Rural living

JUNE

2017

URAL LIFE

Le Center Leader | Le Sueur News-Herald | St. Peter Herald © FOTOLIA

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VALLEY RURAL LIFE

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RURAL LIVING

A special publication of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald and St. Peter Herald Publisher Chad Hjellming Media Consultants Kathleen Davies Missy Daschner Gayle Stelten Advertising Design Mary Jo Blanchard

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Rural Living June 2017 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald and St. Peter Herald at no additional charge. All rights reserved. ©2017 All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.

JUNE 2017

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

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How Rural Women Can Make an Impact (Family Features) For hundreds of years, women have been a key pillar of the agriculture industry, accounting for onethird of the country’s farmers according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture.

While not always thought of in a traditional “farmer” role, women make an impact in the industry and in helping feed the rapidly growing global population. These “farm moms” play vital and integral roles on the farm, with their families and in their communities.

Susan Brocksmith named the 2017 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year, sponsored by Monsanto has been involved in supporting Helping His Hands and both the North Knox and South Knox County FFA chapters for many years, and while she finds

the experience incredibly rewarding, she also recognizes juggling these responsibilities on top of work and family can be difficult. She offers these tips to other women who are looking for simple ways to get involved in their communities: 1. Start small. It’s easy to want to take on a lot of responsibilities to help nonprofit organizations in your community, but starting small can help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed.

Start by looking for small volunteer opportunities, such as volunteering to staff a local event, and then look for opportunities to take on a larger role.

2. Involve the whole family. Volunteering should be a family affair. Bringing the kids along not only allows you to spend time with them, but also sets the example that giving back is an important responsibility for all.

3. Find an impactful cause.

Everyone brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to the table. Find an opportunity that fits you and values your contributions.

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“I am humbled and blessed to be named the 2017 America’s Farmers Mom of Year,” Brocksmith said. “I was raised on a family farm and was able to raise my daugh-

ters on our family farm. I have strived to instill the core values of faith, family and agriculture into my daughters, as well as my college students. Thanks to the sup-

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VALLEY RURAL LIFE

JUNE 2017

The Original Farm-to-Table Food –

Milk

(Family Features)

The trend of farm-totable foods is becoming increasingly popular, leading many to ask: Where is my food really coming from?

With so many available options in the grocery store, it is important to serve your family nutritious, high-quality foods to ensure healthy eating habits.

Milk is one of the original local, farm-to-table foods. It’s a product from farm families who care about their cows. In fact, 97 percent of dairy farms are still family owned and operated – passed down from generation to generation.

For dairy farmers, “farm to table” is more than just a buzzword – it’s a part of their livelihood. They value the trust consumers have in them to produce a high-quality product that is farm fresh and locally sourced. In fact, most milk is produced from cows

within 300 miles of where it’s sold.

Not only is milk farm fresh, it’s naturally nutrientrich. The ingredient list is short: milk and vitamins A and D. These simple ingredients, plus minimal processing for safety, make milk and milk products a wholesome part of a nutritious, balanced diet. Add milk at mealtime to ensure your family is getting high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, including 8 grams of protein per every 8-ounce serving.

For a trendy twist on the original farm-to-table food, and a tasty way to start your morning right, try this Lavender Honey Flavored Milk recipe. It’s a delicious way to serve wholesome and natural flavors with milk. For more recipe ideas and milk facts, visit milklife.com.

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Lavender Honey Syrup: 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons culinary lavender blossoms, dried

To make syrup: In small sauce pan, combine honey, water and lavender. Set saucepan over medium-low heat and stir constantly until mixture is hot, but not boiling, and honey is melted.

Remove from heat and allow syrup to cool completely. Strain syrup through fine mesh sieve and discard lavender. Refrigerate syrup in lidded jar until ready to use. Note: Makes about 6 ounces of syrup.

Pour 8 ounces milk into glass. Stir in 1 ounce Lavender Honey Syrup until well combined.

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Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 5 mg cholesterol; 8 g protein; 35 g carbohydrates; 105 mg sodium; 302 mg calcium (30% of daily value).

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PAGE 5

Rural Women Continued from page 3

port I received from family, friends and the community, I was able to receive this award.

This outpouring of support proves anything is possible.

Thank you Monsanto for providing this outreach opportunity.”

Brocksmith’s America’s Farmers Mom of the Year award, which honors the significant contributions women make on their farms and in their families, communities and beyond, gifted $4,000 to be divided among the three organizations she is involved with Helping His Hands is a disaster relief organization and local food pantry. Both North Knox FFA and South Knox FFA are long-standing chapters that make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

“Farm moms like Susan

are not only respected leaders in the agriculture industry, but also a critical part of the ecosystem that supports rural communities across America,” said Jessica Lane Rommel, Monsanto business communications manager. “We’re excited to celebrate Susan and all of the women who play such a vital role in rural communities.”

Since the program began in 2010, America’s Farmers Mom of the Year program has recognized 40 individuals for their roles in American

farms, families, rural communities and the agriculture industry. To learn more about the program, visit AmericasFarmers.com.

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A

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

JUNE 2017

New, At-Risk Farmers

ccording to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, there are nearly six times as many farmers over 65 than under 35. It is more important than ever to invest and support the next generation of farmers.

Wh il e any f arm er h as m any c h al l eng es to f ac e — inc l u ding th e rising c ost of f arm l and, avail ab il ity of training or tec h nic al assistanc e, and f inanc ing — f arm ers j u st starting ou t and soc ial l y disadvantag ed f arm ers f ac e th ese sam e c h al l eng es, b u t m ost of ten ex p erienc e th em to a g reater ex tent.

Soc ial l y disadvantag ed f arm ers inc l u de f arm ers of c ol or, m il itary veterans and w om en. Th ese g rou p s h istoric al l y h ave not p artic ip ated in m any f ederal p rog ram s du e to inadeq u ate ou treac h , l ac k of h el p and even dis-

c rim ination, ac c ording to th e FSA. Bel ow is a b rief overview of key f ederal p rog ram s f oc u sed on serving th e u nderserved.

Microloans Th e FSA’ s m ic rol oan p rog ram is sp ec if ic al l y desig ned f or y ou ng , sm al l or soc ial l y disadvantag ed f arm ers b y of f ering a sim p l if ied l oan p roc ess f or th eir (ty p ic al l y ) sm al l er c redit needs.

Sinc e th e p rog ram ’ s introdu c tion in 201 3, th e FSA h as f u nded m ore th an 20,000 f arm ers ac ross th e nation

w ith m ore th an $ 470 m il l ion.

Whole Farm Revenue Protection Wh ol e Farm Revenu e Protec tion is an insu ranc e p ol ic y desig ned to p rotec t a f arm er’ s entire f arm (inc l u ding l ivestoc k) — not j u st one c rop . I t is sp ec if ic al l y desig ned f or diversif ied f arm s th at m ig h t not h ave ac c ess to c rop insu ranc e f or eac h c rop th ey g row .

Risk Management Education Program Th is p rog ram p rovides f u nding th rou g h f ou r reg ion-

al c enters and one dig ital c enter to h el p f arm ers l earn h ow to m inim iz e risk on th eir f arm s. By m inim iz ing risk, f arm ers c an inc rease b oth th e f inanc ial stab il ity and f u tu re su stainab il ity of th eir f arm s.

Down payment Loan Program Th is is a j oint-f inanc ing l oan p rog ram b etw een th e FSA and a c om m erc ial l ender to enab l e th e p u rc h ase of f arm l and. Onl y b eg inning or soc ial l y disadvantag ed f arm ers are el ig ib l e f or th is p rog ram .

Land Contract Guarantee Program Th is p rog ram h el p s retiring f arm ers sel l th eir f arm s to f arm ers w h o are j u st starting ou t b y p roviding a f ederal g u arantee in c ase b u y ers ru n into trou b l e m aking p ay m ents.

Individual Development Accounts

ing , as w el l as m atc h ed saving s ac c ou nts. I n th e m atc h ed saving s ac c ou nt, th e f ederal g overnm ent (th rou g h l oc al p artners) w il l m atc h any am ou nt dep osited b y th e f arm er b y 1 00 p erc ent.

For f u l l detail s on any of th ese p rog ram s, visit w w w . f sa.u sda.g ov.

Th is p rog ram is desig ned to h el p b eg inning and soc ial l y disadvantag ed f arm ers f inanc e th eir needs th rough agr ibus iness train-

Just Keeping It Green Riverbend Recycling Center - 600 Webster Ave. North Mankato Nicollet County Recycling Site - 1700 Sunrise Dr. Upper-St. Peter

(Nicollet County Public Works parking lot) Public Recycling Drop Off is M-F from 8 am to 4:45 pm

Yard Waste Drop-Off & Recycling Site - Southwest Corner of North Swift St. and West St. Julien Waste Management Recycling Center - located 4 miles south of Le Sueur on Cty road #36 Blue Earth County Household Hazardous Waste Facility 651 Summit Ave. Mankato - open to residents of Le Sueur, Nicollet & Sibley counties

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JUNE 2017

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

PAGE 7

Safety During Summer

How warming weather affects horses (Family Features) Increasing heat and drier conditions mean outdoor animals of all kinds are forced to adapt as the summer season marches on.

The sweltering temperatures in many parts of the country can have a multitude of effects on these animals that are in the sun and heat throughout the day.

Horses are a primary example of outdoor animals that experience the effects of the temperatures and must adapt. However, there are ways that owners can help ease the strain of summer on their horses in a few different key areas.

Nutrition Oftentimes, a horse’s diet will require adjustments during the hot temperatures of summer, especially during extreme heat. Perhaps the largest nutritional concern for horse owners is making sure to provide plenty of fresh water to en-

sure proper hydration.

As temperatures climb, horses, like most animals, will naturally feel the need to consume higher volumes of water. However, it’s the owner’s responsibility to make sure the proper amount is available.

Hoof Care Typically, as seasons change and the weather starts to get warmer, hooves will start to grow and develop at normal rates after the lull in growth throughout the cooler months. During this time, it is especially important that horses receive consistent trimming and maintenance from hoof care professionals.

In addition, it’s equally as important to make sure that hooves aren’t wearing away too quickly. Providing extra support inside the hoof cavity by using pour-in-pad materials, such as Equi-Pak, which can be injected under a pad or used as standalone pads, can help provide extra protection and support throughout

every season.

Shelter While a man-made shelter can be of obvious use to provide shade and protection during hot days, even structures as simple as trees can help horses regulate their body temperatures.

Horses naturally work to maintain their body temperatures as temperatures rise by sweating, increasing their respiration and increasing water consumption. They’ll also seek shady areas when available to help quickly cool down. Providing multiple areas and structures for horses to seek shady comfort can be a simple solution for the hottest of days.

With a few adjustments and careful attention, owners can ensure they’re giving horses the right treatment throughout the summer. Find more ways to take proper care of horses’ hooves throughout the changing seasons at vettec.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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PAGE 8

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

JUNE 2017

It’s 2017:

Do you know how old your farmer is?

(BPT) - Smartphone?

Check. GPS? Check. Seed, fertilizer and tractor? Check.

Welcome to the world of modern agriculture, where high-tech is the rule and savvy millennials are in demand as U.S. agriculture embraces the many challenges of feeding a growing world.

From planters guided by GPS to corn and soybeans with built-in resistance to insects, today’s agriculture is a far cry from Old McDonald’s farm or the pitch-forkwielding couple of American Gothic. Many of the technological advances in modern

agriculture rival the smartest smartphones and the most intuitive interfaces.

Imagine drones that scout for pests, farm machinery that decides where fertilizer is needed or harvest equipment that steers itself.

Then there are plants that “sense” when weeds get too close, “turn a switch” when they need to conserve water, and produce their own “pherMillennial grower Nathan Miller helps manage his family’s 13,000-acre farm in Washington Court House, Ohio. omones” to ward off insects and diseases. It’s the kind of high-tech stuff that’s the perof our nation’s farmers are at Inquisitive fect match for millennials, High-tech and high-touch Getting to know them least 55 years old.

However, as To no one’s surprise, often defined as people born Young growers take Currently, more than half these farmers retire over the millennials use the Internet between 1982 and 2004. next few years, millennials - more innovative risks than to gather information from America’s largest demograph- their older counterparts, but diverse sources. Young farmic and arguably our most tech personal relationships are just ers are hungry for informasavvy - will likely be taking as important to them as the tion - information to help latest technology. Many pre- them make smart business their place.

Many companies that fer phone calls and in-person decisions. It’s not enough to hope to supply this new gen- meetings over the digital dia- simply know how to do someeration of farmers with goods logue so dominant today. thing: They want to know and services are getting ready why. for the transition. Syngenta Educated While only 33 percent Purpose-driven has already launched a training initiative designed to help of American 35- to 44-yearMillennials view farming its employees build trust, im- olds have a bachelor’s degree, as a business and a lifestyle. prove service and strengthen 57 percent of young growers They are very serious about partnerships with younger do. Eleven percent of them what they’re trying to accomcustomers and coworkers. even have a master’s degree or plish on the job, but they also The training gives partici- higher. It’s the highest level of want to have a high quality of You have a lot to protect, and a lot to lose. Get farm insurance you pants a better understanding education among U.S. farm- life outside work. can truly depend on to look out for your best interests each and of who millennials are and ers to date. what’s important to them. every day. Speak with one of our agents today, and find out what These findings debunk Decisive “Millennials are one of the myth that the millennial insurance coverage is right for you and your farm.

Due to increasing farm- generation is self-absorbed, the most talked about but least understood genera- ing complexity, millennials indecisive and addicted to sotions,” says Gil Strader, head are making significant deci- cial media. As a group, young H e i d i Ba k e r , St a t e Fa r m Ag e n t of field force excellence and sions at younger ages than farmers are serious decision Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® training at Syngenta. “We’re their predecessors - decisions makers who crave connecfinding fascinating insights worth hundreds of thousands tion, communication and a that can help bridge this gen- of dollars. In fact, two-thirds sense of purpose. To learn are the primary decision more about millennials and eration knowledge gap.”

Research reveals that makers for their operations, other agricultural trends, go 3 5 0 W e s t D e r r y n a n e | L e C e n t e r , M N5 6 0 5 7 younger growers in the agri- from seeds to marketing. to www.syngentathrive.com.

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JUNE 2017

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

PAGE 9

Food for thought:

What millennials want to know about their pork products

(BPT) - Pulled pork, ham steaks, chops, tenderloin and everyone’s favorite, bacon - Americans love pork, and consume about 64 pounds ,per person every year, actcording to U.S. Department mof Agriculture statistics. But -Americans’ interest in pork -goes far beyond what barbepcue sauce to use on it, or how sto serve the perfect holiday oham; they also care about -where their pork comes from wand how it was raised, a new survey by Cargill shows.

With the USDA forecasting demand for pork will ingcrease in 2017, Cargill polled .more than 2,000 people in tthe U.S. and Spain to get an -idea of what people want oto know about pork, what fthey think they know, and what they want to learn. The Feed4Thought survey found kthat 43 percent of American lmillennials say a pig’s diet ,influences their purchasing -decisions and - no surprise g- bacon is their favorite pork nproduct. aCaring about food sources n “Many consumers, mildlennials in particular, are ospeaking loudly about the importance of knowing what is on the dinner table and

where it came from,” says Patrick Duerksen, Cargill global marketing director, pork. “It’s important to them to know the pork they eat was produced in a healthy and responsible manner.”

While millennials cared the most about pigs’ diets, they also trusted the least (42 percent) that the pork they eat has been raised on what they would consider a healthy diet. In reality, pigs largely eat corn, soybean meal, vitamins and minerals. Swine feed, like products developed by Cargill, are precise formulations that can incorporate probiotics, antioxidants and essential oils to promote better gut health, digestion and metabolism.

Feed facts Millennials, and Americans in general, also overestimated the amount of feed required to nourish a pig to market weight of 275 pounds, the survey shows. Fortyone percent of millennials thought pigs need more feed to reach market weight today than they did 50 years ago, 27 percent were unsure and just 32 percent knew less feed is required.

Improved nutrition and

efficiency of modern feed mean today’s pigs require less feed to reach market weight, Duerksen notes. Fifty years ago, a pig would need to eat more than 1,000 pounds of feed to reach market weight.

Today, it requires just over 600 pounds.

Similarly, only a third knew it takes less land and water to raise a pig to market weight today than 50 years ago, while 37 percent thought more was required and 30 percent were unsure.

The future of pork Ninety-four percent of all consumers polled by Cargill say they eat pork, with bacon, pork chops and ham being the three favorite cuts.

The USDA reports that the U.S. is the third-largest pork producer and consumer in the world.

Americans aren’t the only people who love pork, either. Pork represents 40 percent of all meat consumed globally, according to the National Pork Board. The U.S. is the largest exporter of pork and pork products, accounting, on average, for more than 20 percent of the world’s commercial pork production, the USDA says.

“With demand for pork increasing domestically and globally, a growing number of consumers feel it’s important to know how the pork they’re eating was raised and

the nutritional value of the animals that were raised refeed pigs consume,” Duerk- sponsibly.” sen says. “They already know pork tastes great and is a good source of protein and other nutrients. They also want to know their pork came from

PAGE 10

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

JUNE 2017

Agriculture Gets Mobile F

arming with digital applications can both elevate success and alleviate stress for farmers. Just like any other industry, farming is complex and technology is forever evolving to help those in the field do their jobs better.

With the number of farming applications currently available, it can be hard to tell them apart, or get familiar with each app’s unique features. The good news is, with a little basic information, you’ll be

downloading your new favorite farming app in no time. This is where we have you covered.

Here are just a few of the many farming apps available, and a brief overview of what makes each one great.

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Remember to find out if there are versions available from your phone’s app store.

Also take into consideration whether each is paid or free.

This may help you make your decision about which apps to integrate into your

work flow.

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EFarmer is a free recordkeeping system in your phone. It will allow you to easily capture and document all field activities through electronic maps.

You can record the history of cropping, field investigation, crop planning, field tasks and so much more.

The best part is that you can make notes directly on the map.

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AGVAULT APP

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of the “where,” “when” and “why” behind every photo.

A new addition to the app offers autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) route planning. The UAV launches from the app, flies the predetermined route and comes home once the flight plan is complete — all the while taking high-quality imagery that can be useful to farmers’ decision-making processes.

JUNE 2017

F

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

PAGE 11

By the Numbers

arming is one of the most numbers-based professions on the planet. Without accurate tracking of statistics and key data, farmers will be ill equipped to efficiently order new inventory, plan their planting season and buy equipment.

Here are a few statistics showcasing the importance of farming to the country and world as a whole:

LOOKING BACK

• In 2010, soybeans represented 56 percent of the world’s oilseed production.

According to the Agriculture Council of America, 33 percent of those soybeans were produced by American farmers.

• In 2012, U.S. farms spent $329 billion to produce $388 billion in goods, according to Farm Policy Facts.

• In 2007, just over 187,000 of the 2.2 million farms in the U.S. accounted

for 63 percent of sales in agricultural products, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This marks a trend toward a concentration in ag production.

• In 2006, the average American farmer grew enough food to feed 144 people, according to the Center for Food Integrity. In 1940, the average farmer grew enough food to feed half that.

LOOKING FORWARD

• The United States Department of Agriculture projects that farmers will plant more than 84 million acres of soybeans in 2017 — a

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record number.

• Alternatively, USDA economists project only 1.9 billion bushels of wheat in 2017, making it the smallest wheat crop since 2006.

• According to the Purdue/ CME Group Agriculture Economy B arometer (based on a monthly survey of

400 agricultural producers from across the country), American farmers are the m o s t optimistic about the future of farming since the barometer was introduced in O c tob e r 2015.

• There are 71.5 million hogs and pigs on U.S.

6 Years

farms currently, up 4 percent from last year, according to a report by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Of those 71.5 million, 22.4 million are from Iowa — making it the largest producer among the states.

BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW

• Soy beans are one of the main ingredients of crayons. According to Farm Flavor, one acre of soybeans can produce more than $82,000 in crayons.

• The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association reports that more than 97 percent of beef cattle farms and ranches are classified as fami-

ly farms.

• According to the American Egg Board, approximately 60 percent of eggs produced in the United States are used by consumers, whereas only 9 percent are used by the food service industry.

• No other animal provides society with more products than the pig, according the National Pork Board.

Besides food products, parts of the pig are used in diabetic treatments, their heart valves can be used as replacements in humans, and their skin can be used to treat severe burn victims.

!

g in v li r io n e s l a n o ti p e c ex f o

CLASSIC CAR ROLL-IN CELEBRATION

Wednesday, June 28th | 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

• Free HOT DOGS on the grill with all the fixin’s • LIVE MUSIC with Guentzel Quintet • TOURS and DRAWINGS for prizes and of course, • CLASSIC CARS to look at Call Lisa to RSVP 507-484-2203

: FREE

& OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

1305 Marshall Street | St. Peter, MN 56082 507-484-2203 | www.ecumenstpeter.org INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

PAGE 12

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

JUNE 2017

LAST CALL!!! NEW 2016’S These are the last of the new 2016’S, reserve yours now!

New vehicles at used vehicle prices!

2016 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED

Anniversary Edition Heated seats, remote start, moonroof & much more!

Lager’s St. Peter

2016 DODGE CHALLENGER HELLCAT

MSRP $28,125 Lagers Sale Price $24,485 Rebate $2,000 Trade In Assistance $2,500** Finance Cash $2,000*

CLOSEOUT PRICE

$17,955

2016 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SXT

6.2 supercharged hemi, auto, moonroof, remote start, heated & cooled seats

DVD, remote start, back up camera, p. side doors & tailgate

MSRP $72,765 Lagers Sale Price $64,929 Finance Cash $2,000*

MSRP $32,515 Lagers Sale Price $30,469 Incentives $3,500 Finance Cash $2,000*

CLOSEOUT PRICE

$62,929

CLOSEOUT PRICE

Stock #11874

$24,969

Hard top, pw, pdl, tow pkg, alloy wheels, satellite radio

4 Cyl, auto, p. seat, 6.5 touch screen, back up camera, high altitude pkg.

MSRP $39,860 Lagers Sale Price $35,992 Finance Cash $1,000*

MSRP $29,080 Lagers Sale Price $27,990 Incentives $4,000 Finance Cash $2,000*

$34,992

Lager’s St. Peter

Stock #11994

2016 JEEP COMPASS LATITUDE 4X4

2016 JEEP WRANGLER 4D SAHARA

CLOSEOUT PRICE

Stock #11727

CLOSEOUT PRICE

Stock #11946

$21,990

Stock #11837

www.lagerschryslerdodgejeep.com 910 Old Minnesota Ave. 507-931-4070 • 800-657-4802

The New Chrysler Wing is a trademark of Chrysler Group LLC. 1000 Chrysler Drive Auburn Hills, Mchigan 48326 Filed for registration with the US Patent and Trademark Office, July 2009.

First use in commerce, November 2010.

Rendered February 2011 by John Conti <jconti@mediamonitors.com>

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* Must finance thru Lager’s finance source to qualify.

W.A.C. See dealer for details. ** Must trade in a vehicle to qualify. See dealer for details.