The Land - March 29, 2024

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Immeasurable experiences

For the second year I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with the six FFA state officers who served in Minnesota 25 years prior. The stories are unique; each path a bit different, and just like last year, each person spoke of their FFA experience with a high regard.

One of the statements that especially stuck out to me this year was Kara (Ladlie) Grant’s comment that education is never wasted. You’ll read in her officer update what she was specifically referencing, but her words brought me to my own reflections about school, education, and when learning sometimes extends past what was even intended.

LAND MINDS

By Laura Cole

OPINION

There will likely always be debates about curriculum and the subjects that are most beneficial. Surely, someone somewhere is asking right this very moment, “And why did I have to learn (fill in the blank — but for me it’s badminton) in school?”

The worst grade I ever received on a report card was from my freshman music class. If memory serves me correctly, a couple days each week were spent singing, and the other three were dedicated to music history. The single fact that I knowingly came away with from the class — and I’ll take responsibility for the lack of absorption — is that a tabla is a pair of small Indian drums. Twenty-plus years later, the instrument has yet to come up in conversation or win me a gift certificate from a radio contest. But I am ready.

A lot of my high school coursework required fact memorization. With a need to remedy my GPA after that music class, my friends and I often came up with little sayings or associations to get through our tests. When we had to match authors to their poems, for example, we were able to remember William Carlos Williams wrote “The Red Wheelbarrow,” because his first and last initials were W.W. and wheelbarrow began and ended with the letter w.

I am all for an education that can be practically applied, though I can admit some of the other instances did help me in gathering the grit to selfmotivate. There’s creativity gained in figuring out how to make something work for you. A degree of tenacity that comes with pushing through a project or learning terminology. Perhaps a level of selfawareness as one accepts badminton is not quite the sport for them.

While I am a little proud of some of the miscellaneous trivia I’ve hung on to, there have been parts of my education that have had more of a meaningful impact.

Like when I interviewed my maternal grandparents about living through The Great Depression. They lived in Wisconsin, and I grew up seeing them for only about a week out of the year. I still have my loose-leaf pages of notes from that phone call. Their reflections have sunk in more with time, and to

have been given an assigned-with-a-duedate reason to pick up the phone and talk with them all those years ago was a true gift.

In my junior year history class, students were divided into groups and each tasked with giving a three-day lesson on a past war. One hundred fifty minutes of information. My friend and I either selected or were assigned the Korean War – I don’t recall. We spent a choir bus trip traveling across South Dakota looking through history books and making notes on index cards. At the time, we sarcastically gave much credit to our teacher for coming up with such a great way not to teach his class for an entire semester. My friend had some historical pieces she was able to bring in as part of our presentation. One of my dad’s relatives had served in the Korean War, and as it turned out, he was willing to share his experience for our project.

I carefully prepared my questions and printed them as neatly as my handwriting allowed. I was nervous and overly polite, but he was friendly and outgoing. A natural conversationalist, he led the way. All I needed to do was keep my pencil moving.

What I learned is that recounting days spent as a forward observer in war is not like recounting days in most other occupations. That even when prepared for the conversation, memories can cause emotions to suddenly surface.

I left our conversation worried I had caused him to relive pained memories all for a school assignment. I thankfully received reassurance that he had appreciated the chance to talk about his experiences. It was perhaps the first time I really realized the multitudes people carry.

My friend and I did well on our project – another boost to offset the dismal music grade, but I gained so much more than a letter grade could indicate.

I think about all the classes that have shaped me as a person — teachers who taught with integrity and care, who made a point to provide lessons in humanity, to help us hear the stories of others who have lived through drastically different experiences. How do you measure that?

While the former FFA officers I spoke with mentioned the CDEs, the SAEs, and the competitions, there was a shift in tone when they talked about an advisor who went above and beyond, the friendships formed, and why FFA still means as much to them now as it did then. An experience, it seems, that is also immeasurable.

I hope you enjoy hearing where FFA and the last 25 years has taken Kara, Bob, Jeremy, Betsy, Darin and Kelly. To the officers of the 1998-99 team, thank you again for sharing your stories.

Laura Cole is the staff writer of The Land. She may be reached at lcole@TheLandOnline.com.

Meet the ‘Barons’ who ‘corrupt’ your dinner table

The first economist, Scotland’s Adam Smith, had it right almost 250 years ago when, as writer Eric Schlosser notes in the foreword of an important new book by Iowan Austin Frerick, that “...merchants and manufacturers were ‘an order of men, whose interest is never exactly the same with that of the public.’”

Few groups know this better than American farmers and ranchers who have seen the most vital sectors of their food-producing business — like meatpacking, grain merchandising, and seed technology — overtaken by today’s ever-growing, ever-grabbing “merchants and manufacturers.”

By Alan Guebert

Frerick, like Smith, gets it right from the start in the callout title of his new book, “Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry.”

(Full disclosure: Frerick is a valued colleague and friend. “Barons:…” includes a handful of references to previous Farm and Food Files.)

In it, Frerick digs deeply into the rise of seven of these powerful, largely unknown baronial food families to tell how each came to dominate their respective sectors and how they now wield their accrued market power to make everything — from their neighbors to the environment to you — pay for it.

He begins with the compelling story of Jeff and Deb Hansen, two of the most unlikely hog farmers you’ve never heard of. Both were Iowa farm kids who, after marriage, began a hog enterprise with three sows. Their drive, skill, and innovations soon led them to expand. Then expand again. Then really expand.

Now their company, Iowa Select Farms, Frerick writes, “employs more than 7,400 people … and brings about five million hogs to market annually.”

Iowa Select became a cornerstone for the CAFO, or

concentrated animal feeding operations. Since 1992, Iowa’s CAFO-based hog population statewide has increased by “more than 50 percent while the number of hog farms has declined by over 80 percent.”

That rise delivered the Hansens a private jet (whose tail is reportedly emblazoned with the humble brag, “When Pigs Fly”), multiple homes, and kingmaker status in Iowa’s agbiz-dominated state government.

Their home state, however, hasn’t fared as well. Pigs, for example, now outnumber Iowans seven to one and produce the “manure equivalent to the waste of nearly 84 million people,” or “more than the population of California, Texas and Illinois combined.”

Some “farmers,” huh?

Wait until you read about dairy barons, Sue and Mike McCloskey, whose cows produce 4 million school cartons of milk each day and 430,000 gallons (or a staggering 16 times more) manure.

Or the “faceless” Reimann family of Germany whose Luxembourg-based JAB Holdings is now the “world’s second largest purveyor of coffee” through brands like Peet’s, Caribou, Krispy Kreme, Panera Bread, and others too numerous to name. What is

known, however, is that JAB entered the coffeeslinging business just 12 years ago and is now a global, if unknown, baron.

Other barons include the Cargill-McMillian family, the world’s most dominant grain merchandising company; “The Berry Barons,” J. Miles and Garland Reiter, who own Driscoll’s through which they control “about one-third of the U.S. berry market” while not “actually growing any berries” at all; the Brazilian “Slaughter Barons,” Joesley and Wesley Batista of JBS infamy; and the Walton family whose domination of American grocery retailing continues to grow.

Frerick’s skill as both a serious academic and gifted storyteller keeps the pages turning as his colorful cast of characters build empires with everyday dinner items like pork chops, milk, coffee, and strawberries while few Americans even know who they are.

And even fewer know the ruinous impacts their rise in market power has had on rural America’s environment, economy, and people.

Frerick, a Fellow at Yale University, knows and his “Barons:…” warns us that these modern “merchants and manufacturers,” just like their 18th century counterparts, are nothing more than naked mercantilists. v

Nominations open for Farmfest WFOTY

The Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year Award is back for 2024. Nominations are currently being accepted until May 23.

Nominees must be a legal resident of the United States, and eighteen years of age or older. They must farm or ranch as a sole proprietor or one part of a couple, family or partnership. Nominees may work outside the home or farm but must contribute to the farming/ranching operation in addition to the duties outside the farm.

Nominees are highly encouraged to be available to attend a recognition ceremony on Aug. 8; and must agree to be featured in Farmfest promotions.

Five nominees will be chosen and honored, on stage, at the Aug. 8 ceremony.

For more information and official rules, visit www. ideaggroup.com/farmfest/woman-farmer-of-the-yearaward/.

This article was submitted by Minnesota Farmfest.v

Having more fun in your life is child’s play

You threw a perfect fit.

You stomped into your room, kicked a chair, knocked things off a table. You ranted. Screamed. And though you were tempted, you stopped just short of throwing yourself on the floor because your colleagues would talk. Oddly, you felt better once you were done; because sometimes, says Hasan Merali, MD, being childish is just what you need. In his new book

“Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas,” doing so could even make you successful.

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Spend even just a few minutes with little people between the ages of one and five, and you’ll notice a few things. Kids that age are generally happier. They laugh more, they have curiosity, unabashedness, and risk-taking abilities. What would your life — at work and at home — be like if you acted more like those kids?

Says Merali, it’s not as far-fetched as you think.

As our brains mature, we lose our sense of wonder, our attention to detail and our flexibility in thinking. Logic rules our minds, while creativity waits in the wings. We laugh a lot less. We get stingy with generosity and kindness, and we become self-conscious.

Who wants that?

Turn things around, Merali says, by eating only when you’re hungry and by getting enough sleep. Make a routine before bedtime. Read yourself a story. Nap, if you can.

Stay active, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Be kind, learn to share, and don’t assume that every stranger is a danger. At least once a day, do something that will make you laugh. Better yet, do it with a friend or two. Pick a book if you need to give yourself a reward, and always read a mixture of “make-believe and real stories.” Remember that life is not entirely goal-oriented, so take time to play. Use teamwork. Don’t get angry at malfunctioning equipment. Learn that it’s okay to ask for help, and to give it. Ask questions. Be brave.

“Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier, More Successful Way of Life”

by Hasan Merali, MD c.2024, HCI Books

$17.95

320 pages

dren; but with guidance from this book, a little childishness becomes a good thing. Even the most stoic CEO can benefit from more levity, and Merali’s words on maintaining curiosity and openness to learning are priceless for both home and work. Merely reading Merali’s imaginary scenarios can add fun to your day.

This is the kind of book you hand to your sales team for a group read, folLearn that “NO” is a full sentence.

Can you fit a teddy bear into a lunch box or briefcase? Can you arrange to have a sandbox in the break room at work? You’ll be tempted to try these things, once you see the possibilities inside “Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas.”

If this all seems a little silly at first, remember that age regression isn’t mandatory; but a toddler’s outlook is. Merali doesn’t insist readers act like chil-

lowed by a discussion and bottles of soap bubbles. If you need to lighten up and laugh more, “Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas” could be the perfect fit.

Look for the reviewed book at a bookstore or a library near you. You may also find the book at online book retailers.

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

Letter: Farmers always concerned about the environment

To the Editor,

After being around for 76 years, I’ve noticed that all the people that think they are the smartest live in Washington, D.C. and the east coast. They think they know what is best for us and we had better listen.

Most of their doom and gloom predictions haven’t come true. (New York and Miami are not under water.)

According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a sciencebased federal agency within the Department of Commerce, there are no differences between the number of storms today and 100 years ago. They are just exaggerated by 24/7 news. NASA reports the glaciers in Greenland are growing. How can this be?

The alarmists think by changing the term “global warming” to “climate change” America’s view of them will improve and that the people would “obey.” They think they are so smart, but we see right through them. Putting up electric car charging stations run by diesel engines solves what problem? Truth be known electric cars are not the solution, batteries will be built in China by slave labor and will be the demise of the American car building

industry. Where will they go with these expensive batteries when they die? Talk about an environmental catastrophe! Their solutions always cause bigger problems.

As for wildfires, the environmentalists put a stop to clear-cutting forest practices. Clear-cutting areas are what prevented small fires from becoming big fires. Again, their solutions lead to bigger problems.

Question: Who do they blame? Farmers. Growing corn is bad for the environment. Having a herd of milk cows is bad for the environment. Even combine dust is bad for the environment. These elitists just hate everything about rural America. The fact is we farmers were always the ones who have been concerned about the land and the environment.

And yes, Mr. Kolbe, I am concerned about my children and grandchildren. I want them to enjoy the freedoms that I had and not to be under the thumb of a controlling socialist government.

As a retired farmer, I too believe in compromise. You stop telling us how to live our lives and we will reciprocate.

Michael Thiesse Ceylon, Minn.

It’s no secret that farmers and ranchers are busy people.

Have you ever tried to schedule a vacation with someone who spends their lives tending to the land and animals? It’s like watching a hamster wheel go ‘round and ‘round. There’s just no end to what needs to be done.

TABLE TALK

By Karen Schwaller

As the social media saying goes, “Farm kids clock in at age five, and never really clock out.”

There simply isn’t time; and when you’re a kid and loving it, time takes a holiday.

Feeding the world is no small task. Ask any farm family — their lives are different from those of so many others, and all in the name of both earning a (hard) living, and providing for all people. They are humbly providing for so many more than their own families.

And because they spend their lives cultivating both land and relation-

ships with man and beast, it is common to hear, “I better get to work.”

My husband works all night long in his dreams. It’s hard to imagine he has even an ounce of energy left by morning to get up and actually do the work, after he’s been fixing trucks and tractors, birthing animals and dealing with farm problems all night long.

The word “work” is central to the success of the farm. It’s like a storm coming. You can’t be afraid of it and you can’t put most of it on the back burner to deal with later.

It warrants its own place in the halls of acronyms. Let’s examine these letters of the word a little further, to help us understand the way a farmer thinks.

“W” — This letter stands for the wrinkles they get from worrying about the weather and weed control. They have whopper-like worry sessions now

Women’s Ag Leadership Conference on April 10

Network with ag leaders at the 26th annual Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference on April 10 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This year’s WALC theme, “Elevate–Empower–Evolve,” will focus on developing and uplifting women in agriculture and giving them tools to deal with an ever-changing industry.

“Every year we hear from attendees that this is a unique event because it brings together people from all areas of agriculture – production, industry, education, etc. – to help each participant grow and evolve,” said Doris Mold, conference co-founder. “Our program empowers leaders with a balance of personal and professional development programming covering timely, relevant topics. We’re bringing together some amazing speakers to share their stories of resilience.”

Attendees will be welcomed to the conference by Emma Kuball, Princess Kay of the Milky Way, before hearing panelists Colette Campbell, Chief Talent Acquisition and Diversity

Officer, Bremer Bank; Theresia Gillie, Kittson County Commissioner and Owner of Theresia Gillie Farms; Deeann Lufkin, Owner and Head Cheesemaker, CannonBelles Cheese; and Lillian Otieno, Director, Emerging Farmers Office, Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

The day also includes mini sessions focused on current topics, two breakout sessions, and an opportunity to visit the Farm at the Arb’s newest feature, the Myers Education Center Kitchen Classroom, for a cooking demonstration by Chef Beth Fisher.

The conference is open to individuals with an interest in women’s agricultural leadership regardless of gender, age, or affiliation.

For the full conference brochure and more information, visit womensagleadership.org

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

and then, and cannot explain the ‘why’ sometimes when things go wrong.

That’s a lot of W’s.

“O” — This letter stands for the obstacles they face so often between government regulations, O-rings that need replacing and birthing sessions that go awry. They try to be organized, but most times they would rather put on a pair of overalls (odiferous as they may be if they are dealing with manure) and stay out of the office. It’s probably just as well. Discussions with the other half can take on an obstinate tone now and then — especially at tax time.

“R” — This letter reminds us that farmers and ranchers keep their noses to the grindstone because they have rent to pay. And if that’s not enough to keep them rallying, they regularly consider resistance issues and root problems — in both plants and relationships. Working with relatives can be as rewarding as it can be risky. Sometimes farmers/ranchers run short of time and become a little rifled; and when that happens, there’s always some job to relegate to a relative, or try to run out the clock themselves. You would not want to run into a farmer or rancher in a dark alley — especially after rock picking or sweating it out racking up hay all summer. They’re pretty ripped after that.

“K” — The main letter in “work” that is owned by a farmer is the word “keep.” There are so many things for them to keep: land in the family, animals alive, kids busy and interested in carrying on the work their parents did for all of their lives without killing the desire. They have to have a kettle-full of knowledge to keep up with annual industry changes, and would love to kick those worries down the road a bit.

It’s such a simple statement: “I better get to work.”

But the layers lurking within that four-letter-word leave lasting ripple effects. Farming is all-encompassing. There’s so much work to do, it involves the help of every member of the family, and there’s no getting around the challenging financial times and timecrunch seasons that come with it.

While we love it, there are times when I simply want to escape to the Klondike or somewhere and see if panning for gold might be a safer bet than waiting out these markets.

If my husband agreed, he might not be so exhausted from working all night long in his dreams.

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

‘Yearbooks in Agriculture’ were a valuable marketing tool

When planting season rolls away each year, we tend to look at last year’s records to review where crops were planted on which fields, what crop enhancements were used and even the dates planted.

Sometimes it is interesting to look back 100 years ago to see what farmers were experiencing as they began putting their crops in the soil as we do today.

The year 1924 doesn’t seem as though it should be a century gone by, but it is. It is the year that the army completed their first flight across the world. Crop dusting by airplanes was already being used for destroying insects and preventing the spread of plant diseases. Amazing how quickly aviation grew after Kitty Hawk’s first successful flight on Dec. 17, 1903, just two decades prior.

The quiet man, Calvin Coolidge, was president. He had been serving as vice president to William Harding, but when President Harding died, Coolidge took the oath of office in the living room of the Vermont farm house he had grown up in. It was 2:00 in the morning on Aug. 3, 1923.

FROM MY FARMHOUSE KITCHEN

By Renae B. Vander Schaaf

for 1924 was rather lengthy: highways and transportation, farm credit, farm insurance, farm taxation (which was a whopping 17.6 percent), hay, poultry, weather and agriculture in general. The fifth and final one planned for the series was published in 1925 and discussed the fruit and vegetable industry.

Much of the work for the 1924 Yearbook of Agriculture had been completed when Henry C. Wallace died unexpectedly after gall bladder surgery on Oct. 25 of that year. Howard Mason Gore, who had been serving as assistant secretary of agriculture, then took the Secretary of Agriculture position. He served one year before resigning.

Calvin’s father, John Coolidge, who was the justice of the peace for the township, had the privilege and responsibility of swearing his son in as president.

The America economy was booming for almost everyone but the farmer. Agriculture had been depressed for some time, so when Henry Cantwell Wallace began his term as Secretary of Agriculture in 1921, he planned a series for the annual “Yearbooks of Agriculture” in which detailed consideration would be given to the economic phases of farm production and marketing.

The 1921 Yearbook of Agriculture focused primarily on wheat, corn, beef and cotton. In 1922 the emphasis was on hogs, dairy, forestry products, tobacco and small grains (other than wheat). Sugar, sheep, forage resources, land utilization and land tenure were the subjects of interest in 1923. The list

Many changes occurred during Henry C. Wallace’s tenure as Secretary of Agriculture that continue to affect agriculture today. Many of which have been beneficial not only to the farmer, but also to our customers we still need at home and abroad.

Food safety has always been an issue. After studying existing egg grade and various factors affecting egg quality, two sets of uniform grades for eggs were proposed in 1924. One was designed for use in wholesale. Egg inspection services were established at New York and Chicago.

The other service referred to the United States buying guide was for use in buying eggs from producers at county points. Quality eggs were to bring higher price.

Back then as now, the Extension Service was utilized to help bring this and other educational information to farmers.

When a large grain consumer (the baking industry at that time) demanded that flour’s protein content be consistent, changes needed to be made. It wasn’t very simple to determine the protein content of wheat when it was brought into smaller country elevators. It involved the use of a highly technical chemical method.

The department set to work establishing federal wheat grades which began taking protein content into mind. Wheat experts were able to judge the protein strength of wheat from the hardness and vitreosity of the kernels.

If wheat arrived at the elevator clean and with a higher protein content, the farmer was paid more. Bakers and those of us who enjoy toast with our eggs benefit when the bread bakes consistently well.

Imagine never knowing what the markets were doing until you took a wagon load of grain in. Marketing is still a guessing game, but with no

news on national or foreign events (except through a daily newspaper if the farm happened to take one), marketing was even more hit and miss.

The grain dealers had access to information that the farmer did not. In 1923, a new grain market news service was begun to convey market information promptly to farmers through the daily newspapers, the weekly and monthly farm press.

The department weekly grain market releases were forwarded by leased wire to branch offices in Minneapolis, Chicago and Kansas City. From there they were mailed out to local contacts. I think they would have been rather interesting to read as they contained domestic news, foreign crop and market information. When the market news became available on something called a radiotelephone receiving set, many farmers made the decision to purchase one of these newfangled contraptions. Or they went to a business in town that provided the marketing information as it came in.

Crop production had been abundant during the 1920s, resulting in a surplus; making foreign markets even more important for absorbing supplies of cotton, wheat and meat. Films were made to encourage European consumers to trust American meat. (I wonder if the film “The Honor of the Little Purple Stamp” can be still be viewed. It sure would be interesting to see how the work was done in 1924.)

Automobiles and trucks were beginning to displace the rail system. The necessity of good highway transportation was seen as a good investment. If a farmer had a full carload of hogs ready to ship at one time, then the railroad was the better option. (Most farms did not have that many market-ready hogs ready at one time; and trucks could deliver from the barnyard directly to the stock yards which

There’s room for improvement in MNCare expansion

The 2024 Minnesota legislature convened on Feb. 12 and on March 7 a bill was introduced to improve healthcare insurance for some Minnesotans. It is an expansion of MNCare and has been dubbed a “public option” (HF4745, SF4778). This is important as every one of us should have excellent health insurance.

HEALTHCARE FOCUS

By Mark Brakke

Before looking at the bill, let’s review some fundamentals of good health insurance and the overall Minnesota healthcare environment.

Unfortunately in Minnesota, our healthcare costs nearly twice as much as in other modern, prosperous countries — but does not produce as healthy a population. That is a bizarre and unacceptable situation. Furthermore, Minnesota is lacking the ability to plan for excellent healthcare in many rural and small community

areas; and Minnesota is developing a worsening shortage of primary care physicians.

Health insurance should prevent medical debt and the risk of bankruptcy due to medical bills. It needs to be affordable. It should allow patients to be cared for by their choice of doctor. “Networks” should not be allowed.

The current Minnesota health insurance situation is as follows: Medicaid for people who have very limited financial resources, MNCare for some people who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford the full cost of commercial health insurance, and MNSure which helps people look at health insurance options in the commercial insurance space. There are also the work-linked health insurance plans which, in the past decade or so,

www.TheLandOnline.com

New resource available for organic transition

The National Organic Program has posted a new Transitional Production Plan template on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service website.

The TPP template helps new crop producers who are transitioning to organic production to develop the supporting documentation needed to qualify for OTI services provided through the USDA’s Risk Management Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service. The template will also help transitioning farmers learn how to document their organic practices in preparation for the Organic System Plan process required when they apply for certification. By learning these practices and documenting their use of materials, farmers can feel more confident that they are on the right track early in the process.

Use of the transitional plan will ultimately streamline the organic transition process and help producers take advantage of all USDA programs more easily. For example, the TPP can serve

as OSP documentation when applying for transitional crop insurance through RMA and may also meet some of the application requirements for the Conservation Activity Plan 138 under the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program’s Organic Initiative.

The transitional plan can also be used by producers who are not using prohibited substances and are implementing practices that are expected to lead to compliance with the USDA organic regulations. When the TPP is reviewed and signed by a USDAaccredited certifier, the operation will be listed as transitional in the Organic Integrity Database. The transitional operation status will be visible to certifiers and USDA employees, including RMA staff reviewing eligibility for organic transitional crop insurance. Transitional operation status is not publicly available.

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

have passed more and more financial risk to the patient.

MNCare currently helps with the cost of health insurance for those who do not qualify for Medicaid but earn less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline. (The Federal Poverty Guideline is so low it is obvious someone at 200 percent of the FPG can barely afford housing, food and clothing to say nothing of commercial health insurance.) The proposed expansion of MNCare would provide much needed help for some Minnesotans by providing improved subsidies for more people who have low incomes.

We need to keep in mind the proposed expansion of MNCare will not do many things which are critical for good healthcare in our state. Minnesotans need and deserve a thoughtfully designed system which will be able to provide healthcare in a planned way to all of Minnesota. We need to be able to control pharmaceutical costs with effective price negotiations. We need more primary care physicians and freedom to choose our physicians without network restrictions. We need to get excessive administrative costs under control.

How do we get from today’s expensive, inequitable, poorly planned situation to a more satisfactory place? There is good news. In 2023, the legislature funded a study of a thoughtfully planned health system for Minnesotans called the Minnesota Health Plan. The study is due in January of 2026.

The Minnesota Health Plan (mnhealthplan.org) would be managed with input from the community level with all counties having direct input. It will be somewhat like a public utilities commission for healthcare.

Let’s make it clear to our elected representatives what we need to make healthcare truly available to everyone without the risk of financial ruin. We do not choose to be sick. We do not know when we will need healthcare; but we will need it. Contact your local Senator and Representative and let them know you want the healthcare system to work for you, your family and community. Here is a partial — but essential — list of what we need: Good health insurance for everyone; no restrictive networks for doctors and hospitals; accessible pharmacies; pharmaceutical prices competitive with the prices in other prosperous countries; an adequate supply of primary care physicians; adequate ambulance services; effectively spaced emergency care; and sensible travel distances for obstetrical care. It is all entirely feasible. We simply need to demand the necessary legislation and commit to having a healthcare system which is managed from a community perspective.

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

Stevens County goat tests positive for poultry influenza virus

ST. PAUL — A Stevens County goat kid (juvenile goat) residing on a farm with a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) positive poultry flock tested positive for the same virus. This is the first U.S. detection of HPAI in a domestic ruminant (cattle, sheep, goats, and their relatives). All poultry on the property were already quarantined from the February HPAI detection. Following the confirmation of HPAI in the goat, the Board quarantined all other species on the premises. The Board is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate the transmission of the virus in this case.

“This finding is significant because, while the spring migration is definitely a higher risk transmission period for poultry, it highlights the possibility of the virus infecting other animals on farms with multiple species,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Brian Hoefs.

“Thankfully, research to-date has shown mammals appear to be dead-end hosts, which means they’re unlikely to spread HPAI further.”

Earlier this month the owner notified the Board of unusual deaths of newly kidded goats on the property where a backyard poultry flock was depopulated due to HPAI in February. The goats and poultry had access to the same space, including a shared water source. One of the goat carcasses was taken to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, where it tested positive for influenza A. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories later confirmed H5N1 HPAI, which is the

same virus circulating in the national outbreak that began in 2022. Samples from the adult goats were negative for HPAI and all appear healthy; no more sick goat kids have been reported since March 11.

HPAI has been previously diagnosed in other mammalian species such as skunks, dogs and cats. Animals with weakened or immature immune systems, like the goat kids in this case, are at higher risk of contracting disease.

Calendar of Events

April 6 — Gardening in the Driftless — Houston, Minn. — Houston County Extension Master Gardener volunteers present their 12th annual garden workshop. Sessions include: Incorporating wildflowers in landscapes, Cooking with root vegetables, Winter sowing, and a garden entrepreneurs panel. Contact: (507) 725-5807.

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 10 — Horticulture Day — Lamberton, Minn. — Session topics include: Managing Sweet Corn (Or Choosing Not To), Climate-Ready Trees and Edible Landscapes, and Backyard Birds: Welcomed Guests at Our Gardens and Feeders. Contact Southwest Research & Outreach Center at (507) 752-7372.

April 11 — Climate Resiliency

Meeting — Sleepy Eye, Minn. — Hosted by the Brown County Farmers Union, “Surviving Climate Change... Along for the Ride” is open to the public. Focal points include the challenges of a changing climate, its effects on today and the future, and steps that can benefit the earth. Contact Randy Krzmarzick at 794-2382 or Sue Griebel at 3544206.

April 17 — I-29 Moo University Webinar — Online — This webinar will feature a discussion on fly control with Dr. Philip Jardon. The talk will cover the four main flies that are considered pests on dairies — house flies, stable flies, horn flies, and face flies. Contact Fred Hall (Iowa) at (712) 737-4230 and Jim Salfer (Minnesota) at (320) 203-6093.

April 17–19 — PEAK 2024 — Minneapolis, Minn. — This poultryfocused trade show will have exhibits and opportunities for education and networking. For more information, email info@midwestpoultry.com or call (763) 284-6763.

There has been limited experimental data on HPAI infection in ruminants, and there are no prior reports of natural HPAI infection in goats. The USDA has tracked more than 200 detections of HPAI in mammals across the country since the start of the 2022 HPAI outbreak.

The Minnesota Department of Health provided recommendations for personal protective equipment and is monitoring the health of those in direct contact with the infected goats. Anyone who develops respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms after exposure to the goats may be voluntarily tested for avian influenza and other respiratory pathogens. The risk to the public is extremely low, and any risk of infection is limited to people in direct contact with infected animals. To date, no people in the United States have become ill following contact with mammals infected with this virus.

Biosecurity is the first line of defense for anyone to protect their animals from disease and includes simple measures like cleaning equipment and housing regularly, separating livestock from wild animals, and calling your veterinarian when animals appear sick. To learn more important steps to protect your animals from HPAI and other diseases, visit www.bah.state. mn.us/biosecurity/?utm_ medium=email&utm_ source=govdelivery.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. v

Minnesota Ag in the Classroom offers summer teacher tours

ST. PAUL — Minnesota educators looking for summer professional development opportunities are encouraged to register for Minnesota Ag in the Classroom’s Summer Teacher Tours. The tours, taking place this June and July, will provide participants with the chance to acquire new agricultural skills and knowledge to bring back to their classrooms.

“Whether you consider yourself an ag novice or expert, our Summer Teacher Tours offer unique hands-on experiences to learn more about this important Minnesota industry,” said MAITC education specialist Sue Knott. “Each

tour highlights different examples of agriculture in action that educators can use to help teach their students core concepts in science, social studies, language arts, math, and nutrition in fresh ways.”

This summer’s tours include:

“The Hands that Feed Us” — Mankato, Minn. — June 18: Discover the journey your food takes from farm to plate by learning directly from the hands that feed us: farmers. Participants will have the opportunity to tour and connect with those who are growing and raising food for not only their local communities, but the world.

“Orchard to Market” — White Bear Lake, Minn. — July 9: Follow the journey of locally grown apples and learn about how this fruit is researched, grown, and made into products in the Twin Cities. Participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at Pine Tree Apple Orchard, BIX Produce Co., and Bailey Nurseries.

“Farm, Fiber, and Fabrication” — Bemidji, Minn. — July 22: This tour will provide an immersive look at the fabrication and manufacturing processes which have ties to many ag businesses; how fibers like wool are used to create garments, blankets and more;

and how local farms carry out their production and conservation efforts.

Tours are open to any Minnesota K-12 educator, regardless of previous agriculture knowledge or experience.

The deadline to register is June 1.

For further details on each tour and to register, visit MAITC’s Summer Teacher Tour web page at https://mnagmag.org/teacher-tours/.

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

President Ladlie gained growth from setback

By LAURA COLE The Land Staff Writer

The oldest of four siblings all involved in FFA, Kara (Ladlie) Grant recalled there was always a lot of official dress at her house.

Growing up on a farm, her family raised buffalo and black Angus cattle. Her father had introduced her to FFA, and it was her ninth grade ag class that really sparked her interest in the organization.

Grant served as chapter reporter in tenth grade, and recalled experiencing a setback the following year that ultimately led to growth. She explained that due to not investing as much time to her reporter role, she was not selected her junior year to be an officer.

“I used that year to re-build and to become more dedicated to FFA

Student becomes teacher for Vice President Parke

By LAURA COLE The Land Staff Writer

Robert (Bob) Parke didn’t grow up on a farm or with family involved in FFA. Living on a lake brought its share of sailing, canoeing and kayaking; and Parke also noted he always enjoyed working in the garden. A childhood dream to be the first person to farm on the moon developed and he even completed a school project detailing his aspirations.

A few years later, Parke learned there would be an opportunity in ninth grade to take an agriculture class, and he signed up. Parke recalled at that time he was a shy kid who would rather not speak in front of a group. “I have dyslexia, so I always had a hard time with school in general,” he stated. “But through that ninth grade class, there were lots of projects where we got up and talked, and I found out that it wasn’t so bad and I actually enjoyed it.”

and focus on the opportunities that they had to offer. Then my senior year I was elected vice-president of the Albert Lea chapter and was also a region VII reporter that year,” Grant stated.

Her renewed commitment ultimately led Grant to the state officer role of president. She described the group of six officers as being very motivated and accomplished. “We had a really strong officer team that year.”

As an FFA member, Grant recalled feeling a great amount of pride for her country and the farming communities. “One of the experiences that moved me the most in FFA was patriotism for our country.”

Many of Grant’s other officer highlights involve travel. As presi-

dent, she was able to be part of the dedication ceremony when the new FFA headquarters moved from Alexandria, Va. to Indianapolis, Ind.

“Bob Parke and I got to go and represent the state of Minnesota. It was really neat because during the ceremony they had each state officer team come up to the flagpole and pour dirt from your state into the base of the flagpole,” Grant recalled.

She also traveled to Germany and Austria as part of the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers. They studied the agriculture and toured plants and farms. Four nights were spent with a host family in Germany. Grant stated, “The host family milked cows, and each one of the cows they had was named after a state in the United States. But they didn’t have a Minnesota, so the next baby calf they had, they promised me that they were going to name Minnesota after me.”

Grant attended Iowa State University and initially began with a major in Animal Science, though ultimately graduated with a degree in Agriculture

throughout high school.

Over time, Parke shifted his career goals from being an astronaut to considering becoming an ag teacher. His advisor allowed Parke to plan and implement a lesson on FFA history for the ninth grade class to help determine if teaching was something he wanted to pursue.

Parke attended the University of Minnesota and majored in ag education. He was elected to the state officer role of vice president, and also recalled putting in his application for national office, but withdrew once he learned of his new status.

Parke stated the state officers were amazing to work with. A favorite memory was the opportunity to be a delegate at the National FFA Convention the same year he received his American Degree. It also happened to be his birthday, so of course that warranted being sung to.

As opposed to completing written work, Parke found the verbal aspect was much better for him. His FFA advisor, Robert Marzolf, also took notice, and encouraged Parke to take a youth leadership class the following year. Parke served as chapter president in tenth grade, and also had regional officer roles

To Parke, FFA was an amazing program where people took others for who they were. “You brought to the table what you brought,” he stated. Parke explained he was aware of his challenges, and also his strengths. He chose to focus on the strengths and

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See KARA (LADLIE) GRANT, pg. 11

Trying something new led to State Secretary post

By LAURA COLE

The Land Staff Writer

Growing up the youngest of eight kids on a dairy and crop farm operation outside of New Ulm, Minn., Betsy (Bianchi) Chambers stated it was the natural thing to follow in her siblings’ footsteps. Their path led her to FFA.

“It was just a really fun time in life,” Chambers stated of her FFA experience. Referencing the memories made from attending camps and conferences, she also noted that the leadership opportunities and experiences in public speaking all made a lasting impact.

Chambers recalled working a lot with Keith Olander through-

out her high school years. “He was a great mentor and supporter, and always there to push and encourage and help with whatever I needed help with,” she stated. Another memory shared was when her ag teacher, Paul Wilker, challenged her as a freshman to compete in the creed speaking contest. As a result of winning, she received her new FFA jacket.

Chambers was president of her FFA chapter her junior year of high school and then vice president her senior year. She was a student at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls when she served as secretary on the state officer team. Chambers recalled a fair amount of travel was involved

to represent FFA at various events and functions. “We did quite a few visits to chapters located around the state,” she remarked.

Now working in the insurance industry as an underwriter, Chambers noted that while she doesn’t have a career in the ag field, she can see the positive effect FFA had on her. “I still just think that all those skills that were learned along the way were so helpful and beneficial, whether it was job interviews or just working with other coworkers on a team, or things of that nature,” she stated.

Emphasizing that FFA has something for everybody, Chambers discussed the value of stepping outside of comfort zones and trying something new.

“Because truly, you just never know where it might take you or how you might be affected by it in the future.”

Her biggest takeaway? “The people, honestly, is one

Daberkow wasn’t ‘playing’ en route to State Treasurer

By LAURA COLE

The Land Staff Writer

The state officer interview process is a multi-day ordeal, but Jeremy Daberkow remembers a specific

part of the weekend in particular. He walked into a room and an individual approached him voicing their frustration. Daberkow knew he was walking into a component that would involve role playing, but he

stated he didn’t know what to expect.

The individual feigned disappointment that Daberkow supposedly encouraged them to run for region office, but wasn’t selected. Daberkow was evaluated on how he navigated through the conversation. “Kudos to the nominating committee because I think they threw a lot of people for a loop,” he remarked.

Daberkow served as treasurer on the 1998-99 state officer team. While he had been an FFA officer at Heron Lake-Okabena-Lakefield High School, Daberkow chose to be more involved in career development activities rather than pursue a regional leadership opportunity. “Our chapter was pretty strong in CDEs, so we were at National Convention competing pretty much every year,” he stated.

Daberkow decided to run for a state officer role as he saw it as a great leadership experience to serve the organization that had given him so much.

Describing the officer team as very cohesive,

See BETSY (BIANCHI) CHAMBERS, pg. 11

ON THE COVER:

Minnesota State FFA officers from 1998-99 were (left to right) Vice President Robert Parke, Forest Lake; President Kara Ladlie, Albert Lea; Treasurer Jeremy Daberkow, Heron Lake-Okabena-Lakefield; Sentinel Kelly Schmidt, Tracy; Secretary Betsy Bianchi, New Ulm; and Reporter Darin Madson, GlenvilleEmmons High School.

FFA Treasurer Daberkow

Daberkow added they bonded over the common goal and it was an incredible time. “It’s an experience that you wish everybody could have something like that in their lifetime.”

Not fully knowing what he wanted to do after college, Doberkow originally began his freshman year at the University of Minnesota planning to major in Plant Science. He stated he later realized there was a calling in education.

After graduating, Daberkow taught 17 years in the classroom. Having been involved in the behind-the-scenes work of planning for various events as an officer proved to be an advantage to

FFA Vice President Parke

9

took the opportunity to explore his passions while building relationships along the way.

Now Parke is an ag teacher in his home town of Forest Lake. He stated the middle school FFA chapter just started last year, and he enjoys being able to showcase the FFA events and present the different opportunities that are in front of his students. To current FFA members, he provided the following encouragement: “There’s something for everybody. Just find your passion

and go for it. And don’t let things stop you along the way. Look for help when you need it.”

As a father of four to Cryptid, Ethan, Joseph, and Sophia, Parke shared he loves being a part of what his children are passionate about. For several years, he had the opportunity to be a stay-athome dad and be involved with Sunday School, confirmation, and Cub Scouts. Current activities also include theater and archery. An Eagle Scout himself, Parke enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. v

FFA Secretary Chambers

of the things I look back on and really cherish the most. A lot of those people that I met along the way are still close friends today. FFA — it just had so many opportunities; it was just a really good experience.”

Chambers resides in Medford, Minn., and is mom to three children: Casey (19), Hailey (17), and Lanie (13). Hailey is currently involved in FFA, and Chambers noted it’s been really fun to witness the personal growth and friendships made, as well as to see her experience a lot of the same things that she did. “She’s the Medford Chapter

President right now, and next year, she’ll be the Region VII President,” Chambers stated.

As she’s in the current season of her children’s involvement in activities, Chambers stays plenty busy. She is on the Medford school board and also helps with 4-H, another organization she was a part of in her youth. She stated her daughters show market lambs at jackpot shows and county and state fairs. “Those are still kind of the highlight of the summer just like they used to be for me, as well, when I was a kid,” she reminisced. v

him as a teacher. In addition, he also knew of all the opportunities students could take part in, and was able to offer encouragement in various directions.

Describing the National FFA Convention as a powerful experience for members, Daberkow stated as an FFA instructor he wished he could bottle up that energy and have it on hand in mid-January when the weather is cold and dreary as a means to rejuvenate everyone to continue working toward their goals.

Daberkow has taken FFA students to the Dominican Republic and Brazil. He shared it was important to him that they realized they are all living on a single planet and that there are individuals from all over the world doing the same things as his students — just speaking different languages.

Currently, Daberkow is a Farm Business Management Instructor through Minnesota West Community and Technical College. He works with 60 farm families in Martin County providing financial management education. His wife, Jessica, is high school ag teacher, so he shared he is still involved in FFA.

Having grown up on a farm, Daberkow continues to farm with his dad and brother. “We don’t let moss grow much at our farm,” he commented. They are involved in corn and soybean production and also raise show pigs. His wife enjoys their horses, and they also have ponies for their five year old twin boys, Axel and Everett. “They keep us on our toes. Never a dull moment,” he stated.

FFA President Grant

Education. Later, Grant decided make a transition again, this time from agriculture to the medical field.

After obtaining an associate degree in nursing from Riverland Community College in Austin, Minn., Grant later received a second bachelors degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minn. “I very much value education, and I don’t think education can ever be wasted,” Grant stated, adding that the skills she learned through

FFA including setting goals, effectively communicating, and developing strong interpersonal relationships are all things she’s carried through to her healthcare career.

Grant has been a Registered Nurse with Mayo Clinic for the last 19 years, and for four years (including during the COVID pandemic), she worked as a flight nurse for Mayo One.

Grant makes her home in Austin, Minn. with her husband, Eric, and they have two sons, Ethan and Jonathan. v

2024 FFA convention April 21-23

The 2024 FFA State Convention will be held April 21-23 on the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campuses and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Ag Technology and Mechanics state participant activities will take place at

the St. Paul Pipefitters Training and Certification center.

Complete convention information can be found online at https://www.mnffa. org/state-convention. www.TheLandOnline.com

KARA (LADLIE) GRANT, from pg. 9

ROBERT PARKE, from pg.

BETSY (BIANCHI) CHAMBERS, from pg. 10

Call State Reporter Madson Dr. Madson

By LAURA COLE The Land Staff Writer

As someone who gives a number of speeches throughout the year, Darin Madson speaks highly of the preparation FFA provided him. Detailing the skills learned including etiquette and responsibility, Madson also added, “I know I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if I did not have those opportunities to explore new or different events/ interactions. I will never forget those and the friends I made.”

Madson attended GlenvilleEmmons High School, a small school with about 40 students in his grade. As part of a farming community, he stated he looked up to the older students involved in FFA. A self-described farm kid at heart, Madson valued that agriculture is the backbone of the FFA organization.

Merle Hanson was Glenville-Emmons’ ag teacher, and Madson stated he will never forget his mentorship. He has remained in touch with his former

teacher, even attending Hanson’s grandson’s high school football game not far from where Madson lives to be able to sit with him and catch up.

“Special people come along every now and then and mold you. He was certainly that caliber of person to a lot of people actually,” Madson commented about Hanson. “I will forever be in debt to his teachings. Just a flat-out great person.”

After serving in officer roles at the chapter level, Madson served as Region VII President the same year Bob Parke was president within his region. Madson applied for a state officer role as a college student. He served as reporter while attending the University of Minnesota. Three other officer teammates — Bob Parke, Jeremy Daberkow, and Kelly Schmidt — were also at

the St. Paul campus.

After three years of undergrad, Madson attended vet school and became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. Upon graduation, he worked for a couple of years in New Ulm for Christensen Farms. He said he then went to Iowa State to complete a PhD pathology residency, graduating in 2009.

Madson currently works at Iowa State University as a veterinary pathologist. He completes autopsies on animals to determine their cause of death. While he works primarily with production farm animals such as pigs and cattle, he stated he does see a variety of other animals, too.

Highlights of Madson’s involvement with FFA come down to one thing. “It’s all about the people,” he stated. He stated he had a lot of fun attending Greenhand and Leadership camps, and continues to enjoy catching up with people years later when the agriculture field brings them back together.

Though he didn’t know it at the time, Madson attended a camp at the same time as his future wife, Katie. They met after he graduated from vet school

Sentinel Schmidt’s leadership skills paid off in his future

By LAURA COLE The Land Staff Writer

As CEO of the Minnesota Beef Council, Kelly Schmidt stated he’s made a career out of beef production.

“My family has been involved in agriculture my whole life. My dad was a herdsmen for a Simmental cattle breeder for his entire career,” Schmidt shared. His family always had a small herd of cattle, and Schmidt completed his beef production placement proficiency and SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) where his dad worked.

Schmidt is originally from Tracy, Minn. His older brother was active in FFA and had been a leader within the local chapter. “Growing up in a smaller town that was rich with agriculture, FFA was pretty popular, and we had a really good program where I grew up,” he added.

Looking back, Schmidt stated he knows how fortunate he was to have been part of such a strong program. “We had a lot of CDE (Career Development Event) winners. We had a lot of SAE winners. And then we had a lot of officers that came [from] there. See

Multiple regional presidents and state officers in those years.”

Paul Skoglund was Schmidt’s FFA advisor. “Very deservedly”

Skoglund was inducted into the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame in 2020. “Paul Skoglund was a big influence for me, and [I] definitely wouldn’t have gotten to be a state officer without him in the background,” Schmidt stated.

Having first served as regional president, Schmidt was selected for the state officer role of sentinel. He held the position while he attended the University of Minnesota. Originally thinking he would teach, Schmidt majored in Ag Education.

He later determined there were alternative options he hoped to follow within the ag industry, and pursued Leadership, Training, and Development.

“Honestly, the state officer year was just so much fun for me. I just really enjoyed the team I was on,” Schmidt stated. Highlights of the year included planning events and also being a delegate at the National FFA Convention. Meeting state

FFA Reporter Madson

DERIN MADSON, from pg. 12

Madson added. Besides his role with Iowa State, he also started a farming operation from scratch. They have about 50 cows, and Madson does his own hay work. His hope is that one day his boys will be a part of FFA, so they can also enjoy the things he did. v and have now been married for about 18 years. They have two sons, Rafe (9) and Gus (5). “We have fun. We like to hang out outside,” Madson stated of spending time with his family.

“Agriculture is a big deal for me,”

FFA Sentinel Schmidt

KELLY SCHMIDT,

from pg. 12

officers from other states was another great memory for Schmidt.

Schmidt stated his experience as state officer absolutely set him up for the future. He explained that from the leadership role, he gained the confidence to pursue internships, which eventually resulted in full-time job opportunities. His first job out of college was working for Cargill in their Animal Nutrition division.

Schmidt still has a love for ag education, and now as a father to three daughters, he has seen his FFA journey come full circle. Schmidt and his wife, Sarah, make their home near New Ulm, Minn. with Aubree (16), Kate (14), and Britta (10). Aubree was recently

elected to be a regional officer alongside Betsy’s daughter, Hailey. Schmidt stated he is especially looking forward to convention this year as both Aubree and Kate will be participating and competing. The family also raises cattle and shows pigs.

Noting that the connections he’s made have been the best part of FFA, Schmidt acknowledged that while methods of communication are much different now, building a personal network by visiting one on one with others is still very important. And for the time spent with his team in 1998-1999, he shared, “It was just a fantastic experience for me being with five other great teammates from across the state.” v

Ag education grants available

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council is now accepting grant applications for the improvement of agricultural education across Minnesota. Funds will be awarded in two competitive grant areas: Strategic Initiatives and Common Fund.

More than $145,000 is available between these competitive grant programs. All grant applications must be completed online at www.mn.gov/ maelc/grants.html before midnight on April 15.

“MAELC’s grant program allows us to reach our mission of promoting and expanding agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR) education across the state. We look to support local and statewide organizations in expanding access to new and current AFNR programming to positively impact as many Minnesotans as possible,” said Sarah Dornink, Executive Director of MAELC.

Common Fund grants are awarded to

applications having a statewide impact and are designed to meet specific goals related to the 2025 Minnesota Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource (AFNR) Education Blueprint. New and innovative ideas are encouraged to support increasing quality of instruction, increasing the numbers and types of students reached by programs, and projects that improve the understanding of AFNR education.

Strategic Initiative grants are based on the strategies outlined in the AFNR Blueprint and focus on promoting access to AFNR education, improving current programs, and providing teacher professional development. These grants support programming at the primary, secondary and postsecondary levels in Minnesota.

Grant applications can be obtained online at www.mn.gov/maelc/grants. html.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council. v

resulted in less headaches.)

According the 1924 Yearbook of Agriculture, it wasn’t just the farmer who benefited from the better roads but also rural education as the country schools were beginning to consolidate. Rural students needed dependable transportation if they wanted to attend high school which was rather unusual at the time.

The book also indicated that better roads to church was a good idea.

Agriculture has always been a heavily capitalized industry. “FARM CREDIT” is written in capital letters because that is mighty important to starting a farm and remaining in this vocation that is our chosen field of serving mankind and making a reasonable living. It was an issue back then and remains thus.

However, the accuracy of the census which deciphers the number of farmers is debatable — as is what constitutes a farm. In 1924, the census esti-

mates there were 6,448,343 farms. In 2022, the number has dropped down to 2,000,700. Ouch — many dreams of being an independent farmer have been plowed under.

Of course, as far as politics go, there was a rife between Henry C. Wallace and President Coolidge. Secretary of Agriculture Wallace emphasis was on the economic problems of the farmer which was important. One of the ways he pushed improvement was to support the controversial McNary-Haugen Bill — one of the first bills meant to aid farmers who were suffering financially. As the previous yearbook (1923) puts it, “morale was low.”

The standard of living had greatly decreased, worry and disappointments abounded for all family members and everyone was overworked. Secretary Wallace was right. Something needed to be done.

President Coolidge didn’t sign the bill. He saw potential for misuse and how in the long run it could be harmful. His opinions made sense too.

It is also possible that he opposed it too because

of the way he lived. He believed in simplicity, honesty and frugality. He felt that a nation as well as a man should live in such a way that it spent less than its income and was completely independent. This from a man who was born on July 4, 1872, of course.

The last century has seen many changes in agriculture. However, the number of farmers continue to decline for many reasons; domestic and foreign markets are still needed. We rely on those daily market updates; food safety and quality are definitely important. There are just some things that do not change.

Especially our need for good roads so that our neighbors, children and we can drive to church each and every Sunday.

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

Minnesota Dept. of Ag reminds of proper fertilizer storage

ST. PAUL — Ahead of the planting season, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers of proper storage guidelines for bulk fertilizer.

Bulk liquid fertilizer can contaminate soil, surface water, and groundwater if a storage tank or pipe leaks. Dry fertilizer can also leach into the environment if it is placed on the ground and mixes with snow and rain.

To limit the risk of environmental impacts, liquid fertilizer tanks must be inside a containment system that will hold any spills. This is called secondary

containment. Dry fertilizer must be stored on an impervious surface and in a roofed area that will protect its contents from the elements.

Farmers storing any amount of dry bulk fertilizer on the farm must get an MDA bulk storage permit. Farmers must also get an MDA permit if they’re storing more than 6,000 gallons of liquid fertilizer.

The storage permit application must include drawings for secondary containment. An application, along with a $100 fee, must be submitted prior to the start of construction or storage of any dry fertilizer or more than 6,000 gallons of liquid fertilizer. The per-

mit application can be found on www.mda.state.mn. us/bulk-fertilizer-storage.

A release of fertilizer into the environment is an incident that must be immediately reported to the Minnesota Duty Officer at (800) 422-0798.

For more information on bulk storage and permits, contact Matthew Parins at (651) 201-6587 or Matthew.

Parins@state.mn.us

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

New MDA weather grants available to impacted producers

ST. PAUL — Recognizing the risks posed by extreme weather, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering a new grant opportunity to help eligible producers make their operations more resilient to drought, flooding, and severe weather events like storms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds.

The Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant, also referred to as “The Prepare Grant,” offers one-time competitive grants of up to $10,000 for Minnesota livestock and specialty crop producers to buy and install supplies and equipment for weather event preparation. It requires a 50 percent match.

Eligible projects include — but are not limited to — water tanks, pipelines, and wagons/trailers; wells (new improvements, fixes, replacement pumps); irrigation equipment (including drip irrigation); fans; misters; livestock shade systems; and windbreaks.

The MDA expects to award 50 to 75 grants with the $500,000 available for this program and encourages producers to apply early. Applications will be accepted through 4 p.m. on April 23, and the MDA will notify applicants as soon as possible, but no later than May 31, about whether their proposal was funded.

Full grant details and the request for proposals (RFP) can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us/preparing-extreme-weather-prepare-grant.

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

Solar fits well with Lavalier’s produce operation

By LAURA COLE The Land Staff Writer

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.

— There’s always something new happening at Lavalier’s Berry Patch and Orchard located in Grand Rapids, Minn. Cut flowers are a recent addition to their offerings, and this year, Stuart Lavalier plans to introduce some chickens and a few sheep to the property. He’s also enjoying the benefits from last year’s project of installing a 27.3 kilowatt solar array.

Lavalier explained that the electricity generated from the solar panels covers the electricity used on the farm and any excess goes back in the grid.

Besides the federal tax credit received, Lavalier added he also gets a rebate for the additional electricity produced each month.

Department of Natural Resources to help finance putting up a fence. During that process, a DNR officer happened to mention that with a fence, they could now grow apples. Lavalier started with 10 apple trees, and now they have about 1,200.

Lavalier shared that he does a lot of reading, and looks into what programs the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has available. He is a member of the Minnesota Apple Growers Association, the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association.

Interested in horticulture ever since his days attending the University of Minnesota, Lavalier’s farm business has been in operation for a little over 40 years. Throughout those years, he has benefited from participating in various agricultural programs. The berry patch portion of the business first began after Lavalier participated in a feasibility study for strawberries. Not long after, and following a feasibility study for blueberries with the University of Minnesota, Lavalier added some varieties of that crop as well.

When deer posed an issue for the strawberries, Lavalier worked with the

“Just being a part of those organizations, I think I hear different things that are available,” Lavalier stated. “Oftentimes I’ll hear other growers trying different things and I think to myself ‘Oh, maybe this is something that will work on our farm.’ We’re a very small farm, but I don’t think a small farmer has to scrimp on quality.”

Along with berries and apples, additional produce that Lavalier grows and sells include tart cherries, pumpkins, squash, and Brussels sprouts. U-pick options are available to customers, and Lavalier stated they also keep some of the produce in a cooler for those who prefer a pre-selected alternative.

Lavalier said he first considered solar energy possibilities a number of years ago when growers he respects, Bill and Nancy Bauer, had shared with the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association their experience of putting in two solar panels on their farm.

The opportunity to reduce their footprint appealed to Lavalier, and is a similar approach to his take on business. Lavalier prefers to grow only as much as he expects to sell. “If we use electricity, but we can generate that same amount of electricity with the solar panel, that’s really like you’re saying, ‘Hey, I’m here, but I’m not using more than what we need,’” he explained.

To assist agricultural producers and rural small business in securing renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding.

Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people go solar, and they offer assistance with the REAP application process. Lavalier explained SUN came to the Grand Rapids community with a goal to gather people with a common interest. He also shared they provided information on options that could make a solar project feasible. He stated, “They know the funding and the procedure, and what has to be done.”

Lavalier said he began putting real thought into REAP and the potential project in the fall of 2021. With additional income received from having sold a co-owned parcel of land, he determined solar panels would be a good investment for his farm.

Lavalier applied for the grant through a grant writer who had been recommended to him. He found the writer’s experience, knowledge of the criteria, and suggestions provided along the way to be valuable. In early spring of 2022, he was given approval for the funding.

Based on another recommendation received, Real Solar was selected for the installation. They came out to Lavalier’s farm prior to make sure things would be feasible in the area and took photos. Construction began in the fall of 2022, and was completed a few months later in January. Other than it being a very snowy winter, the process went well.

“They did a wonderful job,” Lavalier stated of Real Solar. “I have no complaints at all. They were very good at always letting us know what was going on.”

Now, a little more than a year after project completion, Lavalier reported the electricity generated from the solar panels has been enough to cover their charge. Plus, he has received payment from Lake Country Power for the excess generation of electricity every month with the exception of January 2024.

Due to cloudier weather combined with the company’s standard monthly charge, January’s electric bill was about $26. “There just wasn’t a whole lot of sunlight,” Lavalier commented.

So far, there has hasn’t been any maintenance required of Lavalier. And while he mentioned that he could have possibly opted for a 35 kilowatt array over his selected 27.3 kilowatt array, he remarked, “It’s been a really good project.” v

Photos submitted

Last year, Stuart Lavalier had a 27.3 kilowatt solar array installed at his berry and orchard operation in Grand Rapids, Minn. Solar United Neighbors provided Lavalier with information on loan and grant applications for the project.

Lavalier’s u-pick strawberry farm has evolved to include blueberries, apples, tart cherries and other assorted produce.

Dairy margins deteriorated the first half of March

This column was written for the marketing week ending March 15.

U.S. milk production remained below a year ago in February, the eighth consecutive month to do so, thanks to lower cow numbers and output per cow.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s preliminary data showed output at 18.1 billion pounds, up 2.2 percent from February 2023. Factoring the extra Leap Day (Feb. 29), output was 17.48 billion pounds, down 1.3 percent on a per day basis. It was the most significant decrease since January 2022, according to HighGround Dairy. The top 24-state total, at 16.8 billion pounds, was down 1.1 percent, factoring in the Leap Day.

MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY

By Lee Mielke

cows. Washington State was down 1 percent. Cow numbers were unchanged.

Dairy culling remains well below a year ago. The latest Livestock Slaughter report showed an estimated 252,700 head were sent to slaughter under federal inspection in February, up 2,500 head from January, but 13,800 head or 5.2 percent below February 2023.

MARKETING

The week ending March 9 saw 59,400 dairy cows go to slaughter. This is down 400 from the previous week, and 7,900 or 11.7 percent below a year ago. Year to date, 576,199 head have been culled, down 97,300 or 14.4 percent from a year ago. n

cows in the Texas Panhandle,” the Margin Watch reported. “There have been numerous theories offered including respiratory diseases, dysentery, or other potential toxins although nothing conclusive yet. The Smokehouse Creek Fire has also been raised as a potential culprit, but the blaze burned east of the affected dairies and the winds from the fire blew eastward such that larger dairies with reported cases west of the fire in the Panhandle were not impacted by either the fire or the resulting smoke.”

n

The January 50-state milk total was revised down 10 million pounds from last month’s estimate. Output was down 1.2 percent from 2023, instead of the 1.1 percent originally reported. The 24-state revision was down 6 million pounds, and January output was down 1 percent from 2023, instead of the 0.9 percent reported.

February cow numbers totaled 9.33 million, up 10,000 from the January count which was revised 5,000 head lower from a month ago, and is down 89,000 head or 0.9 percent from a year ago. The 24-state count, at 8.878 million head, was up 8,000 from the January count, which was revised down 3,000 head, and is 61,000 below a year ago.

Output per cow in the 50 states averaged 1,874 pounds, down 7 pounds or 0.4 percent from a year ago. The 24-state average, at 1,888 pounds, was down 9 pounds or 0.5 percent from a year ago.

StoneX Dairy Group says, “Farmers have been focused on boosting milk solids instead of boosting water production per cow. Combined fat plus protein in the milk was up 1.4 percent from last year during February.”

California output was down 0.9 percent from a year ago, factoring in the Leap Day. Cow numbers were down 2,000 head. The last time output topped a year ago there was August 2022. Wisconsin output was up 0.6 percent from a year ago and cow numbers were unchanged from a year ago.

Idaho was down 2.7 percent on 5,000 fewer cows. Michigan was off 0.3 percent, though cow numbers were up 4,000 head. Minnesota was down 2 percent on 7,000 fewer cows.

New Mexico again posted the biggest loss, down 13 percent, on 32,000 fewer cows. New York was off 0.9 percent, with cow numbers unchanged. Oregon was off 1 percent on 10,000 fewer cows.

Pennsylvania was down 1.7 percent on 1,000 fewer cows. South Dakota again showed the biggest gain, up 10.9 percent, thanks to 19,000 more cows, and Texas was down 0.7 percent on 10,000 fewer cows. Vermont was down 1.5 percent on 2,000 fewer

Eyes are focused on an illness affecting milk output in dairy cows in the Texas panhandle. A lot of those cows may be culled as a result. HighGround Dairy points out, “Beef prices remain above average, and the immediate paycheck of a slaughtered cow is more appealing than keeping a very low-producing animal in the herd.”

That spells trouble in Texas, however, as HighGround Dairy warned, “New processing capacity began in 2023 in the Panhandle and more is coming online this year as well as in 2025. It is imperative that the herd grows in this area so that the new plants are filled. Cow numbers in Texas have been flat since last June, and this issue will not help increase milk flows to optimize the new assets.”

Dairy margins nationally deteriorated the first half of March on a combination of a sharp drop in milk prices and slightly higher feed costs, according to the latest Margin Watch from Chicago-based Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC.

“The drop in milk prices came despite strong cheese export data for January as well as concerns over a mysterious disease circulating among dairy

The Margin Watch reported the Trade Data Monitor shows January cheese exports at just less than 85 million pounds. This is up 12.6 percent from the prior year and the highest January on record. “U.S. cheese exports to Mexico were also record large for the month — up 39.3 percent from 2023 which was a previous record for January exports to Mexico.”

The Margin Watch also warned, “With new cheese plants coming online, exports will need to continue remaining strong to help support prices. By contrast, January milk powder exports just above 129 million pounds were down 14 percent from last year’s record pace and the lowest volume for any month in nearly five years. Exports to Mexico dropped 21.7 percent from last year.”

Fluid milk sales got a good start in 2024. The USDA’s latest data shows packaged sales totaled just under 3.9 billion pounds, up 2.4 percent from January 2023, after dropping 2.8 percent in December.

Conventional product sales totaled 3.6 billion pounds, up 2.5 percent from a year ago. Organic products, at 259 million pounds, were up 0.2 percent and represented 6.7 percent of total sales for the month.

Whole milk sales totaled just under 1.4 billion

See MIELKE, pg. 17

Purina offers scholarships

Purina Animal Nutrition, along with the Land O’Lakes Foundation, has opened its scholarship program designed to assist students with experience in agriculture and livestock production in pursuing their passions and furthering their educations.

Now, along with undergraduate students, current high school seniors who have experience raising and caring for small or large livestock, equine and/or poultry, are eligible to apply for one of four $5,000 scholarships. Along with the impact animal agriculture has had on their lives, desired applicants will be able to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement and have a clear vision for their future.

Scholarship applications will be accepted through

April 17. Awardees will receive their scholarship funds for the Fall 2024 semester at their current or anticipated educational institution.

The scholarship is open to all high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic semester/term and undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.

To learn more about the Purina Animal Nutrition Scholarship, visit www.purinamills.com/scholarship.

This article was submitted by Land O’Lakes, Inc. v

Cheese plants near capacity, declining cheaper milk

pounds, up 5.2 percent from a year ago and represented 35.1 percent of total sales for the month.

Skim milk sales, at 170 million pounds, were down 12.1% from a year ago. The figures represent consumption in Federal market orders, which account for about 92 percent of total fluid sales in the United States.

The March 5 “Daily Dairy Report” says fluid milk sales have plunged 17 percent since 2013, but says one of the few bright spots is whole milk sales which have grown 12.5 percent from 2013’s 13.3 billion pounds.

Speaking of Class I: the April Federal order Class I base milk price was announced at $19.18 per hundredweight, up 38 cents from March and 33 cents above April 2023. It is the highest Class I since December 2023 and equates to $1.65 per gallon, up from $1.62 a year ago. The four-month Class I average stands at $18.61, down from $20.26 a year ago, and $22.15 in 2022.

Checking the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, block cheddar closed the fourth Friday of March at $1.3925 per pound. This is down 7.75 cents on the week, the lowest since Dec. 26, and 70.75 cents below a year ago when they stood at $2.10.

The barrels closed the week at $1.425, 1.75 cents lower, 53.75 cents below a year ago, and an inverted 3.25 cents above the blocks. Sales totaled 24 loads of block and three of barrel.

Cheese demand is trending higher as spring holidays approach, according to Dairy Market News. Plant managers report they are nearing capacity. Milk availability is ample, and some plants declined loads at $6 under Class since they were at capacity. Mid-week spot prices ranged $3-under to flat mar-

ket Class III. Some processors scheduled downtime next week in concert with school closures, which will free up milk supplies. A year ago prices ranged $11 to $4-under Class. Cheese inventories are “comfortable in the region,” says Dairy Market News

Cash Grain Markets

This is down 1.5 cents on the week, but 46.25 cents above a year ago, with six sales reported on the week.

Butter manufacturing is in line with recent weeks, says Dairy Market News. Churning varies as some plants report increases with micro-fixing bulk volumes. Demand is steady with interest for the spring holiday season picking up slowly. Cream is readily available but not overwhelming, according to contacts.

Butter makers note strong to steady production in the West. Some are working towards inventory goals ahead of planned summer downtime for maintenance. Churning is focused on retail production. Milk production and cream yields are seasonally strengthening. Retail demand is strong to seasonally steady. Some food service demand is weakening but the approaching spring holiday season is expected to strengthen that demand near-term, according to Dairy Market News.

Grain prices are effective cash close on March 26. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Cheese demand remains steady in the West. Export demand steady to slightly stronger for the end of first quarter. Cheese makers indicate steady demand from international buyers throughout second quarter while some relay current price dynamics are weakening long term demand. Cheese manufacturers are running strong to steady production and milk volumes are ample. Plenty of cheese is available and may be outpacing demand.

Butter finished March 15 at $2.8075 per pound.

American Agri-Women announce fly-in

American Agri-Women recently announced the expansion of its annual Washington DC fly-in event, opening it up for the first time to all women involved in the agricultural and natural resource industries.

Taking place from June 2-4, this event offers an opportunity for women across the agricultural and natural resource sectors to come together, share insights, and advocate for critical issues affecting their industries.

The fly-in offers engaging sessions on how to make an impact at the local, state, and federal levels of government, as well as discussions on the topic of climate change regulation and its financial impact to producers.

There will be a U.S. Department of Agriculture agency roundtable with interactive discussions with representatives from various USDA agencies, including FSA, Trade, NASS, APHIS, and Forestry.

Limited space is available for a meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency. Early registration is encouraged to secure a seat at the table.

Participants have the chance to schedule visits with their preferred members of Congress to discuss priority AAW issues. A Congressional reception offers an opportunity to network and engage with congressional representatives, fostering dialogue on important agricultural issues.

Also featured is a visit to the Embassy of Spain, offering attendees a glimpse into the cultural and agricultural connections between Spain and the United States.

For more information and to register, visit https:// americanagriwomen.org/flyin.

This article was submitted by American AgriWomen. v

Grade A nonfat dry milk dropped to the lowest CME price since Sept. 6, closing March 15 at $1.1075. This is 5.5 cents lower on the week and 4.25 cents below a year ago, with 13 sales put on the board for the week. Lots of fingers point to the weak Global Dairy Trade powder prices and weak Mexican demand.

Dry whey closed the week at 39.5 cents per pound, down a nickel on the week, lowest since Jan. 1, and a nickel below a year ago, with seven loads exchanging hands on the week.

n

Dairy imports into China don’t hold much hope. January imports were down 5.1 percent from a year ago and 15 percent lower in February. The data was combined for the fifth year in a row because “The impact of the Lunar New Year is unevenly spread across those two months,” said StoneX broker Dave Kurzawski in the March 25 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast. He added that “China’s milk price is falling, so either their demand is off or they’re making more milk and keeping that information in-country.”

Skim milk powder and whey imports were down 37.5 percent and 26.2 percent respectively from 2023. HighGround Dairy says, “There have been fewer shipments of skim milk powder from Australia, the United States, and various EU countries. Considering the leap year adjustment, January-February imports of skim milk powder in 2024 were the lowest in seven years, with the largest losses in whey imports from the United States, Poland, France and the Netherlands.”

Whole milk powder imports were up 2.6 percent compared to “the dismal figures of 2023, although the increase in 2024 was marginal,” says HighGround Dairy, and “stands as the second-worst January-February total since 2016.”

Sheep raised

 1-99  100-249

Beef Cattle marketed

 1-99

Dairy Cattle milked  1-50

Exports to north Asia down from last year

MIELKE, from pg. 17

Cheese imports were down 17.2 percent, although volumes were better than those in 2022, according to HighGround Dairy. “Cheese imports from the United States have experienced significant growth, while New Zealand has reported losses. U.S. CME cheddar blocks have been heavily discounted against New Zealand for the past four months.”

n

In other trade news, weakening continued in the March 19 Global Dairy Trade Auction which saw the weighted average drop 2.8 percent following the 2.3 percent decline on March 5. Traders brought 43.3 million pounds of product to market, down from 46.8 million on March 5, and the lowest since May 19, 2020. The average metric ton price slipped to $3,497 U.S., down from $3,630 on March 5.

Powder again led the declines. Skim milk powder was down 4.8 percent after falling 5.2 percent on March 5. Whole milk powder was down 4.2 percent after falling 2.8 percent. Lactose was down 4.4 percent after gaining 4.8 percent. Cheddar was down 1.9 percent after rising 4 percent, and Mozzarella was off 1 percent. Butter was down 1.4 percent after slipping 1 percent last time, while anhydrous milkfat was up 2.5 percent after gaining 1.4 percent last time.

StoneX says the GDT 80 percent butterfat butter price equates to $2.8359 per pound U.S., down 2.3 cents from March 5, and compares to CME butter which closed March 15 at $2.8075. GDT cheddar, at $1.9016, was down 3.8 cents, and compares to March 15’s CME block cheddar, a

steal, at $1.3925. GDT skim milk powder averaged $1.1417 per pound, down from $1.1974, and whole milk powder averaged $1.4258 per pound, down from $1.4903. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed March 15 at $1.1075 per pound.

Analyst Dustin Winston reports, “North Asia purchases, which include China, were substantially weaker than year-ago levels and the previous GDT event. Southeast Asia along with South/Central America were the only regions to increase purchase volume from both last event and last year. The skim milk powder market found some interest in this event as every region that purchased volume apart from North Asia, purchased more than they did a year ago.”

Cooperatives Working Together member cooperatives accepted 35 offers of export assistance this week that helped capture sales contracts for 3.5 million pounds of American-type cheese, 51,000 pounds of anhydrous milkfat and 309,000 pounds of cream cheese.

The product is going to customers in Asia, Middle East-North Africa and South America through June and raised CWT’s 2024 exports to 28 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 163,000 pounds of anhydrous milkfat, 7.1 million pounds of whole milk powder and 2.5 million pounds of cream cheese. The products are going to 24 countries and are the equivalent of 334 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

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

ISU Private Pesticide Training

Iowa State University Worth County Extension will be offering two Private Pesticide last chance Recertification sessions on April 9 at 1 p.m. and April 12 at 9 a.m. at the Worth County Extension Office Community Room at the Fairgrounds in Northwood.

The program will be a last chance to provide farm pesticide applicators an opportunity to renew their private pes-

ticide applicators license for this year. Participants must pre-register 24 hours in advance.

To get enrolled call Worth County Extension Education Specialist Dennis Johnson at (641) 324-1531.

This article was submitted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. v

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

Feed Seed Hay

OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn. Produces more high quality silage on less acres than hybrid. $67/bushel plus shipping. High feed value grain. borriesopenpollinatedseedcorn.com 217-857-3377 or 217-343-4962

Call 507-345-4523

Real Estate Wanted

WANTED: Land & farms. I have clients looking for dairy, & cash grain operations, as well as bare land parcels from 40-1000 acres.

Both for relocation & investments. If you have even thought about selling contact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Land Specialist, Edina Realty, 138 Main St. W., New Prague, MN 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com (612)328-4506

WANTED TO BUY: LAND 507-339-1272

Please support the advertisers you see here. Tell them you saw their ad in The Land!

Fertilizer & Chemical

Gen Liberty totes, $19.50; Glyphosate 5.4 totes, $14.25; Enlist 1 totes, $46.95; Gen Surestart $45.35; Metolachlor totes, $29.50. All tote prices include free delivery to most areas. Please call or text for any other chemical needs.

Phone 612-210-3685

Bins & Buildings

FOR SALE: Uni-Rib used steel 36” x 20’ 66 sheets, also 27’x 7” 68 sheets, light brown, screwed, $1.00 a linear ft, or best offer. Cologne, MN. 952-466-5538

PLANNING AN AUCTION?

Get the best results when you advertise in THE LAND 507-345-4523

Bins & Buildings

SILO

Take-down & clean up Specializing in silos in congested areas. FULLY INSURED mobile concrete crushing. 507-236-9446

Have you returned your subscription card for THE LAND? Find it on page 18 and send it in today.

TRACTORS

NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader .... Coming

NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders ....Coming

NEW NH 25S Workmasters ...….......…. On Hand

NEW Massey 2850M & 2860M ............. On Hand

NEW Massey 4710 & 4707 ….............. On Hand

New Massey GC1725M …….................. On Hand

’16 Massey 4608 rops w/loader …............. $36,900

’21 NH T7.260 ……….............………… $164,000

’18 NH T4.75 w/loader .............................. $49,900

’16 NH T8.380 w/2000 hrs $194,000

’12 NH T9.560 2200hrs ……..........…… $235,000

’12 NH T9.560 800 metric …….……… $229,000

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

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units .. On Hand

NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units .. On Hand

’18 NH L234 425hrs ………........…….. $53,000

’19 NH L228 725hrs …..................…….. $42,000

HAY TOOLS

New Disc Mowers - 107,108,109 ............ On Hand

New Disc Mower Cond. - 10’, 13’ ........... On Hand

New Wheel Rakes - 10,12,14 .................. On Hand

Kuhn SR112 Rake ……................................ $6,900

NH H6740 disc mower ……….................... $8,500

NH 488 ................................................... On Hand

’13 NH H7230 ………..................………. $22,500

’15 NH H7230 ......................................... On Hand

PLANTERS

NEW White 9936VE .................................... On Hand

NEW White 9924VE ..................................... On Hand

NEW Massey 9816VE .................................. On Hand

NEW Massey 9812VE .................................. On Hand

NEW Massey 9222VE ..................................

Bins & Buildings

Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. 100% financing w/no liens or red tape, call Steve at Fairfax Ag for an appointment.

888-830-7757

Farm Equipment

FOR SALE: Firestone radials; 380/90R50, rims and hubs (triple taken off Case IH); Case IH 1830 12R30” row cultivator; Case IH 24’ tandem grain drill; Case IH 14’ grain drill w/ grass feeder; Buckeye tiling machine, 3pt fork lift. 507-240-0294

FOR SALE: Unverferth seed tender, w/ scale, talc applicator, 3 axles, 17’ conveyor, $28,500; JD 4000, WF, dsl tractor, $14,500; JD 16R cult, w/ rolling shields, $5,000; Batco 15x35 belt conveyor, used for seed beans, $8,000.

507-370-4416

FOR SALE: 3710 John Deere 9 bottom plow, hasn’t plowed 2000 acres, asking $25,000.

507-391-5127

Farm Equipment

FOR SALE: 16 Yetter trash whippers off JD 1770, $100/ ea OBO. 507-920-7954 FOR SALE: Seed tender 2 compartment gravity wagon w/ tarp, brush auger & telescoping tube, $3,250/OBO. 507-920-7954

FOR SALE: 40’ Wil-rich field cultivator, Model #3400, 4 bar drag, low acre machine. 42’ Ber Vac soil conditioner, Danish tine teeth, 2 rows of rolling baskets. 320-808-5723

FOR SALE: JD 7000 4RN planter, monitor with new tires; JD 443 low tin cornhead, SN471-802, both in good condition. 320-732-6280 or 320-760-5228 (c)

FOR SALE: 45’ Wil-Rich field cultivator, 3 bar drag, good older machine. 8x16 EPA fuel container, white, never installed. 320-808-5723

FOR SALE: 3 Cherokee wagon hoists; 3 Stir-a-tor motors for grain bin. 320-583-3131

Farm Equipment

We buy

Salvage Equipment

Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910

Tractors

‘95 JD 8200 2WD with 18.4R46 rear tires and duals (70%), 7757 hours, front weights, 1000 PTO, 3 hyd. Remotes, quick hitch. Very nice one owner tractor. Asking $49,900. 507-789-6049

FOR SALE: Int’l 3788 2+2 w/ only 3946 actual hours, 650 hrs on new motor, new rubber all the way around, excellent tractor. 507-272-9358

Tractors

FOR SALE: 8230T JD Track Tractor (2007) 5298 hrs, auto trac ready, $87,000. 507-327-6430

JD 80 Tractor FOR SALE. IF INTERESTED CAN SEND PICTURES. 320-905-2536

NEW AND USED TRACTOR

PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, 50 Series & newer tractors, AC-all models, Large Inventory, We ship! Mark Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829

Tillage Equip

FOR SALE: IH 4600 vibra shank 30’ w/ harrow, near new 7” sweeps, $2,750; JD 28’ deep cone, cushion disk, good condition, $3,200. 651-503-5087

Planting Equip

Tillage Equip

FOR SALE: Case IH 30‘ field cult, exc cond, walking tamdens on main frame & wings, $9,000 spent on rebuild, approx 3000 acres ago. Repaired bushings, shanks, harrow teeth, walking tandem bearings, tires good, $5,500. 507-339-1986

Planting Equip

FOR SALE: Kinze 3600 planter, 16/31, KPM2 monitor, liquid fertilizer, air clutcher, mechanical or hydraulic drive, $22,000. Marietta MN, 320-226-3837

FOR SALE: 1000 gal poly tank on tandems with like new transfer pump and motor, 5HP, new rubber all 4 tires. 507-272-9358

FOR SALE: JD MaxEmerge 2 conservation planter, 8R30” dry fertilizer, insecticide, trash whippers, no-till vacuum, $12,025. 507-533-4620

1996 Kinze 2600 16R30 lift & turn fold planter. Precision Finger meters, Kinze brush meters, Keaton seed firmers, & liquid fertilizer. We are second owner & have owned for 18 years. Row cleaners & No-Till coulters available. Excellent mechanical condition. Asking $17,500 OBO. Call 507-789-6049

FOR SALE: Retiring. JD 7200 12R30 planter, vacuum, Liq fert, dawn row cleaners, JD monitor, good cond, $12,500. 651-503-5087

FOR SALE: 24’ Great Plains front fold grain drill, w/ markers and extra press wheels, $16,500. 952-201-1176

Sell your farm equipment in The Land with a line ad. 507-345-4523

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.

WANTED: JD tractor, late 1990s-early 2000s, 200-300 HP, FWA or articulating; Loftness 15 ft stalk chopper; Brent gravity box 544, 644; also, Honda 4-wheeler. 320-248-5394

WANTED TO BUY: International 1456 tractor in good condition. 507-429-8990

LOCATION; 67662 386th Ave, Lake City, MN. From Lake City, MN Hwy 63 south 7 miles, turn right (west) on Wabasha Co #16 go 2.8 miles, turn left on 386th Ave, first place on left. From Goodhue, MN take Hwy 58 south 2 miles, turn left (east) on Goodhue Co #16 go 8.5 miles, turn right on 386th Ave.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 2024 • 10:00 a.m.

The Stehrs have rented out their land and are retiring from farming, therefore they will have a no reserve auction.

LIVE AUCTION W/LIVE ONLINE BIDDING www.equipmentfacts.com

2003 New Holland TM155 MFWD, 1,325 Act one owner Hrs., Cab, AC, heat, radio, 3pt. dual Hyd, PTO, Frt. weights, 18.4R-42 duals, 14.9-30 Frt. fenders –2010 John Deere 7130, 2 WD, 870 Act one owner Hrs. Power quad, Cab, AC, heat, radio, 3pt. dual Hyd, PTO, 18.4R-38 – 1995 John Deere 6300 MFWD, 2,365 Act. one owner Hrs. canopy, Quad, 3pt. dual Hyd, PTO, 16.9-30, 12.4-24 – 1982 Allis Chalmers 8010, 2WD, 4,760 Act second Hrs. 3pt. dual Hyd, PTO, 18.4R-38 & band duals – 1958 Allis Chalmers D14 LP, 4,797 Act one owner Hrs. WF, w/ loader, bought new by Neil & Paul’s Dad – 2000 Gehl SX3825, 2,870 Act Hrs. bucket – 66” Hyd grapple – 75” rock bucket –

TILLAGE & PLANTING EQUIPMENT

2019 Great Plains Turbo Max 1200TM, 12 Ft. Vert tillage, rolling basket, rolling spike tooth harrow, like new one owner – White 263, 14’ disc – White 6100, 6R planter, dry fert. trash whips, monitor – IH 11 shank 3pt. chisel plow – Bush Hog 8 shank 3pt. chisel plow – White 598, 4 bottom plow – MM 8’ grain drill –McFarlane 20’, 4 sect. drag, Hyd lift – Farm Hand 6R, 3pt. cult

VERY SHARP CHEVY PICKUP & CATTLE TRAILER, HAYING EQUIPMENT & DEMCO GRAVITY WAGONS, FARM MACHINERY

2017 S&S Dura Line 16’ tandem livestock trailer, like new – 1999 GMC 2500HD 4×4, 91,000 Act miles, reg cab, 8’ box, very sharp – 2003 Hesston 1345, 13’ Disc bine, very nice, low acres – New Holland 570 baler w/thrower, very nice – (3) Demco 365 gravity wagons very sharp (Years 2014,2002,2001) – 2010 Matthew Corp 180, 6R stalk chopper, nice – Parker gravity wagon w/Fert auger – NI 3632 tandem manure spreader, Hyd end gate – Badger 1000 Gal vac manure tank –H&S 9’ x 16’ metal bale wagon (2) 8’ x 16’ wooden bale wagon, (nice always stored inside) – Westfield WR100-61, 10” x 61’ auger – JD 22A single shank subsoiler – MM rake – 3Pt. round baler mower –

FENCELINE FEEDER, GATES, HAY & STRAW, FARM RELATED ITEMS

64’ Of 8’x8’ cement fence line feeders – (4) 14’ Wooden feeders – Head gate – Approx 30 tube gates – 700 Small bales of hay & 50 Small bales of straw –Swisher 44” finish cut trail mower, 11.5 HP – 20 Ft. bale conveyer w/elect motor – Schuld 6 & 3 ton bulk bins – 1 Yd 3PT. dirt scrapper –

HOUGHTON'S AUCTION SERVICE RED WING, MINNESOTA

turn left (west) on 190TH Ave go 1/4 mile, farm on left side of road.

Live & Online Wednesday, April 3, 2024 • 10:30 a.m.

WWW.HOUGHTONAUCTIONS.COM FOR MORE INFO

Online: www.equipment facts or www.proxibid.com/houghton

VERY NICE JOHN DEERE TRACTORS & DENGLEMAN BLADE

2013 John Deere 8260 MFWD, IVT, ILS, 6,591 Hrs. front & rear 3Pt. & PTO, 540 & 1000, 4 Hyd, 480/80R-50, 420/85R-34; 2010 John Deere 9630 4WD, 4,073 Hrs. 4 Hyd, weights, good 800/70R-38 duals, wheel weights; 2010 Degelman 7900, 6 way Hyd 18’ blade; 2008 John Deere 8530 MFWD, IVT, ILS, 6,670 Hrs. 3Pt. quick hitch, 4 Hyd, (lg. 1000) PTO, wheel weights, very good 480/80R-50 duals & 420/85R-34 duals; 2008 John Deere 8330 MFWD, PS, 8,990 Hrs. 3Pt. quick hitch, 4 Hyd, (540 & 1000) PTO, New front & rear tires, 18.4R-46 duals & 16.9R-30 New Hyd pump; 2022 John Deere 1025R, Dsl. 51 Hrs. 4×4, Hydro, cab, heat, aux Hyd, 3pt. PTO, Hyd, w/JD 60” deck, JD 54” snowblower, 3Pt. blade, Like new; John Deere 2210, 4WD, 970 Hrs. Hydro, 3pt. PTO, Hyd, 62” mower deck

JOHN DEERE GLOBES & SCREENS

(3) John Deere 2600 screens; 1 John Deere Star Fire ITC globe; 2 John Deere Star Fire 3000 globes

VERY SHARP 2014 JOHN DEERE SELF PROPELLED CHOPPER & HEADS

2014 John Deere 7980 Pro Drive chopper, 1,217 Cutter Hrs. 2,092 Eng Hrs. power rear wheel drive, Intelli Guard, 40 knife, Processor, Kernal star, weights, long spout, 900/60R-32 Frt. & 600/65R-28 rear, very sharp second owner machine; 2014 John Deere 770, 10R Rotary corn head, one owner; 2014 John Deere 640C, 10’ Hay head, one owner

JOHN DEERE WHEEL LOADERS & JOHN DEERE GATORS

2013 John Deere 324J, 13,800 Hrs. 4×4, JRB coupler, Aux Hyd, bucket, new tires; 2012 John Deere 244J, 7,500 Hrs. 4×4, JRB coupler, Aux Hyd, bucket, good rubber; (2) Sets of JRB pallet forks; 2020 John Deere XUV835M Gator, 1,800 miles, cab, heat, 4×4 w/Western Hyd plow; 2013 John Deere 825i S4, Gator, 4×4, 6 seater, 6,067 miles –

HAYING & CHOPPING, TMR, LIVESTOCK, FARM EQUIPMENT

2012 John Deere 131 & 388, 30’ Triple cutter; 2012 Oxbo 330, 30’ merger; Kuhn GA 9032 Master drive twin rotary rake; (3) 2008 Meyer 4220, 20’ chopper boxes, Frt. & rear unload, Tandem running gear; Victor 200 Series 2 blower; 2014 Vermeer BP8000 bale processor; Patz V420, 1100 Series TMR, LP vertical screw, newer knifes, scale; John Deere 450, 12’ grain drill, 7” spacings, grass seeder, press wheels, double disc; (3) 9’ X 16’ metal bale racks; 40’ Elevator; Barn bale conveyor; Farm King 13” x 70’ Auger, Hyd swing hopper, low use; Silage pile tarps; Cut tires for silage bunker –

CUSTOM CHEVY PICKUP, KENWOTH SEMI, TIMPTE & FEATHERLITE

TRAILERS

2014 Chevy 1500 Silverado, LTZ, Z71, 4×4, 108,000 miles, 4 Dr. cab Custom John Deere green & decal paint job, aftermarket rims & tires, very sharp; 2006 Kenworth W900 sleeper, 70,000 miles on New Cat 2WS model engine, 18 Sp. 8 bag suspension, single line wet kit, 255” wheel base, 355 rear end, New tranny 250,000 miles ago, very sharp; 2007

Frod F350 Super Duty, Dsl. 4×4, 160,000 miles, Ext cab, long box, New brakes, bearings, seals, calipers; 2009 Timpte 42’ Hopper bottom trailer, 72” sides, roll tarp, Ag hoppers, New sub frame, done @ Timpte, New wheel seals, good tires & brakes, very nice; 2016 Featherlite 32’ Alum livestock trailer, Tri axle, 3 divider gates

MANURE TANKERS, SPREADERS, EQUIPMENT

1996 8000 Gallon semi manure tanker, Alum, top inlet fill, rear discharge; 1985 Fruehoff 6,700 gallon semi manure tanker w/Hyd off load auger; 2009 Balzer 22,000 Frac tank; 2010 Kuhn Knight PS160 Pro Spread manure spreader, vertical beaters; 2004 Balzer 7350 Low Pro manure tanker, tandem axle w/steering, Hyd pump; NH 195 tandem spreader, Hyd end gate, top beater, Hyd apron, adj speed, pinto chain; 2010 Balzer 38’ Lagon agitator pump; 2012 30’ Load stand, 8”

2015 JOHN DEERE S690 SALVAGE COMBINE

2015 John Deere S690 combine, Approx. 1,200 Hrs. Fire under cab, Cleaning system & rear of combine was all new 600 acres prior to fire, tires are good

Todd Houghton, MN

Case 1845C Skid Loader, 283 Hours

WANTED: Schweiss 2 stage wood splitter with log lift. 507-370-2149

Livestock

FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred (Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790

Cattle

Swine

Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available. Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Delivery available. Steve Resler. 507-456-7746

Industrial & Construction

Architectural Sheet Metal Project Manager, Schwickert’s Tecta America LLC, Mankato, MN - Responsible for the marketing and the acquiring of architectural sheet metal/wall cladding sales. Travel to unanticipated worksites in the upper Midwest is required. Travel encompasses 10% of time For info, email ggierczak@tectaamerica.com

ON G RO UP P RE SE NT S

HM AUCTION GROUP PRESENTS VERY LARGE ONLINE ONLY AUCTION EVENT

Location: 17276 Murphy Lake BLVD, Prior Lake, MN 55372, From Prior Lake, MN Take Co Rd 21 Southeast To Murphy Lake BLVD, Turn North On Murphy Lake BLVD.

Bidding Opens: Monday March 25, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. BIDDING STARTS CLOSING:

Thursday, April 4, 2024 • 3:00 p.m.

Friday, March 29,

Wednesday, April 3,

2021 Tesla, 1929 Ford A, 1958 GMC Pickup, 1997 Ford F250 ‘21 Tesla Model Y SUV, 21,331 One Owner Miles, Sunroof, NAV, Heated Seats, AWD, Dual Motor, Clean Car ; ‘29 Ford Model A Coupe, Rumble Seat, Older Restoration; ‘58 GMC Step Side Pickup, 336 V8, 4 Sp, Complete Restoration ; ‘39 Chevy Master Deluxe 4 Door, Older Restoration; ‘97 Ford F250 Pickup, 4x4, 7.3L Powerstroke, 8.5’ Plow; ‘04 Chevy Impala Sedan, 217,951 Miles

(20) JD, Case & Farmall Tractors

JD 3020 Gas, WF, JD 46A Hyd. Loader, 540PTO, 3pt.; JD 3010 Dsl, 3pt., 3400 Hours; JD 3010 Gas, NF, 3pt., 3053 Hours ; JD 3010 Gas, WF, Power Shift, Cab, 7972 Hours; (4) JD 520, NF, 3pt., Fenders, (1) With Hyd. Loader; JD 420, WF, 2 Row Cultivator ; JD, 50, NF, 2 Row Cultivator; JD B, NF, Flat Spoke Rims; JD B, NF, 2 Row Cultivator; (2) JD MT, NF, 11.2x24 Tires; JD G, NF, 13.6x38 Tires ; JD H, NF, 9.5x32 Tires Like New; JD B, NF, 6 Speed ; JD A, NF, 12.4x38 Tires ; Farmall Cub, Rear Weights ; Ford 8N, Turf Tires, 3pt. ; Farmall B, NF, Belt Pulley; Case 400 Dsl Tractor, NF, Garden Tractor, Potato Equipment, Implements & Attachments

Case High Drive 48 Garden Tractor, J70 Hyd Drive Tiller; Zipper TS20 Front Mount Mower, 66” ; (5) Rear Tine Garden Tillers ; (2) 1000 Gal Fuel Barrels, Electric Pumps; Mechanical Transplanter Co. 2 Row Potato Planter ; Modern Shop Built 2 Row Potato Planter; Modern PTO Drive Potato Digger; (3) Steel Wheel Potato Planters; JD 660 Tiller, 540PTO, 3pt. ; Woods XT172 3pt. Mower; Walco 5’ Finishing Mower ; Lorentz 8’ Spring Tooth Digger; 3pt 6’ Disc; Ford 3x14’s Plow, 3pt. ; (2) JD Tandem Disc 10’ ; 15’x8’ Flatbed Hay Rack With 1500 Gallon Poly Tank ; JD 2 Row Check Wire Planter ; Fimco 50 Gallon Sprayer, 10’ Booms, PTO ; Woods RM59 Finishing Mower; JD Rotary Hoe 8’ ; 12’ Mulcher 3 Bar

‘00 Case 1845C Skid Loader, 283 Actual Hours, Radio, Cab, Bucket; Titan 4’ Pallet Forks; 8’ Snow Bucket

Power & Hand Tools, Shop Supplies

Snap-On YA5550 Plasma Cutter; Solar 2175 Wire Feed Welder 220v; Coats 40-40A Tire Changer; Nortron 7300 Wheel Balancer; Snap-On Tool Cart; Metal Band Saw ; Sanborn 80 Gallon Upright Air Compressor, 5HP ; Porta-Power ; Portable Generator 11HP Honda Engine; 20+ LP Cylinders 100lbs & 20lbs; Century 250AMP AC/DC Welder; Craftsman 30 Gal Air Compressor, 6HP; Landa 2-1100 Hot Water Pressure Washer; Wrenches, Sockets, Drivers, Plyers, Bolt Bins, Floor Jacks, Rolling Stands, Shop-Vac, Large Amount Of Shop Tools & Shop Supplies

Snowmobiles, & Honda Big Red

‘00 Arctic Cat 600 Powder Special, 349 Miles ; ‘94 Arctic Cat 700 EFI Wildcat Snowmobile ; Yamaha Sno-Scoot Mini Snowmobile; Arctic Cat 440 Panther; Honda Big Red 3 Wheeler, Good Plastic

300+ Collector Toys, Beer Memorabilia, Vending Machines, Arcade Game, Furniture, Household

(20) JD, Case IH & New Holland NIB & Assembled Peddle Tractors; JD & Case IH Precision Series, Collector Series, Dealer Editions With Boxes; Spec Cast Truck Series; (100) Danbury Mint JD Village’s; Miller, Michelob, Hamms, Coors Tins Signs, Mirrors, Lighted Signs & Neons; Coca-Cola, Chevy, JD, Farmall, Shell and Other Signs and Memorabilia; Canada Dry Soda Machine; Seeburg Jukebox, 45 Records; Arcade Bowling Game; 7Up/Dr. Pepper Pop Machine, Glass Bottles; Large Amount of Furniture, Glassware, Collectibles; 20+ Cases Of Ball Canning Jars

Mahoney Family Estate

FOR SALE: Registered Polled Hereford yearling bulls for sale. Have had all shots, poured and semen tested. Halter broke. Fantastic growth E.P.Ds. Will deliver. Klages Herefords. Ortonville MN. 320-273-2163 (H) 605-880-0521(C)

Swine

FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc, cross bred boars, and gilts. Top quality. Excellent herd health. No PRSS. Delivery available. 320-760-0365

Miscellaneous

PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS

New pumps & parts on hand. Call Minnesota’s largest distributor HJ Olson & Company 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336

REINKE IRRIGATION

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

Looking for something special? Put a line ad in The Land and find it! Call The Land today! 507-345-4523

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

Brand-new burial

Cemeteries have always seemed to be just there forever; and justifiably so — judging by some of the dates on the older headstones. So it is rare to see a brand-new cemetery. There is one east of Redwood Falls, Minn.: The first person laid to rest in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery was in August of 2023.

The Redwood Falls cemetery is the fourth such facility in the state. The first Veterans Cemetery was opened in 1994 in Little Falls, Minn. The Preston, Minn. cemetery was dedicated in 2016 and the Duluth, Minn. cemetery shortly after in 2018.

The cemeteries are operated by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Demographic data identified three areas that would support the establishment of new cemeteries in addition to the original cemetery in Little Falls. The Redwood Falls area was one of these three locations.

You may be familiar with the veterans cemetery at Fort Snelling in St. Paul. “Our State Veterans Cemeteries function in the same way as Fort Snelling, but serve the rural communities in the regions where they operate,” explained David Swantek, Deputy Director of Memorial Affairs for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “If a veterans cemetery is further than 75 miles from a veteran’s home of record, it is likely the veteran will choose a different burial option that is closer to their home. Building and operating State veterans cemeteries in rural locations provides an option for burial at a veterans cemetery that is closer to the veteran and expands the option for them to take advantage of this burial benefit.”

Burial at a State veterans cemetery is open to all veterans discharged from active military service under conditions other than dishonorable. Their spouses, minor children, and — under certain conditions — unmarried adult children are also eligible for burial. Eligible spouses may be buried, even if they predecease the veteran. Also eligible for burial are members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, the Army and National Guard, and the Reserve Officer Training Corps who die while on active duty for training or performing service, or who have 20 years of service in reserve components of the Armed Forces creditable for retired pay.

“Plots in our cemeteries are not reserved, they are assigned at the time of death by cemetery

administrative personnel,” Swantek said. “Sudden or unexpected deaths are not affected due to this process.”

However, pre-planning for burial is encouraged; but Swantek admitted only about 25 percent of the burials provided are planned in advance. Families interested in pre-planning can fill out a pre-registration form found on the MDVA website at mn.gov/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries. You can also call 1-888-LinkVet or visit your local county veterans service office.

Swantek added that any authorized representative for the deceased veteran can make arrangements. Authorized representatives could be anyone who has been asked to handle the affairs of the individual veteran. In rare cases where a veteran is unclaimed, the MDVA will still accept those remains for burial as long as eligibility can be established.

The stately, gated Redwood Falls cemetery is 77 acres and contains a main office which houses office space, public restrooms, a grave locator kiosk, maintenance bays, an honor guard lounge and break room.

An outdoor flag-assembly area will be used for an annual Memorial Day ceremony which is held at each of the four veterans cemetery locations on the Sunday before Memorial Day. These events feature a keynote speaker, along with instrumental and vocal music, rifle salute, parade of flags, and taps.

Along with traditional burials, in-ground cremation gravesites provide a traditional burial option for cremated remains. In-ground cremation gravesites are marked with an upright marble headstone. The columbarium provides an above-ground option for cremated remains.

The cemetery is prepared to have up to seven committal services per day, Monday through Friday, on a first-come first served basis, beginning at 9 a.m. Committal services are limited to 20 minutes. All committal services are held in the committal service building rather than at the actual gravesite because of burial rates and operational considerations. This

ensures the family’s safety and provides a fitting location for military honors and the ability of staff to continue cemetery operations. The remains are removed from the committal service building for burial following the family’s departure and are never left unattended by cemetery staff. v

Redwood Falls, Minn.

Before Before After After

Befor e After MetalRoof Restoration

Eliminate leaks. Tighten Fastener s. Pr event Rust.

Rejuvenating the look of your shed/shops

Repaint your buildings. Don’t replace them!

Befor e After