May 2018 Voice of Agriculture

®

oice of Agriculture

VOLUME 38 • No. 3

MAY 2018

BUFFER UPDATE PAGE 8A

FARMERS TO WASHINGTON D.C.

SECTION B TRAVEL MINNESOTA

SAFETY FIRST PAGE 10A

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS from across Minnesota met with American Farm Bureau Federa�on �AFBF) President Zippy Duvall during the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federa�on�s �MFBF) Farmers to Washington, D.C. trip March 5-7. Pictured le� to right are Nathan Collins - MFBF District IV board member, MFBF Vice President Dan Glessing, MFBF President Kevin Paap, Emma Hoversten – Lyon County, John Chute – Aitkin/Carlton County, Wya� Glessing – Wright County, Lisa Roker – Redwood County, Elizabeth Golombiecki – Stevens County, AFBF President Duvall, Mar� Koehl – Stevens County, Tiffany Hulinsky – Todd County, Leah Johnson – Grant County, Carolyn Olson- MFBF District III board member, Kerri Ma�son – Pope County, Amber Hanson – MFBF Public Policy director, Ma�hew Ma�son – Pope County and David Beyerl – Swi� County.

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A SECTION

VOICE OF AGRICULTURE

MAY 2018

Farmers Being Heard on Trade Did you know?

n�FARM BUREAU MEMBERS from across Minnesota met with their members of Congress in Washington, D.C. during the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federa�on�s (MFBF) Farmers to Washington, D.C. trip March 5-7. Pictured front row, le� to right, Tiffany Hulinsky – Todd County, Emma Hoversten and Carolyn Olson – MFBF District III board member – Lyon County, Mar� Koehl and Elizabeth Golombiecki – Stevens County, Leah Johnson – Grant County and John Chute – Aitkin/Carlton County. Back row, le� to right, Amber Hanson – MFBF Public Policy director, Ma�hew and Kerri Ma�son – Pope County, Nathan Collins – MFBF District IV board member, and David Beyerl – Swi� County, Lisa Roker – Redwood County and MFBF Vice President Dan Glessing and Wya� Glessing – Wright County.

S

Farm Bureau Members Travel to Washington, D.C.

eventeen Farm Bureau members from across Minnesota met with their members of Congress in Washington, D.C. during the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation’s (MFBF) Farmers to Washington, D.C. trip March 5-7.

Participants met with Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith; members of Congress Collin Peterson, Tom Emmer, Jason Lewis and Erik Paulson and staff members from the offices of Tim Walz, Betty McCollum and Rick Nolan.

“It was a powerful realization for both of us, that it is important to meet our senators and representatives and tell them our story. They are making decisions for us so they need to know how we feel,” said Matthew and Kerri Mattson from Pope County. “Farm Bureau continues to be a great organization to work with and a champion for everyone in agriculture.”

During the meetings, attendees discussed Farm Bureaus farm bill priorities including the importance of keeping nutrition

as part of the farm bill and protecting risk management programs and crop insurance.

They discussed the importance of keeping and expanding market opportunities through international trade. They also discussed the need for expanded ethanol usage to E15 yearround; the need to work towards solutions for affordable and available health care, mental health and opioid assistance; agricultural labor reform; and delisting the wolves from the Endangered Species Act. In addition, attendees met with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Perdue’s senior staff.

“The D.C. experience outfits our leaders with the tools they need to become strong advocates for agriculture and rural Minnesota,” said President Kevin Paap. “It allows them to share their stories, build relationships and bring Farm Bureau policy to life for our Farm Bureau members. It instills the importance of discussing issues that are important to us. If we are not sharing our story, then someone else will be.”

Trip attendees included, county Farm Bureau leaders, state board of director members, and Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee contest finalists. During their trip members also interacted with Farm Bureau members from across the U.S. “This was a great opportunity to engage with our elected officials face to face about issues facing beginning farmers like myself,” said Leah Johnson from Grant County. “I valued getting to see our representatives at work for us.”

YF&R contest finalists earn this trip by competing in the 2018 Discussion Meet held at the MFBF LEAP Conference in January. In addition to the Washington, D.C. trip, state contest winners receive a $500 cash prize, a trip to the AFBF YF&R national leadership conference and a trip to compete in the AFBF contests. For more information about the MFBF YF&R program, contact your county offices or visit fbmn.org.

American Farm Bureau and Minnesota Farm Bureau has significant concerns over China’s actions to impose tariffs w NAFTA is 24 years old. including a 25 percent tariff on several pork products in addition to other w 24% of Minnesota products. Minnesota farmers rely on Agricultural exports go market opportunities abroad. to Canada “While we cannot be certain how our current trade dispute with China will w 24% of Minnesota end, we know that farmers and ranchers Agricultural exports go are being heard,” said American Farm to Mexico Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “We have not been shy about w NAFTA – modify, voicing our concerns to the modernize and do no administration. The risk to our harm to agriculture businesses and livelihoods is real, and a recent White House statement was a clear reminder that agriculture is seen and valued by President Trump.”

“The trade winds may be rough right now, but if the administration remains true to its commitment of charting better deals for all, we are confident we’ll weather the storm,” said Duvall “China is a critical market for Minnesota agriculture, especially for soybeans, dairy, pork and wheat. The recent actions by one of our largest trade partners could prove to be detrimental to Minnesota farmers and ranchers,” said Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap. “The current trade disputes need to be resolved without harming agriculture.”

Farm Bureau is encouraging farmers and ranchers to urge the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate a better deal for American agriculture. Submit your comments to USTR by going to fb.org/advocacy/tariffs.

Photo by Ruth Meirick

THE MINNESOTA FARM Bureau Federa�on Promo�on � Educa�on Commi�ee held their March mee�ng near Luverne. As part of their mee�ng, the commi�ee conducted a round table discussion event with the local Rotary Club. Every 10 minutes, Rotary members rotated to a new topic sta�on to learn more about the commodity or agricultural subject area of exper�se from the commi�ee member. Pictured is Debra Durheim, le�, with members discussing sheep.

Farm Bureau Leaders Conduct Consumer �utreac� �c����es

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Promotion & Education (P&E) Committee organized and lead Farm Bureau members with consumer outreach activities in March and April.

Agriculture in the Classroom The committee and Farm Bureau members visited schools in Golden Valley and South St. Paul on April 6. The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation sponsored classroom book

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4A • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

MFBF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Paap Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan Glessing Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Radatz Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Johnson Board Members District I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith Allen District II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Roelofs District III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolyn Olson District IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nathan Collins District V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fran Miron District VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miles Kuschel District VII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shayne Isane State Promotion & Education Committee Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pete Bakken State Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Pagel MFBF STATE STAFF Administrative Chris Radatz, Executive Director . . . . . . . 651-768-2104 Kim Oakes, Executive Secretary . . . . . . . . 651-768-2111 Foundation Ruth Meirick, Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-768-2115 Michele DeGeest, Administrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-768-2151 Public Relations Kristin (Campbell) Harner, Director . . . . . 651-768-2118 Jodi Jetson, Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-768-2117 Organization Development James Dodds, North Region . . . . . . . . . 218-556-4667 Michael Knight, Southeast Region. . . . . 515-313-1538 DelRay Johnson, West Central Region . . 218-639-2092 Riley Maanum, Northwest Region. . . . . 320-260-6417 Amanda Revier, Southwest Region . . . . 320-894-2600 Dennis Sabel, East Central Region . . . . . 612-756-1230 Yvonne Simon, South Central Region . . 507-995-1652 Judy Pilcher, Administrative Assistant . . 651-768-2114 Finance Dave Johnson, Director of Operations. . . . 651-768-2101 Lori Wiegand, Accounting Associate . . . . . 651-768-2102 Public Policy Amber Hanson, Director . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-768-2103 Judy Pilcher, Administrative Assistant . . 651-768-2114

The Voice of Agriculture® (ISSN: 1529-1669) Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation 2017© Published January, March, May, July, September, November by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, 3080 Eagandale Place, PO Box 64370, St. Paul, MN 55164.

“The Voice of Agriculture” is mailed periodical postage paid at St. Paul, MN and additional entry offices. “The Voice of Agriculture” is distributed to nearly 30,000 Farm Bureau member families and others across the state of Minnesota.

Editor: Kristin (Campbell) Harner Assistant Editor: Jodi Jetson Design and Layout: Madsen Ink Co. Editorial and circulation offices: The Voice of Agriculture P.O. Box 64370 St. Paul, MN 55164-0370 Phone: 651-768-2118 Fax: 651-768-2159 E-mail: info@fbmn.org www.fbmn.org For display advertising and classified advertising information, call 800-798-2691.

Or write to: The Voice of Agriculture 406 Stevens Street Iowa Falls, IA 50126 Postmaster send change of addresses to: The Voice of Agriculture Box 64370 St. Paul, MN 55164-0370 Voice of Agriculture® is a registered service mark owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

FFA Goes Beyond President’s Voice

KEVIN PAAP • MFBF PRESIDENT

Not long ago when the Minnesota Farm Bureau hosted a meeting in our office, and we walked into our board room, our guests’ comments started like they many times do, “Wow, you’ve got a FFA and a 4-H flag here, I was a member and …” Those comments are always a great reminder of why Farm Bureau maintains such strong support for FFA and 4-H. As I write this column just prior to three of the most energizing days of spring, the Minnesota State FFA Convention.

The Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Education program prepares nearly 22,000 students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.

The over 250 Minnesota AFNR teachers use the inseparable, equal and interdependent Three Circle Model consisting of classroom or laboratory instruction, experiential learning through their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) outside of the classroom work-based learning, and FFA leadership and relationship development activities.

The Future Farmers of America was founded in 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri by 33 students from 18 states, in 1933, delegates adopted the blue corduroy jacket as their official dress. While the name changed to FFA in 1988, the values hold true to what the delegates originally founded.

FFA is not just for those in production agriculture, in fact, over 80 percent of all agriculture jobs are off the farm. It's not just about cows, sows and plows, but today’s FFA is about beakers, speakers and job seekers. Yes, there are future farmers, but there are also future biologists, future chemists, future veterinarians, future engineers, future entrepreneurs and many others in FFA. That is why the name was changed in 1988 to the National FFA Organization.

FFA is a dynamic youth organization within agriculture

education that changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, career success and personal growth. The FFA motto Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve speaks volumes to how it outfits members for success in life.

There are over 650,000 members as part of over 7,800 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Minnesota has over 10,000 FFA members in over 190 high school chapters.

People unfamiliar sometimes ask why join FFA, or why should I support FFA in our school district? I believe one of the best answers came from Laura Ely Collins when she was asked during FFA Week how would you complete the sentence “I am FFA because?” She answered the question by writing this on her napkin, “The front of your jacket says who you are, the back says where you are from. But nowhere on the jacket says who you will be or where you will go.”

That is why Minnesota Farm Bureau is proud to be a strong supporter in an organization that change lives, prepares students for leadership opportunities, career success and personal growth.

There is no better time than now to consider how you can support this organization. Maybe it is sponsoring members of your chapter to leadership camp, sponsoring FFA jackets for members of your FFA, volunteering as a coach for a Career Development Event or as a resource for any number of projects the FFA may be involved in.

I encourage you to see how you can incorporate this year’s Minnesota FFA Convention theme “FFA Go Beyond.”

Learn more about the Minnesota FFA Foundation at mnffafoundation.org or how to get involved in the Minnesota FFA Alumni and Supporters at mnffaalumni.org.

Time to End the Tariffs Race The Zipline

ZIPPY DUVALL • AFBF PRESIDENT Tourists from all over the world are visiting our nation’s capital to see a symbol of international friendship and cooperation. The cherry blossom trees, a gift from Japan to the United States in 1912, are in bloom. While visiting Washington, D.C., some of those tourists might also make their way to the National Zoo, home of two giant pandas currently on loan from the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The panda exhibit began back in 1972 when the Chinese government gave two pandas to the U.S. following President Nixon’s visit to China.

Against this backdrop of good international relations, however, a conflict is escalating between the U.S. and China.

China has engaged in unfair trade practices for years, and now the U.S. is reacting with tariffs intended to bring China to the negotiating table. Instead of negotiating to stop the tariffs and agree to fairer trade terms, China has responded by escalating the situation with higher tariffs on U.S. goods, with agricultural products in the crosshairs.

This is a dangerous game we are playing, with U.S. agriculture at risk of being the loser.

No matter who started it, it’s time to stop it. U.S. – China trade is too important, to both countries, to let this fight continue and escalate further.

As important as our $21 billion in agricultural exports to China are to farmers’ and ranchers’ livelihoods, the broader U.S. market for everything from clothing and computers to televisions and toys is much more important to China.

China’s exports to the U.S. exceeded $500 billion in 2017.

China has a lot to lose in this battle. That’s why just this week Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a speech that China would work to widen market access. That promise is a step in the right direction. It means there is hope we can avoid additional tariffs on our agricultural exports.

This is a dangerous game we are playing, with U.S. agriculture at risk of being the loser. At risk is $12 billion a year in soybean exports, half a billion dollars a year in pork and cotton exports, millions in fruit and nut exports, and more. All of this comes at a time when farm income is at a 16-year low. Farmers are patriotic, but they cannot hold on for long without their markets.

Let’s hope and pray that international goodwill is as alive today as it was when the first pandas arrived and the first cherry blossom trees were planted. It’s time to negotiate and stop this tariffs race.

Minnesota Farm Bureau • •

®

MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 5A

Farm Bureau Statement on Earth Day

WRIGHT COUNTY FARM Bureau member Kevin Dahlman helped students in Kindergarten in Golden Valley learn more about how seeds grow and more about their food.

} OUTREACH FROM 3A donations for the visits.

The Farm Bureau leaders discussed how and what seeds need to grow, and what parts of the plant we eat. The Farm Bureau members worked with students in Kindergarten while in Golden Valley and 2nd and 4th graders in South St. Paul. The 45minute presentation began with Farm Bureau leaders reading “Tops and Bottoms” to the students followed by a My American Farm game connecting what we use on the farm to food production.

The book was then given to each classroom teacher at the conclusion of the activities.

Service Organization In Mid-March, the committee held their quarterly meeting near

Luverne. Each year, a committee meeting is held in the chair’s district to learn more about that area of the state and to conduct a consumer outreach activity.

The committee toured Raven Industries and Blac-X-Farms, Inc. - Peter Bakken’s family farm. The committee also conducted a round table discussion event with the Luverne Rotary where they shared information regarding different areas of agriculture with these local leaders.

The MFBF P&E Committee is comprised of 11 farmers from across Minnesota with Peter Bakken of Rock County serving as this year’s committee chair.

The purpose of the MFBF P&E Committee is to assist in developing agriculture literacy programming, engaging consumers and promoting a positive image of agriculture.

County Farm Bureau Presidents Gather to Discuss Focus Areas The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Council of County Presidents meeting was held on February 21 at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul with nearly 190 Farm Bureau leaders, elected officials and Congressional staff in attendance.

County Farm Bureau presidents heard from state legislators, as well as Minnesota Agriculture Water Resources Center Executive Director Warren Formo, Bruce Kleven – Kleven Law, MFBF President Kevin Paap, MFBF Executive Director Chris Radatz and MFBF Public Policy Director Amber Hanson Glaeser.

“As a grassroots organization, our strength comes from our members. Having county Farm Bureau leaders from across the state gather together in St. Paul was a great opportunity to discuss issues impacting Minnesota farmers,” said Paap. “We appreciated the opportunity to meet with our legislators and Congressional staff to provide personal stories on issues to be discussed at the state and national level.”

Attendees discussed MFBF and American Farm Bureau Federation 2018 Focus Areas including 2018 Farm Bill, trade, environmental regulations, mental health, property taxes, pollinators and the effect of recent federal tax laws on Minnesota farmers and ranchers.

As Americans recognize Earth Day 2018, it’s an opportunity to grow one’s understanding of what others do to protect our environment and natural resources every day.

Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) encourages everyone to recognize every day as Earth Day. “In agriculture, every day is Earth Day. April 22 is the day where we emphasize the importance of our natural resources and share agriculture’s story,” said MFBF President Kevin Paap.

“As farmers, we pride ourselves in caring for our water, air, land and its resources. Conserving and protecting the earth for your children and ours is our top priority.”

FACT Since CRP was ini�ated in 1986, the program has reduced soil erosion by eight billion tons, cut sediment leaving fields by more than 300 million tons annually and restored more than two million acres of wetlands.

Save the Date

“Farmers are involved in numerous conservation efforts with the goal of protecting the environment, water and providing habitat for wildlife,” said Paap. “Seeking continuous improvement using today’s technology is top of mind for today’s farmers and ranchers in order to preserve the environment for future generations.”

“Today’s farmers produce food, fiber, feed and renewable fuel using tools such as global positioning satellites and biotechnology,” said Paap.

“Minnesota Farm Bureau is proud of the dedication and hard work of our farmer and rancher members who care for our natural resources while producing a quality, safe food supply.”

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Scramble The 20th annual Foundation Golf Scramble will be held on June 26 at River Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove.

The golf scramble will begin with a shotgun start at Noon and end with a banquet and awards presentation at 5 p.m.

Registration is $150.

To register, contact Michelle DeGeest at 651-768-2151 or michelle.degeest@fbmn.org, or visit fbmn.org/golfscramble. Funds raised from the golf scramble support agricultural education, safety training and leadership development.

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Sporting Clays Tournament The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is hosting their second annual Sporting Clays Tournament on June 7 at Wild Marsh Sporting Clays near Clear Lake. The cost is $75 per person and counties are encouraged to form teams of five. The tournament will begin at 1 p.m. and end with a banquet and awards reception at 4 p.m.

To register, contact Michelle DeGeest at 651-768-2151 or michelle.degeest@fbmn.org, or visit fbmn.org/sportingclays. Funds raised from the tournament support agricultural education, safety training and leadership development.

Farm Bureau flag photo Waseca County Ag in the Classroom WASECA COUNTY FARM Bureau board member Steve Scheffert is pictured sharing his story with students at the annual Waseca County Agriculture in the Classroom event. Waseca County Farm Bureau members spoke to 170 3rd graders on April 6 at Hartley, TEAM Academy and Sacred Elementary Schools.

Photo by Michael Knight

n�Grand Rapids FFA Sharing

Photo by James Dodds

GRAND RAPIDS FFA Vice President, Emma Tolrud spoke to Bemidji area agricultural supporters about the Ag-Ed/FFA programs in the Grand Rapids School District in Bemidji.

6A • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

n�FARM BUREAU NEWS NOTES n� n�YF&R Contest Deadlines These Leadership Development Contests are available for Young Farmers & Ranchers (Farm Bureau members ages 18-35) to participate in. The following deadlines are for the 2018 contests: • Achievement Award Application: September 15 • Excellence in Agriculture Application: September 15 • FFA Discussion Meets is held yearly as a regional contest with winners advancing to state FFA Convention.

• Collegiate Discussion Meets will be held in the fall before the state contest on November 17.

For more information on these contests and to download application materials, visit fbmn.org/yfr. n�Summer Teacher Tours Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom is hosting in-the-field unique tours allowing educators to get a first-hand look into the food, fiber and fuel systems that keep Minnesota going. It’s an opportunity for K-12 teachers to grow their agricultural

experiences and share resources and ideas with others, while earning CEUs and graduate credits. Learn more at minnesota.agclassroom.org/ programs/tour.cfm.

-Buzzing with Ag Literacy Opportunities - June 20 -Agriculture Research and Innovation: Northern Minnesota Tour - July 12 -Many Faces of Agriculture: Southwest Minnesota Tour - July 26-27 -Farmamerica Teacher Day Camp - July 31 Teachers are encouraged to check with their county Farm Bureaus to see if scholarships may be available. n�First in the Field Thank you to our members who work to encourage others to join Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau members who sign 5 or more new members and qualify for the Producers Club will have a chance to win a trip for them and their spouse/guest to the 2019 American Farm Bureau Federation 100th Annual Convention in New Orleans,

January 11-16, 2019. Learn more at fbmn.org/membershiprecruitment.

3 members signed by March 3 Kevin Dahlman Fran Miron Eric Mousel Ron Nelson Kevin Paap Jeff Pagel Chris Radatz Dustin Walsh Joyce Welander Scott Winslow 4 members signed by April 4 Nathan Collins Kevin Dahlman Eric Mousel Ronald Nelson Carolyn Olson Kevin Paap Jeff Pagel Chris Radatz Joyce Welander Scott Winslow

Learn to bring attention to the opioid epidemic in rural America.

Kirk Hughes with Minnesota Poison Control addressed the scope of the opioid epidemic regionally and nationally. The various abusable forms of opioids such as Vicodin, Heroin and Carfentanil were identified.

Use of Naloxone was also discussed.

The webinar is available on demand at youtube.com /MinnesotaFarmBureau.

Learn more about this epidemic and resources for addressing it at FarmTownStrong.org.

n�Renew Membership or Sign-up Members Online New members can sign up online here: mn.fbiris.com/join Members can easily renew online here: mn.fbiris.com/Order Member benefit information is always at your fingertips here: mn.fbiris.com/Benefits and on the FB Benefits app.

n�Opioid Crisis in Rural America During Agriculture Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) Week, MFBF hosted a Lunch N’

EVENTS CALENDAR

n�MFB FOUNDATION HI-LITES n� n�Foundation Giving Options 2018 County Board Challenge MFB Foundation Board of Directors is asking county Farm Bureaus to donate $10 per board member. Counties will be recognized as a “County Board Challenge” participant.

merchandiser or to on-farm storage and uses the form found at fbmn.org/donate to instruct the elevator to transfer the crop to charity.

The charity then receives the warehouse receipt and collects the proceeds. After, the farmer can include the production expenses on their tax returns.

l�May 5 • First in the Field Membership Deadline

l�August 7-9 • Farmfest, Gilfillian Estate near Redwood Falls

l�May 28 • MFBF Office Closed

l�August 23- September 3 Minnesota State Fair

n�Century Club The Century Club recognizes individuals who donate $1,000 to the MFB Foundation above any current giving as a way to celebrate the upcoming Centennial Celebration of the MFBF. Donations can be made in installments or as one donation.

Learn more at fbmn.org/donate.

n�Upcoming MFB Foundation Events Save the date for these upcoming Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation events.

• Sporting Clays Tournament: June 7 at Wild Marsh Sporting Clays, Clear Lake • Golf Scramble: June 26 at River Oaks Golf Course, Cottage Grove Members of the community, Farm Bureau members, school and 4-H sporting clay teams and business people are all invited to participate.

Funds raised support the core purposes of the MFB Foundation.

Registration and sponsorship information will be available soon. For more information, contact Ruth Meirick at ruth.meirick@fbmn.org or 651-768-2115.

l�June 7 • MFB Foundation Sporting Clay Shoot at Wild Marsh Sporting Clays, Clear Lake

l�September 10 MFBF Board Meeting

n�Gifts of Grain Farmers have the option to make a gift of agricultural crops to the MFB Foundation. The farmer delivers the crop to the elevator, crop

l�June 25-26 • MFBF Board Meeting l�June 26 • MFB Foundation Golf Scramble at River Oaks Golf Course, Cottage Grove l�July 30-31 • MFBF Board Meeting

discover! MINNESOTA w Snake River Canoe Race May 5 Mora moraclassicseries.org 24K canoe (kayaks too) race down the Snake River from the Hinckley Bridge to the landing in front of the Kanabec History Center. Much fun and excitement. w Festival of Birds May 16-19 Detroit Lakes visitdetroitlakes.com/ events/festival-of-birds Observe nearly 200 species of birds during the 21st annual

spring bird migration in a unique transition zone of tall-grass prairie, northern hardwood and conifer forests and wetlands in the Detroit Lakes area. w Dairy Day Celebration June 1 Hutchinson explorehutchinson.com Dairy Day Festivities include meeting Princess Kay of the Milky Way, $5 lunch, cheese samples, cow milking contest, live music, tractors to look at, children’s activities and more.

This year we are having a FroYo Eating Contest at 12:30 p.m. for

kids 5-12. Register on-site by 12:15 p.m. Cow Milking Contest at Noon. w Rhubarb Festival June 2 Lanesboro rhubarbfestival.org The fun starts early with the Rhubarb Run on the beautiful Root River Trail. Then browse the Lanesboro Farmers Market where you’ll find all the inseason spring vegetables and other local delights. The heart of the festival takes place in Sylvan Park in downtown. Enjoy free rhubarb games and contests

including the Tasting Contest where you’ll taste a wide variety of delicious rhubarb treats and vote for your favorite. w Civilian Conservation Corps Walking Tour June 30 Fort Ridgely, Fairfax mnhs.org/event/6074 As a work relief program of the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) employed young men to work on projects that benefited conservation and natural resources. Projects included constructing beautiful stone

l�September 11-14 Farmers to D.C. l�November 15-17 MFBF 100th Annual Meeting Bloomington l�January 11-16 AFBF 100th Annual Meeting New Orleans l�January 25-26 MFBF LEAP Conference Bloomington

buildings in many Minnesota’s state parks, including Fort Ridgely State Park. Take a walking tour of the grounds to learn about the history of the CCC and what life was like for these young men.

For more information on these and other events, log onto exploreminnesota.com. Submit your community event by emailing info@fbmn.org or fax 651-768-2159.

MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 7A

AGRI-BYTES n�‘Year of the Tractor’ Under Way at National Museum of American History The National Museum of American History’s “year of the tractor” is well under way. This includes the installation of a Waterloo Boy tractor as the entry icon to the American Enterprise exhibition and a feature on precision farming in the new perspectives case. n�Have you Seen the Ag Innovations Ag Mag? The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture recently introduced the Ag Innovations Ag Mag. This nonfiction text reader is best for third through fifth grades. Each set comes in a classroom pack of 30 for $5. Discover exciting improvements throughout American agricultural history and innovations leading change today in this newsprint-style reader. Learn more at agfoundation.org/recommended -pubs/ag-innovations-ag-mag. n�American Farm Bureau Federation Helps Launch ‘No Taste for Waste’ Campaign American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) joined a collaborative effort to reduce food waste and loss. The “No Taste for Waste” campaign features an interactive website, special edition “bookazine” and social media resources for consumers interested in reducing household food waste, and for farmers and ranchers who are taking steps to fight food loss in their fields.

AFBF and other partners, including Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN, Valent BioSciences Corporation and FLM Harvest, collaborated with the CropLife Foundation and Meredith Agrimedia to launch the “No Taste for Waste” campaign. The campaign connects consumers to real farmers, like Washington state apple growers Mike and April Clayton, who work hard to use sustainable practices and act as good stewards of the land, while reducing food waste. n Dirty Dozen’ Makes Its Annual Appearance in an Effort to Scare the Public into Avoiding Safe and Healthy Eating Habits The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently released its annual “Dirty Dozen,” cautioning consumers against purchasing and consuming a baker’s dozen, that’s 13, different nutritious fruits and vegetables. Each year, EWG releases its list and starts by saying that, “All adults and children should eat more fruits and vegetables, whether they are organic or conventionally grown.”

They fail to link to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program (PDP)

report, where EWG has cherry picked information to make its claims. As expected, EWG uses the PDP data to create statistics that promote fear and avoids addressing the fact that residue in nearly 100 percent of the produce tested were present at levels far below tolerances set by regulatory agencies.

CropLife America and many other food-focused organizations remain vehemently opposed to the misinformation spread by EWG’s “findings” and, instead, encourage consumers to reach for fruits and vegetables at the grocery store regardless of how

the food was grown. Read more at croplifeamerica.org/news/.

n�Raise Your Hand to Support 4-H For the second year, National 4-H Council is running its Raise Your Hand Campaign, asking

people to “raise their hand” as a 4-H alum or friend/supporter of 4-H. The states with the most hands raised will receive $20,000, $10,000 or $5,000 toward the expansion of 4-H programs. The campaign runs through May 15 and features the social media hashtag #4HGrown.

Visit 4-H.org/RaiseYourHand to learn more and vote for your state. n�Download the My American Farm App The My American Farm app update is ready to go and is compatible with the latest iOS update. Check out the App Store

or Play Store to download the newest version of the My American Farm app. n�Agriculture Career Race Have you been looking for a lesson plan that introduces students to the careers available in agriculture? Look no further!

My American Farm has FREE lesson plans available. Help students make the farm to fork connection with these engaging lessons which are aligned to standards. Check out myamericanfarm.org/classroom/ lesson_plans.

Here’s to hard work from sun up to sun down.

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Contact an AgWise Certified® agent today to see how we deliver Smarter Insurance for Agriculture®!

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8A • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

Buer Administra�ve Penalty Order Plan Voted Down

Photo by Yvonne Simon

n�Freeborn County Food Awareness

FREEBORN COUNTY FARM Bureau Board members, pictured le� to right, Sco� Marpe, Tony Dahl, Tony Seykora, Alex Pirkl, Pat O’Connor and Evere� Thompson presen�ng a check of $500 to the Salva�on Army Food Shelf in Albert Lea, pictured third from le�.

Farm Bureau member’s voices made a dierence. The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Buers, Soils, and Drainage Committee voted unanimously to reject the draft amendment to the Administrative Penalty Order Plan (APO) for Buer Implementation at its April 12 meeting.

April 11, the state legislature held hearings on this amendment. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) President Kevin Paap testiďŹ ed before the Minnesota Senate Joint Meeting of the Environment and Agriculture Finance Committees and the Minnesota House Agriculture Policy Committee expressing Farm Bureau’s opposition to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resource (BWSR) proposed Buer Administrative Penalty Order Amendment that

was announced on April 2. “Agriculture has a vital stake in respecting and protecting our state’s resources, both for ourselves and for future generations, while remaining a leader in feeding the world,â€? said MFBF President Kevin Paap. “We believe a voluntary, incentive-based, locally designed and implemented process with technical and costshare support is key to agriculture’s continual improvement in the conservation of our natural resources. We believe in a regulatory process that is transparent, consistent, accountable and cost-eective with open, fair and early stakeholder involvement.

However, the proposed BWSR amendment did not follow this type of process. Implementing penalties for noncompliance with state buer law based on

linear feet of buers is costly and unnecessary.�

Farm Bureau members from Minnesota submitted 330 comments expressing their opposition to BWSR ahead of their meeting to address this amendment. These messages were sent via the MFBF Action Alert Center, and the handwritten letters from our Day on the Hill on April 10.

Thank you to Farm Bureau members for their impactful response over the course of four days.

BWSR Executive Director Jaschke sent a letter to the agriculture groups prior to the hearings which can be read bwsr.state.mn.us/news/newsrele ases.

MFBF appreciates the leadership of our elected oďŹƒcials to ensure that farmers and ranchers voices were heard in the regulatory process.

Photo by Michael Knight

n�Mower County Food Awareness

MOWER COUNTY FARM Bureau board members Gayle Bergstrom, Marlin Fay, Virginia Bissen, and Don Konken at their Food Awareness Event at Jim’s Market Place in Aus�n on March �.

n�McLeod and Sibley County Donation to Glencoe Regional Health Services

Photo by Yvonne Simon

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS from Sibley and McLeod Coun�es recently donated items to enhance the experience of the pa�ents at Glencoe Regional Health Services. Kids will now have the op�on to travel to opera�ng rooms on their choice of a wagon, tricycle or ba�ery�powered tractor. Farm Bureau members also donated books, stued animals, games, DVDs and many other items that will help pa�ents and visitors feel comfortable. Pictured are Sibley County Farm Bureau board members Mark Maiers and Pam Uhlenkamp and McLeod County Farm Bureau board members Dean Duesterhoe� and Donald Albrecht alongside Glencoe Regional Health Services sta.

Photo by Michael Knight

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MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 9A

HEALTH & WELLNESS While stress is a normal part of life, extended periods of stress can be damaging. Experts frequently describe four types of strategies that can help or reduce stress.

Take Care of Yourself Here are some simple things you can do to take care of yourself.

Get physical exercise. This is the single most effective method for dealing with stress.

Practice good nutritional habits. This includes eating healthy, nutritious foods and avoiding overeating. Also avoid eating junk foods with too much fat or sugar. Eating the right foods gives your body the proper fuel it needs to function.

Avoid eating junk foods with too much fat or sugar.

Don’t abuse alcohol or drugs. Obviously, too much alcohol or drugs impairs your health and your thinking.

Get enough sleep. Sufficient sleep is essential for proper physical and mental functioning.

Use relaxation methods to control the “fight-or-flight” response and reduce stress.

Talk It Out For many, talking through the issue(s) can work wonders at reducing stress levels. Here are some suggestions.

Talk with someone else. Talk over how you feel about what is happening in your life with someone who cares and will listen. Meaningful conversations help you see things more clearly, as well as reduce stress.

Engage in positive self-talk.

Control those voices in your head: Challenge negative selftalk and practice positive selftalk. Stop continually scolding yourself and give yourself some mental pats on the back when warranted. Not surprisingly, negative self-talk increases your stress level, while positive selftalk reduces it.

Reframe events and situations. Focus on the silver lining instead of the dark cloud.

You can choose to define events and situations in ways that reduce your stress level.

Develop Good Lifestyle Habits It can be hard to develop good habits when you feel your life is falling apart at the seams. These tips can help you get started.

Practice taking responsibility for your choices.

If you’re used to sharing (or giving) the credit or blame with another, such as your ex-spouse, it can take practice to get out of the “reactor” mode and see yourself as the primary actor, or decision maker, in your life.

Don’t abuse alcohol or drugs. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to temporarily “escape” a stressful or sad situation. If you do use alcohol or drugs while stressed, just stay mindful that it doesn’t become abuse.

Four strategies for

preven�ng or reducing stress

Develop a sense of independence. This is related to the preceding point about taking responsibility for your choices.

You also need to continually remind yourself that you are capable of meeting your own needs and can be self-sustaining without your ex-spouse. A sense of independence will also help keep you from feeling angry, manipulated or helpless.

Obviously, this reduces stress, too.

Clarify your values and set priorities to learn what is important to you personally, without the other parent. Then reorder your life so that it

reflects your values. You’ll feel less stress.

Manage your time so you are spending more of it on the things that are important to you.

Again, you’ll feel less stress.

Practice writing out a daily schedule if you’re not used to managing your own time. Guess what? You’ll feel less stress.

Develop a Support System Having adequate positive support is extremely important for your well-being. Follow these suggestions to strengthen your own social support

HEALTH TO 10A }

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10A • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

n�SAFETY FIRST n

Don’t let avoidance add to your anxiety...Set small realis�� ��als� tal� ��si��e a�� ����s �� ��� Years ago, I spotted a billboard in California that read: “Worry is misuse of your imagination.”

Isn’t that the truth? The mind is very good at imagining all kinds of negative things ahead — what if commodity prices stay low, what if we don’t get the crop planted, what if this knee pain gets worse and I have to have surgery, what if I lose my job, what if I can’t afford a nice Christmas, and so on. These negative thoughts feel threatening.

Naturally, we try to get away from threatening situations.

However, these are imagined threats. All these what-ifs aren’t real, and they may never be real.

Still, we begin to worry and feel anxious when we imagine all the different ways we might handle these situations in the future.

When thinking about a potential challenging situation, we tend to overestimate how bad it is going to get. Also, we tend to underestimate our ability to handle it successfully. Automatic negative self-talk may start, and you begin to tell yourself things such as, “I’m not good enough; I’m stupid; I’m a loser.”

Typically, this triggers stronger feelings of anxiety and panic.

Anxiety also triggers physical symptoms of a racing heart, muscle tension, sweating, butterflies in the stomach, tightness in the chest, numbness or tingling, nausea and difficulty breathing. To cope with it all, we might try to do things perfectly or try to handle it our own. We

Mental health resources available in Minnesota ��� Check your local medical clinics, county social and/or mental health services or church. ����������������������������������������� �� Na�onal Alliance on Mental �llness: Call the St. �aul o�ce at 888-626-4435. Many ci�es have local chapters. �������������������������������������������� ���Crisis Response for Southeast Minnesota (staffed 24/7): Call 844-274-7472. ��������������������������������University of Minnesota Extension’s Live Healthy, Live Well program ���������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Farmer Assistance Network: Call toll-free at 877-898-MFAN (6326) or Twin Ci�es at 65�-20�-6327.

The website also lists a farm and rural help line, 833-600-2670.

become critical of ourselves, we worry, we avoid or we go overboard trying to please others and put their needs above our own. It becomes a vicious cycle.

One of the biggest coping strategies is avoidance.

Sometimes you can get busy with all kinds of little tasks that help you avoid doing the one thing you should be doing — the most important thing.

We can avoid by isolating, pretending everything is OK, being irritable, using alcohol or marijuana, or acting in other ways. As you can imagine,

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avoidance doesn’t help the situation. In fact, it may make it worse.

Worry can become a habit. We all know people who are “worriers.” I remember a neighbor being described as a “Nervous Nellie.” Rather than being criticized for it, it was just accepted. Unfortunately, worriers often miss out on the daily moments of their lives because they are so focused on the future.

Your thoughts are too far forward and you are trying to predict what will happen rather than focusing on living in the present moment.

Practice mindfulness to cope with stress Mindfulness is a great coping strategy for anxiety. Mindfulness is a fancy way of saying “pay

attention to the experience of now.” It really is the only moment you have. Usually, we handle what’s in the moment without thinking that it’s good or bad, it just is reality. After the moment has passed, we judge whether it was good or bad.

How else can you manage anxiety? Probably one of the most important things is to recognize that you are anxious and stressed. Try to figure out what you are worrying about. If you are unaware of what you are doing, there is no chance to do something different.

One strategy is to set realistic goals for a situation. As an example, if you get overwhelmed by holidays, take time to think about what you and your family value and simplify.

Instead of trying to do everything, do what is important.

Make a realistic plan, break it down into smaller goals, and use your resources. You don’t have to do everything by yourself.

Talk positively about yourself, and remember past success.

If you find yourself avoiding things you need to be doing, if your thoughts are racing ahead, and/or you have butterflies in your stomach or a tightening in your chest, recognize that you might be misusing your imagination. Take a deep breath and focus on right now.

You can handle “right now.”

By Cynthie Christensen

Christensen is a licensed professional clinical counselor and has her own therapy practice, Oak Ridge Teletherapy. She is also credentialed as a distance counselor, which prepares her to work with clients via the internet. She has worked as an acute psychiatric nurse at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.,

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Source: Reprinted with the permission of The Farmer

} HEALTH FROM 9A network. n�Build and maintain strong support systems. Support systems are also called “networks,” because they involve other people and organizations. You need to build and maintain relationships with others to promote your own and your children’s well-being – as well as reduce your stress level.

Some of your support systems will stay the same following divorce or separation, but you may need to develop new support systems.

Understand the need for intimacy. We’re not talking about romantic intimacy, but the intimacy required for a strong support system. You need a small group of people you can trust with your darkest secrets and greatest joys — a group where you can be mutually vulnerable. During a family transition like divorce or separation, it is especially important to have this kind of intimacy with other adults so you don’t burden your children with “grown up” issues.

Learn assertiveness skills.

Assertiveness is another lifestyle habit you should develop (see above), but we note it here because sufficient assertive skills will help you make the best use of your support system. This is especially important for addressing needs previously met with the help of the other parent. Of course, this reduces the stress in your life.

Be a wise “consumer.” This is related to developing assertiveness skills. As you build a new support system, you’ll find that some so-called advocates may not have your best interests at heart. You need to be a wise “consumer” of support services, whether it’s help from friends or organizations. Again — this reduces stress.

Sources: American Psychological Association. (n.d). Stress Tip Sheet.

Mayo Clinic. (2013). Stress relievers: Tips to Tame Stress.

University of Minnesota Extension Wendy Rubinyi, Instructional Design Specialist — Independent Contractor; Minnell L. Tralle, Extension Educator — Family Resiliency; and Heather M. Lee, Project Manager — Extension Center for Family Development

MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 11A

n�Olmsted County Outreach Effort

n�FAMILY SECURITY�n�

OLMSTED COUNTY FARM Bureau members Jason Kahn, Callie Courtney, Lori Pagel, Alexis Klassen, Chandra Pagel, Garret Rossman, Bill Kuisle, Nicholas Rossman, Jason Welter, Michelle Rossman served nearly 90 pa�ents and family members at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Rochester. An outreach effort connec�ng farmers and their food products providing hope to families.

Take Inventory

Creating or updating your home inventory is a wise thing to do on many levels. If your home is damaged or destroyed by a storm or fire in the event something is stolen from your home, you will have an inventory of your belongings.

Your record of possessions, along with serial numbers for electronics and appliances, might help with the recovery of your possessions.

The Farm Bureau Financial Services website offers a handy, user-friendly Home Inventory Kit. Simply log on to fbfs.com/learning-center/homeinventory-kit.

When you fill in the information provided in the kit, you create a document you can store on your computer or jump drive for easy access when you need to add or take items off of the inventory or email your home inventory to a family member or friend in another community for safekeeping.

As you develop your Home Inventory Kit, the value of your possessions may surprise you, and you may want to check to see if you have adequate homeowners insurance. For a free insurance review, check with a local Farm Bureau agent.

Source: Farm Bureau Financial Services

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12A • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

O

ver 200 Farm Bureau members from Minnesota met with legislators on March 14, 20 and April 10 during Farm Bureau Days on the Hill. These programs are held annually and are coordinated by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation. Farm Bureau members’ message to legislators focused on legislative options to ensure that farmers and rural Minnesotans have access to mental health and emotional well-being care; support for the state of Minnesota tax code conforming to federal depreciation rules, including Section 179 of the federal tax code; asking that the comment period extension for the groundwater protection proposal be extended; communicating our concerns about Board of Water and Soil Resources’ (BWSR) proposed buffer penalty; legislative passage of transportation infrastructure including rural roads and bridges; addressing the affordability and availability of health insurance for Minnesota farm families and small businesses; and seeking farmer friendly and realistic solutions to mowing road ditches along state highways.

COTTONWOOD COUNTY FARM Bureau members at the March 20 Day on the Hill pictured le� to right are Gale Symens, Gladys Friesen, Michael Wojahn, Dan Janzen, Representa�ve Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake), Bill Fast, Karen Stoesz, Burdell Symens, Stan Friesen, Dave Dodge and Ken Yoder.

CHISAGO COUNTY FARM Bureau members at the March 20 Day on the Hill pictured le� to right are Craig Moline, Jason May, Jennifer Johnson, Bill Peno, Representa�ve Brian Johnson (R-Cambridge) and Ron Nelson.

FILLMORE, HOUSTON AND Winona County Farm Bureau members at the March 20 Day on the Hill, pictured le� to right, are Jeff Eickhoff, Bob Marg, Duane Krohn, Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona), Norman Eickhoff, Cynthie Christensen and Sco� Winslow.

MEEKER AND WRIGHT County Farm Bureau members at the April 10 Day on the Hill, pictured le� to right, are Meeker and Wright County Farm Bureau members Dan Glessing, Vance Mainquist, Ruth Peterson, Steve Schmi�, Julie Marquardt, Kevin Dahlman, Senator Sco� Newman (R-Hutchinson), Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo Township), Luke Johnson, Dave Marquardt and Norman Varner.

BENTON AND MILLE LACS County Farm Bureau members at the April 10 Day on the Hill, pictured le� to right, are Adam Johnson, Butch Thell, Ken Killinger, Representa�ve Tim O’Driscoll (R-Sartell) and Glen Kaschmi�er.

MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 13A

CHIPPEWA AND SWIFT County Farm Bureau members at the April 10 Day on the Hill, pictured le� to right, are Sean Collins, Mark Stevens, David Beyerl, Nathan and Noah Collins, Representa�ve Tim Miller (R-Prinsburg), Allen Saunders and Kent Bosch.

NORMAN COUNTY FARM Bureau members and Wheat Growers of Associa�on of Minnesota members par�cipated in the March 14 Day on the Hill. Pictured le� to right, are Melissa Petry, Rachel Arneson, Representa�ve Ben Lien (DFL-Moorhead), Carson �ossund, Mark �ossund and Aus�n Germolus.

BELTRAMI COUNTY FARM Bureau members met with Representa�ve Grossell during the April 10 Day on the Hill. Pictured le� to right, are Darrel Binkley, Representa�ve Ma� Grossell (R-Clearbrook) and Stan Kimmes.

ON MARCH 14, Farm Bureau members and Wheat Growers of Associa�on of Minnesota members from Ki�son, East Polk and Traverse County met with Representa�ve Dan Fabian (R-Roseau). Pictured le� to right are Gary Anderson, Theresia Gillie, Representa�ve Fabian, Todd Bjorgaard, Deb Whalen and Kevin Leiser.

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS from Northwest Minnesota and Wheat Growers Associa�on of Minnesota members met with legislators during the March 14 Day on the Hill.

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14A • MAY2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

n�PROMOTION & EDUCATION n Winter is finally showing its defeat. Hopefully, you have gathered new and reinforced old information about agriculture from the various farm organizational meetings that are typically conducted during the winter months.

You may have used some of this information to conduct agriculture in the classroom on your own or with the cooperation of FFA and 4-H youth. But these classes for youth are most successful, if you use the basic facts of farming that stress safety, care, good health and nutrition, and concern for the environment. This same information should be made available to all consumers.

As spring and summer come upon us, the consuming public gets a more vivid picture of what the farmer is doing. As they pass through the countryside, consumers can observe what is being done. They will see you working the field for planting, or spreading manure from the long winter. That is why it is up to us in agriculture to do the best job possible when we prepare our soil, manage our water, fertilize our crops, manage our livestock and manure or protect our crops from weeds, disease and insects.

Doing a good job will be to our advantage in terms of profitability and consumer relations.

Consumer relations can be greatly enhanced, by providing them with events that help them understand the importance of agriculture in their lives. As Farm Bureau members, we more than likely have a connection with other farm organizations such as the corn council, soybean council, crop improvement, wheat growers, dairy promotion board, pork producers, sugar beet growers and a host of others.

With all of our connections, we can help consumers grow their understanding of agriculture at our local fairs, breakfasts on the

Spread the Great Story of Agriculture Hometown: Hawley Family: My husband Keith and my family include children: Carl L. and Anna Aakre; Amanda and Adam Aakre Lamouria; Monica Aakre Hoyt; and grandchildrenCarl-Carter 16, Lily 13, Reid 9, Amanda-Brynn 7, Zachary 7, Monica-Claire 8, Bethany 6.

Educa�onal Background: Keith has a bachelor of science in agricultural educa�on from North Dakota State University and taught high school agriculture and adult farm business management. We have taken adult farm business management classes at Thief River Falls Technical College.

Farm Descrip�on: In the summer months, we grow three acres of various sweet corn that we sell at a roadside market. We now rent out our farmland. From 1980-1999, we milked a 40+ cow herd. We remodeled our barn to raise nursery pigs. Today, we raise pigs under a contract with a local farmer.

Innova�ve Farming Methods: We inject manure directly into the soil which works and feeds the soil all at the same �me saving the soil from compac�on and decreases the amount of �mes we have to go on the �eld conserving fuel resources as well.

Hobbies: Community involvement and events, volunteering, croche�ng, cra�s, and our seven grandchildren Why did you get involved with P&E? I joined the Promo�on � Educa�on �P�E� because I love promo�ng farms and other community events. All of the events can evolve around family fun and can create an atmosphere where agriculture questions can be answered productively.

Make sure you get help from as

Rommegrot LORI AAKRE STATE PROMOTION & EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEMBER agriculture through the events we do locally: Breakfast on the Farm, past Living Agriculture Classroom, Agriculture in the Classroom, Fall Fes�val � Farmers Market and involved in the yearly Rodeo Fest events, FFA Alumni events and Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag. There is a need to engage consumers of all ages on where food comes from before they purchase it in the grocery stores. We do that through the annual Breakfast on the Farm which was a dream of ours 18 years ago. Our 18th many organizations as possible.

Not only our fellow farm organizations but also Lions Clubs, City Clubs, Youth Organizations, Jaycee’s, Women Clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts and others. Get the word out about

Breakfast will be June 2, 7 a.m. to Noon at Dave and Joanne Herbranson Farm near Hawley.

They are crop farmers, but also have wind towers on their farm.

Dates to Remember: MFB Founda�on Spor�ng Clays Tournament – June 7, MFB Founda�on �olf Ou�ng – June 26, Farmfest – August 7-9, Minnesota State Fair – August 23-September 3 and MFBF 100th Annual Mee�ng – November 16-17, MFBF LEAP Conference January 25-26, 2019.

your event with posters, brochures, newspaper ads, Facebook, radio, TV, internet and signage. Do some research for local free magazines, visitor bureaus, rural coops, such as telephone and electrical, and

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commodity group newsletters.

They are happy to put your information in their monthly mailings for free. Start planning your educational event at least three to six months before it is scheduled. If sending articles or events to be posted in magazines, sometimes they need that information months ahead.

It is up to us in production agriculture to let the public know what we are doing and why. By keeping the consumer informed, our farms will be more successful. So take time this summer and promote agriculture at your fairs, breakfast on the farm or community event.

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Norwegian Pudding • 1 cup bu�er (2 s�cks) melted S�r in with bu�er un�l blended: • 3/4 cup flour • 1/3 cup sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt Add: • 1 quart whole milk Heat in microwave in 2-3 minute increments; whisking in between un�l thickened. Serve warm with melted bu�er and cinnamon sugar on top.

Sour Cream/ Cream Cheese Dip • 2 Tablespoon bu�er melted • 1/2 cup pecans - chopped • 1/2 teaspoon salt (if desired) • 1 (8oz.) cream cheese • 2 Tablespoons milk • 1 cup dried beef chopped • 1/4 cup green pepper chopped • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder • 2 tablespoons minced onion • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 1/2 cup sour cream Combine bu�er, pecans, and salt. Toast in oven for 10 minutes. Mix together cream cheese and milk. Add remaining ingredients pour into 8 in. square baking pan or shallow casserole dish, sprinkle with toasted pecans.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.

Can be served hot or cold with crackers.

MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 15A

n�PROMOTION & EDUCATION n Much To Be Grateful For

AFTER A BILLION FEEDINGS, WE’VE ENHANCED COUNTLESS LIVES. NOW, WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN SAVE SOME.

Give back with every bag.

ANGELA GUENTZEL STATE PROMOTION & EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEMBER Hometown: Kasota Children: Step-children Leland (10) and Lila (8), husband Andy Cramblit Educa�onal Background: Graduate of College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University, sociology major and Spanish minor Farm Descrip�on: Angela works with her dad and brother on their 6th genera�on crop farm where they grow corn and soybeans. Together with her husband, they also own and operate Mankato Valley Seed where they sell Golden Harvest Corn and Soybeans along with microbial products. They have also taken an interest in raising giant pumpkins. So far, their personal record is 1,200 pounds.

Innova�ve Farming Methods: We believe that using microbes to improve plant and soil health is the next movement in agriculture. There is a limit to how much fer�li�er you may use and gene�cs can only take us so far. Therefore, we are focusing on biology to drive our yields.

Hobbies: Anything related to travel and the outdoors.

Why did you get involved with P&E? It is evident that connec�ng consumers to their food is more important than ever.

Being a part of P&E is an efficient and effec�ve way to ag-vocate.

Potato and Leek Soup 8 potatoes- peeled and quartered 4 cups chicken broth 3 leeks- chopped 3 Tablespoons bu�er 1 package of prosciu�o �can use bacon or ham if no prosciu�o available� 1 cup heavy cream red pepper flakes ground black pepper 2 cloves garlic- chopped In a large soup pan, boil potatoes in chicken broth un�l the potatoes are tender. Turn down heat. Cut up leeks and heat the leeks in a saucepan with bu�er for 8-10 minutes or un�l tender. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add leeks, garlic, cream and prosciu�o to potatoes and broth. Sprinkle crushed red peppers flakes and ground pepper to taste.

Since 1991, Strategy ® feeds have been trusted to provide the best nutrition to horses across America. In fact, horses have been fed more than a billion meals of Strategy ® GX and Strategy ® Healthy Edge® horse feed. But we can always feed more, so we’re sending a portion of the profits from every bag sold to A Home for Every Horse*, a coalition dedicated to finding homes for horses in need. Because a billion feedings means even more when you’re feeding change.

To find out more, visit us online at www.FeedYourStrategy.com *For every bag of Purina® Strategy® horse feed sold, a portion of the profits (up to $125,000) will be donated to A Home For Every Horse and the Unwanted Horse Coalition.

BAGLEY BAGLEY CO-OP ASSOCIATION 218-694-2256 www.bagleycoopassn.com

©2013 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC

As a recent graduate of MARL (Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership), I had the opportunity to travel to Croatia to study their farm economy and leadership.

There I had many fantastic learning opportunities and experiences, but I think the most important thing I brought back with me is how grateful I am to be farming here in Minnesota. Of course, we have our struggles including political divisions, public misconceptions, poor marketing opportunities, etc. But we have so much that we can be grateful for, including the opportunity to be a part of a team like Farm Bureau.

You see, Croatia is a newly emerging country. As part of the former Yugoslavia, it only became a country in the early 90’s and was involved in a high intensity war until Croatia’s victory in 1995. This is important to agriculture for many reasons. The foremost is the fact that because Croatia had communist roots it should be no surprise that after war, all those that had the money to buy up land, businesses and other assets most likely didn’t acquire it ethically.

This had devastating effects on their agriculture community as a whole. Still today they are dealing with copious amounts of corruption. Point in case, the founder of Agrokor, a food and retail group running things from dairy farms to supermarkets (think vertical integration to the max!), is currently hiding out in London to avoid being arrested. This company is the nation’s largest employer responsible for approximately 15 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

To make matters of corruption worse, there is no unified voice to stand up for farmers because there is no trust. There is no Farm Bureau, no associations, no unions…zip! Which means that there is not a lot of optimism for the future in their agriculture economy. This is made evident by the poor public perception of farmers. More than once did we hear the words ’farmer’ and ’peasant’ used interchangeably. In fact, high school students who perform the lowest on national standardized tests are directed to agricultural schooling.

I feel very fortunate to be a part of an organization like Farm Bureau that I can trust to stand up for farmers in the political and public arenas. I know the agricultural journey isn’t always easy, but there is always a team I can support, that will support me and my family in return. For this, I am grateful.

We’ve built agricultural buildings for over 20 years- machine sheds, barns, workshops, horsebarns and storage buildings for farm equipment and livestock. Call the experts!

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16A • MARCH 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

n�YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS n

n�Steele County Barn Bookcase

Preparing the Next Generation

STEELE COUNTY FARM Bureau members Brian Kanne and Howard Schoenfeld presented a barn bookcase to the Kids Korner daycare in Owatonna.

The barn was made by the Medford FFA Chapter and filled with an agriculture in book bundle sponsored by the Steele County Farm Bureau.

Photo by Michael Knight

Don’t roll the dice with car repairs.

In a society where more and more families are finding themselves living off of the farm we “aggies” often find ourselves thinking about what agriculture will be like in the future or rather who will be the faces of agriculture.

One way we can answer that question is by using our talents and experiences to help the youth that may not be living on the farm or just may not have much experience with agriculture to become the future it.

One of the great ways we can accomplish this is by volunteering our time with local 4-H or FFA members. They both have great opportunities for helping with projects, career development events, supervised agriculture experiences or with leasing animals.

Growing up, my family was always leasing and still is leasing

either rabbits, goats or cattle to 4-Hers and FFA members. It gives the kids the opportunity to try something new and also gives them great experiences that has the potential to spark an interest in making a career in agriculture.

Whether that be working for an agricultural business, becoming an agricultural educator or maybe even becoming a first generation or first generation back to the farm farmer. Either way the possibilities are endless especially when you think of all the new things that seem to be popping up in agriculture such as Minnesota aquaculture. It truly brings out the fact that it’s not just “plows, sows, and cows.”

If you are wondering how to get in contact with young people, I would recommend getting in touch with your local county extension or FFA advisors.

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O

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Call one of the Preferred Auto Repair Shops below or visit fbfs.com/AutoRepairShops for a complete list in your area.

GLENCOE GLENCOE AUTO BODY 320-864-3543 Like us on Facebook. glencoecollisioncenter@gmail.com HECTOR CARLSON'S COLLISION AND GLASS 320-848-2020 www.carlsonscollision.com

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Hometown: Minneota Educa�onal Background: They met in 4-H and started da�ng in high school. Both a�ended �idgewater College in Willmar. Grant earned a degree in farm business management and the agribusiness program and Denaca in early childhood educa�on.

Farm Descrip�on: They farm with Denaca’s family growing corn and soybeans. Grant also works at Northstar Mutural Insurance in Co�onwood. Denaca works from home as a daycare provide. She grew up outside of Marshall on a corn and soybean farm.

Hobbies: running Why did you get involved with YF&R? We became involved in Farm Bureau in 2013, and Grant joined the Lyon County Farm Bureau board that year as well. We have been to different conferences with Farm Bureau as well as Washington D.C., and when the opportunity to join the state commi�ee became available we jumped right in.

Dates to Remember: MFB Founda�on Spor�ng Clays Tournament – June 7, MFB Founda�on Golf �u�ng – June 26, Farmfest – August 7-9, Minnesota State Fair – August 23-September 3 and MFBF 100th Annual Mee�ng – November 16-17, MFBF L�A� Conference January 25-26, 2019.

MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 17A

Capitol Corner AMBER HANSON GLAESER • Director of Public Policy For more information on legislative issues, contact the MFBF Public Policy Team at 651-768-2100 or visit the Legislative Action Alert Center at www.fbmn.org

STATE ISSUES H�Ditch Mowing and Haying Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) is advocating for an additional one-year moratorium of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) on enforcing permits to mow or bale hay in the right-of-way of a trunk highway.

This legislation, HF 4008/SF 3569 has passed out of committees and is awaiting action by the full Minnesota House and Senate. MFBF appreciates Representative Swedzinski (R-Ghent) and Senator Dahms (R-Redwood Falls) leadership on this issue.

MFBF was part of a stakeholder group put together by MNDOT to review the challenges with administering the permit process.

MFBF policy supports allowing the mowing and/or haying of state, county and township road ditches at the adjacent landowner’s discretion without a permit or time frame restriction for the ability to harvest hay or the control of noxious weeds.

interactive GIS map, dates of the public hearings and the text of the rule, can be found at mda.state.mn.us/nfr.

H�Section 179 Small Business Expensing Section 179 small business expensing allows a taxpayer to deduct all the cost of new or used business property rather than depreciating the cost over a longer period of time.

The new federal tax law permanently increases the amount of expenditures than can be deducted using Section 179 small business expensing from $500,000 to $1 million and increases the expenditure level at which the deduction begins to phase out from $2 million to $2.5 million indexed for inflation.

Under current Minnesota law, in tax year 2017, a business may claim up to $25,000 in expensing on its Minnesota return. This amount is reduced dollar for dollar by the cost of property placed in service over $200,000. If a business claims more than $25,000 in Section 179 expensing under federal law it must add 80 percent of the additional amount claimed to Minnesota taxable income on its Minnesota return. It is then allowed to subtract one-fifth of the amount added back in each of the next five tax years.

MFBF supports the state of Minnesota tax code conforming to federal depreciation rules, including Section 179 of the federal tax code.

H�Rural Mental Health The Farm & Rural Helpline is available to Minnesota farmers and rural residents.

The service, funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free number is 833-600-2670.

The legislature has also funded a Rural Mental Health counselor, but additional resources are being sought. The Mental Health Outreach Program is operated through the Farm Business Management program within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The fundamental goal of the Mental Health Outreach Program is to help rural people address the various emotional issues arising from a rural economy experiencing rapid change and the effects of increasing farm consolidation on both farmer and non-farmer alike.

MFBF is advocating for additional appropriations to provide additional resources to address rural mental health.

H�Buffer Property Tax Credit Bill Introduced Minnesota Representative Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck) and Senator Bill Weber (R-Luverne) have introduced legislation (HF 4395/SF 3960) that would provide farmers with a $50 property tax credit, each year, for farmland converted to buffers.

Cosponsors in the House include Representatives Gunther, Backer, Swedzinski, Schomacker and Marquart.

Cosponsors in the Senate include Senators Dahms and Frentz.

Governor Dayton has issued a statement of support.

H�Proposed Nitrogen Rule MDA has released the proposed permanent rules relating to groundwater protection - previously referred to as the nitrogen rule.

MFBF will continue to carefully review this rule and provide our members with updates, and how to participate in the rule making process over the next weeks and months. The rule will be published in the State Register on April 30 and will be open for 80 days for public comment.

The Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings will be holding public hearings throughout Minnesota in July. Oral testimony will be taken at the hearings before the Administrative Law Judge.

Farmers can also submit written comments during the public comment period, which ends July 26.

More information, including an

H�Deer Management Plan The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been working for more than a year, with a 19-member citizen’s advisory group in developing a statewide deer management plan. The plan is not designed to address the details of specific regulations or operational issues but rather plots a long-term strategic direction for managing wild deer in Minnesota. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) had a seat on the advisory group and was represented at meetings by either MFBF President Kevin Paap, MFBF Executive Director Chris Radatz or MFBF Public Policy Director Amber Glaser.

The plan has been released to the public and can be found at dnr.state.mn.us/ mammals/deer/management/planning/ind ex.html.

Comments are being accepted through Wednesday, May 9, on the new deer plan that sets a statewide harvest target, increases citizen participation in deer management and outlines ways to keep the herd and habitat healthy.

The plan outlines a new approach to deer management that encourages dialogue among stakeholders, the public and DNR staff. The ultimate goal is to support Minnesota’s hunting traditions, better engage the public and maintain sustainable, healthy deer populations in all areas of the state.

FEDERAL ISSUES H�Farm Bill H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Farm Bill), was passed out of U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee reported out of committee on April 18.

Highlights as reported out of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee on April 18: Title 1- Commodities New election for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) -ARC-Individual eliminated -Creates a new effective reference price for PLC -Will use Risk Management Agency (RMA) data, if available, for ARC -Dairy · Change the name of Margin Protection Program (MPP) to the Dairy Risk Management Program (DRM) · Can participate in both DRM and LGM-Dairy, but cannot overlap on the same milk production · Adjusts coverage levels and production history Title 2- Conservation Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) -Increase CRP cap by 1 million acres each crop year from 2019-2023 reaching a high of 29 million acres in 2023 -CRP rental rates upon initial enrollment shall not exceed 80 percent of the estimated county average rental rate for the year the contract is entered into · Upon reenrollment, rental rate should not exceed 65 percent · 2nd reenrollment, rental rate should not exceed 55 percent · 3rd reenrollment, rental rate should not exceed 45 percent · 4th reenrollment, rental rate should not exceed 35 percent Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is merged into the existing Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) program -Functions of CSP are mostly retained under EQIP -Current CSP contracts will be honored but no reenrollments will be available

Title 3- Trade Combines multiple programs into the International Market Development Program Title 6- Rural Infrastructure and Economic Development Reauthorization of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.

Title 9- Horticulture Eliminates requirement of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit under Clean Water Act (CWA) for pesticides already approved under Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Title 10- Crop Insurance Cuts made to crop insurance were administrative. No cuts to subsidies or the Harvest Price Option were made Title 11- Miscellaneous -Establishes new National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, similar to the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program -Establishes U.S.-only vaccine bank with a priority for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Amendments Adopted in Committee -Modify the minimum acceptable standard of service for broadband programs by setting a baseline speed of 25 megabits per second (MBPS) download and 3 MBPS upload. IT would also require the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to issue a report on ways to incentivize utilization of and streamline the RUS loan and loan guarantee programs for the purpose of expanding broadband to rural areas -Would establish a program in which the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture recognizes farms that have been in continuous farming for 100 years.

-Ban states from regulating agricultural production in other states The Senate is expected to release their version of the Farm Bill in the coming weeks.

H�Trade Update • China In late March, in retaliation against the U.S.’s action imposing steel and aluminum tariffs on China and other countries, China imposed tariffs on U.S. exports totaling three billion dollars.

China’s tariffs include a 25 percent tariff on several pork products and various other goods as well as a 15 percent tariff on fruits, tree nuts, wine and other products. This tariff is now in effect.

On April 3, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released a list of $50 billion of Chinese electronics, machinery and aerospace products for a recommended 25 percent import tariff.

There is a public comment and hearing process before the tariffs can be imposed.

In response to the U.S. recommendation of tariffs, China has released a list of

CAPITOL CORNER TO 18A u

18A • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org } CORNER FROM 17A products for a potential 25 percent retaliatory tariff. These include soybeans, beef, sorghum and airplanes.

China is the number two export market for U.S. agriculture, with $19.6 billion in sales in 2017.

• Steel and Aluminum Tariffs President Trump announced on March 1, that the U.S. would impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Extra tariffs of 25 percent are being placed on steel and 10 percent on aluminum. Canada, Mexico, South Korea, the European Union, Brazil, Argentina and Australia have been granted exemptions from the application of the steel and aluminum tariffs at least temporarily.

• NAFTA Negotiations to modify and modernize North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are ongoing.

H Margin Protection Program Enrollment ReOpened U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue re-opened signup for the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP). With changes authorized under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has set the enrollment period to run from April 9 to June 1.

MPP protects dairy farmers by paying them when the difference between the national all-milk price and the national average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount elected by the farmer.

For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov/dairy or contact your local USDA service center.

H�Federal Funding Bill Congress passed a bill to fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year which is September 2018. In this bill were policy provisions MFBF is following: • CERCLA The bill amends Section 103 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) to clarify that air emissions from animal waste at a farm are not applicable under this act and thus farmers do not need to report their emissions.

• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) The bill prohibits through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 FY18 (September 30, 2018) the U.S. Department of Transportation from enforcing the ELD mandate on those haulers transporting livestock and insects.

• Rural Broadband Creates a pilot program within the Rural Utility Service to allocate $625 million in funding to underserved and unserved

areas.

• Section 199A The cooperative tax provision that was contained in the omnibus spending bill accomplishes Farm Bureau’s objectives of restoring balance to the marketplace and taxing farmers and ranchers in an equitable manner.

The changes are retroactive to January 1, 2018 and are available to pass-through businesses (sole-proprietors, partnerships, S corporations).

The variability of the deduction re-balances the competitive landscape and makes it similar to the one that existed prior to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More information on Section 199A changes can be found at fb.org/market-intel/grain-glitchno-more.

• ARC-CO The bill includes provisions for a pilot program to provide supplemental program payments to farmers enrolled in Agriculture Risk CoverageCounty Option (ARC-CO) program based upon an alternative calculation of a county-level crop yield. The alternative yield calculation is designed to address the countyto-county disparities observed in program payments in prior crop years.

Farm Bureau supports using USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) data as the primary source to determine a more accurate county yield.

• SAM/DUNS The Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Spending Bill included provisions exempting farmers and ranchers from having to obtain System for Award Management (SAM) and Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) numbers to participate in conservation programs.

Farm Bureau policy opposed SAM and DUNS being a requirement for participation in farm, conservation and other USDA programs.

H�WOTUS With the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that jurisdiction to review the 2015 “waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule” belongs in the district courts and the 6th Circuit’s subsequent lifting of the nationwide stay, AFBF continues efforts to ensure that the overbroad rule does not come into effect. These efforts include asking the federal district court in Texas to issue a nationwide preliminary injunction to block implementation of the rule and seeking to intervene in defense of the government in several legal challenges to the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers rule adding a new, delayed “applicability date” to the 2015 rule.

Centenniealel brations!

C

Congratula�ons and thank you to the county and regional Farm Bureaus celebra�ng the 100 year milestone. Here are a few highlights of those celebra�ons. years Minnesota Farm Bureau

®

1919 - 2019

n�Aitkin County

IN RECOGNITION OF their 100th year, Aitkin County Farm Bureau decided to pull out their vintage Farm Bureau sign. The Aitkin County Farm Bureau was formed in 1918 and will be celebra�ng with a Centennial Picnic at the Aitkin County Fair Grounds on June 9.

n�Wadena County Coloring Contest

WADENA COUNTY FARM Bureau organized a coloring placemat contest to honor their 100th anniversary. Students were asked to illustrate a picture of what farming was like 100 years ago. Winners from second grade included: Owen Danielson, Karlie Geiger and Abigail Wendt; and third grade: Samuel Church, Ava Hall and Logan Seelhammer. All of the second and third-grade placemats were used for the Wadena County Farm Bureau spring banquet on April 5.

The Wadena County Farm Bureau organized on March 6, 1918.

Photos by James Dodds

MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 19A

T

Agtivity CORNER

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For all your wool processing needs

he American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has resources available to help county Farm Bureaus incorporate agricultural literacy into fair displays.

1. My American Farm Display Kit Take students into the corn field, dairy parlor, machine shed or Farmer’s Market with lifesized banners and supporting resources in our My American Farm Display Kit. Each display is meant to be used to create a learning experience. The banners come with printable pick up cards that are full of questions for different aged fairgoers. You can order them or get them printed through a local printer. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2J5XVO8 2. Barn Banners Want to make a big impact at your farm or fair? Do it with Learn about Livestock and Learn about Crops banners. Personalize with your county Farm Bureau logo.

Learn about Livestock Banners highlight fun facts, life cycle, animal care and much more.

Banners come in retractable, hanging and tabletop versions covering: horse, beef, dairy, swine, sheep, goat and poultry.

The new crop banners cover major commodities and specialty crops. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2J5XVO8 3. My American Farm Imagination Stations The Imagination Stations are My American Farm kiosks with a collection of online educational games developed by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The kiosks bring the farm to life on

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Lorrich Industries, Inc. offers all-welded steel hopper bottom bins ranging from 52 bu. to 6700 bu.

Superior construction techniques combined with the strongest materials used in the industry, results in the most rugged and longest lasting bins available.

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iPads for families to learn more about agriculture.

Kiosks are available for groups or individuals to rent free of charge from the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation. Each display comes with a iPad loaded with the My American Farm games, an adjustable stand or stand with a step stool and a pull-up banner.

Got to fbmn.org/imaginationstation for more information.

Make sure to also check out the My American Farm All About Beef App. 4. Food Science Fun Student Workshop Series Food Science Fun compiles 10 of our most popular hands-on activities used at fairs and events. This free resource includes a faciliator’s guide with step-by-step directions to make these activities to incorporate into your event or fair. Learn

more at myamericanfarm.org/fairs_event s/hands_activities The My American Farm educational resource is a special project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for agriculture. The site and resources are made possible through the generous support of title sponsor, DuPont Pioneer.

2017 Food & Farm Facts Book.

Perfect for older students and adults. These bonus giveaways can be found at https://bit.ly/2J5XVO8 • The Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom has a variety of materials – check out their resources at minnesota.agclassroom.org/educ ator/materials.cfm

5. County Fair Kits The Minnesota Farm Bureau has County Fair Kits available for county use. The kits provide agriculture education signs to be placed throughout a county fair for a scavenger hunt. Email info@fbmn.org for County Fair Kit orders.

Source: American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture

BONUS: Ideas for giveaways Looking for some fun giveaways?

• Ag Mags - Sold in bundles of 30, these non-fiction readers are national learning standards aligned and cover engaging topics like Pizza, Apples and more.

• Food & Farm Facts Pencils - These pencils feature popular ag facts from Food & Farm Facts and are a great giveaway.

• Stickers - Kids love stickers and these are perfect to giveaway to kids who stop by your booth.

• Food & Facts Pocket Guides - Each guide features popular infographics from the

Email: lorrich@utma.com

Lorrich offers a variety of sizes and capacities to meet your specific needs

Make a difference!

Join or renew your membership online and be a part of a powerful organization advocating for agriculture.

fbmn.org THE BEST JUST GOT

EVEN BETTER

INTRODUCING DUCING

The NEW M2-Series Series

Contact your local dealer for a demo!

Bobcat®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. 16-B340

BURNSVILLE TRI-STATE BOBCAT INC. 952-894-0894 www.tristatebobcat.com

LITTLE CANADA TRI-STATE BOBCAT INC. 651-407-3727 www.tristatebobcat.com

CAMBRIDGE CRAWFORD'S EQUIPMENT, INC. 763-689-1794 www.crawfordsequip.com

ST. CLOUD FARM-RITE EQUIPMENT OF ST. CLOUD 320-240-2085 www.farmriteequip.com

DASSEL FARM-RITE EQUIPMENT INC. 888-679-4857 www.farmriteequip.com

SLAYTON MILLER SELLNER 800-658-2462 www.millersellner.com

WILLMAR FARM-RITE EQUIPMENT OF WILLMAR 320-235-3672 www.farmriteequip.com

20A • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

n�YARD & GARDEN n

Photo by Yvonne Simon

n�Watonwan County Ag in the Classroom

WATONWAN COUNTY FARM Bureau member Dean Karau talked about custom farming and harves�ng �ith �th graders in Madelia �ublic Schools. Dean also shared stories about farmers helping farmers in crisis situa�ons such as volunteer deliver� of ha� to Kansas a�er �ild �res.

The following tips are provided by the University of Minnesota Extension Service Yard & Garden line. For information on gardening, insects and diseases in the home landscape and more.

Visit their website at www.extension.umn.edu/yard andgarden. n�Some vegetables may be planted as soon as garden soil dries enough to be worked easily. Peas, leaf lettuce, onions,

you can add beets, carrots, spinach, and some cabbage family seeds (cabbage, broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi).

Wait until late May or early June to plant tomatoes and other heat-loving vegetables.

turnips, and radishes are among the first seeds to sow directly in the garden. Come early May,

n�If you’ve had problems with crabgrass appearing early in warm parts of your property – south facing slopes, or along sidewalks and driveways – plan to apply a pre-emergence herbicide towards the end of April. It takes about two weeks after you water the product into the soil for it to become effective. If you prefer an “organic” approach to weed control, choose a product made from corn gluten meal. n�If you plan to start a new garden, or if an existing vegetable garden gets at least six hours of sunlight, but still is not very productive, have a reliable soil test run by the University’s Soil Testing lab. For a modest fee they’ll analyze your sample, then make specific recommendations for fertilizer and soil additives. Find details at http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/ or call 612-615-3101. n�Some people still need to be convinced that it’s okay to allow their grass clippings to fall back on the lawn rather than bagging them each time they mow. In fact, it’s beneficial. As clippings decompose, they recycle nutrients back to the soil where grass roots can make use of them. By letting clippings fall, you can avoid one fertilizer application each year. Mow often enough so you only remove an inch to inch and a half each time. n�Early May is a good time to plant grass seed, but roughing up the soil will expose crabgrass and other weed seeds that will sprout happily, right along with your new grass. To avoid most annual weed seeds, apply a specially formulated version of pre-emergence herbicide right after seeding. The label must state clearly that it is meant for newly seeded lawns; otherwise it will kill grass seeds, too. n�Minnesota-hardy azaleas in the “Lights” series grow very well here. With 14 to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect color for your landscape.

Azaleas all require acidic soil, so have your soil tested before planting them. Then acidify it by incorporating sulfur and lots of peat moss. Fertilize your new azaleas with a product meant specifically for acid-loving plants.

Market Place

To advertise in the Classifieds

Call 1-800-798-2691

Index

SERVICES: (028) Farm Services (031) Professional (033) Repair Services (035) Diesel Repair (036) Tiling/Ditching/Terracing

ANNOUNCEMENTS: (003) Notices (005) Farmers Market (006) Travel

PETS: (040) Pets For Sale (043) Pets Wanted

BUSINESS-TRAINING: (008) Schools (010) Computer Training (012) Computer Programs

HELP WANTED: (047) Help Wanted (050) Job Wanted

FINANCIAL: (013) Loans (015) Investments COMMUNICATIONS: (020) Radio Communications (023) Satellite Systems/Cable (024) Computers (025) Cellular Phone

MOTOR VEHICLES: (053) Autos/Vans (055) Trucks/Pickups (056) Heavy Duty/Commercial (057) Parts/Accessories (058) Motorcycles

(075) Heating/Fuel

(003) Notices

WANTED DAMAGED GRAIN

OUTDOOR WOOD & COAL BURNING FURNACES, ALL STAINLESS STEEL. LIFETIME

WARRANTY ORDER NOW! Save up to $1450 w/in-stock specials!

Heat your House,Garage, Shop & Domestic Water. GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE FREE Estimates! www.mikesheating.com or

1-800-446-4043

1-800-446-4043

Immediate response anywhere.

Call for a quote today.

PRUESS ELEV. INC

800-828-6642 QualSight LASIK Save 40% on Lasik Eye Surgery 22 MN Locations Call 866-244-0962 QualSight.com/-MNFB

SPORTING EQUIPMENT: (080) Boats/Motors (082) All Terrain (084) Snowmobiles (085) Hot Tubs (086) RV/Marine

(162) Fertilizer

Keeping your nitrogen available for your crops CONKLIN Products are the solution, not the problem

THE BEST FLOOR HEAT WATER TUBING AT GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES. Also volume discounts & contractor pricing.

Free Estimates on a complete system. Compare & SAVE!!! www.mikesheating.com or

Trucks & Vacs available.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE: (069) Antiques (070) Home Furnishings (072) Appliances (073) Articles For Sale (074) Gardening Equipment (075) Heating/Fuel (076) Fish Farms (077) Plants/Trees (078) Wanted To Buy

®

We pay top dollar for damaged grain.

All grains.

Any condition.

VEHICLE TIRES/ACCESSORIES: (060) Passenger Tires (063) Truck Tires (065) Agricultural Tires (067) Accessories

(096) Salvage Parts

Eiklenborg Combine & Tractor Salvage Combine-Baler & Tractor Parts Aplington, Iowa 319-347-5510

For a Free Catalog, call Franke’s Conklin Service now at 320-238-2370 or 855-238-2570

www.frankemarketing.com

Call 641-843-3536

ENERGY: (100) Wind Power (103) Generators LIVESTOCK: (110) Dairy (113) Beef (115) Calves (117) Purebred Cattle (119) Feeder Pigs (121) Swine (123) Purebred Swine (125) Sheep/Goats (127) Purebred Sheep/Goats

(128) (129) (135) (137) (139) (141) (142)

Llamas Horses Poultry/Rabbits Exotic Animals & Wildlife Livestock Equipment Livestock Equip. Wanted Livestock Materials

REAL ESTATE: (170) Farms (172) Farm Land (174) Mobile Homes (176) Resort Property (178) Land For Rent (179) For Rent (180) House (181) Small Acreage

HAY/FEED/BEDDING: (150) Hay/Straw/Grain (152) Feed (154) Bedding

BUILDING MATERIALS: (185) Building Materials (187) PreCnst. Bldgs. Util./Mach.

(189) Bins/Silos

SEED/FERTILIZER/CHEMICALS (160) Seed (162) Fertilizer (164) Chemicals

AUCTIONEERS: (190) Auctioneers (193) Auctions (195) Coming Sale Dates

(164) Chemicals

Morris Grain

DO MORE FOR MORE MILES

Wholesale Ag Chemicals

800-872-2501 www.morrisgrain.com

ST STO TO T OP P IN FOR FO OR R THE TH H MICHEL MI MIC HE H EL LIN IN® DE EFEN FEN NDER D ® LT LTX X® M M//S. S. ITS TS ST TS STRON RO RON ON NGER G AD GE ADVAN DVAN AN NCED TR TREAD AD D COMPO CO OM MP MPO POUND P U DS HO HOL OLD UP TO T O TOUG OUGHER OUG UG U HER R CO ONDI ND DIT TIO IONS NS LON LON ONGER NG GE GER E .*

(185) Building Materials Silo Doors -- Wood or Steel Shipped promptly to your farm, stainless steel staples, hardware available! 800-222-5726 Landwood Sales LLC

NOW HIRING...

SEASONAL & YEAR-ROUND LAWN & LANDSCAPE POSITIONS!!!

PTO, Medical, Dental & 401K -Avail for FT Positions 3 Metro Locations (St. Paul/Crystal/Shakopee) APPLY NOW @ www.rxlandscape.com For Questions & More Info Contact Tara (612) 300-9748 taraclose@rxlandscape.com

(117) Purebred Cattle 12 yearling & 12 - 2 yr olds Registered Black Angus Sires include: Basin Payweight, Tour of Duty, Now Look, Innovation ADAMS’ ANGUS Lime Springs 319-290-9436

New & High Tread Used Tractor Tires, Dual Hubs & Hardware

FARM EQUIPMENT: (090) Misc. Farm Equipment (091) Tractors (095) Farm Trailers (094) Material Handling (096) Salvage Parts (097) Farm Equip. Wanted

(160) Seed OPEN POLLINATED SEED CORN

Out produces hybrid for silage.

Quality grain, $67/bu plus S&H (217)857-3377

Call Your Minnesota Voice of Ag Advertising Representative

800-798-2691

1 BOX / STATEWIDE = $50

MICHELIN®

DEFENDER LTX X M/S ®

®

*Based *Base *B Basedd on resis resistance i tance to gravel gravell andd sever severee wear wear testing testing i compa compared redd to to MICHELIN MICHELIN® LTX® M/S2.

Copyright © 2016 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

ANNANDALE LUNDEEN BROTHERS INC

320-274-8211 www.lundeenford.com

ZUMBROTA QUICK LANE LOCATED AT ZUMBROTA FORD 507-732-5600 Mention this ad &

get additional $10 off

‘16 JCB 407 77 hrs 62 HP $59,500 ‘10 DEERE 310J 1,900 hrs 84 HP 4WD $47,900

Joe Welch Equipment

820 Industry Rd. • Caledonia, MN 55921 Ph.: (507) 724-3183 • Fax: (507) 725-3184 www.joewelcheq.com 70+ Units Available

22A • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

MEMBERSHIP HAS BENEFITS!

fbmn.org farm fresh

DIRECT

FARM & BUSINESS n�John Deere John Deere gives Farm Bureau members special access to Green Fleet Loyalty Rewards program. Along with those valuable equipment discounts, members receive special parts savings, home and workshop product discounts and other exclusive promotions. Simply enroll online at JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau to upgrade your membership to Platinum 2 status. For more information call 651-768-2114. n�Caterpillar Inc. Members receive up to $2,500 in purchase incentives on Caterpillar Inc. machines. Eligible equipment includes: skid steer loaders, compact and multi-terrain loaders, wheel loaders, telehandlers, backhoe loaders, hydraulic excavators and track-type tractors. Discounts cannot be applied to past purchases. Farm Bureau members in Minnesota must provide a valid Member Verification Certificate to the Cat dealer at the time of purchase or lease quote to receive the discount. To obtain your certificate, go to fbmn.org, click on Membership Benefits, then click on Farm and Business, enter your member ID and zip code. For more information call 651-768-2114. n�Case IH Tractor and Equipment Incentive Program Eligible Farm Bureau members will receive an incentive discount – from $300-$500 – when purchasing qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealerships. This discount is stackable, meaning it can be used with other discounts, promotions, rebates or offers that may be provided by Case IH or a Case IH dealership. Farm Bureau members in Minnesota must provide a valid Member Verification Certificate to the dealer at the time of purchase or lease quote to receive the discount. To obtain your certificate, go to fbmn.org, click on Membership Benefits, then click on Farm and Business, enter your number and zip code. For more information call 651-768-2114. n�Grainger, Inc. Farm Bureau Members can save through Grainger on more than a million different products. To ensure your membership discount is applied, ALWAYS reference Minnesota Farm Bureau’s unique account number (860600410) when visiting your local branch or ordering via Grainger Customer Support Call Center. Create a user ID and password and view exclusive Farm Bureau pricing online. Call Farm Bureau Member Support line 877-620-2852 for help getting registered, place orders using the state discount code, check stock, answer questions and provide support for www.Grainger.com. FREE standard ground shipping on any orders placed with Grainger. n�AgriPlan/BizPlan Save $5,500 a year with AgriPlanNOW! TASC’s AgriPlanNOW Section 105 Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) plans save members an average of $5,000 annually by enabling family farmers and other qualified small business owners to deduct 100 percent of their family health insurance premiums and outof-pocket medical, vision and dental expenses not covered by insurance as business expenses. TASC offers an industryexclusive audit guarantee, a money back guarantee and a TASC card to make medical expense reimbursement as easy as the swipe of a debit card. Farm Bureau members in Minnesota receive a 15% discount. For more information, contact TASC toll-free at 855-591-0562. Be sure to mention discount code MNFA. For a free tax savings analysis, visit the MN Farm Bureau affiliate partner page at http://bit.ly/MNfarmbureau. n�Business Succession Handing over the reins of a family farm or business isn’t easy.

And oftentimes, starting the conversation is the hardest part.

With the right tools and resources at your fingertips, you can be on your way to a successful succession strategy - and peace of mind. Visit www.SmallBusinessTransition.com to find tips for starting the conversation, assembling a team and understanding planning options.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT For tickets and information on benefits call 651-768-2114 or visit fbmn.org. Select Membership Benefits under Membership. First time users will need to create a login. n�Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium, Mall of America Check out the re-designed aquarium. Members receive up to 40% discount on tickets. Order online at fbmn.org. n�Nickelodeon Universe®, Mall of America The nation’s largest indoor family theme park. Discounted all day wristband tickets may be ordered at fbmn.org. n�Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Discounted zoo admission tickets—offering $2 adult and $1 children and seniors. Can be ordered at fbmn.org.

n�Valleyfair, Shakopee Members receive a savings off gate price tickets and parking during the season. Order online at fbmn.org. n�Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul Enjoy discounts to events at xcelenergycenter.com/MNfarm.

The site is updated as new events are announced. n Great Wolf Lodge, 17 Locations - New Minnesota Location!

A perk for the whole pack! A 30% savings off best available room rates and includes up to four waterpark passes. Visit greatwolf.com or call 866-925-9653 to make reservations. Use code: MNFB551A. (Offer guaranteed when reservations are made 30 days prior to arrival date).

FINANCIAL SERVICES n�Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) FBFS offers a wide range of competitive products and services to county Farm Bureau members in Minnesota. We can help meet your individual and business needs through all stages of your life with home, vehicle, farm/ranch and life insurance, along with products for retirement and education funding, estate preservation, and more. Contact your local Farm Bureau agent or visit our website at fbfs.com today for more information.

*Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Western Agricultural Insurance Company, West Des Moines, Iowa

n�Farm Bureau Bank We proudly serve the members of the Farm Bureau and strive to offer the very best products and services. Our banking products include vehicle, equipment and recreational loans with up to 100% financing, FDIC insured deposit products, personal and business credit cards plus more. For more information or to apply visit farmbureaubank.com or call 800492-3276.

HEALTH n�ScriptSave/Well RX A prescription drug savings card. Save on brand name and generic prescription purchases at local pharmacies and use Group Number 941. Visit scriptsave.com and click on “Get Card” and create your own card. Or call 800-700-3957 to request your card. Save on the go using the Well RX mobile app. n�Life Line Screening Receive the following four screenings for $135 and an additional osteoporosis screening at no extra cost: stroke/carotid artery, heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysm and peripheral arterial disease. If there are any issues after screenings, in most cases there are many treatment options available. These decisions are ones you should carefully and thoughtfully discuss with your doctor. For more information call 877-564-7283 or visit lifelinescreening.com/mnfb. n�Anytime Fitness, LLC Farm Bureau members in Minnesota and their immediate family members are eligible to enjoy the following at participating Anytime Fitness clubs: 10% off standard monthly fees; 50% off standard enrollment fees• ; Free, 7-day trial passes offered to members who bring proof of their membership to an Anytime Fitness club (one pass per person).

Anytime Fitness honors health care fitness incentive programs. *Valid at participating locations. For a complete list of club locations, visit anytimefitness.com. n�QualSight LASIK Offers a 40% - 50% off the national average price savings on LASIK vision correction at over 700 locations nationwide.

QualSight doctors are credentialed, Board Certified and use the latest FDA technologies. Call 877-507-4448 or visit qualsight.com/-MNFB for a doctor near you. n�Clear Value Hearing Clear Value Hearing and Starkey Hearing Technologies have partnered their resources to offer a comprehensive hearing benefit program offering Farm Bureau members discounts on today’s latest technology. Includes FREE hearing assessment, FREE annual testing, 100% guaranteed custom fit, and much more. Call 888-497-7447 or visit clearvaluehearing.com for more information.

HOTEL n�Choice Hotels Save up to 20% off rates at almost 6,300 hotels worldwide.

Ascend, Quality Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, Cambria Suites, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Mainstay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotels, EconoLodge and Rodeway Inn. For reservations call 800258-2847 or log onto choicehotels.com. ID # 00209660.

n�Motel 6 Members can now receive a 10% discount at participating Motel 6 locations. Reservations can be made by calling 800-466-8356 or online at Motel6.com. Reference number CP9Z0OD4. n Wyndham Hotel Group Farm Bureau members receive a rate up to 20% off at nearly 7,400 participating hotels. Call ahead to 877-670-7088 to make reservations at Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Ramada, Travelodge, Knights Inn, Wingate Inn, Baymont Inns & Suites, Dream Hotels, Night Hotels, TryP, Super 8, Microtel, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Garden, Wyndham Grand and Hawthorn Suites (10% discount). Refer to group number 8000002603.

Visit wyndham.com. n�IHG Hotels Members save 10% at over 1,400 participating IHG Hotels.

Brands include some of the best-known and most popular in the world. The nine hotel brands include: InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Hotel Indigo®, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites®, EVEN™ Hotels and HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts. In order for a member to redeem the Farm Bureau discount, call 877-4242449 or walk into the hotel and ask for the “Farm Bureau Federation” discount, or book online at www.IHG.com, click on Advance Search option and enter in the Corporate ID# 100334603.

AUTOMOBILE n�AAA Farm Bureau members receive up to a 20% discount off AAA membership, applies to new and renewal. Waiver of $10 enrollment fee for new members. For more information on this exclusive program, contact AAA at 800-677-2227 during business hours. Be sure to mention that you are a Farm Bureau member and refer to Group #M875. aaa.com. n�Avis Car Rental Save up to 25% on daily, weekend and weekly rates. For information and reservations, call 800-422-3809 or log onto avis.com. Mention your Avis worldwide discount number: Minnesota Farm Bureau, A298823. n Budget Rental Enjoy savings of up to 25% off Budget base rates when renting a vehicle from a participating location in the contiguous U.S. and Canada. Use Budget Customer Discount (BCD) number Y775723 to shop the lowest rates for your next rental. Visit www.budget.com/mnfb or call 800-527-0700 to make a reservation.

COMMUNICATIONS n�FB Benefits Mobile App Available for free on both Apple and Android devices, the free Farm Bureau Member Benefits App includes alphabetical and categorical listings of member benefits available in Minnesota.

It also features a convenient mapping feature to help you identify member benefits near you at any time. You can also find your Farm Bureau insurance or agent information.

Download the app today and get the most from your Farm Bureau membership! Search: FB Benefits. You will need your membership number and zip code to get started.

EXTRA REWARDS n�Theft & Arson Reward Service Rewards individuals up to $1,000 for offering information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) committing theft, arson or vandalism to property belonging to Farm Bureau members. Forms available at local Farm Bureau offices or call 651-768-2114. n�No-Cost Accidental Death Insurance Accidental death insurance policy for the member, spouse and unmarried children younger than 22 years and living at home.

The maximum amount of the policy is up to $2,000 for the member and spouse and $1,000 for the children. For more information call 651-768-2114. See fbmn.org. n�Farm Bureau Marketer Farm Fresh Guide For the farmer who would like to sell their farm fresh items direct to the consumer. Publishes in the May edition and at fbmn.org. To be included contact Judy Pilcher, jpilcher@fbmn.org, 651-768-2114, Fax: 651-768-2159 or visit fbmn.org.

www.NovelEnergySolutions.com

NES Walks the Walk Rochester, MN 16 kW

Dan & Jan Rettman

Ted Suss

Jessica Grewe

GROUND MOUNT

Lucan, MN 22 kW “I chose Novel Energy Solutions because they were a local, Minnesota company. They are new and innovative, but also experienced. My system is actually producing more electricity than we anticipated! The construction was amazingly positive. Their staff bent over backwards for me and there was not one single glitch. I have referred many business owners to Novel.”

They don’t just TALK?

GROUND MOUNT

Winthrop, MN 40 kW

~ Ted Suss—Lucan, MN

GROUND MOUNT

“We looked at 5 other companies before choosing Novel Energy Solutions. No one could come close to their financing program. We did not spend any money out of pocket and our system is performing perfectly. lf you do the math and run the numbers, common sense tells you to go with Novel. I have recommended them to my friends and have only positive things to say about my experience with your team”.

~ Dan and Jan Rettmann—Winthrop, MN

~ Jessica Grewe—Rochester, MN

Carlus Dingfelder

Neil & Christy Geib St. Charles, MN 22 kW

GROUND MOUNT

“lf you are tired of paying taxes, this is a no-brainer. Novel Energy Solutions outlined what our system would produce and it is performing exactly as promised. We had to put in some minor electrical upgrades. Besides that, we did not spend one single penny out of pocket and have cut our electric bill to virtually zero. I gladly recommend any business to go with Novel Energy Solutions.”

Minnesota City, MN 10 kW “Your team has been great to work with. I like the benefits to the environment that are received by going solar. Eliminating the use of fossil fuels is important to me. I looked at other companies and am very happy I chose Novel Energy Solutions. ”

John Broadwater - Cotter HS ROOF MOUNT

Winona, MN 40 kW

~ Carlus Dingfelder—Minnesota City, MN

ROOF MOUNT

“I had planned on installing a solar system one or two years ago, but had given up on the idea when the price came in. At that time, it just did not work for us financially. Then one day Novel Energy called me with a new plan that worked out for us. Novel handled all the paperwork, permits, and installation of the system. We are now excited to see if we can produce more power than we use!” ~ Neil and Christyy Geib —St. Charles, MN

R-RR-R RRR

Call Now!

Not a

Ba-aad Idea!

“We spent exactly zero out-of-pocket on our solar array with Novel Energy Solutions.

Obviously, everyone is in a different financial situation, but with no investment on our part, every nickel we save is one we didn't have before! I gladly recommend Novel to others.” ~ John Broadwater—Winona, MN

CALL for your FREE SOLAR ASSESSMENT Nate Dietzenbach: 704-616-5311 Nate.Dietzenbach@NovelEnergy.biz

But wait . . . There’s MORE!

www.NovelEnergySoloutions.com

NES Invests In Communities for the Future NES IS HIRING:

Do you want to work on the NES Team?

aggressive, self-motivated people DO YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING? • A network with land or business owners, AG or other • A strong work ethic • An outgoing personality suited to sales DO YOU MATCH OUR VALUES? (CADETS) Communication: Clarify what needs to be done; do not hide issues under the rug; find and resolve conflict Accountability: Commit to actions and results; Top own the problem; buck stops with me sales people Drive: Make a dent in the universe; deep desire can make to achieve dreams and goals; take initiative six figures!

Execution: 4DX; always cut costs; project manage; problem solve; improve efficiency Team First: Team is greater than the individual; we are one team; build each other up; no “yes-people” Self-Awareness: Know oneself; seek the right answer more than being right; ask for help

Nov l Energy Solutions

1633 South Rober Robert Street Suite A West St. PPaul, MN 55118 (6 (612) 345-7188 Our Core Values: O (CADETS) • Communication • Accountability • Drive • Execution • Team First • Self-Awareness

NES Is Expanding

NES offers competitive pay, room for advancement and an opportunity to work at a company focused on a triple bottom line: Profit, People, Planet Each system you sell, or land parcel you lease will: • Generate local jobs • Save our customers money (for $0 down) • Help the environment • Keep our energy production local Top No KKidding!

workers wanted!

Email Will.Georgia@NovelEnergy.biz to explore NES career opportunities.

Novel Energy Solutions was founded by Cliff, Ralph, and Mena Kaehler along with Bill Holzer. From the Kaehler’s 130-year-old, purebred cattle family farm in southern Minnesota, their company grew into one of the leading Minnesota-based solar developers.

With their background rooted in agriculture, they understand the needs of landowners and farmers.

To date they have proudly installed or developed: • Over 100 MW of community solar gardens • Over 120 projects of distributed rooftop and ground-mount solar arrays • Provided 100% of the financing for nearly every project.

NES is currently constructing 18 MW of community solar gardens that will come online in 2018, with a pipeline of +150 MW across Minnesota and Illinois.

We are farmers working with farmers to provide an economic boost to our rural communities—our community. Minnesota is, and always will be our home—where we work with and serve our neighbors.

SSECTION EC TION B

®

2018 TRAVEL GUIDE

2B • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org JUNE

Waseca County Fair Waseca July 11-15 Robin Dulas, 507-835-8958 wasecacountyfreefair.org

Hennepin County Fair Corcoran June 15-17 Jennifer Rouilard, 763-420-4546 hennepincountyfair.com

Winona County Fair St. Charles July 11-15 Winona County Fair Board, 507-932-3074 winonacountyfair.com

Norman County Fair Ada June 20-23 Don Merkens, 218-784-4984 normancountyfair.com

Cass County Fair Pillager July 12-15 Donna Klimek, 218-746-3348 pillagerfair.com

Wadena County Fair Wadena June 21-24 Be�y White, 218-631-7630 wadenacountyfair.com

Clay County Fair Barnesville July 12-15 Pam Aakre, 218-354-2675 mnclaycountyfair.com

Red Lake County Fair Oklee June 21-23 Leah Larson, 218-268-4747 facebook.com/rlc.fair

Todd County Fair Long Prairie July 12-15 Debra Durheim, 320-732-2739 toddcountyfair.com

Cass County Fair Pine River June 28-July 1 Phonda Adkins, 218-821-0444 thecasscountyfairmn.org Mahnomen County Fair Mahnomen June 28-June 30 Pat Noll/Sherrie Swiers, 218-204-0833 mahnomencountyfair.org

Big Stone County Fair Clinton July 11-15 Bruce Wellendorf, 320-325-3247 bscfair.org

Polk County Fair Fer�le July 11-15 Michael Moore, 218-779-7858 polkcountyfairfer�lemn.com

JULY

Hubbard County Fair Park Rapids July 11-15 Russell Smith, 218-237-3247 hubbardcountyfair.com

Ramsey County Fair Maplewood July 11-15 Joe Fox, 651-777-6514 ramseycountyfair.com

�i�son County Fair Hallock July 11-15 Joel Muir, 218-843-1066 ki�soncountyfair.org

Redwood County Fair Redwood Falls July 11-15 Jeff Po�er, 507-627-2801 redwoodcountyfair.com

Lake of the Woods County Fair Baude�e July 11-14 Jackie, 218-634-1437 lotwfair.com

South St. Louis County Fair Proctor July 11-15 Mary Korich, 218-628-2401 proctorduluthfair.com

Cannon Valley Fair Cannon Falls July 1-4 Becky Peine, 507-263-3548 cannonvalleyfair.org Aitkin County Fair Aitkin July 4-7 Kirk Peysar, 218-851-2453 aitkincountyfair.com Northern Minnesota District Fair Li�lefork July 6-8 Kelly Haney, 218-240-7811 m.facebook.com/northernmndistric�air

Yellow Medicine County Fair Canby July 12-14 Melissa Denelsbeck, 507-223-5852 ymcfair.org Roseau County Fair Roseau July 15-20 Richard Magnusson, 218-689-6634 roseaucountyfair.com Fillmore County Fair Preston July 16-22 Kathy Tesmer, 507-272-2261 fillmorecountyfair.com Rice County Fair Faribault July 17-22 John Dvorak, 507-332-2470 ricecountyfair.net

Come See The Best of the Fair

There’s fun for everyone at the county fair. Showcase your county 4-H programs, enter some fun contests, watch great entertainment and enjoy a tradition! Just take a look at the list below.

AITKIN AITKIN COUNTY FAIR 218-927-4902 July 4-7 www.aitkincountyfair.org

CAMBRIDGE ISANTI COUNTY FAIR 763-444-5540 July 18-22 www.IsantiCountyFair.com

LAKE ELMO WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR 651-436-6009 Aug. 1-5 www.washingtoncountyfair.org

PINE CITY PINE COUNTY FAIR 320-629-2465 Aug. 1-5 www.pinecountyfair.com

APPLETON SWIFT COUNTY FAIR Aug.15-19 www.swiftcountyfair.org

CANBY YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY FAIR July 12-14 www.ymcfair.com ymcfair@gmail.com

LITCHFIELD MEEKER COUNTY FAIR 320-593-3247 Aug. 2-5 www.meekerfair.com

SAINT JAMES WATONWAN COUNTY FAIR 507-381-3850 July 19-22 www.watonwancountyfair.com

ELK RIVER SHERBURNE COUNTY FAIR 763-441-3610 July 19-22 www.sherburnecountyfair.org

LONG PRAIRIE TODD COUNTY FAIR 320-732-2739 July 12-15 www.toddcountyfair.com

ST. CLOUD BENTON COUNTY FAIR 320-253-1194 July 31 - Aug. 5 www.BentonFairMN.com

FARIBAULT RICE COUNTY FAIR 507-332-2470 July 17-22 www.ricecountyfair.net

MADISON LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY FAIR 320-598-3989 Sept. 6-9 www.lqpfair.com

GLENWOOD POPE COUNTY FAIR 320-634-4855 July 18-21 www.popecountyfair.org

NEW ULM BROWN COUNTY FREE FAIR 507-354-2223 Aug. 8-12 www.browncountyfreefair.com

WADENA WADENA COUNTY FAIR 218-631-7623 June 21-24 www.wadenacountyfair.com 125th Year

JACKSON JACKSON COUNTY FAIR 507-847-3440 July 24-28 www.jacksoncountyfairmn.com 150th Year

OWATONNA STEELE COUNTY FREE FAIR 507-451-5305 Aug. 14-19 www.scff.org

BAGLEY CLEARWATER COUNTY FAIR 218-694-6520 Aug. 1-5 www.clearwatercountyfair.com BARNESVILLE CLAY COUNTY FAIR July 12-15 www.mnclaycountyfair.com info@mnclaycountyfair.com BIRD ISLAND RENVILLE COUNTY FAIR 320-365-3242 Aug.8-10 www.renvillecountyfair.org BRAINERD CROW WING COUNTY FAIR 218-829-6680 July 31- Aug. 4 www.brainerd.com CALEDONIA HOUSTON COUNTY FAIR 507-725-3397 Aug. 15-19 www.houstoncountyfair.com

JORDAN SCOTT COUNTY FAIR 952-492-2436 July 25-29 www.scottcountyfair.org

PERHAM EAST OTTER TAIL COUNTY FAIR 218-346-2750 July 19-22 www.eotcountyfair.org

WASECA WASECA COUNTY FREE FAIR 507-461-0314 July 11-15 www.wasecacountyfreefair.com WILLMAR KANDIYOHI COUNTY FAIR 320-599-4318 Aug. 8-11 www.kandifair.com ZUMBROTA GOODHUE COUNTY FAIR 507-732-5001 Aug. 7-11 www.goodhuecountyfair.com

MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 3B

Dodge County Fair Kasson July 18-22 Marilyn Lermon, 507-634-7736 dodgecountyfreefair.com

Faribault County Fair Blue Earth July 25-28 Sara Gack, 507-520-6552 faribaultcountyfair.com

Lincoln County Fair Tyler August 2-5 Curt Madsen, 507-247-5454 lincolncountyfairmn.com/

Mar�n County Fair Fairmont August 13-19 Edwin Murphy, 507-235-9576 theotherbigfair.com

Isan� County Fair Cambridge July 18-22 Jolene Hasselfeldt, 763-689-8487 isan�countyfair.com

Kanabec County Fair Mora July 25-29 John Angstman, 320-679-3371 kanabecfair.org

Meeker County Fair Litchfield August 2-5 Kim Anderson, 320-593-3247 meekerfair.com

Steele County Free Fair Owatonna August 14-19 Jim Gleason, 507-451-5305 scff.org

Pennington County Fair Thief River Falls July 18-22 Ray Safranski, 218-416-2550 penningtoncountyfair.com

Marshall County Fair Warren July 25-29 Cindy Anderson, 218-745-4445 marshallcountyfair.org

Dakota County Fair Farmington August 6-12 Mark Henry, 651-463-8818 dakotacountyfair.org

Co�onwood County Fair Windom August 15-18 Sally Larson, 507-831-6122 co�onwoodcountyfair.org

Pope County Fair Glenwood July 18-21 Paul Koubsky, 320-491-5663 popecountyfair.org

Rock County Fair Luverne July 25-28 Lee Sells, 507-449-3247 rockcountyfair.com

Goodhue County Fair Zumbrota August 7-11 Chuck Schwartau, 507-732-5001 goodhuecountyfair.com

Houston County Fair Caledonia August 15-19 Emily Johnson, 507-725-3397 houstoncountyfair.com

Wabasha County Fair Wabasha July 18-21 Barb Pe�t, 507-534-4152 wabashacountyfair.org

Sco� County Fair Jordan July 25-29 Rhonda Kucera, 952-492-2436 sco�countyfair.com

Mower County Free Fair Aus�n August 7-12 Denise Schneider, 507-433-1868 mowercountyfair.com

Itasca County Fair Grand Rapids August 15-19 Melissa Johnson, 218-326-6470 itascacountyfair.org

Wright County Fair Howard Lake July 18-22 Dennis Beise, 320-543-2111 wrightcountyfair.org

Stearns County Fair Sauk Centre July 25-29 Jackie Spoden-Bolz, 320-352-2482 stearnscountyfair.com

Stevens County Fair Morris August 7-12 Mary Hill, 320-589-1062 scfair.net

McLeod County Fair Hutchinson August 15-19 Casey Walters, 320-587-2499 mcleodcountyfair.com

Chisago County Fair Rush City July 19-22 Mike Hochsta�er, 320-358-0296 chisagocountyfair.org

Blue Earth County Fair Garden City July 26-29 Liz Madsen, 507-933-0843 blueearthcountyfair.org

Beltrami County Fair Bemidji August 8-12 Rina Phillips, 218-751-4106 beltramicountyfair.org

Murray County Fair Slayton August 15-18 Kim Konkol, 507-836-6303 murraycountyfair.com

Grant County Fair Herman July 19-22 Michelle Corey-Sperr, 320-677-2284 grantcountyfairmn.com

Benton County Fair Sauk Rapids July 31-August 5 Laura Falconer, 320-253-5649 bentonfairmn.com

Brown County Free Fair New Ulm August 8-12 Lucy Gluth, 507-354-2223 browncountyfreefair.com

Swi� County Fair Appleton August 15-19 Jon Panzer, 320-815-6138 swi�countyfair.org

O�er Tail County Fair East Perham July 19-22 Diane Sazama, 218-346-2750 eotcountyfair.org

Crow Wing County Fair Brainerd July 31-August 4 Gary Douce�e, 218-829-6680 crowwingcountyfair.com

Carver County Fair Waconia August 8-12 Twyla Menth, 952-442-2333 carvercountyfair.com

Lake County Fair Two Harbors August 16-19 Rachel Bailey, 218-269-4159 thelakecountyfair.com

O�er Tail County Fair West Fergus Falls July 18-21 Mike Holstrom, 218-736-0272 wotcountyfair.com

Freeborn County Fair Albert Lea July 31-August 5 Norm Fredin, 507-373-6965 freeborncountyfair.com

Kandiyohi County Fair Willmar August 8-11 Cheryl Johnson, 320-235-0886 kandifair.com

Le Sueur County Fair LeCenter August 16-19 Chad Washa, 507-357-6500 lesueurcountyfair.org

AUGUST

Lyon County Fair Marshall August 8-12 Kelly Hansen, 507-532-2511 lyoncountyfair.com

Wilkin County Fair Breckenridge August 16-19 Milan Drewlow, 701-640-6644 co.wilkin.mn.us

Mille Lacs County Fair Princeton August 8-12 Florence Dehn, 763-389-3138 millelacscountyfair.com

Carlton County Fair Barnum August 17-19 Allysha Sample, 218-389-6737 carltoncountyfairmn.com

Nicollet County Fair St. Peter August 8-12 Ann Volk, 507-934-2684 nicolletcountyfair.com

Douglas County Fair Alexandria August 17-20 Kevin Brezina, 320-760-0780 dcmnfair.com

Renville County Fair Bird Island August 8-10 Jamie Bohlin, 320-365-3242 renvillecountyfair.com

Traverse County Fair Wheaton August 23-26 Janet Koch, 320-808-6323 traverse.co.mn.us/community/ traverse-county-fair

Sherburne County Fair Elk River July 19-22 Velvet Long�n, 763-441-3610 sherburnecountyfair.org Watonwan County Fair St. James July 19-22 Kelly Schulte, 507-375-5515 watonwancountyfair.com Anoka County Fair Anoka July 24-29 Ray Hyoval�, 763-427-4070 anokacountyfair.com Jackson County Fair Jackson July 24-28 Rob Withes, 507-841-0709 jacksoncountyfairmn.com Olmsted County Fair Rochester July 24-29 Judy Plank, 507-367-2455 olmstedcountyfair.com Becker County Fair Detroit Lakes July 25-28 Shawn Eckert, 218-847-5587 beckercountyfair.tripod.com Chippewa County Fair Montevideo July 25-29 Carmen Haugen, 320-793-6727 chippewacofair.com

Clearwater County Fair Bagley August 1-5 Al Paulson, 218-694-2780 clearwatercountyfair.com Nobles County Fair Worthington August 1-5 Karla Talsma, 507-376-5143 noblescountyfair.com Pine County Fair Pine City August 1-5 Brent Thompson, 320-629-3408 pinecountyfair.com Pipestone County Fair Pipestone August 1-4 Skip Moeller, 507-825-5979 pipestonecountyfair.sites. pipestonepublishing.com Sibley County Fair Arlington August 1-5 Barb Bening, 507-964-5698 sibleycountyfair.com Washington County Fair Lake Elmo August 1-5 Kim Salitros, 651-433-0103 washingtoncountyfair.org

St. Louis County Fair Chisholm August 8-12 Be�e Valley, 218-263-4256 stlofair.org Morrison County Fair Li�le Falls June 9-11 Roxanne Kathrein, 320-632-1040 morrisonfair.com Koochiching County Fair Northome August 10-12 Karrie Greser, 218-897-5205 koochichingcountyfair.org

SW St. Louis County Fair Floodwood August 24-26 Susan Coccie, 218-476-2716 swstlouiscountyfair.com

SEPTEMBER

Lac qui Parle County Fair Madison September 6-9 Clair Anderson, 320-598-3989 lqpfair.com Source: Minnesota Federa�on of County Fairs

4B • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org warm weather, which includes a 5K, fishing derby, classic car show and historic pub crawls.

SUMMER’S ESSENTIAL MINNESOTA EVENTS

N

o ma�er what you and your family like to do, you’ll find that and then some at Minnesota’s many events. Here are some to try this year.

MAY

HOMEGROWN MUSIC FESTIVAL April 29-May 6 A weeklong music fes�val featuring 200 local acts at venues around Duluth. The music is supplemented by art shows, poetry slams and a kickball tourney.

100-MILE GARAGE SALE May 3-6 More than a dozen towns between Has�ngs and Winona come together to collec�vely sell their treasures the first weekend in May. CINCO DE MAYO May 5 St. Paul celebrates Hispanic/La�no culture with a family-friendly fes�val spanning

Big Stone Lake Area A place for all seasons!

Call 320-839-3284 or email chamber@bigstonelake.com for a free visitor packet! www.bigstonelake.com

six blocks known as the District del Sol. DETROIT LAKES FESTIVAL OF BIRDS May 16-19 Detroit Mountain serves as headquarters for birding workshops, field trips, exhibitors and more during the annual spring migra�on.

PRESTON TROUT DAYS May 18-20 A parade, family bike ride, pe�ng zoo and pancake breakfast add to the fun of this trout-themed fes�val in southeast Minnesota.

JUNE

PERHAM TURTLE FEST June 13-17 A pet parade, train rides, medallion hunt and, of course, turtle races, make this central Minnesota fes�val a family favorite.

THE WIZARD OF OZ FESTIVAL June 14-16 Judy Garland’s hometown of Grand Rapids sings her praises year-round, but especially during the annual fes�val that pays homage to her most famous film.

GRANITE CITY DAYS June 21-24 Check out St. Cloud’s annual celebra�on of summer sun and

Cruise To Isle Royale National Park Day Trips $68

218-600-0765 See our website for information

www.isleroyaleboats.com

2 new ulm, minnesota morgancreekvineyards.com

Angle Inn Lodge Oak Island, MN

GREAT Walleye Fishing Mid-week Specials

For Reservations: 1-218-223-8111 Check Us Out Online www.angleinnlodge.com

May 26th Show & Shine Classic Car Show Spomer Classics June 9th Ken Moser Memorial Run/Walk June 9th Regatta Bike Ride – Centennial Park June 8th – 10th Windsurfing Regatta & Music Festival Sailboard Beach July 3rd Beach Bash - Centennial Beach July 4th Old Fashioned 4th of July – Pioneer Village July 13th & 14th International Festival – Downtown Worthington August 14th Cruisin’ Downtown – Downtown Worthington September 14th & 15th King Turkey Day – Downtown Worthington Worthington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 1121 Third Avenue Worthington, MN 56187 507-372-2919 or 800-279-2919 worthingtonmnchamber.com

PAUL BUNYAN DAYS June 21-23 Pay homage to everyone’s favorite lumberjack with a Paul Bunyan look-a-like contest, art show, minnow races and more in downtown Akeley.

WATER SKI DAYS June 22-24 The birthplace of waterskiing, Lake City, celebrates its popular inven�on with water ski shows, a parade and three days of fes�vi�es.

JULY

WILDER PAGEANT July 6, 13, 20 Another famous Minnesota author, Laura Ingalls Wilder, is the subject of live outdoor performances for three weekends in July.

NEVIS PIG RACES July 8 Cheer for your favorite costumed porker in this fun race and ac�vi�es for the kids.

NEW LONDON WATER DAYS July 16-22 Fes�vi�es at the annual community fes�val in central Minnesota range from canoe and kayak races to a hog roast and tennis tournament.

SINCLAIR LEWIS DAYS July 18-21 The Nobel Prize-winning author’s hometown of Sauk Centre hosts five full days of ac�vi�es, including a treasure hunt, concerts in the park and the Miss Sauk Centre Pageant.

X GAMES July 19-22 The Olympics of extreme sports will play out at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, with four days of skateboarding, BMX riding, Moto X jumping and other exci�ng entertainment.

BLUEBERRY ART FESTIVAL July 27-29 Peruse original art and handcra�ed items from more than 250 exhibitors at this outdoor fes�val in Ely, which also features blueberry pie and pancakes and ac�vi�es for the kids.

AUGUST

ANTIQUE CAR RUN August 11 Star�ng in New London and ending in New Brighton, a 120mile drive features pre-1916 vehicles, including cars, bikes and motorcycles, with special events before and a�er the ride.

HERITAGE DAYS August 16-19 Celebrate the history and culture of the Red River Valley in East Grand Forks with an an�que tractor pull, parade and historical reenactments.

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Weekends star�ng August 18 through Labor Day Journey back in �me at this longstanding, fes�val in Shakopee, where revelers will be in good company among mermaids, knights, fairies, pirates and other characters.

MINNESOTA STATE FAIR August 23-September 3 The granddaddy of them all, the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul is the second-largest state fair in the country, renowned for its exhibits, grandstand performances and just about any food you can think of served on a s�ck.

TINY TOWNS FULL OF

BIG

SURPRISES

M

innesota’s smallest communi�es can be big on fun, nature, adventure and hospitality. A weekend or day trip takes only a li�le �me to deliver a lot of memories!

Photo by Cool Adventures

“America’s Best Pies” by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2010. A bike ride on the 42-mile Root River Trail, a mostly flat paved trail that meanders beside the river connects Whalan with a handful of equally charming (but slightly larger) trail towns. On May 19, come for the annual Stand S�ll Parade, where the parade doesn’t move, the spectators do!

DORSET (POP. 22) This self-proclaimed “Restaurant Capital of the World” is home to the Heartland State Trail, which has VINING (POP. 78) been a constant source of hungry Despite its small size, it’s nearly visitors ever since 1977. The town Photo by Josh Ma�son impossible to miss Vining—just has also made na�onal news for its watch for the giant metal watermelon. Half an unorthodox mayoral elec�ons. At the annual Taste hour east of Fergus Falls, the Nyberg Sculpture of Dorset Fes�val, August 5, visitors can spend $1 Park has helped transform this quiet central to enter the mayoral lo�ery with hopes of winning Minnesota town into a popular and unique tourist the coveted (and completely symbolic) “Mayor of a�rac�on. The man behind the metal, Ken Nyberg, Dorset” �tle. has been cra�ing metal sculptures for almost 30 years and has work on display across the region.

WHALAN (POP. 63) In addi�on to the giant watermelon—an Located on the banks of the Root River in the homage to the town’s annual Watermelon Day, heart of Minnesota’s bluff country, Whalan is a Aug. 18—Nyberg Park features about 10 other dream come true for cyclists, pie enthusiasts, discsculptures, including a giant coffee cup, an golfers and all other aspiring relaxa�on experts. elephant made en�rely out of lawnmower blades Whalan is perhaps most famous for the Aroma Pie and a “big foot” sculpture you need to see to Shop, whose “bluebarb pie”—a combina�on of believe. blueberry and rhubarb—was named one of Source: exploreminnesota.com

MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 5B

2018 Discounted TRAVEL TRIVIA 1) Minnesota shares a Lake Superior water border with what other state?

W

2) How big is Minnesota in square miles?

3) The highest point in Minnesota is what?

!

1) Michigan 2) 86,943 3) Eagle Mountain at 2,301 ft .

. . . o G s ’ t e L E R E H W E M SO

T N E R E DIFF

Minnesota is home to a variety of off the wall and unique offerings.

Experience something new this summer! Visit atlasobscura.com.

Frank Lloyd Wright Gas Sta�on In 1927, at the height of his career, Frank Lloyd Wright designed a gas sta�on. Part of a utopian city plan that he championed throughout his professional life, this li�le piece of Wright’s utopia was intended for Buffalo, New York. The Buffalo sta�on was never built, but 30 years later, the master architect got his gas sta�on � this one in Cloquet � and it’s s�ll in business today.

Wabasha Street Caves These natural caves, formed underneath a large plateau opposite downtown St. Paul, have been host to numerous ac�vi�es. �sed by na�ve tribes before se�lers arrived in the area, in the 1840s natural silica was mined from the cave for glass making. A mushroom farm was started in the caves by a French family in the early 1900s, who later turned the loca�on into a speakeasy during the days of prohibi�on.

The caves were turned into a disco in the 70s, and today con�nue to be an event spot. The caves are, of course, also purported to be haunted by murdered gangsters and speakeasy patrons. Cave tours are conducted on weekends.

House of Balls Local sculptor Allen Chris�an established the House of Balls in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District almost 28 years ago as a physical incarna�on of his idea that, �We all possess the crea�ve impulse and we owe ourselves the balls to express it.”

Guests are greeted with an open door policy in which, no ma�er the hour, if the ar�st is inhouse, an unlocked front door serves as an invita�on for all to enter and explore unique sculptures and curious animatronics.

Situated right at the Cedar Riverside LRT stop and visible from 35W and the 5th Street exit off 94 West.

Tickets

ith more than 75 rides and a�rac�ons, Valleyfair is the Twin Ci�es’ amusement park where families come to play the Minnesota way! Discover your next adventure on one of eight thrilling coasters or learn to love thrills on one of Planet Snoopy’s 16 kid rides. Cool off in the area’s premier waterpark, Soak City and en�oy some hang �me on the brand new Delirious � a seven story looping thrill ride.

Valleyfair discounted �ckets are now available online at �mn.org. Click on Membership and click on Membership Benefits. (First �me user� You will need to create a login to gain access to the members only informa�on giving you access to the order form to order �ckets with a check or to the Valleyfair link to order �ckets online.) Click on Family Entertainment. Scroll down to Valleyfair. To order �ckets using your credit card, click on the link. Enter in the Valleyfair username (MNFARM) and password (MNFARM) assigned to Farm Bureau. To order �ckets by check, download the form and send along with payment to address below.

ONLINE TICKETS:

• GOOD ANY DAY: $33.29 includes taxes, (Gate price $54 + taxes), Adult, ages 3-61, 48” or taller in shoes • RIDE & REFRESH: $42.93 includes taxes, unlimited drink wristband, not available at the gate, special promo only) • JUNIOR/SENIOR: $35.43 (Gate price $54 + taxes), Ages 3-61, under 48” tall in shoes or age 62 or older. Ages 2 and under free. Includes Dinosaurs Alive admission!

• DINOSAURS ALIVE: $2.68 with adult park admission (Gate price $5.37) • PARKING VOUCHER: $12, (Gate price $15) ��lus addi�onal fees based on number of �c�ets ordered.

HARD COPY TICKETS: Can be ordered through Minnesota Farm Bureau. Pay with check or cash only, includes taxes: • GOOD ANY DAY: $35.43 Adult, ages 3-61, 48” or taller in shoes • RIDE & REFRESH: $43.22 includes unlimited drink wristband, not available at the gate, special promo only • JUNIOR/SENIOR: $35.43 Ages 3-61, under 48” tall in shoes or age 62 or older. Ages 2 and under free.

Includes Dinosaurs Alive admission!

• DINOSAURS ALIVE: $2.68 with adult park admission • PARKING VOUCHER: $12 County: ____________________________________________________________________________ Name:__________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________ State: _____ Zip Code: ____________ Phone: __________________________________ Cell Phone: ________________________________ Adult Ticket(s) x $35.43 = Ride & Refresh Ticket(s) x $42.93 = Junior/Senior Ticket(s) x $35.43 = Dinosaurs Alive Ticket(s) x $2.68 = Parking Voucher $12.00 = Total Amount Due:

$________________________________ $________________________________ $________________________________ $________________________________ $________________________________ $________________________________

Mail payment and completed form to: MN Farm Bureau | A�n: Judy Pilcher | P.O. Box 64370 | St Paul, MN 55164 Tickets may be purchased during business hours, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Please call ahead. 651-768-2114.

6B • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org CLAY COUNTY BREAKFAST ON THE FARM

Date: June 2 Time: 7 a.m. – Noon Location: Dave and Joanne Herbranson Farm 12402 260th St. S., Hawley Directions: From Hawley, MN - 11 miles South on County Hwy 31 (the stop light in Hawley on Hwy. 10), follow signs Cost: Free will donation that will be given to the Hawley Lions who prepare the breakfast.

Menu: Pancakes, sausage (locally made), fresh scrambled eggs, cheese, milk, coffee from Subway, water and other toppings for eggs Activities: Ice cream cones, entertainment by Eric Reitan, horse drawn wagon rides, bouncy houses, barrel train rides, play in the corn box, milk Daisy May, farm animal zoo, farm safety just for kids (and adults), kiddie pedal tractor contest, free cheese samples, Sunbutter tasting, flavored butter tasting, tractor parade, new and old farm equipment display Parking: Free parking with shuttle rides to the breakfast – handicap parking available Contact: Keith or Lori Aakre - 218-937-5514 or BOTF.Hawley@gmail.com Sponsored by: Clay County Farm Bureau, Hawley Area Lions and many other local organizations

STEARNS COUNTY BREAKFAST ON THE FARM

Date: June 2 Time: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Location: Vogt Dairy, Sauk Centre Directions: Park at the Stearns County Fairgrounds, and a free shuttle bus will take you to the farm.

Cost: Free. Breakfast - $5 Menu: Pancakes and sausage Activities: Farm tours, horse wagon rides, petting zoo, ice cream cones and an obstacle course Parking: Stearns County Fairgrounds Contact: Tara Meyer – 507-330-3927 Sponsored by: Stearns County Farm Bureau and other local organizations

WASECA COUNTY DINNER ON THE FARM

Date: June 12 Time: 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Farmamerica – Two T miles west of Waseca W Directions: 7367 360th Ave, A Waseca W Cost: Free Menu: Burgers, chips, milk and root beer floats machinery exhibits and a variety of Activities: Tours, T kids’ activities Parking: Ample parking onsite Contact: Ashley Harguth - 507-461-2098 or ashley.harguth@hotmail.com Sponsored by: W Waseca County Farm Bureau

DDODGE ODGE CCOUNTY OUNT Y DDINNER INNER W WI WITH ITH A FFARMER ARMER

Date: June 14 Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Location: V Veterans Memorial Park – Kasson Directions: Close to Kasson Aquatic Center Cost: $5 Menu: Burgers, chips, water, cookie and ice cream Activities: Petting zoo and free movie Contact: Mary Jo Schoenfeld, 507-455-0745 or maryjo.schoenfeld@fbmn.org Sponsored by: Dodge County Farm Bureau

FFILLMORE ILLMORE CCOUNTY OUNT Y DA DAI DAIRY IRY N NIGHT IGHT OON N TTH THE HE FFARM ARM

Date: June 16 Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Location: Roadside Dairy – T Todd and Sue Hendrickson, 14163 241st A Ave, Preston Directions: From Harmony Harmony, 8 miles west on County Road 44. T Turn north at 241st A Ave (Bristol) and go one mile Cost: Free will donation Tour,, dairy displays, inflatables, prize Activities: Farm Tour T giveaways and dairy royalty Menu: Cheese burgers, baked beans, cheese curds, milk and malts Contact: T Trinity Johnson – 507-273-7550 Sponsored by: Fillmore County American Dairy Association

COTTONWOOD COUNTY AGRICULTURE APPRECIATION NIGHT

BREAKFAST & EVENTS ON THE FARM

Date: June 17 Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: Windom Arena on the Cottonwood County Fairgrounds Directions: 1 block north of the corner of 13th St. and 8th Avenue in Windom Cost: Free Menu: Grilled beef burgers and cheeseburgers, beans, chips, drinks and cookies Activities: Activities for both adults and children including bounce houses, petting zoo and POET corn box Contact: Matt Adrian - 507-301-4098 Sponsored by: Cottonwood County Farm Bureau, Cottonwood County Beef Producers, Cottonwood County Corn Growers, Cottonwood County Soybean Growers, Windom Convention and Visitors Bureau, Citizen Publishing and KDOM Radio

WINONA CHAMBER FAMILY NIGHT ON THE FARM

MOWER COUNTY BREAKFAST ON THE FARM

Date: June 16 Time: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

9:30 – 11 a.m. Children’s Activities Location: Brian and Aimee Klouse Farms, 56633 150th St, Austin Directions: South on Hwy 218 Turn left on 150th St Cost: Adults - $3, Children 6 and under - Free, Family - $12 Menu: Pancakes, sausage, milk, coffee, orange drink Activities: Scavenger hunt, bouncy house, petting zoo, horse drawn wagon rides and machinery exhibits Parking: Onsite Contact: Virginia Bissen - vmbissen@gmail.com or 507-582-3158 Sponsored by: Mower County Farm Bureau

OOLMSTED LMSTED CCOUNTY OUNT Y BBREAKFAST REAKFAST OON N TTH THE HE FFARM ARM

Date: June 16 Time: 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Location: Behounek Dairy Dairy, Inc., 21042 710th St, Hayfield Directions: W West of Rochester on Hwy 14 to Dodge County 15 (between Byron and Kasson) then South to 710th St., W West to the farm Cost: Adults - $7, Children - $4, Kids under 5 - Free Menu: Pancakes, sausage, cheese, milk, juice and coffee Activities: Petting zoo, tractor drawn wagon rides, milking in a parlor, educational displays and exhibits Parking: Free bus rides from Autumn Ridge Church in SW Rochester or parking at the farm.

Contact: Ken Levos - 507-696-4013 Sponsored by: Olmsted County Farm Bureau and Rochester Area Agriculture Committee

WRIGHT W RIGHT CCOUNTY OUNT Y BBREAKFAST REAKFAST OON N TTH THE HE FFARM ARM

Date: June 16 Time: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Poppler Dairy – Waverly W Directions: T Transportation will be available. Park at the Waverly-Winsted Howard Lake Waverly-W W averly-Winsted averly-W insted High School.

Cost: Adults - $5, Children 5 and under free Menu: All you can eat pancakes, sausage, coffee and milk Activities: Farm tour, petting zoo, wagon rides and machinery row Contact: Pat Bakeberg - 763-242-4520, wrightbotf@gmail.com, breakfastonthefarm.org Facebook: W Wright Carver Breakfast on the Farm Sponsored by: American Food Group, Centra Sota Cooperative, Feed Stuff Bagging Inc., Kemps, Munson Lakes Nutrition, W Wright County American Dairy Association, W Wright County Pork Producers and Wright W County Farm Bureau

Date: June 20 Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: Sobeck Brothers Farm Directions: Parking will be at an off-site location to be announced. Shuttle busses will take you to the farm starting at 4 p.m. Buses will start at 4 p.m. and come every 20 minutes.

Cost: Free and open to the public Menu: Family Style Picnic available - $7 adults, $4 children under 10 and $25 family (2 adults, up to 4 children) Activities: Farm machinery displays, games, petting zoo, children’s train wagon, bounce house, tractor drawn hay wagon rides and live entertainment Contact: Winona Chamber – info@winonachamber.com, 507-452-2272 Sponsored by: Legacy Sponsor – Bremer Bank and Main Event Sponsor – Sugarloaf Ford

WABASHA FAMILY NIGHT ON THE FARM

Date: June 21 Time: 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Location: Terrill and Michelle Luhman, 37435 Co Rd 17, Zumbro Falls Directions: Lake City - go about 13 Miles South on Hwy 63, turn Right on Co Rd 17, Farm is 1/2 mile on the Left.

From Zumbro Falls - go about 3 miles North on Hwy 63, turn Left on Co Rd 17, 1/2 mile on the Left.

Cost: $3 per meal Activities: Fun for everyone - petting zoo, kids sand pile (with prizes), educational booths and milking parlor Parking: TBA Contact: Katie Brown - 507-951-2951 Sponsored by: Wabasha County American Dairy W Association, Wabasha County Farm Bureau and other W area businesses

BBELTRAMI ELTRAMI CCOUNTY OUNT Y BBREAKFAST REAKFAST OON N TTH THE HE FFARM ARM

Date: June 24 Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Beltrami County Fairgrounds Directions: 2 1/2 miles north of Bemidji on Highway 71.

Address: 7223 Fairgrounds Rd NW, W, Bemidji W Cost: $5 adults, children 13 and under free Menu: Pancakes, ham, ice cream, strawberries and/or blueberries Contact: Stan Kimmes at 218-751-5900 Sponsored by: Beltrami County Farm Bureau

CCLEARWATER LEARWA WATTER CCOUNTY OUNT Y BBREAKFAST REAKFAST OON N TTH THE HE FFARM ARM

Date: June 30 Time: 8 – 11 a.m.

Location: Leslie Olson Farm-19704 240th St, Bagley Directions: From the stoplights in Bagley go 12 miles south on State Highway 92, take a left and go east on 240th Street for .75 miles. The farm will be on the north side of the road.

Cost: Free Menu: Pancake Pan a cak an a e breakfast ak break a fa ak f st with t strawberries, th str t aw tr awb wberr r ies, ice cream, rr cream a , am locally grown bison sausage sau a sage patties, au pat att at tties, juice, milk and a d coffee. an coffe ff e. ffe Activities: Farm tours, Headwaters Regional Farm Bureau Centennial Celebration and more.

Parking: Available on site.

A Contact: Al Paulson - 218-694-6520 Sponsored by: Headwaters Regional Farm Bureau and many other local organizations

BREAKFAST & EVENTS CONTINUED...

MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 7B

...BREAKFAST & EVENTS CONTINUED Date: June 30 Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost: Free Menu: Pancakes, sausage, milk Activities: Farm tour, machinery and equipment displays Contact: Jason Edwards, noblesfbmn@gmail.com Sponsored by: Nobles County Farm Bureau, Nobles County Corn Grower’s Association and Nobles County Soybean Growers Association

TODD COUNTY BREAKFAST ON THE FARM

Date: June 30 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Rinde Farms, 28189 County 25, Long Prairie Directions: Shuttle service provided from Long Prairie-Grey Eagle High School (510 9th St. NE, Long Prairie) - No parking at the dairy Cost: $1 Menu: Cheeseburgers, chips, pickles, milk and ice cream Activities: Farm tour, petting zoo, machinery and equipment displays, children’s games and activities and educational booths Contact: Todd County Extension - 320-732-4435 Sponsored by: Todd County Farm Bureau, Todd County Livestock Advisory Council, Todd County Extension and many other local organizations

WATONWAN COUNTY BREAKFAST ON THE FARM

Date: July 20 Time: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: Watonwan County Fairgrounds, 53 11th St. S., St. James Cost: $3 per person Menu: Burgers, beans and chips Activities: Minnesota Soybean Biodiesel Truck, Princess Kay of the Milky Way Parking: On site Contact: Samantha Runge – watonwanfarmbureau@gmail.com or Watonwan County Farm Bureau Facebook page Sponsored by: Watonwan County Farm Bureau and Watonwan County Soybean Growers

ARROWHEAD REGIONAL SUPPER ON THE FARM

Date: July 26 Time: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: Cook’s Country Connection, 153 Vermillion Drive, Cook Directions: US Highway 53 to Cook. Turn right on second street.

Second Street turns into Vermillion Drive. Go about one mile, turn left at the sign.

Cost: Free Menu: Sandwiches, fresh vegetables and healthy snacks Activities: Cook Farmer’s market vendor displays, educational booths and demonstrations, children’s activities, musical entertainment, barnyard tours and horse drawn hayrides.

Parking: Free parking onsite Contact: Lois Pajari, cookscountryconnection@gmail.com, 218-780-8611 Sponsored by: Arrowhead Regional Farm Bureau

ARROWHEAD REGIONAL SUPPER ON THE FARM

Date: August 1 Time: 5 – 8 p.m.

Location: Mr. Ed’s Farm, LLC – 10796 Foss Road, Hibbing Directions: 10 miles east of Hibbing on Highway 37. Go south on Highway 5 for three miles and turn right on Foss Road.

Cost: Free Menu: Sloppy joes, tator tots, fresh vegetables and healthy snacks Activities: Hibbing Farmer’s market vendor displays, educational booths and demonstrations, children’s activities, musical entertainment, barn tours and horse drawn hayrides.

Parking: Free parking onsite Contact: Ed Nelson mredsfarmllc@gmail.com or 218-966-1354 Sponsored by: Arrowhead Regional Farm Bureau and Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation

BLUE EARTH AND LE SUEUR COUNTY BREAKFAST ON THE FARM

Date: August 11 Time: 7 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Location: Guentzel Family Farm, 32172-490th Street, Kasota (just past the Mankato airport) Cost: Free (donations accepted) Menu: Pancake Breakfast Activities: Learn about the food you eat, see farm animals and equipment, fun for the whole family Parking: Onsite Contact: Angela Guentzel angela.guentzel@gmail.com or 507-317-4372 Sponsored by: Southern MN Center for Ag, Compeer Financial, Blue Earth County Corn Growers Association, Le Sueur/Scott County Soybean Grower Association, Blue Earth County Soybean Grower Association

What is Where in MN NORTHWEST NORTHEAST

CENTRAL TWIN CITIES AREA SOUTHERN

NORTHWEST Minnesota’s great northwest, where the prairie meets the north woods, naturally offers plenty to explore. This land is home to Minnesota’s largest lakes and the headwaters of the great Mississippi River. A�rac�ve towns offer specialty shops, art galleries and dining of all kinds

NORTHEAST Northeast Minnesota is a land of special places, from wilderness lakes of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the magnificent Lake Superior. Duluth offers big city fun with a seaport flavor, while smaller towns here have some interes�ng finds.

TRAVEL TRIVIA 1) Minnesota is commonly known as the what?

2) Where does Minnesota’s name come from?

3) What is Minnesota’s State Fish?

1) Land of 10,000 Lakes 2) A Dakota word for “clear water” 3) Walleye

NOBLES COUNTY BREAKFAST ON THE FARM

FISHING FACTS About 500,000 people are expected to fish on Minnesota’s opening day of the walleye and northern pike season in May. Minnesota has 11,842 lakes, 5,400 of which are considered fishing lakes. There are over 18,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams, including 3,800 miles of trout streams.

This year marks 50 years of sunsets, memories, and family fun at The Shallows Resort.

Located on 400’ of private, Green Bay shoreline, ;OL :OHSSV^Z 9LZVY[ VќLYZ [OL WLYMLJ[ ZL[[PUN MVY `V\Y UL_[ +VVY *V\U[` NL[H^H`

Stay on the bay to make memories of your own.

7353 Horseshoe Bay Road, Egg Harbor, Wisconsin 54209 vacation@shallows.com | 800-257-1560 | shallows.com

41st Annual

WILDER PAGEANT Walnut Grove, MN

CENTRAL In the heart of central Minnesota, you will find a scene of crystal lakes and wooded hills. Fishing, boa�ng and waterskiing are all big here. The area is also known as a golf des�na�on, with more than �0 scenic courses, many cra�ed by top designers.

TWIN CITIES AREA The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is cosmopolitan at its heart and small town along its perimeter. Throughout the region, you’ll find an exci�ng arts and music scene, excep�onal shopping, award-winning restaurants, wineries and cra� breweries, and dis�nc�ve accommoda�ons.

SOUTHERN Across the southern region of Minnesota you will find a variety of ac�vi�es and landscapes. Among the top a�rac�ons are the Na�onal �agle Center, Pipestone Na�onal Monument, SPAM Museum, Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Commonweal Theatre.

Outdoor drama based on the life of

Laura Ingalls Wilder

JJuly uly y6 6-7, 7, 13-14, 13 13 1 14 4, 20-21, 20 21 20 21,, 2018 2 018

“The sun goes down, the lights go up, and so begins the magic on the hillside”

Tickets Ti i k t 888-859-3102 88 88 859 3102 • walnutgrove.org l t

8B • MAY 2018 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT For tickets and information on benefits call 651-768-2114 or visit fbmn.org. Select Membership Benefits under Membership. First time users will need to create a login.

®

R MEMBE S BENEFIT & TRAVEL ENT! AINM T R E T N E

n�Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium, Mall of America Check out the re-designed aquarium. Members receive up to 40% discount on tickets. Order online at fbmn.org. n�Nickelodeon Universe®, Mall of America The nation’s largest indoor family theme park. Discounted all day wristband tickets may be ordered at fbmn.org.

n�Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Discounted zoo admission tickets—offering $2 adult and $1 children and seniors. Can be ordered at fbmn.org. n�Valleyfair, Shakopee Members receive a savings off gate price tickets and parking during the season. Order online at fbmn.org. n�Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul Enjoy discounts to events at xcelenergycenter.com/MNfarm.

The site is updated as new events are announced. n Great Wolf Lodge, 17 Locations - New Minnesota Location!

A perk for the whole pack! A 30%

savings off best available room rates and includes up to four waterpark passes. Visit greatwolf.com or call 866-9259653 to make reservations. Use code: MNFB551A. (Offer guaranteed when reservations are made 30 days prior to arrival date).

HOTEL n�Choice Hotels Save up to 20% off rates at almost 6,300 hotels worldwide.

Ascend, Quality Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, Cambria Suites, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Mainstay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotels, EconoLodge and Rodeway Inn. For reservations call 800-258-2847 or log onto choicehotels.com. ID # 00209660 n�Motel 6 Members can now receive a 10% discount at participating Motel 6 locations. Reservations can be made by calling 800-466-8356 or online at Motel6.com. Reference number CP9Z0OD4. n Wyndham Hotel Group Farm Bureau members receive a rate up to 20% off at nearly 7,400 participating hotels. Call ahead to 877-670-7088 to make reservations at Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Ramada, Travelodge, Knights Inn, Wingate Inn, Baymont Inns & Suites, Dream Hotels, Night Hotels, TryP, Super 8, Microtel, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Garden, Wyndham Grand and Hawthorn Suites (10% discount). Refer to group number 8000002603. Visit wyndham.com.

Farm Bureau Members

save up to 20%

*

on AmericInn Hotel stays

AmericInn Hotel & Suites Winona Winona, MN

ALGONA .................... 515-295-3333

ROSEAU ................... 218-463-1045

CLEAR LAKE ............ 641-357-8954

SILVER BAY .............. 218-226-4300

JACKSON .................. 507-847-2444

SIOUX CITY .............. 712-255-1800

n�IHG Hotels Members save 10% at over 1,400 participating IHG Hotels.

Brands include some of the bestknown and most popular in the world. The nine hotel brands include: InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Hotel Indigo®, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites®, EVEN™ Hotels and HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts. In order for a member to redeem the Farm Bureau discount, call 877-4242449 or walk into the hotel and ask for the “Farm Bureau Federation” discount, or book online at IHG.com, click on Advance Search option and enter in the Corporate ID# 100334603.

PELLA........................ 641-621-1421 To book, call 877-670-7088 and mention you are a Farm Bureau member. wyndhamhotels.com/benefits *Best Available Rate is defined as the best, non-qualified, unrestricted, publicly available rate on the brand sites for the hotel, date and accommodations requested. The discount for some properties may be less than 20% off Best Available Rate. Certain restrictions may apply. To redeem this offer go Online at www.wyndhamhotels.com/benefits and enter corporate code 8000002008 or call 877-670-7088 and mention you are a Farm Bureau member at the time of reservation. Offer not valid if hotel is called directly.

Advanced reservations are required. Offer is subject to availability at participating locations and some blackout dates may apply.

Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts, offers, group rates, or special promotions. Discounted rates vary by location and time of year. Offer is void where prohibited by law and has no cash value. ©2018 Wyndham Hotel Group, LLC. All rights reserved. All hotels are independently owned and operated with the exception of certain hotels managed or owned by an affiliate of the company.

n�MORE BENEFITS ON PAGE 22A. IT PAYS TO BE A MEMBER!