The Land - November 10, 2023

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

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418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 • (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com • theland@TheLandOnline.com

November 10, 2023

Until next year...

Mixed results in yields, but all agree: “It could be worse.”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

The Land’s “From The Fields” farmers give their last report; Rochester event is a feast for small local businesses; Sugar beet crop is one of the best ... and more!

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THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

Peeking ahead to the last chapter 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLVII ❖ No. 23 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Table Talk Healthcare Focus The Bookworm Sez From The Fields Calendar of Events Mielke Market Weekly Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2, 5 5 6 7 8 9 11 14 17-23 23 24

STAFF

Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Laura Cole: lcole@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer Emeritus: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives: Dan McCargar: (507) 344-6379, dmccargar@thelandonline.com Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Office/Advertising Assistants: Joan Compart: theland@TheLandOnline.com Lyuda Shevtsov: auctions@thelandonline.com For Customer Service Concerns: (507) 345-4523, (800) 657-4665, theland@TheLandOnline.com Fax: (507) 345-1027 For Editorial Concerns or Story Ideas: (507) 344-6342, (800) 657-4665, editor@TheLandOnline.com Because of the nature of articles appearing in The Land, product or business names may be included to provide clarity. This does not constitute an endorsement of any product or business. Opinions and viewpoints expressed in editorials or by news sources are not necessarily those of the management.

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Even with the cold weather, it still lot before I turned to the last page of the seems hard to believe it’s already book and read the final sentence.

November. If you’re a New Year’s Sixteen years later, I think it’s safe to Resolution maker, how are you doing so share the line, but if you don’t want to far? I’ve just now realized I have yet to know, now would be the time to stop get my suspected shellfish allergy conreading because I’m about to give it firmed. I also promised to give smooth away. jazz an honest chance this year, and I A final sentence doesn’t usually offer haven’t done my due diligence in that such total closure, but “All was well,” LAND MINDS arena either. gave me the calm I needed to drive home,

By Laura Cole Besides offering a final attempt at settle in, and begin at page one, knowing January’s wishful thinking, November that the world of witches and wizardry and December are also birthday was going to be alright. months for my family. Along with the If I didn’t believe the wish would be upcoming holidays, there’s been plenty wasted, I’d probably request to page ahead in my of conversation about what we would like in life, own life, just real quick. To check for my own “All tangible and otherwise. was well” confirmation, and then get back to my Whether it’s the birthday variety or on the first current chapter. star of the night — I never miss an opportunity to As it turns out in the Harry Potter series, “well” make a wish. As the rules go, I can’t say exactly means (spoiler alert), evil does not prevail. But what I wish for, but I’ve noticed with age that there’s still plenty of pain, injustices, and loss along there’s been a shift from store-bought items to eththe way. And there’s also, even side by side, laughics-based concepts. I don’t correlate the hope for world peace with pageant answers like I used to. No ter, belonging, love. longer imagining a one-dimensional stereotype of I don’t really need to skip ahead to know that in beautiful women simply smiling into cameras and yet-to-be-determined measurements of good and at judges, I picture people (beautiful women among bad, that’s what life likely holds for me, also. And so them) advocating for positive change, and the vision long as my tombstone doesn’t indicate that I waited of what could be. too long to get the shellfish allergy officially added to my medical records, it’s perhaps best not to know I certainly feel a responsibility to do my part in the details beforehand. making this world a better one, and as a parent, there’s added responsibility. To raise a strong and Just don’t play smooth jazz at my funeral. kind next generation, and to do our best in handing n over a better world to live in. Roots and wings, roots It seems like just yesterday we began The Land’s and wings, I often remind myself. Roots to keep my 2023 installment of “From The Fields.” This issue daughter grounded and connected, and wings for contains the final reports for the year. Special her to fly bravely on her own journeys. thanks to our farmers for providing updates to The Back when the seventh and final Harry Potter Land readers! book came out, the Mankato Barnes & Noble had a “From The Fields” will resume next spring and we midnight release event. After our closing shift, a few are always in need of farmers to report their progof my coworkers and I drove over and stood in line to secure our own copies. I wouldn’t consider myself ress. It only involves a short phone call every other week and we do our best to make it as painless as a die-hard “Potterhead,” but it was exciting. possible. If you are interested in participating, There was so much built up about that last book, I please contact Laura Cole at lcole@thelandonline. thought for sure I was going to hear a major detail com. from someone or accidentally read something before Laura Cole is the staff writer of The Land. She I could tell my eyes to stop, and so I opted for selfmay be reached at lcole@TheLandOnline.com. v sabotage. I don’t even think I had left the parking

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

10 — FEAST festival connects small business with its customers 16 — Sugar beet crop is one of the best in years

THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Nuts and Bolts” — News and new products from the ag industry • “Calendar of Events” — Check out The Land’s complete events listing

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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SOME BOAST

ABOUT RESULTS. WE HARVEST OURS.

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Data is based on average of 2022 comparisons made in the United States through 11/09/22. Comparisons are against all competitors, unless otherwise stated, and within +/- 3 CRM of the competitive brand. Product responses are variable and subject to any number of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data are a better predictor of future performance. DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION. Refer to www.pioneer.com or contact a Pioneer sales representative or authorized dealer for the latest and complete listing of traits and scores for each Pioneer® brand product.

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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

OUR A-GAME

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TO M TCH.

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Data is based on an average of 2022 on-farm and IMPACT™ trial comparisons made in the U.S. of top 25 demand planned A-Series Enlist E3® varieties through November 20, 2022. Comparisons are against Asgrow® XtendFlex® varieties and within a +/- 3 RM of the competitive brand. Product responses are variable and subject to any number of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data are a better predictor of future performance. DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION. Refer to www.pioneer.com or contact a Pioneer sales representative or authorized dealer for the latest and complete listing of traits and scores for each Pioneer® brand product.

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THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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Now for the really hard, chaotic part As difficult as it was for House This should interest farmers and ranchRepublicans to find an electable leader, ers because several GOP members of the that rough start was the easy part.

House and Senate ag committees propose Ahead lies governing and it promises to a similar “raid” on “climate funding and be tricky. some rural development accounts,” reports the Food and Environmental First up is Congress’s need to act by Reporting Network (FERN) Oct. 29, “to mid-November to either keep the governoffset the cost of raising reference prices, ment open or shut it down. It’s the which would make it easier to trigger House’s move; the Senate appears willing FARM & FOOD FILE crop subsidy payments.” to approve any reasonable plan that keeps the gears of government grinding.

In short, urge these ag Republicans,

By Alan Guebert Congress should take already budgetWhat will the House do? So far, the ed, long-term ag money — principally tea leaves suggest more chaos. parts of the IRA’s “green ag” cash, food Newly anointed speaker, Mike aid money from SNAP, and conservaJohnson of Louisiana, a case-hardened conservative tion funds — to increase today’s farm program subby all accounts, wants one-for-one budget offsets sidies to mainly corn, cotton, soybean, wheat, rice, from President Joe Biden’s cherished Inflation and peanut growers.

Reduction Act before presenting any House resoluBut this isn’t the old rob-Peter-to-pay-Paul scheme. tion to spend anything on any program.

It’s a bald-faced hustle that grabs most of Peter’s It’s a legislative throwdown that will test Speaker future mortgage money to buy Paul candy today.

Johnson’s willingness to use the ultimate weapon — Don’t take my word for it. University of Illinois a federal government shutdown that impacts milfarm policy expert and former U.S. Department of lions of Americans — to score a political point by Agriculture official Jonathan Coppess blistered the embarrassing congressional Dems and the White idea in an Oct. 26 post on farmdocDAILY. House. “(T)he politics of doing so are perilous at best,” This isn’t a parlor game; it carries an enormous Coppess noted, considering “that efforts to cut SNAP risk. Recent past shutdowns, all pushed by House Republicans, quickly turned into political mud that nearly derailed both the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills stuck to them in every subsequent election. As such, … The reported proposal, if pursued, would be worse spending shutdowns carry a long-term election cost than either of those … fights” because it “would pit farmers against rural communities and against lowfor the shutdown party that far outweighs any income Americans.” short-term political gain.

Imagine the headlines: “Farmers take food out of Second, the initial “you-give-us-offsets/we-givethe mouths of America’s hungry, rural, and poor.” you-funding” formula will get a trial run as Speaker Johnson proposes a similar offer for a $106 billion U.S. aid package the White House (and most of Congress) wants for Israel, Ukraine, and U.S. border programs.

OPINION

FFA scholarship applications open The Minnesota FFA Foundation recently announced the James W. Tracy scholarship applications are open. The James W. Tracy scholarship application carries a deadline of Feb. 1.

The scholarship is open to Minnesota FFA and 4-H members.

Eligible applicants must be a resident of Minnesota; must be enrolled or plan to be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary school in the United States to study agriculture or animal husbandry.

For full details please go to https://www.mnffafoundation.org/james-w-tracy-scholarship.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota FFA Foundation. v

Minor Roof Leaks?

CALL US!

There goes the rural/urban SNAP coalition.

Additionally, explains Coppess, the plan “also pit(s)… farmers seeking conservation funding against those who might receive additional farm program payments.”

There goes the Hook-and-Bullet Gang and the green lobby.

Then there’s the proposed higher reference prices which, Coppess says, are a “gamble on whether Congress can pick the right prices to write into the statute…”

All those in favor of Congress “picking the right prices” for the upcoming Farm Bill raise your right hand.

In short, as badly as the 2018 law needs updating to reflect an ever-changing market and the fastchanging climate, the GOP’s “controversial proposal to reduce conservation, SNAP, and rural development funding by $50 billion” to boost program payments screams that a “[Farm Bill] extension is the least bad option” right now, Coppess suggests.

Moreover, adds the past administrator of the Farm Service Agency, “It may even be worth considering a continuation of the current farm program for another five years rather than gamble away the farm bill coalition.”

In short, keep today’s House chaos away from tomorrow’s Farm Bill.

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

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THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Farewell and good riddance to a steel homewrecker I’ve been living in a world that only a the light — without the mistress that my spurned woman can really understand. husband had dutifully carried for so She came between my husband and I — long — and right in front of me. not only because my husband was deeply He was free from her demands. And we bound to her, but because she was so were free to be “us” again. needy. Her needs came before mine, and Indeed … he got rid of the combine that my husband dutifully obliged her — if nearly broke up our marriage. only because he felt like he needed her, too. He had spent a lot of money on her, The trouble began with a wet fall that TABLE TALK and when he needed her to deliver, she crippled so many people’s harvest efforts. decided she wasn’t finished taking his

By Karen Schwaller Our harvest was also hampered with money yet. combine trouble. The hydro decided to take the season off. It couldn’t always And she was happy to wait for it, even ascend inclines (not even small ones) without losing if my husband was in a hurry for her ability to power, making my husband have to double back and deliver. But time and time again she would sit back and demand my husband’s time and money, regard- pick up grain that had not been sucked into the combine. less of the tension it placed on everyone … and would make him pony up more money for her needs.

On repeated occasions, a radio conversation might She was co-dependent upon him, yet she laughed go something like this: haughtily at him. At us.

(My husband): “Slow down. I can’t keep up with I knew about this relationship. you!”

And my husband knew that I knew about it. Yet (Me): “Well I don’t know if you’re losing power or he continued on with it, right in front of me. And he dropping back to load the back of the cart! How am expected me to understand and wait for it to pass.

I supposed to know what you’re doing?”

Well, eventually it did pass — like a ten-pound It would be difficult to document remaining conbaby. But it’s over now. versations and tones of them, since it took many expletives and some liquid nips for my husband to It was like exiting a dark tunnel and coming into get through that harvest.

There had been other problems with her — including issues with her unloading auger. That problem had been repaired, requiring deep stitches for our checkbook. But it was worth it to be rid of her neediness once and for all, and to have his good company back.

We were still licking our wounds from that repair bill and our fragile marriage following weeks of that same conversation that fall, when the hydro prob-

lem resurfaced the following year.

Oh, she was determined to be a homewrecker.

But my husband stood face-to-face with her and called her bluff right away this time, and took her to get help as soon as possible. He decided he had too much to lose, and that a high repair bill was still cheaper than a divorce settlement.

And so he had chosen. And I came out the victor.

At least for a while.

Then this year her unloading auger broke again.

She was not giving up.

And that was it.

Keeping his options open (and in a bold relationship move), my husband sent me on an afternoon drive to get a new auger for this mistress in order to try to keep harvest going. But while I was gone, he test-drove a different combine behind her back … well, right in front of her … which he ended up buying. Finally, he was free of her bondage. She was sent packing.

I had wished there was some kind of support group for spouses whose significant others had field mistresses like that. “Equip-Anon” or some kind of assembly like that may have rendered me more emotionally healthy had I been able to share my story with others who had the same troubles. Our radio conversations are much more spouse-friendly today.

But you can bet I’ll be on high-alert for signs of mistress-ing with this new combine.

Yes, indeed. I’ll know a potential homewrecker when I see one now.

Karen Schwaller writes from her grain and livestock farm near Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at kschwaller@evertek.net v

Incentive program for beginning farmers Practical Farmers of Iowa invites beginning and aspiring farmers looking for mentorship and support to apply for the next round of PFI’s Savings Incentive Program.

This two-year program aims to help beginning farmers succeed through mentorship from experienced farmers; business plan support; the chance to save money and receive matching funds; opportunities to attend a range of learning events; and access to a network of supportive peers.

Applications are due Nov. 20. Full details and the application form are available at practicalfarmers. org/savings-incentive-program.

use to help purchase a farm asset.

PFI is also offering additional funds for farmers of color. This includes a $1,000 start-up grant at the beginning of the program and a 1:2 match. For every $1 participants save, PFI will provide a $2 match, up to $4,800.

To be eligible, farmers must either be farming on their own now and have farmed for seven or fewer years, or have experience working for a farm business.

Candidates must reside in Iowa or farm in the state of Iowa or bordering counties in adjoining states; and must be a member of Practical Farmers of Iowa. Those who are not members can join at practicalfarmers.org.

Those enrolled in the program will start in January For questions, to check eligibility or for help getting 2024 and be part of the SIP Class of 2025. After 24 signed up, farmers should contact Kayla Koether at months and completion of all program requirements, (515) 232-5661 or kayla.koether@practicalfarmers.org. participants earn a dollar-for-dollar match on money This article was submitted by Practical Farmers of saved up to $2,400, for a possible $4,800 they may Iowa. v

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

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Many medical advancements now help us live longer While my columns often ment is important because relate to U.S. health insura number of frequently ance and the business of fatal diseases spread if healthcare in the United sewage is not managed in a States, this month I am hygienic fashion. writing about a rather difMany early cities were ferent topic. Life expectanplaced by rivers to allow cy is a useful measure of easy access to water but the health of a community. also so sewage could simply HEALTHCARE Trend of life expectancy in be dumped in the river. The FOCUS the United States climbed river would dilute and steadily, but has plateaued carry away the sewage and

By Mark Brakke in recent years. In the year with time Mother Nature 1776, life expectancy was 35 years; in would make the downstream water 1880, 39; in 1920, 55; in 1960, 70; in relatively safe. As cities became larg2000, 77; and in 2020, 77 as well. er, with a comparable increase in sewage, the impact on rivers became Many factors impact our survival. disastrous.

As generations pass, we come to accept as normal what were major Liverpool, England was one of the changes for our ancestors. Take, for first large cities to construct a basic example, insulin. Up until 1921, anysewage system. This sewer system simone with type 1 (insulin dependent) ply removed sewage from the city. It diabetes died quickly. In the United did not process the sewage, it just got it States today, approximately 1,900,000 to the ocean. The Liverpool sewage syspeople would soon die if insulin were tem was constructed in stages between no longer available.

1848 and 1869. During that time, life I find it interesting to consider some expectancy in Liverpool increased from 19 years to over 38 years. of the many factors which have led to our current life expectancies: Smallpox was an illness with fatality rates around 30 percent until a strateSewage — An entire book could easigy for vaccination evolved in England ly be written about the history of sewin the late 1700s. Early vaccination age management. Sewage manage-

HPAI in Minnesota confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to re-emerge during seasonal migrations in Minnesota. HPAI has been confirmed 11 times in October 2023. The cases have been in Becker (2), Brown (1), Blue Earth (2), Meeker (3), Pine (1), Kandiyohi (1), and Redwood (1) counties. The most recent cases were confirmed as recently as Oct. 25.

Poultry producers and backyard flock owners should contact their veterinarian immediately or the Minnesota Board

of Animal Health (833-454-0156) if they see any signs in their flock. These symptoms can include a decrease in feed or water intake; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, wattle, and hocks; a decrease in egg production; sudden, unexplained death; extreme depression and quietness; and difficulty breathing.

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

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strategies were crude by modern standards, but sufficiently safe and effective. Infant vaccination against smallpox was the law by 1853 in England.

Due to an effective worldwide vaccination program, smallpox no longer exists outside of the laboratory.

Major surgery requires effective general anesthesia. Ether, nitrous oxide and chloroform were early anesthetics identified between 1842 and 1847.

Understanding the true nature of infectious diseases evolved gradually.

It was not until 1847 that a Hungarian physician, Ignaz Semmelweis, demonstrated that hand washing drastically decreased life threatening infections associated with childbirth. His recommendation was initially criticized and ignored by many of his contemporaries.

Joseph Lister, an Englishman, published a paper in 1867 explaining the need for a sterile environment in surgery to prevent post-surgical infections. A Frenchman, Louis Pasteur (1822-1895), is sometimes call the father of bacteriology for his many important discoveries about bacteria, fungi, yeast and viruses. He was instrumental in discovering how the number of dangerous bacteria in milk can be reduced (pasteurization) and the creation of a vaccine against rabies (1885).

The existence of viruses was known indirectly starting around 1892 — initially as a result of a tobacco plant disease which could be transmitted via water filtered to remove all visible particles such as bacteria. Viruses are

so small, measuring 20 to 300 nanometers. (A nanometer is one billionth of a meter.) They cannot be seen with light microscopes. In 1931 the electron microscope was invented allowing the visualization of viruses.

Antibiotics, used to treat bacterial infections, were first used in 1910 to treat syphilis; but initial useful development was slow. Sulfa antibiotics were first manufactured in 1933 and penicillin in 1942.

The first U.S. drinking water standards were published in 1914; but they were recommendations — not legal requirements.

Other major advancements in medicine have been artificial joints, cancer treatments (initially chemotherapy and more recently targeted immunotherapy), and various organ transplants (including corneas, kidneys, livers and hearts). Work is currently being done to try to grow new organs which can be transplanted and not rejected by our immune systems.

The citizens of 1776 would be astounded if they could see the state of health and medical science in 2023.

I wish you all a fine Thanksgiving.

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 (HCAMN.org). v

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THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Book details dreams of a farm clashing with the big city Hi ho the dairy-oh.

“The Farmer’s Wife: My Life in Days” In the old children’s song, the farmer’s

by Helen Rebanks in the dell and lots of things happen. His child takes a dog and the dog takes a cat. c.2023, Harper Horizon Rats appear, and mice arrive. It sounds $29.99 like dreadful chaos in merry lyrics with a 312 pages bouncy tune. Fortunately for the poor guy, he makes one decision before he does anyything else: he takes a spouse. And in married.

THE BOOKWORM “The Farmer’s Wife: My Life in Days” by SEZ James took a job nearby, Helen Rebanks, that’s a very good thing. then two of them when By Terri Schlichenmeyer She said she’d never marry a farmer. their first child was born, but he struggled. She strugShe was going to leave her parents’ gled, too: Rebanks was overwhelmed by home and move to the big city to be an artist. She motherhood, alone and depressed, and would paint and sculpt and the world would be hers. But when Helen Rebanks was just a teen, she felt as though she’d lost the person she knew she was. fell in love with a boy named James whose heart was back on a farm.

Things were better when the second baby came along; and by then, James’ dream of farming had And oh, James tried! He followed her from city to caught fire. He loved the land, and it was contacity, they took short jaunts and weeks away from gious; but she would have to give up her dreams to their homes in England to various parts of Europe make it happen. to sample what life had to offer an artist and her man, but he was never comfortable. Being around They looked into taking the leap. tall buildings and cafe society felt all wrong for “There are many ways to live,” Rebanks says, someone who longed for open pastures and newborn “many ways to be a woman. I know lots of women lambs. don’t want what I want. But this is how I want to They argued, but they loved one another and they live.”

Almost always, when you grab a book, you know what kind of book it is. “The Farmer’s Wife” will surprise you, though, because it’s many things.

First of all, it’s a story of author Helen Rebanks’ forebears, which is enmeshed with her own memoir. Those tales are of hard lives and hard times, and they’re made of sandpaper and steel. Then this is a dual love story, to a man and to the land he belongs on, and it was a bit of a battle; no spoilers here, but this part lends excitement to the tale. Then, it’s a cookbook: readers will find relevant recipes sprinkled throughout Rebanks’ narrative, with more at the end along with meal ideas and tips.

This book is a quiet sunrise with a hot cup of coffee and early birdsong. It’s a soft sunset from the door of a barn, stanchions gently clinking behind you. Yep, that’s the feeling you get here, reading this book.

Hi ho, “The Farmer’s Wife” is a book you’ll take.

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

Help kids get outside The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently announced another phase of the “No Child Left Inside” grants.

The Minnesota DNR is accepting applications for both mini grants (less than $5,000) and larger grants ($5,000 to $25,000). The request for proposals is available on the Minnesota DNR website: mndnr. gov/no-child-grants. Applications will be accepted until 2 p.m. Dec. 12.

Questions about these grants or the application process should be emailed to outreachgrants.dnr@ state.mn.us with “Grant Questions” in the subject line. People can also call 888-646-6367.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. v

Answers located in Classified Section

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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Farmers turning to ‘winter mode’ as days get shorter



Corey Hanson Gary, Minn.

Nov. 3

The frozen ground has determined that Corey Hanson is done with tillage and fertilizing for the year.

He reported on Nov. 3 that his farm received two inches of snow the Friday prior and another three inches on Oct. 30 along with 30 to 40 mph winds.

Recent temps have been in the high 20s/low 30s.

The cattle came home before the predicted snowfall. “It’s a lot easier to lead them when they want to come home,” Hanson remarked. Besides a few hiccups, he stated the process was as smooth as it can be.

Hanson commented he’ll be plenty busy “getting into winter mode for the livestock.” He’s also working on washing combines and tractors, and parking the machinery for the winter.



  2023   From The

Fields

David Tauer Hanska, Minn.

Nov. 2

Work continues on bedding at Tauer Dairy; however, the weather has not been very favorable for the task.

David Tauer reported receiving a total of eight-tenths of an inch of rain on Oct. 24 and 26. “That kind of put things on hold,” he stated. They also received a dusting of snow on Oct. 30. “We even had thunder and lightning with it, which surprised me.”

Compiled by Laura Cole, The Land Staff Writer

Tauer was able to get 250 round bales made prior to the rainfall. “I’d like a thousand bales total,” he remarked.

With the other fields taking on the usual harvest hues, Tauer commented the rye still has a really nice green color. It’s thickened up, and it looks good.

Reflecting on the past several months, Hanson stated he’s thankful to have had a safe year. Along with feeding the world, he’s also mindful of those on a local level who face food insecurity.

A company was previously at the farm pumping liquid manure, and one remaining field is expected to get an application shortly. Next week, Tauer plans to start on tillage. He expects that to take three or four days, noting that the ground has frozen on top and thawed back out, which will help with the process.

Hanson serves as president of the Norman County Soybean/Corn Growers Association, and he stated for the past five or six years, they have supported REACH (Rural Enrichment and Counseling Headquarters) by donating funds to provide families in need with the protein for their holiday meals. Last year, he stated they were able to help roughly 170 families. v

Tauer commented on the year having brought concerns, but is fortunate that in the fall, the crops still turn out fine. “I don’t know why we worry so much.” Tauer concluded by expressing his appreciation for the dedicated workers he has and the help they provide. v



Nick Pooch finished his corn the night of Oct. Nick Pooch 30. “We drove all the machinery home in the Farwell, Minn. snow,” he stated. Fairly recently he was Nov. 2 expecting 200 to 240 bushels, and was happy

to report ending yields between 230 to 240.

Pooch received half an inch of rain a week prior and on Oct. 30, a couple inches of snow. While there is still a little in the ditches, he stated 90 percent had melted by Nov. 1.

Stalks were finished being baled on Oct. 22. Pooch stated he may do some custom work for baling yet if it works out.

Expecting two more days to go with tillage, Pooch commented, “It’s working up really nice.” With a recent temp in the low 20s, he said the top firmed up, which helped. Now it’s a race to finish before it gets too frozen, but he’s confident he can get it done in time.

Pooch noted his experimental plots didn’t bring any real wow factors. The varieties seemed to handle the dry weather the same, but he stated there were a few that he especially liked and will try them out on more acres next year. Dependent on spring’s weather conditions, Pooch might also do more corn-oncorn than he has previously. v

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Jim Hagen Lake Mills, Iowa Nov. 3

Jim Hagen reported on Nov. 3 that his corn harvest finished strong. “Later corn did better than the earlier corn,” he remarked, adding he felt that the later maturing corn had more chances to catch rain. He estimated 98 percent of the corn in his area has now been harvested.

Looking ahead to next year, Hagen doesn’t expect to change up his process for corn. He does plan to use 2,4-D instead of dicamba with his soybean crop.

Hagen stated there was about two and a half inches of rainfall at the farm roughly 10 days ago. Soaking all the way through, he reported the tiles are running again. “So that’s a good thing,” he said. They also recently received some snow that lasted a day.

Tillage is in the works, and Hagen is expecting to have it completed later in the day. He is also happy to report there have not been any major breakdowns or problems this harvest season.

Bus driving can now resume, and Hagen’s first scheduled trip will have him bringing a college basketball team to North Dakota for a three day stint. But before that, he has a brand new granddaughter to meet on Nov. 4. Congratulations to the family! v

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PAGE 10

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

FEAST’s 10th year proves to be the best ever

By PAUL MALCHOW it into a year-round The Land Managing Editor planning project; but she wouldn’t have it ROCHESTER, any other way.

Minn. — If the way to “FEAST serves a dual a man’s heart is purpose,” she through his stomach, explained.

“Not only there were many happy do we get to expose men, women and chilthe public to some of dren in Rochester, the many small, indeMinn. on Nov. 4. pendent food and bevThe FEAST! Local erage makers in the Foods Marketplace area; these businesses celebrated its 10-year have many common anniversary at the challenges. They are Mayo Civic Center able to share with with 82 vendors diseach other and help playing their products each other become and services for the more successful.” public to enjoy. The Photos by Paul Malchow Vendors participatnonprofit festival Over 500 people gathered at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minn. on Nov. 4 to showcases fare made enjoy samples from over 80 vendors whose products are made with local ingredients. ing in FEAST offer a wide variety of food exclusively in and beverage products — from snacks, In addition to organizing the FEAST Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. event, Byrne wears many hats through- wines and ciders, to healthy ingredi“These entrepreneurs are passionate, out the year. She is the local foods spe- ents visitors can take home to make dedicated and extremely hard work- cialist for Renewing The Countryside their own food creations. ing,” said FEAST coordinator Elena as well as their ag communications Almost every exhibitor Byrne. “We’re here to help them grow lead. Byrne admits the growing popu- offered an abundance of and thrive, increasing their connec- larity of the FEAST event had turned free samples for the public tions to each other and consumers.” to try; along with stories of

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their businesses and tips to make their products even more enjoyable.

“We definitely encourage samples,” Byrne admitted.

“It’s an excellent way for the public to understand the product. Also, it’s a simple fact that as a small operation, these businesses have a higher price point than their bigger competitors. Being able to talk to business owners and hear In addition to exhibits, the FEAST show has a farmers market their stories also helps the with seasonal produce for sale.

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While food, drink and samples are the main attraction at FEAST, the event offers more to make the festival fun for the whole family. There is music, children’s activities, prize drawings, a farmers market and cooking demonstrations. This year’s FEAST offered presentations from four different chefs who shared simple recipes for folks to try at home.

FEAST began in 2014 through the efforts and sponsorship of Renewing The Countryside and the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. The goal was to strengthen the economic and social ties which occur when eaters support local farmers and food producers. More organizations have since joined that effort. The 2023 version of FEAST was supported by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Compeer

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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 11

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

Nov. 30 — Farmland Rent Workshop — Madison, Minn. — Presenters review historical rental rates throughout Minnesota and use data-driven decisions to help determine a fair value for land. Contact Dave Bau at bauxx003@umn.edu or (507) 372-3900 x3906.

Other Dates and Locations: Nov. 30 — Olivia, Minn.

Dec. 1 — Princeton, Minn.

Dec. 4 — Litchfield, Minn.

Dec. 4 — Buffalo, Minn.

Dec. 7 — Cologne, Minn.

Dec. 7 — Jordan, Minn.

Dec. 13 — Pipestone, Minn.

Dec. 14 — Gaylord, Minn.

Dec. 14 — Hutchinson, Minn.

Dec. 21 — Albert Lea, Minn.

Dec. 21 — Blue Earth, Minn.

Jan. 5 — Online (two sessions offered) Jan. 10 — Online (two sessions offered) Jan. 17 — Online (two sessions offered) Jan. 24 — Online (two sessions offered) Jan. 31 — Online (two sessions offered) Feb. 7 — Online (two sessions offered) Nov. 30 — Online Beef Quality Assurance Training — Online — Producers in attendance will receive their three-year BQA certification. Contact bqa@umn.edu.

Dec. 5 — Crop Management Input Seminar — Hutchinson, Minn. — Presentation topics will include Challenges with Alfalfa and Soybean Insect Management, Resistance of Insect Pests in Bt Corn, and Herbicide Resistant Waterhemp in Minnesota.

Contact Taylor Herbert at therbert@umn.edu or (612) 394-5229.

Dec. 5 — Starting a Cottage Food Production Business — St. Cloud, Minn. — During this workshop, attendees will learn about what foods are cottage foods in Minnesota, the advantages of cottage food produc-

tion, and how to register as a cottage food producer.

Contact Haakon Lehn at hlehn@ifound.org.

Dec. 15-16 — Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention — Alexandria, Minn. — This annual convention and trade show will include speakers, a silent and live auction, the Best of Beef Banquet, trade show, and opportunities for networking. For more information, visit https://www.mnsca.org/convention.

Dec. 18-19 — Genetic Symposium — Ames, Iowa — This new event will educate producers on the tools available for making genetic improvements for their operation. Contact Randie Culbertson at rculber@ iastate.edu or (515) 294-6304.

Jan. 8 - Feb. 18 — Horse Certificate Courses — Online — The University of Minnesota Extension will offer seven self-guided courses focused on horse hay, weight management, biosecurity, manure management, basic nutrition, carcass composting, and pasture management. Contact Krishona Martinson at krishona@umn.edu or (612) 360-4533.

Potential exhibitors encouraged to attend March tradeshow vendors was added only said the tradeshow is a unique opportwo weeks before the show. tunity to connect with fellow entrepreFinancial, Mayo Clinic, “We want to offer plenty of neurs, technical assistance providers, Foresight Bank, Ferndale variety,” Byrne said. “We’re and wholesale buyers.

Market, People’s Food very interested in helping FEAST has also spawned the FEAST! Co-op, KIMT 3 TV, the and want to be as inclusive Local Foods Magazine which was Rochester Local website, as possible.” launched in 2018 as a preview of the Home Federal Savings Vendors are also invited FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace and Bank and AURI to attend an industry-only as a means for sharing the vision, (Agricultural Utilization tradeshow which takes goals, and people behind the event. In Research Institute). place in Cannon Please Falls, theemail magazine name was updated Premier sponsors also had AD COPY INSTRUCTIONS read2022, attached Minn. in March. The trade- to LOCAL FEAST!, with a tagline of booths in the FEAST show day includes a buyers’ “putting local first.” Issues of the magaexhibit hall. expo and Makers’ Forum zine available reading at https:// CODE AND REP NAMES ALREADY ONare AD THEfor LAND 3.417 x ” In spite of a Covid speed panel discussions. Past www.local-feast.org/magazine. bump in 2020, FEAST has tradeshow sessions have Plans for the 2024 FEAST show are persevered and grown. Tortilleria Zepeda from Lone Rock, Wis. sold authentic tortillas at its booth addressed topics such as underway and Byrne expects the event Businesses apply to exhibit at the show. creative financing, e-com- will take place on Nov. 2 — again at the at the event and a fivemerce practices, and an entrepreneur Mayo Civic Center. Tickets will be The Land member juried committee reviews cations begin arriving in June, but panel dedicated to discussing strate- available online and also at the door. v applications to ensure locally-grown Byrne stressed there is really no deadgies for sharing a business’ story. Byrne ingredients are involved. Vendor appli- line for registration. One of the 2023

FEAST, from pg. 10

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PAGE 12

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THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

Class III milk price continues to sink This column was written for the marketthe month at $1.665 per pound. This is ing week ending Nov. 4. down 6.5 cents on the week and 34.5 cents below a year ago as traders anticiThe Federal Reserve will hold interest pated the afternoon’s September Dairy rates steady for another month. It’s a good Products report. sign of the economy, but dairy farmers aren’t out of their financial woes yet. The The barrels finished at $1.64, 4.25 U.S. Department of Agriculture announced cents lower, 33.5 cents below a year ago the October Federal order Class III milk and 2.5 cents below the blocks. price at $16.84 per hundredweight, down Sales totaled 16 loads of block on the MIELKE MARKET $1.55 from September, driven primarily by WEEKLY week and 69 for the month of October — a sharp drop in cheese prices. The benchup from 24 in September. Barrel sales

By Lee Mielke mark is a woeful $4.97 below October totaled 22 for the week and 66 for 2022 and the lowest October Class the month, down from 75 in III since 2018.

September.

The year has seen a high of $19.43 Midwest processors say milk supin January and a low of $13.77 in pliers are working to lock in extra milk loads for the July. The ten-month Class III average stands at end-of-year holidays, according to Dairy Market $17.10, down from $22.20 at this time a year ago, News. Current spot milk supplies are slowly edging and compares to $16.86 in 2021. higher week to week and mid-week spot prices Late morning on Nov. 4, Class III futures portend ranged from Class to $1-over. Cheese inventories a turnaround in November — but not much. The remain “somewhat balanced.”

November contract was trading at $17.26 per cwt.; December, $17.26; January 2024, $17.40; February $17.83; and March was at $18.22. All in the right direction, but still short of profitability for most corn/change* soybeans/change* dairy producers.

Stewartville $4.46 +.10 $13.17 +.91 The October Class IV price is $21.49, up $2.40 Edgerton $4.44 -.12 $13.22 +.67 from September (thanks primarily to the recordJackson $4.38 -.08 $13.25 +.76 breaking butter price), but is $3.47 below a year Hope $4.33 -.11 $13.12 +.64 ago, yet the highest Class IV price since December Cannon Falls $4.59 +.30 $12.26 +.17 2022. Its ten-month average is at $18.93, down from Sleepy Eye $4.38 -.11 $13.07 +.62 $24.82 a year ago, and $15.44 in 2021.

St. Cloud $4.27 -.07 $13.02 +.57 Speaking in the Nov. 6 “Dairy Radio Now” broadMadison $4.37 -.15 $12.97 +.52 cast, StoneX broker Dave Kurzawski said few if any Redwood Falls $4.49 -.10 $13.07 +.62 dairy farmers can make milk at this price; but “At Fergus Falls $4.12 -.25 $12.65 +.34 the moment we haven’t seen a typical seasonal Morris $4.29 -.20 $12.77 +.52 demand in cheese.”

Tracy $4.39 -.19 $13.20 +.78 He added that cheese is “not at a terrible price Average: $4.33 $12.98 historically, but definitely lower than we thought it would be — namely closer to $1.80 to $1.85 per Year Ago Average: $6.57 $13.84 pound.”

Grain prices are effective cash close on Nov. 7.

“We could yet see a seasonal push in demand in *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

November for cheese,” Kurzawski said. “We produced a lot of cheese this year relative to demand, Western cheese demand is mostly steady from but exports have been off. Maybe we have enough retail and food service, says Dairy Market News, cheese going into the holidays, but at some point and inventories are “comfortable.” A few manufacthere’s a pipeline refill that has to happen and milk turers indicate inventories are decreasing slightly. production is still flat. A lot of people are projecting Demand from international buyers is moderate to that milk output will come back, but it hasn’t as of light. Domestic prices and near-term futures pricing yet; and given on-farm economics, I don’t expect it’s compared to European Union-Oceania prices are not going to get much better — even in the first part of encouraging stronger export activity. the year.” When demand is slow, or people have Demand for Class III milk is strong to steady but enough, the price can come down, he concluded, but extra spot loads are somewhat limited in some parts he believes we are underestimating the impact of a of the West, says Dairy Market News, and holding questionable milk supply. production steady. n n That lack of demand appeared in cheese as After dropping almost 17 cents the previous week, November got underway. Chicago Mercantile CME butter shot up almost 11 cents on Oct. 30 to Exchange block cheddar closed the first Friday of

MARKETING

Cash Grain Markets

$3.30 per pound; but closed Nov. 4 at $3.1075. This is down 8.5 cents on the week, down 39.5 cents from its Oct. 6 peak, but still 33.5 cents above a year ago when it plunged 36.75 cents. There were six loads traded on the week and 36 for the month, down from 124 in September.

Butter market tones teetered between market signals this week, says Dairy Market News, but marketers expected it. Holiday orders have been made and a number of contacts say the record price points are unlikely to return the rest of this year. Bulk butter is available but far from abundant, according to buyers in the region.

Cream is tight in the West despite some handlers noting improved fat component levels in milk. Spot cream loads have tightened compared to the previous week in some parts of the region while loosening in others. Butter manufacturers say extra cream buying is limited by current prices. Domestic butter demand is strong to steady and current inventories are in good shape for holiday demand. Fourth quarter demand from Canadian purchasers has picked up again and closer to the first three quarters while export demand is light elsewhere, says Dairy Market News.

Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Nov. 4 at $1.185 per pound, 1.25 cents lower on the week and 21.5 cents below a year ago. There were only two sales posted on the week and 52 for the month, down from 61 in September.

Dry whey saw its Nov. 4 finish at 38.75 cents per pound, down 1.25 cents on the week and 8 cents below a year ago. Sales totaled 47 loads on the week and 195 for the month of October, up from 109 in September. n Falling feed prices and a rising All Milk Price resulted in a third consecutive rise in the monthly milk feed price ratio. The USDA’s latest Ag Prices report put the September ratio at 1.89. This is up from 1.67 in August, 1.71 in September 2022, and the first month to be above the previous year since November 2022. The ratio was below the five-year average for the 16th month running, however, as the average ratio for September is 2.03.

The index is based on the current milk price in relationship to feed prices for a ration consisting of 51 percent corn, 8 percent soybeans and 41 percent alfalfa hay. One pound of milk would purchase 1.89 pounds of dairy feed of that blend.

The All Milk Price average increased for the second month in a row, hitting $21 per hundredweight.

This is the highest since March, 2023, up $1.30 from August, but still $3.10 below September 2022.

California’s average at $21.30 per cwt., was up $1.80 from August, but $2.50 below a year ago.

Wisconsin’s, at $19.80, was up 60 cents from August but $2.50 below a year ago.

See MIELKE, pg. 15

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

PAGE 15

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

Feed costs the fourth-highest ever for a September MIELKE, from pg. 14

futures prices for Class III milk, corn, and soybeans plus the Stoneheart The national corn price averaged forecast for alfalfa hay) are expected $5.73 per bushel, down 52 cents from to be $7.90 per cwt., a gain of 4 cents August, after falling 49 cents the preper cwt. vs. last month’s estimate. vious month, and $1.88 per below 2023 income over feed would be below September 2022. the level needed to maintain or grow Soybeans averaged $13.20 per bush- milk production, and down $4.01 per el, down 90 cents, after falling 60 cwt. from 2022’s level.” cents the previous month, and were $1 “Looking at 2024, milk income over per bushel below a year ago. feed costs are expected to be $12.43 Alfalfa hay slipped to $224 per ton, per cwt., a gain of $4.53 per cwt. vs. down $6 per ton from August and $56 the 2023 estimate. Income over feed in per ton below a year ago.

2024 is 82 cents per cwt. higher than last month and would be above the n level needed to maintain or grow milk Looking at the cow side of the ledger, production,” Brooks concludes. the September cull price for beef and The latest Margin Watch from dairy combined climbed to an average Chicago-based Commodity and $114 per cwt., down $1 from August, Ingredient Hedging LLC., reports, $22.80 above September 2022, and “Dairy margins deteriorated over the $42.40 above the 2011 base average. second half of October as Class III Quarterly milk cow replacements Milk futures sank to new contract averaged $1,850 per head in October, lows in nearby expirations following a up $90 from July, and $120 above surge in price earlier in the month October 2022. Cows averaged $1,800 while feed trends were mixed with per head in California, up $135 from corn weakening while soybean meal July, but $50 below a year ago. continued its sharp advance.”

Wisconsin’s average, at $1,990 per “USDA revised milk production head, was up $80 from July and $150 lower for the past several months in per head above October 2022. their latest monthly report following September milk production margins adjustments to the milking cow herd were the highest of 2023 by18 cents which better align now with recent over January, according to dairy econ- slaughter trends,” the Margin Watch omist Bill Brooks, of Stoneheart stated.

Consulting in Dearborn, Mo. Brooks The Margin Watch also detailed the says, “Income over feed costs in September were above the $8 per cwt. September Milk Production report, level needed for steady to higher milk which I previously reported on. production for the first time since The Margin Watch stated, “Through January. Input prices were lower, but the first eight months of 2023, U.S. all three commodities were in the top dairies sent 121,700 more cows to ten for September all time. Feed costs slaughter than during the same period were the fourth highest ever for the in 2022, although the culling pace has month of September and the 50th slowed recently as feed costs have highest of all time. retreated. September dairy cow slaughter was 20,000 head lower than “Dairy producer profitability for 2022 in the form of milk income over last year and the lowest September feed costs, was $11.91 per cwt.” says figure since 2014.”

Brooks. “The profitability was $4.12 The Margin Watch concluded with above 2021 and $2.50 higher than highlights from the September Cold the 2017-21 average. The increase in Storage report.

2022 milk income over feed costs The week ending October 21 saw was a result of the milk price 54,700 cows go to slaughter, down 900 increasing more than feed. Income from the previous week, and 6,200 or over feed in 2022 was above the 10.2 percent below a year ago — the level needed to maintain or grow largest year-over-year decline since milk production.”

February 2022, according to “Milk income over feed costs for HighGround Dairy. Year-to-date, 2023 (using Oct. 31 CME settling 2,545,500 head have been culled, up

83,900 or 3.4 percent from a year ago.

The Oct. 30 “Daily Dairy Report” points out there are fewer dairy heifers available to replace cows sent to slaughter. “There were just 3.65 million dairy heifers on hand July 1, the lowest mid-year tally since 2004,” the “Daily Dairy Report” writes.

“Through August, dairy producers were able to cull hard and keep their barns full of heifers and milk cows purchased from dairies exiting the industry. But more recently, fewer operations have been closing down, and the supply of heifers for sale has begun to dry up.”

The U.S. herd may stop contracting, the “Daily Dairy Report” concludes, “But tight heifer supplies will limit rapid growth in the milk-cow herd throughout the next year.” n Checking things globally, this week’s Global Dairy Trade Pulse, Number 36, saw prices continue to weaken on Fonterra skim milk and whole milk powder. Sales totaled 4.97 million

pounds, up from 4.9 million on Oct. 24.

HighGround Dairy reports, “2,254 metric tons or 100.2 percent of the total 2,250 metric tons on offer was sold. One hundred thirty-five metric tons more of instant whole milk powder was sold and 83 metric tons less of regular whole milk powder was sold vs. the last Pulse auction. All of the 1,000 metric tons of skim milk powder on offer was sold this auction,” says HighGround Dairy.

StoneX reminds us, “The volume represented in GDT Pulse is a fraction of what trades on a regular GDT event — particularly on skim milk powder. It will be interesting to see if next week’s GDT event confirms this downtrend in the past two weeks on Pulse or if prices finish roughly flat to where current Pulse prices are.”

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

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THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

Sugar beets out of the ground, processing kicks into gear

By PAUL MALCHOW enable the beets to retain the The Land Managing Editor best sugar content.

RENVILLE, Minn. — If “We finished piling sugar beets were kept in Wednesday evening (Nov. bins, Todd Geselius says this 1)” Geselius said. would be close to a bin-bustBack in the spring, SMBSC er year. “This crop is not a shareholders planted record,” he admitted, “but approximately 120,000 probably will end up being acres of sugar beets. Farmers second-best!” prepare the seed bed for Geselius is vice president planting by incorporating of agriculture for Southern fertilizer and spring seeded Minnesota Beet Sugar Todd Geselius cover crops prior to plantCooperative. He said the ing.

2023 sugar beet crop is out of the Approximately 57,000 seeds are ground and piled in fields — waiting to planted on every acre. One ice cream be hauled to SMBSC’s enormous probucket of sugar beet seed will produce cessing plant outside of Renville, Minn. approximately 30 tons of sugar beets SMBSC utilizes piling sites in 17 in the fall — enough to fill a semi west-central and southwest Minnesota truck. counties. Perforated steel piping is Sugar beet seedlings begin emerging placed on the ground and the freshly from the soil 10 days to a week after harvested beets get unloaded upon being planted and rapidly grow leaves these pipes. When temperatures sink to cover the ground. The leaves turn below 32 F, huge fans fastened to the sunlight into sugar which is stored in ends of these pipes assist in freezing the the sugar beet root. “We got into the entire pile of beets. Cold temperatures fields a little later than normal,” not only help prevent spoilage, but

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Geselius said, “but the crop kept growing nicely. Things slowed down around Labor Day, but by Oct. 1, 95 percent of the crop was ready to harvest.”

“Dry conditions this year helped control disease,” Geselius went on to say.

“We had some issues with leaf spot, but our biggest problem is Glyphosateresistant waterhemp. There is virtually no post-emergence herbicide that will take care of waterhemp so you have to spray right away. The herbicide will work pretty well if it gets wet … so you’re good if you get rain. If you don’t, there’s not much you can do.”

Sugar beets are harvested with two primary pieces of equipment. The defoliator removes the green leaves by slicing off the top of the sugar beet root.

This removed slab contains high levels of impurities, which impedes the factory’s ability to extract the sugar from the remainder of the harvested root.

Following defoliation, harvest operations use a pinch wheel harvester which lifts the beets from the soil.

Semi-trucks are driven next to the harvester to collect the beets as they fall from the harvester. The trucks travel to one of SMBSC sugar beet receiving stations, unloaded, and a sample of beets is collected for quality analysis.

Beets can remain in piles for quite some time before being trucked to Renville for processing. The sugar beets are washed to remove leaves, dirt, mud, or sand before they are fed to the beet slicers. The beets are sliced into thin strips called cossettes, which look like french fries. The cossettes are then fed into the diffusion system to extract the

sugar. Sugar is diffused from the beets by soaking in hot water and separating it from the plant material.

The juice is then cleaned to remove impurities (non-sugar particles) and extra color to produce a dark sugar syrup called thick juice. After the thick juice is drawn off, beet pulp is left behind. The pulp is often used for livestock feed.

The filtered sugar syrup is boiled to evaporate the water — forming sugar crystals. Centrifuges separate the sugar crystal from the molasses by spinning the sugar faster and faster against a screen while the molasses spins through the screen. The colorless sugar crystals remains.

Once the sugar crystals are dry, sugar is then packaged in 50 pounds bags or stored in bulk for distribution.

Geselius said SMBSC employs about 330 seasonals to help with the harvest.

“Labor is always challenging,” he confessed, “but we’re doing okay. We’re lucky to have dedicated people working for us.”

“Factory run time is about 250 days,” Geselius went on to say. “We do about 16,000 tons a day; nonstop 24 hours per day.”

America’s sugar industry is closely monitored by USDA to maintain a fair and competitive environment for each of the several dozen sugar beet and sugar cane processing facilities in America. Beet sugar is produced in 27 countries worldwide. Russia leads the world in sugar production; Germany ranks second. Minnesota ranks num-

+$2 S&H Select an option:

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 I’ll pick up my order

$5.00 per calendar or bandana. Pick up order at The Free Press, 418 S. Second Street, Mankato

Name _________________________________________________________

Item Quantity Price Total Calendar ______ x $5.00 = $ __________ Bandana ______ x $5.00 = $ __________ SUB TOTAL = $ __________

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Mail to: The Land 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001

Make your check payable to The Land

To pay with a credit card call 507-345-4523.

THE LAND

EARLY DEADLINE Deadline for The Land’s November 24th issue is Tues., Nov. 14th at noon.

Deadline for The Land’s December 8th issue is Tues., Nov. 28th at noon.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday THE LAND office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23rd & Friday, Nov. 24th.

ber one in sugar beet production. Minnesota and North Dakota growers grow about 550,000 acres of sugar beets each season.

Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative is a farmer-owned cooperative. Founded in 1972, the cooperative has over 500 shareholders who annually grow approximately three million tons of sugar beets, producing up to 1 billion pounds of pure white sugar. v

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

Have an upcoming Auction?

Talk to your auctioneer or call our friendly staff at 800-657-4665 to place your auction in THE LAND theland@thelandonline.com or www.thelandonline.com

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

www.thelandonline.com —”Where Farm and Family Meet”

NO-RESERVE LIVE & ONLINE FARM RETIREMENT AUCTION MARING

LLC

We Sell the Earth & Everything On It.

Auction Location:1810 270th Street East, Medford, MN

Auctioneer Note: This Farm Retirement Auction Will Give You The Buyer An Opportunity To Buy Well Maintained Low Houred, Like New Farm Machinery.

‘23 Timpte Super Hopper, IHC

8600 & Volvo Semi Tractors

2023 Timpte Super Hopper Grain Trailer, 40’x96”x66”, Ag Hoppers, Air Ride, Aluminum Rims, 24.5, Elec.

Roll Tarp, Like New; ‘10 IH TransStar 8600 Semi, Maxi Force 13 450HP, 10 Sp., 22.5, Wet Kit, 350,000 Miles, Aluminum Rims, Fresh DOT, Clean ; ‘92 Volvo WIA64TES Semi, Sleeper, N14 Cummins, 9 Sp, 22.5, 502,000 Miles, Fresh DOT

JD 2210, CIH 730C, Tillage Machinery, Support Equipment

JD 2210 FC, 50.5’, 2 Bar Harrow, Rolling Basket, Floating Hitch, 200lb Shanks, 7” Knock-On Sweeps, One Owner; CIH 730C Ripper, 7 Shank, 30” Spacings, 22” Blades, Rear Levelers ; Rite Way RR900 ST Rock Picker, Hyd. Reel & Dump, Hyd. Hitch, One COMPLETE CATALOG & DETAILS AT: Owner ; IH 800 Flex Plow, 10 Bottom, Buster Bar, Auto Reset, www.maringauction.com On-Land ; White 273 Rock Flex Disk, 25’, 9” Spacings; JD 120 Stalk Chopper, 20’, 4 Wheel Trans., 1000PTO; Shop Built 40’ Tool VIEWING & INSPECTION DATES: Bar Applicator, 16R30”, Yetter Coulters, 500 Gal. Poly Tank, Hyd. 5V]LTILY ;OYV\NO (\J[PVU +H[L ࠮ ! H T [V ! W T Pump, Lift Assist Wheels, Micro Controller Auto Rate

Friday, November 17, 2023 • 5:00 p.m.

Clean JD Tractors, 8130 MFWD, 8520T, 9520 4WD, 4455 MFWD

‘08 JD 8130 MFWD, 3960 PreHarvest Hrs, New Fronts Duals, New 380/90R50 Rear Duals, Deluxe Cab, PS, 3 PTO, 4 Hyd, Power Beyond, 60GPM Pump, Fasse Hyd Master, 3pt. Quick Hitch, Green Star Ready, Rock Box, One Owner ; ‘04 JD 8520T, 2032 2nd Owner Pre-Harvest Hrs, 24” Tracks, PS, 1000PTO, 5 Hyd, Case Drain, 3pt.

Quick Hitch, 120”, Green Star Ready, Deluxe Comfort Package, 22 Weights, Rock Box, Clean; ‘07 JD 9520 4WD, 3788 Pre-Harvest Hrs, 800/70R38 Duals, Deluxe Cab, Green Star Ready, 48GPM Hyd. Pump, 4 Hyd, PS, Rock Box, Brown Box, (4) Inside Weights, (2) Outsid Weights, Very Clean; ‘89 JD 4455 MFWD w/JD 740 Hyd. Loader, 86” Bucket, 3015 Hrs On Engine Overhaul, 15sp PS, 540/1000PTO, 3pt., 18.4x42, New Cab Interior, Clean ; 800/70R38 Tractor Tire At 95%; (4) 205KG Wheel Weights

Agco Massey Ferguson 9816 Planter

‘14 Agco Massey Ferguson 9816 Planter, 16R30”, Liquid Fert., Center Fill, 4 Sets of Seed Disc, 900 Acres On New Openers, Row Cleaners, Markers, Row Shut Offs, Variable Rate, 20/20 Precision Seed Sense, EZ Air Meters, PTO Pump, Residue Manager, Swath Control, Approx 6500 Acres On Planter, One Owner Purchased New In Fall of 2016, SN: AGCW9816OEH816270

JD 4920 Sprayer, Saddle Tanks, Water Tender Trailers

‘05 JD 4920 Sprayer, 2634 Hrs, 120’ Booms, 1200 Gal. SS Tank, 380/105R50 Tires With Rear Duals, SS Boom Lines, Full Boom Breakaway, 5 Way Nozzle, 20” Spacings, 5 BoomTrac Sensors, Brown Box Rate Controller, 2 Cameras, Hi Flow Hyd. Pump, Green Star Ready; Demco Side Quest Saddle Tanks, (2) 350 Gallon Tanks, Hyd. Pump, Off JD 8000 Series; Ag System AG116 2000 Gal. Liquid Tender Tank, Tandem Axle Trailer, B&S Transfer Pump ; B&B 1350 Gal. Liquid Tender Tank, Tandem Axle Trailer, Honda GX160 Transfer Pump, Chem Inductor, Platform

Super B Grain Dryer SQ20, Brent Grain Cart, Westfield Augers

‘09 Super B SQ20 Grain Dryer, 2250 Pre-Harvest Hrs, Quantum Heat/Cool Dryer, (2) 10HP Motors, LP Gas, 10 Column, March 1, 2024 For Removal ; Brent 882 Grain Cart, 1000PTO, Roll Tarp, Camera, 30.5-32 Tires, One Owner; Dicky John GAC2100 Digital Moisture Tester; Westfield W130-71 Auger, 540PTO, Hyd. Lift; Westfield MK130-71 Plus Swing Hopper Auger, Hyd. Lift; Westfield WR100-41 & WR100-31 Grain Augers, 10HP ; Westfield WR80-61 Grain Auger, 7.5HP ; Westfield 8”x28’ Auger, 10HP; Sudenga 8”x14’ U-Trough Auger, 3HP

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

It’s a slow process, but quitting won’t speed it up.

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

PRUESS ELEV., INC. 1-800-828-6642

Ford 555D Backhoe/Loader, (2) White 2-105 Tractors, Other Farm Machinery, Skid Loader Attachments

Ford 555D Backhoe/Loader, 4WD, 1585 Hrs, 2nd Owner, Extenda Hoe, 18.4x24 Tires, 24" Hoe Bucket, 88” Loader Bucket, Down Riggers; White 2-105 2WD, 4795 Hrs, 2nd Owner, 3pt., PTO, 3 Hyd., 18.4x38 Tires ; White 2-105 2WD, New Cab Kit, 3pt., PTO, 3 Hyd, 18.4x38 Tires ; Farm King 96” 3pt Rear Blade; NH 420 Small Square Baler; 96” Straight Blade Snowplow, Skid Loader Plate ; 3 Spade Tree Spade, 24”, Skid Loader Plate; 20” Stump Bucket, Skid Loader Plate ; Pallet Forks, 42”, Skid Loader Plate ; H/H Tree Puller, Skid Loader Plate; 72” Grapple Bucket, Skid Loader Plate; 80” Land Plane, Skid Loader Plate; Howse 7’ Brush Mower, 3pt., 540PTO

GMC 2500 Diesel, Chevy Trail Blazer, Fuel Caddy & Tanks, Pressure Washer, JD 997 Mower

‘02 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD, Duramax Dsl, 4x4, Auto, Extenda Cab, New Tires, 122,000 Miles, Gooseneck Ball ; ‘07 Chevy Trail Blazer LT, 144,000 Miles, Auto, Leather; JD 997 Zero Turn Mower, Dsl, 7Iron Pro 72” Deck, 559 Hrs; 300 Gal Fuel Caddy, Trailer, 12 Volt High Flow Pump; (2) 1000 Gal Diesel Barrels, 35GPM Pump & Gas Boy Pump ; Alkota 418X4 Hot Water Pressure Washer, 1800PSI, 4GPM, Wheel Kit ; Viking 30 Ton Shop Press; Lincoln PowerMig 225 Wire Feed Welder; 3T Floor Jack; 20T Bottle Air JD 9770 STS Combine, 608C StalkMaster, Jack; 50’ Tow Rope; Hi-Lift Jack; 21’ 3/4” Log Chain; Radar Gun; 635F Air Reel Bean Head (2) 12.5-15 Tires On Rims; 11L-15 Tire On Rim; Schumacker ‘09 JD 9770 STS, 1821 Sep/2605 Engine Battery Charger Pre-Harvest Hrs, Contour Master, No-Reserve Online Only Bidding 710/70R38 Duals, Green Star Ready, On Tools and Farm Support Equipment Bullet Rotor, Rock Trap, Chopper/ Spreader, Fore/Aft, Estes Concave Bidding Opens Saturday November 4, 2023 at 8:00 a.m.

Kit, Hi Torque Variable Speed Feeder BIDDING STARTS CLOSING House, Deluxe Hyd. Controls, Bin Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Topper, 2 Cameras, Yearly Inspection, Clean ; ‘10 JD 608C StalkMaster, 8R30”, Chopping Head, Stubble Lights, Hyd. Deck Plates, Contour Master, Row Sense, Updated Gear Boxes, Stalk Stomper Bar; ‘11 JD 635F Bean Head, Crarry CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST, SELLERS Air Reel, Full Finger, Stubble Lights, Poly Skids; Stud King MD38 Paul Maas • 507-330-3427 Trailer, 38”, Tandem Axle, Brakes MARING AUCTION, LLC. JD GPS Equipment PO Box 37, Kenyon, MN 55946 JD GS3 2630 Display, AutoTrac SF2, Row Sense, Section Control; 507-789-5421 • 800-801-4502 JD GS3 2630 Display, AutoTrac SF1, Section Control; (2) JD Matt Maring Lic# 25-28 Starfire 6000 Globes, SF2 & SF1; JD Starfire 3000 Globe, SF1 Kevin Maring Lic# 25-70 Adam Engen Lic# 25-93 Terms For Live & Online Auction: Cash, check, credit card. All sales are final, selling Andrew Hamilton Lic# 50-128 as-is, all items must be paid for day of auction. Buyers premium for online bidding only.

Paul & Cyndi Maas

Answers for Baking Time Word Search

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023 Real Estate Wanted

Bins & Buildings

Tractors

NEW AND USED TRACTOR WANTED: Land & farms. I SILO PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, have clients looking for Take-down & clean up 55, 50 Series & newer tracdairy, & cash grain operaSpecializing in silos tors, AC-all models, Large tions, as well as bare land in congested areas.

Inventory, We ship! Mark parcels from 40-1000 acres.

FULLY INSURED Heitman Tractor Salvage Both for relocation & investmobile concrete 715-673-4829 ments. If you have even crushing. thought about selling con507-236-9446 tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Livestock Land Specialist, Edina Re- Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys.

Equipment alty, 138 Main St. W., New 100% financing w/no liens or red tape, call Steve at Fair- FOR SALE: 2020 S&S stock Prague, MN 55372. fax Ag for an appointment. trailer, 16’, bumper pull, like paulkrueger@edinarealty.com 888-830-7757 (612)328-4506 new, $7,500. 507-430-0875 Looking for something special?

Put a line ad in The Land and find it!

Call 507-345-4523

Feed Seed Hay Alfalfa, mixed hay grass hay & wheat straw.

Medium squares or round bales. Delivery available.

Call or text LeRoy Ose 218-689-6675 Grass Hay For Sale: 1st, 2nd, 3rd crop, all in small squares. No rain. Stored inside. 612-229-2566

PAGE 19

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

Farm Equipment

Wanted

We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910

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

Your ad could be here!

507-345-4523

Buying and selling silver bars, silver dollars, rare coins, gold coins, gold jewelry, any gold-silver items, collector coins, currency. Kuehl’s Coins, Fairmont, MN. 507-235-3886

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.

• 5/8” drum roller wall thickness • 42” drum diameter wall thickness • 4”x8” frame tubing 3/8” thick • Auto fold

MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

GREENWALD FARM CENTER Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177 14 miles So. of Sauk Centre 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 3-New Massey GC1725 …….................. On Hand ’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 ………………...............…. $22,500 ’22 JD 5045E 2wd ………….....………… $20,500 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

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 Gleaner R65 ……...................................…….. $79,500 Geringhoff parts & heads available

MISCELLANEOUS NEW Salford RTS Units ........................................ Call NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call NEW Westfield Augers .......................................... Call NEW REM VRX Vacs. ........................................... Call NEW Hardi Sprayers .............................................. Call NEW Riteway Rollers ............................................ Call NEW Lorenz Snowblowers .................................... Call NEW Batco Conveyors ......................................... Call NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ....................... Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons ................................. Call NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ........................ Call Pre-Owned Grain Cart ................................... On Hand New Horsch Jokers ................................................ Call

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

(507) 234-5191 (507) 625-8649 Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon

PAGE 20

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

www.thelandonline.com —”Where Farm and Family Meet”

irst Your F or f Choice ds! ie Classif

Place Your A d Today!

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

To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665 Mail to: The Land Classifieds, 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 Fax to: 507-345-1027 • Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Online at: www.thelandonline.com DEADLINE: 7 days prior to publication.

Plus! Look for your classified ad in the e-edition.

South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

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THE FREE PRESS

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• Reach over 150,000 readers • Start your ad in The Land • Add more insertions • Get more coverage

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

CHECK ONE:  Announcements  Employment  Real Estate  Real Estate Wanted  Farm Rentals  Auctions  Agri Business  Farm Services  Sales & Services  Merchandise  Antiques & Collectibles  Lawn & Garden  Feed Seed Hay  Fertilizer & Chemicals  Bins & Buildings  Farm Equipment  Tractors  Tillage Equipment  Planting Equipment  Spraying Equipment

 Hay & Forage Equipment  Harvesting Equipment  Grain Handling Equipment  Livestock Equipment  Wanted  Free & Give Away  Livestock  Poultry  Dairy  Cattle  Swine  Sheep  Goats  Horses & Tack  Exotic Animals  Pets & Supplies  Cars & Pickups  Industrial & Construction  Trucks & Trailers  Recreational Vehicles  Miscellaneous

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

Now... add a photo to your classified line ad for only $10.00!!

1 edition @ $21.99

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Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per line per issue

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

THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 7,902 circ.

THE FREE PRESS (FP) Serving south central Minnesota, 11,157 circ.

STANDOUT OPTIONS  Bold  Italic  Underline  Web/E-mail links

EXTENDED COVERAGE

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must run the same number of times as The Land

PAPER(S) ADDED $7.70 X _____ each edition X _____ publications STANDOUT OPTIONS (THE LAND only) $2.00 per run:

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(circle all options you want):

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

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.

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023 Livestock FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred (Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790 FOR SALE: 2 year old PolyPay ram 952-465-4523

Cattle

ONLINE ONLY PEDAL TRACTOR AND TOY

AUCTION

COUNTRY HOME AUCTION

Load Out Tuesday, November 21 from 9 am to 3 pm

Opens: Tuesday, November 7 | 8AM

Auction held at Kerkhoff Auction Center 1500 East Bridge Street • Redwood Falls, MN

LYON COUNTY, MINNESOTA

Closes: Tuesday, November 14 | 1PM CST 2023

We are pleased to offer 70+ pedal tractors. Other toys to include Precision JD, International & ERTL Farm Toys. Continue to check our website for more information & pictures. Online bidding available at www.kerkhoffauction.com.

FOR SALE: Registered miniature Hereford bull, born September 3, 2019.

Sired twelve registered calves.

Pictures available.

Call 612-805-8101

10± Acres

Swine

Land Located: From Balaton, MN, 1.7 miles south on 210th Ave. Property is on the east side of the road.

1034 Co Rd 5 Balaton, MN 56115.

FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc, cross bred boars, and gilts. Top quality.

Excellent herd health. No PRSS. Delivery available.

320-760-0365

Auctioneer’s Note: Steffes Group is honored to present 10.49 acres including a well-maintained home in Lyon County, MN. This remarkable home is often referred to as a “shouse”. The shouse provides comfortable living quarters combined with spacious storage or workspace, making it an ideal setup for modern country living. Don’t miss the opportunity to make your dreams of country living a reality with this country shouse.

The Land

1500 E. Bridge Street Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Redwood Falls, MN 56283 Boars & Gilts available.

Office - 507-644-8433 Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Doug Kerkhoff - 507-829-6859 Zac Kerkhoff - 507-829-3924 DeliveryContact: available.

Steve Joan Compart Terms: Cash or good bankable check. All items sold as-is, where-is with no warranties or guarantees of any kind. All items must be paid for at the conclusion of auction Resler. 507-456-7746 prior to removal from location Titled vehicles will be transferred. Any verbal announcement made by auctioneer will take precedence over any and all printed material.

ME

SteffesGroup.com | 320.693.9371

M BER

Internet buyers please read all Terms & Conditions prior to bidding.

WWW.KERKHOFFAUCTION.COM Display Ad B/W 3 col (5.167”) X 5” = $405.00

Miscellaneous

Online (text)

=

5.00 $410.00

Due by noon 11/2/2023 Publish Date:

FOR SALE: Dyna Winco 9500 watt portable generator, 18HP Honda gas engine, electric start, 2 wheel dolly other publica�ons kit, 1-4 No prong 30amp outlet, and 4-15 amp outlets. 60’ 600 volt water resistant 500 watt carol cable. 30 amp outlet to connect to electrical service.

320-765-8842

November 10, 2023

Steffes Group, Inc., 23579 MN Hwy 22 S, Litchfield, MN 55355

TERMS: Ten percent down upon signing purchase agreement, payable by cash or check. Balance due at closing on January 4, 2024. auction.

Scott Steffes, MN14-51 | Ashley Huhn, MN47-002 | Eric Gabrielson MN47-006 | Randy Kath, MN47-007

_tÇwAUCTION!

±

acres

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 @ 2 PM - Dodge Center Legion Section 2 - Ashland Township - Dodge County, MN 172 ± Acres

This land has been owned by the Dietz Family for decades and this is the rst �me it’s been offered for sale to the public. Not o�en does a high‐quality farm like this come for sale in this excellent farming neighborhood. This 172± farm with 162± �llable acres, has good quality soils with a 91.1 CPI ra�ng and is pa�ern �led. The same operator has farmed it since the family purchased it. It has been well taken care of.

Don’t miss your chance to bid your price and own this remarkable farm!

No one has sold or auctioned more Dodge County land than 1 Stop Realty.

PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS New pumps & parts on hand.

Call Minnesota’s largest distributor HJ Olson & Company 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073

Scan for Details!

For a detailed Buyer’s Prospectus with complete terms and conditions contact Eric Gabrielson at Steffes Group 320.693.9371 or 701.238.2570.

theland@thelandonline.com

FOR SALE: Shuffleboard Model #BL-T-003, 10 ft, black cherry, good condition, $400.

Mankato area. Available for pickup only. Call Alex 507-351-4043

PAGE 21

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

Kirk E Swenson kirk@farmlandsales.com | 507.254.5468 Auc�oneers Kirk E Swenson License No. 20‐22‐04 Eric Thronson License No. 20‐21‐28

Wendy A Forthun, ALC wendy@farmlandsales.com | 507.251.1637

For more details Go To: WWW.FARMLANDSALES.COM

PAGE 22

www.thelandonline.com —”Where Farm and Family Meet”

LAND FOR SALE Upcoming Land Auctions November 14 ± acres farmland

Classified line ads work!

507-345-4523

Looking for something special?

Why not place a “want” ad in The Land classifieds?

Call The Land today!

507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665

November 15 ± acres farmland November 16 ± acres farmland December 5 ± acres farmland

For property brochures, contact Hertz at 507-345-LAND (5263) WWW.HERTZ.AG 151 St. Andrews Court #1310, Mankato MN 56001

FARMLAND AUCTION 168.40 Acres +/- of Bare Farmland in Odin Twp., Watonwan Co., MN

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 @ 10:00 AM Auction to be held at the St. James American Legion 620 1st Avenue S, St. James, MN PROPERTY LOCATIONS: From Odin MN: Head north on County Hwy 19 for 2.5 miles, then west on County Road 10 for 1 mile, then north on 660th Ave for ¼ mile.

PROPERTY LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS: Parcel #1- N ½ of SW ¼ in Section 12 of Odin Township, Watonwan County, MN T105N, R33W; Parcel #2- N ½ of SE ¼ E of RR in Section 11 of Odin Township, Watonwan County, MN T105N, R33W; Parcel #3-38.40 AC PT of W ½ of E ½ of SW ¼ in Section 2 of Odin Township, Watonwan County, MN T105N, R33W

For full flyer, informational booklet and bidding details, visit www.landservicesunlimited.com!

OWNER: THOMAS TONNESON ESTATE

AUCTIONEERS AND SALES STAFF

DUSTYN HARTUNG-507-236-7629 KEVIN KAHLER 507-920-8060 ALLEN, RYAN & CHRIS KAHLER, DOUG WEDEL & SCOTT CHRISTOPHER

DODGE COUNTY: Approx. 120 Acres Prime, Top Producing Farmland, 94.6 CPI, Pattern Tiled. MLS# 6370880 SOLD! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 295.29 Acres Prime Farmland, 92 CPI, Pattern Tiled. MLS# 6407214 SOLD! FILLMORE COUNTY: Approx. 155.11 Total Acres, 87.16 Acres CRP and Approx 50 Acres wooded Land. MLS# 6425733 SOLD! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 34.9 Acres Good Farmland, 81.2 CPI. MLS# 6371032 SOLD!

Full Farm Management Services Ensure Asset Preservation, Conservation, Negotiate Leases and Terms to Fit Ever Changing Industry Trends.

Call Randy or Ryan today for more details!

“Need listings! We have qualified buyers!”

Randy Queensland • 507-273-3890 • randy@Irmrealestate.com Ryan Queensland • 507-273-3000 • ryan@Irmrealstate.com Grand Meadow, MN • 800-658-2340

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Have an upcoming auction?

Call The Land at 800-657-4665 or

talk to your auctioneer

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 23

Look for the Soybean Seed Guide in the November 24 edition of the THE LAND! Upcoming Issues of THE LAND

November 24, 2023 December 8, 2023 December 22, 2023

Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!

Deadline is 8 days prior to publication.

Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication. * 418 S. Second Street • Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 Fax: 507-345-1027

Thank you for reading The Land. We appreciate it!

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PAGE 24

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — NOVEMBER 10, 2023

This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Richard Siemers.

The vote is in for turkey dinner

2023

marked the 127th year that an Election Day dinner was served in Russell, Minn. In this town of 350 residents, over 300 people annually sit down to a meal of turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, coleslaw, cranberry relish, homemade buns and dessert. It happens even in non-election years.

It all started when a group of women from First Presbyterian Church decided it would be a good day for a fundraiser since people would be coming to vote anyway. In 1896, the church building had no basement, so they borrowed planks and shingle bundles from the lumberyard for tables, and all the food was prepared at home. Around ten years ago, Grace Lutheran Church (which had their fundraising dinner in September) joined with First Presbyterian to become Grace First Parish and the women joined forces to continue the Election Day tradition.

The menu hasn’t changed much, said Beth Erdmann, who has chaired the dinner committee for over a decade. Though other meats were tried, they always came back to turkey. They dropped the Harvard beets, which folks had trouble finding space for on their plates anyway. In sweet corn season, women get together at the church kitchen or in someone’s home — “Wherever the corn is,” Erdmann said — and freeze corn to be served at the

Russell, Minn.

November dinner. Individuals bake the buns and supply the desserts.

The only major change is that they now get the turkey from a caterer.

“Individuals used to roast the turkey at home,” she said. “They would have a time frame when they were to bring their turkey to the church, and then there would be another group to carve the turkeys. It was quite a job to carve that many turkeys.”

Many of the ladies have been at this for years.

The gravy maker has been mixing it up for 25 years and others often gravitate to what they’ve done before, so it’s like having a group of professionals who know what each other is doing. “But you always have to be prepared,” Erdmann said. “With this many people working there’s always going to be some last minute changes.”

The meal was cancelled in 2020 because of Covid, and 2021 was carryout only; but in 2022 they were back together again, like a community gathering for Thanksgiving. In fact, Erdmann said, “It’s like a Thanksgiving meal at the beginning of November.”

A Thanksgiving meal on Election Day is most appropriate. It is a way of showing gratitude that our democracy is still alive. What better way to celebrate the right to vote than with a Thanksgiving dinner? v

Page 4 - November 10, 2023

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

November 10, 2023

© 2023

(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001

SAVE THE DATE 2024 MN AG EXPO January 17-18, 2024 Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center Mankato, MN $ Free for attendees

“

Every year MN AG EXPO is a unique chance for Minnesota’s farming community to come together, exchange thoughts, engage in policy and educational discussions and learn about the latest technologies and products in our industry. There’s something for everyone at MN Ag Expo.

- Bob Worth, Lake Benton farmer

Register today by scanning the QR code or visiting mnagexpo.com

Register today by scanning the QR code or visiting mnagexpo.com

“

Reunite with the agriculture community January 17-18, 2024 during MN Ag Expo at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato.

Over the course of two days, Minnesota’s free marquee winter agriculture gathering sets our sights on the future by offering networking opportunities; educational sessions; a full trade show floor; dynamic speakers; fundraising events – and more!

Join us for networking opportunities, breakout sessions, a full trade show floor, dynamic speakers, fundraising events – and more!

Page 2 - November 10, 2023

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

November 10, 2023 - Page 3

MN YOUNG & EMERGING FARMER WORKSHOP Jan. 16-18, 2024 | Mankato, Minn.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Hosted by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and Profinium, the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop will offer practical and relevant breakout sessions and topics custom for those early in their farming career. The workshop will be held simultaneously with MN AG EXPO, intertwining keynote speakers and trade show floor time for workshop participants.

The cost for participation is free, but lodging may be needed for those not in the Mankato area.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The workshop is geared toward young and emerging farmers (ages 21-45) who are actively crop farming in Minnesota.

WHY APPLY?

Not only will this workshop offer educational opportunities and focus on practical skills for your farming operation , but will also act as a great networking opportunity to connect with other young and emerging farmers across Minnesota.

APPLICATION PROCESS scan for application

scan for agenda

A short application process will be required to be accepted into the workshop.

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and maxed at 40 participants. A waitlist will then become available.

Protecting the next generation of farmers.

THAT’S WHY I JOIN MSGA. Become a member today at mnsoybean.org/msga/invest The Johnson Family, Wells, Minn.

Page 2 - November 10, 2023

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

November 10, 2023 - Page 3

MN YOUNG & EMERGING FARMER WORKSHOP Jan. 16-18, 2024 | Mankato, Minn.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Hosted by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and Profinium, the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop will offer practical and relevant breakout sessions and topics custom for those early in their farming career. The workshop will be held simultaneously with MN AG EXPO, intertwining keynote speakers and trade show floor time for workshop participants.

The cost for participation is free, but lodging may be needed for those not in the Mankato area.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The workshop is geared toward young and emerging farmers (ages 21-45) who are actively crop farming in Minnesota.

WHY APPLY?

Not only will this workshop offer educational opportunities and focus on practical skills for your farming operation , but will also act as a great networking opportunity to connect with other young and emerging farmers across Minnesota.

APPLICATION PROCESS scan for application

scan for agenda

A short application process will be required to be accepted into the workshop.

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and maxed at 40 participants. A waitlist will then become available.

Protecting the next generation of farmers.

THAT’S WHY I JOIN MSGA. Become a member today at mnsoybean.org/msga/invest The Johnson Family, Wells, Minn.

Page 4 - November 10, 2023

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

November 10, 2023

© 2023

(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001

SAVE THE DATE 2024 MN AG EXPO January 17-18, 2024 Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center Mankato, MN $ Free for attendees

“

Every year MN AG EXPO is a unique chance for Minnesota’s farming community to come together, exchange thoughts, engage in policy and educational discussions and learn about the latest technologies and products in our industry. There’s something for everyone at MN Ag Expo.

- Bob Worth, Lake Benton farmer

Register today by scanning the QR code or visiting mnagexpo.com

Register today by scanning the QR code or visiting mnagexpo.com

“

Reunite with the agriculture community January 17-18, 2024 during MN Ag Expo at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato.

Over the course of two days, Minnesota’s free marquee winter agriculture gathering sets our sights on the future by offering networking opportunities; educational sessions; a full trade show floor; dynamic speakers; fundraising events – and more!

Join us for networking opportunities, breakout sessions, a full trade show floor, dynamic speakers, fundraising events – and more!