Farming in the Heartland Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

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2017 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule

Date City Day Time 4-26 Freeborn Wed 12-3 5-10 Hollandale Wed 12-3 FREEBORN COUNTY 5-13 Albert Lea Sat 9-12 RESIDENTS ONLY 5-18 Alden Thurs 3-6 freeborn NO EARLY DROP-OFFS 5-31 Geneva Wed 3-6 *It is illegal to drop off and leave county items meant for collection without 6-3 Albert Lea Sat 9-12 minnesota registering.

6-8 Emmons Thurs 12-3 Written survey is required of all participants. Residents may attend 6-20 Hayward Tues 12-3 www.co.freeborn.mn.us any collection in any city.

6-27 Hartland Tues 12-3 7-8 Albert Lea Sat 9-12 The Albert Lea Hazardous Waste Collections are held at the City Transfer Station, 2506 W. Richway Dr. 7-13 Twin Lakes Thurs 3-6 Collections in other cities are generally near a city hall 7-19 Clarks Grove Wed 12-3 or fire station.

8-19 Albert Lea Sat 9-12 Farmers may bring their unwanted agriculture pesticides to the hazardous waste 9-9 Albert Lea Sat 9-12 collections for disposal. Funding for this program is provided by the Minnesota Department of Agricul-ture Waste Pesticide 9-14 Glenville Thurs 12-3

SPRING 2017

Farming in the

Heartland

Collection Program in cooperation with Freeborn County.

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An Agricultural, Farming & Rural Development Supplement Covering Freeborn County, Mower County & Surrounding Areas

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Shopper

The Staying Safe on the Farm and in the Field

Farm Safety Refresher Tips

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Farm Safety Tips Farm Buildings & Grounds

Perform a safety check of buildings and grounds for obvious fire hazards and hazardous materials.

Store farm chemicals securely where kids and animals can’t access them. Then make a list of the chemicals for firefighters in the event of a fire on your property.

Keep weeds and grasses trimmed so tractor and ATV drivers won’t run into hidden obstacles and holes that can cause the vehicle to overturn.

Maintain clean and neat work areas with tools stored out of the way.

Establish a safety boundary around gas and diesel fuel tanks and other flammable substances.

Personal Farm Safety

Don’t wear loose clothing around equipment or work areas.

Use safety equipment the way it was intended.

That means appropriate gloves, hearing protection and safety eyewear, not to mention face masks and respirators when working in dusty conditions.

Always have a helper nearby when entering grain bins, breeding pens or any high-risk area.

Discuss safety concerns with children as

you explain safe handling and operating procedures. Practice what you preach, and they will practice it, too.

Tractors & Implements

Keep tractor roll-over protection structures in place. If you have a tractor without one, get it installed today … and while you’re at it, buckle your seat belt.

Prohibit riders on tractor fenders, hitches, attachments or implements.

Shield all PTO-powered equipment drive shafts, and keep kids at a distance from them.

Never start or run engines in an enclosed area without being assured of good ventilation.

Outfit tractors and farm trucks with fire extinguishers and first aid kits.

Never exit a tractor or truck without placing it in park or engaging the emergency brakes.

Never leave running power equipment unattended.

Check and maintain equipment, especially hydraulic hoses and electrical cables showing cracks or other signs of wear.

Livestock

Keep animals in good health. An animal in pain and discomfort can react aggressively.

Treat farm animals with respect. If understand their behavior, you’ll be ready for their actions.

and

Freeborn County

Shopper The Mower County

Would like to remind all our area farmers to be alert to the dangers and practice farm safety this season!

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Ingredients 1 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup ketchup 3/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce 1/3 cup sherry or chicken broth 2-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic 24 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 5 pounds) Directions In a small bowl, mix the first six ingredients. Reserve 1-1/3 cups for basting; cover and refrigerate. Divide remaining marinade between two large resealable plastic bags. Add 12 chicken thighs to each; seal bags and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Drain and discard marinade from chicken. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack.

Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until no longer pink; baste occasionally with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes.

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. + marinating Grill: 15 min. MAKES: 12 servings

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Congratulations!

TO THE 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Congratulations 2017 Farm Family of the Year!

Freeborn & Mower County Farm Families of the Year!

Overhead Power Lines Entanglement with overhead power lines and farm equipment is one of the most common electrical hazards on the farm. Many types of farm equipment can come in contact with overhead power lines. Tractors with front-end loaders, portable grain augers, fold-up planters, dump truck beds and sprayer booms are all examples of equipment that can easily get caught in overhead power lines.

Recommendations: • LOOK UP! before moving or transporting equipment especially around buildings, grain bins or entrance/exiting fields and farms.

• Power lines should be at least 18 feet above the highest point of grain bin with which portable augers or other portable filling equipment are used.

Tim and Jodi Westrum Family ... 2017 Farm Family of the Year

Congratulations!

2017 Mower County

Farm Family of the Year

• Considering burying electric lines to reduce the risk of accidental contact.

• Remember some equipment during transportation is actually taller than when in use.

We’re 100% Committed to the Protection of Your Most Valuable Asset • Siding • Roofing new or repair • Windows • Chimneys • Skylights

• Another thing you need to be careful of is bumping into the guide wires on electrical poles. This will cause sagging in the overhead lines and will make entanglement more likely.

• Always stay alert and never take unnecessary risks.

If your equipment becomes entangled in power lines, stay in the tractor or truck unless the tractor or truck starts on fire.

Jump as far from the tractor as possible but land on both feet.

Then hop with feet together to get to safety!

If on fire, contact 911…if you are staying in the vehicle, contact FMCS Operations at 800-734-6421.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Program Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Program assistance is available to eligible applicants who • Are unable to obtain conventional credit, • Will be the owner or renter of a not larger than family sized farm, • Have sufficient training and/or experience in managing and operating a farm, • Are citizens or lawfully admitted aliens, Show repayment ability for the requested loan, • Show sufficient security for the requested loan.

Loans are available for machinery, livestock, crop operating and real estate purposes. Now is the time to discuss 2017/2018 credit needs with your current lender. If Farm Service Agency assistance may be required, contact the Farm Service Agency as soon as possible to be ready for the 2017 operating cycle.

Other eligibility requirements apply to certain loan types. Contact the Farm Service Agency for a full discussion of your circumstances to determine if you may be eligible for loan assistance. To find your nearest office location, please visit http://offices.usda.gov.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or

funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD3027, found online at http://www.ascr. usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the

Adam J. Gritz USDA Farm Service Agency Fillmore County Farm Loan Manager

“This is a great update for Minnesota producers.”

Cream of Fresh Asparagus Soup

letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Ingredients 1 lb. fresh asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 pinch ground black pepper 1/2 cup sour cream

1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

1/2 cup chopped onion 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions In a large saucepan, combine asparagus, chopped onion, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, and simmer uncovered until asparagus is tender, about 12 minutes. Process the mixture in a blender to puree the vegetables. Set aside.

2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or 3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Whisk in the remaining chicken broth, and increase the heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture boils. Stir in the asparagus puree and the milk.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Put the sour cream in a small bowl, and stir in a ladleful of the hot soup.

Add the sour cream mixture and the lemon juice to the soup. Stir while heating the soup to serving temperature, but don’t allow it to boil. Serve immediately.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

2017 Enrollment for Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Programs Producers on farms with base acres under the safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, can begin visiting the Mower County FSA county office to sign contracts and enroll for the 2017 crop year. The enrollment period will continue until Aug. 1, 2017.

Kirk W. Phelps USDA Farm Service Agency Mower County Executive Director

Since shares and ownership of a farm can change year-to-year, producers on the farm must enroll by signing a contract each program year.

If a farm is not enrolled during the 2017 enrollment period, the producers LOCfor on that farm will not be eligible AL APPRO

financial assistance from the ARC or PLC programs for the 2017 crop should crop prices or farm revenues fall below the historical price or revenue benchmarks established by the program. Producers who made their elections in 2015 must still enroll during the 2017 enrollment period.

producers when there is a substantial drop in prices or revenues for covered commodities. For more details regarding these programs, go to www. fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.

The ARC and PLC programs were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and offer a safety net to agricultural

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Soil and water are essential natural resources for our domesticated animal and plant based food production systems.

With an ever increasing interest from the public on where and how their food is being produced, it is more important than ever to consider how your livestock and crops are grown and harvested. In recent years many large agricultural businesses have developed a sustainable farming division to address the farm to fork interest. Soil health continues to be at the fore front of this knowledge demanded by the public. Without soil health we will see our top soil continue to disappear and not too far into the future we will be trying to farm much less productive subsoil.

Throughout history, our relationship with the soil has affected our ability to cultivate crops and influenced the success of civilizations. This relationship between humans and food sources affirms soil as the foundation of agriculture.

Over the last few years the Freeborn Area Soil Health Team has been diligently promoting and planning new ideas of how to get land owners interested in soil health. The group has steadily grown since day one and includes local farmers, conservationists, business owners, and soil scientists. The diverse group brings a real world approach to addressing and incorporating soil health on your farm and understands that it’s not a one size fits all approach. Whether it be no till, strip till, cover crops, or any number of combinations, there is an option that will fit your operation. Several of the farmer members on the soil health team have been incorporating soil health techniques for years on their land and have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the do’s and don’ts.

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introducing cattle. To reserve your seat for this tour contact Steve Lawler at 507-4332343, ext 121. To keep up with our team and future events, visit and follow our Facebook page ‘Freeborn Area Soil Health Team’ or contact the Freeborn SWCD office at 507-373- 5607 ext. 3 for more information.

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tour different farms and learn what each farm is doing to improve the health of their soils. The next scheduled event will be held May 26 th in Austin. Attendees will tour three farms on a charter bus in the Austin area to learn how each farm has improved their soils by reducing tillage, utilizing cover crops, and at times

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Spring Days Behind the Scene by Amber Cords get the privilege to farm and run a seed and trucking business alongside my dad, uncle and cousin. So, for me, planting season can mean hair-pulling, non-stop craziness. No day is ever the same which means I can forget about a schedule or a calendar, but then I’d forget my kid’s appointments, volunteer group meetings, and when the bills are due.

During this time of the year I somehow have to manage to pile hours upon hours of extra work on top of my normal tasks and chores. I not only have to keep up with my routine of caring for my kids, making sure my husband has at least one clean pair of jeans, and being to work on time, Andy, Amber, but during planting Kenlie and Kylin

Spring is a time for regrowth; the days get longer, the weather gets nicer, and the birds start chirping once again. For many, it’s a relatively peaceful time of year, but for those of us in the Ag Industry, spring can also mean long days, sleepless nights, and sometimes utter chaos. Everyone can see the tractors rolling up and down the fields as the farmers try to successfully get another crop in the ground, but what a lot of people might not see is what goes on behind the scenes; everything it takes to keep those tractors rolling.

I am fortunate enough to not only be a farm wife (to a crop and hog farmer) and a mom (raising two beautiful little girls with a baby boy on the way), but I also

I’m also responsible for feeding a dozen men (which means cooking a meal and delivering it to the fields which can be at opposite ends of the county), ensuring our seed customers remain satisfied during seed deliveries, tendering seed to the planters, and running errands, sometimes well in to the night.

This ever-changing schedule can lead to many moments of self-doubt; the overwhelming thoughts of what’s needed next make me wonder at times if it’s all worth it. I look at our kids and wonder if it’s fair to them to have such an unbalanced schedule during these times of the year. Then I hear a “thanks for the great meal” accompanied by a sincere smile from an employee with tired eyes before he climbs back in the tractor to work through the night to beat the rain.

And climbing back in the pickup, my kids smile at me in the rear view mirror and tell me that when they grow up they want to be a farmer just like their

mom. These small moments remind me that even though I never imagined a life in the family farming business, it is the life that was designed for me.

It’s a life in which we’re teaching our kids the value of hard work just like our parents taught us, a life where our community is more important than ourselves, and a life in which our work benefits people far beyond our small stretch of land.

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To be part of our next publication call The Freeborn County Shopper at 507-373-1310 or The Mower County Shopper at 507-437-7731 Distributed to all Rural Areas & Small Towns in BOTH Counties!

And after planting is over, my work load lessens, and I can breathe again, I’ll notice the black dirt sprinkled with new green leaves, and a sense of pride will overcome me; for as important as our farmers are, I also know that it wouldn’t be possible without me and all the others that work behind the scenes. And though that may not make the long days, frustration, and exhaustion any easier, it does make it more than worth it and I know that I am doing exactly what I was meant to do.

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For Rolling the Cookies: 1/4 cup granulated sugar Sea salt, for sprinkling on top of cookies

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

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1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup unsalted butter, sliced 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt

To brown the butter, heat a thick-bottomed skillet on medium heat. Add the sliced butter, whisking frequently. Continue to cook the butter until melted. The butter will start to foam and browned specks will begin to form at the bottom of the pan.

The butter should have a nutty aroma. Watch the butter carefully because it can go from brown to burnt quickly. Remove butter from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the brown butter and sugars. Mix until blended and smooth. Beat in the egg, yolk, vanilla, and yogurt and mix until combined. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Form the dough in a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.You can chill the dough overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Measure about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Flatten the ball with the palm of your hand and place a piece of caramel in the center of the dough. Wrap the cookie dough around the caramel, making sure the caramel is completely covered with dough.

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Roll the balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place dough balls on a large baking sheet that has been lined with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper. Make sure the cookies are about 2 inches apart.

Sprinkle the cookie tops with sea salt.

Bake the cookies 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown. The centers will still be soft. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, or until set. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack and cool completely.

Note-if you want to make bigger cookies, you can put 1/2 a caramel in the center, just make sure the cookie dough is covering the caramel so it doesn’t ooze out.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program seeks applicants

By Tim Ruzek Mower SWCD

More farmers are wanted for applying to the second year of Minnesota’s state certification program for families doing good things for water conservation.

Mower Soil & Water Conservation District would like to meet with interested Mower County producers in assisting with an application to the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality

Certification Program (MAWQCP) offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

in 2016 were: James Anderson; Michael & Tom Cotter; Bruce & Jackie Barnum; and Arvid & Jon Jovaag.

In September, MDA officials recognized four Mower County farm families for becoming the first in the county to be certified under what’s commonly referred to as the Ag Certainty program. Together, those families enrolled more than 2,200 acres into the certification program.

“Water quality is a major focus right now in Minnesota, and this new program is a great way to recognize farmers who are meeting the state’s expectations for water quality,” said Steve Lawler, Mower SWCD resource specialist and the lead contact for the state program in Mower County.

Mower County families certified

Created by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton as a partnership between federal and state governments and private industry, the Ag Certainty program has certified more than 240 farmers in 55 counties, totaling more than 140,000 acres in just one year of statewide operation.

whole-farm basis. Producers who treat all risks to water quality on their operation are certified and deemed in compliance with new water-quality rules and laws for 10 years.

A complete list of water-friendly actions for farmers and landowners can be found at http://mn.gov/ governor/issues/wateraction/.

Mower County farmers can contact Mower SWCD resource specialist Steve Lawler at 507-434-2603.

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“Hello Everyone: I’m Ken Wurzburger.

My wife, Ruth, and I farmed for 32 years three miles north and four miles east of Austin. When we retired we were looking for a maintenance-free life style in a secure facility where we could meet new friends in a quiet, comfortable atmosphere. We found all that and much more at the Village Cooperative in Austin. If you would like to learn more about the advantages of affordable Co-op living give Norma a call.”

You’re Invited to an

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Call Norma for more information | 507-433-1310 2301 10th Street NW, Austin, MN www.villagecooperative.com

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

TWIX CONSTRUCTION

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WATCH FOR THE NEXT FARMING IN THE HEARTLAND COMING THIS FALL! To be part of our next publication call The Freeborn County Shopper at 507-373-1310 or The Mower County Shopper at 507-437-7731 Distributed to all Rural Areas and Small Towns in BOTH Counties!

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Glenn’s Motorcoach Tours, Inc. Rochester, MN

Departing from: Austin & Albert Lea CALL TODAY FOR A DETAILED BROCHURE!!

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“Traveling With the Professionals”

Resistance is Futile

By Mike Merten, CCA, Pioneer Sales Professional As we prepare for some time to evaluate the coming planting how they work and season (beginning whether they have the as early as the day potential to improve my we put the planter, current systems. And sprayer, or other there are usually some equipment away improvements made after using it last and tweaking done after season) we all look the initial release, before for ways to improve the product becomes how that equipment more user-friendly.

Mike Merten, CCA operates. It may Pioneer Sales Professional I will say to the ones be an upgrade, who completely ignore trade for new or newer model, or just clean the advancements and and lubricate before stowing it in the shed. view them as useless, Depending on the age of that equipment, there Resistance is Futile. For are all kinds of things we can do. And many of you ‘Next Generation’ Star Trekies out there, these would include the addition or application you may remember the episodes involving the of precision technologies. Whether it’s a new Borg invasions. The Borg were a species of monitor that would allow for VRS (variable sub-human aliens who lived in a society of the rate seeding) to apply different populations ‘One Collective’. No individuality- everyone of seeding across your field or vary the rate of worked for the good of all. Their motto was nitrogen when side dressing, row shutoffs on “you cannot survive their attack”. Resistance the planter, swath control on the sprayer, down was futile. You will be assimilated into their pressure adjusting equipment for the planter, collective, or die. or just record-keeping software that records Now I’m not saying that to resist modern and maps the operation performed, there are technology will put everyone out of business. changes that can be made.

There are as many ways to make a living off In the competitive business of farming today the land as there are farmers to try. But as (competing with the challenge of staying more and more advancements in our farming profitable that is), we need to look at these systems come along, the harder it will be to available products, evaluate them, and decide stay competitive without integrating these which ones will actually give us a good ROI systems. If everyone else is doing it, and (return on investment), then implement the operating more profitably, then you are at a ones that will. disadvantage.

As independent as farmers are, there is It needs to be mentioned that some of naturally a large spectrum of opinions about these newest technologies have the potential these new technologies. I know some who to help improve our operations from an say they don’t want or need to invest in them environmental standpoint. And we all know because they do not see the advantages in there is continually more pressure on us to do their operation, and it’s just more money that. down the tube. On the other hand there have Remember, your Pioneer sales rep is a great always been the ones who will buy the newest resource to help use these systems, from asproducts for their farm and put them to use planted mapping, VRS prescriptions, fertilizer just as soon as they’re available. I guess I find recommendations, to yield data analysis and myself somewhere in between. I do like to read hybrid evaluations, just to name a few.

15300 about and see the newest technologies, talk780th Ave | Albert Lea | 507-373-8895 Have a safe and profitable growing season. to dealers, get prices, etc.. Then it takes me

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Ground Work Starts on First of CRWD’s Major CIP Initiative

By Tim Ruzek Mower SWCD

Crews dug into the ground in late fall 2016 for the first of 25 projects CRWD is planning to build over the next several years to hold and treat stormwater to improve water quality and reduce flooding.

Following more than a year of planning and landowner talks, CRWD’s nearly $8.5 million Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) officially began its construction phase in November with its Oelkers project along the North Branch of Dobbins Creek in Red Rock Township, southeast of Brownsdale.

A majority of the work on the nearly $50,000 stormwater retention project was done in 2016 but the onset of winter prevented its full completion.

Remaining work will resume in the spring.

Compared to others planned for CIP , the Oelkers project is one of the smaller ones but still will be highly effective.

CRWD project manager Cody Fox, who is leading the CIP efforts, expects several other projects to be constructed in 2017, including the initiative’s largest project planned near the Dobbins north branch’s headwaters in Dexter Township.

CIP is the result of CRWD forming a Top 25 priority list in 2015 of potential projects for water quality and flood reduction in the watershed.

Based on extensive analysis and data, the projects range in size, complexity and location but mostly relate to stormwater detention, ravine stabilization and flood-risk reduction.

Most of the CIP projects planned at this point are upstream from the City

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of Austin to utilize the upland areas of Dobbins Creek and the Cedar River.

Many projects are focused on the Dobbins subwatershed because it is prone to flash flooding, contributing greatly to water-quality concerns and flooding.

Building control structures with earthen berms will reduce peak flood flows by detaining stormwater, reducing damage to downstream crops, buildings and infrastructure, such as bridges.

These structures detain and treat stormwater by creating a basin or pond at a strategic location often adjacent to rivers

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105 Main St S, Grand Meadow • lrmrealestate.com RESIDENTIAL • COMMERICAL • FARMS ACREAGE • LOTS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CRWD project manager Cody Fox and other staff members watch Nov. 15 as a crew digs for a new stormwater retention structure in Red Rock Township on the North Branch of Dobbins Creek.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Two Fabrics.

Endless Choices.

Donor Advised Funds...

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You Choose Dear Neighbor, Austin Area Foundation’s Donor Advised Fund provides a unique opportunity for giving.

This fund allows you to remain actively involved with a charitable gift while consolidating future charitable giving. It offers a simple and flexible way for you to make a difference in your community now and into the future. By recommending grant recipients from your fund, a Donor Advised Fund allows you to easily support the organizations (local or national) that matter to you.

Following your recommendations, charitable grants are then forwarded to the organizations of choice in the name of the donor(s). The minimum to establish a Donor Advised Fund is $5,000.

A personal approach to giving through a Donor Advised Fund is a convenient, flexible tool for individuals, families, businesses, or groups who want to be personally involved in suggesting grant awards made possible by their gifts.

If you have a range of community interests you may find a Donor Advised Fund an ideal vehicle for fulfilling your charitable wishes.

How it works: You make a gift to Austin Area Foundation - cash, appreciated stocks, real estate (now or future) or other assets.

A special fund is established in your name, the name of your family or business, or in honor of any person or organization you choose.

You receive tax benefits in the

Doors & Floors, Inc.

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year your gift is made.

You recommend uses for the fund by working with our professional program staff to support the causes and organizations you care about most.

Your recommendations are presented to the Austin Area Foundation board for approval.

We handle all administrative details and issue grants to charities in the name of the fund you establish. (If you prefer, grants can be made anonymously).

For more information on how to set up your fund, please contact me. Giving a charitable gift to AAF is an amazing experience as you learn how to create a lasting legacy to impact the future.

Jeff Baldus

Executive Director, Austin Area Foundation jeff@austinareafoundation.org 507-434-7494

Leroy inc.

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When a Farmer Succeeds We All Thrive JEANNE

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Volunteers: The Heart of 4-H

April is National Volunteer Month, a time when we, as a country, offer our collective thanks to the more than 62 million Americans - a quarter of the adult population - who give nearly 8 billion hours a year to the causes closest to their hearts. And when it comes to their hearts, it turns out volunteering is good for... the volunteers! The scientific evidence keeps mounting that volunteering is good for physical and

mental health. Researchers have the statistics and say the benefits are clear for example lower blood pressure, less stress, even longer lives are all associated with volunteering.

Minnesota 4-H supports more than 11,000 adult volunteers annually who engage young people in a variety of hands-on learning experiences. In 2012, those 11,000 volunteers contributed more than 1 million hours of service (a value of $23 million). Volunteers are critical to the success of 4-H programs and making a difference in the lives of youth. There is a statewide volunteer systems team that helps support volunteers by coordinating and overseeing the work of volunteers in partnership with county staff. 4-H offers volunteer development and volunteer

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management for our various volunteers Through volunteer development volunteers can build knowledge and skills related to working with youth.

Volunteer management includes structures and systems that create a supportive environment for volunteers.

Youth remain our top priority in 4-H and we desire to promote an environment which encourages positive youth development. All volunteers within 4-H are required to complete an application process, background check, watch a volunteer orientation, and watch a safety of minors training.

All of this is part of the University of Minnesota’s risk management strategy to prevent child abuse and ensure the safety of all youth participants that are involved with 4-H. This process

R

also protects the volunteers and the University of Minnesota.

In Freeborn County we currently have 120+ “screened” adult volunteers and short term staff that work with our young people. These may be the leaders in the clubs, special leaders in the county, or just helpers for certain projects one time per year. We appreciate all of our adult volunteers and want to again say THANK-YOU for your time and dedication you have given to Freeborn County 4-H. For more information on 4-H or how you can volunteer with 4-H, call 3775660.

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First of all, I want to say THANKYOU to all of you that volunteer each month whether it be for 4-H, school, church, humane society, etc.! Sometimes it is a “thankless” job. Those of us that utilize volunteers on a daily basis truly appreciate all the countless hours and time spent volunteering for the different organizations.

Your cooperative providing growing opportunities for producers and consumers at locations in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Careers in Agriculture

Farm to Table Businesses Booming Consumers’ appetites for local foods are growing, and restaurants have taken notice. Today, many local businesses, including farms and restaurants, have mutually exclusive relationships that make it possible for local residents to enjoy nutritious, locally produced meals.

According to the market research firm Packaged Facts, local foods generated $11.7 billion in sales in 2014 and will climb to $20.2 billion by 2019. Farmto-table remains a growing trend that benefits farmers, restaurateurs and consumers. This is evidenced by the rising number of farmers markets cropping up in neighborhoods all across the country, as well as the niche offerings by regional food purveyors. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that, in the last 20 years, the number of farmers markets has grown by more than 350 percent. Many consumers are now choosing “local” for RESTORE

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dining at home and when dining out, and this is making a major impact on the nation’s food systems.

Foodies as well as industry experts predict that the local foods movement is a permanent and mainstream trend. In 2014, the National Restaurant Association found the desire for local foods dominated its “Top Food Trends.”

The most in-demands foods include locally sourced meats and seafood as well as locally sourced produce. Consumers also are interested in farm/estatebranded foods. Some restaurants are even producing “hyper-local” food, or herbs and produce grown right on the property.

As the demand for local foods has evolved, so has the term “local foods.”

“Local” can be a wide-ranging term that refers to foods produced in a particular town, state or even region. The 2008 REFINISH

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Local, sustainable foods are in demand, helping not only local restaurants and merchants, but also the small and medium farms that service these establishments.

For thousands of years, the people who work in agriculture have fed us and kept our planet growing. While many professions have become obsolete over the years, agriculture is still a vibrant and growing field. Here’s a look at a few career choices available in the world of agriculture.

When people think of agriculture they usually think of the farmer. These folks are the life blood of agriculture and their job is an important one.

Agriculture is indeed science and can be learned in many ways. While the concepts can be taught in school, there is nothing like getting your hands dirty. Learning to farm is many times passed down by generation. This is not to say that you must be born into it. While many people consider the farmer a person who works with their hands, their minds need to be just as

strong. Farming is a true science.

If you prefer using your back, there are plenty of jobs on the farm for you. Before our advanced technology, farmers of the past had to know how to do and fix just about everything.

In many ways that still holds true today. Planting and harvesting crop aren’t the only labor based jobs on the farm. There is plenty of work with machinery, animals and good old fashion hard work.

An agricultural job that beckons people with a love for animals is that of a veterinarian. This profession is one of the most important jobs in agriculture. As long as there are animals on the farm, there will be a need for veterinarians. A love of animals is a requirement, but so is a large amount of formal education. If

you are willing to achieve an advanced education, being a veterinarian might be your calling.

Not interested in being veterinarian?

There are other animal related careers in the world of agriculture.

For example, there are animal nutritionists. The career combines animal behavior, animal nutrition, with chemistry, economics and the processing of their food. This career relies on hard science, so if that is where your skills lie, this might be the agricultural career for you.

Do you like nature but would rather focus on plants than animals? If so, horticulture may be for you. When most people think of horticulture, they think of garden plants and lawn care. While this is a part of horticulture, the field covers much

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The growing preference for locally produced foods is great news for the farmers and small food producers that have long fought for footing among the mega-importers. According to the trade publication Produce Business, even though “local” does not place limits on the size of the farm, the growing desire among consumers to go local is benefitting many small and midsized farms, as consumers are increasingly buying foods grown closer to where they live.

vegetables, consumers can find many locally made items that expand the potential for farm-to-table. These include, but are not limited to, artisanal cheeses, wines, beer, baked goods, milk and other dairy, and honey.

In addition to meats, fruits and

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Farm Act defines a “locally or regionally produced agricultural food product” as one that is marketed less than 400 miles from its origin. However, a few states have established more stringent rules that indicate “local” constitutes food produced within the borders of a state or within a small perimeter of the state.

Together, We Are Building a Better Community

more. Today’s horticulturists work with hard science including plant breeding and genetic engineering.

They work with crop production and inspection as well as insect resistance and effects of the climate on plants.

Another field you may consider is conservation. While you may not think of this as an agricultural career, it is. People with knowledge and an education in agriculture are often employed by the Fish & Wildlife Service, functioning in national and state parks.

There are many career fields in the world of agriculture, some you probably never considered. A career is not limited to farming or ranching, explore your opportunities and determine if a career in agriculture is for you.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

DOUG’S PAINTING & SANDBLASTING

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

BUYERS OF ALL TYPES OF METALS

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ELECTRIC WORK • Agricultural buildings, new construction or re-wiring old • Grain legs dryer systems • Dryer systems • Single and 3 phase electric service Call Fox Electric for all your farm & residential wiring needs!

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Farming is your livelihood, and it’s our business to help protect that I make it simple to help you select the coverage that’s right for you today and provide options for the future of your growing operation.

Now that’s smarter insurance for agriculture.

Contact me to schedule an on-site SuperCheck® and ensure you have the coverage you need.

Darrell B. Ingvaldson, LUTCF

Manufacturing & Fabrication 25863 650th Ave, Dexter, MN 55926 507-584-6794 • Fax: 507-584-6634 www.rsgrain.com

100 S Mill Street PO Box 298 Brownsdale 507-567-2296

4 Local Students that Earned State Degrees to Be Recognized at State FFA Convention Four FFA members will be receiving their Minnesota State Degrees at the State FFA Convention held on April 23-25th.

Members will be awarded their degree on Monday Night at the Mariucci Area at the University of Minnesota.

Jay Skaar is a Freshman at South Dakota State University, majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. His Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) was working at Rob’s Gourmet Greens where he was responsible for harvesting lettuce and basil as well as packaging the greens for shipping. He has been involved in FFA through serving as an officer for two years, attending state and national conventions and participating in the Livestock Judging and Fisheries and Wildlife Career Development Events.

Krystal Viktora is a Senior at Albert Lea High School, her future plans include attending University of Wisconsin -River Falls majoring in Animal Science (pre-vet). Krystal’s SAE includes working with cattle from many different aspects. She currently owns two show steers, a breeding heifer and a bull as well as dairy calves. She helps run her dad’s beef operation from taking care of the animals to working with the record books. She has gotten involved in the dairy industry though her neighbor Mary Hubbard of Rolling Green Jersey’s. In her spare time, she also picks up hours working at Larcrest Holsteins where she is responsible for milking cows and feeding calves. Krystal will be recognized as the Region VII Star Farmer and is competing for the honor of Minnesota Star Farmer results will be announced at state

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WE HAVE ON HAND:

Serving Freeborn & Mower Counties

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874-2600 863- 2455 ALDEN

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convention. Krystal served as the Albert Lea FFA Chapter President last year and has organized and participated in many FFA events.

Alexandria Hagen is a Senior at Albert Lea High School is currently employed at Raleigh’s Ace Hardware where she is responsible for stocking shelves, helping customers and cashiering.

She has learned a lot from her SAE, she has to set up end caps with sale items to merchandise products, problem-solve when working with customers and find the best solutions when customers are unsure of the best tool for the job. Ali is currently serving as the Chapter Historian and attends many leadership events including summer camps.

he started out buying three ewes from his sister and has grown over the last three years to five ewes and a feeder lamb. Levi shows sheep, pigs and occasionally goats at the Freeborn County Fair as well as the State Fair for 4-H and FFA. Levi is a member on the General Livestock Judging team and has competed at numerous events across Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota, he will be competing at state convention as well. He currently serves as chapter treasurer.

Levi Kermes is a Junior at Albert Lea High School. His SAE includes owning Hampshire Ewes,

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day - May 26th

By Tim Ruzek Mower SWCD Cover crops are growing in interest throughout Minnesota, and Mower County is part of the effort to highlight the benefits of incorporating them into agricultural practices.

On May 26, Mower Soil & Water Conservation District will join Cover Crop Champion farmers Tom Cotter and Tom Finnegan, both of Mower County, to host a Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day that is free to the public, including a boxed lunch and bus transportation.

Cover cropping involves the planting of a second, unharvested crop in coordination with regular cash crops, such as corn and soybeans.

Registered participants should arrive about 9 a.m. in the Riverland Community College’s east campus parking lot in Austin. All will board a school bus about 9:30 a.m. to travel to the farms of Tom Finnegan (Red Rock Township); Terry &

Cindy Hamilton (Marshall Township); and Tom Cotter (Austin Township). Each site will have one hour to showcase its use of cover crops in the field as well as for helping with producing beef cattle (Cotter and Finnegan farms).

Some of the topics to be covered at the farms will include harvesting and grazing of cover crops; no-till and strip-till planting into terminated cover crops; notill and strip-till planting into terminated winter wheat; and herbicide options for conventional corn and beans.

Boxed lunches will be provided on the bus while traveling from the Hamilton farm to the Cotter farm. Following the Cotter farm visit, the bus will depart about 1:45 p.m. to bring attendees back to Riverland.

Those interested should register by May 19 with Mower SWCD by calling 507-4342603 or sending an email to tim.ruzek@ mowerswcd.org.

Mower SWCD resource specialist Steve Lawler, a soil scientist, also will be a presenter during the Field Day. The Field Day event is part of an $8,740 grant awarded earlier this year to Lawler and Mower SWCD from the National Wildlife Federation, which named Mower SWCD as a Cover Crop Champion for outreach. The grant also named Tom Cotter and Tom Finnegan, both of Mower County, as Cover Crop Champion farmers.

Cotter and Finnegan, who have kept a busy schedule the past few months with giving presentations on cover crops, incorporate cover crops into their farm operations, both located just outside of Austin.

Lawler has worked closely with Cotter and Finnegan since the Mower Soil Health Team formed in early 2016.

“They really are ideal farmers for this because they’re passionate about cover crops and what that practice can do to help a farm in numerous ways while also benefiting the environment and wildlife,” Lawler said.

The Sustainable Agriculture Research

and Education program says cover crops offer economic and ecological benefits: • Reducing fertilizer costs.

• Improving crop yields by enhancing soil health.

• Reducing the need for herbicides and pesticides.

• Preventing soil erosion.

• Conserving soil moisture.

• Protecting water quality.

• Helping to safeguard personal health.

Since 2013, NWF has provided support to 42 Cover Crop Champion teams in giving information and farming knowledge on cover crops to local farmers and crop advisors. The program runs mostly in the Upper Mississippi River Basin states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.

Champion farmers generally give presentations in the region on cover crops and soil health to farmers and others.

Outreach champions are ag professionals employed by a farm-related organization who support the farmer champion.

Cotter, a fourthgeneration farmer, raises corn, soybeans, peas, sweet corn and alfalfa as Tom Cotter well as runs a cow/calf beef operation on his Austin Township farm. In 2016, Cotter and his father, Michael, were Mower SWCD’s Outstanding Conservationists of the Year and were certified through the state’s Ag Certainty water-quality program.

With cover crops, Cotter has increased his farm’s grain quality; reduced chemical and fertilizer inputs; increased water infiltration; and greatly reduced erosion.

“It’s not too late to do our part in saving our environment one acre at a time,” Cotter said. “We need to think about the changes we implement now to secure the land and wildlife for our future

generations.”

To succeed in cover cropping, Cotter said networking with farmers is vital.

“Cover cropping is a journey I’ve been on for many years,” he said. “I had felt alone until I joined the soil health teams and realized there are other like-minded farmers out there.”

Finnegan is one of those farmers Cotter connected with through covercrop networking. A third-generation livestock producer in Red Rock Township, Finnegan is a full-time electrician who runs a cow/calf beef operation while also starting in recent years to grow corn and soybeans.

In 2007, he and his father, Tom Finnegan George, were Mower SWCD’s Outstanding Conservationists of the Year.

Finnegan used to rent his land to crop farmers until he started noticing undesirable changes on the ground.

Finnegan chose to start farming his land with a minimum-tillage approach and now covers all his farmed land with various cover crop species that help his beef enterprise and goals for conservation and wildlife, which is a high priority to him as an avid outdoorsman.

“In just a few years, we are seeing a significant change,” Finnegan said of his land near the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center along Dobbins Creek’s north branch. “Good things are coming for us in agricultural conservation, and cover crops will be a driving part.”

Those interested in the Cover Crop Champion program or having Mower County’s Cover Crop Champion team speak at an event, contact Mower SWCD at 507-434-2603 or go online to: www.mowerswcd.org/ CoverCropChampion2017.html.

Sales • Service • Rental • Demand Drinking Water Systems • Demand Water Softeners • Demand Iron Filters Authorized Independent Kinetico Dealer

800-722-1282 www.garlickswater.com

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day - May 26th

By Tim Ruzek Mower SWCD Cover crops are growing in interest throughout Minnesota, and Mower County is part of the effort to highlight the benefits of incorporating them into agricultural practices.

On May 26, Mower Soil & Water Conservation District will join Cover Crop Champion farmers Tom Cotter and Tom Finnegan, both of Mower County, to host a Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day that is free to the public, including a boxed lunch and bus transportation.

Cover cropping involves the planting of a second, unharvested crop in coordination with regular cash crops, such as corn and soybeans.

Registered participants should arrive about 9 a.m. in the Riverland Community College’s east campus parking lot in Austin. All will board a school bus about 9:30 a.m. to travel to the farms of Tom Finnegan (Red Rock Township); Terry &

Cindy Hamilton (Marshall Township); and Tom Cotter (Austin Township). Each site will have one hour to showcase its use of cover crops in the field as well as for helping with producing beef cattle (Cotter and Finnegan farms).

Some of the topics to be covered at the farms will include harvesting and grazing of cover crops; no-till and strip-till planting into terminated cover crops; notill and strip-till planting into terminated winter wheat; and herbicide options for conventional corn and beans.

Boxed lunches will be provided on the bus while traveling from the Hamilton farm to the Cotter farm. Following the Cotter farm visit, the bus will depart about 1:45 p.m. to bring attendees back to Riverland.

Those interested should register by May 19 with Mower SWCD by calling 507-4342603 or sending an email to tim.ruzek@ mowerswcd.org.

Mower SWCD resource specialist Steve Lawler, a soil scientist, also will be a presenter during the Field Day. The Field Day event is part of an $8,740 grant awarded earlier this year to Lawler and Mower SWCD from the National Wildlife Federation, which named Mower SWCD as a Cover Crop Champion for outreach. The grant also named Tom Cotter and Tom Finnegan, both of Mower County, as Cover Crop Champion farmers.

Cotter and Finnegan, who have kept a busy schedule the past few months with giving presentations on cover crops, incorporate cover crops into their farm operations, both located just outside of Austin.

Lawler has worked closely with Cotter and Finnegan since the Mower Soil Health Team formed in early 2016.

“They really are ideal farmers for this because they’re passionate about cover crops and what that practice can do to help a farm in numerous ways while also benefiting the environment and wildlife,” Lawler said.

The Sustainable Agriculture Research

and Education program says cover crops offer economic and ecological benefits: • Reducing fertilizer costs.

• Improving crop yields by enhancing soil health.

• Reducing the need for herbicides and pesticides.

• Preventing soil erosion.

• Conserving soil moisture.

• Protecting water quality.

• Helping to safeguard personal health.

Since 2013, NWF has provided support to 42 Cover Crop Champion teams in giving information and farming knowledge on cover crops to local farmers and crop advisors. The program runs mostly in the Upper Mississippi River Basin states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.

Champion farmers generally give presentations in the region on cover crops and soil health to farmers and others.

Outreach champions are ag professionals employed by a farm-related organization who support the farmer champion.

Cotter, a fourthgeneration farmer, raises corn, soybeans, peas, sweet corn and alfalfa as Tom Cotter well as runs a cow/calf beef operation on his Austin Township farm. In 2016, Cotter and his father, Michael, were Mower SWCD’s Outstanding Conservationists of the Year and were certified through the state’s Ag Certainty water-quality program.

With cover crops, Cotter has increased his farm’s grain quality; reduced chemical and fertilizer inputs; increased water infiltration; and greatly reduced erosion.

“It’s not too late to do our part in saving our environment one acre at a time,” Cotter said. “We need to think about the changes we implement now to secure the land and wildlife for our future

generations.”

To succeed in cover cropping, Cotter said networking with farmers is vital.

“Cover cropping is a journey I’ve been on for many years,” he said. “I had felt alone until I joined the soil health teams and realized there are other like-minded farmers out there.”

Finnegan is one of those farmers Cotter connected with through covercrop networking. A third-generation livestock producer in Red Rock Township, Finnegan is a full-time electrician who runs a cow/calf beef operation while also starting in recent years to grow corn and soybeans.

In 2007, he and his father, Tom Finnegan George, were Mower SWCD’s Outstanding Conservationists of the Year.

Finnegan used to rent his land to crop farmers until he started noticing undesirable changes on the ground.

Finnegan chose to start farming his land with a minimum-tillage approach and now covers all his farmed land with various cover crop species that help his beef enterprise and goals for conservation and wildlife, which is a high priority to him as an avid outdoorsman.

“In just a few years, we are seeing a significant change,” Finnegan said of his land near the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center along Dobbins Creek’s north branch. “Good things are coming for us in agricultural conservation, and cover crops will be a driving part.”

Those interested in the Cover Crop Champion program or having Mower County’s Cover Crop Champion team speak at an event, contact Mower SWCD at 507-434-2603 or go online to: www.mowerswcd.org/ CoverCropChampion2017.html.

Sales • Service • Rental • Demand Drinking Water Systems • Demand Water Softeners • Demand Iron Filters Authorized Independent Kinetico Dealer

800-722-1282 www.garlickswater.com

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

DOUG’S PAINTING & SANDBLASTING

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

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Farming is your livelihood, and it’s our business to help protect that I make it simple to help you select the coverage that’s right for you today and provide options for the future of your growing operation.

Now that’s smarter insurance for agriculture.

Contact me to schedule an on-site SuperCheck® and ensure you have the coverage you need.

Darrell B. Ingvaldson, LUTCF

Manufacturing & Fabrication 25863 650th Ave, Dexter, MN 55926 507-584-6794 • Fax: 507-584-6634 www.rsgrain.com

100 S Mill Street PO Box 298 Brownsdale 507-567-2296

4 Local Students that Earned State Degrees to Be Recognized at State FFA Convention Four FFA members will be receiving their Minnesota State Degrees at the State FFA Convention held on April 23-25th.

Members will be awarded their degree on Monday Night at the Mariucci Area at the University of Minnesota.

Jay Skaar is a Freshman at South Dakota State University, majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. His Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) was working at Rob’s Gourmet Greens where he was responsible for harvesting lettuce and basil as well as packaging the greens for shipping. He has been involved in FFA through serving as an officer for two years, attending state and national conventions and participating in the Livestock Judging and Fisheries and Wildlife Career Development Events.

Krystal Viktora is a Senior at Albert Lea High School, her future plans include attending University of Wisconsin -River Falls majoring in Animal Science (pre-vet). Krystal’s SAE includes working with cattle from many different aspects. She currently owns two show steers, a breeding heifer and a bull as well as dairy calves. She helps run her dad’s beef operation from taking care of the animals to working with the record books. She has gotten involved in the dairy industry though her neighbor Mary Hubbard of Rolling Green Jersey’s. In her spare time, she also picks up hours working at Larcrest Holsteins where she is responsible for milking cows and feeding calves. Krystal will be recognized as the Region VII Star Farmer and is competing for the honor of Minnesota Star Farmer results will be announced at state

MORRISON WELL DRILLING

WE HAVE ON HAND:

Serving Freeborn & Mower Counties

• Belts • Bearings • Electric Motors • Nuts & Bolts • Roller Chain • Pulleys • Dodge Gear Drives • Hubs

• Residential • Municipal Wells • Geothermal Wells • Sealing Old Wells

We also have a Laser for your custom cutting needs Farm & Ranch I Commercial Ag I Crop I Succession Strategies I Workers Compensation Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services PC044 (7-16)

• Well Drilling • Well Pump Repair • Backhoe Trenching

www.morrisonwelldrilling.com 373-5411 ALBERT LEA/AUSTIN

874-2600 863- 2455 ALDEN

FREEBORN

60 YEARS EXPERIENCE

convention. Krystal served as the Albert Lea FFA Chapter President last year and has organized and participated in many FFA events.

Alexandria Hagen is a Senior at Albert Lea High School is currently employed at Raleigh’s Ace Hardware where she is responsible for stocking shelves, helping customers and cashiering.

She has learned a lot from her SAE, she has to set up end caps with sale items to merchandise products, problem-solve when working with customers and find the best solutions when customers are unsure of the best tool for the job. Ali is currently serving as the Chapter Historian and attends many leadership events including summer camps.

he started out buying three ewes from his sister and has grown over the last three years to five ewes and a feeder lamb. Levi shows sheep, pigs and occasionally goats at the Freeborn County Fair as well as the State Fair for 4-H and FFA. Levi is a member on the General Livestock Judging team and has competed at numerous events across Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota, he will be competing at state convention as well. He currently serves as chapter treasurer.

Levi Kermes is a Junior at Albert Lea High School. His SAE includes owning Hampshire Ewes,

DIESEL REPAIR • TRAILER REPAIR

M

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Sales & Service, L.L.P.

(507) 437-6394

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24 Hour Emergency Service

Authorized Dealer

I 90 EXIT 178 A 2409 - 4TH STREET NW AUSTIN, MN 55912

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Careers in Agriculture

Farm to Table Businesses Booming Consumers’ appetites for local foods are growing, and restaurants have taken notice. Today, many local businesses, including farms and restaurants, have mutually exclusive relationships that make it possible for local residents to enjoy nutritious, locally produced meals.

According to the market research firm Packaged Facts, local foods generated $11.7 billion in sales in 2014 and will climb to $20.2 billion by 2019. Farmto-table remains a growing trend that benefits farmers, restaurateurs and consumers. This is evidenced by the rising number of farmers markets cropping up in neighborhoods all across the country, as well as the niche offerings by regional food purveyors. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that, in the last 20 years, the number of farmers markets has grown by more than 350 percent. Many consumers are now choosing “local” for RESTORE

REPLACE

dining at home and when dining out, and this is making a major impact on the nation’s food systems.

Foodies as well as industry experts predict that the local foods movement is a permanent and mainstream trend. In 2014, the National Restaurant Association found the desire for local foods dominated its “Top Food Trends.”

The most in-demands foods include locally sourced meats and seafood as well as locally sourced produce. Consumers also are interested in farm/estatebranded foods. Some restaurants are even producing “hyper-local” food, or herbs and produce grown right on the property.

As the demand for local foods has evolved, so has the term “local foods.”

“Local” can be a wide-ranging term that refers to foods produced in a particular town, state or even region. The 2008 REFINISH

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Local, sustainable foods are in demand, helping not only local restaurants and merchants, but also the small and medium farms that service these establishments.

For thousands of years, the people who work in agriculture have fed us and kept our planet growing. While many professions have become obsolete over the years, agriculture is still a vibrant and growing field. Here’s a look at a few career choices available in the world of agriculture.

When people think of agriculture they usually think of the farmer. These folks are the life blood of agriculture and their job is an important one.

Agriculture is indeed science and can be learned in many ways. While the concepts can be taught in school, there is nothing like getting your hands dirty. Learning to farm is many times passed down by generation. This is not to say that you must be born into it. While many people consider the farmer a person who works with their hands, their minds need to be just as

strong. Farming is a true science.

If you prefer using your back, there are plenty of jobs on the farm for you. Before our advanced technology, farmers of the past had to know how to do and fix just about everything.

In many ways that still holds true today. Planting and harvesting crop aren’t the only labor based jobs on the farm. There is plenty of work with machinery, animals and good old fashion hard work.

An agricultural job that beckons people with a love for animals is that of a veterinarian. This profession is one of the most important jobs in agriculture. As long as there are animals on the farm, there will be a need for veterinarians. A love of animals is a requirement, but so is a large amount of formal education. If

you are willing to achieve an advanced education, being a veterinarian might be your calling.

Not interested in being veterinarian?

There are other animal related careers in the world of agriculture.

For example, there are animal nutritionists. The career combines animal behavior, animal nutrition, with chemistry, economics and the processing of their food. This career relies on hard science, so if that is where your skills lie, this might be the agricultural career for you.

Do you like nature but would rather focus on plants than animals? If so, horticulture may be for you. When most people think of horticulture, they think of garden plants and lawn care. While this is a part of horticulture, the field covers much

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The growing preference for locally produced foods is great news for the farmers and small food producers that have long fought for footing among the mega-importers. According to the trade publication Produce Business, even though “local” does not place limits on the size of the farm, the growing desire among consumers to go local is benefitting many small and midsized farms, as consumers are increasingly buying foods grown closer to where they live.

vegetables, consumers can find many locally made items that expand the potential for farm-to-table. These include, but are not limited to, artisanal cheeses, wines, beer, baked goods, milk and other dairy, and honey.

In addition to meats, fruits and

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Farm Act defines a “locally or regionally produced agricultural food product” as one that is marketed less than 400 miles from its origin. However, a few states have established more stringent rules that indicate “local” constitutes food produced within the borders of a state or within a small perimeter of the state.

Together, We Are Building a Better Community

more. Today’s horticulturists work with hard science including plant breeding and genetic engineering.

They work with crop production and inspection as well as insect resistance and effects of the climate on plants.

Another field you may consider is conservation. While you may not think of this as an agricultural career, it is. People with knowledge and an education in agriculture are often employed by the Fish & Wildlife Service, functioning in national and state parks.

There are many career fields in the world of agriculture, some you probably never considered. A career is not limited to farming or ranching, explore your opportunities and determine if a career in agriculture is for you.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Volunteers: The Heart of 4-H

April is National Volunteer Month, a time when we, as a country, offer our collective thanks to the more than 62 million Americans - a quarter of the adult population - who give nearly 8 billion hours a year to the causes closest to their hearts. And when it comes to their hearts, it turns out volunteering is good for... the volunteers! The scientific evidence keeps mounting that volunteering is good for physical and

mental health. Researchers have the statistics and say the benefits are clear for example lower blood pressure, less stress, even longer lives are all associated with volunteering.

Minnesota 4-H supports more than 11,000 adult volunteers annually who engage young people in a variety of hands-on learning experiences. In 2012, those 11,000 volunteers contributed more than 1 million hours of service (a value of $23 million). Volunteers are critical to the success of 4-H programs and making a difference in the lives of youth. There is a statewide volunteer systems team that helps support volunteers by coordinating and overseeing the work of volunteers in partnership with county staff. 4-H offers volunteer development and volunteer

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management for our various volunteers Through volunteer development volunteers can build knowledge and skills related to working with youth.

Volunteer management includes structures and systems that create a supportive environment for volunteers.

Youth remain our top priority in 4-H and we desire to promote an environment which encourages positive youth development. All volunteers within 4-H are required to complete an application process, background check, watch a volunteer orientation, and watch a safety of minors training.

All of this is part of the University of Minnesota’s risk management strategy to prevent child abuse and ensure the safety of all youth participants that are involved with 4-H. This process

R

also protects the volunteers and the University of Minnesota.

In Freeborn County we currently have 120+ “screened” adult volunteers and short term staff that work with our young people. These may be the leaders in the clubs, special leaders in the county, or just helpers for certain projects one time per year. We appreciate all of our adult volunteers and want to again say THANK-YOU for your time and dedication you have given to Freeborn County 4-H. For more information on 4-H or how you can volunteer with 4-H, call 3775660.

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See us for all your LP Gas needs We do installation, leak detection, and testing.

We can help with your fertilizer and chemical needs.

We also offer variable rate fertilizer.

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First of all, I want to say THANKYOU to all of you that volunteer each month whether it be for 4-H, school, church, humane society, etc.! Sometimes it is a “thankless” job. Those of us that utilize volunteers on a daily basis truly appreciate all the countless hours and time spent volunteering for the different organizations.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Two Fabrics.

Endless Choices.

Donor Advised Funds...

Duette® with DuoliteTM honeycomb shades allow you to combine two fabrics in one shade, for the ultimate in privacy and light control.

You Choose Dear Neighbor, Austin Area Foundation’s Donor Advised Fund provides a unique opportunity for giving.

This fund allows you to remain actively involved with a charitable gift while consolidating future charitable giving. It offers a simple and flexible way for you to make a difference in your community now and into the future. By recommending grant recipients from your fund, a Donor Advised Fund allows you to easily support the organizations (local or national) that matter to you.

Following your recommendations, charitable grants are then forwarded to the organizations of choice in the name of the donor(s). The minimum to establish a Donor Advised Fund is $5,000.

A personal approach to giving through a Donor Advised Fund is a convenient, flexible tool for individuals, families, businesses, or groups who want to be personally involved in suggesting grant awards made possible by their gifts.

If you have a range of community interests you may find a Donor Advised Fund an ideal vehicle for fulfilling your charitable wishes.

How it works: You make a gift to Austin Area Foundation - cash, appreciated stocks, real estate (now or future) or other assets.

A special fund is established in your name, the name of your family or business, or in honor of any person or organization you choose.

You receive tax benefits in the

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year your gift is made.

You recommend uses for the fund by working with our professional program staff to support the causes and organizations you care about most.

Your recommendations are presented to the Austin Area Foundation board for approval.

We handle all administrative details and issue grants to charities in the name of the fund you establish. (If you prefer, grants can be made anonymously).

For more information on how to set up your fund, please contact me. Giving a charitable gift to AAF is an amazing experience as you learn how to create a lasting legacy to impact the future.

Jeff Baldus

Executive Director, Austin Area Foundation jeff@austinareafoundation.org 507-434-7494

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Ground Work Starts on First of CRWDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Major CIP Initiative

By Tim Ruzek Mower SWCD

Crews dug into the ground in late fall 2016 for the first of 25 projects CRWD is planning to build over the next several years to hold and treat stormwater to improve water quality and reduce flooding.

Following more than a year of planning and landowner talks, CRWDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearly $8.5 million Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) officially began its construction phase in November with its Oelkers project along the North Branch of Dobbins Creek in Red Rock Township, southeast of Brownsdale.

A majority of the work on the nearly $50,000 stormwater retention project was done in 2016 but the onset of winter prevented its full completion.

Remaining work will resume in the spring.

Compared to others planned for CIP , the Oelkers project is one of the smaller ones but still will be highly effective.

CRWD project manager Cody Fox, who is leading the CIP efforts, expects several other projects to be constructed in 2017, including the initiativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest project planned near the Dobbins north branchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headwaters in Dexter Township.

CIP is the result of CRWD forming a Top 25 priority list in 2015 of potential projects for water quality and flood reduction in the watershed.

Based on extensive analysis and data, the projects range in size, complexity and location but mostly relate to stormwater detention, ravine stabilization and flood-risk reduction.

Most of the CIP projects planned at this point are upstream from the City

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of Austin to utilize the upland areas of Dobbins Creek and the Cedar River.

Many projects are focused on the Dobbins subwatershed because it is prone to flash flooding, contributing greatly to water-quality concerns and flooding.

Building control structures with earthen berms will reduce peak flood flows by detaining stormwater, reducing damage to downstream crops, buildings and infrastructure, such as bridges.

These structures detain and treat stormwater by creating a basin or pond at a strategic location often adjacent to rivers

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

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WATCH FOR THE NEXT FARMING IN THE HEARTLAND COMING THIS FALL! To be part of our next publication call The Freeborn County Shopper at 507-373-1310 or The Mower County Shopper at 507-437-7731 Distributed to all Rural Areas and Small Towns in BOTH Counties!

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

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“Traveling With the Professionals”

Resistance is Futile

By Mike Merten, CCA, Pioneer Sales Professional As we prepare for some time to evaluate the coming planting how they work and season (beginning whether they have the as early as the day potential to improve my we put the planter, current systems. And sprayer, or other there are usually some equipment away improvements made after using it last and tweaking done after season) we all look the initial release, before for ways to improve the product becomes how that equipment more user-friendly.

Mike Merten, CCA operates. It may Pioneer Sales Professional I will say to the ones be an upgrade, who completely ignore trade for new or newer model, or just clean the advancements and and lubricate before stowing it in the shed. view them as useless, Depending on the age of that equipment, there Resistance is Futile. For are all kinds of things we can do. And many of you ‘Next Generation’ Star Trekies out there, these would include the addition or application you may remember the episodes involving the of precision technologies. Whether it’s a new Borg invasions. The Borg were a species of monitor that would allow for VRS (variable sub-human aliens who lived in a society of the rate seeding) to apply different populations ‘One Collective’. No individuality- everyone of seeding across your field or vary the rate of worked for the good of all. Their motto was nitrogen when side dressing, row shutoffs on “you cannot survive their attack”. Resistance the planter, swath control on the sprayer, down was futile. You will be assimilated into their pressure adjusting equipment for the planter, collective, or die. or just record-keeping software that records Now I’m not saying that to resist modern and maps the operation performed, there are technology will put everyone out of business. changes that can be made.

There are as many ways to make a living off In the competitive business of farming today the land as there are farmers to try. But as (competing with the challenge of staying more and more advancements in our farming profitable that is), we need to look at these systems come along, the harder it will be to available products, evaluate them, and decide stay competitive without integrating these which ones will actually give us a good ROI systems. If everyone else is doing it, and (return on investment), then implement the operating more profitably, then you are at a ones that will. disadvantage.

As independent as farmers are, there is It needs to be mentioned that some of naturally a large spectrum of opinions about these newest technologies have the potential these new technologies. I know some who to help improve our operations from an say they don’t want or need to invest in them environmental standpoint. And we all know because they do not see the advantages in there is continually more pressure on us to do their operation, and it’s just more money that. down the tube. On the other hand there have Remember, your Pioneer sales rep is a great always been the ones who will buy the newest resource to help use these systems, from asproducts for their farm and put them to use planted mapping, VRS prescriptions, fertilizer just as soon as they’re available. I guess I find recommendations, to yield data analysis and myself somewhere in between. I do like to read hybrid evaluations, just to name a few.

15300 about and see the newest technologies, talk780th Ave | Albert Lea | 507-373-8895 Have a safe and profitable growing season. to dealers, get prices, etc.. Then it takes me

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program seeks applicants

By Tim Ruzek Mower SWCD

More farmers are wanted for applying to the second year of Minnesota’s state certification program for families doing good things for water conservation.

Mower Soil & Water Conservation District would like to meet with interested Mower County producers in assisting with an application to the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality

Certification Program (MAWQCP) offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

in 2016 were: James Anderson; Michael & Tom Cotter; Bruce & Jackie Barnum; and Arvid & Jon Jovaag.

In September, MDA officials recognized four Mower County farm families for becoming the first in the county to be certified under what’s commonly referred to as the Ag Certainty program. Together, those families enrolled more than 2,200 acres into the certification program.

“Water quality is a major focus right now in Minnesota, and this new program is a great way to recognize farmers who are meeting the state’s expectations for water quality,” said Steve Lawler, Mower SWCD resource specialist and the lead contact for the state program in Mower County.

Mower County families certified

Created by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton as a partnership between federal and state governments and private industry, the Ag Certainty program has certified more than 240 farmers in 55 counties, totaling more than 140,000 acres in just one year of statewide operation.

whole-farm basis. Producers who treat all risks to water quality on their operation are certified and deemed in compliance with new water-quality rules and laws for 10 years.

A complete list of water-friendly actions for farmers and landowners can be found at http://mn.gov/ governor/issues/wateraction/.

Mower County farmers can contact Mower SWCD resource specialist Steve Lawler at 507-434-2603.

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“Hello Everyone: I’m Ken Wurzburger.

My wife, Ruth, and I farmed for 32 years three miles north and four miles east of Austin. When we retired we were looking for a maintenance-free life style in a secure facility where we could meet new friends in a quiet, comfortable atmosphere. We found all that and much more at the Village Cooperative in Austin. If you would like to learn more about the advantages of affordable Co-op living give Norma a call.”

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Spring Days Behind the Scene by Amber Cords get the privilege to farm and run a seed and trucking business alongside my dad, uncle and cousin. So, for me, planting season can mean hair-pulling, non-stop craziness. No day is ever the same which means I can forget about a schedule or a calendar, but then I’d forget my kid’s appointments, volunteer group meetings, and when the bills are due.

During this time of the year I somehow have to manage to pile hours upon hours of extra work on top of my normal tasks and chores. I not only have to keep up with my routine of caring for my kids, making sure my husband has at least one clean pair of jeans, and being to work on time, Andy, Amber, but during planting Kenlie and Kylin

Spring is a time for regrowth; the days get longer, the weather gets nicer, and the birds start chirping once again. For many, it’s a relatively peaceful time of year, but for those of us in the Ag Industry, spring can also mean long days, sleepless nights, and sometimes utter chaos. Everyone can see the tractors rolling up and down the fields as the farmers try to successfully get another crop in the ground, but what a lot of people might not see is what goes on behind the scenes; everything it takes to keep those tractors rolling.

I am fortunate enough to not only be a farm wife (to a crop and hog farmer) and a mom (raising two beautiful little girls with a baby boy on the way), but I also

I’m also responsible for feeding a dozen men (which means cooking a meal and delivering it to the fields which can be at opposite ends of the county), ensuring our seed customers remain satisfied during seed deliveries, tendering seed to the planters, and running errands, sometimes well in to the night.

This ever-changing schedule can lead to many moments of self-doubt; the overwhelming thoughts of what’s needed next make me wonder at times if it’s all worth it. I look at our kids and wonder if it’s fair to them to have such an unbalanced schedule during these times of the year. Then I hear a “thanks for the great meal” accompanied by a sincere smile from an employee with tired eyes before he climbs back in the tractor to work through the night to beat the rain.

And climbing back in the pickup, my kids smile at me in the rear view mirror and tell me that when they grow up they want to be a farmer just like their

mom. These small moments remind me that even though I never imagined a life in the family farming business, it is the life that was designed for me.

It’s a life in which we’re teaching our kids the value of hard work just like our parents taught us, a life where our community is more important than ourselves, and a life in which our work benefits people far beyond our small stretch of land.

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To be part of our next publication call The Freeborn County Shopper at 507-373-1310 or The Mower County Shopper at 507-437-7731 Distributed to all Rural Areas & Small Towns in BOTH Counties!

And after planting is over, my work load lessens, and I can breathe again, I’ll notice the black dirt sprinkled with new green leaves, and a sense of pride will overcome me; for as important as our farmers are, I also know that it wouldn’t be possible without me and all the others that work behind the scenes. And though that may not make the long days, frustration, and exhaustion any easier, it does make it more than worth it and I know that I am doing exactly what I was meant to do.

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For Rolling the Cookies: 1/4 cup granulated sugar Sea salt, for sprinkling on top of cookies

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

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1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup unsalted butter, sliced 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt

To brown the butter, heat a thick-bottomed skillet on medium heat. Add the sliced butter, whisking frequently. Continue to cook the butter until melted. The butter will start to foam and browned specks will begin to form at the bottom of the pan.

The butter should have a nutty aroma. Watch the butter carefully because it can go from brown to burnt quickly. Remove butter from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the brown butter and sugars. Mix until blended and smooth. Beat in the egg, yolk, vanilla, and yogurt and mix until combined. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Form the dough in a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.You can chill the dough overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Measure about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Flatten the ball with the palm of your hand and place a piece of caramel in the center of the dough. Wrap the cookie dough around the caramel, making sure the caramel is completely covered with dough.

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Roll the balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place dough balls on a large baking sheet that has been lined with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper. Make sure the cookies are about 2 inches apart.

Sprinkle the cookie tops with sea salt.

Bake the cookies 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown. The centers will still be soft. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, or until set. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack and cool completely.

Note-if you want to make bigger cookies, you can put 1/2 a caramel in the center, just make sure the cookie dough is covering the caramel so it doesn’t ooze out.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

2017 Enrollment for Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Programs Producers on farms with base acres under the safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, can begin visiting the Mower County FSA county office to sign contracts and enroll for the 2017 crop year. The enrollment period will continue until Aug. 1, 2017.

Kirk W. Phelps USDA Farm Service Agency Mower County Executive Director

Since shares and ownership of a farm can change year-to-year, producers on the farm must enroll by signing a contract each program year.

If a farm is not enrolled during the 2017 enrollment period, the producers LOCfor on that farm will not be eligible AL APPRO

financial assistance from the ARC or PLC programs for the 2017 crop should crop prices or farm revenues fall below the historical price or revenue benchmarks established by the program. Producers who made their elections in 2015 must still enroll during the 2017 enrollment period.

producers when there is a substantial drop in prices or revenues for covered commodities. For more details regarding these programs, go to www. fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.

The ARC and PLC programs were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and offer a safety net to agricultural

VAL

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Schroeder ELECTRIC

For all your electrical needs!

507-402-8553 INSURED

Soil and water are essential natural resources for our domesticated animal and plant based food production systems.

With an ever increasing interest from the public on where and how their food is being produced, it is more important than ever to consider how your livestock and crops are grown and harvested. In recent years many large agricultural businesses have developed a sustainable farming division to address the farm to fork interest. Soil health continues to be at the fore front of this knowledge demanded by the public. Without soil health we will see our top soil continue to disappear and not too far into the future we will be trying to farm much less productive subsoil.

Throughout history, our relationship with the soil has affected our ability to cultivate crops and influenced the success of civilizations. This relationship between humans and food sources affirms soil as the foundation of agriculture.

Over the last few years the Freeborn Area Soil Health Team has been diligently promoting and planning new ideas of how to get land owners interested in soil health. The group has steadily grown since day one and includes local farmers, conservationists, business owners, and soil scientists. The diverse group brings a real world approach to addressing and incorporating soil health on your farm and understands that it’s not a one size fits all approach. Whether it be no till, strip till, cover crops, or any number of combinations, there is an option that will fit your operation. Several of the farmer members on the soil health team have been incorporating soil health techniques for years on their land and have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the do’s and don’ts.

We have a healthy jolt of pride for all our area agricultural businesses Lonnie Schroeder • Owner • Shop 507-787-2680 Cell 507-520-0707 24 HOUR SERVICE 507-787-2307

“YOUR ONE-STOP SEED SOURCE”

HEATH REINDAL 507-874-3863 507-473-0345

HEATH REINDAL For All Your Electrical Needs 507-874-3863 507-473-0345 Thinking of Selling Your Equipment or Land?

Consider Thompson Auction Service to Offer Your Items Locally and Worldwide Broker/Auctioneer

507-438-9646

Cell: (507) 383-1595

ThompsonAuctionService.com

Charlie Johnson Cell: (507) 525-1160

Darin Johnson Cell: (507) 383-4672

“Call us for all your grain, gravel and crushed rock hauling needs”

introducing cattle. To reserve your seat for this tour contact Steve Lawler at 507-4332343, ext 121. To keep up with our team and future events, visit and follow our Facebook page ‘Freeborn Area Soil Health Team’ or contact the Freeborn SWCD office at 507-373- 5607 ext. 3 for more information.

Customized Embroidery Hats • Jackets • Polos • Sweatshirts Denim • T-Shirts • Blankets

SPECIALTY AND TRACTOR ITEMS “It’s a Beautiful Stitchuation”

Dave Thompson

Scott Johnson

tour different farms and learn what each farm is doing to improve the health of their soils. The next scheduled event will be held May 26 th in Austin. Attendees will tour three farms on a charter bus in the Austin area to learn how each farm has improved their soils by reducing tillage, utilizing cover crops, and at times

Each year the team holds several events, open to the public, throughout the area t

50’ Bucket Truck Service and Underground Trenching Available

Josh’s Tree Service Trimming & Removal - Stump Grinding Brush Removal - Locally Owned

Soil Health: The Foundation of Agriculture

MN State Auctioneers Association Champion Auctioneer for 2017

Reinertson’s Embroidery Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 to 5:00 • www.reinertsonsembroidery.com 230 So. Washington • Downtown Albert Lea • 373-0751

EIM DRAINAGE, INC. MORR• Water Management Specialists • SPECIALIZING IN SEPTIC SYSTEMS

DESIGN ~ INSTALLATION ~ SEEDING • Conservation Construction • Land Drainage • Wildlife Ponds • Road Boring • Backhoeing • Consulting

PHILLIP OR MARK MORREIM 71610 263rd St. • Albert Lea • Office (507) 826-3449 Mark’s Cell (507) 383-6550 or Phil’s Cell (507) 330-1889

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Program Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Program assistance is available to eligible applicants who • Are unable to obtain conventional credit, • Will be the owner or renter of a not larger than family sized farm, • Have sufficient training and/or experience in managing and operating a farm, • Are citizens or lawfully admitted aliens, Show repayment ability for the requested loan, • Show sufficient security for the requested loan.

Loans are available for machinery, livestock, crop operating and real estate purposes. Now is the time to discuss 2017/2018 credit needs with your current lender. If Farm Service Agency assistance may be required, contact the Farm Service Agency as soon as possible to be ready for the 2017 operating cycle.

Other eligibility requirements apply to certain loan types. Contact the Farm Service Agency for a full discussion of your circumstances to determine if you may be eligible for loan assistance. To find your nearest office location, please visit http://offices.usda.gov.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or

funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD3027, found online at http://www.ascr. usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the

Adam J. Gritz USDA Farm Service Agency Fillmore County Farm Loan Manager

“This is a great update for Minnesota producers.”

Cream of Fresh Asparagus Soup

letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Ingredients 1 lb. fresh asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 pinch ground black pepper 1/2 cup sour cream

1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

1/2 cup chopped onion 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions In a large saucepan, combine asparagus, chopped onion, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, and simmer uncovered until asparagus is tender, about 12 minutes. Process the mixture in a blender to puree the vegetables. Set aside.

2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or 3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Whisk in the remaining chicken broth, and increase the heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture boils. Stir in the asparagus puree and the milk.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Put the sour cream in a small bowl, and stir in a ladleful of the hot soup.

Add the sour cream mixture and the lemon juice to the soup. Stir while heating the soup to serving temperature, but don’t allow it to boil. Serve immediately.

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Your farm and family are the most important things in your life. With FarMutual Insurance, we not only protect your property, we help you “safe-guard” your farm to make it safer for your family.

Insuring Farmers Since 1885

Huseby Insurance, Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sterling State Insurance, Austin . . . . . . . . . . .

First American Insurance, Brownsdale . . . . .

First American Insurance, Stewartville . . . . .

Heartman Insurance, Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

R & R Insurance, Blooming Prairie . . . . . . . . .

First LeRoy Agency, Spring Valley . . . . . . . . .

Harmony Insurance Group, Austin . . . . . . . .

Essig Agency, Spring Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Troy Thompson Agency, Albert Lea . . . . . . .

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582-3253 437-3282 567-2279 553-4486 437-4503 583-7971 346-9836 396-8050 346-7244 377-2852 433-9696

Mower County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company 1904 8th St NW • Austin, MN • 507-433-6646

Andrew Distad & Randy Akemann OWNERS

A & R Weaponry LLC BUY SELL TRADE

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Schroeder Accounting Accounting for the needs of area farmers!

Carol L. Schroeder Give l Caro ll a C a y!

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Enrolled Agent

6 S. Broadway, Wells, MN 507-553-3876 Kiester 507-294-3617

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Congratulations!

TO THE 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Congratulations 2017 Farm Family of the Year!

Freeborn & Mower County Farm Families of the Year!

Overhead Power Lines Entanglement with overhead power lines and farm equipment is one of the most common electrical hazards on the farm. Many types of farm equipment can come in contact with overhead power lines. Tractors with front-end loaders, portable grain augers, fold-up planters, dump truck beds and sprayer booms are all examples of equipment that can easily get caught in overhead power lines.

Recommendations: • LOOK UP! before moving or transporting equipment especially around buildings, grain bins or entrance/exiting fields and farms.

• Power lines should be at least 18 feet above the highest point of grain bin with which portable augers or other portable filling equipment are used.

Tim and Jodi Westrum Family ... 2017 Farm Family of the Year

Congratulations!

2017 Mower County

Farm Family of the Year

• Considering burying electric lines to reduce the risk of accidental contact.

• Remember some equipment during transportation is actually taller than when in use.

We’re 100% Committed to the Protection of Your Most Valuable Asset • Siding • Roofing new or repair • Windows • Chimneys • Skylights

• Another thing you need to be careful of is bumping into the guide wires on electrical poles. This will cause sagging in the overhead lines and will make entanglement more likely.

• Always stay alert and never take unnecessary risks.

If your equipment becomes entangled in power lines, stay in the tractor or truck unless the tractor or truck starts on fire.

Jump as far from the tractor as possible but land on both feet.

Then hop with feet together to get to safety!

If on fire, contact 911…if you are staying in the vehicle, contact FMCS Operations at 800-734-6421.

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A golden pledge warranty is the only warranty that requires the entire roof system to be from GAF, a single manufacturer.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Shopper

The Staying Safe on the Farm and in the Field

Farm Safety Refresher Tips

FREEBORN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

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Farm Safety Tips Farm Buildings & Grounds

Perform a safety check of buildings and grounds for obvious fire hazards and hazardous materials.

Store farm chemicals securely where kids and animals can’t access them. Then make a list of the chemicals for firefighters in the event of a fire on your property.

Keep weeds and grasses trimmed so tractor and ATV drivers won’t run into hidden obstacles and holes that can cause the vehicle to overturn.

Maintain clean and neat work areas with tools stored out of the way.

Establish a safety boundary around gas and diesel fuel tanks and other flammable substances.

Personal Farm Safety

Don’t wear loose clothing around equipment or work areas.

Use safety equipment the way it was intended.

That means appropriate gloves, hearing protection and safety eyewear, not to mention face masks and respirators when working in dusty conditions.

Always have a helper nearby when entering grain bins, breeding pens or any high-risk area.

Discuss safety concerns with children as

you explain safe handling and operating procedures. Practice what you preach, and they will practice it, too.

Tractors & Implements

Keep tractor roll-over protection structures in place. If you have a tractor without one, get it installed today … and while you’re at it, buckle your seat belt.

Prohibit riders on tractor fenders, hitches, attachments or implements.

Shield all PTO-powered equipment drive shafts, and keep kids at a distance from them.

Never start or run engines in an enclosed area without being assured of good ventilation.

Outfit tractors and farm trucks with fire extinguishers and first aid kits.

Never exit a tractor or truck without placing it in park or engaging the emergency brakes.

Never leave running power equipment unattended.

Check and maintain equipment, especially hydraulic hoses and electrical cables showing cracks or other signs of wear.

Livestock

Keep animals in good health. An animal in pain and discomfort can react aggressively.

Treat farm animals with respect. If understand their behavior, you’ll be ready for their actions.

and

Freeborn County

Shopper The Mower County

Would like to remind all our area farmers to be alert to the dangers and practice farm safety this season!

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Ingredients 1 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup ketchup 3/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce 1/3 cup sherry or chicken broth 2-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic 24 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 5 pounds) Directions In a small bowl, mix the first six ingredients. Reserve 1-1/3 cups for basting; cover and refrigerate. Divide remaining marinade between two large resealable plastic bags. Add 12 chicken thighs to each; seal bags and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Drain and discard marinade from chicken. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack.

Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until no longer pink; baste occasionally with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes.

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. + marinating Grill: 15 min. MAKES: 12 servings

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Spring 2017

Clip and Save

Clip and Save

Clip and Save

2017 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule

Date City Day Time 4-26 Freeborn Wed 12-3 5-10 Hollandale Wed 12-3 FREEBORN COUNTY 5-13 Albert Lea Sat 9-12 RESIDENTS ONLY 5-18 Alden Thurs 3-6 freeborn NO EARLY DROP-OFFS 5-31 Geneva Wed 3-6 *It is illegal to drop off and leave county items meant for collection without 6-3 Albert Lea Sat 9-12 minnesota registering.

6-8 Emmons Thurs 12-3 Written survey is required of all participants. Residents may attend 6-20 Hayward Tues 12-3 www.co.freeborn.mn.us any collection in any city.

6-27 Hartland Tues 12-3 7-8 Albert Lea Sat 9-12 The Albert Lea Hazardous Waste Collections are held at the City Transfer Station, 2506 W. Richway Dr. 7-13 Twin Lakes Thurs 3-6 Collections in other cities are generally near a city hall 7-19 Clarks Grove Wed 12-3 or fire station.

8-19 Albert Lea Sat 9-12 Farmers may bring their unwanted agriculture pesticides to the hazardous waste 9-9 Albert Lea Sat 9-12 collections for disposal. Funding for this program is provided by the Minnesota Department of Agricul-ture Waste Pesticide 9-14 Glenville Thurs 12-3

SPRING 2017

Farming in the

Heartland

Collection Program in cooperation with Freeborn County.

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An Agricultural, Farming & Rural Development Supplement Covering Freeborn County, Mower County & Surrounding Areas