The Land - January 5, 2024

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

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Cover photo by Paul Malchow

COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File From My Farmhouse Kitchen Swine & U Table Talk Calendar of Events Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

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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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Dear Readers, The Land takes great pride in bringing you agricultural news along with entertaining articles and photos in each issue. Every week, our staff strives to do our best to make this happen, but we need your help.

It’s time for The Land’s annual subscription drive. In today’s issue you should have received the 2024 subscription form if you are on The Land’s mailing list. In order to make sure The Land remains a “voluntary pay” magazine for farmers who qualify, we need all of our readers to take a moment and help us out. Please fill out, sign, date and return the subscription card in the handy postage paid envelope and be sure to check the boxes that relate to your farming operation too. Your signed card is how we prove that our readers want to receive The Land. In order to qualify for lower postage rates, the post office requires verification that readers are requesting the publication. Plus local and national advertisers, whose support is essential, want to know that The Land is being requested by readers and that it is not just being mailed to a random mailing list.

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Postmaster and Change of Address: Send address changes to The Land, 418 South Second St., Mankato MN 56001-3727 or e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com.

Deb Petterson General Manager, The Land

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Doubling down on death, taxes and crop insurance Founding father Benjamin Franklin almost every American outside working was spot-on almost three centuries ago farmers and ranchers, have no clue of when he noted — in print, no less — that the program’s growth, functions and two unavoidable facts of life were death costs. and taxes.

For example, explained the Had Ben been in the “Almanack” busiEnvironmental Working Group (one of ness today, he might add two more modcrop insurance’s long-time critics), “The ern facts of American life to his list: top 1 percent of crop insurance policyfarmers and ranchers’ growing dependen- FARM & FOOD FILE holders, farmers with the highest cy on crop insurance and the growing incomes, got over $2.5 billion in premiBy Alan Guebert taxpayer concerns about the increasing um subsidies in 2022 — an average of cost of that dependency. almost $500,000 per farm.”

Congress’s non-partisan watchdog, By any standard, that’s an incredithe Government Accountability Office, ble sweetener to entice already wellput hard numbers on the widespread use of today’s heeled farmers to use a revenue-insuring program federal crop insurance program, its rising costs, and many would join anyway because of lender or marwhere most of the federal subsidies wind up. The ket pressure. GAO acknowledges as much, noting findings were shocking to taxpayers who, like that shaving 15 percent off government subsidies to

OPINION

Letter: Democracy under attack

To the Editor, As a Democrat I urge our Democratic legislators in Washington to agree with almost any Republican demands on immigration and border control. My reasons are twofold. First, endless Republican misstatements and lies about a Biden “open border” have been widespread south of our border and seen as an open invitation for Latinos to head north to the USA. Then the Republicans can find something else to whine about.

Second, passing this immigration and aid package for Ukraine and Taiwan democracies is of utmost importance when democracy is increasingly under attack in the world. Here in America Trump quotes

Putin about the “rottenness” of American democracy and Trump promises he will be a dictator on day one if elected. Trump has also expressed many troubling statements concerning the rule of law in our nation. Trump’s admiration for many of the world’s dictators is well known. Many Republicans have begun to sour on democracy and other Republicans seem exceptionally timid in expressing any support for democracy. There is no guarantee that America’s great democratic experiment will last forever.

Greg Rendahl Ostrander, Minn.

Letters to the editor welcome.

Send your letters to: Editor, The Land 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com

All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

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this group would have “minimal effects on participation… and the program’s financial soundness.”

Without simple fixes such as a graduated subsidy rate based on farm size, says EWG, in 2022 the “19 largest policyholders each received more than $3 million in subsidies, with the recipient who received the most taking in $7.7 million...”

These subsidies aren’t chickenfeed: “In 2022, subsidies averaged about 62 percent of policyholders’ premiums and totaled $12 billion,” explained the GAO, “comprising the largest portion of the program’s total cost of $17.3 billion.”

Policyholders aren’t the only players in this federal crop — really revenue — insurance program to receive hefty subsidies to participate. The insurance companies hired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to deliver the program continue to reel in whopper dollars, too.

In fact, one-third of the program’s annual cost, calculates EWG, “or about $3 billion per year, goes to insurance companies instead of farmers. This money,” it continues, “goes to just 13 companies, nine of which are publicly traded corporations, worth billions of dollars, whose CEOs make millions of dollars every year.”

Reforming crop insurance, the centerpiece of today’s federal farm program and the still-overdue 2023 Farm Bill, seems impossible. Pressure from farm groups, Big Agbiz, and insurance companies keeps Congress on its back foot whenever talk of examining and updating the aging, bloated, and deeply arcane program begins on Capitol Hill.

See GUEBERT, pg. 19

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THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

Our old Bible is a reminder of sharing God’s word Sometimes things I read in a newspaalmost as difficult to decipher as the per stick in my mind, such as the one Dutch words). that was recently printed in the Little My translation of ‘in de jaren Rock Freelance. “I wouldn’t change my MDCXVIII en MDCXIX’ is that this Bible grandchildren for the world, but I wish I was probably printed in the year 1866 could change the world for my grandchilfrom a 1669 copy. The scriptures written dren.” in Dutch therein are as foreign to me as There is plenty of truth in that stateHebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin would ment. have been to most people in John FROM MY Wycliffe’s day (the 1300s). Wycliffe is FARMHOUSE My grandchildren were more on my often referred to as the Morning Star of KITCHEN mind than usual as I was busy sewing the Reformation. He worked to translate Christmas gifts for them all. And since it

By Renae B. the Bible into the English language for was December, the songs in our hearts Vander Schaaf the common people. that month reflected the carols proclaiming the birth of Christ, which was foretold by the prophets. There was quite a bit of thought at that time on the reason why we celebrate Christmas.

But what happens the other eleven months of the year after we have packed away the nativity set, the angels we had perfectly arranged throughout the house and the lights that remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World?

Do our Bibles and thoughts of salvation get packed away like the Dutch Bibles do in my farmhouse? I have two Dutch Bibles (that I know of).

One is a family Bible from my farmer’s grandparents. It’s here somewhere; but just where is a mystery. Perhaps I should find it and place it by the small collection of ancestral photos that are displayed. The Word of God was definitely important in their lives.

The other is a large Bible which measures approximately 13 inches by 10 inches and weighs almost 10 pounds. I had purchased it at a store in town to use in my presentations of two books I had written about the history of Orange City. It has interesting Wycliffe sent trained people to tell the gospel to drawings in it and Roman numerals (which are the peasants in the countryside. They were called Lollards. The title comes from the Dutch word lollen which means to sing softly or mumble prayers or psalms. Lollards were also referred to as poor priests — which I think had more to do with their finances than preaching.

A century later, Johannes Gutenburg would develop a machine to do printing. Prior to the printing press, all print was hand copied, including the pages of the Bible. The printing press was indeed a world The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2025 National changer.

Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 12, 2024 in conjunction with a Board of Directors Many men labored to translate the Bible to the meeting of the Minnesota Pork Board. All Minnesota pork producers languages of their nations. In Germany, Martin are invited to attend. This Annual Meeting will be held at the Mayo Clinic Luther (1483-1546), translated the New Testament Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001.

To RSVP, please contact the Minnesota Pork Office at (507) 345-8814 or from Greek into the German language. He did it email mnpork@mnpork.com. while safely hidden at the Castle of the Wartburg.

Any producer, age 18 or older, who is a resident of the state and has Erasiumus of Rotterdam considered the whole paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged world to be his home, so he traveled frequently — to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their even though travel was not all that convenient durname and the checkoff deducted. ing his lifetime which spanned 1467 to 1536. This For more information, contact:

PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice by the Minnesota Pork Board and the National Pork Board

Minnesota Pork Board Office 151 St. Andrews Court, Suite 810, Mankato, Minnesota (507) 345-8814 or (800) 537-7675

controversial man did work to translate an accurate New Testament. His great desire was that the testament would be available to everyone to read, not just the clergy.

Then there is the Englishman William Tyndale who wrote the translation that strongly influences our Bibles today. He also lived during that era, 1484 to 1536. Once, when defending his work of Bible translation, he said, “If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause a boy that driveth the plough to know more of the scripture than thou dost.”

Tyndale was a wanted man in England which made it necessary to print the English version of the New Testament in Germany. He would then smuggle the Bibles into England where it had been banned. William Tyndale was hunted down, imprisoned and finally strangled before being burnt at the stake.

All that aside, the Bible translation we tend to use in our farmhouse is the Geneva Bible which was first printed in 1560. Three contributors to the Geneva Bible — John Calvin, John Knox, and Myles Coverdale — all suffered persecution.

Throughout the centuries other faithful men and women have and still do dedicate their lives to translate the Bible into languages so that more people can read it for themselves. In some places of the world, people actually risk their lives to read it.

Somewhere a teacher may be fired because he or she read a portion of God’s Holy Word to their students. In some homes, the Bible just gathers dust.

There is a country music song written by two brothers, Johnny and Walter Bailes, in the year 1945. The lyrics and music of “Dust on the Bible” are memorable and truth-filled. Maybe like the Lollards of long ago, we will find ourselves softly singing this chorus or any other hymns while we do our daily tasks.

The chorus of the song goes like this: Dust on the Bible, Dust on the Holy Word The Words of all the prophets, and the sayings of our Lord, Of all the other books you’ll find, there’s none salvation holds Get the dust off the Bible, and redeem your poor soul.

Perhaps it’s not too late for the world to be changed for our grandchildren if the plough boys and peasants of the countryside would once again read and meditate on the words in the Bible which has been provided for us at such a great cost.

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

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THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

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PAGE 5

Protecting the next generation of farmers.

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

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THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

MN Ag Expo features P.J. Fleck as keynote speaker “We are very excitMANKATO, Minn. ed to ‘Row the Boat’ – The annual MN Ag with Coach Fleck at Expo returns to this year’s MN Ag Mankato Jan. 17-18 at Expo,” said MSGA the Mayo Clinic Health Executive Director System Event Center.

Joe Smentek. “As we Presented by the join our industry Minnesota Soybean partners and friends Growers Association at Minnesota Corn to and the Minnesota meet and plan our Corn Growers goals for 2024, we’re Association, the Expo looking forward to features a trade show, hearing his uplifting breakout sessions, message of leaderspeakers and numership, teamwork and ous networking opporresiliency.” tunities.

With nearly 100 This year features a booths, the trade special guest who is show floor provides sure to put the farming attendees the opporcommunity in position tunity to explore varto succeed in the year ious commodity ahead. Corn and soygroups, state agenbean leaders are excitMankato, Minnesota cies, agribusinesses, ed to welcome University of Minnesota Gophers head industry organizations, legislative football coach P.J. Fleck as the keynote speakers and the latest products. The speaker during the Jan. 17 evening free event is a chance for farmers to take home valuable information to dinner starting at 5 p.m.

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apply in their operations.

“MN Ag Expo is always an excellent event where we have the opportunity to interact with growers, influencers, researchers, and the public,” said MCGA President Dana Allen-Tully.

“Connecting with MCGA members in person is a great way to understand the things that are important to corn growers so we can continue to advocate in their best interest.”

Agriculture is a dynamic industry and MN Ag Expo is the one-stop shop to remain up to date on the latest industry trends. Advanced registration is encouraged and can be done online

at https://mnagexpo.com/.

MSGA President Bob Worth said, “It’s an ideal chance to visit with my peers, learn about what’s happening within the industry and explain the timely state and national legislative updates that are important to Minnesota farmers. It’s an event you won’t want to miss.”

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association are holding their annual meetings and finalizing 2024 policy resolutions on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, respectively. v

Minnesota dicamba restrictions announced ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recently announced state-specific use restrictions for three dicamba herbicide products will be in place for the 2024 growing season. The restrictions are aimed at curbing off-site movement of the products.

The affected dicamba formulations are Engenia by BASF, Tavium by Syngenta, and XtendiMax by Bayer.

These are the only dicamba products labeled for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans.

The three products will have the following restrictions in Minnesota in 2024: No application of any of the three products shall be made south of Interstate 94 after June 12. North of Interstate 94, use is prohibited after June 30.

No application shall be made if the air temperature of the field at the time of application is over 85 F or if the National Weather Service’s forecasted high temperature for the nearest available location for the day exceeds 85 F. During the 2023 growing season, the MDA received 11 formal complaints and four responses to an informal survey, all alleging off-target movement.

This is a major decrease from a peak in 2021 which saw a total of 304 formal complaints and survey responses.

There are also other federal requirements for the products that appear on

the product labels. They include requiring an approved pH-buffering agent, also known as a volatility reducing agent, be tank mixed with dicamba products prior to all applications. A downwind buffer of 240 feet and 310 feet is required in areas where listed endangered species are located. Additional record keeping is also required.

In addition to the cutoff dates, Xtendimax and Tavium have crop growth stage cutoffs.

Since dicamba was first registered for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans in the 2017 growing season, the MDA has fielded complaints each year of alleged off-site movement onto neighboring property. The chemical is highly volatile and can damage non-target plant species through spray drift and/or volatilization. There were 20 complaints in 2019; but that number jumped to 128 in 2020 and soared to 304 in 2021.

Complaints dropped to 32 in 2022.

There were 15 reports this year.

Engenia, Tavium, and XtendiMax formulations of dicamba are approved for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans only and are “Restricted Use Pesticides.”

The dicamba products are only for retail sale to and use by certified applicators.

Pesticide product registrations are renewed on an annual basis in Minnesota.

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

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Expo features young and emerging farmers workshop

By LAURA COLE The Land Staff Writer A brand new workshop is coming to Minnesota this month, and the immediate interest shown has proven its need. The MN Young and Emerging Farmer Workshop will be held in conjunction with the MN Ag Expo at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, Minn. The MN Ag Expo takes place Jan. 18 and 19.

The free workshop is hosted by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, as well as Profinium, the premier title sponsor. The established 40-participant cap was officially filled in November.

Adam Guetter, MSGA Director and Chairman of the Young and Emerging Farmer taskforce, shared he is looking forward to seeing the future of ag in Minnesota.

Guetter farms soybeans and Adam Guetter corn in Redwood County near Wabasso, Minn. He also serves on the American Soybean Association’s board of directors and is involved with the Redwood County Corn and Soybean Growers Association. He explained when the taskforce initially began fleshing out the workshop and

what it would offer, they discussed with the MSGA board everything they wished they had known starting out.

The topic of tax planning came up often. There were conversations about the general business knowledge gained in an educational setting, and the need to learn the specifics geared toward farming operations. They also discussed situations when a farmer takes over the family farm from a parent or grandparent but perhaps wasn’t taught the financial aspects, such as filling out balance sheets.

When completing the application, individuals were asked to give feedback about what they would want to learn at the workshop. “Our young directors on the board are having the same wants and needs as farmers all across the state,” Guetter said, as he shared the grower feedback came back almost 100 percent spot-on with their own list, requesting further education on taxes, finances, and marketing.

Industry partners were also asked to chime in.

Lenders, tax accountants, and grain marketing contacts offered input regarding specifics they felt could benefit farmers. Veronica Bruckhoff is an ag lender with Profinium and involved in ag business development. She has been part of Profinium’s participation with the workshop, and acknowledged the steep learning curve new farmers face. With the demand of everyday chores and required fieldwork, she noted

Join Us Become a member at mncorn.org.

See WORKSHOP, pg. 9

s U , e po Se Ex e g 18 m A 7Co MN n. 1 at Ja

We know you’re busy farming and raising a family, so we’re at the table when you can’t be. Advocating for corn farmers and reaching out to consumers, policymakers, and more.

Our strength is in our members.

the aspects of finances and bookkeeping can sometimes be missed. Bruckhoff discussed her interest in farmers achieving overall success and added Profinium is dedicated to continue the legacy of farmers.

As the title of the workshop indicates, the workshop is suited for young farmers as well as those still early in their careers.

Veronica Bruckhoff “Historically, if you look back in time, farmers started in their low 20s,” Guetter said. “As time has evolved, as agriculture has evolved, there’s a lot of second shift farmers nowadays.”

Depending on where their mentors are at in their own farming careers can depend on their ability to step in. Guetter stated there was interest involving farm transition and estate planning, and will be addressed during one of the sessions.

The workshop will begin with a social event the evening of Jan. 16. Participants will be able to make introductions with the board members as well as fellow attendees. “We’re hoping they can network with each other, learn about each other, learn some of the

We’ve got your seat.

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THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

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

Stage / Seating 6 5 4 3 2 1

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M Re N So sea yb rch ean ers

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MN Ag Expo Exhibitors (continued) Corteva Agriscience........................... 65 Country Enterprises......................21-22

Houston Engineering.......................... 44 HTS Commodities................................ 1

D

I

DEKALB-Asgrow...........................78-79 Ducks Unlimited................................ 27

International Ag Labs, Inc................... 32 ISG...................................................... 6

E

K

Ellingson.......................................87-88 Environmental Tillage Systems.......... 53 eocycle.............................................. 86 Express Pressure Washers, Inc.......... 46

Kluis Commodity Advisors.................. 97 Linder Farm Network......................... 16 Litzau Farm Drainage...................56-57

F

M

Farmers National............................... 33

Mathiowetz Construction................... 95 Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership......................................... 54 Minnesota Agriculture Department Pesticide and Fertilizer Management....................... 90 Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom............................... 52 Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification....................................... 72

G Grain Millers, Inc................................ 77 Green Energy Products...................... 73 GreenSeam........................................ 36

H Hefty Seed......................................... 92 Hertz Farm Management and Real Estate Services.......................... 94

L

Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association......... 5 Minnesota Corn Growers Association........................68-69-70-71 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – Animal Damage Management Program....................... 24 Minnesota Farm Bureau................60-61 Minnesota Farmers Union.................. 82 Minnesota Propane Association......... 98 Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging/Senior Linkage Line............ 76 Minnesota Soil Health Coalition............ 9 Minnesota Soybean ..........28-29-30-31 Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence.......................... 51 Minnesota State University Mankato.. 25 Montana Sulphur and Chemical Company..................... 96

things that are working on each other’s farms,” Guetter stated.

The following two days will combine learning sessions as well as opportunities to visit some of the Ag Expo events, such as the trade show, keynote speaker, and dinner. The nine sessions will cover a variety of topics including “Building out your financial statements,” “Tax mistakes every young farmer should avoid,” “Young, beginning and first-time farm loan options,” and “Grain Marketing 101 with CHS.” Acknowledging the many groups and acronyms within the industry can be confusing for novice growers, Guetter stated they’ll also discuss the primary

Pioneer Hi-Bred................................. 66 Pivot Bio............................................ 67 POET – Lake Crystal.......................... 43 Polytek Surface Coatings................... 34 Prinsco Inc....................................... 100 Profinium......................................... 103

R Renk Seed Co.................................... 10

S SB&B Foods....................................... 20 Snell Motors.................................80-81 Sound Agriculture................................ 2 Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance.... 42 Steffes Group Inc............................... 39

T

T-Mobile............................................ 91 Northland Buildings........................... 84 Tenacity Ag........................................ 35 Novozymes BioAg............................ 101 The Land Magazine........................... 75 Timpte, Inc......................................... 49 Titan Pro.......................................... 102 TruNorth Solar................................... 55

U

Organizations hope to attract young members functions of and differences between MSGA and the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (MSRPC).

Guetter is hopeful some of the participants will develop an interest in board involvement. He shared the MSGA board has strong senior leadership, and they also seek junior, sophomore and freshman leadership.

Explaining that MSGA is a policydriven organization, he emphasized the importance of the board having firsthand knowledge of the challenges young and emerging farmers are facing.

The workshop is additionally sponsored by Blethen Berens, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Crystal Valley, and the

P

N

Visit The Land’s booth #75 in the Exhibit Hall WORKSHOP, from pg. 7

NSM.................................................... 4

Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.

Pleased with the high interest of the workshop, Guetter stated they are considering making it an annual event. v

University of Minnesota..................... 48 USDA .................................................. 8 USMEF............................................... 18

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MN Ag Expo speakers scheduled to appear:

ammonium could be impacted by fixed potassium Wednesday Jan. 17 Adam Alford — “Explorations in soybean growth and vice versa, and ultimately whether fixed ammohabits under different planting populations and with nium relates to the amount of nitrate present in the simulated hail damage in order to enhance the agri- soil. cultural learning of future agriculture professionals” Dr. Vasudha Sharma — “Precision irrigation and This project aims to enhance student education/ nitrogen management for enhancing water-nitrogen understanding by providing a visual resource on how use efficiency (Year 2)” the alteration of soybean planting rates can influIn this project, we will conduct a field study to ence soybean canopy space (increased branching, quantify and evaluate the impact of VRI and VRN biomass, etc.), and better understand the effect of management in comparison to both conventional unicompensatory growth (simulated hail damage). form rate irrigation (URI) and uniform rate N (URN) Andrew Lueck — “Resistance Management of management. Specifically, we will quantify the effect of VRI and VRN on nitrate leaching, corn plant Waterhemp and Giant Ragweed” Herbicide resistant giant ragweed and waterhemp growth and development, grain yield, evapotranspipopulations are difficult to manage weeds in ration, and N and water use efficiencies.

Minnesota soybean fields. Industry-recommended Dr. Lindsay Pease — “Nutrient management programs in a two-pass approach and in rotation dynamics in Northwest Minnesota corn production with corn can provide excellent control when applied (Year 2)” with a wholistic multi-year strategy and intentional The overall goal of this project is to evaluate how purpose. Changing and rotating modes of action over nutrient management decisions impact N, P, and C a 2 or 4 year program in multiple crops can keep our dynamics. We will compare the effect of fertilizer weeds guessing, instead of leaving us guessing. source and rate on corn yield and production metrics; Bob Stupar — “New biotechnology to improve and monitor Soil N, P, and C availability in response to fertility treatments, soil moisture levels, and soil understand soybean traits” Dan Kaiser — “Optimizing soybean yield through temperature in a two-year, corn-soybean rotation; and measure post-harvest N and P losses in snownutrient management” This project compares different lime sources alone melt runoff in relation to residual soil nutrient conand compares placement of lime with and without centrations (Year 2) Dr. Tim Griffis (and/or his postdoc student CheJen sulfur.

Hsiao) — “Mitigating cold and warm season nitrogen Ryan Miller — “Managing Volunteer Corn in 2,4-D losses from corn systems (Year 2)” Tolerant Soybeans” We propose to assess if using winter rye cover cropDr. Fabian Fernandez — “Dialing in the Most Corn- ping and enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) are Profitable and Environmentally Responsible effective and practical strategies for reducing reacNitrogen Rate (Year 3)” tive N losses during the spring freeze-thaw period The study will use the common approach to calcu- and warmer growing seasons, while maintaining late EONRs by establishing several nitrogen rates high corn yields in Minnesota. from zero to well above where a corn response is expected. However, in addition to corn-yield response Thursday, Jan. 18 Dean Malvick — “Addressing Management curves, there will be integration of a comprehensive Challenges with Soybean Stem Diseases in ONS Please read attached email measurement of response curves for nitrogen loss Minnesota” pathways (nitrate leaching, nitrous oxide emissions, and ammonia volatilization).

MES ALREADY ON AD THE LAND 3.417 x ” Seth Naeve and Anibal Cerrudo — “Is green stem a Dr. Dan Kaiser — “Is fixed ammonium an impor- symptom of stress?”

Stress in soybeans can affect seed number or seed tant part of nitrogen cycling? (Year 2)” size.

It can reduce yields – or not at all. Stress can The projects will determine how much fixed ammoreduce yield through ‘Source’ or ‘Sink’ limitations. nium is present in soils in Minnesota, how fixed

2

Ashish Ranjan (presenter: Nick Talmo) — “Sclerotinia Stem Rot of Soybean: Screening for Improved Resistance” In this project, we will conduct a field as well as growth chamber study to screen soybean lines for their resistance to white mold.

Jeff Vetsch — “Is Soybean Production affected by Band and Broadcast Applications of P and K for Corn?”

Often P and K fertilizer is applied for corn and the subsequent soybean crop relies on residual fertilizer and nutrients from the soil. This study measured how P and K fertilizer placement for corn (deep band vs broadcast) affected soybean production the following year after application.

Debalin Sarangi — “Soybean Canopy for HerbicideResistant Weed Management: What Matters Most for Canopy Development?”

Steve Lawler — “Reducing nutrient loss and protecting water quality on vulnerable soils (Year 4)” The Sustainable Answer Acre is an area located near Austin that is the setting for a multi-year Innovation Grant Project identifying best management practices that will protect water quality in an area more susceptible to leaching from nitrogen fertilizer.

Dr. Paulo Pagliari — “Azospirillum brasilense inoculation to enhance corn nitrogen uptake (Year 2)” The main goal of this study is to generate initial data which will then be used to minimize the reliance on chemical fertilizer inputs, primarily nitrogen, as it is currently happening in tropical countries.

Dr. Gary Feyereisen — “Evaluating conservation practice effectiveness with a paired watershed approach (Year 5)” The research is designed to evaluate the performance of conservation practices to reduce nitratenitrogen (N) loads from corn-soybean agriculture at a small-watershed scale under real world conditions.

Peter Anthony — “Variable Rate Nitrogen Application in Corn Fields Applied with Manure (New)” The overall goal of this project is to conduct on farm trials in commercial corn fields receiving manure applications with/without cover crops to evaluate the potential benefits of variable rate N application in Minnesota. v

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Building sustainability understanding and vocabulary The term sustainability is ubiquitous in modern agriculture, perhaps ad nauseam. While the common desire is to be infinite (as one farmer suggested as a replacement for sustainability) this presents different challenges through the supply chain. The demands look and feel different on and off farm.

the country, the group of friends needs to come to some consensus about their plans, and ultimately, where they UniversityofMinnesota want to go. This plan needs EXTENSION to consider the time, money, and vehicles available, but decision tipping points can illuminate priorities; but also the types of experiences are they looking for. does not mean ignorance of other facets.

Going a step further is to describe the indicators SWINE & U Third, I assume sustainability is a practice of con- of success. In sustainability frameworks, these are tinual improvement vs. a finite state of being. How

By Erin Cortus key performance indicators. Key performance indisomeone talks about sustainability can be just as cators measure aspects of protocols, processes and important as the content or the numbers. We can outcomes. Progress along a road trip is a simple perSustainability can become contentious when defiformance indicator, as are the number of county nitions of sustainability do not align because of dif- use sustainability to describe what someone or ferent perspectives (e.g., global vs. local), or different something is. “I am sustainable” or “that farm is not museums visited, or hotel points earned. sustainable” are two examples. Alternatively, we can priorities for action. However, joining or starting To Plan is to identify start-, mid-, and endpoints use sustainability to describe what someone or sustainability conversations is needed more than for each performance indicator as a strategy for something is doing — the action. ever. Sustainability, as a science, carries a vocabureaching the destination. This starts with the seemFourth and finally, in the ambiguity of sustainlary which can be daunting. However, there are ingly simple question of what the current starting ability is opportunity and risk. This assumption some assumptions and analogies I find useful as a point is. For a road trip this is obvious. As free as applies more than ever with growing and evolving starting point for discussions on and off farm. they are to explore, the road trip crew need to chart Assumptions are ideas we accept as true, without carbon markets. There are economic, environmental, a course — at least for the first day or two. The and social credits to be earned and lost. course depends on the map they have, the roads firm proof. I continually check these assumptions; open, the resources available, and the experience With these assumptions in mind as a framework and I encourage you to do the same. they are looking for. If there are multiple vehicles in or structure for talking about sustainability, I My first guiding assumption is that sustainability this road trip convoy, there is opportunity for each encourage you to use the analogy to a road trip. goals and actions are personal. Sustainability goals car to take a different road. One car may want to Picture a group of friends with a free summer.

They are personal to individuals, organizations, indusvisit every museum along the way. Another may have a general goal to make it across the country tries, and even government entities. Goals may be want to stop at every large ball of twine. Another during the summer.

They have a general heading set with the perspective of global or local impacts. may want to limit their time on the road, simply get direction, but no reservations waiting for them This assumption is a reminder to ask what sustainto the next hotel and relax. Every path has risks along the way or at the destination.

They have freeability means to the person with whom I am conand merits – but is guided by individual priorities. dom to explore along the way, they want to have versing. Even if their definition does not align with fun, have some new experiences and be safe.

To Implement is when the rubber hits the road, my own, I can better address their needs and expecThis road-trip analogy aligns with a common, but metaphorically and literally. Key performance inditations. cators should be monitored and measured to track simplified framework from the American Society of Second, there are benefits and consequences to movement and progress and to adapt when necesAgricultural and Biological Engineers (S629) for every decision. Decisions are guided by priorities. sary. Stopping points along the road trip are oppordeveloping sustainable agricultural programs that Commonly, sustainability definitions promote ecotunities to check in and make sure there is enough includes defining, planning and implementing nomic, ethical, and environmental aspects in decigas, food, energy to keep going. There may be need actions. sion-making. However, I have yet to see any single To define is to describe what sustainability looks change, technology or practice that improves all See SWINE & U, pg. 15 conditions relative to the status quo. Understanding like for an entity. With a general goal of crossing

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PAGE 12

THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

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 $80,000 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)

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PAGE 14

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THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

Doomed to revisiting those gnarly ‘tween years Here I am again. our farm lane. But there was a slim chance we might be seen at the swimI thought once I got myself through ming pool if Mom had the time, in the those awkward ‘tween years, I would find days before clothes dryers and instant myself delighted in the clothes shopping pudding mix … which, by the way, often experience again, rather than recoiling worked against each other. from a mirror’s reflection as if I’d just been bitten by a snake.

I’ve found that Mother Nature keeps some of her best secrets until later in life.

Yet the older we get, the more we hope to see a reflection in the mirror, at least.

Here I am, finding myself back in the TABLE TALK ‘tween stage again — no longer in my How well I remember trying on swim

By Karen Schwaller mid-life (from which I don’t even rememsuits as a girl of that ‘tween age. My ber graduating); but I’m not yet considcurves and lines were all mixed up, and ered elderly, either. (Though I have to say there wasn’t all that much to fill up the top part yet.

I’m closer to getting discount pancakes than ponyBut knowing there could be at some point, Mom (a practical farm wife who had only so much money in ing up full price for them.) her bank account each month to keep the home and It’s the whole schmeal all over again. When you’re a family of nine running) had to allow for that. used to wearing jeans and t-shirts and insulated coveralls splattered with various forms of animal After all, it would be the only swim suit I would get that year. And that wouldn’t have been so bad if ‘ending stocks’ on them, fashion rules are usually not first on the list. But here I find myself again, we stayed home and were seen only by sea otters facing the fickle whims of fashion as an older and river rats at the creek that ran near the end of ‘tweener. MUST I go through that again?

It was a painful fashion-palooza when our son got married a year ago and it took both of my sisters and a niece to outfit me for the day. Should I choose a dress that exudes the vibes of a younger woman?

Should I get one that gives in to the fact that I’d secretly relished the idea of discount breakfast pancakes?

One sister and her daughter helped me shop for my dress. They came with their ‘scrutiny’ spectacles on, and they used them. My ego needed a tourniquet.

Then my other sister suggested I needed a lift.

And she wasn’t talking about taking me somewhere.

However, she did grab me and burned rubber to the brassiere section of a local department store to help breathe life back into what had apparently

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been lost. I think it was Phyllis Diller who said she didn’t wear such an undergarment because not wearing one helped pull the wrinkles out of her face.

That shopping experience was exhausting; even if it was still a little exciting to think discount pancakes were in my near future.

A handful of years ago I was sitting in a gymnasium next to a fourth grade teacher who had just had a baby. One of her students came to adore the baby, and when she had gotten over her initial infatuation, she looked up at me and asked factually, “Are you the grandma?”

It appeared obvious then that no one was going to mistake me for Bo Derek anymore.

Just a few weeks ago I was playing with a preschool-aged girl at a farm auction, and trying not to raise my hand, or I’d be paying for and taking something home I never intended.

As we were playing, she asked, “Why you have all those wrinkles?”

I knew I shouldn’t have worn that most hated and loved undergarment in the company of young children who could — and would — point out my obvious “older ‘tween” flaws. If I hadn’t worn one, maybe those wrinkles would have been pulled out of my face.

Phyllis Diller was a genius.

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

Dispose of Christmas trees correctly ST. PAUL — To protect our environment, the State of Minnesota is asking residents to take these steps to properly dispose of greenery and trees after the holiday season: The best option is to use a curbside tree collection or bring trees to a designated drop-off site. Check with your waste hauler, city, or county to see what services are offered in your area.

Do not toss trees and greenery into your backyard woods or residential compost pile, which can spread the invasive species or disease.

Wreaths and other decorative greens can be disposed of in trash cans.

If your city or county does not have an organized pick-up or drop-off, the last resort is to burn the greens. Always check fire danger conditions and burning restrictions before burning and follow local ordinances.

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

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

PAGE 15

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. 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) 3604533.

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. 10 — Crop Advantage Meeting — Ankeny, Iowa — The meeting is 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. 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. 10 — 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. 17 — Online (two sessions offered) Jan. 24 — Online (two sessions offered) Jan. 31 — Online (two sessions offered) Feb. 7 — Online (two sessions offered) Wednesdays, Jan. 10–Mar. 27 — Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops Webinar — Online — This live, online program will provide up-to-date, researchbased information in order to help optimize crop management strategies for 2024. For more information, visit https://z. umn.edu/strategic-farming.

Jan. 11 — Winter Crops Day — Waseca, Minn. — Topics discussed will include optimum nitrogen rates for corn in southern Minnesota, nutrient availability of manure, and research on the critical period for yield determination in soybeans. Contact Deanne Nelson at nelso191@umn.edu or (507) 837-5629.

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) 2016134.

Sustainability road trip SWINE & U, from pg. 11

vidual or farm journeys or understand those of other entities. Even with a to alter the course of the trip because common, distant goal, different drivers of a road closure, or perhaps an oppor- may take different pathways. Is that tunity for a slight detour to see the right or wrong? To evaluate somebiggest ball of rubber bands. thing, like a farm, we need to underReporting results of a sustainability stand the goals and priorities. This is plan, or progress along a road trip, can the reminder to revisit the assumpreflect past progress, present status, tions presented earlier. or future directions. Any of these mesErin Cortus is the Extension sages can be powerful.

Engineer in the University of Sustainability science vocabulary Minnesota’s Bioproducts and does not stop here, but this is a start- Biosystems Engineering on the St. ing point for conversations. This road Paul campus. She can be reached at trip analogy does not seek to define ecortus@umn.edu. v sustainability for everyone, but rather a way to frame development of indi-

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 sixweek 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 — Risk Management Webinar Series for Cattle Owners — Online — This three-part winter webinar series aims to help answer cattle owner’s questions on Livestock Risk Protection, risk protection for business entities with a focus on beef cattle, and how to consistently capture the most money for your feeder calves. For more information, contact your local Extension Educator.

Additional dates: Jan. 31, Feb. 14 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 — This conference aims to allow farmers to 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.

Jan. 20 — 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) 3163339.

Jan. 30 — Defend & Grow: EAB Solutions & Smart Tree Choices Workshop — Hutchinson, Minn. and Buffalo, Minn. — This workshop will cover an overview of emerald ash borer and control options, underutilized trees on the landscape, and the Hutchinson even will include a Q&A with a certified arborist. Contact Emily Hansen at hans6005@umn.edu.

PAGE 16

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THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

Breeding stock shortage looms large in 2024 This column was written for the marketHe pointed out that 2023 was the first ing week ending Dec. 29. year on record where dairy heifers held on average over 30 percent of the Happy New Year. I hope it will be. The Federally-inspected weekly slaughter volNovember Presidential election is just ume. He called that “a very big strain on around the corner; and politics being breeding stock going forward in the what they are in this very-divided counentire cattle industry — including dairy.” try, we could see some very dramatic events ahead. Hopefully, that does not “In the past number of years, dairy carry into the dairy industry. It would be farmers would normally have bred heifMIELKE MARKET nice to see some “normal” again; though ers on their dairy,” Kurzawski explained.

WEEKLY I’ve heard it said, “Normal is only a set“Instead, they bred them to Angus beef ting on a dryer” … clothes dryer that is. so these female cows go to beef and not

By Lee Mielke as replacements in the milking StoneX dairy broker Dave herd.”

Kurzawski looked back on 2023 in the Jan. 1 “Dairy Radio Now” broadHeifer replacements today, with cast, and said there were many developments which Class III milk at $15 to $16 per hundredweight, are impacted the dairy industry. But one of the most $2,500 to $2,700, according to Kurzawski, who said significant ones perhaps was butter setting a new farmers are buying second and third lactation cows record high $3.5025 per pound in October. at the price of a springer.

Another development which may impact demand Dairy farmers tried to make a little extra money for cheese ahead was the rising popularity of weight doing this, he said, and it worked — converting loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound. some of their heifer inventory to beef, selling them Kurzawski says the drugs help “kill the appetite” off and getting a premium for that. “It made ecoand users are now estimated to number over 10 mil- nomic sense; but at some point, there’s a price to lion. pay for that, he concluded, “and when we go into 2024, replacement heifers are going to be hard to But the biggest development, according to Kurzawski, may have occurred on the farm. It was a find and the U.S. dairy herd is not going to be able to respond to shocks in demand.” difficult year for dairy farmers financially, he said, but “There’s a sneaky story,” that he believes will The Dec. 27 “Daily Dairy Report” also addressed erupt in 2024 and that is “the co-mingling of the the weight-loss drug issue and cited a Rabobank dairy and the beef industries in a way we’ve never report warning that food companies and retailers seen before.” are concerned on how these drugs will impact food sales.

MARKETING

The “Report” also stated the drugs “create opportunity for food companies and entrepreneurs will be asking how they can capitalize of the situation and how to position their brands. Promotion of protein may be one avenue and dairy foods certainly have much to offer in that regard.” Time will tell. n Meanwhile, November dairy product stocks dipped seasonally, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest Cold Storage report.

Butter holdings on Nov. 30 sat at 215.5 million pounds. This is down 24.7 million pounds or 10.3 percent from the October inventory, which was revised up 1.9 million pounds from last month’s data. Stocks topped a year ago however by 15.7 million pounds or 7.8 percent from November 2022.

HighGround Dairy points out that November’s butter stocks were the largest for the month since 2020, the month-on-month decline was the smallest since 2012, and less than half of the five-year average decrease.

American-type cheese fell to 825.8 million pounds, down 8.1 million pounds or 1 percent from October’s level which was revised 4.4 pounds lower, but was up 9.7 million or 1.2 percent from a year ago.

The “other” cheese holdings dropped to 587 million pounds, down 16.9 million pounds or 2.8 percent from the October level, which was revised down 1.3 million pounds. Holdings were down 5.5 million pounds or 1 percent from a year ago.

See MIELKE, pg. 17

U of M Extension’s ‘Strategic Farming’ 2024 schedule set Join University of Minnesota Extenstion this winter to discuss some of the key issues and questions around commodity crop production facing Minnesota farmers today through the “Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops” webinar series. This live, online program will provide up-to-date, research-based information to help optimize your crop management strategies for 2024. Sessions will be held over Zoom, which can be accessed via your computer, phone or other mobile device, and run from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 10 through March 27.

Sessions will be very informal and open to all interested. Each session will start with a brief presentation by the discussion leaders for the day, followed by discussion framed around farmer/participant questions on the topic.

Topics and speakers Jan. 10 — Grain prices and marketing strategies given current geopolitics and soybean crush capacity; presented by Frayne Olson, crops economist and marketing specialist, North Dakota State University.

Jan. 24 — Big data and corn genomics - what does it all mean for you?; presented by Candice Hirsch,

corn genomics professor, and Jeff Coulter, Extension corn agronomist.

Jan. 31 — Pushing soybean maturity to the max; presented by Seth Naeve, Extension soybean agronomist.

Feb. 7 — Making herbicides work better (part 1): Making choices and adjustments to ensure a successful application; presented by Extension weed specialists.

Feb. 14 — Making herbicides work better (part 2): Demystifying adjuvants; presented by Joe Ikley, Assistant Professor/Extension weed specialist, North Dakota State University; and Greg Dahl, Adjuvant development advisor.

Feb. 21 — What pays for soybean insect management?; presented by Bob Koch, Extension soybean entomologist.

Feb. 28 — Thirsty cover crops - do they impact our cash crops?; presented by Anna Cates, State soil health specialist; and Dan Smith, nutrient and pest management outreach specialist, University of Wisconsin Madison.

March 6 — Fertilizer - How to get your best return on investment; presented by Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist; and Jeff Vetsch, researcher at University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center.

March 13 — Are we smarter than the average European corn borer and corn rootworm?; presented

by Fei Yang, Extension corn entomologist.

March 20 — Efficacy matters: Fungicides for managing specific corn and soybean diseases; presented

by Kiersten Wise, Professor/Extension plant pathologist, University of Kentucky.

March 27 — Look out! An update on emerging soybean and corn diseases; presented by Dean Malvick, University of Minnesota professor and Extension specialist in field crops plant pathology.

For more details and to register, go to https://z.umn. edu/strategic-farming. There is no charge to participate. Sessions will be recorded and posted for viewing later at your convenience.

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

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

PAGE 17

MARKETING

Grain Angles A guide to pre-harvest sales in 2024 In his book, “Grain Marketing is Simple (It’s Just Not Easy),” Ed Usset, a seasoned grain marketing economist at the University of Minnesota, shares valuable insights on simplifying the intricacies of grain marketing. I resonate with Usset’s approach and appreciate his emphasis on keeping things straightforward. SEAN MULCAHEY Borrowing from that grain marCompeer keting wisdom, let’s zero in on a Principal Credit Officer key aspect: pre-harvest marketAg Lending ing — specifically new crop sales for 2024. Join me as we explore strategies and actionable advice to navigate this vital facet of grain marketing.

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* Stewartville $4.31 -.08 Edgerton $4.43 -.07 Jackson $4.35 -.07 Hope $4.34 -.06 Cannon Falls $4.24 -.04 Sleepy Eye $4.33 -.11 St. Cloud $4.18 -.10 Madison $4.26 -.07 Redwood Falls $4.33 -.11 Fergus Falls $4.08 -.01 Morris $4.19 -.04 Tracy $4.43 -.05

soybeans/change*

Average: $4.29 Year Ago Average: $6.42

$12.02 $12.15 $12.24 $12.10 $11.95 $12.21 $12.05 $11.94 $12.16 $11.91 $11.99 $12.13

-.47 -.50 -.49 -.51 -.49 -.43 -.42 -.49 -.47 -.44 -.44 -.47

$12.07 $14.46

Grain prices are effective cash close on Jan. 2. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

As farmers gear up for the upcoming growing season, they are making crucial decisions about crop inputs. Fertilizers, seeds, chemicals and even land costs are often secured and paid for months before planting begins. To mitigate these locked-in costs,

European milk collections falling MIELKE, from pg. 16

U.S. cheese prices are the cheapest in the world right now and ought to attract some new export The total cheese inventory stood at 1.43 billion business rolling into 2024.” pounds, down 25 million pounds or 1.7 percent from n the October total which was revised down 6.1 million pounds, but was up 2.8 million pounds or 0.2 Lower milk output isn’t just happening in the percent from a year ago.

United States. The Daily Dairy Report’s Sarina StoneX warns the larger butter stocks are making Sharp wrote in the Dec. 22 Milk Producers Council newsletter, “Dairy demand continues to disappoint, fourth quarter butter look over-valued, relative to stocks to use, and warned that larger-than-expected but the supply side offers a thrill of hope. European stocks could cause prices to step back a bit if stocks and British milk collections fell 1.7 percent below year-ago volumes in October, the steepest year-overcontinue to build. year decline since December 2016, when the gov“The cheese market is either reacting in real time ernment paid producers to rein in production.” or anticipating something in the future,” says Sharp adds, “Milk output among the world’s five StoneX, as stocks were much weaker than expected. largest dairy exporters has been in the red since “Both American and Italian varieties were lower August, and the deficit is growing. The shrinking than forecast with Italian style cheeses falling below year ago levels for the first time since August. dairy herd, tight heifer supplies, and dishearteningly low Class III prices all but assure that U.S. milk With cheese stocks flat year over year, November output will remain depressed, and European milk stocks/use justified a $1.90 Chicago Mercantile output is also likely to stay soft. All this bad news Exchange block price instead of $1.63 that was offers a perverse thrill of hope for the industry. averaged. We recognize that there is data and then Global dairy stocks are waning, and prices are low there are commercial realities, but either way, enough to deter growth and attract buyers. If cheese looks rather undervalued.” demand perks up, prices could rebound quickly.”

StoneX adds, “There’s plenty of bearish sentiment The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day despite weaker milk production and light-thanwas pretty quiet and there weren’t many USDA expected cheese inventory in the Cold Storage report. Let’s blame it on weaker demand or perhaps reports issued which we regularly monitor. The first end of quarter/year balancing. Whatever the cause, See MIELKE, pg. 18

making profitable crop sales becomes essential, provided they align with your cost of production.

Understanding your cost of production is fundamental to this strategy. Compeer Financial offers a helpful tool called “Margin Manager” which can assist in calculating production costs. This userfriendly spreadsheet allows farmers to customize costs according to their operations. “Margin Manager” can be found on Compeer’s website, compeer.com.

Once your cost of production is clear, establishing sales and price targets becomes the next step.

Positive margins that meet profit targets indicate opportune times to make sales, effectively offsetting locked-in costs. This is a margin management approach to crop marketing.

Given the uncertainty of future weather conditions affecting yields, using your 10-year actual production history from crop insurance serves as a reliable starting point for yield estimates.

Crafting a written pre-harvest marketing plan can also help you to be proactive. Ed Usset’s 2024 preharvest marketing plan, available on his website, provides a useful reference. Starting with a clear understanding of your cost of production, and layering in sales when profit targets are met will form the basis of a solid plan.

A well-structured marketing plan includes both price and time targets, with minimum price objectives. Hitting those price targets is fantastic, signaling a profitable crop sale. If price targets fall short but still remain above the minimum, consider making a sale to lock in a profit.

I recommend setting time targets from March to June — a season typically marked by market highs influenced by factors like weather, yield potential and crop acres. When making sales, break them down into 10 to 20 percent increments based on total production or crop insurance guaranteed production.

Going below 10 percent increments might mean a lot of sales to move the entire crop!

As winter sets in, take the time to formulate a preharvest marketing plan. Refer to Ed Usset’s plan and consult with your Compeer loan officer as a valuable resource. Best of luck with your pre-harvest crop marketing endeavors this year! v

PAGE 18

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THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

Midwest butter plants are running at near capacity

MIELKE, from pg. 17

which kept milk handlers very busy and put strong pressure on spot milk prices which mid-week week of 2024 will have a few more. The first Global ranged $8 to $2 under Class III. Contacts expect an Dairy Trade auction will take place Jan. 2, the abrupt shift New Year’s week, as bottling plants and USDA will announced the December Federal order other operations begin to clear more milk, but this Class III and IV milk prices on Jan. 3 and the week provided operational cheesemakers with plenNovember Dairy Product report is out Jan. 5. tiful milk volumes. Cheese demand is quieter sean sonally, according to most Midwest contacts. With extra milk, some say cheese inventories could build December 28 Class III futures settlements had somewhat, particularly when more cheese operaDecember at $16.11; January, $15.40; February, $15.69; and March at $16.35, with a peak at $18.65 tions return from holiday downtime. in October.

Final retail pushes of the year were strong, says CME 40-pound block cheddar ended the week, the Dairy Market News. Foodservice demand remained month, and the year at $1.47 per pound, up 8 cents weak, but contacts predict that will change because on the week but down a nickel from its Dec. 1 print, of football championships on the horizon. and 66.5 cents below a year ago. n The 500-pound barrels finished at $1.40, up threeCash butter shot up to a Dec. 29 close at $2.665 quarter cents, 12 cents below their Dec. 1 price, per pound. This is the highest since Dec. 8, a penny 48.75 cents below a year ago, and 7 cents below the above where it was on Dec. 1, and 28.5 cents above blocks. a year ago. There were four sales posted on the Sales totaled 35 loads of block on the week and 93 week and 30 for the month, down from 65 in for the month of December, up from 51 in November. November.

Barrel sales totaled 40 for the week and 161 for the Central butter market prices held firm the last month, highest monthly total since July, and up week of the year as CME prices hovered over $2.60 from 58 loads in November. per pound at midweek. Cream is abundant. Outside Dairy Market News reported a number of Midwest of expected holiday downtime at Class II and III plants, some of the reason for the abundance is that cheese plants ran light schedules Christmas week there is more plant downtime at the Class IV level

this year. Cream trucks are reportedly being rerouted in some cases, says Dairy Market News, which put pressure on cream handlers. Cream multiples were moving into “holiday territory.” Some Midwestern butter plants were at or near capacity and forced to turn offers away, despite the plan to add to bulk inventories for spring demand.

Cream supplies were ample in the West. Milk components were stronger this month than in December 2022. Dairy Market News says it’s been difficult to find homes for the cream and multiples continue to be below the flat market. Plant managers reported some downtime for the holidays, while others ran minimal schedules. Retail demand remains steady and inventories are more balanced than they are in other regions of the United States.

Grade A nonfat dry milk closed the week and year at $1.17 per pound, up a penny on the week, a penny below its Dec. 1 mark, and 16.5 cents below a year ago. There were three sales on the week and 44 for December, up from 32 in November. Perhaps the first Global Dairy Trade of 2024 will give the powder market some needed direction.

Dry whey closed the week, month, and year at 38.5 cents per pound, up a half-cent on the week, 1.5 cents below the Dec. 1 point, and 3 cents below a year ago. There was only one sale on the week and 20 for the month, down from 54 in November. n The week ending Dec. 16 saw 56,700 dairy cows go to slaughter, down 1,000 from the previous week and 6,800 or 10.7 percent below a year ago. Year-todate, 2,977,500 head have been sent to slaughter, up 40,300 or 1.4 percent from a year ago. That’s the smallest percentage difference this year from a year ago, a difference that got as high as 7.7 percent in early February.

Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist who resides in Everson, Wash. His weekly column is featured in newspapers across the country and he may be reached at lkmielke@juno.com. v

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PAGE 19

Temperature fluctuations can cause respiratory stress in calves Several dairy farmers in central Minnesota have complained about current respiratory problems with their calves. The mid-day weather has been damp with inconsistent temperatures and these fluctuations increase stress on calves.

Many managers observe the pattern of increased incidents of respiratory disease in calves following cold weather. Early detection and treatment of respiratory stress is important to the calves’ immediate health and her longterm career in the milking herd.

Evidence suggests that cows who were treated more than once for respiratory disease as calves produce 10 percent less milk in their first lactation, and 15 percent in their second lactation. These effects on milk production have not been demonstrated in calves only treated once, underlining the importance of quick and effective treatment. Heifers that suffered pneumonia as calves are older on average at first calving compared to heifers that did not get sick.

Fresh air through proper ventilation is essential to preventing respiratory issues — especially in calves. Fresh airflow through pens removes stale air, harmful ammonia odors, and helps to control humidity levels in the calf’s

environment. A common, and oral electrolytes. If though incorrect, your farm is dealing with approach is prioritizing an outbreak, work with the protection of calves your veterinarians to from cold temperatures evaluate if an intranasal at the price of adequate vaccine use can enhance ventilation. Calves should the immune response be housed in draft-free and be beneficial. Again, environments where no providing extra bedding direct wind can reach and calf coats to sick them. Calf managers calves which will assist should focus on providing in maintaining calves’ deep dry bedding, adebody temperature. As quate nutrition, as well energy and protein are as calf jackets in cold necessary for calves to weather. These tools will respond to the infection, allow calves to both keep milk should not be withwarm and continually held from sick calves. breathe clean fresh air.

Photo submitted Another step calf managers can take is breaking When appropriate, Calf jackets in cold weather will allow calves to both keep warm and continually breathe clean fresh air. the required daily feedantibiotics are commonly ing into smaller amounts used on farms as part of ics labeled for Mycoplasma and contheir calf respiratory disease protocols. sider identifying Mycoplasma through that are given more frequently, thus Rather than throwing everything at lab testing to inform treatment and giving calves with lung problems a chance to “catch their breath” during the proverbial wall and hoping some- prognosis. feeding. thing will stick, work with your veteriWhen calves do get sick, provide supnarian to choose an appropriate antibiThis article was submitted by Dana otic treatment, incorporating bacterial port with anti-inflammatory medica- Adams, University of Minnesota culture from previous calves if avail- tions, injectable vitamin supplements, Extension. v able. Pneumonia and other infections caused by Mycoplasma bovis are particularly difficult to treat. Use antibiot-

Lawmakers looking at expanded crop insurance cost-saving hope of “potentially reduce ad hoc disaster…”?

Worse, Republicans on the House Ag More to the point, AgriPulse continCommittee now are using the Farm ues, “Economists say the expanded…

Bill delay to advocate for an expanded, coverage could particularly benefit but still unreformed, crop insurance farmers during periods of relatively program which would send even more high prices and input costs when subsidies, say critics, to even more farmers are unlikely to get payments wealthy farmers. from two [of the biggest crop insurFor example, reports AgriPulse, a ance] programs, Price Loss Coverage well-sourced ag news service, and Agriculture Risk Coverage.”

“Lawmakers are looking at boosting In short, today’s call to expand crop subsidies for supplemental, area-based insurance in the face of new efforts to crop insurance policies to induce growreform it is just like death and taxes: ers to buy higher levels of coverage, No matter the circumstances, it’s inevwhich could potentially reduce the itable. demand from farm groups for ad hoc The Farm and Food File is published disaster assistance.” weekly through the United States and Did you catch all the certain-to-costCanada.

Past columns, events and conmore words in that sentence: “boosting tact information are posted at www. subsidies,” “supplemental policies,” farmandfoodfile.com. v and “induce” compared to the single

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Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon

PAGE 22

THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024 T

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

DEADLINE: 7 days prior to publication.

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

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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.

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

1 edition @ $21.99

= _______________________

2 editions @ $38.99

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3 editions @ $48.99

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

= _______________________

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

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

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

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

EXTENDED COVERAGE

must run the same number of times as The Land

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

*

CT

FP

(circle all options you want):

= _______________________ = _______________________

 Photo  Border

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

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

FN

TOTAL

= _______________________ = _______________________

Name ____________________________________________

Card # ___________________________________________

Address __________________________________________

Exp. Date ________

City __________________ State_________ Zip__________

Signature ________________________________________

Phone ___________________________________________

SORRY! We do not issue refunds.

CHECK

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.

Did you know you can place a classified ad online?

www.TheLandOnline.com

THE LAND — JANUARY 5, 2024

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

PAGE 23

Look for the 2024 subscription card in today's edition of THE LAND! Upcoming Issues of THE LAND

*January 19, 2024 February 2, 2024 February 16, 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 Ag Management Solutions ............................................................... 5 Agri Systems/Systems West ............................................................. 8 Auctioneer Alley ........................................................................... 20 Beck's Hybrids .....................................................................1, 12, 13 C & C Roofing ................................................................................ 3 Carson Forsberg ............................................................................ 17 DirectTV ...................................................................................... 10 Fladeboe Land .............................................................................. 22 Grain Millers .................................................................................. 6 Greenwald Farm Center ................................................................. 21 Hertz Farm Management .............................................................. 20 Hughes Auction & Real Estate ....................................................... 20 Kannegiesser Truck Sales .............................................................. 11 Landproz ...................................................................................... 22 Letcher Farm Supply, Inc. ............................................................. 18 Mathiowetz Construction ................................................................. 9 MaxSip ......................................................................................... 10 Mike's Collision & Repair Center .................................................... 3 MN Corn Growers ........................................................................... 7 MN Pork Producers Assn ................................................................. 4 Northland Buildings, Inc. .............................................................. 10 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ..................................................................... 21 Rush River Steel & Trim ............................................................... 14 Schweiss Doors ............................................................................. 21 Smiths Mill Implement .................................................................. 21 SnirtStopper .................................................................................... 8 Wealth Enhancement Group ........................................................... 15 507-345-4523 • 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 — JANUARY 5, 2024

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

P

A civil war treasure trove

rospect House and Civil War Museum in Battle Lake, Minn. is not a typical museum of collected artifacts. It’s like being welcomed into a family.

When Jay Johnson’s mother died in this house built by his great-grandfather, the house had four stories of items collected by four generations to sort through. He started to find Civil War items all over the house and decided, “This has got to be preserved.” Everything in the house is part of the family story, and for the Civil War aficionado, it is especially intriguing.

Johnson’s great-grandfather, James “Cap” Colehour, was a Civil War veteran.

Cap and his wife moved to Battle Lake from Chicago in 1882, built the first house in town, and four years later built Prospect House — the first resort hotel on the lake.

typewriter with two sets of keys: capital and small. One room is antique toys.

The basement is the Civil War museum.

“Cap” miraculously survived three years in the Union army. Johnson pointed to a map tracing Cap’s service and battles. He was shot through the right shoulder at Chickamauga, recovered, then was shot through the left shoulder at Muscle Shoals, Ala. He recovered again and rode in the mounted infantry under Gen. Judson Kilpatrick on Sherman’s march through Georgia.

Highlights of the display are Cap’s Spencer repeating rifle, his McClellan saddle, the Bible he was carrying when he was shot, the uniform sleeves with the bullet holes, the sword of his brother who died of typhoid before reaching the battlefield, and 200 letters Cap wrote home.

Battle Lake, Minn.

It advertised rooms at $2 a day. Johnson’s grandparents closed the resort and used half of their money to remodel the resort hotel into a residence.

(The other half they lost in the depression.) The top floor was not remodeled, therefore unchanged from resort days.

The top three floors tell the family story. Everything in Prospect House is original. Most of the furniture is 1929 Dayton’s furniture. Johnson’s mother was an excellent artist who produced everything from paintings to magazine covers, and what she didn’t sell is displayed throughout the house. Rare items include a

Each letter begins, “My dear mother.” Johnson tells visitors the story of Cap’s service and of the war — and tells it as though he’d been there. His stories about everything in Prospect House bring it all to life.

The museum is set up to teach a state-approved course on Minnesota Civil War history. Thirty-three schools have taken advantage of it.

The museum is a non-profit and charges a small admission fee. For full information about hours and available tours of four floors of history, visit prospecthousemuseum. org or find on Facebook. v

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

© 2024

January 5, 2024

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

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

“

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

- Bob Worth, Lake Benton farmer

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

“

Page 4 - January 5, 2024

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

Page 2 - January 5, 2024

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

January 5, 2024 - Page 3

s U , e po Se Ex e g 18 m A 7Co MN n. 1 at Ja

January 17-18, 2024 Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center Mankato, MN MN Ag Expo is a jointly hosted event between the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. This two-day event includes a jam-packed trade show, breakout sessions, keynote speakers, along with numerous networking opportunities with other farmers and industry leaders across the state.

We know you’re busy farming and raising a family, so we’re at the table when you can’t be.

Advocating for corn farmers and reaching out to consumers, policymakers, and more. Our strength is in our members.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Wednesday - January 17

Thursday - January 18

7:30 AM 7:30 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM

6:30 AM 7:00 AM 8:30 AM 8:45 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM

10:00 AM 10:00 AM Noon 1:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM

Trade Show Booth Setup Registration Opens Learning Session 1 - Mental Health, Self-Help Techniques MSGA Delegate Session and Annual Meeting Trade Show Opens Breakout - First Aid Training on the Farm Breakout - Hands-on Learning Session MN Ag in the Classroom Breakout - At the Root of it All Brought to you Beck’s Hybrid Seeds Learning Session 2 - Diversity Options and Opportunities for Farming Lunch Speaker - Sponsored by CHS (TBD) Learning Session 3 - Nitrogen in MN Waters Afternoon Keynote - Livestock Panel Trade Show Reception MCGA Auction and Reception Trade Show Closes Dinner Keynote - P.J. Fleck MSGA After Hours Social at Loose Moose

10:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM

Noon 2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Registration Opens MCGA PAC Breakfast MCGA Delegate Session and Annual Meeting Breakout - First Aid Training on the Farm Trade Show Opens Breakout - At the Root of it All Brought to you Beck’s Hybrid Seeds Breakout - Hands-on Learning Session MN Ag in the Classroom Learning Session 4 - Crop and Livestock Trade Panel Breakout - Riding the Waves Navigating Market Volatility in Corn, Soybeans and the Macro Markets Lunch Keynote - Tim Gabrielson Learning Session 5 - Bio-fuels Panel Moderated by Brian Werner Trade Show Closes - Event Conclusion

Scan with your smartphone to register!

mnagexpo.com

#MNAGEXPO24

Join us.

Become a member at mncorn.org.

We’ve got your seat.

Page 2 - January 5, 2024

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

January 5, 2024 - Page 3

s U , e po Se Ex e g 18 m A 7Co MN n. 1 at Ja

January 17-18, 2024 Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center Mankato, MN MN Ag Expo is a jointly hosted event between the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. This two-day event includes a jam-packed trade show, breakout sessions, keynote speakers, along with numerous networking opportunities with other farmers and industry leaders across the state.

We know you’re busy farming and raising a family, so we’re at the table when you can’t be.

Advocating for corn farmers and reaching out to consumers, policymakers, and more. Our strength is in our members.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Wednesday - January 17

Thursday - January 18

7:30 AM 7:30 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM

6:30 AM 7:00 AM 8:30 AM 8:45 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM

10:00 AM 10:00 AM Noon 1:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM

Trade Show Booth Setup Registration Opens Learning Session 1 - Mental Health, Self-Help Techniques MSGA Delegate Session and Annual Meeting Trade Show Opens Breakout - First Aid Training on the Farm Breakout - Hands-on Learning Session MN Ag in the Classroom Breakout - At the Root of it All Brought to you Beck’s Hybrid Seeds Learning Session 2 - Diversity Options and Opportunities for Farming Lunch Speaker - Sponsored by CHS (TBD) Learning Session 3 - Nitrogen in MN Waters Afternoon Keynote - Livestock Panel Trade Show Reception MCGA Auction and Reception Trade Show Closes Dinner Keynote - P.J. Fleck MSGA After Hours Social at Loose Moose

10:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM

Noon 2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Registration Opens MCGA PAC Breakfast MCGA Delegate Session and Annual Meeting Breakout - First Aid Training on the Farm Trade Show Opens Breakout - At the Root of it All Brought to you Beck’s Hybrid Seeds Breakout - Hands-on Learning Session MN Ag in the Classroom Learning Session 4 - Crop and Livestock Trade Panel Breakout - Riding the Waves Navigating Market Volatility in Corn, Soybeans and the Macro Markets Lunch Keynote - Tim Gabrielson Learning Session 5 - Bio-fuels Panel Moderated by Brian Werner Trade Show Closes - Event Conclusion

Scan with your smartphone to register!

mnagexpo.com

#MNAGEXPO24

Join us.

Become a member at mncorn.org.

We’ve got your seat.

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

© 2024

January 5, 2024

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

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

“

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

- Bob Worth, Lake Benton farmer

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

“

Page 4 - January 5, 2024

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