The Land - February 3, 2023

COLUMNS

Mexican journey

I spent my last Sunday in Mexico participating in the creation of La Fiesta de los Puercos de la Trinitaria — or, in English, the Festival of the Pigs of Trinitaria.

In Mexico there are perhaps thousands of fiestas. Some, like Todos Santos, are celebrated by the entire nation. Most are local. For instance, there is the magnificent Fiesta of the Radishes in Oaxaca.

LAND MINDS

By Tim King

The Fiesta of the Pigs is very local. It’s not really in Trinitaria, which is a pretty little town in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico. The fiesta is in a place near Trinitaria which is a scattered collection of very small houses among fields of tall hand-planted corn and pastures. A rough path, more used by barefoot children and burros rather than motorized vehicles, leads through this place.

OPINION

door stove) and his three children.

Here also live pigs amazing enough to celebrate. They grunt and squeak in a cement block palm-thatched barn. One of the pens hold 8-10 grunting two-monthold pigs.

Marcos and Pepe talk a long time about them. Marcos marks four of the larger ones with a blue indelible pen. The last gives him a run for his money around the slippery pen. Then, to my amazement, eight of the pigs are picked up under arms and hauled to the Volkswagen. All are put in 4-foot by 18-inch space behind the last seat. They don’t fit well. As we climb back up the mountain, they shriek, wiggle, manure, and finally go to sleep on top of each other.

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My friends and I left our home in the city of Comitan at mid-morning following a breakfast of papaya and tamales. Pepe drove. His father, Absolun, sat next to me on a board placed between driver and passenger seats. Mario and his wife were in the back of the Volkswagen bus with a load of freshly-planed pine lumber. In the first village outside of Comitan we picked up a hitchhiker. We were all headed to San Pedro.

San Pedro is in a valley at the foot of the mountains. It is a collection of small, private farms which grow sugar cane, corn and monstrous cattle called cebu.

The view riding out of the mountains is awesome and frightening. Cliffs drop away from a road which barely hangs onto the mountains side. As we swoop around hairpin after hairpin turn, there are little colored doghouses with plastic flowers. On Todos Santos, the families of this road’s victims will bring sweet cakes and flowers and put them in the houses. I wonder what my family would put in my house. Pepe points gleefully to a mashed guard rail and the green forest 200 feet below. An entire family recently went over here. Nobody died, Pepe tells me as he eases into position to pass a gasoline tanker groaning around a particularly nasty curve.

Finally we reach the 80 hectare ranch at San Pedro. Here are artesian sulphur springs which are diverted to irrigate the corn and cane. One spring passes through a swimming pool rich with algae on its sides. Over the pool hang branches of huge trees rich with orange and purple blossoms. I’ve only seen the pool used once. A thin brown cane cutter came to it, sweaty, one hot mid-afternoon. He looked about shyly, then slipped out of his clothes and into the pool. The pool is, I learned, a semi-public bath.

These waters also must be healthy because here lives Fidel. He drinks the sulphur water and is short, thin, dark brown, and very strong. Fidel, who would like to know how to read, lives with his wife (who makes wonderful corn tortillas on her wood-fired out-

I have a box of 11 peeping chicks at my feet. The chicks go to Pepe’s house in the city. The four blue marked pigs go to a pen in Marcos’ village. Then Pepe, Absolun and I head out to Trinitaria. Just before arriving, we turn off onto a path with large boulders and deep ruts. Pepe drives as if he were one of the firewood laden burros we pass. As we inch forward, we ask for directions from men strolling from or to the fields with machetes over their shoulders. The fields have tall corn with beans that have red flowers climbing the stalks.

Finally, it appears, we have arrived. A short woman, who has heard we are seeking her, greets us on the path. She is beautiful — more Maya than mestizo. Vert black very long hair; maybe five feet tall. She signals four boys. They come running. Each grabs a pig and holds it to his brave chest. The boys’ grins are as big as the pig’s squeal. The brown boys take the pink pigs to the porch of a blue house. The short woman and Pepe (not much taller) follow to the porch. Other people are coming at the call of the pigs: women with babies; men shining with sweat from the fields; girls in bright dresses. All gather around the pigs on the porch. Pepe pulls up a green lard bucket and seats himself. Everyone has gathered. The pigs, now quiet at his feet, are waiting. Pepe begins his speech.

“These are amazing pigs,” he tells the people. “You may cross them with your small pigs. The small pigs will become larger.”

He tells them to multiply the amazing pigs also. He tells them how to keep the line pure; how to improve their own runty pigs. He tells them there will be more meat for their children. The people understand this. They celebrate these pigs. They celebrate the idea of children eating pork. They look at the pigs at Pepe’s feet and are happy. It is the day of la Fiesta de los Puercos.

Tim King has been a contributor to The Land since 1985. He also co-founded the community newspaper La Voz Libre and served as its publisher and editor from 2004 to 2014. He farms with his family near Long Prairie, Minn.

The Great Carbon Boondoggle

Many policy choices are made on politics alone; while other key decision-making elements like cost, science, and even common sense play a lesser or no role at all.

In the old days, this political math resulted in (literally and figuratively) “bridges to nowhere” which cost millions and did little other than raise the local politician’s reelection odds.

By Alan Guebert

Today, these exercises of magical thinking cost billions and enrich local oligarchs and distant financiers who then, in turn, bankroll the campaigns of favor-delivering politicians to ensure their gravy train continues to run on time.

OPINION

North Dakota.

Once there, Summit claims, the CO2 will be “permanently and safely stored underground.”

While all of that scrubbed pleasantspeak may sound like an innovative, agbased way to somewhat balance the amount of climate-changing carbon emitted by today’s intensive livestock and cropping systems, the Oakland Institute sees it as a pressurized pipeline of baloney.

... to boost oil production” that is then refined and burned to create even more CO2.

Summit won’t say what the CO2 will, in the end, be used for; but maps of its proposed pipeline route show the five-state network ending in North Dakota — home of one of the nation’s largest “frac” oil fields, the Bakken, which relies almost entirely on enhanced oil recovery techniques to keep its thick crude oil pumping and its carbon-black river running.

Last November, the Oakland Institute — an independent policy think tank in Oakland, Calif. — published a detailed report on one of these costly, gassy trains: Summit Carbon Solutions’ 2,000-mile carbon pipeline across Iowa, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Minnesota.

Summit calls its expensive, scientifically-dubious project the Midwest Carbon Express because it hopes to tie 33 “biorefineries” (mostly ethanol plants) together with a pipeline ranging from “four inches to two feet in diameter and placed at least four feet underground” to carry compressed CO2 to

In fact, the Institute uses another descriptive B word in the title of its 31-page report that gets right to the heart of Summit’s plan. It calls it “The Great Carbon Boondoggle.”

Oakland states that backers of Summit’s carbon capture and storage technology overlook “the growing body of evidence exposing CCS as a false climate solution…” Indeed, “Despite billions of taxpayer dollars spent on CCS to date… it has not been proven feasible or economic at scale.”

Even more damning, the report continues, “Over 95 percent of the CO2 captured by these plants” (mostly ethanol, natural gas processing, or fertilizer plants) “is currently used for enhanced oil recovery

Furthermore, “Summit also claims the pipeline will ‘bolster the ethanol and agriculture industries,’ by making the ethanol produced at their partner facilities ‘net zero fuel’ by 2030.” More Grade A baloney, says Oakland.

The think tank isn’t the only group questioning Summit’s grandiose Midwest Carbon Express. Farmers, too, are less than enthusiastic about granting Summit pipeline easements across their land — no matter the size or depth,.

According to Oakland’s report, Summit began gathering voluntary easements in the summer of 2021 along its planned route. By August, Summit claimed to have “agreements with 1,400 landowners [on] 2,200 tracts of land across the entire Midwest” and “easements” with 700 landowners on 1,500 par-

See GUEBERT, pg. 8

It takes a trustw or th y champion with the f lexibility and skill to build bridges, collaborate and conquer challenges, year af ter year. That’s advocacy. That’s the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. We’re

@mncorn

Winter’s children help adults see the season’s beauty

I can’t say it’s a favorite pastime to slink into a pair of stiff insulated coveralls, hike up the winter boots (and whatever else needs hiking up); and cover my hands with gloves that could take on a life of their own, just to go out and feed the sheep.

TABLE TALK

But when you live in what could be officially classified as ‘tundra,’ it’s a reality which simply cannot be ignored. Winter will arrive at some point, and you just have to be ready … like hearing from your doctor who says you need a colonoscopy.

By Karen Schwaller

bors.

Little does he know, however, the snow mountains he makes with the loader are a kid’s biggest excitement of the winter. Hardly a kid I know doesn’t happily slide into his/her snow pants, winter coat, boots, hat and gloves just to be able to hike up that mountain and slide down it blissfully (and at breakneck speed) before stopping abruptly at the bottom.

Over and over. I’m sure it was how chiropractors were born.

Well, hearing that news is not really the part you need to be ready for…..

When the snow starts falling, my husband finds not a bit of excitement in it. He lumps it in the same classification as mowing the yard.

“It’s just an expense,” he says, because he finds it unproductive to move snow around in the yard — unless he’s doing it to help the neigh-

There is something we can learn from the kiddies.

They can always discover excitement wherever they go, because they don’t know something is supposed to be a pain in the back pew.

The snow had been falling lightly for a few short hours as I made my way into town one day, and I drove by a pasture with cows in it. Of course,

they were all standing in a group, staying warm and no doubt exchanging pleasantries since they were all so close to each other.

It was breathtaking to see the light snow cover on the backs of those black cows. A little winter white amid all the dark and dreary, muddy colors of late fall and early winter. And they were content, just standing there, looking around and not minding being the center of attention.

Later that day, as I was clearing the deep snow from the hood and windshield of the car, I happened to look up into a nearby tree. Void of its leaves, the tree was still bearing what looked like red berries. There, with the cold north wind and snow blowing, were half a dozen yellow and gray birds — singing their songs softly and appearing to not have a care in the world.

Once again, Mother Nature creates a wonder, and turns us into winter’s children.

A few short years ago I was about to leave on a long winter’s night to head into town, when something stopped me. There on the garage door windows was a sight so striking that I couldn’t take my eyes off of it.

Mother Nature had sent us a bit of a

winter storm that day, and left the most intricate, delicate, lace-andpearl-patterned, wedding gown-like design on the windows. No artist could have created something so elaborate nor so detailed in its exactness nor its beauty. I took photos of the windows from inside and outside, because their beauty was different from both views, but just as magnificent.

For farm families, winter does pose more work and inconvenience as they try to get done what they get done every other day of the year without thinking about it. And winter storms are mostly an assault to the very notion of efficiency on the farm.

But now and then, it’s good to stop and think of “snow mountains” for winter’s children, rather than just “snow piled up.” Because there is excitement to be had on both the ascent and the descent if you’re a kid. Each time at the bottom, it was worth the arduous climb to the top.

Sometimes as adults we forget that there is hidden beauty and philosophical meaning behind child’s play — especially, with winter’s children.

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

Farm recognition applications available

ST. PAUL — Applications are now open for the Minnesota Farm Bureau Sesquicentennial Farm program, honoring Minnesota families that have owned their farms for at least 150 years. The deadline to apply is March 6.

To qualify, the farm must demonstrate ownership by the applying family for at least 150 years in 2023 according to the abstract of title, land patent, original deed, county land records, court file in registration proceedings or other authentic land records. Please do not send originals or copies of records. “Family” is defined as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, first cousins and direct in-laws (father, mother, brother, sister, daughter, sonin-law). Continuous residence on farm

is not required. Farms must consist of 50 or more acres and currently be involved in agricultural production. Recipients will be announced in April.

Applications are available at www. fbmn.org. For more information, contact Pam Debele at pam.debele@fbmn. org or (651) 768-2111.

Century Farm program applications are also open. Information is available online at mnstatefair.org or fbmn.org; by calling the State Fair at 651-2884417; or at statewide county extension offices. Applications are due by March 6, 2023. Recipients will be announced in the spring. Previously recognized families should not reapply.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Farm Bureau. v

Veterinary tales of mustelids and men

The call came into the Fisher and Neumann Veterinary Office one day. Some livestock needed to be vaccinated for pneumonia. This was the early 1950’s before the clinic became known as the Sioux Veterinary Clinic in 1959.

Dr. Robert Fisher and his young partner, Dr. A.J. Neumann, gathered up the necessary medicines needed to stop the disease. On this particular call they weren’t too worried about being trampled to death by a herd of horses or gored by a bull.

FROM MY FARMHOUSE KITCHEN

By Renae B. Vander Schaaf

raised on farms at one time. The first fox farmers found a jackpot as fox pelts were in high demand. The depression years wiped out the market for expensive furs.

in, the ermine. The bitterly cold weather, like we can have in Iowa, sometimes changes their brownish fur to pure white. Then they may be called stoats. My farmer and I have seen the white Mustela ermine outdoors.

Instead, Dr. Fisher’s advice to his partner was “Now, don’t wrinkle your nose or ears too much.” Dr. Neumann was a bit surprised when they opened the barn door to see rabbits of all colors and sizes hopping here, there and everywhere in the large barn.

My farmer tells me it’s nigh impossible to chase pigs to where you want them to go; and I suspect commanding rabbits comes with its own challenges.

Dr. Neumann says they used panels to work the rabbits into a corner before they could begin the task of vaccinating these Oryctolagus cuniculus of the family Leporidae

Rabbits were a viable livestock at one time, raised for their fur and meat. When my farmer and I first married, I did purchase rabbit from Woudstra’s Meat Market in town to cook with. It was quite tasty.

Another type of livestock farming that isn’t seen very often today was raising a member of the weasel family. Mink were raised for their valuable fur. Some say it replaced the silver and black tip fox which had also been

Mink are fragile animals demanding daily attention and care. What I read in my veterinary books tell me there are a host of diseases which can invade mustelids. They are touchy critters — especially in reference to diet. These carnivores are quite fussy about how their meat has been stored and is prepared. These temperamental animals do not like hot, humid weather. They also need it to be quiet.

I think I know a few two-legged weasels.

It wasn’t unusual for veterinarians to be called to a mink farm to vaccinate young mink kits or care for their mothers (which are called sows). The father naturally is referred to as a boar.

Dr. Neumann occasionally had to treat minks for distemper. The majority of the time it went well; but one time, a mink went into survival mode and clenched his teeth into the veterinarian’s pointer finger. No matter what methods they tried, it was a long time before the mink calmed down enough to let go. Now at 96 years old, the scars are still visible on his finger.

Occasionally, baby kits were rejected by their mothers or needed special care. It wasn’t unusual to take them into the house so the mink raising family could watch the kit more closely.

Families in town also took an active interest in raising mink — or its cous-

And I need to emphasize outdoors, because at one time attics, basements and garages were repurposed into rooms where ermine could be raised for the delicate fur which was a status symbol.

Because livestock producers expect their veterinarian to be able to treat any and all livestock they choose to produce, a veterinarian needs to keep learning. He was well aware farmers depended on him because livestock was their livelihood. Dr. Neumann said he was constantly reading journals and books to make a correct diagnosis.

Similar to depending on a good vet, many farmers also recognize their dependence on God. Their manual is the Bible — The Book of Life. In it they find guidance for how to live a life that pleases God.

They also know that it was God who in His mercy sent Jesus to die for us who are separated from God by sin. It is not good works, nor living a moral life that saves us from eternal damnation; the only way is to call on the name of Jesus. We are saved through faith. It is a gift of God.

Titus 3:4-7 — “But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Any time of the day is good for reading God’s word.

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

U.S. prescription drug prices are not the envy of the world

This month we are looking at pharmaceutical prices in the United States. Why are they so high? Do they have to be so high?

Research shows drug costs in the United States are twice as high as in other modern, prosperous countries. Those same countries are using the same drugs as we use in the United States and have healthier populations. What is going on? The answer is straightforward. All those other modern countries are negotiating the price of drugs used in their health systems.

HEALTHCARE FOCUS

By Mark Brakke

Let’s look at a common medical product — the epinephrin injector, commonly called an EpiPen. Epinephrine injectors are used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions. The epinephrine in the injector is worth one to two dollars. The injectors cost is in the five-dollar range. However, a two-pack (two injectors) of brand name EpiPens retails for between $341 and $690. The generic version retails around $109. That is a hefty profit margin.

Let’s also look at insulin — a life-saving drug essential for many. It was isolated in 1921 by two Canadian researchers who gave the rights to their university with a written agreement the university would not allow a single company to monopolize the discovery. Since 1921, much progress has been made isolating animal insulin for use in humans; and more recently, learning how to make human insulin in a factory and how to modify human insulin to achieve certain characteristics. What is the current cost of factory-produced

human insulin? A commonly-used insulin “lispro” is about $96 in the United States compared to $9 in Sweden (https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ migrated_legacy_files/196281/ Comparing-Insulin-Prices.pdf). The cost in other modern, prosperous countries is similar to Sweden.

The pharmaceutical industry is selling prescription drugs in foreign countries at a much lower cost than in the United States and still making a profit. Good for other countries residents, not so good for U.S. residents.

The fundamental fact is that no individual or single business in the United States is big enough to negotiate reasonable drug prices.

The pharmaceutical industry has opposed having Medicare negotiate drug prices for years. In 2022, a tiny step was taken to allow Medicare to negotiate the price of a few prescription drugs paid for by Medicare … but not until 2028! The pharmaceutical industry is one of the biggest spenders on lobbying. In 2021 the pharmaceutical industry spent about $100 million lobbying Congress — an amount similar to what is spent on lobbying by the defense industry.

Let’s look at one of the arguments the pharmaceutical industry uses to oppose lower prices. They say we will get fewer new drugs if they make less money. History, fortunately, tells us this argument is not valid. The researchers work in this field because they are curious and desire to help their fellow man. The discoverers of insulin made sure their initial discovery could not be monopolized by a single company. Dr. Jonas Salk, the inventor of the first effective polio vaccine, did not patent it for his personal profit. Most basic research which leads to new drugs occurs in universities, not in commer-

cial labs. Furthermore, that basic research in universities is usually funded by our tax dollars. The pharmaceutical companies typically follow the basic research being done in universities and when they see a promising discovery they take steps to buy the rights and commercialize the product. Negotiating better drug prices will not shut off good research.

I want to be clear I am not against private enterprise. I am against the individual citizen being unfairly taken advantage of by unreasonable profit seeking. You or I as an individual cannot walk into Eli Lilly and negotiate a better price for our medication. U.S. residents have as much right to sensible drug prices as do others in our world.

Let me use the Dutch as an example. The Dutch health system effectively negotiates drug prices and the result is their prices are one-third those in the United States. How healthy are the Dutch? Take a look at life expectancy: the Dutch — 81.4 years; the United States — 77.2 years. They are getting the same good drugs we are at a fraction of the cost.

As we all know, complaining about problems does not fix those problems. Big problems require similarly big solutions. Our costly health care mess is an instance where we as voters need to let our legislators know this should be fixed. In Minnesota, Senator John Marty’s Minnesota Health Plan is designed to insure everyone — and do it at a lower price than we now pay. At the federal level, Representative Pramila Jayapal’s “Medicare for All” bill takes a similar approach.

You can read about Senator Marty’s bill at https:// mnhealthplan.org.

Mark Brakke is retired after caring for patients in Coon Rapids, Minn. for 41 years. He has served on boards of two HMOs. Questions relating to health care can be sent to editor@thelandonline.com. v

Extension summer internships available

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Each summer, University of Minnesota Extension welcomes undergraduate students interested in crops, livestock, horticulture, small farms/local foods, natural resources or commu-

Now in its 34th year, the Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference, formerly known as the MOSES Conference, draws a diverse audience of farmers, homesteaders and food system professionals for three days of educational programming on a wide range of food and farming topics.

nicating science to gain experience through internships.

The three main components of the internship are completing Extension educator-selected project(s); networking with other interns, educators and specialists in Extension; and learning about the people who work together to achieve Extension’s mission.

The internships are held each summer for 10 to 12 weeks. Applications are now open for Summer 2023. Internships are full time, but there is flexibility based on interns’ school schedules.

To apply for one of the summer internship opportunities, complete the online application at z.umn.edu/ AFNRintern

This article was submitted by Dana Adams, University of Minnesota Extension. v

Brownies are a versatile, chocolate-lovers treat

What do Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Halloween have in common? Lots of things, probably, but here I’m thinking of chocolate. Whether the treats are heart, egg, or pumpkin shaped, chocolate is a sweet companion for these days on the calendar.

To that end, with Valentine’s Day coming up quickly, I’ve pulled together a group of brownie recipes. Brownies are a uniquely American invention, dating back to the late 1800s, and can be as simple or fancy as you like. A quick internet search for “what can I add to brownies” offers a long list of personalization options. Prepackaged brownie mixes abound, and are a quick and easy dessert. But for those of you who like to measure and whisk, read on. Note that many of these recipes call for nuts. If you need to accommodate nut allergies, or preferences, adjust as needed.

Brownies

Betty Crocker’s Picture Cookbook, 1950

Melt together over hot water:

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1/3 cup shortening

Beat in:

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

Sift together and stir in:

3/4 cup sifted flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup broken nuts (optional)

KITCHEN CLASSICS

By Diane Lochner

Bake until just set and a crust forms on top, about 1 hour. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar. Serves 8

To store, wrap tightly and keep at room temperature for up to two days

Chocolate Walnut Brownies (Gluten-free)

Nourishing Meals, Alissa Segersten, 2012

Note: recipe calls for a food processor

Dry ingredients:

2 cups raw walnuts

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet ingredients:

2 large eggs

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Grease an 8 inch by 8 inch glass baking dish.

Place the walnuts into a food processor fitted with the “s” blade. Process until very finely ground, stopping just before the turn into nut butter. Then add the remaining dry ingredients and pulse again to combine. Add the wet ingredients and process again until smooth. You will still have tiny chunks of walnuts visible and this is fine.

Pour batter into baking dish. Spread evenly into pan with a rubber scraper or spoon. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool for about 20 minutes before slicing. Serves 16.

Variation: replace walnuts with raw pecans.

Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Spread mixture in well-greased 8 inch by 8 inch pan. Bake until top has dull crust (30-35 minutes). A slight imprint will be left when top touched lightly with finger. Cool slightly, then cut into squares. 16 two-inch square servings.

Brownie Pie

Magnolia Table, Joanna Gaines, 2018

8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans (optional)

1 unbaked pie crust (your own recipe or store-bought 9-inch deep-dish pie crust)

Powdered sugar, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Heat the butter and unsweetened chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove pan from the heat and whisk in the sugar until smooth. Pour into a medium bowl and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Whisk in eggs one at a time. Whisk in the flour, vanilla, and salt. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans (if using). Pour into the pie crust

Banana Brownies

1/2 cup butter, melted, cooled

1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons baking cocoa

2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon 2% milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup mashed ripe banana

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Powdered sugar, optional

In a bowl, combine butter, sugar and cocoa. Stir in eggs, milk and vanilla. Blend in flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in bananas and nuts. Pour into a greased 9 inch square baking pan. Bake at 350° F until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, 40-45 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Just before serving, dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired. Serves 16

Brownie variations:

Add fruit or nuts, such as peanuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, or others. Chop them, toast them, mix in the batter, or sprinkle on top. Add some color and fruity flavor with dried cranberries, raisins, or cherries.

Sprinkle some kosher or sea salt on top, for a twist. Kick it up — add to the caffeine quotient by adding a tablespoon of espresso or instant coffee. Now your brownie can do double duty as breakfast and dessert!

Icing, frosting, sprinkles, coconut, peppermint bits, etc. can add to the taste and the fun.

Diane Lochner is a librarian and home cook, living on a century farm in rural Minnesota. She can be reached at 507bookcook@gmail.com v

Taxpayers will foot the bill for carbon pipeline payments

GUEBERT, from pg. 3

cels in Iowa alone.

Last August, however, sign-ups appear to have slowed to the point, Oakland continues, that “the company announced plans to begin filing for eminent domain against balking landowners.”

And it’s just not farmers on or near the pipeline’s path that are balking. According to Oakland, “‘(A) 2022 poll of Iowa voters indicated 80 percent opposed the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines…’”

So, if the Midwest Carbon Express pipeline isn’t “green” and isn’t wanted by environmentalists and landowners alike, why is it still such a talkedabout issue in Midwestern agriculture?

Two reasons: money and politics.

Bruce Rastetter, Iowa’s longtime agricultural and political power center, has a sixth sense when it comes to making money.

In 1984, according to the Des Moines Register, Rastetter “started feeding hogs on contract… and within two years, 500 head grew to 100,000.” A decade later, his Heartland Pork was the 12th largest hog farm in the United States.

Ten years after that, with Heartland wallowing in debt and low prices, Rastetter sold it and moved on to ethanol. His timing was nearly perfect. The federal government’s Renewable Fuel Standard was about to ignite a massive ethanol boom.

Later, as that biofuel boom faded, “Rastetter… worked out a deal with Thomas H. Lee Partners,” reported the Register in 2015, “which bought 80 percent of Hawkeye Holdings” (Rastetter’s ethanol company) “invest-

ing $312 million…”

Soon, Rastettter began investing in global ag and local politicians. Today he’s a top collector of both: His Summit Agricultural Group reportedly controls 14,000 acres in Iowa, owns several livestock operations and “ethanol businesses in Brazil,” and has “spent millions on federal, state, and local politics over the past two decades,” notes the Register.

The latter is important, given Summit’s current focus: a 2,000-mile, $4.5 billion carbon pipeline to link more than 30 “biorefineries” in five Midwestern states to gather, then deliver, pressurized CO2 to “deep geologic storage locations” in North Dakota.

But not even Rastetter has deep enough pockets to bankroll this pipe dream. Enter his network of politicians and investors.

According to Oakland Institute’s Nov. 2022 report, Summit’s payroll includes General Counsel Jess Vilsack, the son of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Summit’s “chief policy officer” (whatever that is) is Terry Branstad, Iowa’s longtime former governor.

A May 2022 Securities and Exchange Commission filing, highlighted by Oakland, lists the biggest investors in the Midwest Carbon Express. They include TPG Rise Climate Fund ($300 million), Continental Resources ($250 million), SK E&S ($110 million), Tiger Infrastructure ($100 million), and Deere & Co. — the farm equipment giant whose “size of its strategic investment … remains unknown.”

What also is known, though, is that most of these investors have deep ties to fossil fuels and some to oil-produc-

ing giants like Saudi Arabia.

One, Continental Resources, notes Oakland, was founded by Harold Hamm, a frac oil billionaire, and “produces crude oil and natural gas” in Texas, Montana, Oklahoma, Wyoming and North Dakota — the northern terminus of Summit’s pipeline.

Coincidence? Not likely … because compressed CO2 is an effective tool in “enhanced oil recovery” efforts by frac oil firms to keep their thick crude flowing, writes Oakland, without reducing oil’s critical role in climate change.

But the really big money in the Summit pipeline effort — and two other already-announced competing pipelines — is yours, the taxpayer. According to terms included in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government will pay carbon “sequesters” like Summit $85 per CO2 ton to collect, transport and store it underground.

If, however, the compressed CO2 is used in “enhanced oil recovery” systems to pump thick crude out of the ground, the per ton rate dips to $60.

Collectively, Oakland estimates the three CO2 pipelines planned for the Midwest could collect $45 billion in

federal guarantees — all transferable to any taxpayer for cash — over the next 12 years. Summit’s share of that juicy federal pie is an estimated $12 billion.

But that’s only one slice. An estimated $7 billion in federal “pilot program” and “development” money is also on the CO2 table. Additionally, several state programs could, figures Oakland, raise the value of each ton of sequestered carbon to a wallet-bulging $250 per ton, or three times what is promised today.

And yet, adds Oakland, almost every penny of this lard-laced federal program will prop up “polluting industries… [and] delay the transition away from dirty energy…”

Little wonder that ag insiders like Rastetter often move from growing actual hogs to nurturing governmentfattened porkers like carbon pipelines. These big pigs, after all, could yield massive profits while greenwashing even more frac oil billions.

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

Grants available to support specialty crops

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has announced applications are now open for the 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The SCBGP funds projects which will increase the competitiveness of Minnesota-grown specialty crops in domestic and foreign markets. This could include leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops; expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and addressing local and regional challenges confronting specialty crop producers.

The MDA encourages nonprofit organizations, producer organizations, government agencies, universities, tribal organizations, and other agricultural

groups to apply for the grant. For-profit entities, farms, and other businesses who want to develop sector-wide research and development projects are also eligible.

Applications for the 2023 grants will be accepted through March 13. Applicants may request between $20,000 and $125,000, and the MDA anticipates awarding roughly $1.25 million in total for this round.

To access the grant application and more information, including a list of eligibility requirements, visit www. mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loansgrants/specialty-crop-block-grant.

Questions may be directed to Ian Kushner at Ian.Kushner@state.mn. us or (651) 201-6652.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.v

Any last words? Hagerty’s ‘Yours Truly’ can help

Dear Loved Ones...

That’s a good start to a long story, isn’t it? Those three words leave a lot of space for family tales and sharing the awkward, funny, happy, horrible things that you remember. But though there’s room for questions, answers, and emotions, you write Dear Loved Ones... and you’re stalled. So now what? In “Yours Truly” by James R. Hagerty, it’s time to pick up a pen.

What will people say about you when you’re gone?

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

If you’re rich, famous, powerful, or important, you probably don’t need to worry. Someone like Hagerty, who creates obituaries for a living, will do a quick internet search and write a few glowing words about you. But if you’re like most folks, one of your grieving relatives will dash off an obit that – well, let’s face it, it’ll be boring.

You can do something about that now, though. You can write your own story.

An obituary, Hagerty says, can be short or long. You don’t have to follow a template or formula, you can use humor in it, and you can write it now.

To begin, ask yourself three questions: What have you been trying to accomplish with your life? Why? And how did that work for you?

If you’re not used to doing so, Hagerty says to set a small amount of time aside for writing, maybe 15 minutes a day. Keep a notebook handy for things that pop into your head, and jot them down. If writing seems like a burden, record your words digitally. But don’t try to do it all at once, or you’ll burn out and miss some recollections.

Include your date of birth, siblings names, what your parents did for livings, your early hobbies, how you met your spouse, military service, things you hated to do, and all the stories you loved to tell

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“Yours Truly: An Obituary Writer’s Guide to Telling Your Story”

by James R. Hagerty

c.2023, Citadel Press

$25.00

224 pages

Chances are, most people will pick up “Yours Truly” as a sort of primer on leaving a life’s legacy to children and grandchildren, which good. That’s how this book is meant. But while you’re learning how to preserve your stories and write your own obituary, Hagerty gives you something else to do, too: he’ll entertain you with dozens and dozens of obits from (above) average people. Don’t be surprised, in fact, if you somehow forget

man tales are here to serve as examples, and you should take them as such.

about penning your story while you’re reading about the lives of everyday people like you. Those folks lived their best lives unremarkably; and though their tales aren’t earth-shattering, they come in waves of irresistibility. Hagerty hints the every- throughout your life. Give details but don’t boast. Ask the deep questions. And finally, be brave and include embarrassments. Says Hagerty, “admit that things didn’t always go as you had planned.”

You should also take them to a comfortable chair, along with a pen and paper or a recording device. Read “Yours Truly” for yourself. Do it for the ones you love dearly.

Look for the reviewed book at a bookstore or a library near you. You may also find the book at online book retailers.

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

Soil health meeting March 1

The Renville County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Hawk Creek Watershed Project are hosting the “Business of Soil Health: Profitability and Weather Resiliency” meeting on March 1 at the Renville Community Center. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the session ends at 2 p.m.

Presenters include Matt Tiffany, a Redwood County farmer who will discuss his economics of using cover crops and reduced tillage. Phil Smith, a Renville County farmer, will present on the economic and weather resiliency advantages he has experienced with regenerative ag. Dr. Jonathan Lundgren, CEO of Blue Dasher Farm, will discuss the benefits and

biology of regenerative soil health.

The full agenda is available at renvilleswcd.com and hawkcreekwatershed.org. In the case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held on March 3. For more information or to register, contact (320) 523-3666 or jordan@hawkcreekwatershed.org.

This article was submitted by the Hawk Creek Watershed Project. v

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Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar and enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com.

Feb. 6 — Calf Care & Quality Assurance Webinar — Online —

Listeners will learn about the best management practices for calf care. The program will be presented by Beverly Hampton Phifer and Dr. Julia Herman. Contact Fred Hall (Iowa) at (712) 7374230 or Jim Salfer (Minn.) at (320) 2036093.

Feb. 6 — Planter University

Workshop — Sutherland, Iowa — Attendees can gain insight into how planters function, optimize settings for individual seed, field, and equipment needs, and improve understanding of planter wear and calibration. Contact ANR Program Services at anr@iastate. edu or (515) 294-6429.

Other Dates and Locations:

Feb. 7 — Nashua, Iowa

Feb. 8 — Crawfordsville, Iowa

Feb. 9 — Woodbine, Iowa

Feb. 10 — Nevada, Iowa

Feb. 7 — Confinement Site Manure Applicator Training — Hampton, Iowa — The 2023 confinement site program will include rules for applicators as well as land-application and setback distance requirements, rules of manure management plans, in-season manure application, nutrient management, and liquid manure hydraulic distribution. Contact Traci Kloetzer at (641) 456-4811.

Feb. 7 — Nitrogen Conference — Mankato, Minn. — Current topics in crop production and environmental stewardship will be discussed. For more information, please visit https://mawrc. org/events.

Calendar of Events

Feb. 7 — Women in Ag Network Conference — Willmar, Minn. — The conference’s theme is “Building Resilience on your Farm and in your Family.” This event will be a day of learning and networking for women involved in agriculture. Contact Besty Wieland at eliza003@umn.edu or (612) 624-7119.

Feb. 8 — Cow Calf Days — Pipestone, Minn. — This year’s event will feature information on: the cattle market outlook & where do we go from here, simple things that add value integrating grazing & soil health, and vitamin & mineral nutrition. There will also be a corresponding trade show. Contact Eric Mousel at emmousel@umn.edu or (218) 513-0781.

Other Dates and Locations:

Feb. 9 — Oronoco, Minn.

Feb. 10 — Le Sueur, Minn.

Feb. 8 — Dry Manure Applicator Certification Workshops — Kamrar, Iowa — This workshop meets manure applicator certification requirements for both confinement site manure applicators and commercial manure applicators who primarily apply dry or solid manure. Contact 515-832-9597.

Other Dates and Locations:

Feb. 9 — Clarion, Iowa Contact (515) 532-3453.

Feb. 10 — Greenfield, Iowa Contact (641) 743-8412.

Feb. 14 — Washington, Iowa Contact (319) 653-4811.

Feb. 15 — Storm Lake, Iowa Contact (712) 732-5056.

Feb. 16 — Orange City, Iowa Contact (712) 737-4230.

Feb. 10-11 — Farm Couple Getaways — Dubuque, Iowa — This event is aimed at farmers wanting to take advantage of activities to improve farm family

communication, work on farm or family goal setting, farm transitions or looking for a weekend away to discuss farm and family issues. Contact Fred Hall at fredhall@iastate.edu or (712) 737-4230.

Other Dates and Locations:

March 3-4 — Holstein, Iowa

Feb. 13 — Beginning Farmer Summit — Ames, Iowa — This event is designed for beginning farmers, as well as experienced farmers and landowners looking to help beginners get started and access land. Contact Greg Padget at greg. padget@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661.

Feb. 15 — Youth Mental Health First Aid training — Clarion, Iowa — This program provides adults with tools they can use to identify when a youth (ages 6-18) in their life might be struggling with a mental health and/or substance use problem. Contact Demi Johnson at demij@iastate.edu.

Feb. 15 — ARC/PLC Webinar — Online — Farmers and others involved in agriculture will have an opportunity to learn more about the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs and factors to consider when making elections for the 2023 crop year. For more information, visit https://umn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FG9_VSE-T0iXAhe2qftdRg.

Feb. 20 — Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo — Norwood Young America, Minn. — Farmers, ag professionals, and friends of agriculture are invited to attend this trade show event and educational sessions covering key topics pertinent to today’s agricultural community. Contact Colleen Carlson at trax1042@umn.edu or (507) 521-3640.

Feb. 20-24 — Gardening from the Ground Up — Online — This series of virtual workshops will focus on trees and shrubs in the home landscape. Visit z.umn.edu/GardenUp.

Feb. 21 — Nutrient Management Conference — St. Cloud, Minn. — Current topics in crop production and environmental stewardship will be discussed. Visit https://mawrc.org/events.

Feb. 28-March 1 — Central Minnesota Farm Show — St. Cloud, Minn. — Visitors can look for special product offers, entertainment, and educational opportunities from a variety of professional exhibitors. Contact Laura Wagner at (320) 656-3831.

March 1, 8, 15 — Minnesota Irrigator Program — Farmington, Minn . — Programming will include a discussion of irrigation systems, how to use soil moisture sensors on your farm, irrigation scheduling, and special topics like variable rate irrigation and remote sensing. Contact Taylor Herbert at therbert@ umn.edu or (612) 394-5229.

March 21 — Garden Gala — Litchfield, Minn. — Learn from experts about a wide variety of gardening topics. There will also be vendors offering a wide array of services. Contact Meeker County Extension office at (320) 6935275.

April 11-13 — PEAK 2023 — Minneapolis, Minn. — Formerly called the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, PEAK is the nation’s largest trade show and convention in North America focused exclusively on the business and food production of poultry. Contact Lara Durben at ldurben@midwestpoultry.com or (763) 284-6763.

Grants for noxious weeds

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2023 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. Counties, municipalities, tribal governments and weed management entities (including weed management areas) may apply for grants to mitigate noxious weeds around the state. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must spend grant funds by June 30, 2023.

To review the application requirements and find the application, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/ noxious-weed-invasive-plant-grant.

Applications are due no later than 3 p.m. on March 31.

Questions can be directed to MDA Noxious Weed Law Coordinator Emilie Justen at Emilie.Justen@state.mn.us.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.v

Hiring farm workers under the age of 16

If you’re considering hiring a teenager to work on your farm or with your agribusiness, it’s important to know the laws and regulations of employing youth.

There are several operations in agriculture that have been identified by the Federal government as being particularly hazardous for children under the age of 16. These include operating tractors larger than 20 horsepower; connecting and disconnecting implements to such tractors; and operating large farm implements (including combines, balers, and mixers).

Youth under the age of 16 cannot legally perform these tasks as an employee unless the youth has completed the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) and received certification, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture.

Each summer, University of Minnesota Extension offers NSTMOP certification through its Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Training program. The training uses a hybrid model,

including an online course of the NSTMOP learning objectives and an in-person training that includes tractor operation instruction in a safe learning environment. The training course is open to any youth aged 14 and over. The cost is $40 per student.

In Minnesota, there are legally no requirements for a child working on their family’s own farm. However, parents need to put thoughtful consideration into the appropriateness of various tasks given the child’s age, physical size, and capabilities. Although it is not

required by law, it is highly recommended that youth working on their own family farm also complete certification to establish a strong understanding of safe tractor operation and other safety practices on the farm.

You can learn more about Extension’s Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Training by visiting z.umn.edu/ YouthTractorSafety or by contacting your local Extension educator.

This article was submitted by Katie Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension. v

New guide available to help farms incorporate solar power

As part of its mission to help people implement solar technology, national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors released a new guide to help farmers and rural small business owners apply for a key federal grant and loan. The hope is for the guide to make it easier to install solar energy at their property. The comprehensive guide takes appli-

cants step-by-step through the Rural Energy for America Program application process.

“If you own a farm or rural small business and have thought about going solar, now’s your chance,” said Anya Schoolman, Solar United Neighbors Executive Director. “Going solar lets you lower and control your energy

Soil-health workshops planned

Partnering organizations are offering the 2023 I-90 & Hwy. 14 tour for CLASIC (Crop, Livestock and Soil Innovation Conferences) throughout the month of February in southern Minnesota. The free CLASIC events aim to give attendees an opportunity to network, learn and get inspired with area farmers and regional farming innovators. Discussions will focus on current trends for improving productivity and profitability in crop, livestock and healthy soil-building operations.

On Feb. 8, CLASIC will stop in Stewartville for a workshop from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Stewartville Civic Center, 120 City Center Plaza, featuring soil-health speakers and demonstrations. Reservations are required for lunch, which will be provided at no charge, and can be done by calling Angela White, Olmsted SWCD, at (507) 328-7139. Registration for any CLASIC

event also can be done at the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition website: www. mnsoilhealth.org

Other events planned for the CLASIC tour include: Heron Lake on Feb. 6 at Heron Lake Community Center; Fairmont on Feb. 7 at the Knights of Columbus Hall; Hokah on Feb. 9 at the Hokah Fire Station; Owatonna on Feb. 21 at Torey’s Restaurant; Sleepy Eye on Feb. 22 at the Sleepy Eye Event Center; and Lake Benton on Feb. 23 at the Lake Benton Community Center

For more information on all the CLASIC events, contact Mark Gutierrez, executive director of the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, at (505) 980-1360 or via email at: mark@ mnsoilhealth.org

This article was submitted by the Mower County Soil and Water Conservation District. v

costs. We’re excited to offer this first-ofits-kind guide to bring more solar power to rural communities.”

REAP started in 2002 as part of the federal Farm Bill. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Development administers this grant and loan program. The program is designed to help farmers and rural small businesses access renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

Funding for the grants has not been able to meet the demand. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed last year, addresses this challenge. It quadruples REAP funding over the next ten years.

“Going solar eight years ago is one of the best decisions I have made since I started farming,” said Art Thicke of Enchanted Meadows dairy farm in LaCrescent, Minn. “We have enough

solar panels to produce the electricity we use so our energy costs are fixed. When energy prices go up we don’t notice. Farmers looking to control costs and increase sustainability should take advantage of REAP and other programs to go solar.”

Farmers and rural small business owners can receive loan guarantees of up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs through REAP. They can receive grants for up to 40 percent of the total project cost.

The USDA accepts applications twice a year. The first deadline is March 31. The second is Oct. 31.

To view the guide and for more information, visit www.solarunitedneighbors.org

This article was submitted by Solar United Neighbors. v

Moretz is chosen as Farm Bureau leadership winner

By DICK HAGEN

The Land Staff Writer Emeritus

For an intriguing read on the future of farming, I suggest you take a few minutes as I share comments from Melissa Moretz who favored me with a sit-down interview at our kitchen table recently.

Just returning home from Jan. 8-10 American Farm Bureau event in Puerto Rico, Moretz was honored as the 2022 Iowa Farm Bureau Leadership Award winner.

Moretz explains, “In 2017, when Nate and I made plans to build a new hog barn right next to our house, we soon became aware of some resistance and negative media. And that really sparked me to stand up and tell our story. I felt it important to let others know that as young farmers we needed to find a way to diversify our income. Both Nate and my parents were hog producers — so we too felt okay about this added dimension to our young farming careers. Also, I talked with some Farm Bureau members about our challenge. They agreed to put me under their wing

ON THE COVER:

The Moretz family is pictured at their Worth County, Iowa farm. Left to right is Bria, Nate, Melissa and Kole Moretz.

— developing me as an ag leader willing to speak out about local issues relating to young farmers.”

“My involvement in the county increased,” Moretz continued. “So too my state participation and I soon had a much better understanding of the impact of a strong voice for young farmers!”

So how did she become a candidate for this amazing Farm Bureau Leadership Award ambition? She related, “It’s a two-stage process. My Worth County Farm Bureau sent me to the state event where I did very well. Then I was asked if I would represent Iowa in the national competition in Puerto Rico. Of course I was thrilled! I had never visited a U.S. territory before. It was beautiful. I would gladly revisit this tropical paradise.”

Her 25-minute presentation was to three judges and was 20 percent of her total score. The other 80 percent involved questions dealing with their farm story and how to survive if facing three consecutive low-income years. “That’s how our new hog barn became an income opportunity. By providing it to others as a grow-out facility for feeder-pigs, we had steady revenue and eliminated our own commoditymarket risks.”

She continued, “We told our own life story — plus our thinking on other issues particularly inherent in today’s American agriculture. That’s why those ‘com-

munity voices’ about our new hog barn became a defining moment in my young life. That shook me up … it was my wakeup call! It just isn’t fair be silent when angry voices are often the only sounds bellowing in the halls of Congress and our state legislatures.”

So what’s ahead for this young lady who now relishes her opportunities as an informed, considerate and responsible voice for agriculture?

Moretz is very direct. “First and foremost is the growth and health of my young family! Kole, now an exuberant 7-year old, is fun, always beaming, and a pure joy for his dad and me. Daughter Bria, 4, loves to snuggle and she enjoys special ‘daddy time’ too.”

“Nate and I are so fortunate already in our young lives. We love farming. No, it’s not a requirement our kids grow up to be farmers; but if that’s what happens, then our family companionship flourishes even more. Livestock are a passion of both Nate and I. He’s into cattle and building a cow-calf operation; I’m more a hog girl.”

“But to me, if consumer perception of agriculture isn’t addressed in the next five years, we are likely going to see more regulations on agriculture that can be cost prohibitive to all farmers — especially younger guys like us just getting going in this precarious, but often rewarding industry of American agriculture.”

“Even so, I’m seeing a positive future for American agriculture. In my work as an ag lender (Commercial Bank, Mason City) I’m much aware of the tremendous costs for each and every farmer. Because of our own farming venture, I’m understanding these challenges. That’s also why I often suggest young farmers hook up with experienced farmers for additional mentoring as needed.”

‘Speak up for Farmers’ opportunities continue endlessly for this young lady. One of her favorites was when Christianson Farms of Sleepy Eye, Minn. (the Moretz’s feeder pig’supplier) asked Moretz to be a speaker at their State Fair display. Her presentation was titled “The Hats We Wear.”

Melissa Moretz

Dairy herd populations expected to decline through 2023

This column was written for the marketing week ending Jan. 27.

The farm milk spigot slowed a bit in December.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s preliminary data has December output at 18.93 billion pounds, up 0.8 percent from December 2021. The 24-state total, at 18.1 billion pounds, was up 0.9 percent.

Revisions lowered

MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY

By Lee Mielke

MARKETING

the 50-state November total by 46 million pounds to 18.2 billion, up 1 percent from a year ago, instead of the 1.3 percent increase originally reported.

Output for the quarter amounted to 56 billion pounds, up 1 percent from a year ago. Cow numbers, at 9.41 million, were down 4,000 from the previous quarter, but 27,000 more than the same period a year ago. Preliminary data puts 2022 milk output at 226.6 billion pounds, up 362 million pounds, or 0.2 percent from 2021.

December cow numbers totaled 9.4 million, down 8,000 head from the November count which was revised 12,000 head lower. The December herd was up 27,000 head from a year ago but the smallest since February. The 24-state head count was up 38,000 from a year ago and the smallest since June.

Output per cow averaged 2,014 pounds, up 9 or 0.4 percent from December 2021.

California output, at 3.5 billion pounds, was up 0.3 percent after slipping 0.7 percent in November. Cow numbers were up 5,000 from a year ago and output per cow was unchanged. Wisconsin output at 2.7 billion pounds, was up 0.6 percent following a 1.3 percent increase in November. December cow numbers were down 5,000, but output per cow was up 20 pounds.

Texas was up 3.3 percent, thanks to 25,000 more cows offsetting a 15 pound per cow drop.

Florida registered the biggest loss, down 12.7 percent on 13,000 fewer cows and five pounds less per cow. Idaho was up 1.6 percent on 9,000 more cows and a five pound gain per cow. Michigan was up 1.1 percent, thanks to a 35-pound gain per cow offsetting the loss of 2,000 cows. Minnesota was off 0.3 percent on a drop of 5,000 cows, though output per cow was up 15 pounds. New Mexico was down 4.8 percent on a 13,000 cow drop and a five-pound loss per cow.

New York was up 2.8 percent, adding 10,000 cows to its milking string. Output per cow was up 25 pounds. Oregon was off 0.5 percent on a loss of 2,000 cows, though output per cow was up 15 pounds. Pennsylvania inched up 0.1 percent on a 20-pound gain per cow. However, cow numbers were

down 5,000 head.

Georgia had the biggest gain, up 10.8 percent on 9,000 more cows. South Dakota was up 8.9 percent, thanks to 16,000 more cows offsetting a 10-pound loss per cow. Vermont was unchanged, despite a 30-pound gain per cow. Cow numbers were down 2,000 head. Washington State was down 3.3 percent on 7,000 fewer cows and a 15-pound drop per cow.

StoneX says, “With dairy prices falling and input

costs staying a bit more firm, margins are likely squeezed and we expect the dairy herd to decline throughout the majority of 2023.”

n

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2023

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Grain Outlook A quiet week for grain trading

The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Jan. 27.

CORN — It was a poor start to the week after better-than-expected weekend rains in Argentina. March corn sank to its lowest price since the Jan. 12 World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report and the December corn matched the Jan. 12 low. The March contract then proceeded to bounce higher on fresh export demand and what looked like a drier extended outlook for Argentina. The December contract was unable to fill the gap it posted on the charts from $5.94 to $5.94.5 it left on Jan. 23 and consolidated within the Jan. 23 trading range for the balance of the week.

The news was uneventful this week, but export demand was apparent with fresh daily sales flashes of 9 million bushels of old crop to unknown announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The weekly export sales report was within expectations at 35.8 million bushels. China’s U.S. corn purchases have essentially been filled with only 3.5 million bushels officially left to take. However, bushels have been switching from unknown to China. Cumulative export sales are 946.4 million bushels and continue to be 45 percent behind last year. The USDA is projecting year-on-year exports to be down 22 percent. We need to average 29 million bushels of sales per week to hit the USDA target.

Brazil’s corn exports for January were expected to be a record 5 million metric tons with February’s exports estimated at 3 mmt. New crop U.S. cumulative export sales are 49.8 million bushels compared to 57.2 million bushels last year.

The weekly ethanol report was not friendly to corn with production up a moderate 4,000 barrels per day to 1.01 million barrels; but stocks surged 1.68 million barrels to 25.08 million barrels. The stocks number is the highest in nine months. The three-week ethanol production number is down 4.3 percent from last year and stocks are up 2.5 percent from last year. The stocks figure was the largest week-on-week increase on record. Net margins improved 4 cents to 12 cents per gallon. Gasoline demand was up 88,000 bpd to 8.14 million bpd, but the four-week demand is down 4.7 percent from last year.

In developing news, U.S. and Mexican officials con-

Cash Grain Markets

casts for Argentina and Brazil make determining a firm direction difficult. However, the spread inverses on the board suggest the downside may be limited.

For the week, March corn rallied 6.75 cents to $6.83, July was up 2.25 cents at $6.65.75, and the December contract dropped 8.5 cents at $5.87.25 per bushel.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans gapped lower to begin the week; but by week’s end, those gaps were filled. Better short-term rains in Argentina put a damper on prices early in the week; but later extended maps had taken out some of the chances for moisture. The BAGE updated their Argentine soybean rating to 7 percent good/excellent compared to 3 percent last week and the poor/very poor category was 54 percent vs. 60 percent last week. Soybean planting was tagged at 98 percent complete. Safras put Brazil’s soybean harvest at 5 percent complete vs. 11 percent last year.

tinue meeting over Mexico’s plan to ban GMO corn imports beginning in 2025. The current stance to my understanding is the ban would only apply to corn meant for human consumption. Mexico’s deputy ag minister said this week they hope to cut total corn imports by 30-40 percent by 2024. With a 35 percent slash, it could mean a loss of 240 million bushels of U.S. corn exports to Mexico. Mexico is one of the largest U.S. corn customers accounting for 27 percent of total corn exports. They acknowledge they won’t be able to replace all the corn it imports by 2024.

The U.S. ag attaché in Beijing expects China will source a “substantial amount of its corn imports” from Brazil this year. Brazil’s corn is reportedly competitive with domestic corn and China has received its first shipment of Brazilian corn. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange improved Argentina’s corn rating to 12 percent good/excellent from 5 percent last week and the poor/very poor rating went from 47 to 39 percent. They pegged corn planting at 94 percent complete which is spot on the average.

A little history of December corn prices: since 1994 the January high in the nearby current December corn contract was exceeded every year except for 2009 and 2013. The January high in December corn so far this month is $6.11 per bushel. Each year is different, so understand your situation if this doesn’t happen. Early forecasts for 2023-24 U.S. corn acres are centering around 90.5 million acres compared to 88.6 million planted acres in 2022-23. Assuming a trendline yield of 180.5 bushels per acre, production would be approximately 14.9 billion bushels vs. 13.93 billion bushels last year.

Outlook: The features dictating the direction of corn will continue to be South American weather and the demand pace for U.S. corn. The vacillating fore-

Weekly export sales were the highest in six weeks at 42.1 million bushels. This brings cumulative export sales to 1.7 billion bushels to maintain a 5 percent increase over last year. The USDA is predicting year-on-year exports to be down 8 percent this year. We need to average just 9.1 million bushels of sales per week to reach the USDA’s 1.99 billion bushel export outlook. So far this year, China has purchased 1.04 billion bushels of U.S. soybeans compared to 933.3 million bushels last year by this time in the marketing year. Cumulative soybean sales to unknown are a record at 169 million bushels for this date. Despite the fact China’s markets were on holiday for their Lunar New Year celebrations, the USDA this week announced the sale of 3.9 million bushels of sales to China for the 2023-24 marketing year and 11.8 million bushels of old crop to unknown. This was China’s first designated daily flash purchase of new crop soybeans of the year, but they purchased 2023-24 soybeans earlier that didn’t require a daily flash. Total new crop cumulative soybean sales are just 19.3 million bushels vs. 44 million bushels last year.

A look back at November soybean price action from January through November: the January high in the November contract has been exceeded every year since 1994 except for 1999. Every year poses its own set of circumstances, but this may help in your planning.

Outlook: Traders are hunched around their computers watching weather patterns across South America. Brazil’s soybean harvest is slower than last year due to moisture and they need to harvest beans in order to plant their safrinha corn crop. What China does when they return from their holiday will be interesting. Will more purchases be needed, and if yes, can they muddle through until Brazil’s soybeans are ready?

For now, old crop beans have moved into the upper

PHYLLIS NYSTROM CHS Hedging inC St. Paul

Consumers are looking for longer dairy expiration dates

pounds or 8.3 percent from November, and 17.2 million or 8.7 percent more than December 2021.

Stocks have been below year ago levels for 16 consecutive months; but high prices likely slowed domestic sales and exports, resulting in building inventory.

American-type cheese stocks grew to 825.2 million pounds, up 9.1 million pounds or 1.1 percent from November; but were 17.7 million or 2.1 percent below a year ago.

The “other” cheese category inched up to 595.6 million pounds, up 3.1 million or 0.5 percent from November, and were up 18.8 million or 3.3 percent above a year ago.

The total cheese inventory came in at 1.445 billion pounds, up 14.1 million pounds or 1 percent from November and 3.4 million or 0.2 percent above a year ago.

The International Dairy Foods Association’s annual Dairy Forum took place this week in Orlando. StoneX’s Jan. 25 “Early Morning Update” listed highlights — including reports that California was flush with milk and rumors that dumping had occurred. December data doesn’t appear to confirm that.

U.S. retail demand was reported to be weak or weakening, especially for lower-end products. However, there were reports retail cream demand is still strong.

Another topic was increased cheese capacity coming on-line in Texas. Reports are that there is plenty of milk available to keep them operating.

StoneX attendees reported that Extended Shelf Life milk is becoming more common with consumers expecting expiration dates that are two months or longer.

On perhaps a more positive note: the cost of con-

March, July prices up

NYSTROM, from pg. 14

part of the recent trading range while new crop soybeans are back where they were during last fall’s harvest.

For the week, March and July soybeans were each up 3 cents at $15.09.5 and $14.96 respectively. The November soybeans were down three-quarter cents at $13.51.25 per bushel. March soymeal was up $9.80 at $473.50 while March soyoil fell 1.35 at 60.62.

Weekly price changes in March wheat for the week ended Jan. 27: Chicago wheat was 8.5 cents higher at $7.50, Kansas City soared 21.25 cents at $8.69.25, and the Minneapolis was 8.75 cents higher at $9.21.5 per bushel. v

structing a new dairy farm may not be as high as expected. “We have been anticipating a cost of $5,000 to $7,000 per cow,” says StoneX, “but the cost is likely closer to $4,500.”

Ron O’Brien, president of Nui Markets North America, shared his perspective in the Jan. 30 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast. “It’s tough out there for dairy producers and dairy sales desks globally,” said O’Brien, citing higher interest rates, consumer demand destruction, warm winter weather leading to lower natural gas prices, overbearing milk production in Europe, maxed out credit capacity in China, and good feed quality.

He said Global Dairy Trade whole milk powder has been flat the past few sessions, which has led to some price appreciation in South America — specifically Brazil — but demand has yet to come back enough in China or Southeast Asia.

The unifying topic, according to O’Brien, was environmental, social, and governance initiatives. “Sustainability initiatives and the pressures that manufacturers are facing both from consumers and investors was clearly defined,” he said, “whether climate change is due to man’s increasing carbon footprint or earth’s natural historical patterns. Solving this issue or even just the perceptions of how dairy is involved in climate change is Priority 1. Solutions to these problems must be looked at as an investment and not a cost,” he said, “regardless of most farmers seeing this as another thing they are asked to do.”

Nestle’s Patty Stroup told attendees, “We need to give the consumer permission to love dairy. We need to do more work to teach our consumer — specifically in the western world — the benefits of animal fats and milk proteins as medicine.”

Some testified to that at the forum, stating, “The rest of the world sees dairy as having a health halo.”

Lastly, the case was made for work to be done in Washington, DC with respect to the Farm Bill, trade policies, and comprehensive immigration reform. O’Brien said, “It was gratifying to see that risk management is no longer just trading CME futures, but includes not losing your edge or your sales force, plant staff, supply chain and — most importantly — not losing demand for more milk.”

After dropping 16.5 cents the previous week, cheddar block cheese jumped 15.5 cents Jan. 23 and hit $1.99 per pound. On. Jan. 25, cheese then fell to $1.9175 (the lowest price since Sept. 8) and closed Jan. 27 at $1.96. This is up 12.5 cents on the week and 17 cents above a year ago.

The barrels were up 9 cents Jan. 23, hitting $1.67, then fell to $1.5725 two days later, and closed Jan. 27 at 1.5525. This is the lowest price since Nov. 29, 2021, 2.75 cents lower on the week, 19 cents below a year ago, and a whopping 40.75 cents below the blocks. There were five sales of block on the week and 34 of barrel.

StoneX says, “Supply is plentiful enough for processors to get their hands on whatever milk that they need; but demand has seen better days with both domestic and international interest drying up.”

Midwest cheesemakers continue to report available milk supplies, according to Dairy Market News, though heavily discounted loads were not as numerous. Barrel producers warned that there are going to be extra loads available in the near term. Buyers are not as incentivized to add stocks.

Cheese demand is steady in the west from retail purchasers. Food service is strengthening and some mozzarella producers report increased sales, thanks to pizza purchasing during football playoffs. Exports of cheese are strong, with purchasers in Asia buying loads to ship in second quarter, according to Dairy Market News.

Butter saw its Jan. 27 finish at $2.2725 per pound. This is down a nickel on the week and 26.75 cents below a year ago when it plunged 39.5 cents. Sales totaled just three loads.

Central butter plants report cream remains somewhat steady with previous weeks. End users are “looking for deals,” but location is clearly playing a part as southern plants, or those closer to Western sources, say cream is abundant.

Plentiful cream remains readily available in the West. Cream demand is steady to higher. Some report purchasing enough cream to max out production and build more inventory at current prices. Butter output continues strong but second, third,

U.S. dairy margins starting 2023 ‘relatively flat’

and fourth quarter sales are sluggish with the current spot prices being offered.

Grade A nonfat dry milk closed at $1.1525 per pound, down 2.25 cents, the lowest Chicago Mercantile Exchange price since March 24, 2021, and 65.25 cents below a year ago, on 19 sales.

Dry whey closed at 32.75 cents per pound up a quarter-cent on the week, but 51.25 cents below a year ago, with 18 sales reported on the week.

The second Global Dairy Trade Pulse of 2023 saw 2.2 million pounds of Fonterra whole milk powder sold (the same as on Jan. 10); but at $3,200 per metric ton. This is up $30, but lagged the Jan. 17 GDT. There were nine less participating bidders and five fewer winning bidders. This is the lowest number of participating and winning bidders since the Pulse began Aug. 9.

HighGround Dairy says, “China’s ongoing economic volatility and struggle with Covid, combined with the current Lunar New Year holiday celebrations, have kept buyers away from the market and buying activity to a minimum.”

China’s December imports looked a little more promising. “After trending below prior year levels

since February, skim milk powder imports rose above 2021 to mark their highest December volume since 2013,” says HighGround Dairy. The increase was driven by larger shipments from New Zealand, Belarus, and the United States. Skim milk powder imports in 2022, however, were the lowest since 2018 and well below 2021.

Cheese imports continued upwards month-overmonth, says HighGround Dairy, but still 15.1 percent below a year ago for the second straight month. Imports from New Zealand were up but down from Australia, Italy, the United States and Denmark.

Butter imports were up 19.4 percent from a year ago and up 4.3 percent year-to-date, while imports of anhydrous milkfat were up 130.1 percent from 2021 and up 24.1 percent year-to-date.

The Jan. 23 “Daily Dairy Report” says, “China

kicked off its Lunar New Year celebrations, welcoming the Year of the Rabbit. According to Chinese tradition, the Year of the Rabbit is likely to be calm and contemplative, in contrast to the energy and positivity associated with 2022’s Year of the Tiger.”

Monica Ganley Quarterra wrote in the Jan. 20 Milk Producers Council newsletter, “China announced that its population declined last year for the first time in 60 years, sparking concerns about economic prospects of the world’s largest dairy importer. Furthermore, economists continue to express pessimism about the 2023 outlook with 63 percent of the chief economists surveyed by the World Economic Forum expecting that this year will bring a global recession.”

Cooperatives Working Together member coopera-

See MIELKE, pg. 17

USDA details assistance for dairy farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the details of additional assistance for dairy producers — including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The update to PMVAP and the new ODMAP will enable USDA to better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations who weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges.

“The Biden-Harris administration continues to fulfill its commitments to fill gaps in pandemic assistance for producers. USDA is announcing a second set of payments of nearly $100 million to close-out the $350 million commitment under PMVAP through partnerships with dairy handlers and cooperatives to deliver the payments.,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “USDA is also announcing new assistance targeted to small to medium size organic dairy farmers to help with anticipated marketing costs as they face a variety of challenges from weather to supply-chain challenges.”

Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program

PMVAP assists producers who received a lower value due to market abnormalities caused by the pandemic and ensuing Federal policies. As a result of the production cap increase, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will make PMVAP payments to eligible dairy farmers for fluid milk sales between 5 million and 9 million pounds from July through December 2020. This level of production was not eligible for payment under the first round of the PMVAP. Payment rates will be identical to the first round of payments: 80 percent of the revenue different per month, on fluid milk sales from 5 million to 9 million pounds from July through December 2020. USDA will again distribute monies through agreements with independent handlers and cooperatives,

with reimbursement to handlers for allowed administrative costs. USDA will contact handlers with eligible producers to notify them of the opportunity to participate.

More information about the PMVAP production cap increase is available at www.ams.usda.gov/pmvap.

Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program

The new ODMAP, to be administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency, is intended to help smaller organic dairy farms which have faced a unique set of challenges and higher costs over the past several years. These circumstances have been compounded by the ongoing pandemic and drought conditions across the country. FSA plans to provide payments to cover a portion of small organic dairy operations’ estimated marketing costs for 2023. Final spending will depend on enrollment and each producers projected production, but ODMAP has been allocated up to $100 million.

The assistance provided by ODMAP will be provided through unused Commodity Credit Corporation funds remaining from earlier pandemic assistance programs. The assistance will help eligible organic dairy producers with up to 75 percent of their future projected marketing costs in 2023, based on national estimates of marketing costs. This assistance will be provided through a streamlined application process based on a national per hundredweight payment. The payments will be capped at the first five million pounds of anticipated production, in alignment with preexisting dairy programs that target assistance to those smaller dairies that are most vulnerable to marketing challenges. This program is still in development.

Details about the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program will be available and updated at www.farmers.gov as more details are released.

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

Moretz family farms small

MORETZ, from pg.

“So I had a hat for each in my life,” Moretz explained. “I used four hats … and you bet, I had a special story with each hat. I connected with 200-plus people at that event. The feedback was so empowering their State Fair honored me as ‘the voice of agriculture.’ And that’s why putting a face to agriculture and sharing our story is so vital.”

them to their faith. My goal is to become a full-time teacher by September 2023.”

Wrapping up, 27-year old Moretz and Nate farm small — only about 200 acres with ambitions to eventually add another 200 acres. Add to that about 120 cows in their cattle operation with February calving soon to get underway. They use hoop barns to provide comfort and shelter for newly-born calves.

Yes, Melissa Moretz says the future of American Agriculture remains bright — even when tempered occasionally by down strokes in this sprawling industry which continues to provide food, fuel and fiber to millions of Americans and others around the world!

Domestic demand is strong

MIELKE, from pg. 16

n

U.S. dairy margins were relatively flat the first half of January as both milk prices and projected feed costs were little changed since the beginning of the year, says the latest Margin Watch from Chicago-based Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC. “With milk production on the rise, dairy product is building and pressuring the cash market,” the Margin Watch warned.

“Dairy producers are still working with a financial cushion after cashing large milk checks last year,” the Margin Watch stated, “and it may take six months of negative margins to begin restricting milk production in any significant way.”

The Margin Watch stated domestic demand was keeping pace with strong production; but warned in conclusion, “Dairy Market News is reporting weaker retail, export and foodservice demand recently, possibly explaining some of the weakness in the cheese market to start the year. USDA also released the January World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report that tightened the

Please

n

USDA announced details this week of additional assistance for dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). “The update to PMVAP and the new ODMAP will enable USDA to better support small-and mediumsized operations who weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges,” according to a USDA press release.

The National Milk Producers Federation praised the announcement stating, “While losses due to the combination of unforeseen market circumstances and an inadequate Class I pricing system have not been fully remedied, USDA and congressional efforts will aid thousands of dairy producers who otherwise would have absorbed losses created by policies that didn’t work for them.”

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

FARMLAND AUCTION

73.5 ACRES M/L SECTION 11, DECORIA TOWNSHIP BLUE EARTH COUNT Y MINNESOTA

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023-LOA.M. THE UPTOWN TAVERN, MAIN STREET, ST. CL AIR, MINNESOTA SIMULTANEOUS LIVE AND ON LINE AUCTION

PROPERTY LEGAL DESCRIPTION: S ½ OF NE ¼ EXC E1R AND EXC. S 505 FEET OF W 520 FEET OF E 1465.15 FEET 011.107.26- 73.5 ACRES SECTION 11, DECORIA TOWNSHIP

HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE BLUE EARTH COUNT Y FARML AND - CSR: 92 TOTAL ACRES: 73.5 MIL, FSA TILLABLE ACRES: 70.31 M/L

CORN BASE: 35.70 ACRES, CORN YIELD: 176 BUSHELS

SOYBEAN BASE: 34.60 ACRES, SOYBEAN YIELD: 49 BUSHELS

AVAIL ABLE TO FARM 2023 CROP YEAR

REAL ESTATE TAXES FOR 2022 - $4,216.00

METHOD OF SALE: THE PARCEL WILL BE OFFERED AS A SINGLE TRACT AT PUBLIC AND ONLINE AUCTION. SELLER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY AND ALL BIDS. TO REGISTER AND BID ONLINE VISIT: CL ARKAUCTIONS.C OM

TERMS: 10% EARNEST MONEY DOWN DAY OF AUCTION. BALANCE DUE AT CLOSING ON OR AROUND 30 TO 45 DAYS FROM AUCTION DATE. REAL ESTATE TAXES WILL BE PRORATED TO POSSESSION. BUYER WILL REIMBURSE TENANT FOR ANY FALL FERTILIZING FOR 2,023 CROPS. BUYER WILL SIGN A PURCHASE AGREEMENT DAY OF AUCTION. CL ARK AUCTION SERVICE REPRESENTS THE SELLERS IN THIS TRANSACTION.

HOVERSTEN LAW FIRM

MARTY G. HELLE, AT TORNEY AT LAW 807 WEST OAKL AND A VENUE AUSTIN, MN 55912

OWNERS:

ROBERT AND KAREN BUESING

AUCTIONEER:

CL ARK AUCTION SERVICE, LLC

Real Estate Wanted

WANTED: Land & farms. I have clients looking for dairy, & cash grain operations, as well as bare land parcels from 40-1000 acres. Both for relocation & investments. If you have even thought about selling contact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Land Specialist, Edina Realty, 138 Main St. W., New Prague, MN 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com (612)328-4506

Feed Seed Hay

OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn. Produces more high quality silage on less acres than hybrid. $67/bushel plus shipping. High feed value grain. borriesopenpollinatedseedcorn.com 217-857-3377 or 217-343-4962

Fertilizer & Chemical

Glyphosate 5.4 totes, $23.50 w/ free shipping; Gen Liberty totes, $49; Enlist 1 totes, $51. We ship most everywhere & all tote prices include Free Delivery to your farm or business. Please call or text for any other chemical needs. Phone 612-210-3685

Bins & Buildings

SILO

Take-down & clean up

Specializing in silos in congested areas. FULLY INSURED mobile concrete crushing. 507-236-9446

Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. 100% financing w/no liens or red tape, call Steve at Fairfax Ag for an appointment. 888-830-7757

STEVEN FAUSCH – 507-399-6062

• JERRY CL ARK – 515-320-2213

• DAVID GUERDET – 712-363-4799

Property information provided was obtained from sources deemed reliable, but the Auctioneer, Broker or Seller makes no guarantees as to its accuracy. All prospective buyers are urged to fully inspect the property, its conditions and rely on their own conclusions. All sketches, dimensions and acreage figures in this information are approximate or “more or less”. Any announcements made the day of the sale shall supersede any previous information or oral statements.

Please support our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad in THE LAND.

Farm Equipment

FOR SALE: Walrenz 8’ snowblower, 3pt, $2,000; Cat D2 bulldozer, runs and drives, needs work, $3,000; Butler sealed buildings, approx 30’x60’, disassemble, $3,000. No Tin. 507-330-3945

FOR SALE: 36” Hinke roller blower; Hinke mixer wagon; 815 Farmhand grinder/ mixer; REM bale processor. 320-568-2385 Leave message.

FOR SALE: Lorenz snow blower, 3pt hitch, Model 838, 96” cut, 2 augers, hyd spout, $5,000. 507-317-5159

We buy Salvage Equipment

Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910

Tractors

FOR SALE: JD 8640 new cab interior, matching Goodyears all around, 2640 original hrs, 2nd owner, 3pt, PTO, very sharp tractor. $31,000. 507-451-9614

NEW AND USED TRACTOR

PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, 50 Series & newer tractors, AC-all models, Large Inventory, We ship! Mark Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829

Planting Equip

FOR SALE: 2008 John Deere 1750 corn planter, 8R30”, finger pickup, dry fertilizer, row cleaners, John Deere monitor 350, low acres. 320-583-3131

Planting Equip

FOR SALE: Case IH 900 Early Riser planter 8R30” pull type. With insecticide & trash whippers, nice condition, asking $5,500. 507-227-2602

Spraying Equip

FOR SALE: REDBALL 580 sprayer, 90’ boom, 1600 gal tank, 46” tires, $11,500. Retired farmer. 507-995-7966

Hay & Forage Equipment

Grain Handling Equipment

2 - 42’ dia. grain bins GSI, 32’ hgt., new 2001, stairs, axial fan, pwr sweep; BUTLER, 40’ hgt., wall stiffeners, cent. fan, side chute, pwr sweep; 1 ph OBO (952) 451-2315

Wanted

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

New NH Boomer 40w/loader ….......… On Hand

3-New Massey GC1725 ……..................... Just In

Bobcat CT440 w/loader ……........… Just trd’d

’11 Massey 7475 Nice ………..........……. $99,500

’13 NH Workmaster w/loader ………...…. $18,500

’16 Massey 4608 rops w/loader …............. $43,900

’17 NH T4.75 w/loader ……..................… $53,000

’18 NH T4.75 w/loader .............................. $54,000

’21 NH T7.260 ………........……………… Just in NH T8.390 ……………..............………… SOLD

NH 8970 ………………….....………… Just trd’d

TILLAGE

Sunflower 4610 9-24 …….........……… COMING

PLANTERS

JD 7200 12-30 w/LF ………........................…… $21,000

White 6186

FOR SALE: NH 1034 stack liner, very nice condition, always shedded. asking $12,000/OBO. 507-227-2602

All kinds of New & Used farm equipment - disc chisels, field cults, planters, soil finishers, cornheads, feed mills, discs, balers, haybines, etc. 507438-9782 Sell your farm equipment in The Land with a line ad.

507-345-4523 Please recycle this magazine.

Sunflower 4412-05 ……......................…… Just in

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

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

Frontiern WR1010 wheel rake …….............……… $5,950

’13 NH BR7090 ……………….........…………… $25,900

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 Street, Mankato, MN 56001 Fax to: 507-345-1027 • Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com

Online at: www.thelandonline.com

DEADLINE: 7 days prior to publication. Plus! Look for your classified ad in the e-edition.

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

Wanted

WANTED: 50, 55, or 8000 series JD tractor. Late 90s or 2000s, 140HP or bigger. Also, Bobcat S185, 590, 650 or similar and 3 wheeler.

320-248-5394

WANTED: Case IH 5130, 5230, 5140, or 5240 tractor. Also wanted, JD 7000 corn planter, any condition. Also JD 336 and NH 315 square baler, any condition. 320-630-8131

WANTED: 365 to 750 bushel gravity boxes. JD 115 stalk chopper. All good condition.

320-266-6878

www.thelandonline.com

Livestock

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

Swine

Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available. Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Delivery available. Steve Resler. 507-456-7746

Pets & Supplies

FOR SALE: Blue Heeler pups, 8 weeks old. In at Noon or leave message. 507-643-6666

Trucks & Trailers

FOR SALE: FORD 7.3 power stroke engines, transmissions & parts. Low mileage, tested & guaranteed. Service also available. 320-583-0881

FOR SALE: 1997 40’ Wilson Trailer, w/ new roll tarp & new brakes & like new tires, $17,000/OBO. 507-391-5127

Miscellaneous

FOR SALE: Farm Show Publications from 1978 through 2021. Also 16 copies of The best of Farm Show catalogs. 320-352-6976

PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS

New pumps & parts on hand. Call Minnesota’s largest distributor

HJ Olson & Company

320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336

507-276-2073

Have an upcoming Auction?

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This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Staff Writer Laura Cole.

Culture and care

We don’t always know who to specifically thank for creating the products we purchase and use in everyday life. At Lakota Made, her name is Megan Schnitker, and she’s the owner of the first Lakota business in Mankato.

Lakota Made is located in the Old Town district and carries a wide array of Indigenous-made herbal remedies and personal care products.

Originally from South Dakota, Schnitker is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. A desire for reclamation led her to learn more about the native plants valued by her culture. Now a traditional herbalist, she uses her research and the knowledge she’s learned from elders to create all of the recipes for the Lakota Made products. The ingredients Schnitker selects can aid in areas such as pain relief, immune system boosting, and hair and skin care.

Tinctures, tonics, syrups, and teas are available for purchase and can be used when sick, but also as a means to maintain or optimize wellness, Schnitker explained. “Teas are the lightest way to take medicine. Tinctures are the strongest.”

Other products sold include shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars, lip balms, plant-based makeup, medicinal and pain relief salves, bath teas, infused oils, and cologne balms.

Schnitker stated 90 percent of the plants used are harvested locally. Plants not available in the area are outsourced from sustainable farms in Maine and Kansas. She

stated the products sold at Lakota Made are for people of all cultural backgrounds to enjoy and benefit from.

Schnitker also believes in strong support for her community. Currently, 70 percent of Lakota Made’s employees are Indigenous. She is fast to recognize her team for their work and knowledge of the products. She also highlighted the items available at the store from other Indigenous-owned businesses such

as Prairie Willow, Honey Lodge, and Lakota Foods.

Established in 2018, Lakota Made moved to its current location in May 2022. All products are made and packaged at this site. It is a spacious setting filled with beautiful décor complimenting the merchandise on display. The fragrances and tranquil music playing in the background make visiting Lakota Made an all-encompassing experience.

The store’s current location is mere blocks from a tragic landmark. In 1862, the largest mass execution in U.S. history took place in Mankato when 38 Dakota men were hanged. Schnitker recognizes injustices and also carries a forward focused objective. She has a passion for educating others about Indigenous art, history, and culture through the Mahkato Revitalization Project as well as through Lakota Made. “We’re continuing the work of rebuilding relationships,” she said. “We’re repairing relationships.”

Schnitker stated Lakota Made’s primary location will always be in Mankato, but envisions future expansion. She has a goal to create more jobs for Indigenous people by having a Lakota Made produc-

tion facility on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.

Lakota Made’s physical address is 606 N Riverfront Drive, Mankato, Minn. Store hours are posted on the website, LakotaMade.com, where products can be ordered online as well. Lakota Made’s Facebook and Instagram accounts also provide news, updates, and information about events, such as markets and the upcoming Old Town Indigenous Art Festival. v