May 2017 Voice of Agriculture

VOICE ®

VOLUME 37 • No. 3

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of Agriculture

MAY 2017

armers and ranchers from across Minnesota were part of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) delegation to attend the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C. Nearly 600 farmers and ranchers from across the country met to hear legislative updates on Farm Bureau priority issues and to learn how to better engage elected officials on these topics.

“This is the next step in our nonstop grassroots policy process,” said MFBF President Kevin Paap. “We are taking our focus issues that are based on the policies adopted by Farm Bureau members from across Photo by Amber Hanson the country and implementing these MINNESOTA FARM BUREAU presented Representa�ve Tom Emmer the �Friend of Farm Bureau� award for his work during the ��4th ideas into legislation that will Congress while a�ending the 20�� AFBF Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C. Pictured le� to right are Marlin Fay, directly impact farmers and rural Mike Gunderson, Bob Roelofs, Representa�ve Emmer, President Kevin Paap, Carolyn Olson, Dan Glessing and Keith Allen.

Minnesota.”

Farm Bureau members from Representatives Tim Walz, Jason Lewis, importance of ensuring that the 2018 necessity of tax reform which helps Minnesota met with nine of the 10 Erik Paulsen, Betty McCollum, Tom Farm Bill includes risk management, transition the next generation into members of the Minnesota Congressional Emmer, Collin Peterson and Rick Nolan. conservation and food programs that agriculture; and the importance of delegation including Senators Amy Farm Bureau members discussed the continue to work well together; the agricultural labor reform to provide a Klobuchar and Al Franken and

Farm Bureau Members Attend Advocacy Conference

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��� Commi�ee share Ag in the Classroom with students

Food Awareness Events Photo by Dennis Sabel

IN MARCH, KANABEC-ISANTI County Farm Bureau shopped for $842 worth of food, which was then donated to the food shelf in Mora. Pictured are Farm Bureau members Bill and Julie Olen who helped with the shopping. hroughout the months of February and March, County Farm Bureaus across Minnesota worked in their local communities to spread awareness about all things food – from the farmers who grow and raise our food, to food safety and availability. Counties hosted breakfasts, assisted food shelves, donated time and talent and packed meals for the hungry to show a farmer’s commitment to feeding families in their communities.

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The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Promotion & Education (P&E) Committee visited St Mary’s Parochial School in Long Prairie to share this year’s Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) theme “Soil” and conducted activities to help students gain a better understanding of agriculture.

The Farm Bureau leaders highlighted soil to farmers while working with students in 3rd-5th grade. The 45-minute presentation began with MFBF P&E Committee members and county Farm Bureau leaders reading “Dirt the Scoop on Soil” and “Dirt – Jump into Science” to the students followed by an apple as the world activity, and the students conducting soil and food mapping activities The “Soil” AITC kit was provided to Farm Bureau leaders attending the MFBF Leadership Conference. Each year the kit focuses on different areas of Minnesota agriculture. A kit was then given to each classroom teacher at the conclusion of the activities.

The following day the committee held their quarterly March meeting in Long Prairie. Each year, one committee meeting is held in the chair’s district to learn more about that area of the state and to conduct an AITC activity. The committee also toured area agribusinesses.

The MFBF P&E Committee is comprised of 13 farmers from across Minnesota with Debra Durheim of Long Prairie 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.

Submi�ed photo

GRANT COUNTY FARM Bureau members volunteered at the food shelf in Elbow Lake in March. While there, they helped unload food and donated 3,000 meals for people in Grant County and other coun�es throughout the Red River Valley.

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PROMOTION AND EDUCATION (P&E) Commi�ee members organized an Ag in the Classroom event in Todd County in conjunc�on with their spring planning mee�ng held April � and 8. Third through fi�h graders at St. Mary’s Parochial School in Long Prairie learned about soil and its importance in agriculture. Pictured at right, le� to right are P&E Commi�ee members Mark Maiers, Debra Durheim and Eric Kuehl.

Pictured above are P&E Commi�ee members.

Farm Fresh Growers Guide MFB Foundation Sporting Clays Tournament

18A

Breakfast on the Farms

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Travel Section

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INSERT

“Explore.

Dream.

Discover.”

—Mark Twain

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BobRoelofs District III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolyn Olson District IV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nathan Collins District V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fran Miron District VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miles Kuschel District VII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Gunderson State Promotion & Education Committee Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . Debra Durheim State Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Chair. . . . . . . . . . . Pam Uhlenkamp 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 Megan Ternquist, 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 . . . . . . 612-756-1230 Yvonne Simon, South Central. . . . 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 Cole Rupprecht, Associate Director . . . . . . . . . . . 651-768-2107 Judy Pilcher, Administrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-768-2114

Think Spring President’s Voice KEVIN PAAP • MFBF PRESIDENT We are past the halfway mark in April, the grass is green and looking like it’s time to think about getting the lawnmower ready. No matter who you are, what your occupation is or where you live, spring is a wonderful time of year. In agriculture, it is a time of excitement, a time to put in place the plans thought about all winter, a time to put your seeds in the ground and put your faith in God to provide the weather to produce a bountiful crop.

Think Farm Safety With spring comes more vehicles and machinery on our rural roads. Equipment that is wider and slower than our cars and trucks. Drivers, please watch out for our farm equipment on the roadways, allow plenty of space, watch for those sudden turns into the farm fields. Farmers, please make sure that the slow moving vehicle emblem is clean, turn on your warning lights, use your turn signals and help watch out for the other vehicles. When handling seed, fertilizer and crop protection products, always follow all safety precautions, including wearing the proper personal protection equipment.

Think Farm Bureau Policy Implementation Many of you have already participated in planting the Farm Bureau policy implementation seeds. County Presidents have attended the Council of Presidents to hear from our state legislators and agency officials. Many of you have attended one of our four Day on the Hill events at our State Capitol or stay up to date on issues through the Minnesota Farm Bureau’s (MFB) eletter Impact. Thank you for your time, our Farm Bureau presence has been noticed.

With spring upon us, we will be busy planting our crops and caring for our newly born livestock, and we must continue to be engaged in Farm Bureau policy implementation. Please continue to keep in contact with your policy makers through town hall meetings, letters, emails or even those cell phone calls from the tractor seat

“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: Megan Ternquist Design and Layout: Madsen Ink 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.

Think Farm Bureau Policy Development Winter and our state and national Farm Bureau Annual Meetings were not long ago, but we must start thinking about our upcoming policy development season. Members are the lifeblood of our organization, and it is our members that determine our sound, solid policies on issues important to agriculture Minnesota Farm Bureau will continue to need you to be engaged in our policy development process. Please consider attending your local policy development meeting and help us determine what issues need to be debated. Remember if we are not at the table, we will be on the menu!

Think of someone to engage about farming MFB Foundation’s Speak for Yourself program which we call Farming Today partners with AgriBank, AgStar, Ag Country, United FCS, CHS, Minnesota Beef Council, Midwest Dairy Association, Minnesota Corn Growers, MFB Federation, Minnesota Turkey Growers, and Riverview LLP on a comprehensive advocacy program for farmers to speak to and engage with non-agricultural groups about today’s responsible agriculture.

If you have a contact or know of a group contact Marytina Lawrence at speakforyourselfmn@gmail.com or 763-273-6981. If Minnesota farmers and ranchers do not speak for themselves, others will and their message will not be what we want them to hear. The best way for people outside agriculture to understand how food, fiber feed and fuel are produced is to hear a farmer’s story. Help us get these two groups connected to engage in conversations.

Remember if we are not at the table, we will be on the menu.

Farmers and Ranchers Need a Simple, Fair Tax Code Beyond the Fencerows ZIPPY DUVALL • AFBF PRESIDENT

The Voice of Agriculture® (ISSN: 1529-1669) Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation 2016© Published January, March, May, July, September, November by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, 3080 Eagandale Place, PO Box 64370, St. Paul, MN 55164.

while planting. We all need to work together to implement our Farm Bureau policies at the local, state and national level.

I don’t know any farmers who work in a perfect environment, free from any risks or elements beyond their control. Sober reminders are all around us these days. From raging wildfires and nonstop rains to the challenging farm economy, many farmers and ranchers are doing their best to hold on for better days. Agriculture is not a business for the faint of heart—it takes a lot of faith and perseverance, even in the best of circumstances.

Congress can’t change the weather, but it can do a lot to improve the climate for running a farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers grow food, fuel and fiber in a world of uncertainty. We need a tax code that recognizes the unique financial challenges we face, and we need flexibility to run and expand our businesses.

Our tax laws should promote the business of farming and ranching, rather than punishing those who commit their lives to working in agriculture. Farmers shouldn’t be penalized for having a good year or for building a family business they can pass on to the next generation. When farmers must pay expenses to play defense against estate taxes, rather than investing those resources to make their farm better, we all suffer a loss. Today, about 99 percent of America’s farms and ranches are family owned, and Farm Bureau is committed to protecting our ability to pass on a thriving agricultural legacy to the next generation. It’s time to bury the death tax, and we’re asking Congress to do just that with the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2017.

I’m proud of America’s tradition of farms passing from one generation to the next. The entrepreneurial spirit of first-generation farmers and ranchers is another source of pride. With a growing population to feed, we need more

young men and women to join in the important work we do.

Tax reform can help. Reducing capital gains taxes makes it easier for beginning farmers to buy land, and the business expense interest deduction helps them invest in the equipment they need.

At Farm Bureau, we’re pleased to see the U.S. House taking steps to improve our nation’s tax code with its blueprint for tax reform. Comprehensive tax reform is critical to boosting the economy for all Americans, and to do that the tax code must include provisions that farmers and ranchers count on to keep our businesses running.

That’s why we’re calling on the House to approve tax provisions that give farmers the flexibility they need, like immediate expensing for our inputs, stepped-up basis, cash accounting and like-kind exchanges.

Agriculture creates jobs on and off the farm, boosts the economy, creates a positive trade balance and plays a vital role in conserving our open spaces and natural resources.

When farmers and ranchers have the freedom to reap the harvest of their hard work and then replant that capital back in their businesses and rural communities, we all benefit.

Whether a farm is first- or fifth-generation, decreasing the burden of taxes is one area where policymakers can help us offset the many uncontrollable factors we face.

Farmers and ranchers are committed to being good stewards of all the resources we’ve been entrusted with. We expect our lawmakers to be good stewards as well—to use their authority for the good of the nation and craft laws that protect the hardworking men and women of this country.

Tax reform is one way we can all work together to build a better economy now and for our future.

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Farm Bureau Recognizes Earth 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.”

“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 priority 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.”

t CONFERENCE FROM 1A legal and stable work force. They also emphasized the importance of improving the regulatory process to ensure farmers have an open, fair and transparent process to address regulatory issues such as Waters of the U.S. and removing the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act. In addition, Farm Bureau members also met with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Cuban Ambassador José Ramón Cabañas Rodríguez, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt and staff from the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives and Agricultural Committees.

Issues Advisory AFBF Issues Advisory Committee met during the AFBF Advocacy Conference. Marlin Fay of Mower County serves on the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Energy Issue Advisory Committee, and Carolyn Olson, Minnesota Farm Bureau District III Board Director from Lyon

County, serves as chair of the AFBF Organic and Direct Marketing Committee.

Friend of Farm Bureau While in Washington D.C., MFBF awarded Congressmen Collin Peterson, Erik Paulsen, Tom Emmer and former Representative John Kline the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for their work during the 114th Congress.

The “Friend of Farm Bureau” award is presented to individuals who have supported Farm Bureau issues, as demonstrated by their voting records.

The voting records were based on issues selected by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.

Attendees included members of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors and Farm Bureau members appointed to the America Farm Bureau Federation Issue Advisory Committees.

Farmers share their story With nearly 60 farmers ready to share their farm stories, we need your help to identify leads for audiences to hear from our farmers in our Farming Today (Speak for Yourself) program.

If you are interested in having a farmer share their story of farming in a local service organization, your mom’s group, at your work, in your high school classroom or local church contact Barbara Dodson, Farming Today scheduler at 800-711-0747, ext.

222 or barbara@eidsonandpartners.com.

Do you know someone...

• In a service organization (Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)?

• In a Moms or MOPS group?

• Who is a Family and Consumer Science (FACS) or agriculture teacher?

• At a food manufacturing company?

• An agribusiness with employees not from a farm?

• In other groups that would be interested in or benefit from hearing from a farmer?

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Speak for Yourself program is made possible by generous partnership with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota’s Farm Credit organizations including AgStar Financial Services, United FCS, AgCountry and AgriBank, Midwest Dairy Association, Minnesota Beef Council, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, CHS, and Riverview LLP. Speak for Yourself is the internal name for the program. The external name is Farming Today.

For additional information on Speak for Yourself contact Marytina Lawrence, MFB Speak for Yourself coordinator at 763-273-6981 or speakforyourselfmn@gmail.com or go to www.fbmn.org/pages/speak-for-yourself to learn more about the Farming Today (Speak for Yourself) program.

Photo by Amber Hanson

MINNESOTA FARM BUREAU presented Congressman Collin Peterson the "Friend of Farm Bureau" award for his work during the 114th Congress while a�ending the 2017 AFBF Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C. Pictured le� to right, front row, Marlin Fay, Mike Gunderson and Carolyn Olson. Back row, le� to right, Vice President Dan Glessing, President Kevin Paap, Representa�ve Peterson, Bob Roelofs and Keith Allen.

Photo by Amber Hanson

AFBF ISSUES ADVISORY Commi�ee met during the AFBF Advocacy Conference. Marlin Fay of Mower County serves on the American Farm Bureau Federa�on (AFBF) Energy Issue Advisory Commi�ee, and Carolyn Olson, Minnesota Farm Bureau District III Board Director from Lyon County, serves as chair of the AFBF Organic and Direct Marke�ng Commi�ee.

Photo by Amber Hanson

MINNESOTA FARM BUREAU President Kevin Paap, le�, presented Representa�ve Erik Paulsen the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for his work during the 114th Congress while a�ending the 2017 AFBF Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C.

Farm Bureau flag photo

Clay County Book Bundle Donation Photo by Michael Knight

Ag Awareness Day MINNESOTA FARM BUREAU par�cipated in the �th Annual Ag Awareness Day on April 11 at the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis campus. Those in a�endance had the opportunity to learn more about their food and mee�ng the people that produce it. Pictured are Ruth Meirick, MFBF Founda�on director, Amanda Revier, MFBF southwest area program director and Pam Uhlenkamp, MFBF P�E Commi�ee chair.

CLAY COUNTY FARM Bureau donated a Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom book bundle, made up of 10 books, for every elementary school in Clay County and to the Moorhead Public Library. The presenta�ons were made throughout March in recogni�on of Na�onal Agriculture Week. Book bundles were presented to the Moorhead Public Library and the following schools: Barnesville Elementary, Dilworth Elementary, Ellen Hopkins Elementary (Moorhead), Glyndon-Felton Elementary, Hawley Elementary, Park Chris�an (Moorhead), Robert Asp Elementary (Moorhead), S.G. Reinertsen Elementary (Moorhead), St. Joseph’s Catholic (Moorhead) and Ulen-Hi�erdal Elementary. Pictured are Clay County Farm Bureau President Mark Harless, right, and board member Ben Askegaard, le�, presen�ng the book bundle to Kim Nelson - S.G. Reinertsen Elementary learning resource strategist.

Photo by Riley Maanum

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FARM BUREAU NEWS NOTES n�Young Farmers & Ranchers Contest Deadlines The Excellence in Agriculture application is due September 29. The Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Excellence in Agriculture leadership development contest is designed as an opportunity for YF&Rs who may not derive 100 percent of their income from farming to earn recognition while actively contributing to agriculture and building their leadership skills through their involvement in Farm Bureau and their community. Participants are judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

The Achievement Award application is due September 29.

The Achievement Award is an application based leadership development contest which compares your farm’s goals and successes to other young farmers across Minnesota and the United States. The application is judged on your goals, your farm’s success, your financial planning and your leadership skills. The ideal candidate(s) is an individual or couple involved in production agriculture with much of their income subject to normal production risks.

For more information on these leadership development opportunities go to fbmn.org/contests.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation YF&R contests are for men and women between the ages of 18-35 who are looking for leadership growth opportunities to preserve our individual freedoms and expand knowledge of agriculture. n�Complete Green Star Farms Self-Evaluation Help prevent duplicate and over burdensome regulations.

Join the growing number of farms who have completed the Minnesota Agriculture Resource Center’s (MAWRC) Green Star Farms self-evaluation.

It takes 20 minutes, and it’s fast, easy and completely confidential. Take the Green Star Farms initiative selfevaluation today at greenstarfarms.org. For more information contact Jeremy Geske at jeremy@mawrc.org or 612-7561200. n�Congratulations to the First in the Field Qualifiers!

As part of the membership campaign, member volunteers are signing new members into Farm Bureau. Members who sign five new members by May 5 will be entered in a grand prize drawing. Congratulations to the following volunteers and thank you for all you do: 3 by March 3: Ray Johnson, Clay County; Fran Miron, Washington/Ramsey; Eric Mousel, Arrowhead Regional; Kevin Paap, Blue Earth County; Chris Radatz, Scott County; Pam Uhlenkamp, Sibley County; Greg Vold, Pope County and Joyce Welander, Washington/Ramsey County.

4 by April 4: Bruce Brenden, West Otter Tail County; David Engelbrecht, Watonwan County; Dave Johnson, Rice County; Fran Miron, Washington/Ramsey County; Eric Mousel, Arrowhead Regional; Ron Nelson, Chisago County; Kevin Paap, Blue Earth County; Jeff Pagel, Olmsted County; Chris Radatz, Scott County; Pam Uhlenkamp, Sibley County and Joyce Welander, Washington/Ramsey County. n�Donate to Foundation Century Club Join the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Century Club, a fundraising campaign to commemorate the past and celebrate the future of the Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB).

The MFB Foundation Century Club recognizes individuals who donate $1,000 to the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation above any current giving. Donations can be made in installments or as one donation. Century Club members will receive a Farm Bureau Century Club Pin, be recognized at our 100th Minnesota Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in 2018 and be invited to a Foundation sponsored “Century Club Dinner.”

Congratulations to our newest MFB Foundation Century

Club members: George and Rozetta Hallcock, Dan Glessing, Bob Roelofs and Swift County Farm Bureau.

Checks payable to the MFB Foundation. Donations may be mailed to: MFB Foundation, PO Box 64370, St. Paul, MN 55164. For more information, go to fbmn.org or contact Ruth Meirick at 651-768-2115 or ruth.meirick@fbmn.org. n�Register for 2017 Farm Camp Minnesota Are you looking for a fun and educational day camp for your kids entering grades 3-6? Register today for the sixth annual “Farm Camp Minnesota.” This year, the one-day camp will be held in three different locations. The camp is put on by and sponsored by farmers, farm organizations, agribusinesses and volunteers.

The day camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Preregistration is required!

Locations: *August 7 and 8 - Farm Camp Minnesota will be held in the Waseca area at Farmamerica *August 15 -it will be held in the St Cloud area near Rice, Minnesota at the Schmitt Dairy Farm. *August 16 -the camp will be held in the Northfield area near Dundas, Minnesota at Wolf Creek Dairy.

Farm Camp allows campers the opportunity to learn about today’s agriculture, where their food comes from, how it is grown and how farm products are used in our daily life. Each camper will have the opportunity to learn about various types of livestock and crop farms, including pork, beef, dairy, turkey, corn and soybeans. They will also learn about the equipment used on farms, and at the Dundas and Waseca sites will each get a ride in a tractor.

Register online at farmcampminnesota.org. Early bird registration is $10 per camper by Saturday, June 10, or after June 10 registration is $20. Registration includes lunch, snacks, a free t-shirt and a fun bag to take home! Space is limited. Registration will close July 21 or when full.

For more information or to register, go to farmcampminnesota.org or e-mail farmcampmn@outlook.com. If you are interested in bringing a group, contact via e-mail, postal mail at PO Box 93, Janesville, MN 56048 or call at 507-351-9348. n�Summer Teacher Tour The Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Program (MAITC) offers a unique annual summer tour that allows teachers to get a first-hand look into the world of agriculture.

Resources, hands-on activities and interactive ideas for integrating agriculture as a context for achieving academic standards at all levels are discussed and shared. CEUs and graduate credits available.

MAITC is offering multiple tours in 2017. The first, “Specialty Crop Tour” July 17-18 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m..

Tour stops includ : Unitedt’s Vegetable Farm, Len Busch Roses, Big River Farms, and Minneapolis Public Schools Nutrition Services and school garden.

The second tour, “Many Faces of Agriculture Tour” is July 24-25 from 8 a.m. Monday – 4 p.m. Tuesday. Tour stops include: New Sweden Dairy Farm and Dairy Education Center, Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, Arnold’s Implement, Farmamerica, University of Minnesota Souther Research and Outreach Center – Swine Research Center, Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery.

Watch for details on a Northern Minnesota tour.

Registration and more details regarding tours and the CEU credits can be found at minnesota.agclassroom.org/programs/tour.cfm.

County Farm Bureaus are encouraged to sponsor an educator(s) to attend. For more information contact Sue Knott at sue.knott@state.mn.us or Keri Sidle at keri.sidle@state.mn.us or call 651-201-6486.

n�May 5 • First in the Field Membership Deadline n�May 24 • MFBF Board Meeting n�May 29 • MFBF Office Closed n�June 7-16 • Summer Cookout Marketbasket Survey n�June 8 • MFB Foundation Sporting Clays • Caribou Gun Club, LeSueur n�June 27 • MFB Foundation Golf Scramble • River Oaks Golf Course, Cottage Grove n�July 4 • MFBF Office Closed n�August 1 • Farmers to Washington D.C. Registration Deadline n�August 1-3 • Farmfest n�August 24-September 4 • Minnesota State Fair n�August 31 • County Activities of Excellence Deadline n�September 4 • MFBF Office Closed n�September 11 • MFBF Board Meeting n�September 12-16 • Farmers to Washington D.C. n�September 29 • Membership Year End • Achievement Award Application Deadline • Excellence in Agriculture Application Deadline n�November 8 • MFBF Board Meeting n�November 17-18 • MFBF Annual Meeting Bloomington, MN n�November 23-24 • MFBF Office Closed n�January 5-10, 2018 • AFBF Annual Meeting Nashville, Tennessee n�January 26-27, 2018 • MFBF Leadership Conference Near Red Wing

discover! MINNESOTA ���Bison Calf Romp May 6 Luverne dnr.state.mn.us/events See Blue Mound State Park’s newest spring arrivals. Park staff will assess where the bison currently are, and if they can be viewed from the enclosure perimeter. If viewing is likely, we will form a car-caravan to drive to the closest access point (potentially up to a four mile drive) and hike to the best viewing vantage point. Be prepared for up to a three mile hike (possibly through an inch or two of standing water for short durations) with appropriate footwear, tick protection and binoculars!

�� Oliver Kelley Farm’s Grand Opening Celebration May 6-7 Elk River mnhs.org/kelleyfarm Celebrate the official grand opening of the Kelley Farm’s newest facilities, including the beautiful new visitor center, learning kitchen, outdoor exhibits, animal barn, gardens and cropland and more. Watch guest chef demos, plant a seed cup and make your own vinaigrette to take home. Play 19thcentury games, enjoy live music and food and more farm-sized fun.

�� Festival of Birds May 18-21 Detroit Lakes visitdetroitlakes.com/events/festivalof-birds Observe nearly 200 species of birds during the 20th 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. �� Rhubarb Festival June 3 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.

Great prizes for all events! �� Dairy Day Celebration June 6 Hutchinson explorehutchinson.com Dairy Day Festivities include a $5 lunch, cheese samples, cow milking contest, live music, tractors to look at, children’s activities and more!

DISCOVER MINNESOTA TO 7A }

MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 5A

AGRI-BYTES Farm Bureau Launches Market Intel Reports American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has announced the launch of Market Intel, a new series of market intelligence reports available at fb.org/marketintel and on Twitter (@FBMarketIntel).

Market Intel will provide timely market intelligence on the agricultural economy for farmers, ranchers, lawmakers and consumers, according to AFBF. “Soybeans Trumping Corn in 18 States” by AFBF’s Dr. John Newton, is the first Market Intel report in the new series. It features insights on the implications of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks reports.

“Our aim with Market Intel is to analyze current events in agriculture – related to both crops and livestock – through an economic lens,” said Newton, AFBF’s director of market intelligence. “The timely market intelligence on the agricultural economy that we provide will be useful for farmers, lawmakers and consumers. Farmers and ranchers will find Market Intel to be a useful decision-making resource for marketing and planting.”

Judge Approves Settlement to Protect Farmers’ Privacy American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) have closed the final chapter of their lawsuit challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of farmer and rancher personal information, when a federal judge approved a settlement that secures the private information of thousands of livestock and poultry farmers in 36 states.

“This lawsuit has won a major victory for personal privacy,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Months ago, we won a court decision that vindicates the rights of farmers and all Americans to protect their personal information from dissemination by the government. This settlement is the final step, requiring that EPA scrub all personal information from the records involved and train its staff on the proper handling of personal

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AFBF and NPPC filed the lawsuit in 2013 after EPA released a vast compilation of spreadsheets containing personal information about farmers and ranchers in 29 states who raise livestock and poultry, in some cases including the names of farmers, ranchers and sometimes other family members, home addresses, email addresses, GPS coordinates and telephone numbers. EPA was poised at that time to release more spreadsheets containing similar information on farmers in an additional six states.

Farm Bureau Thanks President and USDA for Wildfire Relief AFBF President Zippy Duvall recently thanked President Trump and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for authorizing emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land in the face of devastating wildfires in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

USDA officials told AFBF they

stand ready to work with Colorado farmers should their governor make a similar request to the department.

“Farmers and ranchers have lost thousands of head of cattle and swine from wildfires this spring. Blazes have caused millions of dollars in damage to their homes, farm structures and fencing. More than a million acres of prime grazing land has been reduced to ash.

So we are especially grateful that President Trump and USDA Acting Deputy Secretary Michael Young have taken this first action to help farmers and ranchers in this time of extreme need,” said Duvall. “We know ranchers who have lost almost everything they had, and it’s only April. Summer is yet to come.”

CNBC article about agricultural trade. CNBC pointed out “there’s growing concern in agriculture about fallout from anti-Mexico rhetoric in the Trump administration hurting American farmers.”

CNBC also noted that these concerns come in the midst of Sonny Perdue’s pending approval as U.S. agriculture secretary.

“We want the secretary of agriculture and USTR (U.S. Trade Representative) positions to be filled, as trade is important to agriculture. We want to keep the trade we have with Mexico and not have any barriers that would result in decreased trade,” said Salmonsen, AFBF senior director of congressional relations.

CNBC Quotes AFBF’s David Salmonsen on Trade with Mexico American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) David Salmonsen was quoted in a

Know What’s Below – Call Before You Dig Pipelines transport much of the natural gas, liquid fuels and other hazardous materials that Americans use every day. In

fact, there are over 500,000 miles of large-diameter, highpressure pipelines crisscrossing the United States. These pipelines are in every state and most are underground.

Digging in to a pipeline can result in catastrophe.

Excavation damage – or digging in to pipelines – is one of the leading causes of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline accidents that cause property damage, injury or death. Even scraping or nicking a pipeline can cause a future disaster. Call “811” to prevent excavation damage to underground pipelines.

USFRA Launches New Website at FoodDialogues.com The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance has launched a new website at FoodDialogues.com. The site has a fresh, modern look, but the improvements go deeper.

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6A • MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

Food Awareness Events

6

1

7

2

8 Photo by Dennis Sabel

1 WRIGHT COUNTY FARM Bureau hosted their annual Food

Awareness event at the Cub Foods in Buffalo. The event is a contest between the area state legislators and county commissioners to see who can collect the most food in one minute of a shopping spree in the store. Wright County Farm Bureau donated over $1,500 to three area food shelves as part of the event.

Submi�ed Photo

2 WEST OTTER TAIL County Farm Bureau held an event in March at

the food shelf in Ba�le Lake. Members helped unload food at the food shelf and the county Farm Bureau board donated 3,000 meals for people in West O�er Tail County and other coun�es in the Red River Valley.

3

Submi�ed Photo

3 TRAVERSE COUNTY FARM Bureau held an event at the food

shelf in Wheaton. While there, members helped unload food and the County Farm Bureau board donated 3,000 meals for people in Traverse County and other coun�es throughout the Red River Valley.

Photo by Yvonne Simon

4 SIBLEY COUNTY FARM Bureau helped sort food dona�ons and

stock shelves at the Sibley County Food Shelf in honor of Food Awareness. They also made a cash dona�on to the food shelf that qualified for matching funds.

Submi�ed photo

5 NORTHWEST REGIONAL FARM Bureau held an event in March

4

where they packed bags for the backpack program. Addi�onally, the County Farm Bureau board donated 3,000 meals for people in the Red River Valley including the coun�es that make up Northwest Regional - Roseau, Marshall and Pennington.

Submi�ed Photo

6 KITTSON COUNTY FARM Bureau held an event in March where

they packed bags for the backpack program. The County Farm Bureau board also donated 3,000 meals for people in Ki�son County, along with other coun�es in the Red River Valley.

Photo by Michael Knight

7 IN RECOGNITION OF Food Awareness, Freeborn County Farm Bureau donated $500 to the Salva�on Army food pantry in Albert Lea. Addi�onally, their cash dona�on qualified for matching funds.

Submi�ed Photo

8 CLAY COUNTY FARM Bureau met with Great Plains Food Bank

5

discuss hunger challenges in the county. The board learned about the different food programs that are going on and discussed ways to work together. Following the mee�ng, the County Farm Bureau board donated 2,500 meals for people throughout Clay County.

Focus on Agriculture: Technology, Inno���on ����e ��cce�� �n ��g�n�c ��el��

By Carolyn Olson Over the past 103 years, our farm has seen many changes.

Most of the transitions are consistent with those made by other farmers; from horses to tractors and from no chemicals to what is considered a typical conventional farm using genetically engineered seed and compatible pesticides.

The farm that my husband, Jonathan, and I own and manage today also made the change from growing many varieties of crops to a threecrop rotation of corn, soybeans and small grains.

One constant from the 1940s to present day is raising soybeans and small grains for seed, certiďŹ ed through the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association.

Over the years, our predecessors knew it was important to ďŹ nd ways to add value to their crops.

That is also why Jonathan started raising foodgrade soybeans in the 1990s. In 1996, buyers started asking if those soybeans were organic.

Being curious about the business advantages that might hold, we started asking questions and ultimately decided it was worth giving it a shot.

So, we began to transition our land ďŹ eld-by-ďŹ eld, until all 1,100 acres were certiďŹ ed organic.

Today, we are regularly asked about how we grow our organic crops, and if we still farm how Grandpa did.

The true scope of today’s organic farm, including ours, is as dynamic and technology driven as our conventional counterparts. Keeping an eye toward innovation is vital to farm success across the board.

Here are just a few of the ways we put that into practice on our organic farm. Each spring, we complete an Organic Systems Plan that outlines our plan in each ďŹ eld for the year. We supply seed tags, manure test results, soil test results, and our plans for dealing with weeds and pests.

We rely on soil tests to document that we are improving the health of our soil. That is an important part of organic agriculture. We used to conduct random basic fertility tests. We shifted to grid sampling, which yields more accurate data on fertility and soil health.

Innovation, including systems and equipment, continues to drive us forward. Currently we are in the process of having our soils typed using a Veris mapping system. The data gathered through grid sampling and Veris mapping is applied against yield data from previous seasons to help our agronomist create maps for planting. We use a John Deere 7300 18-row planter set to 22-inch rows. The planter is equipped with precision planting and variable rate technology systems. Our corn and soybean crops are planted to optimize

yields based on ďŹ eld conditions and data.

In addition, our tractor is equipped with an auto-guidance system and monitor. Being able to plant, harrow, rotary hoe, cultivate, and ame-treat weeds using the same wheel tracks reduces the amount of compaction in the ďŹ eld, and makes us more eďŹƒcient. In the spring, the planter tractor relies on an iPad that works in conjunction with ďŹ eld and precision planting monitors. In the fall, the combine has the same three monitors, plus the combine’s command center. The data collected is used to help us make decisions on how to improve and identify what gives us the best shot at maximizing our potential.

Farming today requires a measure of pragmatism when it comes to business strategy, and we are no dierent. While we focus on organic production on the crop side, since 1992, Jonathan and I have been custom raising pigs conventionally in curtain-sided barns. Doing so allows us to capture the manure for use as fertilizer for our organic crops. Raising hogs in Minnesota, where it gets cold most winters and can reach 100 degrees in the summer, made the decision to continue raising pigs in our barns easy.

Using manure from our pig barns is a key part of our soil fertility plan, and supplies the nutrients for our wheat, and corn. In areas where soil tests show we are low in phosphorus, we use pelleted poultry litter. The pellets are used ahead of our soybean rotation, but, again, technology drives our decisions. Our agronomist creates a map where the pellets need to be applied, and that information is uploaded into the monitor in the cab of our tractor.

In this case, variable rate technology is not cost eective, so the driver of the tractor ips a switch to spread the pellets where need is indicated.

We are organic crop farmers. We don’t farm like grandpa did, but we share his spirit of innovation.

He would be proud that we have carried on the tradition of raising seed. And just like his transition from horse to tractor, we consistently look for new ways to maximize our resources and add value to our crops. Adapting through the adoption of technology works for organic farmers just as it does for conventional farmers. Simply put, it’s just the smart thing to do.

American Farm Bureau Federation's Focus on Agriculture column is distributed nationwide.

Carolyn Olson, is a Lyon County Farm Bureau and Minnesota Farm Bureau board of directors’ member. She also serves as chair of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Organic Issues Advisory Committee. Carolyn and her husband, Jonathan, raise organic crops and conventional pigs near Cottonwood, Minnesota.

MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 7A t AGRIBYTES FROM 5A • Visitors are invited to ask questions in the search bar. Beneath that, they can explore the most relevant articles that stem from these conversations. • Visitors can easily share the information they ďŹ nd via social media icons placed under each story and headline. • To take advantage of the 24-hour news cycle, the homepage will now feature an “In the Newsâ€? section that will be updated with breaking agricultural stories.

Egg-Citing News – Food Prices Down Lower retail prices for several foods, including eggs, ground chuck, sirloin tip roast, chicken breasts and toasted oat cereal resulted in a signiďŹ cant decrease in American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF’s) Spring Picnic Marketbasket Survey. “As expected, due to lower farm-gate prices, we have seen continued declines in retail prices for livestock products including eggs, beef, chicken, pork and cheese,â€? said John Newton, AFBF’s director of market intelligence.

The informal survey showed the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $50.03, down $3.25 or about 6 percent compared to a year ago. Of the 16 items surveyed, 11 decreased, four increased and one remained the same in average price.

Classroom Materials Sale Look no further than the Farm Bureau General Store online (dmsfulďŹ llment.com/FarmBureau/) for spring deals on ag education materials. All items in the Food and Farm Facts series are 50 percent o while supplies last!

Some educational resources are available free while supplies last.

t DISCOVER MINNESOTA FROM 4A Farm Fridays June 9 – August 25 Falcon Heights rchs.com/event/farm-fridays On Fridays throughout the summer, explore a craft, garden or kitchen heritage topic, focusing on the lives of the pioneers and of the Dakota people who lived and visited at Gibbs Farm. Each topic will include a brief history and hands-on activity to take home. Topics will be listed on our website, watch for more information.

Boundary Waters Expo June 17-18 West Cook visitcookcounty.com/bwcaexpo This is a family-friendly, hands-on event with fun for everyone.

Come enjoy the place that National Geographic has named one of the world’s “50 Places of a Lifetime.â€? The expo will feature speakers, activities, hands-on demonstrations, breathtaking scenery, campďŹ re storytelling shrimp boil and more.

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.

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8A • MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

DaysHonHthe Hill

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Over 200 Farm Bureau members from Minnesota met with legislators on March 7, March 16 and March 28 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 changing Minnesota’s property tax system to lessen the impact on agricultural land, while maintaining quality education programs and facilities for Minnesota’s school children, passing legislation further clarifying the state’s buffer law, legislative passage of needed transportation infrastructure investment, including rural roads and bridges and seeking farmer friendly and realistic solutions to mowing road ditches along state highways.

H�ARROWHEAD REGIONAL, BELTRAMI, Cass and Todd County Farm Bureau members and Arrowhead, Deer River and Grand Rapids FFA members in front of State Capitol at the March 28 Day on the Hill.

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HBLUE EARTH AND Faribault County Farm Bureaus at the March 7 Day on the Hill pictured le� to right are Bob Roelofs, Russ Elmer, Representa�ve Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont), Charles Strack and Stan Whitney.

H�NICOLLET AND LESUEUR County Farm Bureaus at the March 7 Day on the Hill pictured le� to right are: front – Jerry Beckel and Denny Schmidt; middle – Gary Hopp, Rachel Anthony, Angela Guentzel, Joanne Hohenstein, Connor Giefer, and Fred Hanson; back – Tom Hanson, Jay Hanson, Senator Nick Frentz (DFL-North Mankato), Garfield Eckberg, Tim Harmening, Will Anthony and Doug Schultz.

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H�ROCK COUNTY FARM Bureau members met with their

adopted legislator while in St. Paul on March 7. Pictured le� to right are Kurt Elbers, Senator David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm) and Pete Bakken.

H

H�WEST OTTER TAIL and West Polk County Farm Bureaus at the March 16 Day on the Hill pictured le� to

right are Greg LeBlanc, Greg Kalinoski, Senator Dan Sparks (DFL-Aus�n), Kevin Anderson and Paul Dragseth.

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H�PINE COUNTY FARM Bureau members at the March 28 Day on the Hill pictured le� to right are Keith and Ruth Carlson, Representa�ve Jason Rarick (R- Pine City) and Nathan Nelson.

H�RICE AND STEELE County Farm Bureau members at the March 28 Day on the Hill pictured le� to right are Dale Ramsey, Pat Brown, Randy Hanson, Gary Rock, Mary Jo Schoenfeld, Milt Plaisance, Representa�ve Brian Daniels (R-Faribault) and Jim O�Connor.

H�BECKER AND

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H�CLAY AND EAST Polk County Farm Bureaus at the March 16 Day on the Hill pictured le� to right are Gary Hartel, Shawnn Balstad, Gary Anderson, Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point), Benne� Osmonson and Kevin Leiser.

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NORMAN County Farm Bureaus at the March 16 Day on the Hill pictured le� to right are Eric Visser, Representa�ve Mark Uglem (R-Champlin), Melissa Petry, Bruce Hein and Aaron Borgen.

MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 9A

Farmers to Washington D.C. September 12-16 Join Farm Bureau members from Minnesota as we take our message to federal decision-makers and see Farm Bureau in ac�on. �his tour is an ideal opportunity to have an impact on public policy and to see historic Washington, D.C. Highlights Include: • American Farm Bureau Federa�on �AFBF� key legisla�ve issues brie�ng • Visits with Minnesota Congressional delega�on, government o�cials and AFBF staff • An embassy visit • Tour the famous landmarks of historic Washington, D.C. Be sure to reserve your spot for the September 12-16 trip by August 1. Check with your county Farm Bureau for sponsorship opportuni�es. �rip grants may be available contact Amber Hanson at amber.hanson��mn.org or 651-763-2103 for more informa�on.

Given the nature of mee�ngs conducted, the Farmers to Washington, D.C. trip is limited to Farm Bureau members who are 13 years and older.

Look for more informa�on in the ne�t issue of The Voice of Agriculture.

Photo by Amanda Revier

n�Lincoln County Ag Day

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10A • MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

Wildfire Relief Needed Farmers and ranchers affected by this month’s wildfires in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas need your help. They have lost livestock, equipment, homes and lives. The Minnesota Farm Bureau encourages you to donate to one of the wildfire relief efforts below. All donations are greatly appreciated and needed.

• Oklahoma Farm Bureau: http://bit.ly/2mCwtgX • Kansas Farm Bureau: http://bit.ly/2mjKzBX • Kansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Fund: store.kfb.org/2017-YFR-Fire-Relief_p_65.html • Texas Farm Bureau: http://bit.ly/2nx5tyl • Colorado Farm Bureau: http://bit.ly/2mjH26D • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: www.beefusa.org/firereliefresources.aspx The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association and Prairie Creed Seed are partnering to help fire victims by accepting monetary donations to help fund forage and cover crop seeds to aid in pasture rebuilding and reduce soil erosion caused from high winds due to fire damaged crops. Experts at Prairie Creek Seed will work with locals to determine appropriate seed for their specific region.

Monetary donations can be sent to Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, PO Box 12, Maple Plain, MN 55359; Write: fire seed donation on the check memo. 100 percent of funds received will be donated to this effort. For more information contact 612-618-6619 or mnsca@mnsca.org.

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MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 11A

PROMOTION & EDUCATION Spring is in the air The ice is off the lakes, robins are building nests, and buds are producing leaves on the trees. Urban dwellers may say it is spring, but in rural communities, April and May is planting season. I love spring sunshine and flower blossoms, but there is gloom and doom drifting in the air about the farm economy.

Farm technology continues to improve production efficiency, yet we are experiencing challenging financial times. Commodity prices continue to fall from historic highs a couple years ago and input costs have not declined proportionally, as economists and bankers confirm that farmers’ cash flow projections are drafted with red ink.

I reflect on the farm crisis of

the 1980s, and with cautious optimism, realize some benefits of survival are that farmers became better financial and agronomic managers. During the 1980s, the combination of low commodity prices and overwhelming debt (and paying 18 percent interest) forced thousands of farm families out of business. The challenges also taught us about a global market, exchange rates, inflation and debt-to-asset ratios. Farmers were probably aware of these issues, but may not have realized that the world stage could put GOOD FARMERS out of business. I witnessed and heard too many sad stories of farm auctions, and of farmers taking their own lives. Farmers are proud folks and have much wisdom to share.

May is Mental Health

ROCHELLE KRUSEMARK STATE P&E COMMITTEE MEMBER Hometown: Sherburn Children: Rochelle is pictured above, middle back, with husband Brad. They have two adult sons Caleb and A.J., daughter-in-law Maria, grandsons Titus and Ezekiel.

Educa�onal Bac�ground: Gustavus Adolphus College, bachelor of arts and Mankato State, master of arts Farm Descri��on: Grow corn and soybeans, raise cow/calf beef herd and custom finish hogs Innova�ve Farming Methods: ��lize precision farming and Encirca technologies including variable rate seeding, fer�liza�on and crop protectant product applica�on; reduced rate/mul�ple pass nitrogen applica�on u�lizing hog manure in�ected 8-1� inches in fall; furrow applica�on with planter or strip-�ll and liquid sidedress nitrogen applica�on; terraces and grass waterways, and conserva�on �llage; CRE� and CR� land contracts.

Hobbies: Family, riding motorized vehicles that go vroom!, reading, youth organiza�on volunteer and agvocate Why did you get involved with P&E? Although my parents were not farmers, they owned land, and I married a farmer and became one. My formal post-secondary educa�on led to educa�on degrees, and I taught in public schools. My passion for agriculture and educa�on is contagious, so it makes sense to become more ac�ve in �romo�on � Educa�on.

Dates to Remember: MFB Founda�on Spor�ng Clays – June 8 Caribou Gun Club near LeSueur; MFB Founda�on Golf Ou�ng – June 27 at River Oaks Golf in Co�age Grove; Farmfest -August 13; Minnesota State Fair – August 24 - Labor Day; Minnesota Farm Bureau Federa�on �MFBF� Annual Mee�ng – �ovember 17-18 in Bloomington; MFBF Leadership Conference – January 26-27 near Red Wing.

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Awareness Month. Financial challenges cause stress and sometimes depression. Take care of yourself, talk to friends and family about mental health conditions. Become aware of and identify symptoms for mental health conditions that you or loved ones may be experiencing.

The Minnesota Extension website extension.umn.edu is a helpful resource for healthy living with articles on getting through tough times and controlling stress.

Learn the ins and outs of grain marketing in a cost-free and risk-free environment – Center for Farm Financial

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Management - University of Minnesota Extension conducts several marketing groups across the state at extension.umn.edu/agriculture/ business/ Celebrate life and enjoy a safe planting season!

Centennial Spotlight

As we prepare to celebrate 100 years of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, many of our county Farm Bureaus are also reaching this milestone. This month, we look back on when it all began, and what was going on in our world at that time.

As the saying goes, “You don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.” After all, a bit of reflection helps us appreciate all that has been accomplished.

If you are planning your county Farm Bureau 100th milestone, we would love to hear more about it.

Please send us your information at kharner@fbmn.org or Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, Attn: Kristin Harner, PO Box 64370, St. Paul, MN 55164

12A• MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Controlling Stress Unexpected income changes are among the most stressful events a person can experience.

Unemployment, a disaster, divorce or the death of someone you love can be personally devastating and can trigger the same reactions.

Personal Crises are Stressful In a personal crisis, you may feel tense and angry. You may have mood swings and find yourself lashing out at others.

Feelings of frustration can lead to family arguments. Or you may feel depressed and discouraged. These feelings may be normal and common.

Other family members usually share some or all your emotions, either directly or indirectly. While sharing your feelings of loss and despair, they may also have to deal with your depression, frustration and anger. Allow yourself and other family members to express feelings. Don’t talk about “snapping out of it.” This denies the seriousness of someone’s feelings. For more tips, see Communicating Under Pressure.

A personal crisis may force you to make rapid changes in your life. It can disrupt your habits and normal routines and give you too much or not

enough free time. Maintain your daily routines as much as you can. Try to fill your time in satisfying and rewarding ways.

If you are dealing with unemployment or underemployment, you may be able to spend more time with your children, spouse or other family members; work on household projects that you haven’t had time to do; or read up on a topic you’ve wanted to learn more about.

Every member of the family feels stress during tough times.

Support and communicate with one another. Some roles and responsibilities may need to be changed until the crisis is over.

Be flexible and willing to try new things. Studies show that families who meet challenges head-on are the most likely to successfully cope with crises.

Change can be difficult, but all family members need to pull together during a crisis.

Take Care of Yourself To cope with stress, keep your body healthy, eat balanced meals, get enough sleep and exercise regularly.

One approach to coping with stress overload is to take a break from the stressful situation. Here are some suggestions: • Take a walk.

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Resources for Resilience • U of M Farmer Lender Media�on: 2�8-93�-�78� or extension.umn.edu/agriculture/farmer-lender-media�on/ • Minnesota Farmers Assistance Network: 877-898-6326 or mda.state.mn.us/mfan • Na�onal �uicide �reven�on �otline: 8��-273-82�� • Tools for self-screening: mentalhealthscreening.org • Na�onal AgrAbility �rogram: agrability.org/resources/mental-behavioral-health • Na�onal �ns�tute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: niaaa.nih.gov • Na�onal Alliance on Mental �llness nami.org • The Minnesota Warmline: mentalhealthmn.org/find-support/warmlines • Watch a movie.

• Spend time on yourself — take a long bubble bath or shower.

• Listen to music.

• Work in the yard or garden.

• Work on your favorite hobby or start a new one.

• Jog, dance or participate in some other physical activity.

Another approach is to takeaction to reduce excess muscle tension by using relaxation exercises. Although relaxation exercises do not get at the causes of stress overload, they provide a physical release from tension.

Learning to achieve the relaxation response is a skill that takes practice. Practice one or more of the easy relaxation techniques described below at least twice a day. Follow these guidelines: • Find a quiet place.

• Get into a comfortable position — lie down on the floor or sit with uncrossed legs.

• Breathe easily and naturally.

• Keep muscles loose, limp and relaxed.

Easy Relaxation Techniques Belly Breathing. Sit or lie comfortably in a relaxed position. As you slowly breathe in, let your belly expand. Think of it as a balloon filling with air.

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As you exhale, let the air out of your “balloon” slowly. Place your hands on your stomach.

You should feel it rise and fall as you breathe.

Slower Respiration Rate.

Slow down your breathing rate by seeing how few times you can breathe each 60 seconds.

When you begin to get tense, take a few minutes and simply slow your breathing down to about three to six breaths per minute.

Shoulder Exercise. Try to touch your ears with your shoulders. Hold it for a count of four. Then let your shoulders drop. Now rotate each shoulder separately toward your back. Do each shoulder 5 to 10 times.

Then do both shoulders together.

Massage. Massage the back of your neck, concentrating on the part that feels tense. Cup your thumbs at the front of your neck and massage on both sides of your spinal column, letting your head fall limply back against your rotating fingers. Use your fingers to massage around your hairline and under your jaw and your cheekbones.

Mental Vacation. Enjoy the pleasures of a vacation through your imagination. First, close your eyes and think of some place where you would like to

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Perhaps you will go alone. Or you might imagine being with someone. You may be quietly watching the sunset, a mountain, the woods or an ocean. Or you may be active in hunting shells or rocks, hiking, playing some sport or game, climbing a mountain or cycling.

Enjoy the experience.

When to Get Help Sometimes things may get so difficult and out of control that you may need to get professional help. In every community, resources such as the family doctor, mental health professionals, support groups and faith leaders exist. They can help you deal with extreme levels of stress and the physical and emotional trauma that often accompany them.

The following symptoms indicate a need for outside help: • Feeling depressed. Some signs include crying for no reason, lack of personal care, feeling as if you don’t want to do anything, fatigue, unreasonable fears, inability to concentrate and change in appetite.

• Experiencing changed sleeping patterns. For example, sleeping too much, difficulty falling asleep, waking a lot during the night and too early in the morning.

• Abusing family members.

• Thinking about suicide.

• Disciplining too harshly.

• Hallucinating — you hear voices or see things that are not there.

• Considering separation from your spouse.

• Thinking of nothing good to say.

• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. This could be drinking in the morning, hiding liquor so no one knows you are drinking or drinking more than two or three drinks or beers every night.

• Feeling guilty. For example, thinking that you aren’t being a good parent to your kids.

• Experiencing isolation — you don’t know anyone to talk to and you have a strong need to talk to someone.

• Making excuses for your situation or lying about your situation.

• Having panic attacks — you experience a high pulse rate and difficulty breathing.

• Feeling overwhelmed by life.

Before your problems become too big to handle, find a trained, skilled counselor to help you and your family cope with this crisis. A family counselor can help you handle your fears, adjust to your present situation and plan adequately for the future. Health insurance may help pay for counseling costs.

Some counselors charge on a sliding scale — depending on your ability to pay. Your faith leader may provide counseling at no cost to you. See Resources for Resilience for more information.

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

MAY 2017• VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 13A

CROP TO TABLE The History of Rhubarb

Rhubarb’s nickname is the “pie plant” because that is the primary use for this vegetable.

Even though Minnesotans are fond of making pies, jams, jellies and other sweet treats, it was first used by the Chinese about 4,700 years ago for medicinal purposes. The dried root was used to cause vomiting, cure constipation and as a blood purifier. People did not start eating the rhubarb stalks until the early 1800’s, probably because those people who first tried rhubarb leaves got sick and died.

Did You Know… l�Rhubarb is a perennial plant that grows from year to year from “crowns” made up of large, fleshy rhizomes and buds.

It has large leaves that are toxic, and long, thick petioles (stalks) that are edible. The stalks are tasty if cooked with a sweetener. l�Botanically speaking, rhubarb is considered a vegetable, but it’s most often treated as a fruit — though it’s rarely eaten raw. Just like fresh cranberries, rhubarb is almost unbearably tart on its own and needs the sweetness of sugar, honey or fruit juice added to it to balance out the acidity. l�Never eat cooked or raw rhubarb leaves. Eating the leaves can be poisonous because they contain oxalate.

This toxin has been reported to cause poisoning when large quantities of are ingested. (A person weighing about 145 pounds would have to eat 11 pounds of leaves to cause death, but can get sick on a much smaller quantity.) l�Different colors of stalks will determine the taste. Green stalks with green flesh have the highest acid content and are particularly sour. Green stalk varieties are mainly suitable for jams and jellies. Red stalks with green flesh are less sour and have a slight tangy, sweeter flavor. Red stalk varieties are good as filling for cake, pie, tart or cookies or cut up in fruit salad. l�For good growth, rhubarb requires moist, cool summers and winters severe enough to freeze the ground to a depth of several inches.

Nutrition Rhubarb contains about 25 calories per cup, is fat free and has about two grams of fiber per cup. It also contains Vitamins C and A and around 100 milligrams of calcium per cup.

It also contains potassium and is low in sodium.

Harvesting There are several varieties of rhubarb, but most rhubarb can be harvested once the stalks reach 12-15 inches. The stalks of the plant are leaf petioles and vary from green to red in color.

To harvest rhubarb simply grasp the stalk firmly, pull and twist.

Keep in mind, using a knife may transfer disease from one plant to the next. The leaves are toxic and should be discarded; leaving them on for any length of time can cause wilting of the stalks. If the plant was started from seed, wait until the second season to harvest any stalks.

Rhubarb can be harvested through the end of June, picking as many stalks as desired. After this time, rhubarb can still be harvested however the plant will need to maintain a good portion of leaves to photosynthesize. Another reason to decrease the amount harvested is because late season stalks become tougher than spring season harvest.

No matter the time of year, remove the seed stalks of that emerge. This returns the plant’s energy to the edible stalks or the plant’s reserves for next year.

Occasionally, seed stalks will appear early in the season and should be removed by twisting and pulling just like other stalks being harvested. Rhubarb can

be transplanted or divided very early in the season. As soon as new growth starts use a clean, sharp shovel and split the plant, or dig the entire plant up and divide it with a sharp knife or saw.

How to Eat Rhubarb Rhubarb is not just for pie and bread recipes. Use for jams,

jellies, syrups, bread puddings, crisps and cobblers – add something sweet to tame the mouth-puckering tartness of rhubarb. Add cooked rhubarb into a fruit topping for poultry.

Top frozen yogurt with berries and cut-up rhubarb for a tangy twist. Rhubarb is a great match with other Minnesota Grown products such as strawberries,

raspberries, blueberries, apples, peaches, apricots, pears and raisins. Its flavor is enhanced by ginger, cinnamon, orange, lime and mint. Mix these wonderful items together and enjoy a terrific fresh fruit salad.

Source: Minnesota Grown and University of Minnesota Extension

Rhubarb Crunch Ingredients ��3 cups rhubarb, cut into 1 inch pieces ��1 cup white sugar ��3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour ��1 cup (packed) brown sugar ��1 cup rolled oats ��1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ��1 cup bu�er or s�ck �argarine Direc�ons 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray 9 x 13-inch pan with food release.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine rhubarb, white sugar and three tablespoons flour. S�r well and spread evenly into baking pan. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl combine brown sugar, oats and 1 1/2 cup flour. S�r well, then cut in bu�er or margarine un�l mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle mixture over rhubarb layer.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. Serve hot or cold.

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n�Ag in the Classroom ON MARCH 21, kindergarten through third grade students at Linwood Monroe Arts Plus Elementary in St. Paul learned more about farming, planted Marigold seeds and had live chickens visit their classroom. Rice County Farm Bureau members and Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom staff assisted with the day’s ac�vi�es.

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n�District I YF&R Tour

Toy machine shed donated by Watonwan County Farm Bureau.

ON MARCH 11, nearly 40 Young Farmers and Ranchers from Minnesota learned more about sheep farming at Dee Brothers LLC, growing hops for brewing at Beaver Island Brewing Company and cheese making at Redhead Creamery LLC.

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n�District II Meeting DISTRICT II HELD their district mee�ng on April � at the Mark Maiers Farm near Stewart. Those in a�endance toured Form�A�Feed and Bode Dairy, as well as learned more about precision agriculture.

In addi�on, members discussed current legisla�ve issues and upcoming district events with state commi�ee members and staff.

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MARCH 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 15A

YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS Milk and Its Wholesome Goodness Ask most people what kind of food is the best, and they might say that fresh is best. There are many options out there to get your hands on fresh wholesome foods, especially in the coming summer months when local farmers markets open. One of the first foods that comes to my mind as a dairy farmer is milk.

There are so many people today that reach for either skim or 1 percent milk because they think it will be better for them in the long run having a lower fat content. Is that really true?

There has been a lot of recent research on the benefits of drinking whole milk, especially in children. In a Toronto study of more than 2,700 children aged one to six, researchers found that those who drank whole milk had a Body Mass Index (BMI) score almost a full unit lower than kids who drank 1 percent or 2 percent milk.

When comparing BMI scores, that’s comparable to the difference between having a healthy weight and being overweight. Kids who consumed whole-fat milk were roughly three times less likely to be overweight or obese and two times less likely to have a vitamin D deficiency compared with children who were given 1 percent milk.

Since full-fat dairy products contain more calories, many assume avoiding it would lower diabetes risk. But studies have found that when people reduce how much fat they eat, they tend to replace it with sugar or carbohydrates, both of which can have worse effects on insulin and diabetes risk.

Another reason Minnesotans should consider whole milk is because of the vitamin D. Many that live here are deficient in vitamin D, especially during the winter season when sunlight is minimal. Whole milk is a way to help boost your vitamin D levels.

As a dairy farmer and educator, we want you to make sure you are getting your three servings of dairy a day, but also consider the benefits of eating fresh and wholesome foods such as drinking more whole milk.

You’ve got time when you join ONLINE! You can renew or join Farm Bureau at �mn�org�

Hometown: Grove City Children: Ma�hew �1� Educa�onal Bac�ground: Alan graduated from Ridgewater College in Willmar in 2012 with a degree in farm opera�ons management with a dairy emphasis. Bethany graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2013 with a degree in secondary science educa�on.

Farm Descri��on: We milk about 50 dairy cows in a �e stall barn and raise all our young stock. We also grow all our feed which includes about 50 acres of corn and 70 acres of hay. Bethany also ALAN AND BETHANY BARKA works as a high school STATE YF&R COMMITTEE MEMBERS biology teacher.

Innova�ve Farming Methods: We work very closely with our dairy nutri�onist to provide our cows with a �total mi�ed ra�on� to make sure all of our animals� nutrient re�uirements are met.

Hobbies: Al enjoys milking cows and driving old tractors. Bethany enjoys playing in volleyball and so�ball leagues, coaching volleyball and so�ball and spending �me outside with family.

Why did you get involved with YF&R? YF&R is a way for us to share our story, as well as network with other young farmers from around the state. We also wanted to develop our leadership skills to be be�er agvocates.

Homemade Mac & Cheese

Ingredients • 2 1/2 cups milk • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces) • 1 tablespoon butter • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard • 2 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (reserve half cup for topping) Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook macaroni per package directions.

2. Meanwhile, heat milk and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour, salt and dry mustard and simmer for one minute, whisking occasionally.

3. Remove from heat; stir in two cups of cheese until melted. Add drained macaroni to saucepan and toss with cheese sauce. Transfer mixture to an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish; top with 1/2 cup shredded cheese.

4. Bake uncovered until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Let stand five minutes before serving.

Remember to get your 3 servings of dairy each day!

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16A • MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

AGTIVITY CORNER Simple Science Experiment:

Greenhouse in a Soda Bottle Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this spring?

Check out this fun AND educational experiment that brings science to life.

This activity is fun to do at home with your family. Farmers around America steward the land, which means they take care of it. You’ll learn to take care of the land today as you create your very own miniature greenhouse using recycled products.

Supplies • 1 empty 2 liter pop bottle • Scissors • Gravel or small stones from your yard • Potting soil • Seeds or small plants • Water • Tape Directions: Step 1: Your Greenhouse With adult help, carefully cut your pop bottle in half, about 4-5 inches from the bottom. You’ll end up with the base, which we will fill with soil, and the top, which will act like a greenhouse helping your plants grow.

Step 2: Drainage Cover the bottom of your bottle with gravel or small rocks, about one inch deep. This will help water drain from the soil.

Step 3: Preparing the Soil Cover the gravel with about three inches of potting soil. You can buy this at a gardening store, or you can dig up some soil from your yard, if you have adult permission.

Step 4: Time to Plant If you are using seeds, you need to make some holes for your seeds in the soil. Gently poke your pointer finger into the soil, about half-way up your fingernail. Place your seed carefully in this hole. Do this for each seed, and make sure to space seeds evenly apart. When you are done, fill in the holes to cover the seeds with soil.

If you are using small plants or seedlings, your greenhouse will be ready in no time!

• Carefully remove seedlings from plastic containers. You can do this by pinching the bottom of the container and gently pulling at the base of the stem.

• Dig a hole big enough to completely hold the roots of your seedling. Place your seedling in the soil, and add some more soil on the top if you need. Make sure the roots are covered.

• You can even use small plants from your yard if you have adult permission. Carefully dig up small flowers or plants, and transplant them into your soil using the steps above.

Step 5: Water Your plants are now ready to water. Use a watering can or a cup, and carefully pour water onto the soil. Watch the gravel at the bottom, and make sure your water does not fill up over the top of the rocks. Your soil needs to have air for the roots to grow.

Step 6: Greenhouse Place the top of the pop bottle back on, to act as a greenhouse for your plants. This top will keep your plants warm and help

them grow faster.

Place one piece of tape on the back of the bottle to hold the top in place. Now you can flip the top back like a hinge.

Step 7: Sun Place your minigreenhouse in an area that gets plenty of light, inside or outside. If you start to notice a lot of condensation (water drops) on the inside of your bottle, open the top up for a few hours so that your plants don’t mildew.

Step 8: Water Don’t forget to water! Every

couple of days, carefully stick your finger in the soil. If the soil sticks to your finger because it is moist, the plants have enough water. If the soil is dry and falls off your finger, it is time to water.

Do you want to learn more about growing plants? Make a few greenhouses out of different types of plastic bottles, and conduct a science experiment to find out which bottle works best for growing plants!

Source: American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture

Yard & Garden The University of Minnesota Extension Service Yard & Garden line provides tips for your yard and garden. For information on gardening, insects and diseases in the home landscape and more visit their website at extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden.

Wait to prune spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythias, azaleas, and lilacs until just after they’re through blooming. Prune junipers, yews, and other small evergreens once new growth begins to expand. Prune selectively; don’t remove all the new growth.

Lawn products made from corn gluten meal can replace standard pre-emergent herbicides. They’re also a good source of nitrogen. For best results, apply these natural products to your lawn annually, in early May and again, mid-August.

Do not prune or intentionally wound any oak trees from now until early July. Raw wood attracts beetles that spread oak wilt disease. If oaks suffer storm damage have them professionally trimmed, then painted with wound dressing to mask the wood odor.

Hold off planting tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, melons and other vegetables needing warm growing conditions until a week or two after final frost. If you put them out early, protect them with hot caps or row covers.

To re-use clay pots from year to year scrub off any dirt or debris, then soak them 1/2 hour in a 10 percent bleach solution. Use nine parts room temperature water to one part liquid chlorine bleach. After thorough rinsing they’ll be good as new!

MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 17A

Capitol Corner AMBER HANSON • Director of Public Policy

COLE RUPPRECHT • Associate 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 H�MFBF Days on the Hill The fourth and final scheduled Minnesota Farm Bureau Day on the Hill session was successfully completed in late March with another strong turn-out of Farm Bureau members meeting with their elected representatives and addressing priority issues. Demonstrating the strength of Farm Bureau’s grassroots network, more than 200 Farm Bureau members and their guests came calling throughout the four different Day on the Hill events. This year’s Days on the Hill accomplished the objectives of highlighting the critical issues that Minnesota farmers need to have the legislature resolve.

Thank you to the Farm Bureau leaders and members who contribute their time to participate in the Day on the Hill activities. Thank you for the time spent in traveling to St. Paul, as well as the time spent in meeting with your elected representatives.

H Farm Bureau on the Issues Focusing on the issue areas of clarifying to the buffer law, relief for agricultural property taxes and promoting adequate funding for rural roads and bridges, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation testified in legislative hearings and continue to meet with legislators to advance our memberadopted policies.

H Buffer Update The legislative schedule focused a lot on clarification to the buffer law, passed in the 2015 Minnesota Legislature’s Special Session. Two proposals, SF 1693 and HF 1994 are companion proposals which MFBF has strongly supported and have continued to advance through the legislative process. The Senate bill, SF 1693, is sponsored by Senator Bill Weber (R-Luverne) and HF 1994 is authored by Representative Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska).

Key components of the two bills involve clarification of what waterways will require the state mandated buffers, clearing up an unresolved question coming out of the language in the law adopted in 2015. Public waters will be identified on the buffer protection maps being created by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) based on waters on the public waters inventory.

The map would differentiate between public waters with a shoreline classification and public waters without.

An estimated 48,000 miles of waterways would be moved from the 50 feet buffer category and moved to the 16.5 feet category, a reduction of nearly 70 percent of the total acres implemented into buffers.

Farm Bureau policy also puts an emphasis on “full consideration of alternative conservation methods.”

Rather than taking a prescriptive approach of specifics beyond those practices included in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Field Office Technical Guide or practices approved by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the legislation identifies practices which “prevent overland flow to the water resources.”

Those practices which accomplish this outcome on an equivalent basis as a

buffer strip would meet the requirements of the law.

Another legislative proposal, fitting Farm Bureau policy objectives is HF 1466 and is authored by Representatives Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska). This legislation provides funding in the amount of $10 million to counties and watershed districts for implementation and enforcement of the buffer law. At this writing, the bill has been referred to the Minnesota House Property Tax and Local Government Finance Division Committee and could be brought forward through a tax package that is a work in progress.

H Property Tax Relief for Agricultural Property Taxpayers Both the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House of Representatives recognize the need for aid to agricultural property owners due the high property tax prices. With strong bipartisan support, the 2016 Legislature agreed to a 40 percent credit on the amount of property tax owned by agricultural land to cover school debt bonds that would be paid out of the general fund.

Unfortunately, this was ultimately vetoed by the Governor. Currently the house has proposed a 50 percent credit within their omnibus Tax Bill and the Senate has proposed a 40 percent credit.

Both bodies will be meeting in conference committee and will be addressing this issue.

Legislative hearings before the House Property Tax Division earlier this year provided a platform for Farm Bureau members to express their points through personal accounts of how the current agricultural property tax circumstances are unworkable. MFBF also testified in support of a tax study to evaluate alternative approaches to the present system of establishing agricultural values on market prices. HF 200 is authored by Representative Ben Lien (DFLMoorhead). The study would evaluate setting agricultural property values based on production.

H Permitting for Mowing/Haying in State Highway Right of Ways At the end of 2016, MFBF began hearing from members across the state over concerns regarding Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MNDOT’s) new, uniform, statewide permitting for mowing and haying in the state highway right of ways. Through many meetings with elected officials, administration, and state agencies, we opened the communication over the concerns with the permitting process.

Two proposals, HF 124 and SF 218 were both supported by MFBF. Having now been passed by both bodies of legislature and signed by Governor Dayton, a moratorium has been placed on MNDOT’s permitting process for mowing and haying in the state highway right of ways until april 30, 2018. Until then, Minnesotans can continue mowing and haying as they have in the past and all issued permits are considered null. MFBF still urges members to be safety focused while working in the right of ways. The bill also brings together a work group of agriculture and environmental groups to address the issue and present to the legislature next session.

H New and Beginning Farmer Tax Credit MFBF has testified in support of HF 636 and SF 1867 which would extend the Homestead Tax Credit to a New and Beginning Farmer who is not directly blood related to the previous owner of the land. HF 636 is authored by Representative John Poston (R-Lake Shore), and SF 1867 is authored by Senator Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids).

H Farm Safety Work Group MFBF testified in support of HF 1192, sponsored by Representative Clark Johnson (DFL-North Mankato). This bill codifies a farm safety workgroup and creates a Farm Safety Extension coordinator position at the University of Minnesota to oversee Minnesota’s Farm Safety efforts across the state. HF 1192 was included in the House Ag Finance Omnibus bill.

NATIONAL NEWS H�House Agriculture Committee Examines Impacts of Tax Code on Agriculture Industry The U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee held a hearing to examine how the tax code impacts farmers. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) testified during the hearing and outlined changes needed in the tax code to ease the tax burden on farmers and ranchers Farm Bureau supports replacing the current federal income tax with a fair and equitable tax system that encourages success, savings, investment and entrepreneurship. We believe that the new code should be simple, transparent, revenue-neutral and fair to farmers and ranchers.

Tax reform should embrace the following overarching principals: • Comprehensive: Tax reform should help all farm and ranch businesses: soleproprietors, partnerships, sub-S and C corporations.

• Effective Tax Rate: Tax reform should reduce rates low enough to account for any deductions/credits lost due to base broadening.

• Estate Taxes: Tax reform should repeal estate taxes. Stepped-up basis should continue.

• Capital Gains Taxes: Tax reform should lower taxes on capital investments. Capital gains taxes should not be levied on transfers at death.

• Cost Recovery: Tax reform should allow businesses to deduct expenses when incurred. Cash accounting should continue.

• Simplification: Tax reform should simplify the tax code to reduce the tax compliance burden.

Farm Bureau will continue to work with our members of Congress as they begin to address tax reform.

H�Farmers, Ranchers Ask Congress to Strengthen Safety Net AFBF and 11 other farm and ranch groups on asked Congressional budget and appropriations committees to increase funding for farm programs in the 2018 farm bill. The coalition underlined in a letter the need for a strong farm safety net in the face of financial hardship not seen for decades.

“While we do not yet have a fullfledged financial crisis in rural America,

a good many farmers and ranchers are not going to be able to cash-flow in 2017,” the groups wrote. “With USDA projecting continued low prices in 2018 and beyond, this situation threatens to quickly and vastly expand with each crop year.”

The advocates also applauded the U.S. House Agriculture Committee for drawing attention to the severe economic downturn facing rural America. Net farm income has dropped 50 percent in the last four years—the largest four-year percentage decrease since the Great Depression.

Previously, 502 organizations, including Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF), sent a letter to the Hill to urge the farm bill be completed in regular order and that no additional cuts be made to the bill via the appropriations process or otherwise prior to that time.

H�President Releases Budget Blueprint President Trump released the president’s federal budget blueprint for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. The blueprint only impacts discretionary funding and does not include mandatory funding or tax proposals, which are typically included in the president’s budget. The complete budget is expected to be released in May. The president’s budget blueprint is only the first step in the annual federal budget process. The president’s budget establishes a marker but it’s Congress who writes the budget. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) will work closely with the House and Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees as the process moves forward.

The president’s budget proposes $17.9 billion in discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in FY18. This is a decrease of 21 percent or $4.7 billion below the FY17 continuing resolution.

Federal agencies for FY17 are still operating under a continuing resolution, which expires on April 28. Congress needs to pass the remaining 11 appropriation bills, an omnibus bill or extend the continuing resolution to keep the federal government operational beyond April 28.

H�Taxation of Income from Student Ag Projects The long-term sustainability of agriculture depends on talented young people pursuing careers in farming and ranching and other agricultural production and food chain professions.

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) have introduced legislation to make the first $5,000 of income earned by students completing 4-H or FFA agricultural projects tax free.

The bill is S. 671, the Agriculture Students EARN Act. Farm Bureau supports the legislation.

Farm Bureau also supports companion legislation introduced in the House by Reps. Michael McCaul (R-Texas). That bill is H.R. 1626, the Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2017. Minnesota Representatives Peterson, McCollum and Nolan are cosponsors of this bill.

Student agricultural projects increase awareness of and foster an interest in fields of study that will provide the next generation of farmers and ranchers, food scientists, agricultural engineers,

CORNER TO 18A }

18A • MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org t CORNER FROM 17A agronomists, horticulturalists and soil scientists.

H�EPA Rejects Environmental Petition on Chlorpyrifos The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it was rejecting a petition filed by Natural Resources Defense Council and Pesticide Action Network North America that sought the agency revoke all tolerances for chlorpyrifos. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals had given the agency until March 31 to decide on the petition and EPA’s decision is in response to the court’s demand.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) filed comments with EPA objecting to the agency’s proposal to revoke tolerances for chlorpyrifos. Farm Bureau supports the decision announced by the EPA.

Save the ! s e t a D Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation

GOLF SCRAMBLE Photo by Yvonne Simon

n�YF&R Committee Meeting THE MFBF YF�R �ommi�ee had their winter planning mee�ng at the MFBF office on March 24 and 25. The commi�ee evaluated the progress of their goals and planned the remainder of the year.

The 19th annual Foundation Golf Scramble will be held on June 27 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 651768-2151 or michelle.degeest@fbmn.org, or visit fbmn.org/golf-scramble. Funds raised from the golf scramble support agricultural education, safety training and leadership development.

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation

Sporting Clays Tournament

Submi�ed Photo

n�Dodge County Expo NEARLY 150 KIDS learned about soil using pudding, gummy worms and other ac�vites at the Dodge �ounty E�po on April �. Pictured is Michael Knight – Minnesota Farm Bureau southeast area program director interac�ng with �ids at the event.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is hosting their second annual Sporting Clays Tournament on June 8 at the Caribou Gun Club in Le Sueur. 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 5:30 p.m.

To register, contact Michelle DeGeest at 651768-2151 or michelle.degeest@fbmn.org, or visit fbmn.org/sporting-clays. Funds raised from the tournament support agricultural education, safety training and leadership development.

TORQUED-U UP

TOUGHNESS

STOP STO P IN IN FOR FO THE MICHEL MIC H IN N® DE DEFEN FENDER FEN D ® LT LTX X® M/ M/S. S ITS ST STRON RONGER GE AD ADVAN VANCED C TREAD AD CO C MPO MPOUND UNDSS HOLD HOL D UP UP TO TOUG TOUG OUGHER HER CO C NDI NDITIO TIONS NS LON LONGER GER.*

«

Be A Good Role Model...

Show Them What You Know!

Working to promote a safe farm environment to prevent health hazards, injuries, and fatalities to children and youth.

MICHELIN®

DEFENDER LTX M/S ®

®

11304 AURORA AVE., URBANDALE, IA 50322

(800) 423-KIDS www.farmsafetyforjustkids.org

*Based on resistance to gravel and severe wear testing compared to MICHELIN® LTX® M/S2.

Copyright © 2015 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

ALEXANDRIA JUETTNER MOTORS, INC. 888-479-6479 www.juettnermotors.com ZUMBROTA QUICK LANE LOCATED AT ZUMBROTA FORD 507-732-5600 www.zumbrota.com

CLARKFIELD CONSUMERS COOP 320-669-4426 DASSEL CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES 320-275-2412

MORGAN HARVESTLAND CO-OP 507-249-3196 www.harvestland.com NASSAU NASSAU FARMERS OIL CO. 320-668-2323 www.nassaufarmers.com

SHIP R E B M E M EFITS N E B S A H E 20A G A P E E S

HOTEL

AUTOMOBILE

HEALTH

FINANCIAL SERVICES TELEPHONE SERVICES FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

FARM & BUSINESS

Market Place

To advertise in the Classifieds

Call 1-800-798-2691

Index

ANNOUNCEMENTS: (003) Notices (005) Farmers Market (006) Travel BUSINESS-TRAINING: (008) Schools (010) Computer Training (012) Computer Programs FINANCIAL: (013) Loans (015) Investments COMMUNICATIONS: (020) Radio Communications (023) Satellite Systems/Cable (024) Computers (025) Cellular Phone SERVICES: (028) Farm Services (031) Professional

(033) Repair Services (035) Diesel Repair (036) Tiling/Ditching/Terracing PETS: (040) Pets For Sale (043) Pets Wanted HELP WANTED: (047) Help Wanted (050) Job Wanted MOTOR VEHICLES: (053) Autos/Vans (055) Trucks/Pickups (056) Heavy Duty/Commercial (057) Parts/Accessories (058) Motorcycles VEHICLE TIRES/ACCESSORIES: (060) Passenger Tires (063) Truck Tires (065) Agricultural Tires (067) Accessories

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 SPORTING EQUIPMENT: (080) Boats/Motors (082) All Terrain (084) Snowmobiles (085) Hot Tubs (086) RV/Marine FARM EQUIPMENT: (090) Misc. Farm Equipment (091) Tractors (095) Farm Trailers (094) Material Handling (096) Salvage Parts (097) Farm Equip. Wanted

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) Llamas (129) Horses (135) Poultry/Rabbits (137) Exotic Animals & Wildlife (139) Livestock Equipment (141) Livestock Equip. Wanted (142) Livestock Materials HAY/FEED/BEDDING: (150) Hay/Straw/Grain (152) Feed

(154) Bedding SEED/FERTILIZER/CHEMICALS (160) Seed (162) Fertilizer (164) Chemicals 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 BUILDING MATERIALS: (185) Building Materials (187) PreCnst. Bldgs. Util./Mach.

(189) Bins/Silos AUCTIONEERS: (190) Auctioneers (193) Auctions (195) Coming Sale Dates Ready.gov/business

(117) Purebred Cattle

(003) Notices

WANTED DAMAGED GRAIN

New & High Tread Used Tractor Tires, Dual Hubs & Hardware Call 641-843-3536

We pay top dollar for damaged grain.

(073) Articles for Sale

All grains.

Any condition.

Used Portable Sawmills!

Buy/Sell

Trucks & Vacs available.

Call Sawmill Exchange

Immediate response anywhere.

www.sawmillexchange.com

800-459-2148 713-729-6455 USA & Canada

(075) Heating/Fuel

Call for a quote today.

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

PRUESS ELEV. INC

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

800-828-6642

1-800-446-4043

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

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

1-800-446-4043

Buyers & Feeders of Damaged Grains Corn,Beans & Screenings.

Wet,dry,hot & silo corn.

Trucks available Z BAR YARDS 319-480-1673 319-480-1426 563-926-2190

(096) Salvage Parts Eiklenborg Combine & Tractor Salvage

(028) Farm Services A+ Painting Inc Painting ALL Farm Buildings 320-492-8264 Booms/Lifts www.apluspaintingmn.com

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

ADAMS’ ANGUS Lime Springs, IA 319‐290‐9436

Yearling and 2‐Yr‐Old Yearling andBulls,

2-Yr-Old Bulls,

AI sires: Payweight, Innovation, Tour of Duty

(160) Seed OPEN POLLINATED SEED CORN

Out produces hybrid for silage.

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

(162) Fertilizer

Keeping your nitrogen available for your crops CONKLIN® Products are the solution, not the problem For a Free Catalog, call Franke’s Conklin Service now at 320-238-2370 or 855-238-2570

www.frankemarketing.com

(164) Chemicals

Morris Grain Wholesale Ag Chemicals

800-872-2501 www.morrisgrain.com

(040) Pets For Sale

(185) Building Materials

For Sale: AKC German Rottweiler Puppies. UTD shots. 5 yr guarantee. Lv mess 319-238-2454 636-290-6999

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

Up to 40% of businesses never recover after experiencing a major disaster.

Do you have a plan to keep your business running if disaster strikes?

For a free online tool that helps you develop an emergency plan, visit Ready.gov/business.

Call Your Minnesota Voice of Ag Advertising Representative

800-798-2691

1 BOX / STATEWIDE = $50

‘11 CASE 590SN E-HOE 1,500 hrs 4 WD $63,900

‘13 DEERE 310SK, E-HOE 2,151 hrs 96 HP 4 WD $59,500

Joe Welch Equipment

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

20A • MAY 2017• VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP!

farm fresh

DIRECT

FARM & BUSINESS 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�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 at 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�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�AgriPlan/BizPlan Save $5,000 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 out-of-pocket medical, vision and dental expenses not covered by insurance as business expenses. TASC offers an industry-exclusive 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 online at http://bit.ly/MNfarmbureau. n�Business Succession Handing over the reins of a family farm or business isn’t easy.

It takes time and teamwork to create a strategy that fits the goals and objectives of both the current and future owners, especially as operations grow in size and complexity. 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. 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, 13 Locations 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).

HEALTH n�ScriptSave 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 go to card services page, click on option to enroll and enter requested information. Print out your card. Or call 800-700-3957 to request your card. 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.

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 www.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 800-492-3276.

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.

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 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�Chevrolet, Buick, GMC The $500 Bonus Cash offer is available to eligible Farm Bureau members, such as Owner Loyalty (discounted employee, dealership employee and supplier pricing is excluded). The $500 “Bonus Cash” offer can be used on the purchase or lease of 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models. Must be a member for at least 30 days prior to date of delivery. To obtain your certificate, go to go to fbmn.org, click on Membership Benefits, then click on Automotive, enter in your member number (i.e. 9800000) and zip code. Questions can be directed to 651-768-2114. 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. 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�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.

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.

SECTION B • MINNESOTA TRAVEL GUIDE

This sta te park is awes ome!

Greetings from Minnesota!

e at r g a g n i Ha v you h s i W ! e tim e! r e h e r e w eau

Min

arm Bur F a t o s e n

®

2B • MAY 2017• VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

N

o maďż˝er the weather, The WhiteďŹ sh Chain of Lakes near Crosslake are perfect for a paddle at daybreak, waterskiing fun in the sun or a wisďż˝ul trip through the fog. Envision more than 11,000 Minnesota lakes for every kind of water acďż˝vity imaginable.

Visitors might also want to stop by the Minnesota Lakes Mari�me Museum to learn about the state’s boat industry. Learn about historic resorts or simply hit the beach at Lake Carlos State Park.

Guests at small and mediumsized family-run resorts on the WhiteďŹ sh Chain may choose to spend the day ďŹ shing its bays, picnicking, frolicking, hiking or just old fashioned rusďż˝c camping on Big Island. Don’t forget to check out Moonlit Bay during

Discover Whiteď€ sh Chain of Lakes the annual An��ue and Classic Wood Boat Rendezvous.

With some of the state’s largest resorts along its shore, Gull Lake connects to seven other lakes. If you’re ready to sit back and enjoy the view in the sunlight or the moonlight, you can take a two-hour trip on the 120passenger Des�ny Cruise boat.

Local ďŹ shing guides can be hired to help you reel in a prize catch or, if ďŹ shing is too

laid back, you can always rent a ski boat and enjoy some watersports.

2017 Discounted

The Breezy Belle paddleboat on nearby Pelican Lake is oered Wednesdays and Sundays in the summer.

Thinking of ge�ng married� You can get hitched right on this authen�c stern-wheel paddleboat while it’s en route. Public and private cruises available.

Valleyfair Tickets

MUSEUM LITTLE MERMAID CAFÉ ANTIQUE & GIFT SHOP

With 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, hanging out with Snoopy and the gang at Planet Snoopy, reliving your childhood on the classic rides in Route 76 or making a splash at the area’s premier waterpark. Find your true north in 2017 with the all-new 230-foot North Star.

Valleyfair discounted ďż˝ckets are now available online through the Minnesota Farm Bureau website. Log onto ďż˝mn.org, click on Membership and click on Membership BeneďŹ ts. First ďż˝me userďż˝ You will need to create a login to gain access to the “members onlyâ€? informaďż˝on and the order form or link to order ďż˝ckets online. Click on Family Entertainment. Scroll down to Valleyfair. To order ďż˝ckets using your credit card, click on the link. Enter in the Valleyfair username (MNFARM) and password (MNFARM) assigned to Farm Bureau.

ONLINE TICKETS • Good Any Day: $34.36 (Gate price $56.91) (Adult, ages 3-61, 48� or taller in shoes) • Ride & Refresh: $42.14 (includes unlimited drink wristband, not available at the gate, special promo only) • Junior/Senior: $34.36 (Gate price $37.58) (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)

• Research Library • Model Railroad Project • One Room Schoolhouse Many museum rooms & displays: • Cars • Church • Dolls & Doll Houses • Home & Family • Industry • Logging • Military • Native American • Pine County Cities • Quarry • Textiles • Many more! • Seasonal Thrift Store OPEN DAILY! HOURS: Museum Mon. - Sat. 9am-4pm, Sun. 1pm - 4pm Cafe Hours: 7:30am to 4:00pm 6333 H C Andersen Alle PO Box 123, Askov, MN 55704 320-838-1607 pinecountyhistoricalsociety.org

HARD COPY TICKETS - can be ordered through Minnesota Farm Bureau (pay with check or cash only).

County: ____________________________________________________________________________ Name:______________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________ State: _____ Zip Code: ____________ Phone: __________________________________ Cell Phone: ________________________________ ______ Adult Ticket(s) x $34.36 ______ Ride & Refresh Ticket(s) x $42.14 ______ Junior/Senior Ticket(s) x $34.36 ______ Dinosaurs Alive Ticket(s) x $2.68 ______ Parking Voucher $12 Total Amount Due:

= $_______ = $_______ = $_______ = $_______ = $_______ $_______

Mail payment and completed form to: MN Farm Bureau | A�n: Judy Pilcher | P.O. Box 6437� | St Paul, MN 55164 Tickets may be purchased during business hours, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Please call ahead. 651-768-2114.

Reservations only:

(800) 874-1157

Fax: (417) 457-6680 e-mail: info@goldenhills.com

19546 Golden Drive

Raymondville, Missouri 65555

MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org •3B

Having a ball at th e f a ir !

JUNE

Hennepin County Fair (Corcoran) June 15-18 Jennifer Rouilard 763-420-4546 www.hennepincountyfair.com Norman County Fair (Ada) June 21-24 Don Merkens 218-784-4984 www.normancountyfair.com

Big Stone County Fair (Clinton) July 12-16 Bruce Wellendorf 320-325-3247 www.bscfair.org Hubbard County Fair (Park Rapids) July 12-16 Russell Smith 218-237-3247 www.hubbardcountyfair.com

O�er Tail County Fair West (Fergus Falls) July 19-22 Mike Holstrom 218-736-0272 www.wotcountyfair.com Wabasha County Fair (Wabasha) July 19-22 Barb Pe�t 507-534-4152 www.wabashacountyfair.org

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

Pennington County Fair (Thief River Falls) July 12-16 Ray Safranski 218-416-2550 www.penningtoncountyfair.com

Red Lake County Fair (Oklee) June 23-25 Leah Larson 218-268-4747 www.facebook.com/rlc.fair

Ramsey County Fair (Maplewood) July 12-16 Joe Fox 651-777-6514 www.ramseycountyfair.com

Isan� County Fair (Cambridge) July 19-23 Jolene Hasselfeldt 763-689-8487 www.isan�countyfair.com

Mahnomen County Fair (Mahnomen) June 29-July 1 Pat Noll/Sherrie Swiers 218-204-0833 www.mahnomencountyfair.com

South St. Louis County Fair (Proctor) July 12-16 Mary Korich 218-628-2401 www.proctorduluthfair.com

Marshall County Fair (Warren) July 19-23 Cindy Anderson 218-745-4445 www.marshallcountyfair.org

Cass County Fair (Pine River) June 29-July 2 Rhonda Adkins 218-821-0444 www.thecasscountyfairmn.org

Waseca County Fair (Waseca) July 12-16 Robin Dulas 507-835-8958 www.wasecacountyfair.org

Chisago County Fair (Rush City) July 20-23 Mike Hochsta�er 320-358-0296 www.chisagocountyfair.org

JULY

Winona County Fair (St. Charles) July 12-16 Winona County Fair Board 507-932-3074 www.winonacountyfair.com

O�er Tail County Fair East (Perham) July 20-23 Diane Sazama 218-346-2750 www.eotcountyfair.org

Yellow Medicine County Fair (Canby) July 13-15 Melissa Denelsbeck 507-223-5852 www.ymcfair.org

Sherburne County Fair (Elk River) July 20-23 Velvet Long�n 763-441-3610 www.sherburnecountyfair.org

Clay County Fair (Barnesville) July 13-16 Pam Aakre 218-354-2675 www.mnclaycountyfair.org

Watonwan County Fair (St. James) July 20-23 Kelly Schulte 507-375-5515 www.watonwancountyfair.com

Redwood County Fair (Redwood Falls) July 13-16 Jeff Po�er 507-627-2801 www.redwoodcountyfair.com

Grant County Fair (Herman) July 20-24 Michelle Corey-Sperr 320-677-2284 www.grantcountyfairmn.com

Todd County Fair (Long Prairie) July 13-16 Debra Durheim 320-732-2739 www.toddcountyfair.com

Olmsted County Fair (Rochester) July 24-30 Judy Plank 507-367-2455 www.olmstedcountyfair.com

Roseau County Fair (Roseau) July 16-21 Richard Magnusson 218-689-6634 www.roseaucountyfair.com

Jackson County Fair (Jackson) July 25-29 Rob Withes 507-841-0709 www.jacksoncountyfairmn.com

Fillmore County Fair (Preston) July 18-23 Kathy Tesmer 507-272-2261 www.fillmorecountyfair.com

Anoka County Fair (Anoka) July 25-30 Ray Hyoval� 763-427-4070 www.anokacountyfair.com

Cannon Valley Fair (Cannon Falls) July 1-4 Becky Peine 507-263-3548 www.cannonvalleyfair.org Ki�son County Fair (Hallock) July 6-9 Joel Muir 218-843-1066 www.ki�soncountyfair.org Polk County Fair (Fer�le) July 5-7 Michael Moore 218-779-7858 www.polcountyfairfer�lemn.com Aitkin County Fair (Aitkin) July 5-8 Kirk Peysar 218-851-2453 www.aitkincountyfair.org Cass County Fair (Pillager) July 6-9 Donna Klimek 218-746-3348 www.pillagerfair.com Northern Minnesota District Fair (Li�lefork) July 7-10 Kelly Haney 218-240-7811 www.northernmndistric�air.com Lake of the Woods County Fair (Baude�e) July 12-15 Jackie 218-634-1437 www.lotwfair.com

Rice County Fair (Faribault) July 18-23 John Dvorak, 507-332-2470 www.ricecountyfair.net

Dodge County Fair (Kasson) July 19-23 Marilyn Lermon 507-634-7736 www.dodgecountyfreefair.com

Becker County Fair (Detroit Lakes) July 26-29 Shawn Eckert 218-847-5587 www.beckercountyfair.tripod.com Faribault County Fair (Blue Earth) July 26-29 Sara Gack 507-520-6552 www.faribaultcountyfair.com Rock County Fair (Luverne) July 26-29 Lee Sells 507-449-3247 www.rockcountyfair.com Chippewa County Fair (Montevideo) July 26-30 Carmen Haugen 320-793-6727 www.chippewacofair.com Kanabec County Fair (Mora) July 26-30 John Angstman 320-679-3371 www.kanabecfair.org Sco� County Fair (Jordan) July 26-30 Rhonda Kucera 952-492-2436 www.sco�countyfair.com Stearns County Fair (Sauk Centre) July 26-30 Jackie Spoden-Bolz 320-352-2482 www.stearnscountyfair.com Wright County Fair (Howard Lake) July 26-30 Dennis Beise 320-543-2111 www.wrightcountyfair.org Blue Earth County Fair (Garden City) July 27-30 Liz Madsen 507-933-0843 www.blueearthcountyfair.org Lincoln County Fair (Tyler) July 27-30 Curt Madsen 507-247-5454

AUGUST

Crow Wing County Fair (Brainerd) August 1-5 Gary Douce�e 218-829-6680 www.brainerd.com/fair Benton County Fair (Sauk Rapids) August 1-6 Laura Falconer 320-253-5649 www.bentonfairmn.com Freeborn County Fair (Albert Lea) August 1-6 Norm Fredin 507-373-6965 www.freeborncountyfair.com

FAIR TO 4B

4B • MAY 2017• VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org Pipestone County Fair (Pipestone) August 2-5 Skip Moeller 507-825-5979 www.pipestonecountyfair.sites. pipestonepublishing.com Pope County Fair (Glenwood) August 2-5 Paul Koubsky 320-491-5663 Clearwater County Fair (Bagley) August 2-6 Al Paulson 218-694-2780 Pine County Fair (Pine City) August 2-6 Brent Thompson 320-629-3408 www.pinecountyfair.com Sibley County Fair (Arlington) August 2-6 Barb Bening 507-964-5698 www.sibleycountyfair.com Washington County Fair (Lake Elmo) August 2-6 Kim Salitros 651-433-0103 www.washingtoncountyfair.org Meeker County Fair (Litchfield) August 3-6 Kim Anderson 320-593-3247 www.meekerfair.com Dakota County Fair (Farmington) August 7-13 Mark Henry 651-463-8818 www.dakotacountyfair.org Goodhue County Fair (Zumbrota) August 8-12 Chuck Schwartau 507-732-5001 www.goodhuecountyfair.com Mower County Free Fair (Aus�n) August 8-13 Denise Schneider 507-433-1868 www.mowercountyfair.com Renville County Fair (Bird Island) August 9-11 Jamie Bohlin 320-365-3242 www.renvillecountyfair.com

Kandiyohi County Fair (Willmar) August 9-12 Cheryl Johnson 320-235-0886 www.kandifair.com

Mar�n County Fair (Fairmont) August 14-20 Edwin Murphy 507-235-9576 www.theotherbigfair.com

Lake County Fair (Two Harbors) August 17-20 Rachel Bailey 218-269-4159 www.thelakecountyfair.com

Beltrami County Fair (Bemidji) August 9-13 Rina Phillips 218-751-4106 www.beltramicountyfair.org

Stevens County Fair (Morris) August 10-14 Mary Hill 320-589-1062 www.scfair.net

Le Sueur County Fair (LeCenter) August 17-20 Chad Washa 507-357-6500 www.lesueurcountyfair.org

Brown County Free Fair (New Ulm) August 9-13 Lucy Gluth 507-354-2223 www.browncountyfreefair.com

Steele County Free Fair (Owatonna) August 15-20 Jim Gleason 507-451-5305 www.scff.org

Wilkin County Fair (Breckenridge) August 17-20 Milan Drewlow 701-640-6644 www.wilkincountyfair.org

Carver County Fair (Waconia) August 9-13 Twyla Menth 952-442-2333 www.carvercountyfair.com

Co�onwood County Fair (Windom) August 16-19 Sally Larson 507-831-6122

Traverse County Fair (Wheaton) August 24-27 Janet Koch 320-808-6323 www.traverse.co.mn.us/community/ traverse-county-fair

Lyon County Fair (Marshall) August 9-13 Kelly Hansen 507-532-2511 www.lyoncountyfair.com Mille Lacs County Fair (Princeton) August 9-13 Florence Dehn 763-389-3138 www.millelacscountyfair.com Nicollet County Fair (St. Peter) August 9-13 Ann Volk 507-934-2684 www.nicolletcountyfair.com Nobles County Fair (Worthington) August 9-13 Karla Talsma 507-376-5143 www.noblescountyfair.com St. Louis County Fair (Chisholm) August 9-13 Be�e Valley 218-263-4256 www.stlofair.org Morrison County Fair (Li�le Falls) August 10-13 Roxanne Kathrein 320-632-1040 www.morrisonfair.com Koochiching County Fair (Northome) August 11-13 Karrie Greser 218-897-5205

Murray County Fair (Slayton) August 16-19 Kim Konkol 507-836-6303 www.murraycountyfair.com Houston County Fair (Caledonia) August 16-20 Emily Johnson 507-725-3397 www.houstoncountyfair.com Itasca County Fair (Grand Rapids) August 16-20 Melissa Johnson 218-326-6470 www.itascacountyfair.org

SW St. Louis County Fair (Floodwood) August 25-27 Susan Coccie 218-476-2716

SEPTEMBER

Lac qui Parle County Fair (Madison) September 8-11 Clair Anderson 320-598-3989 www.lqpfair.org Source: Minnesota Fe�era�on o� County Fairs

McLeod County Fair (Hutchinson) August 16-20 Casey Walters 320-587-2499 www.mcleodcountyfair.com Swi� County Fair (Appleton) August 16-20 Jon Panzer 320-815-6138 www.swi�countyfair.org Carlton County Fair (Barnum) August 17-20 Allysha Sample 218-389-6737 www.carltoncountyfair.com Douglas County Fair (Alexandria) August 17-20 Kevin Brezina 320-760-0780 www.dcmnfair.com

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 5-8 aitkincountyfair.org

CAMBRIDGE ISANTI COUNTY FAIR 763-444-5540 July 19-23 www.IsantiCountyFair.com

MADISON LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY FAIR 320-598-3989 Sept. 7-10 lqpfair.com

ST. CLOUD BENTON COUNTY FAIR 320-253-1194 Aug. 1-6 BentonFairMN.com

ALEXANDRIA DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR 866-656-3247 Aug. 17-20 www.dcmnfair.com

DASSEL MEEKER COUNTY FAIR 320-693-3582 Aug. 3-6 www.meekerfair.com

NEW ULM BROWN COUNTY FREE FAIR 507-354-2223 Aug. 9-13 www.browncountyfreefair.com

TWO HARBORS THE LAKE COUNTY FAIR 218-269-4159 Aug. 17-20 www.thelakecountyfair.com

APPLETON SWIFT COUNTY FAIR Aug.16-20 www.swiftcountyfair.org

FARIBAULT RICE COUNTY FAIR 507-332-2470 July 18-23 www.ricecountyfair.net

OWATONNA STEELE COUNTY FREE FAIR 507-451-5305 Aug. 15-20 www.scff.org

WACONIA CARVER COUNTY FAIR 952-442-2333 Aug. 9-13 www.carvercountyfair.com

JACKSON JACKSON COUNTY FAIR 507-849-7223 July 25-29 www.jacksoncountyfairmn.com

PERHAM OTTERTAIL COUNTY FAIR EAST 218-346-2750 July 20-23 www.eotcountyfair.org

WADENA WADENA COUNTY FAIR 218-631-7130 June 21-24 www.wadenacountyfair.com

JORDAN SCOTT COUNTY FAIR 952-492-2436 July 26-30 www.scottcountyfair.org

PINE CITY PINE COUNTY FAIR 320-629-2465 Aug. 2-6 www.pinecountyfair.com

WASECA WASECA COUNTY FREE FAIR 507-461-0314 July 12-16 www.wasecacountyfreefair.com

LAKE ELMO WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR 651-436-6009 Aug. 2-6 www.washingtoncountyfair.org

PRESTON FILLMORE COUNTY FAIR 507-467-2667 July 18-23 www.fillmorecountyfair.com

WILLMAR KANDIYOHI COUNTY FAIR 320-599-4318 Aug. 9-12 www.kandifair.com

LECENTER LE SUEUR COUNTY FAIR 507-357-6500 Aug. 17-20 www.lesueurcountyfair.org

SAINT JAMES WATONWAN COUNTY FAIR 507-381-3850 July 20-23 www.watonwancountyfair.com

WORTHINGTON NOBLES COUNTY FAIR 507-376-5143 Aug. 9-13 www.noblescountyfair.com

BAGLEY CLEARWATER COUNTY FAIR 218-694-6520 Aug. 2-6 BRAINERD CROW WING COUNTY FAIR 218-829-6680 Aug. 1-5 www.brainerd.com CALEDONIA HOUSTON COUNTY FAIR 507-725-3397 Aug. 16-20 www.houstoncountyfair.com

MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org •5B

Arts & Crafts in the Park July 23

visitdetroitlakes.com

E

cuadorian rhythms float over the water and through the trees at this annual event, held at City Park next to Detroit Lake.

Holding over 100 booths, you’ll find every kind of treasure, from jewelry and po�ery to furniture and fabric goods. There is even a woodcarving demonstra�on in the picnic shelter.

If you have your own handcra�ed items or foods you’d like to share, you’ll want to be sure to pencil this July event into your schedule.

To register, fill out the cra�er registra�on form and ST19 sales tax form. For more informa�on, call 218-847-9202 or 800-542-3992.

Enjoy the beau�ful outdoors while you eat a wonderful lunch - pulled pork sandwiches, mini donuts, cheese curds, Oof da Tacos, ke�le corn and ice cream. Sa�sfy your soul as well as your appe�te with wonderful music, food and treasures of all kinds.

F u n on t h e scenic St. Croix River!

H

ead just an hour from the Twin Ci�es to Taylors Falls for a scenic trip down the St. Croix River. Relax on an excursion boat or canoe with paddle in hand, you’ll enjoy the beau�ful views from the winding lower St. Croix valley of heavily wooded banks and tall sandstone and limestone bluffs.

Take a two to seven-hour journey by canoe or kayak, beginning at Interstate State Park and ending at Osceola Landing or William O’Brien State Park near Marine on St. Croix.

Camping is available with permit at these state parks. Ou�i�ers will supply everything you and your group need for a river trip, including canoes, kayaks, life jackets, and shu�les to your vehicle at the end of the journey. �nother op�on is to tour the river on a tradi�onal paddlewheel boat. Choose from daily excursions and specialty cruises that feature food, history, or entertainment. The season for St. Croix River ou�i�ers and boat tours runs from early May to late October.

Get your fresh & local on!

From asparagus, green beans, beets and carrots to herbs, onions, egg plant and melons and everything in between, you can find it at the St. Paul Farmer’s Market. Locally grown, they’ve got you covered breakfast through dinner. From meats and cheeses to farm fresh eggs, sauces and chocolates to freshly made breads.

Greetings from Northeld visitingnortheld.co m

If fresh and local is what you’re a�er, you’ll find it there! Many loca�ons throughout the season. �isit stpaulfarmersmarket.com for �mes and details.

Events & Vacation Guide Angle Inn Lodge Oak Island, MN

I

f you find yourself traveling in the southeast part of Minnesota, you don’t want to miss the vibrant and picturesque town of Northfield, situated along the Cannon River. Parks, golf courses, trails, performing arts, museums, galleries and restaurants abound, along with fishing right downtown!

If you have a taste for history, you can track Jesse James along the outlaw trail. The annual Defeat of Jesse James Days will be September 7-10. This fes�val is a great �me to learn more about the 1876 Northfield Minnesota Bank Raid. Real street performances bring you right back to the ac�on.

For a more laid back experience, you can spend a day in the orchards picking apples and berries. Be sure and take in the Riverwalk Market Fair that runs every Saturday June through October.

GREAT Walleye Fishing Mid-week Specials

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

Cruise To Isle Royale National Park Day Trips $68

218-475-0024 See our website for information

www.isleroyaleboats.com

East Otter Tail County Agriculture Society

SATURDAY JUNE 17 | 5 pm EAST OTTERTAIL FAIR GROUNDS

ADMISSION $10 | 5 and under free

• Bulls and Barrels • Kids activities during intermission!

• Free Parking • Food Vendors Available Rice Bull Riding Company Bulltour.com

July 6-9

in Door County STAY ON THE BAY! WATERFRONT RESORT MOTEL - SUITES - COTTAGES

POOL • HOT TUB • BOATS • BIKES • TENNIS • HBO • CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

IN ROOM INTERNET AVAILABLE

7353 HWY. G • EGG HARBOR, WI 54209

Northfield is southeast of the Twin Ci�es and perfect for a day trip or weekend.

2017 PERHAM TURTLE FEST RODEO

Call: 1-800-257-1560 WWW.SHALLOWS.COM

OR E-MAIL TO: VACATION@SHALLOWS.COM

15 miles West of Minneapolis Hamel, Minnesota 763-478-6611 www.hamelrodeo.org

Purchase tickets online with code: Farmers and Receive $2.00 Discount

Breakfast

Clay County Breakfast on the Farm Date: June 3 Time: 7 a.m. – Noon Loca on: Kasin Farmers – Hawley Direc ons: 3 1/4 miles south of Hawley on County Road 31 Cost: Free will offering Menu: Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs with cheese, milk and coffee Parking: Free parking with shu le wagons Contact: Keith or Lori Aakre - 218-937-5514, 218-9791609, laakre55@rrt.net or aakrelo@mnstate.edu Sponsored by: Clay County Farm Bureau and many other local organiza ons Stearns County Breakfast on the Farm Date: June 3 Time: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Loca on: Kuechle Dairy – Eden Valley/Watkins area Direc ons: Free shu le bus will be depar ng the Eden Valley Elementary School parking lot Cost: Adults $5, children 5 and under are free Menu: French toast, eggs, milk and juice Ac vi es: Obstacle course, horse drawn wagon rides and other ac vi es for children Parking: Eden Valley Elementary School parking lot Contact: Tara Meyer - tara.meyer15@gmail.com Sponsored by: Stearns County Farm Bureau and other local organiza ons

Wabasha Family Night on the Farm Date: June 8 Time: 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Loca on: Plainview Direc ons: From Plainview go to the four way stop and head east on County Road 8, which will turn into County Road 30. Look for signs.

Cost: $3 per meal Ac vi es: Fun for everyone - pe ng zoo, history of milking, kids sand pile (with prizes), kids pedal tractor and old and new tractor displays Parking: Limited parking at the farm. Look for posters with bus informa on.

Contact: Ka e Brown - 507-951-2951 Sponsored by: Wabasha County American Dairy Associa on, Wabasha County Farm Bureau, Q Media and other area businesses Waseca County Dinner on the Farm Date: June 13 Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Loca on: Farmamerica – Two miles west of Waseca Direc ons: 7367 360th Avenue, Waseca, MN 56093 Cost: Free Menu: Beef or pork burgers, chips, string cheese, cookies and root beer floats Ac vi es: Variety of kids’ games and trolley rides Parking: Ample parking onsite Contact: Ashley Harguth - 507-461-2098 or ashley.harguth@hotmail.com Sponsored by: Waseca County Farm Bureau and Farmamerica Dodge County Dinner with a Farmer Date: June 15 Time: 5 – 7 p.m.

Loca on: Veterans Memorial (North) Park - Kasson Cost: $5 Menu: Burger baskets Ac vi es: Pe ng zoo, tractors and free movie and popcorn at 7:30 p.m.

Olmsted County Breakfast on the Farm Date: June 17 Time: 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Loca on: Charles and Carrie Sachs – 9019 Silver Creek Road NE, Eyota Direc ons: 9 miles east of Rochester, 4 miles northwest of Eyota Cost: Adults - $7, Children - $4 Menu: Pancakes, sausage, cheese, milk, juice and coffee Ac vi es: Pe ng zoo, tractor drawn wagon rides, educa onal displays and exhibits Parking: Onsite parking; bus rides from west lot of Century High School in Rochester Contact: Ken Levos - 507-696-4013 or kdlevos@hushmail.com Sponsored by: Olmsted County Farm Bureau and Rochester Area Agriculture Commi ee Beltrami County Breakfast on the Farm Date: June 25 Time: 8:30 a.m. – Noon Loca on: Beltrami County Fairgrounds Cost: $5 adults, children 11 and under free Menu: Pancakes Contact: Stan Kimmes at 218-760-2719 or Renae Swanson at rswany8@gmail.com

and Other Events on the Farm

Wright County Breakfast on the Farm Date: June 17 Time: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Loca on: Goldview Farms – Waverly Direc ons: Transporta on will be available. Park at the Howard Lake Waverly-Winsted High School.

Cost: Adults - $5, Children 5 and under free Menu: All you can eat pancakes Ac vi es: Pe ng zoo, machinery row, sand city and farm tours Contact: Pat Bakeberg - 763-242-4520, www.breakfastonthefarm.org, Facebook: Breakfast on the Farm Sponsored by: American Food Group, Centra Sota Coopera ve, Feed Stuff Bagging Inc., Munson Lakes Nutri on, Wright County American Dairy Associa on and Wright County Farm Bureau

Arrowhead Regional Supper on the Farm Date: July 12 Time: 5 – 8 p.m.

Loca on: Mr. Ed’s Farm, LLC – 10796 Foss Road, Hibbing Direc ons: Eight 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, hot dogs, chips and more Ac vi es: Educa onal booths, local farmers market representa ves, demonstra ons, children’s ac vi es, musical entertainment and horse drawn hayrides.

Parking: Onsite Contact: Ed Nelson - mredsfarmllc@gmail.com or 218-966-1354 Sponsored by: Arrowhead Regional Farm Bureau and Hibbing Farmers Market

Fillmore County Dairy Night on the Farm Date: June 17 Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Loca on: Johnson Rolling Acres – 24486 Bear Paw Road, Peterson Cost: Free will dona on Menu: Cheese burgers, baked beans, cheese curds, milk and malts Contact: Trinity Johnson - trinity_j@hotmail.com Sponsored by: Fillmore County American Dairy Associa on

Cottonwood County Agriculture Appreciation Night Date: July 18 Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Loca on: Windom Arena on the Co onwood County Fairgrounds Direc ons: 1 block north of the corner of 13th Street and 8th Avenue in Windom Cost: Free Menu: Grilled beef burgers and cheeseburgers, beans, chips, drinks and cookies Ac vi es: Ac vi es for both adults and children including bounce houses, pe ng zoo and POET corn box Contact: Ma Adrian - 507-301-4098 Sponsored by: Co onwood County Farm Bureau, Co onwood County Beef Producers, Co onwood County Corn Growers, Co onwood County Soybean Growers, Windom Conven on and Visitors Bureau, Ci zen Publishing and KDOM Radio

Lyon County Breakfast on the Farm Date: June 22 Time: 6 – 9 a.m.

Loca on: Lanoue Farm – 2229 County Road 67, Marshall Cost: $1 Menu: Dad’s Belgian waffles, sausage, eggs and juice Ac vi es: Pork, corn and soybean trailers and farm tours Contact: Paul Lanoue - paul.lanoue@mnwest.edu Sponsored by: Lyon County Farm Bureau, Lyon County Corn and Soybean Growers and Minnesota Pork Producers Todd County Lunch on the Farm Date: June 24 Time: 1 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Loca on: Hengemuhle Dairy Direc ons: Shu le service provided from Todd County Extension parking lot. No parking at the dairy Cost: $1 Menu: Hamburgers, chips and water Ac vi es: Farm tours, machinery and equipment displays, children’s games and ac vi es and educa onal booths Contact: Todd County Extension - 320-732-4435 Sponsored by: Todd County Farm Bureau, Todd County Livestock Advisory Council, Todd County Extension and addi onal local support Winona Chamber Family Night on the Farm Date: June 27 Time: 4 – 8 p.m.

Loca on: Speltz Dairy LLC - 14516 County Road 31, Altura Direc ons: Park and ride available from the Rollingstone School with shu le buses leaving 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) Ac vi es: Farm machinery displays, games, pe ng zoo, children’s train wagon, tractor drawn hay wagon rides, bounce house and live music Contact: Winona Chamber - 507-452-2272 Sponsored by: Legacy Sponsor – Bremer Bank and Main Event Sponsor – Sugarloaf Ford Mower County 100th Anniversary Celebration Date: July 29 Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

9:30 – 11 a.m. Children’s Ac vi es 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch 1 p.m. Guest Speakers Loca on: Mower County Fairgrounds – Mower County Historical Society Area Cost: Free Menu: Hamburgers, hotdogs and all the fixings Ac vi es: Scavenger hunt, bouncy house, pe ng zoo, horse drawn wagon rides and machinery exhibits Guest speakers: Tim Penney and MFBF President Kevin Paap Contact: Virginia Bissen - vmbissen@gmail.com or 507-582-3518

Watonwan County Breakfast on the Farm Date: July 22 Time: 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Loca on: Watonwan County Fairgrounds Cost: Free Menu: Pancakes, li le smokies, scrambled eggs, coffee, milk and juice Parking: On site Contact: Samantha Runge – watonwanfarmbureau@gmail.com Sponsored by: Watonwan County Farm Bureau, Central Farm Service, Crystal Valley Coopera ve and Nu Way Coopera ve Blue Earth and Le Sueur County Breakfast on the Farm Date: August 12 Time: 7 – 11:30 a.m.

Loca on: Dauk Family Farm – 62536 Lakeview Road, Madison Lake Direc ons: From Highway 60 go south on County Road 48 and follow signs to Bray Park. From Highway 14 go north on County Road 48, turn right on County Road 17, turn le on County Road 48 and located just north of Bray Park.

Cost: Free (dona ons accepted) Menu: Pancakes, eggs and sausage Ac vi es: Meet a farmer, farm animals, ca le barn tours, farm equipment and kids’ ac vi es Parking: Onsite Contact: Angela Guentzel -angela.guentzel@gmail.com or 507-317-4372 Sponsored by: Minnesota Farm Bureau Founda on, Blue Earth County Corn and Soybean Growers, Le Sueur/Sco County Corn and Soybean Growers, Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture, AgStar Financial Services, TacAero and Genesis Dakota County Day at Square Deal Dairy Date: October 1 Time: 1-5 p.m.

Loca on: Square Deal Dairy Direc ons: 27729 Emery Avenue, Randolph Menu: Food and beverages will be available Ac vi es: Milking and dairy tour, Princess Kay, pe ng zoo, corn pit, educa onal workshops, video presenta on, photo opportuni es and equipment displays Parking: on site Contact: Chicky O e - sddo e@gmail.com, 507-291-0197 or Facebook page Square Deal Dairy Celebra ng: Dakota County Farm Bureau’s 100th anniversary, Square Deal Dairy 20th anniversary and Square Deal Dairy being named MN Milk Producer of the Year

MAY 2017 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org •7B

24th Annual Buffalo Days Cruise-In Friday, June 2

Luvernechamber.com

C

ar lovers, head to downtown Luverne to experience the 24th annual Buffalo Days Cruise-In! This event is free and open to the public. There is a food court where you can sit and sa�sfy your appe�te while you listen to music from the Starfires Band. Featured are motorcycles, trucks, corve�es, street cars, classic cars, muscle cars and even an�que tractors! There’s free vehicle registra�on and corral parking to accommodate over three hundred vehicles.

What be�er way to spend an evening than with friends, family, food, music and cool cars!

Turn to page 20A for awesome travel deals for Farm Bureau members!

P

reserving the history of the Northern Red River Valley, the Heritage Founda�on brings the past to life with real hands-on learning and tours of actual pioneer buildings. Heritage Days became an annual event in 1978, though this event began as a centennial celebra�on in 1976.

Encouraged by the state of Minnesota as part of the promo�on to make East Grand Forks a centennial city, the Chamber of Commerce met with Heritage Founda�on board members and representa�ves from local agriculture and business to plan the first “Farmer’s Day,” which was held in 1976. The following year, the Heritage Founda�on board members and representa�ves from local agriculture and business planned the second Threshing Day which was held in 1977.

O

ne of Minnesota’s most extensive living history programs is the Forest History Center’s logging camp in Grand Rapids modeled a�er North Woods Logging Camp #1 on December 15, 1900.

foresthistory@mn hs.org

You’ll travel a trail through the woods to the logging camp office, which also serves as the camp store.

horseshoes are forged and fi�ed to horses, and affixed with spikes for trac�on on icy roads.

Next you’ll see the bunkhouse, where more than 70 lumberjacks once slept on hay. What li�le was le� of the evening a�er a hard day’s work might be spent playing cards (no gambling of course) or dancing to tunes played on a mouth organ, spoons or accordion.

The cook shack always has plenty of food—all you can eat in 15 minutes, including things like pancakes, beans, potatoes, pie and bread to name a few.

At the filer’s shack, two-man “misery whips,” or saws, were painstakingly sharpened and maintained. Visitors o�en get a shot at teaming up to saw a “cookie” from a log. The next stop is the blacksmith’s shack, where

Visitors also get to see live demonstra�ons of the horses. These powerful, yet gentle, animals pull sleighs running from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds. No need to worry about the children, because the horses love being pe�ed.

A short walk to the Mississippi River leads to the Wanigan, a ra� that served as headquarters and cook shack for the spring log drive when �mber cut the previous winter was floated downriver to sawmills in the Twin Ci�es and elsewhere. The center also includes five miles of self-guided nature trails and a variety of interac�ve exhibits, displays and mul�media presenta�ons at the visitor center.

I got DEALS at the 100 Mile Garage Sale!

May 5-7 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

See you at HERITAGE DAYS August 17-20 East Grand Forks egfheritage.com

all day ac�vi�es and entertainment, such as games, tours and music. Sunday morning brings the annual open horseshow followed by an en�re day of games for the kids, folk music

O and a Sunday dinner cra� show, corn and railroad exhibits, and concessions.

Tamarac Resort & Campground LLC

Cabins/Short Stay/New Lodge The weekend will be kicked off FREE WATER TOYS with a parade on Thursday, Clean & Clear 1100 acre lake August 17 followed by adult Fishermen/Hunters/Families tractor fun. Friday will include a classic car show followed by NEW Cabin sleeps 12 a dance. Don’t miss the Thresher Men’s Breakfast Saturday morning followed by

Hello from the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids!

Centrally Located: Detroit Lake, Park Rapids, Itasca Park

1-800-611-8258 (VALU) www.tamaracresortmn.com

ne man’s trash is o�en another man’s treasure!

Fi�een historic river towns and two states clean out their a�cs, garages and basements to create the most spectacular garage sale ever! Bargain hunters can start anywhere along the river road, with more garage sales than you can count between Red Wing and Winona on the Minnesota side of the Mississippi River. The trail crosses west to Minnesota at Red Wing and heads south on Hwy. 61, through Frontenac, Lake City, Camp LaCupolis, Reads Landing, Wabasha, Kellogg and Winona.

There will be a trail of colorful ribbons to help treasure hunters locate par�cipa�ng garage sales.

Bluffscape Amish Tours Tours Daily April - October 10am & 1:30pm No Sundays or Religious Holidays Saturdays only in November

RESERVATIONS AT: Stone Mill Hotel & Suites 102 Beacon St. E, Lanesboro, MN

(507) 467-3070

bluffscape@hotmail.com

www.bluffscape.com

8B • MAY 2017• VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

AMERICINN

SLEEP WELL.

BREAKFAST WILL BE READY IN THE MORNING. We deliver value. Honest American value. Like free, hot homestyle breakfasts, comfortable rooms, and an Easy Rewards program that pays cash for stays.

We’re midwesterners like you, raised to value hard work, and earn your trust.

So we’ll keep working—even when you’re asleep.

IOWA ALGONA........................................ 515.295.3333 CLEAR LAKE .................................. 641.357.8954 IOWA FALLS .................................. 641.648.4600 PELLA ............................................ 641.621.1421 SIOUX CITY ................................... 712.255.1800

MINNESOTA BLOOMINGTON WEST ................. 952.835.6643 JACKSON ...................................... 507.847.2444 MANKATO .....................................507. 345.8011 ROSEAU ........................................ 218.463.1045 SILVER BAY ................................... 218.226.4300 TWO HARBORS............................. 218.834.3000 VIRGINIA ....................................... 218.741.7839

Free hot, home-style breakfast | Indoor pool and whirlpool | Hotel-wide, high-speed internet

WINONA ....................................... 507.474.7700