THE LAND ~ June 24, 2022 ~ Southern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet” PRACTICAL FARM RESEARCH

© 2022

HELPING FARMERS MAKE DECISIONS TO IMPROVE PROFITABILITY.

June 24, 2022 July 1, 2022

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Oh Baby!

The Metz farm is breaking in a new generation.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

New Ulm firm looks to expand broadband access; Father and son team up to incorporate modern farm techniques; Minnesota city is using kernza to improve water quality ... and more!

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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

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Get out of Dodge...

418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLVI ❖ No. 13 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File From My Farmhouse Kitchen Table Talk Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Farm Programs Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

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STAFF

Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Kristin Kveno: kkveno@thelandonline.com Staff Writer Emeritus: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives: Dan McCargar: (507) 344-6379, dmccargar@thelandonline.com Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Office/Advertising Assistants: Joan Compart: theland@TheLandOnline.com Lyuda Shevtsov: auctions@thelandonline.com For Customer Service Concerns: (507) 345-4523, (800) 657-4665, theland@TheLandOnline.com Fax: (507) 345-1027 For Editorial Concerns or Story Ideas: (507) 344-6342, (800) 657-4665, editor@TheLandOnline.com Because of the nature of articles appearing in The Land, product or business names may be included to provide clarity. This does not constitute an endorsement of any product or business. Opinions and viewpoints expressed in editorials or by news sources are not necessarily those of the management.

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It’s getting mighty expensive around cave opened for tours here. With gas prices exceeding $5 a galin 1934. Travel 200 lon in many parts of the country, it’s pricfeet down (275 stairs ey to travel. The cost of food and lodging to be exact) and get has increased exponentially as well. This ready to be in awe. may be the summer to stick closer to There’s one mile of home. Thankfully, Minnesota has a plethcave path to explore. ora of exquisite destinations that would It’s perfect on a hot be optimal for creating lasting summer and humid summer’s LAND MINDS memories. Here are a few places worth day as the temperature in the cave is filling up the tank to explore. always 48 degrees. My family and I

By Kristin Kveno explored the Niagara Cave about ten Charles A. Lindbergh State Park years ago. There was plenty to see Little Falls, Minn. underground, from waterfalls to a wedhttps://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_ ding chapel. Kids and adults alike will parks/virtual_tour/charles_a_lindbergh/dialup. marvel at the beauty formed millions of years ago html by water finding its way into the limestone that Beauty abounds at this state resulted in the Niagara Cave we see today. park in Little Falls, Minn. Visit Itasca State Park the childhood home of Charles Park Rapids, Minn.

A. Lindbergh. He’s perhaps best https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/Itasca/ known for piloting the first headwaters.html transatlantic flight from New York City to Paris, France in Visit the place where it all 1927. I visited this park as a begins. The headwaters of the child and can still recall the Mississippi River park was Lindbergh house and all the mementos inside it. established in 1891, making it You can see the Jenny Land Site, where Charles the oldest state park in Lindbergh landed his WWI surplus plane in 1923 Minnesota. There are 100 lakes after flying from Georgia to Texas. In addition to the in the park and plenty of trails Lindbergh historic sites, there is also plenty of to explore. From there, it is a options for hiking, whether you like the prairie 2,318-mile journey down the scenery or prefer the eight-mile path along the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. Little ones will love Mississippi River. There’s so much to see and do! to wade in the water at the start of the Mississippi; I have many photos of my kids doing just that.

James J. Hill House St. Paul, Minn.

Blue Mound State Park https://www.mnhs.org/hillhouse Luverne, Minn. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.

Take in the luxury and html?id=spk00121#homepage beauty found in the 36,000-square-foot home in This state park, located in the historic Summit Hill the southwest corner of the neighborhood of St. Paul. The state, offers prairie vistas, mansion was the residence of rock climbing opportunities railroad tycoon James J. Hill. and 533 acres of bison habitat.

Built in 1891, it has 32 rooms, There are around 100 bison with the exterior built of red that call Blue Mound State sandstone. Growing up in the twin cities, I’ve been Park home. The park has a on this house tour many times, I love learning about 90-minute open-sided bus tour the architecture of the house, and about who James for good views of these majestic creatures. Blue J. Hill was. The neighborhood offers views of other Mound is a must-stop if you head out west to the older historic homes including the home of author, Badlands or the Black Hills in South Dakota. There F. Scott Fitzgerald. It’s also not far from Grand Ave. are plenty of picnic spots and hiking trails to which has many quaint restaurants and shops. stretch those legs before getting back in the car.

When I was there, we had fun spotting all the cacti Niagara Cave that grow in the park.

Harmony, Minn. https://www.niagaracave.com/ This summer will be a spendy one, so make that money count by visiting places around the state worth This family-owned cave is just southwest of exploring.

I’m looking forward to getting out and seeHarmony, Minn. It was first discovered in 1924 by a farmer who went in search of his three missing pigs, ing all the sensational sights closer to home this year. and he found them in a sinkhole. That sinkhole led Kristin Kveno is the staff writer of The Land. She the farmer to a more extensive cave system. The may be reached at kkveno@TheLandOnline.com. v

OPINION

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

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It’s a big country and it floats Starts Fall 2022: Ridgewater’s Newest Ag Program! on less and less water Sharpen your skills in From 35,000 feet, the water as the farmers and white ring that marks the ranchers along the way. high level of Lake Powell Of course, Las Vegas is looks just like the ring of an the poster child for emptying bathtub. The only American water use that’s difference is the chalky top both stunning and stupid. mark on this big tub — once Driving into the city from the second largest freshwathe southwest is what the ter reservoir in the United FARM & FOOD FILE fictional Dorothy must have States — is an unscrubble felt as the city of Oz came 1,900 miles around.

By Alan Guebert into view: a glittering oasis And Lake Powell, the weirdly in the middle of upper reservoir on southnowhere. ern Utah’s Colorado And it is. Las Vegas is River, isn’t the only ring-lined sign of a sprawling feast for both sight and trouble about to hit the 40 million sin floating in a kingdom of sand. In Americans who make the Southwest 2000, it was home to 1.3 million peotheir home. Three hundred miles ple; today it holds twice as many, 2.8 downstream, Lake Mead, the nation’s million. Projections show 3.2 million biggest reservoir, is emptying even will be there in 2030. faster than its sister.

If its shriveling, key water source, Together, these two massive lakes Lake Mead, just 24 miles from the can hold 53 million acre-feet of water city’s famous “Strip,” is replenished, — an amount that would put all of that is. If not, Las Vegas is headed for Kansas under one foot of water. Today, the unthinkable: first, water restrichowever, the two mega-pools are shal- tions; and second, growth restrictions. low shadows of their former blue Ag is also facing a future with limitselves: the pair now hold an estimated ed water — a fact it has learned to 13.25 million acre-feet of water, or just live with. According to May 2022 25 percent of their capacity. reporting by the U.S. Department of From the air, the future — like the Agriculture, American farmers and lakes’ unmistakable rings — is clear: If ranchers use 42 percent of the nation’s today’s “Southwestern megadrought” groundwater (as opposed to surface continues much longer, both reservoirs water) to irrigate 58 million acres. will, literally, become the empty bathWhile the total acreage might be low, tubs their rings already suggest. the value of the crops produced On the ground, however, you’d never through irrigation isn’t. USDA estiknow there’s a serious problem. At mates that 54 percent of the total least that’s the impression I came value of U.S. crops is produced with away with after a 2,500-mile drive some type of irrigation. from southern California to the upper Even as irrigated acres have grown Midwest in early June. in U.S. agriculture, though, water use Water use appeared unrestricted per irrigated acre has fallen, from 2 along nearly every mile of the drive — acre-feet to 1.5 acre-feet. That trend, from the endless, and endlessly irrisay both water use experts and irrigagated, green alfalfa fields of tors alike, needs to continue as California’s Imperial Valley to the drought bakes the Southwest and clihalf-mile-long center pivots watering mate change continues to rattle all corn to be used to fatten pen after pen U.S. farms and ranchers. of feedlot cattle in western Kansas A Southwest side note: One of agriand southwestern Nebraska. culture’s best word ropers, poet and And it’s not just Big Ag taking a big columnist Baxter Black, died June 10 gulp. Cities and towns along the most- at age 77. Baxter Black was all hat ly two-lane route (Barstow, Calif.; Las and all cattle and was always delightVegas, Nev.; Moab,Utah; Durango, ed to tell you about both. Happy trails, Colo.; Colby, Kan.; McCook, Neb., cowboy. v Sioux City, Iowa) are as reliant on

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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

Town celebrations and shows are tops on my calendar Summer days are filled the western outskirts of with gardening, chores, town in a brand new buildbuilding maintenance and ing. The architecture of the taking care of livestock and building is amazing. It is crops. But that’s not all … surrounded by a landscaped the calendar is filling up prairie park. These and with other things to do. windmill can be toured Some maybe even educathroughout the year. tional events which are The biggest draw is the FROM MY organized by agribusinesses Danish Windmill built in FARMHOUSE or the Extension.

1848.

It’s not just the age KITCHEN Or they may be festivals that makes it an authentic

By Renae B. celebrating a country of windmill, but it was actualVander Schaaf ancestry — such as the ly constructed on Denmark Tulip Festival in Orange soil. Windmills there dot City, Iowa each May. This year the the countryside because back in the tulips were beautiful in color. The tem- day they were useful for grinding peratures were a bit a cool on grain. Horses and men do not like to Saturday; but so what? Snert — or travel far, so windmills were needed pea soup as we call it nowadays — every few miles. These historic structasted even better! tures are something like our old barns.

The town of Elk Horn, Iowa hosted a They have served their purpose, are no longer needed and cost too much to two-day event which included a maintain. Many of Denmark’s windparade and folk dancing with a focus mills are falling into great disrepair. on Denmark. If you are of Danish descent, the Genealogy Center has all With each visit to Denmark, Harvey the information you probably will need Somsen of the Elk Horn/Kimballton to trace your roots. There is also a area became more convinced that a Museum of Danish America located on windmill was just the perfect souvenir

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The Danish windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa.

to bring back to Iowa. So he did. He located the right windmill in Norre Snede. It was dismantled and crossed the ocean in probably more comfort than those first Danish immigrants.

Some of the massive timbers were too large to travel on our roads, so they were cut in half — making them unusable. New ones needed to be made.

Obviously, relocating windmills was not an easy project. Nor could it have been when the mill was first constructed. It was a challenge even with our modern equipment. Imagine that originally, horses, pulleys and man-power were used to construct this 60-foot tall mill. Horses were really the work force on farms throughout the world.

A good reminder of horses’ place in history happens at the Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show in Slayton, Minn. The show does an excellent job of demonstrating how farmers and horses did the farm work. The competition between the 12 six-horse draft horse teams is amazing. These gentle giants are powerful equine. The sound of harness and hoof beats is like no other. At this event it’s as though you get two shows for the price of one.

Who doesn’t like a good deal? This year, show dates are July 8, 9 and 10.

Then of course, there are the threshing shows. Granite and Albert City are two in Iowa that we have enjoyed. We always write Butterfield’s Steam and Gas Engine Show on the calendar (Aug. 19-21). Each show has similar yet different displays. Atwater Threshing Days (Sept. 10 and 11) has the unique display of Hot Air Technology — think Stirling Engines.

There are many in the area, so we may just have to check out a new threshing show and revisit one as there is bound to have been something we missed.

I missed the Beef Expo in Marcus last night; but fully intend to attend the open house at the Marv and Kathy Shelling/Keith and Krystle Schelling dairy farm just a few miles down road.

They are a family to be admired as they work hard and well together.

My parents first milked by hand, then the pipeline made milking easy enough that I could spend many mornings and afternoons milking 21 calls in my section of the barn, while my brothers milked 70 or more cows in an older part of the barn.

Farming visits days of yesteryear at any number of threshing shows taking place this summer.

Good days, as cows listened contently as I told them my dreams and concerns. They didn’t even mind my singing! I doubt that I ever imagined robots milking. Cleaning house? YES … but milking? If surgery can be accomplished by robots, surely milking cows with robots is a good used of technology.

Oh yes, for those of you who do the Dutch Bingo, one of my three sons (who came one at a time) married one of their triplets. I’m sure to check out what my daughter-in-law is wearing on June 15 before she leaves my house, as I still can’t tell the difference between her and her triplet sister.

Many churches are hosting Vacation Bible School, nights of gospel music, revivals and meetings. If the dates don’t get written on the calendar, I will never remember to go.

Some stores are open every day, then there are occasional stores such as Kanaranzi Creek which opens … well, See KITCHEN, pg. 6

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

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Wings and halo aside, the angel of the farm wears many hats It was a chilly, gray harare about all the rest of it. vest morning with rain in It’s the million-dollar the forecast as that question of the farm — next Saturday harvest session to, “Can you help load hogs droned on. in the morning?” (If you can Over in the combine, my help, the packer gets the husband’s phone rang. It million dollars.) was the man who owned The answer to the womthe field we were harvestan’s question is that I actuTABLE TALK ing. He had company from ally do enjoy the job and California and wanted to

By Karen Schwaller don’t feel like I’ve been show them a little Iowa stuck with it — even hospitality by giving them though I guess I have been. the chance to sit in the buddy seat in There is no one else to do it. the combine and talk to a farmer as Women of the farm get asked to do a he brought in the bounty that helps lot of things, as they have since there feed the world. were farms and people to run them.

They came out and took turns sitSeldom is there ever an overrun of ting with my husband, who fielded men to do all the jobs that need to be many questions. The man asked about done on the farm. the mechanics of a combine, where the It was a baptism by fire of sorts crop goes, how far apart our fields were, how far we drove to the elevator, when I started running the grain cart, not without some headaches for my what machines do what jobs, etc. husband at first. But then, farm hands When the woman occupied the have for years been given a five-minbuddy seat, she asked questions about ute tutorial and been sent out to carry the corn we were harvesting that day, on, in the rush of getting it all done in how the crops are used, the seasons of a day. the crop year as it progresses — At least when the headaches come things like that. And then she asked (as they often do following five-minute the big one. tutorials) my husband knows which “Does your wife enjoy driving the bottle to reach for to take care of them. grain cart, or does she feel like she’s While some women in the nation just been stuck with it?” own land outright and some own and I wonder if my regular expression run their own operations, your average had matched the gray hooded sweatwoman of the farm shares the finanshirt I had on that day. But women are cials, joys, sorrows and the jobs with as much about relationships as they

Birthday surprise

Joan Compart, a valued member of The Land staff for 14 years, celebrated her 70th birthday at a surprise party held in her honor on June 18. Joan is pictured here, second from the left, with her siblings who came from across the country to help her celebrate.

her other half. Her husband might be the one to do the greasy repair work, but when it’s ‘go-time,’ she’s right there with him — watching gates, vaccinating livestock, operating the skid loader, driving the seed tender, helping with planting or harvest in an assortment of machines, stacking and unloading hay bales, running the baler, unloading trucks, filling planters and grain bins, cleaning out bins and stalls; working, feeding or loading livestock and cleaning machinery.

All of that while she enters bookwork into the computer, mends, mows the yard, plants and preserves the garden, keeps the house, looks after young children and hauls teenagers around before they are deemed good to drive themselves. They are charged with the work of birthdays and the holidays, laundry, cheering on her kids at their activities, helping with school work and church responsibilities, feeding people all year long (in the field

and at home); making sure there is food in the house, settling a few scores here and there and caring for sick kids.

And sometimes holding down a fulltime job in town … along with her husband.

While out speaking one day I asked a woman what she does.

“Oh,” she laughed humbly and shook her head. “I’m just a farm wife.”

“Just a farm wife,” I thought. I knew better.

Her value is beyond measure. God placed an angel on their farm, whom she humbly greets every morning when she looks in the mirror.

That angel is every farm woman.

That angel, ladies, is you.

Karen Schwaller brings “Table Talk” to The Land from her home near Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v

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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

Product knowledge, variety is key to Beck’s presence

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus OLIVIA, Minn. — Skies were clear, temps in mid-60s, and the sun was shining when I walked into Todd Frank’s office at 2 p.m. on May 5. Todd is a corn breeder at Beck’s Seeds in Olivia, Minn.

Five years back, Beck’s Seeds pur- Todd Frank chased the Olivia office and warehouse facilities of a sweet corn canning company shut down years previously. And today, with needed apparitions here and there, this former sweet corn facility now throbs with activity as the presence of Beck’s Seeds exerts a growing presence with Minnesota farmers.

Cognizant of the late start of the 2022 planting season, Frank greeted me, “Yes, like everyone, we’re patiently waiting for the weather to cooperate. The past few days, soil temperatures significantly increased. And as you so well know, once these guys get cranking, thousands of acres get planted each day. Soil moisture conditions are adequate in Minnesota; some areas of South Dakota still dry and cold; then further north into North Dakota its very wet. So still some potential issues. That’s why our emphasis on good seed treatments, plus our reliance on strong genetics … and that’s how we get good stands.”

(Minnesota and South Dakota were drenched with copious rains May 11/12.)

For some history on Becks in Minnesota, Frank noted, “We’re starting our fourth year of breeding efforts here at our Olivia facility; but this is our sixth year into the Minnesota market. Yes, we are pleased with the acceptance of our seeds into the Minnesota market. Our product agronomists do intensive product performance screening of all our seed products at our various research locations. They get very knowledgeable about how our various products work in each area.”

Beck’s markets organic seeds which keep develop-

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ing new customers. “But we still see a demand for the insect and herbicide GMOs,” Frank said. “Last year I noted an uptake in corn rootworm insects that I had not seen for several years. So that protection is still needed. The northern and western rootworms are the usual types. These slightly warmer seasons may be a reason.”

Frank earned his PhD at Iowa State in 1977.

However, as it often stated, every great story has to start somewhere. The story of Beck’s Seeds began in 1937 when Lawrence Beck and his son Francis each planted three acres of hybrid parent seed corn from the Purdue University Botany Department.

Today, Beck’s has more than 700 employees. Their seed lineup includes corn, silage corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, milo/grain sorghum, certified organic corn and wheat seed — plus a compliment of selected cover crops.

Beck’s Seeds is still a family-owned business and markets in 15 states. They are now recognized as the third-largest seed company in America.

In 2017, 76-year old CEO Sonny Beck stated, “Our number-one priority is to help farmers succeed. We aren’t selling you a bag of seed; we’re selling you a stand of corn. And that is why started our 100 percent Free Replant Policy.” That policy is still in effect today noted Frank.

However, this year, limitations on soybean herbicides are impacting everyone. “That’s resulting in farmers having to make changes in their herbicide platforms for this season,” said Frank.

And he’s not suggesting the current weather trends should be altering selected maturity choices in corn hybrids. Beck’s offers 82-day RM hybrids on up to 118-day hybrids. “You have to note maturity is relevant to temps,” Frank added. “By continuing to test across the entire northern corn belt, we are able to adapt new products to these climate adjustments.”

Yes, because of overall improvement in corn production, Frank agrees many growers these days are also aggressive in planting populations. “So in our research plots we do mostly normal populations — but also some high-density studies and low-density studies. Also an ongoing trend to narrowing rows — even down to 15-inch spacing. But the 30-inch row still dominates most fields I’m pretty certain.”

Looking back, the 2021 season was unseasonably warm through much of July and early August; also very dry. Then some thirst-quenching rains arrived in late August and early September. And amazingly, corn yields were still surprisingly strong. So what happened? “Our current genetics are phenomenal at extracting soil nutrients and moisture,” Frank explained. “That starts with good stalk quality. And last year our emphases on stalk and agronomic efforts were prevalent in the final performance of our hybrids.”

“I’m quoting our CEO Sonny Beck who predicts output traits are the new future of hybrid seed,” Frank continued. “How can we get better protein?

How can we get better oil? How can we keep tweaking the yield genes? Yes indeed, these are today’s questions.” v

Our final day is not on a calendar KITCHEN, from pg. 4 occasionally. The next tentative planned dates for this eclectic merchandise store in Ellsworth, Minn. is Sept. 16 and 17. These dates may change depending on the ripeness of the pumpkin crop.

There is one appointment we can’t put on the calendar, but it is one that is certain and will be kept.

The day of our dying. We don’t know when that will be, but God does. Oh, we have had — and continue to have — reminders that our bodies are decaying.

The loss of a tooth, whether it be a baby tooth, or

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one that cracked is a sign of aging. Whenever an illness occurs, we are reminded of the fragility of life.

We know that someday it will be our obituary the funeral home sends out.

Deuteronomy 32 contains a song of Moses which has some sage advice for us. He was 120 years old when he wrote this song filled with doctrine and admonition for a people he had led. His life! Born to slave parents, rescued by the Pharaoh’s daughter, grew up in a palace, then fled the country to a wilderness to care for sheep. God called him to go before the Pharaoh, to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and then to wander in the wilderness.

Imagine being the man who received the Ten Commandments written on stone directly from God on Mount Sinai. The last chapter of Deuteronomy talks of his death, which too is unusual.

In his song, Moses expresses his concern for ‘his’ people. Deuteronomy 32:29 “Oh, that they were wise, then they would understand this, they would consider their latter end.” Where will you spend eternity?

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

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

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PAGE 7

New Ulm company looking to expand broadband access

By DICK HAGEN in our communities while also The Land Staff Writer Emeritus expanding in our adjacent territories where our fiber lines “The Time Is Now” … those already exist, yet homes and four words headlined the annubusinesses may be underserved al report of Nuvera currently. We’ll be actively workCommunications at corporate ing in the next several years to headquarters, located at 27 N. deliver fiber to the business Minnesota St. in New Ulm, communities and to the people’s Minn. It was May 26 and I was front doors.” traveling with Renville County farmer friend Bob Melhlouse.

“The difference between creYears ago, his ‘keen eyes’ had ating jobs vs. careers in our sensed high-speed Internet concommunities is the success and nections as a major player in growth of a company,” Zerbe the rapidly expanding world of added. “In addition, our team precision agriculture; so I members are often installing tagged along on his trip to New services for friends, family and Photo by Dick Hagen neighbors. That kind of trusted Ulm to learn more.

Glenn Zerbe, CEO and President of Nuvera relationship is what makes Our visit started with Glenn Nuvera the preferred choice.”

Zerbe, CEO and President of Nuvera. my association with Nordic people is through that — plus living here in He explained, “I was working with one I asked Zerbe who he felt was of the larger broadband companies in Minnesota for 27 years.”

Nuvera’s chief competition. He didn’t In explaining what’s ahead for hesitate. “Each community is slightly the Twin Cities. But it just didn’t seem to be a good fit. So I took some down Nuvera, Zerbe said, “Investment in the different,” he said. “We mostly compete time with my daughter. She was on her future is one of our core values. Because against smaller cable companies … way back to school. I got a call from of the Covid-19 pandemic, broadband such as Amico, Mediacom. We also see some recruiters including some busi- connectivity is now more important some cooperatives building their own ness friends with Nuvera who said than ever — with many people shifting networks that we can help.” they were looking for new leadership. to online learning, working and virtual Zerbe explained the Covid pandemic Fast forward into four/five months of game nights. Sizeable increases in had adverse and positive effects on capacity and reliance on a consistent ‘courtship’ and here I am.”

Nuvera’s operation. “It’s been both a Zerbe is a graduate engineer of network has become a request Nuvera blessing and a curse,” he admitted. “We Rensselar Poly Tech Institute in Troy, is meeting time and again for our busi- kept our feet moving; we didn’t just go N.Y. He added an Executive MBA ness partners.” home and hunker down. We did a lot of “A prime example is Martin Luther planning to help us build for a future degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg. I joked, “With that educa- College right here in New Ulm,” Zerbe that’s looking increasing complex. It tional background, chances are you continued, “Last year, Nuvera installed made us stronger; but we’re very sorry even know how to talk to Norwegians.” two fully redundant 10-gig fiber to see the tremendous hardships on the He chuckled, “I’ve been here long Ethernet circuits which enabled the community and individuals.” enough to talk with Norwegians and college to deliver to its students the How big is Nuvera today? Zerbe Swedes. But truthfully, I’m most bandwidth they need now and into the responded, “We have about 30,000 impressed with the toughness of Finns. future.” broad-band customers across southern My oldest daughter — because of a boy“So our plans right now are two-fold: Minnesota and northern Iowa.” friend — was traveling back and forth Get on a new technology platform to Zerbe is a hale and hearty 56 years to Norway two to three times a year. So extend fiber to homes and businesses old and seems to be enjoying his new role leading a regional broadband car-

Letters to the editor are always welcome.

Send your letters to: Editor, The Land, 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

rier focused on customer service and community expansion for homes and businesses. “Moving out from the Twin Cities took me a month or so to find an apartment; then I spent the next year renovating and expanding an old warehouse which was formerly Otto’s Laundry. Working with a local businessman who owns the building, you might say I now Iive in an old renovated warehouse. We have about 5 million outstanding shares; but I can’t tell you how many shareholders.”

My cohort Melhlouse asked Zerbe if there are other suitors looking to buy up Nuvera. “There are many,” Zerbe replied. “But we also have bought a handful of small telephone companies.

For 2022, Nuvera will roll out first round of services to thousands of customers in New Ulm, Elko-New Market, Glencoe, Goodhue, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Prior Lake, Redwood Falls, Savage, Sleepy Eye, Springfield and Aurelia, Iowa.

“If you work with a private equity firm, you give up some equity. Our fiber ambitions are going to self-fund and use bank financing. We also are an investor in 5G fixed wireless. We see that as a bridge to fiber except in the most rural areas where 5G will likely have a little longer service life.”

It was time to wrap, so I asked Zerbe about his concerns for the future of America. “My kids are concerned, so that makes me concerned too,” said Zerbe. He added, “Life is complicated — even more so these days with these countless tragedies happening across America. Yet I know we’re a strong nation. Thanks to our inherent capitalistic structure, we continue to advance despite dissidents within various groups and cultures. For us, the answers don’t come from Washington, D.C.” v

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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

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

Father/son duo each bring something to the farming table

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus OLIVIA, Minn. — My wife Gladie, along with good help from kind ladies with energy and good sense, had labored diligently in getting ready for our household sale on June 2 and 3.

This big shindig was required because on June 12 we’re moving to Northwood, Iowa — my home town and only 14 miles from Albert Lea, Minn. where Gladie’s two sons and four grandchildren reside. So cranking up for the big move meant Troy and Cody Elfering clearing out lots of stuff after my 52-year residence in Olivia. And that’s when reality hits home: We had collected lots of stuff!

One of several customers at our June 2-3 household sales event was Troy Elfering, now a 15-year veteran Pioneer Seeds sales agronomist and also Renville county farmer. “15 years — though it seems like yesterday,” Elfering admitted. “I was just getting started. Working in agriculture is a fun time for me; and if you aren’t having fun you better be looking for something else.”

A spring of volatile weather took some of the fun out of the early 2022 crop year. “Back in February, I’d have probably said we’d be in the fields in April,” stated Elfering. “We had an open winter and farmers would be cranking up. But then we got into a rainy pattern; the frost was deep this winter so we had frost spots that hung around; and the planting season turned into a marathon. So I would say we’re 95 percent planted around here on corn; beans probably 60-70 percent complete … south of (U.S.) Hwy 212 is way better than north of 212.”

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Late planting had seed customers switching down to earlier maturities. “Guys mostly held in there until the May 20 time frame,” said Elfering, “but after that, changing down a few days on maturities was prevalent. We had positioned to have some earlier options for our sales guys.

Now about 30-40 percent of the beans are yet to be done; and I would say if you’re in Group 2 you probably need to consider moving a little bit earlier. But if Photo by Dick Hagen you’re in a Group 1, I’d say stay with those for another week.

When you get to June 8 or June 10, then moving up to earlier Group 1’s.

Edible beans are usually a sizeable crop in this area and I asked Elfering for his thoughts on the 2022 outlook. “Edible beans are a specialty crop — meaning a later plant, but an early harvest scenario,” he explained. “On our farm, we plant both Navy beans and kidney beans … they both like warmer soil. Last week of May is our usual planting target, but now it’s first week, even second week of June.

And what about planting rates? “Variable rate seeding has become a big deal so I would say with most growers their prescription has stayed pretty much on track,” said Elfering. “Last week, when we were doing some planting, we kept our populations at 34,00035,000. So I didn’t adjust anything — though I suspect my plant height might be a little taller because we’re likely to get some heat quicker which is going to elongate those nodes — so we’ll perhaps have a slightly taller crop than typical for that hybrid.

Elfering didn’t express much concern over soil temperatures. “I’m probably more concerned about soil fitness right now,” he confessed. “Today’s seed treat-

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ments have come an astronomical distance in protecting us from pythium, rhizactonia, fuserium. Ask me this question early May or late April, I’m still more of a soil fitness scenario then I am a 50-degree soil temp guy.”

Elfering diligently watches the markets and has presold a portion of his 2022 crops. “As a spokesperson for our own operation, I say looking for marketing help is always in our game plan. I’m pretty well sold out of the 2021 crop because we’ve had a huge run beginning in February until now (June 2) because we’ve had some great opportunities to capture some profits. And I’ve now made two forward pricings on the 2022 crop too — because they were way better than my previous years. I do have one contract for $8 corn which I’ve never done before!

Sitting alongside Troy was his son Cody, age 23 and now a farming partner. I asked Cody if farming as much fun as he thought it would be? “It’s definitely a challenge,” he said, “but there’s also real satisfactions too. Working with Dad is both a pleasure and at times a challenge. I get to do a different job every day, it seems, and that means even getting dirty hands sometimes also. But to me, that’s a genuine plus — compared with sitting in an office five days a week.

And I really like getting into these precision farming technologies. In fact, I’d like to see us using a little more. With today’s electronic drives on planters you just plug and plant on the go. Your computers automatically adjust planting rates as you move from one soils grouping to the next.

Cody also had some thoughts on the financial challenges of making a go of it in today’s high-tech agriculture. “It’s a difficult scenario,” he admitted. “You’re putting a lot of money in with hopes of making at least a little profit. I graduated from Ridgewater College, Willmar, one and one-half years ago. And I love farming. To me it’s really fun.”

Elfering confessed learning a thing or two from Cody. “I would say that streak goes back and forth between the two of us,” he said. “(Cody) picks up on some of these new technologies and cutting edge things a tad quicker than I — especially when applied to touchscreen applications in your own tractor or harvesting equipment.

What’s the predominate color of your farm equipment?

“I grew up a complete John Deere green guy;” said Elfering, “but today we’re mixed — both green and red. And what’s amazing we have pieces of equipment 10 years old that are worth more today! And that’s somewhat the cyclical nature of farming these days too. You can’t order a new tractor and get it when you want it which elevates the price of used tractors too. If you can’t afford that half-million-dollar tractor, that $150,000 tractor is now a $200,000 rig today. The reality is that today lots of farmers are turning huge amounts of dollars for about the same amount of profit which we did three to five years ago.

It’s just that everyone’s margin took is getting shrunk a little in this cycle.” v

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

PAGE 9

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

Starting with 24 cows, Metz operation keeps expanding

By TIM KING The Land Correspondent RUSHFORD, Minn. — Ever since Jeff and Mariann Metz were married in 1985, the Metz Family Farm has focused on two basic values: family and diversity.

Jeff took up dairy farming in 1983, near Hart, Minn. in Winona County, with a herd of 24. The milking herd has grown to 220 cows today and its makeup of black and white Holsteins, red Holsteins, brown Swiss, and Jerseys reflects the Metz families’ commitment to diversity. The breed diversity, with its high butterfat content, also supports the family’s cheese plant which creates employment for family members.

Jeff and Mariann bought a honey processing operation from their neighbor in 2013. It was their first adventure into agricultural diversification.

Then came the creamery.

“We started the Metz’s Hart-Land Creamery in July of 2014 to allow more family members to become Photos submitted part of the operation — whether it is on the dairy Nathan Metz gets up close in the dairy operation with Nick side or creamery side,” Mariann said. “Jeff always Agrimson and Nick’s sons Dominick and Dawson. had value added in the back of his mind; so as our children grew and decided they wanted to stay on the feedings, field work and other daily happenings that farm, we researched farmstead creameries and decidcome up on a dairy farm. Our daughter, Alicia ed that fresh cheese curds were missing in the groAnderson, does our Facebook posts and helps with cery store shelves. So that was the first product we the website. She also helps with bookwork on the made. Over the last eight years we have come up creamery side. Our daughter, Courtney Metzwith 14 different flavors of curds, more than 20 difKalbarczyk, works on the creamery side, helping ferent flavors of block cheeses, hand pulled string with packaging, labeling, book work and deliveries.” cheese, frying cheese, cottage cheese and 15 different Mariann and Jeff flavors of gelato, a have four married type of Italian ice children and either cream.” their child or a Now-days, Jeff is the spouse of their child head cheese maker at is involved in the the creamery. He also operation. They also takes care of most of have some non-famithe marketing and ly members working delivery to the creamfor them who help ery’s more than 80 with the cheese accounts from the making, honey proTwin Cities to Iowa duction and milking. and Wisconsin. That In addition to sounds like a lot of maintaining a large work; but Jeff’s speretail distribution cialization as cheese network, the Metz maker leaves a lot of family operates an work for other family on-farm store and is members to do. an agricultural tourThe Metz families’ dairy, creamery operation and farm store should “Our son, Nathan ism destination. keep the growing family busy for years to come.

Metz, and son-in-law “We carry all the Nick Agrimson, run the dairy side of the operation,” Mariann, who is the office manager and also does dairy products that we make plus other locallydeliveries, said. “They take care of milking, calves, sourced products in the farm store,” Mariann said.

“We also have a large playground for kids of all ages.”

In addition to the multitude of gelato flavors and ON THE COVER: Nathan Metz sits with his son Easton on Jeff’s grandfather’s John Deere B. Easton is the fifth generation cheese products which can be found in the store, to ride on that tractor. some creative member of the family came up with a

signature Metz’s Heart-Land Creamery Chocolate Bar. Along with operating the store the Metz family hosts a number of on farm special events throughout the year. In late March they held a sampling event where people could taste free samples of their many products. Several weeks before Christmas they featured a “Christmas on the Farm” event with hay rides, a bonfire, and a photo opportunity with Santa Cow. And a couple weeks before that they collaborated with nearby Garvin Height Vineyard for a joint event at Garvin Heights.

“We have wineries and breweries that we pair our cheeses with their products,” Mariann said. “It’s a See METZ, pg. 11

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

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

Kernza is food for thought for water quality

By RICHARD SIEMERS The Land Correspondent EDGERT ON, Minn. — Kernza is gaining traction as an alternative crop which aids in the quality of soil health; but a Minnesota community Doug Brands is using the perennial grain to protect its water supply.

Kernza is the trademark name of a grain developed by The Land Institute in Salina, Kan. They describe it as an intermediate wheat grass — a cross between a grass, which is a perennial, and a wheat. It’s the first perennial grain crop in the United States.

The grain is being is being tested, improved, and promoted as a new crop by numerous collaborators in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

One of their major collaborators is the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative. They are leaders in improving and commercializing the grain. According to an MPR news report last September, 1,300 acres were

grown in Minnesota — over a quarter knew of the Forever Green Initiative, just kind of gets root bound,” Brands of total acres in the United States. they made contact with the University said. He saw a reduction in yield last Thirty-eight acres of Kernza grow on “Through trials, the University dis- year. What happens after five years? the northwest corner of Edgerton in covered that this is a really good crop “How long I continue is to be detersouthwestern Minnesota. It wasn’t above a wellhead area because it uses mined,” Brands said. “The University planted by a farmer trying the new so much nitrogen that it filters it out does a lot of studies and I might wait to grain, but by the City of Edgerton. It is before the water hits the aquifer,” see what they recommend.” in their wellhead protection area. The Brands said.

As for its filtering ability, that has city gets its water from that been proven over the first three well and this is part of their years. effort to reduce nitrates in the “The nitrate limit for safe water. drinking water is 10 parts per Edgerton’s wellhead protecmillion,” Brands said. “We are tion area is about 600 acres, but now in the 12-14 ppm range, they don’t control all of that. down from 20-22 ppm. That’s a “We rent 125 acres from a 30-40 percent drop.” Which retired farmer,” explained Doug means less treating of the water Brands, Water Supervisor for which saves money. the city. “We put in 38 acres of Saving money and earning Kernza closest to the wellhead; money from the harvest are the rest of it we put in small helpful, because insuring the grains like cereal rye and oats.” city has safe drinking water Nitrates are the only contamicosts money. Edgerton has nant for which they need to received assistance and grants treat the water. Working with for what they are doing.

Photos by Richard Siemers Minnesota Aaron Meyer of the Minnesota Rural Water Rural Water Association, who Part of the harvest from the city of Edgerton’s 38 acres of Association, Minnesota’s Clear Kernza.

Water Fund, Pipestone SWCD, and Minnesota Department of The filtering quality comes from a Health Water Source Protection grants root system that runs ten or more feet have all played a role. A Minnesota into the ground. It also has the benefits of other perennials, such as sequester- Board of Water and Soil Resources ing carbon, stopping erosion, and build- wellhead protection partner grant made possible the purchase of 38 addiing soil health. tional acres north of the well that will Kernza was planted for its ability to be seeded to grass. use nitrogen, but there is an annual The City of Edgerton was recognized crop for the city to harvest. for all of its efforts by being chosen for “There’s no challenge to marketing the Extra Mile Award from Minnesota the hay,” Brands said. “Every farmer Rural Water Association in 2019. likes the hay. That sells right away.”

“That was for our efforts in wellhead The city sells it right out of the field. protection,” Brands said. “It was for difThey have the grain custom-combined. ferent things we did with Kernza, how Selling the grain is the challenge. “It’s at that in-between stage,” he said. we subsidized a farmer’s CRP to make Take our survey for a Production is not great enough for the it more feasible, just for our efforts to large players, but more than can be be forward thinking, trying different chance to win a things to protect the drinking water.” used by bakers and craft brewers. $200 Visa Gift Card.

The award was good recognition. But The first year, Brands sold the crop to https://www.research.net/r/100337 the University for seed, where research the real reward has been to see cleaner continues to improve the grain and water through the reduction of nitrates promote marketing. The next two years’ as a result of their efforts. production of 18,000 pounds is in storYou can learn all about Kernza and age. This will be the fourth year of Minnesota’s role in research and develwhat is considered to be a 3-5 year life opment at the websites of The Land span.

Institute and Forever Green Initiative.v “It has a massive root system and

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

PAGE 11

Current inflation will definitely impact dairy demand This column was written for the marketcheese was up 2.8 percent. Certainly, ing week ending June 17. domestic demand conditions have worsened since then. Data from technology This week was shy of new information firm OpenTable shows foodservice sales for the market to feed on with respect to are again trending lower. The company U.S. Department of Agriculture reports. says the number of sit-down visitors was Traders were anticipating the May Milk down 4.7 percent from 2019 levels during Production report on June 21 along with the latest week.” But on the bright side, that morning’s Global Dairy Trade for the Analyst says, “International sales are fresh news. In an effort to put a patch on MIELKE MARKET still rocking.” a gaping and growing hole called inflaWEEKLY tion, the Fed announced a 75 basis point Looking specifically at April commerBy Lee Mielke interest rate hike this week — the cial dairy product disappearance, biggest increase since 1994. Chicago total cheese slipped to 1.17 billion Mercantile Exchange cheese prices pounds, down 2.7 percent from April plummeted the next day, though 2021. HighGround Dairy points out fresh cheese is more available. this was the first year-over-year decline since September.

Domestic use was down 3.1 Speaking in the June 20 “Dairy Radio Now” broadpercent from a year ago while exports were up 2.4 cast, StoneX broker Dave Kurzawski said the immepercent. diate effect is the increased cost to building and holding inventories, “as if anyone wants to hold $3 Butter disappearance totaled 172.3 million per pound butter and $2.20 cheese.” pounds, up 8.8 percent, though year-to-date was still down 2.4 percent. Domestic disappearance was the The big question is what it means for dairy driver, says HighGround Dairy, up 10.2 percent, demand, he reasoned. “Every 10 percent change in while exports were down 10.1 percent from a robust household income, historically, results in a 4.5 peryear ago total. cent change in retail dairy demand. There is going to be an impact on dairy demand,” he concluded, Nonfat-skim milk powder, at 221 million pounds, “We just don’t know exactly when that is going to was down 10.4 percent. HighGround Dairy points arrive.” out that domestic disappearance was the lowest for the month on record, with data going back to 2011, The June 10 Dairy and Food Market Analyst and down 19.9 percent from a year ago, with yearwarned, “The domestic demand environment looks to-date down 27 percent. Exports were down 6.4 like it is weakening. If you believe USDA figures, commercial usage of butter was down 3.7 percent in percent from a year ago and down 7.8 percent yearto-date. the three months ending April, while usage of

Dry whey disappearance amounted to 79 million pounds, down 2.1 percent, with domestic use up 20.3 percent, while exports were down 18.8 percent.

April sales of U.S. packaged fluid milk products totaled 3.6 billion pounds, down 2.1 percent from April 2021. Conventional product sales totaled 3.4 billion, down 2 percent from a year ago. Organic products, at 240 million pounds, were down 3.4 percent and represented 6.6 percent of total sales for the month.

Whole milk sales totaled 1.2 billion pounds, up 3 percent from a year ago, up 0.8 percent year-to-date, and represented 33.3 percent of total milk sales in the four months.

Skim milk sales, at 195 million pounds, were down 8.4 percent from a year ago and down 8.1 percent year-to-date.

Total packaged fluid sales for the first four months of 2022 amounted to 14.7 billion pounds, down 2.5 percent from 2021. Conventional product sales totaled 13.8 billion pounds, down 2.4 percent.

Organic products, at 964 million, were down 4.3 percent and represented 6.6 percent of total milk sales for the period. n The June 14 Daily Dairy Report warned, “The global supply chain was hit with more challenges last week when port workers in Germany and truck drivers in South Korea walked out over wages.”

The Daily Dairy Report says, “These new global supply chain challenges have unfortunately collided with the return of shipping in and out of Shanghai as it emerges from lockdown.”

Meanwhile, the House passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act this week,email and the President signed it, AD COPY INSTRUCTIONS Please read attached prompting praise from the National Milk Producers “Gift set ‘D’ is the most popular, I think, because it Federation, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, and the FoodsTHE Association. sets P AND REP ALREADYDairy ON AD LANDThe andact FREE has some of everything in it;CODE but in the past fewNAMES years International we have sold a lot of every size,” Mariann said. “I in motion a series of new rules and regulations regarding ocean carrier practices the Federal think people really like a useful consumable gift.”

“We put the variety of gift packages together so Maritime Commission must implement over the there is something for everyone — from giving to a course of the next year, according NMPF and single person to having one for a house full of family USDEC. TheLand IDFA also submitted comments regarding the and friends.”

The In addition to everything else, the Metz family also See MIELKE, pg. 14 does creamery and farm tours. Mariann says they’ve conducted tours for two people and have had groups of up to 75.

“Come out and learn how a dairy and farmstead creamery work,” Mariann says to potential visitors. “(People) enjoy the playground and small petting area with a donkey, miniature horse and goat.”

Mariann and Jeff are the tour guides. Advance reservations for tours are a must.

You can reach Mariann by email at metzcreamery@ goacentek.net or by phone at (507) 864-2627. The Creamery’s website is www.metzhart-land.com. v

MARKETING

Metz ships to those who can’t visit METZ, from pg. 9 fun way to work with other local businesses to share our products.”

Metz Hart-Land Creamery also had a number of pizza nights on the farm in 2021. They collaborated with Stumpy’s Concessions of Rushford for those events.

If you can’t visit the farm store, or attend one of the events, the Metz family has a website and an active mail order business. They ship cheese year-around to internet customers; but summer shipping tends to be more expensive.

“We can ship in the summer, but shipping is more as we have to use cooler boxes and ice packs and use next services,” Mariann said. “We distribute to our stores year-round by using our cooler truck.”

Obviously gelato can’t be shipped at any time of the year; but on-line customers have been ordering the various sizes of gift boxes featured on the creamery’s web site.

PAGE 12

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

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

The heat is on ... and crops are lovin’ it!



Bob Roelofs Garden City, Minn.

June 16



“It’s windy again today.” The Land spoke with Scott Winslow on June 16 as he reported the wind-blown growing season is well underway at the farm. “Things are greening up nice, growing nice.”

“We got almost three inches of rain Monday.” The Land spoke with Bob Roelofs on June 16 as he reported the rain fell quickly. Along with rain this week came some heat.

According to Roelofs, the growing degree days have really taken off.

Roelofs side-dressed the corn with nitrogen last week and got the crop sprayed. “The beans have really taken off as well. We’ll start looking at spraying beans.” One of Roelofs’ bean fields near Amboy, Minn. received some hail damage from a June 13 rain event. Roelofs will be assessing the field on June 17.

Roelofs likes what he sees in the crops. “So far it looks pretty good.” The temperature will be on the rise in the area soon. “We’re going to heat up again, 100 degrees by Monday.” At this point, Roelofs feels that there’s good soil moisture. That should help the crops through these upcoming high-heat days.

W ri te r

FROM THE FIELDS

le d

  

af St

“Corn has good color. Beans are changing due to the rain and heat.” The crops are sitting well for moisture with 3.6 inches of rain so far for June “We’re in good shape. The next 10 days look pretty decent. It should be good growing conditions.”

On the livestock side, Winslow is working on replacing one of the fans in the barn. “There’s always maintenance to do when you have livestock.”

Winslow will be spraying this week for weeds in the yard to try to keep them at bay. He’s still in the process of tearing down his old machine shed. The plan is to put up the new shed starting on July 11.

f

pi m Co

New this growing season is son Wyatt working on his Supervised Agricultural Experience for FFA and will be keeping track of inputs as well as farming a percentage of the farm. This is a handson way for Wyatt to understand the intricacies of running a farming operation.

2022

Scott Winslow Fountain, Minn.

June 16

by

d KR ISTI an N KVENO, The L

In two weeks Roelofs will be spending his days farming and his nights on patrol as he accepted a position with the Mapleton Police Department. “Our county is hurting for officers. I have experience.” While Roelofs will be working in law enforcement, the farm will continue to run as does right now. “Nothing is changing in our farming operation.”

As he does when needed, Roelofs plans to hire a few high school students to help out on the farm. He knows that he’s lucky to have had qualified help in the past and hopes to continue finding young people to take on the farm duties. “The last 10 to 15 years here we’ve rarely struggled with it. About 75 percent of the kids, we’ve hired have lasted. We’ve been very successful at holding and maintaining a group.” The key to this success is flexibility. “We try to make it very flexible for them.” This has allowed the kids working on the farm to pick the days that are best for them.

Winslow will be attending upcoming meetings in Burnsville, Minn. for the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council.

“It’s good to do these meetings in person. It’s a big commitment but I enjoy doing it.”

The crops are flourishing thanks to good conditions. “It’s getting to that point that it’s really going to grow now.” This growth comes from all the moisture in the ground. “We’ve been getting timely rains.” v

As Roelofs adds another job to his schedule, he does so knowing that the farm is doing well. “It’s going to be a pretty good crop.” v

Beginning Farmer Program open

Barn Straightening & Barn Conversion to Storage or Shop

LEWISTON, Minn. — The Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings initiative is now accepting applications for its 2022-2023 course session. Serving the Minnesota, western Wisconsin and northern Iowa region, Farm Beginnings is a year-long training program which focuses on the goal-setting, marketing and financial skills needed to establish a successful farm business.

The Farm Beginnings course creates a space for students to name their vision, acquire the tools and skills needed to make it happen, and become part of a community of support to help them succeed.

Beginning and prospective farmers are invited to apply to the course. The 2022-2023 session will be a hybrid, taking place mostly online via Zoom, but also including some in-person sessions in the Twin Cities

area. The course will run from November 2022 through March 2023, with some additional educational opportunities to take place later in 2023.

The deadline for applications is Sept. 1. For more details and to apply, see farmbeginnings.org or contact LSP’s Annelie Livingston-Anderson at annelie@ landstewardshipproject.org or (612) 400-6350); or Pilar Ingram at pingram@landstewardshipproject. org or (612) 400-6349.

Since it was launched in the late 1990s, over 1,000 participants have graduated from Fam Beginnings in the Minnesota-Wisconsin-Iowa region.

This article was submitted by the Land Stewardship Project. v

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

PAGE 13

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North looking for a little “ketchup” with their crops Matt Erickson Fertile, Minn.

June 9

Planting is two weeks later than usual. “I shoot to have beans in between May 15 and 25.” Erickson began planting beans on June 4.

FROM THE FIELDS

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By the end of the day on June 9, Matt Erickson expects to be done planting soybeans. The Land spoke to Erickson on that day as he was in the tractor spraying no-till bean ground in preparation for planting the last field. “We got delayed because of rain Memorial Day weekend.”

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Erickson finished corn on May 26. “The corn is up.” He likes what he sees so far in the field. “It looks good. It’s only about two inches tall right now.” Erickson plans to start spraying corn next week.

He’s baling cereal rye this week as well as preparing to get some more planting done.

“We got to put some alfalfa in.”

While waiting for the fields to dry out from the two inches of rain that fell May 28-30, he was able to spread manure.

Erickson is two weeks behind in getting cows to pasture. “I like to let the pastures mature out.” He’ll move 400 cow-calf pairs to six different pastures next week.

“Definitely having the late spring isn’t the greatest.” Erickson did have to prevent plant one corn field after those two inches of rain fell on Memorial Day. While this hasn’t been an ideal spring, Erickson likes what he sees in the commodity prices — though he knows that input prices are up as well. “It’s fun to see the soybean and corn prices where they’re at.” v

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Leah Johnson Evansville, Minn.

June 9

“We’re done, the planter is put away.” The Land spoke with Leah Johnson on June 9 as she reported the replanting of some soybeans wrapped on June 5. It took almost a month to get the crops in the ground, with corn planting beginning on May 8.

The weather is finally beginning to feel more seasonal. “It’s really starting to turn out, it’s almost hot out.”

“We fared OK on our own farm with drowned-outs.” While the storm Memorial Day storm resulted in some replanting for Johnson, she’s grateful to have been able to get the crops planted on her farm. “There are farms still trying to get crops in.” Prevent plant will be happening in the area soon as farmers have simply run out of time to get a crop in.

In her job at Red River Marketing Co., Johnson’s focus continues to be on scouting fields. “Now we got two drones going non-stop getting corn stand counts.” The drones will be flying throughout the next week as once the corn gets taller it will be difficult to get accurate stand counts via the drone.

Next up on the Johnson farm is weed control. “The goal is to get these first fields sprayed, then wait for more weeds.” Due to the cold spring, weeds have been delayed as well. “Normally at this time, we’d have some weed pressure. Everything is two weeks plus later than normal.”

What a wild, wet and worrisome spring it has been for so many producers in the area. Johnson is grateful that crops are in the ground at the farm and the focus now is to do everything feasible to get the highest yields possible.

“All things considered. I feel very good.” v

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PAGE 14

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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

Export demand for butter appears to have softened MIELKE, from pg. 11

as low as $5 under Class III at mid-week. Cheese orders are meeting seasonal expectations, with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s procheddar and Italian-style orders seasonally quieter. posed climate disclosure rule, stating, “IDFA susCurd producers are busy, says Dairy Market News. pects that the proposed rule will act as a barrier to Cheese sales are trending lower in the western entry for some businesses, especially smaller companies, and the SEC does not account for the finan- retail sector and food service orders are faltering.

Amid high input costs, ongoing labor issues, and cial and market burdens it places on businesses of all sizes with the compressed timeline and addition- consumer resistance to higher prices, some eateries are offering streamlined menu options and/or abbreal climate reporting scheme it layers on existing viated hours of operation. Cheese exports remain standards.” robust. Western cheese production is busy and at n maximum capacity for some plants. Regional cheese CME cheddar blocks plunged to $2.08 per pound on inventories are generally stable to growing, accordJune 16 (the lowest price since March 17), but recov- ing to Dairy Market News. ered 6.5 cents the next day to close at $2.145. This is Cash butter closed June 17 at $2.94 per pound.

11 cents lower on the week, the fourth consecutive This is down 3.5 cents on the week, but $1.155 week of loss, but 65.25 cents above a year ago. above a year ago, on 36 sales for the week.

The barrels fell to $2.135 on June 16 (the lowest Central butter producers say cream is somewhat since March 21), then recovered 2.25 cents on June tight but still available from the West. The issue is 17 to finish at $2.1575. This is down 8.5 cents on finding haulers to transport it and pay their fuel the week, the fifth week of loss, but 61.5 cents bills. Continued reports of short plant staffing is above a year ago and 1.25 cents above the blocks. keeping production restrained.

There were 11 sales of block this week at the CME Cream is getting a little tighter in the west, but and 26 of barrel. still available for butter making which is steady.

Midwestern cheese producers reported a surge of Some plants are working to grow inventories for fall milk availability this week, according to Dairy demand. As prices head higher and lose the competMarket News, mainly due to a number of plants itive edge on global markets, export demand down for a variety of reasons. Spot milk prices were

Answers located in Classified Section

appears softer. Retail sales are down and some grocery chains are featuring butter promotions to encourage purchases. Food service orders continue to slide as some eateries reduce hours or days of the week, due to high input costs, lower consumer demand, and staffing shortages, says Dairy Market News.

Grade A nonfat dry milk fell to a June 17 finish at $1.80 per pound, down 5.5 cents but 53.5 cents above a year ago. There were eight sales reported this week.

Dry whey fell to 49.25 cents per pound on June 16, but closed the next day at 50.75 cents— still 3.5 cents lower on the week and 10.25 cents below a year ago. There were 16 sales reported for the week at the CME. n New Zealand milk output “continues a downward course along the seasonal trend,” says Dairy Market News. “Unfavorable warm dry conditions had an immense impact on output in some of the key milking regions. Sources note that the amount of feed used to get through poor pasture conditions has been expensive and diminished farmers’ feed supplies. As a result, some producers are employing actions to compensate for the depletion by limiting daily milking to sustain available feed and drying off half their herds earlier than normal. The upcoming milk production season will likely involve poor pasture conditions in the winter and early spring, which will impact milk production volumes,” according to Dairy Market News.

“Australia’s monthly production continues to decline around smaller herd sizes, hikes in packaging cost, along with feed and other input costs,” says Dairy Market News, “all driving lower milk output.

Milk collections were down 2 percent from April 2021. Milk prices are expected to track higher as bullish tones become evident in the market. Sources suggest that commodity prices will follow suit, as milk supplies tighten both in Australia and the global market. Australia dairy exports reportedly increased 26.5 percent in March, with whole milk powder, skim milk powder, and cheese sparking strong interest.”

Closing on a happy note, NMPF reports plantbased beverage sales are declining. “Plant-based marketers and their media allies who have long touted that fake milks would lead to the death of dairy aren’t telling you that the novelty appears gone and that predictions of Almond Ascendance have come to naught.”

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

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

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PAGE 15

MARKETING

Grain Outlook July corn touches $8 mark The following marketing analysis is for the week ending June 17.

CORN — There weren’t a lot of direct headlines for the markets this week. Soaring temperatures and interest rates were the focus. A plunging U.S. dollar that experienced its largest one-day drop since March 2020 also lent support.

Corn got off to a mixed start to the week with old crop posting small losses and new crop holding its own. Prices gained during the week as money seemed to be looking for a home as equity markets crumbled. July corn traded to a four-week high when it touched $8.00 per bushel just ahead of the long holiday week- PHYLLIS NYSTROM end. December corn couldn’t CHS Hedging Inc. quite reach $7.50 per bushel; but St. Paul it also posted a four-week high at $7.49.25 per bushel.

Weather during the week was favorable for the crop with the heat hitting the crop along with sporadic, localized rain events. The crop will benefit from these conditions, but traders will be looking for more rain and relief from the extreme heat in the forecast before the Fourth of July. The Climate Prediction Center’s July through September forecast is for above normal temperatures for the entire Midwest with below average rainfall for the western belt and normal rainfall for the eastern belt. As of June 14, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed 9 percent of U.S. corn area and 9 percent of the soybean area were experiencing some sort of drought.

The Federal Reserve raised its target interest rate by .75 of a point in its effort to slow down inflation.

The rate is projected to increase to 3.4 percent by the end of this year. They predict a slowing economy and rising unemployment in the coming months. This was the biggest rate increase since 1994. More increases are expected to come this year as they want to get inflation to their 2 percent objective.

Unemployment is forecasted to increase to 3.7 percent by the end of 2022 and continue to rise through 2024. The U.S. dollar index experienced its biggest one-day drop since March 26, 2020. Going into the weekend, rumors circulated that U.S. diesel and unleaded gasoline exports may be restricted to try and curb prices for the U.S. consumer. The response was a dramatic sell-off across the energy board.

A well-followed U.S. consultant this week estimat-

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* Stewartville Edgerton Jackson Hope Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye Average:

$7.56 $7.84 $8.16 $7.81 $7.51 $7.81

+.09 +.04 +.29 +.14 +.14 +.24

soybeans/change* $16.09 -1.09 $16.21 -.68 $16.15 -.56 $15.97 -.66 $16.22 -.74 $16.08 -.71

$7.78

$16.12

Year Ago Average: $6.37

$13.56

Grain prices are effective cash close on June 21. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

ed U.S. corn acres at 90.965 million acres and 1.475 million acres higher than the last U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast. They estimated U.S. soybean acres at 88.935 million acres and 2.22 million fewer acres than the USDA’s most current number. U.S. corn planting was right on the average at 97 percent complete as of June 12. Emergence was 88 percent vs. 89 percent average. The crop was rated 72 percent good/excellent, down 1 percent from the previous week but much better than last year’s 68 percent good/excellent for this date. Brazil’s safrinha corn harvest was 7 percent complete as of June 13.

Weekly export sales were disappointing at 5.5 million bushels and a marketing year low; but were still above what’s needed to meet the USDA outlook.

Total old crop commitments at 2.35 billion bushels are 14 percent behind last year. We need to average 5.5 million bushels of sales for the last 11 weeks of the crop year to hit the USDA forecast of 2.45 billion bushels. New crop sales were 5.4 million bushels, bringing total new crop commitments to 232.2 million bushels and trailing last year’s 605 million bushels on the books by this date. Last year, China was a major buyer of new crop corn in May. We saw a couple of daily sales totaling 8.2 million bushels of old crop corn and 7.5 million bushels of new crop. Nearby corn basis has been surging higher notably on the domestic side.

Weekly ethanol production was up 21,000 barrels per day to 1.06 million bpd. This is on pace to meet the USDA’s 5.375 billion bushel corn for ethanol projection. Stocks fell 400,000 barrels to 23.2 million barrels but remain at record levels for this week and 12.6 percent higher than last year. Ethanol margins fell a nickel to 26 cents per gallon. Gasoline demand was steady for the week at 9.1 million bpd and 2.9 percent below last year.

It was reported this week that satellite imagery confirms Russian-flagged vessels have loaded grain at Ukraine’s Sevastopol port — which is controlled

by Russia — and off-loaded in Syria. There has not been any progress in allowing Ukrainian grain to

transport through the Black Sea. Russia’s spin is that they will allow it, but Ukraine is responsible for demining the area and they also want concessions from the West, which is unlikely to occur.

Looking at history for the June 30 stocks report: corn stocks have been higher than the trade expectation in seven of the last 11 years. Soybean stocks have been below the trade expectation in each of the last five years. December corn has closed lower seven times and higher five times in the last 12 years on the day of the Stocks and Planting reports. In 11 of the last 12 years, whichever way December corn closes on report day, it closes in the same direction the day after.

Outlook: July and December corn surged to fourweek highs as fears of continued hot, dry weather, inflation, recession, a weaker U.S. dollar, and renewed Covid lockdowns in China combined to push money into commodities, and risk premium was added back to prices. Nearby domestic basis has been jumping higher as ethanol plants and feeders scramble to secure supply.

Nothing new from Ukraine with Ukraine’s Ag Minister commenting we could see a global wheat shortage for at least three seasons due to Russia’s invasion. Countries are exploring the possibility of adding grain storage along Ukraine’s borders to ease storage concerns as they approach harvest.

December corn moved solidly above its 50-day moving average resistance this week and may be poised for a test of the contract high at $7.66.25 per bushel if the weather is perceived as a threat. For the week, July corn rallied 11.25 cents to $7.84.5, September gained a nickel to $7.37.75, and the December corn was 10.5 cents higher at $7.31 per bushel.

The Grain Stocks as of June 1 and Planting Acreage reports will be released June 30 at 11:00 a.m.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans got off to a very rocky start with huge losses on June 13 which were only marginally reversed in the last half of the week in the wake of the interest rate hike. Planting progress caught up with the average and conditions during the week were favorable for early crop development.

Weekly export sales were neutral this week with 11.7 million bushels for old crop and 15 million bushels for new crop. Old crop sales at 2.2 billion bushels continue to exceed the USDA’s 2.17 billion bushel outlook. New crop commitments at 481.5 million bushels are 73 percent higher than a year ago. China has bought 283 million bushels from the United States for the 2022-23 crop year compared to 110.2 million bushels last year on this date. The only daily export flash this week was a cancellation of 3.7 million old crop bushels to unknown.

The May National Oilseed Processors Association Soybean Crush report showed 171.1 million bushels of soybeans were crushed which was a new record for See NYSTROM, pg. 17

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.

PAGE 16

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THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

The CRP program faces challenging dynamics The Conservation Reserve Program has By comparison, the 2021 average CRP which is about 3.5 million acres below the maxia long history of promoting conservation rental rate in the 13 counties in the 13 mum level of 25.5 million acres for 2022 established practices and farmland stewardship in county south central Minnesota Farm in the last Farm Bill. Of the total CRP acres, the United States. The CRP program was Business Management region was $214 approximately 10.2 million acres are enrolled under established in December of 1985 as part per acre. Based on the 2021 FBM suma General CRP contract, 6.8 million acres in of the 1985 Farm Bill. mary, the average direct and overhead Continuous CRP, just under 3.9 million acres expenses — including property taxes — enrolled in the grassland program, and the balance The initial goal of CRP was to reduce to maintain CRP land was $92 per acre of the acres in CREP, wetlands and other special soil erosion on highly-erodible cropland in 2021, resulting in a net return of CRP initiatives. Forty-three percent of the and to help curb the over-production of FARM PROGRAMS $122 per acre.

According to the 2021 Continuous CRP and CREP acres are enrolled in farm commodities. Secondary objectives FBM summary, the average cash rental the Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) of CRP included improving water quality,

By Kent Thiesse rate non-farm landowners received from program. fostering wildlife habitat, and profarm operators in 2021 was about viding income support to farmers.

There are nine states which have over or near 1 $225 per acre, before property More recently, the CRP program has million acres currently enrolled in CRP as of April, taxes and overhead expenses. Cash 2021 — mainly in the Upper Midwest and Plains been identified as a valuable tool through the Federal govregions. CRP acres ernment as a method to enrolled in these states promote “carbon sequesinclude Texas (2.3 milMinnesota Region 2021 Crop Returns Cash Rent Paid CRP Rental Rate tration” on working farmlion), Colorado (2 mil(FBM Regions) (FBM Average (2021 FBM (2021 USDA land. Currently, getting lion), South Dakota (1.8 Returns per Acre) Average Rent) Average Rate) farmland enrolled into the million), Kansas (1.7

Corn Soybeans Corn Soybeans CRP program is being million), Iowa (1.7 milchallenged by very posilion), Nebraska (1.5 milSouth Central $442 per acre $334 per acre $229 per acre $230 per acre $214 per acre tive economic returns lion), North Dakota (1.2 Southwest $463 per acre $292 per acre $228 per acre $225 per acre $196 per acre from crop production and million), Washington Southeast $401 per acre $269 per acre $220 per acre $225 per acre $202 per acre by tight grain supplies (just over 1 million worldwide. acres), and Minnesota West Central $374 per acre $219 per acre $186 per acre $184 per acre $169 per acre (just under 1 million Economic challenges State Average $395 per acre $237 per acre $202 per acre $184 per acre $146 per acre acres). CRP acreage in for the CRP program many of these states has Notes: The rising dilemma for dropped considerably in 1. The “Minnesota Regions” are the Minnesota State College and University Farm Business Management regions. the CRP program is that recent years. current farm economics 2. The “2021 Crop Returns” are the average “return over direct expenses” for corn and soybeans, before overhead expenses for tend to counteract enrollExpiring CRP acres machinery, etc., based on the 2021 FBM Annual Summary data. ment into the CRP proand re-enrollment of 3. The “Cash Rent Paid” is the average 2021 cash rent paid by farm operators for corn and soybeans, based on the 2021 FBM gram. Based on the 2021 CRP acres Annual Summary data.

South Central College Given the current Farm Business challenge to get more 4. The “CRP rental Rate” is the average 2021 rental rent received by landowners, based on USDA CRP county average rental Management Summary acres enrolled into the data, before direct and overhead expenses, including property taxes. for over 350 crop farms in CRP program, one consouth central Minnesota, cern is the rather large the average return on cash rented farmland over rental rates for 2022 are likely to be 10-15 percent number of CRP contract acres expiring in the next direct expenses for seed, fertilizer, chemicals, fuel, higher than 2021 rental rates in south central couple of years. CRP contracts will expire on nearly repairs, etc. — including land rent, land rent — was Minnesota.

4 million acres on Sept. 30, plus an additional 2 mil$442 per acre for corn and $334 per acre for soylion acres in 2023. A General CRPP sign-up was As a result of the 2018 Farm Bill, expiring CRP beans. The average return above all direct and overheld earlier this year (CRP sign-up number 58), in acres in 2022 could only receive a maximum of 85 head expenses, including annual machinery and which USDA accepted early 20,000 CRP contracts percent of the average county cash rental rate, facility investments, was $335 per acre for corn and representing just shy of 2.1 million acres into the based on U.S. Department of Agriculture data, com$260 per acre for soybeans.

CRP program starting Oct. 1. This represented pared to 100 percent of the average rate when the land was originally enrolled into the CRP program. approximately 87 percent of the CRP contracts and 90 percent of the acreage offered by landowners in In some cases, that may result in landowners actuthe latest CRP sign-up period. ally getting a lower CRP rental rate for 2023 than they received under the current contract. At the Only about half of the CRP acres expiring in same time, average land rental rates for 2023 in the 2022 were re-enrolled into the CRP program dursame county may be 20-25 percent higher than ing the 2022 sign-up. The balance of those acres, rental rates a few years ago. over 1.7 million acres, will likely be returned to REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! crop production in 2023. The data for the 2022 Refer to the accompanying table for additional ACT NOW TO RECEIVE CRP sign-up period indicated that 75 to 100 perCRP economic data and average rental rates.

A $300 SPECIAL OFFER!* cent of the expiring CRP acreage was not offered (877) 381-3059 Current CRP enrollment for re-enrollment in 2022 in southern and western As of April 30, 2022, there were a total of just over *Offer value when purchased at retail.

See THIESSE, pg. 17 Solar panels sold separately.

22 million acres enrolled in the CRP program,

MARKETING

CRP Economic Comparison for Minnesota

Prepare for Power Outages & Save Money

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

PAGE 17

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Soybean market will keep close watch on the weather NYSTROM, from pg. 15 May and nearly spot on with the trade expectation. This is a 5 percent increase from last year. Soyoil stocks were 1.774 billion pounds compared to the estimate of 1.765 billion pounds.

Argentina raised the minimum biodiesel blend from 5 percent to 12.5 percent for 60 days, then decreases it to 7.5 percent in an effort to stem diesel prices. The processing industry would like to see the increase made permanent.

U.S. soybean planting as of June 12 was 88 percent complete and in line with the average. Emergence was 70 percent vs. 74 percent on average. In its first rating of the year, the soybean crop was rated 70 percent good/excellent and compares to last year at 62 percent good/excellent. Minnesota and Kansas were in the five lowest rated states for both corn and soybeans.

Outlook: While lower for the week, November soybeans may be set up for a

test of the $15.75 area if the weather is non-ideal. Near term support for new crop soybeans is $15.13 per bushel, which is the 50-day moving average as we headed into the Juneteenth holiday weekend. Weather, weather, weather, and larger economic forces will be closely monitored for our next steps ahead of the June 30 reports.

For the week, July soybeans tumbled 43.5 cents to $17.02, August dropped 39.75 cents to $16.22.25, and November was 30.75 cents lower at $15.37.5 per bushel.

Whichever direction November soybeans closed on the June 30 report day, it followed the same direction the day after only half the time in the last 12 years.

Weekly price changes in July wheat for the week ended June 17: Chicago wheat lost 36.5 cents to $10.34.25, Kansas City plunged 57.5 cents to $11.05, and Minneapolis sold off 52 cents to $11.69.5 per bushel. v

Next Farm Bill will play a big role in CRP’s future THIESSE, from pg. 16 Minnesota and Iowa, as well as in eastern North and South Dakota and northeast Nebraska. The percent CRP re-enrollment for 2022 was much higher in states such as Texas, Kansas, Colorado and other western states.

Summary The future of the CRP program is likely to garner considerable discussion in the next couple of years during the writing of the next Farm Bill. The CRP program has a long and successful history of preventing soil erosion, improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitat, and aiding in carbon sequestration. While it may seem quite logical to utilize expansion of the CRP program to reach further goals related to environmental stewardship and carbon sequestration, there could be some obstacles in accomplishing those goals. Commodity prices for corn and soybeans are their

highest levels in the last decade and farm profit levels have been very solid in recent years, which is also resulting in higher land rental rates in many areas. This makes it difficult to convince farmers and landowners to take farmland out of production to enroll in the CRP program or to reenroll some expiring CRP acreage — unless there are some added financial incentives.

For more information on the current CRP enrollment, expiring CRP acres, rental rates, etc., landowners and farmers should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office or refer to the USDA CRP web site at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp Kent Thiesse is a government farm programs analyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 7262137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank. com. v

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Farm Equipment

Tractors

FOR SALE: NH 555 skid steer FOR SALE: John Deere 920F NEW AND USED TRACTOR ldr, 40HP, dsl, 1700 lb left, full finger bean head, rebuilt PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, runs great, $8,995; JD 2030, in 2021, paperwork avail- 55, 50 Series & newer tracgas, utility, 3pt, LPTO, re- able, $12,500. 2010 Yamaha tors, AC-all models, Large verser transmission, $4,995; Grizzly #700, 4x4, $4,800. Inventory, We ship! Mark Haybuster 2800 round or 507-317-3396 Heitman Tractor Salvage 507-236-9446 square bale shredder, priced 715-673-4829 Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. to sell. 320-543-3523 We buy 100% financing w/no liens or Salvage Equipment FOR SALE: John Deere 46 Spraying Equip Parts Available red tape, call Steve at FairLoader, John Deere 50 EleHammell Equip., Inc. fax Ag for an appointment. vator, Gravity Box on Trail888-830-7757 (507)867-4910 FOR SALE: Ag-Chem 440 galer, 10HP 8 x 53 auger on lon sprayer, 30’ boom, exceltransport and 8 x 54 PTO Cleaning out a shed?

Sell your farm equipment lent condition, $3,500. auger. 701-412-8910 Make some extra cash in The Land with a line ad.

507-391-2574 by selling your stuff in FOR SALE: Heavy duty flat507-345-4523 I bed trailer, 7.5’ wide x 16’ The Land! r long, hitch has doughnut Call 507-345-4523 or style hitch but can be made 1-800-657-4665 d over. 507-340-0967 . n & June 27, 2022 w

8 . d % y t

SILO Take-down & clean up Specializing in silos in congested areas.

FULLY INSURED

MN LAND AUCTIONS

149.87 ± ac • Green Isle Twp, Sibley Co June 29, 2022

PAGE 19

Steffes Auction Calendar 2022 For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com

Opening June 20 & Closing June 28 at 10AM New Home Online Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 20 & Closing June 28 at 7PM Alan Andrus Dairy Cattle Inventory Reduction Auction, Birnamwood, WI, Timed Online Auction Opening June 20 & Closing June 28 at 7PM Myrta Swanson Estate Household Liquidation Auction, Henning, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 21 & Closing June 28 at 10AM Curtis (CJ) Bloomquist Estate Farm Equipment Auction, Devils Lake, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening June 21 & Closing June 29 at 1PM Mille Lacs County, MN Land Auction – 1+/- Acre, Princeton, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 22 & Closing June 29 at 10AM Steffes Construction Consignment Auction, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening June 22 & Closing June 29 at 1PM Adam Hegg Estate Farm Equipment Auction, Canby, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening June 24 & Closing June 30 at 10AM Transcan Motorsports Group Equipment Auction, West Fargo, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening June 24 & Closing June 30 at 7PM Larry Nordmeyer Antique Tractor Auction, Browntown, WI, Timed Online Auction

July 15, 2022

Opening June 29 & Closing July 6 at 2PM Taggart Contracting Inc. Excess Equipment Auction, Newfolden, MN, Timed Online Auction

July 18, 2022 July 20, 2022 Only registered bidders may attend

For property brochures, contact Hertz at 507-345-LAND (5263) WWW.HERTZ.AG 151 St. Andrews Court #1310, Mankato MN 56001

Opening June 29 & Closing July 7 at 10AM NAR Farm & Business Realignment Auction, Kelliher, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 1 & Closing July 6 at 10AM Online Steffes Auction – 7/6, Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening July 1 & Closing July 8 at 12PM Artie Luick/AJ Specialties Retirement & Moving Auction, Kindred, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening July 5 & Closing July 11 at 10AM Raguse/Steenbock Inventory Reduction Auction, Nahua, MN, Timed Online Auction

e

Opening July 5 & Closing July 13 at 1PM Swanson Living Trust Land & Home Auction – 309+/- Acres, Henning, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 5 & Closing July 13 at 7PM Seed Handling & Drying Equipment Auction, Cokato, MN, Timed Online Auction

MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 160 acres MLS# 6181690 PENDING! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 233 acres. MLS# 6175747 SOLD! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 75 acres. MLS# 6177106 SOLD! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 74 acres. MLS# 6175794 SOLD! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 80 acres. MLS# 6175779 SOLD!

OLMSTED COUNTY: Approx. 35 acres. MLS# 6160091 SOLD! MOWER COUNTY: Approx. 52 acres. MLS# 6162644 SOLD!

Full Farm Management Services including Rental Rates, Government Programs & Environmental Issues

“Need listings! We have qualif

ed buyers!”

Randy Queensland • 507-273-3890 • randy@Irmrealestate.com Ryan Queensland • 507-273-3000 • ryan@Irmrealstate.com Grand Meadow, MN • 800-658-2340

Opening July 6 & Closing July 11 at 7PM William Funk Estate Liquidation Auction, Lisbon, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening July 6 & Closing July 13 at 1PM Merton Johnson Estate Farm Auction, Wheaton, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 6 & Closing July 13 at 7PM Cameron Geritz Collector JD Tractor Auction, Frazee, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 6 & Closing July 14 at 1PM Meeker County, MN Land & Country Home Auction - 40+/-, Kimball, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 7 & Closing July 14 at 10AM GFI Trucking Retirement Auction, Arnegard, ND, Timed Online Auction Opening July 8 & Closing July 12 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening July 8 & Closing July 12 at 7PM John & Gladys Kautzman Retirement Auction, West Fargo & Kindred, ND, Timed Online Auction

PAGE 20

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022 T

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

LIVE LAND

160 ACRES +/-

With Online Bidding

MOWER COUNTY, MN

AUCTION

SEC 20 OF LANSING TWP

JULY

21

10:00 AM

AUCTION LOCATION: HOLIDAY INN 1701 4TH STREET NW, AUSTIN MN

Hay & Forage Equipment

Harvesting Equip

FOR SALE: NH 489 hay bine, Case IH 8120 combine, 2010, FOR SALE: 2008 John Deere FOR SALE: Westfield Au$6,000; JD 336 baler, $3,000; 2450 sep hrs, 3100 eng hrs, 9670 Combine STS, 2WD, ger 8”X60’, 10HP motor.

NH 56 rake, $1,200; (4) 18’ RWA, auto steer, duals, 20.8x42 Duals, Contour Hutchinson 10”x55’, PTO. bale thrower racks, JD shedded, service records, Master feeder house, 22.5’ 507-381-0193 gears, $1,500/ea. Shedded owner operated. Farwell Unload, Upgraded LED Used MC665 EMS continous lights, 2280 separator hours, flow grain dryer SN41833, and nice. 507-330-3945 MN 56327 cell 320-760-4210 $82,500. (320) 815-4241 single phase, (2) 10HP fans WANTED: NH FP230 or 240 w/ burners, dried 20,000 bu forage harvestor with cornYour ad in 2019, not used since 2019, head. 507-250-0853 or Thank you for reading could be here! dryer has 7.60x15 implement 507-421-7240 or 507-533-6644 507-345-4523 THE LAND! tires, 5-hole wheel, retired.

J. Pemble 507-381-7097

WANTED

This 160 +/- Acres and buildings are located in the NE¼ of Section 20 in Lansing TWP. Offered as 2 tracts. The new owner will receive half the rent and pay the last half of the real estate taxes.

TRACT 1 • 6.5 +/- Deeded acres • Ranch style home • 3 Bedrooms • Home built in 1961 • Out buildings • 24673 520th Avenue, Austin MN • Real Estate taxes $1,506

ODEAN JERDEE

LANDPROZ AGENT - MN & IA 507-383-1402 odeanjerdee@landproz.com

Grain Handling Equipment

Harvesting Equip

DAMAGED GRAIN

TRACT 2 • 153.5 +/- Deeded acres • 134.84 +/- Tillable acres • CPI of 87 • Corn Base Acres: 77.2 • Soy Bean Base Acres: 44.1 • 10.71 +/- Acres of woods • Real Estate taxes $4,816

STATEWIDE

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

Trucks and vacs available.

Immediate response anywhere.

GREG JENSEN

LANDPROZ BROKER /

AUCTIONEER - MN & IA 507-383-1067 gregjensen@landproz.com

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

See Website for Terms - AUCTION #2304 WILKIE TRUST

PRUESS ELEV., INC.

ONLINE BIDDING @

LandProz Real Estate LLC / 111 East Clark Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007 / 1-844-464-7769 Licensed in MN, IA, MO, SD, WI, IL, KS, OH, IN Broker Brian Haugen – MN, SD, IA, WI, IL, KS / Broker Greg Jensen – MN, IA / Broker Amy Willett – MO Broker Tim Young – OH / Broker Andrew Fansler – IN | LandProz Country Living Broker Amy Willett – MN, IA, MO

DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition.

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

Answers for Fireworks Fun Word Search

1-800-828-6642

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 Place 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 d Fax to: 507-345-1027 Your A Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Today!

Online at: www.thelandonline.com

• Reach over 259,000 readers • Get more coverage • Start your ad in The Land • Add more insertions

THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

THE LAND

1 run @ $19.99 2 runs @ $34.99 3 runs @ $44.99 Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per issue EXTENDED COVERAGE - must run the same number of times as The Land FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 14,219 circ.

THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) - Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 25,000 circ.

THE FREE PRESS (FP) - Serving south central Minnesota, 22,500 circ.

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

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(Includes 1 Southern & 1 Northern issue)

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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.

CHECK ONE:  Announcements  Employment  Real Estate  Real Estate Wanted  Housing Rentals  Farm Rentals  Merchandise  Antiques & Collectibles  Auctions  Hay & Forage Equipment

 Goats  Farm Services  Material Handling  Swine  Fencing Material  Bins & Buildings  Pets & Supplies  Feed, Seed, Hay  Grain Handling Equip.  Livestock Equipment  Fertilizer & Chemicals  Farm Implements  Cars & Pickups  Poultry  Tractors  Industrial &  Livestock  Harvesting Equipment  Dairy  Planting Equipment Construction  Trucks & Trailers  Cattle  Tillage Equipment  Recreational Vehicles  Horses  Machinery Wanted  Miscellaneous  Exotic Animals  Spraying Equipment  Sheep  Wanted NOTE: Ad will be placed in the appropriate category if not marked.

____________________ ____________________ ___________________ ____________________

= ____________________

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

Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________________State_________ Zip ___________________________ Phone ___________________________________________# of times _______ Card # ___________________________________________Exp. Date________ Signature ____________________________________________________________

SORRY!

CHECK We do not issue refunds.

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

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022 Wanted

Swine

Swine

-All kinds of New & Used farm FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hamp- Spot, Duroc, Chester White, . equipment - disc chisels, field shire, Duroc, cross bred Boars & Gilts available. . cults, planters, soil finishers, boars, and gilts. Top quality. Monthly PRRS and PEDV. cornheads, feed mills, discs, Excellent herd health. No Delivery available. Steve s balers, haybines, etc. 507- PRSS. Delivery available. Resler. 507-456-7746 320-760-0365 , 438-9782

sWANTED: Wet corn hopper u bin. 2000-2500 bushel. Must , be in nice cond. 651-433-5259 t Evenings .

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

Cattle FOR SALE: 5 shorthorn fall 2021 steer calves, ready for grass. 320-894-6271 Renville MN. POLLED HEREFORD BULLS, yearlings and 2 year olds, low birth weight, high performance, semen tested and delivery available.

Jones Farms, Le Sueur, MN. 507-317-5996

Please recycle this magazine.

PAGE 21

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

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

Copy Look is 5.16” for x 4”

the annual Farmfest section coming soon in The Land!

Call 507-345-4523 for advertising information.

Land Auction Tuesday, June 28th - 11:00 am Auction held at: Hanska Community Center 201 Broadway, Hanska, MN 56041 What a great chance to own farm land with high productivity rating in the heart of Brown County, only 2 miles from Hanska. Do not miss this auction!

Location of property within Brown County: Lake Hanska Township, Section 12, Range 31

This property will sell as one parcel:

67.27 total acres, approx. 58.16 acres tillable.

Productivity Index: 91 PID: 160.012.003.11.060 *Note: All acres are published based on Brown County Online Records and FSA records.

Fritzfro LLC

Listing Auctioneer: Matt Mages, 507-276-7002, Lic 52-22-018

Auctioneers: Matt Mages, Lar r y Mages, J oe Wer sal, J oe Maidl, J ohn Goelz, & Ryan Fr oehlich Broker/ Clerk: Mages Land Co. & Auction Ser vice, LLC. Not r esponsible for accidents at auction or during inspection. Everything sold “AS IS”. Everything to be settled immediately after the auction. For all full terms and bidding go to magesland.com.

magesland.com

36299 Corral Rd NE, Kelliher, MN 56560

TIMED ONLINE

Farm & Business Realignment

OPENS: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 CLOSES: THURSDAY, JULY 7 | 10AM

CST 2022

PREVIEW: Monday, June 20 – Thursday, July 7 8AM-6PM LOADOUT: Friday, July 8 – Friday, July 15 from 8AM-6PM

TO INCLUDE: MFWD & 2WD Tractors, Collectible Tractors, Heads, Tillage Equipment, Semi Tractors, Dump Truck, Hopper Bottom Trailer, Step Deck, Deckover & Utility Trailers, Skid Steer Loader, Hay & Forage Equipment, Livestock Equipment, Shop Equipment, Tires, Parts & Farm Support Items

1996 JOHN DEERE 9400

2012 NEW HOLLAND T6050

NAR LANDSCAPE SERVICES FRANK NEFT, 218.556.9835 OR ANDY NEFT, 218.766.6355

or Dave Krostue at Steffes Group, 701.203.8400 or 218.779.6865

2012 NEW HOLLAND 330

SteffesGroup.com | 701.237.9173

Steffes Group, Inc., 2000 Main Ave East, West Fargo, ND

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. Brad Olstad MN319

PAGE 22

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022 T

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

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

Pets & Supplies

damaged corn in any condition. We have trucks & vacs available.

Call or Text David 507-327-8851 Eric 507-317-5227

TILLAGE ’11 Sunflower 4412-07 ............................... $28,000 ’06 CIH MRX 690 ...................................... $16,500 ’06 NH ST250 50’5 w/bskt ……….…...… $37,500 DMI 527 ………………………………… $10,500 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ....... On Hand NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units .......... On Order NH L228 low hours ............................................ $44,900 NH L234 LOADED ............................................. $45,500

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 FrontiernWR1010 wheel rake …….............……… $5,950 NH 489 haybine ……………..........................……. $3,750 ’15 NH DB313 ………………...............………… $29,000 ’13 NH BR7090 ……………….........…………… $25,900

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

FOR SALE: Purebred collie PUPPIES FOR SALE: Bor- PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS puppies, 4 females, $450/ der Collie/Blue Heeler cross, New pumps & parts on hand. each, 8 males, $400/each. 5-6 born 4/22/22, first shots and Call Minnesota’s largest disweeks old. Make great farm dewormed, $200/each. tributor dogs. 507-822-2111 HJ Olson & Company 507-383-6701 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 Mankato Pet Cremation www.thelandonline.com is family owned & operated.

Offering pre-planning, urns, REINKE IRRIGATION Trucks & and in-home euthanasia by Sales & Service Trailers Gentle Goodbyes.

New & Used mankatopetcremation.com For your irrigation needs FOR SALE: ‘02 Ford 350 7.3 507-995-7126 or text us.

888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 dsl, 4x4, AT, extended cab, short box, 235k, engine Looking for something special? zero blowby, reman tranny, Put a line ad in The Land and find it! $6,900. 320-583-0881 Call 507-345-4523

DAMAGED CORN We pay TOP dollar for

TRACTORS NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader On Order NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders On Order NEW NH 25S Workmasters ...…......…. On Order NEW Massey Tractors ........................... On Order NEW Massey 4710 w/loader ….......... COMING 3-New Massey GC1725 ……..................... Just In Massey GC2400w/loader …..................….. $8,700 ’79 Massey 2705 ……………...............…. $14,900 ’16 Massey 4608 rops w/loader …............. $43,900 ’17 NH T4.75 w/loader ……..................… $53,000 ’18 NH T4.75 w/loader .............................. $54,000 ’18 Challenger MT875E …….........……… Just In

Pets & Supplies

PLANTERS White 6531 31R-15”…...................................… SOLD JD 1770 12-30 DF Gen 2 …….......……………. $29,500 Taking 2023 New Spring Orders

507-345-4523 Fairfax, MN 320-848-2496 or 320-894-6560 www.ms-diversified.com | monte@ms-diversified.com

2019 JD S780 PRWD, 916-674 Hrs, PowerFold Bin Ext, Chopper, Leather Trim, Ext Wear SepConcave Pkg, Inspection-Repair-Service Completed, JD PowerGard Warranty, $316,500.

MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS

Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon

2019 JD S780 W/PRWD 1050-816 Hrs, PowerCast Tailboard, 580/85R42’s, Ext.Wear Rotor & Grain Pkg., 2 Yr. or 500 Hour JD PowerGard Warranty, Very Nice!

2017 JDServiced, S670 PRWD, 1200-910 Hrs, Factory Bin Ext W/Maurer Ext, Chopper, Ext Wear Sep-Concave $347,800 Pkg, 800 Singles (520/85R42's Available), Inspection-Repair-Service Completed, $205,000

• 5/8” drum roller wall thickness • 42” drum diameter wall thickness • 4”x8” frame tubing 3/8” thick • Auto fold

NOW HIRING SERVICE TECHS

(507) 234-5191 (507) 625-8649

D AN E L TH

The Land

MISCELLANEOUS

Thank You For Your Business!

“One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

Get rid of stuff you don’t need and make some $$$.

Call The Land today!

507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665

ell it fast when you advertise in

COMBINES NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead ................... Call ’89 Gleaner R60 w/both heads ........................... SOLD ’94 Gleaner R72 …………............................…… $27,000 Gleaner R50/320,630.......................................... SOLD Gleaner R6 w/20’................................................ $9,850 Geringhoff parts & heads available

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

Tree trimming, cutting and removal.

Boom Truck & Insured.

Call or Text Josh Linder 507-995-7081

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

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

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

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

PAGE 23

Look for the Farmfest Preview July 22 and July 29 Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MN/Northern IA Northern MN July 8, 2022* July 1, 2022 July 15, 2022 July 22, 2022 July 29, 2022 August 5, 2022 Deadline is 8 days prior to publication.

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

Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!

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.

ADVERTISER LISTING 1 Stop Realty Kasson ............................................................................................21 Auctioneer Alley ............................................................................................. 18, 20 Beck's Hybrids ....................................................................................................... 1 Blue Horizon Energy .............................................................................. Cover Wrap Eric Cooling .........................................................................................................22 Fladeboe Land ......................................................................................................18 Generac ................................................................................................................16 Greenwald Farm Center .........................................................................................22 Grizzly Buildings, Inc. ........................................................................................... 5 Hertz Farm Management ......................................................................................19 Kannegiesser Truck ...............................................................................................13 Kerkhoff Auction ..................................................................................................19 Land Resource Management ..................................................................................19 LandProz.com .......................................................................................................20 M S Diversified ....................................................................................................22 Mages Auction Service ..........................................................................................21 Mathiowetz Construction Co. ................................................................................. 7 Murray County Draft Horse .................................................................................... 8 Northland Buildings ..............................................................................................11 Pruess Elevator, Inc. .............................................................................................20 Ridgewater College ................................................................................................ 3 Rush River Steel & Trim ........................................................................................ 9 Safe Step ............................................................................................................... 6 Schultz Welding ..................................................................................................... 4 Schweiss Doors .....................................................................................................22 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. ..................................................................................22 Steffes Group .................................................................................................. 19, 21 Sullivan Auctioneers .............................................................................................18 Walker Custom Siding ...........................................................................................12 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com

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PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — JUNE 24/JULY 1, 2022

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

L

Resurrection

ike most river towns during Minnesota’s pioneer days, Ottawa had its heyday — but is now barely a blip on the map.

Located at the intersection of Le Sueur County Roads 36 and 23, the village of 300 is most recently famous for the silica sand mine on the outskirts of town.

Also, like many pioneer towns, one of the first buildings constructed was a church … in Ottawa’s case, the 160-year-old Ottawa Methodist Episcopal Church, which stands at the corner of Liberty and Whittier Streets. But unlike many early churches which were made with wood, the Ottawa church was constructed of locally-quarried dolostone which some people say has a pink hue.

The stone church is one of the three oldest Methodist church buildings in Minnesota and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982. The church was a gathering place for Methodist worshipers for nearly a century. In 1952, the congregation closed the church and relocated. In 1967, the Minnesota Annual Conference of the Methodist Church donated the Little Stone Church to the Le Sueur County Historical Society.

A combination of time and internal struggles in the Society had taken a toll on the condition of the church. It had become obvious that the steeple was seriously leaning. In 2018, the Society addressed the steeple’s condition as well as stabilized the church building itself.

Generous response to the historical society’s fund-raising efforts made it possible to provide the

church with new cedar shakes and structural supports. (The church steeple had been removed several years earlier after it began to tilt, threatening the roof and structural stability of the building.) Workers completed a new roof and placed new steel trusses in the back of the church to support the new roof.

The construction crew also set into place a steel frame to hold the bell tower.

The wooden steeple which crowned the roof line of the church for the past century was not original to the old stone church of pioneer days. Photos from the Society’s archives were used to make the restoration as historically authentic as possible. The original bell still resides in the tower.

On Oct. 20, 2020 the new bell tower was lowered into place. Because of the Covid pandemic, an official commemoration of the event was postponed until May 28 of this year. A short service led by a regional Methodist minister filled the church. The historic pump organ led the congregation which listened to readings from an 1884 edition of the Bible that sits on the lectern.

The Ottawa church is open Sunday afternoons until Labor Day. Other viewings are possible by appointment. The church is also available for weddings, funerals and other private gatherings. For details, contact Dick or Kathy Peterson at (507) 665-2833 or rlpottawa@gmail.com; or the Le Sueur County Historical Society at info@lesueurcountyhistory.org.

A community worship service is scheduled at the church the Sunday following Labor Day, Sept. 11. v

Ottawa, Minn.

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