The Land - Sept. 29, 2023

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Science is not easy, but necessary

An old French proverb says, “You are what you eat.” If this is true, our farm animals are pretty darn smart.

The Minnesota Nutrition Conference took place in Mankato, Minn. last week. The two-day event is organized by University of Minnesota Extension and sponsored by a who’s who of the ag and animal feed world. But the conference isn’t a promotional tool for these companies. There is no exhibit hall filled with vendors and nary a product mention (much less endorsement) to be found.

The name of the game at the Nutrition Conference is research. Hallways and meetings rooms were teeming with professors and scientists with IQ numbers rivaling my body weight. At every turn, serious discussions involving proteins, amino acids and energy density were taking place without anyone looking baffled or even disinterested.

By Paul Malchow

Day two of the conference was more specific in dealing with particular livestock, but offered little in the way of concrete solutions. “The data is too early to tell,” said University of Minnesota’s Brad Heins in his presentation, “Strategies to reduce the environmental impact of grazing dairy cattle.”

“Cows are all different and methane output will vary by the age of the animal and breed,” Heins said. “The bigger the cow the more methane produced.”

To their credit, presenters at the conference were true to their topics. There was no “dumbing down” the subject matter and no cute session titles. If you were attending “Increasing feed intake to spur positive impacts on whole-animal energy metabolism and milk production in lactating cows,” that’s what you were going to get.

The first day of the conference was made up of general sessions while the second day was broken down into four areas: dairy, swine, beef and poultry. Sustainability was a repeating theme on the first day and I was eager to learn exactly what sustainability was. Lara Moody, executive director of IFEEDER (Institute for Feed Education and Research) said sustainability is being driven by corporations who want to look good in the public eye –thus touting their “sustainability;” investors who want to make money by hitching their financial wagons to “sustainable” companies; and consumer trends (electric cars, etc.).

Moody was frank in her assessment of sustainability vs. making money. “You can’t be green if you’re in the red,” she stated.

My quest for a tried and true definition of sustainability was dashed when Moody said the definition of sustainability is different for different people.

Pedro Carvahlo, assistant professor and feedlot specialist at Colorado State University, continued the sustainability discussion. He said the beef industry is sustainable by providing economic, social and environmental impact. “Climate is driving the conversation,” Carvahlo said.

This being a nutrition conference, Heins addressed feeding seaweed to cows in an effort to reduce methane output. He said it is too early to assess the benefits of including seaweed in cows’ diets. While early tests show seaweed lowers methane output, questions remain concerning the level of chloroform in the milk and the safety of consumers. Plus, Heins said, “hauling seaweed long distances overrides the greenhouse gas savings.”

On the beef production side, Kendall Swanson of North Dakota State University presented his department’s study on weather impacting feed intake. Swanson’s impressive display of charts and graphs (see sample in photo) left me in a scientific haze, but the basic message made sense. There are many variables which impact feed intake: the simple availability of feed to the animal; the “energy density” of the feed; how much an animal is able to eat and how fast the feed is digested; disease or stress experienced by the animal; genetics; and the weather — primarily temperature and humidity.

“Dew point and solar radiation have the greatest impact on feed intake,” Swanson said. “Most studies are done on intake affected by heat and not as much by cold. But low temperatures affect feed intake more than high temperatures. Wind in hot weather cools the animal and increases feed intake. We need more data.”

“We need more data.” “More research is needed.” “Too early to tell…” These were recurring themes throughout the sessions I attended. Of course, if your job is doing research at a university, you will want to keep your job; so more research is needed. That makes sense. But by the same token, climate control, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainability (whatever that may be) are relative newcomers to animal production. More research is needed so farmers can make informed choices in their farming practices.

Grain and politics: The pile-ups start to pile up

Evidence continues to pile up that today’s political and grain market pile-ups will be bigger and messier than first thought.

Right now, it’s political carnage that’s making headlines. I’m old enough to remember when Congress’s biggest worry was foreign bombs, not bombast, and when congressional leaders muzzled their party’s empty-headed lip flappers.

FARM & FOOD FILE

By Alan Guebert

OPINION

Not today, though. Here’s how New York GOP Rep. Mike Lawler described his colleagues’ never-to-pass federal budget demands to CNN Sept. 19: “This is not conservative Republicanism. This is stupidity.”

(To such brief eloquence I can only add: Amen, brother.)

Little wonder Congress has spent most of 2023 shooting its toes off instead of completing a responsible 2023-24 budget, passing a soon-toexpire Farm Bill, or allowing routine

up-or-down votes to give our nation’s armed forces the leaders we have spent a generation — and a fortune — educating and training. So, until simple common sense prevails over plain old stupid, we wait. Meanwhile, our enemies smile and our allies shake their heads.

Commodity markets, however, wait for no one. And, like our politics, grain futures have been slipping, sliding, and slouching since early summer. In fact, on Sept. 19, December corn futures sniffed contact lows near $4.70 per bushel — a solid $1.50 below contract highs just three months ago.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Sept. 12 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report contained little news to kick prices higher, say the experts at farmdocDAILY.com.

Indeed, if anything, the “2023-24… U.S. corn stocks-to-use ratio,” at “about 15 percent,” implies “corn price levels

below $4 per bushel.”

But, say the seers, this year’s “elevated” interest and inflation rates have pushed the “current market … (to) a roughly trend-level production forecast… of about $4.80 per bushel,” or near where prices are now. USDA agrees; it forecasts a $4.90 per bushel season average price.

November soybean futures fare a bit better; but, like corn futures, most contracts remain $1.50 off their highs. Mid-September prices for the nearby November contract are in the $13.20 per bushel area, or about midway between contract highs and contract lows.

USDA cautions, however, that 202324 soybean prices will likely average $12.90 per bushel, or about $1 per bushel lower than a year ago.

Both price forecasts, though, face the added pressure of dropping water levels in the Mississippi River, the main route for an estimated 60 percent of all Midwestern grain exports. Lighter barges mean heftier barge rates. Current prices remain below last year’s record prices but continued dryness will slow river traffic and clip local cash bids.

Hard red winter wheat futures, like corn futures, have slumped badly since June highs and now stand just 20 cents or so above their contact low of $7.15.

Worse, most new wheat news is bad news. In its most recent Wheat Outlook report, USDA noted that “U.S. hard red winter exports are forecast down 10 million bushels this month”

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to constitute “the lowest since records started in 1973-74.” Current total hard red winter exports, it relates, are down a staggering “21 percent from the same point last year.”

But what about threatened Ukraine wheat exports? comes the cry from hard red growers and hard-nosed futures traders. The short explanation, courtesy of Reuters, is that “Cheap Russian wheat… has dominated the market, pushing down prices despite expectations that global exportable stocks will approach historic lows by mid-2024.”

Today’s low grain prices and forecasts for stagnant or even lower prices suggest federal crop insurance will again be an income booster in the new marketing year. That is especially likely in areas like the upper Midwest where drought clipped yields.

That likelihood again showcases crop insurance’s growing role in farm income. According to a recent analysis by the Environmental Working Group, “Indemnities paid to farmers for reductions in crop yield or revenue reached a record $19.3 billion” in 2022.

And that’s despite the record $183 billion net farm income last year.

Maybe that’s something Congress could look into — when it gets done with stupid, that is.

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

In today’s hectic world, don’t forget to enjoy the noise

Not long ago, I was on duty for my parttime milking gig as the owners took a much-needed respite. Some of my children came with me to lend a hand with feeding cows and calves. Once their tasks finished, they came into the barn to help scrape the alley, which turned into two little boys parading up and down the alley, yelling loudly. The cows began to get irritated, and so did I. I shooed the boys back outside and wondered why I even brought them with me as I fussed over dancing cows who weren’t used to all the racket. As I settled antsy cows, accompanied only by the noise of fans, I breathed a sigh of relief. All was quiet again.

DEEP ROOTS

By Whitney Nesse

present. Now, that barn has a hole filled with silence. The very quiet I was eager for as my sons loudly traipsed back and forth, is the same quiet that breaks my acquaintance’s heart.

All these thoughts made me consider that some of you may begin this upcoming harvest season with an unwelcome silence. Maybe you have experienced the loss of a farm partner, sibling, spouse, or parent this year — leaving a hole in your life filled with silence. For you, maybe the silence has come abruptly; or perhaps there has been a gradual fade into silence.

Although the presence of Grandpa Sanken faded gradually, there was still a hole of silence left after his death. For me, he was my grandpa; but for my dad, he was a father, business partner, and friend. I know I will see my grandfather again, and I know that I will hear him greet me the way he always did over the two-way radio, “Heeeey Whit!”

In his work, “The Magicians Nephew,” C.S. Lewis wrote, “Into the void of silence, into the empty space of nothing, the joy of life is unfurled.” I wonder if we can find joy in the void of silence. I do not think joy would be found all at once, but gradually, with memories shared or fond thoughts of the one who has passed.

My thoughts turned to an acquaintance from college whose father died suddenly over a year ago. I reached out to him at the time of his father’s passing to offer my condolences. His response has stuck with me ever since. He said, “The quiet moments in the barn are the hardest.”

He and his father had been dairy farming together for years. I imagine their barn was filled with conversation about everything under the sun, from milk prices to football and far beyond. Or, on the not-so-chatty days, the comfort of a companion was

I can recall from my youth hearing my grandfather over the two-way radio at what seemed to me terribly early hours saying, “Mark, Mark!” Grandpa was wondering about my dad, Mark’s whereabouts, and the plan for the day.

When my grandpa moved into town and away from the two-way radio atop his refrigerator, “Mark, Mark!” came less often and not nearly as early. His only two-way was in his truck. And once Grandpa quit driving, his signature greeting came even less frequently — only heard if he had gotten a ride to the farm and was looking for an afternoon accompanying someone in a tractor.

Keep 4Rs in mind when applying manure

As we head into Fall, it is time to think about Fall field work. For many, Fall is the time for manure application to fields. In order to get the most value for next year’s crop, avoid runoff and leaching, we need to remember the 4Rs: Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time and Right Place.

In relation to fertilizers used in conjunction with manure, we need to especially consider nitrogen and phosphorus. Will you use a commercial starter fertilizer that contains nitrogen or phosphorus at planting? Was last year’s crop a legume? Was manure applied last year on this field? Does your irrigation water contain nitrogen?

When it comes to fertilizer, more is not better. Applying the appropriate rate allows the correct amount of nutrients for your crop without over applying. Over application is bad for your bottom line and the environment. Check out the current guidelines for manure application rates on the University of Minnesota Extension website or contact your local Extension educator to help you determine the nitrogen and phosphorous rates for your crop. Soil test results and manure nutrient analysis can help ensure you’re applying the right rate. Finally, be sure

to calibrate your spreader to apply your determined rate.

When the weather is changing and storage units are filling, right timing can be one of the more challenging 4Rs. To avoid nitrification and other nutrient loss, we recommend applying manure when soils are 50 F or cooler. This is especially important for liquid or slurry manures which have a higher proportion of inorganic nitrogen that is more easily nitrified. Note that nitrification is not halted at cool temperature, just slowed. Even around freezing, the process continues very slowly.

Finally you want to ensure that you are applying in the right place. You will want to prioritize fields that can benefit from all of the nutrients in manure, not just the nitrogen. Having a manure management plan in place for your entire operation can be beneficial to help you get the nutrients to the fields where they are needed. Then you can plan for additional commercial fertilizers as needed to balance everything out.

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

If you are facing silence this season, I encourage you to let the memories of your loved one accompany you in the silent void you may face. Nothing and no one will ever fill that hole, yet we can allow their memory to gradually bring joy.

Although there are times when silence is more welcome than others, I recognize that I will not be so quick to shoo my boys along next time. I will welcome the noise, knowing it may not last forever.

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

Fallen leaves serve many functions for lawn and garden

Tree leaves are starting to turn color and gardeners will soon be raking them up; but leaves should not be discarded because they are still useful. A light covering of leaves may be left on the lawn to biodegrade. However, most trees deposit enough leaves to fully cover the grass and therefore need to be removed. A thick layer of leaves can smother grass instead of fertilizing it.

etable garden. This should be done in the fall to allow maximum biodegrading to occur before spring.

the carbon in the plant material. The process of creating compost will occur in months if the pile is large enough to generate some heat and is kept damp.

GREEN AND GROWING

By Linda G. Tenneson

Leaves can easily be chopped and collected with a mulching lawn mower with an attached bag. This is best done when the leaves are dry. Once they have been chopped, they will biodegrade easier and will provide nutrients and organic material, both of which enhance the quality of the soil.

Heavy and deep tilling is no longer recommended because it disrupts the soil structure and reduces organic material. However, a gentle digging in of chopped leaves may be done to incorporate them into a flower or veg-

Leaves chopped or left in their original condition may be used as mulch. Mulch conserves soil moisture moderates the soil temperature, controls weeds, and helps to prevent erosion.

Leaves that have been chopped are less likely to mat together preventing moisture from reaching the soil surface.

Soil contains micro-organisms that need food and nutrients. Leaves provide this nutrition and this reduces the need for fertilizer to be added to the soil.

Leaves are a major ingredient for compost piles. When combined with grass clippings and other green weeds, they slowly become compost; and if left long enough, turn into soil. Or the leaves may be combined with nitrogen fertilizer or dry cow, sheep, or poultry manure to speed up compost production. Nitrogen is used to break down

Highway plan seeks comment

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Transportation invites comment on the 2023-2042 Minnesota State Highway Investment Plan.

Minnesotans can review the draft plan and submit comments online at MinnesotaGO.org or through the project email at stateplans.dot@state. mn.us. The plan can also be reviewed in hard copy at the MnDOT Library, 395 John Ireland Blvd., St. Paul, and at any of the eight MnDOT district headquarters around the state. The plan will be available for comment through Nov. 8.

The public may participate by attending a public hearing scheduled for Oct. 5 at Baxter, Minn.; Oct. 11 at Carlton; Oct. 13 in Rochester and Willmar, Minn.; and Oct. 18 in St. Paul.

Written comments will be accepted through Nov. 8 online at MinnesotaGO. org, via email at stateplans.dot@state. mn.us or sent by mail to Brad Utecht, Minnesota Department of Transportation, 395 John Ireland Blvd, Mail Stop 440, St. Paul, MN 55155.

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

Compost piles should also be turned every so often. Compost piles that are left unattended will also produce new soil but will take a year or more to do so.

Leaf litter left in piles can provide a winter home for insects, salamanders, frogs, toads, etc.

Leaves may be placed around roses and other plants as insulating material inside an enclosure used for winter protection. They may be piled about the crowns of plants that need winter protection only at their bases. Wait until the ground has frozen before using leaves in this manner. The idea is to keep the plant cells from freezing

and thawing as the temperature shifts. Plants that stay frozen until spring will survive, while those that are subject to repeated freezing and thawing will not.

A three-to-six-inch layer of leaves will provide a sufficient layer of mulch around tender shrubs and perennials. If leaves are used around trees, keep the mulch layer a few inches away from the base of the trunk. Small animals will use the mulch as protection from winter elements and then eat through the bark to the inner cambium layer. The cambium is where the circulation of water and nutrients travel up and down the tree and should not be disrupted.

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

Tips for wintering tender bulbs

It is important to remember that tender bulbs need to be put into proper storage for the winter. Tender bulbs include tuberous begonia, freesia, dahlias, gladiolus, caladiums, canna, Oxalis and calla lilies, and will need to be stored indoors for winter. If not dug up and stored in the proper manner, they will not survive the cold Minnesota winter.

The general rule of thumb is to dig your tender bulbs out of your gardens after the foliage begins to dry up or is killed by frost. Once the timing is right, carefully dig up the tender bulbs. Use a fork or spade to gently loosen the roots several inches away from the plant’s base. Typically, it works best to loosen the soil on all sides of the plant before attempting to lift up the clump. It is important to avoid cutting, breaking, or “skinning” the fleshy material. If damage is done, it makes the structure more susceptible to disease or rot.

After the bulbs have been dug, clean the tender bulbs. Most plants need a gentle wash. However, gladiolus corms store best if left unwashed and simply let dry out. Be sure to dust off any soil before putting in storage.

The bulbs will need to cure. Curing time varies depending on species. Dahlias, cannas, callas, and caladiums have a short curing period of only one to three days. Gladiolus, oxalis, freesia,

require a longer curing period of approximately three weeks. Gladiolus should cure in temperatures of approximately 60 F to 70 F. All tender bulbs should be stored out of direct sunlight and in well-ventilated areas.

Next, be sure to inspect for pests before storing away. Pests include both insects and fungus or other diseases. You may consider lightly dusting with an insecticide or fungicide according to the product’s label to avoid pests over winter. Long winters can make it difficult to remember exactly which bulbs are which come spring. I recommend labeling your bulbs as you put them in their final storage space.

Finally, choose a location that is going to have a consistent temperature appropriate for your bulbs’ storage. Freesia, gladiolus, and oxalis should be stored at 35 to 40 F. Cannas and dahlias should be stored at 40 to 50 F. Tuberous begonia, caladium, and calla lily should be stored at 50 to 55 F.

Throughout the winter you will want to check in on your bulbs to ensure there are no signs of rot. If you notice rot or other similar issues, remove any material that shows signs before the entire stock, and all of your work, is lost.

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

Silage is in, soybeans are underway, yields ... so-so

“I’m nearly done with the soybean harvest,” Corey Hanson stated on Sept. 21. With the crop at 9 to 10 percent moisture, he started about 10 days prior, and has about 25 to 30 acres left. He stated the harvest process is going well, though the fields are rough. Unfortunately the yield is lower than

With concerns of his corn dropping cobs or stalks snapping, Hanson also plans to start harvesting that crop early. While he would love to hit 150 bushels an acre, he expects yields to be closer to 125 to 130. He shared it can feel discouraging to have lower results when inputs are made with an aim for better yields. “I’m hoping the corn is going to be a little more than half.”

2023 From The Fields

Fifty acres is all that remains for chopping silage at David Tauer’s farm. On Sept. 22, he reported work on the final field will begin the following week.

In the meantime, Tauer stayed plenty busy seeding rye on 83 acres. He stated the seeds are currently sitting dry, so he is definitely hoping for the usual. He is expecting about half of his usual crop, currently averaging about 25 to 27 bushels per acre.

rain anticipated in the forecast. “Next week, if we get rain, I’d expect to see some plants emerging,” Tauer remarked, adding that an inch and a half would be ideal.

The cows are doing well and enjoying the weather. As far as temps go, “This has been a great week,” Tauer said. He noted calving has just recently been a little slower, but expects that to pick back up soon. He took advantage of a short break in the field to get some hoof trimming done.

A positive is that Hanson is currently harvesting in favorable weather conditions; a substantial difference from last year when weather conditions kept him from finishing his corn until February.

Hanson has also finished hauling his hay and straw in. While he received nine-tenths of an inch of rain early on Sept. 21, he’s hoping for more before he starts working the ground for next year. v

Tauer’s family also welcomed two new interns to the farm. They are from Brazil and South Africa, and he commented they are doing well.

Corn silage was completed on Sept. 16, and Nick Pooch started earlage the following Monday. Unfortunately, he stated they lost a gearbox with about 15 loads left to go. As he

Besides that dilemma, Pooch reported earlage yields look good, and silage also turned out well. An adjuster will complete appraisals next week.

“We’ll have beans ready to go shortly,” Pooch said. He noted some farmers have started in the area, but for his crop, it’s still a little too wet and the stems are a bit tough.

Current temps are in the 70s and 80s during the day, and Pooch reported receiving two-tenths of an inch of rain on Sept. 16. With a promising forecast, he stated, “We need moisture to do any kind of tillage, that’s for sure.”

Pooch is done buying calves until early November. His son, Blake, will select a calf for 4-H at that time. But in the meantime, he helps with the newly-weaned calves. They are pail fed for 30 to 45 days to help avoid illness, and then switch to a feed wagon. v

Jim Hagen was happy to see some rain on the afternoon of Sept. 22. With more expected in the weekend forecast, he’s hopeful for enough to help recharge the subsoil. “We’re pretty empty.”

Coming up, there is possibly grass hay to be cut and Tauer is determining the best date and method to harvest his millet. He’d like to let it grow as much as possible, but will also pay attention to future drops in temperature. v gave his report on Sept. 21, his brother, Austin, was making phone calls hoping to find parts. “This time of year, everyone’s chopping, so they’re busy,” Pooch stated.

Hagen started harvesting corn on Sept. 15 and completed 200 acres before switching over to his soybeans. He stated the average yield so far for his corn crop is about 40 bushels less than last year, and he added “It’s highly variable in the field.” He expects there could be up to a 100 bushel range among the crop.

Soybean harvest began on Sept. 21. Recently skeptical, Hagen reported that they’re doing alright though it’s an inconsistent crop with a wide range in size. During his last update, Hagen had noticed some white mold on his soybeans. He reported there is now one five-acre area impacted; but he doesn’t expect it to be too bad.

Hagen stated he is one of very few in his area that have started with harvest, but he expects farmers will be much more busy after the weekend. He’s thankful he hasn’t had any machinery issues yet, and added a positive of starting earlier than usual is that he won’t be in such a rush should a repair be needed. v

Compiled by Laura Cole, The Land Staff Writer

Corey Hanson Gary, Minn. Sept. 21

Nick Pooch Farwell, Minn. Sept. 21

David Tauer Hanska, Minn. Sept. 22

Jim Hagen Lake Mills, Iowa Sept. 22

Medicare doesn’t have to be complicated … but it is

Fall is here and for those age 65 and older, the need to think about health insurance has arrived. Between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 is the window for making changes to one’s Medicare insurance.

How does Medicare insurance work? Medicare part A is insurance for hospital care. Medicare part B is insurance for outpatient care. Medicare part D is insurance for prescription medication. Medicare part C is the Medicare Advantage scheme.

HEALTHCARE FOCUS

By Mark Brakke

After the creation of Medicare part A and B, medical care kept getting more sophisticated and consequently more expensive. It became clear that Medicare part A and B coverage was no longer adequate for many medical problems. People began to buy additional insurance to cover the gaps in Medicare ie Medicare supplement plans. Congress and the insurance industry decided to create another option: “Medicare Advantage.”

How does Medicare Advantage work? Medicare pays insurance companies a specific calculated amount to care for each insured patient. If the “Advantage” plan does not have to pay out all the money it gets from Medicare they get to keep the excess. Think about that. The insurance company has an incentive to provide less care in order to make more money. It is, of course, immoral to deny

care to sick people. Insurance companies will state they only deny unnecessary or inappropriate care; but there are many well-documented cases of necessary care being delayed or denied.

In February of this year, the Kaiser Family Foundation published a study of Medicare Advantage Plan care denials. According to that study, 2 million prior authorization requests were denied in 2021. (That is a denial rate of about 6 percent.) Many of the denials are computer-generated based on an algorithm which is the creation of the insurance company. There is an appeal process. When denials were appealed, approximately 82 percent of the appeals overturned the initial denial.

There are five steps in the appeals process: Ask the plan to reconsider; review by an “independent” review entity; appeal to the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals; review by the Medicare Appeals Council; or judicial review by a federal district court.

The denial of a significant service has the potential to lead to medical bankruptcy and the appeals process has the potential to be lengthy. To be fair, many people who have Medicare Advantage insurance have been fairly treated and like their

Advantage plans.

The bottom line is this: it is wise to know the risks. If you want to independently look into this, do an internet search for “medicare advantage claims denials.”

Looking at this situation from an economic perspective, you will generally find Medicare Advantage plans are less expensive than staying with traditional Medicare with the addition of a Medicare supplement plan. This is because the Medicare Advantage plans usually have networks. You can only be seen by doctors who are in the network at hospitals which are in the network.

Careful analysis has also shown the Advantage plans have a healthier set of patients and the calculated payments to the Advantage plans result in more profit to the insurance companies than would be the case with supplement plans.

As a physician — and a patient — my personal perspective is I want my health insurance to allow me to go to whatever hospital or doctor I want. I do not want to be restricted by a limited number of doctors or hospitals. I do not want to have the potential problem of struggling with a denial of care which I need. I also prefer to know that Medicare will cover the care my doctor orders and the insurance company which fills the gaps does not control access to all of my care. Thus, my Medicare is backed up with a Medicare supplement plan, not an Advantage plan.

It is reasonable at this point to step back and ask if the current insurance situation for seniors is rational. Most seniors get multiple mailings each year for competing Medicare Advantage plans. Comparing them is difficult. If a senior wants a supplement plan and searches online, the senior is again inundated with multiple options which are almost impossible to compare.

Insurance for seniors does not have to be complicated. We voters could insist Medicare be modified to cover all necessary medical problems including vision, hearing and dental problems. When a senior looks at the current insurance options, there are two main reasons why it is impossible to make a rational choice: The policies are written in such a way that comparison is difficult if not impossible; and the senior does not know what is going to happen with their health in the next year — so trying to save money with a low coverage policy is a crap shoot.

Imagine the dollars which would be saved if Medicare was comprehensive and the insurance companies were no longer wasting millions on marketing and advertising. That savings could go to fixing Medicare so we would not need additional insurance.

Mark Brakke is a retired family practice physician. He cared for patients in Coon Rapids, Minn. for 41 years during which time he was on the boards of directors of two health insurance companies. He currently is on the board of the educational non profit Health Care for All Minnesota (HCA-MN.org). v

Area schools tackle demand for mechanical technicians

Diesel vehicles are integral to nearly every industry in the GreenSeam region. Without specialized technicians, the repair and maintenance of these vehicles is not sustainable.

The number of diesel techs has been dwindling for years as more experienced techs enter retirement with fewer incoming mechanics to fill those jobs. As a result, operational costs across the food and ag industries have increased to compensate for higher labor costs and repair delays.

TALENT IN THE GREENSEAM

By Holly Callaghan

Two-year diesel tech programs in the GreenSeam region play a vital role in mitigating this shortage and preparing mechanically-minded students to make a living at a fraction of the cost of a four-year degree.

Scott Runge’s parents started G&M Runge Inc. in 1995, a St. James based trucking company that specializes in the transport of refrigerated and processed meat.

“We’re currently looking for a technician at our facility to do our maintenance,” said Runge who is performing all of the truck maintenance himself while they search for a qualified candidate. “When we have to take our trucks to local dealerships to get work done, shops are often booked out a week in advance. Once they get the truck in, it may take another week to get parts for that repair. The truck could be down for two to three weeks at a time.”

The high price of delays has forced G&M Runge to add a truck to their fleet to be used strictly as a spare, and the cost hikes don’t stop there.

“When the shops started paying their techs more, they started raising their hourly shop rate for repairs. We have had to absorb this and increase our trucking rates to pay for it,” he explained.

As the added expense shifts down the supply chain, it inevitably ends up on the ledgers of producers with already razor-thin margins.

Mike DeVries is a diesel technology instructor at Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Canby who constantly hears about the need for diesel techs from local members of the industry.

“There’s so much demand. Every day I’m getting emails from dealers and shops from all over the upper part of the Midwest saying, ‘we need technicians,’” said De Vries.

The data doesn’t disagree. As of September 2023, the sixth most highly demanded occupation out of 750 in this region was maintenance and repair work. While this category is made up of more than just diesel techs, it signals a significant deficiency in the workforce with widespread implications for the GreenSeam region’s supply chains, acutely affecting the ag sector.

The diesel tech deficit predates the Great Resignation of 2020. According to Riverland

College’s diesel tech instructor, Dan Longstorf, “Even before the pandemic, we weren’t getting anywhere near enough techs out there to satisfy what the industry needs.”

Both he and DeVries suspect that the issue can be solved in high schools by clearing up a misconception that technical trades lack earning potential.

“What we’re seeing is people in technical trades bring in more money than people with four-year degrees,” says DeVries.

“We went to Jackson and spoke with high school principals, superintendents, and guidance counselors who couldn’t believe that there’s this much demand and they’re paying this well to people who want to work with their hands.”

Offering industry perspective, Runge believes the solution to the shortage will start with clearing up another type of misconception. “Respect for the job should be the first thing addressed. These techs are not grease monkeys; diesel technician is a sophisticated job that continues to evolve.”

Diesel technology has experienced significant changes in the last few decades and even the last five years — primarily in electronics and fuel systems.

“With all the multiplexing and different controllers on a vehicle, computer systems are our biggest change,” said Longstorf.

When he first started, electronic engines were just coming out and working with even a one-computer engine presented an onslaught of complication. “But now you’ve got 10 to 15 computers in a tractor or 45 to 46 in a combine and they all talk together. So now you’re working with multiple CAN buses or data links all going back and forth and working together.”

South Central College in North Mankato is working to stay on the cutting edge of these changes; and according to diesel instructor Eli Depuydt, “SCC is currently in the running for $6 million bond with a portion of that being dedicated to a major renovation of our shop and lab areas.”

Each college’s program has unique strengths. Depuydt works to make the classroom experience like that of working in a repair shop. “They are responsible for the project start to finish, which encourages accountability and pride in their work.”

At Minnesota West, DeVries teaches fuel injection. “The fuel system on our diesel engines is critical. I don’t know how many other schools get into as much depth as we do. My predecessor taught fuel injection systems, and now I fill those big shoes. I don’t think many other colleges teach it like we do.”

Meanwhile, Longstorf teaches both truck and ag courses to Riverland students, opening them up to a variety of industry jobs. “As far as I know, we are the only college in the area that does one path, blending truck and ag. Everybody takes the same courses.”

Diesel technology programs offer graduates flexibility outside of diesel equipment, too.

According to Andy Hoffman, DeVries’s co-instructor at Minnesota West, “We teach basic engines, electrical, welding, air conditioning — all things that can transfer into other trades. Maybe becoming a diesel mechanic doesn’t work for you, but you can get certified in other trades.”

Longstorf, DeVries, Hoffman, and Depuydt are advocates for careers in diesel technology because they know how rewarding the career can be.

Reflecting on his 12 years in the industry prior to teaching, DeVries still appreciates how gratifying it is to go through a transmission or engine and have it function as close to perfect as possible.

Hoffman said he enjoyed helping a truck driver on the side of the road when it’s cold, snowing and the winds blowing. “Sometimes you don’t work in the nicest conditions, but it’s still very rewarding.”

GreenSeam believes that working together as an agricultural community will help us better navigate the workforce related challenges experienced today and attract more people to consider careers in agriculture, food and natural resources. Holly Callaghan, GreenSeam Economic Development Coordinator, can be reached via email at hcallaghan@greenseam.org v

Digging spuds is easier with the help of little hands

Too quickly a favorite task of mine is finished for the year. My children have grown and moved on; my farmer is too busy; so the job is all mine. For this I am thankful for. Whenever possible over the last few weeks, I would place my spade over my right shoulder much as a hunter carries his rifle and walk to my intended quarry. After digging a few holes in the garden, my daily limit was reached when the basket was full of potatoes.

If it happens to be day that no grandchildren are visiting, the job goes by quietly, with only the sounds of God’s creation and my spade breaking the soil’s hard surface. I enjoy a time of quietness all by myself, working at my own pace. Too quickly, the basket is full.

When my grandchildren are here, they know that “Oma” is going to ask, “Anyone want to help dig potatoes?”

FROM MY FARMHOUSE KITCHEN

By Renae B. Vander Schaaf

Fortunately for all of us, they were staying for dinner, so my obvious error could be explained away.

My South Dakota granddaughters got in the treasure digging too. Only their expressions were a bit more on the wondering side. “Oma, why is Iowa known as the tall corn state when it can grow humongous potatoes like these?”

They were even impressed when I carried the extra full basket the 200 steps to my house. One granddaughter must be needing her eyes checked, as she commented about my muscles. I would have tried to reply, but all my strength and concentration were on getting the potatoes to the house.

served as a cassoulet or soup. I’ve prepared it using dried beans that were soaked overnight or have opened a jar or can of Great Northern beans. Depending on the day, it may have simmered in the slow cooker all day, or in the oven for an hour or two, and even done on the stove top. It makes a good meal for harvest as it can be hurried up or slowed down. It pairs well with salads, bread and apple pie besides transporting easily to the field. Many different crops now are ripe for the harvest. Be careful out there. If you are too busy to dig potatoes, give me a holler!

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

Thankfully, they respond with an excited “yes!” I try not to get trampled as they race for the door to put their shoes on. If it’s my grandsons, they follow me to the stoop outdoors where they know that I like to sit there to put my shoes on. Once we are ready, they pick up my spade and bushel basket and off we go, probably singing, “Hi! Ho! Hi! Ho! It’s off to dig potatoes we go.”

The youngest grandson just turned two. He thinks he has to pick up every potato himself. Someday he will learn to share the workload, I hope. But he likes to say, “Wow!” every time we find a large one. His three brothers also enjoy picking up potatoes, but are more likely to say, “now, that’s a biggie.” Once again, too quickly, the basket is full.

Most days they did well — except when it was a 100 degrees outdoors. Then they were sure they were all melting. So they didn’t mind taking a break under the grape vines snacking on grapes; or sitting under the shade of the Chestnut Crabapple. Its branches were heavily laden with ripe apples within easy reach.

The grandchildren expect mashed potatoes every time they come to our house. I usually oblige. It’s a joy to feed four hungry growing boys.

But I did disappoint them once. They were here for breakfast, and I had prepared scrambled eggs and bacon. “Oma, where are the mashed potatoes?”

Sometimes, I just ask my farmer come with his farmer’s convertible (those utility vehicles that have a myriad reasons for each farmer to own at least one) to pick up the filled basket. He always obliges.

Last year’s potato crop featured small potatoes. This year the harvest was better — which is good, as one third of the seed planted didn’t come up. So the harvest ends up being a little less than last year.

Too quickly they will be gone, but thankfully there are still potato farmers who work hard to successfully grow this humble — but necessary — vegetable.

Potatoes continue to be a staple food here and for good reason. They not only taste good but are full of vitamins and minerals. While my favorite ways to eat them are mashed or baked. On Sundays, it so convenient to put a rump roast with carrots, shallots and potatoes all in the oven. It smells so good when we walk in the door after having our souls nourished at church.

For every day fare, boiled red potatoes with the skin still on them are so tasty with butter! In the winter, I look forward to soups. Potatoes get added pea soup. My farmer even likes potatoes with his chili. Often when a quick meal is needed, potato cheese soup comes to the rescue.

But another way my farmer and I enjoy potatoes is with white beans, any type of sausage (Italian or Andouille are our preferences), leeks, kale and cheese. (The leeks and kale were also very productive this garden season.) This versatile meal can be

Happy trails...

LAND MINDS, from pg. 2

Fumbling around in the dark and taking a best guess is not a solution to climate change — whether you believe in global warming or not. Farmers are facing increased scrutiny by the general public concerning agriculture practices. Farmers’ best defense of their practices is hard scientific data and accumulating that data takes time … more than a year or two.

The nuts and bolts of animal nutrition may have soared over my head at the conference, but thank goodness researchers are excited about the topic and are working hard on farmers’ behalf. In the long run, their efforts will pay benefits to us all. n

Since 1985 Tim King has shared his writing talents with The Land. Tim never shied away from a difficult story and researched the chosen topic thoroughly. Just as importantly, he has an ability to share that knowledge in an easy to understand and entertaining manner.

Tim recently announced his retirement and will be sorely missed — not only for his work, but for his friendship as well. His candor, insight and honesty was invaluable to me.

Tim and his wife Jan have taken readers of The Land on many many journeys with our Back Roads feature. Their last installment appears in this issue. I wish the Kings many more travels and adventures. Thank you Tim and Jan for your decades of dedication and commitment to The Land

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

Apples and animals rule at Stonegate Orchard

By RICHARD SIEMERS

The Land Correspondent

SLAYTON, Minn. — It was a rare few minutes when Jason and Jenni Kirchner were able to take time out to talk about their Stonegate Orchard near Slayton, Minn.

“From early August until late November, it’s pretty much non-stop,” Jason said. “Just getting set up and doing the picking, then delivering to some wholesale places after we close the store [around mid-November].”

The store is open four days a week starting around the first of September, and once open they are still picking, washing, and bagging two days a week. In addition to the usual preparations to welcome the public, this year they were working to complete their new store by their opening.

Of course, the work begins long before harvest time. They start pruning their 2,000 apple trees the first of March, but this year they were unable to complete it due to the snow.

“It was too deep,” Jenni said. “We

couldn’t get our tractor through and pruning requires the air compressor. We got some done at the tail end of spring.”

Jason said it would be “interesting the next couple of years how we navigate that” with so many unpruned

trees. Typically it takes the month of March to prune followed by cleaning up the pruned branches to get ready for spraying. After that will come the bees for pollinating. Boernsen Bees in Ocheyedan, Iowa provides the bees. In turn, the Kirchners sell Boernsen honey in their store.

During the summer, there is mowing of the 15-acre orchard, and the constant other jobs and upkeep required on a farm.

“Then I got the hare-brained idea to have animals,” Jenni said.

A couple years ago they purchased goats, a donkey, and chickens as an added attraction for families. Their now 13-year-old son, AJ, came up with the plan to sell treats by the cupful for visitors to feed to the goats. It’s popular with the kids.

As on most farms, the animal chores are the children’s responsibility. This fall, their daughter Lola, 10, and foster daughter Amira, 11, are ready to help with the picking. AJ already does the mowing and picking. They hire help for the pruning, and this fall will again employ high school students and a couple of adults for picking, washing, grading and bagging. Four-year-old foster daughter Alliana will help Mom in the store.

This will be the tenth harvest for the Kirchners. They both have fulltime jobs which allow them flexibility. Jason is a truss designer and

does drafting on the side (he designed their new building). He has an office in Slayton but can do much of his work remotely. Jenni is the ambulance director in Slayton and still works ambulance calls, so her job is not an 8-to-5 office position, either.

“That flexibility has been key in allowing us to be here to operate the orchard,” Jenni said.

Ten years ago, they leased the orchard for a year as a kind of test run to see if they could manage an orchard and raise two children along with their fulltime jobs. As Jason said, they wanted to get a sense of the time that it took before they totally committed. They purchased the orchard in 2015.

The Kirchners are the third owners and operators of Stonegate Orchard. It was started by Reinert Christensen around 1975. He also had a tree nursery and sold Christmas trees. Larry and Gail Beyers owned it for about 20 years before Kirchners purchased it.

See STONEGATE, pg. 13

Photo submitted

The Kirchner family used a rare quiet time in the orchard for a family picture. Amira is sitting on the ground; Lola is seated on the left; Jason and Jennifer are in the back; Alliana is in the middle; and Azariah is kneeling on the right.

New store almost doubles the size of the old one

STONEGATE, from pg. 12

There were 16 apple varieties when they bought it and they have added two more: EverCrisp and First Kiss. Jennie said they were lucky they received a license to plant First Kiss the first time they applied. It is a variety still under

patent protection which requires a royalty to be paid to the University of Minnesota who developed it. There are some older varieties for which they can no longer get trees, she said. The EverCrisp was planted to replace an earlier variety of Regent apples. They also want varieties that don’t all ripen at the same time.

“We’re navigating which varieties sell and which don’t, so we’re also changing the orchard,” Jason said, “so it reflects what consumers want. If there’s a variety that doesn’t sell, we don’t put as much energy into picking it. We just pick as much as we can sell.”

The orchard is all Minnesota varieties. The best sellers are Honeycrisp, Sweet Tango, Zestar and First Kiss. Customers prefer eating apples over bak-

Grain markets waiting yield news

Prices have entered a holding pattern as harvest begins across the Corn Belt, and until concrete yield reports have emerged, prices may soften for a little while.

“Harvest is really all that’s going on,” said Jack Scoville, analyst with Price Futures Group. “That’s really floating the boat. What I have seen of yields has been kind of good and kind of bad, so highly variable.”

With variable yield reports coming in early, production expectations are staying high on the chance yields average out on the higher end of the spectrum.

“I think those production reports are probably a little high,” Scoville said. “Everything is pretty variable. We’ll find out who’s right though.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Crop Progress report released Sept. 25 showed corn at 15 percent harvested nationwide, slightly above average pace, with soybeans at 12 percent harvested. Crop conditions in the report rated corn at 53 percent good-to-excel-

lent, steady with last week, while soybeans are at 50 percent good-to-excellent, down 2 points from last week.

Corn and soybean prices are forecast to dip in the next couple of weeks due to harvest pressure, Scoville said. With a month-end report coming Sept. 29 and markets setting up for more concrete harvest reports, traders will likely square up positions going into the weekend. Scoville doesn’t expect many farmers selling over the next couple of weeks.

“I think the price is a little cheap for them,” he said. “(Traders) will keep dumping on the market and we’ll be under some pressure through the end of September.”

There hasn’t been much progress on exports, either. A sale of 1.66 million tonnes of corn to Mexico announced on Sept. 25 failed to move the needle in price action, and Scoville said the market is waiting for the next big export news. v

ing apples. Customers can pick their own using bags for sale in the store, or purchase pre-picked apples from the cooler.

They have added features to the grounds to make it a family destination. There is a play area and picnic tables, as well as the animals. They offer wagon rides on Saturdays.

The new store was ready when they opened this year on Aug. 31. It more than doubles the space of their old store. It holds a variety of offerings to browse and purchase, most supporting area growers and craft people.

Along with Boernsen Bees Honey, there are jams and jellies, pumpkins and squash, fresh produce, and frozen apple pies, caramel apples and kettle corn popcorn treats, plus locally roasted coffee beans.

Non-food offerings are craft and home décor items made by local artisans, books and cookbooks, and kitchen supplies for working with apples. New this year will be fishing lures, and a children’s book by an area author.

Other than the store, they sell apples to two grocery stores and three schools, and to Painted Prairie Winery in Currie for their wine and hard cider. The more

their retail grows, Jason said, the less they will have to depend on wholesale. Stonegate Orchard is two miles north of Slayton on U.S. Hwy. 59. The driveway is a few rods east of the highway. Hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sundays noon – 4 p.m. You can follow them on Facebook, or check their website, stonegateorchard. com. v

Photos by Richard Siemers It’s hard to say who is entertained the most - the children or the goats.

The stone gate at the orchard’s entrance

Farmers likely to see 2023 crop insurance payments

It is likely that a significant number of corn and soybean producers in many areas of the Upper Midwest may qualify for crop insurance indemnity payments in 2023. Much of this region has dealt with lack of rainfall and drought conditions during much of the growing season, along with severe storms in some locations during the summer months. These weather issues will likely result in yield reductions on numerous farms across the region. Also, price declines from the crop insurance base prices on March 1 increases the likelihood of 2023 crop insurance indemnity payments for many producers.

FARM PROGRAMS

By Kent Thiesse

MARKETING

futures or November soybean futures is higher than the established base prices, the harvest price would then be used to determine the revenue protection insurance guarantees, which is not likely for corn in 2023. The harvest price is also used to calculate the value of the actual harvested bushels for all revenue protection policies. As of Sept. 21, the crop insurance CBOT prices were approximately $4.75 per bushel for December corn futures and $12.95 per bushel for November soybean futures.

likely be lower than the base price, the revenue guarantee will be determined by the Spring base price and the harvest value of the crop will be determined by the harvest price. If the corn harvest price continues at current levels, the “threshold yield” to initiate crop insurance payments will be at a significantly higher percentage than the revenue protection insurance coverage level and higher than standard yield protections insurance policies.

With federal crop insurance, every year is different; and with the multiple options available to producers, there are many variable results from crop insurance coverage at harvest time. The 2023 crop year will be no different, with some producers choosing Yield Protection policies (yield only) vs. Revenue Protection policies (yield and price). Producers will also have different levels of coverage on various crops. Producers also vary on having “optional units” versus “enterprise units” for their crop insurance coverage. In addition, some producers also have enhanced insurance coverage through private insurance companies, or through the “Supplemental Crop Option” and Enhanced Coverage Option policies.

In recent years in the Midwest, most corn and soybean producers have tended to secure some level of revenue crop insurance coverage, rather than standard yield-only policies. Farm operators like the flexibility of the revenue protection policies which provide insurance coverage for reduced yields, as well as in instances where the harvest price drops below initial base price. In 2023, corn crop insurance loss calculations with yield protection policies and revenue protection policies will likely function differently due to the Chicago Board of Trade harvest price for corn and possibly for soybeans being below the 2023 crop insurance base prices. These base prices were finalized on March 1.

The established Spring base prices for 2023 yield protection and revenue protection crop insurance policies were $5.91 per bushel for corn and $13.76 per bushel for soybeans. These base prices will be the payment rate for 2023 yield protection policies for corn and soybeans. These base prices will also likely serve as the final price to calculate revenue guarantees for determining potential revenue protection crop insurance indemnity payments for corn and possibly for soybeans.

The final harvest price for revenue protection insurance policies with harvest price protection is based on the average CBOT December corn futures and CBOT November soybean futures during the month of October, with prices finalized on Nov. 1. If the final harvest CBOT price for December corn

Corn and soybean producers had the option of selecting crop insurance policies ranging from 60 to 85 percent coverage levels. The level of insurance coverage can result in some producers receiving crop insurance indemnity payments, while other producers receive no indemnity payments — even though both producers had the same adjusted average production history yield and the same final yield. For example, at an adjusted average production history corn yield of 200 bushels per acre, a producer with 85 percent revenue protection coverage would have a yield guarantee of 170 bushel per acre, and a revenue guarantee of $1,005 per acre. A producer with 75 percent coverage would have a yield guarantee of 150 bushels per acre, and a guarantee of $886 per acre. If the actual 2023 yield was 175 bushels per acre, with a $5.00 per bushel harvest price, the producer with 85 percent coverage would receive a gross indemnity payment of about $130 per acre. The producer with 75 percent coverage would receive an indemnity payment of near $11 per acre.

Following is an analysis of 2023 crop insurance indemnity payment potential for corn and soybeans: Corn — Since the 2023 harvest price for corn will

Cash Grain Markets

Using a final harvest price of $4.75 per bushel and the 2023 corn base price of $5.91 per bushel, the “threshold yield” to receive a corn insurance payment is at 106 percent of average production history yield with an 85 percent revenue protection policy, 100 percent with an 80 percent revenue protection policy, and 94 percent with a 75 percent revenue protection policy. For example, with a 200 bushel per acre average production history yield and a $4.75 per bushel harvest price, corn insurance payments would begin if the final corn yield is below 212 bushels per acre with an 85 percent revenue protection policy; below 199 bushels per acre with an 80 percent revenue protection policy, and below 187 bushels per acre with a 75 percent revenue protection policy. If the harvest price increases to $5.25 per bushel, the payments would begin at a yield below 191 bushels per acre (96 percent of average production history yield) with an 85 percent revenue protection policy, below 180 bushels per acre (90 percent of average production history yield) with an 80 percent revenue protection policy, and below 169 bushels per acre (85 percent of average production history yield) with a 75 percent revenue protection policy.

Following is an example of how the various crop insurance policies would function with a corn average production history yield of 200 bushels per acre, a harvest yield of 160 bushels per acre, a 2023 Spring base price of $5.91 per bushel, and a 2023 corn harvest price of $5.00 per bushel:

Revenue protection policies (yield and price)

85 percent — $1,004.70 guarantee; $800 harvest value; $204.70 per acre gross indemnity payment

80 percent — $945.60 guarantee; $800 harvest value; $145.60 per acre gross indemnity payment

75 percent — $886.50 guarantee; $800 harvest value; $86.50 per acre gross indemnity payment

Yield protection policies (yield only)

85 percent — 170 bu./acre guarantee; 160 bu./acre harvest yield; $59.10 per acre gross payment (10 bushels times $5.91/bushel)

80 percent — 160 bu./acre guarantee; 160 bu./acre harvest yield; zero indemnity payment

75 percent — 150 bu./acre guarantee; 160 bu./acre harvest yield; zero indemnity payment

Soybeans — The harvest price for soybeans is also likely be below the Spring base price of $13.76 per bushel, so the crop insurance indemnity payment calculations will function very similarly to corn

Oct. 4 — Farm Transition and Estate Planning Webinars — Online

— The University of Minnesota Extension is presenting four webinars on introductory farm transition and estate planning. This session will focus on developing farm transition goals and assembling a “team.” Please visit https://z.umn.edu/farm-transition-andestate-planning23 for more information.

Oct. 11 — Farm Transition and Estate Planning Webinars— Online

— The University of Minnesota

Calendar of Events

Extension is presenting four webinars on introductory farm transition and estate planning. This session will focus on all things tax: gifting, selling, and transferring. Visit https://z.umn.edu/farm-transition-and-estate-planning23.

Oct. 12 — Gut Health and Immunity

DCHA Webinar — Online — This webinar led by Dr. Kelly Reed, Diamond V ruminant field technical specialist, will review calf immunity and the impact of management practices. Contact Sue Schatz at sue@calfandheifer.org.

Oct. 19 — 2023 Agricultural Tax Issues Course — St. Cloud, Minn. —

Offered in-person and online, this course targets income tax professionals that work with farmers, but is also suitable for agricultural professionals such as agricultural lenders and farm management instructors. Visit https://extension.umn.edu/ event/agricultural-tax-issues-st-cloud.

Oct. 19 — Land Stewardship Project Pasture Walk — Lake City, Minn. — See and discuss managing pasture and feeding strategies during drought with

inconsistent weather. For more information, please visit https://landstewardshipproject.org/upcoming-events/.

Oct. 25 — Farm Transition and Estate Planning Webinars— Online — The University of Minnesota Extension is presenting four webinars on introductory farm transition and estate planning. This session will focus on wills, trusts, ownership titling. Please visit https://z.umn.edu/farm-transitionand-estate-planning23 for more information.

Insurance payments will vary within counties, townships

THIESSE, from pg. 16

(described earlier). For example, with a 60 bushel per acre average production history yield and a $13.25 per bushel harvest price, corn insurance payments would begin if the final soybean yield falls below 53 bushels per acre (89 percent of average production history yield) with an 85 percent revenue protection policy, below 50 bushels per acre (83 percent of average production history yield) with an 80 percent revenue protection policy, and below 47 bushels per acre (78 percent of average production history yield) with a 75 percent revenue protection policy.

If the final soybean harvest price increases to $13.76 per bushel or above, the harvest price will be used for both the final revenue guarantee and the final crop value calculations. As a result, any potential crop insurance indemnity payments will require a yield loss comparable to the policy coverage level. For example, an 85 percent revenue protection policy will require a harvest yield that is greater than 15 percent below the average protection history yield, an 80 percent revenue protection policy will require a 20 percent or greater yield loss, etc. If this scenario occurs, any soybean indemnity payments with revenue protection policies will be based on the higher soybean harvest price, as compared to the base price for payment calculations with yield protection policies.

Optional Units vs. Enterprise Units

Farm operators in areas with variable yield losses on different farm units who chose optional units for their 2023 crop insurance coverage rather than

enterprise units may be in a more favorable position to collect potential indemnity payments on this year’s crop losses. Enterprise units combine all acres of a crop in a given county into one crop insurance unit as compared to optional units, which allow producers to insure crops separately in each township section. In recent years, a high percentage of crop producers have opted for enterprise units due to substantially lower crop insurance premium levels. Crop losses in many areas in 2023 were highly variable from farmto-farm within the same county and township, which would favor the optional units for collecting crop insurance indemnity payments this year.

As an example, assume that producers A and B both have five separate farms in the same county with an average production history corn yield of 200 bushels per acre, and that the overall average 2023 corn yield on all farms was 200 bushels per acre. However, three of the farms averaged 215 bushels per acre and two of the farms averaged 177 bushels per acre. Also assume a final corn harvest price of $5.05 per bushel. Producer A has an 85 percent revenue protection policy with optional units and producer B has an 85 percent revenue protection policy with enterprise units. Producer A, with the optional units, would receive no insurance payment on the three farms with the higher yield; however, he would receive a gross indemnity payment of $111 per acre on the two farms with the lower yield. Producer B, with the enterprise units, would receive no insurance payments on any farms since the calculations would be

based on the overall average yield.

Summary

There will be considerable variation in potential crop insurance indemnity payments across the Midwest in 2023 — even within the same county or township. There will also be significant differences in potential crop insurance indemnity payments at the same final harvest yield, depending on the farm unit average production harvest yield, the type of insurance coverage, and the level of coverage. Some producers also carried enhanced private insurance coverage levels, had separate wind or hail insurance endorsements, or carried additional area insurance coverage — any of which could affect final potential insurance indemnity payments on the 2023 corn and soybean crop.

Producers who have crop revenue losses in 2023 which could result in potential crop insurance indemnity payments, should properly document the yield losses — regardless of their

type or level of insurance coverage. A reputable crop insurance agent is the best source of information to make estimates for potential 2023 crop insurance indemnity payments, and to find out about documentation requirements for crop insurance losses. It is important for producers who are facing crop losses in 2023 to understand their crop insurance coverage and the calculations used to determine crop insurance indemnity payments.

Details on various crop insurance policies can be found on the USDA’s Risk Management Agency website at: https://www.rma.usda.gov/. The University of Illinois FarmDoc web site also contains some good crop insurance information and spreadsheets to estimate crop insurance payments at https://farmdoc.illinois.edu/ crop-insurance. Kent Thiesse has prepared an information sheet, “2023 Crop Insurance Payment Potential,” which is available at kent.thiesse@ minnstarbank.com. v

FAA regulation updates impact spray drone operators

By LAURA COLE

The Land Staff Writer

Editor’s note: In the May 26 edition of The Land, Laura Cole reported on a drone class being taught to high school students in Lamberton, Minn. Earlier in 2023 Cole also wrote an extensive story on ABC Drones which sells drones and provides drone operating services. Because of the interest generated from these two stories, The Land feels it is important to pass along new drone regulations from the FAA.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made recent changes to the Part 137 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) certification which are expected to positively impact the licensing process for farmers who wish to use drones for dispensing substances.

On June 13 of this year, the FAA issued a notice regarding updates made to the Part 137 stating, “The FAA has determined that part 137 UAS agricultural aircraft operations present a lower risk than other certificated operations and revising the part 137 certification process would not adversely affect safety.”

Arthur Erickson, co-founder and current CEO of Hylio, recently discussed the changes made and how they will significantly shorten the length of time it takes for an individual to get properly licensed. Hylio is an American owned and operated company that designs, manufactures and sells AgroDrones.

Part of the 137 process requires applicants to obtain a 44807 exemption. Section 44807 covers Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Prior to the update, Erickson explained that operators had to get the 44807 exemption for every single model of drone they wanted to fly, but the FAA has now begun implementing a blanket sys-

tem for certain makes and models.

Hylio’s website provides a list of drones currently considered Approved Agricultural UAS under Section 44807. “The rule now is if you have a 44807 approved for any one of those drones then you have it approved for all the rest [on the list],” Erickson stated.

It was also previously required for individuals to appear in-person at a Flight Standard District Office (FSDO) in order to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. “That used to take a long time because there was such an influx of drone operators trying to get certified that these FSDOs immediately got full-on booked,” said Erickson. He explained the queue that formed initially pushed people back three to four months; and over time, the delay grew to as long as eight months to even past a year.

Now the FAA has determined this piece can be selfadministered. An applicant must complete FAA Form 8710-3 which totals three pages. The section that’s completed by the applicant is one page. “That eliminated that whole blockage right there in the process,” said Erickson. “So now you’ve gone from a year or so to it takes more like 30 to 40 days.”

Erickson is in agreement with the FAA in that he does not believe these changes will impact safety. He explained the licensing structure wasn’t meant for drones in the first place; it was meant for manned aviation. “First of all, you don’t have a pilot, so that’s inherently much safer in itself,” he stated. “There are so many redundant safety systems, at least on our drones, that really make it pretty difficult to get yourself into trouble.”

In the event that a drone does go down, Erickson

continued, “Because you’re operating in an agricultural setting, you’re typically 10 feet above a corn field.” He stated the usual end result in such an event is losing a few stalks of corn.

Besides the Part 137, in order to operate a spray drone, Erickson confirmed individuals must also have their Part 107 certificate, as well as a Pesticide Applicator License and 3rd class Airman Medical Certificate. “Your Pesticide Applicators license is where, of course, you really dive into the chemistries, and what you’re supposed to use on what, and how close or not close you can be to waterways when you’re using certain chemicals, et cetera,” he stated.

Erickson sees these changes as a huge step for the industry. “People that used to be hesitant thinking the regulations were too prohibitive would be pleasantly surprised to hear this news, I think,” he stated.

As far as future regulation changes, Erickson believes Hylio’s robust swarm technology warrants an update to the current rule of person to drone ratio when it comes to fleet flight. A waiver is required to operate multiple drones at once, and Erickson stated that for drones over 55 pounds, there needs to be a pilot as well as a visual observer. He shared that Hylio’s technology is streamlined for a single pilot to comfortably and responsibly manage up to four drones from a single ground station. Currently that situation would require eight people. He thinks a responsible update would be to allow one pilot and possibly one visual observer cover up to four drones.

For the FAA’s online information about drones, visit https://www.faa.gov/uas. Hylio’s website is https:// www.hyl.io/ v

Invasive insects found for first time in Minnesota

ST. PAUL — Two invasive insects new to Minnesota were reported to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in August: The elm seed bug (Arocatus melanocephalus) and Asiatic garden beetle (Maladera formosae).

The elm seed bug is an invasive insect with piercing sucking mouth parts and primarily feeds on elm seeds; but can also feed on linden and oak. The elm seed bug is mostly considered a nuisance pest like the box elder bug, as they can enter homes in large numbers. Box elder bugs are active in late summer and fall, but the elm seed bug is active in mid-June.

Native to Europe, elm seed bug was first confirmed in the United Stated in 2012. It is established in western states, such as Oregon, Washington, and Utah.

Adult elm seed bugs are about 1/3 inch long; they’re a dark rusty-red and black color. The underside of

the insect is red. On the back behind the head, there is an upside-down black triangle set inside two rustyred triangles. Next to the edges of the wings where the abdomen is exposed are alternating white and rusty red-black patches.

Best management practices include sealing cracks and crevices on the exterior of buildings so the insects cannot enter and vacuuming up insects that make it inside. There are certain insecticides that can be applied as a barrier treatment.

The Asiatic garden beetle is an invasive insect that feeds on over 100 hosts, including fruit, vegetables, perennials and annuals. Grubs prefer roots of ornamentals and garden plants. Preferred hosts include butterfly bush, rose, dahlia, aster, and chrysanthemum. Adults feed on the leaves and flowers of their host plants. Heavy infestations can lead to complete defoliation except for the leaf midribs.

Native to Japan and China, this beetle was first found in the United States in New Jersey in 1922. It is established in New England and a few Midwestern states, including Illinois and Indiana.

Asiatic garden beetles are about 3/8 inch long, are chestnut brown, and may have a slight iridescent sheen. The abdomen protrudes slightly from the wing covers. Adults emerge at night and fly actively when temperatures are above 70 F. They are related to Japanese beetles but differ in that Japanese beetles fly and feed during the day and Asiatic garden beetles feed at night.

Since both elm seed bug and Asiatic garden beetle are newly discovered in Minnesota, the MDA would like to better understand where these insects may be in the state. Residents can report suspected sightings of both insects to the MDA’s Report a Pest line or call (888) 545-6684. Please include clear photos when submitting a report online.

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

Elm seed bug

Asiatic garden beetle

Higher production is offsetting lower herd numbers

This column was written for the marketing week ending Sept. 22.

Freudenthal

Slippage in U.S. milk production slowed some in August, but was the second month in a row to be below a year ago. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s preliminary data put total output at 18.975 billion pounds, down 41 million pounds or 0.2 percent from August 2022. The top 24-state total, at 18.166 billion, was down 0.3 percent.

MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY

By Lee Mielke

The July 50-state total was revised down 35 million pounds from last month’s estimate, which put output down 0.7 percent instead of the 0.5 percent originally reported. The 24-state revision was down 27 million pounds, down 0.8 percent instead of the 0.6 percent loss originally reported.

August cow numbers totaled 9.39 million head, unchanged from the July count which was revised down 10,000 head. The herd is 16,000 below a year ago, and the smallest since February 2022. The

24-state count was up 1,000 from July’s count, which was revised down 9,000 head, but is 15,000 below a year ago.

The cow numbers were surprising, according to the Sept. 18 Daily Dairy Report “as data showed persistently elevated dairy slaughter numbers throughout the month. Dismal margins and soaring beef prices pushed many producers to increase slaughter rates in August with figures reaching the highest level since 1986 during the Whole Herd Buyout program.”

Output per cow averaged 2,021 pounds, down 1 pound or 0.05 percent from August 2022. The 24-state output averaged 2,038 pounds, two pounds

below a year ago or 0.1 percent.

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California output, at 3.3 million pounds, was down 129 million or a whopping 3.7 percent below a year ago. Cow numbers were down 9,000 and output per cow was down 65 pounds, thanks to the weather. Wisconsin, with 2.76 billion pounds, was up 32 million or 1.2 percent from a year ago, thanks to a 30-pound gain per cow offsetting the loss of 3,000 cows.

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Idaho was up 1 percent, checked by a 15-pound drop per cow, though cow numbers were up 11,000. Michigan was up 3.7 percent on 13,000 more cows

MILKER’S MESSAGE

Dairy herd culling has slowed down a bit

and 15 pounds more per cow. Minnesota was off 0.7 percent on a five-pound loss per cow and 2,000 fewer cows. New Mexico was down 8 percent on 17,000 fewer cows and 45 pounds less per cow. New York was up 3.8 percent on 6,000 more cows and 60 pounds more per cow. Oregon was down 3.2 percent on a loss of 4,000 cows. Output per cow was unchanged. Pennsylvania eked out a 0.5 percent gain on a 15-pound per cow gain offsetting 2,000 fewer cows. South Dakota was up 6 percent, thanks to 12,000 more cows. However, output per cow was down 10 pounds.

Texas was down 3.2 percent, which followed a 3 percent decline in July — its first since January 2016. Twenty thousand fewer cows were milked and output per cow was down five pounds.

Vermont was up 0.9 percent on a 15-pound gain per cow. Cow numbers were unchanged. Washington State was up 1.5 percent on a 15-pound gain per cow and 2,000 more cows milked.

StoneX says, “Fat and protein in the milk are still running above last year which put component adjusted production up 0.9 percent from last year. Dairy cow slaughter did slow a bit in late August so it isn’t a huge surprise to see the herd unchanged aside from the revision to July; but we do think the herd will still decline moving forward.”

StoneX also warned, “With the weather cooling down and feed costs shifting lower, improving production per cow is expected to offset the declining herd to keep headline production growth growing through the remainder of 2023.”

The latest Livestock Slaughter report showed an

estimated 275,500 head were sent to slaughter under federal inspection in August, up 31,300 head from July, and 9,400 or 3.5 percent above August 2022. However, the rate has since slowed.

The week ending Sept. 9 saw 54,600 dairy cows go to slaughter. This is down 3,000 from the previous week and 2,700 or 4.7 percent below a year ago. Year-to-date, 2,205,800 head have been culled, up 107,900 or 5.1 percent from a year ago.

The Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook warned, “With continued erosion of dairy margins and the average milk cow inventory reported through July, projections for the milking herd in 2023 were lowered 5,000 head to 9.405 million.”

The Outlook added, “The milk supply typically responds to changes in prices with a lag of several months. The low margins experienced in 2023 are expected to contribute to further contraction of the dairy herd in the first half of 2024. However, some rebuilding of the milking herd is expected in late 2024 as milk prices improve and feed costs moderate.”

The Sept. 19 Global Dairy Trade auction weighted average headed higher for the second event in a row, up 4.6 percent, following the 2.7 percent rise on Sept. 5. Traders brought 82.4 million pounds of product to the market, down from 83.2 million on Sept. 5. The average metric ton price climbed to $2,957 U.S., up from $2,888 on Sept. 5.

Skim milk powder led the gains, up 5.4 percent, following a 1.6 percent decline on Sept. 5. Whole milk powder was up 4.6 percent after leading the gains last time with a 5.3 percent advance. Anhydrous milkfat was up 5.3 percent after a 2.7

percent rise, and butter was up 3.8 percent following a 1.1 percent gain. GDT cheddar was the only negative, down 1.7 percent, after slipping 0.6 percent last time.

StoneX says the GDT 80 percent butterfat butter price equates to $2.0902 per pound U.S., up 6 cents from the Sept. 5 event. That compares to Chicago Mercantile Exchange butter which closed Sept. 22 at $3.00. GDT cheddar, at $1.8343, was down 2.7 cents, and compares to Sept. 22’s CME block cheddar at $1.78. GDT skim milk powder averaged $1.0887 per pound, up from $1.0367; and whole milk powder averaged $1.2694 per pound, up from $1.2255, (4.4 cents). CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Sept. 22 at $1.17 per pound.

Analyst Dustin Winston says, “North Asia, which includes China, increased purchases substantially in this event.”

Broker Dave Kurzawski pointed out in the Sept. 25 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast that North Asia includes South Korea and Japan and Japanese milk output has been down about 4 percent. He said Japan could have been buying though it typically buys via tenders rather than the GDT.

Assuming most of the increase was China, Kurzawski asks why? StoneX offices in Singapore and contacts in China are not indicating that end users there think they’ve “missed something.” Milk prices in China have been heading lower quite aggressively, he said, but there’s no shortage of milk, so he suggests that physical traders may have got caught short in futures and to mitigate their exposure, bought physical. He adds that is not a

See MIELKE, pg. 21

Second round of payments help organic dairies

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is announcing a second round of payments for dairy producers through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program, providing an additional $5 million to help dairy producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry.

“This program is critical to keeping small, organic dairies sustainable as they continue to weather a combination of challenges outside of their control,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “In total, the Farm Service Agency is providing $20 million to give organic dairy producers additional economic support to stay in operation until markets return to more favorable conditions.”

Eligible producers for ODMAP included certified organic dairy operations that produce milk from cows, goats and sheep.

ODMAP provides financial assistance for a producer’s projected marketing costs in 2023, calculated based on a cost share of marketing costs on the pounds of organic milk marketed for the 2022 calendar year (or a projection of 2023 pounds of organic milk marketed if warranted in certain situations), not to exceed 5 million pounds. For ODMAP applicants, the first payment was factored by 75 percent. USDA has determined that additional assistance is still needed and sufficient funding remains available so the second round of payments will provide the

remaining 25 percent of requested assistance to each eligible applicant.

The second ODMAP payment is automatic. Participating producers do not need to take any additional action.

ODMAP complements other assistance available to dairy producers, including Dairy Margin Coverage and Supplemental DMC, with more than $1 billion in benefits paid for the 2023 program year to date.

Additionally, FSA recently announced the Milk Loss Program for eligible dairy operations. The program covers milk that was dumped or removed, without compensation, from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events and the consequences of those weather events that inhibited delivery or storage of milk (e.g., power outages, impassable roads, infrastructure losses, etc.) during calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Learn more at https:// www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/

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

Fluid milk sales are off 1.3 percent from last year

good sign for long term demand, but “It’s just Chinese traders doing what they do.”

The other consideration is that most of the GDT volume was in the November and December contracts, according to Kurzawski, which will clear customs in January. After Jan. 1, there is zero tariffs on product brought into China from New Zealand; so perhaps there was demand enough to get product in, he said.

HighGround Dairy says China’s total dairy imports were the lowest for July since 2017, the biggest drop coming in purchases from the United States — especially in whey products. And while China purchased the highest volume of whole milk powder since November 2018 in the Sept. 19 GDT, August imports were down 3 percent after rising the previous three months.

Skim milk powder imports were down 36 percent following six consecutive months of year-on-year gains of 20 percent or more, according to HighGround Dairy. Unfortunately, the biggest drop was in product purchased from the United States, down 71 percent.

Whey product imports were down 20.9 percent from a year ago, but butter was up 19.4 percent. Cheese imports were up 25 percent and HighGround Dairy stated, “Chinese cheese demand continues marching to its own beat relative to other imported commodities as August’s total set a record for the month. Product from New Zealand jumped to highs not seen since March 2021, up 40 percent,” according to HighGround Dairy.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged this week but dairy margins deteriorated the first half of September as lower milk prices more than offset a decline in projected feed costs, according to the latest Margin Watch from Chicagobased Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC.

The Margin Watch detailed highlights from the latest Dairy Products report, stating “USDA reported lower output of dairy products during July as oppressive heat and humidity impacted milk production.” It detailed production data for cheese, butter, powder, and whey, along with the latest U.S. export data.

The Margin Watch also stated, “Corn and soybean meal prices slipped following a bearish USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report which offset a lower yield projection with increased harvested acreage for both crops.”

The latest Crop Progress report showed 90 percent of U.S. corn dented, as of the week ending Sept. 17, up from 82 percent the previous week and 4 percent ahead of a year ago. Fifty-four percent was rated mature, up from 34 percent a week ago and 15 percent ahead of a year ago. Nine percent has been har-

vested, up from 7 percent a year ago, and 51 percent was rated good to excellent, down 1 percent from the previous week, and 1 percent below a year ago.

Looking at soybeans, 54 percent were dropping leaves, up from 31 percent the previous week and 15 percent ahead of a year ago. Five percent have been harvested. Fifty-two percent were rated good to excellent, unchanged from the previous week, but 3 percent below a year ago.

CME cheese prices weakened for the third week in a row. The cheddar blocks fell to $1.77 per pound on Sept. 21 (the lowest since July 20), but closed the next day at $1.78. This is down 10 cents on the week and 18 cents below a year ago.

The barrels finished at $1.60, 21 cents lower, 58.5 cents below a year ago when they were trading at $2.1850, topping the blocks. Three cars of block were sold and 35 of barrel.

Dairy Market News reports above-Class milk prices continue in the Midwest and Class I pulls are keeping loads snug, with some plants finding milk unavailable. Cheesemakers in the West are also pulling strongly on milk. Cheese production is steady with current seasonal milk volumes while some are short.

Cash butter kept heading higher, seeing a Sept. 22 finish at $3.00 per pound, up 28.25 cents on the week, the highest since Oct. 28, 2022, but still 13.25 cents below a year ago. There were 23 CME sales put on the board this week.

Midwest butter plants report cream availability is not ample, but not out of reach. Butter demand is strong to meeting expectations. Retail customers are showing mixed interest as prices continue to push higher. Some say $3 is possible. Regional loads are being spoken for by a steadily active food service market, despite retail channels being up and down, according to Dairy Market News.

Western cream is less limited in some areas, but still tight — despite the heavier bottling and flatter seasonal milk output decreases. Some anticipate further near-term tightness. However, some report cream multiples on the bottom of the range. Producers are looking to add inventory for anticipated fourth quarter demand. Some churns are running as strong as current cream volumes can accommodate; while others say output is below planned volumes. Most retail and food service demand is strong to steady, while export demand is moderate to light, says Dairy Market News.

Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Sept. 22 at $1.17 per pound, up 5.75 cents on the week, highest since June 2, but still 41 cents below a year ago. Sales totaled 13 loads on the week.

to Mexico were up 35.7 percent the first half of the year, says the Daily Dairy Report, and U.S. prices would likely have slipped much lower without them.

The outlook remains cloudy, warns the Daily Dairy Report. “Bearish sentiment about the global economy — and especially China — continues to build, potentially undermining global demand for milk powder the world over. International prices are in the doldrums, and a remarkable convergence in prices across the major supply regions has left U.S. product without a clear advantage.”

Dry whey closed a quarter-cent higher on Sept. 22, at 30.25 cents per pound. This is 14.75 cents below a year ago, with 30 CME sales reported on the week.

The USDA announced the October Federal order Class I base milk price at $19.47 per hundredweight. This is up 57 cents from September and the second highest October Class I since 2014, but is $3.24 below a year ago. It equates to $1.67 per gallon, down from $1.95 a year ago. The 10-month Class I average is $19.09, down from $22.73 a year ago, but compares to $16.48 in 2021.

Fluid milk sales continue to fall. The latest data shows July packaged fluid sales at 3.2 billion pounds, down 1.3 percent from July 2022. Conventional product sales totaled 3 billion pounds, down 1.7 percent from a year ago. Organic products, at 229 million pounds, were up 0.6 percent, and represented 7 percent of total sales for the month.

Whole milk sales totaled 1.2 billion pounds, up 1.5 percent from a year ago, up 1.2 percent year-to-date, and represented 35.2 percent of total sales in the seven month period. Skim milk sales, at 160 million pounds, were down 8.7 percent from a year ago and down 7.5 percent year-to-date.

Total packaged fluid sales for the seven months amounted to 24.4 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2022. Conventional product sales totaled 22.8 billion pounds, down 2 percent. Organic products, at 1.6 billion, were down 1.7 percent and represented 6.7 percent of total milk sales for the period.

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

The Sept. 15 Daily Dairy Report says, “Mexico has been importing U.S. powder at a record-breaking clip, bolstered by an exceptionally strong peso.” U.S. exports

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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.

Copy is 3 x 5.16

Taking Consignment I nformation For:

Fall Consignment Aucti on

Bidding ends: Saturday, October 28th

55780 St Hwy 19, Winthrop, MN

Advertising deadline is October 6th

Auctioneer, Matt Mages: 507-276-7002

Auction Manager, Maria Miller: 507-441-5496

Office: 507-647-3800

magesland.com

To submit your classified

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

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: 365 to 750 bushel gravity boxes. JD 115 stalk chopper. All good condition. 320-266-6878

WANTED: Aeration floor for 36’ bin, can remove and haul. 651-387-2085

Livestock

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

Swine

FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc, cross bred boars, and gilts. Top quality. Excellent herd health. No PRSS. Delivery available. 320-760-0365

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

Sheep

Dorset & Hampshire rams, ewes & yearlings for sale. Lambs, large framed w/fast growth that will put extra lbs on your lambs. I can deliver. Gene Sanford (507)645-4989

WANTED

DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE

We pay top dollar for your damaged grain. We are experienced handlers of your wet, dry, burnt and mixed grains. Trucks and vacs available. Immediate response anywhere.

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

1-800-828-6642

73.78 Acres of High-Quality Fillmore County, MN Farmland

Absolute No-Reserve Farmland Auction

(Beaver Township)

Sellers: Darrel and Sue Anderson

Live / with Online Bidding

Auction Date: October 2nd, 2023

Auction Start Time: 10:00 a.m.

No Buyer’s Premium

Property Address: 15322 121 St Ave, Ostrander MN 55961

Directions: 2&1/2 miles South of Ostrander on County Rd 1 to 150th Street, East 1 mile.

Property is Located North Side of the Road. Look For signs!!

Auction Site: Ostrander Community Hall at 412 Main St, Ostrander, MN 55961

**To register all bidders, live & online, must have a bank letter of credit to receive a bidding number. All letters must be submitted 48 hours before the start of the auction**

73.78 Acres of Fillmore County MN Farmland has a High CPI Rating of 93.6 consisting of High-Quality Soils of Kenyon Silt Loams, Floyd & Clyde Silty Clay Loams. This Parcel is located in Beaver Township Section #4. This property is located on the corner of 121st Ave and 150th St which gives it great access and would make a great addition to any farm operation or land portfolio.

The Terms & Conditions of Sale: - Please see website for all Terms & Conditions www.hamiltonauctioncompany.com

The information set forth is believed to be accurate. However, the owner of the properties and Hamilton Auction Company make no warranties or guaranties expressed or implied. Information contained in this document was collected from sources deemed to be reliable and is true and correct to the best of the writer’s knowledge. Auctioneers and owners will not be held responsible for advertising discrepancies or inaccuracies. ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS ON AUCTION DAY OR UPDATED AUCTION DAY TERMS ONLINE TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED INFORMATION. Hamilton Auction Company and its employees act as agents for the sellers. Auctions are with reserves, minimum bids, or subject to seller acceptance or rejections unless otherwise advertised as “Absolute Auction selling without Reserve.” Only the top bidder will be contacted as to the status of his/her bid. Information provided by the seller and or obtained by Hamilton Auction Company is deemed reliable and correct however all property is sold as is, where is and all buyer or sellers agree to hold harmless Hamilton Auction Company and our employees for any errors or omissions regarding anything being sold. Prospective buyers are advised to consult with an attorney of their choice with respect to the purchase of any real property including, but not limited to, seeking legal advice from their own attorney regarding disclosures and disclaimers set forth below.

130 State Hwy. 16 Dexter, MN 55926 • Phone: 507-584-0133

FOR SALE: 2007 Int’l 8600

Day Cab, C13 Cat eng, 10spd trans, air ride cab & suspension, 10 virgin tires on alum whls, 560,000 miles, last year for pre-admission motors. Asking $24,500.

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 Hand

NEW Massey Tractors ........................... On Hand

NEW Massey 4710 w/loader ….......... OnHand

NEW NH Boomer 45w/loader ….......… On Hand

3-New Massey GC1725 …….................. On Hand

’21 Massey 4707 w/loader …................…. $59,500

’16 Massey 4608 rops w/loader …............. $39,900

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

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

’18 NH T4.75 w/loader .............................. $52,500

’17 NH T4.75 w/loader ……..................… $51,000

’12 NH T9.560 2200hrs ……..........…… $249,000

’08 NH TD5050 w/loader ………..……… $39,000

NH T8.360 w/duals …………….......….. $169,500

Allis 8030 PD ………………...............…. $24,500

’22 JD 5045E 2wd ………….....………… $21,500

TILLAGE

DMI Tigermate II 40.5 w/3bar ….…......… $17,500

Sunflower 4412-07 ……...........…………. $29,500

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ....... On Hand

NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units .......... On Order

NH L228 low hours ............................................ $44,900

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

Kuhn SR112 Rake ……........................................... $6,900

16’ NH FP240 w/heads ……..................………… $69,000

NH H6740 disc mower ………...........................…. $8,500

PLANTERS

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

White 6122 L/F .Ins 20-20 ……..........……… $14,500

Taking 2023 New Spring Orders

COMBINES

NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead Call

18’ Gleaner S97 ..................................................... Call

’02

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

Cider sampling

Just outside the bright and spacious tap room at the Milk and Honey Cidery are row upon row of trellised dwarf apple trees with names like Black Oxford, Wickson, and Chestnut. The flavors of these apples are very different from the sweet but uncomplicated fruit currently in favor on grocery store shelves. These apples, like many other varieties that Milk and Honey Ciders uses, are loaded with aromas and fascinating flavors.

Milk and Honey’s apple varieties are true cider apples; and some, like Dabinett and Amere de Bellevue,

are astringent and bitter when eaten fresh. But when they are blended together, they produce hard ciders with the flavors, colors and complexity of fine wines.

St. Joseph, Minn.

Two of the seven ciders available in the St. Joseph, Minn. tap room in late August included Heirloom, made from the 2021 apple harvest; and Fauna, from the 2020 harvest.

Fauna is made from tannic apples for depth and body, according to Milk and Honey. Fauna’s recipe also includes apples described as sharps, which give it a bright and fruity character.

Heirloom is a cider which has been available since 2015 but changes a little with each harvest. The cidery’s website says Heirloom has a wide range of aromatics, including fruity, floral, citrus, honey and spices. The cidery suggests Heirloom as a good place to start your cider sampling.

Although Heirloom has been a Milk and Honey standby for close to a decade many other fine ciders have short life spans. The Kingston Cuvee, for example, was named after a Bittersweet apple called Kingston Black which was blended with Dabinett and Wickson, said Peter Gillitzer, a Milk and Honey founder. It was an off dry, tannic cider with notes of anise and wormwood, he said.

Kingston Cuvee is now Milk and Honey history. Other ciders never get bottled and are only available in in small kegs in restaurants in the cidery’s service area.

In addition to sampling cider at the tap room, there are live music performances during the summer and early fall, Saturday yoga sessions, Thursday night trivia, occa-

sional live comedy acts, and various other happenings. You can learn about it all at the cidery’s calendar at milkandhoneyciders.com.

If you can’t make any of the events, the cidery’s indoor and outdoor seating is a great place to just relax and enjoy a warm late summer or early fall afternoon in a pleasant rural area.

Non-alcoholic apple juice is available in the tap room.

The tap room and cidery is at located at 11738 County Road 51 just south of St. Joseph, Minn. v