THE LAND ~ May 7, 2021 ~ Northern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

CAVALRYDQ © 2021

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

April 30, 2021 May 7, 2021

RUNNERUP AT THE WORLD FORAGE ANALYSIS SUPERBOWL.

CALL 800.937.2325 TO ORDER!

Bring on the heat!

Soil temperatures are still cool, but growers have started planting seed.

INSIDE: Andrew Smith sheds some light on carbon credits Sugar beets going in the ground as processing wraps up Farmers markets looking for another big year

PAGE 2

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

When will Earth have its day?

418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XL ❖ No. 9 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

www.TheLandOnline.com facebook.com/TheLandOnline twitter.com/TheLandOnline

Cover photo by Paul Malchow

COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Table Talk From My Farmhouse Kitchen Cooking With Kristin The Bookworm Sez Swine & U Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-4 3 4 5 7 8 10 14 16-17 19-23 23 24

STAFF

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, 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001. Please include credit card number, expiration date and your postal address with ads sent on either mail version. Classified ads may also be called into (800) 657-4665. Deadline for classified ads is 5 pm on the Friday prior to publication date, with holiday exceptions. Distributed to farmers in all Minnesota counties and northern Iowa, as well as on The Land’s website. Each classified ad is separately copyrighted by The Land. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Subscription and Distribution: Free to farmers and agribusinesses in Minnesota and northern Iowa. $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 56001-3727. Business and Editorial Offices: 418 S. 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727, Accounting and Circulation Offices: Steve Jameson, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Call (507) 345-4523 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Mankato, MN. Postmaster and Change of Address: Send address changes to The Land, 418 South Second St., Mankato MN 56001-3727 or e-mail to theland@ TheLandOnline.com.

Back in the 1970s, Earth Day was in ing “sustainable practices.” Reduced tillits infancy and consisted of a day where age and cover crops will certainly help people would pick up litter and rescue preserve what little topsoil our fields old tires and appliances from our roadhave left. Farmers are reporting healthier ways, lakes and rivers. The global day of soils which have an increased capacity to awareness has evolved over the years as retain water. Yet according to a 2017 U.S. more environmental issues come to light Census of Agriculture, 56 million acres of and more scientific data supports those U.S. cropland is tiled and that number is issues. soaring. What exactly are we retaining water for?

LAND MINDS In recent years, climate change has become the focal point of Earth’s environCrop irrigation and large scale livestock

By Paul Malchow mental concerns. Some will point to operations are depleting aquifers to a the planet’s past ice age and say the point where such operations are no rise of average temperatures is just longer allowed in parts of Minnesota. another page in Earth’s ever-evolving Restoring those aquifers is going to aging process. On the other end of the spectrum, take more than some rye grass and radishes. experts claim life is at a tipping point and carbon California’s Great Central Valley is credited with dioxide emissions are destroying the planet. supplying over 25 percent of everything Americans eat, and does so with less than a foot of rain per April 22 commemorated the 51st Earth Day and year. Is this sustainable? my email account was bursting with news releases from a variety of clubs and organizations. Each But agriculture is charged with feeding the world, reassured me they were true stewards of the enviso do they get an environmental pass? Can farmers ronment. Most made vague claims of “reducing our have it both ways? carbon footprint.” Many came with requests for On April 21 the U.S. Department of Agriculture money. announced plans to expand and renews the Carbon footprints have received a lot of publicity Conservation Reserve Program “in effort to boost since the Biden Administration moved into enrollment and address climate change.”

Washington, D.C. The general consensus is carbon At a time when field crop markets are reaching footprints need to be smaller. There does not seem eye-popping heights, Agriculture Secretary Tom to be any consensus as to how that would actually Vilsack announced USDA will open enrollment in be accomplished. the Conservation Reserve Program with higher payEnergy providers and government entities have ment rates, new incentives, and a more targeted been busy promising to be “carbon neutral” by 20__ focus on the program’s role in climate change miti(pick a year). Gas-burning cars will be a thing of the gation. past by 2035. Electrical power will be self-sustainUSDA’s goal is to enroll up to 4 million new acres able by 2040. In a country where — after 250 years in CRP by raising rental payment rates and — we still have issues with casting a vote, we’re expanding the number of incentivized environmengoing to get this all figured out in a couple of tal practices allowed under the program. decades.

To target the program on climate change mitigaElectric vehicles are pushed front and center as tion, FSA is introducing a new Climate-Smart the sexy cure. They already exist and pose no threat Practice Incentive for CRP general and continuous to the way of life of car-crazy Americans. Solar and signups that aims to increase carbon sequestration wind power are leading candidates for generating and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climatethe electricity required for the vehicle turn-around, Smart CRP practices include establishment of trees but county governments are already placing morato- and permanent grasses, development of wildlife riums on future solar arrays. habitat, and wetland restoration.

And hold on a minute — what will we do with all In 2021, CRP is capped at 25 million acres. The cap of this ethanol? Agriculture is wasting little time will gradually increase to 27 million acres by 2023. hopping on the environmental bandwagon by toutSee LAND MINDS, pg. 4

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

9 — Rodale Institute provides many services for the organic curious.

13 — Nerstrand woman recognized for farmers market service.

THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Nuts and Bolts” — News and new products from the ag industry • “E-Edition” — Archives of past issues of The Land

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

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

PAGE 3

More greenhouse gas from rural leaders than rural America While everyone uses water, Americans coastal waters are protected. use it up, noted Wallace Stegner, the preThe rub — especially for farmers and eminent writer of the West, in his 1992 ranchers — comes on the land protection book of essays Where the Bluebird Sings side because only about 12 percent of the to the Lemonade Springs.

U.S. is in what National Geographic That shrewd observation is even more magazine describes as “a largely natural accurate today. state.” That means about 440 million acres, or an area twice the size of Texas, In fact, even though we’ve dammed every river west of (and including) the FARM & FOOD FILE needs to be protected to meet a 30x30 target.

Missouri, pumped most underground

By Alan Guebert aquifers to the edge of emptiness, and Enter the ag anger. captured every melting snowflake from That single figure, 440 million acres, the Rockies to the Sierras, much of the say many national, state, and local West remains in perpetual drought. farm and commodity organizations, Worse, there is no end in sight for the region means farmers and ranchers are obvious targets for because the overwhelmed habitat now requires the a yet-unannounced federal “land grab” to meet the overuse of water.

White House goals.

No one anywhere else should feel superior; we all The fact that no such land grab is in the cards (no totter on a ruinous edge of our own calamity: cliformal land and seas protection program has been mate change. announced by the White House) has not stopped And just like the Westerners who continue to fuel farm groups, rural state politicians, and ag conspirthe urban sprawl of waterless Phoenix, Los Angeles acy peddlers from promoting the “land grab” baloney far and wide. and San Jose, too many of us still believe climate change either isn’t a real problem or is someone Indeed, announced Secretary of Agriculture Tom else’s problem.

Vilsack in late April, the only aspect of 30x30 now That’s especially so in American agriculture where underway by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is the exact opposite of a land grab: USDA is pursuing even the mention of the phrase brings hoots, brick“a series of outreach efforts” which ask “a series of bats and derision. Witness the latest national idea questions” of “commodity groups, farm organizato mitigate climate change: President Joe Biden’s tions, and others” for “their input” on “creative and hope to protect 30 percent of U.S. land and coastal innovative ways to encourage folks to participate…” seas by 2030.

In the meantime, Vilsack emphasized, “There is no The yet undefined White House effort, slugged intention to take something away from folks.”

“30x30,” will require minimum effort to meet its coastal seas goal; already about 26 percent of U.S. But the fact there is no 30x30 “land grab” in the

OPINION

works did not stop “(g)overnors of 15 Midwestern states including Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota,” from sending a “letter to President Biden … saying they have not been adequately consulted on the program…”

Most likely because — once again — there is no “program.”

A few days later, however, Vilsack had to again squash completely phony press stories about how the Biden Administration hoped to drastically reduce America’s meat consumption as part of its recently announced climate change policy.

In fact, “Biden’s commitment didn’t include any targets for agriculture or any other sector,” reported the authoritative Agri-Pulse April 27.

Mostly because there is no formal climate change program yet.

And, it seems, there will never be one if many of today’s ag leaders and rural politicians continue to peddle their claptrap about “land grabs” and hamburgers. But that’s what their deceits are really about: they like it just the way it is and tough luck to all who follow.

Which brings us back to Stegner’s experience of how most Americans see their role in the environment: we use it up. And as we do, we don’t want to talk about it.

Not honestly, anyway.

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

WCROC earns water quality certification MORRIS, Minn. — The University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC), Morris is the first U of MN entity to achieve certification through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). Administered through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, this voluntary program allows farmers and landowners to demonstrate best management practices with regard to cropland adoption and helps identify new practices which can positively impact water quality and conservation practices that help protect our environment.

A MAWQCP certificate signifies that participating farmers and landowners will be deemed in compliance with any new water quality rules or laws during the period of certification, are taking a proactive approach to future water quality issues and concerns in Minnesota, and are using conservation practices to protect Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams.

Currently, over 1,050 producers and 750,000 acres are water quality certified in Minnesota.

Certification is for ten years and provides many advantages. When completing the application, landowners get a bird’s-eye-view of their entire operation, which allows a glimpse into areas that need improvement. Some changes are simple and inexpensive, such as using water quality tile inlets to filter soil and debris from water before it reaches a tile drainage system. In addition, the WCROC has also changed to No-Till farming practices on erodible land and has installed a biofilter at a tile discharge point to reduce nitrogen flow into the watershed.

“Historically, the WCROC has had a strong commitment to water quality, conservation and mitigating our impact on the environment,” reports Curt Reese, WCROC Crops Coordinator. “We have numerous projects and activities that exemplify our dedication to protecting the environment. Becoming MAWQCP certified is an important step for us to take as we look to the future.”

This article was submitted by the University of Minnesota. v

LG Seeds, Legacy Seeds, Rob-See-Co Corn: Conv to BT

Soybeans: Conv, Enlist & RR2X

Great Products and Prices Enduraplas Poly Tanks, Nurse Trailers, UTV Sprayers Chemicals: Major and Generic

"IT PAYS TO SHOP AND COMPARE"

CHRIS DAHL

27296 730th Avenue • Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-383-4931

PAGE 4

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

‘Cleaning up’ in farming … not exactly what I had in mind As a woman of the farm, I’ve cleaned up needed a high-pressure hose and an exor- clean up, there is one mess I don’t even mind hapmy share of messes. cism before they were brought into the pening … and that’s the mess of wrapping paper house. and all the gift trimmings on the floor on Christmas No matter who is running the farming Eve/morning. It’s brilliant with color, pregnant with operation, be it known there are plenty of There are sick days that necessitate joy and anticipation, sprinkled with wonder and messes which need to be tended to — the washing of sheets, clothing and carlaughter, and founded in the love of people we never inside and outside of the house. pets (which may have at least appeared even knew from generations before us, who are the clean beforehand). There are canning I can’t even count the number of times I reason for today’s room full of people who are all days after which the top of the stove have stepped into the mud room in our needs a hammer and chisel; corn shucks, connected to each other in one way or another. basement and been confounded by the TABLE TALK mud and snakes to sweep out of the Some messes are worth cleaning up, if only manure-covered farm fashion accessory garage; basements to dry out after the because they mean we have a family to love, and

By Karen Schwaller tornado I had apparently missed. washing machine breaks or the access who loves us. It’s the greatest gift — and the greatI have yet to hear of a room in a farm plug to the sewer pipe blows (don’t ask est mess — of all. house officially titled on house plans, “the how I know that). There’s the degreasing of clothing, But I’ll still give you five bucks if you swear that manure room.” After all, on a livestock farm, that’s hands and towels, and sometimes even the messy dent in the shed door wasn’t my doing. mostly what’s in there, isn’t it? job of untangling family members who have gotten Karen Schwaller brings “Table Talk” to The Land into a spat they can’t seem to solve on their own.

Those from a generation or two before us on the from her home near Milford, Iowa. She can be farm might even think differently about what actuBut with all of the different messes there are to reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v ally constitutes a mess. My husband tells of a time when his grandparents were visiting, and during that time he and his sister had paid a visit to the local taco venue and brought their delights home to Send your letters to: Editor, The Land, 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 devour. As they were opening them up to add more e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com heat to them, his grandfather just blurted out what he was thinking as he laid his eyes upon the prized All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity. taco filling that was so highly anticipated by my husband and his sister.

“I’ve cleaned up better looking messes than that,” he uttered.

Americans are the planet’s champion consumers.

LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 Outside, there are messes in the barn from the A 2018 article in Business Insider by Andrew D. Will farmers take land out of production in the nature calls of all those animals living there; messHwang states the average American uses about 9.7 name of sustainability in spite of the sirens’ call of es from birthing or even when someone left the hectares. This data suggests the Earth can support $15 soybeans? Is the USDA turning a deaf ear to hydrant running during chores. warnings of low grain carry-overs and even possible at most one-fifth of the present population, 1.5 bilIf my husband asks you if I did that last week, I’ll shortages in 2022? lion people, at an American standard of living. give you five bucks to say I didn’t.

“The Earth supports industrialized standards of “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is There are hog buildings and semi trailers to living only because we are drawing down the ‘savengaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat power wash, snow to move and messes that weasels the climate crisis and conserve and protect our ings account’ of non-renewable resources, including and rats can seem to generate just by their very fertile topsoil, drinkable water, forests, fisheries and nation’s lands, biodiversity, and natural resources presence. petroleum,” Hwang said. including our soil, air and water,” The April 21 announcement stated. “Through conservation pracThere are oil spills on the shop floor, fuel runIt took 127 years for the world population to doutices and partnerships, USDA aims to enhance eco- ble from one billion to two. By contrast, it took only overs now and then, glass to pick up from tractor nomic growth and create new streams of income for 47 years, from 1927 to 1974, to double from two bilwindows that break, tools following a major equipfarmers, ranchers, producers and private foresters. ment overhaul, paint cans that fall off of a project lion to four. Since 1960, world population has grown and end up coloring the floor, bales that break open Successfully meeting these challenges will require by about one billion every 13 years. when they fall off of the bale elevator, piles of grain USDA and our agencies to pursue a coordinated Environmental experts are quick to say we are approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including on the ground from a cart operator who hit the killing our planet. I don’t believe this is so. Yes, I state, local, and tribal governments.” wrong button in the dark (once again, there’s five believe we are harming our planet — perhaps irrepbucks in it if you swear that I’ve never done that to Sounds about right. arable harm. But Earth will survive. It’s the human my husband or anyone helping us…); and someCarbon footprints, an increase in extreme weather race that’s going to take the pounding. And it’s times there is a marriage to clean up when husgoing to make Covid-19 look like a trip to the denevents, melting ice fields and safe supplies of potabands and wives work together, hours are long and tist. ble water all lead me to a question I don’t hear tempers and patience run short. asked very often: Can the planet Earth sustain 8 We can enjoy our avocados and Florida vacations; And even with all the stress that comes from billion people? but Earth will have its day. those things, it’s no less stressful in the house. If Scholars have discussed this topic with (again) a Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land. you had ever stepped into our basement and seen wide spectrum of opinions. A United Nations report He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com. the laundry piles down there when our family was growing up, you would know what liquid was really from 2012 stated Earth can easily sustain about 2 The views expressed in this column are not necesin the stain remover bottle. There were piles of ‘reg- billion people. More recent studies have that numsarily the opinion or policy of The Land. v ber at 8 billion, providing those 8 billion are judiular’ dirty work clothes for farm, school and office cious in their use of resources. jobs; filthy hog farm work clothes; and clothes that

Letters to the editor are always welcome.

Killing the planet? We’re killing ourselves

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

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

PAGE 5

Not much beats shopping in my home town At least once a week I find myself in ers to enjoy. town. It’s a feat that surprises me as I But my purpose is to make sure I have claim to be a homebody who despises a steady supply of their delectable meats. shopping. Well, I don’t think that there is I keep at least one package of smoked an ounce of truth in those claims. cured beef (aka dried beef) in the freezer In fact, I have been finding myself look(so handy for many reasons), side pork ing forward to having an errand which for breakfasts, and of course, their many brings me to town. I think it must have different kinds of sausages. something to do with a sense of belonging.

FROM MY Recently I purchased a lamb roast to FARMHOUSE When I am at a store, I usually am serve to my Sunday dinner guests. It was KITCHEN greeted by the store owner or employee a hit and so simple to fix, just season with — often by my name. Isn’t that special? the usual salt and pepper, fennel and

By Renae B. It is when you think about it. rosemary, and a few garlic cloves before Vander Schaaf putting in the oven. This Usually when in a may just be my go-to store I bump into somemeat when I know comone who I haven’t see pany is coming. for a while. It’s a good time to catch up on The lamb at the mareach other’s lives. We ket is raised by Travis all have joys we want to and Kaylene Hawkins, tell others, and burdens who live over by Akron. that lie heavy on hearts They were kind enough that need sharing. After to show us their farm all, shared joy is a douon a lovely spring day. ble joy, and shared sorIt was so good to see row is half (Swedish their young sons learnproverb). ing to work by just being out there with Many times our condad and mom. I think versation ends with Don and Myra Nelson “You know, we should should do a bit more get together for a cup of matchmaking! coffee.” Thankfully we can spontaneously do this as there are several placThe Craft Central store exceeds my craftiness es which offer good hot coffee and irresistible treats gene with all their offerings. The store shelves are that aren’t found in any other hometown. filled with many items useful in our cooking, living I am learning that going out for breakfast occasion- and for gift giving. All this shopping and crafting takes energy, and since energy comes from food, I’m ally in my hometown is another good place to reconhappy to see popped popcorn on their shelves made nect with members of our community. After breakby the De Witt family from Sioux Falls. fast, it is the perfect time to do a little shopping.

Will and Heidi De Witt, along with their sons Each store offers its own unique item that appeals Carter and Camden, plus daughter Morgan, came to me and is needful. At Woudstra Meat Market, I up with the idea about five years ago while vacaam first amazed at the owners’ green thumbs. All tioning on the beach. They couldn’t find two of their winter long, outdoor plants they took in before last favorite foods — namely popcorn and saltwater taffy fall’s first frost have remained picture perfect.

Throughout the year, lilies, gladiolus by the bushel, — that met their healthy lifestyle, and other floral bouquets are often given to customInstead of just talking about the idea, they actual-

City Nature Challenge begins April 30 ST. PAUL — Backyard naturalists can share their nature observations with an international community of researchers, academics and conservationists starting April 30 in a ten-day project called City Nature Challenge.

City Nature Challenge 2021 invites members of the public to observe nature locally — whether it’s birds, insects, animals, fungi, plants or tree species — then post their photos and observations to a website, iNaturalist (www.inaturalist.org). Their observations

go into an international database used by scientists and land managers across the globe to study and preserve nature and wildlife.

City Nature Challenge continues through May 3.

From May 4 to 9, anyone can go to iNaturalist.org to help identify what was found.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

ly turned it into a business: Salty Pop Popcorn.

Their slogan, “A Wave of Flavor,” was inspired by ocean waves and the logo and packaging were inspired by the sunset over the water. No wonder we like the popcorn so much. It takes us on a relaxing beach vacation.

My favorite at this time happens to be their creamy caramel. But by the time you read this, it may have changed to Stroopwafel popcorn. I wonder with their name as De Witt, how much Dutch Bingo we would have to play before we found a mutual relative?

Going into Centrum Foto Studio is like walking into an art gallery. Proprietor Ken Fry excels in the art of photography. Thankfully he shares his work with the rest of us, who marvel at God’s creation.

He has made many of his photos into wall hangings or cards which are appropriate for sending to others no matter the occasion.

He also sells cards hand-crafted by expatriate women prisoners in Quito, Ecuador. My understanding is that if you are in prison there, you have to somehow provide for your basic needs such as food, soap and toilet paper. These cards are a source of honest employment for these women.

There are many more places to shop at in my hometown. I’m thankful stores are close by when most anything is needed.

While I enjoy shopping in my hometown I also enjoy shopping in yours. When my farmer locates a piece of machinery in an advertisement he has read, we often go together to have a looksee. A knitting project and my camera are the first things I pack for this excursion. Because one never knows what one will find along the way.

One of my favorite buildings to photograph in any community is the church. These buildings were built by people who needed a place to worship God, to hear the word of God preached, to help and/or be helped by other members. It’s where that real sense of belonging happens as we draw near to Christ, repenting of our sins, believing in our Lord Jesus Christ and striving to live a life that pleases Him. Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v

PAGE 6

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

THE LAND THANKS YOU!

To all of you that returned your 2021 subscription card to The Land we want to say a heartfelt “thank you”. During these especially difficult times we are truly humbled by the outpouring of support that you have shown us. If you haven’t sent in your card yet there’s still time. Please use the 2021 subscription card on this page. Take a minute to fill it out, sign and date it, and mail it back. If you would like to add a donation we would appreciate it. Thank you for reading The Land. We look forward to hearing from you.

Register to Win

DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! To ensure that you continue to receive The • Complete the form below, sign and date.

Land Magazine, please follow these steps: • Include your check and put it in the mail.

2021 Subscription Form

Weber® Q 1200 Outdoor Gas Grill LP n Electric Ignition n Compact Design n Removable Catch Pan n Porcelain-Enameled, Cast-Iron Cooking Grates n 8,500 BTU-per-hour input n Folding Side Tables n 189 sq. in. Cooking Area n Lid Thermometer Dimensions: Lid Closed and Tables Out (inches) 15.5”H x 40.9”W x 16.5”D

Lid Open and Tables Out (inches) 24.6”H x 40.9”W x 20.5”D

To qualify for the Prize Drawing, return your form by August 6, 2021.

No purchase necessary. If you have already sent in your card, we thank you and you’re automatically entered in the drawing! If you’re not sure if you sent it in this year, call or email the office and ask us.



I own or operate 80+ acres of Minnesota and/or Northern Iowa ag cropland, raise 25+ head of livestock or am actively involved in agribusiness.

Full Year Voluntary Subscription:  $49  Other



I do not qualify but would like a one-year subscription.

Full Year Voluntary Subscription:  $49

Important – Please check all boxes that best match your farming operation.

Acres Corn Soybeans Alfalfa Wheat Sugar Beets Total Acres

1-99

100-249

250-499

500-999

1000+

     

     

     

     

     

Hogs marketed  1-99  100-249 Sheep raised  1-99  100-249 Beef Cattle marketed  1-99  100-249 Dairy Cattle milked  1-50  51-99

Livestock Head  250-499

 500-999

 1000+

 250-499

 500-999

 1000+

 250-499

 500-999

 1000+

 100-199

 200+

Data will NOT be sold.

PLEASE PRINT

Mail to: THE LAND 418 South Second St., • Mankato, MN 56001

Grill Entry

Name ______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________________________

507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 email: theland@thelandonline.com

County of Address __________________________Phone # ________________________________ E-mail Address _____________________________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________________ Date __________________

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

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

PAGE 7

Edible blossoms make these recipes awesome I was at Camp Sacajawea, a Girl Scouts camp in Dakota county in the mid-80s, watching in awe as two camp counselors deep fried zucchini flowers. I was hesitant about trying these golden bites, but boy was I glad I did as they were delicious. That was my COOKING first foray into edible flowers, WITH KRISTIN and I’ve enjoyed them ever

By Kristin Kveno since.

You can get edible flowers from a number of places, from the grocery store in the produce section near the fresh herbs; you can order them online; or simply grab a handful from your garden. Some examples of edible flowers are pansies, violets and lavender. Get in the spirit of spring with these delectable edible flower recipes.

This salad has spring written all over it. The beautiful colors, the freshness of the greens and the pop of color from the flowers creates a light and tasty salad you just have to try.

Fresh Herb and Edible Flower Salad with Hibiscus Champagne Vinaigrette

cali-zona.com) Hibiscus champagne vinegar 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers 1 bottle champagne vinegar Hibiscus champagne vinaigrette 1/3 cup hibiscus champagne vinegar 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup 1 small shallot or 1 tablespoon – minced 1 large garlic clove or 1 teaspoon – minced 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Salad 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts hibiscus vinaigrette – to taste 1/2 pound mixed baby greens 1/2 – 1 cup edible flowers 1 cup fresh basil – roughly chopped or torn 1/2 cup fresh mint – roughly chopped or torn 1/4 cup fresh chives – thinly sliced 1/4 cup fresh dill – minced 1 cup blueberries 1 basket yellow cherry tomatoes – cut in half 8 oz. chevre goat cheese vinegar Prepare this four days to a week ahead. Add the hibiscus flowers to a jar and pour the vinegar over the hibiscus. Let sit for four days to a week. Strain into another jar.

See COOKING WITH KRISTIN, pg. 8

Remove the problem, not the profits.

Advanced Mineral Performance Technology

Biting horn flies account for over $1 billion in production losses annually.* Attack horn fly problems head on with Dipteracide®, available in a variety of products.

Contact us at go.adm.com/beef

*USDA estimate

ADM Cattle Nutrition • 866-666-7626 • AN_BeefHelp@adm.com

PAGE 8

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

Book tells the story of America’s forgotten farmers ership. Others persevered, and then lost One little hole in the ground. their land through lack of financial literaThat’s all it takes, as big around as cy, or problems with banks, the USDA or your little finger, a pencil eraser, a coffee the Farm Service Administration — the stirrer. A tiny fissure in the Earth, that’s latter which, suggested one farmer, what you need to grow dinner next week seemed to have been created to make or next winter, flowers for your table, susproblems. tenance for your animals or, as in the And yet, there were bright spots: like new book “We Are Each Other’s Harvest” folks a century ago, Black farmers know

by Natalie Baszile, a tie to your past.

THE BOOKWORM that sticking together is best for all.

Years ago, while taking weekly proviSEZ They’re speaking up and persevering, in sions to an elderly relative, Natalie

By Terri Schlichenmeyer planting and paperwork. Black farmers Baszile learned that the presence of food have learned to think around bigger issues in a neighborhood (or its lack) could be a by forming Black-owned co-ops, teaching new farmracial issue. Shortly afterward, she discovered her ers, making sure the next generation wants ownerancestors had been involved in farming, long before ship of the business, and ignoring old myths which she was born. That’s not unusual: as we learn in the say women don’t farm.

Black farmers are mentoring. introduction here, nearly all African Americans They’re redefining the word “farm.” They’re doing today can claim farming is in their genes. what it takes to keep possession of their land because It’s never been a smooth thing, though. for them, there just isn’t any better way to live.

Over and over in previous decades, Black farmers So you know where your food comes from. Bonus paid faithfully each month to buy farms from white points if you grew it yourself. Even better, when you landowners, only to ultimately, cruelly be denied own- read “We Are Each Other’s Harvest” after you’re

done weeding.

Using a little of this (fiction excerpts, poetry, and quotations), along with a little of that (essays, interviews, first-person tales, and history), author Natalie Baszile gives praise to Black farmers and ranchers, showing that what may seem like a newly-discovered connectedness to the land goes way back. It is, in fact, a slice of the past that’s rich as a fertile field, but also loaded with rocks that crushed many dreams.

And yet, while the stories Baszile lets loose need a wider audience today — they can’t be silent anymore — anger at the past isn’t the reason for this book. No, this is much more of a prayer for the Black stewards of the land, and for those who’ve listened to their hearts and stood, one hand filled with dirt and the other with seeds.

Whether you are a farmer, know one, or accept the fruits of one’s labor, this book is the perfect meditation. Lush as a spring morning but sharp as barbed wire, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest” is a book for the well-grounded. v

Edible flowers are great additions to any meal Line a baking tray with wax or parchment paper. Melt the chocolate chips according to package directions and pour onto Hazelnuts the tray. Spread evenly (you will fill only about three-quarters of Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the hazelnuts in a single the tray). Sprinkle with edible flowers, or gently place the flowers layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 – 14 minutes. In about 5 – on the chocolate for more precision. Let the chocolate set in the 7 minutes stir the nuts, so they toast evenly while also checking fridge and break into pieces. on the progress. When hazelnuts are cool, put them in the center TIP: For more precise cuts around the flowers, let the chocolate of a towel and pull corners of the towel together and roll hazelset well enough to score with a knife (about 15 minutes in the nuts around with some force till skins come loose. A small fridge). Let fully set and break apart where scored. amount of skin will remain on the nuts and that is fine. When cool grind them in a food processor until fairly fine. n Vinaigrette If you’ve never had a deep fried zucchini flower, boy are you While the nuts are toasting, make the vinaigrette. missing out. This is a lightly breaded taste treat.

In the bowl of a blender or food processor, add the hibiscus Deep Fried Zucchini Flowers vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Turn on the bonappetit.com blender/food processor and slowly add the oil. (Or, add ingredivegetable oil (for frying) ents to a bowl and puree using an immersion blender.) Mince 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour the shallot and garlic and whisk them into the vinaigrette. Set 1 teaspoon kosher salt aside.

12 ounces chilled Pilsner, lager-style beer, or club soda Salad zucchini blossoms (stamens removed; about 2 dozen) Add the mixed greens, edible flowers, basil, dill and mint to a sea salt large bowl and toss. Add the green onions, blueberries and tomaIn a large pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat toes to the bowl. Crumble the cheese with a fork and add to the until a deep-fry thermometer reads 350 degrees. Combine flour bowl or onto individual salads. Add nuts and dressing to individu- and salt in a medium bowl, then whisk in beer until almost al salads. smooth (some small lumps are welcome — don’t over whisk or n you’ll deflate the batter). One by one, dredge the blossoms in batter, shaking off the excess; gently lay them in the oil, without Bring some pizazz to chocolate bark by adding edible flowers crowding the pan. Cook, flipping once with a slotted spoon, until to the mix. golden brown, 2-3 minutes total. Transfer to paper towels to Prettiest Chocolate Bark drain. Sprinkle with sea salt and devour while hot. thedecoratedcookie.com n edible flowers Not only do these candied flowers taste sweet, they look pretty 12 ounce package (2 cups) of chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark sweet as well. or milk, whatever your preference) COOKING WITH KRISTIN, from pg. 7

Candied Edible Flowers

thespruceeats.com 1 to 2 cups edible flowers 1 egg white (at room temperature) 1 teaspoon water 1/2 cup superfine sugar Gather the ingredients. Add the water to the egg white and whisk it gently with a fork or small whisk just until a few bubbles appear. Working with one flower at a time, dip the paintbrush in the beaten egg white and gently paint all the petals on the front of the flower. Turn the flower over and paint the back of the petals as well. It’s important that all the surfaces be covered so that the flowers are properly preserved. Hold the flower over the bowl of superfine sugar and sprinkle the top with a thin, even layer of sugar. Turn the flower over and sprinkle the bottom with sugar as well. If there are large clumps of sugar anywhere, dust it off gently so that only a thin, even layer of sugar remains on the flower.

Place the flower on a wire drying rack to dry completely. Smooth the petals out and arrange it how you would like. (Once it is dry it can no longer be moved, so take the time now to get it to look its best.) Repeat the process of brushing the flowers with egg white, covering them with sugar, and arranging them on the drying rack until all of the flowers have been candied. Allow the flowers to sit at room temperature until they are completely dry. Depending on the humidity in your house, this can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours or longer. When they are finished the petals will be stiff.

Remember flowers aren’t just for gardens, they’re a great addition to any meal. Add some flare to your plate tonight with edible flowers.

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

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

PAGE 9

Questions on carbon sequestration? Rodale Institute can help

By TIM KING The Land Correspondent KUTZTOWN, Penn. — Rodale Institute, which is headquartered on its 70-year-old, 333-acre research and education farm near here, has opened its Organic Crop Consulting Services based at its Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center near Dr. Andrew Smith Marion Iowa. The Land talked to Dr. Andrew Smith, Rodale’s chief scientist and chief operating officer, about Rodale’s expanded services in Iowa and about organic and regenerative agriculture in general. Smith is a former organic farmer and Peace Corps volunteer.

The Land: Can you tell me about the Rodale Institute?

Smith: We are a nonprofit research and education institution, in operation since 1947, headquartered on our farm near Kutztown Pennsylvania. We also operate six other sites in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Georgia and California.

Rodale Institute aims to grow the regenerative organic movement through research, farmer training, and consumer education. On our sites, we operate long-term research trials comparing organic and conventional methods, train beginning farmers, and hold educational workshops.

The Land: Rodale is expanding its presence in the Midwest — especially in Iowa and Minnesota. Why is that?

Smith: At Rodale Institute, we’ve been researching organic methods for over 70 years. Our flagship research trial, the Farming Systems Trial, is in its 40th year, making it the longest running side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional grain cropping systems in North America. We’ve established

ourselves as an authority and a resource on regenerative organic agriculture. However, most of our research has been conducted in eastern Pennsylvania.

Obviously, a farmer in California or Iowa does not have the same experience as a farmer in Pennsylvania.

We realized that if we want to achieve our goal of increasing organic acres, we need to regionalize not only our research, but our resources. In 2016, Iowa was the fifth in the nation for the number of organic farms. Even though organic was clearly on the minds of farmers, there was a lack of widespread access to specific, regionalized research and training in regenerative organic agriculture in Iowa.

In addition to providing regionally relevant research and education, part of our goal in setting up the Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center was to expand the capacity of our organic crop consulting services. We started this program in 2019 to provide one-on-one mentorship and to help navigate the process for farmers looking to transition their farms to certified organic.

Currently, all Rodale consulting services are free to farmers due to support from the State of Pennsylvania, OXO, Cargill, and other private funders.

The Land: You use organic, regenerative and regenerative organic in your answers. Are they all the same?

Smith: Organic is defined and regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while regenerative’s definition is not currently regulated.

The national organic program has a minimum set of standards which farmers must comply with in order to be certified organic. From the farm perspective, these standards are mostly based on land management and elimination of toxic pesticides and other inputs. While compliance with these standards usually leads to improved soil health and biodiver-

Register for Crop Scouting by July 1 AMES, Iowa — The 11th annual Crop Scouting Competition for Iowa Youth will be held July 26 at the Field Extension Education Laboratory in Boone, Iowa, at 1928 240th St. The in-person event is presented by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Integrated Pest Management program.

Iowa middle school and high school students completing grades 7-12 are invited to put their crop scouting skills to the test against other Iowa youth teams across the state. Teams of two to five youth work with an adult team leader to prepare for the competition by learning about crop scouting, pest management and the responsible use of pesticides.

At the competition, youth teams work together to answer questions and demonstrate field skills for station judges.

Teams’ crop knowledge will be tested at topic-specific field stations run by ISU Extension and Outreach faculty and staff and other industry professionals,

giving youth the opportunity to work next to and learn from experts. Potential topics include crop diseases, insects, disorders, weed identification, herbicide injury, crop growth stages, degree day computation, and sprayer calibration and sprayer issues.

The top four teams, based on points accrued from the field stations and exam, are eligible to win cash prizes.

The 2021 competition will be in-person and all activities will be outside. Appropriate safety measures for preventing the spread of Covid-19 will be used.

For more information, resources, and to register a team, visit www.ipm.iastate.edu/crop-scouting-competition-iowa-youth-2021. If you have questions, contact Maya Hayslett at hayslett@iastate.edu.

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

sity, it’s not required for certification. Also, the national organic standards do have some requirements for livestock; but they are mostly silent on animal welfare and social fairness issues such as how employees are treated.

Regenerative organic certification, a new certification created by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, includes these two components.

Here’s how it works. Regenerative agriculture is a form of agriculture which is based on continuous improvement and leads to restoration and regeneration of the health of the land, people, populations, communities, countries and the world. It is more than an environmental ethic and it is more than carbon sequestration.

For example, we can remove carbon from the atmosphere and put it in the soil in a number of ways.

Some ways use toxic chemicals, pollute the environment, and make people sick. This can’t be called regenerative. Therefore, at Rodale Institute we always use the words regenerative and organic together.

Regenerative organic goes above and beyond the organic label. While organic prohibits synthetic chemicals and GMOs, regenerative organic adds two more qualifications: animal welfare and social fairness. That means we want to farm in a way that protects the planet, keeps animals free from harm, and ensures that the people planting, picking and processing our food are treated fairly.

The Regenerative Organic certification includes two other components to ensure continuous improvement. One is a soil health test submitted with a farm system plan to measure soil improvement over time.

There is a scale starting from bronze, moving to silver and ultimately gold. A farm must show improvement over time and move from bronze to silver or they will lose their Regenerative Organic Certification.

This encourages and incentivizes farmers to farm in See RODALE, pg. 11

EARLY DEADLINE

for THE LAND on June 4, 2021 DISPLAY ADS - Ad copy due Wednesday, May 26 CLASSIFIED LINE ADS - Ad copy due Thursday, May 27 at Noon

THE LAND office will be closed

on Memorial Day

PAGE 10

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

Swine behavior studies: A close look at tail biting The University of Minnesota has a network of 10 Research and Outreach Centers across the state, with two of them hosting swine herds in research settings. The Southern Research and Outreach Center at Waseca houses an 800-sow commercial farm which allows for research in growth, development and nutrition, and reproduction. The West Central Research and Outreach Center at Morris has long focused on conventional and organic agriculture, water quality, corn and soybean in addition to fruit and vegetable production, and renewable energy.

WCROC is home to an organic dairy herd and countless swine behavior and housing studies. Dr. Yuzhi Li, member of the University of Minnesota Department of Animal Science’s swine faculty, focuses on swine behavior and welfare, and alternative swine production. One universal behavioral concern in swine farming has recently been addressed by Dr. Li’s research.

Tail biting in pig populations Tail biting is a common problem in growing-finishing pigs. Outbreaks of tail biting can cause major welfare complications of pigs with damaged tails, as well as considerable economic losses to pork producers. The prevalence of tail biting varies from farm to farm, ranging from 0 to 16 percent for pigs with docked tails, and 3 to 35 percent for pigs with whole tails. Although the incidence can be low on certain farms, outbreaks of tail biting are almost not predictable. Once an outbreak occurs, tail biting behavior can escalate rapidly, and it is difficult to prevent from further tail biting in the pen or room.

Preventions prior to an outbreak are common practices to avoid losses and implications caused by tail biting. Currently, the common prevention method for tail biting is tail docking which is usually performed when pigs are 1 to 7 days of age. Since tail docking can cause pain in pigs, performing tail docking on a routine basis is under scrutiny due to animal welfare concerns.

To re-evaluate consequences of raising pigs without tail docking, WCROC conducted a study to compare pigs with and without tail docking. Two hundred forty pigs with average body weight of 55 pounds were used. Pigs were housed in a conventional barn for 16 weeks. There were four pens of docked pigs, and foure pens of undocked pigs, with each pen housing 30 pigs. Over the 16 weeks, 51.7 percent of undocked pigs and 7.5 percent of docked pigs experienced moderate to severe tail damage, indicating that without tail docking more pigs were victimized by tail biting.

Undocked pigs experienced the first outbreak of tail biting six weeks earlier than docked pigs, suggesting that tail biting may start early and last longer when tail docking is not performed. As a consequence of tail damage, 18 percent of undocked pigs and 5 percent of docked pigs were removed to hospital pens in this study. For pigs that were not

UniversityofMinnesota

EXTENSION

SWINE &U

removed, growth performance when pigs are housed indoors and cannot perform was similar between docked pigs foraging behavior, either due to lack of suitable SWINE & U and undocked pigs. materials or space, they re-direct the foraging

By Dr. Yuzhi Li behavior to rooting and chewing their pen mates.

Results of this study suggest Usually, ears and tails become the major targets of that raising pigs without tail rooting and chewing because they are readily availdocking in a confinement housing system increases incidence of tail biting and tail damage, resulting in able for manipulation. As pigs grow, chewing can become biting, especially when triggered by stress. higher morbidity and compromised welfare of pigs.

It seems that tail docking is still an efficient method Tail biting is usually worse than ear biting because victim pigs can protect their ears better than their to prevent tail biting in growing and finishing pigs tails. In this case, any pig can become a tail biter. under current commercial production conditions in Once a tail biter emerges, an outbreak of tail biting the United States. will occur.

Tail biting details The second type of tail biting is believed another Tail biting is a behavioral problem that involves form of aggression. When pigs are restricted for both biters and victimized pigs. The biters are trigresources, such as too few feeders, drinkers, or limitgered by things such as genetics, physiology, or ed floor space, they try to displace other pigs from insufficient housing, nutrition or environmental enrichment needs. The victimized pigs, or those that the resources by biting their tails. In this case, usually the dominant pigs are tail biters and biting have their tails bit or even chewed off completely, usually occurs near the feeder or drinker. are attractive to biters because of their sex, body size or their insensitivity to being chewed. In a The third type of tail biting is assumed ‘obsessive’ recent PorkBridge webinar, Dr. Li offered tips to tail biting. For some reason, some pigs are geneticombat this problem. cally wired for tail biting. These pigs, so called ‘obsessive tail biters’, persistently go around and Research has shown that while biting happens in bite the tail from one pig to another in the pen once herds with both docked and undocked tails, it is triggered. These pigs are poorly understood. more prevalent in undocked herds. Not only is it painful for the victimized pigs and can lead to infec- However, it is usually relatively easy to identify the tion, the damage caused by biting and infection can obsessive tail biters at the early stage of an outbreak of tail biting because of their persistent tail lead to carcass trim loss, with more of the animal biting behavior. Once the obsessive tail biter is idenhaving to be trimmed away to remove the damaged tified and removed from the pen, the problem of tail area. If too severe, the pig may not even be able to biting can be solved. be sold at all. Pigs who are victimized generally weigh less than non-victim pigs.

In a study (“Tail biting in growing-finishing pigs,” Tail biting is usually considered a negative conse- sponsored by the National Pork Board) which took quence of confinement housing systems, mainly due place in 2015 at the WCROC, researchers identified an obsessive tail biter. At 10 weeks old, the obsesto the barren environment of the fully slatted floor sive tail biter caused an outbreak of tail biting in a which cannot provide rooting materials for pigs to manipulate. However, in alternative production sys- pen of 30 pigs, with 28 pigs in the pen having injured tails. The tail biter was identified on the day tems where pigs are provided bedding (usually straw or corn stalks in the Midwest), tail biting can when an outbreak of tail biting was evident. After the tail biter was removed, all victim pigs with also become a problem. In fact, tail biting concerns alternative producers more than it concerns conven- injured tails were healed within three days. After that, no pigs had to be removed from the pen due to tional producers because alternative producers do tail biting over 14 weeks. This case demonstrated not dock tails. that it is possible to solve tail biting problems by Tail biting is a contemporary issue that challenges identifying tail biters at an early stage of an outboth alternative and conventional swine producers. break.

Regardless of the causes, ultimately tail biting is an It is not an easy task to identify the real tail bitabnormal behavior. To tackle the problem, researchers, especially to identify the first two types of tail ers attempt to understand the development of the biters. In addition, as tail biting progresses, some behavior. pigs can become followers of the tail biter, and it is In general, three different types of tail biting are hard to differentiate the original tail biters from the proposed. The first type of tail biting is considered See SWINE & U, pg. 11 re-directed foraging behavior. It is suggested that

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

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

PAGE 11

Rodale has new consultants in Minnesota and Wisconsin RODALE, from pg. 9

a way that sequesters carbon in the soil, improves soil health, increases biodiversity and reduces energy costs. Today, most farms will not be able to achieve the gold standard; but through research and innovation it will be achieved by many farmers over time.

Continuous improvement, not maintaining the status quo, is what is meant by regenerative.

The Land: There’s a lot of talk about carbon sequestration, or carbon capture, and regenerative agriculture. Isn’t carbon what we called organic matter a generation ago?

Smith: Yes, organic matter is carbon based and a good indicator of soil health, but it’s complex.

Organic matter is made up of components like plant residues and living microbial biomass, detritus and humus. When we talk about carbon sequestration, we’re really talking about removing carbon dioxide from the air. Plants do this by trapping the carbon dioxide they consume during photosynthesis.

They use solar energy to extract carbohydrate molecules, or sugar, from carbon dioxide.

Those carbon-based sugars are extruded from the plant’s roots, feeding bacteria and fungi in the nearby soil. In turn, these microorganisms symbiotically transform soil minerals into nutrients that feed plants and help them fight disease and pests. During this exchange, the sugars consumed by soil bacteria and fungi are converted into more stable materials which trap carbon in the soil.

Plants and healthy soil do this naturally, but the bacteria, fungi and other components which help stabilize that carbon are not supported by conventional agricultural practices that use pesticides, intensive tillage, and limited crop rotations.

Regenerative agriculture uses green manures, cover crops and compost to cut down on these practices and build the strength of the soil — not only to improve organic matter, but to ensure that the carbon dioxide taken from the atmosphere stays in the soil.

The Land: Politicians are now talking about carbon farming. The market has encouraged us to mine the soil carbon for a long time. How can we become carbon farmers?

Smith: Any farmer who farms in a regenerative way is a carbon farmer by default. When you enhance the soil’s capacity for carbon sequestration you are locking away carbon.

The question now is how do we incentivize farmers to adopt regenerative strategies?

A soil carbon market would be an incentive to encourage farmers to think about how the way they’re farming is impacting our climate. It would reward them for taking advantage of every opportunity to trap carbon in the ground while growing food.

We ask farmers to do a lot — not only feed an unsustainably growing population, but also clean the

air and water, and to tackle issues like climate change and human health. We must provide incentives for farmers to put regenerative practices into place on their farms. In reality, society has been robbing farms for centuries and the soils, and the spirits of the farmers, are nearing exhaustion.

Society has received cheap food — which is what we told farmers we wanted. In turn, we have gotten pollution, global warming and poor human health.

The price will be paid one way or the other.

One path leads to the planet’s peril and the other path is regeneration and restored human and planetary health. Farmers and scientists such as Aldo Leopold, Albert Howard, Rudolf Steiner, William Albrecht, Rachel Carson, Sandra Steingraber, Theo Colburn, and many others have been shouting this from the rooftops for years — but few have listened.

It seems the time has finally come and people are paying attention.

More information about consulting can be found at rodaleinstitute.org/consulting.

Editor’s note: The Land received this announcement on March 25: Rodale Institute’s newest organic consultants are based in Wisconsin and Minnesota and will work in collaboration with the Rodale Institute Midwest

Organic Center.

Léa Vereecke is based in Madison, Wis. After growing up on a grain farm in Northeastern France, Léa earned an M.S. in Agronomy and Agroecology. For four years, she was a Research Specialist with Dr. Erin Silva at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, overseeing diverse research projects—including cover crop-based reduced tillage systems, organic row crops, small grains, cover crops, industrial hemp, and more.

Nic Podoll is based in Nevis, Minn. Nic is a lifelong organic farmer, having grown up and farmed with his family on their certified organic farm in southeast North Dakota, raising small grains and vegetable seed. Prior to working at Rodale Institute, he worked in Extension for the University of Minnesota and North Dakota State University. He also served several years on the NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Review Committee. Nic is IOIA certified in crops and holds a Master’s in Agricultural & Extension Education from North Carolina State University.

For a limited time, Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting Services may be offered free of charge to farmers. To learn more, contact Rodale Institute’s consultants at Consulting@RodaleInstitute.org or (610) 683-1416. v

Identify tail biters early for best results SWINE & U, from pg. 10 followers.

How to help Dr. Li suggests three things producers can do to reduce or prevent tail biting in the herd.

Provide environmental enrichment. “Provide a small amount of substrate to pigs daily. It must be destroyable or easily manipulated, but the main thing is that it’s novel. If it’s not new, it won’t keep the pig’s interest,” Li says. The pigs can chew on that rather than each other.

Observe the herd daily and catch any biting early. This will allow you to remove the tail biters promptly, Li says. There is usually an “indicator pig” that is the first pig to show signs of being bitten and indicates that there is a biter or biters in the

Join

pen. At the first sign of an indicator pig, it is time to find the tail biters and remove them from the pen.

Catching the behavior at the first sign prevents it from spreading.

Optimize the housing environment. Pigs are more likely to bite if there’s competition for resources in the pen. “Fighting for space at the feeder or drinker can lead to chewing on each other,” Li notes. “There should also be ample and comfortable laying areas, proper ventilation and lighting.”

Dr. Yuzhi Li is an Associate Professor of Swine Behavior and Alternative Production in the University of Minnesota Department of Animal Sciences. She can be reached at yuzhili@umn.edu. v

Online!

Facebook.com/TheLandOnline Twitter.com/TheLandOnline Instagram@thelandmagazineonline

PAGE 12

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

SMBS Cooperative is still processing the 2020 crop

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus RENVILLE, Minn. — Southern Minnesota Sugar Beet Cooperative, with nearly 500 share holders and 380 growers in 2020, is one of the largest farmerowned sugar beet processing companies in the United States. This huge facility covering over 160 acres was established in 1972. The 1974 sugar beet crop was the first to be processed. Currently this co-op employs 350 full-time employees plus 400 seasonal workers.

In 2020, 380 SMBSC grower units planted 120,600 acres; producing 3.6 million harvested tons. (A typical beet weighs two pounds, is 75 percent moisture, and produces 3 to 5 ounces of sugar.

SMBSC produces enough sugar for 12.5 million

30 COLORS

26-29 GAUGE Standard all around durability

30 COLORS

26-29 GAUGE Standing seam architecture look for half the price

30 COLORS

26-29 GAUGE Residential and round roof applications

30 COLORS

26 GAUGE

Commercial and Perlin applications

people based on current eating habits. Minnesota is the top sugar beet producing state in the nation — accounting for 35 percent of national sugar beet production.

But even with this huge production of sugar from northern grown beets plus cane in southern states, America is a net importer of sugar.

Keith McNamara, 50-year-old Renville County grower, has served 12 years on the SMBSC Board. He said about 77 percent of U.S. total sugar needs are grown by northern beet growers and southern sugar cane farmers.

“All exporting countries are allowed a quota as to how much sugar they can export into our country.

This is subject to yearly revisions depending upon world production and continually changing demands for sugar. Thanks to our USDA Farm Bill, there is some stability in yearly revenues for producers.

Without this protection, the gyrations of world sugar markets would likely drive many of us into bankruptcy,” said McNamara.

McNamara said he’s content if final data on his 2020 crop shows 30 tons per acre. “Back when my Dad grew beets, 20 tons was a good average. With today’s costs and pricing, we can make 30 tons work.

But we have genetic potential to reach 40 tons. With costs increasing year by year, we need to anticipate higher yields on a consistent basis down the road.

And that’s why the USDA Sugar Program is an absolute must!”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, Brazil — at 42.1 million tons — continues to be the world leader in sugar production with 48 percent of their crop processed for sugar, 52 percent for ethanol. This season, India rebounded 17 percent up to 33.8 million metric tons because of higher yields and more acres. The United States is up 10 percent to 8.2 million tons due to higher yields of both sugar beets and sugar cane.

Production in the European Union is forecast at 16.1 million tons, down for the third straight year because of ongoing drought issues and disease. China is up slightly to 10.5 million tons. Global production for 2020-21 is forecast at 182 million tons with Brazil accounting for three-fourths of the surge.

On April 7 I visited with Todd Geselius, SMBSC vice president of agriculture. I asked what his prediction for a 2021 planting date might be. “It’s each grower’s decision,” Geselius replied, “but weather always dictates the season. We’re gifted with sharp, aggressive growers. With their great equipment, once they crank up, its usually just a few days until that new crop is in the ground.”

Geselius said some growers have moisture concerns, but it’s still early. “Sure, some concern, but it’s

still early April. Spring rains are usually reliable,” he said. “Most growers have well-tiled fields, so I’m optimistic about our 2021 season.

Check with me in 30 days for a more factual answer.”

“Total acres this year are likely very similar to last season — around 120,000 to 122,000 acres,” he went Todd Geselius on to say. “Always some interest in acres by a few growers as one might expect. But we’re always guided by the processing capacity of this great factory. Last year’s crop provided just the right amount of beets.”

Geselius admitted SMBSC still has lots of beets to get processed. “We’re still hauling beets from Buffalo Lake piling site; just opened the big Bird Island piling site. And all these deliveries include still-frozen beets.” He estimated the plant will complete processing in late May. “We’ve had our ups and downs, much like every season; but for the most part it’s been going good.

This year something new … dextran in beets already piled. It is caused by a bacteria in the soil and plugs part of the filtering process which means more frequent cleaning of the filters which somewhat slowed daily processing. Our guys found a product called Dextranase which solved the problem. There’s nothing the growers could have done; nor anything we could have done with beets already piled. Plus, last November we had eight days with temps above 60 degrees — almost reaching 80 degrees; and that’s what really created the problem.”

“It’s a somewhat complicated process and yes, we’re always susceptible to the vagaries of Mother Nature,” Geselius continued. “Beets coming in from our piling sites (including beets piled here at the factory) are still frozen like a brick. Once in the factory, the factory has to basically defrost them before they can extract the sugar. And this slows us to 400/500 tons an hour rather than our more normal 700 tons per hour through the factory.

So what’s ahead for this 45-year old organization which primes the economic pump for hundreds of support businesses throughout this area?

Geselius responded, “The genetics keep getting better; we get more tons, better sugar. The real constraint to growth is our factory size. We can only process so many beets each season. The factory did an expansion in 2000. We continue to try to get better at what we do. If equipment changes are needed, so be it. Maximum capacity is always the goal of a factory operation of this complexity and this many employees. We go as fast as we can until that last beet is processed.” v

www.TheLandOnline.com

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

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

PAGE 13

Zeman recognized for keeping farmers markets active in 2020

By TIM KING The Land Correspondent NERSTRAND, Minn. — Farmers markets weren’t the same in 2020, but thanks to the efforts of Kathy Zeman, markets all over the United States were still up and running.

Zeman is the executive director of the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association and a diversified livestock producer in the Nerstrand, Minn. area. In March she was awarded the Gus Schumacher Award by the Albany, Calif.-based Farmers Market Coalition.

The Farmers Market Coalition is a national organization representing, and advocating for, thousands of farmers’ markets in more than 30 states — including Minnesota and Iowa. The Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association represent over three farmers’ markets from St. Paul to Baudette to Marshall. Their membership also includes over 4,000 farmers market vendors.

Zeman received the award for her leadership during Covid-19 to Minnesota farmers markets as well as for her assistance to farmers markets around the United States and to the Farmers Market Coalition itself.

In March of 2020, when the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic became apparent, farmers markets across Minnesota and the country were in an uproar because they weren’t sure if they’d be able to open for their spring and summer markets.

“Information was hard to come by, guidance from officials at the local, state and national level was confusing and often contradictory,” said Farmers Market Coalition Executive Director Ben Feldman. “But in Minnesota, as soon as the reality of the situation became clear, Kathy was on the phone with the Minnesota Agricultural Commissioner. And as a Kathy Zeman result, farmers markets in Minnesota were appropri-

Photos submitted

This vendor displays her selection of potatoes and peas at the at the Mill City Market in Minneapolis.

ately recognized as essential businesses from day one and were valued for their role in safely distributing food at a time when retail supply chains were struggling.”

“It was a nice surprise to get the award; but the trouble is I was just doing my job,” Zeman, who has been with the MFMA for nearly a decade, said. “This award is really an award to all of us in Minnesota who stepped up and did what we had to do to keep the farmers market open and serving their communi-

1999 Fruehauf Van 2007 KENTWORTH T600

2013 Kentworth T660

overhauled @ 614,740 miles, 475HP, spd, very clean, 28Cummins foot, 2- 1600 gal. tanks, 2” electric hose reel,13 2 inductors, 3” fill, steers 80%, drives brakes drums, jake, 2” out, 2” pump, wired50-60%, for 12Vnew pumps and&lights, roll up cruise, alum. door

Paccar, 455 HP, Just in, very clean, steers are half, drives at 80%, Jake, Cruise, Air Slide 5th, load gauge, 675,105 miles

PW, PL, PM, air ride, air slide, load gauge, 918,064 miles.

Call For Price

1996 Case IH 9380 Quadtrac

400 HP, Cummins, N14, Powershift, 8,453 hrs, just serviced and field ready, 4 Hyd remotes, front & rear diff locks, 12 spd, AC, 2 new tracks

For Sale Price $62,500

ties.”

Part of her job, Zeman says, is building bridges between MFMA and the farm and food related organizations — including both the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Farmers’ Union. To that end she’d worked with Thom Peterson, the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture, when he worked with the Farmers’ Union and she continued to do so when he moved to the MDA. “Thom had continued the tradition of all Commissioners of Agriculture of having an Agricultural Leaders breakfast,” Zeman said. “In the past, only Big Agriculture was invited. But with Thom, Little Agriculture was invited too. We had never been invited to the table so it was pretty nice to know that our Commissioner of Agriculture was really for all of us.”

Because of the bridges Zeman had built over the years, she was able to work with the Commissioner of Agriculture — who in turn worked with the Governor’s office — to have farmers markets declared essential services. That meant the markets could be open as long as they followed the safety protocols for Covid.

“Just think, in March the hens are all laying eggs, the sheep are all lambing, and the greenhouses are full of transplants,” Zeman said. “There’s no way that you can shut down that source of food that is going to go from your local communities farmers to your communities’ eaters.”

So all the farmers markets had to do was follow the safety protocols. The trouble is, nobody knew what those were and if they had an inkling of what they were, they didn’t know how to implement them.

“There were so many questions, issues and concerns,” Kim Guenther, the Marshal, Minn. Market Manager and MFMA Communications Director said.

“How do we keep people safe? What is the latest scientific data on cleaning supplies and resources like See ZEMAN, pg. 18

For Sale $10,900 CallPrice: For Price

23774 380th Ave. Hancock, MN 56244 P: (320) 795-2827 F: (320) 795-2892 www.kannegiessertrucksales.com

2007 Freightliner Business Class M2 106 2007 STERLING ACTERRA

250HP C-7 Caterpillar, 6 speed manual, 9”steers, frame, 4” 14L Detroit 515HP, 10 speed, air ride, clean, just in,23’ 60% 40%18’ drives, C-A, drivesand @ drums, 70%, brakes andPL, drums 50%, miles 80% brakes cruise, PW, PM, air@slide 5th,180,893 351,099 miles

For $9,500 ForSale Sale Price: Price $20,000

2003 2012Volvo VOLVOVNL62T630 VNL62T630

Just in,10465 HP,425HP, 10 speed manual, D13, speed, Clean, just in, VED brakes12, andEaton drums Fuller, 50%, Cruise, jake, Jake,cruise, Air Ride, 60”693,000 Mid Roof air ride, milesSleeper

For Sale $8,500 Call Price: For Price

2008 Volvo VNL64T300 1987 GREAT DANE

Just in, Cummins 450HP ISX 10 speed Manual, Cruise, PW, 48 foot by 102 wide, tires at 90%, brakes and drums at 40%, air ride PW, PL, Air Ride, Air Slide, 758,706 miles

Call Price For SaleFor Price $3,250

PAGE 14

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

High feed costs have dairy producers seeing red increases in the SNAP and WIC programs and that could mean a weakening for dairy product demand as we enter the second half, according to Kurzawski.

“Just because corn prices are going up, doesn’t necessarily mean that the dairy market is going to deliver you an excellent price,” he concluded. “It will happen at some point; but there’s going to be MIELKE MARKET challenges over the next six to nine WEEKLY months.”

By Lee Mielke n Chicago Mercantile Exchange cash dairy prices ended April stronger for the most part. The cheddar blocks We talked about it in the May 3 finished at $1.80 per pound, up three-quarters of a “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast with StoneX dairy cent on the week, 2.5 cents above their April 1 postbroker Dave Kurzawski who said the Class III milk ing, and 59.5 cents above that week a year ago. price was keeping up “so far,” and butter (and nonThe barrels closed April 30 at $1.835, up 3 cents fat dry milk in particular) are helping the Class IV on the week, 32.25 cents above the April 1 perch, market.

64.5 cents above a year ago, and 3.5 cents above the “Milk is liquid corn at some point,” Kurzawski blocks. Sales totaled 24 of block on the week and 87 said, “and it’s going to matter that corn prices, as we for the month, up from 31 in March. Barrels totaled speak, are over $7 on the old crop May contract and 12 for the week, with 85 for the month, up from 28 we haven’t even gotten into the growing season yet. in March.

We have weather ahead of us as well as other Cheese market tones are remaining solid, accorddemand issues. Anything can come out of the wooding to Dairy Market News, and Midwestern producwork and change the market tempo and tenor at ers are running active schedules. The spot milk price any given time. It’s going to be a challenging year range ticked higher the previous week and seemed for dairy producers on the feed side, and I think to hold this week; though most contacts suggest that’s going to mean less milk in the second half of there’s enough milk to go around. Demand remains the year.” strong, but buyers are more hesitant regarding how The other unknown is dairy demand; and, while much cheese they take. Customers are buying on a demand looks good as Covid restrictions allow more necessity basis and don’t want to get caught holding restaurants to return to normal, there’s a lot of uncer- extra loads if markets shift — although inventories tainty as to what government purchases will be. are “generally moving out the door.”

Kurzawski said, “(that’s) the dark cloud in the Western retail cheese demand held steady this market right now,” with the Food Box program end- week. Food service demand is still shifting higher, ing May 31. Those purchases will end in mid-May, though some contacts report sales are beginning to he said, and will leave a bit of a hole in the market; level off. Asian export demands have shifted higher but he sees continued strong growth in restaurant in recent weeks. Plenty of milk is available in the demand. The Administration, however, is looking at This column was written for the marketing week ending April 30.

U.S. dairy farmers are feeling the squeeze. Average feed costs are up more than $5.00 per hundredweight compared to a year earlier, according to the April 23 Dairy and Food Market Analyst. “A lowcost dairy farmer who broke-even at $15.00 per cwt milk in 2020 will now need $20.00 to make money,” the Analyst stated. “That means many milk producers — especially those that are buying spot feed and are receiving a milk price that is close to Class IV — are deep in the red.”

MARKETING

Webinar on heat stress management NEW PRAGUE, Minn. — “Tips to Manage Heat Stress in Calves and Heifers” headlines the next Dairy Calf and Heifer Association webinar which starts at 2 p.m. on May 6.

It’s commonplace for dairy producers to implement heat abatement management practices that help minimize the impacts of heat stress on lactating cows. However, hot weather doesn’t just affect lactating and dry cows. Young stock also experience the effects of heat and humidity.

“From the dry cow pen to the AI (artificial insemination) pen, heat can negatively impact calves and heifers,” says Trout. This one-hour webinar, led by Jennifer Trout, a Cargill Animal Nutrition calf and

heifer specialist, will discuss ways to keep calves healthy and thriving during the challenging months of summer.

To register for the webinar, go to http://bit.ly/ DCHAHEATSTRESS and follow the prompts. As the webinar approaches, you will receive an e-mail with information on how to log in to participate. The webinar is free.

For more information, e-mail Sue Schatz at sue@ calfandheifer.org.

This article was submitted by the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association. v

region, as producers continue to run full schedules.

The StoneX Group wrote in the April 26 “Early Morning Update,” “It was surprising to see the spot strength following the bearish milk production and cold storage reports but looking at how well food service sales performed in March, a solid 10 percent above 2019 levels, it seems as though cheese makers lean on the side of optimism on their cheese sales and are no longer afraid to restrict production.” n Cash butter closed on April 30 at $1.7525, down 1.75 cents on the week, 9.25 cents lower on the month, but 56.5 cents above a year ago. There were 21 CME sales on the week and 108 for the month, up from 73 in March.

Food service butter demand has ebbed somewhat from a few weeks ago when upticks due to easing of Covid-19 restrictions were boosting demand. Retail demand is lackluster. Butter inventories are generally balanced. Plant managers report that cream was a little tighter but butter market tones are “uncertain.”

Cream abounds in the West, but availability may be tightening slightly as ice cream makers pull increasing large volumes of cream. Butter inventories are fairly stable. Dairy Market News says food service butter orders “remain on an upward trajectory overall as dine-in restrictions have been relaxing. However, some contacts expect bulk butter demand to waver a little as some counties are now heightening public activity restrictions in response to rising Covid cases and hospitalizations. Retail butter demand is termed steady.”

Grade A nonfat dry milk climbed to the highest level it has seen since Oct. 17, 2014, up 7.25 cents on the week and 53.25 cents above a year ago.

There were 16 sales on the week, 62 for the month, down from 72 in March.

CME dry whey, after setting the highest price ever the week before, fell back to 64.5 cents per pound on April 26, then pushed higher. It ended the week and the month at 66 cents per pound, up 4 cents on the week and 26.5 cents above a year ago. There were six sales on the week and 17 on the month, up from 14 in March. n African swine fever in China is still a concern many market participants have and what that will mean for feed demand, according to StoneX, “but the Chinese government continues to not acknowledge it.”

Speaking of China, the April 23 Daily Dairy Report delved into its growing dairy demand, pointing out that, with 1.4 billion people, it is the world’s most populous country. But China has been a minimal consumer of dairy products because many Chinese people are lactose intolerant.

See MIELKE, pg. 15

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

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

PAGE 15

Dairy organization requests emergency USDA hearing MIELKE, from pg. 14 The Daily Dairy Report stated that China consumed 77 billion pounds of milk in 2020, which equates to about four month’s worth of U.S. milk production, according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Global Agricultural Information Network report. Last year, China’s consumption increased 3 percent over 2019, with a similar gain expected in 2021.

“Government initiatives helped drive this remarkable jump in demand, according to the Daily Dairy Report. “The government promoted milk as a healthy food necessary for growth as well as an excellent source of protein,” but China will have to rely on imports.

The Daily Dairy Report added, “China’s land base is limited, and most of its milk is produced in the northern part of the country — also home to the Gobi Desert, the fastest growing desert in the world.

Domestically grown feedstocks are also limited, with grains and alfalfa imported, which increases the cost of production.”

Writing in the April 23 Milk Producers Council newsletter, the Daily Dairy Report’s Sarina Sharp stated, “China’s aggressive purchases have largely cleaned up New Zealand’s dairy product stockpile.

In Europe, slower milk output has tightened their exportable inventories — particularly for milk powders. January and February European milk powder production was 7 percent lower than the prior year, adjusted for leap day. As long as we can secure the containers and ships needed to send product abroad, the United States is well-positioned to capture a greater share of the burgeoning market — welcome news, because we have a lot of milk to move,” says Sharp. n Back on the home front, U.S. milk production totaled 223.2 billion pounds in 2020, up a hefty 2.2 percent from 2019, or 1.9 percent factoring the extra Leap Day. This week’s annual Dairy Products Summary shows where the milk went.

Cheese output totaled a record 13.3 billion pounds in 2020, 0.9 percent above 2019. Wisconsin remained the biggest cheese producer, accounting for 25.6 percent of total cheese production.

Italian varieties totaled 5.63 billion pounds, down 0.8 percent from 2019, and accounted for 42.4 percent of the total cheese output in 2020.

Mozzarella cheese accounted for 79.1 percent of the Italian group, followed by Parmesan at 7.4 percent, and Provolone at 6.5 percent. Again, Wisconsin was the leading producer of Italian type cheeses, at 29.3 percent share.

American-type cheese output amounted to 5.34 billion pounds, 2 percent above 2019 output, and accounted for 40.3 percent of 2020 cheese. Wisconsin was the leading state again, with 19.9 percent.

Cheddar totaled 3.8 billion pounds, up 2.4 percent.

U.S. butter production totaled 2.15 billion pounds, up 7.6 percent from 2019 and topped 2 billion pounds for the first time. California was the number-one butter producer, with 31.1 percent of total output.

Nonfat dry milk for human consumption totaled 1.99 billion pounds, up 7.6 percent, while skim milk powder amounted to 695 million pounds, up 21.4 percent from 2019. And dry whey totaled 951 million pounds, down 2.7 percent from 2019. n In dairy politics, the National Milk Producers Federation requested an emergency USDA hearing on a Federal Milk Marketing Order proposal to “restore fairness for farmers in the Class I fluid milk price mover.”

An NMPF press release stated, “The plan would ensure that farmers recover lost revenue and establish more equitable distribution of risk among farmers and processors. The current mover was adopted in the 2018 farm bill and intended to be revenue neutral while facilitating increased price risk management by fluid milk bottlers. But the new Class I mover contributed to disorderly marketing conditions last year during the height of the pandemic and cost dairy farmers over $725 million in lost income. NMPF’s proposal would help recoup the lost revenue and ensure that neither farmers nor processors are disproportionately harmed by future significant price disruptions.”

“While the current Class I mover was designed to improve the ability of fluid milk handlers to hedge milk prices using the futures market, it was also expected to be revenue-neutral compared to the formula it replaced,” NMPF charged. “That has not been the case. The significant gaps between Class III and IV prices that developed during the pandemic exposed dairy farmers to losses that were not experienced by processors, showing the need for a formula that better accounts for disorderly market conditions.”

NMPF’s proposal would modify the current Class I mover, which adds 74 cents per cwt. to the monthly average of Classes III and IV, by adjusting this amount every two years based on conditions over the prior 24 months, with the current mover remaining the floor.

Meanwhile, four Midwestern dairy groups have joined in support of a proposal of their own, and include the Dairy Business Association, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Minnesota Milk, and Nebraska State Dairy Association.

A joint press release states their plan is “aimed at creating long-term stability in fluid milk pricing and reducing the likelihood of negative producer price differentials that cut into farmers’ revenue last year during the pandemic,” and came about after they studied options early this year.

Referred to as “Class III Plus,” the plan “aims to build upon the current pricing system, recent proposals by dairy cooperatives, and dairy farmer petitions to define a better Class I pricing system,” the group stated.

“Our proposal looks to the future. It would make lasting changes to the milk pricing system that will limit negative PPDs in the future and the possible negative effects from future crises,” DBA President Amy Penterman, a Wisconsin dairy farmer, said.

“The Class III Plus proposal would, among other things, tie the Class I (fluid) skim milk price to the Class III (cheese) skim milk price plus an adjuster and do away with advanced pricing, a cause of the negative PPDs last year. The proposal is also revenue-neutral, therefore more equitable among farmers, processors and customers.”

“The recent call by cooperatives within the National Milk Producers Federation for an emergency FMMO hearing includes a proposal that improves a few components of the current pricing structure, but largely focuses on the short term and revenue that farmers did not earn in 2020,” the four groups said. n In the week ending April 17, 60,400 dairy cows were sent to slaughter, down 100 from the previous week and 7,400 or 10.9 percent less than that week a year ago.

The USDA’s latest Crop Progress report shows that 17 percent of the U.S. corn crop has been planted, as of the week ending April 25. That’s 7 percent behind a year ago and 3 percent behind the fiveyear average. The report shows 3 percent is emerged, unchanged from a year ago.

The data shows 8 percent of the soybeans are in the ground, up 1 percent from a year ago and 3 percent ahead of the five-year average. Twelve percent of the cotton crop has been planted, 1 percent below a year ago, but 1 percent ahead of the five-year average.

Cooperatives Working Together members accepted ten offers of export assistance this week from CWT that helped capture sales of 524,700 pounds of cheese and 826,734 pounds of butter. The product is going to customers in Asia, Central America, North Africa and South Africa from May through August 2021.

CWT’s 2021 sales total 14.2 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 9.9 million pounds of butter (82 percent milkfat), 5.8 million pounds of anhydrous milk fat, 15.8 million pounds of whole milk powder, and 4.7 million of cream cheese. The products are going to 26 countries and the equivalent of 664.6 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

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

PAGE 16

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Weather in Brazil pushes corn to unfamiliar heights

Livestock Angles Livestock markets ripe for change in direction

The livestock markets are Covid lockdowns are being The following marketing to 36 percent last year and relaxed. The other reason has analysis is for the week endthe three-year average of 39 at a very interesting juncture been the fear of increased ing April 30. percent complete as of April as we approach the end of the month of April.

The cattle inflation due to the heavy 29. The Buenos Aires Grain CORN — Borrowing a market (including feeder catgovernment spending which Exchange rated Argentina’s quote from Bette Davis in All tle) has been under some is taking place at the present corn crop at 41 percent good/ About Eve to describe the pretty good selling pressure and in the future. excellent, up 4 percent from markets, “fasten your seatand has appeared to estabthe previous week.

The interesting point to this belts, it’s going to be a bumpy lish a top at this time. On the is the movement of boxed beef night.” Anxiety over the lack The U.S. corn planting pace other hand, the hog market JOE TEALE has slowed as the prices have of rain on Brazil’s safrinha PHYLLIS NYSTROM was slightly behind average has been on a streak to the Broker risen — which is indicating a CHS H edging I nc . corn crop as they enter polliat 17 percent complete as of upside through the month.

Great Plains Commodity slowing demand for beef at S t .

P aul nation and their dry period, April 25 vs. the 20 percent Afton, Minn.

The volatility in the livehigher prices. in combination with strong average. Emergence was on demand and a lack of country pace at 3 percent vs. 4 percent stock markets has picked up A temporary plus to the catmovement, pushed corn to lock up the on average. The weather forecast into immensely during the month and is tle market was the release of the U.S. 25-cent daily trading limit in the May the middle of May looks favorable for likely to continue in the weeks ahead. Department of Agriculture’s Cattle on and July contracts to start the week planting; albeit temperatures may stay Each category, whether it be the hog Feed report released April 23. This and to eight-year highs! July corn slightly below normal. Drought condi- complex or the cattle complex, is at report was seen as slightly friendly as locked limit up to end the week also. tions in the United States are not levels that could see a sharp change in the placement number was lower than The May contract is in delivery and has improving according to the latest their respective direction at any time expected. This could bring back some no daily trading limits. We also saw the drought monitor. Dryness was increas- during the weeks ahead. This could optimism to the market on a short term May trade limit up and the July con- ing over Iowa and Minnesota with 34 make for an interesting change in basis. However, the market will be tract limit down during the same ses- and 25 percent respectively of each these respective markets as we move focusing on the demand side of the sion at mid-week. state experiencing topsoil that is dry to into the month of May. market to bring about a return to The cattle market has definitely higher prices.

Nearby, corn punched through $7.00 very dry. The maps indicate 22 percent for the first time since July 2013 and of U.S. corn areas are experiencing changed direction over the past several The hog market has continued the December corn traded to its highest some level of drought and 19 percent of weeks as it would appear the cattle streak to higher prices since the month level since February 2013. The inverse the soybean areas. Also beginning to have topped during the first week of of November last year to levels not between the May and July contracts attract attention is the drought in key April. The interesting point is that the seen since 2014. Demand for pork — traded as wide as 63 cents as the May corn producing areas in Mexico. Mexico beef cutout has continued to rise to both domestic and foreign — has been contract headed into delivery and set a record for Q1 corn imports at 4.2 levels not seen for many months. one of the catalysts behind the strength month-end approached. Processors are million metric tons with nearly all of it Demand has driven the beef cutouts in the market through this rally. the market, but exporters also need coming from the United States. A for several reasons. The firs is the Another reason was the contrast in supplies in their pipeline. Country sell- See NYSTROM, pg. 17 reopening of many restaurants as the price between beef and pork during the ing was very quiet except for a few past year enticed more buying in pork periods of new crop selling at new conthan in beef. However, as the prices tract highs. between beef and pork have narrowed during the past several months, pork Normally, in bull markets, we experidemand has shown signs of weakening.

corn/change* soybeans/change* ence periods of consolidation and this is likely what we experienced for a few St. Cloud $6.97 +1.10 $15.33 +1.06 With the hog market overbought, the days this week. Brazil’s safrinha corn Madison $6.94 +1.15 $15.40 +.95 possibility of a correction in the near crop is declining and any rain in the future looms over the market as we Redwood Falls $7.01 +1.10 $15.53 +.86 next few weeks may be too little, too approach the summer months. History Fergus Falls $6.95 +1.03 $15.12 +.85 late to be of any real help. Private estiwould suggest the hog market (on a Morris $7.02 +1.11 $15.18 +.81 mates are coming in sub-100 mmt. percentage basis) typically weakens Tracy $6.95 +1.06 $15.61 +.90 Safras & Mercado cut its Brazilian into the fall months after spring rallies. corn outlook to 104.1 mmt from its pre Average: $6.97 $15.36 At this point, chances are increasing vious 112.8 mmt forecast. The U.S. that prices could weaken in the future Year Ago Average: $2.65 $7.69 Department of Agriculture’s last estiweeks. v mate was 109 mmt. Argentina’s ag Grain prices are effective cash close on May 04. secretary placed Argentina’s corn har*Cash grain price change represents a two-week period. vest at 28 percent complete compared

Cash Grain Markets

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 — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

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

PAGE 17

Soybeans set new contract highs across the board NYSTROM, from pg. 16 Mexican consultancy is estimating Mexico will import 17.6 mmt of corn this year vs. USDA at 16.5 mmt.

Weekly export sales were as expected at 20.5 million bushels for old crop and 21.8 million bushels for new crop. Total old crop sales stand at 2.67 billion bushels when the USDA is projecting total sales for the year at 2.675 billion bushels. Total shipments have reached 60.8 percent of the USDA’s forecast.

China has 492 million bushels of unshipped U.S. purchases left to take. New crop sales commitments are 105.7 million bushels compared to 106.9 million bushels last year at this time.

Weekly ethanol production increased 4,000 barrels per day to 945,000 bpd. Stocks declined 700,000 barrels to 19.7 million barrels. Net margins dropped 12 cents to 4 cents per gallon. Ethanol stocks are estimated at 19.7 days of usage when 20 days of usage is considered very low. Gasoline demand remains behind 2019 (pre-Covid) levels at 8.877 million bpd.

This is down 3.8 percent for the same week in 2019.

The four-week average gasoline demand is up 67.5 percent from last spring during Covid.

Interesting note this week from Bloomberg and Princeton University relating to President Biden’s plan for the United States to be emission-free by 2035. The United States would need to increase carbon-free capacity by at least 150 percent. Raising wind and solar capacity by 10 percent annually until 2030 would require land equal to the state of South Dakota. The President’s plan for the United States to be carbon free by 2050 would require up to four additional South Dakotas to produce enough clean power to supply electric vehicles, factories, etc.

Outlook: The Chicago Mercantile Exchange revises daily trading limits twice a year, at the beginning of May and the beginning of November. The new daily trading limit for corn is 40 cents per bushel effective May 2. New contract highs were set this week across the corn: July at $6.84 and December at $5.93 per bushel.

The quickness of corn’s ascension to eight-year highs was astounding! For the month, July corn soared $1.25.75 and for the week it was up 40.75 cents, closing at $6.73.25 per bushel. December corn was up 86.25 cents for the month and up 13 cents for the week at $5.63.75 per bushel. The corn market needs to balance the U.S. planting progress/development against demand and a shrinking Brazilian safrinha corn crop. Corn needs to attract acres, too. Is the rationing of old crop bushels complete? This week’s action doesn’t indicate that has occurred.

We will see our first 2021-22 balance sheets on the May 12 World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report. How low will the 2020-21 carryout be cut? Will the USDA stick with an initial 2021-22 corn yield of 180 bushels per acre? The Dakotas are in drought conditions and those states are projected to see the largest increase in year-on-year corn acreage after last year’s high prevent plant acres. From a

historical view, December corn has made its contract high in April just four times since 1973 and just three times in May. Supportive factors continue to be strong export and domestic demand, very slow farmer selling, non-ideal weather in Brazil and parts of the United States, and positive crush margins. Funds remain heavily long and haven’t been given a reason to rush to exit, although there was moderate profittaking into the end of the month.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans weren’t left behind as a new week began and soyoil, meal, corn, and wheat surged higher. New contract highs were seen across the soy complex with July soybeans reaching $15.74.75 and November hitting $13.84.75 per bushel. Soyoil has been leading the way, but it reversed into consolidation late in the week, then reversed higher again with the July soyoil closing limit up at the end of the month. On the continuous chart, soybeans traded over $16.00 per bushel for the first time since July 2013 and on just the November contract since September 2013.

Weekly export sales for old crop exceeded expectations at a seven-week high of 10.7 million bushels, bringing total sales commitments to 2.25 billion bushels. The USDA’s export forecast is 2.28 billion bushels. We need less than 4 million bushels of sales per week to hit the target with just over four months left in the marketing year. China has just 28.1 million bushels of U.S. purchases yet to ship. New crop sales were very good at 16.1 million bushels. Total new crop sales are 243.6 million bushels vs. just 38.5 million bushels last year.

Argentina made the decision to continue river dredging operations for another 90 days on the Parana River despite the country’s tight financial situation. The current dredging contract was due to expire at the end of April. The dredging allows for more bushels to be shipped per vessel and keeps exports flowing from the Rosario port. As of April 29, Argentina’s ag secretary put its soybean harvest at 41 percent complete compared to last year’s 63 per-

cent complete and the three-year average of 55 percent complete. The BAGE pegged Argentina’s soybean crop conditions at 9 percent good/excellent, unchanged from the prior week.

China found new cases of African swine fever, the 10th new officially reported outbreak this year. The U.S. attaché in China believes African swine fever outbreaks will slow their swine production recovery until at least the middle of this year. Effective May 1, China is restricting the movement of live animals to try and control outbreaks. Breeding sow populations were down 20-50 percent in various regions which have experienced new outbreaks.

Outlook: The same drivers in corn affect soybeans.

Bull markets go through periods of pullbacks/consolidation. This week’s setback may be viewed as such, along with month-end profit taking. Unexpected deliveries against the May soybean contract lent pressure at the end of the month, but that was quickly thrown aside.

The soybean balance sheet on the May 12 WASDE will be expected to show tighter ending stocks. We haven’t yet rationed the soybean supply when we have four months left in the marketing year. Heavy fund buying at month-end propelled July soybeans to close 18.25 cents higher for the week at $15.34.25 per bushel and cut losses in November to 1.75 cents for the week at $13.39.75 per bushel. For the month, July soybeans rallied $1.06.5 and November gained 83.5 cents per bushel.

History shows November soybeans have made their contract high in April just twice since 1973 — in 1986 and 1981.

Nystrom’s notes: Contract changes for the week as of the close on April 30 (July contracts): Chicago wheat up 22.5 cents at $7.34.75, Kansas City up 23 cents at $7.03.5, and Minneapolis jumped 38.25 cents to $7.63.75 per bushel. For the month, Chicago was $1.19 higher, Kansas City $1.21.75 higher, and Minneapolis skyrocketed $1.43.25 per bushel. v

Time for alfalfa stand assessments FOLEY, Minn. — Alfalfa stands need to be assessed each spring for winter injury. For stand assessments we need to focus on two-parts: stem counts and root and crown health.

With stem counts, we usually measure this as stems per square foot. The relationship between stem density and yield is constant, making this method reliable in estimating yield. To perform a stem count, mark off a 2 square-foot section in each area you take a count. Count only those stems which are 2 inches or taller. Divide your count by 2 and average across all section. This will get you to the necessary stems per square foot needed to check yields. Typically, stem counts over 55 stems per square foot indicates a good stand.

When it comes to assessing stands visually, typi-

cally we would start from the top down. Looking at the tops of alfalfa plants, we look for symmetry of the buds coming from all sides of the crown. Asymmetrically plants indicate winter injury did occur and yield potential may be lower. At this point you will also want to check to see if the root system is up out of the ground. Alfalfa taproots which have been pushed out of the ground by over an inch will most likely be short lived. Next, dig up plants from three or four representative locations in the field including at least the top 6 inches of the taproot to examine. Cut the crown in half and examine the color and rigidity of the inside of the crown. You want to see a firm, off-white interior with little to no signs of rotting.

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

PAGE 18

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

Planting underway, but farmers hoping for more sun, heat

By TIM KROHN “Dry conditions are a whole lot Free Press Mankato better than a wet spring.”

With conditions staying dry Hoverstad said crops don’t this spring, farmers have had demand much water at this stage plenty of opportunity to plant to get started. “If you’re going to corn and soybeans. Their only be on the dry side, this is the time decision was whether they wantto have it.” ed to.

Helvig said that despite the dry “There’d be more corn in if it conditions the soybean seeds he wasn’t so cold,” said Tom planted are swelling up and Hoverstad of the University of ready to sprout. “But we do need Minnesota Southern Research some heat.” and Outreach Center in Waseca.

Hoverstad said the Waseca area “Most people can get all their has been drier than other areas. corn planted in about 10 days.

They only had 0.62 inches of rain But some chose to wait for it to in April, which is 2½ inches below warm up a little. normal for the month.

“For a month that started out While Waseca got just one-tenth terrific, we’ve really cooled off. We of an inch Tuesday night, much of had record warmth the first half the Mankato region saw about of the month and the last half has one-third of an inch to threebeen cooler than normal,” quarters of an inch of rain. Areas Hoverstad said. “And there’s been farther to the west and south Photos by Pat Christman persistent clouds.” received an inch or more.

A farmer works in a field south of Mankato on April 26. The dry spring has given farmers plenty of opportuThe much warmer weather that nity to plant corn and soybeans but they are hoping for some more sun and heat to get things growing.

The weekly crop progress report started April 29 has kicked plantreleased last week by the National ing into high gear.

Dan Helvig, who farms near Truman, had about a Agricultural Statistics Service, an arm of the U.S. third of his corn in the ground by late last week and Department of Agriculture, shows planting in the Upper Midwest is close to or above the five-year averhe’s planted some soybeans. age for corn, soybeans and wheat.

“There are a lot of people who are done (with corn), The Free Press and The Land are sister publications some haven’t started, and some are half-way done,” owned

by The Free Press Media. v Helvig said of his neighbors.

Markets better equipped this time around ZEMAN, from pg. 13 shields vs. masks? How do we safely transfer products and other necessities like money from customers to vendors? What are safe limits in terms of numbers of customers that should be allowed at one time at Fresh earth is exposed by a farmer digging a field near Nicol- the market? Can we safely offer food sampling?” let a week ago. While temperatures have been cool, the dry The questions were myriad and seemingly insurweather is favored over a wet spring that makes planting diffimountable — especially because people couldn’t get cult. together to talk them through. The MFMA, like so many organizations, took to zooming.

“We regularly had over 150 people weekly,” BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND Guenther said.

CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE The key to the success of those Zoom conferences CALL US TODAY FOR was that state regulators were invited to attend and A FREE ESTIMATE 1-855-577-1268 work through the implementation of the protocols % % % with the farmers and market managers. University + + OFF OFF OFF of Minnesota Extension was there. So were the YOUR ENTIRE TO THE FIRST SENIOR & MILITARY PURCHASE DISCOUNTS 50 CALLERS! Departments of Health and Agriculture.

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, | Promo Number: 285 Sun: 2pm-8pm EST “We’d start those Zooms by saying what we know today and things were changing rapidly,”

15

*

10

5

**

*For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. ** Offer valid at estimate only.

CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 License# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suffolk HIC License# 52229-H License# 2705169445 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License# 0086990 Registration# H-19114

Zeman said. “Then somebody would say, ‘what about this?’ and we’d problem-solve on the spot. We’d welcome people to say what are you worried about, what are you thinking about. If the regulators couldn’t answer questions, they’d get back to us later and then we’d send out emails to about 3,000 people as fast as we could. The State was very responsive.”

This coming market season will open with a clearer understanding of the science necessary to protect ourselves from Covid-19. Outdoor markets with adequate spacing for vendors won’t require people to wear masks. In general, live music, food sampling, and food service won’t be allowed. Masks will be required for indoor markets.

“We are trying to keep people from lingering,” Zeman said.

You can learn more about the Minnesota Farmers Market Association and its services — such as vendor training and group liability insurance — by visiting their web site at https://www.mfma.org. v

THE LAND — APRIL 30 /MAY 7, 2021

Real Estate

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

Feed Seed Hay

Bins & Buildings

Farm Equipment

Farm Equipment

PAGE 19

Farm Equipment

4x5 net wrapped cornstalks, Barn and Quonset Roofing FOR SALE: John Deere 3970 FOR SALE: Covar drag long Harms Mfg. Land Rollers, $20-$30; grass hay, $30-$40; and Straightening. Kelling forage harvester with iron tooth, 20’, excellent condi- Brand New, 12’-$8,325; guard, cornhead and hay tion, field ready. 320-252-0674 14’-$8,825; 16’-$9,350; 24’alfalfa $60-$70; up to RFV Silo. 1-800-355-2598 head, $5,000. Best Offer. 715rotary chopped straw or $18,700; 32’-$22,450; 42’Please support the advertisers you see here. soybean stubble, $50. Can FOR SALE: (2) 10,000 bu 410-5975 $26,000; Others from 8’-62’.

Tell them you saw their ad in The Land! possibly deliver. 320-382- grain bins, one with drying FOR SALE: John Deere 220 715-234-1993 6288 (home) leave number floor, both with fans. Locat- Disk & Knight 2044 Pro- push or 320-905-6195 (cell). Call or ed near Mankato MN. Phone manure spreader, horizontal FOR SALE: Klondike grain JD 7000 Corn Planter, 2 Row, 507-317-0629 3PT, $1,800, Fert. Avail. vac. Best Offer. 715-410-5975 Real Estate text. Thanks. beaters. 715-896-1050 $350/Row. 715-234-1993 Wanted ALFALFA, mixed hay, grass Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. FOR SALE: Bear Cat 1250 FOR SALE: New Holland 311 100% financing w/no liens or hay & wheat straw, medibaler with kicker, $4,000. Sell your farm equipment WANTED: Land & farms. I red tape, call Steve at Fair- grinder/mixer with scale, in The Land. 507-345-4523 um square or round bales, 507-524-4637 have clients looking for fax Ag for an appointment. $5,500/OBO. 320-905-2536 delivery available. dairy, & cash grain opera888-830-7757 Thief River Falls, MN. Call tions, as well as bare land or text LeRoy Ose: parcels from 40-1000 acres.

PLANTERS USED TRACTORS 218-689-6675 Both for relocation & investFarm Equipment NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader........... On Hand ’11 White 8831 31-15...................................... $78,000 ments. If you have even PLANNING AN AUCTION? NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders........ On Hand ’09 White 8816 cfs .......................................... $58,000 thought about selling con- Get the best results when you ’14 NH T8.350 ................................................... $152,000 ’05 White 8186 DF......................... avail. after season FOR SALE: Case IH 8860 14’ tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & advertise in THE LAND haybine, cab, air, 815 hrs ’13 NH T9.610 .....................................................$159,000 507-345-4523 Land Specialist, Edina Re’13 NH T8.390 .................................................... $169,500 alty, 138 Main St. W., New FOR SALE: Alfalfa, mixed in excellent condition; (2) 8R30” Hiniker cultivators, ’84 JD 4850 FWA ................................................. $32,000 COMBINES Prague, MN 55372. hay, grass hay, straw and in- one grey, one black; 70’ hyd ’83 JD 4450PS W/148 LOADER ......................... $34,500 NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead ....................Call paulkrueger@edinarealty.com dividually wrapped baleage. Herman culti-harrow w/ new (612)328-4506 Farmall 340 wf w/mower .........................................$3,000 ’12 Gleaner S77 ..............................................$179,000 Medium or large square tines; 50’ Wil-Rich field cult New Massey Tractors ......................................... On Hand ’03 Gleaner R65 .............................................. $72,000 bales. Delivery available. w/ 3 bar harrow; Rock-O’07 Massey GC2300 w/loader................................ $13,900 ’95 Gleaner R52 w/cummins ........................... $32,500 Antiques & Zumbrota, MN. Call or text Matic reel type rock pickers, White 6195 FWA....................................................$45,000 ’89 Gleaner R60 w/both heads ........................ $15,500 Ray Leffingwell 763-286-2504 Collectibles PTO driven. All in Good conGeringhoff parts & heads available diton. Retiring. 320-630-1777 FOR SALE: Early 1950’s OPEN Pollinated Seed Corn.

TILLAGE Massey Harris 44 diesel, run- Produces more high quali- FOR SALE: John Deere ’11 Sunflower 4412-07...........................................$28,000 MISCELLANEOUS ning condition, wide front, ty silage on less acres than 4020, gas, wide front. Silver ’13 CIH 870 9-24 ................................................. $38,500 hybrid. $67/bushel plus shipKing cattle processing/hanpower steering, changed NEW Salford RTS Units ........................................ Call ’13 Wilrich 513 5-30 ............................................ $31,500 to 12 volt, oil and filter just ping. High feed value grain. dling chute w/ transport on NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call ’02 DMI TMII 34’ 4bar..........................................$19,000 changed, pictures available. Located at Teutopolis, IL wheels. 507-859-2766 or 507NEW Westfield Augers .......................................... Call 217-857-3377 530-0208 Call or text 507-822-0234 NEW REM VRX Vacs. .......................................... Call NEW Hardi Sprayers ............................................. Call CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT • 5/8” drum roller NEW Riteway Rollers ........................................... Call NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ........ On Hand NEW Lorenz Snowblowers ................................... Call wall thickness NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units ............. On Hand NEW Batco Conveyors ......................................... Call ’13 L225 EH 937hrs.............................................. $33,500 • 42” drum diameter NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ....................... Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons ................................ Call wall thickness HAY TOOLS NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ...................... Call New Disc Mowers - 107,108,109 • 4”x8” frame tubing REM 2700, Rental ................................................. Call New Disc Mower Cond. - 10’, 13’ Pre-Owned Grain Cart .................................. On Hand 3/8” thick New Wheel Rakes - 10,12,14 New Horsch Jokers ...................................... ......... Call New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND SELL YOUR LAND OR REAL ESTATE IN 30 DAYS FOR 0% COMMISSION. Call Ray 507-339-1272

• Auto fold

MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

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

Thank You For Your Business!

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

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon

PAGE 20

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

irst Your F or f Choice ds! ie Classif

Place d Your A Today!

Livestock, Machinery, Farmland... you name it! People will buy it when they see it in The Land!

To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665 Mail to: The Land Classifieds, 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 Fax to: 507-345-1027 • Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Online at: www.thelandonline.com DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition.

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

South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

26

27

28

29

30

32

33

34

35

36

*

31

*

THE FREE PRESS

1

25

• Reach over 150,000 readers • Start your ad in The Land • Add more insertions • Get more coverage

The ad prices listed are based on a basic classified line ad of 25 words or less. Ads running longer than 25 words will incur an added charge.

CHECK ONE:  Announcements  Employment  Real Estate  Real Estate Wanted  Farm Rentals  Auctions  Agri Business  Farm Services  Sales & Services  Merchandise  Antiques & Collectibles  Lawn & Garden  Feed Seed Hay  Fertilizer & Chemicals  Bins & Buildings  Farm Equipment  Tractors  Tillage Equipment  Planting Equipment  Spraying Equipment

 Hay & Forage Equipment  Harvesting Equipment  Grain Handling Equipment  Livestock Equipment  Wanted  Free & Give Away  Livestock  Poultry  Dairy  Cattle  Swine  Sheep  Goats  Horses & Tack  Exotic Animals  Pets & Supplies  Cars & Pickups  Industrial & Construction  Trucks & Trailers  Recreational Vehicles  Miscellaneous

NOTE: Ad will be placed in the appropriate category if not marked.

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

THE LAND (Includes 1 Southern & 1 Northern issue)

1 run @ $19.99 = _____________________________ 2 runs @ $34.99 = _____________________________ 3 runs @ $44.99 = _____________________________

Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per line per issue = _____________________________ EXTENDED COVERAGE - must run the same number of times as The Land FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 21,545 circ.

THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) - Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 21,000 circ.

THE FREE PRESS (FP) - Serving south central Minnesota, 19,025 circ.

PAPER(S) ADDED (circle all options you want): FN CT FP $7.70 for each paper and $7.70 run each issues x $7.70 = _____________________________ STANDOUT OPTIONS (THE LAND only) $2.00 per run: = _____________________________  Bold  Italic  Underline  Web/E-mail links



 Border $10.00 each per run  Photo (THE LAND only)

= _____________________________ TOTAL

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

= _____________________________

Name ____________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________State_________ Zip__________ Phone __________________________________________ # of times _______ Card # ____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date__________________

CHECK

Signature _________________________________________________________

SORRY! We do not issue refunds.

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 — APRIL 30 /MAY 7, 2021 Farm Equipment

Planting Equip

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

Wanted

Wanted

JD 4760 MFW tractor, 8700 JD 7200 16 row Max-Emerge WANTED: WANTED: Tile stringer cart hrs, 3 hyds, 18.4x42 w/ duals, planter, in furrow liquid fer- New Idea model 325 Corn in good condition. Homerecent work orders, $43,750; tilizer with 425 gallon tank, Picker with Sheller Unit. made okay.

320-223-4110 DMI 36’ hyd fold crumbler, row cleaners, JD 350 moni- 320-632-3995 Leave message. $3,900; Wil-Rich 12x30 flat tor, $14,000. (320) 630-6340 fold cult, $2,450; JD 856 6x30 cult, $2,450; JD 1075 running Hay & Forage gear, $1,150. 320-769-2756 Equipment New Holland 853 round baler; John Deere 1000 24’ field cul- FOR SALE: John Deere 3950 tivator. 952-290-3975 or 507- chopper with 7 foot hay head and cornhead, narrow row, 364-7631 [30 inch]. Runs well, good shape. Asking $7,250/OBO. We buy 952-465-4524 Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. Grain Handling (507)867-4910

Planting Equip FOR SALE: JD 1998 corn planter, model 1760, 12R30”, Martin trash whippers, 3 bushel boxes, 250 monitor, 3 sets of seed disks, $18,500.

Retired. Contact Bill at 507847-4693 JD 7000 6R30” planter with Kinze bean cups, dry fertilizer and Dickey John monitor.

Good shape, field ready. Always shedded. 952-353-2414, Leave message.

Please recycle this magazine.

Opening April 30 & Closing May 12 at 1PM Swanston Equipment Co. & Bobcat of Ottertail Co. Excess Inventory Auction, Fergus Falls, MN & West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Auction Opening May 3 & Closing May 12 at 7PM Asphalt and Seal Coating Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction

Opening May 7 & Closing May 12 Online Steffes Auction – 5/12, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction

FOR SALE: 2 Super B grain dryers. models SA500V, single phase, LP gas, make of1993 JD 8770 24 spd. 20.8 x 38 fer. Pictures available. 507@ 65-70%, 7980 hrs., through 208-0466 J.D. Inspection Program, new head and injectors, Wanted $35,500. Call 320-395-2635

FOR SALE: 30’ IH model 4600 vibrashank field cult w/ nearly new 7” sweeps, 3 bar tine harrow, field ready, $4,500/ OBO; Sukup auto guidance system for 3pt hitch, good cond. $385/OBO. Oil pump, tank, hoses for IH cyclo 12R planter $400/OBO. 651-5035087

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

Opening May 7 & Closing May 12 at 2PM Jared Hagert Edible Bean Equipment Auction, Emerado, ND, Timed Online Auction

Tractors

Tillage Equip

Steffes Auction Calendar 2021

Opening May 7 & Closing May 11 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction

Equipment

FOR SALE: JD 9300, 9000 hrs, new motor at 5000 hrs, tires All kinds of New & Used farm 620-70-42, 75%, always shed- equipment - disc chisels, field ded, very sharp, $49,500/ cults, planters, soil finishers, cornheads, feed mills, discs, OBO. 612-749-9313 balers, haybines, etc. 507NEW AND USED TRACTOR 438-9782 PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, 50 Series & newer tractors, AC-all models, Large Classified line ads work!

Inventory, We ship! Mark Call 507-345-4523 Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829

PAGE 21

Opening May 7 & Closing May 13 Industrial Supply Liquidation Auction, Steffes Group Facility, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 12 & Closing May 19 Rink Construction Retirement Auction, Kenne, ND, Timed Online Auction

A Very Large Selection of Used and New Tractor Parts!

George & Donna Chap, Owners

Opening May 12 & Closing May 21 at 10AM Meeker County, MN Recreation/Hunting Land Auction - 39± Acres, Watkins, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 13 & Closing May 20 City of Fargo Impound and City Fleet Auction, Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 18 & Closing May 25 at 6PM Lupine Construction Inc. Equipment Reduction Auction, Alexander, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 21 & Closing May 25 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 21 & Closing May 26 Online Steffes Auction – 5/26, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, May 25 at 10AM Lupine Construction Inc. Equipment Reduction Auction, Alexander, ND Opening May 28 & Closing June 3 Myron & Paulette Bosch Farm Retirement Auction, Devils Lake, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening May 28 & Closing June 7 at 12PM Gene & Mavis Haugom Farm Retirement Auction, McIntosh, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening May 31 & Closing June 8 at 7PM Aho Brothers Inventory Reduction Auction, Frazee, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 1 & Closing June 8 at 1PM Davidson Grain Retirement Auction, Creston, IL, Timed Online Auction Opening June 1 & Closing June 10 at 7PM Andrew & Barb Schiltz Moving Auction, Rosholt, SD, Timed Online Auction Opening June 2 & Closing June 9 at 6PM George Karel Estate Firearm Auction 1 of 3, Firearms, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 2 & Closing June 10 at 1PM George Karel Estate Firearm Auction 2 of 3, Gun Smithing and Barrel, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 2 & Closing June 10 at 6PM George Karel Estate Firearm Auction 3 of 3, Litchfield, MN, Ammunition, Timed Online Auction

PAGE 22

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

Wanted

Wanted

Cattle

Wanted to Buy: JD725 6, 8 & 12 row - front mount cultivators; Stanhoist and Bushhog steel barge boxes; Gehl and Lorentz grinder/mixers; plus all types of farm machinery.

Wanted: also JD 4430 1975 or newer. 507-251-2685

Wanted: International 540 & 550 spreaders for salvage or use. Also JD 4430 and 4230 tractors. Call 507-2512685

FOR SALE: Red Limousin Bull Health Certificate.

18 month old Purebred Limousin Bull. Could be used on Heifers. $3,500 (507)736-2413

WANTED: 1909-1940 Ford Cars & Parts, Old Tin, Porcelain & Neon Signs, Old Gas Pumps & Globes, Old Oil Cans & Bottles, Other Old Car Related Items. Please Call 507-665-6893

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021 Cattle

www.thelandonline.com

Please recycle this magazine.

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

Registered Hereford yearling bulls for sale. Have had all shots, semen tested, poured and fly tags.

Halter broke and broke to lead. Fantastic growth E.P.D.’s. Delivery available. Klages Herefords, Ortonville, MN 320-2732163(H) 605-880-0521(C)

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

Monthly PRRS and PEDV. FOR SALE: 1996 Chevrolet Delivery available. Steve ext cab, 1/2 ton, 4x4, 350 cu., Resler. 507-456-7746 AT, A/C, very good condition, never driven in winter, serious buyer only. $10,000 Sheep firm. Phone 320-328-5794 or leave message.

450 ewe lambs from OPP tested negative flock. 605-864Miscellaneous 8811 or 605-997-2060 FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans of R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.

Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call (312)291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MN/Northern IA May 14, 2021 May 28, 2021 June 11, 2021 June 25, 2021

Pets & Supplies

FOR SALE: Yorkshire, PUPPIES FOR SALE: BorHampshire, Duroc, cross der Collie/Blue Heeler cross, bred boars, gilts & 4-H pigs. born 12/09/20, have shots and Top quality. Excellent herd dewormed, $200/each. 507health. No PRSS. Delivery 383-6701 available. 320-760-0365

Livestock

POLLED HEREFORD BULLS, yearlings and 2 year olds, low birth weight, high FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls performance, semen testalso Hamp, York, & Hamp/ ed and delivery available.

Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred Jones Farms, Le Sueur, MN. Kemen 320-598-3790 507-317-5996

Swine

Northern MN May 21, 2021 *June 4, 2021 June 18, 2021 July 2, 2021

Deadline is 8 days prior to publication.

Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication. *

Having an

418 S. Second Street • Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 Fax: 507-345-1027

AUCTION? Advertise it in The Land Call 507-345-4523

Website: www.TheLandOnline.com • e-mail: theland@TheLandOnline.com

Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!

Where Farmers Buy, Sell, and Trade. www.thelandonline.com

507-345-4523

THE LAND — APRIL 30 /MAY 7, 2021 Miscellaneous

-PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS , New pumps & parts on hand. d Call Minnesota’s largest dis- tributor HJ Olson & Company 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336

REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service t New & Used , For your irrigation needs - 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 , 0Winpower Sales & Service r Reliable Power Solutions

y s . r

Since 1925 PTO & automatic Emergency Electric Generators. New & Used Rich Opsata-Distributor 800-343-9376

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

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.

PAGE 23

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.

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

PRUESS ELEV., INC. 1-800-828-6642

Get Results! Sell it FAST when you advertise in The Land!

Call us today at 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665.

ADVERTISER LISTING ADM Animal Nutrition ............................................. 7 Beck's Hybrids ......................................................... 1 Dahl Farm Supply .................................................... 3 Greenwald Farm Center ...........................................19 Kannegiesser Truck .................................................13 Leaf Filter ..............................................................18 Lundeen Auctions ...................................................21 Mages Auction Service ............................................21 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ...............................................23 Rush River Steel & Trim .........................................12 Schweiss Doors .......................................................22 Scott Buboltz ........................................................... 5 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ....................................19 Steffes Group ..........................................................21 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com

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) STAY HOME Get checks in the Mail for $100 over & over again.

Free Details call 24 hour free recording (844) 377-0165 Dept MW03. (MCN) Home based phone reps needed now! Easy work! Commission paid daily! Internet, computer, headset required. Call today! 478419-3637. (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) 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 1-855399-9295 (MCN) AT&T TV - The Best of Live & On-Demand On All Your Favorite Screens.

CHOICE Package, $64.99/mo plus taxes for 12months. Premium Channels at No Charge for One Year! Anytime, anywhere. Some restrictions apply.

W/ 24-mo. agmt (TV price higher in 2nd year.) Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies.

Call IVS 1-866-387-0621. (MCN) 4G LTE Home Internet Now Available! Get GotW3 with lightning fast speeds plus take your service with you when you travel!

As low as $109.99/mo! 844-8978159. (MCN) DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply.

Promo Expires 7/21/21. 1-844316-8876. (MCN)

Earthlink High Speed Internet.

As Low As $49.95/month (for the first 3 months.) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology.

Stream Videos, Music and More!

Call Earthlink Today 1-855-6797096. (MCN) TRUCK DRIVERS – REGIONAL Average over .62 CPM. All miles paid. Home when needed. Nice equipment. Paid weekly. Benefits. Driver friendly, won’t get jacked around. Class-A license required. WWW.MCFGTL. COM, HYPERLINK “http://www. mcfgtl.com/” Call 507-437-9905.

(MCN) 2011 Harley Davidson Road king Dark brown metallic, 17,xxx miles, loaded, like new condition.

Factory Cruise, anti theft W/2 key fobs, Air ride suspension, A center stand to get on or off safely, LED everything, LED rear view mirrors, LED turn signals, LED Saddlebag spoilers, LED luggage rack with backrest, LED TAILLIGHTS driver backrest, leather engine guard covers, $12,900. Located in Mankato Minnesota. Call Brad 507-382-1277. (MCN) Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare!

Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 844-716-2411. (MCN)

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855577-1268. Promo Code 285.

(MCN) Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts.

Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019.

Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations.

Over 450 positive reviews. Call 877-326-1608. (MCN) Put on your TV Ears and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-855958-5196. (MCN) The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system.

SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today.

Call 1-877-381-3059. (MCN)

Life Alert. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL 844646-2333 FREE Brochure. (MCN)

Never Pay For Covered Home Repairs Again!

Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE Months! 1-844-596-1237. Hours Mon-Thu, Sun : 9:30 am to 8:00 pm Fri : 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (all times Eastern). (MCN)

Become a published author!

Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. CALL Christian Faith Publishing for your FREE author submission kit. 1-888-981-5761.

(MCN)

LONG DISTANCE MOVING: White-Glove Service from America’s Top Movers. Fully insured and bonded. Let us take the stress out of your out of state move. FREE QUOTES! Call: 877351-0672. (MCN)

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 855-836-2250.

(MCN)

Wanted: Antique Bicycles from 1930’s-50’s. Deluxe or unusual models with horn tanks, headlights, etc. Also buying Schwinn Stingray bikes from 1960’s-70’s. Top prices paid. Will pick up anywhere. 309645-4623. (MCN)

PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — APRIL 30/MAY 7, 2021

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

G

Not the longest, but the biggest

ood weather if you’re a duck, but the pelting rain didn’t deter participants or patrons of the Randolph High School FFA tractor parade. “The parade always goes on, whether it’s rain, sun, or even snow,” said FFA Chapter Reporter Liz Reinardy. “We certainly had a great turn out, so that was great to get to see everyone coming together to support Carter, his family, and the Randolph FFA.” The Carter Reinardy referred to would be Carter Nicolai — a local member of the community who attended Randolph Schools. “Carter lost his life this past spring in an ATV accident, at just age 10,” said Reinardy.

“He absolutely loved tractors, farming, and really anything agriculture.

The parade was one of the highlights of his whole year, so this year we decided to dedicate the whole parade to him.”

This year was the 18th version of the annual event which skipped 2020 because of Covid-19.

To allow for social distancing this year, the parade lineup took place by the River Country Cooperative instead of the school parking lot. Coffee, donuts and a tent were set up as participants signed in, but it was clear the tractors were the draw. Social distancing was a distant thought as parade participants were admiring each other’s rides.

A total of 124 tractors took part in this year’s parade. They came in all sizes and makes: gleaming behemoths with living room-sized cabs to antique flywheel workhorses. Horsepower didn’t matter at this event. All of the tractors were showroom clean and equally received by enthusiastic supporters.

At 9 a.m. sharp the parking lot roared to life as the Randolph Fire Department began escorting the tractors through town. School children peered out from underneath large tarps, adults chose umbrellas to shelter themselves

from on-and-off showers. Tractors with cabs provided participants with the more comfortable ride, but those in the open air paid the weather no mind and they smiled and waved with enthusiasm.

“Harold!” one parade watcher shouted and waved. “Harold!”

Chugging along on his Farmall at the pace of a brisk walk, Harold peered through the raindrops to locate his fan among the sea of umbrellas. He found her and instantly smiled broadly and waved for the camera — brief ray of sunshine on an overcast day.

“Our annual tractor parade is to kick off the fieldwork for farmers each year,” Reinardy said. “It’s mainly just an event where our FFA and community members can all come together, see each other, and just support the FFA.” FFA has a strong presence in this town of about 480 people. The Randolph chapter boasts 120 members under the tutelage of ag instructor Ed Terry and assistant advisor Leah Addington.

The Randolph School District offers courses such as Small Engines, Forestry Conservation, Plant and Soil Science, Animal Science and Agriculture in America.

There is also a Farm Power course where students receive hands-on training, working on the chapter’s 12 tractors.

Randolph FFA also has a 40-acre plot at its disposal along with an 8.5-acre test plot near the school. Chapter members make all crop production decisions and assist with planting and harvest.

It took a little over an hour for the tractors to wind their way through town before heading back to their respective farms — a parade after the parade, so to speak. By all accounts, the parade will return next April. Keep an eye on the Randolph FFA Facebook page for details. v

Randolph, Minn.

Page 4 - April 30/May 7, 2021

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Proudly insulating the Midwest for 10 years.

SPRAY FOAM & BLOW-IN CELLULOSE BARN INSULATION ACROSS MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, IOWA, INDIANA, NEBRASKA & MISSOURI

© 2021

April 30/May 7, 2021 (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001

Don’t replace your metal roof.

We can repair it.

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION MANKATO, MN

SPRAY FOAM ROOF BARRON, WI ROOF REPAIR & TANK INSULATION NEW RICHLAND, MN

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION & WEATHER BARRIER PRESCOTT, WI

YOUR LOCAL MINNESOTA CONTRACTOR: CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM

greener world solutions

Metal roofs can be repaired and recoated to look and perform like new. Call today for a free quote.

855-612-8038 CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

855-612-8038

855-612-8038 | www.greenerworldsolutions.com MN LIC BC639351

www.greenerworldsolutions.com Serving Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

MN LIC BC639351

Page 2 - April 30/May 7, 2021

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Spray foam insulation prevents condensation in barns.

April 30/May 7, 2021 - Page 3

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Spray foam insulation for shops and sheds.

Call today for a free quote.

855-612-8038

Call today for a free quote.

855-612-8038

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

www.greenerworldsolutions.com

www.greenerworldsolutions.com

855-612-8038

855-612-8038

Serving Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

MN LIC BC639351

Serving Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

MN LIC BC639351

Page 2 - April 30/May 7, 2021

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Spray foam insulation prevents condensation in barns.

April 30/May 7, 2021 - Page 3

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Spray foam insulation for shops and sheds.

Call today for a free quote.

855-612-8038

Call today for a free quote.

855-612-8038

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

www.greenerworldsolutions.com

www.greenerworldsolutions.com

855-612-8038

855-612-8038

Serving Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

MN LIC BC639351

Serving Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

MN LIC BC639351

Page 4 - April 30/May 7, 2021

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Proudly insulating the Midwest for 10 years.

SPRAY FOAM & BLOW-IN CELLULOSE BARN INSULATION ACROSS MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, IOWA, INDIANA, NEBRASKA & MISSOURI

© 2021

April 30/May 7, 2021 (800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001

Don’t replace your metal roof.

We can repair it.

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION MANKATO, MN

SPRAY FOAM ROOF BARRON, WI ROOF REPAIR & TANK INSULATION NEW RICHLAND, MN

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION & WEATHER BARRIER PRESCOTT, WI

YOUR LOCAL MINNESOTA CONTRACTOR: CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM

greener world solutions

Metal roofs can be repaired and recoated to look and perform like new. Call today for a free quote.

855-612-8038 CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

855-612-8038

855-612-8038 | www.greenerworldsolutions.com MN LIC BC639351

www.greenerworldsolutions.com Serving Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

MN LIC BC639351