The Land - March 17, 2023

COLUMNS

The new crop

It’s no coincidence the annual SCC Ag Symposium takes place on South Central College’s campus in North Mankato, Minn. Certainly the school has the facilities to deliver a quality event; but the real golden ring was the hundred or so students who attended.

This year’s symposium, which took place on Feb. 16, featured a dozen exhibits in the lecture hall’s foyer area and many of the big guns were present: Christenson Farms, Compeer Financial, Crystal Valley Ag, Profinium, GreenSeam … just to name a few. Many of these companies help sponsor the Symposium and it works out well for all parties. The South Central College Foundation gets a financial boost and the companies get a crack at the students. And recruiting was on.

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By Paul Malchow

brought into focus how vital a dependable workforce is.”

So in the dog-eat-dog world of recruiting workers, how to you offer competitive salaries and benefits without tipping the scales of a profitable business? “We have to work smarter,” admitted Keinholz. “We have to come up with innovations that will attract younger generations.”

The Symposium kicked off with a three-person panel moderated by Dr. Megan Roberts. Fielding Roberts’ questions were Jase Wagner, president and CEO of Compeer Financial; Roger Keinholz, CEO of Crystal Valley; and Sheryl Meshke, president and CEO of Associated Milk Producers Inc. — probably better known as AMPI.

Each of the executives took a turn touting the impressive statistics of their respective companies. They also were candid about the challenges they are currently facing: workplace security, supply issues and a looming recession which could be just one interest hike away.

But far and away, on top of everyone’s list was finding workers. “So much of our organization hinges on rural development,” said Wagner, “and we’re not able to do everything because we are not fullstaffed.”

All three panelists agreed a career in agriculture isn’t exclusively manure, boots and mud. Accountants, engineers, scientists and computer geeks can all find a home in agriculture. “The people we’re recruiting don’t necessarily have a farm background,” Keinholz said.

The GreenSeam organization, with its ties to Minnesota State University – Mankato, is working to make inroads in connecting students with the modern world of agriculture. A burgeoning interest in the FFA program also bodes well for creating a deep pool of ag professional prospects.

But the needs of the ag industry are immediate and a company’s financial stability can be shaken with a bad growing season … or a pandemic. “Our plants had to run 24/7,” said Meshke. “It really

Wagner and Keinholz agreed the new crop of workers entering the agriculture arena now will probably not be with their company in a few years. “New opportunities come up, chances for advancement,” Wagner said. Keinholz is a prime example. After graduating from North Dakota State University, Keinholz spent four years on active duty as a paratrooper in a combat Airborne Engineer unit. After the service, he owned and operated a boat dealership before becoming involved in a management apprentice program through Land O’ Lakes and Crystal Cooperative. He then spent the next years managing different cooperatives. In 2000 he became the General Manager of Crystal Co-op in Lake Crystal.

“The career path is never straight,” said Meshke. n

Grain Marketing Economist Ed Usset is with the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota. An author and instructor, Usset shared his grain marketing insights at the SCC Ag Symposium.

The complexities of grain marketing have always kept me on the sidelines — watching a sport I wasn’t familiar with and having problems “just picking it up.” Bull markets, bear markets, futures, basis … all spoken in a foreign language I don’t fully understand.

Usset changed that (a little).

He explained there are seasonal patterns for the price of corn and soybeans in Minnesota and Iowa: low in October, high in June. “To have a good marketing plan,” Usset said, “you have to be proactive — looking ahead. Not reactive, not over-reactive and not inactive.”

Usset went on to talk about pre-harvest pricing and tracking basis and storage costs and exit strategies. Most of it seems to make sense … maybe even common sense. But I have a new respect for what farmers need to know when selling their year’s work.

It takes guts to fix our abusive illegal ag labor system

Less than a month after the revelation that a Wisconsin-based contractor, Packers Sanitation Services, Inc. (or PSSI), had illegally hired at least 102 teenagers between ages 13 and 17 to clean some of the nation’s most profitable industrial meatpacking plants, one middle school child at the center of the story has, according to a March 3 Washington Post account, “watched her whole life unravel”:

“First, she lost the job that burned and blistered her skin but paid her $19 per hour.”

FARM & FOOD

By Alan Guebert

OPINION

“Then the county judge sent her stepfather to jail for driving her to work each night, a violation of child labor laws.”

“Her mother also faces jail time for securing the fake papers that got the child the job in the first place.”

Meanwhile, PSSI, the company that hired her and other children, “has faced no criminal charges, despite evidence that it failed to take basic steps to verify the age of its young employees.” It did, however, “quickly resolve” any charges it faced by “paying a $1.5 million civil fine.”

That’s the hidden-in-plain-sight, all too common side of today’s global food system: it operates on the ragged edge of the law. Most giant meatpackers, despite their folksy corporate slogans and farmfriendly images, live on this edge.

For example, since 2020, two of the biggest, Tyson Foods and JBS, have paid nearly $800 million to settle either federal or civil suits for alleged labor and market violations.

Those costly settlements, however, haven’t hurt Big Meat’s ability to secure lucrative government contracts. Since 2017, JBS has been awarded nearly $500 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture — $400 million in meat contracts and $90 million under the Trump Administration’s China trade aid.

This latest revelation about underage, illegal immigrant cleaning crews only spotlights meatpacking’s worst kept secret. Federal labor experts estimate that 73 percent of all U.S. agbiz employees are immigrants and that half are “undocumented,” or in the United States illegally.

As such, it’s likely that half — maybe more — of the food purchased by Americans is picked, packed, milked, slaughtered, boxed, and/or delivered by undocumented, and sometimes, underage workers.

That’s one of the darker aspects of America’s “cheapest, safest food supply in the world” equation: Some of the biggest, richest ag companies anywhere often rely on powerless, illegal immigrant labor to do food’s dirty work because, as agbiz often claims, “No American will do it.”

If true, the biggest part of the cure lies in the near-total control Big AgBiz holds over wages, benefits, harsh and/or dangerous working conditions, harassment, bullying, poor training, favoritism, and other worksite shortfalls.

This corrupt-at-its-core system continues because we — both agbiz and everyday Americans — personally benefit from the abuse of desperate immigrant workers seeking to remain in the United States to somehow earn enough money to pay off debts that brought them and family members to the Promised Land, America.

That’s exactly what happened to one of the mid-

dle-schoolers caught in the raid of the JBS Grand Island, Neb. beef plant.

Like most 13-year-olds, she wanted a job to buy “nice clothes and an iPhone 13” so she lied about her age and was hired by JBS’s cleaning contractor “to scour blood and beef fat from the slippery ‘kill floor,’ using high-pressure hoses, scalding water and industrial foams and acids…”

PCCI, the contractor; JBS, the plant owner; and Blackstone, the $100-billion private equity fund which owns PCCI, all denied hiring underage workers.

But clearly they do, as proven by the 102 underage teenagers found cleaning slaughtering plants in eight states by U.S. Department of Labor in raids last October.

And so do we every time we buy a ribeye, pork loin, chicken breast, carrot, strawberry, head of lettuce, or too-many-to-list other supermarket items that traveled a crooked, extra-legal path to our local meat case or grocery shelf.

Which 13-year-old child, mother, grandfather, sister, or son was abused, underpaid, threatened, hurt, or fired so I could pay pennies less for that meat or vegetable?

If our politicians won’t fix this corrupt system, then our shame — and courage — should.

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

Life on the Farm: Readers’ Photos

What does it look like outside your window these days?

Loyal contributor Rose Wurtzberger of New Ulm, Minn. shared these photos of the snow they’ve been dealing with this year. These were taken after a significant deposit on her farm in late February. “It was hard to measure, but the local average seems to be 15 inches,” she writes. “No wind break to the east really fills up the yard!” Her barn cat on the left will second that motion.

Boots were a reminder of love and self-worth

My daughter and I recently took a trip to our local farm and ranch store. It was finally time to get myself a new pair of work boots. I wasn’t in the market for winter chore boots. I already have a pair of those and they only leak a little if my feet are submerged in slop. Yet I wasn’t looking for summer workwear either. I am not ashamed to say my flip-flops work just fine in the barn for most activities (except for loading cattle — that is a story for another day). I was looking for something in the middle that is a little tougher than tennis shoes but won’t make my feet swampy on an average spring day.

DEEP ROOTS

By Whitney Nesse

they aren’t that expensive. That’s just how much boots cost.” That was a rather sobering thought to which I replied, “I know. I just don’t like spending money.”

After we checked out and made our way to the van, Abby asked me why I was acting like a baby. (Clearly, she is a tender-hearted teenager.) On the verge of tears, I told her I felt unworthy of spending that amount of money on myself.

It was not the first time we had had a conversation like this; but it hit a different heart-string this time. In the hours after our conversation, I realized my husband loves me like Christ loves his bride, the Church. I do not have to do anything to earn Karl’s love or contribute in significant ways financially to be counted worthy. I am worthy because I am his wife.

thing Christ wants is to enter a covenant relationship with me. That’s all he wants from each of us. He tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

I no longer have to carry the burden of feeling unworthy. I am worthy because of my relational proximity. I do not have to earn love. I am loved.

Shoe shopping has always been at the top of the list of things I dislike. But it only comes second to finding pants that are long enough. I am taller than your average girl at 5’11”, and with the height comes big feet. So, it is hard to find footwear that is long and lean.

Abby and I entered the footwear section, scanning the boxes for my size. I began pulling out and rifling through the boxes finding boots that were too warm, ugly, steel-toed, or didn’t fit. Finally, Abby grabbed a box off the shelf and handed it to me, saying it was the perfect pair of boots. I pulled them out, tried them on, and much to my surprise, they fit the bill! Not too hot, not too ugly, and fit just right! I then asked the wrong question, “How much are they?” She told me and I balked — wondering if they were gold-laden!

We spent the next few frustrating minutes looking for another, less expensive pair and came up empty. So, I begrudgingly grabbed the box with boots fit for a queen and pouted my way towards the register, complaining to Abby about how darned expensive boots are.

During my mini temper tantrum, Abby interrupted me saying, “Mom,

I explained to her that when Karl and I were first married, we worked full-time jobs and were full-time students. I never batted an eye when it came to spending because I worked hard and earned a good living. However, once we started having children and I chose to stay home and raise babies and livestock, something inside me shifted.

For years I have been burdened by the thought that my financial contributions to our family are sub-par. For some reason, in my mind, I began to believe that I am not worthy of having money spent on myself because my financial contributions are less. Therefore, I generally shop for myself in the bargain bin or wear leaky winter boots because it’s not that bad. Of course, Abby told me that I was being ridiculous and contribute plenty to our family, and we went on our way.

Upon returning home, I told Karl about Abby and my conversation and my feeling of unworthiness. He graciously and firmly stopped the conversation, looked at me squarely, and said, “You do contribute to our family and you are worthy of a new pair of boots. Not because of your financial contributions, but because you are my wife.” He gently expressed that because we are married, we are in a covenant relationship and, therefore, one flesh. All he has is mine.

Grain marketing for dummies

LAND MINDS, from pg. 2

Along with his teaching and speaking engagements, Usset manages “Commodity Challenge,” an online marketing education game which uses real-time cash and futures data. Along

with my copy of “Commodities for Dummies,” I’m ready to check it out.

Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land. He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com. v

In the same way, there is nothing I can do to earn the love of Christ. It is because of his finished work on the cross; because he died and rose againdefeating hell, death, and the grave; that I am counted worthy. The only

Whitney Nesse is a sixth-generation livestock farmer who is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She writes from her central Minnesota farm. v

“2022 Financial & Profitability Trends with a look to the future”

Southwest MN Farm Business Management Association

Garen Paulson, SWMFBMA Fieldman; Extension Educator, Ag Business Management University of MN

Garen will review the financial results of the Southwest Farm Business Management Association using real on farm research of this group of farms from throughout southern Minnesota .

Email gthillen@umn.edu to receive a direct link to the presentation or check swfm.umn.edu after March 27th

“Taking Charge of YOUR Finances: How

Learning Objectives:

 Understand components and use of Balance Sheet (including related key ratios).

 Understand components and use of Income Statement (including related key ratios).

 Understand components and use of Cash Flow (including related key ratios).

 Organize and utilize Farm Financial Records

 Greater understanding of financial tools to make better internal management and financing decisions.

Thursday, April 6, 2023

U of MN Southwest Research & Outreach Center, Lamberton 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Register today!

Please

Hot dog! You’ll be a winner with these wiener recipes

As I write this, baseball spring training is in full swing (pardon the pun). And when you think of a ballpark, you might also think about that concession stand staple: the ubiquitous, good old hot dog (or frankfurter, or wiener, depending on your vocabulary preferences). Love them or loathe them, hot dogs have a long history as culinary utility players and/or MVPs. Recently, a relative shared with me a 1960s-era home economics project: a handwritten and illustrated collection of recipes — from snacks to entrees to salads and desserts. As you might expect, this Gen Xer got a real kick out of this Boomer-era school project. A particular favorite was the entry for Jello, which listed its ingredients as “a package of Jello and water.” However, the most entertaining recipe of all was the alliterative and almost-poetic “Broiler Beaner Wiener Loaf.”

By Diane Lochner

these dishes and have a new fan favorite on your hands. Or perhaps skip cooking entirely and just take yourself out to a ballgame.

Broiler Beaner Wiener Loaf

Source: Someone’s fertile imagination many decades ago

(serves 1 to 2; multiply ingredients as needed for more servings)

1/4 loaf French bread (cut lengthwise)

1-1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard

1 tablespoon soft butter

1 cup pork and beans, drained

2 tablespoons chopped onion

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/3 cup shredded cheese (American, cheddar, etc)

2 frankfurters

3 or 4 small dill pickles, cut into fans

Below I’ve collected several recipes incorporating that favorite ingredient of kids and kids at heart: the humble hot dog. In the lead-off position, we have the aforementioned “Broiler Beaner Wiener Loaf.” Batting second is Bacon, Bean, and Hot Dog Chili and in the third slot is a Betty Crocker’s Hot Dog Kabobs. In the clean-up spot, we have the classic kids’ favorite, Pigs in a Blanket. None of these recipes specify a certain type of hot dog, so you can be creative with your choices to accommodate preferences.

To continue the tortured baseball word play, not all these recipes might be all-stars on your home plate. I think beaner wiener loaf is out of left field, but perhaps you’ll score a home run with one of

Blend mustard and butter; spread on bread. Mix beans, onion, and brown sugar; spoon on the buttered bread and sprinkle with cheese. Broil 7 inches from heat for 5 minutes. Split frankfurters in half lengthwise. Place split-side-up on beans, crossing on loaf. Drizzle catsup or mustard down center of franks; replace top half of bread loaf. Cut loaf in 2-3 slices, if desired, so each slice has a frank and a pickle fan.

Bacon, Bean, and Hot Dog Chili

Source: KraftHeinz

1/2 lb. bacon, diced

1 cup red onion, diced

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1 pkg. (16 oz.) hot dogs, sliced in half and diced

2 cans (28 oz. each) baked beans

Heat a deep skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and onions. Stir occasionally and cook for 10 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Add water and brown sugar. Stir until sugar has dissolved and the mixture is bubbling. Add hot dogs and baked beans; stir and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes. Eight one-cup servings.

Hot Dog Kabobs

Betty Crocker’s Cookbook (1982)

10 frankfurters (1 pound) cut into fifths

2 dill pickle spears, cut into fifths

1 medium green pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 can (8.25 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained

1 can (8.5 ounces) whole small onions, drained

Soy Glaze

Mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, and 1 garlic glove (crushed) in saucepan. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.

Prepare soy glaze. Alternate 5 frankfurter pieces, one dill pickle piece, 2 or 3 green pepper pieces, 2 or 3 pineapple chunks, and 1 onion on each of ten 8-inch wooden skewers. Brush kabobs with glaze. Set oven to broil and/or 550 F. Place kabobs on metal pan and broil about 3 inches from the heat for 3 minutes. Turn kabobs, brush with glaze, and broil 3 minutes longer. Three servings.

Appetizer Hot Dogs in Barbecue Sauce

The Spruce Eats

4 pounds hot dogs, or small cocktail hot dogs or little smoked sausages

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup chopped onion, optional

2 teaspoons prepared mustard

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar, or honey

1/2 cup ketchup

2 teaspoons vinegar

If using regular hot dogs, cut into bite-size pieces. Place franks in a slow cooker. Combine remaining ingredients in a measuring cup or bowl and pour over hot dogs. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 1 to 2 hours. Serve from the slow cooker, with the temperature set on low.

Pigs in a Blanket

Taste of Home

1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls

8 hot dogs

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon water

Caraway seeds (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 F. Separate crescent dough into triangles. Place hot dogs at wide ends of triangles and roll up. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Combine egg and water; brush over rolls. Sprinkle caraway over tops; press lightly into rolls. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serves 8.

Diane Lochner is a librarian and home cook, living on a century farm in southern Minnesota. Reach her at 507bookcook@gmail.com. v

ISU Extension conducting survey

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is conducting a statewide audience assessment.

“As technology continues to evolve, we want to learn how Iowans prefer to access, receive and engage with extension education – both in person and virtually,” said John Lawrence, Iowa State’s vice president for extension and outreach.

Through this survey, Iowans can tell ISU Extension and Outreach about the technology they prefer to use, the topics they want to learn more about and the

issues they think will be important to the people in their communities over the next two years.

The survey is available online, www.extension. iastate.edu/survey, and will remain open through the end of March. Iowans may contact their ISU Extension and Outreach county office for more information.

This article was submitted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. v

Movie fans will enjoy the stories behind the Academy Awards

You’ve often wondered what ended up on the cutting room floor.

What Easter eggs or tiny secrets never made it into your favorite movie? Which budding star’s debut role will you miss because someone decided it wasn’t worthy? What will never be seen on-screen?

So much celluloid, so many scripts slashed, plots mashed, dreams dashed, as in “Oscar Wars” by Michael Schulman, careers trashed.

THE

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Nearly a year ago, you almost couldn’t go anywhere without hearing about The Slap. Everyone, it seemed, had an opinion about both action and Academy.

As for the latter, says Schulman, the Academy Awards are “a vaunted tradition celebrating a great modern art form. They’re an industry party ... the closet thing America has to royalty ... a marketing ploy ... the Gay Super Bowl.”

And “they’re something else, too.”

The Oscars, in a way, are a battlefield where “it can take years to see what the real battle lines were.”

There’s conflict in the Awards, cultural upheaval, and politics. The movies hold up a mirror to us and our society; but what happens behind-the-scenes with the Awards is rarely known by the public.

The first Awards were held quietly, because that’s how the Academy began: members at the first meeting were carefully-chosen VIPs, bona fide stars, directors, and powerful studio owners. It’s possible, Schulman suggests, that the first Academy Awards process was “rigged.”

Through the years, there were many times when the Academy was almost disbanded and the Awards show deleted. And yet, it always rallied — because who didn’t want that statue gracing their mantle or bathroom shelf? Frank Capra did everything imaginable to get one. So did Bette Davis — even going so

“Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears”

by Michael Schulman

c.2023, Harper

$40.00

608 pages

his stories, showing how world events affected the movies and vice versa. The Academy hasn’t always follow along, though, leaving fans screaming “WHAAAT??” at their televisions once a year on a Sunday. On this, Schulman subtly explains the unexplainable in a way that anyone can appreciate. His anecdotes put the shiny, sparkly “tinsel” in these Tinsel Town tales. far as to have an abortion.

Judy Holliday narrowly missed getting the role that gained her an Oscar. Dennis Hopper didn’t care if he had one or not, though; and Dalton Trumbo got his very, very late.

In the near-century of the Oscars, there were comebacks and come-from-behinds, a Red Scare and Snow White. Indeed, the ceremony has thrived despite a ratings system, racism, rock & roll, 1969... and a Slap heard ‘round the world.

As addictive as a large popcorn, extra butter, and more fun than a trailer for that next big flick, “Oscar Wars” is a star-powered fan’s book, all the way — but it also has something for not-particularly-avid sometimes-watchers, too.

With a heavy tip toward Hollywood, author Michael Schulman adds history and pop culture to

This is a hefty tome; but don’t let that be daunting. “Oscar Wars” is so much fun to read you’ll barely notice its size. If you’re truly mad for movies, Hollywood, the Red Carpet, or cultural history, this book makes the cut.

It’s a natural question everybody asks about the movies, and in “But Have you Read the Book?” by Kristen Lopez, you’ll learn about the stories that inspired the movies. What ones have been true to the original? How much has changed? This is a great companion to the Schulman book, and it’ll enhance your streaming and at-home watching, too.

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

Extension announces seed trial winners

The University of Minnesota Extension recently announced the winners from Master Gardener volunteers’ annual seed trials. Winners from the 2022 trials focused on varieties of Brandywine tomatoes, burpless cucumbers, daikon radishes, Chinese cabbage and large purple eggplant. Floral seed trials looked at annual asters and dwarf sunflowers.

This year, 233 Master Gardener volunteers in 51

counties tested seeds from 48 varieties in home gardens — as well as ones located in 14 community settings and two school gardens.

The 2022 seed trials are compiled and can be found at https://z.umn.edu/22seedtrials).

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

What is a pollinator and how to attract them

A pollinator is an insect which transfers pollen for one flower bloom to another, allowing fertilization to occur and fruit or a seed to develop. Pollinators include bees, wasps, beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, and bats.

Plants need help moving pollen from one plant to another. Colorful blooming flowers attract pollinators to land on the blooms and pick up nectar and pollen for food. In the process, some pollen sticks to their bodies and is then deposited on the next bloom that the pollinator visits.

GREEN AND GROWING

By Linda G. Tenneson

Pollen contains protein, fat, starch, vitamins and minerals. Nectar is a source of water and sugar. Ants are frequently found on peony blooms collecting nectar. Bees mix nectar and pollen to make the bee bread used to feed their larvae.

Some bees can see ultraviolet light which humans cannot. They can see stripes, spots or other indicators which direct them to blooms containing the nectar they are looking for. Bees, moths and butterflies are attracted to flowers with a pleasant odor, while flies are attracted to flowers with an unpleasant odor.

Wasps visit flowers where they can reach nectar with their shorter tongues. Beetles also visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen. In the process they may chew the blooms and leaves. Butterflies and moths have longer tongues, or proboscis and use them to suck up nectar. Flies have shorter tongues or mouthparts which restricts them to flower blooms accessible to them.

The source for the information in this column is the book Pollinators of Native Plants written by Heather Holm. She describes the insects in detail and lists the blooming time, size, range, and desired growing conditions for many plants found in Minnesota. Also included are photographs of pollinators and the plants they visit.

Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota master gardener and tree care advisor. v

Calendar of Events

March 20 — Starting a Mobile Food Business: Working with a Shared-Use Kitchen — Online — Learn how using a shared-use kitchen can help your food business get started. Contact Jessica Jane Spayde at spayde@wisc.edu.

April 1 — Gardening in the Driftless — Houston, Minn. — The annual Spring Days event will include morning and afternoon keynote speakers as well as a variety of breakout sessions taught by local experts. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit vendor booths, bid on silent auction items and shop at the country store. Contact Houston County Extension at (507) 725-5807.

Please read attached email

ALREADY ON AD THE LAND 3.417 x2”

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) 693-5275.

March 24 — Windbreaks/Living Snow Fences –Designs and What to Plant — Online — Join University of Minnesota Extension foresters to discuss a key issue facing woodland owners in Minnesota. Contact Gary Wyatt at wyatt@umn.edu.

March 25 — Spring Horticulture Day — Little Falls, Minn. — This event will cover a variety of horticulture topics including building soil health, new perennials and annuals for 2023, and pruning trees and shrubs. Contact the Morrison County Extension Office at (320) 632-0161.

The Land

The shape of flower blooms may restrict which pollinators are able to land and collect nectar and pollen. A bloom with a long narrow shape is only accessible to insects with long tongues. Blooms which hang downward are visited by small bees that can hang onto them. Flowers such as the bottle gentian have blooms with closed petals. Only the Bumble bee has been observed forcing its way into a bloom to reach the nectar. In two to ten seconds, it can force its way in and emerge from the bloom with the petals closing again. Bumble bees with shorter tongues may have to chew holes through the lower petals to reach the nectar in this plant’s blooms. Bees have a spoon shaped tongue that ranges from 2 to 14 millimeters in length that they can use to lap up or drink nectar. Bees can swallow nectar or store it until they return to their hives. Pollen that sticks to their bodies can be combed off and used when the bee reaches its home.

Hummingbirds and hummingbird moths can hover while harvesting nectar.

March 27 — Getting Your Product on Shelves at Your Local Food Coop — Online — Learn about how to sell your food products at your local food retail cooperative. Contact Jessica Jane Spayde at spayde@ wisc.edu.

March 28 — I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course — Sioux Falls, S.D. — This course is scheduled as part of the pre-educational events for the Central Plains Dairy Expo. Contact Fred Hall at fredhall@iastate.edu or (712) 737-4230.

March 31 — Foraging for Wild Edibles — Online — Join University of Minnesota Extension foresters to discuss woodland topics. Contact Gary Wyatt at wyatt@umn.edu.

April 1 — Gardening Education Day — Hutchinson, Minn. — The day will include guest speakers, vendors, a silent auction, door prizes, and access to horticultural resources. Contact the McLeod County Extension office at (320) 484-4302.

April 3 — Getting to Know Your Local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) — Online — Learn about how to work with your local SBDC. Contact Jessica Jane Spayde at spayde@wisc.edu.

April 10 — Navigating Business Resources with the Help of Your Local Business Incubator — Online — Learn about how local business incubators can help your food business navigate business resources. Contact Jessica Jane Spayde at spayde@ wisc.edu.

April 11-13 — Dairy Calf & Heifer Association Annual Conference — Prior Lake, Minn. — The conference will include three speakers, Ross Bernstein, Dave Kuehnel, and Peggy Coffeen. There will also be a trade show with approximately 50 companies highlighting their calf and heifer products. Visit their website for more information at calfandheifer.org.

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.

April 12 — Women’s Ag Leadership Conference — Chaska, Minn. — The conference will begin with a welcome session, followed by roundtable discussions. There will also be mini-sessions focused on current topics, two breakout sessions, and an optional historic Red Barn self-guided tour. Contact Doris Mold at doris@sunriseag.net or (612) 414-7574.

April 14 — Things to Think about when Planning a Timber Sale — Online — Join University of Minnesota Extension foresters to discuss a key issue facing woodland owners in Minnesota. Contact Gary Wyatt at wyatt@umn.edu.

What to know about climate and nitrogen fertilizer management

Climate plays a huge role in the fate of applied nitrogen fertilizer. The two primary loss processes of nitrogen in the soil are both water-based: leaching, when water percolates through the soil; and enitrification, when the soil is saturated.

The conversion of nitrogen to nitrate, the form necessary for loss to happen, is a bacterial process dependent on temperature and moisture. With increasing temperature comes faster rates of nitrification. Microbes respond to temperature. Biological activity slows greatly when the temperature gets below 50 F. This is also why fall nitrogen application is not recommended when daily high soil temperatures

at a 6-inch depth are greater than 50 degrees. Similarly, the process of denitrification, which converts nitrate into inert nitrogen gas, becomes significantly more important as soils warm during the growing season.

Extra water on the landscape is going to impact the fate of both naturally occurring (mineralized) nitrogen in the soil and applied nitrogen fertilizer. When precipitation falls — in relation to crop growth and development — is also important.

During the early growing season, there is often more moisture in the soil than the newly-seeded crop can use. This means more water is likely to leave the field through drainage than

Small grains cost-share program is now open

AMES, Iowa — Practical Farmers of Iowa invites farmers who are thinking of seeding small-grain crops like rye, oats, barley, triticale or wheat to apply for cost-share and technical assistance through PFI’s small grains cost-share program.

Farmers in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin are eligible to apply for the program, which offers $20 per acre for growing a small grain with a legume cover crop, and an additional $20 per acre for reducing nitrogen on corn that follows the small grain in rotation.

Full details and an application form are available at practicalfarmers.org/ small-grains-cost-share.

Participants in the cover crop program must grow a small-grain crop that will be harvested for grain or forage in 2023 and follow it with an underseeded or summer-planted cover crop containing a legume species. Acres must also be conventional or in transition to organic (but not yet certified organic).

“With cover crop seed prices on the rise, our small grains cost-share program can help farmers save money by growing their own seed while boosting their farm’s resiliency,” says Lydia English, PFI’s field crops viability manager. “We now have cost-share for both the small-grain and corn years of your extended rotation.”

Also, farmers can now gain an additional $20 per acre for taking nitrogen credits from their legume cover crop in the corn year of their extended rotation.

To be eligible for these funds, farmers must agree to reduce nitrogen by 40 units compared to their typical rate in a two-year corn-soybean rotation, or they must apply no more than 100 units of nitrogen to corn that follows a small grain-plus-legume cover crop in rotation.

As part of this cost-share program, farmers will have a one-on-one consultation with a PFI staff agronomist to help them plan for reducing their fertilizer use.

For both cost-share programs, farmers can stack the cost-share with other publicly funded programs, but may not be able to overlap enrolled acres with Environmental Quality Incentives Program practice numbers 328 (conservation crop rotation), 340 (cover crops) or 590 (nutrient management), or with private carbon programs. Please inquire with PFI to learn more.

To check eligibility or for help getting signed up, contact Lydia English at (515) 232-5661 or lydia.english@practicalfarmers.org

This article was submitted by Practical Farmers of Iowa. v

evapotranspiration. The nitrate form of nitrogen is easily leached through the soil profile where it can also be lost through drainage tile. As the crop grows and develops, it uses increasingly more water, decreasing the amount of nitrate that ends up in drain tile.

The typical design criteria for an artificial drainage system in southern Minnesota is to use a half-inch drainage coefficient, meaning that a half inch of water can be drained in 24 hours. As a general rule of thumb, nitrate will move five to six inches in silt or clay-loam soils for every inch of drainage. This means that a drainage system flowing at full capacity will remove an excess inch of water in two days, moving nitrate 6 inches lower in the soil profile.

If you monitor water flow through the drainage outlet (in addition to knowing how much excess precipitation was received), you can estimate the amount of drainage. This can also help you figure out whether significant amounts of applied nitrogen have been lost. For example, if drainage tile with a half-inch drainage coefficient is three feet deep and nitrogen was applied at a depth of six inches, after receiving five excess inches of rain, it would take approximately 10 days at full tile capacity for that nitrate to be lost to tile drainage. On average, water that is at the top of the soil profile will get to the tile by the end of the year.

The past two very dry years some parts of Minnesota experienced have

led to nitrate carrying over from one growing season to the next. This is due to unused fertilizer the droughtstressed crop was unable to use; and because mineralized nitrate which accumulates after the growing season may still be present next year. Soil test data courtesy of Minnesota Valley Testing Labs shows more than 72 percent of samples in 2021 and 78 percent of samples in 2022 had 6 parts per million or more nitrate — translating to a significant nitrogen credit which can be used to reduce fertilizer application rates for the next year.

The pre-plant soil nitrate test is recommended this coming spring in areas that experienced drought where corn will follow corn, or where there is a manure application history.

To avoid significant losses, the data indicates that fall urea is no longer a recommended practice, and a nitrification inhibitor is suggested with fall anhydrous ammonia application.

Farmers are encouraged to know how conditions affect applied fertilizer as well as other factors such as crop growth and the ability to get into the field. Knowing your options and having the ability to switch to alternatives based on conditions will allow you to change management from one year to the next in order to maximize profit while minimizing the impact on the environment.

This article was submitted by Angie Peltier, University of Minnesota Extension. v

Over-the-counter antibiotics will require prescription after June 11

Livestock owners who are used to going to the local feed store to buy some of their antibiotics and administer treatment themselves will see a change on June 11. These antimicrobial drugs will require veterinary oversight.

By June 11, labels of the remaining over-the-counter antibiotics for livestock use will be required to read: “Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian,” and the purchaser must have a prescription or drug order to buy it.

Over-the-counter antibiotics used in animal feed were moved to Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) in 2017, allowing closer veterinarian oversight of antimicrobial use in animal feeds. All over-the-counter antibiotics placed in the drinking water were moved

to prescription status at the same time. This new rule concerns the few antibiotics that remained available over the counter in the form of injectables, intramammary tubes and boluses.

Individuals with veterinary-client-patient relationships may purchase antibiotics directly from their veterinarian or from a distributor with the vet’s prescription.

In a vet-client-patient relationship, the veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment, and the client has agreed to follow the veterinarian’s instructions.

In some cases, the veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the animal’s medical con-

dition. This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal by examining the animal or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept. It is important the veterinarian is readily available or has arranged emergency coverage and follow-up evaluation in the event of adverse reactions or the failure of the treatment regimen.

Most vaccines, dewormers, injectable and oral nutritional supplements, ionophores, pro/prebiotics and topical nonantibiotic treatments will not require a veterinary prescription. However, there are some exceptions. Always read the label.

This article was submitted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. v

Remember this Spring checklist for your horse farm

While winter is still on our doorsteps, warm weather and riding season is just ahead. Now is the time to start planning for the upcoming season.

Manage snow before thawing begins — Snowmelt can leave dry lots and barnyards waterlogged and muddy. Before the ground softens, move or pile snow in areas that can accommodate spring snowmelt. Make sure the area you select drains away from dry lots,

buildings, pathways, or manure piles. Keep in mind that cooler temperatures may cause any melt to refreeze into ice. If you plan to remove snow from dry lots, be sure to pick manure beforehand. Manure mixed in snow piles can cause runoff when the snow melts. Check in on your horse’s health — Work with your horse’s care team to make sure they are ready for the upcoming season. Schedule an exam with your vet-

erinarian to evaluate your horse’s health and develop a vaccination plan. In Minnesota, we recommend five core vaccines to start: West Nile, Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, Western equine encephalomyelitis, Tetanus, and Rabies.

Do not forget to have your veterinarian perform a Coggins test. Proof of a negative Coggins test within 12 months is needed for all horses going to public events or traveling across state lines. Additionally, consider having a fecal egg count taken to help guide spring deworming decisions. If needed, schedule a dental float to smooth sharp points on teeth and help correct poor alignment ahead of grazing and riding season.

Inspect your trailer — Before loading up the horses, take time to thoroughly inspect your trailer. If you are not comfortable with any maintenance or repair needs, work with a professional mechanic.

When inspecting a trailer you will want to make sure the frame of the trailer is sound and free of cracks. Check the pressure, tread depth, and condition of the trailer and spare tires. Inspect the bearings and repack them as needed. Make sure the brake pads and discs are in good operating condition. Check electrical wiring for poor connections, fraying, or rodent damage. Test and make sure all the trailer lights are working.

Walk your pastures — It is always good practice to walk each of your fence lines following winter. Check for and repair any damage to fences, gates or shelters. Make sure that all of the gates are securely latched. Additionally, pick up any debris (e.g., tree branches) or garbage which may have blown into your pastures over winter.

Now is also a good time to review last year’s grazing plan. What worked and what did not work? Think about stocking rate, pasture shape and size, weed control, fertilizing method, and forage growth.

This article was submitted by Hannah Lochner, University of Minnesota Extension. v

Compost only logical for ‘Masteress of Humus’

By TIM KING

The Land Correspondent

SAUK CENTRE, Minn. — The Flowers family takes the health of their farms’ environment very seriously.

“My husband Jim’s family has been farming the same land for three generations now, and they are very careful about how they treat the land,” Kristy Flowers said. “One year, my husband was talked into treating the grasshoppers to save the crops — and he regretted it instantly. He found dead snakes and rodents shortly after, swearing never to go against his family’s belief in no pesticides or insecticides again.”

Flowers, whose environmental awareness developed while she was growing up on a farm near Brainerd, Minn., has turned that concern for the world around her into Kristy K Organics. The company sells a range of natural biological products to maintain and improve soil health in customers’ gardens and lawns.

Kristy has been big on gardening and growing her own food since she was a child.

“My mom was very adamant that chemicals were terrible,” Flowers said. “She also used those same principles in our vast garden. We raised all the veg-

She calls herself “Founder and Manageress of Humus.”

Compost was a logical place for the Manageress of Humus to start.

“My husband had made compost for his farm so we used the basic recipe and just tweaked it a bit to make it for lawns and gardens,” Flowers said. “We knew what we wanted the end result to be so we worked closely with Alan Doering and Harold Stanislawski at AURI to get there.”

Kristy K’s compost has several ingredients including composted poultry and cow manure, from local farms, and bark fines.

“Poultry manure is high in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium,” Flowers said. “Cow manure also brings nutrients and helps increase moistureholding capacity and aeration. Plus, the composted cow manure contains beneficial bacteria that can improve etables you would expect on a farm, corn, onions, potatoes, beans, raspberries, rhubarb, and of course, carrots that I remember pulling out of the ground and eating right there. I was a 4-H kid and grew flowers and vegetables for 4-H projects. I had my own flower garden in the middle of our old windmill tower.”

In the spirit of the lively biologically active soil that Kristy and Jim grew up with Kristy founded Kristy K Organics.

Mini-grants available for produce growers

ST. PAUL — Minnesota produce farmers who improve on-farm food safety systems may be eligible to reimburse their expenses through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s 2023 Produce Safety Mini-Grant, which is now accepting applications.

Applicants must be a Minnesota produce farmer that sells one or more of the following crops to be eligible: leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, herbs, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, or tomatoes.

Growers may be reimbursed for past expenses occurring Jan. 1, 2022 through March 25, 2023, and future expenses taking place March 26, 2023 through July 14, 2023. Awardees will

receive up to $800 per farm. No matching funds are required.

Examples of eligible expenses include: supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station; harvest totes or collection tools; water testing for generic coli; consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan; and waxed boxes and market containers.

Additional information and the online application are available at www.mda. state.mn.us/minigrant.

Farmers can contact the MDA Produce Safety Program at (651) 5393648 to request a paper copy. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on March 25.

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

your plant’s health. The aged bark fines also play an essential role; they add carbon and enhance soil structure by helping to break down organic matter and balance moisture levels. We aim for a carbon ratio of 30:1. This helps the bacteria, fungi, and microbes to build humus in the soil and feed the plants.”

Compost has to be turned, mixed, and aerated so it develops enough heat to kill the weed seeds in the manure but not so hot as to sterilize it. Jim, and their son Max, are responsible for properly managing the wind rowed compost. They also handle the testing.

“We send it in for testing a few times during the composting process so we can adjust it if needed,” Kristy said.

“We are targeting a certain NPK that would benefit many applications. Additionally, it is important to consider carbon to nitrogen levels, as well as having the majority of particles being under a half inch in size. We also want a 30 to 40 percent moisture level. When we have mature compost, we send it in one more time for a complete test.”

Kristy K Organics sells a number of bagged products in addition to the eight quart and one cubic foot bags of compost. One of them is the carbon building bark fines that are also in the finished compost. Another product is a blend of 70 percent fluffed coconut coir with 30 percent rice hulls.

“In many growing projects, Coconut Coir husks provide a

Kristy Flowers

Photos submitted

Starting with Jim and Kristy Flowers’ homemade compost recipe, Kristy K Organics now offers various products to promote healthy soil. Kristy K’s automated bagging equipment can fill nine bags per minute and automatically place them on pallets.

Everything is looking up in March WASDE report

This column was written for the marketing week ending March 10.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture raised its 2023 U.S. milk production estimate in the March 6 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, citing a larger cow inventory. Output per cow was unchanged from last month.

2023 production and marketings were estimated at 228.5 and 227.5 billion pounds respectively, up 200 million pounds on both from a month ago. If realized, 2023 production would be up 2 billion pounds or 0.9 percent from 2022.

Cheese price forecasts were lowered as supplies are expected to be relatively large and domestic demand projected to be relatively soft. The 2023 average was projected at $1.81 per pound, down a nickel from February’s

MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY

By Lee Mielke

estimate, and compares to $2.1122 in 2022, $1.6755 in 2021, and $1.9236 in 2020.

Butter prices were raised on recent data and projected to average $2.335 per pound, up 50 cents from a month ago, and compares to $2.8665 in 2022, $1.7325 in 2021, and $1.5808 in 2020.

Nonfat dry milk is expected to see a weak first quarter offset by a stronger fourth quarter and to average $1.23 in

BELLE grant applications due soon

For the third year, the Minnesota State Fair is contining the Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience (BELLE) grant, The program provides grants and mentors to 15 youth livestock exhibitors who are first-time participants in the Minnesota State Fair. The BELLE grant is funded by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.

BELLE gifts $500 each to large-animal exhibitors entering beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats and llamas; and $250 each to smallanimal competitors exhibiting rabbits and poultry. These funds help offset costs of participating in the fair, including travel, lodging and purchasing

show supplies.

Fifteen total grants will be awarded. Applicants must be Minnesota residents between the ages of 10 and 18. The State Fair is also seeking peer-topeer mentors to help guide grant recipients throughout the year.

Applications for the BELLE Grant and peer-to-peer mentorship program are open through April 3. Information about these programs and how to apply can be found at mnstatefair.org/aboutthe-fair/awards-and-recognition/bellegrant/.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota State Fair. v

2023, up 50 cents from last month’s estimate. That compares to $1.6851 in 2022, $1.2693 in 2021, and $1.0417 in 2020

Whey prices were raised on recent price observations and stronger expected demand and should average 39 cents per pound, up 2.5 cents from February’s estimate. That compares to 60.35 cents in 2022 and 57.44 cents in 2021.

Class III milk prices were projected lower, with the 2023 average estimated at $17.55 per hundredweight, down 35 cents from last month’s estimate, and compares to the $21.96 average in 2022, $17.08 in 2021, and $18.16 in 2020.

The Class IV average was raised to $18.30, up a nickel from last month’s estimate, and compares to $24.47 in 2022, $16.09 in 2021, and $13.49 in 2020.

The January Dairy Products report indicates January’s 1.3 percent increase in milk production kept cheese vats and butter churns particularly busy.

Cheese production totaled a whopping 1.209 billion pounds, up 1.2 percent from December output, which was revised down 7 million pounds, but was up 3.2 percent from January 2022 (a record for January) and the highest monthly output since March 2022.

Wisconsin produced a tad under 296 million pounds of the January total, down 0.6 percent from December but 3.2% above a year ago. California produced 204 million pounds, down 2.4 percent from December and 2.3 percent less than a year ago. New Mexico added 95.5 million pounds, up 14.5 percent from December and 13.6 percent above a year ago. Idaho, at 90.9 million, was up 4.7 percent from December and 3.9 percent above 2022.

Italian cheese totaled 501.4 million

pounds, down 1.3 percent from December and 0.4 percent less than a year ago. American cheese hit 501 million pounds, up 3.8 percent from December, and 6.2 percent above a year ago. Mozzarella slipped to 394.7 million pounds, down 1.3 percent from December, but virtually unchanged from a year ago.

Cheddar production hit a record 356.1 million pounds, up 16.1 million or 4.7 percent from December’s count, which was revised up 1.5 million pounds, and was up an eye catching 23.6 million pounds, or 7.1 percent from January 2022.

Butter output jumped to 201.4 million pounds, up 13.6 million pounds or 7.3 percent from December, and 7.4 million pounds or 3.8 percent above a year ago.

Yogurt production totaled 395.7 million pounds, up 6.1 percent from a year ago.

Dry whey output, at 77.9 million pounds, was up 3.1 million pounds or 4.1 percent from December’s total, which was revised down 1.2 million pounds and was 2.5 million pounds or 3.1 percent below a year ago.

Stocks fell to 69.9 million pounds, down 600,000 pounds or 0.8 percent from December, but up 13.3 million pounds or 23.5 percent from a year ago.

Nonfat dry milk output climbed to 177 million pounds, up 9.4 million pounds or 5.6 percent from December’s total which was revised down 11.4 million pounds. Output was up 6.7 million pounds or 4 percent from January 2022.

Stocks jumped 16.5 million pounds, to 271.7 million, up 6.5 percent from December, and 10.1 million or 3.9 percent more than a year ago.

Skim milk powder production totaled 42.8 million pounds, down 12.2 million or 22.2 percent from December’s total which was revised up

Dairy exports expected to remain strong through May

6.1 million pounds, and was 600,000 pounds or 1.5 percent below that of a year ago.

Thankfully, U.S. dairy exports remain strong. January cheese climbed to 75 million pounds, up 15.6 percent from January 2022, and an all-time high for the month, according to HighGround Dairy. Lots of it was shipped to Mexico and “kicked off the calendar year at a record pace,” says HighGround Dairy. Shipments fell to South Korea, the second-largest destination, but strengthened to Japan, Bahrain, and Australia “helping offset losses elsewhere.”

HighGround Dairy adds that cheddar sales totaled 16.7 million pounds. This is up 37.5 percent — despite dis-

counted European cheese — driven by larger sales to Japan and Australia.

Nonfat dry milk exports totaled 150.4 million pounds, up 14.8 percent. Mexico’s market share reached 53.5 percent — the highest since August 2019. Says HighGround Dairy, “Maintaining similar strong volumes throughout second half 2022, the United States reported the strongest January shipments to Mexico on record,” with notable gains made to Thailand and Colombia.

“Total dairy exports to China expanded over prior year for the eighth consecutive month,” says HighGround Dairy, “which also marked the third month in a row that achieved monthly highs. Much of the growth continues in the form of dry whey, which totaled 29 million pounds,

up 8.6 percent from a year ago.

Some are skeptical U.S. dairy exports will be able to remain that strong in 2023. StoneX broker Dave Kurzawski is not one of them.

Speaking in the March 13 “Dairy Radio Now broadcast,” he said he’s seeing strong cheese exports out into April and May so they won’t “shrivel up and die.”

“We’re a bigger player in the world market than we’ve ever been,” Kurzawski said. “I think that’s going to continue, but it does ebb and flow.”

He also said current beef prices are a powerful incentive for dairy farmers to “make some decisions” regarding their operations for this year.

In other trade news, the Global Dairy Trade auction is limping again.

The March 7 weighted average slipped 0.7 percent after dropping 1.5 percent on Feb. 21, and jumping 3.2 percent on Feb. 7. Traders brought 59 million pounds of product to market, down from 67.7 million on Feb. 21, and the average metric ton price slipped to $3,403 U.S., down from $3,414 on Feb. 21.

GDT cheddar led the declines, plunging 10.2 percent after rising 1.5 percent on Feb. 21. Buttermilk powder was down 4.5 percent. Anhydrous milkfat was down 1.8 percent following a 2.6 percent drop on Feb. 21, and butter was off 0.3 percent after rising 3.8 percent. Lactose inched 0.3 percent higher. Whole milk powder was up 0.2 percent following a 2 percent drop on Feb. 21; but skim milk powder was

MILKER’S MESSAGE

Small plots from many growers fuels Salt of the North Dyes

By LAURA COLE

The Land Staff Writer

The concept of farm to table is likely a familiar one: in basic terms, it’s buying produce locally. But there is more to the end result. It means knowing where food comes from, avoiding a more processed version of the product, and supporting communities.

Maddy Bartsch, a plant-based dye farmer and founder/owner of Salt of the North Dyes, values the idea of farm to shirt just as much as farm to table. “Textiles feel like a sister to food for me,” Bartsch said. Last year, Bartsch along with Theresa Bentz of Get Bentz Farm were approved for a grant with North Central Region –Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) to delve deeper into larger-scale dye plant farming and lay a foundation for the makings of a farmer-owned dye plant cooperative.

Bartsch became acquainted with Theresa Bentz through Three Rivers Fibershed, a Midwest affiliate of the global Fibershed community. The organization embraces a cyclical “soil to soil” perspective to benefit the environment. Bartsch is a co-founder and the current president of Three Rivers Fibershed. Bentz is a steward member of Three Rivers Fibershed and also raises sheep and operates a wool mill.

According to SARE’s website, grants through the organization are intended to allow farmers and ranchers to “explore sustainable solutions to problems through on-farm research, demonstration, and education projects.” Last year, Bartsch and Bentz planted about 17 species of dye plants on a little less than a quarter of an acre on the Get Bentz Farm to begin their research. Now, one year into the 23-month grant, Bartsch reflected on their background, the importance of the dye plant industry, and how the grant can create a new option for Midwest farmers.

An interest in textile production blossomed while Bartsch attended college at the University of Minnesota, majoring in Sculpture and Fashion Studies. While participating in an apparel program,

Bartsch gravitated toward a more “agricultural pursuit.” Bartsch noted, “I was really interested in everything that led up to making fabric.”

Bartsch began learning more about the full “sheep to shawl” process by any avenue available: attending classes, reading books, and watching videos about spinning, weaving, and dye plants. Living in the cities, Bartsch rented a community garden plot and planted herbs and natural dye plants.

Dubbing 2014 “the year of wool,” Bartsch interned at farms learning firsthand from shepherds and also worked at a fiber mill in Hastings. Bartsch recalled dye plants were more in the background during that time, but noted that working with dye plants was something which “came natural, was enjoyable, and soothing.” A few years later, Bartsch shifted focus toward working with dye plants and began teaching classes.

Synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyester and spandex are often made with petroleum. Bartsch pointed out that our largest and most porous organ is our skin. To use naturally-colored fabric, Bartsch stated, “is so much better for the environment and all parties involved.”

Bartsch noted that while restaurants are making a point to offer local foods on their menus and consumers may be more interested in buying clothing from local designers, concepts such as ethical fabric, fabric traceability, and understanding color origins are still relatively new.

Bartsch noted the local fashion industry is “missing the infrastructure to have yards of local fabric available.” By increasing the number of sustainable dye gardens throughout the region, Bartsch hopes to alleviate some supply chain gaps for designers, artists, and makers and allow them to have more availability of naturally dyed fabrics and yarns while also implementing ethical practices and providing more transparency about the agricultural practices used.

Bartsch’s plan also brings farmers another option to diversify. By becoming part of a cooperative, farmers with even a fraction of a spare acre can incorporate dye plants into their crop rotation. “A joint venture is the way to increase scale,” Bartsch explained.

Because of the plants’ structures, dye gardens require hands-on work. Bartsch used the French Marigold as a harvesting example. “The flowers don’t just sit on top. You have to go around the whole plant,” they said. Bartsch stated using a tractor or implement would not be practical, and while thought has been put into how certain tools could be adapted

Photos submitted

Salt of the North Dyes hosts U-pick dye nights where customers can harvest their own plants. Since there is no mechanical way to pick the flowers, all of the work must be done by hand.

Black-eyed Susans are just one of the many varieties grown.

Bartsch cataloging plant types for other growers

SALT OF THE NORTH, from pg. 14

to save time and be more ergonomic, hand-picking flowers is often required.

Since the size of the farm needed doesn’t match the crop due to this manual need, Bartsch anticipates an individually-owned natural dye farm business would have a difficult time producing the amount of flowers required to reap a return. Bartsch believes, however, there is success to be found in forming a cooperative of farmers each designating a portion of their land to dye plants.

With the grant from NCR-SARE, Bartsch intends to work out the initial growing pains of the process; so farmers who are interested in joining a cooperative, but are new to the dye plant industry, can have some of the problem solving already done for them. At the end of the 23 month period, Bartsch will have a report available online for farmers to easily access. Bartsch stated there will be photos, graphs, and charts accompanying the report.

If a farmer has a certain value-added crop in mind, there will be specific information provided so they can envision how that could look for their own Midwest farm. Farmers will be able to see, for example, how certain species react to drought, heat and high humidity. There will be information about what native pollinators may be drawn in and what nutrients will be put into the soil. Bartsch also hopes to have details regarding the time investment required and the return that could be expected from using a quarter of an acre for dye plants.

This past year, Bartsch and Bentz partnered with Trinity Muller, a natural dyer and owner of Petal & Hank. Muller dehydrated fresh harvests and completed dye tests on yarn and fab-

rics to analyze colors. Bartsch used this collaboration as an example of another benefit of a cooperative as there are different pieces of the process to get from plant to fabric. By working together, Bartsch stated, “we can leverage our skill sets.” Due to the Midwest’s specific growing climate, Bartsch believes that with a community approach, the region has the potential to not only strengthen the local supply chain, but to contribute as an international plant dye provider as well.

Along with the grant project, Bartsch continues to teach an array of classes and workshops in a variety of settings: schools, art institutions, and festivals. Some of the topics include an intro to plant-based dyes, starting a garden, fall garden wrap-up, detailed textile analysis, spinning, and hand-stitching. One of Bartsch’s recent workshops focused on natural indigo, which had been commonly used on denim, but has since been mostly swapped for synthetic indigo dye.

For those interested in dye gardens, Bartsch has advice for beginners. “Think about looking at whatever you have in your garden as an opportunity to have a crossover. A lot of herbs are natural dye plants,” referencing fennel, rosemary and dill. As far as flowers go, Bartsch lists marigolds, zinnias, cosmos and sunflowers as quality plants to start with. “They produce a lot of flowers, are really easy to care for. All the color comes from the flowers. You can put them in a pot and then cook them. The color will come right out of the flower.”

To learn more about Salt of the North Dyes, visit Bartsch’s Instagram account, salt_of_the_north. To see a list of upcoming events, click on the link in the provided bio. v

Horses from Burning Daylight Draft Farms are used to prepare Bartsch’s garden.

Grain Outlook Little optimism for corn market

The following marketing analysis is for the week ending March 10.

CORN — Corn began the week on a sour note which carried throughout the week with losses mounting in post-World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates trading. May corn dipped to seven-month lows and closed lower for four straight sessions before posting a bounce on March 10.

Here’s the recap from the March 8 WASDE report: U.S. ending stocks were increased 75 million bushels to 1.342 billion bushels by slashing exports by an identical amount. This was a slightly larger cut than expected with the average ending stocks trade guess at 1.308 billion bushels. This is the second-lowest stocks number in the last nine years. The stocks-to-use ratio grew from 9.1 to 9.6 percent. The average farm price was lowered a dime to $6.60 per bushel.

World corn ending stocks were 296.46 million metric tons compared to the average estimate of 293.17 mmt and last month’s 295.28 mmt forecast. Brazil’s corn production was unchanged this month at 125 mmt which is up 9 mmt from last year; but their exports, at 50 mmt (1.968 billion bushels), were only up 1.5 mmt from last year. If accurate, Brazil’s exports this year would outpace U.S. exports of 1.85 billion bushels. The average trade guess was 124.86 mmt. For Argentina, their corn production was chopped by 7 mmt from last month to 40 mmt which is down 10.9 mmt from last year and the smallest in seven years. Argentina’s corn exports were lowered by 7 mmt to 28 mmt. China’s corn imports were unchanged at 18 mmt.

The day after the WASDE report, the Rosario Grain Exchange cut Argentina’s corn crop by 7.5 mmt to 35 mmt. The exchange indicated the numbers could go even lower, saying “there are no weather conditions on the horizon which allow us to offer an estimated minimum for the harvest.” Argentina’s corn rating was down 1 percent at 5 percent good/ excellent and compared to 27 percent good/excellent last year. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange cut their Argentine corn estimate to 37.5 mmt from 41 mmt previously. Conab raised its Brazilian corn production outlook by 1 mmt to a record 124.7 mmt and increased the export forecast by 1 mmt to 48 mmt.

Cash Grain Markets

exporter doesn’t use their licenses during the specified time frame they are penalized.

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center says La Niña has ended, neutral conditions are in place, and El Niño could form during this summer and last through the fall. There is a 50 percent chance the El Niño pattern will begin by JulyAugust-September. This would indicate for now that we could have normal summer weather.

Outlook: Next up on the report schedule are the Prospective Planting and Grain Stocks reports to be released on March 31. The market will anxiously await trade estimates. The Black Sea grain deal expires on March 18. Talks among the parties will be held in the upcoming days. If either Ukraine or Russia objects to extending the agreement it won’t happen.

On March 6, Ag Rural estimated Brazil’s safrinha corn planting was 70 percent complete vs. 80 percent last year.

Weekly export sales were the third highest of the marketing year at 55.6 million bushels and above the highest trade estimate. This keeps total commitments 39 percent behind last year at 1.206 billion bushels. We need to average 22.4 million bushels per week of sales to hit the new export forecast of 1.85 billion bushels which is down 25 percent from last year.

Weekly ethanol production was up 7,000 barrels per day at 1.01 million bpd. Ethanol stocks were a record for this week at 25.32 million barrels and up 545,000 barrels for the week. Net margins improved by three cents to 21 cents per gallon. Weekly gasoline demand fell from 9.112 million bpd to 8.562 million bpd. For the marketing year, gasoline demand is down 5.1 percent from last year.

We are nearing the expiration of the Black Sea grain agreement on March 18. Talks will take place next week and, in my opinion, it will come down to the wire whether an extension will be given. If one party objects, the deal is off.

Comments by Federal Reserve Chairman Powell this week sent a negative signal to the ag markets. He indicated the Federal Reserve may be more aggressive on rate hikes due to strong economic growth so far this year. Traders are now expecting the March interest rate hike to be 50-basis points vs. earlier expectations for a 25-basis point increase. Higher interest rates are usually bearish for ag commodities and increase the carrying costs of grain.

Argentina’s government will allow exporters to postpone using corn export licenses between March 1 and July 31 by up to 180 days due to drought conditions cutting new crop supplies. Normally, if an

This week’s non-farm payroll report sent the U.S. dollar plunging to end the week which supplied the corn market with some profit-taking and a small bounce to break the four-day losing streak. We may be setting up for rangebound trade at a much lower level than we’ve recently seen as we head into the March 31 reports.

For the week, May corn tumbled 22.5 cents to $6.17.25, July dropped 21.5 cents to $6.06.5, and December was 13.25 cents lower at $5.57.75 per bushel.

SOYBEANS — Soybean trading looked supported in the first half of the week but began to fade in the second half of the week after the WASDE report. The new crop November contract suffered the largest loss; but even it was moderate.

The March WASDE report sliced the U.S. soybean crush by another 10 million bushels after lowering it by 15 million bushels last month. Exports countered the reduction with an increase of 25 million bushels to 2.015 billion bushels. Ending stocks fell 15 million bushels back to 210 million bushels. This is the lowest stocks figure in the last seven years. The stocksto-use ratio fell from 5.2 to 4.8 percent, but the average farm price was unchanged at $14.30 per bushel.

World ending stocks were slightly lower than anticipated at 100 mmt vs. 100.28 mmt estimated and 102.03 mmt last month. China’s soybean imports were unchanged at 96 mmt. Brazil’s soybean crop was unchanged at 153 mmt and in line with prereport estimates. Based on their February to January crop year, their soybean exports were 96.5 mmt vs. 77.1 mmt last year. Argentina’s soybean crop was chopped by 8 mmt to 33 mmt vs. estimates for 36.35 mmt. This would be their smallest soybean crop since 2008-09. Based on their April to March marketing year, their crush was pegged at 35.3 mmt, down from 37.2 mmt last year. Argentina’s ending stocks were 4 mmt vs. 6 mmt last year. There is talk in the trade that Argentina’s soybean crop could be sub-30 mmt. Argentina’s soybean crop rating was

Asian demand for cheese is strong, lacking elsewhere

MIELKE, from pg. 13

down 1.1 percent after dropping 2.4 percent on Feb. 21.

StoneX says GDT 80 percent butterfat butter price equates to $2.1678 per pound U.S., down a penny after gaining 7.8 cents on Feb. 21. Chicago Mercantile Exchange butter closed March 10 at $2.3325. GDT cheddar, at $2.0452, was down a whopping 26.2 cents after gaining 4.8 cents last time, and compares to March 10’s CME block Cheddar at $1.78. GDT skim milk powder averaged $1.2424 per pound, down from $1.2559, and whole milk powder averaged $1.4865 per pound, up from $1.4806. CME nonfat dry milk closed March 10 at $1.1750.

With less volume available for purchase, many regional purchases were lower than the last GDT, says Dustin Winston. However, “North Asian purchases, which includes China, were higher than last year as the region continues to stay above 50 percent market share since returning to this trend in February. Middle East and European purchases were also larger than last year.”

Cheese prices converged the first full week of March with the cheddar blocks falling to $1.78 per pound, down 17 cents on the week, lowest CME price since Sept. 6, and 41 cents below a year ago. The barrels climbed to a March 10 finish at $1.77, up 19.5 cents on the week, highest since Jan. 11, 24 cents below a year ago, and just a penny below the blocks.

Sales for the week totaled four cars of block and 50 of barrel.

Milk remains readily available for Midwest cheesemakers, says Dairy Market News, and spot milk prices reached a recent low, as $11 under Class III spots were reported. Milk offers are reportedly abundant and cheese production is as full as plant managers can make it. Cheese demand is reportedly fair in the region and stores are not getting ahead of processors. A number of varietal cheesemakers say orders are keeping storage at light to medium capacity.

Domestic cheese demand is strong to steady by Western retail and food service purchasers and a steady pace continues for finishing second quarter bookings. Some report sold out inventories for contract sales into June. Export demand remains mixed, with strong Asian demand, while others note soft demand. Barrel sales continue to outpace blocks however barrel inventories remain heavier. Cheese production is strong as plenty of milk continues to be available, though more milk is shifting into hardItalian type and aged-cheese schedules.

Cash butter closed March 10 at $2.3325 per pound, down 1.25 cents on the week and 37.75 cents below a year ago. There were three sales reported

for the week.

Central butter makers say cream remains ample but slightly lower than previous weeks. Cream cheese processors are pulling slightly on the stores of cream but regional churns are finding cream locally and from the near-Western states. Spring holiday demand has picked up, as some plants relay food service and retail demand is meeting expectations. Market tones are “unassured,” says Dairy Market News

Cream is plentiful in the west but balanced to ample for needs. Butter production is steady. Retail demand is light to weak. Some say below forecast sales for the upcoming spring holiday season are contributing to inventories remaining heavy.

CME nonfat dry milk fell to $1.1650 per pound on March 7 (the lowest since March 24), but closed March 10 at $1.1750. This is down a quarter-cent on the week, and 66.5 cents below a year ago, on 11 sales.

Dry whey finished March 10 at 44.25 cents per pound — a quarter-cent lower and 31.5 cents below a year ago, with three sales reported for the week at the CME.

In politics, the National Milk Producers Federation, Consortium for Common Food Names, U.S. Dairy Export Council and a coalition of others prevailed in an ongoing battle to protect the right of producers to use generic names in the United States.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

upheld prior decisions of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in finding “gruyere” to be a generic term for a variety of cheese.

Meanwhile, “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s unwillingness to limit dairy terms to true dairy products makes passage of the Dairy Pride Act more necessary than ever,” says Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) in a podcast this week.

“They’re going to continue to allow mislabeled imitation products to be on the market,” Baldwin said. “Wisconsin farmers work so hard to meet the FDA standards of nutrition and quality. They can’t put the word ‘milk’ on the side of a carton of milk unless they meet those standards. It is not fair for plantbased products to be able to say they’re milk when they don’t meet those standards.”

Also, a bipartisan group of seven senators and 28 representatives called on the USDA to abandon a proposal to reduce the amount of milk and dairy provided to mothers and children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC. The USDA’s proposal would eliminate as much as three gallons or more of milk per month for WIC mothers and their children, a cut that members of Congress say will have “unintended and significant negative effects.”

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

Argentine soybean crop smallest since 1999

NYSTROM, from pg. 16

unchanged at 2 percent good/excellent; but the poor/ very poor category was up 4 percent at 71 percent.

The Rosario Grain Exchange is pegging Argentina’s soybean crop at 27 mmt which would be the smallest crop since 1999. They added the crop could continue to shrink. Argentina’s BAGE lobbed 4.3 mmt off their last soybean estimate to 29 mmt. Oil World surmised Argentina’s soybean crop could be as low as 25 mmt. It’s been estimated that nearly half of Argentina’s soybean area has received less than half of normal rain in the last three months.

Conab lowered Brazil’s soybean production by 1.5 mmt to 151.4 mmt which would still be a record crop. As of March 6, AgRural estimated Brazil’s soybean harvest at 43 percent complete vs. 55 percent complete last year.

Weekly export sales were dismal with net cancellations of 900,000 bushels and the lowest of the marketing year. The cancellations were to Pakistan and unknown. Total export commitments are 7 percent behind last year at 1.79 billion bushels with the

newly-increased export projection. We need to average 8.3 million bushels of sales per week to hit the new 2.015 billion bushel export forecast.

Outlook: Soybeans did not take the severe hit that corn took this week, but it was weaker, nonetheless. Sharply lower palm oil prices spilled over to the soyoil market which lent underlying pressure to soybeans. Soybeans were able to hold above the previous week’s lows and in general stayed above support levels to stay within recent trading ranges. This may continue as the market watches export activity and prepares for the planting and stock reports at the end of the month.

For the week, May soybeans fell 11.75 cents to $15.07, July was 11.25 cents lower at $14.94.75, and November was down 15.5 cents at $13.57.5 per bushel.

Weekly price changes in May wheat for the week ended March 10: Chicago wheat crumbled 29.5 cents to $6.79.25, Kansas City fell 18 cents to $7.98.25, and Minneapolis dove 48.25 cents to $8.24.5 per bushel.v

FSA is taking CRP applications until April 7

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency has announced a sign-up period for the Conservation Reserve Program in 2023 that will extend from now until April 7 at local FSA offices. The current CRP sign-up period will be for renewing existing CRP contracts and adding farmland acres into the General CRP program.

later this year or beyond. There are three different CRP programs agricultural producers and landowners can enroll in:

in the United States were accepted through the General CRP sign-up period in 2022, representing approximately 90 percent of the acres that were offered for bid.

FARM PROGRAMS

By Kent Thiesse

MARKETING

Landowners can sign-up for the Continuous CRP program throughout the year and the sign-up period for the Grassland CRP program will be announced by USDA at a later date. The CRP program offered on a voluntary basis through USDA. The CRP program can be used as a tool by landowners and the agricultural community to invest in the long-term protection and well-being of their land and natural resources.

The CRP program has a long history of promoting conservation practices and farmland stewardship in the United States. The CRP program was established in December of 1985 as part of the 1985 Farm Bill and has remained part of every Farm Bill since that time. The maximum acreage and primary goals of the CRP program have changed over the years. However, the CRP program has been a centerpiece of the Conservation Title every time a new Farm Bill has been written. There may be some adjustments to the CRP program; however, CRP will likely remain a key component of the Conservation Title when the next Farm Bill is completed

General CRP — The General CRP program has only been altered slightly since the CRP program was initiated in 1985. The goal of the General CRP program is to offer producers and landowners the opportunity to put larger land parcels into a 10-year or 15-year CRP contract, and in return receive an annual rental payment from USDA for the acres of tillable farmland enrolled into CRP. The CRP acres are usually seeded into approved long-term grasses and trees to control soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat. More recently, the General CRP program also includes “climate-smart practices” to help increase carbon sequestration and the removal greenhouse gases. Landowners offer land into the General CRP program through a bidding process that includes an acceptable CRP rental rate for the length of the contract. The General CRP rental rates cannot exceed 85 percent of the average cash rental rate in a given county. USDA evaluates all bids submitted through an “Environmental Benefits Index” which takes into account the value of the land parcel for protecting the soil, improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitat, and reducing greenhouse gases, as well as considering the annual cost based on the desired rental rate. A total of 2.1 million acres

Continuous CRP — Under Continuous CRP, landowners and producers can enroll in the CRP program at any time during the year. USDA accepts all land parcels that are offered through Continuous CRP into the CRP program, provided that the land meets the established requirements for the program.

Many times, Continuous CRP is used on smaller land parcels that have specific environmental benefits, such as near rivers, streams, or drainage ditches, or to re-establish wetlands.

The last Farm Bill set the maximum annual payment rate for Continuous CRP at 90 percent of the average county rental rate. However, there has been legislation passed by Congress since the last Farm Bill that have enhanced some financial opportunities through the program.

The Continuous CRP program can be part of special programs such as the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program, and the Clean Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers Initiative (CLEAR30). Many times, these special programs are only offered in specific States. Landowners should check with local FSA or Natural Resource Conservation (NRCS) offices for details. Local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offices are also a good resource for these special initiatives that involve both USDA and State resources.

Grassland CRP — The Grassland CRP program is a newer initiative and is a “working-lands” program available to landowners, ranchers and farmers. The goal of the Grassland CRP initiative is to protect grassland, rangeland, and pastures, while maintaining these areas as working grazing lands. These goals are reached by introducing plant species and management practices that provide biodiversity of plant and animal populations, as well as providing important carbon sequestration benefits.

There are currently more than 5 million acres enrolled in the Grassland

CRP program, including more than 3.1 million new acres that were accepted into the program in 2022. The Grassland CRP program has become quite popular with landowners and ranchers in the Western and Plains states. Interested parties should check with their local FSA or NRCS office for more details on Grassland CRP.

The initial goal of CRP was to reduce soil erosion on highly erodible cropland and to help curb the overproduction of farm commodities. Secondary objectives of CRP included improving water quality, fostering wildlife habitat, and providing income support to farmers. More recently, the CRP program has been identified as a valuable tool through the Federal government as a method to promote carbon sequestration on working farmland. Currently, getting farmland enrolled into the CRP program is being challenged by very positive economic returns from crop production and by tight grain supplies worldwide, as well as by higher cash rental rates for farmland.

As of Dec. 31 there were a total of just under 23 million acres enrolled in the CRP program, which is about 4 million acres below the maximum level of 27 million acres for 2023 established in the last Farm Bill. Of the total CRP acres, approximately 8.45 million acres are enrolled under a General CRP contract, 7.16 million acres in Continuous CRP, and 6.3 million acres enrolled in the grassland program, with the balance of the acres in CREP, wetlands and other special CRP initiatives. The 2018 Farm Bill set a maximum of 27 million acres, and USDA would like to reach this goal by the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30. Current CRP contracts will expire on approximately 2 million acres on Sept. 30.

The total annual Federal budget outlay for the CRP program in the 2022 fiscal year was just over $1.83 billion, including $1.73 billion paid in annual rental payments to landowners with acres in enrolled in the CRP program. In addition, USDA allocated $68 million in cost-share payments to landowners for establishing desired practices and plant species on CRP acres and $31 million as special incentive

Flowers is developing children’s course on healthy soil

KRISTY K, from pg. 11

natural and renewable replacement for peat moss,” Flowers said. “Our coir comes straight from India and is always triple-washed but without using sodium or chemical treatments to keep it environmentally friendly. Still, coconut coir can be a little tricky as its water retention is a bit better but it is prone to compaction. That’s why we mix it with rice hulls for more aeration and viability. The rice hulls are similar to how perlite or pumice would do in potting soil.”

Kristy K Organics also sells pelletized chicken manure that can be mixed with the compost, bark fines, or coirrice hull blend to give plants a nitrogen bump. The chicken manure pellets can be used in the garden or lawn on their

own as well.

In addition to providing products to build soil health in the garden or on the lawn, Flowers is working on developing a course to teach children about the importance of a biologically active and healthy soil.

“I’ve always been fascinated by life — how it can be so small and yet so powerful,” she said. “As a kid, I would use my brother’s microscope to look at life in the water. It amazed me that something so small could be everywhere.”

Kristy K Organics can be found at www.kristykorganics.com . Kristy Flowers, the Manageress of Humus, can be reached via email at growwith@kristykorganics.com v

CRP examined in next farm bill

THIESSE, from pg. 18

payments through the Continuous CRP program. The overall average rental rate for land in the CRP program in the United States in 2022 was $78 per acre. This includes average CRP rental rates of $57 per acre for General CRP, $140 per acre for Continuous CRP, $172 per acre for farmable wetlands, $209 per acre for CREP, and $16 per acre for Grassland CRP.

The future of the CRP program is likely to garner considerable discussion during the next few months as the next Farm Bill is being developed and written. The CRP program has a long and successful history of preventing soil erosion, improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitat, and aiding in carbon sequestration.

While it may seem quite logical to utilize expansion of the CRP program to reach further goals related to environmental stewardship and carbon sequestration, there could be some

obstacles in accomplishing those goals. Commodity prices for corn and soybeans and farm profit levels in the past two years have been at the highest levels in the past decade, resulting in higher land rental rates in many areas. This makes it difficult to convince farmers and landowners to take farmland out of production to enroll in the CRP program or to re-enroll some expiring CRP acreage, unless there are some added financial incentives.

For more information on the current CRP enrollment, expiring CRP acres, rental rates, etc., landowners and farmers should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office or refer to the USDA CRP web site at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.

Kent Thiesse is a government farm programs analyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 7262137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank. com. v

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

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

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

Massey 1652/cab/loader …….......………. $37,900

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’21 NH T7.260 ………............………… $169,000

’18 NH Boomer 55/cab/loader ……......… $43,000

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

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

’13 NH Workmaster 35w/loader ……...…. $18,500

Bobcat CT440 w/loader ……........… $16,900

Kubota/cab/loader …….....................…… $29,500

TILLAGE

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

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

PLANTERS

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

White 6186 16-30 w/liq …....…...................……. $15,900

Taking 2023 New Spring Orders

COMBINES

NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead Call

’02 Gleaner R62 …...............................……… $53,500

’02 Gleaner R62 ……………...................……. $35,000

’94 Gleaner R72 ………….......................…… $27,000

Gleaner

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

One Call Does It All!

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

Call The Land for more information

507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665

Feed Seed Hay

Hay for sale: Big Square 3x3x8 Grass/Alfalfa. $100 each 5+$95. 4x5 rounds $90, 5+$85. Mostly 2nd of 3 crops. Stored inside no rain. Delivery available up to semi load. Discounts available. Owatonna. 507-213-0560. Also Certified Seed Potatoes For Sale. Souba Greenhouse

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

www.thelandonline.com

Fertilizer & Chemical

Glyphosate 5.4 totes, $20.95 Gen Liberty totes, $44.95; Enlist 1 totes, $46.95. Surestart 2 totes, $44.95. 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

Farm Equipment

72” skidloader snowblower, exc cond, $5,795; 1830 Case IH 12R30” row cultivator, $6,750; Case IH 5300 grain drill 24’ tandem unit, $7,500; Rock Bucket for skidloader, 78”, $1,095. 507-240-0294

FOR SALE: NH T4-75 tractor loader, 4x4, CAH, 1000 hrs, $39,900; JD 6430, premium, loaded, $44,900; NH LX665 skid loader, new tires & bucket, $15,900 Best offer or trade. 612-719-6524

Please support the advertisers you see here. Tell them you saw their ad in The Land!

Farm Equipment

FOR SALE: Case IH 900 8R planter, trash whippers, good condition. IH 1083 cornhead, poly, knives, chains, sprockets, very good condition. 612-749-9648

FOR SALE: Brett 880 grain cart w/ tarp, nice shape, $26,900. Located at C&D Equipment near Edgerton MN. Call Tim at 815-988-2074

FOR SALE: JD 1209 haybine, MF discbine, Parker gravity box JD running gear. 320-286-5931

FOR SALE: New Industries America heavy duty 120R 8 way box blade, $7,500. 320293-1432 or 320-260-2213

Thank You Farmers!

Farm Equipment

WANTED: Trying to find my grandfather’s first tractor. Farmall H Serial # FBH45464. Traded in Rock Rapids, Iowa in 1950. Ph 507-227-4114

We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910 White 6122 12R30” liquid $8,500; HD 10’ Sovema 3pt tiller, $6,500; Older Dagelman rock picker, $900; 6-JD 10” ripper points at 75%, $450/all; 4 front disc, complete assemblies for JD 2700 ripper; $300/ea. 952-212-3328

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

MARING LLC

Open House: Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Directions to Farm Site: From Montgomery, MN Go 3 Miles South on State Highway 13 to State Highway 99, East on Highway 99, 2¾ Miles

–PARCEL 1–

2.42 Acre Country Building Site, 1 Story Home, 3 BR, 1 Bath, 2 Car

Detached Garage, 2 Story Barn, 28’x72’ Machine Shed, Other Out Buildings

***Property Address: 11876 140 St W, Montgomery, MN 56069

***PID #: 05.32.2.25.001

***Area: 2.42 Acres, Just

Surveyed

***House: Built 1952, 1370

Sq. Ft., 3 BR, 1 Bath, All Appliances

***2016 New Hot Water Heater

***Forced Air Heat/AC

***2 Car Detached Garage

***28’x72’ Machine Shed

***2 Story Barn, Other Out Building

***Private Septic; NonConforming, New Buyer Shall be Responsible for All Upgrading of Septic System

***Good Private Well

***Great Country Living

–PARCEL 2–

76.95 Acres of Prime Bare Ag Land, Part of West Half of the NW 1/4 of Section 32, Erin TWP., Rice Co., MN

***76.95 Acres, Just Surveyed

***PID #: 05.32.2.25.001

***Tillable Acres: 58.8 Acres

***Pasture or Meadow Land: 14.80 Acres

***CPI: 79.7, Good Clay Loam Soils

***Some Older Drain Tile in Place

*** To Be Sold 76.95 x $ Amount Bid

***Can be Operated in 2023 By New Owner

2018 FORD EDGE, 1998 FORD F-150, MF 285 TRACTOR, ATV, POWER AND HAND TOOLS

‘18 Ford Edge, AWD, 24,800 Act. Miles, V6, Very Clean; ‘98 Ford F-150, 4x4, Ext. Cab, 4.6L V8, Auto, 139,950 Miles, XLT; Massey Ferguson 285 Tractor, Cab, 18.4x34, 2 Hyd., 540PTO, 5121 Hours; Arctic Cat 400 ATV, 4x4, 2914 Miles, Auto; JD 270 3 Pt. Snow Blower, 540 PTO; Toro 1500 Series Titan HD Zero Turn Mower, 60” Deck; Huskee Pro GT Garden Tractor, 22 hp, 50”; Swisher ATV Bucket, Front Mount; John Deere ATV Snow Blade; Yard Machine 21” Snow Blower, 3.5 hp; Huskee Front Tine Garden Tiller, 5 hp; Huskee 48” Lawn Sweeper; 9’ Chisel Plow, 3 Pt. ; Load Hog Yard Cart; Massey Ferguson 5 Bar Hay Rake; Case 2x14’s Plow; 14’ Digger; New Holland 47 Semi Mount Sickle Mower, 7’; 3 Pt. Bale Mover; New Holland 68 Small Square Baler; John Deere 4x16’s Plow; 14’ Flat Rack with MN 6 Ton Running Gear; 450 AMP Battery Jump Pack; Sanborn 3 hp Air Compressor; Lincoln AC 225 Welder; Assortment of Hand Tools; Wash Tubs; Milk Cans; Scrap Iron

PICK UP DATES:

Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Monday, April 10, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

MN 56069

Marvin G David Estate, Seller

BARE

Saturday March 25 –Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Auction Starts Closing at 6 PM!

“Experience with Integrity For Your Auction”

FARMLAND AND BUILDING SITE

TMRA NOTE: To settle the Estate of Lyle and Lorraine Meeker this 158.19 +/- acre farm will be sold at a TMRA 10-Day Online Real Estate Auction giving everyone an equal opportunity to participate in purchasing the farm. This excellent farm will be sold in 2 parcels.

LOCATION: 32752 211th Ave Chatfield, MN 55923 – Section 12, Jordan Township, Fillmore County

www.maringauction.com to Register & Bid or Call 1-800-801-4502 with Any Questions

PARCEL 1 BARE LAND: Consisting of 127.48 +/- surveyed acres of which 84.41 +/- acres are good productive tillable ground with a CPI rating of 82.4 with mostly Fayette Silt Loam.

PARCEL 2 BUILDING SITE: Consisting of 30.65 +/- surveyed acres and encompasses a beautiful building site with a nice 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom ranch style home and numerous outbuildings. This Hobby Farm will give endless opportunity for you the buyer to enjoy There will be a new septic system installed in Spring of 2023 for the home. This parcel will also include 6.09 +/- acres of tillable ground.

OPEN HOUSE DATES: Friday, March 3rd, 10AM – Noon, Saturday March 18, 1 – 3PM; Or by Appointment

TERMS: Terms of sale include but not limited to buyer(s) being responsible to perform their own due diligence regarding all aspects of the purchase. Tony Montgomery Realty & Auction Company, (TMRA), is representing the seller exclusively on all aspects of this real estate sale. A 3% buyer’s fee will be added on to final bid price to achieve full contract purchase price. Buyer(s) shall have all financing secured before bidding on this auction as there will be no buyer contingencies accepted within this auction. There will be no contingencies allowed at this auction including, but not limited to, financing. Real Estate taxes due and payable in the year of 2023 are currently proposed at $2,836.00 and will be pro-rated between seller and buyer at closing. At the conclusion of the auction, buyer(s) and seller shall enter into a standard MN purchase agreement drafted by TMRA and buyer shall deposit non-refundable earnest money as time is of the essence. Earnest money deposited with TMRA shall be parcel #1 - $100,000, parcel #2 - $10,000. Closing shall be on or before May 11th, 2023. Seller, TMRA and all representatives of before mentioned are making no warranties or guarantees other than tha stipulated in a Warranty Deed.

REGISTRATION: All interested bidders will be required to pre-register with TMRA at www.tmracompany.com to bid on this auction. See website for full Terms & Conditions.

Meeker Estate – Owner

Broker: Maring Auction & Realty Lic# 40241191

Tractors

FOR SALE: JD 8640, low hours, 3pt, PTO, Rock Box, New cab interior, very well maintained, always shedded, always been on a small farm. $31,000. 507-213-0600

FOR SALE: John Deere 620, new paint, runs good, carburetor redone; John Deere 530, runs good, NF; 3 and 4 bottom plows for sale.

507-380-4380

Tractors

FOR SALE: 2018 340 row trac, CVT, 878 hrs, 120” spacing, 6 hydraulics, all options. Rented land out. 320-808-5723

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

LARGE LIVE & ONLINE FARM ESTATE AUCTION

Grain Handling Equipment

FOR SALE: 2 - Brent wagons, model 744; 1 - Demco wagon model 650 w/ tarp. 507-318-9645

Livestock Equipment

FOR SALE: Stainless steel fence line dry hog feeders, many sizes. 507-383-7858

Albert Lea, MN

Wanted

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

WANTED: Case IH MX100, MX110, MX120, or MX135. Also JD 450 or 780 manure spreader, good or for parts. 320-630-8131

Case 1845C & 1835 Skid Loaders

Case 1845C Dsl Skid Loader, 5221 Hrs., Aux. Hyd., Sims Enclosed Cab, Clean; Case 1835 Dsl Skid Loader, 2990 Hrs., Clean; Virnig 96” Material Bucket; Viking 72” Rock Bucket; Land Plane 72” Skid Loader Plate; Set of Skid Loader Pallet Forks

In order to help Settle the Estate of Otto Homburg, there will be a Public Auction

Auction Location: 8640 80th St W Lonsdale, MN 55046, From Main St in Lonsdale, MN Go South to the T, Right First Place

Saturday, April 1, 2023 • 9:00 a.m.

COMPLETE DETAILS AND ONLINE BIDDING AT

www.maringauction.com

PREVIEW DATES:

Saturday, March 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday, March 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(13)JD and IHC Farmall Tractors

JD 4320 Diesel, 7359 Hrs., 20.8x38, Side Console, Cab, Sharp; JD 4020

Diesel, 1509 Hrs. Showing, PS, Front Weights, Very Sharp; JD 4000 Gas, 3942 Hrs., JD 158 Loader, 18.4x34, Side Console, New Style Step; JD 3020 Gas, 1516 Hrs. Showing, 16.9x34, WF, Rock Box, New Style Step; JD 7520 4x4, 6712 Hrs., 3 Pt., 3 Hyd., Quick Hitch, 18.4x38, AC/Heat, Sharp ; JD 630 Gas, NF, 3 Pt., Fenders; JD 530 Gas, 1263 Hrs. Showing, 3 Pt., Fenders, 13.9x36; JD MC Crawler, Gas, 60” Dozer Blade, 11.5” Tracks, PTO; JD A Styled, 13.6x38, Rock Shaft, Electric Start; JD B Styled, Electric Start, 11.2x38; Farmall Super MTA Dsl, WF, Fenders, 15.5x38; Farmall Super H, Fenders, NF, Wheel Weights, 12.4x38; Farmall 450 Gas, NF, After Marker 3 Pt., Fenders, 15.5x38 ; Farmall Super C, WF, Fast Hitch, 11.2x36; Ford 2000 Gas, 1008 Hrs. Showing, One Armed Hyd. Loader, Wheel Weights, 3 Pt., 13.6x36; Farmall M, Fenders, Belt Pulley, 15.5x38, Wheel Weights; Misc. Tractor Chains; Tractor Front Weights

1940s Caterpillar D-6 Crawler

1940’s Caterpillar D-6 Crawler, 6 Cyl. Dsl, 18” Tracks, Converted to All Hyd., 540 PTO, 2 Hyd., 10’ Blade

GMC 2500HD, Chevy Conversion Van, Chevy C10

‘04 GMC 2500HD, 12,680 Act. One Owner Miles, 6.0L Gas, 4 Door, 4x4, Auto, Leather, Loaded, Like New, Red; ‘80 Chevy C10, 4x4, Auto, 69,500 Miles, Ex. Condition, Western 7.5’ Snowplow; ‘85 Chevy C20 Waldoch Conversion Van, 5.0 V8, Auto, Clean, 90,500 Miles; ‘97 Cadillac Seville, Leather, 4.6L V8, 64,300 Miles;

‘86 Chevy 37’ Mallard Motorhome, 47,850 Miles, V8 Gas, Auto, Tandem Real Duals,

Haying & Forage Equip., Livestock Machinery, Grain Truck NH BR740A Round Baler, Twine or Net, Silage Special, 80” Pickup Monitor, 1874 Bales, Clean; JD 936 Moco, 11.6’ Cut, 1000 PTO, Flail Conditioner, Clean ; JD 640 Hay Rake, Tricycle Front; JD 717 Rotary Mower, 3 Pt., 540 PTO; Gehl 520 12 Wheel Rake, Hyd. Fold; JD 34 Manure Spreader, Single Axle; NH 165 Manure Spreader, Single Axle; Calico 6’x16’ Livestock Trl, Front Tack Cabinet, Center Gate; (2) PCM-500 Bale Feeders ; Sioux Poly Mineral Feeder; Sioux Poly Lick Tubs; Wooden & Poly Feed Bunks ; Vet Supplies; SI 14’ Feeder Wagon; Raths 299RH Snowblower, 9’, 3 Pt., Hyd. Spout; 3 Pt. Post Hole Auger, 12”; JD 300 42’ Elevator; EZ-Flow 220 Gravity Box, 8T Running Gear; 550 Gal. Fuel Tank, Electric Pump; ‘79 Chevy C-60 Single Axle Grain Truck, 6 Cyl., 5x2 Trans., 27,830 Miles, 15’ Box and Hoist

Land Pride Drill, JD Drill, Tillage Machinery

Land Pride OS-1572 Overseed Drill, 3 Pt., Solid Stand, 540 PTO, 72” Grain & Grass Seed Box; JD 8300 Grain Drill, Grass Seeder, 13’x6”; DMI 527 Ripper, 5 Shank, Disc Levelers; Wilrich 32.5’ FC, 3 Bar Harrow; IHC 710 Plow, 3x18’s, Auto Reset; JD RWA Disc, 14.5’; Massey Ferguson 3 Pt. Digger, 14’

JD Lawn Tractors, Lawn & Garden Equip.

(8)JD Garden Tractors: 110, 112, 140, 212, 214, 317, 318, Gear and Hydro Drive; JD Garden Tractor Attachments: Rear Tiller, Snowblower, Power Brooms, Bagger, Lawn Carts; Stihl Weed Whips & Leaf Blower; AgriFab Mow-N-Vac, Pull Type, 206 CC; AgriFab Fertilizer Spreaders; Murry 5hp 24” Snowblower; Rupp Roadster 2 Mini Bike, restored

LARGE ONLINE ONLY ESTATE TOOL AUCTION

Bidding Opens: Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Bidding Starts Closing: Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

PAYMENT AND PICKUP DATES:

Thursday, March 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday, March 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

300+ Lots of Like New Tools

(3) Upright Air Compressors; Wire Feed and Stick Welders; Drill Press;

(7)200 Amp Battery Chargers; Parts Washer; Craftsman Tool Box; Hot Water Pressure Washer; Cold Water Pressure Washer; Floor Model Metal Band Saw; Cordless Drills; Many Cordless Tools; 40 Gallon Fuel Caddy; Tractor Parts and Filters; Welding Bench; Large Amount of Tools; Metal Shop Cabinets; Oil Cases; Log Chains and Binders; Ladders; Jacks; Jack Stands; Large Amount of New Never Used Products Online Only Auction Terms: Cash, Check, Credit Card. All Items Must Be Paid For On Pick Up Dates. All Item Sell AS-IS, 10% Buyers Premium On All Items.

Otto Homburg Estate, Seller

Livestock

FOR SALE: 60 farrowing crates with tri-bar and tender foot flooring; also 160 6-stall for sows & drop buckets. 320-583-9877

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

Miscellaneous

PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS

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

HJ Olson & Company 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336

REINKE IRRIGATION

Sales & Service

New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073

Classified line ads work!

507-345-4523

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

Taking Consignment I nformation For: Spring Consignment Auction

Bidding ends: Saturday, April 29th 55780 St Hwy 19, Winthrop, MN

Advertising deadline is March 31st

Auctioneer, Matt Mages: 507-276-7002

Marketing Manager, Tom Polich: 507-473-3755 Office: 507-647-3800

magesland.com

Your First Choice for Classifieds! Place Your Ad Today!

Livestock, Machinery, Farmland... you name it! People will buy it when they see it in The Land!

To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665

Mail to: The Land Classifieds, 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001

Fax to: 507-345-1027

Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com

Online at: www.thelandonline.com

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

•

•

•

•

Answers for I Love Dairy Word Search

EXCELLENT 120 ACRE FARM!

The ad prices listed are based on a basic classified line ad of 25 words or less. Ads running longer than 25 words will incur an added charge.

Now

EXTENDED COVERAGE -

FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 8,400 circ.

THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) -

Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 7,902 circ.

THE FREE PRESS (FP) -

Serving south central Minnesota, 11,157 circ.

STANDOUT OPTIONS

 Bold  Italic  Underline

 Web/E-mail links

EXTENDED COVERAGE must run the same number of times as The Land PAPER(S) ADDED FN CT FP (circle all options you want):

$7.70 X _____ each edition X _____ publications = STANDOUT OPTIONS

(THE LAND only) $2.00 per run: =

*  Photo  Border

(The Land only) $10.00 each, per edition. =

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

TOTAL =

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

Saturday March 18 –Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Auction Starts Closing at 6 PM!

“Experience with Integrity For Your Auction”

MN Lic. #79-06 Wi. Lic. #639-052

FARMLAND AND BUILDING SITE

TMRA NOTE: To settle the estate of Clair R Martin, this unique sesquicentennial (150 year) farm will be offered at TMRA 10-Day Online Land Auction giving everyone an equal opportunity to participate in purchasing the farm. Clair Martin had run a small engine repair shop on the farm for more than 30 years and now you will have a chance to purchase the farm.

LOCATION: 29131 Hwy 74, St. Charles, MN 55972 – Saratoga Township, Section 7, Winona County

THE FARM: The 120 +/- acre Farm will be offered in one parcel. The building site offers 2 homes. The main home is a 4-bedroom 2-bath home with numerous outbuildings. The building site also offers a second home that is a 1-bedroom 1-bath previously used for hired help on the farm. There is 1 well that serves both homes however each home has their own septic system. The farm land is comprised of 74.05 +/- acres of tillable ground with a CPI rating of 86. The majority of the soils on the farm are silt loams. The remaining land on the farm offers opportunity for pasture and/or recreational land.

OPEN HOUSE DATES: Friday, February 24, 10AM – Noon, Saturday, March 11, 1 – 3PM; Or by Appointment

TERMS: Terms of sale include but not limited to buyer(s) being responsible to perform their own due diligence regarding all aspects of the purchase. Tony Montgomery Realty & Auction Company, (TMRA), is representing the seller exclusively on all aspects of this real estate sale. A 3% buyer’s fee will be added on to final bid price to achieve full contract purchase price. Buyer(s) shall have all financing secured before bidding on this auction as there will be no buyer contingencies accepted within this auction. There will be no contingencies allowed at this auction including, but not limited to, financing. Real Estate taxes due and payable in the year of 2023 are currently proposed at $7,838.00 non-homestead and will be pro-rated between seller and buyer a closing. If the property would have been homesteaded, the 2023 proposed taxes would have been $4,506.00. At the conclusion of the auction, buyer(s) and seller shall enter into a standard MN purchase agreement drafted by TMRA and buyer shall deposit $100,000 in form of non-refundable earnest money as time is of the essence. Closing shall be on or before Friday, April 28, 2023. Seller, TMRA and all representatives of before mentioned are making no warranties or guarantees other than that stipulated in a Personal Representative’s Deed.

REGISTRATION: All interested bidders will be required to pre-register with TMRA at www.tmracompany.com to bid on this auction. See website for full Terms & Conditions.

Clair Martin Estate – Owner

10-DAY ONLINE REAL ESTATE AUCTION Tony

TIMED ONLINE AUCTION • MARCH 27 - 31, 2023

320.52 Deeded Acres / 295.75 Tillable Acres, Swenoda Township, Swift County, MN

PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS LOT

Lot 1 – The Northeast Quarter (NE¼) (LESS TWO ACRES) Section Nineteen (19), T-120-N, R-40-W, Swift County, Minnesota. This parcel consists of 158.99 Deeded Acres with 151.78 Tillable.

Lot 2 – The Southwest Quarter (SW¼) of Section Twenty-two (22), T-120-N, R-40-W, Swift County, Minnesota. This parcel consists of 161.53 Deeded Acres with 143.97 Tillable.

Timed online auction with bidding open 10 a.m. March 27 and closing 1 p.m. March 31, 2023.

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This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Tim King. Photos by Jan King.

Discover your artistic bones

Sauk Centre’s bright and spacious 510 Art Lab is called a maker space. That means, it’s a space where Lab members can find the tools and space to make anything from stained glass art to woven rugs to glazed and fired ceramic art and pots. It’s easy to join; but if you’re not a member you can attend one of the Art Lab’s classes.

“We recently had a pottery class in wheel throwing and trimming,” said Pam Borgman, the Lab’s manager. “Eight students took the class. We charged a nominal fee because we received a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. It was a three-session class for three hours each.”

“We also had a glass mosaic class where students made a six inch block of a glass mosaic pattern that will become part of a mosaic tabletop in the Lab. This class was free and was a two-session class held for six hours,” Borgman says.

Some people come to those classes thinking they don’t have an artistic bone in their body, Mike Disher, an Art Lab board member said. Then, people from as far away as Willmar, St. Cloud, and Alexandria discover their artistic bones for weaving, sewing, drawing and glass work. Disher discovered an interest in stained glass; and with the help of a mentor, videos, and tools available at the Lab, has turned that interest into a small business.

Sauk Centre, Minn.

“If you’re interested in something we’ve got all the tools that you need to experiment and learn,” Disher said. “If you’ve got a smart phone we’ve got QR codes in all the studios that are linked to instructional videos.”

“We offer memberships for three and nine months, and one year,” Borgman said. “Members are assigned a fob which allows them to enter the Lab from 7 a.m. to 11 at night. They have access to all of the equipment in the Lab, but do purchase some of their own supplies like clay, glazes and glass. Members also receive discounts for classes and can come to special events like Member Mondays.

Borgman pointed out most classes may increase in price once the State Arts Board grant funds run out. If you’re interested in classes she suggests checking the Lab’s website or Facebook regularly.

Currently on Facebook is a new Thursday evening paint-along class for both members and non-members. Participants will watch a video tutorial, be provided the necessary supplies, and even have a painting mentor. The classes fill up quickly.

The 510 Art Lab’s website is 510artlab. com v