKE MARKET pounds, down 0.6 percent. Revisions lowpercent on 2,000 more cows. Output per WEEKLY ered the 50-state April estimate 3 million cow was unchanged. Pennsylvania was By Lee Mielke pounds to 19.1 billion, still 1 percent down 1.1 percent on 8,000 fewer below a year ago. cows, though output per cow was up 10 pounds. While dairy farmers have added 38,000 cows to the milking string South Dakota posted the biggest since the first of the year, they only added 2,000 in increase, up 15.2 percent, milking 23,000 more cows May, putting the herd at 9.41 million head, 102,000 and got five extra pounds per cow than a year ago. less than a year ago. The April tally was revised up Texas was up 5.8 percent, thanks to 21,000 more 1,000 head. cows and a 50-pound gain per cow. Vermont was off May output per cow averaged 2,096 pounds, up 0.9 percent on 1,000 fewer cows. Output per cow eight pounds from May 2021. was up five pounds. Washington State was down 6.4 California output totaled 3.7 billion pounds, down percent on 14,000 fewer cows and a 30-pound drop per cow. 63 million pounds or 1.7 percent from a year ago. The Golden State added 3,000 cows, but output per Speaking in the June 27 “Dairy Radio Now” cow dropped 40 pounds. Wisconsin, at 2.8 billion broadcast, Matt Gould, editor and analyst with the pounds, was up 23 million or 0.8 percent. Cow num- Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter, called bers were down 1,000 but output per cow was up 20 the Milk Production report “a big deal.” pounds from a year ago The industry is watching the monthly reports, Idaho was off 0.3 percent on 1,000 fewer cows and wondering when dairy farmers will “turn it on or a five-pound drop per cow. Michigan was down 1.7 ramp it up,” he said, referring to milk output, and percent on 18,000 fewer cows, but output per cow this report did not give any indication that is hapwas up 55 pounds. Minnesota was down 1 percent pening. He said it’s a global occurrence, citing on a 9,000 cow loss, while output per cow was up 20 lower output in New Zealand and Europe, calling it
MARKETING
Metz ships to those who can’t visit METZ, from pg. 9
fun way to work with other local businesses to share our products.” Metz Hart-Land Creamery also had a number of pizza nights on the farm in 2021. They collaborated with Stumpy’s Concessions of Rushford for those events. If you can’t visit the farm store, or attend one of the events, the Metz family has a website and an active mail order business. They ship cheese year-around to internet customers; but summer shipping tends to be more expensive. “We can ship in the summer, but shipping is more as we have to use cooler boxes and ice packs and use next services,” Mariann said. “We distribute to our stores year-round by using our cooler truck.” Obviously gelato can’t be shipped at any time of the year; but on-line customers have been ordering the various sizes of gift boxes featured on the creamery’s web site.
“good news for American dairy farmers as that will keep support in the market for the foreseeable future.” Gould doesn’t see a milk shortage, like we did on toilet paper, but says the pandemic resulted in “long effects.” Expansions, both at the farm and processor level, were delayed. “Farmers are now getting the economic signal to expand; but how long will that take? Normally it takes six months of profitability to trigger a meaningful increase in cow numbers and milk output.” If that holds true, Gould said we should see that indication this summer. “The longer it takes for the supply response, the longer prices are going to stay high,” he concluded. n Meanwhile, the June 21 Daily Dairy Report says, “Low slaughter rates and high milk prices suggest that dairy producers could continue to add cows. However, amid high feed costs, supply management programs, and low heifer inventories, growth in the dairy herd will likely remain incremental.” High milk prices continues to keep cows milking. Culling fell in May, but was slightly above a year ago according to the latest Livestock Slaughter report. An estimated 225,200 head were sent to slaughter under federal inspection, down 12,600 from April but 1,800 head above May 2021. Culling in the five-month period totaled 1.29 million head, down 38,000 or 2.9 percent from a year ago. In the week ending June 11, 50,400 dairy cows were sent to slaughter, up 1,600 head from the previous week, but 2,200 or 4.2 percent below a year ago. U.S. butter stocks climbed higher in May but remained well below a year ago. The USDA’s latest Cold Storage report shows the May 31 inventory at 321.6 million pounds. This is up 23.3 million pounds or 7.8 percent from April, but 92.3 million or 22.3 percent below a year ago — the eighth consecutive month stocks were below the previous year. The April tally was revised down 1.3 million. American-type cheese stocks hit 857.9 million pounds, up 22.2 million pounds or 2.6 percent from April, and up 29.9 million or 3.6 percent above those a year ago. The “other” cheese category crept up to 628.3 million pounds, up 7.1 million or 1.1 percent from April, and 19.8 million pounds or 3.3 percent above a year ago. The total cheese inventory hit a bearish record high 1.512 billion pounds. This is up 31.1 million pounds or 2.1 percent from April, and 53.6 million or 3.7 percent above a year ago. n The “recovery” in the Global Dairy Trade auction suffered a relapse this week as the weighted aver-
“Gift set ‘D’ is the most popular, I think, because it has some of everything in it; but in the past few years we have sold a lot of every size,” Mariann said. “I think people really like a useful consumable gift.” “We put the variety of gift packages together so there is something for everyone — from giving to a single person to having one for a house full of family and friends.” In addition to everything else, the Metz family also does creamery and farm tours. Mariann says they’ve conducted tours for two people and have had groups of up to 75. “Come out and learn how a dairy and farmstead creamery work,” Mariann says to potential visitors. “(People) enjoy the playground and small petting area with a donkey, miniature horse and goat.” Mariann and Jeff are the tour guides. Advance reservations for tours are a must. You can reach Mariann by email at metzcreamery@ goacentek.net or by phone at (507) 864-2627. The Creamery’s website is www.metzhart-land.com. v See MIELKE, pg. 12
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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
Dairy margins continue to weaken despite futures pricing MIELKE, from pg. 11 age fell 1.3 percent after inching up 1.5 percent on June 7 — ending five consecutive declines prior to that. Cheddar led the declines, dropping 9 percent after falling 3.6 percent in the previous event. Anhydrous milkfat was down 4.7 percent after gaining 2.7 percent, and whole milk powder was off 0.6 percent following a 0.3 percent slip. Butter was up 2.4 percent which follows a 5.6 percent advance, and skim milk powder was up 1 percent after a 3 percent rise last time. StoneX says the GDT 80 percent butterfat butter price equates to $2.7496 per pound U.S. This is up 6.5 cents after gaining 14.1 cents in the previous event, and compares to Chicago Mercantile Exchange butter which closed June 24 at $2.9150. GDT cheddar, at $2.2114, was down 22.2 cents after losing 12.3 cents last time, and compares to June 24’s CME block Cheddar at $2.09. GDT skim milk powder averaged $2.0573 per pound, up from $1.9231. Whole milk powder averaged $1.8713 per pound, down from $1.8861. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed June 24 at $1.79 per pound. n Indications are the elephant in the room is still not in the room; meaning lack of China’s purchases plays a big role in the GDT. May dairy imports likely reflect that much of China’s population was in lockdown. Whole milk and skim milk powder imports totaled just 162.9 million pounds, down 36.9 percent from May 2021. Whey products totaled 98.3 million pounds, down 39.3 percent, although HighGround Dairy points out that China increased whey and nonfat dry milk imports from the United States — thanks to our competitive prices. Butter imports amounted to 16.8 million pounds, down 26.5 percent. However, HighGround Dairy says China continues to lock in product at the GDT “indicating supplies are tight.” Cheese totaled 37 million pounds, up 2.6 percent. HighGround Dairy says the pairing with larger purchases of fat on GDT, hint toward an inventory rebuild for foodservice — especially with May cheese imports moving counter-seasonally to the upside. HighGround Dairy adds New Zealand’s exports to China nearly halved from a year ago, down 46 percent. Whole milk powder saw the steepest losses, down 66 percent, skim milk powder fell 51 percent, fluid milk down 20 percent, and butter was down 44 percent from 2021. n Back home, the July Federal order Class I base milk price was announced by the USDA at $25.87 per hundredweight, unchanged from the record-
high June price, but $8.45 above July 2021. The seven-month average sits at $23.69, up from $16.31 a year ago, $15.94 in 2020, and $16.12 in 2019. Block cheese fell for the fifth week in a row at the CME, closing the Juneteenth holiday-shortened week at $2.09 per pound. This is down 5.5 cents on the week, 30.25 cents below its recent peak, but still 60 cents above a year ago. The barrels finished at $2.1475, down a penny, sixth week of loss, 29.25 cents below its peak, but 65.75 cents above a year ago, and 5.75 cents above the blocks. There were three sales of block on the week at the CME and only one of barrel. While cheese producers continue to face labor and supply chain shortages, milk availability is moving in the other direction, according to Dairy Market News. Spot milk prices fell as low as $5 under Class, with no expectation of change before the July 4th holiday. Plants continue to work through widely available milk while having lighter employee numbers. Demand for cheese is trending lower across both retail and food service markets, in the West. Restaurants are reducing operating hours due to high food costs, reduced consumer spending, and labor shortages. Export demand remains strong. Cheesemakers are running busy schedules, as Class III milk remains available, though some remain below capacity due to labor shortages and delayed deliveries of production supplies, according to Dairy Market News. n Cash butter oscillated some, but closed the last Friday of June at $2.915 per pound. This is 2.5
cents lower, but $1.1975 above a year ago on 17 sales for the week. Central butter makers say cream is still “reachable,” despite stronger ice cream production; but some loads are easier to pull from the Rocky Mountain region. Butter prices near $3 prompted a push of production; but week after week, regular reports of employee shortages continues to depress full output. Butter demand is quiet, as expected in the early days of the summer, but there remains a concern that late summer/early fall demand will outweigh availability. Inventories are balanced now, says Dairy Market News, “but expectations are unclear moving into a hot summer with clear expectations of lower milkfat output at the farm.” Western butter makers say cream remains available, but declining milk output due to warmer weather is contributing to tighter inventories. Cream demand is steady as butter makers try to build inventory. Higher retail butter prices are contributing to a decline in sales and food service demand is softening as restaurants reduce hours. Market sentiments remain bullish and prices expected to rise in the coming months, says Dairy Market News. Grade A nonfat dry milk closed June 24 at $1.79 per pound. This is down a penny on the week, but 52.5 cents above a year ago, with seven cars finding new homes. Dry whey fell to a June 24 finish at 47.5 cents per pound. This is 3.25 cents lower and 10.25 cents below a year ago, with 14 sales reported on the week at the CME. See MIELKE, pg. 14
How wet fields can affect soil nutrients ST. CLOUD Minn. — Heavy rains have affected crop producers this season by delaying their planting date due to wet and uneven fields. The rains may have also caused soil erosion and changes to the available nutrients in the soil. Crop producers may need to reevaluate their nutrient management plan this year to be able to maximize yields. Excessive rainfall can cause changes in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus levels in crop fields. Nitrogen in water-saturated soils has the potential to go through denitrification and be converted into its gaseous form and escape into the atmosphere. Other water-soluble nutrients in watersaturated soils can be leached past the crops rooting depth — making it unavailable for crops to utilize. Other nutrients which are not water soluble, like potassium or phosphorus, can be moved by soil erosion and may be very low or very high in some areas of your field. Phosphorus levels can also be affected by decreasing populations of microorganisms responsible for promoting phosphorus.
Increases and decreases of nutrients in the soil can cause nutrient deficiencies or toxicities in crops. Soil testing of fields can help you determine how to manage the nutrients in your field. It can tell you what your nutrient levels are in your field and whether you will need to add fertilizer or not to maximize crop yields. However, soil tests may not be able to account for all available potassium and phosphorus. Some of the nutrients will react with the soil to convert to forms which cannot be detected in a soil test. If you have decided not to plant cash crops this year, planting a cover crop will help protect your soil from further erosion and encourage the growth of microorganisms essential for nutrient cycling. Following these steps will help you properly manage the nutrients in your field and promote soil fertility. For more information on soil testing visit z.umn. edu/soiltest. This article was submitted by Kaitlyn Czeck, University of Minnesota Extension. v
THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
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Crops are making a comeback, weather still an issue
Matt Erickson The Land spoke with Matt Erickson on June 23 Fertile, Minn. as he reported soybean planting finished on June 10. “The beans are out of the ground and starting June 23 to look like beans.” The corn is taking off as well.
“It’s amazing how fast the corn has grown.” The 22-inch rows are just about canopied. “It’s almost knee-high.”
“We got substantial damage to our bin site.” There was destruction on all of Johnson’s corn bin roofs. Thankfully, she found the bins will be able to be repaired as soon as possible, as the parts to do so are available.
The growing season is moving right along for Erickson. “The rye is all baled up and in storage.” He has some prevent plant ground which will be seeded with sorghum stand.
As for the crops? “They are looking good … considering” — though Johnson has observed that the late-planted corn is experiencing rootless corn syndrome. This root development issue occurs when there is little or no nodal root development. Some of that corn tipped over on the June 20 storm. In the next few weeks, Johnson will continue spraying soybeans. “We are going to ramp up to some top-dressing sidedressing of corn.”
FROM THE FIELDS
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“Talking some rain tonight or tomorrow evening.” Three-fourths of an inch of rain fell at the Erickson farm on June 20. “Right here we didn’t have any bad weather.” That rain was perfect timing. “We’re about right.” The gusts that have been present in the spring and now summer, remain. “The wind has been a little relentless.” Erickson is all caught up spraying. He plans to spray Dicamba on the beans next week. He’ll plant sorghum-sudangrass tomorrow as well as German millet. He is still in the process of moving cattle to the six pastures. It’s been a slow process, hampered by trying to get the rest of the crops planted. See ERICKSON, pg. 14
by
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“This third storm got our farm.” The Land Leah Johnson spoke with Leah Johnson on June 23 as she Evansville, Minn. reported the severe weather on June 20 June 23 resulted in 80-mile-per-hour wind gusts.
“We got almost three inches of rain Bob Roelofs Garden City, Minn. Monday.” The Land spoke with Bob Roelofs on June 16 as he reported the rain fell June 16 quickly. Along with rain this week came
some heat. According to Roelofs, the growing degree days have really taken off. Roelofs side-dressed the corn with nitrogen last week and got the crop sprayed. “The beans have really taken off as well. We’ll start looking at spraying beans.” One of Roelofs’ bean fields near Amboy, Minn. received some hail damage from a June 13 rain event. Roelofs will be assessing the field on June 17. Roelofs likes what he sees in the crops. “So far it looks pretty good.” The temperature will be on the rise in the area soon. “We’re going to heat up again, 100 degrees by Monday.” At this point, Roelofs feels that there’s good soil moisture. That should help the crops through these upcoming high-heat days. New this growing season is son Wyatt working on his Supervised Agricultural Experience for FFA See ROELOFS, pg. 14
“We could use a little rain. There is a chance of rain tomorrow.” Moisture is welcome, more wind is not. “We would really appreciate it if the wind would shut off.” “We haven’t gotten a break,” Johnson explained that all three damaging storms in the area came from the southwest. This is unusual as storms mostly come from the northwest. See JOHNSON, pg. 14 “It’s windy again today.” The Land spoke with Scott Winslow Fountain, Minn. Scott Winslow on June 16 as he reported the wind-blown growing season is well underway at June 16 the farm. “Things are greening up nice, growing
nice.” “Corn has good color. Beans are changing due to the rain and heat.” The crops are sitting well for moisture with 3.6 inches of rain so far for June “We’re in good shape. The next 10 days look pretty decent. It should be good growing conditions.” On the livestock side, Winslow is working on replacing one of the fans in the barn. “There’s always maintenance to do when you have livestock.” Winslow will be spraying this week for weeds in the yard to try to keep them at bay. He’s still in the process of tearing down his old machine shed. The plan is to put up the new shed starting on July 11. Winslow will be attending upcoming meetings in Burnsville, Minn. for the Minnesota Corn See WINSLOW, pg. 14
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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
Butter market flirts with $3.00 mark, but not expected to last See MIELKE, pg. 14
n In politics, Pennsylvania dairy farmer Lolly n Lesher testified to the importance of the farm bill The latest Margin Watch from Chicago-based safety net program and called for milk pricing Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC says, improvements during a House Agriculture “Dairy margins were steady to slightly weaker the Committee hearing this week. Lesher, a memberfirst half of June as projected feed costs increased owner of Dairy Farmers of America, spoke on behalf while milk prices retreated, although not before advancing to new contract highs at the beginning of of DMN and NMPF during a congressional review of dairy provisions in the Farm Bill. the month.” Closing on a sweet note: the International Dairy “Class III Milk futures prices have been supported by strong cheese demand, with Class IV prices receiving support from butter that recently eclipsed $3.00 per pound. Strong cheese demand drove dairy product exports higher in April.” JOHNSON, from pg. 13 “Dairy product manufacturers prioritized the pro-
Foods Association hosted its 38th annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party on the National Mall on June 22. The event has been “an essential summertime event for members of Congress, their families, Capitol Hill staff, and many other special guests since it began in 1983,” says the IDFA, although it was not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic. 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
From The Fields: Crops ‘look good’
duction of Class III products in April,” the Margin Watch stated, citing data from the latest Dairy Products report. “Lighter production of Class IV products will support butter and powder — although historically, the butter market does not remain above $3.00 for very long before dropping sharply. The last time butter was above $3.00 in both 2014 and 2015, prices finished the year significantly lower. High prices are already showing signs of demand destruction with domestic butter use during the first four months of the year down 3.6 percent from the record levels of 2021.”
ERICKSON, from pg. 13
Erickson likes what he sees when looking out at the crops at Even in the midst of clean-up from the latest storm, optimism remains for Johnson. “We still feel fairly positive. We’re not giving this point in the growing season. “The corn doesn’t look too far up.” v off from normal.” The newly planted beans are flourishing as well. “The beans are coming.” The crops were all planted late, but they seem to be doing well. “They look good.” v WINSLOW, from pg. 13
Research and Promotion Council. “It’s good to do these meetings in person. It’s a big commitment but I enjoy doing it.” The crops are flourishing thanks to good conditions. “It’s getting to that point that it’s really going to grow now.” This growth comes from all the moisture in the ground. “We’ve been getting timely rains.” v
ROELOFS, from pg. 13 and will be keeping track of inputs as well as farming a percentage of the farm. This is a hands-on way for Wyatt to understand the intricacies of running a farming operation. In two weeks Roelofs will be spending his days farming and his nights on patrol as he accepted a position with the Mapleton Police Department. “Our county is hurting for officers. I have experience.” While Roelofs will be working in law enforcement, the farm will continue to run as does right now. “Nothing is changing in our farming operation.” As he does when needed, Roelofs plans to hire a few high school students to help out on the farm. He knows that he’s lucky to have had qualified help in the past and hopes to continue finding young people to take on the farm duties. “The last 10 to 15 years here we’ve rarely struggled with it. About 75 percent of the kids, we’ve hired have lasted. We’ve been very successful at holding and maintaining a group.” The key to this success is flexibility. “We try to make it very flexible for them.” This has allowed the kids working on the farm to pick the days that are best for them. As Roelofs adds another job to his schedule, he does so knowing that the farm is doing well. “It’s going to be a pretty good crop.” v
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PAGE 15
MARKETING
Grain Outlook Economy/weather tug-of-war The following marketing analysis is for the week ending June 24. CORN — Weather and recession fears, that’s probably all you need to know about this week’s price action. Prices imploded when traders returned to their screens after the Juneteenth holiday with soybeans and world vegetable oil markets leading the way lower. December corn fell to its lowest closing price since March 29. Funds were heavy liquidators as we head to first notice for July futures, month end, quarter end, and the June 30 U.S. Department of Agriculture reports. Late in the week, September and December corn came close to PHYLLIS NYSTROM trading their 50-cent daily tradCHS Hedging Inc. ing limit! Recession fears were St. Paul flying high when Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told the U.S. Senate Banking Committee that in the fight against inflation, interest rates may be increased enough to cause a recession — although that’s not their intent. A Wall Street Journal survey of economists put the probability of a recession in the next 12 months at 44 percent, up from 28 percent in April. High temperatures across the Corn Belt allowed crops to play catch up; but temperatures are expected to moderate going into July. Current weather maps show the possibility of a ridge forming in the first half of July which may limit rain and bring warmer-than-normal temperatures back into the Corn Belt. Changing forecasts will keep the market on its toes — which is not unusual for this time of year. Corn conditions for the week ended June 19 declined 2 percent to 70 percent good/excellent. Illinois conditions dropped 6 percent to 71 percent, Iowa down 3 percent at 83 percent, and Minnesota improved 7 percent to 65 percent good/excellent. Brazil’s corn crop seems to be increasing. Agroconsult raised its Brazilian safrinha corn estimate 1.7 million metric tons from 87.6 mmt to 89.3 mmt with 9 percent of the corn harvested. The International Grain Council raised its world corn production number by 6 mmt to 1.190 billion tons. President Biden proposed a 90-day suspension of the federal gasoline and diesel fuel taxes and encouraged individual states to do the same. The current
Cash Grain Markets corn/change* St. Cloud $7.15 -.33 Madison $7.57 -.23 Redwood Falls $7.60 -.18 Fergus Falls $7.30 -.33 Morris $7.39 -.39 Tracy $7.57 -.29 Average:
soybeans/change* $15.51 $15.67 $15.87 $15.42 $15.51 $15.81
-.83 -.59 -.60 -.55 -.75 -.67
$7.43
$15.63
Year Ago Average: $6.61
$14.12
Grain prices are effective cash close on June 28. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.
federal gasoline tax is 18.4 cents per gallon and the diesel tax is 24.4 cents per gallon. Congress must approve the plan. Many legislators are skeptical of the plan saying that only 20 percent of a cut would reach consumers and if prices decline it could lead to additional demand. U.S. Energy Secretary Granholm said no tools are off the table when he was asked about a possible fuel export ban. The war in Ukraine escalated this week when Russia hit two export facilities in Mykolaiv, Ukraine with shells. One elevator was on fire and the other was assessing the damage Reportedly, two sunoil tanks were hit and damage assessments were ongoing. This does not blend well with reports that Russia is open to providing Black Sea shipping corridors for Ukrainian grain. Weekly export sales were at a seven-week high for old crop sales at 26.5 million bushels. Total commitments at 2.375 billion bushels are 13 percent behind last year. Weekly sales only need to average 6.8 million bushels per week to hit the USDA’s target of 2.45 billion bushels. New crop sales were 14.2 million bushels to bring total sales to 246.4 million bushels. The weekly ethanol report was not published due to technical issues. Looking at history for the June 30 stocks report: corn stocks have been higher than the trade expectation in seven of the last 11 years. Soybean stocks have been below the trade expectation in each of the last five years. December corn has closed lower seven times and higher five times in the last 12 years on the day of the Stocks and Planting reports. In 11 of the last 12 years, whichever way December corn closes on report day, it closes in the same direction the day after. Outlook: Technically, December corn closed below its 100-day MA support for the first time since late September 2021. From the high on June 17 at $7.49.25 to this week’s low at $6.45.5, December corn crashed $1.02.75 per bushel! China’s corn market traded to its lowest since early February this week.
Weather is king, but the June 30 reports will be influential as well. On the June 21 Drought Monitor, 62 percent of the United States was in some form of drought, up 5 percent from the previous week, with nearly 25 percent of the Midwest in those conditions. Illinois was 47 percent in abnormally dry conditions, up 17.3 percent from the previous week. Weather and politics will hold sway in the coming weeks. Big swings and ranges may be with us for some time. We have a lot of growing weather ahead of us with pollination expected to be at least a week later than usual. Strap in boys and girls! For the week, July corn dropped 34.25 cents to $7.50.25, September plunged 55 cents to $6.82.75, and December crashed 57 cents lower to $6.74 per bushel. Are you looking at 2023 new crop prices? December 2023 corn closed the week at $6.09.5 per bushel. The daily trading limit for corn is 50 cents per bushel. The Grain Stocks as of June 1 and Planting Acreage reports will be released June 30 at 11:00 a.m. In seven of the last 11 June 30 reports, U.S. corn stocks and corn acreage have been above the trade estimate. SOYBEANS — It was a brutal, holiday-shortened week as soybeans plunged lower. Soyoil and world vegetable oil markets led the way lower. Indonesia is returning to the palm oil export market and prices there dropped to six-month lows. November soybeans dropped to a six-week low and the lowest close since before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Nearby soyoil experienced lower closes for 10 consecutive days which was the longest losing streak since 1973. Active fund liquidation as a milder forecast developed. China’s Dalian Exchange saw meal fall 5.5 percent on June 23 — the biggest drop in nearly 10 years! Dalian soyoil dropped 4 percent for the largest single-day loss in a year.
China’s meal stocks have tripled in the last three months as bean imports hit the short and feed demand is down. China offered 500,000 metric tons of state-owned reserve soybeans at auction this week, but only 24,500 were sold. They will offer another 500,000 metric tonst of soybeans at auction next week. Palm oil dropped to its lowest price since December as it retreated nearly 15 percent for the week as Indonesia’s exports increased and production ideas were raised. Brazil’s soybean crush margins have fallen into negative territory through September. Agroconsult increased its Brazilian soybean crop estimate by 2.3 mmt to 126.9 mmt. There was talk this week that when the G7 countries meet the last week of June the topic of a temporary waiver of biofuel mandates (lessen demand) to help with high food costs will be discussed. Germany will likely have to restart some coal plants to make up for reduced natural gas supplies from Russia. See NYSTROM, pg. 17
Information in the above columns is the writer’s opinion. It is no way guaranteed and should not be interpreted as buy/sell advice. Futures trading always involves a certain degree of risk.
PAGE 16
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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
The CRP program faces challenging dynamics The Conservation Reserve Program has er than 2021 rental rates in south cenmillion acres currently enrolled in CRP as of April, a long history of promoting conservation tral Minnesota. 2021 — mainly in the Upper Midwest and Plains practices and farmland stewardship in As a result of the 2018 Farm Bill, expir- regions. CRP acres enrolled in these states include the United States. The CRP program was ing CRP acres in 2022 could only receive Texas (2.3 million), Colorado (2 million), South established in December of 1985 as part Dakota (1.8 million), Kansas (1.7 million), Iowa (1.7 a maximum of 85 percent of the average of the 1985 Farm Bill. million), Nebraska (1.5 million), North Dakota (1.2 county cash rental rate, based on U.S. million), Washington (just over 1 million acres), and The initial goal of CRP was to reduce Department of Agriculture data, comMinnesota (just under 1 million acres). CRP acreage soil erosion on highly-erodible cropland pared to 100 percent of the average rate in many of these states has dropped considerably in and to help curb the over-production of when the land was originally enrolled FARM PROGRAMS recent years. farm commodities. Secondary objectives into the CRP program. In some cases, of CRP included improving water quality, that may result in landowners actually Expiring CRP acres and re-enrollment of CRP By Kent Thiesse fostering wildlife habitat, and progetting a lower CRP rental rate for acres viding income support to farmers. 2023 than they received under the Given the current challenge to get more acres More recently, the CRP program has current contract. At the same time, enrolled into the CRP program, one concern is the been identified as a valurather large number of able tool through the CRP contract acres Federal government as a expiring in the next coumethod to promote “carple of years. CRP conMinnesota Region 2021 Crop Returns Cash Rent Paid CRP Rental Rate bon sequestration” on tracts will expire on (FBM Regions) (FBM Average (2021 FBM (2021 USDA working farmland. nearly 4 million acres on Returns per Acre) Average Rent) Average Rate) Currently, getting farmSept. 30, plus an addi Corn Soybeans Corn Soybeans land enrolled into the tional 2 million acres in South Central $442 per acre $334 per acre $229 per acre $230 per acre $214 per acre CRP program is being 2023. A General CRPP Southwest $463 per acre $292 per acre $228 per acre $225 per acre $196 per acre challenged by very posisign-up was held earlier tive economic returns this year (CRP sign-up Southeast $401 per acre $269 per acre $220 per acre $225 per acre $202 per acre from crop production and number 58), in which West Central $374 per acre $219 per acre $186 per acre $184 per acre $169 per acre by tight grain supplies USDA accepted early State Average $395 per acre $237 per acre $202 per acre $184 per acre $146 per acre worldwide. 20,000 CRP contracts representing just shy of Economic challenges Notes: 2.1 million acres into the for the CRP program 1. The “Minnesota Regions” are the Minnesota State College and University Farm Business Management regions. CRP program starting The rising dilemma for Oct. 1. This represented 2. The “2021 Crop Returns” are the average “return over direct expenses” for corn and soybeans, before overhead expenses for the CRP program is that approximately 87 permachinery, etc., based on the 2021 FBM Annual Summary data. current farm economics cent of the CRP contend to counteract enroll3. The “Cash Rent Paid” is the average 2021 cash rent paid by farm operators for corn and soybeans, based on the 2021 FBM tracts and 90 percent of ment into the CRP proAnnual Summary data. the acreage offered by gram. Based on the 2021 landowners in the latest 4. The “CRP rental Rate” is the average 2021 rental rent received by landowners, based on USDA CRP county average rental South Central College CRP sign-up period. data, before direct and overhead expenses, including property taxes. Farm Business Management Summary Only about half of the for over 350 crop farms in south central Minnesota, average land rental rates for 2023 in the same CRP acres expiring in 2022 were re-enrolled into county may be 20-25 percent higher than rental the average return on cash rented farmland over the CRP program during the 2022 sign-up. The rates a few years ago. direct expenses for seed, fertilizer, chemicals, fuel, balance of those acres, over 1.7 million acres, will repairs, etc. — including land rent, land rent — was likely be returned to crop production in 2023. The Refer to the accompanying table for additional $442 per acre for corn and $334 per acre for soydata for the 2022 CRP sign-up period indicated CRP economic data and average rental rates. beans. The average return above all direct and overthat 75 to 100 percent of the expiring CRP acreage Current CRP enrollment head expenses, including annual machinery and was not offered for re-enrollment in 2022 in southAs of April 30, 2022, there were a total of just over ern and western Minnesota and Iowa, as well as in facility investments, was $335 per acre for corn and 22 million acres enrolled in the CRP program, $260 per acre for soybeans. eastern North and South Dakota and northeast which is about 3.5 million acres below the maxiNebraska. The percent CRP re-enrollment for 2022 By comparison, the 2021 average CRP rental mum level of 25.5 million acres for 2022 established was much higher in states such as Texas, Kansas, rate in the 13 counties in the 13 county south in the last Farm Bill. Of the total CRP acres, Colorado and other western states. central Minnesota Farm Business Management approximately 10.2 million acres are enrolled under region was $214 per acre. Based on the 2021 FBM a General CRP contract, 6.8 million acres in Summary summary, the average direct and overhead The future of the CRP program is likely to garner Continuous CRP, just under 3.9 million acres expenses — including property taxes — to mainenrolled in the grassland program, and the balance considerable discussion in the next couple of years tain CRP land was $92 per acre in 2021, resulting of the acres in CREP, wetlands and other special during the writing of the next Farm Bill. The CRP in a net return of $122 per acre. According to the program has a long and successful history of preCRP initiatives. Forty-three percent of the 2021 FBM summary, the average cash rental rate Continuous CRP and CREP acres are enrolled in venting soil erosion, improving water quality, non-farm landowners received from farm operaenhancing wildlife habitat, and aiding in carbon the Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) tors in 2021 was about $225 per acre, before prop- program. sequestration. While it may seem quite logical to erty taxes and overhead expenses. Cash rental There are nine states which have over or near 1 See THIESSE, pg. 17 rates for 2022 are likely to be 10-15 percent high-
MARKETING
CRP Economic Comparison for Minnesota
THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
PAGE 17
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Soybean market will keep close watch on the weather NYSTROM, from pg. 15 U.S. soybean conditions in the week ended June 19 fell 2 percent to 68 percent good/excellent compared to 64 percent on average. Illinois was 10 percent lower at 66 percent, Iowa down 2 percent at 80 percent, and Minnesota was 3 percent better at 64 percent good/excellent. Soybean planting was nearing completion at 94 percent complete. Weekly export sales were at a marketing year low for old crop at 1.1 million bushels. Total commitments at 2.213 billion bushels continue to surpass the USDA’s expectation for 2.17 billion bushels of exports this year with 10 weeks left in the marketing year. New crop sales were 9.8 million bushels. Total new crop sales are 491.3 million bushels compared to 279.6 million bushels sold last year by this date. Outlook: Weather and the upcoming reports will set the tone for price direction in the short term. Weather will remain as a driver through the summer, as usual. Adding to the mix this year is the war in Ukraine and the
outlook for the U.S. economy. Politicians’ statements and proposals to fight inflation (and recession) will be closely monitored since money will follow sentiment. For the week, July soybeans were down 91.25 cents at $16.10.75, August crumbled $1.01.5, November crashed $1.13.25 to $14.24.25, August meal was $11.10 lower at $411.40, and August soyoil fell 5.33 to 66.93 cents. The daily trading limit for soybeans is $1.15 per bushel. Whichever direction November soybeans closed on the June 30 report day, it followed the same direction the day after only half the time in the last 12 years. In seven of the last 11 years, U.S. soybean stocks have been below the trade estimate. In nine of the last 11 years, soybean acreage has been below the trade estimate. Weekly price changes in September wheat for the week ended June 24: Chicago wheat down $1.10.25 at $9.36.5, Kansas City down $1.13.75 at $9.98.25, and Minneapolis down 99.5 cents at $10.70.5 per bushel. v
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Next Farm Bill will play a big role in CRP’s future THIESSE, from pg. 16 utilize expansion of the CRP program to reach further goals related to environmental stewardship and carbon sequestration, there could be some obstacles in accomplishing those goals. Commodity prices for corn and soybeans are their highest levels in the last decade and farm profit levels have been very solid in recent years, which is also resulting in higher land rental rates in many areas. This makes it difficult to convince farmers and landowners to take farmland out of production to enroll in the CRP program or to re-enroll some expiring
CRP acreage — unless there are some added financial incentives. For more information on the current CRP enrollment, expiring CRP acres, rental rates, etc., landowners and farmers should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office or refer to the USDA CRP web site at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp Kent Thiesse is a government farm programs analyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 7262137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank. com. v
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Important – Please check all boxes that best match your farming operation. Acres Corn Soybeans Alfalfa Wheat Sugar Beets TOTAL ACRES
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Real Estate Wanted
Announcements
Feed Seed Hay
Watch for the FARMFEST WANTED: Land & farms. I section in July 22 & July 29 have clients looking for dairy, & cash grain operaLAND issues. tions, as well as bare land parcels from 40-1000 acres. Both for relocation & investWith one phone call, you can place ments. If you have even thought about selling conyour classified line ad in The Land, tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Farm News and Country Today. Land Specialist, Edina ReCall The Land alty, 138 Main St. W., New for more information Prague, MN 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 (612)328-4506
One Call Does It All!
TRACTORS NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader On Order NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders On Order NEW NH 25S Workmasters ...…......…. On Order NEW Massey Tractors ........................... On Order NEW Massey 4710 w/loader ….......... COMING 3-New Massey GC1725 ……..................... Just In Massey GC2400w/loader …..................….. $8,700 ’79 Massey 2705 ……………...............…. $14,900 ’16 Massey 4608 rops w/loader …............. $43,900 ’17 NH T4.75 w/loader ……..................… $53,000 ’18 NH T4.75 w/loader .............................. $54,000 ’18 Challenger MT875E …….........……… Just In TILLAGE ’11 Sunflower 4412-07 ............................... $28,000 ’06 CIH MRX 690 ...................................... $16,500 ’06 NH ST250 50’5 w/bskt ……….…...… $37,500 DMI 527 ………………………………… $10,500 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ....... On Hand NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units .......... On Order NH L228 low hours ............................................ $44,900 NH L234 LOADED ............................................. $45,500
HAY TOOLS
New Disc Mowers - 107,108,109 New Disc Mower Cond. - 10’, 13’ New Wheel Rakes - 10,12,14 New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND FrontiernWR1010 wheel rake …….............……… $5,950 NH 489 haybine ……………..........................……. $3,750 ’15 NH DB313 ………………...............………… $29,000 ’13 NH BR7090 ……………….........…………… $25,900
Alfalfa, mixed hay grass hay & wheat straw. Medium squares or round bales. Delivery available. Call or text Leroy Ose 218-689-6675
SELL IT FAST
with a classified line ad! Call us today 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665
PLANTERS White 6531 31R-15”…...................................… SOLD JD 1770 12-30 DF Gen 2 …….......……………. $29,500 Taking 2023 New Spring Orders COMBINES NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead ................... Call ’89 Gleaner R60 w/both heads ........................... SOLD ’94 Gleaner R72 …………............................…… $27,000 Gleaner R50/320,630.......................................... SOLD Gleaner R6 w/20’................................................ $9,850 Geringhoff parts & heads available
MISCELLANEOUS NEW Salford RTS Units ........................................ Call NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call NEW Westfield Augers .......................................... Call NEW REM VRX Vacs. .......................................... Call NEW Hardi Sprayers ............................................. Call NEW Riteway Rollers ........................................... Call NEW Lorenz Snowblowers ................................... Call NEW Batco Conveyors ......................................... Call NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ....................... Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons ................................ Call NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ...................... Call Pre-Owned Grain Cart .................................. On Hand New Horsch Jokers ................................................ Call
Feed Seed Hay
Bins & Buildings
FOR SALE: Alfalfa 260 3x3x8 Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. NH 890 forage harvester w/ squares, 147 RFW, $80/bale. 100% financing w/no liens or 3R cornhead and hayhead; Also, 150 3x3x6 wrapped red tape, call Steve at Fair- Gehl 940 16’ forage box; baleage, 159 RFW, 19% fax Ag for an appointment. Gehl 910 14’ forage box; Gehl moisture, $250/ton. Delivery 888-830-7757 MX65 grinder/mixer; 250 bu available. Hope, MN Contact gravity box. All items always shedded. 320-760-7680 Thoffman429@gmail.com Farm Equipment Terry 507-475-0293 or Dave We buy 612-275-3659 Salvage Equipment FOR SALE: NH 555 skid steer Parts Available ldr, 40HP, dsl, 1700 lb left, Hammell Equip., Inc. Bins & Buildings runs great, $8,995; JD 2030, (507)867-4910 gas, utility, 3pt, LPTO, reverser transmission, $4,995; SILO Sell your farm equipment Haybuster 2800 round or Take-down & clean up in The Land with a line ad. square bale shredder, priced Specializing in silos 507-345-4523 to sell. 320-543-3523 in congested areas.
FULLY INSURED
507-236-9446
DAMAGED CORN We pay TOP dollar for damaged corn in any condition. We have trucks & vacs available. Call or Text David 507-327-8851 Eric 507-317-5227
FOR SALE: John Deere 46 Tractors Loader, John Deere 50 Elevator, Gravity Box on Trailer, 10HP 8 x 53 auger on NEW AND USED TRACTOR transport and 8 x 54 PTO PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, auger. 701-412-8910 55, 50 Series & newer tractors, AC-all models, Large FOR SALE: Heavy duty flatInventory, We ship! Mark bed trailer, 7.5’ wide x 16’ Heitman Tractor Salvage long, hitch has doughnut 715-673-4829 style hitch but can be made over. 507-340-0967
Spraying Equip FOR SALE: JD 3710 7 bottom onland plow, $3,500; JD 27 stalk chopper, 14’, $750. FOR SALE: Ag-Chem 440 gal507-317-0666 lon sprayer, 30’ boom, excellent condition, $3,500. 507-391-2574
Thank You Farmers!
• 5/8” drum roller wall thickness • 42” drum diameter wall thickness • 4”x8” frame tubing 3/8” thick • Auto fold
NOW HIRING SERVICE TECHS
Thank You For Your Business!
MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS
(507) 234-5191 (507) 625-8649 Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN
Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon
Farm Equipment
FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!
GREENWALD FARM CENTER Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177 14 miles So. of Sauk Centre
THE LAND — JUNE 24 /JULY 1, 2022
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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022 T
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
Place d Your A ! y a d o T
irst Your F for Choice ds! ie if s s la C
Livestock, Machinery, Farmland... you name it! People will buy it when they see it in The Land! To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665 Mail to: The Land Classifieds 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 Fax to: 507-345-1027 Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Online at: www.thelandonline.com
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WANTED
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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.
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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
Hay & Forage Equipment FOR SALE: JD 18’ bale throw racks, $1,500/ea; NH 56 hay rake, $1,200; JD 609 Bushog, $1,400; NH 56 rake, $1,200; (4) 18’ bale thrower racks, JD gears, $1,500/ea. Shedded and nice. 507-330-3945 WANTED: NH FP230 or 240 forage harvestor with cornhead. 507-250-0853 or 507-421-7240 or 507-533-6644
Harvesting Equip Case IH 8120 combine, 2010, 2450 sep hrs, 3100 eng hrs, RWA, auto steer, duals, shedded, service records, owner operated. Farwell MN 56327 cell 320-760-4210 FOR SALE: 2008 John Deere 9670 Combine STS, 2WD, 20.8x42 Duals, Contour Master feeder house, 22.5’ Unload, Upgraded LED lights, 2280 separator hours, $82,500. (320) 815-4241
Livestock Equipment
Grain Handling Horses & Tack Exotic Animals Equipment Livestock Equipment Pets & Supplies Wanted Cars & Pickups Free & Give Away Industrial & Livestock Construction Trucks & Trailers Poultry Recreational Vehicles Dairy Miscellaneous Cattle Swine NOTE: Ad will be placed in the Sheep appropriate category if not marked. Goats
FOR SALE: 5 ton Pax bulk pen; 4 stainless steel hog feeders, 8 holes, w/ one foot extension on top; 70-80’ auger inside hog barn; You must take out. 507-375-4289 Evenings
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1 run @ $19.99 = ___________________________________ (Includes 1 Southern & 1 Northern issue) 2 runs @ $34.99 = ___________________________________ 3 runs @ $44.99 = ___________________________________ Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per line per issue = ___________________________________ EXTENDED COVERAGE - must run the same number of times as The Land FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 21,545 circ. THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) - Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 21,000 circ. THE FREE PRESS (FP) - Serving south central Minnesota, 19,025 circ. PAPER(S) ADDED (circle all options you want): FN CT FP $7.70 for each paper and $7.70 run each issues x $7.70 = ___________________________________ STANDOUT OPTIONS (THE LAND only) $2.00 per run: Bold Italic Underline Web/E-mail links = ___________________________________
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Answers for Fireworks Fun Word Search
All kinds of New & Used farm equipment - disc chisels, field cults, planters, soil finishers, cornheads, feed mills, discs, balers, haybines, etc. 507438-9782 Buying and selling silver bars, silver dollars, rare coins, gold coins, gold jewelry, collector coins. No collection too big. Kuehl’s Coins Fairmont, Minnesota 507-235-3886 WANTED: Wet corn hopper bin. 2000-2500 bushel. Must be in nice cond. 651-433-5259 Evenings WANTED: 6’ or 7’ 3 point digger in useable condition. Phone 507-278-3426
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Signature __________________________________________________________________________________________ ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
Your ad could be here! 507-345-4523
THE LAND — JUNE 24 /JULY 1, 2022 Livestock
Swine
Pets & Supplies
wFOR SALE: Black Angus bulls FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hampy also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ shire, Duroc, cross bred , Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred boars, and gilts. Top quality. ; (Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790 Excellent herd health. No , PRSS. Delivery available. d 320-760-0365
Cattle
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.
Spot, Duroc, Chester White, 0 Boars & Gilts available. HEREFORD Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Trucks & -POLLED BULLS, yearlings and 2 year Delivery available. Steve Trailers olds, low birth weight, high Resler. 507-456-7746 performance, semen testFOR SALE: ‘02 Ford 350 7.3 ed and delivery available. Sell your livestock in The Land dsl, 4x4, AT, extended cab, Jones Farms, Le Sueur, MN. short box, 235k, engine with a line ad. 507-345-4523 507-317-5996 zero blowby, reman tranny, $6,900. 320-583-0881 , PLANNING AN Pets & Supplies Grain Trailers - Hopper Bot, AUCTION? toms-’92 Timpte 40’ sow bel, , Get the best results FOR SALE: Purebred collie ly, $15,900; ‘88 Merrit, 40’, l when you advertise in puppies, 4 females, $450/ $11,900. Semi tractors-’90 each, 8 males, $400/each. 5-6 Mack CH613, $8,500; ‘93 THE LAND weeks old. Make great farm Ford 9000, $4,500. Call David 507-345-4523 e 612-374-1933 dogs. 507-822-2111 , r ’ ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We D 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 k THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
LAND & HOME AUCTION ME
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OPENS: TUESDAY, JULY 5
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CLOSES: WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 at 1PM
2022
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AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: In order to settle the estate of Myrta Swanson, here is an m excellent opportunity to purchase farmland in Meeker County & Yellow Medicine County d RU A E , ST and a home in Otter Tail County. Personal property auction will be at the end of June. LAND & HOM , - Inspection Date: Tues., June 28 from 12-3PM Tract 1: Otter Tail County, MN Home - 9.4± Acres
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Tract 2: Meeker County, MN 72.5± Acres Tract 1
Tract 2
Tract 3: Meeker County, MN 34.79± Acres Tract 4: Yellow Medicine County, MN 193.01± Acres
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Tract 4
For a detailed Buyer’s Prospectus with complete terms and conditions, contact Eric Gabrielson at Steffes Group 320.693.9371 or 701.238.2570
SteffesGroup.com | 320.693.9371
Steffes Group, Inc., 24400 MN Hwy 22 South, Litchfield, MN 55355 TERMS: 10% down upon signing purchase agreement, payable by cash or check. Balance due at closing within 30 days. This is a 5% buyer’s premium auction. Eric Gabrielson MN47-006, Scott Steffes MN14-51.
36299 Corral Rd NE, Kelliher, MN 56560
TIMED ONLINE
Farm & Business Realignment
OPENS: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 CLOSES: THURSDAY, JULY 7 | 10AM
CST 2022
PREVIEW: Monday, June 20 – Thursday, July 7 8AM-6PM LOADOUT: Friday, July 8 – Friday, July 15 from 8AM-6PM
TO INCLUDE: MFWD & 2WD Tractors, Collectible Tractors, Heads, Tillage Equipment, Semi Tractors, Dump Truck, Hopper Bottom Trailer, Step Deck, Deckover & Utility Trailers, Skid Steer Loader, Hay & Forage Equipment, Livestock Equipment, Shop Equipment, Tires, Parts & Farm Support Items
1996 JOHN DEERE 9400
2012 NEW HOLLAND T6050
NAR LANDSCAPE SERVICES FRANK NEFT, 218.556.9835 OR ANDY NEFT, 218.766.6355
or Dave Krostue at Steffes Group, 701.203.8400 or 218.779.6865
2012 NEW HOLLAND 330
SteffesGroup.com | 701.237.9173
Steffes Group, Inc., 2000 Main Ave East, West Fargo, ND
All items sold as is where is. Payment of cash or check must be made sale day before removal of items. Statements made auction day take precedence over all advertising. $35 documentation fee applies to all titled vehicles. Titles will be mailed. Canadian buyers need a bank letter of credit to facilitate border transfer. Brad Olstad MN319
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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
Steffes Auction Calendar 2022 For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com
Opening June 29 & Closing July 6 at 2PM Taggart Contracting Inc. Excess Equipment Auction, Newfolden, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 29 & Closing July 7 at 10AM NAR Farm & Business Realignment Auction, Kelliher, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 1 & Closing July 6 at 10AM Online Steffes Auction – 7/6, Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening July 1 & Closing July 8 at 12PM Artie Luick/AJ Specialties Retirement & Moving Auction, Kindred, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening July 4 & Closing July 13 at 7PM Grain Handling Equipment Auction, Lake Lillian, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 5 & Closing July 11 at 10AM Raguse/Steenbock Inventory Reduction Auction, Nahua, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 5 & Closing July 13 at 1PM Swanson Living Trust Land & Home Auction – 309+/- Acres, Henning, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 5 & Closing July 13 at 7PM Seed Handling & Drying Equipment Auction, Cokato, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 6 & Closing July 11 at 7PM William Funk Estate Liquidation Auction, Lisbon, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening July 6 & Closing July 13 at 1PM Merton Johnson Estate Farm Auction, Wheaton, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 6 & Closing July 13 at 7PM Cameron Geritz Collector JD Tractor Auction, Frazee, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 6 & Closing July 14 at 1PM Meeker County, MN Land & Country Home Auction - 40+/-, Kimball, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 7 & Closing July 14 at 11AM Lynn Johnson Retirement Auction, Hannaford, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening July 8 & Closing July 12 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 8 & Closing July 12 at 7PM John & Gladys Kautzman Retirement Auction, West Fargo & Kindred, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening July 11 & Closing July 20 at 7PM Powder Ridge Ski & Tubing Hill Excess Inventory Auction, Kimball, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 12 & Closing July 19 at 7PM Smith Auto Repair Equipment Auction, Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening July 12 & Closing July 20 at 1PM Lippens-Agria Dairy Equipment Auction, Big Stone City, SD, Timed Online Auction Opening July 13 & Closing July 19 at 10AM Dustin Lossing Equipment Auction, Kelliher, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 15 & Closing July 20 at 10AM Online Steffes Auction – 7/20, Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening July 15 & Closing July 21 at 7PM Brad Kuehl Sugarbeet Equipment Liquidation Auction, Felton, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 19 & Closing July 27 at 1PM Mcleod County, MN Land Auction 280+/- Acres, Hutchinson, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 21 & Closing July 28 at 12PM Dean Carlson Farm Retirement Auction, Roseau, MN, Timed Online Auction
THE LAND — JUNE 24 /JULY 1, 2022
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
Cleaning out a shed? Make some extra cash by selling your stuff in The Land! Call 507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665
PAGE 23
Look for the Farmfest Preview July 22 and July 29
Miscellaneous 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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Upcoming Issues of THE LAND
Southern MN/ Northern IA July 8, 2022* July 22, 2022 August 5, 2022
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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
Beck's Hybrids ....................................................................... 1 Blue Horizon Energy .............................................. Cover Wrap Ediger Auctions ................................................................... 21 Eric Cooling ........................................................................ 18 Generac ............................................................................... 14 Greenwald Farm Center ........................................................ 18 Kannegiesser Truck .............................................................. 13 Kerkhoff Auction ............................................................19, 22 Lundeen Auctions ................................................................ 19 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ............................................................ 20 Ridgewater College ................................................................ 3 Rush River Steel & Trim ........................................................ 9 Safe Step ............................................................................... 6 Schultz Welding ..................................................................... 4 Schweiss Doors .................................................................... 20 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ................................................. 18 Steffes Group ..................................................................21, 22 Sullivan Auctioneers ............................................................ 19 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com
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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022
This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Managing Editor Paul Malchow.
L
Resurrection
ike most river towns during Minnesota’s pioneer days, Ottawa had its heyday — but is now barely a blip on the map. Located at the intersection of Le Sueur County Roads 36 and 23, the village of 300 is most recently famous for the silica sand mine on the outskirts of town. Also, like many pioneer towns, one of the first buildings constructed was a church … in Ottawa’s case, the 160-year-old Ottawa Methodist Episcopal Church, which stands at the corner of Liberty and Whittier Streets. But unlike many early churches which were made with wood, the Ottawa church was constructed of locally-quarried dolostone which some people say has a pink hue. The stone church is one of the three oldest Methodist church buildings in Minnesota and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982. The church was a gathering place for Methodist worshipers for nearly a century. In 1952, the congregation closed the church and relocated. In 1967, the Minnesota Annual Conference of the Methodist Church donated the Little Stone Church to the Le Sueur County Historical Society. A combination of time and internal struggles in the Society had taken a toll on the condition of the church. It had become obvious that the steeple was seriously leaning. In 2018, the Society addressed the steeple’s condition as well as stabilized the church building itself. Generous response to the historical society’s fund-raising efforts made it possible to provide the
church with new cedar shakes and structural supports. (The church steeple had been removed several years earlier after it began to tilt, threatening the roof and structural stability of the building.) Workers completed a new roof and placed new steel trusses in the back of the church to support the new roof. The construction crew also set into place a steel frame to hold the bell tower. The wooden steeple which crowned the roof line of the church for the past century was not original to the old stone church of pioneer days. Photos from the Society’s archives were used to make the restoration as historically authentic as possible. The original bell still resides in the tower. On Oct. 20, 2020 the new bell tower was lowered into place. Because of the Covid pandemic, an official commemoration of the event was postponed until May 28 of this year. A short service led by a regional Methodist minister filled the church. The historic pump organ led the congregation which listened to readings from an 1884 edition of the Bible that sits on the lectern. The Ottawa church is open Sunday afternoons until Labor Day. Other viewings are possible by appointment. The church is also available for weddings, funerals and other private gatherings. For details, contact Dick or Kathy Peterson at (507) 665-2833 or rlpottawa@gmail.com; or the Le Sueur County Historical Society at info@lesueurcountyhistory.org. A community worship service is scheduled at the church the Sunday following Labor Day, Sept. 11. v
Ottawa, Minn.
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