Swine & U

That was quite an ice storm we experi- in other fields of endeavor are compelling the farm. Sadly, the continual worry and disappointenced a week ago. It was rather noisy important readjustments. It is hoped that ment added to the breakup of the home. Farm famiwith the ice sliding down the metal roof these systematic studies of the economic lies stopped going to social events and even to and branches breaking from the weight aspects of some of the more important church. The Yearbook was concerned this lack of of the ice in the wind. If all that moisture lines of agricultural industry will be help- spiritual and mental training would prevent farm had been snow, I might have gotten the ful in the formulation of an adequate children from becoming citizens of the right sort. agricultural policy to the end that the farmer may once more get his fair share of the national income and continue to feed our people at reasonable prices.” In 1923, 341,000,000 acres were planted to 14 principal crops. This was an increase of more than two million acres from the previous year. The report says the top 11 crops were corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, buckwheat, flaxseed, potatoes, sweet potatoes, hay and cotton. I wonder what the other three top crops were. toboggan out to have some fun sledding down the drifts. Instead, I had to pay close attention to my walking to the barn to make sure I didn’t do some unintentional sliding. This snowy weather has provided ample time to get out my Agriculture Yearbook 1923 published by the United States Department of Agriculture. To me, it’s interesting to read how agriculture looked 100 years ago. Although I must admit, 1923 doesn’t seem that far past. In 1921, the newly-elected president, Warren Harding, appointed Henry C. Wallace as Secretary of Agriculture. In 1921, the USDA yearbook gave a report on the wheat, corn, beef and cotton industries — along with a summary of agricultural proFROM MY FARMHOUSE KITCHEN By Renae B. Vander Schaaf It was during this time that some of the large fire insurance companies were experimenting with a broader form of insurance coverage for crops. Hail insurance had been available for years. The Senate and Department of Agriculture were working together to develop a plan for crop insurance. Cooperative associations were still quite popular — despite the many failures blamed on the low prices. The first great cooperative movement in agriculture had reached its apex in 1874. It began to revive in the 1900’s and was quite popular in 1923 when there were approximately 12,000 active farm coopduction. The yearbook of 1922 focused on conditions Wallace’s report estimated eratives. affecting hogs, dairy products, tobacco, small grains (other than wheat) and forestry and cotton. Secretary Wallace’s annual report for 1923 contained studies on the sheep industry, forage resources and the utilization of land for crops, pasture and forests, and the economic aspects of land tenure. Many pages are devoted to statistics on livestock production, fertilizer production and consumption, forestry, and domestic and foreign prices of farm products. The Sherman Antitrust Law was passed to prevent monopolies or price setting by cooperatives. Then, in 1922, the Capper-Volstead Act had to undo this Sherman act for farmers. It specifically gave farmers the right to associate for the purpose of marketing their products and purchasing power. It seems a bit odd to me that we are fighting more that in 1922, 1,200,000 souls left the farm for town. A good portion of them were forced to when they lost their farms to too much debt. Foreclosure and bankruptcy took 4 percent of the farms; another 4.5 percent turned their farms over to creditors without legal process. The financial hurt didn’t end there, as an additional 14.5 percent were also bankrupt, but were hanging in there because of Twin City Tractor: I don’t know the year that this tractor was manufactured in Minneapolis-St. Paul. It was ‘built to do the work.’

In his foreward (as it was spelled) Wallace wrote, leniency of their creditors. This causes me to wonder than ever monopolies and lack of marketing options. “It is evident that the agriculture of the country is just how many farms were lost in the 1920’s and in Especially when the Stockyards Act was passed undergoing important changes. The lower returns the 1930’s. 1921 to assure fair competition, to safeguard farmPUBLIC NOTICE to agricultural workers as compared with workers On March 4, 1923, the Agricultural Credits Act passed which made loans available to farmers. The standard of living on farms had declined drastically. Children were kept out of school to work on ers and consumers, and of course to protect members of the livestock, meat and poultry industries from “unfair, deceptive, unjustly discriminatory and monopolistic practices....” There was even a Grain Futures Act passed in Public Notice by the 1922 to prevent the dissemination of false and misMinnesota Pork Board leading information regarding crop or market conditions and prohibits attempts to manipulate or corand the National Pork Board ner the market.

The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2024 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 12:30 PM, On the bright side, good progress was being made in eradicating bovine tuberculosis. It was also

Monday, February 20, 2023 in conjunction with a Board of Directors becoming more convenient to deliver farm products meeting of the Minnesota Pork Board. All Minnesota pork producers are invited to attend.This Annual Meeting will be held at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001. to markets as 8,820 miles of federal-aid roads were completed that year.

To RSVP, please contact the Minnesota email mnpork@mnpork.com. Pork Office at (507)-345-8814 or The section of Wallace’s report entitled, “Importance of Weather Work,” begins with an inter-

Any producer, age 18 or older, who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged esting sentence: “The department is making its weather work pay back to the Nation many hunto bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their dreds of dollars for each dollar expended.” name and the checkoff deducted. Forecasting was becoming more exacting in its preFor more information, contact: Agronomy Energy Feed Grain dictions, so the weather service could warn of floods, Minnesota Pork Board Office www.crystalvalley.coop frosts and storms which resulted in saving of crops 151 St. Andrews Court, Suite 810, Mankato, Minnesota and livestock.

(507) 345-8814 or (800) 537-7675 See FARMHOUSE KITCHEN, pg. 18

This winter of 2022-23 has already provided a wide array of thrills and chills! Keeping the driveways clear, the water flowing, the power and heat on, and the pigs safe and fed is a daily challenge during Minnesota’s winters. Our friends at the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety & Health center offer this discussion about the dangers of cold weather outside work.

Cold temperatures pose serious threats to a person’s health, leading to frostbite, hypothermia, or trench foot, which occurs when the feet have been exposed to water for too long. Symptoms of hypothermia may include lack of coordination, confusion, slurring, drowsiness, or slowed breathing. Signs of frostbite and trench foot include skin that is numb, swollen, firm, blistered, red, or gray.

UMASH shares this checklist to keep you and farm workers safe in cold weather:

Can you complete indoor tasks and leave outdoor tasks for a warmer day?

Do you prioritize safety? Add more breaks, keep areas warm, provide warm food and drink, periodically check on employees, and train employees about the cold.

Snow makes it difficult to see roads and bodies of water. Do bright signs or fences mark roads and water?

Do you have heating systems to keep employees and livestock warm? Are they safe from fires and in well-ventilated areas?

Does everyone work in pairs?

Compared to warmer days, is there a higher ratio of people to tasks, with fewer tasks and more employees?

Does work begin earlier to avoid being outside at night?

Do you use sand, kitty litter or deicer on slippery areas? These may be less effective as it gets colder.

Do you wear the following when you go out in the

SWINE & U By Diane DeWitte

UniversityofMinnesota EXTENSION SWINE&U

cold? Layers (inner: polyester or polypropylene, middle: wool or down, outer: waterresistant nylon), hat with flaps, hood, flexible gloves (inner layer and water-resistant outer layer), facemask, boots (not steel-toed) with cleats or slip-on grips, socks with breathing room in

boots, and sunglasses.

Do you immediately remove and replace anything wet?

Do you carry a safety toolbox with the following items? Headlamp, flashlight, two-way radio, first aid kit, pocket knife, thermometer, dry pair of clothes, blanket, high-protein snacks, and a sweet, warm beverage.

U of M Extension Educator Emily Krekelberg and colleagues at UMASH offer these pointers for dressing to head outside for chores and livestock work in the Minnesota winter.

Layer Up — Dressing in multiple layers will wick sweat off your skin and trap heat to help you stay warm throughout workday. Follow the steps below from head to toe to keep you safe, warm, and dry for working in the winter.

Stay Dry — Carry an extra pair of mittens and socks to replace ones that may become damp or wet. Go indoors when available to warm up and dry off. Replace any wet or damp clothing with a dry set.

Avoid Cotton — Avoid cotton as the first layer. Clothing next to your skin should pull the sweat or moisture away – keeping you drier and warmer. Use sweat-wicking material like synthetic, wool, silk, or bamboo fibers for socks, underwear, and base layers.

Insulation is Key — Just as we insulate our homes, insulated clothing will keep you warmer. Insulated hats, gloves, boots, overalls, and jackets offer another layer of protection against cold and wind. Insulation traps warm air close to the skin, and prevents heat from escaping.

Dressing head to toe in seven steps

The layer next to your skin should be a synthetic or wool top and bottom, such as long underwear. Look for labels that state “moisture-wicking” or “sweat-wicking.”

The second layer should be lightweight and insulating, such as a thin wool sweater, light fleece jacket, or shirt.

For the third layer, use a heavier fleece or wool sweater, which will trap heat in the body.

The last layer should help keep the wind and water out. Look for labels that mention waterproof or GoreTex. A nice added feature is a storm placket, which adds another layer of protection behind the zipper.

Cover the head with a warm hat that fully covers your ears. Consider a neck gaiter or face mask to protect the neck and lower face from the elements.

Mittens are warmer than gloves but not always practical for detailed work. Try wearing a thin synthetic glove inside a mitten. This will allow you to remove your mittens for more technical work while not exposing bare skin to the cold. Keep another pair

See SWINE & U, pg. 18

2013 VANGUARD 38 ft x 102 in

104” tall, Air Suspension, Air Brakes 65%, Drums 70%, Front & Rear tires 50%, Roll up rear door, curb side door, wood floor, aluminum roof, lined walls, 2 row etracking, small access door along bottom of side walls, Helland lift gate, 3 aluminum boxes under body on each side, 68,000lb

For Sale Price $11,000 2016 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA 120

865,855 mi, jake, cruise, heated mirrors, air ride cab, air dump, plastic cattle guard, aluminum rims, LP 22.5 caps, 80% steers. NEW drives on front and rear. NEW brakes and drums. Exterior is good, frame is pretty clean, interior is clean, dash is intact and no busting. truck is a glider.

CALL FOR PRICE 2000 FREIGHTLINER FL60

69,753 mi Odometer Accurate / Verified, 7.2L, jake, cruise, telt and tele, air ride cab, air dump. aluminum rims, original 245/75 R22.5’s. Tires are all 90%. Air brakes 95% remaining, 90% drums. Exterior is very clean, no rust. Interior is also very clean. Goose neck ball, 9’ bed couch, brake controller, 2 fuel tanks CALL FOR PRICE

Contact One Of Our Locations Today

(800)246-6094

Litchfield MN mdoering@agri-systems.com www.agri-systems.com

By LAURA COLE to the farm, Sarah put the drone hub for research and a resource for The Land Staff Writer to work. “A bad windstorm laid education. We’re looking at how can we

In 2020, four Minnesota farm- crop down and I was able to do keep customers ahead of the game,” she ers founded ABC Drones LLC, a some mapping with the drone,” said. Sarah said. “It stitched together the pictures I took.” The data was turned in to the insurance company, and the end result was money back for the farm. “It got the wheels turning,” she remarked. Two seed dealers in the Rochester area recommended checking out Beck’s Hybrids’ headquarters to see the drones they work with. Sarah and her dad made the trip to Indiana and were able to learn more about the Hylio drones firsthand from the brand’s CEO and president. “We were able to talk to them about their business, goals, and what they want to do in the future. We were really impressed with them!” After that visit, ABC Drones LLC was founded by Sarah and her two sisters, Rachel company. “My dad had some old drones and asked me to try to figure them out,” Sarah recalled. The software was out of date, but Sarah’s interest was piqued. She purchased a new drone and was able to learn more about the device. When unfavorable weather paid a visit company designed to assist producers in taking the next step in agriculture technology. The seeds were planted courtesy of the Covid pandemic. Sarah Hart was a senior at Ashland University and had just arrived in Missouri for the first round of the 2020 NCAA Division II Championship for women’s basketball. Her team had an undefeated regular season and as the second ranked team, the upcoming days promised to be unforgettable. But it was Friday, March 13, 2020. As shutdowns began, the games were canceled and Sarah’s playing career abruptly ended. Two days later, Sarah headed back to her family farm outside of Rochester, Minn. to finish classes online. Her family farms corn and soy beans, as well as some sweet corn for a local canning Photos submitted The Hylio 122 spraying a corn field. ABC Drones allow growers to take field product applications to a precise and more economical level. Flying drones for agricultural purposes requires licenses and certifications which need to be maintained. An Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 license, an FAA Part 137 license, and a pesticide applicator license are requirements, as well as a certificate for a health class II medical card. “FAA will come down and watch you fly before getting the certificate for the 137,” Sarah stated. With additional licensure, multiple drones can be flown at once. Specifics vary depending on model, but Sarah noted the drones have about a 30-foot swath and work at approximately 10-12 miles per hour. “The drone itself can fly into 25 mile per hour winds. However, in order to spray, the winds cannot exceed 10 miles per

MakeYourGRAIN SYSTEMMore Efficient Encinias and Rebekah Hart, and her brother-in-law, Joseph Encinias. ABC stands for Agriculture, Business, and • • • • DRYER TOO SLOW? Upgrade to aGrain Handler, Brock SQ SuperborMeyer TowerDryer NOT ENOUGH LABOR OR DRIVERS DURING HARVEST? It’s Time To PutInA1,100 Bushel Dump Pit! NEED TO MOVE GRAIN FASTER? We Specialize in Vari-Air AirSystems,Double Run Conveyers & Bucket Elevators! NEED MORE GRAIN STORAGE? Let’sBuild YouThe Best Bin Available, BROCK! ON TIME &DONE RIGHT Community. Each of the co-owners have an area of expertise they bring to the company. “Rebekah is very good with graphic design and Rachel is great with Left to Right: Sarah Hart, Rachel Encinias, Joe Encinias, Rebekah Hart administration,” WINTER Sarah commented. Joe takes care of all hour. Different products have different DISCOUNTS things mechanical. “He’s great with fix- label readings for mph winds, but that ARE HERE ing and maintenance.” Sarah specializes in sales. She is also a drone pilot, along with Rachel and Joe. is usually the standard speed.” Currently, models run 7-8 minutes at a time before pausing for a tank refill TrustIn55Years OfHappyCustomers ABC Drones offers a variety of services. They work exclusively with Hylio and battery change. Amid dealing with some windy conditions, Sarah has drones and sell models designed for sprayed about 170 acres in a day at a spray and seeding, as well as models two-gallons-per-acre rate with Hylio’s (507)-530-2365 designed for crop scouting and map- 4.2 gallon AG-116 model. ABC Drones Cottonwood,Mn ping. Sarah stated the company is cer- also sells an 8 gallon model, and Sarah bjeseritz@agri-systems.com tified to train a pilot how to operate, added Hylio recently came out with a www.agri systems.com maintain, and update their drone 16 gallon drone. “The industry is movthroughout the lifespan of the opera- ing fast and the drones are getting bigtion. They also provide advanced main- ger and more efficient. It’s exciting!” tenance and repair. “We hope to be a See ABC DRONES, pg. 15

ABC DRONES, from pg. 14

Sarah remarked.

Sarah mentioned that drone operators can save battery power by not needing to turn around on the field. After going down a stretch, they are able to slide over and then continue the work on the way back. The drones also have obstacle avoidance features.

“The FAA law for the drones is that it needs a remote controller. However, the Hylio drones can be flown on a laptop without having to use the controller!” Sarah remarked. With the laptop, “you can control it with the keyboard or click on the screen.” She added it’s a requirement that the remote controller be with the operator during use.

Joe Encinias switches out the tanks on the Hylio 122.

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a … drone!

By DICK HAGEN

The Land Staff Writer Emeritus

Nearly a decade after Jeff Bezo’s first announced drone delivery, Amazon says it’s finally ready to start air-dropping packages — literally. This latest drone model will drop packages from 12 feet in the air.

“If the drone encounters another aircraft when it’s flying, it’ll fly around that other aircraft. And when it gets to its delivery location, should your dog run underneath the drone, we won’t deliver the package,” said Calsee Hendrickson, who leads product and program management for the Prime Air drone program. Hendrickson, age 39, is an Iowa State University Calsee Hendrickson graduate in engineering. Her first work was with the Boeing Corporation in their Seattle, Wash. headquarters.

The drone is about 5.5 inches in diameter and weighs 80 pounds. It can only carry packages weighing less than five pounds. And deliveries must fit in one box about the size of a shoe box.

Said Hendrickson, “We like to refer to the drone as being independently safe, which means it has the power to make the decision. If it detects a heat signature underneath the drone and was unable to deliver a package, it would return back to the station. But the drones do have an operator in command that is overseeing the entire airspace.”

The delivery package is secured inside the drone, then the drone takes off vertically, similar to a helicopter, using six propellers. Once in the air, the drone rotates into a forward position and the hexagon surrounding the drone serves as its wings. Hendrickson said it flies about 50 miles per hour. Once at the delivery location, it descends vertically, scans the area to make sure it’s clear, then drops the box while hovering about 12 feet above the ground.

The drone can fly 12 kilometers round-trip, and is fully autonomous.

Amazon says thousands of items potentially are eligible for drone delivery. “We’ve designed special packaging that ensures the integrity of the product is still intact after delivery,” said Hendrickson.

She couldn’t provide any cost figures; but rest assured, now that it’s a done deal with the Federal Aviation Administration, aerial drops of light packages will likely become a common occurrence across America. v

Minor Minor Roof Leaks? Roof Leaks? CALL US! CALL US!

Because ABC Drones’ owners use the models they sell on their own fields, they’ve witnessed the benefits first-hand. The family experimented and compared results using a drone, a helicopter, and a ground rig, and were pleased with the drone’s results. “For us, it’s been really helpful,” Sarah commented. “For spraying, the drone is 10 feet above the canopy. It pushes the product more into the crop.” Sarah noted with helicopter use, she and her sister have seen more blanketing. “The drone does a better job with application,” Sarah remarked, also acknowledging the benefit of a slower spray.

Sarah pointed out the many options drones have afforded her family. “My dad is big on testing. If he wants the full field sprayed or just half a field, we can do that. We do seeding; you can do a cover crop. We like the flexibility with it.” Sarah emphasized the freedom the producer gains. “It puts you in control. You can decide when to spray, how to spray, and however many times.” Instead of having to work with someone else’s schedule, a farmer can take advantage of optimum weather conditions as they are presented.

Sarah has also seen how drones have benefitted their customers. “We had a couple dairy farms having a hard time getting a helicopter in,” Sarah recalled. ABC Drones was able to work with them. The company also has some customers using drones on pasture, and one reported back it was the best kill he’s ever gotten.

ABC Drones had the opportunity to provide Syngenta with research. “We did some fungicide spraying for their seed plots. We also did a few differ-

See ABC DRONES, pg. 24

REMEMBER, HE CREATED YOU FORTHIS.

Don’tbeafraid.Justbelieve.Mark5:36

SWINE & U, from pg. 13

of mittens ready in case they become damp or wet.

A thin synthetic sock with a wool sock over the top allows moisture to be wicked from the feet, and the wool will keep your feet warm. Have an extra pair of socks ready in case they become damp or wet, and check that your toes have enough room to wiggle in an insulated boot.

Know these winter weather terms

Blizzard Warning — Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 miles per hour or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below a quarter-mile. These conditions should persist for at least three hours.

Wind Chill Advisory — Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure.

Wind Chill Warning — Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.

Winter Storm Warning — Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, blizzard conditions, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter storm warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.

THE BEST LAND PUMP MONEY CAN BUY!

n Parts and Service n Warrick Control Systems n Low Maintenance n Handles Trash n Automatic Operation n Simplicity & Versatility n Setting Lengths 4’ to 20’

Pumps, Motors & Bearings, LLC

Pump and Motor Parts On Hand

Designed for LongLife and Reliable Preformance

Baldor? US Motor?

It Doesn’t Matter ... We service & sell all brands of electric motors

Winter Storm Watch — Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter storm watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a winter storm.

Winter Weather Advisories — Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life threatening situations.

Snow on the farmstead

Get the deepest snow off a roof as soon as possible. Generally, you will have some time between a large snowfall event and possible structural failure.

Check for danger signs — Before beginning to remove snow or enter a building with excessive snow on the roof, look for signs of building damage and the beginning of failure. Look at the roof line to see if it is still straight. Look at the sidewalls to see if there are any bulges or indications that knee braces have failed. When entering a building with excessive snow, look at the ceiling, open trusses and walls for indications of damage or failure. If there are indications of building damage or failure, do not climb onto the roof or enter the building while the snow is on the roof.

Snow removal methods — Hire a professional if possible. Get up on the roof and shovel off the snow. There is a danger of falling off the roof when working on a snow-covered and icy roof. Use ladders, safety ropes and take necessary precautions.

Use snow rakes or specialty tools that can be used from the ground or from portable scaffolding. Use extreme caution when working near overhead electrical power lines. Avoid excessive scraping on the roof or trying to chip off the ice. These practices can damage the roof and lead to a leaky roof.

If the weather is not too cold, hot water or some other heat source can be used to melt snow and ice.

Warm the inside of the building sufficiently with large heaters to melt the ice layer and then wait for the snow and ice to slide off. A lot of heat is necessary for even a moderately-sized building, and the building must be an open-trussed structure (no flat ceiling) and have an uninsulated metal roof. Be careful to prevent large chunks of ice and snow that slide off the roof from falling on people, animals or equipment. Do not put heaters in an attic of buildings with flat ceilings because of the fire and carbon monoxide danger and you could create ice dams along the building’s eaves.

It is difficult to say how much snow or ice is safe because it depends on the building design and the snow or ice weight. In most cases, agricultural buildings will have an excessive snow load if there are more than four to six feet of snow on the roof.

Excessive snow and ice followed with cold temperatures can create excessive snow loads. You should monitor the snow load situation on your agricultural buildings and take appropriate action. Check high risks areas and, if you need to remove snow, be extremely careful.

Diane DeWitte can be reached at stouf002@umn. edu. v

Choosing a tractor important in 1923

FARMHOUSE KITCHEN, from pg. 12

The Yearbook was encouraging farmers to be more self-sustaining by instructing them to produce more of their own milk, butter, eggs, meats and vegetables, thereby reducing out of pocket costs. Also they may be should diversify their farming operations.

The section on timber was concerned about the rapidly-diminished supply of timber; stopping forest fires; and the lack of new timber acres. I’m concerned about that too, a hundred years later.

The Yearbook stated sugar provided about 13 percent of all the energy obtained from food. The amount used in cooking and on the table averaged about one-and-a-half pounds per person per week. It was considered an economical source of fuel/energy.

The primary sources for this energy were cane and the sugar beet. Cane was introduced into the continental United States by Jesuits in Louisiana in 1751. The sugar beet industry didn’t really take off until 1879. It’s interesting that the beet seed stock used in the United States at that time were the French Vilmorin and German Klein Wanzleban. Prior to World War I, practically all the seed used in America came from the large beet seed companies in Europe. The seed quality deteriorated so much during World War I it was becoming necessary for America to begin producing their own supply at this time in history.

I found the sheep industry section especially interesting as my farmer and I are back in the sheep business with a very small flock. Sheep were promoted as being good weed cleaner-uppers and great at foraging, and naturally increasing soil fertility. The breeds featured were Shropshire, Rambouillet, Hampshire and Lincoln.

In addition to Wallace’s annual report, the Extension Service produced a number of bulletins with subjects such as “Game Laws,” “How To Grow Alfalfa,” “The Whipping Quality of Cream,” and that menace quack grass.

Tractors were beginning to replace horse power on farms. One bulletin was entitled, “The Cost of Using Horses on Corn Belt Farms;” while others were “The Cost of Using Tractors on Corn Belt Farms,” and “Shall I Buy a Tractor?” to “Choosing A Tractor.”

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

By RICHARD SIEMERS

The Land Correspondent

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has found it practical to enlist farmers to assist in managing their Wildlife Management Areas. For years, farmers have been involved in providing food plots on WMAs.

“It’s typically a share-cropping agreement,” said Wendy Krueger, Area Wildlife Manager based in Marshall, Minn. “No money changes hands.”

The farmer has the expense of inputs, planting and harvesting. At harvest, a portion is left for wildlife, and the farmer gets the rest. The division depends on the crops and is worked out ahead of time in the contract.

“Corn and soybeans is a standard around here [in southwestern Minnesota],” Krueger said. “We like corn food plots because standing corn is providing cover for the wildlife while they eat. And if we can get a cover crop in that corn, that’s some greenery under there that the deer will be attracted to. They’ll plow through a lot of snow to get to those Wendy Krueger green cover crops. But we want to get more diversity of crops — not just corn and beans, but some oats, wheat, sorghum, too.”

The approach to food plots has evolved through the years. The farmers need to have completed or be working on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Water Quality Certification Program, or at least agree to follow those standards.

“What that means is we’re stressing no-till or minimum tillage, less pesticides, less chemical use, and promoting cover crops so we’ve got the land covered to help with soil erosion and build up the soil health,” Krueger said.

When the plan includes non-income producing aspects like cover crops, that is taken into account when the contract is written.

“We want to be fair to farmers,” Krueger said.

The primary purpose of having food plots on WMAs is to provide food for deer, pheasants and other wildlife. The food plots are not planted on every WMA, but targeted to those which are near wildlife wintering areas.

“You try to provide the food close to their winter cover,” Krueger said, “so a pheasant, for example, won’t be exposed or have to fly too far away and be exposed to predators.”

Secondary benefits include providing wildlife with food on the WMA so they don’t have to get in trouble with neighbors of the wintering area by venturing onto the farm to find food. And “Hunters love food plots,” Krueger said. They’re open to public hunting.

Not every farmer is interested in participating. WMAs are not prime agricultural land. With the standards they are expected to meet, and especially when they have large machinery, some don’t find it worthwhile to farm these small plots — usually under 10 acres. Often the family from whom land has been purchased will continue to farm the food plot. Otherwise, they look for nearby farmers.

Nick Thooft, a Lake Benton, Minn. farmer who recently completed the Water Quality Certification, took on food plots in Hole in the Mountain WMA for the first time in 2022. It was not a good year to begin.

“This year was pretty hard for the food plot areas, for me,” Thooft said. “We’re trying to go away from doing any type of tillage, and no-till seems Nick Thooft very dependent upon rainfall after seeding, from my experience. There wasn’t any rain and our plan to have cover crops specifically designed for the wildlife didn’t grow.”

There are four food plots at this WMA, totaling less than 40 acres. Two were intended for wildlife only and had a wildlife mix of seed which included sorghum, cowpeas, a couple clovers, oats, millets, nonGMO corn, kale, turnips, sunflowers, flax, buckwheat and sugar beets. It did sprout, Thooft said, but “it was the only thing green in the section and I think the wildlife took it earlier” rather than waiting for winter. He thought it was possible some may come up in the spring.

The other two plots were planted to spring wheat, which Thooft was able to harvest and leave the stover. After harvest he drilled in peas, small grains and lentils. They started to green up, but there wasn’t enough rain to keep it going.

Despite this disappointing beginning, Thooft plans to farm the food plots again.

“We’ll give it another shot next year,” he said.

Ben Dwire of Arco, Minn. has been part of food plot management for at least four years. The drought affected the two WMAs where he farms food plots (as it did his own fields), but he has seen benefits through his years of involvement.

He works on two WMAs: Elmer Weltz WMA in Lyon County, and Bosque WMA, which straddles the Ben Dwire Lyon and Lincoln County line. Each has three plots. The Weltz plots are small, about eight acres apiece; the Bosque plots are larger. Both have a three-crop rotation: corn, soybeans and small grain.

This works well for Dwire, who farms rented land and uses the same rotation. The land is similar, too.

“Most of the land I rent is pretty rugged — similar to these wildlife areas,” Dwire said. “These wildlife pods work out so good because it’s the same way I farm all of my [rented land]. On these wildlife farms we are 100 percent no-till, and we use cover crops. That’s the main food source. Two-thirds of my own farm acres get cover crops every year, so it’s very similar, just in a smaller way. Most food plots are essentially cover crops.”

He works the food plots as he does his own land.

“With the small grains, last year we had oats, you can put red clover out there with the oats; so as soon as I combine, we’ve got red clover growing up as a food source. After we’re done combining, I go out and drill in some more species.”

That could be cereal rye, turnips, radishes, whatever the available moisture will support. Both clover and rye will green up right away in March and April and grow right away in the spring.

The corn and soybean acres get cereal rye as soon as harvest is done. The corn may get cover crops

See WILDLIFE, pg. 23

Snirts Gettin’ in? We Can Keep em’ Out. Snow • Water • Dirt • Leaves • Critters • Cold Heat Bills are Skyrocketing SAVE UP TO 40% 25 Year Warranty SEALS GAPS UP TO 2 INCHES ON YOUR GARAGE & SHOP OVERHEAD DOORS!

Call Today 800-250-5502 or Visit snirtstopper.com

30676 County Rd 24 Sleepy Eye, MN. 56085 www.mathiowetzconst.com office@mathiowetzconst.com In All We Do, We Do It Right! – Aggregates – Building Pads – Demolition – Ditch Cleaning – Farm Drainage

MATHIOWETZ CONSTRUCTION Farm Friendly Since 1924

By TIM KING inspect and it all made the for the three districts, launching a The Land Correspondent licensors uncomfortable.” farm-to-school program was one of her WABASHA, Minn. — How does a small town farmers’ market go from a group of retail vendors to one wholesale entity which sells to schools and other institutional markets? It’s not easy; but Sara George, a produce farmer and employee of Renewing the Countryside, has figured it out and she’s sharing her idea with anybody who wants to listen. That’s when George reached out to ReNewing the Countryside, the Minnesota Farmers Market Association, and the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. Since then, George, along with the three organizations and funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has created a legal model for farmers’ market to be food hubs servhopes,” Aimee Haag said. “A few years later, we met at a school in Hutchinson where I was substitute teaching. At the time, I was still vegetable farming seasonally but was ready to dedicate my farming heart to a different part of the farming puzzle.” Mueller and Haag started talking about how a farm to school program might work in the three school districts and Mueller eventually hired Haag to become the farm-to-school liaison.

The idea began to hatch in ing local school districts and 2016, after George had been other institutions. managing the Wabasha farmers market for five years. “That early model of me making calls to get the orders placed “Our local school food service director wanted to buy local, but she just wasn’t sure how to connect to the farmers,” George said. “Her idea was to swing uct and I would even volunteer to deliver it. I just wanted to make more sales for my farmers.” got outdated quickly and we upgraded to an online sales platform,” George said. “You can buy from multiple farmers, using one shopping cart, through the Wabasha farmers’ market She did make sales. one check out, making one payment and buy there. I was elated. I rode on that excitement until the next week, when she came back to buy again.” “I would call Annette and ask her what she wanted and then I would call the seven farmers that were in the area and it all arrives at your door at one time for delivery. It’s slick.” Farmers’ markets in Red Wing,

On that shopping trip George got and find out if they had it,” George Wabasha, Aitkin, Grand Rapids, bold. She asked the food service director said. “Then I would call Annette back Virginia, Willmar, Moorhead, Mankato how much she could spend. She had $38 and tell her what was available and and Rochester are using the system — the entirety of her petty cash fund. she would order it. On a rough week, using a Hub Manual developed by “I am limited to petty cash without you each being registered vendors for our food service,” she told George. George spent quite a few restless nights trying to figure out how such a cumbersome arrangement would work — or even if it would work. Then, in the dark of a sleepless night, she had an idea. “Why not register the farmers market as the vendor, she wondered. “Then Annette (the food service director) could order from me. “I would make it so that the farmers gave me the prodshe would ask pricing and I didn’t have it and had to call the farmers back. It was a heavy game of phone tag; but we were really moving produce through to the schools. What a win!” But there was a bump in the road. A license was required to aggregate food from a number of farmers and then sell it. “Plus, we were a farmers’ market, set up in the middle of the street,” she said. “There was no business address, no sinks for hand washing, no buildings to George and the three organizations. Both farmers and schools have shown flexibility in adapting this innovative distribution system. But schools using the approach developed by George and her partners are making big changes in their kitchens as well. The Hutchinson, Litchfield and Dassel-Cokato schools don’t participate in Sara George’s project; but they have made a major commitment to building a farm-to-school program by jointly hiring Leslie Mueller, a nutritionist, and another staff position the three districts are calling a “farm-to-school liaison.” “When Lesli took over as the director See FARMERS MARKET, pg. 23 507-794-6953 – Grove Removal – Hauling – Site Grading – Terraces – Equipment Sales & Service

Photos submitted Sara George Young customers at the Wabash Farmers Market.

“Our farm-to-school program began (in 2020) as one heavily focused on fresh produce,” Haag said. “We have a handful of talented produce farmers in the community that believe in our program and have become important partners. Together we create a school menu that is representative of what›s locally available and abundant; but also con-

By TIM KING

The Land Correspondent

KENYON, Minn. — In 2006 there were fewer than 20 Minnesota school districts purchasing farm products via farm-to-school partnerships, according to the National Farm to School Network. When the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted a count a few years later, their Farm to School census for 2013-14 counted 268 Minnesota school districts involved in some sort of partnership with Minnesota farmers. Those districts, according the National Farm to School Network’s telling of the census, spent $12 million on Minnesota farm products during that census period. USDA’s 2018-19 census, the most recent available, reported a whopping 1,008 schools participating in some form of farm to school program — whether directly through food in the cafeteria or through food and farming education in the classroom.

Photos submitted Rae Rusnak holds one of her farm’s butternut squashes.

Rae Rusnak, of L&R Poultry and Produce near Kenyon, was one of the farmers who recognized the farm-toschool opportunity early on.

“I’ve been selling to school districts since 2008,” Rusnak, who sells produce, eggs and other products from her farm wholesale, said.

The list of crops she’s sold to school districts in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Northfield, Goodhue and Kenyon- for farmers in his community to Wanamingo is extensive. buy from.

“I’ve sold butternut and acorn Campbell, who has 20 years of squash, kohlrabi, rutabagas, experience in the school food potatoes, summer squash, rhu- service profession, is in his first barb, and maple syrup to year of a farm-to-school project schools,” she said. at St. Charles, a community in Rusnak, who is trained and certified in Good Agricultural Winona County in Southeastern Minnesota. Practices and the Food Safety “We’ve had to go out and find Modernization Act, makes her the farmers,” Campbell said. own deliveries using a truck “I’ve also reached out to the with a 3,000-pound capacity. farmers market and am work-

Over the years she has taught ing with them.” herself the ins and the outs of Campbell’s commitment to creworking with institutional buy- ating a successful farm-to-school ers and she received produce A field of Rusnak’s acorn squash. program is demonstrated by the quality assurance training from fact that his kitchen serves localRuss Davis Wholesale produce. continue to support and understand ly raised beef. St. Charles school district “I make my own deliveries and enjoy visiting face to face with my customers,” she said. “I take orders by email and send an invoice email directly to the importance of buying from local farms in their communities. Schools can enjoy the unique benefits of working both with a neighborhood farm and is one of only 18 in Minnesota that serves what the U.S. Department of Agriculture refers to as protein, according to the Farm to School Census. the billing person when I deliver. I try an aggregator and keep dollars in our “We’ve developed a good relationship to provide the buyer with photos and state and local towns.” with Dover Processors in nearby Dover make sure they get the size and pack Jeff Campbell, the Food Service to process our farmers beef,” he said. that they want.” Director for the St. Charles, Minn. See RUSNAK, pg. 23

Rusnak’s solo farm-to-school model school district is looking high and low contrasts with that of a food hub like The Good Acre in Falcon Heights, Minn. The Good Acre gathers produce from 135 small farmers and food makers NOW CONTRACTING located within 100 miles of the Twin 2023 NON-GMO FOOD-GRADE Cities and aggregates it into larger orders which go out to school districts, SOYBEAN PRODUCTION hunger relief organizations, and other institutions.

“During the peak of the growing season, from mid-August through midSeptember, we can receive around • Choose from many great Non-GMO $100,000 worth of produce each week,” Nikki Wagner of the Good Acre says. Soybean Varieties “We have an operations team of five • Excellent premiums paid over the CBOTthat handles receiving, inspecting each order that comes through the door, checking the temperature of each case, and then getting it into one of our giant For more information, contact: coolers within about 15 minutes.”

Rae Runsak says she has lost some Craig Tomera, Identity Preserved Crop Specialist business to food hubs. Office: 952.983.1289 | Cell: 507.279.4496 | craigtomera@grainmillers.com

“Some schools have gone with a produce aggregator that works with many farms but acts like a single vendor,” she said. “While aggregators are very helpful for more remotely located farms, or farms that are unable to sell on their IT’S MORE THAN A PARTNERSHIP. IT’S OUR Promise . own, they do compete with individual grainmillers.com | 800.328.5188farms for sales. My hope is that schools who purchase from an aggregator will