The Land - February 16, 2024

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The Central Minnesota Farm Show is coming to St. Cloud; St. Peter store has everyone feeling a little Swedish; Final crop insurance thoughts ... and more!

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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

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418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLVIII ❖ No. 4 28 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Deep Roots Kitchen Classics Healthcare Focus Farm Programs Calendar of Events Talent in the GreenSeam Mielke Market Weekly Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

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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.

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If you haven’t been in a Van Winkle Agriculture-related issues are always sleep state, you are all quite aware that front-and-center in these parts during an 2024 is a big election year — both election year. The current state of Farm nationally and state-wide.

Bill legislation adds an extra layer to the festivities.

While the Minnesota legislative session is barely a week old, the Iowa legislature Just about every farm organization has been hard at work since Jan. 8. If under the sun has its governmental wish you think Iowans are more eager to govlist. On Feb. 5 I received an email from ern than Minnesotans, keep in mind the Minnesota Farmers Union which LAND MINDS Iowa’s 2024 session wraps up on April 16 shared the organization’s priorities for while Minnesota’s house and senate the 2024 legislative session. I share this

By Paul Malchow only because many of these priorities remain at work until May 20. are shared across the agriculture specNationally, Iowa has already weighed trum.

It is also interesting (and a little in on the presidential election with its depressing) these issues were deemed Republican caucus on Jan. 15. Former President vital in the 2016 election … and the 2018 election Donald Trump received a little over half of the votes cast and 20 delegates. The remaining half was close- … and the 2020 election … and the — well, you get the idea. ly contested between Ron DeSantis (21.2 percent Health care — Farmers have been fighting the and nine delegates) and Nikki Haley (19.1 percent health insurance battle on their own — leading to and eight delegates). A week later, DeSantis suspended his bid for the presidency, endorsing Trump the creation of organizations like 40 Square Cooperative Solutions where farmers pool resources as the Republican’s candidate. to bring down the cost of coverage.

Minnesota’s presidential primary voting is curIn the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers authorently underway. Ballots will be counted on March rized the MinnesotaCare public option which allows 5. farmers and small business owners to buy into the The Land has already received letters to the edicomprehensive coverage provided to lower income tor pertaining to the presidential race and I expect more will be coming. As always, we welcome letters Minnesotans as part of the state’s Basic Health from our readers and will strive to print as many as Plan. The public option won’t take effect until 2027 and MFU feels action is needed this session to possible. However, I would like to pass on some ensure the option can be implemented, kept affordguidelines to keep in mind when authoring a letter able and stable over the long term. to The Land. Like it or not, I get a large say as to Competitive markets — In theory, reducing agriwhat letters get published. The farther letter writers stray from these guidelines, the less your chanc- culture’s reliance on fewer and fewer market options makes a lot of sense. The more competition, es are of seeing your letter in print. the better the chances for farmers to choose what Character assassinations of candidates are not works best for their operations. Unfortunately, big going to get you very far. Character assassinations seed and chemical companies keep swallowing up of fellow letter writers will fare worse. Public figthe smaller fish. Cooperatives keep merging or disures are fair game for criticism, but hurling insults at private citizens is another matter. Disagree with appearing altogether.

MFU has gone on record stating big, multinational letters published all you want, but it stops with name calling and a failure to recognize another per- companies increase prices with impunity, which contributes to inflation and makes it harder for small son’s right to an opinion. businesses, workers, farmers and consumers. “MFU Being that The Land is an agriculture-based pubis working to strengthen Minnesota’s antitrust laws, lication, I of course prefer letters which deal with adopt an ‘abuse of dominance’ standard that would farm issues — and there are plenty to choose from. allow the Attorney General’s office to act against If you’re going to write about abortion or the turcompanies who unfairly abuse their market power moil in the Middle East, tread carefully. I’m a big and prohibit price discrimination that undermines proponent of religious (or lack thereof) freedom.

Supposedly, God loves us all. Let’s keep it that way. local retailers,” the organization states.

The devil is in the details. How does one reel in I also encourage letter writers to be brief and to the power of an Archer Daniels Midland or Bayer the point. This practice enables The Land to print while still ensuring a smooth supply chain needed more letters and improves the odds of your letter to produce next year’s crop? making it to print.

Right to Repair — Another issue which is mired in Of course, The Land’s regular “Letters to the enforceable muck. Last session, Minnesota lawmakEditor” rules remain in effect: All letters must be accompanied with a phone number so we can verify ers passed a comprehensive Right to Repair law. the author. We never publish your phone number or Oops! The legislature exempted farm equipment.

Can law create a competitive market for repair? home address, but we like to print the town in See LAND MINDS, pg. 16 which you live.

OPINION

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

At what level of ‘do something’ should agriculture begin to clean up nitrates?

For at least the past decade, reportWorse than even those truly staggering ed The New Lede last September, “a amounts, we know that “as much as 70 growing number of peer-reviewed medical percent of the nitrogen applied to farmstudies have linked exposure to nitrates land… leaked off fields and drained toxic in drinking water to elevated incidences nitrates into the region’s waters.” of cancer.”

Again, we’ve known this since at least As the environmental news service 2015 when, in a high profile lawsuit, the clearly states, this news isn’t exactly Des Moines Water Works sued several news. drainage districts upstream of its key FARM & FOOD FILE water source, the Racoon River, for conFor years researchers, public health taminating its water with dangerous levBy Alan Guebert officials, and environmental watchdog els of nitrates for its 500,000 customers. groups have been warning local leaders and state lawmakers that Big Ag’s The fight turned ugly when Iowa’s growing dependency on chemical “crop then-Gov. Terry Branstad, a committed science” and CAFO-based livestock and poultry pro- warrior for Big Ag, called the lawsuit an act of “war duction was increasing nitrate levels in both rural on rural Iowa.” The sound bite was Grade A baloand urban wells to health-impacting levels. ney; but it hit its mark. Since the suit was dismissed in 2017, no public agency has attempted to Warning after warning, however, went unheeded bring Big Ag to heel over its growing role in nitrate — despite huge increases in nitrogen and, in turn, pollution. nitrate pollution across corn and livestock country.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “...

And that can’t be dismissed as just some legal nitrogen applied to corn has increased 120 million weakness or lack of evidence. pounds annually since 2000,” The New Lede notes, But a Feb. 1 followup story on nitrate contaminawhile “the amount of nitrogen-rich and untreated tion by The New Lede (the reporting arm of the nonliquid and solid manure… most of it in the profit, non-partisan group that most farmers love to Midwest… grew to 1.4 billion tons by 2018…”

OPINION

hate, the Environmental Working Group), noted, “lawmakers and public health officials in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska are pursuing… new strategies at reducing the risks” nitrate pollution poses to “human health presented by ongoing farm-related contamination.”

The reason is simple, says University of Nebraska researcher Eleanor Rogan, chair of the Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health at its Medical Center: “‘It’s pretty obvious that in the areas where levels of nitrates and other agrichemicals in water are higher, you get more pediatric cancers and birth defects.’”

And, she adds, “‘So that sort of tells you maybe you should do something...’”

In Nebraska, that something largely turns out to be $2.5 million to fund researchers “in part with identifying and controlling the sources of cancer in the state’s children.”

The reason for the new state funds is equally obvious: Nebraska has a “high rate of birth defects and pediatric cancers in areas where groundwater is contaminated with nitrates and atrazine, a weed killer.”

See GUEBERT, pg. 8

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Prayer journal records landmarks of faith and devotion dimly lit milk house were During my time working as an artificial inseminathousands of entries which tion technician, I had the dated back to the 1910s. opportunity to visit hunThe entries included dreds of different dairy and dates of first cuttings of beef farms across hay, corn planting dates, Minnesota and Wisconsin. yield data, calvings, dates Some farms I visited were when the herd bull was commercial, with thousands released for work, breeding of cattle; others were momdates, temperature highs and-pop style, with only a and lows, snow and rainfall few head. There were some totals, and anything else DEEP ROOTS newly-constructed barns, that the farmers thought

By Whitney Nesse some retrofitted barns, and was significant enough to some that had not changed write down. Some of the earliest since they were erected in the 1900’s. entries, primarily written in pencil, The record-keeping styles were very had faded over the years and were similar. Some kept records on comput- hardly legible. Many of the newer ers, some kept records in notebooks, entries were written in ink, but nearly and others kept records by writing on all of them were written in cursive, the wall of the silo room or milk which is becoming a lost art. house.

If my memory serves me well, I only My favorite style of record-keeping had the opportunity to visit that parwas those written in pencil on an inte- ticular farm once. Still, I took extra rior wall of the barn. I can particular- time, reading as many entries as posly recall one barn in central Minnesota sible. Many other farms had the same where I bred dairy cows. Inside a very record-keeping style. I always found

Letter: Warm temperatures are nothing new To the Editor, Last night, while reading an article in the February 2024 issue of The Farmer entitled, “1877-78: ‘The year without winter,’” written by Mark Seeley, Extension professor emeritus of meteorology and climatology at the University of Minnesota, I decided I had to write a letter to the editor. In this report, Seeley says that the winter of 1877-78 is still the warmest winter in 148 years of record keeping.

My thoughts are: What did humans do to cause this warming? What could possibly produce this extreme weather anyway? Just like in the present, exactly nothing. It is called “weather.”

On July 29, 1917, it got up to 115 degrees in Moorhead, Minn. Rochester, Minn. recorded 114 degrees on July 6, 1936. In Steele, N.D. it reached 121 degrees in July 1936 which made it the warmest month ever recorded.

This occurred before cars and trucks were commonplace and farmers still used horses. How can this be?

The hoax started out with “Global

Cooling.” The New York Times wrote in the 1970’s that the earth was cooling due to the burning of fossil fuels. Then when temperatures went the other way instead, they switched their agenda to “Global Warming” (you guessed it — with the burning of fossil fuels blamed as the culprit.)

John Kerry, Al Gore, and Obama enjoy all the benefits of fossil fuels with their private jets and mansions on the beach, but they don’t want us to drive gas powered cars. Why? Because it gives us the freedom to go where we want. With electric cars, freedoms are limited.

Our president and our governor are behind this electric car movement, even though the public is against it.

What these liberals don’t understand is that the temperatures have fluctuated since God created this beautiful earth.

Elections have consequences.

Michael Thiesse Ceylon, Minn.

myself lingering, reading the entries, and imagining the days gone by. Those barn walls serve as historical markers, preserving pieces of history which provided the very foundation of the farms where they stand. The log entries also stood as wisdom for their successors to reflect on.

This year, I started a record-keeping log of my very own in the form of a prayer journal. Typically, I do not keep a journal, so this is very new for me. But I began reflecting on my experiences from days gone by, how I have seen the faithfulness of God throughout my life. I want those written reminders of things I deemed significant and have become the foundations of my faith.

The book of Proverbs serves as lessons in practical wisdom for the reader. Proverbs 3:3-6 reads, “Do not let

truth and mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding” (New English Translation).

I do not foresee myself donning my journal as a necklace. However, I do wish to continue keeping a record of God’s truth and mercy by way of logging it in a prayer journal. Maybe someday, someone else will linger over my journal entries and see them as landmarks in my journey with Christ.

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

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Candy cane season over? Try these peppermint recipes Ziplock bag and bash with a rolling pin. Mix the If winter has a flavor, I suggest it is crushed cookies with melted butter. Press into the peppermint. (Summer tastes like Orange bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. I like Crush soda, but that’s a column for to use the bottom of a glass cup for this. Place in the another season.) fridge as you make the filling.

Across most of The Land’s distribution For the Candy Cane pie filling: area, we haven’t had much of a winter.

In a large bowl beat the cream cheese and powNonetheless, the icy, fresh taste of pepdered sugar together until soft. Add the red food colpermint is our subject this month. oring until you get the color that you desire. Fold in Peppermint is actually a cross of waterKITCHEN the first container of the cool whip, followed by 1/2 mint and spearmint and its leaves are CLASSICS cup of the crushed peppermint candy canes. Spoon most often processed for essential oil and By Diane Lochner the filling into the pie crust and smooth the top. Top flavorings. Outside of the kitchen, you’ll with the other container of cool whip and the remainfind peppermint spicing up things like toothpaste, ing crushed candy canes. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at soap and gum. You can use a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a dryer sheet or wool dryer ball least an hour before serving. to give your sheets and towels a fresh minty, wintry Variations: Instead of making the crust, you can use a store-bought Oreo scent. crust.

Candy Cane Pie Sprinkles — Add festive sprinkles to the top of the pie. www.DessertsOnaDime.com Use a graham cracker crust instead — This pie recipe is also Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperadelicious with a graham cracker crust instead of an Oreo crust. ture so you do not have any lumps in your pie filling.

Either work great in this easy recipe.

For the crust: You can add white chocolate chips on top if you prefer.

25 Oreo cookies (wafer and filling) 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted You can use crushed peppermints instead of candy canes if desired.

For the Filling: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Easy Peppermint Fudge 3/4 cup powdered sugar The Pioneer Woman (www.thepioneerwoman.com/) Red food coloring 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 2 tubs of thawed Cool Whip 8 whole peppermint candies, crushed 3/4 cup of peppermint candy, crushed Line a 8-by-8-inch pan with foil and smooth the surface. Spray For the Oreo crust: Crush the Oreo cookies in a food processor or place them in a the foil with nonstick spray.

In a double boiler over medium heat, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat until melted, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir until smooth, then immediately pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula to smooth the surface, then sprinkle on the crushed peppermints. Refrigerate for WEBINAR 2 hours, then cut into small squares.

The Fundamentals of On-farm Anaerobic Digestion

Gluten-free Easy Peppermint Bark

www.Healthygffamily.com 1 12-ounce bag of dark chocolate chips 2 4.4-ounce bars of white chocolate 12 peppermint candy canes or equivalent of other hard peppermint candies Line a half-size baking sheet (approximately 10x15 inches) with parchment paper.

Use a double boiler to melt the dark chocolate chips, stirring frequently and letting the chocolate melt slowly until smooth. If on high heat, they may overcook and burn. Spread the melted dark chocolate onto a metal baking sheet; then let it cool outside or in the freezer.

In the meantime, melt the white chocolate the same way, on low heat with frequent stirring. When melted, pour and spread on top of the dark chocolate later.

Crush your peppermint candy (in a zipper-lock bag with a rolling pin seems to be the easiest method). Sprinkle the crush candy on the warm white chocolate layer, and gently press it in.

Let cool and set for at least an hour, then break into pieces.

Candy Cane Snack Mix Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in a cool place.

Midwest Living Confidential to Norcross: No garlic in these!

7 cups unsalted popped popcorn (Be sure to remove any unpopped Diane Lochner is a librarian and home cook, living kernels) on a century farm in southern Minnesota. Reach her 3 cups holiday-shaped pretzels (trees, stars, bells) or small pretzel at 507bookcook@gmail.com. v twists

Letters to the editor are always welcome.

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2 cups lightly salted dry-roasted cashews or honey-roasted peanuts 1-1/4 pounds vanilla-flavored candy coating (aka almond bark), coarsely chopped 1 cup finely crushed peppermint sticks, candy canes or other hard peppermint candies In a shallow roasting pan, combine popcorn, pretzels and cashews. Set aside.

In a heavy medium saucepan, heat candy coating over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

(You can also microwave the candy coating in a microwave-safe 4-cup glass measure on 100 percent power (high) for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring after every minute until melted and smooth. Remove from microwave.) Stir in 1/2 cup of the crushed candy. Pour melted mixture over popcorn mixture. Stir gently to coat.

Spread onto a large piece of foil or parchment paper. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup crushed candy. Cool and break into pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Serving Family-Style in the St. Mary’s School Cafeteria. $16.00

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.

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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A balanced diet supplies all the vitamins you need On the other hand, some vitamins are The role of vitamins and other nutriwell tolerated when taken beyond the ents in health is interesting, complex and body’s needs. Vitamin C, which occurs often misunderstood. Last month, my column addressed water and some of the naturally in many foods, particularly citfacts as well as misunderstandings about rus fruit, is simply excreted in the urine its role in health. This month, I thought when taken to excess. it would be interesting to address the I know an individual who erroneously issue of vitamins. decided he would be healthier if he Except for vitamin D, all our other vitaincreased his intake of carrots. He began HEALTHCARE mins come from our food. Vitamin D can to turn carrots into carrot juice and FOCUS be produced in our skin with exposure to drank a lot of it. After a few weeks, he

By Mark Brakke sunlight; or it can come from some foods, began to turn orange as a result of the such as liver and oily fish, which have gradual accumulation of the chemical significant vitamin D content. which makes carrots orange. He had carotenemia.

Fortunately, this problem resolves itself when the A vitamin is defined as an organic molecule excess carotene intake stops. which, in small amounts, is essential for an organisms survival. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerIf your diet is well balanced and you do not have als, essential fatty acids and essential amino acids any unusual genetic/metabolic defects, there is no are all part of a good diet; but are not sufficient for value in taking excess vitamins in pill form. A balhuman survival without vitamins. anced diet provides plenty of all the vitamins necessary for good health. (I should mention an imporAlthough the presence of essential dietary factors tant qualifier here. Adequate folate — vitamin B9 was long recognized (even though their exact nature — is essential for normal fetal development. Not all was not understood), vitamins were not specifically modern diets have adequate folate, so a supplement discovered until vitamin A was identified in 1913.

Between 1913 and 1948, 13 vitamins were discovered. is recommended for women who are considering pregnancy or are pregnant. The diet should have The naming of the vitamins is a bit quirky. For 400 to 800 micrograms of folate per day starting example, there are eight B vitamins! I do not have from 30 days prior to becoming pregnant.) space today to explain why there are eight B vitamins, but only one A, one C etc.

A common misperception is that vitamins are a bit like money, ie more is better. This is definitely not true.

An excess of some vitamins can be damaging to one’s health and even fatal! Vitamin A in excess can cause a variety of problems including liver damage, brain dysfunction and birth defects. Excess vitamin D can also cause severe health problems.

There’s still time to renew your subscription to

What is a proper diet? Although this subject can be looked at in a very detailed and scientific way, for most of us there are some basic rules which get the job done. Have fruits or vegetables with every meal.

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Have whole grains rather than highly processed grains. Drink water rather than sugary drinks. Avoid alcohol when pregnant or attempting pregnancy. Learn to eat what your body needs, not everything available (i.e. avoid excess calories).

Many people have a metabolism which worked well in the past when there were long periods of food shortage. People ate what they could when food was available so they could survive when food was in short supply. These days, that approach means many become overweight. Is fat in the diet bad? In modest amounts, fat is just fine. A bit of fat in the diet actually helps us feel full more quickly.

A bit of meal planning is essential. The biggest problem in US diets is a lack of vegetables and fruit start your meal planning with a decision on the vegetable and fruit portion.

Conclusion? A well balanced diet will get you all the essential vitamins and nutrients you require. If you want to take a belt and suspenders approach, it is safe to take a basic multivitamin pill. Taking larger doses of vitamins than the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends will not make you healthier and can make you sick.

If there is a topic you would like to see addressed in this column let us know.

Wishing you all good health.

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

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

‘It’s just living’ — Minnesota farmer offers a glimpse of life on and off the farm

By LAURA COLE The Land Staff Writer Having grown up in the fields alongside his father and grandfather, Parker Revier is now approaching his third growing season alongside his girlfriend, Gabrielle Carmichael. Together they were selected for the state of Minnesota to participate in the ASA Corteva Young Leaders Program. “She’s learning farming right alongside me, so that’s been a lot of fun,” Revier stated.

The couple farms land in Renville, Sibley and Stevens counties, growing soybeans, corn, and canning crops for Seneca Foods. Carmichael has a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, and Revier, a 2017 graduate of Creighton University, received a degree in Energy Technology.

Born without his left arm, Revier is Parker Revier a congenital below-elbow amputee.

“Growing up on a farm, I was not treated differently. If I said I couldn’t do something, my grandpa would make darn sure that I could do it on my own.

I don’t use a prosthetic for anything on the farm. I’m able to operate machinery, drive truck and do everything just like anyone else. I think being born without the arm, you just get used to adapting – and I don’t even view it as adapting; it’s just living.”

When discussing what obstacles beginning farmers are faced with, Revier stated, “A big barrier to entry for beginning farmers is how capital intense agriculture is whether it be livestock or row cropping,” said Revier. He feels that having a strong support team is the first step in crossing that barrier of entry.

Revier joined his local corn and soybean growers association in Renville County, and became a board member. “Other local farmers in the area have been great support for me taking that next step,” he remarked. He stated it was one of his fellow board members that encouraged him to sign up for the Young Leader Program.

Photos submitted

Parker Revier (third from left) posed with participants of the American Soybean Association and Corteva Agriscience Young Leader program. The program, which is supported by the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, is dedicated to training industry leaders to create a better future for farmers.

Now in its 40th year, Revier stated it’s a great program to teach leaders how to be strong advocates for the soybean industry. The program consists of two phases. The first event was held in Johnston, Iowa where Corteva Agriscience’s global business center is located. The couple was able to meet with growers from all over the country including Arkansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Iowa. Next, they’ll be attending the Commodity Classic. Stemming from the program participation, Revier shared he also has become a director for the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.

Along with farming, Revier is also an agricultural and commerical lender at HomeTown bank in Olivia, Minn. “I have to say it — a good ag lender can be a

Minn. rep wants ‘polluters-pay’ surcharge GUEBERT, from pg. 4 An Iowa state legislator, Democrat Austin Baeth, “an internal medicine specialist from Des Moines,” explains The New Lede, is leading a statehouse effort “to figure out the key drivers of our cancer rate,” the second highest in the nation.

One Minnesota state rep, Democrat Rick Hansen, has a different approach than his nitrate-rich neighbors. Hanson wants a “polluters-pay,” $1-per-ton surcharge on in-state sales of commercial fertilizers to fund cleanup of rural and community water sources impacted by nitrogen overuse.

good tool to use to help you in the beginning,” he remarked.

Programs of benefit that Revier referenced for beginning farmers and ranchers are the Farm Service Agency’s direct loan funding opportunities and guaranteed loan programs.

Revier noted that while there’s been a lot of talk of interest rates going lower, what he has seen is that they’re steady. “Steady is okay; it’s easy to plan with steady interest rates at the moment,” he commented.

In regards to the U.S. Department of Agriculture anticipating an increase in soybean acres planted and a decrease in corn this year, Revier hasn’t yet determined his own 2024 crop ratio — though he can foresee the possibility he may be heavier in soybeans.

“As a farmer, I will grow what the market demands,” Revier stated. “Market price here in the next few months will be the big driving factor on what I’ll be growing this year.”

Revier also added his decision is made after he knows the guaranteed minimum revenue protection based off his crop insurance.

Even with a full schedule, Revier finds time for another passion — ice hockey. He mentioned this is really the only instance he utilizes a prosthetic.

Having played the sport since he was in first grade, he currently suits up as goalie for the national standing amputee ice hockey team.

Revier joined the USA adult team when he was 14 years old and has competed in many places, including Canada and Finland. Once a year, his team travels to a different location in the United States for friendly competition with Warrior hockey teams — a program through USA Hockey for injured and disabled U.S. military veterans. Last year, he stated the tournament was held in St. Louis, Mo. “It’s a good way for our team to stay active and play against good competition. The Warrior program is quite impressive – the numbers that they have and the turnout they have in each city,” Revier said.

While Revier commented standing ice hockey is not yet a Paralympic sport, he is hopeful one day it will be. He stated he enjoys having the opportunity to spend time with others sharing a common interest. A value, it seems, that’s also proven beneficial in occupation team. He is pictured in uniform and in life. v with his girlfriend Gabby.

It’s just one good idea that serves notice that nitrate contamination of rural — and, increasingly, downstream urban and suburban — water sources is a deadly, here-and-now problem and yesterday’s denials and today’s delays won’t be suffered silently by a now better informed, increasingly endangered public.

The Farm and Food File is published weekly Revier’s free-time passion is through the United States and Canada. Past colplaying goalie for the national umns, events and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v standing amputee ice hockey

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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

PAGE 9

The time to make crop insurance decisions is near

the same as for Yield Protection policies. $599.25 per acre and a harvested crop value of $555 During the next few weeks, many farm per acre, the indemnity payment of an RP policy operators will be finalizing their crop All RP and RPE prices are based on would be $24.25 per acre. RPE indemnity payment insurance decisions for the 2024 crop Chicago Board of Trade futures prices, would be $36.25 per acre. year. March 15 is the deadline to purand not cash prices. chase crop insurance for the 2024 crop If the coverage level in the previous example is The higher of the base price or the haryear. decreased to 75 percent, the revenue guarantee is vest price is used to calculate revenue decreased to $528.75. Assuming a harvested crop The 2024 Spring prices for corn and guarantee per acre for RP policies; and value of $555.00 per acre, and a premium cost of soybean are likely to be reduced substanthe harvest price is used to determine tially from the base price levels last year. the harvested crop value for RP and RPE $5.00 per acre for RP and $3.00 per acre for RPE, the resulting net indemnity payments would be However, there still should be some favor- FARM PROGRAMS policies. zero. able crop insurance guarantees again this

By Kent Thiesse Many Midwest corn and soybean year at reasonable premium costs.

Soybean loss example #2 (harvest price higher producers have exercised the opporthan base price) — For an 85 percent RP or RPE Producers have several crop insurtunity to utilize trend-adjusted actuinsurance policy (enterprise units): 60 bushels per ance policy options to choose from, al production history yield endorseacre actual production history; CBOT Spring base including yield-only and revenue ment, which has proven to be quite favorable in price of $11.75 per bushel; RP premium $25.00 per protection policies, SCO and ECO policies, and other recent years. acre; RPE premium $13.00 per acre. With a CBOT private insurance options.

For corn, the Spring base price for RP and RPE harvest price of $13 per bushel, and a harvest yield Yield Protection policies policies is the average settlement price for of 45 bushels per acre, the revenue guarantee of Yield Protection policies provide protection from December CBOT corn futures during the month of $663 (RP) and $599.25 (RPE) per acre and a haryield losses only. The price guarantee for Yield February. The harvest price for RP and RPE policies vested crop value of $585 per acre, the net indemniProtection policies for corn is the average settleis the average settlement price for December CBOT ty payment of an RP policy would be $53 per acre. ment price for December Chicago Board of Trade corn futures in October during the year of harvest, RPE indemnity payment would be $1.25 per acre. corn futures in February, and for soybeans is the which may be used to set the guarantee for RP The scenario in Example #2 really comes into play average price for November soybean futures in polies, but not RPE policies. in a year with a national yield reduction from a February.

The harvest price maximum guarantee for RP is major drought or other causes, which usually Producers may select coverage ranging from 50 to limited to the base price times 200 percent. For results in a sharp increase in grain prices during 85 percent of the actual production history or “prov- example, a $4.75 per bushel base price would carry the growing season. This situation can result in a en yield” to arrive at a yield guarantee. For exama maximum guarantee of $9.50 per bushel. There wide discrepancy in crop insurance indemnity payple, soybeans with an actual production history of are no restrictions regarding downside price movements between RP and RPE policies, which has 60 bushels per acre at 85 percent coverage would ment. resulted in most producers choosing RP policies in carry a 51 bushel-per-acre guarantee. recent years. Many areas are facing the potential of For soybeans, the Spring base price for RP and Replant and prevented planting coverage apply to RPE policies is the average settlement price for drought for the 2024 crop year, which could result Yield Protection policies. in reduced crop yields in some locations and potenNovember soybean futures during the month of tially higher prices. This could possibly result in a February. harvest price for RP and RPE policies is “Net” indemnity payments are calculated by subcrop insurance scenario with RP and RPE coverage the average settlement price for November CBOT tracting the harvest yield on a farm unit from the that would be similar to corn in 2022 and both corn soybean futures in October during the year of haryield guarantee. Multiply that number times the Yield Protection market price minus the crop insur- vest, which may be used to set the guarantee for RP and soybeans in 2021. polies, but for RPE. ance premium. Using the above example for soyThe question producers should ask is, “Are you beans, a 45 bushel-per-acre harvest yield would be willing take on theemail risk of a situation similar to AD COPY INSTRUCTIONS Pleasetoread attached The harvest price maximum guarantee for RP is subtracted from the 51 bushel-per-acre guarantee. this example, just to save a few dollars in premium limited to the base price times 200 percent. For These six bushels per acre are then multiplied by example, a $11.75 per bushel base price would carry cost?” the CBOT futures price. If the CBOT price were CODEper AND REPThere NAMES ALREADY ON AD THE LAND 3.417 x ” a maximum guarantee of $23.50 bushel.

Historical harvest prices $11.75 per bushel, the indemnity payment (excludare no restrictions regarding downside price movefor corn and soybeans ing premiums) would be $70.50 per acre. ment.

An analysis for the past 17 years (2007-2023) Revenue Protection policies 2024 Yield Protection, RP and RPE crop insurance shows the final crop insurance harvest price for The revenue protection (RP) and revenue protecSpring base prices will be finalized on March 1. The See THIESSE, pg. 19 tion with harvest price exclusion (RPE) insurance estimated 2024 Spring base prices (as of Feb. 9) are policies function essentially in the same manner, $4.76 per bushel for corn and $11.74 per bushel for except the guarantees on RP policies increase if the soybeans. harvest price exceeds the base price; while RPE polComparing the results of similar RP to RPE icies are locked-in at the base price. crop insurance policies Most corn and soybean producers utilize RP poliSoybean loss example #1 (harvest price lower than cies for the upward price protection. However, in base price) — For an 85 percent RP or RPE insuryears of declining prices, the RPE policies can offer ance policy (enterprise units): 60 bushels per acre good protection at a lower premium cost. actual production history; CBOT Spring base price of $11.75 per bushel; RP premium $25.00 per acre; The yield guarantee (actual production history), farm unit determinations, insurance coverage selec- RPE premium $13.00 per acre. With a CBOT harvest price of $11 per bushel, and a harvest yield of tions (50 to 85 percent), replant, and prevented 50 bushels per acre, the revenue guarantee of planting coverage, etc. for RP and RPE policies are

MARKETING

2

PAGE 10

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

MFU offering grants for cooperatives ST. PAUL — The application period is now open for the Minnesota Farmers Union Foundation “Cooperatives for Climate” grant program.

The pilot grant program aims to support cooperatives that are organizing in response to climaterelated challenges and opportunities.

“Cooperative development is a foundational principle of Minnesota Farmers Union, and we are proud to be assisting a new generation of cooperative leaders,” said MFU Foundation President Gary Wertish. “Early Farmers Union members organized themselves into cooperatives to give themselves more opportunities in the marketplace. Today’s cooperative founders are following in their footsteps by organizing cooperatives to meet the need for sustainability solutions.”

The grant application period through March 15. A total of $90,000 is available.

Grants can be used for technical assistance and business development for established or newly formed farmer cooperatives. Projects should have a clear connection to climate adaptation and resilience.

Find the grant application and additional details online at www.mfu.org.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Farmers Union. v

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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. 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 — Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo — Norwood Young America, Minn. — The event includes a trade show, educational sessions, as well as an opportunity to attend a Beef Quality Assurance Certification training. Contact Colleen Carlson at traxl042@umn.edu or (507) 521-3640.

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: 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. 21 — I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar — Online — This webinar will feature a review of research on heat stress in dairy calves with Dr. Jimena Laporta from the University of WisconsinMadison. Contact Fred Hall (Iowa) at (712) 737-4230 or Jim Salfer (Minnesota) at (320) 203-6093.

Wednesdays, Feb. 21 – March 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 and Topics: 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. 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.

Feb. 29 — Farm Transition and Estate Planning Workshop — Preston, 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. For more information, contact your local Extension educator.

March 4 — PFI’s Midwest Covers and 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.

March 14-16 — North American Farm and Power Show - Owatonna, Minn. — This free exposition features a variety of vendors and organizations on display. Educational seminars are held March 14 and 15.

For details, visit www.tradexpos.com.

March 21 — Gardener’s Gala — Litchfield, Minn.

— The annual event hosted by the Meeker County Extension Master Gardeners will include sessions on the core of growing apples in Minnesota and creating a drought-tolerant home landscape. Contact the Meeker County Extension office at (320) 693-5275.

April 9 — 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.

April 17–19 — PEAK 2024 — Minneapolis, Minn.

— This poultry-focused trade show will have exhibits and opportunities for education and networking. For more information, email info@midwestpoultry.com or call (763) 284-6763.

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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

PAGE 11

Retaining a meaningful workforce in SW Minnesota

Proportion of individuals

The need for a larger people moved fairly Year 5. This coincides with the decrease people from one year to the next, but labor force in southreliably through at in the percentage of individuals attend- the group’s share of the total, about 15 west Minnesota is at a least one and up to five ing post-secondary, suggesting that percent, stays remarkably steady. peak, and employers categories or “states” of students are graduating from college These may be stay-at-home parents, are looking for strateworkforce participation and entering the workforce elsewhere self-employed individuals, or people gies that keep local after graduating from in Minnesota as much as they are in who for one reason or another are high school and college high school: southwest Minnesota. unable to work full time. graduates in the region.

Meaningful workThe percentage of individuals withThe percentage of individuals who do For decades, the ecoforce participation, out meaningful workforce participation not have a Minnesota employment TALENT nomic development Southwest — The indiremains consistent from Year 1 to Year record and are not attending a postIN THE GREENSEAM narrative about southvidual worked 1,000- 11. These are not necessarily the same secondary school grows steadily after

By Kelly Asche west Minnesota has plus hours for a high school graduation, to 36 and Marnie Werner been, “How do we bring single employer Percent share by year(s) after graduating high school percent by Year 11. So, they are ‘better’ jobs (i.e., better in southwest either in Minnesota but not paying jobs requiring higher skills) to Minnesota over the calendar working or are working somethe region?” In the last 10 years, well year. where outside the state. before the pandemic, however, that For employers and economic Meaningful workforce particinarrative has been turned on its head. pation, Minnesota — The indidevelopment professionals, this Ask anyone in the southwest Minnesota vidual worked 1,000-plus hours information all leads to the next economy about the job outlook, and for a single employer located in questions: What factors are playyou’ll likely get the same answer: Minnesota but not in southwest, ing a role in shaping these pat“Plentiful.” And these are not low- over the calendar year. terns? What factors might skilled, part-time jobs or summer jobs increase the percentage of indiAttending post-secondary worked between college semesters. The viduals who have meaningful demand for labor across all skills and schooling — The individual is Years after graduating high school workforce participation in the attending post-secondary school educational backgrounds is the highest region?

Figure 2: The proportion of students that fall into one of the it’s ever been. No matter where you go, anywhere that year.

We analyzed over 40 different you’ll find ads for job openings; or, in Not meaningful — The indi- workforce participation states for each year after they graduworst-case scenarios, signs stating that vidual is working anywhere in ated high school. Data: Minnesota Office of Higher Education See GREENSEAM, pg. 12 hours of operation or services have Minnesota but does not meet the - SLEDS been cut due to staffing shortages. “meaningful employment” criteria and is not attending post-secondary Research region school.

No Minnesota employment record 2024 NON-GMO FOOD-GRADE — This one can mean one of three SOYBEAN PRODUCTION things: the individual is working but not in Minnesota; the person is working in Minnesota but is a federal employee (MN DEED doesn’t have Inside research region Outside research region access to those employment data); or the person is in Minnesota but not • Choose from many great Non-GMO working and is not attending post-secondary in any of these cases. There is Soybean Varieties Figure 1: The cohort used were all from simply no record of their employment the very Southwest corner of the state.

• Excellent premiums paid over the CBOT in the state that year.

Figure 2 shows the percentage of Because of this situation, economic individuals in each employment state developers in the region are looking at each year after high school graduation.

For more information, contact: multiple strategies to grow the labor It reveals some important trends. force. One of these strategies is to The percentage of individuals Craig Tomera, Identity Preserved Crop Specialist increase high school graduate retenengaged in meaningful workforce partion. Figure 1 illustrates our analysis of Office: 952.983.1289 | Cell: 507.279.4496 | craigtomera@grainmillers.com 38,000 southwestern Minnesota high ticipation in southwest Minnesota school graduates from 2008 to 2019. It grows quickly, from 12 percent of the shows that high school experiences cohort in Year 1 (the first year after lead to a higher likeliness they will high school graduation) to 23 percent stay in the region or return to it after by Year 5. However, growth stalls out I T ’ S M O R E T H A N A P A R T N E R S H I P. after that. high school for a full-time job.

I T ’ S O U R Promise .

The percentage of individuals who The five “states” of meaningful grainmillers.com | 800.328.5188 have meaningful workforce participaworkforce participation While analyzing the data, we found tion in Minnesota but not southwest grows slowly at first, but balloons by

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PAGE 12

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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

Southwest graduates drawn out of state to other schools

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Out of state

Minnesota outside Southwest

SW

Out of state

Some college

No college

Minnesota outside Southwest

Southwest

Proportion of high school grads

Some college

No college

Proportion of individuals with meaningful workforce in SW

more engaged an individual was with GREENSEAM, from pg. 11 Post-secondary location career and technical education, the more variables to determine whether they A significantly larger percentage of individuals who graduated from a college in Southlikely they had meaningful workforce were related to any of the workforce par- west had meaningful workforce participation in Southwest five years after high school participation in the region; graduated ticipation states. And although there is a from a college in the region, and/or earned 43% lot of nuance in the actual results, the 40% an associate degree. following takeaways are the factors that rose to the top as the most important.

Planning for advanced degrees increase the odds for having meaningful work30% Main Takeaways force participation outside southwest.

29% Staying local is important to southwest 27% 27% Individuals who took the ACT and/or had labor force needs. Figure 2 shows that 43 higher Minnesota Comprehensive 24% percent of the southwest students who 20% Assessment test scores were more likely went on to graduate from a college locatto have meaningful workforce participaed in the region had meaningful worktion in Minnesota, but outside the force participation in the region five 10% Southwest region; graduate from a colyears after high school. This is signifilege in Minnesota, but outside the southcantly higher than the individuals who west region, and/or earn a bachelor’s graduated from college outside the region 0% degree. or did not graduate from college.

College location Border state competition is taking nonSouthwest’s limited college options create a disadvantage. The plethora of col- Figure 3: Forty-three percent of the southwest students that graduated from a college located college grads and college grads. lege options sitting across the state’s in the region had meaningful workforce participation in the region five years after graduat- Individuals with no Minnesota employing high school. Data: Minnesota Office of Higher Education - SLEDS ment record five to 10 years after graduborder and outside the region’s boundaries creates significant competition for the small number of Percent by college grad location colleges located within south- The percentage of Southwest high schoolers who graduate from a college located in west. Due to this, only 12 the region is significantly lower than other options. percent of the high schoolers 30% graduate from a college in the region, compared to 14 27% 25% 22% percent who graduate from a 20% college out-of-state, and 22 percent who graduate from 14% another college in Minnesota 12% 10% (Figure 3) Career and technical education and other programs 0% that promote awareness of College location local career opportunities benefit regional workforce growth. Being engaged in Figure 4: Only 12 percent of Southwest high schoolers graduate from a college located in the region. Data: Minnesota Office of Higher Education – SLEDS career and technical education impacted both the likelihood of students’ workforce participation state after ating high school were significantly more likely to high school as well as their post-secondary path. The have taken zero career and technical education programming, never attended college, or graduated from a college out of state.

Although our analysis did not include employment MINNESOTA’S LOW PRICED AG CHEMICAL DEALER records outside of Minnesota, our rough estimates indicate that the southwest region loses 20 percent of its high school graduates to border states.

Why leave if opportunities are available?

As our results show, the southwest region is still Chemicals ~ Fertilizers ~ Seeds battling the pattern of young people preparing themselves in high school to leave the region (i.e. higher ll for current Chemical prices ACT and MCA scores). Yet the shift in the job market brings to question why our rural areas continue to experience out-migration of young people if there isn’t necessarily more opportunity outside of their region, comparatively. The following results indicate Serving Minnesota Farmers Herbicide Needs since 1950!

See GREENSEAM, pg. 16

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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

PAGE 13

Central Minnesota Farm Show is Feb. 27 and 28 Since opening its doors over five decades ago, the Central Minnesota Farm Show has been a popular community event. This year’s edition takes place Feb. 27 and 28 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, Minn.

The free event takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 27 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 28. Visitors to the show can look for special product offers, entertainment, and educational opportunities from a variety of professional exhibi-

tors. 30-minute presentations take will lead a session on estate planning. place on the hour.

Olander is the Executive Director of AgCentric and also Four keynote oversees strategic seminars are also agricultural partscheduled. On Feb. nerships at Central 27 at 10 a.m., a Lakes College as a farm panel will conDean of Agricultural duct a presentation Studies. Cross is an on cybersecurity. At attorney with the 1 p.m. that same Rinke Noonan law day, Keith Olander firm. and Bethany Cross

Central Minnesota Farm Show

EXHIBITORS A

A.M. Maus and Son and LINEX of St. Cloud........A321, A410 Adam Tabberson - Farm Bureau Financial Services........A508, A600 ADM Fertilizer....................... A309 Advanced Ag Products.......... A714 Ag Tech Drainage........A202-A203 Agri Spray Drones............... B1034 Agri-Dynamics, LLC.............. A212 AgroValley Solutions............. A103 All Energy Solar.................... B812 Alloy Insurance..................... A427 Ameribuilt Buildings, Inc...... A425 American Door Works........... B835 American Family Insurance Ehlinger and Associates, Inc..A102 American Family Insurance Peichel and Associates......... A422 American National Insurance....................B914-B916

Central Minnesota Farm Show

American Pressure........................... A715-A716 AMPI........................................................... A713 AMPS Inc.................................................... A314 Anez Consulting, Inc................................... A509 Arnold’s of St. Cloud........................ B922-B925, B1000-B1003 Arnzen Construction Inc....................B932-B933, B1010-B1011 Auto Value Parts Store................................ A601 Avon Lime.................................................. A002 AzTech Ag................................................... A109

B

Base Camp Leasing.................................... A104 Batteries Plus Bulbs.................................... A007 Beaudry Oil and Propane............................ A712

Exhibit Hall

Beck’s Hybrids..................................B830, B909 Benton County American Dairy Association.B901 Big Gain Inc................................................ B822 Big Iron..................................................... B1025 Bioret Agri........................................ A421, A498 Bongards Creameries................................. B801 Boomerang Marine and Sports......... A302-A303 Boss Supply, Inc............................... B807-B809 Brandon Communications........................... A500 Byron Seeds............................................... A602

C

Catholic United Financial Center................. A317 Centra Sota Cooperative..........A112, A200-A201 Central Minnesota Mental Health Center..... A101 Continued on next page

On Feb. 28 at 10 a.m., Lucas Sjostrom, executive director of Minnesota Milk and part-owner of Redhead Creamery will present “Making Milk Into An Experience with Cheese and Spirits.”

As the executive director of Minnesota Milk, Sjostrom advocates for the dairy industry at the State Capitol and serves as the spokesperson for the organization as well as liaison to its many volunteer committees. At 1 p.m., Dane and Jill Haubenschild take the stage with “Family History and Mission with Haubenschild Farms.”

Haubenschild Farms is a 1,600-acre, family owned and operated dairy farm near Princeton, Minn. Sustainable and environmentally friendly, the farm is home to 2,500 dairy cattle and operated by a three-generation family.

Haubenschild Family Farms has been awarded the Commissioner’s Good Farm Neighbor Award and the National Dairy Quality Award for their product and operations.

While exploring the show’s extensive exhibit hall, visitors can enjoy free coffee and donuts from 9 to 11 a.m., and cookies and milk from 2 to 3 p.m.

More information on the Central Minnesota Farm show can be found at www. stcloudareachamber.com/programs/networking-specialevents/farm-show/. v

PAGE 14

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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

Central Minnesota Farm Show

EXHIBITORS continued

Central MN Pressure Washers LLC.............. A426 Century Builders............................... A706-A707 Champion Solar........................................ B1020 Channel (Gold Country)............................. B1022 Community Land Solutions, Inc................... B811 Compeer Financial............................B821, B900 Complete Grain Systems, Inc............ B803-B804 Country Acres/Benton Ag.......................... B1033

Crop Fertility Services....................... B836-B837 Cutco.......................................................... A012

Farm Bureau Financial Services Tom Rockis................................................. B908 Farm-Rite Equipment of St. Cloud..... A311-A313, D A400-A402 Dairyland Supply........... A612-A617, A700-A705 Farmers & Merchants State Bank............... A429 Dooley’s Petroleum..................................... B814 Feed Stuff Bagging..................................... B828 Dynamic Homes, LLC.................................. A106 Finken Water Treatment, Plumbing, Heating E and Cooling................................................ A214 EASYFIX USA.................................... A114-A115 G Edward Jones............................................. A301 Gilman Co-op Creamery...................B827, B906 Everlast Industry............................... B934-B935 Granite Electronics /

F

Falcon National Bank........................B838, B917

West Central Communications.................... A217 Growers Mineral, Corp................................ A510

H

Hanson Silo Company.... A516-A518, A608-A610 Hartung Sales............B936-B938, B1014-B1016 Healinglife.................................................. A404 Heartland Builders Co............................... B1012 Hotsy Minnesota....................................... B1013 Hydro Engineering...................................... A502

K KASM - AM and KDDG - FM Radio.............. A001 Kitchen Club............................................... A403

L

Lake Henry Implement, Inc............... A407-A409 LeafFilter Gutter Protection......................... A405 Legacy Seeds............................................. B824 Legend Seeds, Inc.......................... A003 - A004 LG Seeds.................................................... B810 Lifestyle Lumber......................................... A719 Litzau Farm Drainage..................... A005 - A006 Lumber One Avon and Cold Spring............. B829

M

Magnifi Financial........................................ A319 MCC Ag Solutions....................................... B802 Midwest Machinery Co..................... A307-A308 Mies Outland.................................... A219-A220 Mimbach Fleet Supply................................ A110 Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality I Certification Program.................................. B822 Isaacson Sales and Service, Inc........ B831-B833, Minnesota Farmers Union........................... B823 B910-B912 MN Tarp and Liner..........................B931, B1009 J Momentum Truck Group...................A513-A515, Jenn Kerfeld Photography........................... A010 A605-A607 Continued on next page Jordan Ag Supply............................. A221, A310

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Central Minnesota Farm Show

EXHIBITORS continued

Mustang Seeds........................................... B902

N

Nelson Sanitation and Rental, Inc................ B813 Nelson’s Agri Structures.............................. A009 Northern Plains Airseeder Repair................ A213 Northland Buildings.................................... A318 NutraDrip Irrigation Systems/Netafim........ B1031

O

O’Reilly Auto Parts...................................... A108 OK Tire Stores, Inc............................ A211, A300 Osakis Silo Repair....................................... A406

P

Peterson Farms Seed...................... A603 - A604 Power Lodge.................................... A215-A216 PowerLift Doors by French Manufacturing, Inc................ A122, A210 PSI Powerwashers, Inc................................ A316 Puck Enterprises......................................... A320

R

R & S Tire Service............................ A511-A512 Rahn’s Oil and Propane............................ B1006

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

PAGE 15

RAM Buildings.......................................... B1019 RDO Equipment Co........................... A423-A424 Real-Tuff, Inc.................................... A717-A718 Rejuv Medical............................................. A506 Renewal By Andersen................................. A113 Renk Seed.................................................. A499 River Power and Equipment.............. A621-A622, A709-A710 Roof Maxx.................................................. A105 Royal Renovations.................................... B1032 Royalton Lumber, Inc.................................. A304

S

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Government aid: One size does not fit all LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 Can law guarantee farmers and independent repair technicians have access to the parts, tools and diagnostic equipment needed to fix farm equipment? I’ve heard many farmers call for less government involvement in running their operations. Yet it seems that government involvement is exactly what they are looking for. MFU calls for continued support of ag research (specifically the Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation (AGRI) program), a strong Department of Agriculture, and adequate funding for the Board of Animal Health — all government programs.

Climate resilience — Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it. Isolated extreme weather events can devastate one farm’s growing season and leave a neighbor untouched.

And those events seem to happen with more frequency. These incidents point to a changing climate.

Is this year’s mild winter an anomaly or a trend?

Will it be too late when we find out which it is? How do we reverse a trend? Does it come to a point where government dictates farming practices?

So farmers walk the line between an independent way of life and a reliance on government for assistance with the above issues and many other challenges. As much as we would like, one size does not fit all. In matters of legislation and government regulation, there will always be losers and winners.

When you put pen to paper to write The Land a letter, try to keep that in mind.

Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land.

He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com. v

Job narrative is based on 1970s beliefs GREENSEAM, from pg. 12 that a student’s knowledge and connection to the local opportunities play a role (i.e. CTE engagement).

Much of our education system is built on a historic framework that prepared the “brightest” for a future which provided higher paying opportunities outside of their rural area. And even though the job market has shifted, these educational frameworks have not

fully adjusted, nor has the narrative surrounding local opportunities.

To change a student’s perception of their local opportunities, it takes a full-court press from the region. There are just so many factors which shape a student’s beliefs about the opportunities available to them, their preferences in a place to live and work, and their own self-belief in their own skills. Even this limited list shows the breadth and depth of factors that economic developers are working with and against.

Just having a “regional job fair” will likely not be enough to influence or change a student’s perception of the region long-term because of all the many relationships and actors that might be providing a different narrative — a narrative based on 1970s experiences and beliefs. This is why it’s important to understand what paths and plans a student is engaging in and to constantly make them aware of the local opportunities. It’s not about changing all their minds, but there is definitely room to increase the number of young people who stay locally for their education and career.

More information can be found in our report, “Changing the story on careers in rural Minnesota,” located online at www.ruralmn.org/finding-work-orfinding-workers-pt-4/.

Kelly Asche is the senior researcher and Marnie Werner is vice president of research and operations for the Center for Rural Policy and Development based in St. Peter, Minn. v

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

PAGE 17

Retail cheddar movement is sluggish, butter is better This column was written for the marketing week ending Feb. 9.

You’ll recall December milk production was down 0.3 percent from a year ago; but the December Dairy Products report shows that plenty of milk found its way to the cheese vat and the butter churn.

December U.S. cheese production totaled 1.21 billion pounds, up 4.4 percent from November, and 0.9 percent above December, 2022. Output for all of 2023 amounted to 14.1 billion pounds, up 0.3 percent from 2022.

Wisconsin produced 300.4 million pounds of December’s total, up 2.9 percent from November and 0.6 percent above a year ago. California contributed 214.6 million pounds, up 2.1 percent from November and 2.7 percent above a year ago. Idaho, with 88.8 million, was up 15.6 percent from November and 2.6 percent above a year ago. New Mexico, at 89.8 million, was up 17.7 percent from November and 7.7 percent above a year ago.

Italian cheese totaled 509.5 million pounds, up 4.9 percent from November and 0.3 percent above a year ago. 2023 output, at 5.9 billion pounds, was down 0.7 percent from 2022.

American output hit 488.1 million pounds, up 5.9 percent from November and 0.5 percent above a year ago. The total for the year was 5.7 billion pounds, up 1.4 percent.

Mozzarella totaled 403.6 million pounds, up 1 percent from a year ago, with 4.6 billion pounds being produced in the year, off 0.1 percent from 2022.

Cheddar output shot up to 336.5 million pounds, up 22.2 million pounds or 7.1 percent from November output, which was revised down 8.3 million pounds, and was down 6.7 million or 2 percent from a year ago. Cheddar output for the year totaled just under 4.0 billion pounds, up 0.6 percent from 2022.

Butter production climbed to 196.3 million pounds, up a hefty 30.5 million pounds or 18.4 percent from November, and up 8.3 million pounds or 4.4 percent from a year ago. Butter output totaled 2.1 billion pounds in 2023, up 2.7 percent from a year ago.

Yogurt totaled 369.0 million pounds, down 0.6 percent from a year ago, with output for the year hitting 4.8

News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers billion pounds, up 3 percent.

Dry whey proBy Lee Mielke duction climbed to 70.4 million pounds, up 3 million pounds or 4.5 percent from November, but 4.5 million pounds or 6.1 percent below year ago. Output for 2023 totaled 926.5 million pounds, up 1.2 percent. Stocks slipped to 69.4 million pounds, down 1.7 million or 2.4 percent from November and 100,000 pounds or 0.2 percent below a year ago.

The Daily Dairy Report says, “The whey stream was drawn toward manufacturing whey protein isolates and whey protein concentrates with more than 50% protein, production of which were up 14.9 percent and 12 percent, respectively. This trend, which has held for several months, has likely led to diminished dry whey stocks, helping drive spot prices above 50 cents per pound for the first time since mid2022.”

Nonfat dry milk output shot up to 146.4 million pounds, up 30.7 million or 26.5 percent from November but was down 21.3 million or 12.7 percent below a year ago. Powder output in 2023 fell to 1.9 billion pounds, down 4.6 percent from a year ago. Stocks slipped to 203.3 million pounds, down 2.7 million pounds, or 1.3 percent from November, and were down 52.4 million pounds or 20.5 percent from a year ago.

Skim milk powder production fell to 48.3 million pounds, down 8.6 million pounds or 15.1 percent from November, and 15.5 million or 24.3 percent below a year ago. Output for the year totaled 548.5 million pounds, down 16.6 percent from a year ago.

Culling continues to lag. The week ending Jan. 27 saw 60,100 head go to slaughter, up 9,000 from the previous week, but 8,400 or 12.3 percent below a year ago. Thus far, 215,700 head have been culled, down 57,200 or 21 percent from a year ago.

MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY

n The U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered its milk production forecast for the fourth time in its latest World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report. The 2024 forecast was reduced due to lower expected output per cow, which is partly offset by higher cow inventories.

2024 production and marketings were projected at 228.2 and 227.2 billion pounds respectively, down 100,000 pounds on both from last month’s estimate. If realized, both would be up 1.6 billion pounds or 0.7 percent from 2023.

Cheese, butter, nonfat dry milk, and whey price forecasts were raised based on recent price strength, tighter supplies of milk, and stronger domestic use. Class III and Class IV milk prices were also raised accordingly.

The 2024 Class III price is projected to average $17.10 per hundredweight, up a dollar from last month’s estimate, and compares to $17.02 in 2023 and $21.96 in 2022.

The Class IV price is estimated to average $20.20, up 85 cents from a month ago, and compares to $19.12 in 2023 and $24.47 in 2022.

Looking at the crop side of the report, the corn outlook is for lower food, seed, and industrial use and larger ending stocks. Ending stocks

were up 10 million bushels from last month. The season-average corn price was unchanged at $4.80 per bushel.

The soybean outlook is for lower exports and higher ending stocks.

Exports were forecast at 1.72 billion bushels, down 35 million from last month, reflecting the slow pace of shipments through January and strong competition with Brazil.

Ending stocks were forecast at 315 million bushels, up 35 million. The season-average soybean price was forecast at $12.65 per bushel, down a dime from last month. Soybean meal was unchanged at $380 per short ton. n After gaining 20.5 cents the previous two weeks, cash block cheddar headed south, closing Feb. 9 at $1.57 per pound. This is down 8 cents on the week and 29.25 cents below a year ago.

The barrels climbed to $1.59 on Feb. 5 (the highest since Dec. 6), but finished Feb. 9 at $1.5775. This is 2.75 cents higher on the week, a quartercent above a year ago, and three-quarter cents above the blocks. There were two sales of block on the week and nine of barrel.

Cheddar demand is slower according to Midwest contacts, says Dairy Market News. Grocers’ orders are See MIELKE, pg. 18

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THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Cheddar exports down for 11th month in a row MIELKE, from pg. 17 reportedly seasonally quieter. Some cheesemakers say inventories are growing. Milk availability is snug compared to a few weeks ago and some noted a marked downturn in component levels in that timeframe. Vats are busier and will likely remain so through the spring holiday.

Retail cheese demand in the West is steady to weaker, with food service steady to moderate.

International purchases are steady. Milk is tighter, according to some, but loads are available. Cheese output is stronger to steady, says Dairy Market News.

Chicago Mercantile Exchange butter hit $2.77 per pound Feb. 7 but closed two days later at $2.69. This is down 5.5 cents on the week, but 27.75 cents above a year ago, on 12 sales.

Churning is active, says Dairy Market News, as cream is readily available. Butter demand is seasonally steady. Inventories continue to move at abovemarket prices. Some expect a range bound status to take hold, while others see more bullish pressure moving through first quarter and into second quarter.

Western cream is readily available, with varied demand from buyers. Manufacturers are running strong to steady production to build inventory for the spring holidays at the end of March. Retail butter demand is strong to steady overall, while food service is stronger than in previous weeks. Exports are light, says Dairy Market News, aside from some stronger demand from Canadian purchasers.

Grade A nonfat dry milk made it to $1.24 per pound on Feb. 6 (a level not seen since Oct. 23), but closed Feb. 9 at $1.20. This is down 2.5 cents on the week, and 6.5 cents below a year ago, with 20 sales for the week.

StoneX reports nonfat dry milk exports were stronger than expected for December while stocks posted a 20 percent drop. “We aren’t in a heavy supply situation but concerns still loom about demand short term.”

Dry whey hit 52 cents per pound Feb. 8 (the highest since June 10, 2022), and stayed there the next day. The price is up 1.25 cents on the week and 9.5 cents above a year ago, on three sales.

n News was mixed on the export front. December sailings dropped 5 percent which is down for the 11th month in a row; although HighGround Dairy’s Alyssa Badger pointed out in the Feb. 12 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast that the decrease was the smallest since March, indicating things may turn positive in 2024.

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* Stewartville $3.97 -.21 Edgerton $4.10 -.20 Jackson $4.01 -.20 Hope $4.06 -.20 Cannon Falls $3.96 -.11 Sleepy Eye $4.03 -.17 St. Cloud $3.87 -.15 Madison $3.96 -.17 Redwood Falls $4.02 -.21 Fergus Falls $3.83 -.13 Morris $3.91 -.17 Tracy $4.08 -.20 Average: $3.98 Year Ago Average: $6.71

soybeans/change* $11.14 $11.13 $11.25 $11.16 $11.09 $11.24 $11.12 $11.06 $11.24 $10.99 $11.11 $11.13

$11.14 $14.85

Grain prices are effective cash close on Feb. 13. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

For the year, the United States shipped just over 5.8 billion pounds of product, down 7.3 percent from 2022, and the lowest since 2020. Historically, Badger said, it was one of the strongest years as we set a record in 2022 — so 2023 was the third highest.

Exports to Mexico set an annual record, she said, totaling just under 1.6 billion pounds, up 13 percent from 2022. Unfortunately, that was not enough to offset losses to China, Canada, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Cheese exports, while down 3.4 percent on the year, were up 0.6 percent in December — driven by significant volumes again to Mexico and Canada, the second month of gain. Shipments to South Korea, Japan, and Australia remained lackluster.

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Cheddar exports were down for the 11th month in a row, but the month-on-month gain of 29 percent was impressive, says HighGround Dairy, likely driven by Cooperatives Working Together sales. Exports to China continued to soar, up 232 percent year-onyear, up every month of 2023 except January.

Nonfat dry milk shipments were up 0.9 percent in December, thanks to increased purchases from Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt and Peru. Mexican imports were actually down 5.8 percent. Exports to the Philippines were down 30 percent and down 85 percent to China. Powder exports for the year were down 3 percent from 2022.

Dry whey exports were down 15.5 percent in December and down 20.2 percent for the year.

Canada and China sank the totals for 2023, says HighGround Dairy, down a respective 20 percent and 41 percent from 2022. Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan also kept a lid on the totals.

Butter exports were down 42 percent in December and down 53.5 percent for the year. The $3 per pound range kept shipments low, says HighGround Dairy, with the annual total smaller than in 2022 and 2021. “Given the tight milkfat market in the U.S.,” HighGround Dairy said, “it seems unlikely that 2024’s totals will improve much.”

Meanwhile, butter imports set a record in 2023, as the U.S. butter prices acted like a magnet.

With the exception of butter, U.S. dairy prices are in line with global markets, Badger said, so we should see some decent cheese sales. The outlook for powders and whey are a little less clear, due to uncertain buying form China and Southeast Asia.

She quickly added, however, that China’s domestic milk production is backing off due to low margins and may result in additional imports. n Butter is the shining star domestically and globally and pulled Feb. 6’s Global Dairy Trade higher, the fifth consecutive gain, though volume continued to slip. The weighted average was up 4.2 percent following the 2.3 percent rise on Jan. 16, and 1.2 percent on Jan. 2.

Traders brought 54.8 million pounds of product to market, down from 54.9 million on Jan. 16, and the lowest since July 4. The average metric ton price crept to $3,571 U.S., up from $3,493 on Jan. 16, and the highest since Dec. 6, 2022.

Butter again led the gains, up 10.3 percent, following a 5.8 percent advance on Jan. 16. Anhydrous milkfat was up 3.3 percent after gaining 4.3 percent. Cheddar was up 6.3 percent following a 1 percent gain, though Mozzarella was down 1.8 percent after dropping 3.3 percent last time. Skim milk powder was up 4.6 percent following a 1.2 percent gain, and whole milk powder was up 3.4 percent after advancing 1.7 percent.

See MIELKE, pg. 20

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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PAGE 19

Enterprise units may not cover losses from isolated storms THIESSE, from pg. 9 corn has been lower than the Spring base price in 11 of the 17 years, including a decrease of ($1.03) per bushel in 2023. The corn harvest price was also lower from 2013-2019. That trend was reversed from 2020-2022, when the harvest price for corn rose above the Spring price by plus-11 cents per bushel in 2020, plus-79 cents in 2021, and by plus-96 cents in 2022.

The only other years which saw an increase in the harvest price were 2010, 2011 and 2012. The range has been from an increase in the harvest price of plus-$1.82 per bushel in 2012 to declines of ($1.26) and ($1.27) per bushel in 2013 and 2008.

For soybeans, the harvest price has increased in seven years (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2021) and decreased in nine years (2008, 2011, 2014-2019, 2022 and 2023), while staying the same in 2013. The range has been from an increase of plus$2.84 per bushel in 2012 to a decline of ($3.00) per bushel in 2008. In 2023, the harvest price was $12.84 per bushel, which was a decrease of 92 cents per bushel from the Spring price of $13.76 per bushel.

Decision between enterprise units and optional units Enterprise units combine all acres of a crop in a given county into one crop insurance unit, while optional units allow producers to insure crops separately in each individual township section. Enterprise units usually have considerably lower premium costs (approximately $8.00-$12.00 per acre) compared to optional units, for comparable RP and RPE policies.

Producers should be aware that enterprise units are based on larger coverage areas, and do not necessarily cover losses from isolated storms or crop damage that affect individual farm units — such as damage from hail, wind, or heavy rains. So additional insurance, such as hail or wind insurance, may be required to insure against these types of losses. It is also important for producers to run “what if” scenarios when analyzing the comparison between enterprise units and optional units.

Many times, producers automatically opt for enterprise units every year, due to the lower premium cost per acre for similar coverage, and probably not

Key items to consider with 2024 crop insurance decisions There are a wide variety of crop insurance policies and coverage levels available. Make sure you are comparing “apples to apples” when comparing crop insurance premium costs for various options or types of crop insurance policies, as well as recognizing the limitations and the differences of the various insurance products. 2024 Crop Insurance premiums for most coverage levels of corn and soybeans in the Midwest will likely be fairly comparable or slightly less than 2023 premium levels, depending on the final Spring base price and the volatility level.

View crop insurance decisions from a risk management perspective. Given the significantly higher crop input costs in 2024 and the high degree of crop price volatility, it may be more important than ever to have adequate crop insurance coverage. A producer must decide how much potential profit margin reduction do I want to risk if there are greatly reduced crop yields due to potential weather problems in 2024, and/or lower-than-expected crop prices by harvest time?

Take a good look at the 85 percent coverage level for added risk protection. In many cases, the 85 percent coverage level offers considerably more protection, with a modest increase in premium costs. Many producers will be able to guarantee near $750 to over $900 per acre for corn, and near $500 to over $650 per acre for soybeans at the 85 percent coverage level for 2024.

Consider optional units in some instances.

Even though the premium cost to insure with optional units is higher than purchasing crop insurance with enterprise units, it may be worth considering the added investment for optional units in many instances. If a farm operator has several farm units which are spread out, with a fairly wide range of soil

types and actual production history yields, optional units may provide a more comprehensive risk management approach in instances of drought or other weather disasters.

Evaluate SCO, ECO and other “buy-up” insurance options. In addition to the government subsidized SCO and ECO county-based insurance products which allow insurance coverage up to 95 percent coverage, there are also “buyup” private policies using farm-level yields up to 90 or 95 percent coverage. Private companies also offer separate wind and hail insurance endorsements. Of course, any of the “buy-up” or “add-on” insurance options add to the premium cost. Producers need to ask, what mix of crop insurance products gives the best risk protection for the premium amount that I am willing to spend for protecting my 2024 crop investment?

A reputable crop insurance agent is the best resource to find out more details of the various crop insurance coverage plans and premium quotes — as well as receive assistance with putting a sound risk management program in place for the 2024 crop year. Many crop insurance companies have some very good websites for details and information on various crop insurance policies.

Following are some other good web sites for crop insurance information: USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA): www.rma.usda.gov/ University of Illinois FarmDoc: www.farmdoc.illinois.edu/cropins/index.asp Kansas State University Ag Manager: https://agmanager.info/crop-insurance Iowa State University Ag Decision Maker: www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/

they may want to consider a RP policy with optional units.

SCO and ECO insurance coverage for 2024 The Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) coverage is only available to producers that choose the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) farm program option for the 2024 crop year. The deadline for 2024 farm program sign-up is March 15, which is the same as the enrollment deadline for 2024 crop insurance. As a result, farm operators will need to consider SCO insurance coverage at the same time that they are finalizing their 2024 farm program choice. The federal government subsidizes 65 percent of the premium for SCO coverage, so farm-level premiums are quite reasonable, which may make SCO a viable option for producers that choose the PLC farm program option.

SCO allows producers to purchase additional county-level crop insurance coverage up to a maximum of 86 percent coverage. For example, a producer who purchases an 80 percent RP policy could purchase an additional 6 percent SCO coverage.

SCO is a county revenue-based insurance product somewhat similar to some of the area risk protection crop insurance products available. The calculations for SCO function very similarly to RP insurance policies, since they utilize the same crop insurance base price and harvest price. The biggest difference is that SCO uses county level average yields, rather than the farm-level APH yields typically used for most RP and YP policies.

As a result, the SCO and RP insurance policies may achieve different results.

The Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) was a new crop insurance

totally understanding the differences in soil types and drainage, and has See THIESSE, pg. 20 in coverage between enterprise units greater concerns with yield variability, and optional units. It is important to 30676 County Rd 24 Sleepy Eye, MN. 56085 analyze the yield risk on each individwww.mathiowetzconst.com ual farm unit when determining if office@mathiowetzconst.com paying the extra premium for insur507-794-6953 ance coverage with optional units In All We Do, makes sense. If a producer has uniFarm Friendly Since 1924 We Do It Right! form soil types and drainage, in a close – Aggregates – Grove Removal geographical area, and is primarily – Building Pads – Hauling concerned with a price decline, a RP – Demolition – Site Grading policy with enterprise units is probably a good option. However, if a producer – Ditch Cleaning – Terraces has farm units which are more spread – Farm Drainage – Equipment Sales & Service out geographically, with more variation An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

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Check with agent for details THIESSE, from pg. 19

versa. For example, a producer with an 85 percent RP policy may have a option in 2021 that will again be avail- loss which qualifies for an insurance able for 2024. ECO provides areaindemnity payment on a farm unit, based insurance coverage from 86 per- while the county as a whole may not cent up to 95 percent coverage, utilizmeet the threshold to qualify for a ing county yields similar to SCO covSCO or ECO payment. It could also erage. Producers can choose between be possible to collect a SCO or ECO 90 or 95 percent ECO coverage. Unlike payment for a county-level revenue SCO coverage, the purchase of ECO loss, while not qualifying for a RP coverage is available with selection of insurance indemnity payment at the either the PLC or ARC-CO farm profarm-level. Interested producers gram choice for 2024. Producers can should check with their crop insurance utilize both ECO and SCO together, in agent for details and examples on addition to their underlying RP, RPE, SCO and ECO insurance coverage and or Yield Protection insurance policy. premiums for 2024.

SCO or ECO coverage is not available Kent Thiesse is a government farm for producers that signed up for programs analyst and a vice president Margin Protection insurance coverage at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, for the 2024 crop year.

Minn. He may be reached at (507) 726It is possible for a producer to collect 2137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank. on an individual RP policy, but not col- com. v lect on a SCO or ECO policy, or vice

Exports to Canada are lacking MIELKE, from pg. 18 StoneX says the GDT 80 percent butterfat butter price equates to $2.8835 per pound U.S., up 27 cents, after gaining 17.3 cents on Jan. 16, and compares to CME butter which closed Feb. 9 at a bargain $2.69. GDT cheddar, at $2.0271, was up 11.4 cents, and compares to Feb. 9’s CME block cheddar at a cheap $1.57. GDT skim milk powder averaged $1.2512 per pound, up from $1.1964, and whole milk powder averaged $1.5707 per pound, up from $1.5207. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Feb. 9 at $1.20 per pound.

Analyst Dustin Winston reports, “North Asia purchases, which includes China, were weaker than year-ago levels; but increased from the last event.

Southeast Asian demand fell from last year and last event levels. The Middle East has held the second largest volume of any region for the last two events.”

Cooperatives Working Together member cooperatives accepted 30 offers of export assistance this week that helped them capture sales of 4.3 million pounds of American-type cheese and 461,000 pounds of cream cheese. The product is going to customers in Asia and Middle East-North Africa through June.

Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association stated, “While U.S. agriculture is experiencing a trade imbalance, U.S. dairy is pleased to be an outlier enjoying a sizeable trade surplus.” But he added that the drop in exports “underscores a clear need for U.S. trade officials to focus on creating new, preferential market opportunities for American producers and food exporters while holding trade partners accountable to rules and agreements.”

“Exports to Canada are nowhere close to the projections promised U.S. dairy in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement — due to consistent barriers erected by the Government of Canada which prevent American exporters from filling their tariff quotas. Further, demand remains soft in key markets such as China and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, illustrating the need for a strategic approach to trade with markets in the Asia Pacific region.”

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

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Real Estate Wanted

PAGE 21

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

Fertilizer & Chemical

Feed Seed Hay

Bins & Buildings

Bins & Buildings

Farm Equipment

WANTED: Land & farms. I OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn. Gen Liberty totes, $18.35; 3 - Sioux 4808 Bins, Full drying Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. FOR SALE: 2014 JD 612C have clients looking for Produces more high quali- Glyphosate 5.4 totes, $14.25; floor, 2 - 20 horse aeration 100% financing w/no liens or cornhead w\ corn stompers, dairy, & cash grain opera- ty silage on less acres than Enlist 1 totes, $46.95; Gen fans and a 45 degree auger. red tape, call Steve at Fair- been through shop, $47,000. tions, as well as bare land FOR SALE: 2015 8816 White fax Ag for an appointment. hybrid. $67/bushel plus ship- Surestart $41.95; Meto- 507-829-6688 parcels from 40-1000 acres. ping. High feed value grain. lachlor totes, $28.00. All tote planter, liq fert attachment, 888-830-7757 SILO Both for relocation & invest- borriesopenpollinatedseedprices include free delivery low acres, $49,000.

Take-down & clean up ments. If you have even corn.com 217-857-3377 to most everywhere. Please 320-221-3789 Specializing in silos Farm Equipment thought about selling concall or text for any other or 217-343-4962 in congested areas. tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & chemical needs.

FULLY INSURED Your ad Land Specialist, Edina RePhone 612-210-3685 FOR SALE: Gravity Boxes mobile concrete alty, 138 Main St. W., New Classified line ads work! could be here! and 2 grain augers, 8x53, crushing.

Prague, MN 55372.

Call 507-345-4523 PTO and electric 10HP on 507-345-4523 507-236-9446 paulkrueger@edinarealty.com transport. 701-412-8910 (612)328-4506

Thank You Farmers!

WANTED

DAMAGED GRAIN

Auctions Sell Your Real Estate-Zero Commission. Call Ray at 507-339-1272

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

Medium squares or round bales. Delivery available.

Call or text LeRoy Ose 218-689-6675

STATEWIDE

We pay top dollar for your damaged grain. We are experienced handlers of your wet, dry, burnt and mixed grains.

Trucks and vacs available.

Immediate response anywhere.

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

FOR SALE: Grass hay small squares, very good quality, no rain, stored inslde, near Courtland. $4 per bale firm.

507-359-2790

PRUESS ELEV., INC. 1-800-828-6642 • 5/8” drum roller wall thickness • 42” drum diameter wall thickness • 4”x8” frame tubing 3/8” thick • Auto fold

MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

GREENWALD FARM CENTER Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177 14 miles So. of Sauk Centre

TRACTORS NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader On Order NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders On Order NEW NH 25S Workmasters ...….......…. On Hand NEW Massey Tractors ........................... On Hand NEW Massey 4710 w/loader ….......... OnHand 3-New Massey GC1725 …….................. On Hand ’16 Massey 4608 rops w/loader …............. $36,900 ’21 NH T7.260 ……….............………… $164,000 ’18 NH T4.75 w/loader .............................. $49,900 ’15 NH T8.410 Smartrax ………...........…. Just In ’12 NH T9.560 2200hrs ……..........…… $239,000 IH 666 nice …….................................……. $8,900 Oliver 1850 w/loader ………………….….. $9,750 Ford 5000 …………...........................……. $6,500 TILLAGE Sunflower 4412-07 ……...........…………. $29,500 ’21 Wil-rich 2530 37’ Chisel ….....………. $67,000 ’21 Kuhn 8010-25 ……............……....….. $79,500 Sunflower 1434 33’ Disc ……........……… $16,500 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ....... On Hand NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units ............ On Order ’18 NH L234 425hrs ………....................…….. $53,000 ’19 NH L228 725hrs ……….....................…….. $42,000

HAY TOOLS New Disc Mowers - 107,108,109 New Disc Mower Cond. - 10’, 13’ New Wheel Rakes - 10,12,14 New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND

Kuhn SR112 Rake ……............................... $6,900 NH H6740 disc mower ……….................... $8,500 NH H7230 …………..............................………. $24,500

PLANTERS JD 7200 12-30 w/LF ………........................…… $15,500 White 6186 16-30 w/ins ………….....……….. $12,500 White 8516 CFS 16030 ………...............…… $39,900 Taking 2024 New Spring Orders COMBINES NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead .................... Call ’18 Gleaner S97 .................................................... Call ’15 Gleaner S78 loaded ……….......…….. Just Trd.d Gleaner R65 ……...................................…….. $71,500 Geringhoff parts & heads available

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

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

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

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon

PAGE 22

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 For Complete Details And Online Bidding Go To www.hmauction.com

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024 Farm Equipment

Tractors

FOR SALE: Case IH 235 Mag- FOR SALE: 1950 John Deere num, 2764 hrs, SN# RD (RDA model A tractor w/ a good 45 7B) 2 - DRDO5971, 700 moni- loader, hyd pump on govetor, front & rear duals, FWA, nor, chains on rear tires. auto steer, inside wgts & out- 507-447-2237 side rear wgts, 10 front wgts, quick hitch, 3 PTOs, 4 hyds, NEW AND USED TRACTOR left hand reverser, heated PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, seat, light kit & beacon light, 55, 50 Series & newer tracserviced & field ready, exc tors, AC-all models, Large cond. Retiring. FOR SALE: Inventory, We ship! Mark Case IH 1200 16x30” rows, Heitman Tractor Salvage central fill pivot planter, 2 - 715-673-4829 30 bu seed tanks, 2 - 250 gal liq fert tanks, w/ squeeze Tillage Equip pump & Redball monitor, Schaffert Mfg, 2x2 liq delivery systems, trash whips, re- FOR SALE: 2 Remlinger bounders, corn & bean discs, Spike harrows off 870 Case row markers, variable rate IH disk ripper, 7 shank and capable, low acres, serviced 11 shank, both rebuilt. Case IH 496 disc, 24’ 10” very nice. & field ready. Exc cond.

507-276-5733 651-387-2085 We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910

FOR SALE: IH 475 and 480 20’ tandem disks, manual fold, always shedded, nice condition, $2,500/each.

507-227-2602

FREE Classified Line Ads in The Land

Purchase one line ad at regular price and get the second one free in the same edition. Run the same ad twice or two different ads. The free ad must be of equal or lesser value.

Hurry! Offer ends soon • Offer good for private-party ads only.

Call The Land at 507-345-4523

~ 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

KANDIYOHI CO FARMLAND AUCTION Live Auction with an Online Bidding Option 2 Parcel Auction In March of 2024 114.84+/- Total Deeded Acres of Farmland in Roseland Twp PARCEL 1: 74.4+-/ Deeded Acres in the E1/2 of the NE1/4 of Sec 9; PARCEL 2: 40.44+/- Deeded Acres in the SE1/4 of the SE1/4, of Sec 3;

All in Roseland Twp, Kandiyohi Co. These parcels have tile, an average CPI=91.4, great road access, and are located in close proximity. Survey in process.

LAND LOCATION: From junction of Hwy 71 & Hwy 7, go north on Hwy 71 1.5 miles to the SE corner of Parcel 2. Turn west onto 165th Ave SW, drive 1 mile to the NE corner of Parcel 1.

Newberg Family, Owner

Go to FladeboeLand.com for details For more information contact: Kristine Fladeboe Duininck 320-212-9379 Kristine@FladeboeLand.com

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024 Spraying Equip

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

PAGE 23

Wanted

eFOR SALE: 1994 Tyler Patriot All kinds of New & Used farm 5 sprayer, Has 80’ boom, 750 equipment - disc chisels, field - gal tank w/ 20” nozzle spac- cults, planters, soil finishers, ing. Runs and sprays as it cornheads, feed mills, discs, should, has been well taken balers, haybines, etc. 507care of. $22,000. Call Jim at 438-9782 507-840-0483 Jackson MN , Please recycle this magazine. e k e

r e d e .

’ , -

Eby & Kiefer Livestock Trailers, P&J 21’ Tilt Bed, Durango Travel Trailer, Enclosed Trailer

HM AUCTION ON GROUP PRESENTS

ONLINE ONLY AUCTION Auction Location: 59597 185th Street, Mankato, MN Bidding Opens: Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.

BIDDING STARTS CLOSING

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 • 10:00 a.m.

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS & BIDDING GO TO:

WWW.HMAUCTION.COM

VIEWING & INSPECTION DATE: Friday, February 23, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PAYMENT & PICKUP DATE: Wednesday February 28, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All Items Need To Be Removed By March 12, 2024

JD 4240, 3010 Gas, Bobcat S185, & Attachments

JD 4240 Power Shift, 6984 Hrs, 18.4x42, Quick Hitch, Front Weights, Rock Box, 3 Hyd.; JD 3010 Gas, 16.9x34, Weights, Syncro, Hrs Unknown; 2010 Bobcat S185, 1378 Hrs, 2 Sp., Cab, A/C, Heat, Radio, Auxiliary Hyd., Power Bob Tach, Clean; H&H, 48” Pallet Forks; H&H 84” Material Bucket; 13” Wide Grouser Steel Tracks; Jenkins 72” Land Plane, Hyd. Scarifier; Rylee 36” Root Ripper; H&H Grapple Bucket, 66”; Woods Backhoe Attachment, 18” Bucket; 66” Material Bucket

’05 Eby Aluminum Gooseneck Livestock Trl, 7’x24’ Tandem Axle, 2 Gates; ’10 P&J Tilt Bed Flat Trl, 21’x83”; ’03 Durango 5th Wheel Travel Trailer, Tandem Axle, Roof Air, Awning, 1 Slide Out, Clean; ’98 Haulmark 10’x6’ Single Axle Enclosed Trl; 16’ Single Axle Hydraulic Livestock/Hog Trl ; ’96 Kiefer Gooseneck Tandem Axle Flatbed, 20’x96”, 5’ Beavertail, Ramps

Stationary 85 KVM Generator, 2015 Dodge Ram 5500 With Johnson Refrigerated Box, Crown Tonka 28’x30’ Walk-In Freezer

85 KVW Stationary Generator w/Ford 460 V8 LP Gas Engine, 300 Hrs, Control Panel, Bought New; ’15 Dodge Ram 5500 With Johnson 11’ Refrigerated Body, Reg. Cab, Cummins, Auto, 157,000 Miles, One Owner; Crown Tonka Paneled Walk in Freezer, Single Phase, Larkin Compressor, 28’x30’, Shelving, Like New, 840 Square Feet, Stored in Shed

Can Am Defender, Pontiac Grand Prix, Lawn & Garden, Yamaha Blaster, Pallet Racking

‘16 Can Am Defender XMR HD10 Side By Side, Winch, 3418 Miles; ’06 Pontiac Grand Prix, 4 Door, 5.3L V8, Auto, Needs Transmission, Good Body and Interior; ’87 Yamaha 200 Blaster ATV; Rhythm 11’ Kayak; 16’ Aluminum Canoe; 20’ Lawn Windmill; Stihl Gas Weed Whip Chainsaw, Power Edger; 48” Pull Type Aerator; Huskee Pull Type Lawn Sprayer; 60 Gal. Sprayer, 12V Pump, Wand & Booms; 3-1960’s Parts Motorcycle; 16-8’ Pallet Racking

Paul & Breheanna Hubmer SELLERS • 507-340-3612

Farm Machinery, Fuel Tanks, Related Items

FOR MORE INFO GO TO WWW.KERKHOFFAUCTION.COM

Art’s Way 500 Mixer Mill, Orbital Motors, 1000PTO, Scale; 1000 Gal. Water Tender, Tandem Axle Trl, B&S Motor w/Pump, Inductor; JD 27 Stalk Chopper, 15’, 1000PTO; McKee 720 3pt Snowblower, Double Auger, Hyd. Spout, 84”; New Idea 353 Manure Spreader, No Apron; JD CC10 FC, 3pt, 16.5’, Harrow; JD 2 Row Corn Planter; JD Side Rake; 60+ Newer Poly Chicken Crates; Antique Corn Sheller; (3) 550 Gallon Fuel Tanks, Pump; Portable Hog Scale; LB White Heater; Aladdin Hot Water Pressure Washer; 10 Farrowing Crates Terms: Cash, Check, All Major Credit Cards, All Sales Final, All Sales Selling AS-IS, 10% Buyer Fee with a Cap of $1,000.00 per Item

WWW.HMAUCTION.COM HMAUCTION COM MARING AUCTION, LLC. HAMILTON AUCTION CO. PO Box 37, Kenyon, MN 55946 130 State Highway 16 507-789-5421 • 800-801-4502 Dexter, MN 55926 • 507-584-0133 Matt Maring Lic# 25-28 Andrew Hamilton Lic# 50-128 Kevin Maring Lic# 25-70 Cell: 507-438-6693 Adam Engen Lic# 25-93 Bill Hilton • 507-279-9600

PAGE 24

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

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

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

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024 Wanted

Buying and selling silver bars, silver dollars, rare coins, gold coins, gold jewelry, any gold-silver items, collector coins, currency. Kuehl’s Coins, Fairmont, MN. 507-235-3886/507-399-9982

WANTED TO BUY: Wilrich PT2200 or JD 1780 hyd front folding 16x22 planter, prefer F.P.U. units as an umbrella.

320-815-3495

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024 Wanted

Miscellaneous

,WANTED TO BUY: Allis , Chalmers 7020 & 7045 tracy tors. 507-647-2122 s

FOR SALE: Firestone 18.446 radial all traction, 23 degrees, 45% treads, asking $200 each. 507-227-2602

Livestock

PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS New pumps & parts on hand.

Call Minnesota’s largest disFOR SALE: Black Angus bulls h tributor t also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ HJ Olson & Company Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 (Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790

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

Miscellaneous REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073

Thank you for reading The Land.

We appreciate it!

Swine

PAGE 25

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.

ONLINE AUCTION

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

Excellent herd health. No PRSS. Delivery available.

320-760-0365

CLEMENS ESTATE & OTHERS TONY MONTGOMERY REALTY & AUCTION CO

SAT., MARCH 2 - TUES., MARCH 12, 2024 CLOSING AT 6 PM!

Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available.

Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Delivery available. Steve Resler. 507-456-7746

EXCEPTIONAL LINEUP OF EQUIPMENT!

Miscellaneous FOR SALE: (2) Aluminum foldable truck ramps, suitable for ATVs, $50/pr. Never Used.

507-625-3394 Greg Cooney

Answers for Money & Finance Word Search

VISIT www.tmracompany.com for Registration & Photos Full ad to follow!

Tony Montgomery Realty and Auction Co. 540 N. Wabasha St. Plainview, Mn 55964

Tony: 507-259-7502 Brad: 507-421-0232 John: 507-932-4656

PAGE 26

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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

LAND AUCTIONS One-Chance Sealed Bid Auction Property Located Along Maynard Lake 16.42 Estimated FSA/Eff. Crop Acres Buildable Acreage Site with Abundant Wildlife

April 17, 2024 ± Acres Farmland Adjacent to Gopher Hills Golf Course Includes Two Building Rights

LAND

LAND

AUCTION

78.77 AC± | 2 TRACTS MEEKER CO, MN AUCTION:

AUCTION

83.4 AC± | 1 TRACT BROWN CO, MN AUCTION:

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

LIVE AND ONLINE AT RANCHANDFARMAUCTIONS.COM AUCTION DATE: 2/29/24 AUCTION TIME: 3:00 PM AUCTION LOCATION: COMFREY COMMUNITY CENTER 120 BROWN ST. EAST, COMFREY, MN 56019

IN COOPERATION WITH WHITETAIL PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE, LLC

IN COOPERATION WITH WHITETAIL PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE, LLC

Copy is 5.16” x 5” For property brochures, contact Hertz at

GREG GRACZYK, AGENT: 320.420.5196

BRYCE MCVICKER, AGENT: 507.430.8518

507-345-LAND (5263)

R A N C H A N D FA R M AU C T I O N S .CO M

R A N C H A N D FA R M AU C T I O N S .CO M

WWW.HERTZ.AG

151 St. Andrews Court #1310, Mankato MN 56001

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

IN COOPERATION WITH WHITETAIL PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE LLC (40316821) Jeff Evans, Minnesota Broker, License # 40316820 | Joe Gizdic, Director, Ranch & Farm Auctions, 217.299.0332 Bryce McVicker, Minnesota Land Specialist for Whitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC, 507.430.8518

Land Auction Thursday, March 14th 2024 ~ 11:00 am Auction held at: Auction held at: Mages Land Co. Office 55780 State Hwy 19, Winthrop, MN 55396 In case of severe weather, listen to 860 AM KNUJ & 107.3 FM SAM 8:30 the morning of the auction for postponement & rescheduling info. Blizzard Date is: Tuesday, March 19th.

This is an outstanding opportunity to own acreage with excellent productivity in Sibley County. You will not want to miss this chance!

Location of property within Sibley County: Section 26, Transit Township, Range 29 PID: 23.2603.010

* *Option to keep in CRP program or may remove from the program.

This property will sell as one parcel: Total of farm: 75.65 acres, Approx. 73.58 acres tillable.

Productivity Index: 91.8 *Note: All acres are published based on Sibley County Online Records and FSA records.

Wayne Zarnott, Michael Zarnott & Warren Zarnott Listing Auctioneer: Matt Mages ~ 507-276-7002 ~ Lic #52-22-018 Broker/ Clerk: Mages Land Co. & Auction Service, LLC. Not responsible for accidents at auction or during inspection. Everything sold “AS IS”. Everything to be settled immediately after the auction. For all full terms and bidding go to magesland.com.

magesland.com

Do you have an upcoming auction?

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

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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

PAGE 27

Visit The Land staff at the Central MN Farm Show in St. Cloud - Feb 27 & 28 Upcoming Issues of THE LAND

March 1, 2024 March 15, 2024 March 29, 2024

Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!

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

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PAGE 28

THE LAND — FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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

This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Staff Writer Laura Cole.

“E

Function and beauty

verything has a function and a beauty to it,” Susie Heim stated of the common theme among the products sold at Swedish Kontur Imports.

Founded by Heim’s parents, Anders and Janet Björling, Swedish Kontur is one of the oldest Scandinavian import shops in the United States. Carrying on her family business, Heim now manages and co-owns the St. Peter gift shop with her sisters, Jenny and Lisa.

Anders came from Sweden to St. Peter in order to attend Gustavus Adolphus College, which is where he met his wife, Janet. After their schooling, they lived in Sweden for four years. Upon the Björlings’ return to Minnesota, Heim stated they received encouragement to bring some of the beautiful Swedish pieces with them. In 1962, the couple started Swedish Kontur Imports in their home garage, originally selling glassware, silver and textiles.

“Kontur” is a Swedish word, Heim explained. “It means business; it also means shape,” she stated, adding the reference to the shape of the Orrefors glassware sold.

The business has operated in its current location — formerly the Faust Drug Building — since 1972. Today, the original cash register remains on display, and the interior shake shingle roofing crafted by Anders adds to the cozy ambience of the shop. Lokii, the friendly shop dog, may periodically welcome customers as they enter or leisurely lounge while they browse.

Over time, Heim stated they’ve expanded the definition of what Swedish Kontur is. Along with

St. Peter, Minn.

their Swedish products, all of the Scandinavian countries are represented in their offerings, and they also sell some Scandinavian-style items from Minnesota contributors.

“We carry a little bit of everything,” Heim commented. Throughout the gift shop, there are themed displays including those of kitchenware, home decor, as well as a children’s section. The shop also sells jewelry, clothing, greeting cards, candles, candy and food items, and of course, a selection of the traditional hand-carved and handpainted Dala horses.

Noting the clean, well thought-out design of Scandinavian products, Heim added that sustainability is valued and items are produced with an intent for them to last.

Icebug, a Swedish brand, utilizes recycled product for their boots; and in icy conditions, Heim stated they’re phenomenal for keeping people on their feet.

A book on display written by Linda Åkeson McGurk is titled, “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather.” A region known for embracing winter, there is plenty of warm Scandinavian wear on-hand at Swedish Kontur. The sweaters sold at the store are wool — “a very wonderful layer,” Heim added.

For more information including store hours, visit swedishkontur.com. Swedish Kontur is located at 310 South Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter, Minn.

“St. Peter is really a wonderful place to come and visit,” Heim concluded. “Our neighbors here, our shop neighbors, are fantastic and we all have wonderful things to share. It’s a good little destination town.” v

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

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

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© 2024

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