SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 | Page 1B
Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties
BENTON AG Plus
Sauk Rapids Herald
| SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019
Minnesota extends prevented plant crop reporting deadline
Bekius keeps open mind when making decisions
Many counties have until July 15 ST. PAUL – The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency is extending the prevented plant crop reporting deadline for Minnesota producers affected by spring flooding and excessive moisture. Producers in many counties have until July 15 to report acres they intended to plant this spring but could not due to weather conditions. Counties include Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Cass, Carver, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Mahnomen,
Prevented plant page 2B
PHOTO BY JENNIFER COYNE
Ken Bekius milks 75 cows on his family’s farm near Milaca. Bekius has withstood the depressed dairy economy by adapting various management practices to his farm.
An open-mind mentality has benefited Bekius as he continues his 75-cow dairy near Milaca. MILACA – In the almost three years Ken Bekius has Within six months of his October 2016 start up date, Bekimilked cows at his family’s farm site, he cannot think of one us reevaluated his reproduction. A local veterinarian recommanagement technique that has remained the same. mended Bekius follow an ovsynch protocol. “I don’t feel one certain thing has stayed the same since “I used to wait until the cows were 60-70 days in milk, I started,” Bekius said. “If I hear of a new idea, I try it, and Bekius page 3B if I don’t like it, I do something different.” BY JENNIFER COYNE | STAFF WRITER
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Page 2B | SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
BENTON AG
Top Minnesota dairy farms honored for superior cow care Herds with lowest somatic cell count are recognized
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ST. PAUL – Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen released the annual list of top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell counts in June. Somatic cell count is a key indicator of milk quality – a lower SCC is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life for bottled milk. One hundred fifteen dairy farms are recognized for superior herd management skills by achieving an average SCC of under 100,000. “Minnesota’s dairy industry has been struggling with low milk prices for a number of years, so it’s important to recognize these farmers who have worked hard to manage their herds,” Petersen said. “Achieving low somatic cell count doesn’t happen
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BENTON COUNTY Denn-Mar Farm LLC. - First District Association Brandon and Jill Marshik - Gilman Cooperative Creamery. Mitchell Mehrwerth - Gilman Cooperative Creamery. Jeff Montag - Gilman Cooperative Creamery. New Heights Dairy - Foley, Land O’Lakes Inc. Schmitt Dairy Inc. - Sunrise Ag Cooperative. Jason Smelter - Bongards’ Creameries. MILLE LACS COUNTY Michael Herzing - First District Association.
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MORRISON COUNTY Enchanted Dairy LLP. - Land O’Lakes Inc. Holmgren Farm - Bongards’ Creameries. Shawn and Sarah Winscher - Sunrise Ag Cooperative. STEARNS COUNTY Robert and Ann Cremers - First District Association. Joe and Kim Engelmeyer - Bongards’ Creameries. Felling Dairy LLC - First District Association.
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overnight, and I’m pleased to award these 115 farms for their high level of excellence.” Although somatic cells occur naturally and are not a food safety concern, dairy farmers monitor them because they can be used as a measure of the health of their cows. Processors also pay a premium for milk with low counts. A farmer whose herd has a very low count can receive a significantly higher price per hundredweight compared to a farmer whose herd average is high. For more than 15 years, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and University of Minnesota dairy experts have worked with the state’s dairy farmers to lower somatic cell counts. When the initiative began in 2003, the 100 herds honored that year included those with SCC averages as high as 144,000, compared to the current goal of obtaining a SCC under 100,000.
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Scott and Denise Gathje - First District Association. Gregory Dairy LLC. - First District Association. Herdering Farms Inc. - Land O’Lakes Inc. Corey and Missy Kremer - First District Association. Kuechle Dairy LLC. - First District Association. Mark and Brenda Leukam - First District Association. Paul Mehr - First District Association. Cory and Jenna Middendorf - First District Assocation. Jeff Middendorf - First District Association. Nick Pramann - First District Association. Travis and Angela Scherping - National Farmers Organization. Schiffler Dairy LLC. - First District Association. Nicholas and Annie Stalboeger - Bongards’ Creameries. Brandon Stommes - Land O’Lakes Inc. Reuben and Janice Stommes - First District Association. Stephen and Cheryl Wiechman - Land O’Lakes. Wilwerding Dairy South - First District Association. John Willenbring - Land O’Lakes Inc.
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Prevented plant from front
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Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Pipestone, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wright and Yellow Medicine. The new deadline coincides with the July 15 FSA crop acreage reporting deadline that is already in place. “Producers need to report prevented plant acres to retain eligibility for FSA program benefits,” Joe Martin, state executive director said. “In many areas of the state, excessive moisture has made it challenging for producers to get into their fields to plant, and this deadline extension provides reporting flexibility.” Normally, the prevented plant reporting deadline is 15 calendar days after the final planting date for a crop as established by FSA and the Risk Management Agency. The prevented plant reporting deadline extension to July 15 only applies to FSA and does not change any RMA crop insurance reporting deadline requirements.
The prevented plant reporting deadline extension to July 15 only applies to FSA and does not change any RMA crop insurance reporting deadline requirements. However, the extension does not apply to crops covered by FSA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. Producers should check with their FSA office regarding prevented plant provisions for NAP-covered crops. Producers are encouraged to contact the FSA office as soon as possible to make an appointment to report prevented plant acres and submit their spring crop acreage report. Benton County’s FSA office can be contacted at 320-968-5300 or 14 Second Ave. W., Foley. For information regarding RMA crop insurance, contact an approved insurance provider. To find a provider, visit https://www.rma.usda.gov/ information-tools/agent-locator-page.
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 | Page 3B
BENTON AG
Bekius from front and then if I didn’t catch a natural heat, I would synch them,” Bekius said. “But with not enough help on the dairy, the cows don’t always go outside every day and catching heats is hard.” When Bekius started dairying, he purchased a 42-cow registered herd. In selecting bulls for high components, and structurally sound udder and feet and legs, Bekius has improved the quality of his herd. “Growing up, I always heard my dad say, ‘If you can keep good feet and legs under them, you can make them milk,’” Bekius said. Bekius admitted while functionality is important, he also looks at type. “One of the best things I’ve done to cut costs is stop attending dairy dispersals, otherwise I was finding ways to buy nice cattle,” he said. “I’ve always liked big, fancy cows, but big cows are not the most profitable.” Instead, Bekius developed his herd from within, calving in 46 heifers over the course of the first two winters. With a rapidly growing herd, Bekius has also taken a proactive approach to herd health. Calves are vaccinated against crypto and rotovirus within 12 hours of birth. “No one gets more or less care than the animal next to her,” Bekius said. “I don’t like getting a sick calf or cow, because if I have to cull her I feel like I failed.” To improve cow comfort and longevity, Bekius worked with an agriculture vendor to install new cow mattresses in the tiestall barn in 2017. The vendor financed the project and created a payment plan Bekius could afford based on his milk check, and one he could pay off within a
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“There’s light at the end of the tunnel. Those of us who are still farming are the ultimate underdog story.” - Ken Bekius While Bekius has changed a lot in his farming practices, some tried and true practices have served the 24-year-old well.
Bekius continues crop farming with his father, Curt, and three brothers, Shawn, Brad and Doug. Between the family members, they share equipment and labor, farming about 800 acres in Mille Lacs County. “We follow the great
banker. Together, they have worked to see Bekius’ dairy stays afloat. By seeing the business on paper, Bekius has managed his finances better and conscientiously makes smart business choices. At the beginning of this year, Bekius created a cash flow statement reflective of his 2018 average milk price of $15.75. While the markets are more favorable, planning for less will further Bekius’ vision as a young dairy farmer. He looks online for hay for sale and has taken on custom planting. Last fall, Bekius also worked part time for a cattle exporter. “The secret to success is farming with your heart, but you have to farm with your checkbook first,” he said. All of these decisions have carried Bekius through the economic slump and positioned him for a longer career in the industry – a goal he has as the third generation of dairy farmers. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” Bekius said. “Those of us who are still farming are the ultimate underdog story.”
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The stalls in Ken Bekius’s barn have new mattresses in them, like the two shown in this picture. Bekius replaced the mattresses on his own to improve cow comfort and reduce the costs of contracted work.
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year. “That was a project I was really dreading because of the cost, but my brother pushed me to get 10 mats replaced at a time,” Bekius said. “I’ve seen a bump in production, and the cows and me feel better standing on them. I should’ve done this when I first started milking.”
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Ken Bekius shows one of his favorite cows in the barn at his farm near Milaca. Bekius breeds for high components, and structurally sound udder and feet and legs.
American barter system, and it’s worked really well for us,” Bekius said. Last year was the first time the family experimented with double cropping, planting triticale and peas. This year, they strictly planted triticale and will be planting forage sorghum by the end of the month. Bekius’ mother, Jackie, also feeds the calves and his brothers relief milk. “I’ve never had any hired labor, so that means I’m sometimes burning the midnight oil,” Bekius said. “The key to all of this is the help I get from family.” The dairyman also gives credit to people in the industry who he works with and looks to for advice for managing through depressed milk prices, admitting it has not been an easy journey. “2018 was really tough,” Bekius said. “Last winter, things were really bad and I was second guessing everything. One farmer said what got him through the ‘80s was he had other farmers to lean on.” Aside from active and retired farmers, Bekius maintains a sound relationship with his farm business management instructor and
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Page 4B | SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
BENTON AG
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Benton County 4-H members play in the water at Camp Benton June 25 which took place at the Koinonia Retreat Center in South Haven. Benton 4-H had two age groups participate in the two session camp June 24-28.
Calling all campers Benton 4-H hosts annual summer outing BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
SOUTH HAVEN – Arriving at Camp Benton at 3 p.m. June 25, a person was quick to realize there was not a better way to spend the day. As temperatures inched toward 80 degrees, counselors and campers splashed and swam on the shorelines of Lake Sylvia in South Haven.
Benton County 4-H members participated in summer camp at the Koinonia Retreat Center June 24-28. The site replaced the former 4-H camp headquarters, Ann Lake Campground, in Zimmerman after a suspected arson destroyed the buildings in May 2018. Two age groups – children who have completed second, third
and fourth grades and children who have completed fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades – joined 23 camp counselors and adult chaperones Jen Pozorski, Scott Morris, Joyce Belanger, Jeannie Boyle and Russ Beauchamp for two three-day camp sessions. The theme was “4-H the Mighty Jungle.” Campers began their days with an optional polar swim. They continued with ice breakers, networking, and flag and reflection time. “William (Schneider) and I are in charge of flag and reflection,” said Isabel Rudnitski, camp counselor. “Every morning we hang up the 4-H flag and the American flag, and we reflect on what’s going to happen throughout the day.”
Rudnitski said at night, campers take the flags down and reflect on the day once more. On their individual Camp Benton 2019 water bottles, the participants
place stickers of how they are feeling to remind them of their camp experience. Campers also partook in networking, team building and more. They learned facts about
jungles, went on a treasure hunt, canoed in Lake Sylvia, created slime and volcano science projects, cooked over an open fire, sang songs and performed skits.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Claudia Chmielewski (left) and Lydia Kowitz sit at Camp Benton the week of June 24-28. The participants were guided by 23 camp counselors throughout the week. PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Kolben Pozorski, of Foley, attempt to catch a water balloon June 25 in South Haven. A group of Benton County 4-H summer campers participated in a catching competition, eliminating those whose balloons burst.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Camp counselors Isabel Rudnitski and Daniel Halvorsen, both of Foley, are dressed in costumes for a game at Camp Benton in South Haven.
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Gracey Tillemans, of Sauk Rapids, and Breya Goshong, of St. Cloud, sit together June 25 on the shoreline of Lake Sylvia in South Haven. The two Benton County 4-H members participated in the third through fifth grade camp June 24-26.
BENTON AG
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 | Page 5B
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Dillen Matvick, of Hillman, sits next to Daniel Halvorsen, Wyatt Ackerman (from left), Isabel Rudnitski, Kolben Pozorski, Reese Miller, Nicole Ackerman and Teagan Eggert of Foley, who makes an announcement from the docks fold flags during the flag and reflection session of camp June 24 at Koinonia Retreat Center in South Haven. Benton at Lake Sylvia June 25 in South Haven. The two were County 4-H hosts Camp Benton on the grounds after a fire destroyed Ann Lake Campground, Camp Benton’s counselors at the summer camp hosted by Benton County 4-H. previous location, in May 2018. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Tristyn Pozorski, of Foley, grasps a beach ball in the water at Koinonia Retreat Center in South Haven June 25. The high that day was 80 degrees.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Gracy Tillemans (center, from left) and Breya Goshong; (back, clockwise from left) Olivia Voight, Addison Jernberg, Emery Olson, Kaylee Ratka, Mitchel Spiczka, Jack Dahler, Noah Rosenberger and Jackson Rasmusson huddle around a table at Camp Benton June 25 in South Haven. Over 80 campers participated in the camp.
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Camp counselor Jackson Ackerman, of Rice, lifts a watermelon into the air June 25 at Lake Sylvia in South Haven. The campers played keep-away with a Vaseline covered watermelon in the water.
Brenda Wiley (left) and Macie Ratka, both of Foley, stand inside a gaga ball pit at Camp Benton June 25 in South Haven. The girls played the dodgeball type game with a beach ball following an afternoon swim.
Page 6B | SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
BENTON AG
DNR invites public to Little Rock Creek data collection SAUK RAPIDS – Are you curious about how the DNR collects data from streams? The public is invited to learn and see firsthand Thursday, July 11. DNR staff will be near the Little Rock Creek at 1 p.m. to demonstrate how they gather data about streambed types, vegetation and fish. DNR staff will demonstrate electrofishing equipment used to stun, count and identify the minnows and larger fish in Little Rock Creek. They will describe how they record streambed types, water depth and speeds, whether there are logs or vegetation either in the stream or over the water. The collected data will be used to inform groundwater flow analysis in the Little Rock Creek Area. Enhanced data collection and analysis is one of several key actions outlined in the Sustainable Use of Groundwater in the Little Rock Creek Area Plan. Anyone interested in learning more about the plan can visit the project web page at http://mndnr.gov/littlerock. From the McDonald’s fast food restaurant in Rice, travel 1.3 miles northeast on Pine Road Northwest, turn left on 15th Avenue Northwest and travel 2.2 miles to the T. Turn right and travel 250 feet. Turn left on 15th Avenue Northwest (minimum maintenance road) and travel .5 miles to the edge of the woods. Park and walk down the road .1 miles to the site. The event will take place at the bridge over Little Rock Creek.
Aquifers The world’s underground sources of water, which 2 billion people rely on, are in serious trouble. Since 2003, researchers from the University of California Irvine have been working with NASA scientists using their Gravity Recovery and BY ROGER STROM Climate Experiment The Business of Farming satellites to measure changes in aquifers. They have concluded that, as the result of increasing human demand combined with global warming, 21 of the world’s 37 largest aquifers are beyond the tipping point and are being drained faster than they can recharge. The Arabian Aquifer System that serves more than 60 million people is in the worst condition, with little chance of recovery, followed by the aquifer under northern Africa and the Indus Basin aquifer which supplies much of India’s water needs. Jay Famiglietti, a water scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California said the situation is quite critical, and the water table is dropping all over the world. Of those water sources for the United States, California’s Central Valley Aquifer is in the worst condition. Also in trouble is the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains Aquifer which is under the southeast coastal states and down into Florida. The good news is the three aquifers supplying water for those of us in the middle of the country are actually in pretty good shape. Not only have the water sources changed, but they were also able to determine that some of those underground water supplies may be smaller than earlier estimates. What is not known, is how much water is in those aquifers. The satellite data can only measure change not volume. As for the Central Valley Aquifer, it’s now estimated that over 100,000 wells are tapping into it. Many of those wells are drying up and well drillers cannot keep up with the demand for even deeper wells. On average, people and farms would normally rely on the aquifers for about 35% of their needs but during the California drought that percentage increased to 65% and remains above average. Some experts predict California will eventually have to get all of its water from an aquifer that has been dropping 2 feet a year in some areas. Californians will not be the only ones to feel the impact. That same aquifer supplies over 15% of the groundwater for the entire country. Based on the NASA findings and predictions for the future, maybe now is the time to reevaluate the spending of millions of dollars to see if there was ever water on Mars. Money that might be better spent on developing an economical and sustainable method of removing salt from ocean water, so we can be assured of having enough water and food for future generations on the planet we are currently inhabiting. … just sayin’.
58%
of Facebook users say they have taken a break from the social media network for several weeks or more in the last year. SOURCE Pew Research Center survey of 3,413 Facebook users.
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 | Page 7B
BENTON AG
Watch out for liver flukes this summer
MDA helps ag professionals prepare for tough conversations ST. PAUL – Stressful times in agriculture can trigger bad news and difficult conversations. In response, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering “Navigating Conflict & Tough Conversations in Agriculture,” a workshop designed to help agriculture professionals navigate potentially contentious situations. “Farmers are having a tough time right now,” said Thom Petersen, agriculture commissioner. “There’s a lot on the line, and we recognize that lenders, agency staff, clergy, educators, veterinarians, agricultural advisors and business people can find themselves trying to help in situations where emotions run high.” Workshop topics include reducing anxiety and fear about interpersonal conflict; understanding how selfawareness and group
dynamics contribute to successful outcomes; exploring the connection between conflict and change; and precautions participants can take to keep themselves safe at work – both in and outside their office. University of Minnesota Extension Educator Denise Stromme and law
enforcement will teach the workshop at six locations in June and July. All sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon. - July 9, South Central College, 1225 Third St. S.W., Faribault. - July 10, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, 1540 Northway Dr., St. Cloud. The workshop is free but space is limited. Register at http://www. navigationing-conflictin-ag.eventbrite.com
or by calling 651-2016012. All participants will receive certificates of attendance. Several organizations have approved continuing education credits. Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event should contact Stephen Moser at 651-201-6012 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 as soon as possible.
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that most economic losses would be due to liver condemnation at slaughter. However, there are greater hidden financial losses experienced by beef producers once their cattle become infected with liver flukes. Reduced average daily gain, lower feed conversion, reduced milk production and lower weaning weights are the most common productivity losses. In addition, several feedlot studies in feeder cattle infected with even low levels of liver flukes indicate that rate of gain can be significantly reduced. The financial bottom line is liver flukes can be responsible for hidden economic losses in the beef cattle industry. Taking prevention measures now can help avoid losses down the road. Look at reducing exposure to wet, marshy areas where the larvae thrive best and where you are most likely to have snails. Next, look at deworming programs with your veterinarian. Two oral dewormers are available that are effective against liver flukes: clorsulon and albendazol. There is also an injectable dewormer, which is a combination of ivermectin and clorsulon. All the drugs have advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, ease of administration, withdrawal times and effectiveness. Consult your veterinarian to be certain which product will work best for your operation.
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In the summer, beef producers have a the gut wall, cross the peritoneum and laundry list of parasites to watch out for. penetrate the liver capsule and bile ducts. Some parasites have obvious symptoms Symptoms associated with liver and can be easily treated. Others are more flukes include reduced weight gain, difficult to manage. Liver flukes are caused reduced milk yields, reduced fertility, by the parasite Fasciola hepatica. Fluke anemia and diarrhea. However, a liver eggs are passed in the feces of the animal, fluke infestation is typically subclinical, and they hatch into motile miracidia. The so you may not even know you have liver miracidia must find a host within three flukes unless you have a post-mortem hours of hatching. The typical host is a completed or you receive feedback from snail. The infected snails will eventually the packing plant about condemned shed cercaria, which are motile and will BY EMILY WILMES livers. Therefore, producers should look attach themselves to surfaces, such as at post-mortem examination or carcass University of grass blades where they become the information from the packing plant as an MN Extension infective metacercariae. These are then essential diagnostic tool. ingested by the final host, completing the life cycle. Condemnation of the liver at the packing plant Once inside cattle, metacercariae migrate through can be caused by one liver fluke. One would expect
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Page 8B | SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
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SYSTEMS Good HOME COMFORT
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BA27-1B-KB
HUBBARD, HEIMS & PURINA FEEDS
Co-op Creamery BA27-1B-KB
Now Available
FFull-Color GGraphics SSignage!
Located in the Sauk Centre Herald Office 522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Call 320-352-6577 Ask for Joyce or Logan!
Call Today!
16623 Ironwood RD NE, Oak Park, MN Store hours: M-F 8 to 5 & Sat 8 to 12
We Design And Do Signs Of All Kinds!
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320.968.7864
ALL SHOW FEEDS
REGISTER TO WIN
Aluminum alloy construction with lens cover. #7538788
Fly Control Supplements
Oak Park
13.50 for a 50lb. bag!
$
MANY OTHER DOOR BUSTERS AVAILABLE. STOP IN TODAY!
What's Bugging Your Cows? Enjoy the 4th of July ! weekend
ON SALE
JULY DOOR BUSTERS
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Reiny Hanneken - Manager | 401 S. Main St. | Pierz, MN • 320-468-2516
Our Gilman 17% Show Feed
BOAT LETTERING • ALL YOUR FARM SIGN NEEDS SNOWMOBILE LETTERING & DESIGNS AND MUCH MORE!
404 County Road 50 • Avon, Minnesota 56310 South Side of I-94 320-356-2412 • www.midsotatrailersales.com Roto Tillers
Enclosed Trailers
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Grapples
Varieties of Trailers
Serving Central MN since established in 1971 (47 years in business) AM SELLING “A QUALITY TE IPMENT” QUALITY EQU
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