Spring ag 2018

SPRING AGRICULTURE MARCH 2018

Le Center Leader | Le Sueur Herald | St. Peter Herald

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SPRING AG

March 2018

Ketchup Sale

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CARS 2017 Chrysler 300-C AWD ................................................ 18K Miles ..........................$25,975 2017 Chrysler 300 Limited AWD ....................................... 18K Miles ..........................$22,975 2017 Chrysler 300 ............................................................. 12K Miles ..........................$21,975 2017 Chevy Cruz LT .......................................................... 24K Miles ..........................$14,975 2016 Buick Cascada Convertible....................................... 8K Miles ............................$26,975 2016 Chrysler 300-S AWD ................................................ 15K Miles ..........................$24,975 2016 Chrysler 200-C ......................................................... 27K Miles ..........................$15,475 2016 VW Beatle-S ............................................................. 8K Miles ............................$14,975 2016 Chrysler 200 Limited ................................................ 34K Miles ..........................$12,975 2015 Buick Verano Leather................................................ 26K Miles ..........................$16,975 2015 Chrysler 200-S AWD ................................................ 31K Miles ..........................$15,975 2015 Chevy Malibu LTZ ..................................................... 63K Miles ..........................$13,975 2015 Dodge Dart SXT ....................................................... 14K Miles ..........................$12,475 2014 Fiat 500-L ................................................................. 47K Miles ............................$9,975

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2012 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Big Horn 4x4.......................... 101K Miles ........................$17,975 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew Diesel LTZ 4x4 ............ 111K Miles ........................$31,975 2011 Ford F-150 Super Crew Lariat 4x4 ........................... 165K Miles ........................$15,975

SUV/CROSSOVER 2017 Dodge Durango GT AWD ......................................... 23K Miles ..........................$34,975 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 ........................... 18K Miles ..........................$33,975 2017 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD .................................. 9K Miles ............................$28,975 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 ........................... 22K Miles ..........................$24,975 2017 Kia Sorento AWD...................................................... 10K Miles ..........................$19,975 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4 ................................... 31K Miles ..........................$26,975 2015 Chevy Equinox LTZ AWD ......................................... 43K Miles ..........................$22,975 2015 Ford Escape Titanium AWD ..................................... 33K Miles ..........................$20,975 FREE 2015 Dodge Journey SXT AWD ........................................ 25K Miles ..........................$17,975 Ketchup 2015 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4x4 .......................................... 25K Miles ..........................$15,975 with 2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4D 4x4 ................................ 47K Miles ..........................$35,975 every 2013 Chevy Equinox LTZ AWD ......................................... 102K Miles ........................$12,975 Vehicle 2013 Honda Pilot EX-L 4x4 ............................................... 80K Miles ..........................$19,975 Purchase!

2013 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4D 4x4 .................................... 20K Miles ..........................$28,975 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 ........................... 83K Miles ..........................$16,975 2010 Nissan Murano SL AWD ........................................... 164K Miles ..........................$7,975

VANS 2015 Town & Country Limited ............................................ 75K Miles ..........................$21,975 2014 Town & Country Touring L......................................... 56K Miles ..........................$18,975 2016 Grand Caravan SE ................................................... 25K Miles ..........................$16,975

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March 2018

SPRING AG

Get to Know Your Banker I

f you don’t have a good banker on your side, your farm might not be getting the most out of its finances and loan opportunities. Your banking institution is your partner in making sure funds are available for new equipment, infrastructure, staff and repairs.

Without a clear understanding of what your bank can and cannot do, you can compromise the overall financial health and future of your farming operation.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR BANK

Setting up regular meetings with your banker is an important step in keeping lines of communication open. Initial meetings with your bank should include setting up a road map for success.

As the relationship progresses, the financial reports you provide your banker will

serve as the cornerstone for future loans and transactional support. These reports include balance sheets, income statements and budgets. Once the banker reviews these pieces, he or she can offer pertinent solutions to your financial questions.

A CONSISTENT RELATIONSHIP

elements that are ultimately out of the farmer’s control.

Finding a banker who is practical with a robust understanding of the agricultural industry — and all of its quirks — will help you survive hardships, overcome challenges and react to opportunities for growth.

HOW TO FIND

THE RIGHT BANK When it comes to finding the right banker, you’re lookNot every lender will necing for consistency. An ideal essarily be the right fit when partner is one who is consis- it comes to financing your tent and clear about lending practices.

Farming can be an unpredictable endeavor, given the Continued on page C8

BANKER

SPRING AG

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 Kate McGillen

Look for this section on

Spring Ag 2018 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. ©2018 All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.

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SPRING AG

March 2018

Negotiating Farmland Rent N

egotiating farmland rental rates can be a challenging endeavor, especially setting an initial price that might be locked in for years.

As the landlord, you want your local extension officials to make sure you are making to help walk you through a steady profit year over year. these questions and set a fair, You also want to be fair with profitable rate. your tenant to ensure a healthy long-term engage1. What is the crop proment. Your costs as the land- ductive index for the land owner include loan payment, from the Soil Conservation insurance and taxes, all of Service survey? which are major factors in 2. What is the nutrient setting a reasonable, fair rate. content (soil test report from Below is a helpful land- last year)? N, P, K, Zn, Mn, lord checklist from the Mg, pH, and organic matter Michigan State University come into play here.

Extension to help you develop a reasonable rental rate for your land. Work with Continued on page C8

RENT

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March 2018

SPRING AG

Rebuilding After a Disaster I

f you have been farming long enough, you likely have been impacted by a weather-related disaster. Rising floods, raging wildfires and crippling droughts can make or break your farm production — as well as put your livestock and facilities in harm’s way.

The effects of these types of disasters are not just financial, but emotional and psychological as well.

Overcoming a crisis requires strong partnerships with your staff, vendors and lending officers, to name a few.

EMERGENCY LOANS

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency provides assistance for natural disaster losses resulting from drought, flood, fire, freeze, tornadoes, pest infestation and other calamities.

Some of these loan programs include the Livestock

Forage Program, Livestock Indemnity Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish, and the Tree Assistance Program.

Check out www.fsa.usda.gov for more information on these opportunities.

TAP INTO LOCAL EXPERTISE

short- and long-term profitability while you take the steps to restore your operation.

Local officials are flexible and can work with you when you need them. They can offer an outside view of how to best prepare for and react to disaster situations on your farm. This perspective can be critical in making sure you assess and address any risks you might be overlooking.

Your best partners in overcoming disaster can be local extension agriculture agents and educators. These profesBUILD A PLAN sionals bring a breadth of experience and knowledge, and are privy to resources you may not know about. They Continued on page C8 can put you on the path to

DISASTER

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SPRING AG

March 2018

Water Conservation Tips A

griculture uses an estimated 70 percent of freshwater withdrawals globally and 40 percent of freshwater withdrawals in the United States, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

This consistent pull on fall into this category and sion for tips on irrigation water — along with severe include Russian Olive, tam- scheduling. The University droughts and freshwater arisk, willows and cotton- of Minnesota provides an shortages across the country wood.

According to extensive guide on irriga— makes water conserva- Colorado State University, tion scheduling using the Replace Infinity Windows tion a top-of-mind issue for phreatophytes can reduce checkbook method.

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A relatively new integra(Based on 5 windows white/ and awareness have opened Proper irrigation can tion into the farm operation, white, double hung) the door for many water take water away from these laser leveling can reduce (Based on 5 windows white/white, double hung) conservation tools, method- plans. You can also remove water use by up to 30 perologies and equipment. them through safe chemical cent and increase crop yields Replace Infinity Windows by Marvin THE DANGERS OF CLOGGED GUTTERS These innovations make it or mechanical means. by up to 20 percent, accordBirds, insects and rodents love to settle in neglected gutters. with the purchase ofing 4 or to more in Your Home Open gutters with debris can be a fire Leafaway’s easy to dryintegrate a hazard. new the Texas Water WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE LEAFAWAY (Based on 5 windows white/white, double hung) small opening in the top allows water to filter through while mindset into your farm’s IRRIGATION Board.

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• Damage to fascia. gutter, while leaves and other debris fall to the ground. flow over the gutters. This can lead to: Get Leafaway Gutters causing rainwater toHere are four water conwhile improving yields. used.

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Different colors compliment roof, fascia and trim color. can no longerconsume hold water which results in overflow which then significant quanti- can be selected Reach out to theyour local Continued on page C8 (Some restrictions apply) for the top and the bottom to best can lead to structural damage to your home and landscaping.

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SPRING AG

PAGE 7

USDA: We’re Committed to Farm Profits To Agriculture Fall In 2018

By JONATHAN KNUTSON Forum News Service

U.S. agriculturalists on balance will make less money in 2018 than they did in 2017, a new government report projects.

Farm-sector profits will fall in the Upper Midwest, too, though by less than the national average, the report finds.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service on Feb. 7 released its 2018 Farm Income Forecast. Key findings of the report, presented by ERS economist Carrie Litkowski during an online presentation to the news media, include the following: 2018 net cash farm income is forecast at $91.9 billion, down 5.1 percent from 2017

and the least since 2009.

2018 net farm income is estimated at $59.5 billion, down 6.7 percent from 2017 and the least since 2006.

Net cash farm income includes cash receipts from farming, as well as farm-related income, including government payments, minus cash expenses.

Net farm income, a broader measure of profits, incorporates noncash items, including changes in inventories and economic depreciation.

The difference between net cash farm income and net farm income reflects, in part, whether crops and livestock raised in one year are sold in that year or a subsequent year. That decision affects inventories and consequently net farm income.

LESS IN, MORE OUT

A short explanation of why farm-sector profits are projected to fall? More money going out, less money coming in.

ERS projects that higher production expenses, declining crop and livestock receipts and lowered government payments will continue the estimated drops in net cash farm income and net farm income.

Increased interest expense and higher fuel and hired labor costs will push up production expenses, ERS fore-

Nicollet County Bank Ag Lending Officers Ken Rossow, Gary Miller and Gary Hulke grew up on farms in southern Minnesota.

Ken Rossow Senior Vice President

Gary Miller Vice President

Gary Hulke Assistant Vice President

Working in the field and with livestock, they learned at an early age what farming is all about.

USDA

Continued on page C13

They continued their agricultural education through universities, classes and agricultural schools.

Nicollet County Bank is proud to have lending officers with their educational backgrounds as well as their genuine knowledge and deep interest in farming and agricultural lending. They are active in our community and go the “extra mile” to serve our customers.

Stop by or call 931-3310 for an appointment to visit with Ken, Gary M. or Gary H. about all your farm business financial planning. They are committed to agriculture, and they are committed to you.

Farm profits will fall in the Upper Midwest, though by less than the national average, a U.S. Department of Agriculture report finds. (Metro Creative Images)

Like Us On

www.nicolletcountybank.com

220 South Third Street • St. Peter • (507) 931-3310

PAGE 8

SPRING AG

Farm Bureau accepts applications for Century, Sesquicentennial Farms Minnesota Farm Bureau is accepting applications for the Century and Sesquicentennial Farm programs.

Minnesota Farm Bureau and Minnesota State Fair work in conjunction on the Century Farm program to honor Minnesota families that have owned their farms for at least 100 years, are at least 50 acres in size and are currently involved in farming. Century Farm families receive a commemorative sign and a certificate.

Minnesota Farm Bureau honors Minnesota families that have owned their farms for at least 150 years, are at least 50 acres in size and are currently involved in agricultural production. The farm receives a commemorative certificate and an outdoor sign.

Applications are available at www.fbmn.org or by calling Garfield Eckberg at 507327-3237 or Krista Doering at 507-317-1782. The deadline is April 2.

WATER

RENT

Continued from page C6

RAINWATER CATCHMENT

If you’re looking to harness more rainwater, Iowa State University’s website describes the process of installing a catchment system to collect rainwater. This 30-foot-by-96foot hoop house can collect up to 28,000 gallons of water per season, according to the uni-

Continued from page C4 versity.

No matter your method, now is the time to make an impact on water conservation.

Talk to your local extension to see what is financially viable for your operation and make the decision to get involved today.

DISASTER

Continued from page C5 Once the heavy lifting of repairing fence line or replacing livestock is over, it’s time to build a disaster plan that can help streamline your response to a similar disaster down the road.

Outline clear, concise tasks for your staff members when an emergency strikes. Post your plan both in-house and online so personnel can access

it at all times.

Your plan should include a simple process for overcoming common incidents. Make a list of your most critical contacts, including your lender and insurance representative. Timely outreach is critical in the face of a disaster and can make a major difference in response.

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some of the production and price risk to have the potential for higher rent?

9. Are you willing to share some of the production cost or be in a crop share arrangement?

10. Are you willing to enter into a flex rental arrangement that has a base cash rental rate with a maximum price that would be triggered if the crop yield and prices are above an agreed upon level?

11. What is the size of each field that you are renting? Total tillable rental acres?

12. Do any fields have any access restrictions, such as narrow drives, fences, electric/telephone poles, houses, barns, schools, located on busy road or close to residential areas?

Continued from page C3

Well Drilling and Septic Systems

• Plastic or Steel asin • rri ation ells • ell bandonment • Se tic System esi ner • Se tic System ns ection

3. What is the crop production history (for each crop planted on the farm in the last 10 years)?

4. What is the crop production level? (Yields for each crop planted on the farm for the last 10 years.

Push for actual yields not coffee shop or general numbers).

5. What chemicals have been applied and at what rate of application, to the crops over the past three to five years? (This can have a big impact on rotations).

6. What is the drainage tile spacing, type of tile, when were they installed, spacing, etc. Do you have a tile map with outlet information?

7. What is the surface drainage situation, grass runways or outlet locations and their function, or is there a pot-hole drainage system?

8. Are you willing to share

BANKER

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March 2018

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farm. When looking for the right partner, there are a few key questions to ask yourself: • Is the bank comfortable with agricultural loans?

• Does the bank have the ability and size to finance your operation?

• Do other farming operations you know use this bank? In other words, does it have a track record of serving agricultural professionals?

• Does the staff seemingly

have the knowledge, background and experience to meet your financing needs?

• Do you feel confident the bank will stick with you when challenges arise, including low commodity prices or serious drought?

Once you feel confident in answering “yes” to all of these questions, it might be the right time to enter into an engagement with your new lending partner.

See us for your • • •

Precision Farming Needs N

• • •

Farmers Elevator of Traverse 507-931-2112 or 1-800-290-2112

March 2018

d -

e t -

SPRING AG

PAGE 9

Cattle and the Cold

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A

s the cold creeps in, don’t forget to consider your cattle. Especially in the Northern Plains or Northeastern corridor, cattle can have a hard time replenishing the amount of energy it requires to stay warm against dropping temperatures.

Some temperatures this n winter will easily reach ebelow minus-30 at some epoint, making life tough on nlivestock and the farm hands wattempting to efficiently manage them.

INCREASED FEEDING

With a heavy winter coat, the critical temperature for cattle is around 18 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the North Dakota State University Extension Service. Below this temperature, cattle begin expending more

energy to stay warm.

One way of combating this natural reaction is to increase the amount of feed you deliver to your herd on a daily basis. Consider feeds with higher nutrient quality to help your cattle reach their required level of nourishment.

ADEQUATE PROTECTION

tures, moisture and wind can cause frostbite or even death.

Create permanent or portable windbreaks to protect your cattle, or strategically use natural barriers such as trees for protection. To overcome moisture challenges, ensure adequate amounts of bedding to keep your cattle dry. This can be especially critical for calves, which are in increased danger of frostbite, hypothermia and death.

Another relatively simple way of keeping your cattle warm this winter is to provide plenty of protection from the elements. The combination of frigid tempera- Continued on page C14

CATTLE

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PAGE 10

SPRING AG

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March 2018

Farmers struggling with low milk prices find little help from safety net

By MARK STEIL Minnesota Public Radio News Dave Schwartz has been milking cows full-time for nearly 60 years, through boom times and busts. And since the late 1950s, he’s seen a lot of both. He tries to keep an optimistic outlook, but that’s been a difficult thing to do lately, as milk prices fall — prices in 2018 so far are nearing a two-year low.

Schwartz says that’s putting a lot of financial stress on his dairy farm near the southwestern Minnesota community of Slayton.

“It’s just a survival thing and hopefully you can hang

in there until it turns around,” said Schwartz. “That’s kind of the way dairying is. It’s ups and downs.”

Milk prices hit an all-time record high of over 24 cents a pound to farmers in 2014 — but they have fallen by more than 40 percent since then.

That hit for farmers is giving consumers a break at the grocery store. A gallon of milk four years ago cost about $3.85, and now the price is hovering at about $3.15, down by about a fifth.

Schwartz said he’s at break-even on his milk sales, but many dairy farmers are losing money. Making the current situation even worse is the failure of a federal pro-

gram designed specifically for dairy farmers. It’s supposed to provide some financial help during unprofitable times.

The margin protection program, as it’s known, was created in the 2014 farm bill.

It’s basically an insurance program: Dairy farmers pay a premium to buy protection against falling milk prices.

“I think the dairy industry was pretty enthusiastic following the 2014 farm bill,” said John Newton who works for the American Farm Bureau Federation, a group with thousands of farmer mem-

PRICE

Continued on page C15

Dave Schwartz, who farms near Slayton, Minn., is just breaking even on the milk his dairy cows produce at his southwest Minnesota farm, here on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. (Mark Steil/ MPR News)

March 2018

SPRING AG

Farm Bureau members invited HAND OR for Day on the Hill WRIST ISSUES?

Day on the Hill is an opportunity for Farm Bureau members in Minnesota to meet with their elected officials and discuss issues important to them. Farm Bureau members from across the southern Minnesota will be traveling to the Capitol in St. Paul on March 20.

Each Day on the Hill begins with a briefing session.

Those who attend will be updated on legislative issues affecting agriculture and have the opportunity to meet with area legislators.

There will be bus pickup points in Mankato at McDonald’s on Hwy. 169 at 8:10 a.m.

PAGE 11

and at Family Fresh Market in St. Peter at 8:30 a.m.

To attend, contact Garfield Eckberg at (507) 246-5025 or (507) 327-3237 to reserve your spot. All Farm Bureau members are invited to attend and bring their neighbors.

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SPRING AG

Organic Certification H

ave you ever wondered what it would take to become a certified organic operation?

Research shows that organic farming practices can make major positive impacts on our environment — and your bottom line.

They can improve water quality, conserve energy, enhance biodiversity and contribute to enhanced soil health. Becoming certified organic also can boost your reputation as an environmentally conscious farmer with more than just production in mind.

There were more than 22,000 certified organic farms and businesses gener-

ating $43 million in retail sales of organic products in the United States in 2015, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The industry creates jobs and promotes economic growth and opportunities across rural America.

TAKING THE STEPS

According to the USDA, there are five basic steps to organic certification: • The farm or business adopts organic practices, selects a USDA-accredited certifying agent, and submits an application and fees to the certifying agent.

• The certifying agent reviews the application to verify that practices comply with USDA organic regulations.

Are you thinking about becoming certified but unsure where to start? There are many resources available to make the certification process as financially and operaContinued on page C15 tionally viable as possible.

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We have many models to choose from, along with many popular attachments including Bobcat breakers, trenchers, tillers and augers.

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March 2018

March 2018

USDA

Continued from page C7 casts.

Though soybeans and cattle/calves will fare relatively well in 2018, receipts for most other major crops and livestock groups, particularly cotton and dairy, will decline, the report projects.

Government payments are projected to fall $2.1 billion, or 18.6 percent, much of that due to large declines in Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage payments, ERS says.

REGIONAL DIFFERENCES

The report projects significant regional differences in farm-sector profitability.

Though farm profits will drop nationwide, some areas will be hit less than others.

The Northern Great Plains region — which includes North Dakota, South Dakota and most of Minnesota and

SPRING AG Montana — will see a 3.5 percent drop in average net cash farm income for farm businesses in 2018, according to ERS. That compares with a projected average decline of 7.3 percent for all farm businesses nationwide.

Cattle and calves are relatively important in the Northern Great Plains, so the projected upturn in their profitability this year helps cushion the overall decline in the region this year, ERS says.

What the report calls the “Heartland” — an area that corresponds closely to what’s often referred to the Corn Belt — will see a 6.2 percent drop in average net cash farm in 2016, according to ERS. Soybeans are important in the Corn Belt, and cattle and cattle/calves are common in parts of the region.

Despite the projected 2018 downturn in farm profits, however, farm-sector solvency remains relatively strong by historic standards, Litkowski

said.

To see highlights of the forecast: www.ers.usda.gov/ topics/farm-economy/farmsector-income-finances/ highlights-from-the-farmincome-forecast/.

To see a fuller version of the forecast, visit ers.usda. gov/topics/farm-economy/ farm-sector-income-finances/farm-sector-incomeforecast/.

The ERS’s mission “is to anticipate trends and emerging issues in agriculture, food, the environment and rural America and to conduct high-quality, objective economic research to inform and enhance public and private decision making.”

As part of that mission, the ERS releases annual farm income statement and balance sheet estimates and forecasts in February, August and November.

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PAGE 13

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SPRING AG

March 2018

Training and Education T

he agriculture industry will always be in demand of forward-thinking, cost-focused innovators, especially as technology cements itself further into daily operations.

If you’re considering entering the field, there are multiple avenues to becoming a successful farm owner, operator, employee or sales professional.

Many American universities offer traditional four-year degrees and specialty certifications.

Many secondary credentials are available through community colleges or extension campuses and also can lead to high-paying, dependable jobs for years to come. The key is finding the program that positions you for an agricultural job you’ll love.

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The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) is the primary certifying body for several specialties, including the AFM. As a professional farm manager, your tasks can include operational plan development, capital improvement, lease management, real estate appraisal and team leadership.

According to the

ASFMRA, here are the prerequisites for the AFM certification: • Four years of farm or ranch management experience or equivalent (One calendar year equals 1,600 hours).

• A four-year college degree or equivalent.

• Current membership in ASFMRA prior to submitting an accreditation application.

• Completion and submission of the AFM Exam application and fee.

• Submission of one farm management plan demonstrating the applicant’s ability to generate plans according to ASFMRA standards.

• Successful completion, with passing grades, of ASFMRA courses in management, consulting and ethics.

• Passing the final AFM Accrediting exam.

CERTIFIED AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANT (CAC)

Do you enjoy solving problems for clients and giving advice on best-practice

ter season as you work hard together to keep your cattle Continued from page C9 herd safe, dry and warm.

Encourage your farm hands REMEMBER YOUR and ranch managers to wear EMPLOYEES warm clothing while they work Be sure not to overlook outside. This includes layers, your human capital this win- extra gloves and wind protec-

CATTLE

solutions? The American Society of Agricultural Consultants (ASAC)’s CAC designation might be your best bet.

Here are some of the protocols required to earn a CAC designation, according to ASAC • Five years of agricultural consulting experience. (One calendar year consists of minimum 600 hours.)

• A four-year college degree or equivalent.

• Submission of an agricultural consulting plan illustrating the applicant’s ability to meet ASAC standards for such documents.

• Completion of numerous courses, including Standards & Ethics for Agricultural Consultants, Communications for Ag Consultants, and Consulting Services Delivery.

• Current membership in ASAC prior to applying for certification.

• Completed CAC application for the final accrediting exam, with applicable fee.

• Pass final CAC Certification exam. tion.

Remind them that the animals can only be protected by people who are prepared to deal with all of the elements Mother Nature has to offer this time of year.

March 2018

SPRING AG

U of M’s Farm Resource Guide available for 2018 The Farm Resource Guide for 2018 is now available at many University of Minnesota Extension offices across the

PRICE

Continued from page C10

Your Insurance Answer

bers that lobbies for agricultural issues. “About 80 percent of the U.S. milk supply was enrolled in the program n— 24,000 out of 40,000 dairy farmers signed up to participate in the program.”

But that enthusiasm faded as milk prices fell and farm-ers saw little return for premiums paid. Enrollment in gthe program has fallen sharply since then. The most recent lfigures show dairy farmers across the country have paid e $100 million in premiums, f but only received back about $12 million from the proegram, Newton said.

state. This resource guide includes a wide variety of useful farm business management information.

This Resource Guide is available for a $25 fee plus postage and sales tax if you would like to have your own copy. They are available for

delivery in the following formats: e-mail cost $25 plus sales tax; CD cost $28.50; or hard copy cost $30.

If you would like your own copy of the Farm Resource Guide, please e-mail bauxx003@umn.edu or call 507-372-3900 ext. 3906 with

That’s a much lower rate of return than in other federal farm programs, where the basic rule is that these types of insurance systems should pay out about as much as they take in.

Newton and others who’ve researched the program’s failure believe its main problem is that it underestimates the cost of producing milk. Because of that, it paints an overly optimistic picture of dairy farm finances, leading to low payout rates. That’s something that even the designers of the program agree with.

During a hearing last year, when dairy farmers were already struggling, U.S. House agriculture committee chair Michael Conaway of Texas

put it this way.

“While we often say that the farm safety net is designed for times like these, the margin protection program in the 2014 farm bill has provided virtually no assistance,” said Conaway.

That leaves dairy farmers like Schwartz in southern Minnesota and Steve Schlangen, farther north, wondering what’s ahead.

Schlangen has seen the economic struggle dairy farmers are going through up close. He’s the board chair for Associated Milk Producers, a large dairy co-op headquartered in New Ulm. Milk prices are projected to rise later this year, but Schlangen wonders if that will be too late for some producers. He

PAGE 15

the format requested For more farm business information, please see the University of Minnesota Ex- Continued from page C12 tension website: http://www. extension.umn.edu/agricul• An inspector conducts an retain your status. ture/business/farm-financialon-site inspection of the appliActual certification costs or management cant’s operation. fees vary widely depending on • The certifying agent the certifying agent and the said many have struggled for reviews the application and size of your operation, but can years, and need some federal the inspector’s report to deter- range from a few hundred to assistance. mine if the applicant complies several thousand dollars.

“A lot of farms have left the with the USDA organic regu- Charges generally cover the business over the last three lations. application fee, annual renewyears,” said Schlangen. “Are • The certifying agent al fee, assessment on annual they going to want to support issues an organic certificate. production or sales, and dairy farmers or not?” inspection fees. The USDA The answer to that quesCOST AND MAINTENANCE Organic Certification Costtion will likely come later It is relatively simple to Share Programs can reimburse this year, when Congress maintain organic certification. eligible operations up to 75 completes work on a new Your farm or business will go percent of their certification farm bill. Lawmakers have through an annual review and costs. Don’t forget to check tweaked the margin protecinspection process, and you into this valuable assistance. tion program a bit already, will be kept in the loop of any and farmers are hoping for a major overhaul during the changes or updates required to farm bill debate. But facing tight budget constraints, it’s Events & Happenings unclear if Congress and the president will approve expanded funding for dairy farmers.

ORGANIC

Bring your old paint and household chemicals to the

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Sh oul d a natural d is as ter ev er touc h d ow n in y our l if e, it’ s important to k now th at y our as s ets w il l b e w el l protec ted . W e’ re c ommitted to of f ering our c us tomers th e lowest possible rates on the best possible insurance coverage. To find out how eas y and af f ord ab l e it is to protec t y our h ome and f amil y , c al l us tod ay .

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This facility is open to residents of Le Sueur, Nicollet & Sibley Counties.

Tuesdays 12 noon - 6 p.m. · 2nd Saturdays 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Open April 3rd through October 30th

Paints & Stains Garden Chemicals R echargeab le Batteries Solvents

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Mercury Containing Devices (Thermometers, etc.)

F luorescent Bulb s (From households only)

We absolutely CANNOT accept: Business or agricultural chemicals or waste, motor oils or oil filters, explosives, or ammunition.

For more information, contact the Tri-County Solid Waste Office at 507-381-9196 www.co.nicollet.mn.us/180/Tri-County-Solid-Waste al.christensen@co.nicollet.mn.us

PAGE 16

SPRING AG

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