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December 22, 2023

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

Hardy-har-har 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLVII ❖ No. 26 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

www.TheLandOnline.com facebook.com/TheLandOnline twitter.com/TheLandOnline

Cover photo by Paul Malchow

COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Deep Roots Table Talk The Bookworm Sez Green & Growing Healthcare Focus Swine & U Calendar of Events Mielke Market Weekly Farm Programs Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-3 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 14 16 18 20-23 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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Whenever concentration and perforwithout moving to another half zone. mance comes into play, it’s not uncommon Notably, the 2023 map for Alaska is for people to use the phrase “in the zone.” “warmer” than the 2012 version. That’s From production workers to competitive mainly because the new map uses more athletes (and even writers), when one data representing the state’s mountain hits that perfect rhythm and everything regions where, during winter, warm air clicks into place, one says they are “in the overlies cold air that settles into low-elezone.” But in the world of horticulture, vation valleys, creating warmer temperabeing in the zone carries a completely diftures. ferent meaning.

LAND MINDS Approximately 80 million American Savvy gardeners and plant lovers are

By Paul Malchow gardeners and growers represent the well aware of the various plant hardimost frequent users of the USDA ness zones. The U.S. Department of Plant Hardiness Zone Map. However, Agriculture’s plant hardiness zone map they’re not the only ones with a need is the standard by which gardeners for this hardiness information. For example, the and growers can determine which plants are most USDA Risk Management Agency refers to the map’s likely to thrive at a location. plant hardiness zone designations to set certain On Nov. 15, the USDA released a new version of crop insurance standards. Additionally, scientists the map for the first time since 2012. The new map incorporate the plant hardiness zones as a data — jointly developed by USDA’s Agricultural layer in many research models, such as those modResearch Service and Oregon State University’s eling the spread of exotic weeds and insects.

PRISM Climate Group — is more accurate and conInching up a half-zone has certainly garnered tains greater detail than prior versions. some attention. Growers in the know claim moving The 2023 map is based on 30-year averages of the from Zone 4 to Zone 5 brings many more variety lowest annual winter temperatures at specific loca- options into the picture. But these options may not tions. It is divided into 10-degree Fahrenheit zones be reliable in a Zone 5a. Some gardeners already and further divided into 5-degree Fahrenheit halfhave success keeping a Zone 5 plant alive through zones. The 2023 map incorporates data from 13,412 our harsh winters. But fickle Mother Nature has a weather stations compared to the 7,983 that were history of keeping us in our place. Growers in the used for the 2012 map. know are also wise enough to not put all their horticultural eggs in one basket. Zone 5 plants which Plant hardiness zone designations represent what’s known as the “average annual extreme mini- have historically thrived for years in Zone 4 can mum temperature” at a given location during a par- easily succumb to a dry, barren winter. ticular time period (30 years, in this instance). The It seems logical that plant researchers will contindesignations do not reflect the coldest it has ever ue to push the Zone envelope to test hardiness been or ever will be at a specific location, but simply under “normal” conditions. But what is normal the average lowest winter temperature for the loca- these days? November and December have been tion over a specified time. fairly mild and some experts say it will continue The annual extreme minimum temperature repre- throughout the winter. Dreaming of a white Christmas? It seems unlikely at this point. sents the coldest night of the year, which can be highly variable from year to year, depending on And what will the 2034 version of the plant hardilocal weather patterns. Some changes in zonal ness zone map look like? I can’t see bananas and boundaries are also the result of using increasingly pineapples becoming Minnesota or Iowa cash crops sophisticated mapping methods and the inclusion of anytime soon; but another graduation up the zone data from more weather stations. ladder would be hard to ignore — even for the Temperature updates to plant hardiness zones are staunchest climate change naysayer. not necessarily reflective of global climate change Nursery catalogs will be arriving in the mail any because of the highly variable nature of the extreme day now. Gardeners with relatives in Missouri will minimum temperature of the year, as well as the be tempted to replicate that beautiful azalea bush use of increasingly sophisticated mapping methods growing in their yard. Good luck to you; but don’t and the inclusion of data from more weather staget too attached to the idea. Old Man Winter still tions. has the final say.

When compared to the 2012 map, the 2023 version The hardiness zone map is available online reveals that about half of the country shifted to the at https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/. Anyone may next warmer half zone, and the other half of the download the new map free of charge and print copcountry remained in the same half zone. That shift ies as needed. to the next warmer half zone means those areas Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land. warmed somewhere in the range of 0-5 degrees He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com. v Fahrenheit; however, some locations experienced warming in the range of 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit

OPINION

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

PAGE 3

COP28: The world’s biggest green mirage Its official name is the Rishi Sunak, former British “United Nations 28th prime minister David Conference of the Parties Cameron, and Great on Climate Change,” or Britain’s King Charles each COP28 for short. Given the arrived on their own prinews from the two-week vate aircraft despite the gathering in the desert fact that “from London to near Dubai, however, a betDubai, private jet travel is ter name might be “Shifting 11 times more polluting FARM & FOOD FILE than a commercial aircraft,” Sands, Shifting Blame.” explained the one news serBy Alan Guebert For example, “A staggervice. ing 88,000 people are accredited” to attend the Each stepped off their meeting, carbon-burning magic noted Barron’s on Dec. 4, with “anoth- carpet in time for “(m)ore than twoer 400,000 registered to visit [its] thirds of the nations in the world,” ‘green zone.’” explained FERN’s Ag Insider, “repreHow do half a million people travel- senting… 70 percent of global food ing to an isolated emirate on the edge production, [to sign] a declaration… assigning agriculture and food sysof a Middle Eastern desert resemble tems a role in combating global warmanything close to ing.” green? Barron’s wondered the same thing. It titled its story on the inbound While today’s heavily industrialized swarm of climate-change pilgrims crop, livestock, and poultry sectors “COP 28: Trying To Save The Planet (and their transnational corporate In ‘Disneyland’ Crowds.” suppliers) have many environmental sins to atone for, making ag into a cliSince Dubai is 3,500 miles from mate-change bogeyman is convenient London, almost everyone attending buck passing.

COP will arrive by air and many (too many) will arrive by private jet. That’s At least that’s what the UN says on not a guess because at “COP27 in its climate change webpage: “Fossil Egypt last year,” reported the webfuels — coal, oil, and gas — are by far site The Conversation, “around 315 the largest contributor to global cliprivate jet journeys took place.” mate change, accounting for over 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emisMost solo flyers were leaders in sions and nearly 90 percent of all careither politics or members of the bon dioxide emissions.”

Wink, Wink Do As I Say, Not As I Do Club. Many are members of both, of Big Ag, however, is striving to live course. up to its dirtier relatives. As previousFor example, British Prime Minister ly reported, one of its newest efforts centers on a network of definitely not-

OPINION

green pipelines carrying pressurized CO2 from Midwestern ethanol plants to North Dakota’s frac oil fields to enhance crude oil recovery.

An even bigger hope is for ethanol to become a green, go-to aviation fuel.

The cost for airlines to scrub their carbon-streaked reputation with this “sustainable aviation fuel,” or SAF, however, reported the Nov. 30 New York Times, is “potentially further damaging one of the nation’s more important resources: groundwater.”

This ag-based SAF idea is far from new. In 2008, British billionaire Richard Branson flew a Virgin Atlantic jetliner from London to Amsterdam using “fuel derived in part from palm oil and coconuts.”

Branson labeled the trip sustainable; critics labeled him nuts because had he used 100 percent coconut oil for the short, 220-mile flight, it “would have consumed three million coconuts.”

In late November, Virgin Atlantic tried again with “the world’s first

100-percent SAF flight” from London to New York. This time the jetliner’s SAF was cooking oil. Again, however, while the fuel might be considered “sustainable,” the math behind it was definitely finite.

“If every last drop” of the 600,000 tons of used cooking oil collected in the U.S. each year “were diverted to SAFs,” two British economists calculated, “it would meet at most 1 percent of America’s current aviation demand.”

Back at COP28, the president of Colombia (whose economy is based primarily on fossil fuel exports) offered a better, truly green idea: stop “the expansion of coal, oil, and gas” and “reorient his nation away from such ‘poisons.’”

Wow, no hot air; how breathtakingly — and breath-giving — simple.

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 — DECEMBER 22, 2023

‘Delightful’ 2023 has us looking forward to the new year Eason turned 12 years old this fall and Choosing a single word to encompass is a delightful young man. This summer, an entire year is a task I have brought he played baseball, made new friends, upon myself. It can be difficult, yet there and spent a week away at camp. Easton is always one that seems to balance the also found delight in swimming, fishing, good and not-so-good parts of the year boating, and tubing over the summer. appropriately. Although 2023 had its fair This fall, we all delighted in watching share of downs, the ups tipped the balEaston play football and come home from ance favorably this year. In a word, 2023 several duck-hunting outings with his was delightful.

DEEP ROOTS limit in tow. Winter plans for Easton Abby is now nearly 14 years old and in include pond hockey, friends, friends, and By Whitney Nesse 8th grade. She had a delightful summer pond hockey. full of new friends, Cora is looking forher first job, and her ward to turning 11 first trip to the this winter. She is an ocean. Abby enjoyed absolute delight! many hours at or on Cora spends her free the water with time artistically. She friends over the finds new hairstyles, summer, swimming, makeup, and nail fishing, boating, colors delightful! jumping, floating, Time spent on the and catching rays. lake is delightful for During a week-long Cora when she’s mission trip to Los catching fish or rays.

Angeles, Abby Her countenance is delighted in serving slightly less delightunderserved populaful if either of the tions alongside her two are missing. youth group.

What Cora delights Although the county in most is time spent fair did not produce with her friends. any hardware this Slumber parties ceryear, Abby delighted tainly top the charts in showing her goat for her, and she loves a full social calendar. herd. She looks forward to changing direction with her herd and seeing where it takes her competitiveJonathan turned 9 years old this summer. His ly. birthday always falls during the county fair, and he has found that it is not a terrible time for a birthON THE COVER: day! Fair food, rides, and a grandstand event are Many thanks to the Wright family who live south of Hutchingreat ways to spend a birthday. Jonny delights in son, Minn. for sharing their Christmas decoration. The fishing and swimming and has spent a lot of time Wrights were featured in the June 23 issue of The Land. doing those things this summer. His favorite annual activity, however, is duck hunting. Saying that he delights in duck hunting is a total understatement.

EARLY DEADLINE

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He lives for it! Jonny also played football this fall and had lots of fun doing so.

Jordy delighted in turning 7 years old early this summer. His greatest delight is fishing. He can outfish and out-last even the most seasoned fishermen.

Jordy finds delight daily in going to the barn and collecting eggs. He has repeatedly told me how happy the chickens are when they “lay birth” and “have eggs!” Jordy is excited for the snow to fall and looks forward to lots of sledding.

Karl and I will celebrate 17 years of marriage in 2024! We feel truly blessed that the Lord has helped us make it this far, and we are looking forward to many more delightful years together. We continue to find delight in farming, and Karl continues his work as a crop consultant.

Above all, our family delights in the Lord. God’s goodness through the gift of his Son Jesus brings us joy, peace, and hope. We look forward to another delightful year and pray that your year is also delightful. Have a blessed 2024!

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

Specialty crop safety assistance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds specialty crop growers that assistance is available for producers who incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses to obtain or renew a food safety certification through the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program.

FSCSC assists specialty crop operations which incurred eligible on-farm food safety certification and related expenses pertaining to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar year 2023.

FSCSC covers a percentage of the specialty crop operation’s cost of obtaining or renewing its certification, as well as a portion of related expenses.

To be eligible for FSCSC, the applicant must be a specialty crop operation; meet the definition of a small business or very small business; and have paid eligible expenses related to the 2023 certification.

The FSCSC application period for 2023 closes Jan. 31.

FSA will issue payments after the application period closes. If calculated payments exceed the amount of available funding, payments will be prorated.

Specialty crop producers can call (877) 508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to assist.

Visit farmers.gov/food-safety for additional program details, eligibility information and forms needed to apply.

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

Mothers do a lot to make Christmas memories It was a simple comment made over a With that in mind, I thought back to all sales counter on a Saturday afternoon the Christmases she was still able to last Christmas. spearhead for our family of nine during the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. There was The sales lady and I were making conChristmas shopping, grocery shopping, versation as she rang up my order; but shopping for clothing we might need something she said has stayed with me (even in the days when we lived on handlike holiday fruitcake that descends into me-downs), Christmas cards and candies the gut for the long haul. and dinners, Christmas tree shopping This woman’s mom went to heaven a TABLE TALK and decorating, tinsel and broken ornafew years ago, and it’s just her and her ments to keep picking up from the floor, elderly father now, since she is somewhat By Karen Schwaller polishing shoes, curling the hair of three estranged from her only child. daughters (in addition to her own) for Christmas Eve church, making sure all I asked her what she was going to be gifts were wrapped and ready to go on Christmas doing over Christmas.

“Oh, just spending the day with my dad,” she said Eve, and just keeping the magic of Christmas alive for her family. So many things she needed to do just matter-of-factly as she bagged up my things. She to create our childhood holiday memories. said she would pack up everything needed to preAs children, that all seemed to just ‘happen.’ But pare a holiday meal for the two them at his house as adults, we know that behind every wonderful 45 minutes away, and said it gets to be a lot someChristmas is a mother who collapses secretly in the times — taking care of him from a distance. She pantry now and then, covered in powdered sugar said it would be a quiet Christmas day. with an ‘escape-from-life’ half-eaten chocolate bar in And that’s when she said it. her hands, a cold compress and a dog-eared “When Mom left, Christmas left, too.” romance novel hidden between the graham crackers and pickling salts. Christmas is coming; and she has It was a profound statement. And it hit me right to be ready. between the eyes.

She had spent what seemed like many Christmases now without her mother, who had obviously been an important cog in the holiday wheel that made all things ‘Christmas.’

It made me think about the fact that I still had my mother, and how I often take that for granted. It The Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station made me want to rush home and call her. and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural I thought about our childhood Christmases growResource Sciences have published the 2023 Minnesota ing up on the farm.

Field Crop Trials. Visit varietytrials.umn.edu/2023 to see variety trials for eight different Minnesota crops.

My mom didn’t even have a driver’s license until the youngest of us was born. That’s seven children Crops included in this year’s trial include barley, before being able to drive — and living no less than canola, corn grain, oat, soybean, spring wheat, winter ten miles from town. rye and winter wheat.

As adults we come to understand that Christmas is not about what we think are the big things. It’s about all the little things that turn out to be the big things: a Christmas card; a simple Christmas tree; holiday goodies; hanging a wreath — on a door or on a grave; Christmas dinners, Christmas movies, and all the other billions of ‘little’ things moms typically do to try to make Christmas special for everyone else; but least of all, for herself.

And for people like my friend on that December Saturday at the department store, Christmas has become something completely different because the absence of Christmas weighs heavily on them.

But the important, sometimes painful part in all of this is not to lose the lesson.

Christmas happens all year, as long as we have thankful, generous hearts. We just don’t wrap those good deeds up and place them under a decorated tree and sing songs about them.

Our caring is wrapped not only in the memories of those we love or have loved, but also in love itself and selfless sacrifice … and that is how Christmas began in the first place.

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

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

These books give insight to the world of animals Your best friend doesn’t ask for anyBooks about Pets and Animals thing specific for the holidays. by various authors He or she is really pretty content with what they’ve got: a bed in the living c.2023, various publishers room; a ball or a chew-bone; a few $24.95-$29.95 scratches behind the ears. That’s all they various page counts need. They just need you, and you need these books about animals and pets. or decides that you’re his person?

THE BOOKWORM If your heart doesn’t melt at the cover Find out in this thorough and SEZ of “The Purest Bond: Understanding the fascinating book.

Human-Canine Connection” by Jen

By Terri Schlichenmeyer Animal lovers know that there’s Goldbeck and Stacey Colino (Atria, a sense of urgency in rescue these $28.00), then you’re not a total dog lover. days, and “Defending Animals: Finding Hope Read the book, and you will be, though. on the Front Lines of Animal Protection” by The saying is we don’t deserve dogs — and this Kendra Coulter (The MIT Press, $24.95) is a book may make you agree. It’s all about the great book that takes you around the world in a things dogs can do and why humans and dogs conlook at all the efforts people are doing to protect and nect so easily and so well. Take your dog to work, save animals. Readers will love that this book isn’t put your dog to work, go to work for your dog. It’s all about dogs, cats, and household companions; it’s all in here from puppyhood to the devastating final also about wild animals, large domestic animals, and days, and you’re going to want to read it. animals in zoos and farms. Learn how animal rescue Who’s peeking around the corner of “The Hidden needs smart people with passion. It’s a real job, as Language of Cats: How They Have Us at Meow” by well as a labor of love.

Sarah Brown (Dutton, $28.00)? If you’re a cat perOnce upon a time, animals were thought to be put son, you’ll want to check that out before you read on Earth solely for humans. That notion has about all the ways cats communicate with their changed; and in “Tenacious Beasts: Wildlife owners, their frenemies, and one another. What’s Recoveries That Change How We Think about your cat saying when he grooms you, blinks at you, Animals” by Christopher J. Preston (The MIT Press,

Answers located in Classified Section

$29.95), you’ll see how a change in human attitude has helped the preservation of certain endangered animals. Here, you’ll also see why this is so important, through stories told by researchers, Indigenous people, and others who work to save the animals; and, by extension, to help the planet’s ecological system. This is an impressive resource with a big message.

If these books about animals aren’t enough, be sure to stop by your favorite bookstore or library and grab the first friendly face you see for help.

Librarians and bookstore people love to place the right book in the hands that need it, and they have access to millions of books for every animal lover.

Just ask for these, and other great books.

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 needed with USDA survey

This December through July 2024, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s National Animal Health Monitoring System are partnering to conduct a national study focusing on sheep and lamb health and management in the United States.

Survey results will provide a greater understanding of sheep health status throughout the U.S. and provide valuable insight into management practices and disease preparedness and identify educational needs and opportunities related to sheep health.

NASS has made survey response more convenient and accessible through their online Respondent Portal at www.agcounts.usda.gov. On the website, producers can complete their NASS survey, view historical reports and access other resources.

NASS and NAHMS are required by law to keep all information confidential, use the data for statistical purposes only, and publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation.

To learn more, or see past results, visit www.aphis. usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/monitoringand-surveillance/nahms/nahms_sheep_studies.

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

PAGE 7

Prevent damage to your precious plants this winter Rabbits are the most fredeer leave ragged cuts. quent pests to cause probDeer will leave some plants lems in our gardens during alone until after a frost. the winter. They have a Mice, rabbits, voles and harder time finding food deer feed on plant twigs and and often attack young tree terminal buds. Terminal and shrub trunks to chew buds are where the next on the inner bark. For this GREEN AND year’s growth would occur. reason, young trees and GROWING Pine trees have terminal shrubs would benefit from a buds and may be protected

By Linda G. Tenneson chicken wire or hardware from browsing deer by foldcloth cage around their ing paper around the buds and stapled trunks higher than the expected snow to remain in place. depth. Rabbits can chew through plasThe cambium or inner layer of bark tic netting and can squeeze through is where the circulation of water and openings an inch or more wide. nutrients occurs. If this layer is cut all Whatever protection methods are the way around a trunk, the plant will used, make sure they are higher than die above that level. the expected snow depth. Eighteen to Plants considered tender would also 24 inches above the snow depth is best benefit from a burlap or other material to prevent rabbit damage. Protection should be fastened to the ground with covering supported by the chicken wire or hardware cloth. Tall grass or plant earth staples or something similar in case pests try to crawl underneath the debris near valuable trees should be fence; or bury the bottom two or three removed because it can provide protective cover for small pests during the inches of fence into the soil. winter. Repellant sprays work best Deer and rabbit damage can be iden- during warm weather months. tified by checking the chewed or broPlastic tubes are also used for proken off plant stems. Rabbits have sharp teeth and leave clean cuts, while tection of tree trunks that might be

USDA now accepting farm loan applications online The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. Direct Loan applicants can now use an online, interactive, guided application that is paperless and includes an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan.

The online farm loan application replicates the support an applicant would receive when completing a loan application in person with an FSA Farm Loan Officer, while continuing to provide customers with one-on-one assistance as needed.

Through a personalized dashboard, borrowers can borrowers track the progress of their loan application. It can be accessed on farmers.gov or by completing FSA’s Loan Assistance Tool at farmers.gov/loan-assistance-tool.

To use the online loan application

tool, producers must establish a USDA customer account and a USDA Level 2 eAuthentication (“eAuth”) account or a Login.gov account. For the initial stage, the online application tool is only available for producers who will be, or are currently, operating their farm as an individual. FSA is expanding the tools availability to married couples applying jointly and other legal entities in 2024.

FSA has made improvements this year, including a simplified direct loan paper application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages. The Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov which provides customers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to identifying the Direct Loan products that may be a fit for their business needs and to understanding the application process.

To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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

damaged from strong sunlight in winter. The guards will reflect the sun and protect the bark from splitting.

Some tree species such as maples are more prone to have bark splits on the southern or eastern sides of the trunks. The sun heats the bark during daylight hours. Then the fluids in the cambium freeze and expand when the sun and temperature go down causing long vertical splits. Some sources recommend removing a half inch of ragged bark on either side of a split and then leaving the area alone to callous over and heal. Bark splits may close on their own once the weather warms and then reopen the following winter season.

Large pests such as deer can jump extremely high if frightened or to reach desired plants. Barriers around Arborvitae should be eight feet high,

attached to the ground, and supported by sturdy posts. If the fence is shorter but the top is hard to see, deer may not try to jump it.

The websites extension.umn.edu/ planting-and-growing-guides/whitetailed-deer-damage and extension. umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/winterizing-plants-animal-damage have additional information on keeping pests away from plants.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources web site has protection information for geese, raccoons and other animals which may damage our trees and gardens. Go to dnr.state. mn.us/living with wildlife/rabbits/ index.html.

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

PAGE 8

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

Strategies for prostate screening can vary by patient Should men have PSA (prostate specific I should note here there are also nonfaantigen) tests to detect prostate cancer tal post operative problems which can on a regular schedule? Someone I know occur — such as loss of bladder control or who is in his mid-70s recently had a PSA loss of sexual function. There is risk assotest after a gap of about 10 years and it ciated with diagnosis and treatment just was very high. He did have prostate canas there is risk when no testing is done. cer and was upset he had not been getIn general, testing to discover asympting the test regularly so the cancer tomatic illness needs to be evaluated would have been discovered sooner. based on a couple of criteria: Is the risk HEALTHCARE If one looks at the studies which have of testing and treatment less than the FOCUS been done on this subject, the correct risk of not testing?; and is the cost strategy is not clear. A number of studies acceptable?

By Mark Brakke have been done to evaluate the correct The issue of cost is problematic. One testing strategy and some show no survival advanmight be inclined to argue a human life should not tage with regular testing and some show a slight have a price tag placed on it. In the world we live benefit. How can that be? in, the cost to protect life is often considered. For When males at the age of 65 have autopsies, about example, how many policemen should a community 50 percent of them have small areas of prostate can- have and how close to a police station should we cer on microscopic evaluation of the prostate. Most live? By making those types of decisions, society is of these cancers are not aggressive and do not making a judgement about the value of safety and spread and cause death. They might be a problem if life. the men lived to very advanced age, say 100-plus, Getting back to the PSA test — there is an organibut most men die of other causes well before their zation, the United States Preventative Services small prostate cancers cause trouble. Other factors Task Force (USPSTF), which evaluates the value of also impact the risk of death. certain tests and treatments. For males age 55 to 69 If the PSA test is abnormal, a prostate biopsy will they rate the PSA test a C. The C rating means be ordered. Occasionally patients get infections patients may want to do the test after they have associated with the biopsy and rarely these can be discussed the pros and cons with their doctor. For fatal. If the prostate biopsy is positive for a cancer males 70 and older, the test is rated D, not recomwhich appears to be aggressive, the patient will mended. likely have surgery recommended. Major surgery On the women’s side of health, I think it is interon those over 65 is a significant stress and occasion- esting to look at the current state of minimizing ally fatal complications will occur. deaths from cervical cancer. In 1973 (my first year

caring for patients in Minnesota), the standard was a yearly pelvic exam and a pap smear for all females over the age of 21. The current USPSTF recommendation is to have a pap smear every three years from the ages of 21 to 29. For women between the ages of 30 and 65, a pap smear and a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) should be conducted every five years.

It has been discovered that 90 percent of cervical cancers are a result of HPV infection. This discovery has led to an HPV vaccine which is recommended for males and females at the age of 11 to 12.

Modern vaccination and screening decreases the risk of cervical cancer by about 90 percent. When one considers the risk of cervical cancer in the absence of vaccination and screening is between 1/50 and 1/125 it can be seen that vaccination and screening save a lot of cervical cancer illness and death.

Modern medical care continues to make advances.

Our great grandparents would be astounded at the progress which has been made. Progress will continue in the realms of prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Take care of yourself and listen carefully to your physicians recommendations. Sometimes fate can be foiled by thoughtful action.

Mark Brakke is a retired family practice physician.

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

Test spinner spreader accuracy before hitting the fields

Please readfertilizer attached email Broadcast spreaders are used to apply the bulk of most dry fertility programs; making them an factor crop productivity return Simportant ALREADY ONinAD THE LANDand 3.417 x ”on your fertilizer investment. Just like all pieces of equipment on the farm, proper set-up and calibration is critical.

Published studies in small grains have shown when nitrogen application rates varied from 20 up to The Land 40 percent across the swath the resulting yield varia-

2

tions compared to the correct rate were 17 to 45 bushels per acre.

Uneven application can be a nemesis for farmer applicators and is especially noticeable when the rate of nutrients such as nitrogen varies in the overlap areas. When the cover crop seed is uneven, in turn, there will be varied emergence and noticeable, uneven stand density. Experts offer these tips for farmers who own their own machines.

The best way to ensure optimal performance is to routinely pattern test the fertilizer spreader with the product(s) or blends that will be spread, conducting a pan test in real-world conditions.

Check the hitch height for pull-type spreaders. If the spreader is hitched to the tractor too low or too high, the angle of the spinners to the field surface will affect the distance fertilizer particles are thrown.

Turn to the operator’s manual for the right height.

For truck-mounted spreaders, level the spinners with respect to the rest of the machine.

Run the spreader at its intended operating speed (ground speed).

Make sure that your spreader is in good condition and well-maintained. Check for worn or corroded parts, rusted and sagging spinner frames, loose components and sticking bearings that can cause the machine to work poorly. Replace worn and bent spinner-discs and/or blades. Remove buildup of fertilizer and lime on spinner discs and/or blades. Free any frozen mechanisms. Replace corroded and rusty hoppers and components.

Check the spinner-disc speed. For machines with dual spinners, using a handheld tachometer, be sure the fins on the spinner-discs are rotating at the same speed to prevent varied patterns on the left versus the right side of the swath. On machines with an operator interface, ensure the RPM of the spinners matches the rate controller setting.

Check the density and quality of fertilizer to be spread. Fertilizer that has been handled several times, especially through augers, may have lots of fine particles and dust.

This article was submitted by Heartland Ag Systems. v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

PAGE 9

Okies’ hand-sewn items are museum pieces

By LAURA COLE The Land Staff Writer MANKATO, Minn. — Six days a week, the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota provides a space for play, imagination, and movement.

On Mondays, the museum is closed to the public; but even then, plenty of creativity is happening behind the scenes.

A group of volunteer seamstresses, nicknamed the Okies, are a unique component of the Museum, bringing realism to another level with their handcrafted creations.

Before settling into its current location on Lamm St. in 2015, the Children’s Museum operated in a few temporary locations. Karen Wahlstrom has been involved in different capacities within the Museum since its beginning stages in 2006, and explained, “One of the main goals of the Museum for our exhibit components from day one was natural, local, and found.” With a goal to reduce plastic usage as much as they could, she stated they first started experimenting with fruits and vegetables made from fabric at one of their interim sites.

The group began with three or four people. Jean Peterson, whom Wahlstrom references as “the heart and soul of the Okies,” remembers gathering around a kitchen table at the beginning stages.

The name “Okies” comes from a name introduced by Gwen Westerman. She had helped the Museum in the past, and with her Dakota heritage and knowledge, suggested the word “Okodakiciye” which refers to “a gath-

ering of people who help one another.”

Wahlstrom added the shortened version is also fitting as “when they ask us to do something, we say OK.” Over the years, the volunteer roster has grown. “Right now we’re sitting at 16, and I’d say an average of 13 people are here each week,” Wahlstrom commented. It is common for some to take projects home with them, logging additional volunteer hours. “I cannot tell you how impressed I am with their dedication to the Museum, their skills as seamstresses,” Wahlstrom stated. “It’s just incredible what they produce.”

The group values a commitment to authenticity. Wahlstrom shared how volunteer Mary Behrens took the time to adjust the location of a cow’s udder for the sake of realism. Thought goes into selecting the best matched fabric, and there are also weight Photo by Laura Cole bags on hand to be added The Okies aim to have at least two sets of 12 for most items. to certain items such as While one set is being laundered, another set is ready to go the watermelons. out.

On a recent Monday morning, corn was the item on the docket. Peterson worked on corn husks while Shari Buckmister, a recent addition to the group, made corn cobs — impressively, from bath mats. “Our very first ones were hand stitched, each one of those kernels,” Peterson explained. “But that was very time consuming, and we found the bath mats.”

While Wahlstrom recalls sewing french knots on strawberries en route to a family member’s bridal shower, her current role is more along the lines of an operations manager for the sewing group. She keeps track of patterns and supplies, and gets what is needed.

See OKIES, pg. 10

Photo submitted

Some of the Okies include (back row, left to right): Linda Gankse, Patty Yahnke, Kathy Michaelson, Mary Behrens and Pam Willard; (middle row, left to right): Bridget Weigt, Diann Boudreau and Sue Hirvela; and (front row, left to right) Karen Wahlstrom, Lucy Lowry, Jean Peterson and Carol Burns. Okies not pictured are Kathy Bruss, Joyce Barnett, Shari Buckmister and Rebecca Bernin.

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PAGE 10

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

Sewing circle serves as a support group as well OKIES, from pg. 9

hanging peapod swings, beaver daughter was involved in dance. costumes, butterfly wings, as Being an Okie is a great fit for There is an inventory list and well as a guitar and microphone Boudreau. She enjoys seeing the group boxes of extra merchandise on for the Lauri Kuch Memorial members each week and visiting with hand. The patterns are copyStage. them, adding that while most are righted. Kathy Michaelson retired now, many had careers working Diann Boudreau recalled an developed many of them, and with children. “And everybody helps especially complicated task for a Behrens also contributed. everybody. If you don’t know how to do clinic-related exhibit.

She Additionally, Behrens wrote out worked on creating models this, somebody else knows how to do it the directions for each pattern which children could use to con- or can help you figure it out.” and added illustrations. duct check-ups. The ears With the inevitable wear and were formed for an ototear, Wahlstrom shared that scope to be used and having sewn fruits and vegetalikewise the mouth for a bles at the Museum would not thermometer. She stated be sustainable without the volthe exhibit also included unteer work of the Okies. stethoscopes, xrays, and Besides creating new items, a volunteer had even they also make periodic repairs. embroidered chicken They aim to have at least two pox on one model. sets of 12 for most items. While Boudreau has been one set is being laundered, Photo by Laura Cole Photo submitted another set is ready to go out.

There are currently 16 volunteers who meet every week to sew part of the Okies for several years and recalled The Okies recently conducted an in-house workshop to items for the museum.

Since the Museum highlights first noticing all of the learn how to sew fish. The group designs their own creworkshop for the group on how to make local, the volunteers often crehandmade play items during a ations. ate items related to Minnesota’s farm- the fish used in the exhibits. Other cre- visit to the Museum with her ing, fishing, and nature aspects. Patty ations by the volunteers have included grandchildren. “I looked at it and I Wahlstrom is in agreement. “It’s Yahnke has made a six-foot-long stur- an earthworm that could be zipped thought ‘Who makes all this stuff?’” become kind of a social thing now. We geon and has recently conducted a open to show its internal structure, Having first learned to sew from her look out for each other. If somebody’s mother, Boudreau shared she started husband is sick, we support; or one of making her own clothes when she was us gets sick, we support. It really is a 12 years old. Over the years she made unique group.”

Creating, community, all in the name her own wedding dress, her sister’s wedding dress, as well as costumes for of fostering an inspiring environment Mankato Ballet Company when her for children. It certainly sounds OK. v

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Help to extend crop rotations Midwestern farmers thinking of diversifying their rotations with smallgrain crops like cereal rye, oats, barley, triticale and wheat can now apply for financial assistance through Practical Farmers of Iowa’s extended rotation cost-share programs.

Farmers can receive $20 per acre for raising a small grain (cereal rye, oats, barley, triticale, wheat) with a legume cover crop. Farmers must grow a small-grain crop that will be harvested (grain or forage) and follow it with a frost-seeded or summer-planted cover crop that contains at least one legume species.

Farmers who sign up for the small grains cost-share can get an additional $20 per acre for reducing nitrogen on 2024 corn that follows the small grainlegume cover in rotation. With this program, farmers must agree to reduce

their nitrogen rate by at least 40 units compared to their rate following soybeans, or apply no more than 100 units of nitrogen to corn harvested in 2024 that follows the small-grain and legume cover crop in rotation.

PFI staff agronomists work with participants individually to draft a fertilizer reduction plan.

Enrollment for both cost-share programs will close July 1, 2024. Full details and the application form are available at practicalfarmers.org/ small-grains-cost-share.

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

This article was submitted by Practical Farmers of Iowa. v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

PAGE 11

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

U of M continues swine influenza research

SWINE &U

Winter has arrived and with it comes seasonal disease concerns — both in the pig barn and with the UniversityofMinnesota caretakers. For the past EXTENSION three years we have been immersed in learning all three-week-old piglets can we can about Covid-19; but indirectly and significantly the usual winter worries contribute to the spread of on the pig farm always the influenza A virus (IAV) include Swine Influenza on swine farms. This inforVirus (SIV). Swine mation can help pig producInfluenza Virus can be ers target biosecurity measimply referred to as the SWINE & U sures more strategically, flu, but there’s nothing curbing swine flu transmissimple about it in the herd.

By Diane DeWitte sion and enhancing swine Prior to Covid-19, the production outcomes.

2009 H1N1 (“swine flu”) pandemic Flu limits the growth rate of young was the worst human flu attack since 1918. Because its origins were a reas- pigs, causing great financial losses to sortment of human, bird and swine flu farmers and food security issues worldwide. IAV can also infect viruses, much research has occurred humans, leading to serious illnesses in the ensuing years to better underthat have the potential to cause a panstand flu in pigs and people. demic. This two-way transmission of Influenza in Pigs IAV between pigs and humans helps Swine influenza virus is present in the virus evolve and evade vaccines. most swine herds across the country, So, research clarifying how IAV and it appears to be a disease that spreads can help protect the pig indusmany farms constantly live with. It’s try and avoid pandemics. a respiratory disease which affects all Researchers, pig producers, and stages of production. Suckling piglets farmworkers alike know that handling generally have immunity to the disinfected pigs can carry and spread ease while with the sow. Coughing, IAV. Farmworkers already take strinpneumonia and fever are the most common symptoms. The high temper- gent precautions when handling infected pigs, but pinpointing which atures of SIV can cause abortions in pregnant sows; growing pigs will expe- farm management activities most fosrience severe respiratory distress for 7 ter IAV’s spread can help them better to 10 days, then return to normal over understand when pigs are most infecthe next 7 to 10 days. In the Midwest, tious, and better focus their mitigation efforts.

90 percent of swine herds containing growing pigs have tested positive for In this study, the scientists collected SIV. and tested samples from farmworkers’ hands and clothes before and after the While commercial vaccines exist for swine influenza, many herds prefer to workers performed piglet processing, which takes place in the first few days use an autogenous vaccine created of the piglets’ lives. The researchers specifically for them. These customalso collected and tested samples from made vaccines are formulated by farmworkers again after vaccinating using herd-specific antigens from the and weaning the piglets, which hapinfluenza-infected population. pens when the pigs reach about 3 U of M studies on influenza weeks of age.

The past decade has found the Only about 16 percent of the samUniversity of Minnesota on the foreples collected immediately after piglet front in conducting valuable applied research to try to understand influen- processing tested positive for IAV, za in swine, its control, and how it can while 96 percent of the samples collected after vaccination and 94 percent be eradicated. of the samples collected after weaning June 2023 studies led by researchers tested positive. The hands of the farmat the University of Minnesota College workers handling the infected threeof Veterinary Medicine reveal that week-old piglets had a 91 percent confarmworkers vaccinating and weaning

tamination rate, while their clothes had a 97 percent contamination rate; and the scientists found live virus on both surface types.

“Results from this study should help producers and veterinarians to design more effective measures to control diseases in pigs and prevent flu virus transmission between pigs and people,” says Dr. Montse Torremorell, interim chair and professor in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the CVM, who led the study.

Swine farm studies Dr. Fabian Chamba Pardo recently published findings of his University of Minnesota study of the factors which affect influenza infection status of piglets at weaning time. From 2011 to 2017, Pardo collected samples at weaning on 83 swine farms in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. These monthly samples were part of a routine surveillance program and yielded these results: Piglets who were raised by sows vaccinated against influenza were less likely to have the disease.

Gilts who entered the sow herd and were influenza-positive were associated with positive piglets at weaning.

Further details of Dr. Pardo’s study can be found at https://z.umn.edu/ PardoInfluenzaStudy.

A robust five-year study of 34 breedto-wean farms by the team at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Population Department undertook the three-pronged challenge of estimating the prevalence and seasonality of SIV, investigating the correlation between

the prevalence of SIV and weather, and studying the genetic diversity of the SIV on the farms over time.

The team found that the prevalence of influenza in herds over five years ranged from 7 to 57 percent with a median presence of 28 percent. Herdlevel influenza occurrences followed a cyclical pattern with levels increasing during the fall, peaking in December and May, and subsiding in the summer. Researchers were able to correlate the prevalence of herd-level influenza with lower outdoor temperatures and low absolute humidity. The team’s research also showed that over time, there were genetically diverse influenza viruses co-circulating within the herd.

Building on previous research A 2020 study by the University of Minnesota Veterinary College’s Dr. Jorge Garrido-Mantilla et al. evaluated if piglets put together with a nurse sow were more likely to be influenza A (SIA) positive and conversely, if a nurse sow could become infected when adopting a litter of positive piglets.

A common practice on pig farms is to use nurse sows to adopt piglets who fall behind and might otherwise die.

Transmission of influenza virus from nurse sows to adopted pigs has been reported experimentally. However, until now, studies in actual production farms have not been conducted.

The study included a total of 184 sows in three breeding herds in Minnesota and Iowa. All three herds were positive for the swine influenza virus. The researchers collected oral swabs and udder wipes from the sows before the adopted pigs were placed with them, and after weaning. Oral

See SWINE & U, pg. 14

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PAGE 12

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

PAGE 13

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

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BECK'S COMMITMENT REWARDS: VALUE OR GIMMICK? “It felt gimmicky until my Beck’s dealer sat down and explained the terms of the agreement and the value it would bring to my operation. Once I understood that, signing an agreement was a no-brainer,” said Beck’s Missouri Customer Patrick Hines.

When it comes to Commitment Rewards, we’ve heard it all. “Just lower your seed cost!” “I don’t need your toy catalog.” “I refuse to drink your marketing Kool-Aid.” “What a gimmick!”

Well, if you say it’s a gimmick, then we say it’s the most valuable gimmick in the industry.

Here’s why.

LEVERAGE BUYING POWER Commitment Rewards is an equipment and financial tool that can provide your operation with a competitive advantage. The program is designed to help farmers leverage Beck’s buying power to overcome obstacles like access to working capital and increasing interest rates.

IMPROVE YOUR CASH FLOW Each year, Beck’s works with industry-leading equipment providers, placing bulk orders upfront to offer farmers the peace of mind to secure the equipment they need when they need it. By leveraging our significant buying power, we pass along equipment discounts directly to growers that would not be attainable for a single operation.

Patrick Hines, a farmer in Memphis, MO, has been a customer of Beck’s since 2021 and purchased a small amount of seed each year to try out on his farm. For 2024, he committed 100% of his acres to Beck’s and worked with his area dealer, Aaron Brewer, to sign a multi-year Level 8 agreement with

Commitment Rewards after learning more about the value the program offered.

"Part of my decision to commit 100% of my seed order this year was due to Beck’s flexibility in helping me put up a new equipment shed," said Hines. "After meeting with my dealer at Beck’s Southern Illinois Field Show and seeing the terms of the agreement, I was shocked at how much cash Commitment Rewards would free up for me."

And while Patrick’s Level 8 multi-year agreement didn't cover the entire cost, he is now paying back a minimal amount per year for three years (on an already highly discounted equipment shed) with ZERO interest, saving him roughly $23,000. Plus, he can now write off the cost of that shed as an asset on his taxes that same year and boost his savings.

REDUCE YOUR INTEREST PAYMENTS If you’re looking for innovative ways to increase your working capital, Commitment Rewards provides an interest-free payback over time. You can use your points as a “down payment” on the equipment you need and pay the rest of the cost back to Beck’s interest-free. Let’s break it down.

Say you are considering signing a Level 3 multi-year agreement at a $880,000 seed commitment. At this level, you would receive 50 total points to use, valued at $18,750 ($375 per point).

Despite not being fully sold on the program yet, you sit down with your Beck’s dealer to review the equipment and tool options available. You flip to page 76, and your eyes go straight to the Thunder Creek 900 Fuel Tender. You remember that yours broke down during planting, and you have not made it to the bank to take out a loan for a new one.

Your dealer sees the spark in your eye, so he gets to work breaking down the math for you.

MULTI-YEAR COMMITMENT SCENARIOS: LEVEL 3 $80,000 Seed Commitment

50 Program Points Valued At $18,750 ($375 Per Point)

program selecting a table saw. After learning more about the value and opportunity of the program, he then went on to sign two consecutive multi-year agreements for a grain cart and then a trailer. “When it was all said and done, I paid one-fifth of what the grain cart is worth and on the grain trailer, I didn’t even have to pay one-third of what the value was,” he said.

WHAT COULD A COMMITMENT REWARDS AGREEMENT LOOK LIKE FOR ME?

Thunder Creek 900 Fuel Tender $22,500 | Beck’s Sales Price (60 points x $375) $22,500 (Fuel Tender Cost) - $18,750 (Total Point Value) = $3,750 (Remaining Cost to You) $3,750 (Remaining Cost to You) / 3 (Multi-Year Commitment) = $1,250 Final Per Year Cost to You at 0% Interest

While this sit-down scenario may seem farfetched, we can assure you that the savings and interest-free payments are not.

It’s not just about securing the tools you need for your operation you need at a heavily discounted, interest-free cost, it’s about freeing up cash that wasn’t previously available, providing you with the flexibility to purchase additional equipment that would not have been possible without the program.

Another Beck’s customer, Jerry Steimel from Waterloo, Iowa, started off in the

While a grain trailer or fuel tender might not be something you need on your farm, Beck’s has options for every farmer and every acre size, ranging from large ag equipment, trucks and trailers, shop essentials, and even home and recreation. We’ve taken two great examples (to the right) of some of our most popular Commitment Rewards items and broken down the cost/savings for you.

HELPING FARMERS SUCCEED Beck’s chooses to put more money into farmers’ pockets by passing along additional value through Commitment Rewards than they would get through a simple cash discount on seed. By expanding farmer’s cash positions and freeing up working capital through Commitment Rewards, growers can secure the tools and equipment they need, create significant tax savings opportunities, and gain more value for their operations.

It’s a value-adding, working capitalmultiplying, cash-expanding return on your seed investment.

“IT FELT GIMMICKY UNTIL MY BECK’S DEALER SAT DOWN AND EXPLAINED THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT AND THE VALUE IT WOULD BRING TO MY OPERATION. ONCE I UNDERSTOOD THAT, SIGNING AN AGREEMENT WAS A NO-BRAINER.” – Patrick Hines, Beck’s Missouri Customer

MULTI-YEAR COMMITMENT SCENARIOS: LEVEL 4

MULTI-YEAR COMMITMENT SCENARIOS: LEVEL 5

$120,000 Seed Commitment

$200,000 Seed Commitment

80 Program Points Valued At $30,000 ($375 Per Point)

145 Program Points Valued At $54,375 ($375 Per Point)

New Holland C337 Skid Steer $73,500 | Beck’s Sales Price (196 points x $375)

Chevrolet 2500 HD LTZ Diesel $78,000* | Beck’s Sales Price (208 points x $375)

$73,500 (Skid Steer Cost) - $30,000 (Total Point Value) = $43,500 (Remaining Cost to You)

$78,000 (Truck Cost) - $54,375 (Total Point Value) = $23,625 (Remaining Cost to You)

$43,500 (Remaining Cost to You) / 3 (Multi-Year Commitment)

$23,625 (Remaining Cost to You) / 3 (Multi-Year Commitment)

= $14,500 Final Per Year Cost to You at 0% Interest

= $7,875 Final Per Year Cost to You at 0% Interest

*Includes local sales tax

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BECK’S COMMITMENT REWARDS PROGRAM.

PAGE 14

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

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.

Jan. 3 — Crop Advantage Meeting — Sheldon, Iowa — An opportunity for farmers and crop advisers to hear current research and crop production information from Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota. For more information, contact your local Iowa State University Field Agronomist.

Other Dates and Locations: Jan. 4 — Storm Lake, Iowa Jan. 5 — Mason City, Iowa Jan. 10 — Ankeny, Iowa Jan. 11 — Burlington, Iowa Jan. 16 — Cedar Falls, Iowa Jan. 18 — Atlantic, Iowa Jan. 19 — Davenport, Iowa Jan. 23 — Okoboji, Iowa Jan. 24 — Templeton, Iowa Jan. 25 — Coralville, Iowa Jan. 30 — Le Mars, Iowa Jan. 5 — Farmland Rent Workshop — Online — 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: 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)

Jan. 6 — Grant Writing Workshop — Waite Park, Minn. — The workshop, titled “Show me the money,” is tailored for beginning and emerging small farmers, and aims to provide the knowledge and confidence needed to successfully apply for grants to support their operations. Contact Anthony Adams at AnthonyA@umn.edu or (320) 316-3339. Additional Date: Jan. 20 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.

Jan. 9 — Minnesota Beginning Farmer Institute — Clearwater, Minn. — This four-part course uses an interactive approach to teach participants farm management topics. Each workshop will have educational handouts and presentations. Contact Nathan Hulinsky at huli0013@umn.edu or (218) 828-2680. Additional course dates: Jan. 16, Jan. 23, Jan. 30 Jan. 11–12 — Minnesota Organic Conference — St. Cloud, Minn. — The conference offers keynote speakers, more than 30 breakout sessions, and a trade show. Contact Cassie Dahl at cassie.dahl@state.mn.us or (651) 201-6134.

Jan. 13 — Urban Ag Conference — St. Paul, Minn.

— The conference will provide urban agriculturists an opportunity to connect with local and state leaders on the issues they face including land access, water access, funding and more. For more information, visit https://fbmn.org/Participate/Urban-Ag-Conference.

Mondays, Jan. 15–Feb. 19 — Annie’s Project — Preston, Minn. — This six-week risk management education series covers the business of farming and ranching including the five key areas of risk management: financial, human resource, legal, marketing, and production risks. Contact Katie Drewitz at wins0115@umn.edu or (507) 951-6609.

Jan. 17–18 — MN Ag Expo — Mankato, Minn. — At this annual event, there will be keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and nearly 100 booths on the trade show floor. For more information, visit https:// mnagexpo.com/.

Jan. 18 — Minnesota Beginning Farmer Institute — Detroit Lakes, Minn. — This four-part course uses an interactive approach to teach participants farm management topics. Each workshop will have educational handouts and presentations. Contact Nathan Hulinsky at huli0013@umn.edu or (218) 828-2680.

Additional course dates: Jan. 25, Feb. 1, Feb. 8 Jan. 19–20 — Practical Farmers of Iowa Annual Conference — Des Moines, Iowa — Farmers can share knowledge, build connections and celebrate agriculture. There will be 60+ sessions and 80+ exhibitors covering a range of agricultural topics. Email info@practicalfarmers.org or call (515) 232-5661.

Thursdays, Feb. 1–Mar. 7 — Farm Transition Planning Course — Online — Presenters will include other area farmers who are implementing a farm transition plan, as well as professionals representing the legal, financial, and healthcare fields as they relate to agricultural businesses. Contact Karen Stettler at stettler@landstewardshipproject.org or (612) 767-9885.

Wearing gloves and masks reduces virus transfer SWINE & U, from pg. 11

swabs were collected from six piglets in each litter three times during the nursing period and at weaning.

Overall, this study showed that more sows were found positive at weaning compared to the beginning of the study when using oral swabs. However, no difference was found between the nurse sows and control sows. When looking at udder wipe samples, a higher proportion tested positive in the nurse group compared to the control group at the onset of the study. This difference was not found at the time of weaning. The udder wipe samples also tested positive by virus isolation, showing that nurse sows could serve as a mechanical means of transmission in addition to direct transmission from their own oro-nasal secretions. This study indicates that nurse sows can contribute to the transmission and perpetuation of influenza infections in pigs prior to weaning, particularly during the first week after adoption.

Protect people and pigs Although influenza is not a federally reportable or regulated swine disease, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in conjunction with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) and National Pork Board have collaborated on the establishment of a national swine influenza virus surveillance program. Veterinarians can submit nasal fluid, oral swabs or lung tissue to a local lab to be evaluated. In Minnesota, the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Lab on the St. Paul campus is the surveillance site. Information gathered there can help determine the presence of or changes in influenza virus on pig farms.

Because flu viruses can be transmitted between pigs and people, guidelines are in place for pig handlers and farm team members. As always, biosecurity is important to prevent the spread of influenza from pigs to people and from workers to pigs.

Wearing personal protective equipment like gloves and masks that cover nose and mouth can reduce

the transfer of flu virus. Workers should not eat, drink or put anything in their mouth in pig areas.

Also important is hand-washing often with soap and running water before and after working with pigs. If soap and water is not available, an alcohol-based hand rub is recommended. Pig barn employees with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever ends.

The National Pork Board and the U.S. Center for Disease Control recommend that people who work with pigs get a seasonal flu vaccination.

Vaccinations are the most valuable tool for preventing flu transmission. Annual vaccination will prevent the spread of the flu between people and from people to pigs.

Flu season is here. Make sure that you, your family, and your pigs are protected against the disease.

Diane DeWitte is an Extension Educator specializing in swine for the University of Minnesota Extension.

Her e-mail address is stouf002@umn.edu v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

PAGE 15

Local company brings farm-to-table meat to the internet

By ASHLEY HANLEY Thus the idea for The Meatery was every meat-lover.

Each producer packages and sends The Land Correspondent born. Brandon and Sam Boeck are the “All premium tastes,” she explained. the customers’ purchase directly from It almost sounds too good to be true. co-founders. Sam said the idea started “It really depends on what kind of meat their farm or business. Orders are A website dedicated to buying meat. around the idea of just sharing a good you’re looking for. Currently we have shipped out each Monday. Drager said meal with those you love. each box is eco-friendly.

Sounds delicious, right? Well if that “We want the unboxwasn’t sweet enough, ing experience for the how about a website customer to be on par that has Minnesota with the premium connections to the meats that are in the butcher shops and box,” Drager said. meat markets? Okay, Obviously, getting now my mouth is realanimals ready for ly watering … just tell market is not an overme the website night process. already.

However, Drager said The website to go to The Meatery works is The Meatery at with suppliers to naviwww.themeaterymn. gate this time frame. com. And trust me, “Navigating the once you go there, be time frame for preparprepared to spend a ing animals for the decent amount of time Photos by Paul Malchow market is a collaborajust browsing all the The Meatery has been getting the word out at various locations throughout Minnesota. This summer they were able to have a booth at tive effort at The the Minnesota State Fair (left). In November, The Meatery had the opportunity to chat with attendees at the FEAST Local Foods Marketproducts.

Meatery. Our producplace in Rochester (right).

A genius idea, right? ers are independent A website that helps connect you to sellers on our site, and are adept busi“As a self-proclaimed Meathusiast, chicken and different attributes of pork local butchers and local meats. But my husband Brandon likes to remi- and beef available. We are looking at nesspeople. Continuous communicahow did this all come to be? Let’s take nisce about a meal with vivid descrip- adding bison and whole chickens in tion is key, and we engage in regular a look. discussions to adjust inventories, tions of the tastes and textures. I, on 2024.” explore new sources, and brainstorm Jodie Drager is the Vice President of the other hand, like to recount the “Each of our partners has their own innovative ideas. This dynamic interacBusiness Development. She’s been with many laughs and stories that sprang shop on our marketplace and have The Meatery since its conception when up while preparing and eating our standard boxes. At times, they will add tion, whether serving individual custheir website went live on April 1, 2022. meal. Although we have different opin- limited-time boxes. You can always tomers, hobbyists, restaurants, or busiTheir first shipments went out on May ions on what makes a meal memora- place a custom order as well,” Drager ness events, is not just a logistical pro1, 2022. ble, there’s one thing we are in com- went on to say. “Our goal at The cess; it’s a rewarding collaboration that enhances our offerings and ensures a Drager said The Meatery is an e-com- plete agreement with. There is some- Meatery is to help our partners use the one-stop experience for the customer,” thing intangibly special about enjoymerce site that connects local farm to whole animal. Steaks, burgers, chops, Drager added. table, butcher shops and meat markets ing a well prepared, flavorful meal and a full array of breakfast and charThrough collaboration, a unique busito the consumer. The boxes are pack- with the people you love, which is cuterie are extraordinarily popular aged by the partner and shipped frozen what we at The Meatery want for during the holiday season. To date ness model, and local connections, The everyone. If you find turning pork we’ve shipped to over 38 states and Meatery is a click away from mouthto the consumers’ door. belly into bacon or perfecting the art of watering tastes and flavors in each “We ship nationwide so there is no weekend brisket on the smoker to be hope to hit them all by the end of this box, prepared just for you. v limit on the number of customers we extraordinarily satisfying, then you’ve holiday season.” can serve. To date we have shipped to come to the right place. If you only just more than 30 states,” Drager said. rranty learned how to turn on your oven, a W r ea The concept came from their deep you’re still in the right place,” Sam 25 Y added. family roots and through a family tree lined in agriculture.

When they decide which producers to C o ld ers • C r it t • “Our family has a strong history in work with, Drager said they have a vets ve • Lea D ir t agriculture for many generations and ting process that includes taste-testing R ter • a YOU W • S ON ORS! we meet a lot of great people partici- the meat.

E Snow H O INC AD D pating in activities in our communities TO 2 ERHE “This is the best part,” she said. “Our S UP SHOP OV P ting e A & SG and industry. Our firm belief in deliv- goal is to help our partners succeed and rock % y k SEAL GARAGE S 40 are ering premium-quality products with want them to collaborate with us on t Bills E UP TO a e H exceptional taste led us to initially social media.”

SAV connect with top producers who share Drager said they have a lot of popular Call Today 800-250-5502 our passions for excellence,” Drager bundles with a variety of different or Visit snirtstopper.com said. meats to satisfy every taste bud of

n? i ’ n i t et em’ Out. G s t r i Sn Keep an We C

MILKER’S MESSAGE www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 16

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

Lower cow numbers are forecasted for 2024 This column was written for the marketing week ending Dec. 15.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture again lowered its milk production forecasts for 2023 and 2024 in the latest World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report. The 2023 forecast was reduced from last month due to slower expected growth in milk per cow. Production in 2024 was lowered due to lower milk cow numbers and reduced milk per cow.

2023 production and marketings were estimated at 226.9 and 225.9 billion pounds respectively, down 200 million pounds on both from a month ago. If realized, both would be up 400 million pounds or 0.2 percent from 2022.

2024 production and marketings were projected at 229 and 228 billion pounds respectively, down 1 million pounds on production and 1.1 million pounds lower on marketings. If realized, 2024 production would be up 2.1 billion pounds or 0.9 percent from 2023.

The fat basis import forecast for

News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers 2023 was raised due to higher imports of

By Lee Mielke cheese. Skim solids imports were lowered due to fewer shipments of milk protein products. The fat basis export forecast was lowered due to lower butter exports. The skim-solids export forecast was raised due to higher whey product shipments which more than offset the lower expected nonfat/skim powder.

The 2024 import forecast was raised on a fat basis but lowered on a skimsolids basis. Fat basis exports were lowered for 2024 on lower expected butter shipments, while a higher skim-solids basis forecast reflects higher nonfat/skim powder and whey product exports.

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Cheese and butter price forecasts for 2023 were lowered while the nonfat dry milk price was raised. Whey was unchanged.

The Class III and Class IV milk price forecasts were lowered due to lower expected cheese and butter prices. The 2024 cheese price forecast was lowered, while butter, non-fat dry milk, and whey prices were raised.

The Class III price forecast was lowered due lower cheese prices. The Class IV price forecast was raised due to higher butter and non-fat dry milk price forecasts, according to the WASDE. The Class III price is expected to average $17.05 per hundredweight in 2023, down a nickel from last month’s estimate, and compares to $21.96 in 2022 and $17.08 in 2021. The 2024 average was estimated at $16.85, down 85 cents from last month’s estimate.

The 2023 Class IV was projected to average $19.10, down a dime from a month ago, and compares to $24.47 in 2022 and $16.09 in 2021. The 2024 average was projected at $18.90, up a nickel from last month’s estimate.

Looking at the crop side of the report, the U.S. corn outlook is for is for higher exports and lower ending stocks. Exports were raised 25 million bushels to 2.1 billion reflecting the pace of sales and shipments to date.

Corn ending stocks were reduced 25 million bushels to 2.1 billion. The season-average corn price was unchanged at $4.85 per bushel.

Soybean supply and use projections were unchanged from last month but supplies will likely remain tight, says USDA. The U.S. season-average soybean price forecast was unchanged at $12.90 per bushel. Soybean meal was increased $10.00 to $390.00 per short ton, and the soybean oil price was forecast at 57 cents per pound, down 4 cents. n Checking Chicago as traders antici-

pated Dec. 18’s November Milk Production report, Chicago Mercantile Exchange block cheddar closed the third Friday of December at $1.52 per pound. This is down 6 cents on the week, lowest since Dec. 1, and 45.75 cents below a year ago when it dropped almost 12 cents.

The barrels finished on Dec. 15 at $1.45, 10.5 cents lower, 29 cents below a year ago when they plunged 21 cents, and are 7 cents below the blocks. CME sales totaled nine loads of block on the week and 27 of barrel — 11 on Dec. 15 alone.

Midwest cheesemakers tell Dairy Market News that milk is available, allowing them to run steady production. Spot milk prices ranged from $4-under to $1-over Class. Volumes are not excessive but some sellers are offering milk at below Class ahead of the end of year holidays. Demand is seasonally steady for American and Italian type cheeses. Softening demand has contributed to a steeper decline in CME prices for barrels than blocks.

Western retail cheese demand remains steady while food service remains steady to moderate. Price competitiveness of domestic cheese has improved, but still has not manifested into strengthening moderate export demand.

StoneX says, “Supply remains constrained with milk production running weak. U.S. production was much weaker than forecast in October, down 0.5 percent. The biggest surprise was production per cow which is below trend by a record amount. Milk production, and production per cow, remain well below a year ago in California and there isn’t any sign that they are improving quickly; so that will be a drag on total U.S. production — even if the rest of the country does improve in coming months.” That said, schools are closing for the holidays and thus pushing more milk into manufacturing.

See MIELKE, pg. 17

PAGE 18

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

Setting 2024 land rental rates will be more challenging Arriving at equitable land rental rates harvest, until Aug. 31 of the following is always an ongoing challenge for farm year.) Final market year average prices operators and landlords alike. Sinking for 2022-23 were $6.64 per bushel for grain prices, combined with so-so yields, corn and $14.20 per bushel for soybeans. will likely present an even bigger chalThe market year average prices in other lenge for the 2024 growing season. recent years for corn were $6.00 per bushel of 2021-22, $4.53 per bushel in Many times, land rental rates for a 2020-21, $3.56 per bushel in 2019-20, and coming crop year are based on the profit$3.61 per bushel in 2018-19. Recent marability in crop production in the previous ket year average soybean prices were FARM PROGRAMS year or two before. In some cases, this $13.00 per bushel in 2021-22, $10.80 per can present profitability challenges for

By Kent Thiesse bushel in 2020-21, $8.57 per bushel in farm operators if grain prices drop 2019-20, and $8.48 per bushel in or there are yield challenges. On the 2018-19. other hand, there can be extra profit for farm operators in years with Current forward cash prices for above average yields and higher levels of crop pricFall delivery in the 2024 crop year are near $4.50 to es. Many landlords have gradually been increasing $4.75 per bushel for corn and $12.00 to $12.50 per cash rental rates since 2019. bushel for soybeans at many locations in the upper Midwest. The USDA Farm Service Agency is using Approximately two-thirds of the farmland in the $4.70 per bushel for corn and $11.75 per bushel for upper Midwest is under some type of cash rental soybeans as 2024 planning prices for FSA based agreement. Based on farm business management annual farm loans in southern Minnesota. However, land rental data compiled by the University of FSA is using only $4.25 per bushel for corn and Minnesota, average rental rates from 2015 to 2019 $10.25 per bushel for soybeans as planning prices in Minnesota declined by 10 to 20 percent, after on any FSA applications for loans that are amorshowing an average increase of 40 to 50 percent tized for longer than one year. from 2010 to 2014. Based on U of M data, average land rental rates in the region for 2020 to 2022 Crop input costs in 2024 will likely continue at increased by 10 to 15 percent. According to a U.S. fairly high levels, which could result in some chalDepartment of Agriculture cash rental summary lenging breakeven price levels next year on cash released in late August, average cash rental rates in rented land with high rental rates. Based on most counties in 2023 increased by another 10 perSouthern Minnesota Farm Business Management cent or more, as compared to average 2022 rental records, the average total direct cost in 2022 for rates, and have increased by 10 to 25 percent or seed, fertilizer, chemicals, fuel, etc. on cash rental more since 2019. Most farm management analysts acres, excluding land rents, was near $605 per acre expect 2024 cash rental rates to remain steady in for corn and near $295 per acre for soybeans. The most instances or possibly show a modest increase average direct expenses for 2023 increased signifiin some areas, given the lower corn and soybean cantly for many farm operators, due to higher fertilprices that currently exist. izer, chemical, fuel, labor and repair expenses. The 2022 FBM records showed an average of $113 per The commodity prices for corn and soybeans in acre on cash rented corn acres and $72 per acre on 2022 reached the highest levels since 2012-13, due soybean acres for overhead expenses, which includes to increased domestic usage and higher export levels. However, those prices have dropped off consider- machinery costs, insurance, and other ongoing expenses, which have also increased in 2023. ably in 2023. The projected USDA national market year average crop prices for the current 2023-24 Most farm management analysts expect total marketing year (as of Dec. 1) are $4.85 per bushel direct expenses for corn and soybean production to for corn and $12.90 per bushel for soybeans. (The be steady to slightly lower in 2024 compared to market year average prices are the average farm2023, due to reduced fertilizer and chemical costs. level prices calculated from Sept. 1 in the year of However, that will be somewhat offset by increased

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expenses for seed, labor and repairs, along with much higher short-term interest rates on 2024 farm operating loans.

Typically, southern and western Minnesota farm operators use average yields between 180 to 200 bushels per acre for corn and 50 to 60 bushels per acre for soybeans for cash flow planning purposes. If the direct expenses for corn are $625 per acre, with overhead expenses of $125 per acre, and a land rental rate at $275 per acre, the total expenses, before any allocation for labor and management would be $1,025 per acre. With a corn yield of 180 bushels per acre, the breakeven price to cover the cost of production and land rent would be approximately $5.70 per bushel, which would drop to $5.13 per bushel with a corn yield of 200 bushels per acre.

If a $60 per acre allocation for labor and management (family living expenses) is included, the corn price breakeven levels would rise to $6.03 per bushel with a 180 bushel per acre yield, and $5.43 per bushel with a 200 bushel per acre yield. If the cash rental rate or other expenses are $50 per acre higher than estimates, breakeven levels increase to $6.31 per bushel at 180 bushels per acre and to $5.68 per bushel at 200 bushels per acre.

Similarly, with soybeans, using direct expenses of $300 per acre, overhead expenses of $85 per acre, and land rent of $275 per acre, total costs would be $660 per acre. The breakeven soybean price to cover the cost of production and land rent would be about $13.20 per bushel with a yield of 50 bushels per acre, which would decline to $11.00 per bushel with a yield of 60 bushels per acre. If a $60 per acre allocation is included for labor and management, the soybean breakeven price increases to $14.40 per bushel at a 50 bushel per acre yield, and $12.00 per bushel at a 60 bushel per acre yield.

Considerations for flexible cash leases An alternative to a flat cash rental rate which may be difficult to “cash flow” would be for a farm operator and landlord to consider using a “flexible cash lease” agreement that allows the final cash rental rate to vary as crop prices and/or yields vary or exceed established targets. The use of a flexible cash rental lease is potentially fairer to both the landlord and the farm operator, depending on the situation and how the flexible lease is set up. Most flexible leases have been modified in recent years into a “bonus rent” agreement which uses a reasonable base rental rate that can flex upward with an added rental payment to the landlord if the base crop yield and/or base crop prices (or the base crop revenue per acre) are exceeded. However, the final rental rate does not drop below the base rental rate.

The big key, regardless of the flexible lease agreement, is that both the landlord and tenant fully understand the rental agreement, and the calculations that are used to determine the final rental rate.

See THIESSE, pg. 19

MILKER’S — MESSAGE www.thelandonline.com “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

PAGE 19

Whole milk for students bill passes house by wide margin MIELKE, from pg. 17

leled role in providing kids the nutrients they need. Expanding the milk Dairy cow culling continues to slow. schools can choose to serve to include The week ending Dec. 2 saw 55,200 2 percent and whole is a commoncows go to slaughter, down 5,600 or sense solution that will help ensure 9.2 percent from a year ago. Year to date, 2,863,100 head have been retired kids have access to the same healthful milk options they drink at home.” from the dairy business, up 54,000 or n 1.9 percent from a year ago.

U.S. milk production is steady to n stronger, according to Dairy Market In politics, the House of News’ weekly update, and starting the Representatives, by a 330 to 99 vote upward climb along the seasonal milk margin, passed the “Whole Milk for production curve.

Handlers indicate Healthy Kids Act of 2023” — a bill that component levels in milk output that would allow for whole and are increasing.

Class I demand, along reduced-fat varieties of milk to once with Classes II, III, and IV, was strong again be served in school cafeterias. to steady as educational institutions Michael Dykes, DVM, president and were back in session before the CEO of the International Dairy Foods Christmas and New Year’s holiday Association, praised the measure and breaks arrive. called for swift action on the companThose increasing component levels ion bill in the Senate “so that schools in milk were reported in the Dec. 13 can once again provide children with a Daily Dairy Report which stated, “For wide variety of milk options that years, high butter prices have encourdeliver essential nutrients and meet aged dairy producers to make more their individual needs, whether that butterfat, and they have responded. be whole or 2 percent, low-fat, or lacProducers have filled stalls with more tose-free milk.”

Jerseys and fewer Holsteins, used National Milk President and CEO selective breeding and genomic testJim Mulhern also gave the measure a ing, and tweaked feed rations to boost thumbs up, stating, “Milk’s unique butterfat tests.” nutritional profile gives it an unparal“These changes have improved pro-

MSCA honors Pankonin The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association hosted its annual convention on Dec. 15-16 at the Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, Minn. In the above photo, 2022 Cattleman of the Year Mike Landuyt (right) awards MSCA Board Member Mark Pankonin (left) with the 2023 Cattleman of the Year Award during the Best of Beef Banquet at the Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention in Alexandria.

The Cattleman of the Year Award goes to a member or group that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and personal dedication to Minnesota’s cattle community. The convention offered many opportunities to network with producers and industry organizations, including visiting the tradeshow which had 50 vendors. The MSCA is a membership-based organization representing cattle farmers and individuals who are part of the cattle community in Minnesota. For more information, visit mnsca.org.

ductivity and lifted other components, albeit at a slower pace,” the Daily Dairy Report stated. “U.S. butterfat output in the first 10 months of 2023 was up 7.2 percent compared to January through October 2020. Over the same period, milk output climbed just 2.2 percent. Protein output jumped 5.2 percent, and nonfat solids production grew 4.1 percent.”

The Daily Dairy Report goes on to

point out that the increased component levels help make the case for changes in milk pricing formulas, part of the ongoing hearings to reform the Federal Milk Marketing Order program in this country.

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

Flexible lease agreements are good strategy farm operator and the landlord.

For additional information on flexiUtilizing flexible cash lease agreeble rental leases, land rental rates, ments between farm operators and and 2024 crop budgets, as well as landlords can be a good management strategy as an alternative to extreme- sample lease contracts, e-mail me at kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com or ly high straight cash rental rates.

However, these agreements need to be call (507) 381-7960. Other good resources on flexible cash leases, fair and equitable to all parties. including sample cash rental conLandlords also need to be willing to adjust the base cash rental rates lower tracts, are available on the Iowa State University “Ag Decision Maker” web as necessary if crop margins become site at http://www.extension.iastate. quite tight in future years. edu/agdm/, as well as through It is extremely important that all University of Minnesota Extension at aspects of a flexible land rental lease https://extension.umn.edu/business/ agreement be detailed in a signed farmland-rent-and-economics. written rental contract that includes Kent Thiesse is a government farm the base rent, yield, and price determiprograms analyst and a vice president nation, as well as other provisions of a at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, flex lease. Successful flexible cash Minn. He may be reached at (507) 726lease agreements, just as any other long-term cash rental agreement, have 2137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank. com. v always involved cooperation, trust, and good communication between the THIESSE, from pg. 18

PAGE 20

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

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RETIREMENT AUCTION Timed Online

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2007 CASE IH 7010

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2000 CASE IH MX110

AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: After a lifetime of farming, Larry has decided to retire & auction his clean line of Case-IH equipment at public auction. Equipment has had excellent maintenance & care.

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Complete terms, lot listings and photos at SteffesGroup.com, Steffes Group, Ashley Huhn, MN47-002 | Eric Gabrielson, MN47-006 | Randy Kath, MN47-007

Fertilizer & Chemical

WANTED: Land & farms. I Gen Liberty totes, $19.50; Glyhave clients looking for phosate 5.4 totes, $14.95 w/ dairy, & cash grain opera- free shipping; Enlist 1 totes, tions, as well as bare land $45.80; Surestart II $45.75. parcels from 40-1000 acres. We ship most everywhere Both for relocation & invest- & all tote prices include ments. If you have even Free Delivery to your farm thought about selling con- or business. Please call or tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & text for any other chemical Land Specialist, Edina Re- needs. Phone 612-210-3685 alty, 138 Main St. W., New Prague, MN 55372.

Bins & Buildings paulkrueger@edinarealty.com (612)328-4506 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

SILO Take-down & clean up Specializing in silos in congested areas.

FULLY INSURED mobile concrete crushing.

507-236-9446

Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys.

100% financing w/no liens or red tape, call Steve at Fairfax Ag for an appointment.

888-830-7757

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023 Farm Equipment

PAGE 21

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

Wanted

Cattle

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

Trucks & Trailers

All kinds of New & Used farm FOR SALE: Calf Jackets, 3 FOR SALE: Ford power equipment - disc chisels, field sizes, extra heavy duty Vel- stroke 7.3 engines, transmiscults, planters, soil finishers, cro or 2” Buckle in front. sions and other parts. Low cornheads, feed mills, discs, Call for info & pricing. mileage tested w/ guaranbalers, haybines, etc. 507tee. Service Available. Will Miller’s Canvas Shop 438-9782 920-787-1994 install. 320-583-0881

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

Your ad could be here!

507-345-4523

WANTED:JOHN DEERE tractors, running or not, from 1950 to 1980. Parts also wanted and old plows.

507-380-4380

Tractors

WANTED TO BUY: Used John Deere coulter assembly for John Deere 3710 lowboard plow. 507-383-0235

/FOR SALE: A-C 8070 tractor , w/ 18R43 tires, $6,500. Needs Livestock . engine work, good motor available.

507-220-2834 e FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls e mNEW AND USED TRACTOR also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ r PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred l 55, 50 Series & newer trac- (Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790 tors, AC-all models, Large Inventory, We ship! Mark Sell your livestock in The Land Heitman Tractor Salvage with a line ad. 507-345-4523 715-673-4829

Thank you for reading THE LAND!

Miscellaneous

PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS New pumps & parts on hand.

Call Minnesota’s largest disSwine tributor HJ Olson & Company FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hamp- 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 shire, Duroc, cross bred boars, and gilts. Top quality.

REINKE IRRIGATION Excellent herd health. No Sales & Service PRSS. Delivery available.

New & Used 320-760-0365 For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available.

Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Delivery available. Steve Classified line ads work!

Resler. 507-456-7746 Call 507-345-4523

WANTED

Tillage Equip FOR SALE: International 475 and 480 19’ tandem disks, manual fold, asking $2,500 each. 507-227-2602

Harvesting Equip

. r -FOR SALE: 36’ Hutchinson 6” . auger, w/ 7.5 HP Baldor motor. Both very good, stored inside. Near New Ulm, $500 firm. 507-359-2790 FOR SALE: John Deere 893 cornhead, 1998 miodel, has calmer deck plates, nice condition, Always shedded, $12,500. 507-227-2602

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 • 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 ’12 NH T9.560 2200hrs ……..........…… $249,000 NH T8.360 w/duals …………….......….. $169,500

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 TILLAGE NEW Westfield Augers .......................................... Call Sunflower 4412-07 ……...........…………. $29,500 NEW REM VRX Vacs. ........................................... Call NEW Hardi Sprayers .............................................. Call NEW Riteway Rollers ............................................ Call CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW Lorenz Snowblowers .................................... Call NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ....... On Hand NEW Batco Conveyors ......................................... Call NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units .......... On Order NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ....................... Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons ................................. Call NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ........................ Call HAY TOOLS Pre-Owned Grain Cart ................................... On Hand New Disc Mowers - 107,108,109 New Horsch Jokers ................................................ Call New Disc Mower Cond. - 10’, 13’ New Wheel Rakes - 10,12,14 New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND

Kuhn SR112 Rake ……............................... $6,900 NH H6740 disc mower ……….................... $8,500

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 22

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

First Your e for Choic ! ifieds Class

our Place Y ! ay d Ad To

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

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

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

THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

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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.  Antiques & Collectibles  Harvesting Equipment  Goats CHECK ONE:  Announcements  Lawn & Garden  Grain Handling Equipment  Horses & Tack  Employment  Feed Seed Hay  Livestock Equipment  Exotic Animals  Real Estate  Fertilizer & Chemicals  Wanted  Pets & Supplies  Real Estate Wanted  Bins & Buildings  Free & Give Away  Cars & Pickups  Farm Rentals  Farm Equipment  Livestock  Industrial & Construction  Auctions  Tractors  Poultry  Trucks & Trailers  Agri Business  Tillage Equipment  Dairy  Recreational Vehicles  Farm Services  Planting Equipment  Cattle  Miscellaneous  Sales & Services  Spraying Equipment  Swine NOTE: Ad will be placed in the  Merchandise  Hay & Forage Equipment  Sheep appropriate category if not marked.

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

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

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

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

PAGE 23

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at THE LAND! Upcoming Issues of THE LAND

January 5, 2024 January 19, 2024 February 2, 2024

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!

ADVERTISER LISTING Ag Management Solutions ...................................... Cover Wrap Agri Systems/Systems West .................................................. 10 Beck's Hybrids ............................................................ 1, 12, 13 Carson Forsberg ................................................................... 20 DirecTV ............................................................................... 18 Grain Millers ......................................................................... 3 Greenwald Farm Center ........................................................ 21 Grizzly Buildings, Inc. ........................................................... 7 Hertz Farm Management ..................................................... 20 Kerkhoff Auction and Real Estate ......................................... 22 Letcher Farm Supply, Inc. ...................................................... 4 Mathiowetz Construction .......................................................11 MaxSip ................................................................................ 18 Northland Buildings, Inc. ....................................................... 8 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ............................................................ 21 Riverland Community College .............................................. 17 Schultz Welding ..................................................................... 9 Schweiss Doors .................................................................... 21 Smiths Mill Implement ......................................................... 21 SnirtStopper ......................................................................... 15 Spanier Welding ..................................................................... 5 Steffes Group ....................................................................... 20 Wealth Enhancement Group .................................................. 19 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com

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PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 22, 2023

This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Managing Editor Paul Malchow.

Fire and ice

C

ommunity Christmas celebrations don’t get much bigger than in the small town of Arlington, Minn. On the first Saturday of December, the farming community in Sibley County pulls out all of the stops to provide a holiday experience for folks of all ages.

Coined “Arli-dazzle,” the event occupies several blocks of Arlington’s Main St. Festivities began in the morning with various merchandise sales and a Christmas Market. A 5k “Dash Through the Snow” was held shortly after noon. By 1 p.m. Main St. was alive with activity. Most businesses were open and the street lined with various food offerings — many serving as fundraisers for organizations such as the Lions, Knights of Columbus and church groups.

Fire pits were placed on every block; but the great weather limited their draw.

A larger bonfire was burning in a parking lot which also contained several ice fish houses some of the locals set up as warming shacks. A collection of vintage snowmo-

Arlington, Minn.

biles was on display and an ice sculptor created his work of art.

Main St. was filled with children — and for good reason.

There were many activities for the younger set, including face painting, craft projects, a build-abear station, story hour and make-and-take stockings.

There were real sled dogs to pet and you could get your picture taken with a live reindeer. Both adults and children could take part in a scavenger hunt where clues could be found up and down the street. A brass quartet oom-pahed their way through all of the Christmas carol classics.

As the sun set and the decoration lights had Main St. glowing, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived — riding a festive lit train locomotive! A spectacular fireworks display kicked off the celebration’s parade of lights — locally billed as “Probably THE Largest Lighted Christmas Parade in Minnesota.” With over 50 units taking part, who could argue? v

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

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!

Page 4 - December 22, 2023

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

- Bob Worth, Lake Benton farmer

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.

“

January 17-18, 2024 Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center Mankato, MN $ Free for attendees

SAVE THE DATE 2024 MN AG EXPO

“

© 2023

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

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

December 22, 2023

Page 2 - December 22, 2023

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

CliftonLarsonAllen, Crystal Valley Cooperative and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.

Geared toward farmers ages 21-45 who are actively crop farming in Minnesota, the workshop offers educational opportunities and focuses on practical skills for farming operations to prosper. The 40 participants, which were carefully selected by MSGA and MSR&PC directors, feature young and emerging growers from throughout Minnesota.

Worth said he was thrilled that demand for the workshop far exceeded expectations.

“It’s going to be a wonderful experience,” he said. “I’m very hopeful that this workshop will give the next generation a set of skills to continue in agriculture occupations.”

MN AG EXPO keynote speakers and trade show floor time will be intertwined for workshop participants, along with networking opportunities to connect with other young and emerging farmers across Minnesota.

“I believe that the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop is important not only to help educate the farmers of our great state but also to give them a little insight into the ways that MSGA and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council serve the soybean industry,” said Redwood County farmer Adam Guetter, who represents Minnesota on the American Soybean Association board. “I’m looking forward to networking with our young farmers and even encouraging them to become future leaders of the soybean industry, whether that be at the state or national level.”

MSGA, PROFINIUM ANNOUNCE MN YOUNG & EMERGING FARMER WORKSHOP

NEXT GEN IMPACT Workshop agenda topics include: • Building financial statements • Young, beginning and emerging farmer loan options • Tax mistakes every young farmer should avoid • Grain marketing 101 with CHS • Building your onfarm fertilizer program • Impact of ag policy on your farm • Next generation succession planning

At times, farming can feel like navigating through a labyrinth while blindfolded – especially for young and emerging farmers.

To support those young farmers, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), along with Profinium, is launching the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop.

Held in conjunction with MN AG EXPO Jan. 1618 in Mankato, the workshop will offer practical and relevant breakout sessions and topics customized for those early in their farming career.

“This is something brand new that MSGA is putting together and it’s exciting that we’re starting to work with young and emerging farmers in agriculture,” MSGA President Bob Worth said. “They are going to be the lifeblood of agriculture as we know it. I’m so proud to be part of an organization that’s looking to the future.”

As the premier title sponsor of the workshop, Profinium is partnering with MSGA to support the agriculture community and provide the next generation tools to thrive in their field.

“At Profinium, we believe in achieving dreams together,” Profinium CEO Ron Kopischke said.

“When we had the opportunity to support the Young Farmer Workshop powered by Minnesota Soybean, it was an obvious ‘yes’ for us. We are thrilled to partner with Minnesota Soybean and find ways to bring local producers together and help them continue the family farming legacy.”

Other sponsors of the workshop include Blethen Berens, Minnesota Farm Bureau,

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Protecting the next generation of farmers.

THAT’S WHY I JOIN MSGA.

Become a member today at mnsoybean.org/msga/invest

December 22, 2023 - Page 3

The Johnson Family, Wells, Minn.

Page 2 - December 22, 2023

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

CliftonLarsonAllen, Crystal Valley Cooperative and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.

Geared toward farmers ages 21-45 who are actively crop farming in Minnesota, the workshop offers educational opportunities and focuses on practical skills for farming operations to prosper. The 40 participants, which were carefully selected by MSGA and MSR&PC directors, feature young and emerging growers from throughout Minnesota.

Worth said he was thrilled that demand for the workshop far exceeded expectations.

“It’s going to be a wonderful experience,” he said. “I’m very hopeful that this workshop will give the next generation a set of skills to continue in agriculture occupations.”

MN AG EXPO keynote speakers and trade show floor time will be intertwined for workshop participants, along with networking opportunities to connect with other young and emerging farmers across Minnesota.

“I believe that the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop is important not only to help educate the farmers of our great state but also to give them a little insight into the ways that MSGA and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council serve the soybean industry,” said Redwood County farmer Adam Guetter, who represents Minnesota on the American Soybean Association board. “I’m looking forward to networking with our young farmers and even encouraging them to become future leaders of the soybean industry, whether that be at the state or national level.”

MSGA, PROFINIUM ANNOUNCE MN YOUNG & EMERGING FARMER WORKSHOP

NEXT GEN IMPACT Workshop agenda topics include: • Building financial statements • Young, beginning and emerging farmer loan options • Tax mistakes every young farmer should avoid • Grain marketing 101 with CHS • Building your onfarm fertilizer program • Impact of ag policy on your farm • Next generation succession planning

At times, farming can feel like navigating through a labyrinth while blindfolded – especially for young and emerging farmers.

To support those young farmers, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), along with Profinium, is launching the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop.

Held in conjunction with MN AG EXPO Jan. 1618 in Mankato, the workshop will offer practical and relevant breakout sessions and topics customized for those early in their farming career.

“This is something brand new that MSGA is putting together and it’s exciting that we’re starting to work with young and emerging farmers in agriculture,” MSGA President Bob Worth said. “They are going to be the lifeblood of agriculture as we know it. I’m so proud to be part of an organization that’s looking to the future.”

As the premier title sponsor of the workshop, Profinium is partnering with MSGA to support the agriculture community and provide the next generation tools to thrive in their field.

“At Profinium, we believe in achieving dreams together,” Profinium CEO Ron Kopischke said.

“When we had the opportunity to support the Young Farmer Workshop powered by Minnesota Soybean, it was an obvious ‘yes’ for us. We are thrilled to partner with Minnesota Soybean and find ways to bring local producers together and help them continue the family farming legacy.”

Other sponsors of the workshop include Blethen Berens, Minnesota Farm Bureau,

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Protecting the next generation of farmers.

THAT’S WHY I JOIN MSGA.

Become a member today at mnsoybean.org/msga/invest

December 22, 2023 - Page 3

The Johnson Family, Wells, Minn.

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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!

Page 4 - December 22, 2023

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

- Bob Worth, Lake Benton farmer

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.

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January 17-18, 2024 Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center Mankato, MN $ Free for attendees

SAVE THE DATE 2024 MN AG EXPO

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© 2023

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

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

December 22, 2023