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418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XL ❖ No. 17 32 pages, 1 section plus supplements
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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File The Bookworm Sez Table Talk From My Farmhouse Kitchen Farm Programs Calendar of Events Swine & U Talent in the GreenSeam Marketing Mielke Market Weekly Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads
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An amazing assortment of World War II too — formerly running a farm tiling opervehicles arrived at the Olivia Legion ation at Fairfax before moving to Iowa. about 2:30 p.m. on July 29. Roger n Hershberger was driving a 1941 Packard I also had the opportunity to meet Ann four-door sedan, air-conditioned and sportAdams, a support driver in this 2021 ing white-sidewall tires with “U.S. NAVY” Military Vehicle Preseravation emblazoned on front-door panel and large Association convoy. Her father was part of white star on rear-seat door panel. the World War II Normandy Beachhead This was the second day of their jourInvasion. Said Ann, “He just passed last LAND MINDS ney on a fabled Yellowstone Trail with year at age 97. In 2001 he finally started Hutchinson, Minn. on their agenda this talking about his service time. And this is By Dick Hagen evening. “We started yesterday in why I and the others in this convoy are Aberdeen, S.D. This was a Navy staff here … we’re doing this because our car for Navy brass. Yes, I suspect this fathers started this years ago because vehicle carried some admirals too,” of their service to America. said Hershberger. My brother Kenny,” she gesHershberger, age 75, is a tured, “driving that M35 Navy veteran. His duty was parked over there, he started on a Navy troop transport collecting vintage military hauling Marines to Viet Nam vehicles years back — so — 18,000 Marines per shipwe’ve got quite a few. We load. His candid comment, even have a few amphibious “Those Marines … they saw vehicles. We have several vetthe real action of that misererans in our family so we do able war.” some local shows, static displays and area convoys back Yes, he’s a military vehicle Photos by Dick Hagen home in Ohio.” collector himself with a WW 1941 Packard four-door sedan II jeep, a 1942 Dodge Explaining the convoy ‘Command Car’ plus a few schedule, Ann said, more. Any more military purchases ahead “We got up at 5; Hershberger? He quickly answered, “Oh no, my wife took off at 7 a.m. has rules: I have to sell two vehicles for every one We take a couple vehicle I buy. So before I bought this Packard, I had stops each morning to sell a half-track and a British-built vehicle.” … then we lunch, and then it’s our The Packard weighs about 4,200 pounds. “This afternoon break — Packard I’ve had for nine years,” stated which brought us Hershberger. “I’ve put 40,000 miles on it. I bought it here to the Olivia from a collector in Minneapolis. He had done all the Legion. We have mechanical work on it. I had it repainted, but it was Ann Adams had wonderful supand still is a great car to drive.” port from the This is Veterans’ Posts along the route and I certainly am Hershberger’s fifth seeing this here at your Post as well.” military convoy “We’re traveling well today,” commented Ann, participation. The “somewhat cooler and less dusty then yesterday 40-vehicle convoy when we had a few miles of gravel roads. Yes, I’m moves no faster aware also when we get to Olivia we are indeed in than 35 miles per corn country too. You’ve got this big ear of corn stathour. He chuckled, ute we’re told which we’ll see along this highway as “If I slow down to we depart.” about 15 miles per hour and have a n Roger Hershberger tail-wind, I’ve gotSay hello to Lamar Rowland from Samson, Ala. ten nearly 15 miles per gallon of gas.” Though born and raised around Atlanta, Ga., he When I asked if he’d drive in future Military moved to Alabama in 1993 “…..to get away from the Convoys across America, Hershberger responded, crowd,” he jokingly responded. “Oh yeah, I like ‘em! They’re lots of fun. We meet On the big door of the five-ton Army truck he’s lots of great folks — especially other veterans who driving was a colorful banner titled, “Rowland love to share their military history as well.” Brothers.” The banner depicts six military veterans: Hershberger lives in Jessep, Iowa, just east of Albert, Navy; Horace, Navy; Roy, Army; Richard, Waterloo; but he has some Minnesota business history See LAND MINDS, pg. 4
OPINION
THE LAND — AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27, 2021
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SNAP increase fueled by low wages, not unemployment like an absolute windfall until you do the This year of striking contrasts continmath. According to FERN, the Food & ues to build: a late winter of pandemic Environment Reporting Network, the horror, a spring of vaccine relief, a sumBiden Administration’s boost in food mer of social sunshine, now a Covid assistance will increase “SNAP benefits reprise this fall. by $36 per person per month from their For agriculture, August delivered its pre-pandemic average of $121 per own contrasts. For example, the often month.” market-rattling August Crop Report carThat means that after Oct. 1, SNAP ried the unlikely news of near-record FARM & FOOD FILE recipients will move from spending an 2021 corn and soybean crops and nearBy Alan Guebert average $1.33 per meal per month to a record 2022 corn and soybean prices. whopping $1.75 per meal per month. On the food side of the farm-and-food But that’s not entirely accurate divide, the news was equally recordeither. While the Oct. 1 boost will smashing. Cargill, the global commodiincrease monthly benefits 25 percent, the actual ty player, reported fiscal 2021 sales of a staggering rise will be just 10 percent because previous “emer$134.4 billion and a profit of nearly $5 billion — a gency” Covid legislation had already raised stanrecord in its 156-year history. dard SNAP benefits 15 percent. Likewise, Tyson Foods, Inc., the giant poultry and Before SNAP critics rise to (again) baselessly livestock butcher, recently reported third quarter claim that enhanced benefits will encourage enrollprofits 93 percent higher than a year ago. ment, the fact is that the pandemic — and not a Both results prove again that there’s a lot of crack at a measly $0.42 more per meal — has money in putting blood on the slaughterhouse floor. already done that: six million more Americans They also prove that pandemics are really good for enrolled in SNAP during the pandemic when dire Big Ag oligopolists. need, not nickel-and-dime benefits, fueled the rise. The hungry poor in America finally got their day Few people, after all, choose to be poor and no one this month, too, when Secretary of Agriculture Tom chooses to be both poor and hungry. Vilsack announced Aug. 16 that Supplemental The additional people and better benefits will Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will increase SNAP costs. In 2019, the program cost rise 25 percent on Oct. 1. That’s great news for the still-shockingly high number of U.S. citizens (one in $60.4 billion; in 2021, USDA forecasts the cost will total $114 billion. eight, or 12 percent) who receive the monthly food assistance. That near-doubling of SNAP has Congressional deficit hawks sharpening their knives and wagging A 25 percent increase in SNAP benefits sounds
OPINION
their tongues. The two senior Republican members of the Senate and House Ag committees, in fact, asked the General Accountability Office (GAO) to review the math USDA used to boost the benefits before USDA even announced the boost. But spending limits aren’t the key to slowing SNAP’s rapid rise. The key is just the opposite: earning. Somewhere between 60 and 70 percent of all SNAP recipients are employed; they work. Most, however, earn too little to purchase enough healthy food to sustain themselves or their families. And we’re not talking older, unskilled people who work for mom & pop businesses. Indeed, “Among the 15 [state] agencies overseeing the Medicaid and food-stamp [SNAP] programs,” studied by GAO for a 2020 report, “Walmart was among the top four employers with beneficiaries in each of the 15 programs. McDonald’s was among the top five employers whose workers received federal benefits from 13 of the 15 state agencies.” Two other stores with a large rural presence on GAO’s 2020 list of shameless government grifters were Dollar Tree and Dollar General. So, if you really want to limit SNAP’s rising costs, make its biggest beneficiaries, Big Biz and Big AgBiz, use a tiny portion of their record profits to pay their employees a living wage. Until they do, American taxpayers — you and me — will pay. 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
Convoy vehicles are inspected every morning by Rowland LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 Army; Carol, Army; and Lamar, Army. Related Lamar, “My two oldest brothers, Albert and Carol, were at the end of World War II. But Carol stayed in service, so he also went through Korea and Vietnam. My and the rest of my brothers were in between Korea and Vietnam, so we didn’t see any active duty. I was a messenger in the Signal Corps.”
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So how many convoys so far for Rowland? “This is my sixth. I’ve done every one of them…..the Lincoln Highway twice (primarily I-80 today) from Coast to Coast, the Bankhead Hwy from Coast to Coast; Route 66 from ‘beginning to end’, and the Alcan Highway all the way to the Artic Circle, and now the Yellowstone Trail.” Lamar Rowland And what’s Rowland’s duty with the caravan? He’s the safety officer. But get this: “Each morning before we break camp I inspect every vehicle taking part in the convoy. I don’t care what it looks like; I don’t care if it runs. I’m strictly safety — headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, tires, lug nuts. Also driver’s license, registrations, insurance, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, even reflectors to set out on the road if you have a
vehicle breakdown and chuck blocks to chuck the wheels to keep the vehicle from moving.” “Safety for the convoy, and everyone traveling along our highways, is paramount as we convoy across America.” said Rowland — now a hearty 82 year-old who also likes to boast, “And these convoys are the neatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.” Rowland travels with his bride, Jewel, bunked into the top side of this big five-ton rig which he has converted into a home-on-wheels so to speak — complete with two bunks beds, air conditioning, running water, even a snack counter of sorts. And more convoys for this unique couple? “As long as my health permits,” Rowland quickly answered. Next year’s convoy could be one of the most beautiful ever, he said. “Because we’ll be traveling the National Parks of the Northwest corner of America. I’ve travelled Glacier National Park and many others. This will be a dandy convoy.” Dick Hagen is the staff writer emeritus of The Land. He may be reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. v
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With or without deodorant, be glad you sweat Everybody raise your hand. how our comfort might be hurt“The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration” ing our planet. This book might Go ahead, high in the air. Raise your not completely change minds, by Sarah Everts hand if you like ice cream, vacations, but it might alter a few habFrench fries, good dogs, or free snacks. Put c.2021, Norton its... ‘em up if you can remember your mom’s $26.95 / $35.95 Canada birthday, the name of your First Love, and Look for the reviewed book at 285 pages all the words to “The Star Spangled a bookstore or a library near Banner.” Read “The Joy of Sweat” by you. You may also find the book Sarah Everts and wave your hand over More than anything, though, at online book retailers. THE BOOKWORM your head if you … no, wait. Never mind. sweat is “just a body trying its best SEZ The Bookworm is Terri to do its thing, to stay alive.” It’s hot outside, and just walking from Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been readBy Terri Schlichenmeyer home to car is enough to put a sheen on Welcome to mid-summer, and you’ve ing since she was 3 years old and your face, a trickle down your spine, and already done that old raise-your-armnever goes anywhere without a book. hooo-weee under your arms. Nearly everybody over-your-head-take-a-whiff thing and wrung out She lives in Wisconsin with three dogs and sweats, but we Earthlings spend some $75 billion on two t-shirts. Isn’t it time to get “The Joy of Sweat” 10,000 books. v substances to help us pretend we don’t. in your wet, clammy hands? You’re sweating right now, in fact. Humans are It is, because author Sarah Everts turns what “always sweating, at least a little bit,” says Everts, might be an embarrassment into a SuperPower, but get physical, and things get critical. On a hot helping readers to see why we should welcome that day or after any kind of overexertion, “your internal mid-afternoon sheen or post-workout wetness. temperature could easily reach life-threatening lev- Along the way, she takes us into laboratories and els” without some sort of cooling-off. Sweat, in a sort boardrooms, perfumeries and sauna theatre to see of collaboration with bipedalism, is evolution’s way the future of sweat and, most surprisingly, how it’s of protecting you from heat stroke. perceived remotely. Be thankful for it. Some creatures use urine, feces There’s just enough science here to inform a read30 COLORS 26-29 GAUGE Standard all around and vomit to keep cool. er, a few answers to some sweaty questions and a durability big maybe, just enough eeeeeuuuwww to entertain, Nope, you’re in luck: eccrine sweat glands cover a bit of humor to make you forget your disgust, and most of your body and are responsible for rushing a whole lot of fun. sweat to the surface of your skin so the sweat can evaporate for a “net cooling effect.” Apocrine sweat It almost makes you want to go outside today and glands are found along hair follicles, such as on do something. your groin, armpits, or scalp. They’re larger than That something may be to go find this book, and your eccrine glands and are responsible for “chemiget more appreciation for your perspiration. cal communication” and sexual selection. Where you Because, really – missing “The Joy of Sweat” would have apocrine glands is where you have a “stink 30 COLORS 26-29 GAUGE Standing seam architecture be the pits. look for half the price zone.” n But sweat isn’t just a smelly, wet, potential embarSweat’s cool and so is air conditioning but there’s rassment. It can tell scientists what foods and media price to pay. In “After Cooling: On Freon, Global cines you consume and diseases you might have; it Warming, and the Terrible Cost of Comfort” by Eric can make you manipulatable, and it can help solve Dean Wilson, you’ll see how we (finally!) learned to crimes via fingerprints (which are basically just control the climate of our rooms and homes, and “sweatprints”).
Help needed with farm safety, health survey
ROCHESTER, Minn. — University of Minnesota Extension is currently conducting a survey of Minnesota farmers to determine their most pertinent farm safety and health needs. The five-minute survey includes questions about pressing topic areas, the type of education needed, and current barriers to safety on farms. “The results of this survey will help us prioritize our work in farm safety and health,” said Emily Krekelberg, Extension Educator in Farm Safety and Health. “Farmers know safety is important, and this
is an opportunity for them to share with us what they think is most critical.” Farmers are asked to complete the survey by Aug. 31. The survey can be found online at z.umn.edu/ FarmSafetySurvey. If you have any questions, or would like to complete the survey in a different format, contact Krekelberg at krek0033@umn.edu or (612) 756-3977. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v
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Leaving our mark on the tragic beauty of life We received a call recently informing groundwork for buildings or schools; or us someone we know had died, and it got burying underground utilities so we can me to thinking. all be comfortable in our homes, schools and office buildings. Someone may have Life is so simply complex. Simple in dug the hole for the basement of a home; that we are born, and then with our last someone may have taught school for 40 breath, we are gone. Complex because years; someone did the work of stocking there is so much living in between our food on grocery store shelves; someone’s birth and our death. family grew that food; someone did the When someone dies, it’s all people talk TABLE TALK work of saving souls, and on and on. about for a while. Sympathies are When we die, we are gone for a long By Karen Schwaller extended and memories open the flood time. People who died hundreds or thougates. Flowers, cards and food pour in; sands of years ago are still gone. No one hugs, prayers and thank you notes go today knew any of them, nor talks about them. But out; and in time everything settles down and it’s they lived, and it’s because they lived and kept time for the real healing to begin. humanity going that we are here today. Those peoBut a death in a community means so much more ple directly affected us today in some way, shape or than flowers, food and cards. form because often times as we live today, we are running into legacies left by someone who lived long In time, that person’s memory can become lost in before we lived. the busy-ness of life. It’s not that anyone means to forget, but it’s not like they are an active part of our Everyone matters. And the fabric and the heart of lives anymore. Their name might come up in conevery community is made up of individuals whose versation, and it might be satisfying to think of lives mattered while they lived, and continue to them again. But the more years go by, the fewer matter after they have left us — whether we knew people know — or remember — that person. or think about them or not. The life of one person touches the lives of so many It’s tragic that we never knew some of the people other people to make up the fabric of our communi- in our communities who helped build, shape or mold ties. George Bailey, in the movie, “It’s a Wonderful them; but it’s beautiful that their lives continue to Life,” received the great gift of seeing what his town matter today. would have looked like if he had never been born. While some people are not recalled by name His community would have looked so different — as decades after they have passed, they are honored all of our communities would look had any one of us often today — maybe every time someone moves not been born. One life affects another in such profound ways. I might remember people who have died in my lifetime, but people who have moved into our community since they died never knew them. But just Focusing on sustainable soil management has because they never knew those people doesn’t mean shown to increase farm and ranch profitability, they don’t enjoy the fruits of their labors. improve crop yield and provide other critical services related to water, air and climate. SARE’s newest Someone may have been instrumental in laying book, the fourth edition of “Building Soils for Better Crops,” provides rich detail on ecologically sound practices for developing and maintaining healthy soils. The new edition of this book provides updates to for THE LAND on reflect the new science and many new developments in soil health over the past 12 years. “Building Soils September 10, 2021 for Better Crops” includes detailed information on soil-improving practices as well as in-depth backDISPLAY ADS - Ad copy due ground, from what soil is to the importance of organWednesday, September 1 ic matter. Along with providing practical strategies for achieving agricultural sustainability with highCLASSIFIED LINE ADS - Ad copy due quality soil, the book presents readers with a holistic
into a home that someone built 50 years ago. Or whenever we stand to hear our National Anthem, written by a man in the midst of an exhausting and very bloody battle, honoring a flag first hand-sewn by an American patriot named Betsy Ross, and which was earned by those who have fought in wars for the freedoms we all take so much for granted today in our country. We honor someone long-gone every time we flip on a light switch, thanks to electricity which came to rural America years ago by the work of some forward-thinking people. The very word “death” speaks of its permanency. But that also helps us put into perspective how very short our lives are, even if we live to be more than 100 years old. The world moves on, and generations continue to be born … delivered by someone who will not be remembered by anyone in that community someday. If we learn nothing else from this parody, we know of the importance of making every day count; to love our families and friends, spend time with the people we share a community with, and leave our mark on the world to let the world know that we lived. It is up to us to decide just what our own mark will look like. It’s as simple … and as complex … as that. Karen Schwaller brings “Table Talk” to The Land from her home near Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v
Book focuses on soil health fundamentals
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appreciation of the importance of soil health. “Building Soils for Better Crops” is written by Fred Magdoff (University of Vermont emeritus professor of plant and soil science) and Harold van Es (Cornell University professor of soil science). It is published by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Building Soils for Better Crops is free to read online or to download as a PDF at www.sare.org/soils. Print copies can be ordered online for $23 each, plus shipping and handling. Call (301) 779-1007 for tax free, rush or purchase orders. Discounts for bulk orders apply. This article was submitted by Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. v
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Spiritual endurance and the passing of a loved one I’m realizing as I changed there was someone they the calendar page that this wanted to visited or busiyear is going by quicker ness to transact. than ever. I guess that is They would also walk to one of the signs of growing church on Sundays from older … the years go by their new homes on the faster. There are other prairie … as did a pioneer things I notice that are pastor I have often either fading away or admired. FROM MY increasing. FARMHOUSE During the week, Forgetfulness is one of the KITCHEN Reverend Seine Bolks things that grows, so I use walked to other new settleBy Renae B. notepads (notice the plural ments to preach God’s word Vander Schaaf on notepad). Now if I can and provide pastoral care. only remember which notepad I wrote Dominee Bolks, as he was called, that down on (if I remembered to crossed sloughs and creeks in all kinds write it down in the first place). of weather in his service to God and Flexibility is another ability which mankind. tends to disappear. Since I was never Therefore it seemed fitting to put my one to do cartwheels, it’s going to be walking plan into action the first rather difficult to gauge its disappear- night it was nice enough to walk to ance if it never showed up in the first Bible study. That first week of March place. had days of lovely weather, so it was The one thing persistent in my mind time to execute my walking plan. My is endurance. It seems to me my levels walk to church was better than I of endurance would have been in the expected. Alas, by the time Bible study low percentile rating — no matter my was over that night, it was dark and age — except for that time when I was my thoughtful farmer picked me up! a baby and I excelled in crying and Then, weeks of stormy weather folwhining. Come to think of it, there are lowed; and my desire to walk diminsome habits we don’t outgrow. ished greatly until the next nice day Stamina? Well, my computer and I — only I didn’t allow enough time, so I agree on the correct spelling at least; was 20 minutes late! and that’s about the only thing that I tried one more time and managed word and I have in common. It seems to walk both ways almost completely. I am the last person to show up for a This fad for me has passed. While job and the first to suggest it is time physical endurance may be one thing for a coffee break; and I will disappear to be desired, it’s far more important to go get the coffee and cookies ready. to have spiritual endurance. I was noticing how my lack of endurMany of you know that my oldest ance was interfering with my “to-do” brother passed away at the end of July list — which only seemed to grow. It of this year. He had been ill, so his was getting bad. So last February, death was expected. Yet, when it finalwhen the winter snows make it easy ly happens, one soon realizes one more to plan how spring and summer would visit would have been so nice. be different, I came to the conclusion I My brother is a great example of would take up walking. enduring in the faith to end. In his Walking was cheap and that suited youth he was a handsome man with a me just fine. Many of my neighbors do strong manly physique. His goal was it, so I wouldn’t look out of place; and to be a farmer, raise crops and have a at my age, it was one thing I could dairy (as he liked his Holstein still do. Friesian cows). So I told myself that once the snow He was very intelligent and a hard has melted and temperatures warmed worker with sunshine in his smile. up, walking would become my mode of Then that horrible mental disease transportation whenever possible. began to change him. My protector Besides, our first pioneers were turned into someone we didn’t know great at walking. They didn’t think or understand. much of an eight mile walk or more if He no longer could work. His faithful
wife found a job and they moved to town to begin a new life with their beautiful daughters. I don’t understand mental illness. It hurts us, but how much more does the person who has it suffer? We really don’t know. As this tormenting disease progressed, my brother became a prolific reader of his Bible — reading it several times in one year. He also read the sermons of Mathew Henry and Charles H. Spurgeon. We both have copies of the same five books of his sermons which I also read regularly. He had that desire to know God. Our pastor recently preached on Nehemiah 12, where the people rejoiced for the knowledge of the word of God. That hunger and desire to hear and know the scriptures is a sure
sign of recognizing our need for God. My brother knew it. He was fully aware he couldn’t fight the battle of mental illness alone. He needed every word of scripture to endure the race set before him. My brother’s life and death is a testimony of Romans 8: 38 and 39 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v
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Farmfest generates healthy discussion on key policy issues
hay resources. try is headed related to the carbon market. Over the past few years, Farmfest has been a major event for discussing key USDA has announced the potential for There was considerable discussion regarding issues affecting farm families, the ag emergency haying and grazing on land opportunities for crop and livestock producers to industry and rural communities in enrolled in the Conservation Reserve participate and benefit from carbon credits. However, Minnesota and the Midwest. Many of Program (CRP) in areas of Minnesota it was very unclear how those carbon credits will be these same issues will likely frame the which are the most severe drought. valued or traded. It was also very uncertain as to discussions on agriculture and rural poliLivestock producers should check with what practices will qualify for carbon credits, and cy issues in Washington, DC in the next their local Farm Service Agency office whether producers who have already adopted carfew years. regarding eligibility, enrollment details, bon-friendly practices will be eligible for any comFARM PROGRAMS and requirements for emergency haying pensation. The bottom line from the Farmfest Farmfest is held in early August and By Kent Thiesse and grazing of CRP acres. forums was that it is probably better to walk before brings together elected officials and you run when it comes to make major changes in a appointed officials together with USDA also has other programs farming operation strictly targeted toward gaining national and state ag leaders to anaavailable to assist livestock producvalue from the emerging carbon market. lyze these key issues and offer perers. Eligibility requirements and spectives on solutions and future details on all USDA drought assisU.S. energy policy — There was considerable dislegislation. Following are some of the main issues tance programs are available at local FSA offices. cussion at Farmfest as to how climate change legisthat were discussed during the 2021 Farmfest Details and updates on the USDA drought prolative proposals, such as the “Green New Deal” or forums: grams can also be found at https://www.fsa.usda. further implementation of the California Fuel gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-proStandards might impact agriculture industry and Impacts of the 2021 drought and available gram/index. future development of biofuels. On one hand, farm resources — Nearly all of the forums at Farmfest organizations and commodity groups centered around the impact of the point to the climate benefits of drought on crop and livestock proexpanding the use of biofuels by movducers. Based on the “U.S. Drought ing toward E-15 blends of ethanol Monitor” in early August, over 75 and higher levels of biodiesel. On the percent of Minnesota was categoother hand, many special interest rized to be in either the extreme groups are calling for reductions or drought (D3) or severe drought (D2) elimination of the federal renewable category, with only the Southeast fuel standards (RFS) and other meaquarter of the state being largely sures — which would hurt the renewspared from these conditions. Nearly able fuels industry — while calling all of North and South Dakota were for additional resources into expandat some level of drought, with over ing electric powered vehicles, as well two-thirds of North Dakota and a as wind and solar energy. large area of north central South Dakota in either extreme drought Photo by Paul Malchow Many states in the Upper Midwest, (D3) or exceptional drought (D4). MinnStar Bank’s Kent Thiesse (left, holding microphone) introduced one of the popular Farmfest including Minnesota, have a wellAreas in extreme or exceptional forums. established corn-based ethanol drought are likely seeing significant industry, which utilizes over 35 percrop loss and extremely limited forage production, Grain markets and rising input costs — One of the cent of the corn produced each year in the United as well as longer term effects on lakes, rivers, major discussion items at Farmfest was the trends States. In addition to the direct benefits to farmers, streams and ground water supplies. in the grain and livestock markets in the coming renewable energy plants have become cornerstones months. Crop production expenses and land rental in rural communities by providing jobs, adding to The weekly U.S. Department of Agriculture Crop the local tax base, and enhancing the overall ecoReport released on Aug. 2 listed the condition rating rates have risen sharply in the past six months, nomic vitality of the communities. of the corn in the United States at 64 percent good- which has some producers and analysts concerned about profit margins as we look ahead to 2022. Prior to-excellent. However, the higher-level crop rating Livestock-related issues — There were many issues to 2020, profit margins in crop and livestock produc- affecting the livestock industry which surfaced during in Minnesota was only at 36 percent, which is the lowest in many years. The early August crop report tion had been quite tight in recent years, which put Farmfest. The pork industry is being challenged by many farm operations at the brink of financial listed 60 percent of the U.S. soybean crop as goodthe implementation of Proposition 12, which would disaster by the end of 2019. Fortunately, a combina- restrict a significant amount of the pork being proto-excellent, with Minnesota again well below that average at only 34 percent in the higher categories. tion of one-time government aid programs, together duced in the Midwest from being sold in California. with the strongest grain prices in several years, The only major crop producing states with lower Pork producers also want to keep export markets good-to-excellent ratings for corn and soybeans than allowed farmers to rebound financially in 2020, open for U.S. pork and are concerned with outbreak of which is a trend that has continued into 2021. Minnesota were North and South Dakota. African swine fever disease in the Dominican Carbon sequestration and carbon credits — Carbon Republic and ongoing challenges with porcine reproThroughout the summer of 2021, drought condisequestration, carbon credits, and potential legislaductive and respiratory syndrome disease. tions have intensified in most of the Northern tion to address climate change garnered considerable Plains and Northwest Corn Belt states. Livestock Beef producers are very concerned with the worsdiscussion during the Farmfest forums by elected producers in those areas are being especially hardening drought situation in many cow/calf production officials, ag leaders, and experts in the carbon indus- areas of the United States, as well as monitoring hit by the extended drought conditions with try. One quote of note was, “the carbon market is like the Department of Justice investigations into the exhausted pastures and depleted feed supplies. the wild, wild west”, meaning there is no clear-cut Many beef cattle producers are being forced to See THIESSE, pg. 10 path as to where the United States or the ag indusreduce their herd sizes due to limited pasture and
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Three guys walk into the Minnesota Corn Growers’ tent… By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus MORGAN, Minn. — It was good to be back at Farmfest once again; and as usual, my first stop was the Minnesota Corn Growers’ exhibit. Why? Because of their sweetcorn-flavored free ice cream offerings. It is also a tremendously convenient spot for quick interviews with lots of key people such as Kevin Paap, President of the Minnesota Farm Bureau. I’ve known Paap for many years and was curious to hear what he thought are the big issues facing farmers today. “Much the same as past years,” Paap quickly answered, “the growing disconnect of consumers and a decreasing number of elected officials from agriculture and rural Main Streets. We’re becoming another generation removed from Kevin Paap Grandpa and Grandma’s farm.” Might this growing disconnect of elected officials stem from so few of them anymore have a farming background? “Very true,” Paap replied, “and unfortunately, fewer and fewer with each new turn of elected officials — be that state assemblies or U.S. Congress. But it’s not just farm issues. People won’t fight for an issue if they don’t understand it. Most things we can explain, but not in a 30-second sound bite which seems mostly the big play in television news anymore. Yet building trust with consumers and elected officials is vital to our future.” “Technology continues to ramp up change in production agriculture,” Paap went on to say, “However, one thing that doesn’t change is our commitment to taking care of the land, the animals we raise, and preserving our natural resources. With crops withering across Minnesota and the Dakotas, I asked for Paap’s take on this 2021 season. “One thing I’ve learned in 16 years as Minnesota Farm Bureau President is, don’t talk about the weather and my own farming situation to a reporter — even you Dick — because always someone is worse off,” said Paap. “A rain within the next few days will make a difference. Most people — especially non-farmers — have no idea that at this stage a corn field needs the equivalent of an inch of moisture per week. We just don’t have those reserves right now … our soil moistures are pretty well depleted. But there’s an offset: this dry season has driven corn roots deep enough to still find some soil moisture. And thanks to new genetics, some corn hybrids are relentless in their quest to produce yields — even with minimal rains.” Despite his “don’t talk to reporters” rule, I know Kevin doesn’t duck away from an unreasonable question. So I asked how much below last year’s record corn yields will your farm do this year? Paap answered: “At this stage, I think we still have potential for a reasonable crop. Yes, last year was my best crop in my 39 years of farming, so let’s not compare to last year. I’m not giving up on APH (actual produc-
tion history) yields. On soybeans it’s still early August and with rain in the forecast I’m going to remain optimistic. That’s why we farm. And daily contact with the good Lord is vital also.” As President of a large agriculture organization and Paap’s newest endeavor as county commissioner, I was curious about his view of politics in general. “It’s obvious we’re becoming more polarized on a lot of issues,” stated Paap. “In agriculture, we lead by example: working together works better. Going one direction for four years, then another direction the next four years simply doesn’t work in America.” Not long ago, Paap announced his retirement as Farm Bureau President. But that doesn’t mean he will be idle. “I was fortunate to be elected a county commissioner here in Blue Earth County. And with all the issues on water, I’m certain we’ll have challenges. But more important, I’ve a 2-year old grandson just a half mile down the road, and another grandson on the way, so more ‘Grandpa time’ with my grandchildren is my future. Yes, my sons have taken over the farming operations; but when extra help is needed, we all pitch in. Yes, more acres than when I started, but it’s still a family farm … and our family keeps growing too. We’re now into the third generation of Papp farmers.” On that note, I bid Paap a good day. Without leaving the Corn Growers’ tent and into my second ice cream offering, I met Carl Bednarski, who is President of the Michigan Farm Bureau. “What part of Michigan for you, Carl?” I asked to break the ice. “Up in that thumb area,” Bednarski replied, holding up his left hand with the palm facing out. “Look at your left hand and we’re about half-way up.” Bednarski grows corn, soybeans, dry beans, sugar beets and wheat. He is pleased with his crops. “We had drought issues early on this growing season,” he said, “but now in early August things are looking pretty good. Timely rains get much credit.” Bednarski said Michigan Farm Bureau is at about 220,000 members, currently involving about 43,000 farm families. “Getting young farmers involved is the challenge,” he admitted, “but that’s also our future.” At 59 years old, Bednarski sees many more years with Farm Bureau and farming. “My wife often asks me, ‘When are we going to have a hobby so we can just relax and do nothing?’ I respond, “I have a hobby … its called farming. So when I stop enjoying my hobby, that’s when I’ll likely stop farming too!” The Michigan dignitary sees two top issus facing agriculture these days: labor and environmental issues. “It’s ridiculous how farmers get attacked on the environmental front,” Bednarski said. “People forget we’ve raised our families here for generations. We are part of this land. We are not going to abuse this land that creates our own sustenance. We are the true conservationists of America and we need to get that message across to everyone — consumers
Lisa and Carl Bednarski
and politicians. “Labor is an issue wherever you go anymore,” he continued. “The ongoing aid packages of this current government aren’t helping the situation either. Paying unemployed people more than if they were working is absolutely stupid!” Bednarski seemed to be enjoying himself and Minnesota hospitality. “It’s just a two-hour flight from my area, so coming to Farmfest was a treat!” he See MCGA, pg. 10
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MCGA hopes Unleaded 88 would soon become mandated MCGA, from pg. 9 exclaimed. “A great show, lots of exhibitors … I’ll have a chance to visit with our National Farm Bureau President, Zippy Duvall from Georgia. Plus, of course, I check up on Kevin to see how he’s treating you Minnesota folks too. I’m having a great time!” So I’m still at the Minnesota Corn Growers’ tent, thinking about one last ice cream for the road, when in walks MCGA Board Member Harold Wolle. My friendship with Wolle goes back to a church missionary trip to Africa 20 years ago. I motioned toward a huge banner on the MCGA tent wall which reads: Harold Wolle “Unleaded Octane 88.” Being curious by nature, I asked Wolle what’s that all about? “Because ethanol fuels continue vital in the energy world and the Minnesota Corn Growers have long championed these fuels produced from Minnesota grown corn, we’re now encouraging Minnesota gas stations to market ‘Unleaded 88’ which is 15 percent
ethanol fuel content,” Wolle said. “As you know, all regular gas in Minnesota has 10 percent ethanol; but Unleaded 88 is 15 percent ethanol. This higher octane fuel is usually 3 to 10 cents cheaper and produces fewer emissions … just a good deal for consumers.” MCGA hopes Unleaded 88 would soon become a mandated fuel by Minnesota government action. “That was a priority of Corn Growers at this last legislative session,” Wolle admitted, “but Covid changed the scenario. The bill we were advocating made it out of both the Senate and House Ag Committees. However, the oil folks don’t want give up any of their market share. I’m told it ran into some issues in the Commerce Committee; so we’ll fire up and push for better results next time. Wolle went on to remind me Mexico and Canada are solid buyers of U.S. ethanol. “Yes, both of our good neighbors continue to be buyers … in fact, a 10 percent ethanol fuels market nationwide in Mexico was being talked; but I understand that got cut back to 5.8 percent. However, I’m told we’re now up to 440 stations in Minnesota with E85 pumps too. But now look for a big move to Unleaded 88 which is already
available at Casey outlets, several Cenex and Quick Trip stations too. And according to EPA, Unleaded 88 is cleared for any vehicle 2001 and newer.“ I reminded Wolle of our visit to a remote country church in Arica some years back. “That was a trip you and I will always remember,” Wolle beamed, “and treasure as well. Yes, you and I were casually visiting with two ladies of the church. We noticed both had umbrellas. We asked why? They both replied, ‘Because if a sudden shower erupts, we’d need our umbrellas. Our church roof leaks badly but we have no money to fix it.’ So we agreed to see if we could raise enough money when we got back home so these two South African women might have a new rainproof roof over their country church.” These two sweet ladies even told Harold and I they would sing to us if this new roof happened over their church. Thanks to generous donations from our Minnesota Diocese the new roof did happen. However, Harold and I never got back for our song fest from the ladies of this country parish. v
Key questions for upcoming Farm Bill raised during forum THIESSE, from pg. 8
adequate safety nets for crop and livestock producers, climate change, and social issues affect the beef processing industry. Farm Bill discussion. Dairy farmers have seen some improvement in Some key questions relative to development of the profit levels during the past year. However, the long- next Farm Bill which surfaced at Farmfest include: term trend in the dairy industry is for continued Will crop insurance continue to be protected as a tight profit margins. This will likely result in a con- corner-stone risk management tool for farmers? Will tinued trend of smaller dairy producers exiting the crop producers still have farm program choices industry in the next few years. (PLC and ARC-CO)? Will carbon sequestration efforts be linked in the commodity title? Will there Looking ahead to the next Farm Bill — The current Farm Bill expires on Sept. 30, 2023, so congres- be a move to further expand CRP acres or add setaside acres for carbon sequestration? Will enhanced sional discussions on the next Farm Bill will likely begin later this year and continue into 2022. It will risk management tools be added for livestock producers? What will be the budget allocation and how be interesting to see how issues such as providing
much will be allocated the Nutrition Title? There are numerous other issues and programs which impact greater Minnesota in a variety of ways which surfaced during the Farmfest forums including rural health care, labor shortages, expansion of broadband coverage, and infrastructure needs. Congress is likely to make some key policy decisions in the coming years. Kent Thiesse is a government farm programs analyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 726-2137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com. v
Calendar of Events Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar & enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com. Aug. 28-29 — 55th Annual Donnelly Threshing Bee — Donnelly, Minn. — Featuring Ford and Massey Ferguson. Contact Harry Kruize at chkruize@runestone.net or (320) 246-3337. Sept. 1— Mississippi Valley Cattlemen annual meeting — Little Falls, Minn. — Includes a farm tour, discussions on DNA testing of seedstock, cross breeding, along with a question and answer period. Contact Clint Kathrein at (320) 232-7336.. Sept. 1 — Regionally Adapted Seed Field Day —
Delano, Minn. — Event is to train participants on how to select, save and sell regionally-adapted varieties on their farm. Contact Kitt Healy at kitt@seedalliance.org or (630) 346-4749. Sept. 1 — Soil Health Field Demonstration — Waseca, Minn. — Features demonstration on interseeding with Highboy, demonstrations with Rainfall Simulator and discussions on no till, strip till and cover crops in a corn and soybean rotation. Contact Cheri Brummund at cherib.swcd@co.waseca.mn.us or (507) 835-0607. Sept. 8 — Farm and Food System Field Day — Murdock, Minn. — Learn about the interconnection between soil health and climate change, tour the Falk
farm and learn about on-farm renewable energy. Contact Land Stewardship Project at (612) 722-6377. Sept. 9 — Dairy Grazing Pasture Walk — Brandon, Minn. — Graziers, dairy farmers and interested parties are invited to connect and share experiences in the field. Contact Angie Walter at angie@sfa-mn.org or (320) 815-9293. Sept. 9 — Soil Health Field Day — Waseca, Minn. — Topics include trial plot results with strip till and cover crops, weed control observations, soil biology and crop protection and soil health; plus soil health tests you can do on your farm. Contact Cheri Brummund at cherib. swcd@co.waseca.mn.us or (507) 835-0607.
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PAGE 11
African swine fever now in the Dominican Republic North American swine producers and the related industry have been taking great pains over the past few years to keep African swine fever out of the United States. Although African swine fever is one of three foreign animal the U.S. livestock industry wants to keep out of the country, the other two — classical swine fever (CSF) and foot and mouth disease (FMD) have infected U.S. SWINE & U hogs and were eradicated long ago. CSF, also known as By Diane DeWitte hog cholera, was stamped out in 1978, and FMD, which affects all split-hooved animals, was eradicated in 1929. ASF has not yet infected U.S. swine herds. It has, however, made appearances in the western hemisphere. Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti battled and eradicated ASF in their swine populations in the 1970s. What is African swine fever? African swine fever is one of the most severe diseases of pigs, having a drastic impact on the pig industry. ASF first appeared in domestic pigs in East Africa in the 1900s. It subsequently spread to Europe; appearing first in Portugal, then Spain and further countries. Eradication was achieved in Europe apart from Sardinia in the mid- 1990s. In 2007, ASF then appeared in Georgia — spreading then to Russia and the Caucasus region, and other eastern European countries. In 2018, it continued to spread westward, affecting domestic pig and wild boar populations. In 2018, ASF virus also reached the world’s largest pig producer: China. Mongolia reported its first outbreak in 2019. In the years since its outbreak in China, ASF has been identified in Southeast Asian counties and European countries, including Germany and Poland in wild boar populations in September of 2020. ASF is a h ighly-contagious hemorrhagic disease caused by a virus of the family Asfarviridae. I t is often fatal in domestic pigs and wild boars. The primary control strategy for ASF in domestic swine is stamping-out. Currently, there is no vaccine available. Given the financial implications and limitations in trade, eradication is the ultimate goal. ASF is a n otifiable diseaselisted by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and must be reported. ASF virus is considered a F oreign Animal Diseaseby the United States Department of Agriculture and therefore swine byproduct imports from ASF-positive countries are forbidden. Any suspicion of ASF must be n otified to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and the USDA.
SWINE &U
housed, or allowed to run free. The source of the ASF virus is suspected to be UniversityofMinnesota EXTENSION from garbage fed to the pigs — perhaps from ship or airplane food How ASF is spread garbage. Isolation of the virus has revealed it has Due to the absence of an effective vaccine, introthe same genetic makeup of the ASF virus of the duction and spread of ASF onto domestic pig farms Georgian outbreak in 2007. can only be prevented by strict compliance with What next? biosecurity measures. The United States currently does not exchange ASF virus is highly stable and temperature resispork products or live pigs with the Dominican tant and can persist in the environment for a long Republic because they have Classical Swine Fever time. The main mechanisms of spread include direct in their country. Because they are a FAD positive pig-to-pig contact, including with wild pigs; movement of infected live animals; and improper disposal locale, these animals and products are not allowed of manure and dead animals Contact with contami- to move into the United States. This is considered a nated pork and byproducts will spread the virus, as See SWINE & U, pg. 22 well as consumption of contaminated feed (swill feeding). Ticks — specifically soft ticks found in the 39th Annual western/southwestern U.S. — can transmit ASF. The ALL BREED virus can be transferred by a manure slurry; introduction of genetic materials and replacement aniSWINE AUCTION mals; contaminated vehicles and other fomites, & 15th Annual clothing, footwear or equipment; and, of course, Semen Sale workers and visitors. Wed. Evening, September 1st • 6:10 PM Planning in place Swine producers and allied industry have put together strategies to monitor and prevent ASF from infecting North American pig populations, and Minnesota leads the charge. The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine swine team, along with Minnesota Pork Producers, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, the Minnesota Judges: John Huinker, Brian Hines, Shari Sell-Bakker Department of Agriculture and U of M Extension Monday, August 30th have worked together as the Emergency Disease West Ring - 5:00 pm: Management Committee for Swine to implement a Junior Barrow Showmanship plan.
• JUDGING •
The plan developed strategies for action in the event that ASF would infect Minnesota, the Upper Midwest or the North American swine herd. In September 2019 fourteen swine-producing states worked together for four days through a functional exercise to determine what steps would be taken by all affiliated partners if ASF struck. Now in the Western Hemisphere On July 28, 2021, the USDA announced that it had identified ASF in samples from the Dominican Republic. USDA receives quarterly samples from a lab in the Dominican Republic, and originally identified eight samples positive for ASF. Further testing provided information that the ASF infection had spread further than the original results indicated. The Dominican Republic swine herd is produced in both larger, more commercial-type farms established on the eastern end of the island, and in small backyard settings (with 20 pigs or fewer) found throughout most of the regionals of the Dominican Republic. The positive samples were discovered in the smaller herds, many of which are loosely
Tuesday, August 31st
East Ring - 8:00 am to 3:00 pm: Poland China, Chester, White, Spotted hogs, Yorkshire, Landrace, All Other Breeds & Supreme Champions West Ring - 8:00 am to 1:00 pm: Duroc, Hampshire, Berkshire 11:00 am to 1:00 pm: Junior Skill-a-thon 2:00 pm Junior Crossbred Breeding Gilts 4:30 pm: Junior Barrow Judging Contest
Wednesday, September 1st
West Ring - 8:00 am: Junior Barrow Classic East Ring - 9:00 am: Open Barrow Show
All top placements (boars and gilts) born from December through March in each breed will be sold at auction. Up to 100 head! This is an excellent opportunity to obtain some of the top genetics available in the Midwest. Herd health is a #1 priority for the exhibi-tors. Prices in the past have been very reasonable. Payment must be made at the auction. Hogs purchased may be removed from the State Fair Grounds immediately following the sale. Help is available for loading out. If not taken that evening, they must wait until Thur. Sep. 2nd from 1-5.
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Internships: More than getting coffee and making copies We all can picture the images of Overall, students with any a student intern getting coffee for internship experience have a highthe supervisor, making stacks of er rate of employment upon graducopies, or washing the boss’s car. ation than those without. NACE Movies such as “The Internship” also noted more than a third of and “The Intern” bring light to the undergraduates had more than one funny situations many interns are internship. To that point, Good put into in their quest to learn Thunder native and Minnesota about the job they dream about. State University, Mankato graduHowever, most of those irrelevant ate Tim Huebsch is an internship internship positions are long gone proponent and credited his multiTALENT IN THE GREENSEAM and students are truly learning key ple internships for getting and By Shane Bowyer skills on the job. staying in a 20-year technology career at General Mills. I remember my two internships from years ago which taught me a number of good GreenSeam’s 2021 State of Ag report examined lessons: An internship with a radio company which talent aspects in the agriculture and food indushad the broadcast rights to the Little League World tries. The top themes emerging were education and Series and was covering the World Softball awareness of the available careers. Respondents Championships seemed to be a great fit — until I offered a number of options for students to learn actually was asked to go on air. I learned quickly about the careers. However, the top option was that was not for me (which is also a good lesson through offering internships. internships can provide for students). Although, my The agriculture industry needs to offer internships other internship in sports information developed if it wants to increase awareness and attract talent skills writing and designing media guides which I — not only to agriculture students, but students in am still using today. other majors. In addition to getting some extra work A former business student of mine, Alex Weldon, done, the advantage to the employer is the students reiterated that point. “Internships allow people to gain valuable experience which makes them more find out about the job, what they like and what they hirable. The GreenSeam State of Ag report found dislike,” he said. businesses’ most sought-after aspect in hiring was Weldon had landed a part-time job and an intern- experience (79 percent), while higher education in agriculture was second (47 percent). Internships ship with Pioneer while he was a student at done well can help address that need of students Bethany Lutheran College. He found out he liked gaining experience and filling company positions. the industry, stayed with it, and is now a territory manager with Pioneer — something he never Many regional higher education institutions supthought he would be doing. port this concept by requiring or at least highly encouraging students to complete an internship. For Since 2013, approximately 60 percent of U.S. example, the South Central College Agribusiness undergraduates completed at least one internship, program requires a 528-hour internship — usually while 50 percent of those students completed at in the summer between the students’ first and secleast two. More importantly, the National ond year. SCC typically has 40-50 students each Association of Colleges and Employers found that 70 percent of organizations with internships offered year working across the industry of agriculture and food in a wide array of positions. They learn about full-time positions to their interns; and 80 percent responsibility, working conditions and contributing ended up taking the position. In addition, an interto the industry at a key time with the employers — nal internship increased the one and five-year providing a mutual opportunity to discover the right retention rate of the employee.
Intern in the Alex Frisch Altura, Minn. School: North Dakota State University Major: Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Internship at AGCO, Jackson, Minn.
How did you hear about your internship? Had a classmate that interned here previously. Why did you choose an internship in agriculture? I wanted to get a leg in the door as an engineer at an agriculture machine company. Not knowing where my career will take me, I knew having this type of exposure would greatly benefit me whether I end up taking a job with AGCO or not. What are you learning on the job you didn’t in class? I am learning a lot about how a large company operates. Things like how parts are received from suppliers and checked for quality. Learning what kind of material handling processes work and also ones that don’t. Also learning a lot about dealing with people with very different ways of thinking to solve problems.
fit for talent needs. Minnesota State Mankato finance student Cole Bouche grew up in a large city and had no prior experience in agriculture or rural careers. This past summer he did an internship with the FDIC in southern Minnesota. “Examining financial needs of rural areas taught me more about seasonal nature of agriculture,” he said. “I learned farming communities also rely on the farmers and other ag businesses to stimulate the economy of their town. From an overall financial standpoint, the agriculture business is what keeps smaller areas afloat.” In one of my former businesses, each summer we would hire about 30 interns to help with the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp in Mankato, Minn. Many of the hundreds of applicants saw the opportunity to work for their favorite sports team and hang around the stars. The lucky ones who were offered the position soon found out that was not the case. Yes, they got some interaction with the players, but it was about management of fans, vendors, media, lost kids, storms, and long hot days — not to mention truckloads of garbage! It was not all the glamour they thought it would be. Weldon also commented on the same thing about careers in agriculture, but contrary. He said, “Ag jobs are actually better than what they may seem from the outside.” Organizations need to take note: internships are a great way to show the next generation a prosperous career path in agriculture and food they may have never have thought of before. If you need assistance in starting an internship program, please contact me and I will help connect you to one of the many educational institutions in the region. Creating internship opportunities are definitely worthy of the effort of all of us. Dr. Shane Bowyer is the Director of AgriBusiness and Food Innovation at Minnesota State University, Mankato and on the GreenSeam Talent Committee. You can reach him for comments or talent ideas at shane.bowyer@mnsu.edu v
What surprised you about the internship? I was surprised that despite the company being quite large, it seemed that just about everyone knew each other. In what ways has your employer worked with you to be flexible for your student life and classes? They were very willing to work with me and let me set an end date for the internship before classes started again in the fall. What’s your favorite animal? Cows What’s you favorite food? A big juicy steak. What is you favorite band? George Strait
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PAGE 13
Rain boosts morale in south, Hoseth ‘past frustration’ Mark Wettergren, Blair Hoseth, St. Peter, Minn. FROM THE Mahnomen, Minn. — — Aug. 12 Aug. 13
“It’s dry, we haven’t gotten rain in five weeks.” The Land spoke with Blair Hoseth on Aug. 13 as he reported that unfortunately there’s corn around the area that isn’t going to make it. In his corn fields, the crop pollinated OK. “It’s starting to show some yellowing.” With the ground so dry, the pastures are hurting, producers are looking for other places for their cattle to graze. “People are fencing in swamps.” Hoseth is renting three new pastures for his cattle as the pastures aren’t re-growing this year. Hoseth expects to have one-fourth of a hay crop this year. “The second cutting was almost nonexistent.” There will be no third cutting. “The beans are starting to mature.” Hoseth believes that he’ll be combing soybeans in two to three weeks, which is at least two weeks earlier than usual. The tops of the plants have aborted a bunch of pods. Hoseth expects lighter test weights. In the next two weeks, Hoseth will finish baling wheat straw. Hoseth is past frustration. The crops at one time this growing season looked wonderful, then no rain came. “You’re not going to have that maximum yield potential. It’s not going to be a good crop.” While Hoseth has dealt with dry years before this one is the most severe that he can recall. “It’s way worse than the drought of 1988. It’s the least amount of rain in my lifetime.” v
2006 Freightliner Columbia 120
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Wertish, Olivia, Minn. — Steve Aug. 13 “We got between one and a half inches to three inches last Friday.” The Land spoke with Steve Wertish on Aug. 13 as he reported that it was a nice rain that fell. “It soaked in pretty well.” The sugar beets look fairly good. “For the sugar beets it can be a little drier from here on out.” That helps the sugar level in the plant. The 30-inch rows of soybeans are now filled in. The very tops of the bean plants are flowering nicely. Wertish hasn’t seen any aphids in the beans this year, so no spraying is needed. Wertish is done with sweet corn harvest. “The sweet corn did better than expected.” The navy beans are turning quickly. There’s not a lot of beans in the pods in edible beans in Wertish’s fields. There are three or four beans in a pod compared to the usual six. The corn crop has improved thanks to the rain. “Better, not perfect by any means.” Wertish expects that it will be an early corn harvest this year. “Earlier varieties are starting to dent.” “Harvest in general for us will be over in October.” Rain and hope go a long way. “I’m cautiously optimistic.” v
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“We got nine-tenths over the weekend.” The Land spoke with Mark Wettergren on Aug. 12 as he reported 12 inches of rain has fallen in total on the farm this growing season. “That’s considerably below average.” Some of Wettergren’s corn is tipped back. “The kernels are not going to be very deep, it’s really shallow. I still think we can get a nice crop.” The soybean pod count is good. “We need a shower to fill them out.” Some of Wettergren’s beans are still flowering at the top. Looking at inputs on the farm, Wettergren is seeing increases all over. “I visited with the manager of the co-op; fertilizer prices are skyrocketing.” It’s up to at least 50 percent higher, liquid propane costs are higher as well. Wettergren got a chance to enjoy time at the Nicollet County Fair in St. Peter this past week. “It had a nice crowd.” For Wettergren it was fun to take in the sights and more importantly get a chance to catch up with old friends. “We’re in the dog days of summer.” Wettergren wishes those days would include rain. Looking ahead to harvest, he’s hopeful that crops will yield OK. “As of right now, I’m still optimistic.” v
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THE LAND — AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27, 2021
Blue Earth farmer is 93 years old and a Farmfest veteran By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus MORGAN, Minn. — A special joy of my work is meeting you special folks who help make America special. I met one of these special persons at Farmfest this year. Meet Howard Paschke, 93 years old living in the Blue Earth area and claiming he’s attended every Farmfest since Day 1 — even the ‘mud bowl’ at Lake Crystal when many vehicles needed a pulling assist to depart muddy parking lots that year. What keeps Paschke coming back each year? Get this: Paschke says, “Because I want to keep learning. You’ve got to be inquisitive to keep up with the times … otherwise you get behind pretty fast.” So how does that pertain to younger guys wanting to become farmers? His simple and concise response: “Be honest. My biggest quality is I love the Lord. My grandmother came over from Poland. Her mother had died in childbirth, so my grandma was an only child … was raised by an uncle who was a slave driver. So she had a harsh upbringing. I was the first grandchild and she loved me. I liked to sit in her lap. Rather than chase off to the movie theater like most kids, I went to grandma’s house. She would sing to
Photo by Dick Hagen
Howard Paschke (left) and his grandson Josh Manske
me … and pray with me. So consequently I was welltaught by my grandma to believe in Jesus” Paschke obviously believes in the sanctity of marriage. His marriage produced five girls; but only one married a farmer and they later got divorced. Says Paschke, “So now I’ve got a farm with a set of build-
Farmfest attendance hits three-year high IDEAg Group LLC., producers of Minnesota Farmfest, announced an increase in attendance at Farmfest 2021 over the past three years. The Farmfest show grounds saw more than 28,000 attendees throughout the 2021 event. “Overall, we were so excited to see farmers and the regional rural community as a whole in attendance at Farmfest,” said Melissa Sanders Carroll, Executive Director, Business Operations and Revenue Development for American Farm Bureau
Federation and IDEAg, The Farmfest forums brought crowds to the Wick Buildings’ Farmfest stage. The keynote address from Gov. Tim Walz on Aug. 4 was followed by a panel discussion on the U.S. energy system. All three days of sessions can be viewed on Farmfest.com. Next year’s Farmfest event will take place Aug. 2-4, 2022. v
ings setting empty and I’m not happy about that.” He quietly muttered, “You don’t win them all.” His grandson, Josh Manske, joined us. Manske drives Paschke to Farmfest and a few other locations on Paschke’s agenda. Manske’s father runs a tiling operation at Algona, Iowa (Precision Draining and Excavating Company). He said his dad got quite a bit of tiling late winter/early spring and some summer tiling for organic farmers. Said Manske (who works in farm management services with a southwest Iowa firm), “Yes, farm income likely to be squeezed down some this season. The input costs going into next season could be an issue we’re looking at. Plus we’re always keeping an eye on fertilizer costs.” But now time for more of Paschke’s history: “My dad was the first in our county to have rubber tires on his farm tractor … his WD45 Allis Chalmers in 1932. We were almost 50 years in the implement business when my Dad had to retire and I had to go into the Army. And that’s why I don’t hear so good today … too much cannon firing when overseas.” Paschke readily admits to being bullish on orange paint. “My first tractor I drove was an Allis Chalmers U model when I was 7. So I’ve been in this orange business until now when the AgCo bought the business. Yep, as an old-time observer, this new world today seems a bit cranky and undecided about what to do next. I pay attention to what I see and hear these days so I’m wondering more and more if people are totally confused about what’s going on.” Paschke reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper with this inscription: “Accept what is; Let go of what was; Have Faith in what will be!” “Like my Grandmom told me years ago, keep faith with God and your destiny will be forever.” Good message, Howard Paschke. The good Lord willing, I’d treasure meeting Howard again at 2022 Farmfest when he’s 94. v
Sulfur Fertility for Crop Production
Agronomic insights and innovations for forward-thinking farming.
S ulf ur is an esse ntial n utrie nt in cro p
deposition have made sulfur deficiencies
Plants deficient in sulfur will exhibit yellowing
supply readily available forms of sulfur to
or
prod uction, of ten ran ked b eh in d on ly
more common.
or interveinal chlorosis. Sulfur is not easily
the plant include ammonium thiosulfate
pioneer.com/agronomy.
translocated in plants, so symptoms will
(ATS), ammonium sulfate (AMS), potassium
appear first and be most pronounced on the
thiosulfate (KTS) and Gypsum.
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in terms of quantity taken up. Sulfur as part of a fertility program has become standard
In well-drained agricultural soils, organic sulfur typically accounts for more than 95% of the total sulfur, although this ratio
practice for many growers throughout
can vary greatly depending on soil type.
Minnesota. Historically, soil organic matter,
Organic sulfur is converted to inorganic
m a n u re a p p l i c a ti o n s , a n d e s p e c i a l l y
sulfate through mineralization, making it
younger, upper leaves. Soil testing for sulfur is only recommended on sandy soils due to the mobile nature of the nutrient. Soil tests should
B oth co rn a n d soy b e a n s h a ve s h own
visit
Pioneer®
agronomy
at
Sign up to receive the latest agronomy updates for your geography from Pioneer at pioneer.com/signup.
responsiveness to sulfur fertilizers, especially
include a topsoil sample as well as a subsoil
o n c o a rs e tex t u re d s o i l s . A s g rowe rs
sample to a depth of at least two feet.
continue to strive for higher yields, sulfur
atmospheric deposition have supplied
available for plant uptake. Mineralization is
s u f f i c i e nt s u l f u r fo r c ro p p ro d u c ti o n .
the primary source of plant-available sulfur
Several sulfur sources can be utilized to
However, increases in sulfur removal due to
in non-fertilized soils. Soil organic matter
supply the needs of the crop, which can vary
increased yields coupled with environmental
content greatly affects the amount of sulfur
depending on method of application and
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n ta c t y o u r
regulations that reduce the amount of sulfur
available to the crop through mineralization.
timing. Popular commercial sources that
l o ca l Pio n e e r sa l es re p rese ntative
fertility will continue to move front-andcenter as part of an overall program.
NICK SCHIMEK Field Agronomist Alexandria, MN
PIONEER brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. TM ® SM Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2021 Corteva. 5525 ®
agronomy
THE LAND — AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27, 2021
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PAGE 15
Is the current Farm Bill ‘as good as it’s going to get’? By KRISTIN KVENO The Land Staff Writer MORGAN, Minn. — The “Designing the Ideal Farm Bill in a Changing World” forum at Farmfest offered a glimpse at what the panelists wanted the next Farm Bill to look like. With the current Farm Bill expiring in 2023, it’s once again time to examine what works in this Farm Bill and what can be changed to fit the current agricultural landscape better. The panel of ag industry people also had the chance to speak about a variety of issues affecting the producers and constituents they represent. Former Minnesota congressman and one-time chairman of the house agriculture committee, Collin Peterson, acknowledges that while the current Farm Bill isn’t perfect, it’s not too bad. “I think that Farm Bill is as good as it’s going to get.” Peterson hopes that legislatures hang on to the current Farm Bill. He’s concerned about four more years of disaster payments and the government spending. “We have to contribute to some of this.” Not being in congress anymore, Peterson sees gaps of where the Democrats aren’t representing agricultural areas. “There’s almost no Democrats left in farm districts.” That concerns him as that makes it more
difficult for representatives on both sides to agree to comprehensive ag policies. The ag committees are now filled with 25 percent of new members. Peterson believes that those in agriculture will have to spend more time and money educating politicians on the real world. “I’m going to do what I can to remain engaged,” Peterson said. He admits that new people may bring in fresh ideas, which isn’t a bad thing. “Sometimes new people will bring new perspectives.” He feels that overall, the country is divided. “I don’t know how we’ll come together.” For incoming president of the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, Don Schiefelbein, the current Farm Bill could use a little help. “There’s some tweaking that need to be done.” There’s frustration on the beef side when it comes to prices. “Demand for beef is at a record level.” Unfortunately, packers are buying low, selling high. Kevin Paap, president of the Minnesota Farm Burea,u looks at the Farm Bill as multi-faceted. “I think we’ve got to think of the four-corner posts.” Those four are the keeping the food supply safe, nutrition assistance, protecting natural resources and the support of risk management tools/crop protection. “You can’t do one-size-fitsall in a Farm Bill.”
Gary Wertish, Minnesota Farmers Union president, believes that the Farm Bill provides a safety net for producers. Examining climate change, Wertish feels that producers are integral in making a positive difference. “We think farmers can be part of the solution.” Looking to the future, Wertish is concerned how challenging it can be to begin farming. “If you’re not from a family already established, it’s hard to get in. It’s a stressful like to.” Tom Haag, vice president of the National Corn Growers Association, believes crop insurance is instrumental to farmers today. “Thank goodness we have the safety net of crop insurance.” Haag believes there are politicians in Washington D.C. who would like to get rid of it as they think it’s a handout. Haag explained that it’s not. Farmers pay into it — as does the government. Lucas Sjostrom, executive director of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association, pointed out the Dairy Margin Coverage program was dairy producers’ second crack at dairy insurance — especially for small farms — as well as Dairy Revenue Protection. “Dairy farmers in the past six, seven years went from basically having no risk-management tools at the federal level to now having two.”
According to Sjostrom, about 85 percent of Minnesota dairy producers signed up for Dairy Margin Coverage and then a significant percent signed up for Dairy Revenue Protection, which is the crop insurance product. “Between those two, Minnesota dairy farmers will come out the pandemic, at least those who signed up, better than others. It’s hard to poke holes and see where major changes are needed in those two programs at this point.” Sjostrom believes the dairy industry is on the forefront of being strong stewards. “We pledge for cleaner water; we pledge for bio-diversity.” The goal is to be net-zero industry by 2050. “We’ve been talking about sustainability since we were vilified in the early 2000s.” For Murdock, Minn. farm operator, Mike Yost, he understands that mandates, quotas and subsidies can be gone with a stroke of a pen. “The best farm policy is market driven.” When it comes to what the next Farm Bill will look like, there seems to be varying opinions on what needs to be left in and what needs to be added. What is known though, is that more focus on agriculture is needed to address the concerns of producers — especially during challenging times — like this growing season is turning out to be for many Minnesota farmers. v
Things to consider with drought-stressed corn silage Looking at the dryland acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa, you can see the effects of drought. From field visits and phone calls, the primary concern at this moment is on corn silage. Here are some tips on harvesting drought-stressed corn silage. Test the moisture level of the corn silage field in question. Silage moisture is an important factor in the ensiling process; and using a rule of thumb method when dealing with drought-damaged corn is not a great idea. Even if the corn looks fired up and dry, it may still contain over 70 percent moisture. By properly testing your corn silage for moisture you can allow the plant to continue growing and maximize yields, while still harvesting at the proper time. When testing for moisture it is important to get a representative sample from the field. You can use a koster tester or microwave to get the exact moisture level of the corn. You will want to do this often because once it becomes too dry, silage will not pack well — which increases the potential for air pockets and mold. While you can add moisture to dry corn silage, it may take a large amount to bring it back to a level
which allows for ensiling. Keep in mind it takes seven gallons of water per ton of silage to raise the moisture level one point. The recommended moisture levels for the different storage options of corn silage are 55-60 percent for upright oxygen-limiting silos; 60-65 percent for upright stave silos; 60-70 percent for bags; and 65-70 percent for bunkers. Another concern for harvesting drought-stressed corn silage is the level of nitrates in the corn silage. In drought conditions, nitrates accumulate in the lower one-third of the stalk. While you can raise the cutting deck to a height of 10-12 inches to avoid that accumulation, yields will drop. The entire plant nitrate concentration should factor into the decision of cutting height. Harvest should also be delayed following a rainfall event as a flush of nitrates will enter the plant — temporarily increasing nitrate concerns. The end goal should be to ensile it. If ensiled properly, you should lose anywhere from one-third to one-half of the nitrates as a gas. However, testing the feed after being ensiled is a good idea so you know what you are dealing with.
Green chopping drought-stressed corn is not recommended as nitrates will be higher in that material. Chopping length also plays a role in the ensiling process. The theoretical length of cut for processed corn silage is three-quarters of an inch; and if not processed, the length should be a quarter to half an inch. If harvesting corn silage which is drier than recommended, decreasing the cutting size may help with packing. Using a proven inoculant may also increase the chances of successful ensiling. With reduced yields, margin of error is smaller this year than most — we want to get as much out of each acre as we can. Finally, on the safety front, remember to be cautious around silage gas. It is very toxic to people and animals. Follow the pre-harvest interval for grazing restrictions listed for any pesticides used on the field. If you have questions on the above information, email Nathan Drewitz at ndrewitz@umn.edu, or call (608) 515-4414. This article was submitted by Emily Popp, University of Minnesota Extension. v
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THE LAND — AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27, 2021
Carbon sequestration rewards still in ‘wait and see’ stages By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus MORGAN, Minn. — Get this … Global Thermostat, a California outfit, has developed a technology which pulls carbon dioxide out of the air using chemical compounds known as amines. The process works like a vacuum with fans pulling in CO2 molecules and these amines then filtering those molecules so collected carbon dioxide can either be stored or reused! Studies also demonstrate biological, soil-based practices with great potential to sequester carbon. However, other studies suggest no-till has significant environmental benefits; but may not sequester more carbon than conventional tillage. Who wins? Time will tell perhaps, but check these comments by panel members at recent Farmfest Forum titled “Agriculture’s Role in Carbon Sequestration.” Brian Ryberg, Renville County, Minn. farmer: A 2021 National Conservation Legacy Award winner, he said, “We have a cash crop operation … corn, soybeans and sugar beets. We’re into our seventh year of strip tillage. At this stage we’re watching intently, but still on the sidelines. “We’ve explored some of these programs, yet it’s tough to see improvements. You have to look at the whole benefit package before taking the plunge. My strip till equipment (Soil Warrior) cost $400,000. You need acres to justify. Sure, lots less machinery needed and less total labor per acre, but you have to believe in what you are doing. If you don’t buy into the better soil health debate, this carbon sequestration ballgame isn’t likely to work for you.” John Reed, beef producer, Brooten, Minn.: “We farm in the Boonanza Valley area of west-central Minnesota … sandy soils, so lots of irrigation out here. As a cattle man, I perhaps look at the outside of this carbon sequestration issue. Ken Thiesse, the Farmfest forum guy, heard me talking about on a radio interview and called asking if I would share my comments at this forum. So bear with me. I’ll do my best. “I’m a grass-land farmer. We use cattle to harvest our grass. I just recently learned that we cattlemen are sequestering 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of carbon per acre in our grass lands … which
suggests maybe we’re doing more to prevent earth’s warming than anyone. So is now the time to be cashing in on this carbon credit program being dis-
cussed? I don’t know, but I do like policies driven by science, not science driven by policies. Our purpose is to provide the food, feed and fuel for the
Nitrogen will play a key role in carbon sequestration efforts By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus MORGAN, Minn. — Aren’t carbon credits all about the farmer and his/ her fields? Not necessarily. Lots of hoopla regarding farmers reaping significant benefits; but these architects seem to be dismissing a key player in the carbon markets debate. That player is none other than ag retail! Those who play this ‘carbon credit game’ will learn if you don’t have all the cards (data), you aren’t going to win — or even have a seat at the table. At the Aug. 3 Farmfest forum on this topic, Steve Commerford of Commerford Agronomics in New Ulm, Minn. commented, “In order to be paid real money for a carbon credit, that credit needs proof that certain activities took place within a field. So digital records verifying application of fertilizer are a must. And data on nitrogen fertilizer applications are key.” Commerford noted drainage is a big issue. “Nitrogen fertilizer applications are being used as one of the models in these greenhouse gas emissions which is perhaps an unfair attack on nitrogen fertilizers,” he said. “You cannot sequester carbon without sequestering nitrogen. You’ve heard reference of paying $20 for 2,000 pounds of organic carbon sequestered. In order to accomplish that, you would have needed to sequester 200 pounds of nitrogen! It can’t be done because that’s a property of the soil. There’s a carbon/ nitrogen ratio in the soils. And that’s a fundamental soil principal.” He said those 200 pounds of nitrogen have to be over and above what is removed by the grain. “So if you’re taking off 150 pounds of nitrogen in the grain and you’re putting on 150 pounds in the fertilizer, the net is zero! There’s no sequestration occurring. So yields need to be high enough to sup-
ply what is needed by the vegetative portion of the crop leaving ‘leftover’ nitrogen after the crop is removed. And that occurs regardless of what crop you have out there … be that corn and soybeans or forage crops. So the only way you can sequester carbon is through nitrogen applications. Yet when you limit nitrogen applications, you’re actually going backwards,” summed up Commmerfield. The argument could be made that Commerford is paddling his own canoe, so to speak; but this issue of building carbon credits into your farm’s financial future certainly depends on the science he and other soil scientists bring to the table. He noted, “Nitrous oxide emissions have little — if anything — to do with commercial fertilizer applications. They are driven almost exclusively by issues of drainage.” He referenced an ongoing study by University of Minnesota soils scientist Fabian Fernandes at a Wells, Minn. location (funded by Minnesota Soybean Growers) which does replications on drained and undrained soils. Citing these four plots of drained and undrained plots (tile was plugged under the undrained plots), in the four undrained sites there was dramatic increase in nitrous oxide emissions. And that’s why balancing amount and timing of nitrogen application to actual soil types and crop nutrient removal is a vital metric when considering a carbon credit’s validity and value. Yes, nitrous oxide is a concern because nitrous oxide release happens if/when all applied nitrogen is not used by the growing crop. Nitrous oxide is estimated to be nearly 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide itself. So it is a big deal! And that is why ag retail will be watched like a hawk when it comes to matching up carbon credits. v
world. And that means highly-productive farms — whether you are a crop producer or a cattlemen. When you reach that level of productive efficiency, then you are sequestering carbon.” Thom Petersen, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner: “I’ve been involved in public policy for several years and this sequestration topic surfaces often. Seeing how the farmer best fits into these policy discussions is what’s important. It’s apparent several organizations such as Land O’Lakes, conservation districts and individual farmers willing and wanting to work together are needed to spearhead this potential financial reality.” Steve Commerford, Commerford Agronomics, New Ulm, Minn.: “To get carbon into soils some fundamental sciences are needed. To start, it’s a slow process. Even though organic content of your soils is vital, so too is tillage, drainage and water-holding capacities of your soil. The key point: there are fundamental relationships between soil carbon and fertilizer nutrients which can sequester carbon. At University of Minnesota Research (Wells, Minn.) we’ve found we can stabilize organic content of our soils and even start growing carbon content levels with proper drainage.” Jason Weller, Vice President of Truterra with Land O’Lakes: “This needs to be science-driven with farmers having a major voice. At this stage, it seems like the ‘wild west’ … all sorts of claims by all sorts of people. So let’s use current talk of $15 to $20 per ton of sequestered carbon and your soil’s ability to sequester a half to one ton per acre … you’re talking $8 to $15 per acre. Our approach is not to pay for the practice, but to pay for the outcome. “We’re not asking you to reduce your yields or increase your ROI per acre. We see carbon as an additional crop to market. We want you to maximize your yields … and now carbon comes along as a new ‘cash crop.’ Food processors, marketing, transportation, even the restaurant and fast-food chains people are talking about how to de-carbonize their supply chains. We believe you producers might also be sitting on potential new revenue opportunities.” Kris Johnson, interim ag director, See CARBON, pg. 20
THE LAND — AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27, 2021
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 17
‘Cowbot’ provides a glimpse of future automation in ag By KRISTIN KVENO The Land Staff Writer MORGAN, Minn. — The future of mowing was on display at Farmfest. The folks from the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, along with the Toro Company, developed and tested the autonomous mower known as the “Cowbot.” The team demonstrated the mower’s capabilities twice a day, each day of Farmfest. Before the demonstration began, Eric Buchanan, renewable energy scientist at WCROC, explained safety checks which are done before engaging the mower. “We check to make sure the bumper is still working and all the automatic stops,” Buchanan said. Before the Cowbot can start its job, it still takes some manpower to get the perimeter set up. The perimeter has to be mowed manually first. This sets up the coordinates for the Photo by Paul Malchow Cowbot to do its job. What the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center is learning from its The thought behind developing this autonomous mower will help in developing other robotic duties such as crop spraying and fertilizer application. mower is that it would be ideal in situations where there’s thistle left behind after the cows go through the pasture. Setting the mower in
action and allowing it to do that work of cutting the thistle down. The mower fitted with autonomous abilities is a Toro Groundsmaster 3280-D. This electric mower can mow for three hours on a single charge. Charging the mower was done through a solar-powered charging station at the demonstration site. In addition to developing the Cowbot, Buchanan explained to the crowd that they’re working on developing a robot which is able to go into a corn field, find weeds and kill them. The advancements in autonomous machinery within the ag sector continues with great vigor. While there are some tweaks that still need to be done on the Cowbot, the enthusiasm for what autonomous machinery can do on the farm was evident with the crowd that gathered to watch the demonstration. As technology evolves, so does the opportunity to make autonomous farm implements part of the future of production agriculture. v
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PAGE 18
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MARKETING
Grain Outlook WASDE corn rally was short-lived The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Aug. 20. CORN — Well, the bullish enthusiasm from the Aug. 12 World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report was short-lived. Within a week we are lower than the day before the report — when December corn closed at $5.59.25 per bushel. The high on the day of the report was $5.94.25 per bushel. December corn closed lower in five out of six trading sessions from Aug. 13 through Aug. 20. U.S. corn conditions for the week ended Aug. 15 fell 2 percent to 62 percent good/excellent, a bigger decline than had been expected and compared to 71 PHYLLIS NYSTROM percent good/excellent last year. CHS Hedging Inc. The Pro Farmer crop tour was St. Paul conducted during the week which confirmed the good crop in the eastern Corn Belt and variable yields in the western belt. A big risk-off day came late in the week after the Federal Reserve seemed to signal they may ease their stimulus measures before the end of the year and increasing cases of Covid around the world led to caution about economic growth. The tour found Illinois corn yield at 196.3 bushels per acre vs. 189.4 bu./acre on last year’s tour and the tour average of 184.4 bu./acre. Iowa’s corn yield was estimated at 190.8 bu./acre vs. 177.8 bu./acre last year on the tour and the three-year tour average of 183 bu./acre. Minnesota’s corn yield came in at 177.4 bu./acre vs. 195.1 bu./acre last year and the tour’s three-year average of 181.4 bu./acre. Nebraska’s corn yield was pegged at 182.6 bu./acre vs. 175.2 bu./acre last year and 175.6 bu./acre average. Indiana’s corn yield was estimated at 193.5 bu./acre vs. 179.8 last year and 174.5 bu./acre average. Last year, the tour’s overall U.S. corn yield was 5.5 bu./acre over the final U.S. Department of Agriculture yield. On average, the tour’s U.S. corn yield runs 6 bu./acre above the USDA’s final yield. In their final report, they estimated this year’s U.S. corn yield at 177 bu./acre with a crop at 15.116 billion bushels. The August USDA report used 174.6 bu./acre for a crop of 14.75 billion bushels. The tour’s organizers used harvested corn acres 910,000 acres higher than the USDA. Weekly export sales were above expectations for old crop at 8.5 million bushels, bringing total commit-
Cash Grain Markets
corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $6.05 -.06 $13.02 -.25 Madison $6.03 -.04 $12.94 -.03 Redwood Falls $6.04 -.05 $12.92 -.45 Fergus Falls $5.75 -.34 $12.92 -.05 Morris $5.74 -.55 $13.01 -.06 Tracy $5.96 -.32 $12.86 -.24 Average:
$5.93
$12.95
Year Ago Average: $2.93 $8.47 Grain prices are effective cash close on Aug. 24. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.
ments to 2.768 billion bushels. The USDA’s target is 2.775 billion bushels so we should make the projection. New crop sales at 20.1 million bushels were within estimates and brings total commitments to 732.2 million bushels vs. 480.4 million on the books last year on this date. Over half of the new crop sales are destined to China. The latest USDA 2021-22 export forecast is 2.4 billion bushels, down 375 million year-on-year. China’s corn imports year to date are 18.2 million metric tons, up 298 percent from last year. Weekly ethanol production fell for a sixth straight week to 973,000 barrels per day, down 13,000 bpd. Ethanol stocks fell for a third week, down 718,000 barrels to 21.56 million barrels. Margins improved a nickel to 33 cents per gallon. Gasoline demand was lower at 9.33 million bpd from 9.43 million bpd. This is down 3 percent from pre-Covid 2019 levels. Outlook: Time is winding down for corn yields to benefit from rainfall with some in the East wanting drier conditions to push them toward harvest — even though 73 percent of U.S. corn production areas were said to be in some level of drought. Minnesota indicates 42 percent of the state in extreme drought, up from 35 percent the previous week. The week was quiet until a risk-off session was ignited by crude oil prices falling to their lowest price since May and the U.S. dollar soaring to its highest since November. Ideas that the Federal Reserve may cut back on its stimulus program earlier than expected and increasing cases of Covid slowing economic growth were cited as factors in the risk-off action. This pushed December corn back to prices below the day before the bullish Aug. 12 WASDE report. Seasonally, December corn gains on the March from early September to early October (narrower carry). For the week, September corn fell 29.5 cents to $5.38.75, December plunged 36 cents to $5.37, and December 2022 retreated 17.75 cents to $4.99 per bushel. We’ll see how the next few weeks’ weather pans out, but for now, we’re returned to the $5.25 to $5.65 trading range, but don’t rule out a test of $5.00
per bushel. SOYBEANS — November soybeans suffered the same pattern as seen in December corn despite an 11-day streak of new daily soybean export sales announcements to either China or unknown. From Aug. 16 through Aug. 20 the USDA announced new crop soybean sales of 36.9 million bushels to either China or unknown. Rain in the driest areas of the northern Plains was viewed as helping limit losses and in some cases could add bushels. U.S. soybean crop conditions fell 3 percent in the week ended Aug. 15 to 57 percent good/ excellent, a larger drop than had been expected, and compared to 72 percent last year for this week. Outside macro markets lent a bearish tone to commodities with ideas the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates earlier than expected that sent the U.S. dollar to its highest level since November. Energy prices slumped as Covid cases rose worldwide. And to add fuel to the fire, an Aug. 20 news article reported the Environmental Protection Agency was going to recommend to the White House to cut U.S. biofuel blending mandate below 2020 levels for the next two years! Under the Renewable Fuels Standard, oil refiners must blend biofuels into the fuel mix to buy Renewable Identification Numbers. None of this helps demand for biofuels. Weekly export sales were large as expected with old crop sales of 2.5 million bushels and new crop sales at 78.7 million bushels for the week that ended Aug. 12. Old crop commitments are 2.281 billion bushels, surpassing the USDA forecast of 2.26 billion bushels. New crop commitments soared to 509.4 million bushels vs. 755 million bushels last year by this date. The USDA’s 2021-22 export estimate in August was 2.055 billion bushels, down 205 million bushels year/year. China imported 8.7 mmt of soybeans in July with 7.9 mmt coming from Brazil and just 42,300 metric tons from the United States. The Pro Farmer crop tour doesn’t measure soybean yield but counts pods. The tour estimated above average pod counts in Illinois and Iowa, and below average in South Dakota and Minnesota. In their final analysis, they put U.S. soybean yield at 51.2 bu./acre with production at 4.436 billion bushels. The August USDA report used 50 bu./acre with the crop at 4.339 billion bushels. The National Oilseed Processors Association crush was a disappointment with only 155.1 million bushels soybeans crushed in July. The trade was expecting 159 million bushels crushed. This was the smallest July crush since 2017. Soyoil stocks were higher than anticipated at 1.6 billion pounds compared to 1.5 billion estimated. In addition to U.S. finishing weather, attention in the next couple of months will also look south to dryness in Argentina and Brazil. Both countries are dry with chances for La Niña to last until the end of the See NYSTROM, pg. 19
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.
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PAGE 19
Covid is once again impacting dairy product demand This column was written for the maroutput per cow was down 15 pounds. keting week ending Aug. 20. Michigan was up 4.3 percent on 17,000 more cows and a 10-pound gain per cow. U.S. milk output was somewhat held in Minnesota was up 4.2 percent on 17,000 check in July by heat, humidity and more cows and five pounds more per cow. drought — especially in the west. The New Mexico was down 2.3 percent on a U.S. Department of Agriculture’s prelimi15-pound loss per cow and 5,000 fewer nary data pegs July output at 19.14 bilcows. lion pounds. This is up 1 percent from June, and just 2 percent above July 2020; New York was up 2.8 percent, thanks to MIELKE MARKET though it is the 14th consecutive month a 45-pound gain per cow and 4,000 more WEEKLY to top year ago output. The 24-state total cows. Oregon was up 0.9 percent on 2,000 hit 18.3 billion pounds, up 2.1 percent. more cows; but output per cow was down By Lee Mielke 10 pounds. Pennsylvania was down Revisions lowered June’s 50-state 1.2 percent on a loss of 7,000 cows estimate by 1 million pounds from and a five-pound drop per cow. last month’s report to 19.95 billion pounds, up 2.9 percent from 2020. South Dakota unmistakably had The report wasn’t expected to excite traders either the biggest gain, up 17 percent, on 21,000 more way. cows and a 25-pound increase per cow. Texas had the next biggest gain, up 7.2 percent, driven by Interestingly, July cow numbers totaled 9.50 million head, down 3,000 from June, the second month 35,000 more cows and a 25-pound gain per cow. in a row they fell from the previous month; but were Vermont was up 1.4 percent on a 55-pound gain 128,000 above a year ago. June cow numbers were per cow; but cow numbers were down 2,000. revised down 5,000 head. Washington State had the biggest decline of the six July output per cow averaged 2,015 pounds, up 14 states showing a loss, down 6.7 percent, as soaring temperatures put stress on cows and farmers alike. pounds or 0.7 percent from 2020. Output per cow was down 85 pounds and cow numCalifornia cows put 0.7 percent less milk in the bers were down 8,000 head. tank in July as hot weather dropped output per cow Dairy cow culling remained strong in July and by 15 pounds. Cow numbers mirrored those a year again topped that of a year ago as margins remain ago. Wisconsin was up 4.6 percent on a 60-pound tight. The latest Livestock Slaughter report shows gain per cow and 21,000 more cows. an estimated 247,900 head were sent to slaughter Idaho was up 0.8 percent on 9,000 more cows; but under federal inspection, up 10,400 from June and
MARKETING
Bad biofuel news sinks soybeans NYSTROM, from pg. 18 year which would limit moisture. Argentina is battling lower river levels which are cutting loading levels by at least 25 percent. The Parana River is at its lowest in 77 years and the Argentine government has a 180-day water emergency in place. Brazil will begin soybean planting in about a month with Argentina following in October. Safras & Mercado estimates Brazil will produce 147.4 mmt of soybeans in 2022 compared to the USDA estimate of 144 mmt. The Rosario Grain Exchange expects Argentina’s 2021-22 soybean acres at 16.4 million hectares to be the lowest since 2006. Their Argentine 2021-22 soybean production is estimated at 49 mmt vs. USDA’s latest 52 mmt projection. Outlook: Soybeans eased higher on continued daily export sales announcements until the big riskoff day late in the week that was sparked by bearish macro action, i.e., weak energies and strong dollar, plus a better outlook for rain. The report of the lower recommendation for biofuel blending was the final touch to a weekly key reversal lower in November soybeans. Crude oil posted its longest losing streak since 2019 with seven consecutive lower closes as of
Aug. 20. November soybeans closed 74.25 cents lower for the week at $12.90.75 per bushel, its first close below $13.00 since late June. The January contract dropped 73.5 cents to $12.95.75 and November 2022 soybeans were down 30.25 cents at $12.26.5 per bushel. How the weather pattern affects the final touches on the soybean crop in the East vs. West yield fight is an unknown as we head into the end of the month. There are many years when we don’t have much confidence in soybean yield estimates until the combine rolls. For the now, a soybean yield of around 50 bu./ acre seems to be the minimum for many traders. Seasonally, November soybeans usually erode vs. the January contract through late September, i.e., more of a carry. We broke technical support this week and we’ll need something bullish for all to recover. Nystrom’s notes: Contract changes for the week as of the close on Aug. 20 (September contracts): Chicago wheat slumped 48 cents to $7.14.25, Kansas City fell 40.25 cents to $7.02, and Minneapolis lost 25.75 cents to $9.18.5 per bushel. v
14,200 or 6.1 percent above July 2020. Culling in the first seven month of 2021 totaled 1.81 million, down 14,900 or 0.8 percent from the same period a year ago. In the week ending Aug. 7, 59,500 dairy cows were sent to slaughter, up 1,000 from the previous week, and 6,600 or 12.5 percent above that week a year ago. n The USDA announced details of the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program to help dairy producers. USDA will provide $350 million in payments to farmers who received a lower value for their products due to market abnormalities caused by the pandemic. The assistance is part of a larger package including improvements to the Dairy Margin Coverage safety net which will update the feed cost formula to better reflect actual costs for high quality alfalfa. The change will be retroactive to January 2020 and is expected to provide additional retroactive payments of about $100 million for 2020 and 2021. PMVA payments will reimburse qualified farmers for 80 percent of the revenue difference per month based on an annual production of up to 5 million pounds of milk marketed and on sales from July through December 2020. The payment rate will vary by region based on the actual losses on pooled milk related to price volatility and be made through independent handlers and cooperatives. Speaking in the Aug. 23 “Dairy Radio Now” program, HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess said while details have not been finalized, the program was clearly designed to focus on smaller dairies. He said he doesn’t see it significantly impacting markets; but will likely boost milk output the rest of 2021 and into 2022. The Biden Administration also announced a reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan used to calculate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The average SNAP benefit, excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief, will increase 25 percent for Fiscal Year 2022 beginning Oct. 1. The Aug. 17 Daily Dairy Report says the increase in benefits could mean an additional $2 billion in dairy products purchased with SNAP funds. The increase provides each of the 42 million recipients an additional $1.19 per day. Dairy producers can surely use the help. Dairy margins were unchanged in the first half of August as increases in both milk prices and feed costs were largely offsetting since the end of July, according to the latest Margin Watch from Chicago-based Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC. Strength in cash cheese prices were supportive of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Class III futures which bounced about $1.50 per cwt. from recent lows, the See MIELKE, pg. 20
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Global Dairy Trade auction shows improvement, barely MIELKE, from pg. 19
cent after it rose 1.5 percent last time. Whole milk powder was down 1.5 percent after dropping 3.8 Margin Watch stated. percent last time. The Margin Watch cautioned, however, “The overStoneX Dairy Group says the GDT 80 percent butall tone of the market remains bearish with spot terfat butter price equates to $2.1111 per pound futures still down around $2.50 from their May U.S., up 8 cents, after advancing 7.5 cents last time, highs. Milk production remains strong for this time and compares to CME butter which closed Aug. 20 of the year. Demand uncertainty lingers from the at a huge bargain $1.6625. GDT cheddar, at 1.8990, advancing Delta variant of Covid-19 and indications was up 5.4 cents, and compares to Aug. 20’s CME from Open Table that U.S. restaurants are no longer block cheddar at $1.6925. GDT skim milk powder showing growth in demand, with some significant averaged $1.3845 per pound, up from $1.37. slowing evident in states more heavily impacted by Whole milk powder averaged $1.6112 per pound, the current Covid-19 surge. Mobility data similarly down from $1.6322. CME Grade A nonfat dry milk suggests a modest slowdown in travel.” closed Aug. 20 at $1.25 per pound. n StoneX’s Dustin Winston says, “North Asia (which The August World Agricultural Supply and includes China) purchases were in line with their Demand Estimates lowered its milk production esti- market share last event but below year ago levels. mate 100 million pounds from July, the Margin The smaller purchasing regions: Africa, South/ Watch said, “But the bigger surprise was on the feed Central America, and North America, were the only side where USDA cut the corn yield projection by regions to increase their market share from both 4.9 bushels from July to 174.6 bushels per acre, last event and year-ago levels.” China is buying lots down 2 million from the average industry estimate. of product outside of the GDT as well. The soybean yield was similarly trimmed to 50 Looking ahead, HighGround Dairy points out, bushels per acre from 50.8 and was below the aver“Despite a solid milk production season in 2020-21 age pre-report estimate of 50.3 bushels. Both corn and a flat outlook for this year, Fonterra’s 12-month and soybean meal pushed higher following the offer volumes are now the lowest in a little more report, and high feed costs continue to raise breakthan three years (May 2018).” even prices for most dairy operations which now generally need at least $18.00 per cwt. to cover all n costs.” Following double digit gains the previous week, Checking demand, June cheese disappearance was the CME cheddar blocks saw daily loses the third up 3.8 percent from May, unchanged from June week of August while the barrels moved higher tem2020, and up 5.1 percent year-to-date, according to porarily narrowing the spread, and then fell back. the USDA’s latest data. Total disappearance was The blocks closed Aug. 20 at $1.6925 per pound, driven by stronger American-style cheese demand, down 12 cents on the week but 4.25 cents above a says HighGround Dairy, but negatively impacted by year ago. weaker non-American usage. Butter was also up 3.8 percent from May, but down 3.5 percent from a year ago, and the third consecutive month disappearance was below a year ago. CARBON, from pg. 15 HighGround Dairy says robust demand in first quarter kept year-to-date disappearance (up 2 perThe Nature Conservancy: “We can start by managing cent) higher in the first half of 2021. our agricultural and forest systems better to help clear the world atmosphere. But if we can set up Nonfat dry milk domestic disappearance was up 6.4 percent from May, but down 20.7 percent from a incentives so farmers can be rewarded, then perhaps suddenly agriculture becomes a huge part of this year ago, and up 0.3 percent year-to-date. solution. HighGround Dairy says it was the weakest June domestic disappearance on record. “The second thing: Farmers who’ve adopted these conservation practices are also seeing soil health n improvements which can increase water-holding Looking globally, the Aug. 17 Global Dairy Trade capacities of their soils. And that’s a buffer against auction ended eight consecutive declines but not by yield losses in times of drought. And with heavy much. The weighted average inched up 0.3 percent rains, less muddy water into drainage ditches, rivers following the 1 percent drop Aug. 3; 2.9 percent drop and lakes too. In essence, that’s a win/win situation on July 20; and 3.6 percent on July 6. producing benefits beyond any direct carbon payButter led the gains, up 4 percent, following a 3.8 ments.” percent rise in the last event. Anhydrous milkfat Tim Palmer, Iowa farmer and immediate pastwas up 1.5 percent following a 1.3 percent gain. president, National Association of Conservation Cheddar was up 2.8 percent after inching 0.7 perDIstricts: ”Mother Nature built inches, feet and tons cent higher, and skim milk powder was up 1.1 perof carbon into the organic matter of our soils hun-
The barrels climbed to $1.5125 per pound on Aug. 18 (the highest since July 14), but saw their Aug. 20 finish at $1.4775. This is still up 2.75 cents on the week, 14.75 cents above a year ago, and 21.5 cents below the blocks. Six cars of block exchanged hands on the week at the CME and 21 of barrel. The 640 block packaging issues continue to be a threat, according to StoneX. Talk at the recent Idaho Milk Processors Association conference was that production of the boxes could catch up by midSeptember. Cheese makers dealing with the issue either dump the milk or move it into barrel production. Meanwhile, Midwestern cheesemakers report strong sales, according to Dairy Market News. Plant managers reported turning down new orders because they can’t keep up. Nonfat dry milk is increasingly being used to fortify, as milk supplies are tight. Production schedules were steadily busy and market tones were still in flux as the block barrel spread remains well above the norm. Retail and food service cheese demand remains steady in the West. Concern is growing over the surge in Covid and its impact on demand. Global demand also remains strong however loads intended for overseas continue to face delays due to port congestion. Cheese markets are mixed. Milk supplies are sufficient to keep vats busy despite the seasonal decline in milk but some plants are running under capacity due to labor shortages, says Dairy Market News. Spot butter closed Aug. 20 at $1.6625 per pound, down three-quarter cents on the week, but 14.75 cents above a year ago. There were 32 sales reportSee MIELKE, pg. 21
Technology does nature’s work
dreds of years before we got here. Now technology enables us producers to do what nature did to our soils years before we started changing our farming lands with the moldboard plow. “Now with these wisdoms and technologies, can we collectively work together to make this carbon sequestration doable and start making positive changes in the climates of this wonderful earth? Yes, we can and I think we will!” Forum moderator Jerry Groskruetz, KDHL Farm Director: “It seems to me farmers have been sequestering carbon for decades. In my grandfather’s era, his clean fields after harvest was the indicator. Now changes such as no-till crop production, sequential planting of seeds, insecticides, even fertilizers … all by equipment being electronically guided. I’m hoping farmers will be rewarded for what they already have done and the rest of society will start recognizing the incredible ability of farmers in preserving this amazing production of food, fiber and fuel.” v
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PAGE 21
Spot milk supply tightened considerably for school bottling MIELKE, from pg. 20 ed on the week. Grade A nonfat dry milk closed at $1.25 per pound, down 2 cents on the week but 25.25 cents above a year ago, with seven cars finding new homes on the week. CME dry whey finished 1.25 cents higher, closing Aug. 20 at 53 cents per pound, 19.5 cents above a year ago, with two sales reported on the week at the CME. The September Federal order Class I base milk price was announced at $16.59 per hundredweight, down 31 cents from August, $1.85 below September 2020, and the lowest Class I since April. It equates to $1.43 per gallon, down 2 cents from August, and compares to $1.59 per gallon a year ago. The nine month Class I average is $16.41, down from $16.65 a year ago and $16.51 in 2019. n Speaking of Class I; June sales of packaged fluid products fell to 3.4 billion pounds, down 6.7 percent from June 2020, after dropping 4.3 percent in May. Conventional product sales totaled 3.2 billion pounds, down 6.9 percent. Organic products, at 228 million, were down 3.7 percent, and represented 6.7 percent of total sales for the month.
Whole milk sales totaled 1.2 billion pounds, down 6 percent from a year ago, with year-to-date consumption down 7.9 percent. Whole milk represented 32.8 percent of total milk sales for the six month period. June skim milk sales, at 196 million pounds, were down 12.7 percent from a year ago and down 14.4 percent year-to-date. Total packaged fluid milk sales for the first half of 2021 amounted to 22.1 billion pounds, down 5.4 percent from 2020. Conventional product sales totaled 20.7 billion pounds, down 5.4 percent. Organic products, at 1.4 billion, were down 0.9 percent, and represented 6.5 percent of total milk sales for the period. The Aug. 13 Daily Dairy Report states, “USDA data shows nearly 7.5 billion breakfasts and lunches were served pre-pandemic, from March 2019 to February 2020, through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. However, from March 2020 to February 2021, the month stay at home orders began, and the subsequent year, meal output declined by 2.2 billion, a 30 percent drop. If each meal contained a half-pint of milk, this loss equates to 137.5 million gallons of milk or about 1.183 billion pounds, roughly 100 million pounds less than Texas’ June milk production.”
The USDA’s latest Crop Progress report showed 73 percent of U.S. corn at the dough stage, as of the week ending Aug.15, up from 56 percent the previous week, 1 percent behind a year ago, but 5 percent ahead of the five-year average. Twenty-two percent was dented, 1 percent ahead of a year ago, and matched the five-year average. Sixty-two percent was rated good to excellent, down 2 percent from the previous week, and 7 percent below a year ago. The soybean crop shows 94 percent blooming, up 3 percent from the previous week, 1 percent behind a year ago, and mirrored the five-year average. Eighty-one percent were setting pods, up from 72 percent the previous week, 2 percent below a year ago, but 2 percent ahead of the five-year average. Fifty-seven percent were rated good to excellent, down 3 percent from the previous week, and 15 percent below a year ago. 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
We can’t help you choose between A and B. But we can help you choose from our genetically diverse lineup of products. Scan to watch the video
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Farmfest sightings...
Photos by Paul Malchow
Farms from each of Minnesota’s 87 counties were honored on Aug. 5 as Farm Families of the Year. Pictured is the Wilson family of Le Sueur county.
The inaugural Hay Bale Art Auction benefiting 4-H and FFA groups garnered a total of $625 for the three participating groups: Marshall FFA, Redwood County 4-H Ambassadors and the Valley Blazers 4-H Club. Ziegler Ag Equipment donated $200 to each group allowing them to purchase supplies to create the hay bale art. The Steffes Group performed the live auction on site and donated the bales for the event.
The Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year award went to Jane Goplen of Canby, Minn. Goplen’s work on her corn and soybean farm plus, her contribution to her family, church and community earned her the $500 top prize.
Keep an extra watch on swine during fair season SWINE & U, from pg. 11 positive factor in keeping the ASF virus from moving into other countries in this hemisphere. USDA is currently sending lab equipment and technical assistance to the Dominican Republic as they request it. Scientists from the University of Minnesota’s veterinary swine group will be traveling to the Dominican Republic within this month to assist with eradication of the outbreak. The Dominican Republic has set up strategies to assist their producers with stamping out the virus and to provide compensation for those producers affected. Biosecurity — Keeping Minnesota swine safe The plan to keep ASF out of our U.S. and Minnesotan swine population comes back to meticulous biosecurity. Biosecurity is the action of keeping disease out of the herd, and also stopping the spread of any disease within the herd. There are a number of important elements in a successful biosecurity plan. Separate new pigs before bringing them into your herd and monitor them for signs of disease. If pigs become sick, sepaBACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND
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rate them and contact your veterinarian. Don’t visit other swine farms. If you must visit another farm, take a shower and wash your clothing before and after your visit. Vehicles and tools can carry disease. Don’t share equipment with other farms and clean tools after use. Limit visitors to your farm and reduce on-farm traffic as much as possible. Ask all visitors about recent travel outside the country. Do not let anyone who has been in an ASF-affected country onto your farm for at least five days after they enter the United States. Garbage feeding laws The Minnesota Board of Animal Health issues permits to people who feed food waste to livestock. In order to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases like ASF, the Board conducts routine inspections of farms which are permitted to feed garbage. All livestock on permitted farms must appear healthy. Food waste containing meat or has come into contact with meat, must be cooked to at least 212 F (100 C) for at least 30 minutes. Cooked and uncooked food waste must be separated and stored appropriately. Rodents and pests must be kept away from uncooked food waste. Feeding areas and trucks must be cleaned and sanitized as needed, and trucks used for hauling food waste over public roads must be leak-proof. Unconsumed food waste and dead livestock must be disposed of properly. Feral swine Feral swine are pigs which live in the wild. Feral swine pose a significant threat because they can carry dangerous diseases which the swine industry
has worked hard to eradicate from domestic pigs. Minnesota prohibits importation of feral swine, swine who were feral at any point in their lifetime and feral swine carcasses. There are exceptions for some processed products. You can contact the Board of Animal Health to learn more about import restrictions. Know the signs Producers can familiarize themselves with the symptoms of ASF. If pig caretakers see unusual health issues or unexplained deaths, they should contact the herd veterinarian immediately. Some signs of an ASF infected pig include: fever; discoloring of the skin; loss of appetite; vomiting or diarrhea; difficulty breathing; weakness; or sudden death. We’re currently in the swine exhibition season with pigs moving across the landscape to shows and fairs. Any pigs returning home to be with other pigs must be isolated for 14 to 30 days to ensure their good health. Unusual symptoms should be reported to the pigs’ veterinarian. Dr. Cesar Corzo recently answered ASF questions from U of M Extension swine educators Sarah Schieck Boelke and Diane DeWitte and that can be heard at z.umn.edu/PodcastEpisode25 . More information can be found at cahfs.umn.edu and www.mn.gov/bah Information for this article was sourced from University of Minnesota Extension, the U of M Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. Diane DeWitte is an Extension Educator specializing in swine for the University of Minnesota Extension. Her e-mail address is stouf002@umn.edu. v
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‘Nasty’ wild parsnip a growing concern in region By TIM KROHN Free Press Mankato MANKATO, Minn. — It looks like a pretty yellow version of Queen Anne’s lace, but wild parsnip has a toxic sap that when on the skin reacts to sunlight and can produce some horrendous burns and blisters. The plant also can harm livestock that eats it. “It’s not run amuck, but that’s what we don’t want to happen,” said Blue Earth County Commissioner and farmer Kevin Paap. Land owners and county weed inspectors have been seeing more of the invasive plant and trying to keep it under control before it becomes a much bigger problem. “Prevention is the key. But you can’t be everywhere to see it, so it helps to have people tell (the county) when they see it,” Paap said. Blue Earth County Public Works Director Ryan Thilges said the county has been more aggressive in finding and eliminating wild parsnip on public land but said much of it is on private land. “It’s a nasty one. Wild parsnip is a problematic weed, and we have been seeing it becoming more predominant,” Thilges said. “We’re seeing it on more private lands. The county is responsible for its right of way and property owners are responsible for managing weeds on their own property, or townships or cities on their property.” Finding and removing it is more problematic because wild parsnip looks like other plants. And precautions need to be taken in removing it to keep people safe. “We’ve sent out a mower with a closed-cab tractor and mowed out areas,” Thilges said. “It’s a combination of spraying and mowing, depending on the season and where the parsnip is in the growth cycle.” He said the county will do more spraying this fall as well as hiring contractors to spray. “We have a lot of work and limited resources, just like cities and townships, so we try to manage it as best we can.” Paap encourages people who mow ditch hay to contact the county if they see what they believe is wild parsnip. “We need the landowners to help us.” Thilges said county workers often notice it in public ditches but said there are more remote roads and ditches where they may not spot it. People can call 507-304-4025 if they see what they believe is wild parsnip. If it’s on private property, the county will notify the owner they are responsible for removing it and provide resources on doing so safely. “Can you safely mow it? Do you need to spray it?” Paap said. “And if you’re mowing ditches, you want to be careful you don’t have things that animals can’t ingest.” He said farm fields generally don’t have wild parsnip because they are sprayed for weeds. It’s more
often a worry for CRP land, ditches and other areas outside of farm fields. European import Wild parsnip was brought by European settlers, who cultivated its edible root. But in its second year of growth, the plant puts up its flat-topped flowers that produce the bitter, toxic sap. Once it seeds out, it spreads rapidly and now is found in all but a few states. After it blooms in its second year, wild parsnip sets seeds and dies. Those seeds can remain viable in the soil for years, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Media reports say wild parsnip appears to have flourished during this drought year.
MDA has a few suggestions when dealing with wild parsnip. Given the effect the sap can have on human skin, hand pulling generally is not recommended. But small numbers of plants can be removed by hand if using sturdy gloves and clothing as protection. First-year wild parsnip rosettes and recently bolted — rapidly growing — stems that have not set seeds can also be killed by using a sharp spade or shovel to sever the tap root 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Mowing or cutting larger stands before flowering in June will kill a majority of mature plants and significantly reduce seed production. Repeated mowing throughout the season and for several subsequent years is required to prevent re-sprouting and to cut newly bolted plants. After mowing an infestation, wash equipment to prevent moving seed into new areas. Use a selective broadleaf herbicide in the early spring or late fall to target rosettes and newly bolted plants prior to flowering. Several years of treatment may be required to control the overall population until the seedbank is exhausted or other vegetation begins to compete with the remaining plants. The MDA recommends checking with a local Extension agent, co-op or certified landscape care expert when considering chemical treatments. If exposed to the sap, experts recommend washing the site thoroughly with soap and water, then keeping it covered for at least 48 hours to avoid a reaction. If a reaction does occur, keep the affected skin out of the sun to prevent further damage and see a physician. The Free Press and The Land are sister publications owned by The Free Press Media. v
www.TheLandOnline.com
EPA approves paraquat applications In an interim registration review decision recently released, the Environmental Protection Agency announced grower access to the herbicide paraquat will continue to be allowed — including uses for soybeans; and aerial applications will continue to be permitted under certain circumstances. The herbicide has been under scrutiny for alleged links to Parkinson’s, but EPA clarified, “there is limited, but insufficient, epidemiologic evidence to conclude that there is a clear associative or causal relationship between occupational paraquat exposure … and Parkinson’s.” Originally, the agency had proposed an end to aerial applications aside from cotton desiccation, but upon further review it decided it would allow aerial applications on up to 350 acres within a 24-hour period for all uses, except for cotton desiccation which will not face limitations.
To minimize human health and occupational bystander risks, additional protective equipment requirements have been imposed, as well as the timeframe from field re-entry after application lengthened from 24 hours to 48 hours. Importantly though, EPA’s decision will keep paraquat available and meaningfully useable for growers who need it to protect their crops and maintain conservation practices. Other measures to help mitigate risks include prohibiting pressurized handgun and backpack sprayer applications, requiring enclosed cabs or respirators for groundboom applications and increasing the Restricted Entry Interval for several crops. This article was submitted by the American Soybean Association. v
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27, 2021 T
Real Estate Wanted
Prime Farmland Auction 3 Parcels of Prime Chippewa Co. Farmland 443.2+/- Total Deeded Acres Auction on September 1st, 2021 at 2 PM Parcel 1 – 161.0+/- Deeded Acres; 156.8+/- Tillable Acres; CPI=90.9; SE 1/4 of Section 26 Parcel 2 – 120.80+/- Deeded Acres; 117.2+/- Tillable Acres; CPI=90; S 1/2 of NE 1/4 & the NE 1/4 of NE 1/4 exc pt, all in Section 26 Parcel 3 – 161.4+/- Deeded Acres; 152.4+/- Tillable Acres; CPI=88.8; NW 1/4 of Section 25; All in Mandt Township, Chippewa Co
Go to FladeboeLand.com for details & drone video Kristine Fladeboe Duininck, 320-212-9379 Kristine@FladeboeLand.com Dale Fladeboe, Lic. 34-12 Award Winning Auctioneers
WANTED: Land & farms. I have clients looking for dairy, & cash grain operations, as well as bare land parcels from 40-1000 acres. Both for relocation & investments. If you have even thought about selling contact: Paul Krueger, Farm & Land Specialist, Edina Realty, 138 Main St. W., New Prague, MN 55372. paulkrueger@edinarealty.com (612)328-4506
Thank you for reading The Land. We appreciate it!
AUCTION
TIMED ONLINE FARM RETIREMENT
71248 268th Street Dassel, MN 55325
OPENS: MONDAY, AUGUST 30
CLOSES: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 | 7PM
MFWD TRACTOR
2012 John Deere 8235R MFWD, 1,655 hrs.
2WD TRACTOR
1995 John Deere 7800 2WD, 3,900 hours
DRILLS
John Deere 1010 Van Brunt drill, 10’ wide John Deere 1520 drill, 20’
COULTER CHISELS, MULCH TILLERS, RIPPERS
John Deere 512 disk ripper
TILLAGE
IHC 710 plow, 5x18”
swing hopper auger, 71’x10” 2005 Westfield J210-36 TANDEM BOXED TRUCK loadout auger, 10”x36’ 1969 Chevrolet C60 tandem 2007 Westfield WR80-71 auger, 8”x71’ axle grain truck, 115,000 MOWER miles John Deere 38 - sickle TRAILERS mower, 7’ Flat rack w/ back Travis hitch-doc SC2200 FARM LOADERS 2-box seed tender John Deere 725 all hyd. INLINE BALER loader John Deere 14T - small TRACTOR/IMPLEMENT square bale TIRES AUGERS (2) 15.5x38 band duals 2007 Wedtfield MK100-71
John Deere 230 disc, 26’ John Deere 980 field cultivator, 26’
BINS & HOPPER BINS
(3) Poly auger hopper w/ extensions
MISCELLANEOUS PARTS
(6) Cultivator rolling shields off of Noble danish tooth cultivator (8) 8000 series weights IHC (12) suitcase weights IHC (2) hydrualic cylinders, 1-4” John Deere fender supports John Deere (2) hydrualic cylinders, 4” Tilt- O- Matic - rock box for 7800 John Deere
2021
PAGE 24
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Auger transition tubes Power cord 220v. 24’ Power cord 220v. 26’ Auger mover wheel distel grain system Sawhorses steel, heavy duty Rolling staircase Auger screen protector fan off of 2166 combine Hiniker head mover Homelite AP200 - transfer pump Metro Self Hitch Northern Tool - engine stand
SteffesGroup.com
Steffes Group, Inc., 24400 MN Hwy 22 South, Litchfield, MN 55355
ORVILLE ANDERSON FARM RETIREMENT AUCTION | ORVILLE 612.618.6077 Eric Gabrielson at Steffes Group, 320.693.9371 or 701.238.2570
COMPLETE TERMS, LOT LISTINGS AND PHOTOS AT STEFFESGROUP.COM / ERIC GABRIELSON MN47-006
THE LAND — AUGUST 20 /AUGUST 27, 2021
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Please support our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad in THE LAND.
Sales & Services From the Pipeline Ag Safety Alliance - remember to contact 811 to have public utilities marked in the dig area. It’s free!
Feed Seed Hay ALFALFA, mixed hay, grass hay & wheat straw, medium square or round bales, delivery available. Thief River Falls, MN. Call or text LeRoy Ose: 218-689-6675
I rFOR SALE: Alfalfa, mixed - hay, grass hay, straw and ind dividually wrapped baleage. . Medium or large square - bales, round bales. Delivery n available. Zumbrota, MN. - Call or text Ray Leffingwell & 763-286-2504 w
Bins & Buildings
5000 bu Butler grain bin, 21’ diameter 18’ high, drying floor, 12” stands, 24” transition, 6” unload tube w/ gates, 15” aeration fan, inside/outside ladder. Will take down. $1,000. 320-587-9409
Journeyman - Agriculture Journeyman Electrician Electrician - Agriculture
a sign on bonus If you enjoyOffering working with farm animals, setting your own weekly work schedule, along with working on a variety large own Ag and If you enjoy working with farm animals, settingofyour weekly we may have on the aideal position for you. workcommercial schedule, projects, along with working variety of large Ag and commercial projects, we may have the ideal position for you. Electrical Production Services, Inc. has an exciting opportunity Electrical Production Services, Inc. has anwho exciting opportunity for a MN Licensed Journeyman Electrician specializes in for a Commercial MN Licensed Journeyman who specializes in Agricultural ProjectsElectrician and Maintenance Service. Commercial Agricultural Projects and inMaintenance Our ideal candidate will have experience servicing largeService. farm Ourfacilities ideal candidate will dairy, haveand experience in servicing including hog, chicken facilities with anlarge farm facilities includingofhog, dairy, and chicken facilities understanding bio-security procedures. with an understanding of bio-security procedures. customers we serve located throughout southern and IA. WeThe serve Southern MN, are Southeastern MN, and Northern southeastern Minnesota, and northern Iowa. EPS is a growing EPS is a growing Commercial Electrical Contractor Commercial Electrical whofor hasover been32 in business who has beenContractor in business years. for over 32 years. We offer highly competitive wages, excellent We offer highly competitive wages, excellent health benefits, a 401K plan with company match, Health Account, Savings ahealth 401Kbenefits, plan with company match, Health Savings Account, PTO, Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, PTO, Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Life Insurance and much more. Please send your resume to Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance and much more. joel@electricalproduction.com or call 952-564-6471. Please send your resume to You can also learn more about EPS by going to our webpage joel@electricalproduction.com 952-564-6471. at www.electricalproduction.comororcall on Indeed.com. Learn more about EPS at our website: www.electricalproduction.com or on indeed.com
AUCTION LOCATION: 2040 121st Street Currie, MN 56123
OPENS: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
2021
CLOSES: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 | 7PM
AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: Luke is selling his clean well maintained farm line. This is an online only auction. Please call to view equipment. All equipment must be removed by Thursday, September 30th. No exceptions. PREVIEW: By Appointment / LOADOUT:
Thursday, September 16 from 9AM - 3PM
2005 Case- IH MX285
DAMAGED GRAIN
Classifie d line ad
STATEWIDE
deadlin
Timed Online Farm
1995 John Deere 8770
WANTED
e is noon o n Mond ay
Electrical Production Services
1993 Case- IH 7120
1990 Case- IH 1660
1990 Case- IH 1020
2005 Volvo Sleeper
Brent 672
John Deere 7200
SteffesGroup.com
Steffes Group, Inc., 24400 MNMN Hwy 22 22 South, Litchfi eld,eld, MNMN 55355 Steffes Group, Inc., 24400 Hwy South, Litchfi 55355
WOITASZEWSKI FARM AUCTION | LUKE 507.360.7023 Eric Gabrielson at Steffes Group, 320.693.9371 or 701.238.2570
COMPLETE TERMS, LOT LISTINGS AND PHOTOS AT STEFFESGROUP.COM / ERIC GABRIELSON MN47-006
PAGE 25
We pay top dollar for your damaged grain. We are experienced handlers of your wet, dry, burnt and mixed grains. Trucks and vacs available. Immediate response anywhere. CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY
PRUESS ELEV., INC. 1-800-828-6642
Real Estate Auction Thursday, September 9th ~ 10:30 am 45697 170th St, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085
Real This is a LIVE auction with Absentee Bidding is available on real estate and large items, see magesland.com for details! Location of property in Redwood Co: Brookville Township, Section 25, Range 34 Total of farm: 160 total acres, approx. 146.14 acres tillable.
This property will sell as three parcels:
Parcel 1: 80 total acres of farm land, approx. 77.6 acres tillable. Productivity Index of 92.1
Parcel 2: 71.35 total acres of farm land, approx. 68.54 acres tillable. Productivity Index of 91.6
Parcel 3: 8.65 acre farm site. Two homes on this farm site! The main home is a 4 bedroom, 1 bath home with main level laundry. The second home is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home with eat-in kitchen and wood floors throughout. Outbuildings: 20’ x 40’ shop, 40’ x 90’ steer shed, 40’ x 70’ machine shed, 20’ x 20’ detached garage, 30’ x 30’ grainery, 30’ x 40’ barn w/ updated steel, 20’ x 40’ Quanset shed, 4,000 bu grain bin, silos & sheds. Note: All acres & maps are published based on Redwood Co Online & FSA records.
Personal Property:
Tractors & Machinery: JD 4440, 9513 hrs, hub duals, dual hyd, 1k & 540 PTO, quick hitch & rock box; JD 2940 w/ 148 loader & new bucket, 16223 hrs, dual hyd, 3pt, quick hitch; JD 630 gas, 6130 hrs, hyd, pwr steering, rear weight; JD 4400 combine, diesel, 3595 hrs, extra hyd, straw chopper; JD 13’ bean platform; JD 443, 4-rw x 30” corn head; JD 343, 3-rw x 30” corn head; JD dummy head w/ Melroe 350 pickup; JD 328 sq baler, one owner, less than 20k bales; 2 - Pro Quality hay basket trailers; JD 7000 planter, 6 rw x 30”, dry fert, insecticide & monitor; New Idea 3618 manure spreader, sng axle, slop gate; JD 800 swather, w/ conditioner, extra canvass; 11’ x 12’ swather trailer; JD 1100 mounted field cultivator w/ 3-bar harrow; Vehicles, Guns & Household: ‘00 Chevy Silverado 1500 LS, 179524 mi; ‘99 Buick Park Avenue, 177194 mi; Springfield model 67, .410, pump; Springfield model 67 series C; Remington model 581; Remington model 22; Remington 12 ga, pump; Winchester Model 37 sng shot; dining room table & chairs; bedroom sets; dressers; rocking chairs; electric lift chair; buffet; desk; kids rocking chair; highchair; end tables; Red Wing crocks: 5 gal, 4 gal leaf, 3 gal, 2gal;
Norman & Arlene Krebs Estate Listing Auctioneer: Matt Mages, 507-276-7002 Lic 52-21-018 Auctioneers: Matt Mages, New Ulm; Larry Mages, Lafayette; Joe Wersal, Winthrop; Joe Maidl, Lafayette; John Goelz, Franklin; Ryan Froehlich, Winthrop Broker: Mages Land Co. & Auction Service, LLC. Terms: No Buyers Premium, view full terms online.
magesland.com
PAGE 26
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THE LAND — AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27, 2021 T
our Place Y ! ay d Ad To
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
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THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source
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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. Antiques & Collectibles Harvesting Equipment Goats CHECK ONE: Announcements Lawn & Garden Grain Handling Equipment Horses & Tack Employment Feed Seed Hay Livestock Equipment Exotic Animals Real Estate Fertilizer & Chemicals Wanted Pets & Supplies Real Estate Wanted Bins & Buildings Free & Give Away Cars & Pickups Farm Rentals Farm Equipment Livestock Industrial & Construction Auctions Tractors Poultry Trucks & Trailers Agri Business Tillage Equipment Dairy Recreational Vehicles Farm Services Planting Equipment Cattle Miscellaneous Sales & Services Spraying Equipment Swine NOTE: Ad will be placed in the Merchandise Hay & Forage Equipment Sheep appropriate category if not marked.
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Bins & Buildings
SILO REMOVAL 507-236-9446 SILO DOORS Wood or steel doors shipped promptly to your farm stainless fasteners hardware available. (800)222-5726 Landwood Sales LLC
Farm Equipment FOR SALE: 4620 John Deere tractor, good shape. 1988 Chevy Silverado 4x4 pickup, 3/4 ton. 320-293-9097 FOR SALE: John Deere 520 stalk shredder, 1 owner, new knives, $11,500/OBO. Easton MN. 507-520-0264
JD 9660 STS combine, 18.4x42 duals, 2900 sep hrs, Maurer hopper ext, $34,900; JD 930 flexhead w/ pull finger auger, $3,750; JD 843 8x30 CH, $3,500; ‘10 Brent 782 grain cart, 18” auger, 30.5x32 tires, Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. $21,900; Demco 550 or Brent 100% financing w/no liens or 540 gravity boxes, $7,450/ red tape, call Steve at Faireach. 320-769-2756 fax Ag for an appointment. 888-830-7757 Mohawk chisel plow, model 1010 w/ Yetter ripple coulters, 10’ 6” width pull Farm Equipment type, $450. 507-271-1538 We buy (2) Brent 544 gravity boxes, Salvage Equipment lights & brakes, green, 445Parts Available 65x22.5 tires, $8,450/choice; Hammell Equip., Inc. Brent 774 grain cart w/ (507)867-4910 scale, 30.5x32 tires, $14,900; JD 680 15’ pull type chisel plow, $8,900; JD 2700 & 2800 Tractors 6 bottom spring re-set plows, $1,450/ea; Case IH 10 bottom 800 plow, black springs w/ FOR SALE: 1 set 18.4x46 new style coulters, $6,450. Firestone super all traction radial tires, about 45% left, 320-769-2756 would make very good dual Fantini 8R CH, 1,000 acres on tires, $600/pr. 507-227-2602 it; ‘74 Int’l 1600 grain truck; ‘56 AC WD45 w/ ldr, 3pt FOR SALE: Case IH MX285 hitch; ‘52 AC CA tractor w/ (2004) has 3450 hours, 4 2 btm plow; ‘74 Chevy P/U, hyds outlets, PTO, rear dusharp; ‘51 AC WD w/ Oliver als, rock box. Owner retired. $57,000. 507-357-6142 ldr. Xtra sharp. 507-276-8840 FOR SALE: 15’ IH 5500 chis- NEW AND USED TRACTOR el plow, always shedded, PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 15 shanks, $2,800; Alloway 55, 50 Series & newer tracstalk chopper, 6R30” mount- tors, AC-all models, Large ed, 1000 RPM, always shed- Inventory, We ship! Mark Heitman Tractor Salvage ded, $2,600. 320-583-5010 715-673-4829 FOR SALE: Sunflower 4412 5 shank ripper; 60’x8” diamTillage Equip eter 10HP Westfield auger; 10” 55’ PTO auger; FarmFans CFAB190 dryer. 507381-0193 FOR SALE: Windpower alternator on 2 wheel cart, excellent condition, always shedded. Model# 25/15PT2, volts 120/240, cash. Call evenings 507-375-4289 FOR SALE: John Deere 3970 chopper with iron guards, 2 heads, $4,000. International 4700 field cultivator, $4,500. 715-410-5975 FOR SALE: 2 used 800x70R38 Firestone deep tread tires, very good condition, $1,800/ each. 218-686-0159
2012 JD 2700 disc ripper. 7 shank at 24” center, could be set on 30” centers. Discs are like new. Excellent mechanical condition, no welds. Paint is very good also. $17,900. Call 507-789-6049
Sell your farm equipment in The Land with a line ad. 507-345-4523
THE LAND — AUGUST 20 /AUGUST 27, 2021 Tillage Equip
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
Harvesting Equip
n , Harvesting Equip t / 620F JD Flexhead still has original on Auger. 2” rock - dam, also fits 9500, excellent e condition, $19,500. 715-572l 1234
‘98 JD 9510 Combine, 3880/2606 hrs., 2 yrs on new dual tires, Crary spreader, Mauer tank ext., 2nd owner, pickup header available. (507) 766-9697
MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS
FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!
Prime Farmland Auction in Swift County Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 1 PM
GREENWALD FARM CENTER
160.06+/- Surveyed Acres, 152.42+/- Tillable Acres, CPI=91.4, located in Kildare Twp., Swift County. Southwest Quarter, Sec 9, Twp 121, Range 38 Location: From DeGraff, N on 80th Ave SE (31) for 2.5 miles. This land has been surveyed and has tile. Kennelly Family, Owners
14 miles So. of Sauk Centre
Get rid of stuff you don’t need or use anymore and make some $$$. Put a classified ad in THE LAND today!
Go to FladeboeLand.com for details & drone video
507 345-4523 or 800-657-4665
Glen Fladeboe, Broker 651-208-3262 Glen@FladeboeLand.com Dale Fladeboe, Lic 34-12 Award Winning Auctioneers
FOR SALE: John Deere 644 cornhead, 6R36” with new calmer knife rolls, end stripper plates & new sprockets & gathering chains installed, 6 works very well. Also 2 gravn ity boxes. 507-330-2808 , l
Timed Online / Traverse County, MN / Monson Township
FARMLAND AUCTION OPENS: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
CLOSES: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 |12PM
R , - AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: It gives Steffes Group great pride to have the opportunity to work with e the Nelk Family to sell their farmland. Selling in two tracts, one with State Hwy-75 frontage and a k combination of both hunting potential on the lucrative CRP acres as well as good producing farmland. The second tract is another great opportunity for high producing farmland that e includes an excellent drainage ditch on the west side for future tiling opportunities.
Tract 1
2021
5 4 .
• 5/8” drum roller wall thickness • 42” drum diameter wall thickness • 4”x8” frame tubing 3/8” thick • Auto fold
Harvesting Equip
eFOR SALE: Landoll 14 3pt FOR SALE: ‘78 JD 4400 dsl FOR SALE: 1979 John Deere chopper, good 4400 combine, 329 diesel with 8 and land pull hitch, heavy combine, , duty, used very little, $2,000/ cond, 2968 hrs, re-built injec- 2525 hours with John Deere OBO. Dale Rogers 507-931- tion pump, $3,400. 443 CH, 915 bean head, $3,500. Phone (2) MN 250 gravity boxes #320-327-2711 1769 Cleveland MN 0 w/ exts, 1 on JD wagon, 1 on wFOR SALE: Wil-Rich 513 Soil MN jumbo 10, both w/ truck FOR SALE: Gleaner F3 combine with bean head & 4R30” n Pro, 7 shank, 24” apart, 3 tires, $1500/ea. 320-282-5838 bar heavy coil harrow, alcornhead, good tires. Can FOR SALE: Massey Ferguways shedded, low acres. be used or for parts. $2,000/ son 850, 3906 hours, 1859 20 ft OBO. 507-227-2602 2 612-655-1053 head, 1163 cornhead, $5,500. r 0FOR SALE: DMI 730 disk rip- 507-317-9410 - per, 7 shanks, nice shape. , Call 507-430-1632
PAGE 27
Tract 1 – 149± Acres
Location: From Wheaton, MN, 4 miles north on US-75 S. Land is on the east side of the road.
Tract 2 – 80± Acres
Location: Wheaton, MN, 4 miles north on US-75S, 1.1 miles east on township Road 94. Land is on the north side of the road.
Tract 2
230± acres
7 d Selling in 2 tracts. s . . Steffes Group, Inc. | 24400 MN Hwy 22 S, Litchfield, MN 55355
SteffesGroup.com | 320.693.9371
For a detailed Buyer’s Prospectus with complete terms and conditions, contact Scott Gillespie at Steffes Group, 320.693.9371 or 320.760.3066 Ashley Huhn MN47-002, Scott Gillespie MN14-30 Scott Steffes MN14-51
Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177
“ONE MAN’S JUNK IS ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE.”
USED TRACTORS NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader... On Hand NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders.. On Hand NEW NH 25S Workmasters……………..OnHand NEW NH T5.140…......................................Just In ’17 NH T4.75 w/loader…………..................SOLD ’13 NH T8.390 ......................................... $169,500 NEW Massey Tractors ............................ On Hand Ford 4000……………............................…..$4,500 ’90 Massey 3660 fwa………...............…..…SOLD TILLAGE ’11 Sunflower 4412-07................................$28,000 ’13 CIH 870 9-24 ......................................... SOLD ’13 Wilrich 513 5-30 .................................. $31,500 JD 2210 44.4 w/4bar…....…............………$39,500 DMI 527……………….........................….$14,900 Sunflower 4412-05 /like new….....................SOLD CIH 527B Like New…………............…..…SOLD CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ........ On Hand NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units ............. On Hand ’13 L225 EH 937hrs............................................... $33,500 JCB 520…………..................................................$22,500
HAY TOOLS New Disc Mowers - 107,108,109 New Disc Mower Cond. - 10’, 13’ New Wheel Rakes - 10,12,14 New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND
PLANTERS ’14 White 9824VE CFS loaded…..........…….$155,000 ’05 White 8222 w/liq/ins. …….................…….$29,900 ’05 White 8186 DF.............................................. SOLD Taking 2022 New Spring Orders COMBINES NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead ....................Call ’10 Gleaner R66 ........................................… $129,500 ’03 Gleaner R65 .............................................. $72,000 ’95 Gleaner R52 w/cummins ........................... SOLD ’89 Gleaner R60 w/both heads ........................ $15,500 Geringhoff parts & heads available
MISCELLANEOUS NEW Salford RTS Units ........................................ Call NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call NEW Westfield Augers .......................................... Call NEW REM VRX Vacs. .......................................... Call NEW Hardi Sprayers ............................................. Call NEW Riteway Rollers ........................................... Call NEW Lorenz Snowblowers ................................... Call NEW Batco Conveyors ......................................... Call NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ....................... Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons ................................ Call NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ...................... Call REM 2700, Rental ................................................. Call Pre-Owned Grain Cart .................................. On Hand New Horsch Jokers ...................................... ......... Call
Thank You For Your Business! (507) 234-5191 (507) 625-8649 Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN
Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon
PAGE 28
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27, 2021 T Grain Handling Equipment
Harvesting Equip FOR SALE: JD 608C cornhead, w/ row stompers, approximately 7000-8000 acres, excellent condition, $39,500. 507-327-6430 FOR SALE: John Deere 925F header, poly snouts, A.W.S. air bar, Nice! $10,000/OBO. WANTED: Summers 36’ disc chisel. 218-371-7050
Super B 6 column grain dryer, auto batch, 234 bu at a time, 2000 cone holding bin, 8x71 Westfield auger w/ 10hp motor, 8x31 Westfield auger, 7.5hp motor. All single phase. Retiring. 612-655-1053
Livestock Equipment
FOR SALE: 24 ft freestanding panels w/ 3/4” rods, $260/ ea; HD round bale feeders, $650; 24 ft adjustable alleyFOR SALE: Red Demco 750 way w/ gates on each end, bu grain cart, 30.5-32 tires, $1,860. Watkins, MN 320-333hydraulic spout, purchased 6540 new fall of 2017, always shedded, only loaded 5 times, $29,900/OBO. 507-276-8823 Wanted
Grain Handling Equipment
FOR SALE: Two Behlen 38” single phase fans, 10HP and All kinds of New & Used farm 7.5 HP. Best Offer. 12 - 20” equipment - disc chisels, field row dividers off Gleaner cults, planters, soil finishers, combine. Best Offer. Olivia cornheads, feed mills, discs, MN 320-523-1099 balers, haybines, etc. 507438-9782 FOR SALE: EZ Flow 475 grain cart, side auger, 18.4x26 WANTED: 47 1/2’ - 52 1/2’ DMI Diamond tires, 1000 PTO, nutrient placer. 507-251-2685 $5,000. 612-427-4760 FOR SALE: 18” Brock grain bin fan, like new, with transit, $350. 320-327-2721
Classified line ads work! Call 507-345-4523
Steffes Group Facility
24400 MN Hwy 22, Litchfield, MN 55355
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | 10AM AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: Auctioneers will run multiple rings with live online bidding available on major equipment. Contact auctioneers for owner information, new consignments, or changes at 320.693.9371. Registration, terms, & details at SteffesGroup.com.
LITCHFIELD AGIRON CONSIGNMENT AUCTION EVENT
Over
600 Lots
New items added daily. Bid on Consigned Farm Equipment, Hay Equipment, Trucks, Recreational Items and Construction Equipment. For Complete terms, lot listings and photos visit SteffesGroup.com
SteffesGroup.com
Steffes Group, Inc. | 24400 MN Hwy 22 S, Litchfield, MN 55355 | 320.693.9371 Ashley Huhn MN47-002,, Randy Kath MN47-007, Eric Gabrielson MN47-006, Scott Steffes MN14-51, Brad Olstad MN14-70, Bob Steffes MN14-09, Max Steffes MN03-57
TERMS: All items sold as is where is. Payment of cash or check must be made sale day before removal of items. Statements made auction day take precedence over all advertising. $35 documentation fee applies to all titled vehicles. Titles will be mailed. Canadian buyers need a bank letter of credit to facilitate border transfer.
THE LAND — AUGUST 20 /AUGUST 27, 2021
a , p e
/ , , -
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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 29
Carlson’s Giant Shed Clean-Out and Yard Sale September 9, 10, 11 & 12 • 7:30 AM to dusk 43208 E Elysian Lake Road, Janesville, MN We deal in original farm machinery manuals and advertising, but we have accumulated so much more, and we need to clear out space. Our regular inventory that we sell at shows and swap meets will be available, but also large quantities of stuff that will sell cheap. Includes parts, plow parts, antiques and farm primitives, large quantity of old paper (maps, catalogs, brochures, books, etc.), Allis Chalmers 20-35 E, set of Massey Ferguson suitcase weights, many lighted signs.
For more information email tractortreasures@gmail.com or call 507-521-6012
FARM EQUIPMENT AUCTION Located at 13481 185th Ave., Hanska, MN
Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. LIVE & ONLINE BIDDING
Go to website for complete auction listings!
TRACTORS COMBINE/HEADS PLANTERS/TILLAGE GRAVITY WAGONS MACHINERY MANURE HANDLING LIVESTOCK MISCELLANEOUS
MARK AND MARLYS SLETTA, OWNERS • 507-276-6052 1500 E. Bridge Street Redwood Falls, MN 56283 Office - 507-644-8433 Doug Kerkhoff - 507-829-6859 Zac Kerkhoff - 507-829-3924
WWW.KERKHOFFAUCTION.COM
PAGE 30
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
THE LAND — AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27, 2021 T Wanted
Swine
Horses & Tack
Wanted to Buy: JD 4430 1975 FOR SALE: Retirement Sale! Horse Tack/Equipment For or newer. JD 725 6, 8 & 12 Miscellaneous hog finishing Sale: Something for everyrow - front mount cultiva- equipment, stainless steel one, training, work, show, tors; Stanhoist and Bushhog feeders and waterers. Albert entry level, professional. Multiple disciplines: riding, steel barge boxes; Gehl and Lea, MN 507-383-7858 Lorentz grinder/mixers; plus Spot, Duroc, Chester White, in hand, training tools. Call all types of farm machinery. Boars & Gilts available. or text: 320-522-0930 507-251-2685 Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Delivery available. Steve WANTED: Design 3 Red GiPets & Supplies Resler. 507-456-7746 ant DMC Stir-Ator for 24’ bin with burner and fan. 507-259FOR SALE: Australian cattle 4109 Sheep dog puppies, 5 red males. Available now. Farm raised, Dorset & Hampshire rams, parents have papers. SeriLivestock ewes & yearlings for sale. ous inquires only. Call Jenny Lambs, large framed w/fast for info. 651-214-8510 FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls growth that will put extra lbs also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ on your lambs. I can deliver. Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred Gene Sanford (507)645-4989 with a classified line ad! Kemen 320-598-3790 FOR SALE: Suffolk, Suffolk Call us today cross & Polypay rams, ewe Sell your livestock in The Land 507-345-4523 or lambs. 507-445-3317 (leave with a line ad. 507-345-4523 800-657-4665 message) or 507-822-3398
SELL IT FAST
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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) Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-866-742-7290 (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) 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 1-855-577-1268. 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 877-3261608. (MCN)
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ADVERTISER LISTING Beck's Hybrids ............................................................................... 1, 17, 21 Blue Horizon Energy ................................................................. Cover Wrap David Reed .............................................................................................. 11 Electrical Production Services ..................................................................25 Farm Girl Fresh, LLC.................................................................................9 Fladeboe Land ............................................................................. 24, 27, 31
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Greenwald Farm Center ............................................................................27
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Lundeen Auctions ....................................................................................31
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Pruess Elevator, Inc. ................................................................................25
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Henslin Auctions, Inc. .................................................................. 28, 29, 31 Kannegiesser Truck ..................................................................................13 Kerkhoff Auction .....................................................................................29 Leaf Filter ...............................................................................................22 Mages Auction Service ....................................................................... 25, 29 Pioneer ................................................................................................ 3, 14 Rush River Steel & Trim ............................................................................5 Schweiss Doors ........................................................................................29 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. .....................................................................27 Steffes Group ....................................................................24, 25, 27, 28, 31 Tractor Treasures .....................................................................................29 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com
THE LAND — AUGUST 20 /AUGUST 27, 2021 Trucks & Trailers
Miscellaneous
rFOR SALE: Dorsey 40’ alumi- num grain trailer, good tires, , good brakes, hoppers good, . new rolltop, $6,000. Pictures , available. 612-741-7949 l
REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073
Winpower Sales & Service Reliable Power Solutions Since 1925 PTO & automatic PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS Emergency Electric GenerNew pumps & parts on hand. ators. New & Used e Call Minnesota’s largest disRich Opsata-Distributor . tributor 800-343-9376 HJ Olson & Company , -320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 y Your ad
Miscellaneous
Looking for something special? Put a line ad in The Land and find it! Call The Land today! 507-345-4523
could be here! 507-345-4523
Farmland Auction in Swift Co. Auction - Early November 2021 80.1+/- Deeded Acres, 77+/- Tillable Acres, located in West Bank Twp., Swift Co. Legal Description: The E 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 33, Twp. 120 Range 41. Kent Molde, Owner Watch FladeboeLand.com for more information and drone video to be coming soon. Kristine Fladeboe Duininck 320-212-9379 Kristine@FladeboeLand.com Dale Fladeboe, Lic. 34-12 Award Winning Auctioneers
If you’re having a Farm Auction, let other Farmers know it! Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MN/ Northern IA September 3, 2021 September 17, 2021 October 1, 2021 October 15, 2021
*
Northern MN *September 10, 2021 September 24, 2021 October 8, 2021 October 22, 2021 November 5, 2021
Deadline is 8 days prior to publication. Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication.
418 South Second Street • Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 Fax: 507-345-1027 Website: www.TheLandOnline.com e-mail: theland@TheLandOnline.com Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
PAGE 31
Steffes Auction Calendar 2021 For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com
Opening August 20 & Closing August 30 James O’Connell Equipment Auction, Frazee, MN & Ekalaka, MT, Timed Online Auction Opening August 24 & Closing August 31 Manure Pumping & Handling Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening August 25 & Closing September 2 at 1PM Staples Family Farms and Neighbors Excess Equipment Auction, Various Locations around Morris, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening August 26 & Closing September 1 at 7PM Knudson Farms Inventory Reduction Auction, Manvel, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening August 26 & Closing September 2 DNB Energy Services Auction, Watford City, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening August 30 & Closing September 7 at 7PM Joe Kemper Antique John Deere Tractor Collection Auction, Grey Eagle, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening August 30 & Closing September 7 at 7PM Orville Anderson Farm Retirement Auction, Dassel, MN, Timed Online Auction Tuesday, August 31 at 10AM Kaiser Ranch, Inc. Retirement Auction, Monango, ND Wednesday, September 1 at 10AM Joseph E. & Mary R. Kuechle Farm Retirement Auction, Twin Valley, MN Thursday, September 2 at 10AM Robert & Verna Lindvall Farm Retirement Auction, McVille, ND Opening September 2 & Closing September 9 at 12PM Walsh County, ND Land Auction – 715.43± Acres, Edinburg, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening September 3 & Closing September 8 Online Steffes Auction – 9/8, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening September 6 & Closing September 14 Woitaszewski Farm Auction, Currie, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening September 7 & Closing September 10 Kerzman Trust Minot Area Development Land Auction - 31± Acres, Minot, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening September 7 & Closing September 10 at 11AM Kerzman Trust North Central, ND Land Auction, 775± Acres, North Central, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening September 7 & Closing September 10 at 1PM Kerzman Trust Garrison City Lots Real Estate Auction, Garrison, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening September 7 & Closing September 14 at 7PM Borgen Gun Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening September 8 & Closing September 15 at 1PM Locken Oilfield Service Complete Dispersal Auction, New Town, ND, Timed Online Auction Thursday, September 9 at 10AM AgIron Litchfield Event, Litchfield, MN Opening September 9 & Closing September 14 at 12PM Traverse County, MN Farmland - 230± Acres, Wheaton, MN, Timed Online Auction
PAGE 32
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27, 2021
This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Managing Editor Paul Malchow.
Brighton in a blink
S
ometimes a back road isn’t a back road at all. Such is the case of Fort Road which crosses Nicollet County connecting St. Peter, Minn. to Fort Ridgely State Park. Fort Road today is a paved county thoroughfare, but its origin is much more rustic. Legend has it was originally an animal trail, then used by indigenous peoples. As settlers pushed west, the trail became more refined and was the main overland route to Fort Ridgely when the fort was built in 1853. It took five days by wagon to make one’s way to the fort from St. Peter. The fort was designed as a police station to keep peace as settlers poured in to the area. Nine years later, the fort became a sanctuary during the Dakota conflict of 1862. The importance of Fort Road was never greater. Today, at about the midway point of Fort Road, stands a majestic chestnut tree on a small stand of grass with two markers. One marker designates Brighton Township, the last township organized in Nicollet County. The township was formed in 1877 and named after Brighton, Wis. The first township election held on Oct. 16, 1877. Elected were J. H. Dorn, chairman; Andrew Jenson and Leonard Boor, supervisors; Adam Epper, clerk; C. Peterson, treasurer; Otto Peterson and Andrew Jacobson, justices of the peace; John Hauberick and Charles Stolzenberg, constables. The first white man’s claim to land in this
Brighton Township
township was by Bruce Pierce, in the winter of 185455 when he took a claim. He built a claim shanty, but did not settle until the autumn of 1855. The first school was taught by Maggie Wolf, in 1858. The first marriage in the township was that uniting A. Johnson and Johanna Peterson, in 1863. The first birth was that of Anna, daughter of Christian and Christiana Anderson, in April, 1856. Lewis Peterson was struck by lightning in 1861, and this was the township’s first death. Brighton post office was established in the spring of
1879, with S. Otto Peterson as postmaster. The second marker resembles a grave marker and designates the location of Brighton United Methodist Church. Records show the church was built in 1881 by Norwegian immigrants for a cost of $1,800. The church held services until 1984 and its future appeared in doubt. The congregation was overjoyed when the FarmAmerica Agriculture Interpretive Center near Waseca, Minn. expressed an interest in moving the church to its grounds as an example of a rural church from pioneer times. A fund drive spearheaded by former church members raised $20,000 to get the church up on wheels and moved to Waseca in 1987. The church’s arrival at its new home got off to a shaky start. Straight line winds tipped the building into the new foundation which was being prepared at the site. Miraculously (and this is a church, after all), the century-old wooden structure sustained little damage in the incident. Not even a window was broken. In a side note, one of Brighton Methodist’s members recalled a school bus which ran off Fort Road and struck the church, damaging a corner many years ago. There never was a village of Brighton, but the township remains. Swan Lake takes up about 5 percent of the total 19 square miles of the township. It has never served a railroad line, just one of the more famous back roads in Minnesota history. v
