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Februar y 2, 2024
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Happy trails
Folks are out and about enjoying early spring-like weather INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Kent Thiesse compares PLC and ARC-CO programs; Getting to know Roland Barton; Karen Schwaller remembers our heroes ... and more!
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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
Is there a plus side? 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLVIII ❖ No. 3 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements
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Cover photo by Paul Malchow
COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Table Talk From My Farmhouse Kitchen Calendar of Events The Bookworm Sez Farm Programs Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads
2-5 4 6 7 8 9 12 14 16 18-23 23 24
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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. The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The Publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement. Classified Advertising: $21.99 for seven (7) lines for a private classified, each additional line is $1.40; $26.89 for business classifieds, each additional line is $1.40. Classified ads accepted by mail or by phone with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Classified ads can also be sent by e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com. Mail classified ads to The Land, 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001. Please include credit card number, expiration date and your postal address with ads sent on either mail version. Classified ads may also be called into (800) 657-4665. Deadline for classified ads is 5 pm on the Friday prior to publication date, with holiday exceptions. Distributed to farmers in all Minnesota counties and northern Iowa, as well as on The Land’s website. Each classified ad is separately copyrighted by The Land. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Subscription and Distribution: Free to farmers and agribusinesses in Minnesota and northern Iowa. $59 per year for non-farmers and people outside the service area. The Land (USPS 392470) Copyright © 2024 by The Free Press Media is published biweekly by The Free Press, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Business and Editorial Offices: 418 S. 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727, Accounting and Circulation Offices: Steve Jameson, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Call (507) 345-4523 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Mankato, MN. 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.
Farm shows are usually a fair baromerethink their routes. Some are choosing ter for measuring the state of agriculto avoid the Suez Canal altogether. How ture, and the MN Ag Expo was no exceplong this could last is anyone’s guess. tion. The Expo, now in its eighth year, Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of took place Jan. 17 and 18 at the Mayo Agriculture is standing firm with its proClinic Health System Event Center in jection for fewer corn acres planted in Mankato, Minn. The Land has a booth at 2024. USDA’s forecasts are not always the event’s exhibit hall every year. It spot-on, and a lot can happen before kicks off the farm show season for us and planters hit the field. But less corn/more LAND MINDS is sort of our spring training. You meet a soybeans creates a variety of interesting few people, renew acquaintances and get scenarios. By Paul Malchow used to sitting in a folding chair all It stands to reason, less corn should day. (I sometimes get jealous over help support a higher market price. exhibitors who have the nice cushy More soybeans should keep their marchairs … until I don’t have to load the ket price down and make the United States more big cushy chairs in the truck to haul back to the competitive in the world market. However, domestic office.) animal units are also expected to be down in 2024. The Expo is presented by the Minnesota Soybean Fewer mouths to feed means less grain demand; Growers Association and the Minnesota Corn and demand is a big driver of all commodities. Growers Association. Each group holds its annual Fewer “domestic animal units” in 2024 looks to be meeting during the Expo, so it is no surprise the translating to mostly hogs. Reports vary, but pork two crops are front and center on most attendees’ producers are sounding the alarm that hog farms minds. are shutting down in large numbers due to a weak Last year around this time, soybeans were firmly market and high feed costs. The profit just isn’t nestled in the mid-$14 per bushel range and corn there; and older, smaller operations are tired of hovered around $6.50. Coupled with farmers’ eterbanging their heads against the wall. Whether this nal optimism, there were plenty of smiles at the is a trend —similar to dairy farms — remains to be Expo. Conversely, in 2019, corn was $3.25 and soyseen. On the plus side, hog production in Europe is beans were wheezing trying to hit $8. The mood in steadily declining, opening new export possibilities the room was not light; and Covid hadn’t even for U.S. pigs. crossed the ocean. Domestically, American grocery shoppers continue At this year’s Expo, growers seemed to be keeping to bypass beef in favor of less expensive protein a stiff upper lip. Commodity markets across the options; yet cattle numbers remain steady. Dairy board are slipping, input costs are not, and so many cow culling went through a surge last year, but factors impacting the ag industry are beyond farmrecent reports indicate dairy operations are keeping ers’ control. cows in the milking herd longer than before. How Let’s start with everyone’s favorite topic: the high beef prices fit in with rising grocery bills weather. Many farmers I’ve spoken with feel they remains to be seen. dodged a bullet this season. Rains were spotty, but Look beyond 2024 and the future of U.S. agriculyields were better than expected. For the most part, ture gets even murkier. weather for harvest couldn’t have been better. In The clock continues to tick toward electric vehicle many cases, grain was in the bin by Halloween. mandates in the United States while legislators However, we are in the throes of an unusually dry work hard to create a larger biofuel market — espewinter — missing out on December’s plentiful precially grain-based jet fuel additives. I’ve heard more cipitation. than one ag official scoff at electric vehicle mandates Dry conditions are also having a big impact faras “unrealistic” and “unattainable.” Minnesota ther from home. Because of low water levels, shipDepartment of Agriculture Commissioner Thom ping vessels have restricted access to the Panama Peterson is really walking a tightrope on the subject. canal — forcing ships to travel the extra distance The skepticism is real, but the fact remains: the U.S. around South America’s Cape Horn. Speaking of auto industry is investing big dollars in an electric South America, Brazil is touting a big soybean crop vehicle market and they are a big dog in the room. and is expected to be a major supplier to China. A What does this mean for the future of agriculture strong U.S. dollar is making Brazilian soybeans and the crops we grow? even more attractive. Pork producers are still in a lather over Disruptions in the Middle East and attacks on See LAND MINDS, pg. 4 cargo vessels in the Red Sea is also forcing ships to
OPINION
Have you returned the 2024 subscription card for The Land? Look for it on page 20 in this issue and please do it today!
THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
2024: A new year, but a not-so-new start While January left the old year behind, American Farm Bureau Federation President For example, our friends at farmdocit didn’t leave behind any of the baggage Zippy Duvall and Secretary of Agriculture Tom DAILY released their revised (from last American farmers and ranchers were August) 2024 crop cost estimates on Jan. Vilsack both spoke to that possibility at the recent saddled with in 2023. 9 and nothing in the cold calculations and AFBF convention in Salt Lake City. Duvall said U.S. agriculture would be “devastated” if Congress failed hard estimates was heart warming or The chief worry carried forward was to raise reference prices in its still-stalled 2023-24 checkbook filling. Indeed, today’s weaker last year’s slumping grain markets — Farm Bill effort. prices are translating directly into “lower especially soybeans. August 2024 soyreturn and profitability projections.” bean futures skidded from near $14 per In his convention remarks, Vilsack did not argue bushel in mid-November to under $12.50 FARM & FOOD FILE against higher crop insurance benchmarks. He did That’s a pleasant phrase for bad news; per bushel by late January with little because, according to University of Illinois warn members of the politically-potent Farm By Alan Guebert sign of slowing. Bureau, however, that retargeting U.S. Department ag economists Nick Paulson and Gary of Agriculture food assistance funds to underwrite Schnitkey, “Current farmer return Similarly, May 2024 corn futures hit expectations are negative for both corn more costly crop insurance programs would not fly a harvest high of $5.16 per bushel in and soybeans across all regions” (there in either the Senate, House, or White House. mid-October and have inched steadily are four regions for the 385-mile long state) “for downward ever since. By late January, however, And, added the secretary, if farmers want higher 2024… cash rented land at average rent levels…” prices appeared to have stabilized in the $4.50 to reference prices they need to push Congress “to get $4.60 per bushel range while they, like other grain creative” in finding the money to finance them. He And the “negative” returns are big. For corn, promarkets, wait for news that might shake off their jected losses range from a knee-bending minus $160 pointed to the Commodity Credit Corporation as winter funk. per acre in southern Illinois to an only-slightly bet- one possible source. ter minus $135 per acre in central Illinois. The little news that did hit the grain markets A one-time reliable boost for prices, ag export after the year-ending holidays was more encouragThe projected, per-acre losses are smaller for 2024 demand, is experiencing a 2023 hangover, also. For ing to market bears than market bulls. Illinois soybean growers, but still wallet-crunching: example, according to USDA data, China’s total soythey range from minus $107 in southern Illinois to a bean imports last year were an incredible 100 million metric tons. Brazil, however, supplied 70 perslimmer but still stinging minus $20 in central cent of the total; the U.S. only 24 percent, or 13 perIllinois. cent less than the year before. Those compounding losses, say the extension Worse, while Brazil’s 2024 soy crop got off to a experts, suggest “cost adjustments” by growers “will be needed in 2024 and beyond” to either reduce the rough start, neighboring Argentina’s crop is looking anticipated losses or scratch out a profit. Both seem better than first thought, putting more U.S. soy markets in South America’s gunsights for later this year. like tall orders now. As such, February — even without this year’s One “adjustment” which would benefit all farmers Leap Day — is going to be a long month. is for Congress to raise crop insurance’s reference prices, the floor prices guaranteed by the U.S. The Farm and Food File is published weekly Department of Agriculture’s federal crop insurance through the United States and Canada. Past colprogram. In flagging markets like 2024, higher ref- umns, events and contact information are posted at erence prices would make crop insurance payments www.farmandfoodfile.com. v all but certain and, as markets stall, large.
OPINION
Farmers have a lot to think about
LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 California’s Proposition 12 and a few die-hard congressmen are still vowing to block it or create legislation to make it moot. Is Prop 12 the tip of the iceberg and is other animal farming legislation coming down the pike? Probably. Dairy farms had to make
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substantial changes in their operations when creameries stopped taking milk cans. Apples and oranges? Perhaps, but farming practices have always been evolving. Even though Earth’s human population just crossed the eight billion mark, experts say growth is slowing. I even read a report stating fewer births and an aging population will result in a tipping point where Earth’s population will begin to decrease. The report said the decrease will gain momentum and change life on Earth as we know it. So if your favorite farmer has a furrowed brow, he and she have a lot to think about. In the meantime, look for The Land at the Central Minnesota Farm Show in St. Cloud, Minn. Feb. 27 and 28. We’ll be looking for your smiling face. Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land. He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com.v
THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
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Letter: Country’s founding documents are being eroded To the Editor, Greg Rendahl, Ostrander, Minn., for certain needs to be addressed with very serious truth (Letter: Democracy under attack, Jan. 5 edition of The Land). He emphasizes is a democracy which is a very serious error. Our original founding fathers were very careful how and why they structured the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and our U.S. Constitution in the very manner in which they did that paralleled God’s Holy Bible. Our framers constructed it as a republic and we as a culture and people have failed miserably to keep these documents and instruments. Those documents and instruments started to be eroded upon in the early
1900’s. What those framers constructed has been thoroughly, completely and totally destroyed in the past 15 years: has been spinning out of control since the disaster of Vietnam and the hippies of 1960s. Those global neomarxists elite liberal radicals turned everything political. The gloves are off and that is not by accident. Globally, they own media, major banks, big tech, and the boardrooms of most large corporations. In the U.S. they are in charge and control of the entire federal bureaucracy which includes “all” the forces of these acronyms: IRS, FBI, FCC, SEC, FDA, DHS, DOE, DOD and the CDC. They use those organizations to totally erode and control America and its people’s lives.
OPINION
Letters to the editor are always 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.
Updated groundwater protection map available ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has issued an updated map which will help farmers across the state comply with the Groundwater Protection Rule. The rule restricts fall application of nitrogen fertilizer in areas vulnerable to groundwater contamination, and it outlines steps to reduce the severity of contamination in areas where nitrate is already elevated in public water supply wells. The MDA has made changes to the Fall Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Restrictions Map which is accessible on the MDA website, www.mda.state. mn.us. Three Drinking Water Supply Management Areas were removed from the map, and none were added. Two of the DWSMAs were found to have nonagricultural sources of nitrate, while the third was removed after further
sampling data indicated the nitrate levels were below the threshold for inclusion. Additional information on the fall application restrictions and exceptions to the restrictions can be found on the MDA’s website. The restriction of fall application of nitrogen fertilizer on these acres will begin Sept. 1. Farmers are encouraged to check the new map prior to fall 2024 to determine if their fields are subject to these restrictions. For more information on the Groundwater Protection Rule visit www.mda.state.mn.us/nfr. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v
Please, that is bloated government. All we need to do is turn to page 4 of The Land, Jan. 5, 2024 and read entirely “From My Farmhouse Kitchen” by Renae B. Vander Schaaf. Plus, if we Americans would read very key Bible chapters daily, our Founding Fathers, documents and instruments would have never slipped away.
Please, America’s national debt is $33 trillion and climbing. That’s just not fair to our children and grandchildren. MT 6:33 and 34. Please pray for America. Roger L. Krueger Tracy, Minn. P.S. America is spiritually and financially bankrupt!
Letter: 2024 elections — bring it on! To the Editor, Mr. (Greg) Rendahl’s letter in the Jan. 5 edition of The Land titled “Democracy under attack” was misleading. He stated that Trump would be a dictator (the first day of his presidency). If Greg had seen the TV interview, Trump’s “dictator” was meant as a joke (that little grin). But if he was reelected and his first day “Executive Orders” were the opposite of Biden’s:
Close the boarders (sic) and open up the drilling for oil and natural gas. Would that be a bad thing? Also, when adults are asked if your financial situation is better than it was three years ago, less than 35 percent say yes. Bring on the 2024 election! Don Buck Zumbrota, Minn.
OPINION
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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
Heroes are common people who happen to be uncommon Just before Christmas, our corner of — paying tribute to an incredible lifetime the world lost a hero of sorts. of service. It’s nothing new under the sun to any Swallowing a lump in the throat is difcommunity. There are the movers and ficult. shakers, those who continue to be in the Firefighters (active and retired) sat spotlight for their philanthropy, and together in a large group at the service, those who just go about their lives, quiethonoring their fallen comrade. But the ly doing, giving of themselves and servmost striking reality came at the end of ing others in every possible way they the service, when pagers went off in uniTABLE TALK can. That was the kind of guy we lost. son, and the dispatch officer spoke the By Karen Schwaller final words of the ceremony: Everyone knew him. He was everywhere — working at high school events “Attention all area fire departments … as a volunteer, and at weekend outdoor this is to announce that firefighter (this concerts all summer long as a security guard (look- man) of the Milford Fire Department died on Dec. ing like he meant business). If you spoke to him as 23, 2023.” he was roaming around there, he smiled or laughed Some other official verbiage followed, with the disquietly only if he was being ribbed about something. patch officer wrapping up this moving tribute with He appreciated the conversation, but when it was the words, “This is the final call for (this man) of the time to move on, he did so quite officially. Milford Fire Department. We’ll take it from here. One of the public entities to which he devoted so Time: 11:28.” much of his life was firefighting. He was a volunteer Tears mixed with the heavy, eerie quiet of grief for fireman for an amazing 43 of his 61 years. those gathered as those words rang out in the heads Our community gathered to say farewell in a cere- and hearts of people there: “We’ll take it from here.” mony which took place at a large venue where he Moving on in grief is hard at best; we feel like had spent entire summer weekends for so many we’re leaving someone behind. When someone years. His local and county colleagues showed up in leaves this world, they leave a hole in the fabric of a full force to honor his work, his life, and his memofamily and community that is hard to mend. It’s as ry. true in public servant groups as it is in the brotherFire and rescue trucks from every community hood of farming — or any number of other honorwere lined up in front of the memorial venue. able professions that offer so much to the world. Trucks from two neighboring fire departments had Our world touts so many kinds of people as heroes the ladders extended with huge American flags at the ends of them. It was a show of brotherhood, respect and compassion to the man and his family
— especially professional athletes. But if people need a farmer at least three times a day, then in my book there is hardly a more fitting title to give them (at least) than “hero.” What’s it worth to us to be able to be fed, fueled and clothed? Who else is going to do the hard work of that for us? Or the hard work of any honorable professions around which our lives center? It’s all hard work, and it’s all necessary. Our lives have been blessed by those heroes who work for the benefit of others, no matter what that work is — whether putting out fires, putting out heartburn, putting children to bed every night, putting vehicles back on the road or putting food on the table. Heroes are our neighbors — common, everyday, work-a-day people. And their absence among us is felt when they go to the Lord. But memories are kept alive through their work which is carried on by others who remain, who have toiled alongside that person, keeping them in their hearts as they do the work of tomorrow perhaps (even for a time), in their honor. Tomorrow comes, and we remember yesterday’s sunset as we prepare for tomorrow’s sunrise. “We’ll take it from here.” Karen Schwaller writes from her grain and livestock farm near Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v
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Consolidated offers educational grants MANKATO, Minn. — Consolidated Communications recently announced the Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program is now accepting funding applications. Consolidated Connects provides grants to schools serving K-12 students in the company’s service area. Grant requests between $1,000 and $5,000 will be accepted. Initiatives should emphasize creative stu-
dent learning; develop 21st century skills; promote critical thinking, reasoning and communication; and utilize innovative technologies to advance learning. Grant requests should highlight initiatives that emphasize project-based learning and describe, if possible, how broadband services and other important tools will be integrated in to the program. Collaboration across schools; different grade levels within a district; and across the community, including parents, faculty, staff, and community and business members, is encouraged. Only one grant application will be accepted per school and the application must be approved by the principal or superintendent. The grant application deadline is open through March 1. Full program guidelines and the funding application are available at consolidated.com/cciconnects. This article was submitted by Consolidated Communications. v
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America wasn’t easy growing up in the 1930s It was suppertime when a neighbor ries in the United States. She had stopped by my son’s house. Even though become a citizen within three years after the neighbor was almost 90 years old, he immigrating. walked quite spritely up the steps into Schooling for Roland would not have the house. been considered ideal at all by today’s Because he was barefooted, he didn’t standards. He had seven different teachhave to waste the time to take off his ers in eight years. Because of the lack of shoes. students, the rural schools he attended often closed — especially when he was My farmer and I were visiting my son FROM MY the only student. FARMHOUSE under the pretense of helping with the KITCHEN small grain harvest. It had rained earlier In high school, he relished the chalthat day. Consequently, we weren’t in the lenge of competing for top student honors By Renae B. field; so could enjoy a good visit with the against other students. He took the Vander Schaaf neighbor. He enjoyed talking and didn’t entrance exam for the Mensa Society, mind when I took out my notepad and which is the largest and oldest highest pen to write down his words. IQ society. He passed and was accepted as a society member. Before this visit, I hadn’t met the fellow and only heard him mentioned Roland celebrated his 18th birthday by name: Roland Barton. a few weeks before Japan surrendered in World War II. The U.S. government Roland was born on Aug. 13, 1927 to made an appointment for him to take John and Christina Niedan Barton — a physical exam. That meant a free the youngest in the family. His two trip to Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minn. older sisters were old enough to help care for the brand new baby. Grandma Roland said it was his first train Niedan was also part of the family ride. He remembered the dining cars household. complete with Black waiters dressed in formal attire. His trip back to Christina Niedan spent her childSouth Dakota wasn’t as simple or hood years in Ukraine. Two of her nice, as it was travelling by bus with brothers had relocated to America in multiple stops. 1900. Six years later, she was a young Roland Barton’s high school teen, she came to Ellis Island with her portrait from 1941. He remembered that the food at mother, a sister and two more brothFort Snelling was very good during ers. They ended up in South Dakota, in area known his four day stay. He also said he was told to keep as Little Chicago. his eye on the big building, because then he At the time, horse thievery and cattle rustling were common. Little Chicago’s sparse population provided plenty of convenient places for bandits to hide out. That is until concerned citizens committed themselves to bringing law and order into this land they called home. After a year or so, the Niedans went back to the Ukraine — except for one brother who stayed. Letters went back and forth. On one postcard, which Roland kept in his vast collection of life’s momentos, the American brother wrote the question to those in the Ukraine, “Do you have any desire to come back to America?” Christina and her sister discussed this question all winter long. Finally, when they made their decision they wrote their answer in a letter. It wasn’t until the very end of the letter that the sisters gave their answer in the last sentence. It almost gave the appearance of an afterthought. The sisters wrote, “Yes, we do want to come back.” When they informed their mother of their decision, she said she would go back too. A few years later, in February of 1917, a revolution broke out in Ukraine. Mrs. Niedan was so very thankful they were away from the conflict and living on the prai-
wouldn’t get lost while exploring the big city. For whatever reason, Roland didn’t pass his physical and was classified 4F. It might have been one time an “F” on an examination was a good thing. Back home, Roland settled into the career of farming. A principle crop for the Bartons was alfalfa. The seed produced was sold to Gurneys Seed and Nursery in Yankton. Roland Barton didn’t spend all his days working. He had a great deal of interest to see Ukraine where his ancestors had lived and some family remained. His mother and grandmother most likely talked about the old country and their life back home. And I think his father might also have had family ties to that part of the world. He had another interest that rather took me by surprise. I know there are people who travel across the United States and the world to take a photo of themselves at the highest point in that state or country; but to travel to see eclipses? He was five years old when he saw his first total solar eclipse, two weeks before he started school. This segment of God’s creation impressed him so much that when he was able, he managed to get a front row seat to view total solar eclipses. In February of 1998, he went to the southern Caribbean island of Aruba to watch the eclipse. It’s a small island he said, just 20 miles by six miles at its widest point. Now isn’t that a very original, reasonable excuse for escaping the winter snow and cold for warm sunshine? The 2024 eclipse is predicted for April 8. One could go to Mexico, or anywhere else along the path See FARMHOUSE KITCHEN, pg. 11
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‘Top of the Class’ applications open MAPLE PLAIN, Minn. — The Minnesota Beef Council and the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association are set to conduct the year-long educational “Top of the Class” program to train individuals on becoming strong advocates for the beef industry. Applications for the program are now open and will be accepted through April 5. Those selected to participate will be equipped with various training, knowledge, and experiential learning opportunities including media interview training, culinary demonstrations, impactful presentations, and social media. Participants will complete a series of three different educational sessions. Session I takes place June 12 and 13 in St. Paul, Minn. Session II is also held in St. Paul on Oct. 23 and 24. An out-of-state seminar, Session III, takes place next year from Jan. 7 – 10 in Denver, Col. There is a $300 fee for participants. The application and program details can be found online at https://mnbeef.org/Media/MNBeef/Docs/2024-top-ofthe-class-application.pdf Send applications to Jon Dilworth, Director of Industry Relations, at jon@mnbeef.org. This article was submitted by the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association. v
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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
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.
Feb. 6 — GAPs Training Course — Online — This course will focus on food safety best practices in the production, washing, packing, storage and transport of fresh produce. For more information, email jenri001@umn.edu. Additional course dates: Feb. 28, March 13 Feb. 6 — Women in Ag Conference — St. Cloud, Minn. — This year’s theme, “Planting Possibilities: Shaping the Future of Farming,” will provide discussions and presentations specifically geared toward farmers on the role of planning. Contact Elaine Hardy at wagne079@umn.edu or (218) 828-2276. Feb. 7 — Cow Calf Days — Pipestone, Minn. — This year’s event will feature information on beef research update, grazing strategies, and cow and heifer nutrition to optimize success. The corresponding trade show will feature vendors with new information, technology, financial opportunities, and products. Contact Eric Mousel at emmousel@umn.edu or (218) 513-0781. Additional dates & locations: Feb. 8, Oronoco, Minn. Feb. 9, Le Sueur, Minn. Feb. 7 — Minnesota Beginning Farmer Institute — Online — 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: Feb. 14, Feb. 21, Feb. 28 Wednesdays, Feb. 7–Mar. 27 — Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops Webinar — Online — This live, online program will provide up-to-date, research-based information in order to help optimize crop management strategies for 2024. For more information, visit https://z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Remaining Dates & Topics: Feb. 7: Herbicide product choices and application Feb. 14: Herbicide adjuvants Feb. 21: Insect pest management Feb. 28: Thirsty cover crops March 6: Fertilizers and maximizing ROIs March 13: Smart corn insects March 20: Fungicides for corn and soybean diseases March 27: Emerging corn and soybean diseases Feb. 15 — Communicating With Farmers Under Stress Webinar — Online — This webinar aims to help participants build awareness of the stressors affecting farmers and their families, recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety and warning signs of suicide, assess, approach, and assist farmers who are showing changes in their mental health, and access local, state, and national resources. Contact 1-877-345-0691 with questions.
Feb. 17 — Grape Pruning Workshop — Kasota, Minn. — Participants can expect to learn about the basics of grapevine anatomy, pruning techniques, and will have time to practice hands-on pruning with assistance from workshop educators. Contact Madeline Wimmer at wimm0035@umn.edu. Other dates & locations: Feb. 24, Kimball, Minn. Feb. 27, Cambridge, Minn. March 15, Grasston, Minn. Feb. 19–23 — Gardening from the Ground Up Zoom Webinar Series — Online — The series will focus on maximizing efficiency in the home landscape. For more information, contact your local Extension Educator. Topics: Feb. 19: Boost your garden harvest: Plant selection and propagation tips Feb. 20: Tips for selecting and applying fertilizer Feb. 21: Water wisely Feb. 22: So many veggies, so little space Feb. 23: Maximizing labor efficiency in the garden Feb. 20 — Online Beef Quality Assurance Training — Online — Producers in attendance will receive their three-year BQA certification. Contact the UMN BQA Team by email at bqa@umn.edu. Feb. 22 — Farm Transition and Estate Planning Workshop — Litchfield, Minn. — The workshop covers farm goal setting, business structures, farm operation and management succession ideas, as well as estate planning and retirement, family communicating, and additional farm transition educational resources. Contact Karen Johnson at ande9495@umn.edu or (320) 693-5275. Feb. 22 — Soil Health Winter Workshop — Owatonna, Minn. — Session topics include small grains & building carbon, carbon intensity score, and implementation of manure in soil health systems. Contact Lindsey Zeitler at Lindsey.Zeitler@mn.nacdnet.net or (507) 320-3728. Feb. 27 — FSMA Produce Safety Rule Training — St. Paul, Minn. — This training will provide information about produce safety, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. Contact (651) 5393648 with questions. Additional course date: March 7, online Feb. 27 — Livestock Roadshow In-Person Session — Worthington, Minn. — Producers can learn about updates to several livestock risk management products. Contact Pamela Stahlke at rsomn@ usda.gov. March 4 — PFI’s Midwest Covers & Grains Conference — Mankato, Minn. — The conference brings together farmers, supply chain buyers and researchers from across the Midwest to promote successful farming with extended rotations and cover crops. Contact Taylor Hintch at taylor.hintch@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661.
THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
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‘Vegas’ shines a new light on a popular destination Hit that “spin” button. “What Really Happens in Vegas: Hit it again, one more True Stories of the People Who Make Vegas, Vegas” time, move onto the next by James Patterson and Mark Seal “one-armed bandit,” take in a show, watch water dance, c.2023, Little, Brown gawk all you want. A lot of $30.00 people work hard to make your Las Vegas experience port’s slot machines. Pick up “What one you’ll never forget. As THE BOOKWORM Really Happens in you’ll see in the new book Speaking of money: if you SEZ Vegas,” read two “What Really Happens in have it, you can get almost Vegas” by James Patterson By Terri Schlichenmeyer anything you want (as long pages, and you’ll and Mark Seal, it takes a as it’s legal) just by asking. know one thing for sure: You’ve hit the village to keep a city going. Want a private flight in? Your own jackpot. limo? Big shopping? Before you drop It’s 5:30 in the morning, Las Vegas the expected Big Bucks in a casino, do In every city, there are stories and time, and people are up and moving. you want to relax in a secret suite that behind-the-scenes characters who Some have been awake since the few are allowed to see? Or maybe you keep the place lubricated. But in Las night before, sitting in front of a slot want to hear stories of “Sin City” legVegas, even those folks assume a cermachine or at a card table with a pile ends — mostly men, but for one fierce tain (and deserved) mantle of glitter. of chips. Others, like the elite crew of woman who revolutionized The Strip. Patterson and Seal let readers in on divers who keep the Fountains of secrets and into secret places — sharYou can see a circus in Vegas, one Bellagio running, are ready to go to ing out-loud stories of everyday folks that was originally Canadian. Visit a work. just doing their jobs. downtown museum that tells the tale Vegas, as Patterson and Seal show, of this desert city. If you win big, meet Then there are the tales that feel is not just glitz and glamour and the people whose job it is to get your like they should be told in whispers. lights and sounds. Las Vegas is also money to you at all costs. See how fine Sure, there are comments from comwhere some 52 million people arrive dining came to Las Vegas and who fort-makers who talk about the at the local airport to start their vaca- keeps it there. And find out how a tion; and, in some cases, they jumpfamous slogan for this dazzling city start their bank accounts at the aircame to be.
Loans for small meat processors ST. PAUL — Minnesota Farmers Union Foundation is now accepting loan applications from meat processors. The Foundation has a total of $900,000 in revolving loan funds to distribute to support small and medium-sized meat and poultry processors through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program. The program offers low-interest loans for the start-up, expansion and operation of slaughter and further processing of meat and poultry. Funds can be used to purchase land or equipment, cover start-up costs and make other business investments. Returned funds will be made available to new borrowers. Loans of up to $100,000 are available at a 4 percent fixed interest rate with a term of up to 10 years. “Minnesota Farmers Union has worked to enhance meat and poultry processing options for family farmers for more than five years, since members first raised the issue of a lack of
access to small meat lockers and having to wait more than a year to have their livestock processed,” said MFU President Gary Wertish, who is also president of MFU Foundation. “Covid19 illustrated the problems of a consolidated food system. Since then, the state legislature has invested in rebuilding the state’s meat and poultry processing infrastructure and this federal loan program will help meat processors make additional investments. An independent, diverse meat processing industry is essential to a diverse, independent livestock production industry and a cornerstone of rural economic development.” The Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program is funded by a grant from United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Find more information online at mfu. org/mfu-foundation-meat-processing/. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Farmers Union. v
wealthy, and anecdotes of singers, stars, and mobsters in this book, just as you’d expect. But readers also become privy to the things nobody back home wants to talk about, the jobs that don’t make your alumni profile, and the parties that ... well, that stay in Vegas. And that’s what you’ll want to do, once you start this fascinating behind-the-scenes peek. “What Really Happens in Vegas” is a book with a thousand stories. For fans, it’ll be a hit. Look for the reviewed book at a bookstore or a library near you. You may also find the book at online book retailers. The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with three dogs and 10,000 books. v
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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
Practical Farmers of Iowa offers winter webinars AMES, Iowa — Farmers wanting to keep learning and networking with one another through the winter are invited to participate in PFI’s winter webinar series. All webinars run weekly on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. The events are free to attend and anyone with an internet connection is invited to participate. Each presentation focuses on a unique production or business management topic and is led by a farmer or subject-matter expert. Attendees can ask questions in real time using a chat box during the presentations. Winter webinars in the 2024 series include: Feb. 6: “Turning Point: Key Moments for Two Farms Over Two Decades.” Over the course of 20 years, practically anything can and will happen on a small-scale, diversified farm specializing in growing vegetable crops, raising poultry and selling quality food locally. In this webinar, hear Jill Beebout and Rob Faux talk about key moments and important decisions that made a difference, for good or bad, in their operations. Feb. 13: “Figuring Out Funding: Conventional and Unconventional Sources to Grow a Farm.” Since starting Over the Moon Farm and Flowers, Anna Hankins and Shae Pesek have matured not only as farmers but also as business owners. Figuring out funding through both conventional and unconventional sources has been an important part of their development. In this webinar, Anna and Shae will share what they’ve learned about accessing
lines of credit, local programs, statewide grants and PFI programs to build and sustain their farm business. Feb. 20: “Allies and Adversaries: Balancing Pollinator Habitat and Wild Spaces With a Diversified Small-Scale Farm.” Supporting plant and wildlife diversity on a small-scale farm is an important tool in the farmer’s toolbox. Creating habitat for pollinators and natural predators of crop pests can boost production, and a diversity of life on the farm leads to a healthier farm ecosystem. But the balancing act begins when some of the wildlife doesn’t align with the farm’s production and sales goals. Join Jill Beebout of Blue Gate Farm and Rob Faux of Genuine Faux Farm as they discuss ways they encourage the allies that help in their food production, and how they deal with adversarial relationships with deer, woodchuck, gnats and other critters. Feb. 27: “Revitalizing Soil for a SmallScale Hemp Farm in Iowa.” In 2016, Scott and Megan Booher bought 40 acres of timber and open fields in eastern Iowa. At that time, the clay-rich soil was depleted of nutrients, so they used compost, biochar, worm castings and trace minerals to amend the soil on a portion of those acres to begin their hemp operation. In the ensuing years, they became certified organic and have experimented with reduced tillage and cover crops. Now called Four Winds Farm, their operation is one of relatively few farms in Iowa licensed to grow and sell various value-added hemp products. Learn about Megan and Scott’s decision to grow hemp in Iowa, what they’ve done to improve the
soil on their farm and the hemp products they sell. March 5: “Developing a Meat CSA.” At Mastodon Valley Farm, Peter has developed a unique meat CSA subscription model, which he’s been using for the last 10 years to successfully direct-market his farm’s regenerative meats. Peter will share the details of his system and provide tips and techniques for connecting with customers. He’ll also talk about how to build and manage an e-commerce website, and how to decide the best way to market your farm’s products depending on your context. March 12: “Building a Farm for Shepherding.” Wendy Johnson has designed her farm for rotationally grazing her Isle-de-France sheep. From grazing covers to planting silvopasture, Wendy will explain why she loves the adaptability and resiliency of her wool sheep. She’ll also share how she’s used third-party certifications to build a market for her meat and wool. March 19: “An Alternative Third Crop? Relay Cropping Winter Camelina With Soybeans.” Robert Harvey worked for the last two years with Heartland Co-op’s Ruth McCabe to successfully relay crop winter camelina and soybeans on his Redfield, Iowa, farm. In 2023, Robert harvested his first successful crop of winter camelina from this system and he is looking forward to a prospective third crop that fits in his corn and soybean rotations. Robert has worked with Iowa Cover Crop to germ-test the camelina seed and they will work together to clean it. March 26: “Trees and Bees: How Agroforestry Benefits Insects and Farmers.” Adding trees to your farm can help both you and the pollinators on your farm in a range of ways. For pollinators, trees can offer critical habitat for overwintering and vital nectar sources. As farm buffers, they can protect areas of your acreage or home from winds and act as a shield against pesticide drift. In this webinar, Peg Bouska will discuss some of the conservation practices, such as woodlots and pollinator plots put to use on their farm. Zach Burhenn, of Iowa Native Trees and Shrubs, will offer tips on site and species selection, long-term maintenance and the benefits of planting trees on your farm. April 2: “Establishing and Grazing
Native Perennials.” Including native perennials in your grazing system can have a range of benefits, from boosting drought resilience in a forage chain to adding important wildlife habitat. However, these native grasses and forbs require adaptive management to thrive. Drawing on over 50 years of experience, Kevin Fulton will share how he establishes native perennial pasture, and tips for grazing it successfully. April 16: “Precision Conservation: Increasing Profitability and Conservation on Your Farm.” Have you ever wondered when it’s best to remove portions of your field from crop production? Farm-specific ag data can pinpoint marginal areas of your farm where it costs more to grow a crop than what you’ll earn from those acres. Join row crop farmer Jacob Bolson as he leads a live virtual tour of his acreage, which is enrolled in a new five-year contract with the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program for pollinator habitat. Stephanie Nelson, of Pheasants Forever, will then explain how yield and satellite data lends itself to conservation analysis. She’ll also discuss the services and incentives Pheasants Forever can provide if you are considering conservation changes on your farm. April 23: “Diversifying Pollinator Habitat on a Multi-Generational Illinois Farm.” Are you looking to diversify your pollinator habitat? Are you tired of the endless mowing of brome and bluegrass? Do you want information on local, hardy seed sources? Join Nancy and John Brannaman as they showcase the ongoing conservation efforts on their Illinois farm. Over the years, the Brannamans have added native prairie mixes, Conservation Reserve Program wetland mixes and Conservation Stewardship Program pollinator plots to their land. More recently, they’ve contracted with Pheasants Forever to seed another 13 acres of CRP pollinator habitat. In this webinar, Nancy and John will discuss how they do this work. You’ll learn about the seed and equipment they use, like extenders for small seeds. They’ll also explain how they prepare the seed bed and handle mowing, weeding and burning. This article was submitted by Practical Farmers of Iowa. v
THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
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Pesticide applicator license training underway Farmers with private pesticide applicator certifications that expire on March 1 will need to renew that license for the 2024 growing season. The process for license renewal remains similar to what it has been from previous years. Farmers have four options to renew permits. Attend an in-person renewal workshop conducted by University of Minnesota Extension staff. Preregistration must be done online at pat. umn.edu five days prior to the workshop to ensure we have enough space to accommodate everyone. Online registration must be done if you would like to pay by credit card since only checks will be accepted for walk-ins. Walk-ins are still welcome provided there is enough space. Bring an official picture ID, such as a driver’s license, your current permit card if you have one, and a check to pay the $75 permit fee. You must arrive on time and stay for the entire workshop. Anyone 15 minutes
late or leaves before workshop completion will not get credit for the workshop. A full list of workshop locations is listed at the Extension Pesticide Safety website, pat.umn.edu. Take the written exam which is available at your local county Extension office. The 19th Edition Manual is the current reference for the exam and is available for $10 at your local county Extension office. Mail the $75 permit fee along with your test answer sheet in the envelope provided. It is recommended to call prior to stopping by local offices, as appointments might be necessary. Take the exam online by going to pat. umn.edu. The $75 permit fee is paid by credit card and the manual can be viewed online. The online exam opened on Jan. 3. Final exams must be completed by Oct. 31. Attend a live online Zoom recertification workshop. You must pre-register to
FARMHOUSE KITCHEN, from pg. 7 which stretches from Texas to Maine and even into Canada for the eclipse adventure. Hmm … I wonder if we have any southern cousins to visit in April? Roland viewed the last total solar eclipse of the century with a trip to eastern Turkey. He said they had a clear sky with no clouds and no troubles. He rang in the new millennium with a trip to the Victoria Falls National Park — way over across the world in Zimbabwe. This man, who enjoyed learning all his life, told me the tour group he was with rode on a train which was built more than 100 years ago by the British (who at that time ruled the country). It was used for transporting hunters and sightseers for their big game safaris. Roland recalled hunting rattlesnakes out to his fields. He said they were the most aggressive in August. August is also the month for small grain harvest. In those days, wheat and oats were harvested into shocks. Rattlers found those to be a desirable place to rest during the day. He told me that a rattlesnake will add another rattle each year. Their life span was normally 10 to 12 years — unless Roland and/or his grandma found
them first. The snake extermination tool of choice was a long-handle shovel. It had better be a very long handle indeed! Roland told me about his life, a bit about farming with horses, listers and threshing machines, wind power electricity, stationary engines and party lines. One time he wanted to use the telephone, but one of the other eight parties on the line was using it. Two young people were just chatting and had been for a very long, long time. Finally his patience ran thin, so he placed the telephone receiver near a static-y radio. The conversation soon ended and Roland could finally use the telephone to conduct his business. Roland passed away in June of 2021 at the age of 93. His funeral was held at the small country church he had attended all his life. He was buried in the church’s cemetery where his parents had also been laid to rest. Mr. Barton, my farmer and I meant to visit again; but we never made time to write down more of his life. I wished we had because my curiosity wants to know more. Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v
Barton traveled the world
attend the Zoom workshop. Check-in time starts 30 minutes prior to the start of the workshop, and you must have your applicator license on hand and available. You must have an internet-connected device with a video camera and sound. Participation is required. You must remain online for the entirety of the workshop to receive credit. The $75 fee is paid by credit card online. First-time private pesticide applicators or those with certifications that expired prior to March 1st, must use option 2 or 3 to be certified. The Private Applicators certificate is for farm operators who are applying restricted use pesticide products on their fields. This includes different her-
bicides, fungicides, insecticides, and other pest control products labeled “Restricted Use”. Find a full list of available workshops at pat.umn.edu. For questions about the private pesticide applicator certification process, call your local county Extension office. In case of inclement weather, check z. umn.edu/2024PPATworkshops, call either the Farm Information Line at (800) 232-9077, or the coordinating U of M Extension office before getting on the road. This article was submitted by Taylor Herbert, University of Minnesota Extension. v
Help for protecting livestock ST. PAUL — To help Minnesota farmers and ranchers protect livestock from disease and other risks, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering a new grant opportunity to help eligible producers buy and install supplies or equipment which will help prevent disease outbreaks and protect animals not currently covered by existing depredation programs. The Protecting Livestock Grant Program, also referred to as the Protect Grant, offers one-time competitive grants of up to $10,000 and requires a 50 percent match. While all types of livestock operations are eligible to apply, priority consideration will be given to those who produce cervids (farmed elk and deer), poultry and ratites (ostrich, emu). “With risks like chronic wasting disease and HPAI continuing to threaten Minnesota livestock, it’s important for farmers and ranchers to take proactive efforts to protect their animals,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.
For the purpose of this program, “livestock” includes beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, bison, sheep, horses, farmed cervids (deer, elk), ratites (flightless birds including emu), llamas, and honeybees. Eligible projects include fencing, electronic animal ID systems, air filtration, exclusion systems, Danish entry systems, truck washes, and other strategies to prevent and mitigate disease and other risks. A total of $500,000 is available, and the MDA expects to award 50-75 grants. Applications are currently being accepted through March 7. The Protecting Livestock Grant Program is funded through the Agricultural Growth and Research Initiative (AGRI) Program. Full grant details and the request for proposals can be found on the MDA website, www.mda.state.mn.us/. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.v
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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
2024 farm program enrollment deadline is March 15 Late in 2023, the 2018 Farm Bill was extended for one year, extending the expiration of the current Farm Bill until Sept. 30. This also meant the provisions and parameters which existed for traditional farm programs will continue for the 2024 FARM PROGRAMS crop year for corn, soyBy Kent Thiesse beans, wheat, and other crops. The good news for farm operators is that the reference prices for corn and soybeans will increase for the 2024 crop year, while the reference price for wheat will remain the same as existed in previous years. This is the first time corn and soybean reference prices have increased beyond the statutory reference prices since they were initiated in the 2014 Farm Bill and later continued with the 2018 Farm Bill. The benchmark prices for corn, soybeans, and wheat are also increased for the 2024 farm program. Eligible farm operators have until March 15 to enroll in the 2024 farm program at local U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency offices. Eligible cops include corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, barley, grain sorghum, long grain rice, medium/short grain rice, temperate japonica rice, seed cotton, dry peas, lentils, large and small chickpeas, peanuts, sunflower seed, canola, flaxseed, mustard seed, rapeseed, safflower, crambe, and sesame seed. Producers can choose between the price-only Price Loss Coverage and revenue-based Ag Risk Coverage program choices for the 2024 crop year. The ARC program choice includes both the county-yield based “ARC-CO” program choice (which is most popular) and the “ARC-IC” program, which is based on farm-level yields. If no choice is made, the 2023 farm program choice will remain in place for 2024. However, producers still need to enroll in the 2024 farm program in order to be eligible for farm program benefits. See THIESSE, pg. 13
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Reason to choose Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Crop (Price only)
Reason to choose Ag Risk Coverage (ARC-CO) (Yield and price using county yields)
Think that the final market year average corn price Think that the final market year average corn price will be below $4.01 per bushel for 2024-25 will be above $4.01 per bushel for 2024-25 2023-24 USDA market year average estimate is The final market year average price was below $4.80 per bushel $4.01 per bushel from 2014 to 2019 2022-23 final market year average price is (Market year average price will likely be above Corn $6.54 per bushel $4.01 for 2023-24) 2021-22 final market year average price is Market year average price where ARC-CO payments $6.00 per bushel would begin at various percentages of Want price protection from $4.01 to $2.20 per bushel county benchmark yield (estimated) (PLC has a higher maximum payment than ARC-CO) 100% benchmark yield = $4.17 per bushel Not worried about a significant yield drop 90% benchmark yield = $4.60 per bushel below the county benchmark yield 80% benchmark yield = $5.20 per bushel Want to utilize SCO Crop insurance in 2024. 70% benchmark yield = $5.95 per bushel Think that the final market year average soybean price Think that the final market year average soybean price will be below $9.26 per bushel for 2024-25 (*) will be above $9.26 per bushel for 2024-25 (*) 2023-24 USDA market year average estimate is The final market year average price was below $12.75 per bushel $9.26 per bushel in 2018 and 2019 2022-23 final market year average price is (Market year average price will likely be above $9.26 Soybeans $14.20 per bushel for 2023-24) 2021-22 final market year average price is Market year average price where ARC-CO payments $13.30 per bushel would begin at various percentages of Want price protection from $9.26 to $6.20 per bushel of county benchmark yield (estimated) (PLC has a higher maximum payment than ARC-CO) 100% benchmark yield = $9.56 per bushel Not worried about a significant yield drop 90% benchmark yield = $10.55 per bushel below the county benchmark yield 80% benchmark yield = $11.95 per bushel Want to utilize SCO Crop insurance in 2024. 70% benchmark yield = $13.70 per bushel Think that the final market year average wheat price Think that the final market year average wheat price will be below $5.50 per bushel for 2024-25 (**) will be above $5.50 per bushel for 2024-25 (**) 2023-24 USDA market year average estimate is The final market year average price was below $7.20 per bushel $5.50 per bushel or lower from 2015 to 2020 2022-23 final market year average price is (Market year average price will likely be above $5.50 $8.83 per bushel for 2023-24) Wheat 2021-22 final market year average price is Market year average price where ARC-CO payments $7.63 per bushel would begin at various percentages of Want price protection from $5.50 to $3.38 per bushel county benchmark yield (estimated) (PLC has a higher maximum payment than ARC-CO) 100% benchmark yield = $5.34 per bushel Not worried about a significant yield drop 90% benchmark yield = $5.95 per bushel below the county benchmark yield 80% benchmark yield = $6.75 per bushel Want to utilize SCO crop insurance in 2024. 70% benchmark yield = $7.55 per bushel (*) 2024-25 market year average price for corn and soybeans is calculated from Sept. 1 to May 31, 2025. (**) 2024-45 market year average price for wheat and small grains is calculated from June 1 to May 31, 2025. Reasons to choose ARC-IC (Benchmark price and yield using farm yields) FSA farm units that could have very low yields in 2024, compared to five-year (2018-22) average real market average yields. FSA farm units with potential for low yields in 2024 are in a county not likely to receive 2024 ARC-CO payments. FSA farm units with a single crop planted in 2024. Remember: All crops raised on an individual FSA farm unit are factored together for ARC-IC revenue calculations. All FSA farm units enrolled in ARC-IC in a state are calculated together for IRC-IC determination. ARC-IC payments are paid on only 65 percent of base acres, compared to 85 percent for PLC and ARC-CO. Table developed by Farm Management Analyst Kent Thiesse
THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024 THIESSE, from pg. 12 Crop base acres for 2024 will remain at the same levels as 2023 for all crops on most farms, unless there are adjustments in base acres for crop acres that were added via land purchases or rental agreements or acres that are no longer eligible for farm program payments. The farm program yields on individual farm units, which were last updated in 2020, will be continued to calculate potential Price Loss Coverage payments in 2024. The ARC-CO benchmark yields for 2024 are based on the olympic-average Risk Management Agency county average yields for the 2018 to 2022 crop years. The national market year average price for each program crop for the years 2018-2022 was averaged to calculate the 2024 benchmark price for the ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs. The calculation formulas, etc. for the 2024 Price Loss Coverage, ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs will remain the same as in previous years. Price Loss Coverage payments for 2024 will be made if the final market year average price for 2024 falls below the reference price for a given crop. ARC-CO payments for 2024 will be made if the final county revenue for the year (county yield multiplied by the final 2024 market year average price) falls below the 2024 benchmark revenue (county benchmark yield multiplied by the benchmark price) for a given crop. The calculations for the ARC-IC program are the same as for the ARC-CO program, except ARCIC uses farm-level yield data and considers all crops on a farm unit together for calculation of potential payments in a given year. Price Loss Coverage and ARC-CO payments are paid on 85 percent of crop base acres, while ARC-IC payments are paid on only 65 percent of base acres. The 2014 Farm Bill established “statutory reference prices” for all crops used to calculate Price Loss Coverage payments. The 2018 Farm Bill set the fixed statutory prices as minimum reference prices and added the possibility for “effective reference prices”. This allows the reference price to increase by as much as 15 percent above the fixed reference See THIESSE, pg. 17
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PLC and ARC-CO Farm Program Comparison Table 2024 farm program sign-up deadline is March 15
Program Details
Price Loss Coverage (PLC)
Ag Risk Coverage – County (ARC-CO)
Base Price Crop reference price Reference prices for 2024 Corn: $4.01 per bushel Soybeans: $9.26 per bushel Wheat: $5.50 per bushel
Benchmark price Higher of the reference price or the five-year Olympic average price (2018-2022 final market year average price) 2024 benchmark prices: Corn: $4.85 per bushel Soybeans: $11.12; Wheat: $6.21 per bushel
Final Price
12-month national market year average price for 2024-25 Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, 2025 for corn and soybeans June 1 to May 31, 2025 for wheat
2024-25 market year average price same as PLC Corn: $4.80 per bushel; Soybeans: $12.75 per bushel; Wheat: $7.20 per bushel
Payment Yield
Farm unit FSA program yields. The FSA program yields on Individual farm units that were last updated in 2020. 2024 – no increased yields available
County benchmark yields. Five-year (2018-2022) rolling “Olympic” average. County RMA yield (trend adjusted) Harvest yield is the final county average yield
Payment Revenue N/A
Benchmark revenue = county benchmark yield times benchmark price Revenue guarantee = county benchmark yield times 86%
Payment Acres 85% of base acres for an eligible crop. Payment Formula PLC payment per base acre Is the reference price minus the final market year average price times the FSA yield times 85%. If the final market year average price is higher than the reference price, there is no PLC payment for that crop
85% of base acres for an eligible crop. ARC-CO payment per base acre is the revenue guarantee minus final county revenue (final county yield times the final market year average price times 85%. If the final county revenue is higher than the revenue guarantee, there is no ARC-CO payment for that crop
Maximum Payment (Per crop base acre)
Reference price minus national loan rate times FSA yield times 85%
County benchmark revenue times 10% times 85%
Payment Limits
$125,000 per individual or entity. $900,000 maximum adjusted gross income on federal tax return
Same as PLC
SCO Insurance Coverage
Available up to 86% coverage Must sign up by March 15
N/A
FSA Farm Program Data and Information
Details on market year average prices, benchmark prices and yields etc. are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc
Table developed by Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst
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PAGE 14
THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
Cows are staying longer in the herd
This column was written for the marketbut milk components remain strong. ing week ending Jan. 26. “There are signs of financial pain on U.S. dairy farms, but overall supplies of fresh U.S. milk production remained below milk remain adequate. A wider view that of a year ago for the sixth consecutive however, reveals a lack of growth in the month. The U.S. Department of U.S. cow herd and, perhaps more imporAgriculture’s preliminary data for tantly, a lack of incentive to change that December pegged output at 18.84 billion trend.” pounds, down 0.3 percent from December, 2022. The top 24-state total, at 18.1 billion HighGround Dairy says, “Growth will MIELKE MARKET pounds, was off 0.1 percent. come from improved productivity and not WEEKLY a bigger herd. With the smallest herd in The November 50-state total was By Lee Mielke over four years coupled with low heifer revised down 24 million pounds from inventories, it is hard to imagine cow last month’s estimate, which put outnumbers growing much in 2024.” put down 0.7 percent from 2022, unchanged from last month’s report. Dairy cows are staying longer in The 24-state revision was down 14 the herd. The latest Livestock million pounds, down 0.6 percent. Slaughter report showed an estimated 224,700 head were sent to slaughter under federal inspection in Cow numbers totaled 9.357 million, down 1,000 December, down 5,000 from November and 41,600 from the November count which was revised 2,000 or 15.6 percent below a year ago. Culling for 2023 head lower from a month ago, and is down 39,000 totaled 3.1 million, up 28,700 or 0.9 percent from head or 0.4 percent from a year ago. The herd peaked at 9.44 million in March but is currently the 2022. smallest since June, 2020. The 24-state count was The week ending Jan. 13 saw 56,000 dairy cows go unchanged from November, which was revised up to slaughter, up 7,500 head from the previous week, 3,000 head, but was 17,000 below a year ago. but 13,900 or 19.9 percent below a year ago. Year-todate, 104,500 cows have been culled, down 29,100 or Output per cow in the 50 states averaged 2,014 pounds, up 85 pounds from November and 2 pounds 21.8 percent from a year ago. or 0.1 percent above December 2022. The 24-state The latest Dairy Outlook says the average number output averaged 2,030 pounds, up 85 pounds from of milk cows is projected to further decline in 2024 November and one pound or 0.05 percent below a in response to the relatively low margins experiyear ago. Revisions lowered November output by three pounds in both. Wisconsin production totaled 2.7 billion pounds, up 12 million or 0.5 percent from a year ago, thanks Keeping driveways, lanes, and doorways free of to a 10-pound gain per cow. Cow numbers were snow is key to you and your horse’s safety — espeunchanged. Michigan was up 0.9 percent on 7,000 cially if emergency responders need to access your more cows. Output per cow was down 15 pounds. property. Minnesota was down 1.4 percent on 5,000 fewer When piling snow, select a site that will not create cows and five pounds less per cow. Please read attached email problems during spring snow melt. The site should Unofficially, 2023 U.S. milk production totaled drain away from buildings, lanes, barnyards, dry lots 226.6 billion pounds, up 0.04 percent from 2022. The and manure piles. Keep in mind, the snow pile may Scow ALREADY ON ADwasTHE 3.417 x the ” number average down LAND 7,000 head, and melt and refreeze causing icy areas around the site. average output per cow was only up 2.3 pounds or Be aware of areas that are prone to drifting, espe0.1 percent from 2022. cially in turnout pens. Clear snow that has drifted StoneX said the report had no major surprises and over fencing, feeders or waterers. Always walk fence that milk production remains somewhat subdued; lines and check for damage or drifts after a snow-
MARKETING
enced throughout 2023. The average 2024 all-milk price is projected lower. As a result, and accounting for the most recent milk cow inventory, the national milking herd is projected to average 9.350 million head, down 10,000 from the previous forecast and output per cow was revised 50 pounds lower. USDA will issue its cattle report on Jan. 31 and will include milk cow inventory data, along with dairy replacement heifer numbers. n December dairy product stocks told a story. The USDA’s latest Cold Storage report showed Dec. 31 butter holdings at 199.5 million pounds, down 13.1 million pounds or 6.2 percent from the November inventory, which was revised down 2.8 million pounds from last month’s data. That is the steepest December drawdown since 2004, according to the Daily Dairy Report. Stocks were down 16.8 million pounds or 7.8 percent from December, 2022. American-type cheese stocks climbed to 837.8 million pounds, up 9.4 million pounds or 1.1 percent from November’s level which was revised up 2.6 million. Stocks were also up 12.5 million pounds or 1.5 percent from a year ago. The “other” cheese holdings fell to 583.7 million pounds, down 3.6 million or 0.6 percent from November, and down 12 million pounds or 2 percent from a year ago. See MIELKE, pg. 15
Have a plan for snow removal
2
storm. Excessive amounts of ice and snow can damage roofs, break truss cords, or lead to building collapse. Many agricultural buildings are built to withstand a snow load of 20 pounds per square foot or less. As a result, they could handle about six feet of dry, fluffy snow or one foot of wet, heavy snow. Signs of building damage or failure include bulging from failing knee braces, sagging roof lines, door or windows that no longer open, physical sounds of cracking and popping and roof collapse. Never enter or climb the roof of a failing building. Snow and ice storms can lead to widespread power
outages. Creating a checklist of tasks to complete ahead of winter storms can help you prepare. Check your water supply; top off water troughs and heated buckets. Consider filling spare water troughs (with a tank heater) or heated buckets. If possible, fill water buckets and keep them in your house, garage, or other insulated space where they will not freeze during a power outage. If you have a generator, make sure it is in good operating condition and has fuel. A generator can ensure you have a water supply if you rely on well water and can also power pipe-heating tape in automatic waterers to prevent them from freezing. If you do not have a generator, try insulating your water source. You can wrap it in styrofoam and enclose it with plywood. Make sure that your horses can freely access the water, but not the styrofoam. Additionally, you could stack hay or straw around water sources in lots where there are no horses. Restock first aid kits. Check and replace any expired items. Make sure you have a good, working flashlight. This article was submitted by Hannah Lochner and Kevin Janni, University of Minnesota Extension. v
THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 15
Forum: ‘We have quiet markets and a lot of uncertainty’ MIELKE, from pg. 14
particularly busy for late January. Domestic cheese demand is steady to million. Stocks were also up 12.5 million pounds or 1.5 percent from a year lighter in the West. Harsh winter weather in the northwestern parts ago. negatively impacted retail and food The “other” cheese holdings fell to 583.7 million pounds, down 3.6 million service purchasing. In some cases, storms caused transportation delays or 0.6 percent from November, and and disruptions of milk but cheese down 12 million pounds or 2 percent makers report steady production. from a year ago. Some milk was offered to cheese makThe total cheese inventory stood at ers at below Class prices. Export 1.44 billion pounds, up 5.9 million demand is steady, according to Dairy pounds or 0.4 percent from the Market News. November total, which was revised up n 2.9 million pounds, but was down 2.6 CME butter soared on the bullish million pounds or 0.2 percent from a Cold Storage report, jumping 11 cents year ago. Jan. 25 on unfilled bids and 7.25 cents StoneX says U.S. cheese is the Jan. 26 on two sales, closing at $2.76 cheapest in the world, so that should per pound. This is the highest since help to clear more exports through Nov. 8, up a whopping 21.5 cents on December and January. the week and 48.75 cents above a year Chicago Mercantile Exchange tradago. Those were the only sales for the ers had a lot to absorb this week. week. Class I demand re-entered the market The Daily Dairy Report’s Sarina as schools are back in session, says Sharp pointed out in the Jan. 19 Milk StoneX, and put upward pressure on Producers Council newsletter, “Dairy spot milk prices. “Cheese processing producers have boosted components returned to a more consistent schednoticeably. Average butterfat in U.S. ule. Milk and cream availability have milk reached an all-time high of 4.28 diverged according to the USDA with percent in November. Despite a 0.6 there being an ample cream supply but a tightening milk supply. USDA is percent setback in November milk output, the nation’s milk cows made now bringing up the question of milk availability in the second half of 2024 1.6 percent more cream than they did in November 2022.” given processing needs. The last time Butter makers tell Dairy Market we experienced a non-negative average spot load price in the fourth week News that cream availability is ample and continues to change hands at of the year was back in 2019.” below the 1.20 multiple in the Upper After dropping almost 12 cents the Midwest, and in some cases below previous week, the cheddar blocks 1.00. Churning rates are at or near closed the last Friday of January at peak capacities. Bulk butter demand $1.5375 per pound. This is up 9.25 cents, but 42.25 cents below a year ago. is unchanging week over week. Inventory levels are steady to light The barrels finished at $1.47, a but are expected to increase as hanquarter-cent higher, 8.25 cents below a dlers continue to offer notable year ago, and 6.75 cents below the amounts of cream. blocks. Sales totaled 19 block and 12 Cream continues to be readily availbarrel. able in the West though some areas Cheese plant downtime has eased, contended with downed trees, power according to Dairy Market News. Milk losses, and transportation difficulties availability changed course this week last week due to harsh weather. and prices were reported above Class Butter output is mixed, as plants work III for the first time since prior to the through cream more strongly than year-end holidays. Cheese demand anticipated. Domestic demand is ranged from stronger than typical to steady to lighter with winter storm on par with previous years. Prices are activity negatively impacting both enticing food service and retailers retail and food service purchasing. replenishing their pipelines. Retail Export demand is steady to moderate, and food service cheddar and according to Dairy Market News. American processors say orders are Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Jan.
26 at $1.22 per pound, up 4.5 cents on the week, a price not seen since Nov. 14, and 6.75 cents above a year ago. There were 10 sales reported on the week. Dry whey closed at 44.25 cents per pound, up 1.5 cents on the week, highest since April 3, and 11.5 cents above a year ago, with three sales on the week. n Many of dairy’s shakers and movers were at this week’s annual Dairy Forum in Phoenix, put on by the International Dairy Foods Association. HighGround Dairy’s Alyssa Badger reported in the Jan. 29 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast that her takeaway was, “We have some quiet markets and a lot of uncertainty.” Usually there’s a lot of business conducted in the halls, she said, but she saw little of that. Most attendees agree, “Milk will be tight in 2024 and if demand doesn’t recover, we’ll probably be stuck in a tight range but, if it does, the path of least resistance will be to the upside for commodities.” As to milk prices, Badger said it depends on which class you’re looking at. Butter feeds into Class IV, she said, and it remains to be seen whether we see a third year of a market squeeze; but, given existing fundamentals, she expects another year of strong butter prices so Class IV prices will improve in 2024.
to a consolidation in the herd, a result of poor on farm margins from high feed costs and heavier culling; but all of these factors will serve to “put a floor under milk prices for a lot of the year,” she said. n Prospects aren’t looking bright for dairy imports in China. December marked the sixth consecutive month of losses, down 10 percent from December, 2022. 2023 saw the lowest annual imports since 2018, according to HighGround Dairy, and New Zealand was particularly affected due to the lack of demand for whole milk powder that saw year-to-date imports the lowest since 2016. Looking at December, however, cheese imports totaled 33.8 million pounds, up 32.2 percent from a year ago, with year-to-date up 22.5 percent. New Zealand accounted for 60.5 percent market share in December, according to HighGround Dairy, with noteworthy gains from Australia, Denmark, and the United States. HighGround Dairy reported that 2023 marked a record for Chinese cheese imports, outpacing the prior record achieved in 2021. Skim milk powder imports fell to 40.5 million pounds, down 36.8 percent (the lowest since April 2018) with heavy losses from New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Finland.
Class III is fed by cheese primarily which is “under-valued,” she said, but “given the extra capacity coming on line, the upside on cheese is certainly limited.” The limited milk production is due
See MIELKE, pg. 17
Whey product imports totaled 123.3 million pounds, down 2.9 percent, though year-to-date were up 9.6 percent. China’s sluggish economy is keeping a lid on U.S. exports.
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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
MARKETING
Financial Focus Financial planning for grain farms: Navigating tighter margins in 2024 The beginning of the year is a time for making resolutions and goals for the future. For most grain farmers, it’s time to analyze financial results from the previous year and make decisions about operating loans and capital purchases for 2024. With grain prices decreasing BOB FOERDER from the levels seen in the past Financial Officer couple of years, many operations are facing tighter margins for Compeer Financial 2023 and are projecting a similar scenario for 2024. Coupled with higher interest rates than we have experienced in
many years, this situation will put a strain on cash flows. Here are a few thoughts on managing through the tighter margins ahead: Working capital Effective management of working capital will be
Cash Grain Markets corn/change* Stewartville $4.18 +.07 Edgerton $4.30 +.03 Jackson $4.21 +.03 Hope $4.26 +.12 Cannon Falls $4.07 +.05 Sleepy Eye $4.20 +.12 St. Cloud $4.02 +.12 Madison $4.13 +.07 Redwood Falls $4.23 +.10 Fergus Falls $3.96 +.09 Morris $4.08 +.09 Tracy $4.28 +.02 Average: $4.16 Year Ago Average: $6.63
soybeans/change* $11.44 $11.50 $11.56 $11.47 $11.41 $11.56 $11.45 $11.39 $11.61 $11.31 $11.49 $11.38
+.07 +.04 -.09 +.01 -.04 +.06 +.06 -.08 +.07 +.01 -.03 -.08
$11.47 $14.75
Grain prices are effective cash close on Jan. 30. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.
key over the next couple of years as we scale down expenses to align with current revenue projections. When deciding on capital purchases for 2024, consider the impact on working capital. Financing purchases may be more prudent to minimize the impact on cash flow and spread the cost over a few years. Equipment loans typically have lower rates than operating financing. During periods of declining margins, it’s not the time to risk running short of cash. Consider depreciation in capital purchase financing When deciding how to finance a piece of equipment, consider how you plan to handle depreciation. Matching the loan term to depreciation term is generally preferred to avoid potential tax problems in the future. Operating loans Dedicate some time to developing a cash flow projection and profit and loss statement before making operating loan decisions for the year. This will assist in correctly sizing your line of credit, providing both you and your lender an understanding of what to expect for the year. It will also offer targets to manage toward and aid in the development of a grain marketing plan. Spending time on upfront planning is a crucial step toward a successful year and can help you avoid any undue stress from cash flow shortfalls, especially as we head into a more challenging management period. v
Farm transition and estate workshop scheduled
Answers located in Classified Section
University of Minnesota Extension will provide a workshop on farm transition and estate planning on Feb. 29 at 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Preston, Minn. The workshop is free and includes lunch. It will be held at the Fillmore County Office Building, Room 108, 902 Houston St. NW in Preston. The workshop covers farm goal setting; business structures; farm operation and management succession ideas; as well as estate planning and retirement; family communicating; and additional farm transition educational resources. All farm family members working through a farm transition now or in the future should plan to attend. The resources and information shared during this workshop will benefit all generations and farm types. To learn more and to register for the workshop, visit https://z.umn.edu/farmtransition. This article was submitted by Katie Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension. v
THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 17
Higher benchmark prices make decisions challenging THIESSE, from pg. 13 years (not including the current marketing year), dropping the high and the low price, and then averaging the other prices for the other three years. For the 2024 crop year, the Olympic average price is based on the market year average prices for the years 2018 to 2022, which is then multiplied by 85 percent to determine the final reference price. The final effective reference prices for the 2019 to 2023 crop years were at the minimum statutory levels of $3.70 per bushel for corn, $8.40 per bushel for soybeans, and $5.50 per bushel for wheat; meaning that calculation for higher reference prices was not triggered for any of those three crops. Market year average prices have been high enough in recent years to likely result in higher 2024 Price Loss Coverage reference prices for corn and soybeans. However, the wheat reference price will likely remain at the minimum level. The higher reference prices for corn and soybeans potentially increases the likelihood of Price Loss Coverage payments for the 2024 crop year, especially for corn if average market prices continue to decline during the 202425 marketing year. Key points to remember The 2024 reference prices for the Price Loss Coverage program are: corn = $4.01 per bushel ($3.70 per bushel in 2023); soybeans = $9.26 per bushel ($8.40 per bushel in 2023); and wheat = $5.50 per bushel (same as 2023). The ARC-CO and ARC-IC benchmark prices for 2024 are: corn = $4.85 per bushel ($3.98 per bushel in 2023); soybeans = $11.12 per bushel ($9.57 per
bushel in 2023); and wheat = $6.21 per bushel ($5.50 per bushel in 2023) Final 2024 market year average prices for corn and soybeans will be calculated from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, 2024. As a result, the current trends in crop prices may not necessarily impact final 2024 farm program payments. Final 2024 market year average prices for wheat and other small grains will be calculated from June 1 to May 31, 2025. Calculation formulas for the Price Loss Coverage and ARC-CO programs are as follows: Price Loss Coverage payment per crop base acre is calculated by taking the 2024 reference price minus the 2024 market year average price; and multiplying that number by program yield and reducing that number 85 percent. (If the final 2024 market year average price is higher than the reference price, there is no Price Loss Coverage payment.) ARC-CO benchmark revenue guarantee per acre is the county benchmark yield multiplied by the benchmark price times 86 percent. Final 2024 ARC-CO revenue per acre is determined by taking the final 2024 county yield multiplied by the final 2024 market year average price. ARC-CO payment per base acre is the benchmark revenue guarantee minus the 2024 final revenue. Multiply that number by 85 percent. (If the final revenue is higher than the benchmark revenue, there is no 2024 ARC-CO payment.) For official information on Price Loss Coverage and ARC-CO programs, and other farm program details, go to the FSA farm program website at www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc. For a listing of 2024
benchmark yields for all crops, refer to https://www. fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/arcplc_program/ arcplc-program-data/index. Some good farm program web-based decision tools to assist producers come out of North Dakota State University (https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/farmmanagement/farm-bill); Kansas State University (http:// www.agmanager.info/ag-policy/2018-farm-bill; and the University of Illinois FarmDoc website (https:// farmdoc.illinois.edu/). I have prepared an information sheet listing key points regarding the 2024 farm decision for corn, soybeans and wheat for the 2024 crop year. The details from the “Cheat Sheet” is included in the tables accompanying this column. Bottom line: Another provision in the 2018 Farm Bill which will be carried over for the 2024 farm program allows farm operators to make year-to-year decisions between Price Loss Coverage, ARC-CO and ARC-IC for each eligible crop on an FSA farm unit. The higher Price Loss Coverage reference prices for corn and soybeans and increasing benchmark prices for corn, soybeans, and wheat will make the 2024 farm program decision a bit more challenging than in recent years. Farm operators are encouraged to use 2024 farm program calculators to do a bit more analysis before finalizing the 2024 farm program decisions for various crops. Kent Thiesse is a government farm programs analyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 726-2137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com. v
Africa through July. The Federal Milk Marketing Order hearing that started in late summer has resumed. Geoff Vanden Heuvel, Director of Regulatory and Economic Affairs for California’s Milk Producers Council, wrote in the Jan. 19 newsletter, “Most of the witnesses were testifying on behalf of the Milk Innovation Group represented by well-known dairy attorney Chip English. MIG’s membership includes about a dozen dairy processors.”
Hearing Proposal #20 by MIG is to lower the Class I differential in all 3,108 counties of the United States by $1.60 per hundredweight. VandenHeuvel’s report is detailed and too important to condense. Download it at https://www.milkproducerscouncil.org/. 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
MIELKE, from pg. 16 China imported 20.5 million pounds of butter, up 1.9 percent, but down 8.7 percent year-to-date. StoneX says, “We should see a spike in imports for January as the tariff on whole milk powder and skim milk powder from New Zealand dropped to zero.” n Meanwhile, the second Global Dairy Trade Pulse of 2024 saw 4.2 million pounds of product sold, down from 4.4 million on Jan. 9. HighGround Dairy reported that 95.2 percent of the total offered was sold. “There was 20 metric tons more of instant whole milk powder and 1 metric ton more of regular whole milk powder sold vs. the last GDT Pulse auction. Ninety-six metric tons less of skim milk powder on offer was sold this auction.” Cooperatives Working Together members accepted 39 offers of export assistance this week that helped capture sales of 3.2 million pounds of American cheese and 353,000 pounds of whole milk powder. The product is going to customers in Asia, Central America, the Caribbean and Middle East-North
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www.thelandonline.com —”Where Farm and Family Meet”
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. TRACTORS NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader On Order NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders On Order NEW NH 25S Workmasters ...….......…. On Hand NEW Massey Tractors ........................... On Hand NEW Massey 4710 w/loader ….......... OnHand 3-New Massey GC1725 …….................. On Hand ’16 Massey 4608 rops w/loader …............. $36,900 ’21 NH T7.260 ……….............………… $164,000 ’18 NH T4.75 w/loader .............................. $49,900 ’12 NH T9.560 2200hrs ……..........…… $239,000 IH 666 nice …….................................……. $8,900 Oliver 1850 w/loader ………………….….. $9,750 Ford 5000 …………...........................……. $6,500
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WANTED: Land & farms. I Alfalfa, mixed hay grass SILO have clients looking for hay & wheat straw. Take-down & clean up Medium squares or round dairy, & cash grain operaSpecializing in silos bales. Delivery available. tions, as well as bare land in congested areas. Call or text LeRoy Ose parcels from 40-1000 acres. FULLY INSURED 218-689-6675 Both for relocation & investmobile concrete ments. If you have even crushing. thought about selling con- Alfalfa grass mixed, large/ 507-236-9446 small squares, no rain, nice tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Land Specialist, Edina Re- and green. North Mankato. Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. 100% financing w/no liens or alty, 138 Main St. W., New 507-380-9374 red tape, call Steve at FairPrague, MN 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn. fax Ag for an appointment. Produces more high quali- 888-830-7757 (612)328-4506 ty silage on less acres than hybrid. $67/bushel plus shipping. High feed value grain. Farm Equipment Auctions borriesopenpollinatedseedcorn.com 217-857-3377 FOR SALE: 2014 JD 612C Sell Your Real Estate-Zero or 217-343-4962 cornhead w\ corn stompers, Commission. Call Ray at been through shop, $47,000. 507-339-1272 Fertilizer FOR SALE: 2015 8816 White & Chemical planter, liq fert attachment, Antiques & low acres, $49,000. Collectibles Gen Liberty totes, $18.95; 320-221-3789 Glyphosate 5.4 totes, $14.95; FOR SALE: DeLaval SeparaEnlist 1 totes, $45.80; Sure- FOR SALE: Rock Box off CIH tor #18 stored inside. start II $45.75; Metolachlor 96 Series & Magnum front For Sale: Thrash machines. totes, $25.50/pkg $26.95. All wheel drive tractors, like For Sale: Blow Torches. tote prices include free de- new, $200. Ernie Puncochar For Sale: Cigar Boxes. livery to most everywhere. 320-282-2117 Maple Lake MN 320-299-4743 Please call or text for any FOR SALE: 480 x 42” duals, other chemical needs. Looking for something special? hub fits 3 5/8” axle. 25 shank Phone 612-210-3685 Put a line ad in The Land and find it! JD 1610 flat fold chisel plow. Call The Land today! 507-380-9374 Please recycle this magazine. 507-345-4523
• 5/8” drum roller wall thickness • 42” drum diameter wall thickness • 4”x8” frame tubing 3/8” thick • Auto fold
MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS
FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!
GREENWALD FARM CENTER Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177 14 miles So. of Sauk Centre
THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024 Farm Equipment We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910 Sell your farm equipment in The Land with a line ad. 507-345-4523
Tractors
PAGE 19
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Wanted
Miscellaneous
All kinds of New & Used farm PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS equipment - disc chisels, field New pumps & parts on hand. cults, planters, soil finishers, Call Minnesota’s largest discornheads, feed mills, discs, tributor balers, haybines, etc. 507HJ Olson & Company 438-9782 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336
LAND AUCTION
Miscellaneous REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073
WANTED TO BUY: Allis Chalmers 7020 & 7045 tractors. 507-647-2122
One-Chance Sealed Bid Auction Property Located Along Maynard Lake 16.42 Estimated FSA/Eff. Crop Acres Buildable Acreage Site with Abundant Wildlife
Livestock
FOR SALE: 1950 John Deere model A tractor w/ a good 45 loader, hyd pump on gove- FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ nor, chains on rear tires. Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred 507-447-2237 (Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790 NEW AND USED TRACTOR PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, Swine 55, 50 Series & newer tractors, AC-all models, Large Inventory, We ship! Mark FOR SALE: Yorkshire, HampHeitman Tractor Salvage shire, Duroc, cross bred 715-673-4829 . boars, and gilts. Top quality. r Excellent herd health. No PRSS. Delivery available. Tillage Equip . 320-760-0365
FOR SALE: 2 Remlinger Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Spike harrows off 870 Case Boars & Gilts available. IH disk ripper, 7 shank and Monthly PRRS and PEDV. 11 shank, both rebuilt. Case Delivery available. Steve C IH 496 disc, 24’ 10” very nice. Resler. 507-456-7746 , 507-276-5733 . e ,
WANTED
DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE
Hertz Farm Management, Inc.
507-345-LAND (5263)
WWW.HERTZ.AG
151 St. Andrews Court #1310, Mankato MN 56001
Answers for Lunar New Year Word Search
LAND
AUCTION
78.77 AC± | 2 TRACTS MEEKER CO, MN AUCTION:
We pay top dollar for your damaged grain. We are experienced handlers of , your wet, dry, burnt and mixed grains. k Trucks and vacs available. . Immediate response anywhere.
LIVE AND ONLINE AT RANCHANDFARMAUCTIONS.COM AUCTION DATE: 2/29/24 AUCTION TIME: 10:00 AM AUCTION LOCATION: DASSEL CITY HALL / COMMUNITY ROOM 460 3RD STREET N, DASSEL, MN 55325
CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY
IN COOPERATION WITH WHITETAIL PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE, LLC
H t e r
PRUESS ELEV., INC. 1-800-828-6642
GREG GRACZYK, AGENT: 320.420.5196 R A N C H A N D FA R M AU C T I O N S .CO M IN COOPERATION WITH WHITETAIL PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE LLC (40316821) Jeff Evans, Minnesota Broker, License # 40316820 | Joe Gizdic, Director, Ranch & Farm Auctions, 217.299.0332 Greg Graczyk, Minnesota Land Specialist for Whitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC, 320.420.5196
HAVE AN UPCOMING AUCTION? For the best results place your auction ad in The Land! Talk to your auctioneer or our friendly staff. 507-345-4523 or email: theland@thelandonline.com
PAGE 20
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AUCTION
Viewing available at Kerkhoff Auction Monday - Friday 8 am - 4 pm.
PAGE 21
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
Live & Online Real Estate Auction For 560 Acres Dodge Co. MN The Gartner siblings have decided to sell their family farm, after the passing of their Father & Mother at public auction.
Auction Location: 930 Red Wing Ave., Kenyon, MN 55946 (Maring Auction Building)
Friday February 23, 2024 • 10:00am Load Out Wednesday, February 14th and Thursday, February 15th • 9 am - 3 pm
For Complete Details And Online Bidding Go To www.hmauction.com
LEONARD MALECEK ESTATE - OWNER ME
M BER
1500 E. Bridge Street Redwood Falls, MN 56283 Office - 507-644-8433 Doug Kerkhoff - 507-829-6859 Zac Kerkhoff - 507-829-3924
WWW.KERKHOFFAUCTION.COM
~ Parcel 1 ~ ~ 155+/- Acres of Prime Class A Crop Land, in NW 1/4 Of Sec. 2 Claremont Twp., Dodge Co., MN~ • PID# 09.002.0400, Zoned Ag, Taxes for 2023 $8,120.00 • 155+/- Acres of bare land • 148.42 Acres of tillable crop land • Pattern Drain Tile in place, Approx 60,000+ feet • Crop Productivity Index, 85.4 weighted average • Very productive farm that lays excellent, long rows with excellent soils. Contiguous with Parcel 2 • Will be sold by the acre, 154 x Dollar Amount bid ~ Parcel 2 ~ ~ 40+/- Acres of Prime Class A Crop Land, In SE 1/4 of NE 1/4 Of Sec. 3 Claremont Twp., Dodge Co., MN ~ • PID# 09.003.0100, Zoned Ag, Taxes for 2023 $1,900.43 • 40+/- Acres of bare land • 39.64 Acres of tillable crop land • Pattern Drain Tile in place, Approx 21,000+ feet • Crop Productivity Index, 85.2 weighted average • Very productive farm that lays excellent with excellent soils. Contiguous with Parcel 1 • Will be sold by the acre, 40 x Dollar Amount bid ~ Parcel 4 ~ ~ 76.59+/- Acres of Prime Class A Crop Land In E 1/2 Of NE 1/4 Of Sec. 10 Claremont Twp., Dodge Co., MN ~ • PID# 09.010.0201, Zoned Ag, Taxes for 2023 $3,470.24 • 76.59 +/- Acres of bare land • 71 +/- Acres of tillable crop land • Drain Tile in place, Approx 10,000+ feet • Crop Productivity Index, 87.8 weighted average • Very productive farm that lays excellent, long rows with excellent soils. Contiguous with Parcel 3 • Will be sold by the acre, 76.59 x Dollar Amount bid
~ Parcel 6 ~ ~ 5+/- Acre Building Site In Sec. 2 Claremont Twp Dodge Co., MN~ • PID# 09.002.0400, Taxes To Be Determined After Split Is Recorded • Area: 5+/- Acres, Just Surveyed • Address: 14344 585th Street (Co. Rd. 20) Claremont, MN 55924 • Uninhabitable older house, other old out buildings, untested old well, non-conforming septic system, new buyer will be responsible for replacing or removing outdated well or septic system. • Great location to build a dream home on hard surfaced road ~ Parcel 5 ~ ~ 114+/- Acres of Prime Class A Crop Land, In E 1/2 of SW 1/4 of Sec. 12 and NE 1/4 of NW 1/4 Sec. 13 Claremont Twp., Dodge Co., MN ~ • PID# 09.012.0600 & 09.013.0300, Zoned Ag, Taxes for 2023 $4,497.04 • 114 +/- Acres of bare land • 92.9 +/- Acres of tillable crop land • Drain Tile in place, Approx 42,000+ feet • Crop Productivity Index, 87.8 weighted average • Good crop land with long rows, good hunting & recreational land on the south side of parcel with many acres of MN State land adjacent to this parcels • Will be sold by the acre, 114 x Dollar Amount bid ~ Parcel 7 ~ ~ 5+/- Acre Building Site In Sec. 12 Claremont Twp, Dodge Co., MN ~ • PID# 09.012.0600, Taxes To Be Determined After Split Is Recorded • Area: 5+/- Acres, Just Surveyed • Address: 15XXX 595th Street (Co. Rd. G) Claremont, MN 55924 • Build a new homestead on this parcel • Mature trees, old out buildings, untested old well, new buyer will be responsible for replacing or removing outdated well or septic system.
~ Parcel 3 ~ ~ 160+/- Acres of Prime Class A Crop Land In SE 1/4 Of Sec. 3 Claremont Twp., Dodge Co., MN ~ • PID# 09.003.0400, Zoned Ag, Taxes for 2023 $7,117.60 • 160+/- Acres of bare land • 152+/- Acres of tillable crop land • Pattern Drain Tile in place, Approx 30,000+ feet • Crop Productivity Index, 94.1 weighted average • Very productive farm that lays excellent, long rows with excellent soils. Is contiguous with Parcel 4 • Will be sold by the acre, 160 x Dollar Amount bid Special Note: All bidders and buyers are encouraged to inspect all property which you might be interested in purchasing at auction. If suitable to drive on with a 4WD/ATV vehicle or walk across, you have permission to do so but not to damage or harm the property in anyway. Watch for signage to know which parcels you are inspecting. View full terms online or call or an informational packet www.hmauction.com or 507-789-54210. Broker: Maring Auction Co. LLC Lic# 40868838 Gartner Family Farms, sellers Hamilton-Maring Auction Group Maring Auction Co. LLC. PO Box 37, Kenyon, MN 55946 507-789-5421 or 800-801-4502 Matt Maring Lic# 25-28 507-951-8354 Kevin Maring Lic# 25-70 507-271-6280 Adam Engen Lic# 25-93 507-213-0647 Andrew Hamilton Lic# 50-128 507-438-6693 Broker: Maring Auction Co. LLC, Lic# 40868838
PAGE 22
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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
Talk to your auctioneer or call our friendly staff at 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 to place your auction in The Land – or visit us at www.thelandonline.com
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PAGE 23
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ADVERTISER LISTING Agricultural Utilization Research Institute ..................................................6 Beck's Hybrids ...........................................................................................1 Blue Horizon Energy ................................................................. Cover Wrap C & C Roofing ...........................................................................................4 Carson Forsberg .........................................................................................6 Fladeboe Land .........................................................................................21 Grain Millers .............................................................................................9 Greenwald Farm Center ............................................................................ 18 Greenway Seeds .........................................................................................3 Hertz Farm Management .........................................................................19 Kannegiesser Truck Sales .........................................................................13 Kerkhoff Auction and Real Estate .............................................................21 Landproz .................................................................................................22 Letcher Farm Supply, Inc. ........................................................................12 Mages Land Company & Auction Service .................................................22 Maring Auction ........................................................................................21 Mathiowetz Construction .......................................................................... 11 Mike's Collision & Repair Center ...............................................................7 Northland Buildings, Inc. .........................................................................14 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ................................................................................19 Pumps Motor & Bearings LLC ...................................................................8 Ranch & Farm Auctions ...........................................................................19 Rush River Steel & Trim ............................................................................4 Schlauderaff Implement Co. .......................................................................5 Schweiss Doors ........................................................................................19 Smiths Mill Implement .............................................................................18 SnirtStopper .............................................................................................15 Spring Creeks Cattle Company ................................................................17 Wealth Enhancement Group ......................................................................10 Weight Watchers ......................................................................................17 507-345-4523 • 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 — FEBRUARY 2, 2024
This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Managing Editor Paul Malchow.
One last walk in the park
B
ack Roads has always tried to point out places which might be of interest to our readers. The Upper Sioux Agency State Park near Granite Falls, Minn. is one of those places … but you’ll have to hurry. On Feb. 16, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will close the park to the public. Nature lovers and fans of Minnesota history have received great enjoyment from the 1,300-acre park. Located on a point where the Yellow Medicine River meets the Minnesota River, the land had sacred meaning to the native residents long before settlers invaded the territory. In 1851, as pressure to open up the Dakota homeland to white settlement grew, the government engineered the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux. This treaty removed the Dakota from Iowa and Minnesota to a 20-mile-wide reservation along the upper Minnesota River. This reservation stretched from Big Stone Lake to Fort Ridgely and the Yellow Medicine Agency was established to oversee it. The Agency was a federal government complex that
was to provide the Dakota with the money, food and supplies owed to them under treaties. But the payments were rarely paid and were instead siphoned off by traders and others. Deteriorating conditions led to the Dakota conflict of 1862, during which the agency buildings were destroyed. Foundations of the buildings remain today, and the employee duplex was restored and looms over the prairie in the park.
Yellow Medicine County
Though the Agency state park drew considerably fewer visitors annually than most of Minnesota’s state parks, it features many trails and interesting information on the Agency during that time period. The Upper Sioux Community has had a longstanding request to the state to return the land. The return of the land to the Upper Sioux Community was directed by the Minnesota Legislature in the 2023 session, with support from the Minnesota Department of N a t u r a l Resources. The park will close to visitors by 8 a.m. on Feb. 16. Once closed, there will be no public access to the park, and no services will be available. Gates will be closed, facilities including restrooms will be locked, informational and wayfinding signs will be removed, and trails will not be maintained. The official transfer of the property is expected to take place in March. Additional details about what this closure means for park visitors are available on the Upper Sioux Agency State Park land transfer webpage (mndnr.gov/usasp-transfer). v
Page 4 - February 2, 2024
THE LAND, Advertising Supplement
February 2, 2024
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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement
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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement
February 2, 2024
© 2024
(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001