THE LAND ~ January 29, 2021 ~ Northern Edition

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Januar y 22, 2021 Januar y 29, 2021

THE FIRST SOYBEAN SEED TREATMENT TO INCLUDE SDS AND SCN PROTECTION AT NO EXTRA CHARGE.

Snow is still scarce Groundcover and moisture are lacking in many area fields.


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THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

2021 is the new 2014

P.O. Box 3287 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XL ❖ No. 2 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS Opinion From My Farmhouse Kitchen Farm and Food File Cooking With Kristin Deep Roots The Bookworm Sez Green & Growing Marketing Farm Programs Mielke Market Weekly Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

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Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Kristin Kveno: kkveno@thelandonline.com Staff Writer Emeritus: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives: Joan Streit: (507) 344-6379, jstreit@thelandonline.com Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Office/Advertising Assistants: Joan Compart: theland@TheLandOnline.com Lyuda Shevtsov: auctions@thelandonline.com For Customer Service Concerns: (507) 345-4523, (800) 657-4665, theland@TheLandOnline.com Fax: (507) 345-1027 For Editorial Concerns or Story Ideas: (507) 344-6342, (800) 657-4665, editor@TheLandOnline.com Because of the nature of articles appearing in The Land, product or business names may be included to provide clarity. This does not constitute an endorsement of any product or business. Opinions and viewpoints expressed in editorials or by news sources are not necessarily those of the management. The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The Publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement. Classified Advertising: $19.99 for seven (7) lines for a private classified, each additional line is $1.40; $24.90 for business classifieds, each additional line is $1.40. Classified ads accepted by mail or by phone with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Classified ads can also be sent by e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com. Mail classified ads to The Land, P.O. Box 3287, Mankato, MN 56002. Please include credit card number, expiration date and your postal address with ads sent on either mail version. Classified ads may also be called into (800) 657-4665. Deadline for classified ads is 5 pm on the Friday prior to publication date, with holiday exceptions. Distributed to farmers in all Minnesota counties and northern Iowa, as well as on The Land’s website. Each classified ad is separately copyrighted by The Land. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Subscription and Distribution: Free to farmers and agribusinesses in Minnesota and northern Iowa. $49 per year for non-farmers and people outside the service area. The Land (USPS 392470) Copyright © 2021 by The Free Press Media is published biweekly by The Free Press, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56002-3287. Business and Editorial Offices: 418 S. 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56002-3287, Accounting and Circulation Offices: Steve Jameson, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56002-3287. Call (507) 345-4523 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Mankato, MN. Postmaster and Change of Address: Send address changes to The Land, P.O. Box 3287, Mankato MN 56002-3287 or e-mail to theland@ TheLandOnline.com.

From liberty to abundance; Rarely can one look back upon ancient ‘words of wisdom’ and find those very From abundance to complacency’ same words fit almost perfectly the politiFrom complacency to apathy; cal tempest likely to soon be unraveling across America. Here’s my message from From apathy to dependence; a Land Minds I wrote on Nov. 3, 2014. From dependence back into bondage.” You be the judge. Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline With U.S. 2014 elections now behind us, University School of Law, St Paul, perhaps it’s time to reflect on a lesson believes the United States is now someLAND MINDS from history. I’m not suggesting the where between the “complacency and apadecline of democracy is inevitable. But thy” phase of Professor Tyler’s definition By Dick Hagen continuing trends across our American of democracy and with some forty perlandscape raise serious questions about cent of the nation’s population already how do we patch the many potholes. having reached the “governmental Liberals contend the growing gap dependency’ phase.” He contends that if Congress between the ‘haves and the have not’s is the root grants amnesty and voting rights to 20 million problem of America. Excuse my bias but to me the immigrant aliens then we can say “Goodbye to the basic issue of our country is the simple fact that peo- USA’” in fewer than five years. Pending the 2016 ple who vote for a living now outnumber those who presidential election, Olson suggests the USA work for a living. We too rapidly are developing an Tombstone could read: Born 1776; Died 2016. ‘entitlement society’ which in plain terms is socialProfessor Olson points out some interesting facts ism. concerning the last Presidential election: Number of Perhaps Winston Churchill put it better when he states won by Obama: 19; Romney: 29. Square miles said, “The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal of land won by Obama: 580,000; Romney: 2,427,000. sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of Population of counties won by Obama: 127 million; socialism is the equal sharing of the misery.” Or the Romney: 143 million. Murder rate per 100,000 resigreat sage Mark Twain who commented, “The only dents in counties won by Obama: 13.2; Romney: 2.1. difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is Professor Olson adds, “In aggregate, the map of the that the taxidermist leaves the skin.” From President Ronald Reagan, “The government is like a territory Romney won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of the country … Obama terribaby’s alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at tory most encompassed those living in low income one end and no responsibility at the other.” tenements and living off various forms of governWhen half the people get the idea that they do not ment welfare.” have to work, because the other half is going to take Wrapping up, it seems the ‘buck passing’ of this care of them; and when the other half gets the idea Congress will continue. The truth of the matter is that if does not good to work because somebody is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning that our U.S. Congress has become an insult to us of the end of any nation! Perhaps what this country taxpayers and a source of embarrassment to our friends and allies in other parts of the world. needs are more unemployed politicians. Shades of socialism started disrupting our vision In 1887 Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professome time ago and each additional entitlement prosor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say vision further clouds our future. about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 Farmers, 2020 provided extreme challenges of volyears prior: “A democracy is always temporary in atile weather, volatile crop prices and volatile operanature: it simply cannot exist as a permanent form tional costs which was my exact wording six years of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time voters discover they can vote them- ago. Still fits today. Most of you experienced surselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From prisingly good yields and a mostly perfect fall harvest and tillage season. However, even with posithat moment on, the majority always votes for the tive commodity markets and healthier livestock outcandidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy looks, your cash flow for 2021 will be most challenging. Why? Because your costs have been doing some will finally collapse over loose fiscal policy, (which ramping up too. is) always followed by a Dictatorship.” Your success primes the pump for the rest of us. Tyler continued, “The average age of the world’s So stay Covid-free; be cautious but cagey as circumgreatest civilizations has been about 200 years. stances dictate; stay in touch with the Lord; and During those 200 years, these nations progressed come Fall 2021, let’s all enjoy the richness of this through the following sequence: great treasure … America — Land of the free, home From bondage to spiritual faith; of the brave. From spiritual faith to great courage; Dick Hagen is the staff writer emeritus of The Land. From courage to liberty; He may be reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. v

OPINION


THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

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have saved the life of one of his great A person would have to be blind to not (many greats) grandpas. It seems that in know that a special day is coming. While the old country (the Netherlands) there most decorations are placed in prominent were quite the social caste. Either you locations to be seen; some of these visual were upper class or down below somesigns can be found in unusual places. In where. That’s where we fall in. Social my farmhouse, one will find one of these mobility didn’t really happen. indicators in an almost-unused bathroom. Anyhow, this man (I think it was Jacob “Why there?” is a perfectly logical quesCleveringa, because the family history FROM MY tion. Well, let me tell you. I have this notes indicate he was a gardener) was FARMHOUSE Schlumbergera Cactaceae from my mothemployed as a gardener for a family of KITCHEN er-in-law. Of course she called it a the elite. It was his job to make the Christmas cactus. It’s a beautiful plant By Renae B. estate look beautiful with formal gardens — especially when it is blooming (which Vander Schaaf and grow fruits and vegeher plant always did). She tables for everyone who was more than willing to dined at the castle’s table. share a start of it with me. His master liked him Well, this plant she because of the fresh thought was so simple strawberries which anyone could grow has appeared on the table out given me fits through the of season. Jacob was very years. My children started learned and adept in new plants from it and using a greenhouse. would you believe they bloomed? Every year, right Yet circumstances dicon time. Sometimes I tate he should have been think my children were fired. able to trick it into bloomGrandpa Cleveringa was ing more than once a year a member of a church as a hint that Christmas should be celebrated more which had left the state church because they often. believed the Bible wasn’t being preached there. With all the changes in people who live in this When the state church ministers preached Biblical house this year, oh … that census taker just loved untruths and wouldn’t listen to their objections, us. Because depending on the day, it may be one or they seceded from their churches. eight or more — who could keep count? But one day, This gave way to persecution which included beatall the plants in this upstairs bathroom disapings, imprisonment, and loss of employment. If you peared. owned a business, state church members were Winter’s cold temperatures are detrimental to a encouraged not to shop there. It was not good for houseplant’s health. When it came time this fall to these men and women who believed in Jesus Christ. find homes for all the plants, I had to get creative. Because his employer liked his gardening skills — Where to find new places for plants so my farmer especially the berries — Grandpa Cleveringa wouldn’t realize my plant addiction? remained on the job until he came to America. In For once my brain actually worked. Placing that the new land his gardening skills most likely were cactus in the upstairs bathroom was pure genius. It put to good use again to keep his own family from has an east window and that is where my children starvation. always kept their cactus. Sure enough, early this Therefore, it has been easy for me to wonder if December the buds began appearing with just a bit this Christmas cactus started with him; as I have of color. Now, pink fluorescent flowers are a marvelseen it in many Cleveringa homes. When it blooms ous sight to behold. at Christmas, I am reminded of this grandpa who Does that mean I am smart as my children? Or believed in the miracle of Christmas … that the was their blooming success part of their bloodline? Savior who is Jesus our Lord was born to save us This is possible as this cactus which came from my from our sins. mother in law, was given to her by her mother, who Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a was given it by her mother. I am not sure how many son is given: and the government shall be upon his mother and daughters have loved this cactus, but it shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, is a great plenty. Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, My husband’s ancestors seem to have a passion The Prince of Peace. for gardening that continues to this day. These roots Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, go deep. (Ha! Ha! I just couldn’t resist typing that.) author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 But seriously, being an excellent gardener may or agripen@live.com. v

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THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021


THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

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

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First USDA quick fix: CRP expansion and reform On his way out the door last month, For example, CRP was founded as a soil former House Ag Committee Chairman and water conservation program in 1985. Collin Peterson, just off a hammering And, 35 years later, USDA says it has reelection defeat, offered the nation one done that job by saving 9 billion tons of final idea: the incoming secretary of agrisoil, sequestering 49 million tons of carculture should be empowered to enroll up bon, and cutting nitrogen and phosphorus to 50 million acres in the Conservation run-off (compared to tilled crop acres) by Reserve Program (CRP) over the next 95 percent and 85 percent, respectfully. five years. But its unstated yet plain purpose FARM & FOOD FILE Yes, 50 — as in 5-0 — million acres, or remains: it’s an on/off valve for U.S. By Alan Guebert nearly the same acreage of Peterson’s planted acres. Taking out or putting in, native Minnesota or two-and-a-half say, 10 million acres of American protimes larger than the Sonny Perdueduction in CRP over two or three years shrunk, 20.8-million-acre CRP today. has a significant, albeit slow, impact on global markets. Perdue, the former secretary of agriculture, made little secret of his disdain for the 35-year-old conserTo make either happen, however, USDA adjusts vation program. Even after the 2018 farm bill long-term (most contracts are for 10 years) CRP land empowered him to expand it to 27 million acres, rent rates. That’s a tough trick — especially during Secretary Sonny barely blinked as CRP shriveled to times when global grain prices are quite profitable. its smallest size since 1988. Under Perdue, rates for “new” leases dropped to Call it Sonny’s Big Gift to Big Agbiz because less 85 percent of local market rents and “renewed” CRP CRP means the Bigs can sling more costly inputs contract rates were cut to 90 percent of local rates. and peddle more cheap exports. That lack of USDA love discouraged farmers to sign or resign contracts. The new-but-old secretary, Tom Vilsack, doesn’t have too stellar of a CRP record either. When he There’s an easy fix to that now, say Peterson and began his 2009 tour at the U.S. Department of other CRP advocates. Return CRP rental payments Agriculture, CRP held 33 million acres. When he to 100 percent of local rates. left for really greener pastures eight years later, Others suggest CRP needs to design a new payCRP had dropped to 23 million acres. ment scheme which annually adjusts rents to The ups and downs show how this long-term con- changing market conditions. If crop returns rise, for servation program is used by Congress and White example, CRP payments should rise to reflect the Houses to carry out short-term political goals. change. That rise would guarantee CRP’s conserva-

OPINION

Extension to offer farm safety webinar University of Minnesota Extension is partnering with North Dakota State University Extension to offer a series of farm safety webinars this winter. The purpose of these webinars is to prioritize safety on the farm. The webinar series will be on Thursdays at 11 a.m. Each webinar will last one hour. Feb. 4 — Tractor and Equipment Safety. Session will cover PTO use and safety, roadway safety, and have a conversation with North Dakota farmers Scott and Elizabeth Huso and their employee Chase Frederick, who was in an accident on their farm in the past. They will be joined by David Kraft, safety consultant for North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance. Feb. 18 — Youth Farm Safety. Webinar will feature a panel discussion moderated by Emily Krekelberg, Farm Safety and Health Extension Educator with University of Minnesota Extension. The panelists include Marsha Salzwedel with the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, Jana Davidson with Progressive Agriculture Foundation, and Diane Rohlman with University of Iowa College of Public Health. They

will cover various resources and programs available for families with young farmers. March 4 — Livestock Safety. UMN Extension Cattle Production Extension Educator Joe Armstrong, DVM will discuss and demonstrate proper animal handling in both confinement and pasture systems. March 18 — Mental Health. Emily Krekelberg will be conducting QPR Training. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a one-hour suicide prevention program that helps individuals learn the three steps anyone can take to help prevent suicide. This training is tailored toward agricultural communities. The Farm Safety Webinar Series is offered free of charge. Participants must pre-register by visiting z. umn.edu/FarmSafetyWebinars. Participants can choose to attend any or all sessions of interest. For more information, contact Emily Krekelberg at krek0033@umn.edu or Angie Johnson at angela.b.johnson@ndsu.edu. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

tion impact and encourage wider use. Peterson also sees CRP as a key element in any new government effort to sequester carbon. Could a second, more modest “carbon” payment be added to today’s (and tomorrow’s) CRP contracts to benefit farmers’ income and world climate? Of course. Why stop at CRP, wonders Ferd Hoefner, a longtime sustainable ag policy expert. The Biden Administration should pair up any CRP expansion with restoring “the $1 billion a year that was cut from the Conservation Stewardship Program (a conservation program for “working” land) that was cut in the 2018 farm bill,” he notes. That one step, reckons Hoefner, would have an enormous “positive impact on climate change mitigation and agricultural resilience.” Incoming Secretary Vilsack is aware of most of these ideas. He told the Storm Lake (Iowa) Times Jan. 19 that he sees “a ‘fairly significant shift’” towards “far more funding” for both CRP and CSP in the Biden Administration. More importantly, Vilsack noted, he believes he “will have significant executive authority” to use both the Commodity Credit Corp. and new Covid relief money “to fund efforts to build resiliency in natural resources and markets.” That means CRP — and CSP — are in line for their Covid shots just like everyone else. The sooner, the better. The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the United States and Canada. Past columns, events and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v

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THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

Good old recipes help remember the good old days 1 loaf rye cocktail bread I’m feeling extra nostalgic this holiday season. Remembering all the family gathPlace Velveeta in a bowl and microwave three to erings from days long gone, days when four minutes or until melted. Mix Jimmy Dean sauwe could all gather together and share sage and Velveeta together. Top the rye cocktail laughter, splendid stories — and, of bread with the mixture and broil until golden brown. course, food. n Food has that intrinsic way of bringing Who doesn’t love a seven layer dip? This one feayou right back, invoking memories by tures all the favorites and is always a welcome just the aroma of a favorite dish. Here’s a COOKING sight at the table. few appetizers I absolutely loved growing WITH KRISTIN up. We’ve made a few of these recently, Seven Layer Dip By Kristin Kveno and man — did it bring me back to those Best 7 Layer Dip Recipe - How To Make 7 Layer Dip good old days. Here’s hoping these recipes will put a (delish.com) smile on your face as well. 1 (16-oounce) can refried beans No holiday was complete in the ‘80s and ‘90s in my family 2-1/2 cups guacamole without a good spinach dip in a hollowed-out sourdough round. 1 (16-ounce) jar chunky tomato salsa There’s something so divine about scooping that delicious sour2-1/2 cups sour cream dough bread in that tasty spinach-y dip that just worked so well 2 tablespoons taco seasoning together. juice of 1/2 lime 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese Spinach Dip www.food.com/recipe/spinach-dip-9974 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained 1 cup sour cream 1 cup mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip) To the Editor, 1 (1 ounce) package Knorr vegetable soup mix (or onion soup Happy new year one and all! Be mix) blessed as you continue The Land mag1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped (optional) azine. Let’s all pretend we are here for a nice sunHalf an onion, chopped shiny week and be refreshed in our thoughts and Let set in the fridge for a couple hours before serving. Serve dip spirits. inside a hollowed-out round loaf of bread. God bless you all. “The Farmer’s Land” n The Lord said, “Farmer, give me your hand, My Grandma was proud of family AND her deviled eggs. Family for I am lending you this piece of land. gatherings were an opportunity for her to showcase her legendWhile you are here, do your best, ary deviled eggs. She would savor all the oohs and aahs that on some pieces of land we need to invest. came her way. Grandma always said she made the absolute best To sow the seed, then to kill the weed, deviled eggs, and I can attest to that as I’ve never had a better knowing this is for the people that we feed. one yet. You are the chosen few and blessed to farm. Loyalty to the land your position with some country Deviled Eggs Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe - BettyCrocker.com 6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled 3tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard To the Editor, 1/4 teaspoon salt Electric cars boast zero emissions; 1/4 teaspoon pepper but that is not the case. First, the paprika, if desired energy to produce the car. One-third of the lifetime Cut eggs lengthwise in half. Slip out yolks and mash with fork. CO2 emissions from an electric car comes from the Stir in mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Fill whites with egg energy used to make the car itself — especially the yolk mixture, heaping it lightly. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired. battery. The mining of lithium is not a green activiCover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. ty. When an electric car rolls off the production line it has already been responsible for more than n 25,000 pounds of CO2. The amount for producing a This appetizer made an appearance at any and all family gettogethers. It’s simple to make and a hit with both kids and adults conventional car, 16,000 pounds. But that’s not the end of their emissions. They alike. This can be assembled ahead of time and frozen until don’t use gasoline, but they do use electricity. A ready to broil. Nissan Leaf will put out about 31 metric tons of Jimmy Dean Cheesy Bread CO2 in its 90,000-mile lifetime which includes pro1 pound Jimmy Dean sausage, browned duction, electricity consumption and scrapping. A 1 pound Velveeta cheese CDI 160 Mercedes over 90,000 miles (including pro-

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 cup shredded lettuce 1/2 cup quartered grape tomatoes 1/4 cup sliced black olives corn chips, for serving Spread refried beans in an even layer in the bottom of your serving dish. If making from scratch, prepare guacamole and spread in an even layer on top of the bean layer. Top with a layer of salsa. In a medium bowl, stir together sour cream, taco seasoning, and lime juice. Spread in an even layer on top of the salsa. Sprinkle Monterey Jack and cheddar in an even layer over the sour cream. Top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes and black olives. Serve with corn chips. It’s time to bring back some good memories with these tasty recipes from days gone by. Kristin Kveno scours the internet, pours over old family recipes and searches everywhere in between to find interesting food ideas for feeding your crew. Do you have a recipe you want to share? You can reach Kristin at kkveno@thelandonline.com. v

Letter: Thoughts for a new year

charm. Not all farmers’ pockets are deep, believe me, farming is far from cheap! Yet most all our hearts are rich you see … going to church, serving the Lord is our true destiny. Corn and beans, hay or straw, livestock in the barns, always work to do! Most farms work very hard, loving the Lord’s land and animals too! God bless America with this new year and the farmers’ land, reaching up and making sure to listen and to hold God’s hand. Reta Bakke Draayer Albert Lea, Minn.

OPINION

Letter: Electric cars still need energy duction, electricity consumption and scrapping) will produce 34 metric tons of CO2. The Tesla produces 44 metric tons in its lifetime and an Audi A7 Quattro will produce 49 tons of CO2. So throughout the life of an electric car it will emit just 3 to 5 tons less than a conventional car. The U.S. government gives electric car buyers a subsidy of up to $7,500. That doesn’t include the billions more in grants, loans and tax writeoffs. Today, the U.S. gets 14 percent of its electricity from renewables. By 2040 they estimate renewables will produce 17 percent of our electricity. Fossil fuels produce 65 percent of our electricity and it will be 64 percent by 2040. Ted Pederson Farwell, Minn.

OPINION


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This new year, let your actions support your words Actions speak louder than ship can offer much needed words. We’ve all been relief. These deeds are taught this from early on. done with no expectation of As an adult, trials and any type of return. They adverse situations have are done out of the goodtaught me that empty ness of the heart. These are words are useless unless the people I want to surthey are backed by action. round myself with. In disciplinary situations In the age of social media DEEP ROOTS with my kids, I often find and news traveling at the myself saying, “I hear you By Whitney Nesse speed of light, if our actions saying that you’re sorry speak louder and are more and I need to see your actions change.” profound than our words, it may There are heaping doses of grace that behoove us to take a step back from go along with my saying this, especial- conveying messages with words and ly when it involves kids. let our actions do the talking. This We learn through trial and error. message might be more for me than Through trial and error I have learned anyone else! I want to be known as a my words matter, so I need to choose person of action rather than a person them wisely. More so than my words, of idle speech and empty promises. I my actions matter. Do my actions want to be known as a person who is match the words flowing from my willing to jump into the rough, sticky, mouth or are my actions proving my messy and unlovable places to lend a words to be untrustworthy? hand or a shoulder to cry on. I want to be known as a person who quietly One of the things I love most about offers helpfulness, not someone who the farming community is how often blaringly speaks obtrusive, unsolicited farmers are willing to help a strugwords. When I do choose to speak, I gling neighbor. We often see and hear stories of a farmer who falls ill during want my words to be invited and planting or harvest and the neighbors meaningful — communicating love and truth. band together to get fieldwork done. Recently, when neighboring states One of my favorite Bible passages were in a severe drought, farmers comes from Exodus. Moses is believed found themselves with no hay for feed- to be the author of Exodus, so he ing their livestock. Those in the agriwould be giving a firsthand account of cultural community pooled resources the happenings in this book. In chapto assist their neighbors — though ter 17, Moses and the Israelites were hundreds of miles away — delivering battling Amalek. Moses, Aaron and tons of hay to aid those in need. Hur were positioned at the top of a Sometimes, the simple act of making a hill while Joshua and his chosen army meal for someone experiencing hardfought. “Whenever Moses held up his

hand interceding in prayer on behalf of the Israelites, Israel prevailed. Whenever he lowered his hand weary from interceding, Amalek prevailed (Exodus 17:11, emphasis mine). Aaron and Hur, who were undoubtedly interceding as well, noticed Moses’ weariness and sprang to action. They found a rock to put under Moses so he could sit and they held up his hands! These three men knew the value of being interdependent, dependent on one another and on God! If Moses, Aaron and Hur operated independently; or if Aaron and Hur only offered their opinions on what Moses should do in order to not grow weary; Israel would surely have been defeated. Aaron and Hur knew the value of being helpers. Their words

Guide details organic crop insurance options While crop insurance options for organic have expanded considerably in the past decade, a sizable percentage of organic crops still go uninsured, and beneficial options underused. “Conversations from the Field: Crop Insurance for Organic Operations,” is an educational guide from the Center for Rural Affairs. It details the crop insurance process and options available for organic production. The guide features interviews with seven crop insurance agents who have experience with organic operations,

and seven organic farmers from across the Midwest. Topics covered include insuring the higher value of organic crops using contract prices, the claims process, prevented planting, the crop insurance timeline over a given year, and advice for finding an agent. “Conversations from the Field” is available at cfra.org/publications. This article was submitted by the Center for Rural Affairs. v

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would have done nothing to bring relief to a weary friend. It was their actions which were profound! My goal for this new year is threefold: to be a more active helper, more interdependent and a greater intercessor. My hope is that, rather than adding to a world full of noise, being a quiet helper who is willing to intercede on behalf of others will speak volumes and to continue to build an interdependent community around myself. A community where we can rely on one another and build each other up with prayer, truth and love. Whitney Nesse is a sixth-generation livestock farmer who is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She writes from her central Minnesota farm. v

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THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

Book shows Roosevelt’s accomplishments and flaws The hike you took felt really good. “Leave It As It Is: A Journey Through Theodore Roosevelt’s American Wilderness” The sun rose as you left, and so did by David Gessner your spirits; your mind unclenched and you breathed in scenery no camera could c.2020, Simon & Schuster ever capture. It was just what you need$28.00 / $37.00 Canada ed. To thank the one who made it possi339 pages ble, you may have to hike back over a century — as you’ll see in “Leave It As It Is” by David Gessner. national parks and protecting author David Gessner’s writing is THE BOOKWORM western lands was likely a done lovely — as though a poet guided his SEZ Not quite two years after he took office, deal the minute the idea entered fingers in writing this book. You may, the President of the United States disBy Terri Schlichenmeyer TR›s mind. in fact, forget you›re reading a history missed his Secret Service agents and book, rather than one that›s more about went camping with a man he barely knew. Admittedly fascinated by nature. Furthermore, Gessner’s admiraIt was May, 1903, and Theodore Roosevelt had wil- Roosevelt, Gessner uses a road trip in the tion of Roosevelt is wide; but so is his president›s honor as the glue to hold this derness on his mind. Not long before, he’d asked willingness to humanize TR with flaws book together. He knew, of course, of his hero›s leganaturalist John Muir to be his guide at Yosemite; — an honesty that’s somewhat rare in books cy; but he also knew TR as a fallible human who and Muir was eager to have the ear of the about bigger-than-life people. President. No one knows the details of their discus- held racist views — and there were other controversies. Roosevelt was bold and cocky, a hunter and Together, the two sides to this story are good; but sions during three days together in the outrancher, as well as a president. But he also knew better if you›re a history buff, an outdoorsy-type, or doors; but shortly after they returned, Roosevelt business. And, says Gessner, “for a brief three-day you have a deep interest in nature. “!Leave It As It was convinced that Yosemite needed the protection window in May 1903, the business of the United Is” holds a fine story; but for the wrong reader, it Muir wanted it to have. States was nature.” may be quite a hike. “TR” had already been thinking about such things. Reading “Leave It As It Is” is somewhat like hikLook for the reviewed book at a bookstore or a After visiting the Grand Canyon earlier that month, ing through the woods blindfolded. library near you. You may also find the book at he gave a speech in which he told a crowd there was online book retailers. no way anyone could make the canyon better. You know where you›re going eventually, but you›ll backtrack and retrace your footprints and The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has “Leave it as it is,” he said, undoubtedly with force take a lot of questionable steps to get there. It›s been reading since she was 3 years old and never and conviction. confusing sometimes, hard to follow, but equally goes anywhere without a book. She lives in That’s how TR did things, says Gessner: he bowled interesting. Wisconsin with three dogs and 10,000 books. v them over with brashness. Few people ever said Remove the blindfold, however, and you›ll see that «no» to Roosevelt and made it stick. Creating

Virtual garden education series held on Thursdays The McLeod County Extension Master Gardeners welcome you to participate in this year’s virtual garden education series. The series will take place via Zoom on the second and fourth Thursdays from Jan. 14 through April 8 at 7: 00 p.m. Jan. 14 — House plant care; Jan. 28 — New annual and perennials; Feb. 11 — Demystifying hydrangeas;

Feb. 25 — Growing vegetables in gardens, raised beds and containers; March 11 — Growing irises; March 25 — Tree identification; and April 8 — Choosing and growing daylilies This garden series is free to attend. Registration is required by noon on the day before the event at z.umn.edu/wintergardeninged. All sessions will be

recorded and emailed out to participants to watch their own convenience. The flyer is available https://z.umn.edu/mgwinterseries. For further information, contact Karen Johnson (320) 484-4303 or ande9495@umn.edu. This article was submitted by University Minnesota Extension.

at at at of v

‘Gardening from the Ground Up’ webinar series offered ST. CLOUD, Minn. — University of Minnesota Extension Educators present the second annual Gardening from the Ground Up webinar series. This free webinar series will take place Feb. 16-19 from 1-2:30 p.m. each afternoon. The series will cover a wide variety of topics that are important for any gardener (or homeowner with a yard) to understand. Feb. 16 — “Starting a Garden from Scratch.” Set your garden up for success from the beginning. Extension Educators Troy Salzer and Claire LaCanne will discuss selecting a site for a new garden and preparing the site for your plants, as well as practices you can use to get your garden off to a good start.

Feb. 17 — “Selecting and Starting Plants for Your Garden.” Join Extension Educators Robin Trott and Shane Bugeja for a review of seed starting, plant propagation, and selecting the right plant for the right place. Feb. 18 — “Tree and Shrub Maintenance.” Extension Educators Adam Austing and Karen Johnson will cover some of the best practices to keep plants in your yard healthy and beautiful. Feb. 19 — “Lawn Care and Pest Management.” Extension Educators Katie Drewitz and Claire LaCanne will talk through best management practices for establishing and maintaining a lawn in

Minnesota. Topics will include seeding, mowing, fertilization, watering and weed control. Methods for disease and insect pest management will also be discussed. To join all or one of these webinars, go to z.umn. edu/GardenUp to register. Pre-registration is required to receive the webinar link. Recordings of the webinars will be sent out at the conclusion of the series. If you have questions about the webinar series or need assistance with registration, please call Katie Drewitz at wins0115@umn.edu or (507) 951-6609. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v


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Rugosas perform well despite Minnesota’s harsh winters When planning your garden, save room All roses need six hours of full sun, for a rose bush. Roses are hardy and preferably between nine in the morning easy to grow if you select the right kind and four in the afternoon. Plant them in of rose. Unfortunately, the hybrid tea a location where they will not be in roses which produce the long stem roses standing water during our spring meltbought in florist’s shops do not grow well ing periods. They also prefer good air cirin this area because of our cold winters. culation and should not be planted too close to the side of a building. They also GREEN AND There are several kinds of roses which need at least one inch of water each GROWING will grow well here. My favorites are the week. Adding some fertilizer in the rugosa roses which are well-suited for By Linda G. Tenneson spring is also recommended. Many rugozone 4 and some as far north as zone 2. sa roses are resistant to Rugosa roses grow in salt spray. One cultivar shrub or climber forms aptly named “Pavement” and will survive with litwas bred to grow and tle care. (The word survive close to roadclimber is a bit of a misways. nomer because those roses put out long canes Each spring, prune off which need to be tied to any dead areas or a support — such as a branches which are fence or trellis.) growing where they will rub against each other. The deep pink John Varieties which grow Cabot climber and long canes may be William Baffin roses are pruned to keep them at examples of this. They a desired height and will benefit from winter width. Deadheading is protection; but usually the term for removing all, except for the very blooms as they begin to tops of the canes will fade, and this promotes survive without it. The repeat blooming. light pink roses Frau Deadheading should be Dagmar Hastrup and stopped about midTherese Bugnet do not August so that the plant grow as tall, but are also can produce rose hips winter hardy. These are The John Cabot rose likes sun and plenty of air. and prepare for winter. cultivars that I have Roses will produce suckpersonally grown. There are many others which ers or baby plants which may be cut off or dug up have red, white or yellow blooms; with single, double or semi-double petal forms. The blooms usually and planted elsewhere once they are big enough to survive. grow in bunches on shorter stems and are best displayed indoors as single blooms placed in short Rugosa roses do suffer from fungal diseases such vases. Rugosa roses are usually fragrant, with as black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Remove wrinkled dark green leaves that have serrated or the damaged leaves, keep the plant well-watered jagged edges. and allow it to recover. There are sprays and chemi-

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cals which may be applied to prevent these conditions; but while these fungi cause the leaves to be unattractive, they usually do not kill the plant. The same is true for insect infestations such as aphids and spider mites. A spray with insecticidal soap or plain water will remove the insects. Rose petals are edible as are the rose hips which form from each bloom. However, remove the hairy seeds from the hips because they will cause irritation if eaten. Rose hips may be eaten fresh, made into a jam or syrup, or dried for tea. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota master gardener and tree care advisor. v


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THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Livestock Angles ‘Easy money’ in corn market Feed costs will guide the direction of livestock market may be gone for a while

So far this new year, the will take. Currently the supThe following marketing Weekly ethanol production livestock markets have seen ply of market-ready cattle are analysis is for the week ending was marginally higher this abundant, so until we work Jan. 22. week at 945,000 barrels per a downward price movement which is a change in through the current numbers, day, but is still down 10 perCORN — As we cautioned direction from the end of last supply will be the negative. cent from the same week last last week, the market wasn’t year. The resurgence of the year. Ethanol stocks were The feeder market has sufshowing signs of breaking the down 64,000 barrels at 23.6 pandemic contributed to the fered from the sharp increase uptrend, but it can bend. million barrels, but still the weakness. The closure of resin feed prices — particularly Markets were weak all week. second-highest on record for taurants across the nation the price of corn. However, On Jan. 22 corn dove to limit hurt domestic demand. PHYLLIS NYSTROM JOE TEALE this week. Gasoline demand the corn market is very overdown and traded below $5.00; CHS Hedging Inc. Broker rose 580,000 bpd to 8.1 milThe export market was a bought at the present time but didn’t lock there are closed St. Paul lion bpd. This is down 6.3 saving grace as movement to Great Plains Commodity and is likely to have a correcthe week at $5.00.5 per bushel. Afton, Minn. percent for the same week foreign countries increased. tion in the near future. As This week’s fund selling and last year. Ethanol margins This held the prices relatively that happens, the feeder marimproving crop conditions in South were 8 cents better at a negative 3 stable during the decline in prices paid ket should experience a recovery in America reminded bulls not to lose cents per gallon. for live inventories. price. So it really comes down to this: sight that even up-trending markets we are at a crossroads in the cattle Argentine farmers stepped up new Another influence in the price decline can have periods of consolidation. Big market, and supply and demand will weekly export sales and decent daily crop corn sales the past couple of weeks was the grain prices which have surged despite the government rescinding the to new highs not seen in years. With dictate the direction of the cattle marexport sales announcements have indicap on export licenses and the limit of feed costs rising, livestock marketing ket in the spring months. cated not all the rationing has been export sales for two months. Growers was pushed ahead of schedule to avoid Currently, the hog market is in a done. Corn sales to Israel, Japan and are concerned the government may yet the increased cost of feeding. The sideways trade as prices have been conunknown were announced in the daily try to limit exports. demand for meat appears to be gaining fined to a narrow range in price since export sales flashes. Outlook: I am not changing the bull- some momentum as continued low the month of November. Demand for Has the top been put in? Time will ish attitude on markets for the long prices seem to be gathering attention pork has been very good and it appears tell, but Brazil’s safrinha corn crop has from consumers both here and abroad. the supply of hogs are not overwhelmyet to be planted and world events are run, but I will temper that opinion for the time being. We’ll see if the $5.00 Cattle have struggled for years in a ing to that demand. A lot of the current a moving target. In the meantime, level can hold and attract new buying. range of approximately $130 cwt. to a demand is coming from the export marfunds this week reduced their risk The easy money may be gone for a low near $80 cwt. since 2017. Currently ket, much like the beef market. exposure and locked in profits with the we are near the middle of this range As the dollar has fallen in recent next World Agriculture Supply and while. Demand Estimates report not due until Weather conditions in South which brings up the question: Which months, this — plus the relatively low price of pork — has enticed many to Feb. 9. American have alleviated a good part direction from these current prices? import pork product from the United of the crop stress, but it’s unclear how Demand for product will likely be the A report at the end of the week from key as to which direction the market States. Britain’s Prime Minister Johnson stat- See NYSTROM, pg. 11 Obviously, since the market has not ed there is “some evidence a new Covid been able to exit the trading range variant first identified in the UK could which has been prevalent for several be more deadly than the original months, it is quite possible that a strain.” However, he went on to say change in either the supply or the corn/change* soybeans/change* there’s evidence which suggests the demand will be required to move the vaccines currently being used in the St. Cloud $4.84 +.09 $13.00 -.58 market out of this sideways market. v UK are effective against both the old Madison $4.89 +.15 $13.06 -.48 and variants of the virus. Redwood Falls $4.98 +.15 $13.10 -.48 Fergus Falls $4.84 +.11 $12.90 -.53 Weekly export sales were terrific at 56.6 million bushels, well above even Morris $4.90 +.12 $12.96 -.52 the highest estimate. This brings total Tracy $4.82 +.19 $13.15 -.43 export commitments to 1.85 billion Average: $4.88 $13.03 bushels or 72.3 percent of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2.55 bil Year Ago Average: $3.57 $8.21 lion bushel forecast. We need to averGrain prices are effective cash close on Jan. 26. age 21 million bushels of new sales per *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period. week to meet the projection.

Cash Grain Markets

For marketing news between issues ...visit www.TheLandOnline.com

Information in the above columns is the writer’s opinion. It is no way guaranteed and should not be interpreted as buy/sell advice. Futures trading always involves a certain degree of risk.


THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

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

PAGE 11

Buys from China can’t keep soybeans from plunging NYSTROM, from pg. 10 early season dryness affected yields. I would say production estimates there are stabilizing. Shorter-term, weather for the planting of the safrinha corn crop in Brazil may not be ideal. Safrinha corn isn’t planted until the soybeans are harvested. The La Niña effect on corn in Argentina has been fading, but corn there won’t pollinate until March. Fund money trimmed a good portion of their length this week, possibly leaving them more room to buy larger dips. The underlying demand for U.S. corn remains with strong exports and new sales this week. There’s a lot of year left as attention will focus not only on rationing old crop supplies but what U.S. spring acreage will look like and weather outlooks for the U.S. spring and summer. Last fall we had the opportunity to get a lot of field work done in preparation for spring 2021 planting. Once Mother Nature says it’s time to plant, the crops should go in quickly if weather cooperates. Corn acreage is expected to climb to 94.2 million acres vs. 90.8 million last year, according to a well-followed private consultant. They are forecasting a record crop of 15.66 billion bushels using a hefty 181 bushels per acre yield. Where does this leave us? You could reward the market with sales for both old and new crop if you haven’t already, protect the downside with one of several marketing tools, or roll the dice. Selling in smaller increments and at larger intervals than normal may be a choice; or buy puts, or hedge, or sell flat price, or use a derivative contract (protects the downside or averages price). There’s a plethora of choices. High volatility will likely stay with us and that means big swings in prices on what could be little news. Next support in the March corn is around $4.90 per bushel, then $4.77 per bushel. For the week, March corn crashed 31 cents to $5.00.5 per bushel, not quite erasing last week’s 35.25-cent gain and breaking a six-week string of higher weekly settlements. July corn crumbled 33.25 cents to $4.98.75 and December corn slashed 29.75 cents off the price to $4.30.25 per bushel. SOYBEANS — Heavy fund selling in the holidayshortened week gave notice to bulls that even uptrending markets can test the fortitude of those holding long positions. In what seemed like a blink of an eye, soybeans plunged $1.11.5 per bushel from the Jan. 15 close to this week’s low at $13.05.25 per bushel. March soybeans closed $1.05 per lower for the week. This came despite fresh old and new crop sales announcements to China made during the week on the daily reports. It was just over a week ago we were setting sixand-a-half-year highs in soybeans and seven-and-ahalf-year highs in corn. Crop conditions in South America improved this week with rain in both Argentina and Brazil. The

MARKETING Buenos Aires Grain Exchange raised Argentina’s soybean conditions to 21 percent good/excellent vs. 18 percent last week; and 10 percent rated poor/very poor vs. 18 percent in the previous week. One wellrespected private consultant expects early harvested soybeans in Brazil will show a 12-18 percent decline in yield from earlier estimates, but later soybean yield should look better. Many of the production estimates for Brazil are falling in the 132-133 million metric ton area with the USDA at 133 mmt. Agroconsult is projecting Brazil will have 4.5-5.0 mmt of soybeans available for export this month compared to 11 mmt last year. Brazil is also investigating a new fungus found in at least one state which kills beans in the pod. On the flip side, export sales were strong this week — both on the daily flashes and the weekly report. On the weekly report as of Jan. 14 (when prices were at/near contract highs) sales were above the highest estimates at 66.8 million bushels. This brings total commitments to 2.1 billion bushels or 94.5 percent of the USDA’s 2.23 billion bushel outlook. We need just 4.4 million bushels of sales per week to achieve that goal. China missed the Phase 1 trade deal targets for 2020. It’s estimated they only met 58 percent of the overall target, according to the Peterson Institute of International Economics. However, they hit 64 percent of the ag products target of $46.6 billion. China also announced they found their first case of African swine fever in three months. It’s believed to be a variant of the previous strain and cuts the number of healthy piglets in a litter. So far, only one herd has reported the virus. Argentina’s truck driver strike is beginning to influence port deliveries. Two Atlantic coast ports have not received any trucks for at least two days as

of Jan. 22. Brazilian drivers have scheduled a strike to begin on Feb. 1, just in time for soybean harvest which gets into full swing in March. The independent trucker’s union represents an estimated 4,500 drivers and they estimate 70 percent of their members support a strike. Outlook: The market is looking broken after the massive losses this week, and this was only a fourday trading week! I can’t remember when soybeans plunged over $1.00 in a single week. Good demand is still under the market, but the fund selling overrode it. Now it looks as if we’ll need the funds to return to the buy side to kick prices higher, which could occur at any time.

We haven’t rationed supplies yet, but Brazil’s harvest is nearly upon us. It could be a long spring and summer as domestic demand still needs to be met, uncertainty over spring weather in the United States, and what growers will decide to plant. A wellfollowed private firm is estimating U.S. soybean acreage at 90.1 million acres vs. 83.1 million acres last year. They expect production at a record 4.6 billion bushels using a 52 bu./acre yield. Politics and the coronavirus with its variants will also play as significant factors in our direction. Buckle up for a bumpy ride! For the week, March soybeans plunged $1.05 to $13.11.75 per bushel, breaking its six-week string of higher weekly closes. This wiped out two weeks’ worth of gains. July soybeans tumbled $1.02.5 to $12.98.5, and November soybeans were down 85.75 cents at $11.12 per bushel. Nystrom’s notes: Contract changes for the week as of the close on Jan. 22: Chicago March wheat dropped 41 cents to $6.34.5, Kansas City fell 29.75 cents to $6.13.25, and Minneapolis was 30.75 cents lower at $6.12.5 per bushel. v

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SFA conference to take place virtually Sustainable Farming Association recently announced its annual conference will be held virtually from Feb. 8 through Feb. 13. Session topics include the economics of silvopasture; agriculture in the metro area; NRCS programs; soil health and more. Also planned are plenary sessions with state officials on meat processing and packing. On Feb. 13, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen will discuss initiatives and challenges in expanding processing opportunities laid bare by Covid-19.

Closing the conference will be Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on the state’s response to meatpacker concentration and antitrust enforcement. SFA members may register for free and nonmembers for $40. For a complete schedule and registration, visit sfamn.org/conference. This article was submitted by the Sustainable Farming Association. v


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

THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

Farm program enrollment period ends March 15 The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced sign-up details for the 2021 commodity farm program, which is part of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 farm bill). The farm programs for 2021 will function very similarly to the farm programs in the 2019 and 2020 crop years. However, there were some significant changes in the price and yield dynamics for certain crops in some areas.

FARM PROGRAMS By Kent Thiesse

Important details regarding 2021 farm program sign-up Enrollment for the 2021 farm program is from now until March 15 at local USDA Farm Service Agency offices. Farm program decisions and sign-up for the 2021-2023 crop years will be on an annual basis at FSA offices. Eligible cops include corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, barley, grain sorghum, long grain rice, medium/short grain rice, tem-

2021 Farm Program Decision Table Crop

Reasons to Choose Price Loss Coverage (PLC) (Price only)

Think that the final MYA corn price will

below $3.70 per bushel for 2021. (*) 2020 USDA MYA estimate = $4.20/bu. 2019 final MYA price = $3.56/bu. Want price protection from $3.70 to $2.20/bu. (PLC has a higher maximum Corn payment than ARC-CO or ARC-IC). Feel that final county average yield in 2021 will be 15 percent or less below County benchmark yield.

Reasons to Choose Ag Risk Coverage (ARC-CO) (Yield and price using county yields)

Feel that the final county average yield in 2021 could be 15 percent or more below the county benchmark yield. A yield reduction of 30 percent or more will likely result in a maximum ARC-CO payment. Think that the final MYA corn price will above $3.70/bu. for 2021. (*) Final MYA price was $3.70/bu. or lower from 2014 to 2019. (MYA price will likely be above for 2020.)

Think that the final MYA soybean price Will below $8.40/bu. for 2021. (*) 2020 USDA MYA estimate is $11.15/bu. Final 2019 MYA price is $8.57/bu. Likely result in maximum ARC-CO payment. Soybeans Want price protection from $8.40 to $6.20/bu. (Higher maximum payment) Feel that final county average yield in 2021 will be 15 percent or less below the county benchmark yield.

Feel that the final county average yield in 2021 could be 15 percent or more below the county benchmark yield. A yield reduction of 25 percent or more will

Think that the final MYA wheat price will be below $5.50/bu. for 2021. (**) 2020 USDA MYA estimate is $4.85/bu. Final 2019 MYA price is $4.58/bu. Wheat Want price protection from $5.50 to $3.38/bu. (Higher maximum payment) Feel that final county average yield in 2021 will be 10 percent or less below the county benchmark yield.

Feel that final county average yields in 2021 could be 10 percent or more below the county benchmark yield. A yield reduction of 20 percent or more will likely result in maximum ARC-CO payment.

Think that the final MYA soybean price will be above $8.40/bu. for 2021. Final MYA price was above $8.40/bu. from 2014 to 2019. (*) (MYA price will be above for 2020.)

Think that the final MYA wheat price will be above $5.50/bu. for 2021. (**) Final MYA price was $5.50/bu. or lower from 2015 to 2019. (MYA price will likely be below for 2020.)

(*) 2021 MYA price for corn and soybeans is calculated from Sept. 1, 2021 to Aug. 31, 2022 and finalized on Sept. 30, 2022. (**) 2021 MYA price for wheat and other small grains is calculated from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022 and finalized on June 30, 2022. This table was developed by Kent Thiesse.

perate japonica rice, seed cotton, dry peas, lentils, large and small chickpeas, peanuts, sunflower seed, canola, flaxseed, mustard seed, rapeseed, safflower, crambe, and sesame seed. Eligible producers will be able to choose between the price-only Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and revenue-based Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) programs for the 2021 crop production year. The ARC program choice includes both the county-yield based ARC-CO program choice (which is most popular) and the ARC-IC program, which is based on farm-level yields. The farm program choice between the PLC and ARC-CO farm program choices will be specific to each eligible crop, and the choice can vary from farm unit to farm unit for the same crop. If the ARC-IC program is chosen, it must be applied to all covered commodities on a given farm unit; and all farm units in a state which are enrolled in ARC-IC must be considered together in one calculation. Crop base acres will remain at 2019 and 2020 levels for all crops on most farms. The only adjustments in base acres will be for crop acres which were added via land purchases or land rental agreements or acres no longer eligible for farm program payments. Producers had the opportunity to update their FSA farm program payment yields beginning with the 2020 crop year. These yield updates will be based on the average farm yields for the 2013 to 2017 crop years on planted acres for eligible crops, which will be factored down to 81 percent for corn and soybeans, and 90 percent for wheat. If the updated yields were lower than 2014-2018 farm program yields, producers were able to keep the previous FSA program yields. The farm program yields are used to calculate PLC payments on individual FSA farm units. Risk Management Agency (RMA) yields used for crop insurance yield calculations (which will be calculated at the county-level) are now being used for determining ARC-CO benchmark and actual county yields for ARC-CO payments. The National Ag Statistics Service yields, which were the primary yield source in the last farm bill, are now be used as a secondary yield data source. The RMA yields will include trend-adjusted yields for county calculations. ARC-CO payments will be based on the county where an FSA farm unit is located, rather than the county of the FSA administrative office of the producer (as existed in the last farm bill). For producers with FSA administrative farm units in multiple counties, ARC-CO revenues will be weighted according to the base acres which are physically located in a county. Calculations for county benchmark prices and yields will no longer include the data from the preSee THIESSE, pg. 13


THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

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PAGE 13

Crop insurance yields calculated at the county level THIESSE, from pg. 12 vious year, due to the annual farm program choice. (For example, 2021 benchmark prices and yields are based on the “olympic average” (drop the high and low) for the 2015-2019 crop years. Due to variability in crop yields in recent years, there may be some variation in county benchmark yields compared to 2020. The reference prices for PLC and ARC-CO programs will be established at the greater of the minimum (current) reference prices, or 85 percent of the market year average price for the most recent five years, excluding the high and low year. The reference price cannot exceed 115 percent of the minimum reference price. Due to lower market year average price levels in recent years, the 2021 reference prices for corn, soybeans and wheat will be at the minimum levels: corn, $3.70/ bu.; soybeans, $8.40/bu.; and wheat, $5.50/bu. Calculation formulas for the PLC, ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs remained similar to the farm programs in the last farm bill. PLC payments are made when the final market year average price falls below the reference price for a crop. ARC-CO payments are made when the final county revenue (county yield multiplied by market year average price) falls below the benchmark revenue for a given crop. Calculations for the ARC-IC program are the same as for ARC-CO, except ARC-IC uses farmlevel yield data and considers all crops on a farm unit together. PLC and ARC-CO payments are paid on 85 percent of crop base acres, and ARC-IC payments are paid on 65 percent of

base acres. Calculation formulas for the PLC and ARC-CO programs are as follows: PLC payment per crop base acre is the reference price minus the market year average price, multiplied by the FSA program yield, times 85 percent. (If the final market year average price is higher than the reference price, there is no PLC payment.) ARC-CO benchmark revenue guarantee per acre is the county benchmark yield multiplied by the benchmark price, times 86 percent. Final ARC-CO revenue per acre is determined by the final county yield multiplied by the final market year average price. ARC-CO payment per base acre is calculated by subtracting the final revenue from the benchmark revenue guarantee and multiplying that figure by 85 percent. (If the final revenue is higher than the benchmark revenue, there is no ARC-CO payment.) Key points to remember about the 2021 farm program decision Producers will be able to make a farm program choice for 2021 while having the flexibility to update that choice for the 2022 and 2023 crop years. Producers can change the farm program choice on different FSA farm units for the same crop. Producers can make a different farm program choice for each crop on a FSA farm unit if they choose either the PLC or ARC-CO program choice. If ARC-IC is chosen on a FSA farm unit, the benchmark and actual revenue for all crops raised during that year on that farm unit are considered

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in calculations. If multiple FSA farm units are enrolled in ARC-IC, all farm units in a state are considered in ARC-IC calculations. Some farm units with 100 percent prevent plant acres in 2019 received significant ARC-IC payments. However, the likelihood of potential ARC-IC payments for 2021 is less likely and much harder to predict. The ARC-CO and ARC-IC benchmark prices for 2021 are: corn, $3.70/ bu.; soybeans, $8.93/bu.; and wheat, $5.50/bu. Final 2021 market year average prices for corn and soybeans will be calculated from Sept. 1, 2021 to Aug. 31, 2022, so the current major upswing in corn and soybean prices may have very little impact on 2021 farm program decisions. Final 2021 market year average prices for wheat will be calculated from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. Refer to the table, “2021 Estimated Farm Program Payments” to help analyze farm program decisions for the PLC and ARC-CO program choices. For more information on PLC and

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ARC-CO programs, and other farm program details, go to the FSA farm program website: www.fsa.usda.gov/ arc-plc. Following are some good web-based farm program decision tools to assist producers: North Dakota State University — https://www.ag.ndsu. edu/farmmanagement/farm-bill; Kansas State University —http://www. agmanager.info/ag-policy/2018-farmbill; University of Minnesota Extension —https://extension.umn. edu/business/farm-bill; and the University of Illinois FarmDoc website —https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/category/areas/agricultural-policy/farmbill. Remember to sign up for the 2021 farm program by March 15 at local FSA offices. Kent Thiesse is a government farm programs analyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 7262137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank. com. v

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THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

USDA announces additional CFAP assistance available U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibil-

ity for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Some of these changes are being made to

Practical Farmers’ farminar season starts AMES, Iowa — Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2021 winter webinar series, referred to as “farminars,” are offered through March 16 on issues relevant to beginning and experienced row crop, livestock and horticulture farmers, as well as landowners. All farminars run weekly on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. and are free for anyone with an internet connection to participate. Attendees are able to ask questions in real-time using a chat box while they listen and watch a slideshow. Each farminar is recorded and archived at practicalfarmers.org for later viewing. Feb. 9 — “The Top 5 Questions About Pastured Finishing Pigs” — Dayna Burtness has been raising pastured pigs since 2015 at Nettle Valley Farm in southeast Minnesota. In this farminar, she will ask Steve Deibele, an experienced pig farmer, her top five questions around finishing pigs on pasture. Steve owns Golden Bear Farm in Kiel, Wisconsin, and has 20 years of experience. Both farms are in similar climate zones, and the farmers will discuss planting and feeding perennial and annual forages. Feb. 16 — “Contract Grazing Cover Crops for Winter Feed” — Father and son team, Jon and Jared Luhman, operate Dry Creek Red Angus in Goodhue, Minnesota. Each winter they contract graze their cattle on cover crops and crop residue – whether it’s on their neighbors’ fields or hauling cattle to Nebraska to overwinter. The Luhmans will discuss their winter grazing arrangements and how they work out the finances to benefit both the landowner and themselves. Feb. 23 — “High Tunnel Storm Protection and Routine Maintenance” —During this farminar, Adam Montri will draw on his experience building hundreds of high tunnels to share tips for building a strong tunnel, and routine tasks farmers should do to

keep their tunnels performing as expected. March 2 — Spanish-language farminar, planning in progress — This farminar will be presented bilingually by a Latino farmer in the Midwest. The speaker will discuss topics relevant to vegetable growers in Iowa and share their experience accessing land. More information about the event will be posted at practicalfarmers.org/farminars March 9 — “Using EQIP to Improve Wildlife Habitat on Private Lands” — Working lands conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program can be powerful tools for farmers and landowners interested in restoring wildlife habitat. Learn more from Kelsey Fleming, a private lands biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, about how programs like EQIP can provide landowners with financial assistance for wildlife conservation on their farms. Also hear about other technical and financial assistance opportunities available to farmers and landowners. March 16 — “Pollinators and Climate Change: Making an Impact on the Farm” — During this farminar, learn more from Xerces Society climate change lead, Angela Laws, about how climate change impacts pollinators. Then hear from Sarah Nizzi, Xerces Society farm bill pollinator conservation planner and NRCS partner biologist, about the cost-share and technical assistance programs that can help you sustain pollinators on your farm. To participate: Go to practicalfarmers.org/farminars, click the “Join in” button and sign in as “Guest.” A schedule of all upcoming farminars – as well as recordings of archived farminars – is also available at that link. This article was submitted by Practical Farmers of Iowa. v

Letters to the editor are always welcome. Send your letters to: Editor, The Land P.O. Box 3287, Mankato, MN 56002 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

align with the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 while others are discretionary changes being made in response to ongoing evaluation of CFAP. Contract producers of swine, broilers, laying hens, chicken eggs and turkeys who suffered a drop in revenue in 2020 as compared to their 2019 revenue because of the pandemic now are eligible for assistance. Producers could receive up to 80 percent of their revenue loss, subject to the availability of funds. Producers of pullets and turfgrass sod also now are eligible for CFAP payments. The commodities were not explicitly included in the initial CFAP 2 rule. Payments are based on eligible sales, and the payment calculation in the updated rule includes crop insurance indemnities, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, and Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program – Plus payments. Similarly, FSA adjusted the payment calculation to use the producer’s eligible 2019 calendar year sales, and 2019 crop insurance indemnities, NAP, and WHIP+ payments, multiplied by the applicable payment rate for all sales commodities, which include specialty crops, aquaculture, tobacco, specialty livestock, nursery crops and floriculture, for CFAP 2. Producers who applied during the sign-up period that closed Dec. 11, 2020, can modify an existing CFAP 2 application by Feb. 26. Additionally, FSA adjusted the payment calculation for certain row crops for CFAP 2, specifically those for which a producer had crop insurance coverage but not an available 2020 Actual Production History approved yield. FSA is now using 100 percent of the 2019 Agriculture Risk Coverage-County Option benchmark yield to calculate payments when an APH is not available rather than 85 percent, which was in the original CFAP 2 calculations. This calculation change is only for producers with crop insurance coverage who grow barley, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, upland cotton and wheat. Producers who applied during the sign-up period that closed Dec. 11, 2020, can modify an existing CFAP 2 application. FSA is providing an additional CFAP 1 inventory payment for swine to help producers who face continuing market disruptions from changes in U.S. meat consumption due to the pandemic. Swine producers with approved CFAP 1 applications will soon automatically receive a “top-up” payment of $17 per head increasing the total CFAP1 inventory payment to $34 per head. Newly eligible producers who need to submit a CFAP 2 application, or producers who need to modify an existing one can do so by Feb. 26. New applicants can also obtain one-on-one support with applications by calling (877) 508-8364. This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. v


THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

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

PAGE 15

USDA releases early details of Food Box Round 5

This column was written for the marketing week ending Jan. 22. The U.S. Department of Agriculture named the approved contractors for Round 5 of the Farmers to Families Food Box program which was News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers announced on Jan. 4. The USDA will purchase up to $1.5 billion worth of food for delivery through the end of MIELKE MARKET 7, and followed the 3.9 percent jump on Jan. ed that December marked the strongest month for April. However, HighGround Dairy WEEKLY 5. fluid milk and cream imports on record. says the total spend is vastly below the Gains were led by anhydrous milkfat, up Of the top ten suppliers of key dairy commodities By Lee Mielke $1.5 billion committed, though reports 17.2 percent following a 5.5 percent rise to China, the United States was the only country to indicate this announcement is only for last time. Skim milk powder followed, up 7 percent, report losses from a year ago — primarily in the the first four weeks of the program and vendors will reportedly receive additional awards for March and after a 4.1 percent boost. Butter was up 4.6 percent form of lactose and skim milk powder according to after jumping 7.2 percent, and whole milk powder HighGround Dairy. China looked to Turkey and April delivery. was up 2.2 percent following a 3.1 percent rise. Australia instead for additional skim milk powder “The USDA announced changes to foods allowed and to the EU for lactose. GDT cheddar was down 0.3 percent after a 5 perin The Emergency Food Assistance Program,” says cent gain on Jan. 5. U.S. exports continue under the Cooperatives HighGround Dairy. “The Covid-19 stimulus bill Working Together program. Member cooperatives allocated $322.5 million for food purchases via this StoneX Dairy Group equated the GDT 80 percent accepted 11 offers of assistance on sales of 608,476 program throughout 2021. But initially, dairy butterfat butter price to $2.0952 per pound U.S., up pounds of cheese, 1.144 million pounds of butter, products were not included in the allowed foods 9.2 cents from the last event, which saw a 13.5 cent 123,459 pounds of whole milk powder and 74,957 list. Via the Federal Register, milk (UHT and gain. Chicago Mercantile Exchange butter closed pounds of cream cheese. The product will go to cusrefrigerated) and cheese (American and cheddar) Jan. 22 at a bargain basement $1.4025. GDT chedtomers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North will now be available for distribution using this dar cheese equated to $1.8518 per pound and comAfrica through April. funding.” pares to Jan. 22’s CME block Cheddar at $1.61. GDT skim milk powder averaged $1.4709 per Unfortunately, a shortage of shipping containers “By not announcing the approved contractors for pound, up from $1.3805, a 9 cent jump. is wreaking havoc on U.S. exports of agricultural the entirety of the round, USDA took a different products — including dairy — according to the approach than in the past,” says HighGround Dairy. Whole milk powder averaged $1.5333, up from Jan. 20 Daily Dairy Report. The issue has been top “This small announcement was overwhelmingly $1.4996. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Jan. of mind for exporters for months, says the Daily bearish. A key question will be how President Biden 22 at $1.1725 per pound. Dairy Report, “but the situation intensified in the and Secretary-elect Vilsack choose to spend the n weeks leading up to the holidays and still persists remaining money budgeted for this round.” And, today.” China’s December dairy import data showed comHighGround Dairy warned, “The uncertainty creatbined whole milk and skim milk powder imports at ed will create vendor hesitation when procuring n dairy products. This hesitation, and the lower-than- 169.5 million pounds, down 17.6 percent from The February Federal order Class I base milk expected purchases early in the program, will pres- December 2019. price was announced this week at $15.54 per hunsure dairy prices in the near term.” Whey imports, at 128.4 million, were up 33.8 perdredweight, up 40 cents from January, $2.01 below cent, the 11th consecutive month they topped a year February 2020, and equates to about $1.34 per galn ago, as China continues to rebuild its hog populalon, down from $1.51 a year ago. Meanwhile, the global dairy economy appears tion. The United States again was the biggest supstrong, if the second Global Dairy Trade auction of Speaking of Class I milk, November fluid sales plier. 2021 is any indication. Tuesday’s overall weighted took a dive according to USDA’s latest data. The Butter imports totaled 14.4 million pounds, up 58 report shows 3.8 billion pounds of packaged fluid average was up for the fifth consecutive event, percent, and cheese hit 25.6 million pounds, up 23.7 products were sold, down 4.4 percent from jumping 4.8 percent — the biggest gain since Aug. percent from a year ago. HighGround Dairy report- November 2019, the largest drop since August. Conventional product sales totaled 3.6 billion pounds, down 5 percent from a year ago. Organic products, at 235 million pounds, were up 6.1 percent, and represented 6.1 percent of total sales for the National Mastitis Council’s Feb. 23 webinar fea- ful milk quality programs are those that look at the month. tures “The Mastitis Triangle: Still Relevant Today.” whole picture. Whole milk sales totaled 1.25 billion pounds, down This free, one-hour educational offering starts at 2 To register for this webinar, go to http://bit.ly/ 4.4 percent from a year ago. Sales for the 11 month p.m. MastitisTriangleWebinar and follow the prompts. As period totaled 14.2 billion pounds, up 2.8 percent Andy Johnson, better known “The Udder Doctor,” the webinar approaches, registrants will receive an from 2019, and made up 32.7 percent of total milk will serve as the NMC webinar presenter. The Feb. 23 e-mail with information on how to log in to particisales for November and 33.6 percent thus far for the webinar will focus on the “mastitis triangle,” which pate. year. includes the cow, her environment and a dairy’s milkThis article was submitted by the National Mastitis Skim milk sales, at 224 million pounds, were down ing routine. To harvest quality milk, dairy managers Council. v must look at the people milking the cows, the milking See MIELKE, pg. 16 equipment and cow environment. The most success-

Webinar focuses on ‘mastitis triangle’


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THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

January WASDE report causes feed prices to soar buying,” the Margin Watch stated. n 17.8 percent from a year ago and down 14.9 percent Feed prices, meanwhile, continue to soar following year-to-date. a surprisingly bullish January World Agriculture Total packaged fluid milk sales, January through Supply and Demand Estimates report from USDA November, amounted to 42.2 billion pounds, down which made significant cuts to corn and soybean 0.3 percent from 2019. Conventional product sales so far, totaled 39.6 billion pounds, down 0.9 percent. ending stocks by 250 and 35 million bushels, respectively. Organic products, at 2.6 billion pounds, were up “Despite fundamental support for the market 10.6 percent and represented 6.2 percent of total though, excessive speculative length is building fluid milk sales so far for the year. The figures represent consumption in federal milk according to Commodity Futures Trading Commission Commitments of Traders data — parmarketing order areas, which account for approxiticularly for corn with a record fund position that mately 92 percent of total fluid milk sales in the has grown significantly over the past month,” the United States. Margin Watch concludes. n The USDA’s latest Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Dairy farm margins were largely flat over the first Outlook, issued Jan. 19, mirrored milk price and half of January, although significant volatility has production projections in the Jan. 12 WASDE been noted recently in milk prices, according to the report, detailed here last week. latest Margin Watch from Chicago-based The Outlook reported, “The 2020-21 corn price Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC. forecast is $4.20 per bushel, up 20 cents from last “Initial excitement over the announcement of a month’s forecast. The soybean meal forecast was fifth round of the Farmers to Families Food Box raised to $390 per short ton, up $20. The alfalfa hay Program has since dissipated with further clarity on price in November was $167 per short ton, $4 lower what contents will qualify for the new boxes,” than October and $2 lower than November 2019. according to the Margin Watch. “USDA has empha- The five-state weighted-average price for premium sized that a variety of hard, semi-firm, or semi-soft alfalfa hay in November was $200 per short ton, $6 cheese is acceptable in addition to cheddar and higher than October but $9 lower than November other cheeses in the solicitation, which likely will 2019.” not lead to the same level of support for block and n barrel prices as compared to previous rounds.” Milk cow numbers for 2021 are projected to aver“Export demand is also starting to cool as November dairy product shipments fell below prior- age 9.41 million head, 15,000 higher than last month’s forecast. Milk per cow was projected to year levels for the first time since mid-2019. average 24,095 per head, five pounds more than the November exports dropped 5.5 percent in value previous forecast, according to the USDA. from 2019 to $500.6 million, reflecting lower shipDairy cow culling jumped in December, according ments across the complex — excepting whey which continues to experience strong demand from China.” to the latest Livestock Slaughter report, and topped a year ago. An estimated 273,500 head were sent to “November cheese exports fell 15.8 percent yearslaughter under federal inspection, up 44,100 head over-year to 52.8 million pounds, led by a sharp or 19.2 percent from November and 8,100 or 3.1 drop in shipments to South Korea. November shippercent above December 2019. A total of 3.06 milments were also virtually unchanged from October on a daily average basis as the sharp rise in cheese lion head were culled in 2020, down 160,700 head or 5 percent from the same period in 2019. prices during October likely discouraged forward MIELKE, from pg. 15

In the week ending Jan. 9, 67,500 dairy cows were sent to slaughter. This is up 15,400 from the previous week, but 3,500 head or 4.9 percent below a year ago. n Dairy prices were mixed in the Martin Luther King Day holiday-shortened week, as traders awaited the Jan. 25 release of the December Milk Production and Cold Storage reports, both of which will likely bring downward pressure on prices. The cheddar blocks tumbled daily as disappointment over Food Box program particulars were considered. They closed Jan. 22 at $1.61 per pound, down 22 cents on the week, lowest since Dec. 24, and 38.50 cents below a year ago The barrels rolled to $1.39 per pound on Jan. 21, but closed the next day at $1.3925. This is 18 cents lower on the week, 21.75 cents below a year ago, and 21.75 cents below the blocks. Thirteen cars of block exchanged hands on the week and 28 of barrel. n Foodservice cheese sales improved dramatically in the first half of January with growth hitting the highest level since the start of the pandemic, according to StoneX Jan. 21 “Early Morning Update.” “This is pretty amazing given the tight lock-down in California and the Northeast,” the Update added. “The big growth component has been take-out from full service restaurants and the spike in sales has come as the latest stimulus payments were sent out. It looks like we all decided to treat ourselves to a mid-winter meal from fancier restaurant using stimulus money.” But, StoneX warned, “Quick-service has been doing well. If the increase is from consumers switching from quick-service to sit-down, is demand really growing?” Midwest cheesemakers tell Dairy Market News milk supplies remain readily available and spot prices had met the previous week’s lows of $8.50 under Class. See MIELKE, pg. 17

Virtual dairy beef short course takes place March 23 The I-29 Moo University Collaboration’s 7th annual Dairy Beef Short Course will held on March 23. Due to Covid-19 it will be offered as a webinar. There will be a morning session from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by the afternoon session from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m “Presenters at this year’s Dairy Beef Short Course are industry leaders who will provide insight into factors influencing dairy beef performance along with looking at the future of dairy beef production from a consumer and economic perspective,” said Tracey Erickson, South Dakota State University.

The morning speakers include Tara Felix, Penn State University discussing the role of nutrition and implants in dairy beef performance and Phil Durst, Michigan State University discussing how employee management influences animal performance. In the afternoon, Bill Halfman from University of Wisconsin will present the performance factors influencing profitability and Lisa Scebbi from JBS US will talk about taking advantage of future consumer trends to optimize market opportunities for dairy beef. To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/y8t3puur. The

registration fee is $25 and will be payable on-line. Webinar links will be sent by email before the event. An electronic copy of the proceedings will also be emailed to participants at the conclusion of the webinar along with access to the recordings of the two sessions. For more information, go to https://dairy.unl.edu/i29-moo-university or contact Tracey Erickson at (605) 882-5140 or tracey.erickson@sdstate.edu; or Fred Hall at (712) 737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v


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

THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

PAGE 17

Cash butter continues to struggle as stocks build MIELKE, from pg. 16 Curd producers say restaurant orders moved higher, something they haven’t seen in months. Cheddar producers are hopeful the government awards will assist in putting a dent in their growing inventories. Stocks are not overtly concerning, says Dairy Market News, but producers relay that could change day to day. The plentiful milk supply in the west has resulted in plenty of cheese; and Dairy Market News says, “an unsettled feeling persists within the market.” The announcement of more government food box program purchases created an initial push upwards on cheese prices but the momentum seemed to wane. Forecasting market direction has been difficult and neither buyers, nor sellers, want to overextend themselves, says Dairy Market News. Cheese inventories are abundant and contacts confirm that food service and institutional demand has remained weak. Retail demand is better than last year but not able to offset the reduction in

cheese sales to other channels and, “Until sit-down ter interest typically declines after the holidays and dining returns, contacts expect the cheese market plants experience increases in inventory. Cream is WE BUILD STALLSis RIGHT! may be challenging,” concluded Dairy Market News. highly sufficient. Bulk butter OUR production active and stocks continue to build. Retail salesa are Take look fair at n and expected to increase as some outlets arewith our tubing Cash butter was buoyed by Jan. 19’s GDT and already discussing orders for theunequaled upcomingcorrosion holiday. marched to $1.4550 per pound by Jan. 20 (the high- Export trading continues to be good, according to protection! est since Dec. 29), but headed south from there to a Dairy Market News. Jan. 22 finish of $1.4025. This is still up 11.25 cents Freudenthal Tubing has been Grade A nonfat dry milk finished the week 2.75 on the week but 45.75 cents below a year ago. Eight engineered for your specific cents lower, closing at $1.1725 per pound, 11.50 carloads found new homes on the week. requirements where strength cents below a year ago, with 33 sales reported for Auto Release Locks Panel CORROSION and corrosion resistance are Midwest churning is busy as cream remains readi- Head the week. critical design factors. PROTECTION ly available regionally and from the west. Retail CME dry whey inched up a half-cent both Jan. 19 butter demand remains steady, as holiday pipelines and Jan. 21 and closed Jan. 22 at 54 cents per CS-60 Comfort Tie Stall have been refilled, but food service demand has pound. This is the highest since Oct. 19, 2018, and “seen better days,” says Dairy Market News. sold Thecars Toughest Contacts expect the food box programs to assist the 17.5 cents above a year ago, with only two on the week at the CME. Stalls markets but they still have concerns about inventories, which are growing along with milk-butterfat Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist who on resides the yields. in Everson, Wash. His weekly column is featured • Provides superior lunge area market, in newspapers across the country and he may be • Muchisstronger than our heavy and Western butter output generally guaranteed v competitors’ systemsDomestic but- reached at lkmielke@juno.com. includes unsalted product for beam export. not to bend • No Stall mounts in the • Entire panel made of H.D. 10 gauge tubing concrete or sand are hot dippedWI galvanized after W. 6322 Cty. O,• Panels Medford, 54451 • Fully adjustable welding inside and out (715) 748-4132 • 1-800-688-0104 • Stall system stays high and Heaviest, • 6’, 8’, 10’, 12’ lengths dry, resulting in longer life www.freudenthalmfg.com Strongest, REMODELING, EXPANSION OR REPLACEMENT • 12’ panel weight 275 lbs. • Installation labor savings Custom Buy Direct From Manufacturer and SAVE! We Can Handle All Your Barn Steel Needs • Head-to-head and single row Cattle Diagonal Feed Thru Panel options available Auto Release Head Locks Panel Gates • Compare the weight of this on the system, heaviest available Elevated Dual Market on the market today

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PAGE 18

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THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

Soybean Cyst Nematode sampling an important tool FOLEY, Minn. — Soybean Cyst Nematodes cropped up in different places this last year. While we can look for similarities to the damage we associate with SCN and speculate that the nematode may be present; it is important we collect samples and run the proper tests. These tests will identify if SCN is present in the soil and at what population density. Remember that SCN can cause more than 30 percent yield reduction in soybeans and will be influenced by soybean variety, weather conditions and other soil factors. Also keep in mind that early detection is important. Keeping populations low will limit damage and help keep management options available for use. It is also helpful to know that once you have this issue, it doesn’t go away. This means you will need to monitor the populations over the long term to minimize yield losses, reduce population densities, and maintain the effectiveness of resistant varieties. Since monitoring over time is important, it

means proper sampling over time is also important. Given its importance let’s review the basics components of a proper sampling procedure. Start by dividing your field into 5 to 10-acre sections. Then, following in a zig-zag pattern throughout the field, collect 20 soil cores with a 1-inch diameter soil probe to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Place your cores in a plastic bag and label your bag with the field identification. Make sure to store your samples at a cool temperature if you can’t send them to the lab right away. Remember that increasing the number of samples or decreasing the area covered will influence variability in the sample. Spatial distribution of SCN will also influence the results as you go from hot spots in the field to non-infested areas. Manage hot spots separately if possible. Otherwise, the best option is to manage the field based on the

higher population density. You will also want to record the time of year when samples were collected. With SCN counts varying depending on the time of year, it will be difficult to compare samples collected at different times between years. Long-term management is best when sample collection is consistent in location, crop and time of year. Finally, remember that samples taken after corn harvest but before soybean planting are the most useful in estimating potential yield loss. Sampling in the fall also allows the most time for a management plan to be drawn up. If you have questions, email ndrewitz@umn.edu, or call (608) 515-4414. This article was submitted by Nathan Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension. v

Minnesota Crop Improvement Association presents awards ST. PAUL — Minnesota Crop Improvement Association recognized a number of individuals at its 118th annual meeting on Jan. 13. The Association’s Achievement in Crop Improvement Award was given to Dr. Don Wyse, Professor of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota. The award recognizes exemplary service to the seed industry as well as outstanding leadership in agriculture. Dr. Wyse came to Minnesota in 1974 to accept a weed scientist position. The focus of his work quickly became quackgrass control in Kentucky bluegrass. His work has been a key part in the success of the grass seed industry in Minnesota but has also benefited others in agriculture. Today, through the Forever Green Initiative, his work focuses on Kernza and other perennial and winter annual crops. MCIA also recognized four Premier Seedsman awardees. Bob Ehlers of Elbow Lake has been a certified seed producer for 45 years. Today he owns and operates Red River Marketing Company near Elbow Lake. He grows certified wheat and soybean seed. Clyde Kringlen of McIntosh, Minn. has been associated with certified seed since he and his father purchased McIntosh Farm Service in 1981. Kringlen has

worked with local seed growers conditioning and selling certified wheat, oats, and barley. Over the years, Clyde developed a passion for wheat production and today manages wheat seed production for West Central Ag Services Dean and Dennis Terning of Cokato, Minn. grew up in a seed corn producing family. They also grew certified seed of small grains and soybeans, conditioning it in a seed plant built by their father Ralph. In 1985, Dean and Dennis began producing hybrid seed corn for their retail brand, Terning Seeds. Today they can produce, harvest, and dry seed corn from over 6,000 acres. University of Minnesota research scientist Donn Vellekson and veteran MCIA field inspector Randy Krzmarzick were the recipients of MCIA’s Honorary Premier Seedsman Award, which recognizes individuals not directly involved in seed production but who have actively supported the seed industry.

Vellekson began working at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, in 1975. As a research scientist, his career has been devoted to turf grass and forage seed production research. He grew up on a crop and livestock farm near Dawson, Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Initially, his work focused on Kentucky bluegrass, timothy, and birdsfoot trefoil. Much of Donn’s work is done at the Magnusson Research Farm near Roseau and today perennial ryegrass is a primary emphasis. Randy Krzmarzick has been a MCIA field inspector for 22 years. From his home farm near Sleepy Eye, Minn., he has walked thousands of acres across southwest Minnesota inspecting fields of oats, wheat, soybeans, and occasionally corn. Each field must be evaluated prior to harvest for varietal purity, other crops, and weeds. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association. v

MDA to host industrial hemp forum ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture invites anyone interested in hemp and hemp production to its 2021 Industrial Hemp Forum. The two-day virtual evert will be held Feb. 10 and 11 from noon to 4 p.m. each day. The event is free to attend. Forum topics include federal and state regulations, plant breeding and agronomy, and market opportunities. This will be the first time Minnesota’s Industrial Hemp Program will operate under a new, federally approved state plan that governs production and regulation. When the 2018 federal farm bill legalized hemp as an agricultural commodity, it also required

states and tribal nations to submit plans to the U.S. Department of Agriculture if governments wanted to oversee their own commercial program. In July 2020, USDA approved the state of Minnesota’s plan. Prior to 2021, Minnesota had been operating under a pilot program. For more information on the 2021 Industrial Hemp Forum and to register, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/ hempforum. This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v


THE LAND — JANUARY 22 /JANUARY 29, 2021

Real Estate

Farm Rentals

Prime Farmland 80 acres near Fairfax MN & St Hwy 19. Renville Cty property ID 31-00170-00. Well drained and well tiled, production rating 91. Incredible investment opportunity to own prime farmland w/ development potential in close proximity to city limits. For more info contact 507-201-9636 or email hunter2003mn@ yahoo.com Sell your land or real estate in 30 days for 0% commission. Call Ray 507-339-1272

Real Estate Wanted

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Feed Seed Hay

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PAGE 19

Farm Equipment

For Rent: Available Septem- FOR SALE: Mixed grass hay, Forage Boxes, $750; TMR Harms Mfg. Land Rollers, JD 960 24 1/2’ field cultivator; ber 1: (3) 1,000 head wean small squares, no rain, no Mixer, $7,900; Wic Feed Brand New, 12’-$6,800; Tye green drill; 15’ Yetter to finish hog barns north of chemicals, no dust, no chem- Cart, $450; Silo Unloaders, 14’-$7,000; 16’-$8,000; 24’- rotary hoe; JD 7100 corn Fairmont, next to a blacktop icals, no dust. Heavy bales. $450; Silo Blower, $200; $14,800; 32’-$17,500; 42’- planter, 6x30; 1000 gal fuel a mile north of I-90 entrance. Call 507-334-6377 or 507-210- Feed Elevators, 1411 Disc- $21,500; Others from 8’-62’. barrel; Gehl 100 grinder/ Cell 507-848-1765. Ask for 1158 mixer; Wheat seed for sale bine, needs gear box, $2,900. 715-234-1993 and gravity box & wagon. Glenn. 952-467-4006 JD beanhead, 525F with air 320-587-5823 High Quality Western Alfalfa Hay delivered by the semi FOR SALE: 2013 Yetter rota- reel, like new, $24,000. JD load. Also low potassium ry hoe, 40’ flat fold, $7,900; 810 mounted plow, 3 bottom, JD 7000 Corn Planter, 2Row, Feed Seed Hay 3PT, $1,800; Fert. Avail. grass hay & clean straw. 2013 Einbock tine weeder, 80’ $600. 320-583-3131 $350/Row. 715-234-1993 Don Christianson 608-781- folding, excellent condition, 4x5 Net wrapped conventional Please recycle this magazine. 7765. 40 years of satisfied $26,900. 507-327-6430 (Non-GMO) corn stalks, $20customers. $30 ea. Grass hay $30-$60; shedded rotary chopped OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn. oat straw or soybean stubUSED TRACTORS PLANTERS Produces more high qualible, $150; Alfalfa $60-#70, ty silage on less acres than NEW Versatile 610 4WD ................................ On Hand JD 520 20’ 20” sp..............................................$3,900 up to 150 RFU. Can possibly hybrid. $67/bushel plus shipNEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader.. ...... On Hand ’11 White 8516 CFS, Loaded .......................... $68,000 deliver. (Cell)320-905-6195, ping. High feed value grain. NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders ... On Hand ’06 White 8516 cfs .......................................... $39,000 (Home)320-382-6288 ’13 NH T8.330 w/auto steer ................................. SOLD ’06 White 8186 w/fert ...................................... $28,000 Located at Teutopolis, IL ’11 NH T8.300 ................................................. $94,500 ’95 White 6722 loaded ....................................... $7,500 217-857-3377 ALFALFA, mixed hay, grass JD 4450PS W/148 LOADER............................ $39,500 hay & wheat straw, medi’84 JD 4850 FWA ............................................ $37,500 COMBINES um square or round bales, JD 8310T 5400 hrs ......................................... $62,500 Bins & Buildings delivery available. Farmall 340 wf w/mower.................... ................$4,250 NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead .................... Call Massey 1715........ ................................................ SOLD ’14 Gleaner S78 ............................................... Coming Thief River Falls, MN. Call ’07 Massey GC2300 w/loader........ ................. $13,900 ’12 Gleaner S77 ............................................ $179,000 or text LeRoy Ose: Barn and Quonset Roofing ’03 Gleaner R65 .............................................. $72,000 218-689-6675 and Straightening. Kelling

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 Silo. 1-800-355-2598 thought about selling con- FOR SALE: Alfalfa, mixed hay, grass hay, straw and intact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. Land Specialist, Edina Re- dividually wrapped baleage. 100% financing w/no liens or alty, 138 Main St. W., New Medium or large square red tape, call Steve at Fairbales. Delivery available. Prague, MN 55372. fax Ag for an appointment. Zumbrota, MN. Call or text paulkrueger@edinarealty.com 888-830-7757 Ray Leffingwell 763-286-2504 (612)328-4506

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PAGE 20

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THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

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


THE LAND — JANUARY 22 /JANUARY 29, 2021 Farm Equipment We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910

Tractors

Tractors

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

Harvesting Equip

Wanted

NEW AND USED TRACTOR JD 6620 side hill combine, hy- WANTED: John Deere Gauge PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, drostatic w/ RWA, also JD Wheels for John Deere 845, 55, 50 Series & newer trac- 920 bean head on head haul- 875 or John Deere 400 rotary tors, AC-all models, Large er wagon, complete $20,500; hoe. 507-227-2602 Inventory, We ship! Mark Also 3 gravity flow boxes, Heitman Tractor Salvage approx. 150-250 bu. All 3 for WANTED TO BUY: Steel rectangular corn crib with roof. 715-673-4829 $3,000. 507-330-2808 320-587-5823

WANTED: Frame for John Tillage Equip Wanted 2012 CIH 235, one owner, Deere 7000 front fold planter 18.4R46 rear tires w/ du12 row. 320-293-4380 als, fronts 14.9R34 tires, 4 FOR SALE: 960 JD field cul- All kinds of New & Used farm tivator, 34 ft, 6” spacing, remotes valves, 3pt, facequipment - disc chisels, field WANTED: Snow Machines tory auto steer, 321 hrs, P/ knock-on 7” shovels, 3R cults, planters, soil finishers, snowblower, (Blue), need Shift, never seen hard work, spring tooth drag, excellent cornheads, feed mills, discs, gear box. Call 507-383-7858 like new, always shedded, condition, $4,500. 507-276- balers, haybines, etc. 507WANTED: Used LP propane cutting back on farming. 8345 438-9782 tank, 15,000, 18,000 or 21,000 $136,500. 651-503-5087 WANTED: Navigator or sim- gallons. 507-327-6430 Planting Equip FOR SALE: JD 4020D, good ilar 3pt hitch attachment tires, recent clutch and infor cultivating. Call 507-276- WANTED: Yetter 2x2 fertilizjectors, duals and chains, JD 7000 8RN planter, liq fert, 5196. Please leave a mes- er discs for John Deere 1770 planter. 507-227-2602 needs paint, $6,000. 507-639- precision meters, bean sage. 5070 Evenings cups, row cleaners, insect, Kinze fold-over markers, WANTED TO BUY: 16’ or 18’ Classified Line Ads Sell your farm equipment row cleaners, insect, Dick- skid loader trailer, must be WORK! in The Land with a line ad. ey John population monitor, in good condition. D.O.T. able. Call 507-276-5733 Call 507-345-4523 507-345-4523 $4,000. 507-365-8625

Tell your auctioneer to advertise your auction in The Land

AUCTION

TRAVERSE COUNTY, MN TILLABLE LAND

2021

OPENS: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

CLOSES: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 | 1PM Taylor Township

AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: 320± acres selling in two tracts. Tract 1 is 160± acres with 100± acres in CRP. Tract 2 is 157± acres turnkey, productive, investment quality agricultural land. Please join Steffes Group for this online only auction. Prime opportunity to increase your farm acres or investment portfolio.

TRACT 1 – 160± ACRES

Location: From Wheaton, MN 13.1 miles north on Highway 75, 2 miles west on County Road 95, land on south side of the road.

320

TRACT 2 – 157± ACRES

Location: From Wheaton, MN 12.8 miles north on Highway 75, land on west side of the road.

Selling in 2 Tracts. For a detailed Buyer’s Prospectus with complete terms and conditions, contact Steffes Group at 320.693.9371, Eric Gabrielson 701.238.2570 or Shelly Weinzetl 763.300.5055

Steffes Group, Inc. | 24400 MN Hwy 22 South | Litchfield, MN 55355 TERMS: Ten percent down upon signing purchase agreement, payable by cash or check. Balance due at closing within 30 days. This is a 5% buyer’s premium auction. Scott Steffes MN14-51.

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

Steffes Auction Calendar 2020 For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com

Opening February 1 & Closing February 9 Transcan Motorsports Group Inc. Equipment Auction, Steffes Group Facility, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 2 & Closing February 9 at 1OAM Bremmon Farms Inventory Reduction Auction, Britton, SD, Timed Online Auction Opening February 4 & Closing February 9 at 12PM Walsh County, ND Land Auction - 732± Acres, Edinburg, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 5 & Closing February 9 at 12PM Online Hay Auction - Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening February 5 & Closing February 10 Online Steffes Auction - 2/10, Upper Midwest Location, Timed Online Auction Opening February 9 & Closing February 16 Dakota Valley Growers Inventory Reduction Auction, Bathgate,ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 10 & Closing February 17 at 1PM Traverse County, MN Tillable Farmland - 320± Acres, Traverse County, Taylor Township, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening February 11 & Closing February 23 Bryan Albertson Excess Equipment Auction, Foxhome, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening February 12 & Closing February 22 Juliuson Partnership Farm Equipment Auction, Hope, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 12 & Closing February 22 at 12PM Colfax Farmers Elevator Equipment Auction, Colfax, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 15 & Closing February 23 at 1PM Brown County, MN Tillable Farmland - 100± Acers, Brown County, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening February 15 & Closing February 23 at 12PM Leon Schmaltz Farm Equipment Auction, Harvey, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 18 & Closing February 25 at 12PM James Tjon Estate Firearms & JD Tractors Auction, Steffes Group Facility, West Fargo, NF, Timed Online Auction Opening February 18 & Closing February 25 David & Aileen Clough Farm Retirement Auction, Fessenden, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 19 & Closing February 24 Online Steffes Auction - 2/24, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening February 19 & Closing February 23 at 12PM Online Hay Auction - Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening February 19 & Closing February 23 Willard Onchuck Estate Collectible Toy Auction, Steffes Group Facility, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 20 & Closing March 1 Satrom Grain Farms, LLC Equipment Auction, Oriska, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening February 22 Closing March 3 at 7PM Private Firearm Collection Dispersal Auction, Steffies Group Facility, Litchfield, MN Timed Online Auction Opening February 23 & Closing March 2 at 7PM Gudajtes Family Farm Excess Equipment Auction, Minto, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening March 1 & Closing March 9 John & Kari Gramith Farm Retirement Auction, Norwood, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening March 1 & Closing March 11 at 7PM Richard Gabrielson Estate Farm Equipment Auction, Darwin, MN, Timed Online Auction

THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

WE NEED YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CARD! Livestock Pets & Supplies If you haven’t already sent in your 2021 subscription card for The Land which was inserted on January 8th FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls PUPPIES FOR SALE: Borand 15th please take a minute and do it today. Fill also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ der Collie/Blue Heeler cross, it out, sign & date it, add your payment and mail it Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred born 12/19/20, have shots and back. It’s that simple and it really helps us out. Kemen 320-598-3790

On March 5, 2021 we will draw a winner from all the completely filled out 2021 subscription cards we have received by that date for a $400 cash prize! No purchase necessary.

ONE FREE CLASSIFIED LINE AD in The Land magazine for subscribers who return their 2021 subscription card to The Land. Mention this ad when you call The Land at 507-345-4523 for a free basic classified line ad to run full circulation in The Land Magazine. Offer good for new non-commercial ads only. Call for more details.

Swine

2013 John Deere 8260R, IVT transmission, 1500 front axle, 380/90R54 front duals, 380/80R38 front duals, 60 GPM hyd. pump, 5 remotes, front weights, HID lights, active seat, 5,000 hours .............. $98,500

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

WANTED

DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE

We pay top dollar for your damaged grain. We are experienced handlers of your wet, dry, burnt and mixed grains. Trucks and vacs available. Immediate response anywhere. CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

2006 New Holland TJ380 tractor, powershift, 710/70R42 duals, 4 remotes, 3066 hours .... $87,500

PRUESS ELEV., INC.

1996 John Deere 8200 MFWD, 18.4X46 duals, 380/90R34, single fronts, 3780 hours........... $62,500

1-800-828-6642

2009 John Deere 1770 1770NT planter, row cleaners, liquid fertilizer ................................ $34,500

If you’re having a Farm Auction, let other Farmers know it!

2017 CIH Magnum 250, 19-speed powershift, 480/80R50 duals, 420/85R34 single fronts, 4880 hrs. ........... $72,500 2017 Deere 324E skid steer, EH controls, 2-speed, cab with heat and air, 12X16.5 tires, 550 hours ....... $32,500 2012 John Deere S680 combine, 2WD, 520/85R42 duals, power fold tank ext., power cast tailboard, 1880 sep. hours, through service program .. $95,000 1998 John Deere 9610 combine, 18.4R42 duals, yield monitor with display, chopper, chaff spreader, tank extension, 2750 sep. hours, nice machine ..... $29,000

AgDirect financing available, rates as low as 2.99% fixed. Please call before coming to look at equipment.

Keith Bode

70786 510th St. • Fairfax, MN 55332 507-381-1291 • www.keithbodeeq.com

Miscellaneous

Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available. PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS Monthly PRRS and PEDV. New pumps & parts on hand. Delivery available. Steve Call Minnesota’s largest distributor Resler. 507-456-7746 HJ Olson & Company www.thelandonline.com 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336

We sincerely thank all subscribers for your support!

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

dewormed, $200/each. 507383-6701

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MNNorthern IA February 5, 2021 February 19, 2021 March 5, 2021 March 19, 2021

*

Northern MN February 12, 2021 February 26, 2021 March 12, 2021 March 26, 2021 April 9, 2021

Deadline is 8 days prior to publication. Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication.

PO Box 3287 • Mankato, MN 56002 Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 Fax: 507-345-1027 Website: www.TheLandOnline.com e-mail: theland@TheLandOnline.com Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!


THE LAND — JANUARY 22 /JANUARY 29, 2021

, d -

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

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

Winpower Sales & Service Reliable Power Solutions Since 1925 PTO & automatic S Emergency Electric Gener. ators. New & Used Rich Opsata-Distributor 800-343-9376

6

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

One Call Does It All! With one phone call, you can place your classified line ad in The Land, Farm News and Country Today.

Call The Land for more information 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665

ADVERTISER LISTING Agri Systems/Systems West ........................................ 13 Beck's Hybrids .............................................................1 Dahl Farm Supply ........................................................5 Fladeboe Land ........................................................... 21 Freudenthal Dairy ...................................................... 17 Greenwald Farm Center .............................................. 19 Keith Bode ................................................................ 22 Lampi Auction Service ............................................... 21 Nano Hearing Aids ..................................................... 18 Pioneer ....................................................................3, 4 Pruess Elevator, Inc. .................................................. 22 Rush River Steel & Trim ..............................................9 Schweiss Doors .......................................................... 23 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ....................................... 19 Spanier Welding ...........................................................7 Steffes Group ....................................................... 21, 22 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 PO Box 3287, Mankato, MN 56002-3287 www.thelandonline.com

ONLINE AUCTION - 375+ Items. ATV, Snowmobile & Mower Sales & Service Shop. Sleds, Trailers, Equipment, Tools, Parts, Helmets, Clothing, Signs. Open House Jan 25 in Princeton, MN. 763-389-5700 for info. Learn more & Bid Now at HAGAUCTION.COM. (MCN) INVESTIGATE BEFORE YOU INVEST! Midwest Free Community Paper Association does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all classifieds and other ads which require an investment. (MCN) DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 855-752-6680 (MCN) DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-855-977-7030 (MCN) CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2002 and Newer. Competitive Offer! Nationwide FREE Pick Up! Call Now For a Free Quote! 888-366-5659. (MCN) BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 855-824-1258. (MCN) Earthlink High Speed Internet. As Low As $14.95/month (for the first 3 months.) Reliable High Speed. Fiber Optic Technology. Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1-855-679-7096 (MCN) High-Speed Internet. We instantly compare speed, pricing, availability to find the best service for your needs. Starting at $39.99/month! Quickly compare offers from top providers. Call 1-855-399-9295 (MCN)

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 22/JANUARY 29, 2021

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

We will never forget...

J

ust outside of Faribault, Minn. on State Hwy. 60 is Shager Park. Located on the shore of Cannon Lake, the park features a swimming beach, boat landing, fishing pier and other amenities which would make it perfect for a Back Roads story. And perhaps someday it will. But this week’s Back Roads takes us to a spot not far from Shager Park on Rice County Road 39. There is no sign advertising its location. It’s not gaudy, polished or trendy, there’s nothing for sale. In fact, it would be easy enough to drive right on past it. The big-city folks would probably label the roadside display “folk art.” By any measure it is an interesting and eclectic mixture of art, patriotism, kitsch and fun. Star-spangled letters form an arch, proclaiming to all, “We will never forget.” On the left is a painting of a group of soldiers holding up a flag pole Iwo Jimalike. The pole definitely is a flag pole; but on this day Old Glory is not on display. On the right is another painting — this one of three firefighters looking up to the sky. This art is also accompanied by an unused flag pole. In the middle of the two works of art is a third: a round painting of a farm. In the foreground of the painting is a silhouette of a soldier on one knee — next

to the rifle, boots and helmet of a possibly fallen comrade. Around the outer edge of the painting is the phrase: “They gave their live’s for our freedom.” The unneeded apostrophe is a nice homey touch. In itself, the three pieces of art would be eye-catching enough without the gorilla statue. Yes, a respectable distance away from the tribute to heroes is a fairly life-size statue of a crouching gorilla. Perched on a ridge, it glares past the road into the now-vacant fields. There will be no monkey business on his watch. Directly behind the three paintings is a simple cross with Christmas lights on it. The lights weren’t lit that day and the cross is so slight it is barely visible from the road. With the paintings splashed with flood lights and the illuminated cross, the display’s evening hours must be quite impressive. Arched over the entire operation are nine birdhouses of unique design. Does the number nine have any meaning? What is the story behind the gorilla? Has the family lost a member in the military? Is the owner a firefighter? Who is the artist? These questions remain unanswered as no one came to the door that day. Serenaded by the loyal dog’s gruff barks, I drove off — traveling more back roads. v

Rice County, Minn.






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