THE LAND ~ January 24, 2020 ~ Southern Edition

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THE LAND — JANUARY 24/JANUARY 31, 2020

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

Viewing under the influence P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLIV ❖ No. 2 28 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Cooking With Kristin In The Garden Calendar of Events Mielke Market Weekly Farm Programs Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-4 4 5 6 6 8 11 19-20 22-27 27 28

STAFF

Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Kristin Kveno: kkveno@thelandonline.com Staff Writer Emeritus: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives: James McRae: jmcrea@TheLandOnline.com Ryan Landherr: rlandherr@TheLandOnline.com Office/Advertising Assistants: Joan Compart: theland@TheLandOnline.com Lyuda Shevtsov: auctions@thelandonline.com For Customer Service Concerns: (507) 345-4523, (800) 657-4665, theland@TheLandOnline.com Fax: (507) 345-1027 For Editorial Concerns or Story Ideas: (507) 344-6342, (800) 657-4665, editor@TheLandOnline.com Because of the nature of articles appearing in The Land, product or business names may be included to provide clarity. This does not constitute an endorsement of any product or business. Opinions and viewpoints expressed in editorials or by news sources are not necessarily those of the management.

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“Wet and cold sums up the weather for Just as it’s not a good idea to drive 2019,” the report states. “The average after having cocktails, it’s not a good idea annual temperature for 2019 was 39.6 F. to write a column right after watching This ranks as the 12th lowest average the Democratic candidate’s debate. A annual temperature recorded in 134 tidal wave of thoughts need to be sorted years. The year started with five months out before putting pen to paper; because of below normal temperatures. Nine ... well, I don’t know what to think. months were below average and three Set aside for a moment the bludgeoning were slightly above average.” deja-vu of hearing the same things said in the sixth debate that you heard in the LAND MINDS As we would expect, January was cold. first debate. Let’s face it – there weren’t The Center in Morris recorded a nearBy Paul Malchow too many surprises coming out of Des record cold of -32 on Jan. 31. And it Moines. stayed cold. February ranked fifth for the lowest average temperatures in But what really gets me going is three the last 134 years. The mean temperaof the Big Four DFL candidates have already had extensive careers in government; yet sud- ture for February was 2 F (average, 13.3 F). Also, denly they will obtain super political powers (if elect- the center recorded 17.8 inches of snow in February which was the ninth most snow recorded for the ed president) which will enable them to provide month. Cold temperatures and abundant snow conhealth care for everyone, clean air and global peace. tinued in March. The mean temperature for March Where have they been up to this point? Each candidate has an impressive list of accomplishments, to was 6.6 degrees below the average.

As the calendar turned to April, temperatures be sure. But under their already substantial guidance, the folks in America’s cheap seats are hurting. were reluctant to budge. Those April showers came And I think the social/economic gap is getting worse. down in flakes as snowfall for the month was recorded at 13.3 inches. This is the third-highest I heard a report this weekend stating there are 2,153 billionaires in the world. These 2,153 individ- amount of snow recorded in April in 134 years.

Once the snow finally turned to rain, the rain uals hold more wealth than the “bottom” 4.6 billion people combined – or 60 percent of the earth’s popu- wouldn’t stop. Above-average precipitation started in May and continued for six months. Five and fiftylation. three hundredths and 6.64 inches of rain fell in At the risk of sounding like a socialist, I think August and September respectively. This was the there are plenty of historical examples of empires second-highest precipitation recorded in September. collapsing from the failure of the wealthy few to recOctober was cooler than normal with a mean temognize the needs of the many. Google “French perature of 42 F, which is 4.8 degrees below the Revolution.” average. The cool weather brought on – you guessed Family farms – especially dairies – keep disapit – more snow. On Oct. 12 the Center in Morris pearing while mega-agricultural conglomerates recorded 2.1 inches of snow breaking a record which keep getting bigger and bigger. Comments from U.S. was in place since 1898. Killing frost (below 28 F) Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue about getting big or get- was recorded on Oct. 14. However, snow and long ting out indicate what side of the bread is being durations of temperatures below freezing - but buttered. We’re finding out the USDA’s tariff relief above 28 F - caused many plants to be killed before payments have been disproportionally distributed this date. … the biggest (and not necessarily the neediest) getIn 2019, the total growing degree days for May ting the most. through September was 2221 in comparison to the Much like Lucy pulling the football away from average of 2352. In 2018 we accumulated 2594 Charlie Brown’s oncoming kick, the debates suck growing degree days. me in every time. (Well, almost every time. There The Center reported a total of 34.94 inches of prehave been a few and I may have missed one.) Before cipitation fell in 2019 which is 10.56 inches above each debate I anticipate some sort of breakthrough – some indication that this election will be different. the average and beat the last record set in 1984 (31.10 inches of precipitation). During the growing I’m not looking for a blockbuster declaration. It season of 2019 (April to September), 27.65 inches of wouldn’t have to be big. I just would like to sit up rain was recorded. The average is 18.36 inches. and say, “Yes! By George, you’ve got it!” Any sort of What is in store for 2020? Only time will tell. inkling there is a world out there beyond Wall Hopefully the meteorological and political climate Street and Washington, D.C. would be fine. will be more favorable. n Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land.

More people like to talk about the weather than polHe may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com.❖ itics, so I’ll pass along the 2019 weather summary

OPINION

from the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, Minn.

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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — JANUARY 24/JANUARY 31, 2020

Brexit, Boris and boxing in United Kingdom farmers Events, like stars, can at deals with both the times align just enough for 28-nation (soon to be 27) EU you to glimpse your destiny. bloc and the UK’s closest If you’re lucky, that sneak ally, the United States. peek is the critical break you Johnson announced he’d need for success. If you’re have trade treaties with unlucky, the starry view both (claiming a U.S.-UK spins off into the universe deal will lead the way) in unseen. place by Dec. 31. It was FARM & FOOD FILE brash talk for the strawFarmers in the United haired wunderkind who rose

By Alan Guebert Kingdom got that peek from mayor of London to after the June 2016 vote the toast of London in which approved Great just three years. It was, Britain, Scotland and however, exactly what UK Northern Ireland’s exit – or Brexit – farmers and manufacturers wanted to from the rule-heavy, bureaucratic hear.

European Union. The glimpse wasn’t exactly pretty, but UK farmers – tired But talk, even in proper English, is of EU rules and restrictions from cheap; and Johnson’s unrealistic timeBrussels – favored Brexit by a large table didn’t address UK agriculture’s majority. two, key concerns: What will he do to ensure farmers aren’t shut out of Last December, that vote was reafEuropean markets. Sixty percent of firmed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s sweeping Conservative Party current UK ag exports go to EU counwin in national elections. A week later, tries. The UK must also protect domestic markets against cheap food Parliament set Jan. 31 as Brexit’s “leave date.” It also gave Johnson wide imports as trade negotiations proceed. latitude to negotiate bilateral trade UK farmers should be concerned,

OPINION

IS YOUR GRAIN DRYER YOUR HARVEST BOTTLENECK?

writes Joe Stanley, in the Jan. 14 issue of Farmers Weekly – an authoritative UK farm publication. Stanley describes himself as a “third generation arable and beef farmer” in Leicestershire.

“According to official statistics,” he notes, “16 percent of farms made losses between 2014 and 2017. A quarter of farming households live below the poverty line, 61 percent of farm income derives from direct payments and 86 percent of total farm profits consist of CAP support.”

Those last two points are buckets of cold water on what farmers now want Parliament to provide to stay even with their soon-to-be competitor neighbors who continue to float on the EU river of Common Agricultural Policy, or CAP, payments UK farmers are about to give up.

What will they do? What would you do if – like those farmers – 86 percent of your farm’s total profit vanishes Jan. 31?

Facing that cliff, why exactly did UK farmers heavily favor Brexit?

Because, Stanley explains, those very same figures represent an unwelcome, crippling dependency: “…many farmers live a desperate existence, kept afloat only by the current level of support from the CAP.” And, under CAP, “The price we receive for a tonne of wheat hasn’t changed since the 1980s, yet the per-

centage of disposable household income spent on food has fallen from 30 to 8 percent ... This is a terrific achievement – borne by the overdrafts of farmers.”

As such, Stanley surmises, the real problem isn’t the EU or its CAP; “(I)t’s public demand for ever-cheaper food.”

Exactly; but jumping out of CAP with no alternative in place is either a supreme act of faith or an extreme act of foolishness. Prime Minister Johnson has promised to step into the breach, Stanley wryly notes, with a new program to “end direct support for farmers, replacing it with as-yet-amorphous (but much reduced) ‘public money for public goods.’”

Right now, however, Johnson’s promises are political fog. Worse, a trainload of trouble is headed his way. A Jan. 10 analysis by Bloomberg Economics shows Brexit has cost the UK economy $170 billion already and, by year’s end, that cost will rise to a staggering $260 billion.

That means sometime in June, Brexit’s opening costs to the UK will surpass its net, 47-year contribution (about $230 billion) to the EU. After that, they’re in uncharted space searching for stars to show them a way home.

The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the United States and Canada. Past columns, events and contact information are posted at www. farmandfoodfile.com. v

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Up to 30 participants will be selected

for Class XI, said Executive Director Olga Reuvekamp. Applications will be accepted through April 24. The first Class XI session will be in Nov. 23-24 in St. Cloud, Minn.

Reuvekamp said the application form, instructions and answers to frequently asked questions are available online at www.marlprogram.org/application. Interested individuals can join special webinars, and may contact Reuvekamp at (507) 537-6430; or via email at Olga.reuvekamp@smsu.edu.

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THE LAND — JANUARY 24/JANUARY 31, 2020

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PAGE 5

Feel a little lighter with these healthy smoothies peanut butter banana smoothie, We’re in the thick of winthen give this a try. ter, and for some of us, we’re looking a little thicker too.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Too many holiday cookies https://fitfoodiefinds.com/peanutand bars, not enough fresh butter-banana-smoothie/ fruits and veggies. Smoothies are the perfect way to enjoy 2 cups sliced frozen bananas fruits and veggies on the go, 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt while not feeling deprived of 1/2 teaspoon ground flax COOKING a sweet treat as well. If 1 cup milk WITH KRISTIN you’re feeling a little fluffy 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

By Kristin Kveno or simply want to give your 2 tablespoons all-natural peanut body the good ingredients it butter craves, then give these smoothies a try. Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and There’s a smoothie shop in Santa Barbara, Ca- blend on high until smooth. lif. that makes a peanut butter banana smoothie n that’s worth driving across the country to get.

Need to add some greens into your life? SpinOK, I’m being dramatic, but it’s really that good. ach in a smoothie is a great way to add those I found this recipe which is a close second. It’s healthy, filling and tastes great. If you can’t head vital nutrients. Throw in an apple and pear plus a dash of cinnamon to make it tasty. to Santa Barbara, but you still want a delicious

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STEM grants available ST. LOUIS — Beginning Jan. 1, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education is partnering with farmers to provide $15,000 in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) grants.

To nominate their local school district for a Grow Rural Education grant, eligible farmers in Minnesota can visit AmericasFarmers.com and complete the nomination form. After the school district receives a nomination, they will be notified and teachers are

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encouraged to submit a grant application describing their desired STEM project by April 15. A panel of qualified math and science teachers reviews the applications and selects the finalists.

The program’s Farmer Advisory Council, consisting of approximately 30 farming leaders from across the country, will then select the winning school districts.

This article was submitted by the Bayer Fund. v

Cinnamon Apple Healthy Smoothie www.allrecipes.com/recipe/231249/cinnamon-apple-healthy smoothie/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referr ingId=17578&referringContentType=Recipe%20 Hub 1 cup apple juice 1 pear cored and sliced 1 apple cored and sliced 1 cup fresh spinach 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup ice Pour apple juice into blender; top with pear, apple, spinach, cinnamon and ice in that order.

Cover and blend. n Now that you’ve had your greens, it’s time to reward yourself for that effort with a Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie. Psst, this smoothie is actually healthy and still tastes delicious!

Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie https://thesuburbansoapbox.com/strawberrycheesecake-smoothie/ I tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup frozen strawberries 3/4 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt 1/2 cup low-fat milk 2 ounces low-fat cream cheese 1-1/2 teaspoons agave nectar Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately. n Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this smoothie is a sight to behold. The layers of the smoothie create an exquisite drink that is definitely worth the effort.

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Rainbow Smoothie www.sweetandsavorybyshinee.com/rainbowsmoothie/ purple layer: 1/2 cup blueberries 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt green layer: 2 kiwi a small handful of spinach yellow layer: 2 rounds of pineapple 2 tablespoons of coconut milk orange layer: 1 orange 1/2 of a banana 1 raspberry red layer: 1/2 cup raspberries 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice 2-3 strawberries Blend the ingredients for each layer separately in a blender, rinsing the blender between each layer. To beautifully layer the smoothie, carefully spoon the mixture into a glass starting from the edges. You want small spoonfuls dropped gently in a circle.

We’re all ready for some pep in our step during these winter months. Move over cookies and bars! These delicious smoothies will help get you out the winter funk and bring a little fruit and veggie joy to your tummy.

Kristin Kveno scours the internet, pours over old family recipes and searches everywhere in between to find interesting food ideas for feeding your crew. Do you have a recipe you want to share? You can reach Kristin at kkveno@thelandonline.com. v

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THE LAND — JANUARY 24/JANUARY 31, 2020

‘Tator Tot’ is for the garden, not the hotdish The spring seed catalogs arrive 24 inches tall and wide. It is described as an daily and new cultivars are enticingly easy care plant which thrives in full sun as featured on the front pages. A new well as part shade. conifer named “Tator Tot” caught my Minnesota’s climate can be harsh and eye and will find a special spot in the cause damage to plants − particularly conicircle rock garden. fers. Winter wind and sun can cause desiccaTator Tot is a dwarf arborvition (drying out) and browning of needles. tae, Thuja occidentalis. Thuja (proYew, arborvitae and hemlocks are all very nounced THOO yah) is the genus susceptible to winter damage. On new coniIN THE GARDEN name. The plants are in the cypress fers I protect them during the first winter or family and are commonly called two with a barrier of burlap. Metal stakes or

By Sharon Quale arborvitae which means “Tree of Life.” a wood frame can be used to hold the burlap They are also known as cedars and and make a protective barrier. It is imporsometimes called “False Cypress” because they are tant to stay a few inches away from the foliage and not true cedars. to keep the top open for light and air circulation.

These burlap cloaks for the conifers also deter nibI am convinced these different names are used to bling deer. confuse gardeners like me and guarantee non mastery of conifer nomenclature. A cute and catchy If heavy snow accumulates on conifer branches it name like Tator Tot is easy to remember and will be can cause breaking and injury to the plant. If the right at home with other dwarf specimens. branches are bending down, gently remove the snow. I find an old broom works fine for this as a Dwarf conifers are small forms of large plants gentle lift and shake from the bottom of the branch that are discovered as unusual seedlings or mutations such as witch’s brooms. New plants are devel- usually dislodges the snow. Don’t try to remove ice after an ice storm as this likely causes more damoped by rooting cuttings or grafting and will retain age. their dwarf characteristics.

I am frequently asked questions about the use of This tiny conifer grows naturally in a globe shape anti-desiccant and anti-transpirant sprays for proand should need little pruning. It grows only 12 to tecting evergreen plants over the winter. Do they

Southwest Minnesota Farm Business Management Association membership is an investment in your farm’s financial success.

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Visit: swfm.umn.edu Call: 507-752-5094 Email: gthillen@umn.edu

Tater Tot arborvitae

Photo by Sharon Quale

work or are they a waste of money? The University of Minnesota Extension states that these sprays are not effective for protecting evergreen foliage.

Sharon Quale is a master gardener from central Minnesota. She may be reached at (218) 738-6060 or squale101@yahoo.com. v

Calendar of Events Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar & enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com.

Jan. 29 — Farm Transition and Estate Planning Workshop — Preston, Minn. — Topics include farm goal setting, business structures, business succession, estate planning and retirement and family communication. — Contact Megan Roberts at meganr@ umn.edu or (507) 389-6722.

Jan. 29 — ISU Crop Advantage Meeting — Le Mars, Iowa — Topics include market outlook for 2020; weather and climate trends; grain drying and storage; insect pests; nitrogen management; corn and soybean disease issues; and fertilizer application technology. — Contact Joel DeJong at jldejong@iastate. edu or (712) 540-1085.

Jan. 30 — Annie’s Project: Empowering Women in Agriculture — Milford, Iowa — Contact Amy Forrette at forrette@iastate.edu or (712) 262-2264.

Jan. 30 — Nitrogen Smart Meeting — Fairmont, Minn. — Program consists of a three hour training on how Nitrogen behaves in the environment and how this affects nitrogen fertilizer management, as well as environmental concerns. — Contact Brad Carlson at bcarlson@umn.edu or (507) 389-6745.

Jan. 30 — Cow/Calf Days Seminar — Oronoco, Minn. — The program features information on production management, nutrition, efficiency and marketing.

The corresponding trade show features vendors with new information, technology and products. — Contact Eric Mousel at emmousel@umn.edu or (218) 513-0781.

Jan. 30 — Cow/Calf Days Seminar — Le Center, Minn. — Contact Eric Mousel at emmousel@umn.edu or (218) 513-0781.

Feb. 4 — Women in Ag Annual Conference — Willmar, Minn. — Topics include personal development; financial management; soil and water quality. Panel of local women discuss issues. — Contact Sarah Schieck Boelke at schi0466@umn.edu or (320) 235-0726.

Feb. 5 — Farmland Rental Workshop — Waseca, Minn. — Topics include local historic and projected farmland rental rate trends; current farm land values and sales; determining a fair rental agreement; input costs for 2019. — Contact Dave Bau at bauxx003@ umn.edu or (507) 372-3900, ext. 3906.

Feb. 6 — Mastitis Diagnostics: Bang For Your Buck — Gaylord, Minn. — Covers the most commondetection, diagnostic and troubleshooting tests including mastitis culture, PCR, bulk milk tests, and bedding and towel culture. — Contact Karen Johnson at ande9495@umn.edu or (320) 484-4303.

THE LAND — JANUARY 24/JANUARY 31, 2020

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PAGE 13

Many producer resources are available online THIESSE, from pg. 12 duced are considered in the ARC-IC calculation (prevent plant acres are not considered). If the final revenue on the planted acres is too high, there would not be an ARC-IC payment on any of the base acres. However, if there is ARC-IC eligibility, it would be applied to all eligible base acres. Due to the fact that ARC-IC payments are paid on only 65 percent of crop base acres vs. 85 percent with ARC-

CO, it’s possible that ARC-CO payments in a county with very low 2019 yields may be higher-than-maximum ARC-IC payments. The ARC-IC program usually works best on individual FSA farm units and in situations where several farm units have not been combined together into one large FSA farm unit. It is also important to remember that a farm unit will need to remain in the ARC-IC program for both 2019 and 2020, and the program choice can not be

2019 and 2020 Farm Program Decision Cheat Sheet A guide to aide in farm program decisions for the 2019 and 2020 crop years

CROP

Corn

PRICE LOSS COVERAGE ( PLC ) (Price only)

AG RISK COVERAGE ( ARC-CO ) (Yield and price using county yields)

Think that the final market year average corn price will below $3.70 per bushel in 2019 or 2020.

• 2019 USDA market year average estimate is $3.85/ bushel • Early USDA projection for the 2020 market year average price is $3.40/bushel.

• Price protection from $3.70 to $2.20 per bushel (Higher maximum payment)

Feel that final county average yields in 2019 and 2020 will be 20 percent or more below county benchmark yields.

• A yield reduction of 30 percent or more will likely result in a maximum ARC-CO payment.

Feel that final county average yields in 2019 and 2020 will be less than 15 percent below county benchmark yields.

Soybeans

Think that the final market year average soybean price will be below $8.40/bushel in 2019 or 2020.

• 2019 USDA market year average estimate is $9.00/ bushel.

• Early USDA projection for the 2020 market year average price is $8.85/bushel.

• Want price protection from $8.40 to $6.20 per bushel (Higher maximum payment) Feel that final county average yields in 2019 and 2020 will be near or above county benchmark yields.

Wheat

Think that the final market year average wheat price will be below $5.50/bushel in 2019 or 2020.

• 2019 USDA market year average estimate is $4.55/ bushel.

• Early USDA projection for the 2020 market year average price is $4.80/bushel.

• Want price protection from $5.50 to $3.38/bushel (Higher maximum payment) Feel that final county average yields in 2019 and 2020 will be less than 15 percent below county benchmark yields.

Think that the final market year average corn price will above $3.70 per bushel in 2019 and 2020.

• Final market year average price was $3.70/bushel or lower from 2014 to 2018.

Feel that final county average yields in 2019 and 2020 will be slightly below 4 to 5 bushels per acre county benchmark yields.

• A yield reduction of 20 percent or more will likely result in a maximum ARC-CO payment.

Think that the final market year average soybean price will be above $8.40/bushel in 2019 and 2020.

• Final market year average price was above $8.40/ bushel from 2014 to 2018.

Feel that final county average yields in 2019 and 2020 will be 15 percent or more below county benchmark yields.

• A yield reduction of 25 percent or more will likely result in a maximum ARC-CO payment.

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Think that the final market year average wheat price will above $5.50/bushel in 2019 and 2020.

• Final market year average price was $5.50/bushel or lower from 2015 to 2018.

Reasons to choose ARC-IC (Yield and price using farm yields)

Separate FSA farm units with 100 percent prevent plant acres in 2019 are likely to receive the maximum ARC-IC payment.

FSA farm units with a single crop that had very low yields in 2019, compared to five-year (2013-17) average yields.

FSA farm units with low yields in 2019 in a county not likely to receive 2019 ARC-CO payments.

Remember, all crops raised on an individual FSA farm unit are factored together for ARC-IC revenue calculations.

All FSA farm units enrolled in ARC-IC in a state are calculated together for IRC-IC determination.

Table developed by Farm Management Analyst Kent Thiesse

switched to PLC or ARC-CO until 2021.

What are the key factors to consider for finalizing the decision between PLC and ARCCO ?

Please refer to the “2019 and 2020 Farm Program Decision Cheat Sheet” table to help analyze farm program choices for corn, soybeans and wheat – as well as considerations for ARC-IC. What are good information resources for producers?

Official farm program details and information is available on the FSA farm program website (www. fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/arcplc_program/ index). Following are some good web-based farm program decision tools: www.ag.ndsu.edu/farmmanagement/farm-bill; www.agmanager.info/agpolicy/2018-farm-bill; www.afpc.tamu.edu/tools/farm/ farmbill/2018/; and https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/ category/areas/agricultural-policy/farm-bill Farm operators are encouraged to take to time to get informed about the various 2019 and 2020 farm program choice. Analyze which program choices are best for their various crops. Remember, the best farm program choice in another county or another area of the country may not necessarily be the best program choice for a given crop in your county. In addition, your neighbor’s farm program choice may not be the best program choice on your farm units, especially in the case of considering ARC-IC as a program choice.

Kent Thiesse is a government farm programs analyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 726-2137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com. v

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AM – Optimum® AcreMax® Insect Protection system with YGCB, HX1, LL, RR2. Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above-ground insects. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax products.

AMT – Optimum® AcreMax® TRIsect ® Insect Protection System with RW,YGCB,HX1,LL,RR2. Contains a singlebag refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. The major component contains the Agrisure® RW trait, the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene, and the Herculex® I genes. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax TRIsect products.

AMX – Optimum® AcreMax® Xtra Insect Protection system with YGCB, HXX, LL, RR2. Contains a singlebag integrated refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax Xtra products.

AMXT (Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme) – Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. The major component contains the Agrisure ® RW trait, the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene, and the Herculex® XTRA genes. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax XTreme products.

Q (Qrome®) – Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. The major component contains the Agrisure® RW trait, the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene, and the Herculex® XTRA genes. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Qrome products. Qrome ® products are approved for cultivation in the U.S. and Canada. For additional information about the status of regulatory authorizations, visit http://www.biotradestatus.com/.

YGCB,HX1,LL,RR2 (Optimum® Intrasect ®) – Contains the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene and Herculex® I gene for resistance to corn borer.

YGCB,HXX,LL,RR2 (Optimum® Intrasect ® Xtra) – Contains the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene and the Herculex XTRA genes for resistance to corn borer and corn rootworm.

RW,HX1,LL,RR2 (Optimum® TRIsect®) – Contains the Herculex I gene for above-ground pests and the Agrisure® RW trait for resistance to corn rootworm.

AML – Optimum® AcreMax® Leptra® products with AVBL, YGCB, HX1, LL, RR2. Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above-ground insects. In EPA-designated cotton growing countries, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax Leptra products.

AVBL,YGCB,HX1,LL,RR2 (Optimum® Leptra®) – Contains the Agrisure Viptera® trait, the YieldGard Corn Borer gene, the Herculex® I gene, the LibertyLink® gene, and the Roundup Ready ® Corn 2 trait.

HX1 – Contains the Herculex® I Insect Protection gene which provides protection against European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, black cutworm, fall armyworm, lesser corn stalk borer, southern corn stalk borer, and sugarcane borer; and suppresses corn earworm.

HXRW – The Herculex® RW insect protection trait contains proteins that provide enhanced resistance against western corn rootworm, northern corn rootworm and Mexican corn rootworm.

HXX – Herculex® XTRA contains the Herculex I and Herculex RW genes.

YGCB – The YieldGard® Corn Borer gene offers a high level of resistance to European corn borer, southwestern corn borer and southern cornstalk borer; moderate resistance to corn earworm and common stalk borer; and above average resistance to fall armyworm.

LL – Contains the LibertyLink® gene for resistance to Liberty ® herbicide.

RR2 – Contains the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 trait that provides crop safety for over-the-top applications of labeled glyphosate herbicides when applied according to label directions.

AQ – Optimum® AQUAmax® product. Product performance in water-limited environments is variable and depends on many factors, such as the severity and timing of moisture deficiency, heat stress, soil type, management practices and environmental stress, as well as disease and pest pressures.

All products may exhibit reduced yield under water and heat stress. Individual results may vary.

Herculex® Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred. Herculex® and the HX logo are registered trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC. YieldGard®, the YieldGard Corn Borer Design and Roundup Ready ® are registered trademarks used under license from Monsanto Company.

Liberty ®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer.

Agrisure ® and Agrisure Viptera® are registered trademarks of, and used under license from, a Syngenta Group Company. Agrisure ® technology incorporated into these seeds is commercialized under a license from Syngenta Crop Protection AG.

Pioneer ® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. TM ® SM Trademarks and service marks of Dow AgroSciences, DuPont or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2019 Corteva. PION9CORN075

A new no-frill seed option

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus JACKSON, Minn. — There’s a new kid on the agriculture seed block. He’s talking corn. He’s 35 years old with already nearly a dozen years in the seed industry.

He’s now president of his own seed company. His name is Mitch Rowe. Mitch Rowe SureFlex Hybrids is the name of Rowe’s enterprise.

Rowe bought the DeKalb seed processing facility in Jackson, Minn. The DeKalb property shut down a few years back when ‘merger mania’ was in high gear across the corn belt.

So Rowe is now producing his own seed. He’s also processing his seed in his own processing facility.

Yep, he’s ambitious. He’s got 27 hybrids ranging from 81-day to 115-day maturities. He doesn’t have any dealers. He sells direct, via telephone or e-mail. His seed is packaged in a plain brown bag. His price is $97 a bag, delivered directly to your farm.

And he and his staff seem to be having a ball!

In a brief telephone conversation on Dec. 30, Rowe shared a few details about his company — very likely the newest seed corn outfit in America! But what gave him the ambition to jump into this very competitive seed industry, monopolized so to speak by the ‘big three’?

He simply responded, “I’ve been in the seed industry my whole life. I could see an opportunity to start something special.”

Indeed he has. SureFlex Hybrids markets nonGMO seed maximized for performance. “We understand the importance of a farmer’s bottom line,” Rowe explained. “We’re not in this business to win yield contests. We’re here with the only goal of helping a farmer make more money.”

As he talks about the scope of the seed industry today, Rowe emphasizes his dedication is to provide farmers a profitable corn crop. He’s well tuned in to the commodity crunch of the last few years. “We’re here for the farmer, not to enrich corporate execs and shareholders of the Big Three in the seed industry. I consider it a privilege to serve the American farmer.”

In 2018, SureFlex launched into the seed world with nine hybrids. This year, 27 hybrids are in the Crop Year 2020 ball game. “We cover most of the corn acres of the

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United States. Three of our hybrids have a grass-herbicide trait relating back to pre-Roundup era.”

But why no dealers? Cost-efficiency is the answer.

“We’re not doing the traditional dealer,” Rowe said.

“We’re going all on-line selling through our digital marketing campaign. We’re somewhat surprised how rapidly farmers are using their credit cards. We’re getting orders from all over the U.S. and there isn’t any particular maturity range leading the parade.

“Because of the delayed harvest up here, some of which still isn’t completed, our earlier 85-day corns aren’t yet moving much. But that’s to be expected in view of how many growers were wrestling with their harvests this fall.”

So is the $97 per bag the bell ringer for SureFlex Hybrids? Not so, said Rowe. “Our biggest marketing attraction is that we are not associated with any of the large ag businesses that right now are dominating in the ag-input sector. Farmers seem to appreciate that we are independently owned with intentions of making money just for our growers.”

When does seed shipping start? Rowe paused, “Just had a guy from southwest Iowa call. He purchased his order on line with his credit card. We just finished up bagging and he’s ready to take delivery any time now.” SureFlex will deliver with their own trucks, but Rowe knows he’ll also have to hire contract haulers.

And why the plain brown bag? Again it’s a cost factor.

“The farmer doesn’t realize he’s paying for everything besides the seed,” explained Rowe. “Any special printing or color on the bags is a cost to the seed buyer also. We’re like a farmer. We watch our costs and then we’re able to offer our product at a better price. An identity tag will be sewed on when the bags are filled. This tag will have all the info relating to that particular hybrid.

“We’ve shipped some seed already, but February will be the biggest month. We grew about 78 percent of our production right here in the Jackson area. We use a Nebraska processor to handle the rest.”

Yes, thinking positively is the first rule in the seed business. Rowe said the Jackson area and his processing facility has the capability of doing upwards of 500,000 bags of seed. His goal for the current selling season? “A sell out,” was his quick reply. And Rowe has no hang-ups about not offering the full slate of ‘trait enriched’ genetics which quickly gets you into the $300 price bracket.

“What we are selling are products that have been through the wringer of environmental challenges. At the end of the day, agronomically they’re as good as anything out there. Our goal is to make the farmer more money. You don’t win all the top yields, but most often our products are generating more net profit. Bottomline margins is what our hybrids bring to the growers.”

So why the name SureFlex? “Just a word that says it all,” sums up Rowe.

For more information, visit Rowe’s website at www. sureflexhybrids.com or call (833) 300-9797. v

THE LAND — JANUARY 24/JANUARY 31, 2020

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 19

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Phase 1 has little effect on corn

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* Stewartville Edgerton Jackson Janesville Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye

$3.48 $3.92 $3.74 $3.71 $3.53 $3.59

+.07 +.05 +.08 +.06 -.02 +.05

soybeans/change* $8.41 $8.51 $8.53 $8.55 $8.40 $8.53

-.24 -.33 -.33 -.33 -.25 -.26

Financial Focus Know your crop insurance agent

The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Jan. 17.

CORN – Early in the week, markets extended gains which began the day of the Jan. 10 U.S. Department of Agriculture reports. Anticipation ahead of the signing and release of the details of the Chinese trade agreement lent support on ideas corn, ethanol, and/or DDGs would benefit from the deal. The market had little else to focus on ahead of the Jan. 15 signing ceremony in Washington, D.C. Here are some of the details of Phase 1 of the trade deal with China: China will buy an additional $12.5 billion worth of U.S. agricultural products over the PHYLLIS NYSTROM $24 billion 2017 baseline in 2020 CHS Hedging inC. and $19.5 billion above the baseSt. Paul line in 2021 (purchases total an average of $40 billion per year over two years). The deal takes effect in 30 days from January 15. Market conditions will dictate the timing of purchases within any given year. China’s tariffs will remain in place and tariff waivers will be granted by the government. China has said they will not increase grain quotas just to achieve a pre-determined level of US agricultural purchases. China shall “significantly reduce” to no more than 24 months average the amount of time to review and authorize U.S. agriculture biotechnology products. China agreed to increase purchases of U.S. products and services by at least $200 billion over the next two years. Before the trade war began in 2017, China bought $186 billion of U.S. goods and services. China will buy $77.7 billion in additional manufacturing purchases over two years, with a $32.9 billion increase in 2020 and $44.8 billion in 2021. They will purchase $18.5 billion in additional energy purchases in 2020 and $33.9 billion additional in 2021.

As for the United States, the 25 percent tariff on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods stays in place, but could be reduced as part of Phase 2. The United States will reduce the Sept. 1 tariff increase on $120 billion of Chinese goods by half to 7.5 percent. There are stronger Chinese legal protections for patents, trademarks, and copyrights; and improved criminal and civil procedures for online infringement, pirated and counterfeit goods. There is also a provision that either party may withdraw from the agreement with written notice. Both parties will meet in mid-August

The cattle and hog markets have begun to act very tired in the past few weeks as price advances have been weak and breaks in price have been more dynamic. This type of action we have witnessed over the past several months usually ends in a correction to the past direction of prices. Of course it is not one hundred percent; however, it is the majority of the time. Therefore, the next few weeks will answer the question if the livestock markets do see further price declines, or recover and stay the course.

The cattle and feeder markets have experienced the most pronounced sideways market of the JOE TEALE meat complex. The live cattle Broker market has zigzagged up and down since a low was established Great Plains Commodity Afton, Minn. in October 2016 and followed by a high in April 2017. This market has not moved outside these parameters except on on occasion in September 2019 which established the low for the entire sideways move. The feeder market followed virtually the same pattern as the live market, but in a smaller price range. During this entire time the beef cutouts were in a similar pattern of rising and falling but confined to a range. With cattle weights on the rise, it would possibly indicate that we will see some weakness in the weeks ahead. If demand for beef were to decline, it could pull the futures down. If the demand for beef were to increase either domestically or via export, this could be the factor that would change this assumption and bring back strength to the cattle complex. Time will answer

With the crop insurance sales and renewal season in full swing, it is more important than ever to choose the right agent. Do you consider your crop insurance agent a trusted partner? During a time of low prices and tight margins, having a crop insurance agent who you can trust to bring you tools and protection that will best meet the needs of your operation is vital. Do you know what traits to look for when seeking out the correct crop insurance partner for your operation?

Integrity – When deciding on a crop insurance policy, there is an enormous amount of information shared back and forth. You need an advisor you can trust. By TOM TIMKO choosing a crop insurance agent Compeer State Insurance with a high level of integrity, you Product officer can be assured they operate with Worthington, Minn. complete honesty. You can trust their knowledge of the products they are pairing you with. If your agent doesn’t possess these traits, you run the risk of those decisions affecting insurance coverage or participation in the Federal Crop Insurance program.

Commitment – Additionally, an important attribute of your agent is having a long term commitment to crop insurance. Every year there are changes within the crop insurance industry. It is important for your agent to have a solid knowledge base of crop insurance and the agriculture business. If your agent isn’t dedicated to being a long-term player, you are missing out on having an advisor committed to your long-term success. With all of the policy changes which occur annually, crop insurance is difficult enough; you should seek out an agent that is committed to be your crop insurance partner for years to come.

Knowledge – An additional benefit of having a long-term crop insurance agent is their knowledge of your operation. By gaining personal knowledge of your operation, your agent will be best situated to offer you the best products and solutions to help you succeed.

Having an agent who is willing to visit with you and review all coverage options will help you understand the products you have in place, and will help reassure you that you have chosen the right partner.

As we all know, margins in agriculture are tight and

See NYSTROM, pg. 20

See TEALE, pg. 20

See TIMKO pg. 21

Average:

$3.66

$8.49

Year Ago Average: $3.36

$8.17

Grain prices are effective cash close on Jan. 21. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Livestock Angles

Cattle, hog markets see little improvement

Information in the above columns is the writer’s opinion. It is no way guaranteed and should not be interpreted as buy/sell advice. Futures trading always involves a certain degree of risk.

PAGE 20

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THE LAND — JANUARY 24/JANUARY 31, 2020

South America weather outlook tempers China trade news NYSTROM, from pg. 19 to discuss how the agreement is working.

The trade now must decipher how China can accomplish making such large purchases. No detail on what commodities would be purchased in order to avoid any market disruptions. It’s assumed it will be heavily weighted to soybeans, but corn and ethanol may also benefit.

The previous paragraph describes what happened in the market in post-signing action. The next day, corn posted its largest one-day trading range since October when it dropped 12 cents. It closed at its lowest point since Dec.11. Fund selling was a major factor despite very good weekly export sales. However, going into the weekend, the market staged an impressive 13.75 cent rebound to post a key reversal higher on the weekly chart. For weeks March corn was trapped in a $3.82 to $3.92 trading range (excluding the spike lower on January report day), and suddenly in the last two trading sessions of the week, March corn trades from $3.75.25 to $3.89.5 per bushel.

Weekly export sales were better than expected at 30.9 million bushels. Total commitments of 760 million bushels are still 42 percent behind last year. We need to average 28.8 million bushels of sales per week to hit the new 1.775 billion-bushel USDA forecast. New crop sales were 8.2 million bushels, bringing total new crop commitments to 40.3 million bushels or 17 percent ahead of last year.

Weekly ethanol production hit a 31-week high and the fourth-highest on record at 1.095 million barrels per day. This was an increase of 33,000 bpd. Ethanol stocks were at a 15-week high at 23 million barrels, up 544,000 barrels for the week. Mexico’s Supreme Court overturned their Energy Regulatory Commission action from three years ago which allowed up to 10 percent ethanol to be blended into gasoline. They say the agency overstepped their authority which returned the maximum blend to 5.8 percent. Mexico imported 27 million gallons of U.S. ethanol from January through November 2019 of the 1.33 billion gallons the United States exported.

Secretary Perdue believes growers will receive the

third and final tranche of MFP payments even though Phase 1 was signed. It has not been confirmed, so don’t put it in the bank yet. The Senate approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement this week and it is now headed to President Trump for his signature. Mexico has already signed the deal. Once Canada signs off on it, it will take effect.

The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange pegged Argentina’s corn planting at 91 percent complete, just slightly ahead of the 90 percent average. Their crop rating was unchanged for the week at 55 percent good/excellent. The Rosario Grain Exchange estimates Argentina’s corn crop at 49 million metric tons, up 2 mmt from the December forecast.

Outlook: The key reversal higher on the weekly corn chart puts a decent spin on prices for the holiday-shortened week. Money is running price direction, but the reversal may cause sellers to pause.

There was unconfirmed chatter of China buying corn off the Pacific Northwest late in the week and further demand could provide support. U.S. corn is the cheapest origin through February. For the week, March corn was 3.5 cents higher at $3.89.25, July up 1.5 cents at $4.01, and December was unchanged at $4.02.75 per bushel.

From 2011–2019, December corn has traded at least to $4.25 per bushel every year except for 2017.

With this year’s comfortable carryout and expectations of a decent increase in corn acres this spring, I would consider beginning to sell at a slightly lower level than $4.25 per bushel and have orders in to scale out from there.

SOYBEANS – Soybeans eased sideways ahead of the Chinese trade deal signing with support from news leaks that the deal would be very beneficial to the agricultural sector. Gains were capped by pressure from a favorable weather outlook for South American crops. Once the agreement was signed, traders seemed surprised by the clause that essentially says China will make purchases as determined by their need and market conditions, which is what they had been indicating pretty much all along. However, if they want the United States to consider cutting or eliminating

TEALE, from pg. 19 that question. As for producers, continue to monitor market conditions and one eye on the weather.

The hog market has been really nothing more than a price roller coaster since the low made in October 2016. The market since that date has moved very quick back and forth in a sharp rally followed by a sharp decline. During all of this, the pork cutout was meandering up and down in a relative tight range giving absolutely no no permanent direction. Then the China negotiations came to the forefront, and the market rallies on the hopes that the United States will export more pork to China because of the African swine fever outbreak in Asia. This put optimism in the market and as a result the futures market rallied

to carry large premiums to the cash prices.

With no agreement immediately signed between the two countries, the cash market began to decline pulling the futures lower with it. At each possibility of an agreement being signed, the market would rally only to fall as that agreement never became a reality. Thus the roller coaster ride in prices was in full swing. Note that there has been an agreement signed called the first phase the question is, how will this affect the market? Time will give the answer. Until then the volatility is likely to remain the same and the hog market will continue to be nothing more than a continuation of a roller coaster pattern in prices. Producers should be aware of the changes which take place and how that will affect their marketing scheme. v

Volatility in hog market remains

existing tariffs, it would be in their best interest to work toward the agreed upon terms. The details of the trade agreement were described above. For background, in 2019 China imported 88.5 mmt of soybeans, slightly higher than the 88 mmt bought in 2018, but down from 95.5 mmt in 2017 before the trade war. The USDA is forecasting Chinese soybean imports at 85 mmt this year. Post-signing action felt like a “buy the rumor, sell the fact” scenario.

South American weather has been favorable for crop development in the past two weeks, but the extended forecast for February is drier. This situation should be monitored in case the forecast proves correct and crops suffer. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange made a small adjustment to Argentina’s soybean acreage, cutting it from 17.5 million hectares to 17.4 million hectares due to dry conditions.

This comes after the previous week’s reduction from 17.7 million hectares.

The December National Oilseed Processors Association crush report was a mixed bag. The soybean crush was much larger than expected at 174.8 million bushels compared to 171.6 million expected.

This was the second-largest monthly crush on record and a record for December. However, the soyoil stocks number exceeded estimates at 1.7 billion pounds vs.

1.5 billion anticipated. This was the highest soyoil stocks number in eight months.

Weekly export sales were very good at 26.1 million bushels. Total commitments are 3 percent behind last year at 1.12 billion bushels. We need to average 20.3 million bushels of sales per week to fulfill the USDA’s 1.775-billion-bushel outlook.

The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange put Argentina’s soybean planting at 95 percent compete vs. 98 percent on average. The crop rating improved 2 percent for the week to 62 percent good/excellent. However, Argentina and southern Brazil’s weather forecast is looking drier for the last half of January. This will continue to be monitored as moisture will be needed through February. The BAGE cut Argentina’s soybean acreage to 17.4 million hectares vs. 17.5 million last week and 17.7 million hectares the week prior.

Here’s an update on China’s pork situation. Their 2019 pork production fell 21.3 percent to 42.55 mmt from the year before. This was the smallest production since 2003. At the end of 2019, their total pig herd was 310.4 million head, down 27.5 percent from the previous year.

Outlook: Where do we go from here? The bulls need to be fed daily and without any major Chinese purchases, South American weather will be highlighted. The short-term forecasts for Argentina and Brazil are favorable for crop development, but the February forecasts are leaning drier. While no red flags are being waved, there are areas in southern Brazil that need to be monitored. March soybeans closed lower on the week for the first time in seven weeks. For the week, March soybeans were down 16.25 cents at $9.29.75, July lost 15.5 cents at $9.55.5, and November dropped 14.25 cents at 49.60.5 per bushel. v

THE LAND — JANUARY 24/JANUARY 31, 2020

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 21

Researcher sees a different spring for growers in 2020

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus OLIVIA, Minn. — Attending the Dec. 16 Renville County corn/soybean plot day event, Dr. David Kee said his mission was to get feedback on the usage of soybean check-off dollars. But there was much more — including discussion of the various conservation tillage projects Dr. David Kee underway; plus new project proposals for 2020.

Kee is the director of research for the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. “We’re asking farmers to contact their local team representative to let them know what their problems are,” he said. “We want to make certain their check-off dollars are used wisely on projects that might have immediate application for them.”

Supply and demand concerns, genetic updates on soybean varieties and environmental stewardship were also on Kee’s agenda at his Olivia visit. And he is concerned about the production environment farmers are likely facing this spring.

“Right now we know that we harvested late; we have scads of crop area still to be harvested; we have a lot of compaction; we have nutrient status that has not been addressed. There’s so much to do next spring. It’s going to be an interesting, and very likely challenging year, no matter what,” said Kee, adding that an early April of sunshine and dry

weather would soothe the concerns of farmers somewhat.

Is strip tillage going to be even more a trend?

Kee nodded emphatically then tamed his message with these words: “I think we’re going to see a significant divergence from the old ‘cookie cutter’ type of farming. Each piece of property deserves its own attention. You have to address its specific problems.

We have some sites that our high erosion areas that will definitely need conservation tillage.

“And in many areas of Renville County, indeed much of Minnesota, we need to ask ‘why are we tilling these soils?’ I make the point that we could easily strip till behind soybeans. We’re going to see a lot of conservation tillage adapted next spring because farmers won’t have time to do their routine tillage.”

Kee suggests it’s going to be a ‘learning spring’ for lots of farmers forced into planting their crops into unprepared seed beds.

So why was ‘ridge till’ farming — seemingly popular 12-15 years ago — so suddenly abandoned?

His response, “It works where it works. That can be said for all technology. There’s nothing that is rubber stamped saying every farmer can do this all the time.

You’ve got to be constantly addressing the issues on your farm. Bigger fields, bigger equipment are continually challenging all farmers.

“As you can tell from my accent, I’m not a Yankee by birth. Oklahoma was my starting point. I compare southern farmers as being marathon farmers; northern farmers are sprinters. You can get your entire crop planted in two weeks; three at the most.

Unfortunately, last spring we only had 10-12 days.

And that same squeeze existed at harvest time.”

I asked Kee if hemp is going to be the new alternative crop, or mostly just the source of more confusion? “We’re pretty confused about hemp already,” Kee admitted. “I view hemp as an exciting potential rotation crop; but we’re got a lot of learning yet to do.

The supply/demand mechanism needs to get established. And what hemp crop do we need? Is it the CBD oil market? Or is it the hemp for fiber market?

And are there different agronomics for growing each crop?”

“I suspect hemp will go through some growing pains,” Kee went on to say. “The first very likely will be over-production for a market not yet established.

That will thin out a lot of hemp growers immediately.

It reminds me somewhat of the early boom years of soybeans. When we were getting $12 to $15 for soybeans we could grow a lot of soybeans. But when the market very directly told us, ‘slow down cowboy and let the markets catch up,’ that is when the U.S. soybean industry quickly decided to let the market set the pace for growers.”

And how is this southern boy adjusting to the comforts of Minnesota weather?

“I have to admit, in July when its 75 degrees here and I look down at my southern brethren and its 110 degrees and they are melting in the sunshine, I know they are envious of me. In February, when it’s minus Crop insurance is not just a cost of doing business; it 35 degrees and I’m trying to figure how to get this should be viewed a vital piece of your risk manage- diesel started, I’m a little envious of them.” v ment plan to help safeguard your operation. Don’t face that task alone, work with a trusted crop insurEmployment Opportunity: ance partner who will pair you with the best prodFarm Business Management ucts for your operation.

Field Staff This article was written by Tom Timko, state insurance product officer at Compeer Financial. For more The Southwest Minnesota Farm Business insights from Timko and the rest of the Compeer Crop Management Association is seeking an individual for insurance team, visit Compeer.com. v long-term, part-time professional contract work. This person will provide farm financial management education, consultation, financial analysis, and tax expertise to member farms. Experience in or the ability to obtain training in tax planning and tax preparation by November 2020 is required. The Land work is seasonal in nature and scheduling is flexible, Specialists with the majority of the work during the winter and early spring. On-farm consultations also occur in late summer. Travel is required within an approximately February 18 ten-county service area.

271± Ac.• Johnsonville Twp., Redwood Co., MN For a more detailed description or to apply, send a cover letter, resume and contact information for 3 View our other available properties for sale on our website. references to: gthillen@umn.edu or call Gretchen at For information brochures CALL 1-800-730-LAND (5263) or visit 507-752-5094. www.Wingert Realty.com Only registered bidders may attend.

1160 Victory Drive South, Suite 6 • Mankato, MN 56001 Review of applications will begin March 27, 2020

Choosing the right agent matters TIMKO, from pg. 19 that shallow losses can impact working capital and balance sheets. Your agent needs to know your situation and work with you to create a well-balanced approach between MPCI coverage and other named peril products.

If your agent knows your operation, they will bring the knowledge of how additional products can enhance your risk management needs or protect shallow loss concerns.

Resources – As I mentioned earlier, crop insurance is a complex business. As you look for an agent, one aspect which should be considered is the team your agent works with. Strength in numbers is an important factor. Does my agent have sufficient back-up for those “what if’s?” – or for training purposes? Product knowledge is increased when you have other resources to rely on as an agent. This added knowledge provides you with current and relative information when providing a solid risk management plan for the operation.

Choosing the right agent for your operation matters. You should seek out someone with high integriinformation brochures CALL 1-800-730-LAND (5263) or and ty,For valuable resources, long-term commitment visit www.Wingert Realty.com. Only registered bidders may attend. knowledge of the industry. Look for an agent willing to customize a risk management plan to fit your needs, because not all operations are created equal.

Sealed Bid Land Auction

507-345-LAND (5263) Charles Wingert, Broker # 07-53

Southwest Minnesota Farm Business Management Association is an equal opportunity employer.

THE LAND — JANUARY 24/JANUARY 31, 2020

ish32’, 53

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Polk Equipment, Inc.

Public

AUCTION TRACTORS 1991 JD 2955, CAH, TWD, JD 265 LOADER, ONLY 496 HOURS-1 OF A KIND 2015 JD 8320R, PS, ILS, 1519 HRS 2013 JD 8235R, PS, MFD, 3200 HRS 2010 JD 8225R, PS, MFD, 2800 HRS 2007 JD 8430 PS, ILS, 4337 HRS 2007 JD 8430, PS, MFD, 4400 HRS 2014 JD 7270R, IVT, TLS, 1214 HRS 2008 JD 7730, PQ, MFD, 890 HRS 2004 JD 7920, IVT, MFD, 5835 HRS 2005 JD 7320, PQ, TWD, 3325 HRS 2018 JD 6110M, PQ, MFD, 300 HRS 2003 JD 6420, PQ, MFD, 5322 HRS 2005 JD 5525, OS, TWD, LDR, 3000 HRS 1999 JD 5510, OS, MFD, LDR, 2900 HRS 1984 JD 4850, PS, MFD 1969 JD 4020, OS, PS, SIDE CONSOLE 2014 CIH STEIGER 400RT, 3PT & PTO, 1900 HRS 2014 CIH MAGNUM 310, PS, SUSPENSION, 1165 HRS 2012 CIH MAGNUM 290, PS, MFD, 1850 HRS 2012 CIH MAGNUM 290, PS, SUSP, 1493 HRS 2010 CIH MAGNUM 305, PS, SUSP, 1850 HRS 2015 CIH MAGNUM 240, CVT, SUSP, 1710 HRS 2016 CIH 70A, OS, MFD, LDR, 160 HRS 2018 CIH 70A, OS, TWD, 180 HRS 1987 CIH 3594, MFD, PS, 4400 HRS 1997 CIH 9330, 3PT & PTO 1978 IH 986, CAH, TWD, 3010 HRS 1976 IH 966 BLACKSTRIPE, CAH, 6300 HRS IH 674D, LOADER, 3764 HRS AC 8010, CAH, MFD, 1800 HRS 2019 JD 855M, 6000 MILES 2018 JD TS GATOR, 249 HRS 2018 JD TSS GATOR, HALF CAB, 224 HRS 2017 JD 825 S4 GATOR, 117 HRS 2010 JD 850D, FULL CAB, 863 HRS CHISELS GREAT PLAINS TC109 9SH W/CHOPPER-NICE SUNFLOWER 4213-11 SH W/5 BAR SPIKENICE GLENCOE 7400 7SH SOIL SAVER-LOW ACRES JD 712 9SH SOIL SAVER PLOWS & CULTIVATORS & HOE SALFORD 8206 12X PLOW ASR VARI-WIDTH JD 3710 7X PLOW PULL TYPE, ASR, VARI WIDTH

HINIKER 6000 8R30, NO TILL CULTIVATOR YETTER 3541 40 FT ROTARY HOE PLANTERS & DRILLS 2017 JD DB20 8/15 PLANTER-LIKE NEW JD 1780 6/11 PLANTER W/LIQ JD 7200 6R30 PLANTER JD 7000 6R30 W/LIQ 2014 KINZE 4900 16R30 W/LIQ-VERY NICE 2009 KINZE 3660 16/31 W/LIQ & PRECISION 2008 KINZE 3500 8/15 KINZE 3000 6/11 2011 CIH 1220 6R30 W/LIQ-900 ACRES 2012 JD 1590 15FT 1992 JD 750 15FT 1996 JD 750 10FT W/SEEDER-VERY NICE 2018 GP 1006 NT W/SEEDER-LIKE NEW 2004 GP 1500 15FT - EXCELLENT GREAT PLAINS 3P500 W/SEEDER-LIKE NEW CIH 5100 20X8 BRILLION 2210 SEDER DISCS SUNFLOWER 1435-40FT RF DISC WHITE 255 15FT HYD-FOLD DISC GP 3000 TT VERTICAL TILL PACKERS & CRUMBLERS BRILLION WFP-28FT PACKER-LIKE NEW BRILLION XXL-184 PACKER W/SCRAPERS LOW ACRES BRILLION X108-19FT PACKER W/SCRAPERS KRAUSE 4400 36FT PACER-NICE FARMHAND WP42 27FT PACKER BRILLION WL03 21FT CULTIMULCHER DUHNAM LEHR 24FT CULTIMULCHER J&M TF 212 28FT ROLLING BASKET-CLEAN UNVENFERTH 110 20FT ROLLING BASKET SUNFLOWER 7252 45FT CRUMBLER CULTIVATOR & FINISHERS SUNFLOWER 5055-44FT CULTIVATOR JD 980 24FT CULTIVATOR CIH 200 24FT CULTIVATOR CIH TM2 28FT CULTIVATOR-VERY NICE DMI TM2 27FT CULTIVATOR JD 2310 30’9 SOIL FINISHER KRAUSE TL6200 27FT SOIL FINISHER FORAGE 2015 NH BC5070 BALER-LIKE NEW 2015 JD 469 BALER W/NET

PAGE 25

Monday, February 3, 2020 9:30 A.M. EST www.polkequipmentinc.com Online Bidding & For Photos Polk Equipment, Inc. 6407 North State Road 15 Leesburg, Indiana 46538 • 574-453-2411

2011 JD 458 BALER SILAGE SPECIAL W/NET 2011 NH 450 BALER 2012 JD 630 MOCO 1999 JD 945 MOCO 2016 NH DB313F 13FT MOCO-LIKE NEW 2016 NH 3114 PRO ROTOR-LIKE NEW H&S 16 WHEEL RAKE GEHL 1540 BLOWER-NICE KUHN 5135 MIXER W/SCALES NI 3722 SPREADER NI 3609 SPREADER NH 145 SPREADER W/GATE AERWAY 10FT AERATOR COMBINES AND HEADS 2011 CIH 8120, RT, FT, RWA, GUIDANCE, 2000-1400 HRS CIH 1083 8R30 CORNHEAD JD 643 CORNHEAD 2006 JD 635F 2003 CIH 1020-30FT 1989 JD 920 MOWERS BUSHHOG 2720 20FT BATWING MOWER RHINO STEALTH 12FT BATWING MOWER WOODS 20CD 20FT FLAIL MOWER WOODS RC5 MOWER GRASSHOPPER 725G2, ZERO TURN, 1400 HRS GRASSHOPPER 620T2, ZERO TURN, 587 HRS JD X720, 54” DECK

KING KUTTER TG48 TILLER RAINFLO 345 MULCH LAYER BUCKEYE 4626 TRANSPLANTER CONSTRUCTION 2017 GEHL Z45, CAH, 2 SPD, 708 HRS 2011 DEERE 310SK, OS, PS, 4WD, REG HOE, 1800 HRS CASE 588 SERIES 3 FORKLIFT, OS, 2WD, 2186 HRS 2018 DEERE 314, OS, 16 HRS 2016 CAASE TV380, CAH, 2 SPD, 620 HRS 2018 BOBCAT T870, CAH, 2 SPD, 2029 HRS 2017. BOBCAT T590, CAG, 2 SPD, 1410 HRS 2016 BOBCAT S740, CAH, 2 SPD, 410 HRS 2015 BOBCAT T450, CAH, 2 SPD, 1165 HRS 2015 BOBCAT T650, CAH, 2 SPD, 1524 HRS 2015 CAT 226B3, CAH, 580 HRS NEW HOLLAND L225 GAS GROVE 4688XT MAN LIFT

TERMS: Cash or Good Check on the day of the Auction. NO EXCEPTIONS

ONLINE BIDDERS SHOULD PRE-REGISTER 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE at www.polkequipmentinc.com

WAGON & GRAIN CARTS Local Motels in UNVENFERTH 1115 CART, TARP, SCALES-NICE Warsaw, Indiana PARKER 4500 GRAIN CART •Wyndham Garden - 574-269-2323 BRENT 440 WAGON W/BRAKES MISCELLANEOUS CENTURY HD 1300 SPRAYER 90FT BOOMS DEMCO HP SPRAYER LOFTNESS 8FT SNOWBLOWER FRONTIER SB1184 7FT SNOWBLOWER FARMKING 7FT SNOWBLOWER ABI HOSE PULL WOOD SPLITTER WOODS 1050 BACKHOE S&H 16FT LIVESTOCK TRAILER NEW FD8 HYD BOX BLADE L570 LOADER JD 148 LOADER WOODS RTR 60.40 TILLER

•Comfort Inn - 574-269-6655 •Holiday Inn Express 574-268-1600 •Hampton Inn - 574-268-2600

Local Airport:

Warsaw - 5 miles

Major Airports:

South Bend or Fort Wayne - 50 miles

LUNCH WILL BE SERVED

BY SCOTTY’S PIG ROAST CHURCH DOING DESSERT AND COFFEE

ALL ITEMS must be removed from the lot by February 17, 2020 • NO CONSIGNMENTS ACCEPTED! EVERYTHING SELLS! DIRECTIONS: 5 miles north of Junction US 30 & SR15 at Warsaw or 9 miles south of Junction US 6 & 15 at New Paris, 50 miles northwest of Fort Wayne, 50 miles southeast of South Bend, 110 miles from Chicago and Indianapolis.

NOTE: Due to early printing, there will be additions and deletions • NO SALES after January 1st, 2020 • AUCTIONEERS: Mike Berger AU#0870052 • Gary Olson AU#01031658 • Kelly Hoffman AU#1010019 • Jeremy Edwards AU#09100129 • Gary Horras, Ringman • Steve Feldman, Clerk

PAGE 28

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — JANUARY 24/JANUARY 31, 2020

This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Tim King. Photos by Jan King.

W

e wanted to be early for the December Music Jam at the Clotho United Methodist church in western Todd County so that we’d get a good seat. We were early, but that didn’t matter. The joyous music, which poured out the door when we opened it, was in full swing and the best seats had already been taken by a large group of smiling and toe tapping music fans.

Clotho is an unincorporated village of about ten people. But hundreds of people from miles around say, “I’m from Clotho” when asked where they are from. That’s largely because of the parishioners and pastors at the Methodist Church have, for decades, insisted that their ministry is about building community — and that community is bigger than they are.

The church’s anchor event is its first Sunday in August ice cream social, which is one of the “must-go-to” events for hundreds of people from wide and far. In the last few years a group of parishioners and friends have been serving coffee and treats to all comers on the first Friday of the month from 6:30 to 9:00 a.m.

Then there’s a community board game and potluck supper Sunday nights during the winter.

The First Mondays Music Jam is the church’s most recent foray into community building. It’s popular, as the 30-plus audience members

Holiday Hootenanny

Todd County

and about a dozen musicians from Alexandria, Sauk Centre, Long Prairie, Browerville and Rose City attest to.

Dick Lackman, from Long Prairie, launched the project, according to pastor Kali Christensen, who was busy turning the sanctuary into a refreshment stand. But Dick is in Texas right now and the project is full steam ahead in his absence. One after another musician takes the lead on a Christmas hymn or carol or tune. They play accordions, guitars, ukuleles, banjos and violins. Some sing like they’ve come out of the Carolina mountains for the afternoon and there’s woman who sings like Johnny Cash’s sister while playing her guitar on her lap. She sings a duet with an Irishman who loves a story and has a voice like an angel.

“Oh, I like that,” says the talented violin player as she passes the microphone down the row to the next musician. He’s a big lanky guy whose acoustic guitar booms with the power of an electric guitar. Next to him is a gentleman with a lovely baritone and he takes us through a delightful rendition of “On the Wings of a Dove.”

After an hour and a half of music, it’s time for a cookie break and we’ve got to go.

“Y’all come back,” one of the mountain ladies says. v

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

© 2020

Jan. 24/Jan. 31, 2020

(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

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January 24/January 31, 2020 - Page 3

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

January 24/January 31, 2020 - Page 3

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

© 2020

Jan. 24/Jan. 31, 2020

(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002