The Land - December 9, 2022

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December 9, 2022

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Happy Holidays from The Land INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

A visit with Minnesota artist Bonnie Mohr; Farm turns into a shopping center featuring local artisans; Christmas thoughts from Karen Schwaller and Renae B. Vander Schaaf

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

‘And so this is Christmas’

418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56001 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLVI ❖ No. 25 32 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File From My Farmhouse Kitchen The Bookworm Sez Table Talk Healthcare Focus Calendar of Events Swine & U Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

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Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Laura Cole: lcole@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer Emeritus: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives: Dan McCargar: (507) 344-6379, dmccargar@thelandonline.com Deb Petterson: dpetterson@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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If we’re not careful, the holidays can be man was ill or even dying, and what a time when perfection gets the best of would the rest of his Christmas be like. I us. I know social media has created some didn’t think it could be good. I had witunattainable standards; but don’t forget, nessed the real truth that strong men before Instagram there were community eventually become weak. Young become cookbooks trying to convince us that an old. The realization that Christmas does attractive salad was a mold of lemon not live in a snow globe.

Jell-O with grated carrots and maraschiThis moment turned out to be a beginno cherries, adorned with intricately ning lesson in accepting that life can be LAND MINDS rolled bologna and served with a homeone thing and also another. Good, but made mayonnaise dressing. Just a can of with sadness. Joyful among misfortune.

By Laura Cole green beans for me, thanks.

For about six years in my twenties, I As a kid, my ideas of Christmas were worked with individuals with developa little like the inside of a snow globe mental disabilities. Holiday shifts were scene. Everything just so and even if I sometimes hard to fill and one year I found myself shook that little orb, the objects inside stayed as with the Christmas Eve evening shift. they should. The little girl continued to smile. The At the time, I had a toddler at home, and I was a snowman didn’t melt. The puppy would always have little heartbroken to be missing out on witnessing his bone with a bright red bow tied around it. And the magic of Christmas Eve through her eyes. in my mind, my family’s holiday traditions were thousands of years old. Concrete, cemented in place. Driving to my 2-10 p.m. shift, I felt weighted down.

My daughter would be fast asleep by the time I The first day of Christmas break must have been would be home, and I would never have that one Dec. 23, but it seems like that afternoon and the fol- specific Christmas Eve with her. And if I’m being lowing lasted an eternity. All of the neighborhood honest, I was also worried that my husband was kids spent the whole time outside: sledding down going to take this opportunity to knock out my famiFreedom Hill, building elaborate snow forts, knock- ly tradition of chili before the Christmas Eve service ing off the biggest icicles from the gutters for sword with his family’s tradition of lasagna. Traditions are fights. As the afternoon sun from Christmas Eve serious. shifted into its golden hour, the fun of the day As I pulled into the group home’s driveway, I warmed into something more peaceful, serene and remembered the age-old reminder within that line sentimental. of work: Leave your personal at their doorstep.

There was an unspoken rule that all five of us I was expecting it to be a good shift, that there kids got along on holidays. Fighting would not exist.

We toasted each other with real smiles on our faces. would be some smiles and laughs. I would be taking one of the more elderly ladies to a Christmas Eve We ate our meals with the good dishes and said service, and she was looking forward to it. She had please pass the gravy. We didn’t try to leave the table before the ending prayer was said. For the day, the personality any public speaker would love to have in attendance. When the pastor told a joke and we were perfect children. only got a couple of smiles from everyone else, she The first time I felt an infringement on Christmas was the ultimate congregant and responded with a magic was when I was about 10 years old or so. long laugh. Her laughter was heartwarming and Even in a conservative German Lutheran church, encouraging, and you couldn’t help but join in. She there was a lot of energy inside the brick and knew every Christmas song, and words really can’t stained glass. After the service and waiting to hear describe how it felt to be at that candlelit service, sit“It’s time to go”, I was racing down the stairs from ting next to this lovely lady with her hands clasped, balcony to basement with a friend. As we rounded eyes closed, and singing “Silent Night.” The words the end of a bannister, we slowed down as a young she didn’t know, she hummed along to, and once she woman was helping a much older man down the was familiar again, she picked right back up. stairs. I remember he was taller than I thought an There’s a reserved tranquility that accompanies old man could be, and he wore a medical mask (durleaving an evening church service. As I carefully ing a time when that was definitely more rare). As guided the wheelchair through the snowy sidewalk, he took the last step to leave the church, his foot I felt inspired and renewed. caught the rug and he tripped falling to his knees.

With one hand on the ground, he struggled to stand, Until I set off the alarm on the van. and was unable.

It was not a beep that lasted a second or two. It Another man came to help the woman get him was a horrendous non-stop blaring. If the cattle lowback on his feet. I remember continuing to run ing couldn’t make baby Jesus cry, this would have down the stairs and the combination of what just done the trick (not that Mary was asking). In my happened alongside the smell of church basement panic to make it all stop, I began pushing every butcoffee, the echoing sounds of continued conversation, ton on the remote as many times as I could. The and the smile on my friend’s face that I no longer See LAND MINDS, pg. 4 matched made me want to stop. I wondered if the

OPINION

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

WE’RE NOT JUST AHEAD OF THE CURVE, WE CREATED IT.

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Data is based on average of 2019-2021 comparisons made in U.S. through 2021. Comparisons are against any number of products of the indicated competitor brand, unless otherwise stated, and within +/- 3 CRM. Product responses are variable and subject to any number of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data are a better predictor of future performance. DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION. Refer to www.pioneer.com/products or contact a Pioneer sales representative or authorized dealer for the latest and complete listing of traits and scores for each Pioneer ® brand product.

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

House’s new ag boss doesn’t offer much that’s new He’s no fan of new ideas, either. He While his Republican House colleagues openly opposes any proposed Securities were fighting for votes and party majoriand Exchange Commission rule which ty a week after the Nov. 8 midterm elecrequires publicly-traded companies to tion, Pennsylvania incumbent Glenn disclose their climate change impact.

Thompson, the ranking GOP member of That’s especially true for companies the House Ag Committee, was basking in involved in agriculture. the glow of another blowout re-election.

To say he’s a rock-ribbed conservative His hammering, 40-point win wasn’t his biggest. That came in 2020 when he FARM & FOOD FILE slanders both rocks and conservatives: Thompson is a tough, outspoken won his sixth term by a crushing 47

By Alan Guebert Republican critic of both the Biden White points. Even then-President Donald J. House and its Department of Trump, running for reelection, couldn’t Agriculture leaders and he makes no top that; Trump won Thompson’s disapologies for it. trict by “just” 43 points.

That’s especially so when it comes to the White That empowering victory, and the fact that House’s recent push to acknowledge agriculture’s Thompson represents one of the largest, reddest role in climate change. In September, Ag Secretary rural districts east of the Mississippi, should tell Tom Vilsack announced almost $3 billion of new every farmer and rancher west of the Ohio where funding for “climate-smart commodity” research he stands on most ag issues when he assumes the projects. Thompson blasted the spending because, House Ag Committee chairmanship in January.

For starters, Thompson hates WOTUS, the Waters he claimed, it “endangered the bipartisan support” of the U.S. rule. Additionally, he believes SNAP, the for “traditional Farm Bill conservation” spending.

It’s a novel argument: USDA shouldn’t fund new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, needs research on how to protect critical natural resources “work and job training” requirements “for certain during climate change because it will harm ongoing beneficiaries.”

Yes, that old “no work, no SNAP” idea, rejected in research on how to protect critical resources during the 2018 Farm Bill debate, will likely see its reprise climate change.

To ensure House Dems got his meaning, under Thompson.

Thompson then upped the ante in an interview two days before his reelection.

Speaking to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, a nonprofit, nonpartisan website which covers Keystone State politics, Thompson said he didn’t “feel bound by any amount of funding or the specific program allocation passed in the partisan IRA bill,” the White House’s Inflation Reduction Act, passed last summer, that aims to cut U.S. carbon emissions 40 percent by 2030.

Sure, he said, “I have been leaning into the climate discussion, but I will not have us suddenly

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incorporate buzzwords like regenerative agriculture in the Farm Bill or overemphasize climate.”

As new chairman of the House Ag Committee, Thompson now has the muscle to push all Farm Bill talk on climate change onto any of his subcommittees’ back burners. That doesn’t mean, however, that climate change programs — and their buzzwords — won’t be incorporated into the Senate draft Farm Bill.

In fact, Thompson’s pre-Farm Bill pronouncements sound eerily similar to the partisan markers the GOP laid down during the contentious, two-yearlong 2018 Farm Bill fight.

Back then, like in 2023, the GOP ran the House.

Unlike next year’s wafer-thin GOP majority, however, its 2018 majority was rock solid. Even at that, none of the GOP’s most conservative proposals for the bill — especially any work requirements for SNAP benefits — made it into law because GOP leaders couldn’t corral their members.

And too, holding fast against any new SNAP work requirements then was the Dem leader of the Senate Ag Committee, Michigander Debbie Stabenow. Since Democrats held their Senate majority Nov. 8, guess who’s still chair of Senate Ag? As such, the 2018 Farm Bill fight might be a good blueprint for the upcoming 2023 fight: House Republicans pass tough Farm Bill “reforms” while defunding climate change; Senate Dems do neither but watch the clock; House Repubs finally concede and a “no one-is-happy” 2018-looking Farm Bill struggles over the finish line.

In short, if the recipe stays the same, the sausage will too.

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

10 year old remembers something more LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 woman I was with initially groaned at the total disruption, and I could not stop apologizing to her as I continued to fumble. At some point, she began laughing and eventually I was able to join her amidst the chaos.

I 100 percent ruined the mood of that peaceful Christmas Eve. But maybe there was a 10 year old sitting in a nearby pew that night who remembers something more. Along with the honest singing of that woman, did she also hear the persistent and, at times, pained coughing and sadly realize life is still life on Christmas? But maybe she also witnessed the commotion in the parking lot and had a laugh over that frantic twentysomething trying her best.

Did the disruption of the van alarm truly take away the holiday spirit? Or maybe (I can only hope) it brought an understanding that life is struggle and it’s joy.

Sometimes, even inside a snow globe, the objects inside dull. The glue holding the characters down may lift. The globe itself can chip or break. If you see the magic in every corner of December, how amazing. If you see some of the murk alongside the marvel, how right you are. As Frank sings, “…we’ll have to muddle through somehow.

So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.”

Laura Cole is the staff writer of The Land. She may be reached at lcole@TheLandOnline.com. v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

ALL ENLIST E3 SOYBEANS LOOK THE SAME, EXCEPT AT H RVEST. ®

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OVER ALL COMPETITORS1

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1 Data is based on average of 2021 comparisons made in U.S. through 2021. Comparisons are against all comparisons, unless otherwise stated, and within +/- 0.3 RM of the competitive brand. Product responses are variable and subject to any number of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data are a better predictor of future performance.

DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION. Refer to www.pioneer.com/products or contact a Pioneer sales representative or authorized dealer for the latest and complete listing of traits and scores for each Pioneer ® brand product.

The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3 ® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies L.L.C. Pioneer ® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. TM ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2022 Corteva. 22D-1416-71_TL_soybean_1209_Eastern

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

Good or bad, Christmas memories center around our Lord Christmas is a time for making new Just a month a later, a deadly tornado memories or remembering celebrations of wiped out the farm I grew up on. It was years ago. Many of our childhood memodevastating — not one of the buildings ries involve a special gift we received (or was salvageable. Most of the livestock, didn’t). For those of us who are older, we too, was gone. All but one bull was remember paging through the toy cataaccounted for in the final count. The bull logs which came in the mail. If just one was too wild now, so left alone. of those items from the wish catalog Worse yet, and the hardest to bear, the came, we knew Christmas would be good. storm claimed the life of my precious FROM MY Christmas is a time of joy and merriniece, Joni Marie DeBoer.

FARMHOUSE ment. But the Christmas which keeps KITCHEN She was just four years old. A sweet, surfacing to my mind this year was one dark haired little girl with a pixie way of

By Renae B. that was not especially cheery. The year smiling.

Vander Schaaf was 1986. The farm crisis was in full That day Joni had colored a picture of swing. Commodity prices just seemed to only know an angel before going to her grandparent’s farm. It one way of movement, which was down. The oppois the first thing my brother and his wife saw as site was true for interest rates. They kept rising.

Sadly, many farmers were forced to sell their farms. they came home from the hospital knowing that their young daughter was now singing hymns with It was not a good time for most people in rural or the angels. urban areas.

Earlier that day, when my sister-in-law talked In February of 1986, my grandma, Louise Cassens Reemstma died, just two days before her 77th birth- with her daughter, she had a record playing by Bill and Gloria Gaither. The song playing was “Jesus, I day and one day before their wedding anniversary.

Heard You Had A Big House.”

The Crocus flowers I always looked for on the Jesus, I heard you had a big house, south side of her house were blooming. They always Where I could have a room of my own. bloomed so much earlier than mine. This fall I And Jesus, I heard you had a big yard, planted more Crocus bulbs … just because.

Big enough to let a kid roam.

Grandma was the first of my grandparents to die.

She was my mother’s mom; and like her, Grandma I heard you had clothes in your closet, was a farmer’s wife with a listening heart and a Just the right size that I wear, strong faith in God. We knew she often mentioned And Jesus, I heard if I give you my heart, our names in her prayers and would ask us about Then you would let me go there. our salvation.

A month later, my “opa,” Jacob Marten DeBoer Jesus, I heard about meal time, died. He was 91 years old. He was a man who When all your children come to eat, enjoyed farming. When he retired to the edge of I heard you got a great big table Little Rock, he kept a handful of cattle for many Where every kid can have his own seat. years there in a pasture.

Jesus, they said there will be plenty A man of strong convictions, he lived his life in Of good things to children to share, accordance with his German Bible that he read And Jesus, I’d just like to tell you from several times daily. Before he died, he had a dream that my dad’s farm would be destroyed. Only I sure would like to go there. one of my dad’s many cattle or cows would survive.

Jesus, I heard that in your big house There’s plenty of love to go ‘round.

I heard there’s always singing and laughter To fill the place with happy sounds.

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And I’ve been thinking that a friend Who would give me all that he’s got Before I had even met him Well, he sure must love me a lot.

And Jesus, I’d just want to tell you, I sure do love you a lot!

Jesus, we just want to tell you, We sure do love you a lot!

When Christmas came, I hardly felt like celebrating and I suspect we all had similar thoughts.

Times were tough. Our emotions were all awry. The glitter and tinsel of the holiday seemed so harsh and callous. It was completely opposite of our heavy hearts.

I was nine and one half months pregnant with our third child. A time which usually is one of great anticipation and joy.

My parents, younger brothers and sisters, had moved to a different farm place. It wasn’t home. The house was unfamiliar, the gravel road had people living on it that I didn’t know. They were not the neighbors I remembered. The farm place did have nice evergreens, though, which were pretty with the snow on the needles and on the ground.

Dad and mom, despite their busyness on the farm, had always made sure that there was some type of Christmas celebration. That year was no different, as they welcomed us to their temporary home. They must have realized that we needed each other more than ever.

It was also their way to remind us of the real reason of Christmas — that Emmanuel has come.

Matthew 1:23 tells us, ‘Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” ‘God with us’, oh, how we needed that assurance and reminder.

Matthew Henry, in his commentary on this verse, wrote: “Herein consists the salvation He wrought out, in the bringing of God and man together; this was what He designed, to bring God to be with us, which is our great happiness, and to bring us to be with God, which is our great duty.”

We need to confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior, because we have all sinned. Sin separates us from God. God is just and holy, we need a mediator to undo the work of Satan.

Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, is the promised deliverer and mediator.

We can trust Him fully.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3: 16 and 17.

Through good or bad times, Emmanuel is here. He is the creator of this universe. Just to think of God’s glory and majesty causes me to tremble. He is our Redeemer and our Emmanuel (God with us).

The very thought of this restored us that year and still does.

Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

PAGE 7

Put a page-turner under the tree this year The tree looks magnificent.

Debra-Ann C. Butler, PhD. It’s perfect for anyone who works in or dabbles with any Your kids did a great job decorating the kind of engineering today; it’s also the parts you assigned to them; you took pickind of book your dedicated science fan tures this year because they really outdid needs. themselves. So you’re ready (almost) for the holidays — except for those few For the person who always embraces tricky gifts that you just can’t seem to the good in life, “Inciting Joy” by Ross figure out.

Gay will be a welcome gift. It’s a collection of essays on the things that make us THE BOOKWORM How about books? Easy to wrap, happy happy, that cause us to count our blessSEZ to get … why not look for these great ings, smile, and that gather us together. books?

By Terri Schlichenmeyer Wrap it up with “Happier Hour” by Cssie Fiction Holmes, PhD, and help someone decide For the giftee who likes novels with a twist, wrap what’s worth their joy. up “The Storyteller’s Death” by Ann Davila There’s just no way your animal-loving giftee Cardinal. It’s the tale of a girl who learns, at age 18, won’t want a copy of “Possums Are Not Cute!” by that she’s a “storyteller,” which is something that’s Ally Burguieres. It’s filled with adorable photos of passed down through the women of her family. But this blessing turns out to be a curse when she “sees” possums of all ages, in cute poses and just living their best lives. Bonus: possum facts and trivia! a murder that happened long ago. Pair it up with “The Strange Inheritance of Leah Fern” by Rita For your media-obsesssed giftee, “It’s Not TV: The Zoey Chin, also a story of a young “fortune teller” Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO” and a vision she may or may not have wanted.

by Felix Gillette and John Koblin is a nice eye-openThe person on your list who loves to people-watch er and a look at how we watch television, even in an age of streaming. Pair it with a book that reads like and connect with, well, everybody will want “Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting” by Clare Pooley. It’s a movie: “Same Ground” by Russell Wangersky, a the story of an advice columnist who amuses herself book about a journey across America, in search of a family story. during her commute by watching the other people on the train – until the day something happens and Won’t your reader enjoy “Great Short Books” by commuters suddenly become something more. Pair Kenneth C. Davis this holiday? The answer is “yes”: it with “Has Anyone Seen My Toes?” by Christopher this book is about books – specifically, more than Buckley, a hilarious novel about life during a the fifty short novels by authors you know and don’t pandemic when one’s health is the least of one’s know. Wrap it up with a gift certificate to your worries. favorite bookstore.

The reader on your list who loves to laugh will thoroughly enjoy “Random” by Penn Jillette. It’s the story of an almost-twenty-one-year-old who inherits a pile of debt from his horrible father, and it’s due to the (even more horrible) loan shark when the guy turns 21. Will a roll of the dice eliminate all his problems? Lucky is the person who gets this book, to find out.

Mystery The person on your list who is Of a Certain Age will absolutely love getting “Killers of a Certain Age” by Deanna Raybourn. It’s a thriller-mystery about four women who’ve worked as assassins for decades but suddenly, everyone thinks their methods are outdated. They’re sent “on vacation” but it’s really no vacation. How do they get out alive?

Lovers of short mysteries will love to find “Reader, I Buried Them and Other Stories” by Peter Lovesey.

This book, in celebration of Lovesey’s more-than-fifty years of mystery-writing, is full of mayhem, murder, and you know your giftee will want it.

General nonfiction If you’re looking for something unusual for your science-minded giftee, then find “The Handy Engineering Answer Book by DeLean Tolbert Smith, PhD; Aishwary Pawar; Nicole Pitterson, PhD; and

For the person who is obsessed with current events, “Adrift” by Scott Galloway could be THE gift this year. It’s a book of charts: where America’s been, where we seem to be heading, and how our leaders are leading. Pair it up with “Myth America: Historians Take on the Biggest Legends and Lies about Our Past,” edited by Kevin M. Kruse and Julian E. Zelizer. Together, these books are both eyeopeners, for sure.

The historian on your gift list will whoop when the wrapping comes off “The Escape Artist” by Jonathan Freedland. It’s the story of a man who actually broke out of Auschwitz and lived to tell the world what was going on. It’s a true story that reads like a deadly thriller.

Memoir The music lover on your gift list will absolutely want “Loud” by Tana Douglas. It’s a memoir of rock & roll, working with the band (Douglas was the rock world’s first female roadie) and yep, there’s plenty of behind-the-scenes. Your giftee won’t be able to resist. Another adventure to find: “Life on the Mississippi: An Epic American Adventure” by Rinker Buck. The author built an old-time wooden flatboat and sailed it down the Miss. You can’t miss what happened then...

Business What do you give the businessperson who’s also a “people person”? You wrap up “The Human Side of Innovation: The Power of People in Love with People” by Maurio Porcini. This book shows why it’s best for a business to put people first, always, and unapologetically. Readers who want to know where See BOOKWORM, pg. 25

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

Why the manger was not decorated for Christmas There may be no other more beautiful of his unrelenting (if not flawed) faith in and decorative season of the year than my ability to not to dump him out of the Christmas. It has also been argued that bucket. with enough spiked eggnog, persons of And I guess if you can do a job by hand, varying degrees of loveliness can appear you can find a way to put a motor on it. beautiful, too — especially in the soft n light of the Christmas tree.

There is probably no more irritating job I’m not sure that as much effort is put than securing a real tree into a tree into beautification as happens at TABLE TALK stand. My husband has lost more lanChristmas time. We have a stairway banister in the living room that switches

By Karen Schwaller guage doing that single task than any other job on the farm; and because of it, from beautiful orange leaf garland and he fabricated a tree stand which could lights in the fall, to subtle lighted roping not be matched by any amount of at Christmas. I guess that means our banister is lit German engineering.

It’s as heavy as the failed from September through January — not unlike old shortcake I baked one year (which, when I accidenUncle Whatsisface. tally dropped it, hit the floor with an embarrassing There are many tales to be told about holiday dec- thud and never even cracked). orating.

Once we get the tree stand dragged upstairs; and A couple of Christmases ago I was hanging if no toes have been broken or severed in the proChristmas cards around doorways. My mom was cess; we can proceed with the simple job of putting settled in and cozy in the recliner with two sweatup the tree. For my husband, the carol, “O ers on, working on a crossword puzzle as the Christmas Tree” can lose its luster when he’s literChristmas music played and the chocolate on my ally wrestling with that most sacred of Christmas Christmas candy was melting — all in the name of icons. keeping my mother warm while I was experiencing n hot flashes from the thermostat.

I have always enjoyed writing out Christmas Apparently, in my zest to finish the job before cards. We moved a mile to our new home in everyone got here, I soon found the step stool was December 2013 (admittedly an ill-timed move) and I lying sideways and my head was hitting the floor. hurried through writing cards that year.

I peered up from my point of view to see if I had frightened my mother; but she neither looked up nor seemed concerned. She asked, “Are you okay?” I said I was, and laid there for a minute while I probed for goose eggs and tried to figure out what had just occurred. Mom continued on with her puzzle. She goes by her mantra that if there is no poop, The second round of a cost-share for irrigation sysblood or visible fires, all is calm and all is bright. tem upgrades and associated practices is now availn able to producers in 19 Minnesota counties. This My husband enjoys having lots of Christmas cost-share is available through a Regional lights up. Last year it had snowed and gotten cold Conservation Partnership Program awarded by the before we could get the outdoor lights on the house. U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource That meant saying “no” to the step ladder, so he Conservation Service. fetched the skid loader and scooped a path all The program is available to producers with irrigaaround the lighting areas. I drove it — both forward tion systems located within Becker, Benton, Cass, and backwards — with him in the bucket as he Dakota, Douglas, East Otter Tail, Grant, Hubbard, shoved the light clips under the shingles. It speaks Kandiyohi, Meeker, Morrison, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Wadena, Washington, d and West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 16 and are available through the 20 local SWCD offices.

The program provides financial and technical support to irrigators looking to adopt and integrate proven precision irrigation technology and nitrogen management practices to help optimize irrigation system operation. This will help address groundwaSOUTHWEST MINNESOTA Daniel & Terese Hall ter quality and quantity issues under irrigated crop40133 - 620th Ave. land.

I later opened a card from my aunt and uncle in California and she wrote, “We sure enjoyed your Christmas card, even though it wasn’t signed and there was no letter.”

Good Lord, I wondered how many cards I had sent out that way that year. n Finally, what man doesn’t have a pile of lifeless Christmas lights somewhere, waiting to be resurrected? As cheap as lights are anymore I would just hold a memorial service and bury them alongside the hamsters — just to end the torment — but my husband loves a good challenge.

“I don’t know why you put yourself through that,” I said to him recently as he was working on strings of lights and profanities. He muttered something about it being the principle of the matter, adding that their willy-nilly whims of working defy all scientific reasoning.

Christmas lights alone may cause my husband to sport his own holiday red nose as he copes with some corn-based elixir following those particularly tedious and unyielding resuscitation sieges. Some nights around here are not all that silent … at least until the Christmas lighting is finished.

Karen Schwaller brings “Table Talk” to The Land from her home near Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v

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The cost-share is available for practices such as installing soil moisture sensors for irrigation scheduling, upgrades of sprinkler packages, conversion to variable rate application, advanced irrigation water management, and fertigation retrofits. The costshare amount varies; applicants should contact their local SWCD for more information.

Acres receiving cost-share for irrigation practices are also eligible for cost-share money for cover crops, residue and tillage management, and nutrient management.

In addition to providing the cost-share, a limited number of irrigators will receive a stipend to participate in the AgCentric Farm Business Management Program to provide an annual financial analysis of their operation.

More information is available at https://agcentric. org/rcpp-precision-irrigation/. Contact your local SWCD for more information about the program and how to apply.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

PAGE 9

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PAGE 10

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

Think twice before enrolling in Medicare Advantage program It is timely to think about “Medicare about how sick their patients were. This Advantage” as this is the season when resulted in Medicare being overcharged. folks of Medicare age decide what to do Our tax money funds Medicare, so when with their insurance for the next year.

Medicare is overcharged we the taxpayer Medicare Advantage is misnamed as it is are defrauded. It is estimated 2020 overnot really an advantage nor is it original charges by Medicare Advantage were Medicare. between $12 and $25 billion. (For a bit of perspective, the budget for NASA, the A bit of history is in order. After National Aeronautics and Space Agency, Medicare was started in 1966, it became HEALTHCARE was $21.5 billion). The Center for apparent the original Medicare had some FOCUS Medicare Services has been ineffective at significant gaps which should be fixed — eliminating this problem.

By Mark Brakke for example, significant copays for hospital stays; no coverage for vision, hearing I am sure those of you in the Medicare and dental problems; and no out of pocket maxiage range have noticed the flood of advertising for mum.

Medicare Advantage plans every fall. That should give you a clue as to how profitable the Medicare The logical thing (logical from the patient’s point Advantage programs are for the insurance compaof view) would have been to expand Medicare to nies. Remember your tax money is paying for all cover these gaps. The U.S. insurance industry conthat advertising. You may have also noticed it is vinced legislators to allow the sale of policies to quite difficult to pick a Medicare Advantage plan cover some parts of this gap with additional profit to the insurance companies if less money was spent due to the myriad different deductions, copays, incentives, etc. offered. on care.

A word of caution: If you are starting Medicare or The term “Medicare Advantage” was introduced in if you are in Medicare with a supplemental insur2003. How does Medicare Advantage work? The ance policy (not Medicare Advantage) think twice Providers (doctors, clinics, hospitals) bill the insurabout getting a Medicare Advantage policy. The ance companies for the services provided to the patients and the insurance companies have complex rules make it nearly impossible to switch from Medicare Advantage back to original Medicare with contracts with the providers and Medicare. a supplemental (Medigap) policy (the insurance The first obvious problem with this approach is companies have the option of denying you that the introduction of another party in the insurance change ….and they usually do deny the change.) plan. With original Medicare, the doctor or hospital When you are in Medicare Advantage, the insurance billed Medicare and Medicare paid based on a set company is involved in approving the care your docfee schedule. With Medicare Advantage, the hospital tor thinks is necessary. Who should determine your or doctor billed the insurance company which got paid by Medicare based on a complex formula and the insurance company paid the provider. This is obviously inefficient due to inserting another business into the billing/payment process.

The next problem involves incentives. The contracts between the insurance companies and Medicare encourage the insurance companies to spend less caring for the patients. That kind of incentive causes the insurance companies to sometimes deny needed care.

Unfortunately, there is another major problem.

Two new resources from the Center for Rural Many of the insurance companies offering Medicare Affairs describe coverage options available for small Advantage insurance manipulated the information and organic operations: the Micro Farm program and Contract Price Option.

The Micro Farm program insures the expected revenue of an agricultural operation, and is designed There’s no better holiday gift than an with small ones in mind. The coverage protects against loss of revenue from commodities grown or evening at Chanhassen! purchased for resale during the insurance period.

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Operations eligible for Micro Farm must make less than $350,000 in approved annual revenue, with no more than 50 percent of total revenue coming from 952.934.1525 commodities purchased for resale.

800.362.3515 For producers growing or transitioning to organic ChanhassenDT.com crops, the Contract Price Option can be used to better

care, your doctor or an insurance company? Joining a Medicare Advantage plan puts you in a network.

The doctor you wish to see, the doctor who is most experienced taking care of your problem, may not be in the network you join.

Some of you reading this column may wonder if I am exaggerating. I am not. A good place to learn more is the PNHP.org webpage where they have an extensive set of information on Medicare Advantage.

On Oct. 8 the New York Times published, “The Cash Cow Was Insatiable, How Insurers Exploited Medicare Advantage”. You can also simply google “problems with medicare advantage” and find many well documented articles. When you read or listen to discussions of this subject, always ask yourself who is speaking. The insurance industry clearly does not have an unbiased perspective. (Chicken farmers will tell you: Do not let the fox design the chicken coop.)

There really is no good reason for our Medicare insurance being complicated and subject to fraud and administrative inefficiency. Original Medicare is administratively efficient and should have been left that way.

As a tax payer I think we should do away with Medicare Advantage and replace it with an improved version of the original Medicare. We all need to remember we live in a democracy. If we want government policy to change we need to communicate regularly with our elected representatives.

Mark Brakke is retired after caring for patients in Coon Rapids, Minn. for 41 years. He has served on boards of two HMOs. Questions relating to health care can be sent to editor@thelandonline.com. v

www.TheLandOnline.com

New crop insurance resources for small and organic producers

GIFT CARDS

cover a crop’s value.

The Contract Price Option is only available for acres under contract. Acres with and without contracts can still be insured under the same policy, but those acres not under contract will be factored into a weighted average at the price established by RMA. To learn more about these programs, visit cfra.org/ publications.

Farmers with questions about crop insurance are invited to reach out to the Center for Rural Affairs for one-on-one support. Contact Kate Hansen at kateh@cfra.org or (515) 215-1294.

This article was submitted by the Center for Rural Affairs. v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

Mohr’s dairy production is with brush on canvas

By RICHARD SIEMERS The Land Correspondent It would be difficult to find a time when dairy cattle were not a part of Bonnie Mohr’s life. She grew up on a dairy farm near Gibbon, Minn. with her seven siblings, doing farm chores including milking cows. She also showed cattle and was on a dairy judging team.

Mohr attended college at the University of Minnesota - Waseca, majoring in dairy production and agricultural communications. Married and living in Minneapolis after graduation, she worked for Holstein World in communications, sales and marketing. Her husband, John, who grew up on a dairy farm near Hanska, Minn., also had a job in sales. In the 1980s they took the opportunity to buy a farm near Glencoe, Minn. and went into the dairy business. (You can read about the farm, Glenmark Genetics, at www.glenmarkgenetics.com) “I felt strongly that I would end up somewhere in the field of agriculture and, more Photo by Richard Siemers importantly, in a dairy company where I Bonnie Mohr holds a print of her painting “The Beautiful Cow.” It is one of her favorites could use my background,” Bonnie said. “I and one of her most popular works. The cows and pasture are on Bonnie and John’s always kind of laugh and say, ironically, I farm.

Answers located in Classified Section

did end up in dairy communications, but in a way that I never expected.”

You see, Bonnie Mohr communicates about dairy farming with a paintbrush.

For years, her prime subjects were dairy cattle.

“Very shortly into the early part of my career I realized that I could paint cows well because I used to judge them. I was on the judging team so I knew anatomy and bone structure and the like.”

Still, painting was not a career she expected to be in at all. The closest she came to formal training was at the age of 12. While she wasn’t turning out paintings, her parents saw an interest in design and drawing and enrolled her in a class with a local artist as a Christmas gift. She loved art class in high school but felt she was an average student.

Living in the Twin Cities gave her access to art shows and galleries.

“There was this gnawing level of curiosity and interest in pursuing my art,” she said. “I really can’t explain it.”

She didn’t just go to art shows. She used them to learn.

“I would seek out artists that I thought were the best and go to their booths, study their art, ask questions,” she said. “It was a whale of an opportunity to talk in person, one-on-one. I always said the quickest way to advance in anything in life is to surround yourself with other successful and intelligent people that you can learn from. So basically I’m self-taught, and the way I got started was by talkPhoto submitted ing to other artists who Bonnie and her husband John were successful.” farm near Glencoe, Minn.

While she may have considered herself to be an “average” student in art, she discovered she had a God-given talent and began to develop it.

“I was learning a sideline career in art while I had a full-time job, and waiting for the time when I had enough courage to think I could actually make a living at art,” Bonnie explained. “My husband was very supportive, my biggest fan, and he encouraged me to do that.”

In the early 1980s, the popular art was western and See MOHR, pg. 13

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

Mohr creates 15 to 30 works of art annually MOHR, from pg. 12 wildlife — Terry Redlin, Les Kouba, Robert Bateman. That wasn’t her interest. She loved cows, she knew cows, she was comfortable with cows…and nobody was painting cows.

“I started painting cows,” she said. “I found a niche in the marketplace. People were liking my work, buying my work, so I took the leap of faith. I was young at the time and I thought if it doesn’t work out, I can get a job anywhere.”

Her folks had taught her that with hard work and common sense, she could succeed at anything. That “leap of faith” landed her in a new career. Her love of dairy cattle was shared by others. Much of her clientele were dairy farmers, and she could paint any breed.

About the time she quit her job and started painting, the Mohrs started their dairy farm and started a family which eventually totaled five children. The next years “were a blur,” Bonnie said. She was helping in the barn, having babies, raising children, painting, answering phones, packing orders.

When the third child came along, she told John, “Either I milk cows or I paint them, but I can’t do both.” He agreed. He hired help with the dairy. She focused on being a mom and developing her business.

The business developed to where they built a gallery, store, and studio next to their house on the farm. Two full-time employees assist in having the gallery open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as with social media and other details.

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She painted cows exclusively for 15 to 20 years. She had come close to saturating the market — especially since the dairy industry and her customer base were shrinking. It was time to move beyond her “comfort zone”. She broadened her subject matter to general agriculture and rural America, and about ten years ago added “inspirational art and paintings with a message.

Photo by Richard Siemers Some have words, some Next to Bonnie and John’s farmhouse is Bonnie’s gallery, store don’t.” and studio.

She reflected, “I was Photo submitted pleasantly surprised to find that I’m really loving painting other things [than cows] and I’m feeling more purposeful, that God has a bigger calling for me than to paint pretty pictures of cows. I think combining art with a joyful or strong or powerful message makes it more than art. It makes it a statement of how to live life. That’s where I see my art going now and that’s what I hope my future will be, and I’m very excited about that.”

Bonnie loves to paint, but it is more than a way to make a living. The world is changing and she wants to change with it. She said the way to grow is to explore and try new things, and she chooses not to paint just for the sake of painting. She feels that her painting has a two-fold purpose: One is to allow God to work through her, the other is to serve the people Photo submitted Bonnie paints in oil, creating around 15-30 new around her.

“I’ve always said that you’re not given anything to works annually, depending on her schedule, and the size and detail of the paintings. She sells the original keep it or to have it. You’re given it to share it, to paintings, as well as Giclée (reproductions on can- make the world a better place,” she said. vas), prints and cards, both at her gallery and on-line. See MOHR, pg. 15

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PAGE 14

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

Merry Little Farm features Sankens’ love of the holiday

By WHITNEY NESSE skipping school in fourth grade to The Land Correspondent haul round bales!” he shared.

BROWNTON, Minn. — Over the Although Sam, his dad and his Buffalo Creek and through the town of brother all share the daily duties of Brownton, Minn., to the Merry Little the farm, Sam is specifically in Farm we go! charge of the bookkeeping. Josie is willing to hop onto a tractor whenThis may be the tune you were singing ever she is needed during spring if you were on your way to Merry Little and fall field work. “I’m mostly the Farm the weekend after Thanksgiving; meal delivery gal!” she laughed. when husband and wife team, Sam and “Meal delivery and most importantJosie Sanken, opened up their Christmas ly, emergency seed runs and parts shop for local artists to sell their work. runs,” added Sam. Josie fills in The goal, Josie said, is to provide a local wherever she can around the farm. establishment for rural artists to showcase and sell their work without having In talking about the agricultural to drive to the metro area. What’s more production side of the Sankens’ venis that Merry Little Farm offers an tures, they shared this year went opportunity for folks to visit a working surprisingly well. Josie said that the farm! This year marks the third season goat herd expanded nicely this year. for Merry Little Farm.

“We have some wethers that will be going to market in early December,” Both Sam and Josie are actively workshe said. As far as crop production, ing in production agriculture. Sam, along Sam said that yields were rather with his father and brother, raise corn surprising once the combine was and soybeans on the family’s sixth genrolling. “After getting the crop in the eration farm. Sam and Josie are in their ground late this spring and wet, cool pilot year of raising and finishing meat conditions the first half of June folgoats and broiler chickens. On top of lowed by hardly any rain through that, they have two small children: July and August, we were very Winne, who is four years old and Waylon Photos by Whitney Nesse impressed with the yields,” Sam who is two years old. “Winnie is very Winnie, Waylon, Sam and Josie Sanken. said. “Both corn and soybeans outexcited to be part of Merry Little Farm yielded our expectations. We were this year!” relayed Josie. very, very pleased with that.”

Minn.

For Josie, painting, creating, sculpting and music The idea of opening up a holiday Raising animals has been a have been lifelong passions of hers. At the age of 14 shop came around in 2018. “I cooked she began selling some of her artwork. “They were lifelong hobby of Josie’s as well. up the idea of wanting to have a During her growing up years, called ‘Promise Ponies’,” Josie recalled. “I would take holiday event. I’ve always been big clay and blend it together to make a really cool rain- her family owned a hobby farm into Christmas and wanted to start where they raised horses, chickbow pattern of color and sculpt them into ponies.” something!” said Josie. “I’m an ens, steers and rabbits. She was As a teenager, Josie’s “Promise Ponies” were sold in entrepreneur and Christmas is my also very active in 4-H as a a local coffee shop near her hometown of Almelund, kryptonite!” youngster, showing many of the animals they raised at the coun2019 was the opening year of ty fair. Josie is still an avid Merry Little Farm where there were horse lover, owning two horses. only four other vendors, Josie said.

She has thoroughly enjoyed “We sold handmade items like crafts sharing that hobby with their and art,” she said. The first year children. went quite well considering there was an ice and snow storm that blew Sam’s agricultural backthrough the weekend of the sale. ground looks slightly different.

“I grew up on a farm. My dad Winnie lends a hand helping mom set up Sam said they decided to open a secdisplays at the Merry Little Farm. ond weekend that year because of raised hogs until 1996. [My dad] the unfavorable weather. has been a crop farmer ever since then — except for a few batches of Holstein Now, Josie said, she is shifting gears from crafts to steers that he finished,” said Sam. “I am actively art, pottery, photography and hand-painted pictures farming with my dad and brother now.” in order to make Merry Little Farm more of an art Sam, his dad and brother grow corn and soybeans gallery and boutique. “I want to keep it different. I Agronomy Energy Feed Grain and also have a seed dealership called Sanken Seeds. want art. I am a passionate artist and I don’t think there are many opportunities for people [who are artwww.crystalvalley.coop “I always had an interest in the farm,” he said. ists] to locally showcase their art. I want to support Once he was old enough to drive a tractor, he has been helping on the farm. “I have fond memories of See MERRY LITTLE FARM, pg. 15

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

PAGE 15

Conservation Partnership Program signup ends Dec. 16 WAITE PARK, Minn. — Applications from Conservation-Minded Landowners for the Fiscal Year 2023 NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) are due by Dec. 16.

Farmers and landowners are encouraged to apply for financial assistance to implement conservation activities under four Regional Conservation Partnership Program projects in Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

— Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program Project #2129. Covers all of Minnesota.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture — Irrigation Partnership to Protect Groundwater Project #2365. Counties: Becker, Benton, Cass, Dakota, Douglas, East Otter Tail, Grant, Hubbard, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Morrison, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Wadena, West Otter Tail and Washington.

Farm a venue for local artists MERRY LITTLE FARM, from pg. 14 local artists,” Josie offered.

When asked what his involvement in Merry Little Farm is, Sam laughed and said, “I hang Christmas lights!” He also added he does wood cutting, shop projects and assembling things.

“Typically, Josie spends evenings during harvest in the shop creating,” Sam said. “The weekend of the shop, I keep the kids happy and the bonfire lit.”

“I love Christmas!” Josie announced.

“We’re celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior!” As a child, Josie’s family would have multiple Christmas celebrations that she has fond memories of. “There is always something so special about Christmas. To me, it means tradition. I saw Merry Little Farm as a way to start a tradition — not just for family, but our community,” Josie shared. “I love opening our doors for people in our community. It gives people the opportunity to meet their neighbors.”

The future of Merry Little Farm is indeed merry and bright! Josie and Sam want to add Christmas trees for sale next year, they said. The Sankens’ want to offer more opportunities for folks to add to their family traditions.

“Tradition is something you can count on. It’s memorable,” Josie said. Creating

American Bird Conservancy — Improving Forest Health for Wildlife Resources Project #2245. Counties: Beltrami, Itasca, St. Louis, Cass, Becker, Hubbard, Crow Wing, Carlton, Pine, Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Clearwater, Wadena, Roseau, Lake, Kanabec, Morrison, Koochiching, Aitkin and Mahnomen.

Morrison Soil and Water Conservation District — Camp Ripley Sentinel Landscape Project #2677. Counties: Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, and Todd RCPP promotes coordination of NRCS conservation activities with partners that offer value-added contributions to

address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns.

Through RCPP, NRCS seeks to coinvest with partners to implement projects that demonstrate innovative solutions to conservation challenges and provide measurable improvements and outcomes tied to the resource concerns they seek to address.

For more information visit the NRCS Minnesota RCPP webpage at www. nrcs.usda.gov.

This article was submitted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. v

Mohr has no plans to retire MOHR, from pg. 13

Along with growing corn and soybeans, the Sankens have expanded their goat herd in 2022.

a space for families to make happy memories, start traditions and appreciate local art as well as experience firsthand a working farm is what Merry Little Farm is all about!

Merry Little Farm is located on Page Avenue a few miles north of Brownton, Minn. v

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Bonnie is 60 and retirement is not even in her vocabulary.

“I truly love what I do, and I truly have a passion for it,” Bonnie said. “I’m truly grateful that God gave me this job. I hope that my best art is still coming. I hope that God’s going to take everything I’ve learned about art and all the life experiences I’ve had as a wife and a mom and a business owner and do something really awesome with it. I’m at a point now that I want to take everything I’ve learned and give back.”

Lest the cows are feeling neglected, she assures that she will always paint some cows. They may even see her in the barn. She still helps with milking on occasion.

“We have a working dairy,” she emphasized. “People come [to the farm] not only to see the art but the cows as well, and bring kids and grandkids.”

Yes, she will always paint some cows, “but I want to transition into more inspirational and general art with positive and uplifting messages, just because I think our world needs it right now.”

You can see what she is talking about at her website, www.bonniemohr.com, where you can also find directions to the farm, or find her on Facebook and Instagram @bonniemohrstudio. The studio on the farm is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Check the website for events or tours. v

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

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.

Dec. 9-10 — Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show — Willmar, Minn. — The 2022 convention will feature MSCA’s annual Cattlemen’s College series with timely topics and speakers. Other highlights include MSCA and MN Cattlewomen annual meetings, live & silent auctions, setting 2022 legislative priorities, and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.mnsca. org/events/convention.

Dec. 10 — Dairy Goat Management Seminar — Orange City, Iowa — This year’s focus is on goat health, feeding, and milk marketing. Contact Fred Hall at (712) 737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu.

Dec. 15 — What is a Fair Farm Rental Agreement — Willmar, Minn. — Attendees will receive several informative worksheets and factsheets that will help to determine what a fair 2023 farmland rental rate is.

For more information, please visit https://z.umn.edu/ landrentworkshops.

Dec. 15-16 — Soil Management Summit — St. Cloud, Minn. — Learn how heavier, colder soils aren’t necessarily the challenge they’re made out to be. Hear from long-time, reduced tillage and cover crop farmers as they share their experiences. Contact Jodi DeJong-Hughes at dejon003@umn.edu or (320) 235-0726 ext. 2006.

Jan. 3 — Crop Advantage Series — Sheldon, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists will provide updated management options and recommendations on crop production issues.

Meeting will also include continuing education credits Certified Advisers NS for Please readCrop attached email and pesticide applicator recertification. Contact ANR Program Services at anr@iastate.edu or (515) 294-6429.

MESOther ALREADY ONLocations: AD THE LAND 3.417 x ” Dates and Jan. 4 — Storm Lake, Iowa Jan. 10 — Okoboji, Iowa Jan. 11 — Webster City, Iowa Jan. 12 — Cedar Falls, Iowa Jan. — Mason City, Iowa The13 Land Jan. 24 — Le Mars, Iowa

2

Jan. 5-6 — Minnesota Organic Conference — St. Cloud, Minn. — The conference will include two keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and an 80-booth trade show. For more information, visit https://www. mda.state.mn.us/environment-sustainability/minnesota-organic-conference.

Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7 and 14 — Annie’s Project — Owatonna, Minn. — Course topics will include financial reporting, human resources, legal, market risk and production metrics. Contact Claire LaCanne at lacanne@umn.edu or (507) 444-7691.

Jan. 12 — What is a Fair Farm Rental Agreement —Online — Attendees will receive several informative worksheets and factsheets that will help to determine what a fair 2023 farmland rental rate is. For more information, please visit https://z.umn.edu/landrentworkshops.

Jan. 18-19 — MN Ag Expo — Mankato, Minn. — Learn what researchers are discovering about new uses for corn. The Expo will also include learning sessions focused on carbon credits, nitrogen, state regulations, and the 2023 farm bill. Contact MN Ag Expohttp:// mnagexpo.com.

Jan. 19 — Planning Your Dairy Farm Future — Paynesville, Minn. — Session is “Who’s the Boss?”

(Leadership and Communication). Learn about family member personality and communication and how it affects your farm’s performance. Contact Dana Adams at adam1744@umn.edu or (320) 255-6169, ext. 3.

Jan. 19-21 — Practical Farmers of Iowa Conference — Ames, Iowa — This year, the conference invites attendees to consider the many places where common ground exists in our lives, farms, ideas and shared aspirations. Contact Tamsyn Jones at tamsyn.jones @practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661.

Jan. 26 — Planning Your Dairy Farm Future — Little Falls, Minn. —Session is “How Do I Get from Here to There” (Goal Setting and Business Planning).

Begin thinking about your farm’s goals and plan for future farm success. Contact Dana Adams at adam1744@umn.edu or (320) 255-6169, ext. 3.

Jan. 26 — What is a Fair Farm Rental Agreement —Online — Attendees will receive several informative worksheets and factsheets that will help to determine

what a fair 2023 farmland rental rate is. For more information, please visit https://z.umn.edu/landrentworkshops.

Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, and Mar. 2 — Annie’s Project - Education for Farm Women — St. Cloud, Minn. — Course topics will include financial reporting, human resources, legal, market risk, and production metrics. Contact Anthony A. or Dana Adams at (320) 255-6169.

Jan. 31-Feb. 2 — Pollinator Habitat Webinar Series — Online — This three-part series covers how to create a pollinator-friendly garden, bee lawn & prairie planting. Contact your local Extension office with questions and/or for help with registration.

Contact for residents of Stearns, Benton, Morrison and Sherburne counties: quincy@umn.edu or (320) 255-6169 x 1.

Feb. 2 — Private Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Course — Hampton, Iowa — Topics to be covered include: Personal protective equipment, Safe handling, Storage of pesticides, and Pests, pest management and pesticides. Contact Traci Kloetzer at tkloetze@iastate.edu or (641) 456-4811.

Feb. 7 — Nitrogen Conference — Mankato, Minn. — Current topics in crop production and environmental stewardship will be discussed. For more information, please visit https://mawrc.org/events.

Feb. 8 — Dry Manure Applicator Certification Workshops — Kamrar, Iowa — This workshop meets manure applicator certification requirements for both confinement site manure applicators and commercial manure applicators who primarily apply dry or solid manure. Contact 515-832-9597.

Other Dates and Locations: Feb. 9 — Clarion, Iowa Contact 515-532-3453.

Feb. 10 — Greenfield, Iowa Contact 641-7438412.

Feb. 14 — Washington, Iowa Contact 319-6534811.

Feb. 15 — Storm Lake, Iowa Contact 712-7325056.

Feb. 16 — Orange City, Iowa Contact 712-7374230.

Letters to the editor are always welcome.

Send your letters to: Editor, The Land 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

PAGE 19

Plan now this winter for spring windbreak planting Ever walk in the wintertime with the wind biting at your face and then all of a sudden the wind just... stops?

Something stopped it. It could have been a building or even a tree. A single tree won’t stop the wind much, but a tree windbreak of a whole row or multiple rows of trees? Now that’s a conservation practice that can stop a lot of wind and snow too.

In order for a windbreak to function properly, it first needs to be designed and implemented with a few factors in mind. These factors include wind direction, space, and types of trees desired by the landowner. Other factors to consider are snow dumping load and odor control.

A windbreak can be made up of one row, all the way up to five or more rows. If one row is planted, that row should consist of conifer trees. Conifer trees keep their needles all year, and thus they will block the wind all year long.

If you are planning a two-row windbreak, a shrub row should be planted along with the conifer row.

Shrubs add fast-growing protection from the wind at the ground level and also catch snowfall. Additional rows after this can be either conifer trees or deciduous trees.

The windbreak should be planted perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. That means if you have wind coming directly from the north, you would plant the windbreak going from east to west on the

north side of where you want to protect from the wind. The rows don’t need to be in a completely straight line and can curve to fit the space and prevailing wind direction. The shrub row should always be on the outside of the windbreak, meaning it is the first line of defense against the wind.

When trees are planted, usually they are small.

This can lead to wanting to plant them close together so there are little to no gaps. It can be hard to remember that those little trees do not stay little for long.

If the trees are planted too close together, they will eventually choke each other out a few years down the road. Shrubs should be planted five feet apart, deciduous trees 15-20 feet apart, and conifers 20-25 feet apart. This will allow for adequate space to grow, but close enough together to trap the wind effectively.

According to the University of Minnesota, windbreaks can reduce energy costs to rural residences by 10 to 20 percent. Windbreaks also have other benefits. They can also reduce odor caused by livestock and can reduce stress on farm animals.

Windbreaks also have great benefits for wildlife.

Conifers provide valuable winter habitat for many species of birds that stay here during the winter like chickadees and nuthatches. Choosing a shrub species like highbush cranberry or juneberry can also provide a great, natural food source for birds. The blossoms and leaves of many hardwood tree species are

Census of agriculture now underway DES MOINES — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recently mailed survey codes to all known agriculture producers in Iowa with an invitation to respond online to the 2022 Census of Agriculture at agcounts.usda.gov.

The ag census is the nation’s only comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county, and territory. By completing the survey, producers across the nation can tell their story and help generate impactful opportunities that better serve them and future generations of producers.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture will be mailed in phases, with paper questionnaires following in midDecember. Producers need only respond once, whether securely online or by mail. All responses are due Feb. 6. Farm operations of all sizes, urban and rural, which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products in 2022, are included in the ag census.

Collected in service to American agriculture since 1840 and now conducted every five years by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Census of Agriculture is a complete picture of American agriculture today. It highlights land use and ownership, producer characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures, among other topics.

Between ag census years, NASS considers revisions to the questionnaire to document changes and emerging trends in the industry. Changes to the 2022 questionnaire include new questions about the use of precision agriculture, hemp production, hair sheep and updates to internet access questions.

Responding to the Census of Agriculture is required by law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105113. The same law requires NASS to keep all information confidential, to use the data only for statistical purposes, and only publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation. NASS will release the results of the ag census in early 2024.

To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit www.nass.usda.gov/agcensus. On the website, producers and other data users can access frequently asked questions, past ag census data, special study information, and more.

For highlights of these and the latest information, follow USDA NASS on twitter @usda_nass.

This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. v

important for many species of moths and butterflies while their nuts and seeds also provide a food source for wildlife.

If you are thinking you would like to install a windbreak, restore your woodlot, or want to create woodland habitat for wildlife or birds, contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District office for assistance with planning and implementation. District staff with backgrounds in forestry are available to answer any questions you may have regarding species selection and can help you make the right choice of trees and shrubs.

This article was submitted by Emmie Scheffler, District Technician with the Rice Soil and Water Conservation District. v

PAGE 20

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

Minnesota pig farmers invited to improve on-farm sustainability In today’s culture we hear the term sustainability used in many different contexts — from concerns about the environment and food production to fashion and cosmetics. In basic terms, sustainability relates to a method of using a resource so that it is not depleted or permanently damaged.

In agriculture, producers with an eye to continuous improvement and retaining productivity have long operated in a sustainable manner. It’s always been important to farmers to not « mine the farm », to ensure that nutrients are returned to the soil after a crop is harvested. Livestock farmers are uniquely situated to maintain soil fertility through application of manure.

PQA+ and We Care In the pig business, producers have been participating in the Pork Quality Assurance program since 1989. At that time, PQA was established through the industry’s producer-led group, the National Pork Board, and offered an education/assessment program to help pig farmers ensure the pork they delivered to the consumer was free from medication residues. In the following years, animal handling and animal welfare components were added to PQA, and now it is a certification process for all swine farmers called Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA+).

PQA+ certification is good for three years, and it is updated and improved with continuing research data every three years.

In 2008, National Pork Board delegates approved the We Care ethical principles for U.S. pig farmers.

We Care is an overarching philosophy and commitment grounded in the six ethical principles which guide America’s pig farmers in all that they do.

These six ethical principles have been incorporated into the content of the PQA+ certification, and tie together the importance of ethical practices in producing safe pork for U.S. meat consumers.

The six elements of We Care include pig farmers’ commitment to food safety, animal well-being, the environment, public health, the people who work with pigs, and the communities in which farmers operate.

These elements encompass appropriate use of medications and raising healthy pigs; meticulous pig care and handling; protection of natural resourc-

UniversityofMinnesota

EXTENSION

SWINE &U

es; ensuring safe pork for consumers; creating a positive workplace for pig caretakers; and providing transparency to the community about the farm, and contributing to a better quality of life for the SWINE & U community

By Diane DeWitte Back to sustainability As pig industry leadership began to address questions about sustainability, they realized that in We Care they already had the structure in place on which to develop an industrywide sustainability plan. The National Pork Board has been measuring pig farms’ environmental footprint for nearly 10 years.

In 2008, National Pork Board delegates approved the We Care ethical principles for U.S. pig farmers. We Care is an overarching philosophy and commitment grounded in the six ethical principles which guide America’s pig farmers in all that they do.

One of the We Care ethical principles is management of the environment. This includes the use of manure as a valuable resource in a manner that safeguards air and water quality, includes air quality from production facilities to minimize the impact on neighbors and the community, and includes managing operations to protect the quality of natural resources.

In 2019 the National Pork Board first piloted the On-Farm Sustainability project to quantify the impact of actual pig farm practices. Collecting data from pig farmers could assist the individual farmer to first benchmark the farm’s water, energy and nutrient usage; and then, with annual additions to the report, help the producer improve those practices. From the national perspective, the aggregation of many farms’ data could help the industry tell the sustainability story to consumers and supply chain partners. The national goal has been to embrace the principles, apply the practices, provide the proof, and develop public trust.

After a successful pilot year, NPB rolled out the project to swine producers across the country.

Sustainability goals were set, and the project joined with Sustainable Environmental Consultants to collect the raw data and turn it into usable informa-

tion for the farmer and in aggregate, for the industry. One of the overarching goals of the project is to gather industry sustainability information to better answer questions from supply chain partners.

In Minnesota, several swine producers served as early” guinea pigs” in the project, first providing their farm data, then reviewing the results, setting further farm goals, and in a second year in the project, measuring improvements made.

NPB recently offered an afternoon workshop of participants at the University of Minnesota’s Leman Swine Conference. Discussion surrounded the ongoing ability of farmers to evaluate their farm from the perspective of energy and water usage, environmental impact, and size of their carbon footprint.

Pig farmers who also grow crops have a special advantage in working with SEC to make specific fertility decisions and improve their effectiveness in putting the nutrients exactly where they are needed.

One Minnesota pig farmer who joined the project at the beginning said he used the electricity use data from the project to make the decision to add solar panels to the farm, and mentioned that returning electricity to the power company was a way to diversify his farming operation. In addition, he has incorporated cover crops and no-till practices into the crop side of his farm, and is on the verge of adding water meters to better quantify the farm’s water usage.

The On-Farm Sustainability Project uses a twopronged approach: Data-collection from farm records plus interview-style recording of farm practices. The project is focused on data quality, so it uses a verification process by comparing to U.S. Department of Agriculture Land-Grant data to help double-check the results.

The On-Farm Reports include a Sustainable Continuous Improvement Plan — offering recommendations for producers to improve sustainability on their operations. This can include manure data with application, agronomic rates; water data on both quality and amount used; and community outreach including donations and service hours After a year of data collection, NPB reports that within the economics of manure usage, 112 farms realized a $5.9 million dollar synthetic fertilizer savings. Currently there are 330 farms across the country participating with in impact of 200,000 acres and 2 million pigs.

See SWINE & U, pg. 21

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

PAGE 21

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

Holiday orders filled, cheese demand is slacking This column was written for the marketing week ending Dec. 2.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the November Federal order Class III benchmark milk price at $21.01 per hundredweight. This is down 80 cents from October, but $2.98 above November 2021. That put the 11-month average at $22.09, up from $16.96 at this time a year ago and $18.39 in 2020.

The November Class IV price is $23.30 per cwt., down $1.66 from October, $4.51 above a year ago, and the lowest Class IV since January. Its average now stands at $24.68, up from $15.74 a year ago and $13.50 in 2020.

MIELKE MARKET n WEEKLY The Chicago Mercantile

By Lee Mielke Exchange cheddar blocks fell to $2.065 per pound on Nov. 30, but closed the first Friday in December at $2.10. This is Dec. 2’s late morning Class III down a nickel on the week, but still futures had December at $20.20, 24.25 cents above a year ago. They which would result in a 2022 average also ended November 10.5 cents highof $21.93, up from $17.08 in 2021 and er than where they started the month $18.16 in 2020. at.

Looking ahead, the January contract After dropping 24.50 cents the previwas at $19.91; February, $19.86; and ous two weeks, the barrels slipped to March was at $20.00, with a peak at $1.80 per pound on Nov. 29 (the lowest $20.42 in September. since Aug. 8), but rallied to finished on

MARKETING

Data supplied is anonymous SWINE & U, from pg. 20 Anonymity and cost The data collected from each farmer is kept anonymously, and for an annual industry report, the data is aggregated. Because Sustainable Environmental Consultants is a privately held company, individual farm information is private and not obtainable by outside groups. SEC provides individual farm sustainability reports to the specific farmer. This enables the producer to evaluate farm practices and make management decisions which can improve sustainability in the next season and beyond.

The blinded, aggregated data will be used at the state and national level to share real data on producers’ commitment to sustainability. Using these reports will allow the pork industry to continue to build trust in modern pig farming, while protecting pig farmers’ freedom to operate.

The On-Farm Sustainability project is available to any pig producer who sells pigs and pays check-off dollars to the National Pork Checkoff. Currently, the pig checkoff is 40 cents per every $100 of pork sold, and is automatically collected at the sale site.

Time commitment On average, participation takes 2 to 4 hours. Participants have an initial interview and provide data collection for the previous growing seasons’ data (depending on farm size, each of these steps lasts about an hour). Any records work — either paper or digital. Farm data is confidential and the specific operation and data will not be shared. Results of all on-farm reports are kept in an aggregate of state and national reports to help learn and share the industry’s sustainability story.

How to participate Here in Minnesota, Sustainability project participation is being managed

by Lauren Servick, Minnesota Pork’s director of marketing and public policy engagement. Pig farmers who would like to learn more about the sustainability project can reach Servick at Lauren@mnpork.com or by calling (507) 345-8814.

Diane DeWitte is an Extension Educator specializing in swine for the University of Minnesota Extension.

Her e-mail address is stouf002@umn. edu v

Dec. 2 at $1.8975. This is up 8 cents on the week, 29.5 cents above a year ago, and 20.25 cents below the blocks.

They ended November 14.25 cents lower than their Nov. 1 perch.

Sales totaled seven cars of block for the week and eight for the month of November, down from 18 in October.

Barrel sales totaled nine for the week and 28 for the month, down from 43 in October.

StoneX Nov. 30 “Early Morning Update” stated cheese demand is “Quiet right now. Buyers seem to, by and large, have what they need. On the flip side, we don’t get the sense that sellers are panicked either.”

Cheesemakers tell Dairy Market News milk was still plentiful after the Thanksgiving holiday. This week’s reported spot milk discounts were not as substantial mid-week as the previous week, but most were below Class.

Some cheesemakers say current demand slowdowns have kept them from seeking extra milk. Some say it’s the seasonal slowdown, as retailers have filled their holiday pipelines

Make

while others suggest market price declines are keeping customers on the sidelines. Cheese production is somewhat steady.

Cheese demand is steady in western retail markets while food service demand is slightly higher following Thanksgiving. Export demand is strong, though lower prices in other countries may soften this demand in the coming weeks, warns Dairy Market News. Asian purchasers continue to buy loads for second quarter 2023 and are reportedly paying a healthy premium to secure them.

Barrel inventories are more ample than blocks currently. Cheese makers say milk is available in the region, allowing them to run busy schedules but they are still hindered by labor shortages and delayed deliveries of production supplies. n CME butter fell to $2.88 per pound on Dec. 1, but closed the next day at $2.90, down 4.75 cents on the week See MIELKE, pg. 23

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PAGE 22

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

MARKETING

Grain Outlook EPA announcement sinks grain prices The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Dec. 2.

CORN — Markets were fairly volatile to start in the week after the Thanksgiving holiday with corn trading sideways until mid-week when it broke through support.

Various news items popped up which influenced our commodity prices. Least of all was the U.S. House’s passage of a bill to avoid a railroad strike which could have occurred on Dec. 9. The House passed a bill that will force the labor unions and the railroads to accept the tentative contract brokered in part by the White House that was reached in September. Since PHYLLIS NYSTROM the tentative agreement, four CHS Hedging Inc. labor unions had rejected the St. Paul proposal with ongoing negotiations. The House also passed a separate bill that would tack on seven paid sick days.

The Senate passed the first bill, but did not pass the additional paid sick time bill. How this plays out over time remains to be seen. The union is said to be unhappy about it since the sick time was not included and a strike was their bargaining chip to get it included. For now, no strike is on the horizon.

The Environmental Protection Agency released the proposed Renewable Fuels Standards this week. The announcement crashed soyoil down the daily trading limit, with soybeans, corn and wheat getting dragged along with it. For corn-based ethanol, the 2023 mandate would be unchanged from previous years at 15 billion gallons and increased to 15.25 billion gallons in 2024 and 2025. Cellulosic biofuel showed the largest increase from 630 million gallons this year to 2.13 billion by 2025! The breakdown would be 720 million gallons in 2023, 1.42 billion in 2024, and 2.13 billion in 2025. Is this realistic? There are naysayers. And for the first time, the EPA is proposing allowing electricity produced from renewable biomass to qualify for Renewable Identification Numbers. The credits would be divided between electricity producers and electric vehicle manufacturers.

There was one new export sales flash this week of 4.5 million bushels to Mexico. Weekly export sales were unexciting at 23.7 million bushels. Total export commitments at 722.5 million bushels are 48 percent behind last year. We need 34.7 million bushels of sales per week to hit the U.S. Department of

Cash Grain Markets corn/change* Stewartville $6.04 -.22 Edgerton $6.65 -.21 Jackson $6.49 -.19 Hope $6.41 -.06 Cannon Falls $6.03 -.21 Sleepy Eye $6.37 -.22 St. Cloud $6.02 -.28 Madison $6.23 -.22 Redwood Falls $6.42 -.18 Fergus Falls $6.12 -.18 Morris $6.22 -.22 Tracy $6.39 -.26 Average: $6.28 Year Ago Average: $5.59

soybeans/change* $14.22 $14.40 $14.52 $14.23 $14.10 $14.50 $14.35 $14.50 $14.55 $14.20 $14.45 $14.45

+.24 -.12 +.18 +.08 +.13 +.18 +.18 +.18 +.28 +.18 +.18 +.18

$14.38 $12.02

Grain prices are effective cash close on Dec. 6. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Agriculture’s target of 2.15 billion bushels. Weekly inspections of 11.9 million bushels were the secondlowest of the marketing year and cumulative exports are nearly 33 percent behind last year. We need to average close to 45 million bushels of inspections per week to reach the USDA’s projection. The USDA should begin to cut the export outlook on the next World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report.

The December WASDE report will be released on Dec. 9 and is expected to finally show a cut to exports, a possible increase in yield, and result in higher ending stocks.

Weekly ethanol production was down 23,000 barrels per day to 1.02 million bpd. Stocks rose 100,000 barrels to 22.9 million barrels. Net margins fell 12 cents to 8 cents per gallon. Gasoline demand was 10,000 bpd lower at 8.32 million bpd.

USDA Secretary Vilsack met with Mexico’s President Obrador this week to discuss Mexico’s ban on GMO corn beginning in 2024. Nothing fresh came out of the meeting; but Mexico reiterated the ban is on GMO corn for human consumption, not corn headed for feed. The United States has threatened legal action if the ban violates the USMCA pact.

Outlook: March corn broke technical support at $6.50 per bushel this week with eyes now on the gap left in August from $6.38 to $6.38.5 per bushel. It closed below its 100-day moving average support for the first time since Sept. 8 when the soy complex crumbled. On the weekly chart, March corn posted a key reversal lower.

The December WASDE report will be released on Dec. 9 and is expected to finally show a cut to exports, a possible increase in yield, and result in higher ending stocks.

For the week, March corn crashed 25 cents to $6.46.25, July tumbled 20.25 cents to $6.44.25, and December 2023 was 12.75 cents lower at $5.98 per bushel.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans jumpstarted the week with a key reversal higher that extended for a couple of days on news China would ease their Covid restrictions after citizens protested in the streets.

The easing included allowing people with Covid to quarantine at home and less mass Covid testing.

Then the other shoe dropped.

The biggest price impact came from the newly new proposed Renewable Fuels Standards by the EPA. Soyoil closed down its daily trading limit in response to the news and pulled soybean, corn and wheat lower with it. These levels are proposals and will be open to public comment. The final figures are expected by mid-June. The biodiesel mandate for this year was 2.76 billion gallons. For 2023 it’s proposed to increase to just 2.82 billion gallons, to 2.89 billion in 2024, and 2.95 billion gallons in 2025. This year’s biodiesel production is expected to be above 3 billion gallons, so maybe economics vs. mandates will drive the production.

Adding to the soy complex woes was Argentine’s decision to reinstate the special soybean exchange rate. Farmer sales rose after the government made the announcement on Nov. 28 and the rate will run through the end of the year. The new exchange rate is 230 pesos per dollar compared to the official rate of 165 pesos per dollar. The announcement appears to be having the desired effect of prompting grower sales. It’s estimated farmers sold over 44 million bushels this week and China buying six to seven Argentine soybean cargoes for December/January shipment. The government also cut meal and soyoil export taxes by 2 percent to 31 percent vs. the soybean export tax of 33 percent.

South American crops benefited from recent rain events, but heat and dry conditions are forecasted to return to Argentina in the coming week. There has been talk Argentine farmers may switch some soybean acres to later-planted corn due to dry conditions. Brazil’s weather has been favorable, but timely rains will need to continue with high producing areas on the edge of dryness. Mudslides in Brazil closed the road into the port of Paranagua for a couple of days, but it has since reopened without major disruptions to shipping.

Weekly export sales were within expectations at 25.5 million bushels and are at the same level of total commitments as last year. We need to average nearly 18 million bushels of sales per week to reach the USDA’s 2.045 billion bushel export forecast. We See NYSTROM, pg. 23

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.

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

PAGE 23

Milk fat produced at farm level didn’t show up in products MIELKE, from pg. 21

Grade A nonfat dry milk fell to $1.3475 per pound on Dec. 1 (the lowbut 89.75 cents above a year ago. est since Sept. 16, 2021), but finished There were six sales on the week and Dec. 2 at $1.36. This is 3.75 63 for November, up from 58 in cents lower on the week and October.

20.25 cents below a year ago.

Holiday-related cream access contin- Sales totaled 10 for the week ues to keep Midwest butter churning and 41 for the month, up from active, says Dairy Market News, and 29 in October. plants were turning away cream offers Dry whey saw its Dec. 2 finish because they were at capacity. at 45 cents per pound, up a Demand remains despite prices over penny on the week but 24.75 $2.90 per pound and the late timecents below a year ago. There frame in regards to the holiday seawere two sales on the week and son. Market tones continue to main16 for the month of November, tain support and contacts view the up from six in October. markets as stable, if not slightly bullThe October Dairy Products ish. report was issued on Dec. 2 after the Western cream is becoming more markets finished trading for the week. available as milk production is StoneX reminded us that a lot of milkimproving in the region. Cream availfat went “missing” in August and ability is outpacing strong demand September and, while it was produced and contributing to lower cream mulat the farm level, it didn’t show up in tiples. Some processors say tanker and the major dairy products. labor shortages are making it difficult “We are assuming some of that fat to obtain and process increased volfound its way back into the major umes of cream. Butter makers say dairy products in October,” says they are actively churning but labor StoneX, “but may have continued to shortages are preventing some from move directly into retail and foodseroperating full schedules. Butter vice.” demand is strong in the West from both food service and retail. n Inventories are available but some The Global Dairy Trade’s Pulse auctightness persists. Contacts note they tion on Nov. 29 saw 2.2 million pounds are booking loads of butter to ship of Fonterra whole milk powder sold, into first and second quarter 2023. up from 2.1 million in the Nov. 22

Crashing soyoil market erases gains NYSTROM, from pg. 22 saw 9 million bushels of new export sales flashes this week split between China and unknown. Weekly export inspections were over 73 million bushels for the fifth straight week with 74 percent of this week’s shipments headed to China. Overall export inspections are 10 percent behind last year.

The October National Agricultural Statistics Service Oilseed Crush report showed 197 million bushels of soybeans were crushed which was in line with the 196 million bushel trade estimate.

Outlook: January soybeans traded to their highest price since September this week but a crashing soyoil market

erased the rally. January soybeans are in a $14.10 to $14.80 per bushel trading range and may be setting up for some consolidation ahead of the Dec. 9 WASDE report. Monitoring Chinese demand and South American weather will take over the headlines as the railroad strike was averted.

For the week, January soybeans were 2.25 cents higher at $14.38.5, July gained 5.5 cents at $14.58.5, and November 2023 fell 1.5 cents to $13.77.75 per bushel.

Weekly price changes in December wheat for the week ended Dec. 2: Chicago wheat slid 36 cents lower to $7.61, Kansas City dove 41.25 cents to $8.70.75, and Minneapolis was 28.25 cents lower at $9.21.25 per bushel. v

Pulse, and at $3,280 per metric ton, down $25 or 0.8 percent from the previous Pulse.

change to be more targeted and effective.” n Back home, the USDA announced the fluid milk porDon’t look for China to come to tion of the solicitation of the the rescue any time soon. China’s Special Supplemental Nutrition global dairy purchases will likely program for Women, Infants, remain limited for the foreseeable and Children. You’ll recall close to $1 billion will be spent to future as protests mounted across the country due to frustration over purchase food for emergency food providers like food banks. the government’s continuing zeroCovid policy of massive lockdowns Because the spending is administered through the Emergency and quarantine centers.

Food Assistance program, cheese and fluid milk are the HighGround Dairy stated, “After only dairy products qualified for purwhole milk powder found support at chase. the most recent main GDT auction The solicitation seeks 20.9 million two weeks ago on Nov. 15, the two subsequent Pulse events have indicat- gallons or nearly 180 million pounds ed slight price weakness. However, the of milk for distribution in the seven month period from March through two recent Pulse auction settlements remain higher vs. the $3,250 per met- September. Initial calculations show ric ton whole milk powder value at the that this volume equates to less than 1 percent of estimated fluid milk sales first November auction.” during the period, according to Speaking in the Dec. 5 “Dairy Radio HighGround Dairy.

Now” broadcast, HighGround Dairy’s Like the cheese solicitation in midLucas Fuess said demand is pretty November, HighGround Dairy stated, weak around the world regarding “It is of a disappointing volume and products from New Zealand despite likely have minimal market impact. continuous news that milk output The small volume, coupled with a sevthere is weaker this season. eral month delivery period, will not Don’t look for China to come to the pull substantial enough product from rescue any time soon. China’s global estimated supply to be bullish, though dairy purchases will likely remain limit may create plenty of noise and volaited for the foreseeable future as protility throughout 2023.” tests mounted across the country due Fuess added however, that USDA to frustration over the government’s did state it would entertain bids on continuing zero-Covid policy of masproducts other than what USDA is sive lockdowns and quarantine cenrequesting. ters. n There are reports the government may back off some. HighGround Dairy Congress passed legislation this reports the official newspaper of the week to avert a national railroad Communist Party ran a daring opinstrike. The President, as expected, ion piece suggesting “Covid controls See MIELKE, pg. 24

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PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

Milk prices slumped in November while feed costs jumped

MIELKE, from pg. 23 signed the measure. Fuess said it was thought that this strike was averted a few weeks ago when the unions and railroad workers reached a tentative agreement but that was ultimately rejected.

National Milk President and CEO Jim Mulhern warned, “A rail strike would bring chaos to agricultural supply chains, as its ripple effects on trucking and other industries would complicate transport of goods everywhere from grocery stores to export markets, all the while adding another cold blast of inflation to consumer expenses this winter as products inevitably become scarce.” n Back on the farm, the October milk feed price ratio climbed higher for the second month in a row, thanks to a higher All Milk price and lower corn and soybean prices. The USDA’s latest Ag Prices report shows the ratio at 1.92, highest since June, up from 1.74 in September, and compares to 1.84 in October 2021.

The index is based on the current milk price in relationship to feed prices for a ration consisting of 51 percent corn, 8 percent soybeans and 41 percent alfalfa hay. In other words, one pound of milk would only purchase 1.92 pounds of dairy feed of that blend.

The All Milk Price average advanced to $25.90 per hundredweight, up $1.50 from September, and $6.30 above October 2021.

California’s price climbed to $26.60 per cwt., also up $1.50 from September and $7.30 above a year ago. Wisconsin, at $24.40, was up $2.30 from September and $4.70 above a year ago.

The October national average corn price was $6.50 per bushel, down 59 cents from September, after falling 15 cents the previous month, but is still a budget busting $1.48 per bushel above October 2021.

Soybeans fell to $13.50 a bushel, down 60 cents from September, after dropping $1.20 the previous month, but are still $1.60 per bushel above

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October 2021.

Alfalfa hay jumped $4 per ton after gaining $2 the previous month, and averaged $281 per ton in October, another record high, and $62 per ton above a year ago.

Looking at the cow side of the ledger, the October cull price for beef and dairy combined averaged $84.10 per cwt., down $7.10 from September, $13.50 above October 2021, and $12.50 above the 2011 base average.

Quarterly milk cow replacements averaged $1,730 per head in October, up $20 from July, and $390 above October 2021. Cows averaged $1850 per head in California, up $100 from July, and $550 above a year ago.

Wisconsin’s average, at $1,840 per head, was down $30 from July, and $390 above October 2021.

Dairy economist Bill Brooks, of Stoneheart Consulting in Dearborn, Mo., says, “October’s gain in the income over feed calculation moved to the highest level since June. Income over feed costs in October were above the $8 per cwt. level needed for steady to increasing milk production for the 13th month.” n Meanwhile, dairy margins weakened over the second half of November as milk prices slumped while feed costs were steady to higher since the middle of the month according to the latest Margin Watch from Chicago-based Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC. “U.S. milk production grew again in October, marking the fourth consecutive month that milk production increased from the prior year,” the Margin Watch reported. “USDA reported October Milk Production at 18.85 billion pounds, up 1.2 percent from last year with a larger dairy herd and higher yields driving the increase.

USDA revised the September dairy herd up by 6,000 head, from the initial assessment of a 2,000 head decline to a 4,000 head increase. October’s dairy herd also increased 1,000 head from September to 9.418 million head. This would be 31,000 head higher than last October when producers were aggressively culling cows with margins under pressure. Yields increased in the Midwest last month due to mild

weather while they contracted along the West Coast due to unseasonably hot weather and soaring input costs.

Milk production in Texas increased 7 percent in October due to both a larger dairy herd and increased milk yield, eclipsing Idaho to become the third largest milk producing state in the U.S.” n The Margin Watch also detailed the October Cold Storage report, pointing out butter stocks saw the smallest year-over-year shortfall in the past 12 months and the draw between September and October was well below the five-year average.

The National Milk Producers Federation reported this week total domestic consumption of milk in all products returned to positive annual growth during third quarter for the first time since early this year.

“Strengthened use of all cheese was a key driver, says NMPF, while U.S. dairy export volumes backed off a bit in third quarter from their record pace in the prior quarter but kept the industry on an almost certain path to set yet another calendar year record.

Year-to-date performance through the third quarter was 18 percent of total U.S. milk solids production, up from the current 17.3 percent calendar year record set in 2021.”

NMPF adds, “The United States has clearly resumed increasing milk production after many months of below year-ago levels. Despite this greater supply, dairy product prices, which had been falling in recent months, found a floor and rebounded in some cases during October. Retail price inflation for all items, the categories of food and beverages, dairy products and for most individual dairy products moderated in October from a month earlier.”

The Dairy Margin Coverage program generated a second payment for 2022, of 88 cents per cwt for Tier 1 coverage at the $9.50 per cwt level in September.

CME dairy futures and USDA’s dairy outlook currently indicate milk prices will be about $2.50 to $3.00 per cwt lower in 2023 than this year.

Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist who resides in Everson, Wash. He may be reached at lkmielke@juno.com. v

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

PAGE 25

Check your local bookstore for most of these titles BOOKWORM, from pg. 7 the next trend is may find it here.

The entrepreneur in your life might enjoy unwrapping “Launchpad Republic: America’s Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters” by Howard Wolk and John Landry. Let them know that history agrees with their can-do spirit.

If there’s a new grad or a newlyunemployed-just-looking person on your gift list, look for “Sell Yourself”

by Dr. Cindy McGovern and wrap it up. It’s all about making and promoting a personal brand that employers will find irresistible.

The business leader who enjoys looking into the future will enjoy reading “Redesigning Work: How to Transform Your Organization & Make Hybrid Work for Everyone” by Lynda Gratton, a book about how to make away-from-the-office work succeed.

Wrap it up with “Competing in the New World of Work” by Keith Ferrazzi, Kian Gohar and Noel Weyrich, a book about “radical adaptability” in business today.

True crime So your giftee is obsessed with The Godfather movies, eh? Well, then, you can’t go wrong if you wrap up “The Godmother: Murder, Vengeance, and the Bloody Struggle of Mafia Women”

by Barbie Latza Nadeau. It’s the story of the women behind the men in the mob.

For the person who can appreciate a good true crime tale, “The Forever Witness” by Edward Humes. It’s the story of a double murder that happened in Seattle more than thirty years ago and the trail went cold... until the use of DNA became more common and other technology put the case front-and-center.

Sometimes, the setting of the story is everything. Case in point: “All That is Wicked” by Kate Winkler Dawson.

In 1871, Edward Rulloff was awaiting execution for crimes committed – but several people wanted him released because of his intelligence. Was his brain too refined to belong to a killer?

Your giftee will be glad to find out...

Wrap it up with “Killer Collections: Dark Artifacts from True Crime” by Paul Gambino, a loaded-with-photos anthology of items associated with murder.

Science Someone on your gift list loves the movies, and half the fun of that is wondering if what’s on the big screen is really possible. So you wrap up “Licence to Kill: The Science of 007” by Kathryn Harkup and collect your smiles. This book looks at all the what-ifs of the Bond movies, from the POV of real science, and no armchair detective will be able to resist.

If you’ve got a gearhead on your list, “Racing Green: How Motorsport Science Can Save the World” by Kit Chapman would make a great gift. It’s the story of how new innovation in our vehicles is saving lives, taking the sting out of commutes, and helping environmental causes.

Health For the person who hates to exercise, hates eating healthy (let’s face it) and stresses about it all, you can’t go wrong with “The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self-Care” by Rina Raphael. Doesn’t that title say it all?

No doubt, there’s a giftee on your list who longs for total silence. That’s the person who should have “Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise”

by Justin Zorn & Leigh Marz. Wrap it up and watch them open their gift... quietly... It might be right to pair it with “Good Anxiety” by Dr. Wendy Suzuki, about seeing anxiety in a whole new light.

Children age 6 and under The preschooler who loves polar bears will love getting “A Bear Far from Home” by Susan Fletcher and Rebecca Green. It’s based on the true story of a gift from Norway to England, and the meaning of home.

If you’ve got a young environmentalist on your list, “A Planet Like Ours”

by Frank Murphy and Charnaie Gordon, illustrated by Kayla Harren could be a great gift. It’s a sweet, uncomplicated reminder to love the Earth we have.

Children age 6 to 9 Seriously, who doesn’t like pizza?

You know your young giftee does, and they’ll also like “Pizza! A Slice of History” by Greg Pizzoli. It’s a cute, colorfully illustrated, fun book on everybody’s favorite food. Pair it with a gift certificate to... you know where...

For the kid who loves monsters,

“Mythical Beasts” by Stephanie Warren Drimmer could be the right gift to give. It’s full of information about real animals that were somehow mythologized throughout history.

Facts, monsters, and it comes from the National Geographic Kids folks... what’s not to love?

If there’s a child on your list who loves legends, then “The Return of the Christmas Witch” by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza, illustrations by Julia Iredale is the book to wrap. It’s the story of Kristtorn, who was Santa’s twin sister, a battle, a mystery, and a bit of Christmas darkness. (No worries. Happy Endings abound).

For the kid who’s suddenly become a big brother or sister, “The BabyChanging Station” by Rhett Miller, illustrated by Dan Santat is absolutely the gift to give. It’s the tale of a boy who isn’t happy that there’s a baby brother in the house, until he discovers a machine that changes the baby, but not in diaperish ways...

Children age 9 to 14 The young environmentalist on your list will be so happy unwrapping “Meltdown: Discover Earth’s Irreplaceable Glaciers and Learn What You Can Do To Save Them” by Anita Sanchez, illustrated by Lily Padula. It’s full ideas, information, pictures, and graphs, as well as a sense that kids really can save the world.

Wrap it up with “Dinosaur Atlas” from the National Geographic Kids folks.

This large-size book is all about dinos and were they lived. Your young scientist will love it.

If there’s a child who loves a good historical fiction tale, then find “The Other Side of the River” by Alda P.

Dobbs. It’s the second part of a story featuring a character based on a real girl who escaped Mexico to immigrate to the U.S. after the Mexican Revolution. If your giftee hasn’t read the first book, wrap ‘em both up.

Young adult The social media-obsessed teen on your gift list may need to read “The Facebook Narcissist” by Lena Derhally. It’s a book that may make them think twice before posting and sharing. They’ll “LIKE” it.

If you read “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson, you know that it’s a great book. Share it with your young adult this holiday, because it’s not in a version that’s “adapted for young adults.”

Now for the housekeeping: like everything else in the world, books can change. Titles may vary, covers may vary, you might be able to find some of these books in paperback versions, so be aware when you’re making out your book-lovers gift list. If you have any questions or need other suggestions, please do lean on your favorite librarian or bookseller.

Seriously, they are like your favorite comic book superheroes, only better because they know books.

Season’s Readings!

Look for the reviewed book at a bookstore or a library near you. You may also find the book at online book retailers.

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with three dogs and 10,000 books. v

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ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs.

We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called Copy is 5.16”We x 6”cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost to our attention. of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Land Auction

Tuesday, December 20th - 11:00 am Auction held at: La Salle Community Center & Fire Hall 310 1st Ave, La Salle, MN Across from the La Salle Lutheran Cemetery Watch for Signs!

Location of property within Watonwan County: Riverdale Twp, Sections 7, 18 & 19 Total of farm: 463.09 total acres, approx. 382.48 acres tillable.

This property will sell as five parcels: Parcel #1: 75.43 total acres, approx. 74.4 acres tillable.

Productivity Index: 92.1 Parcel #3: 86.98 total acres, approx. 64.8 acres tillable, Productivity Index: 82.5 approx. 14.5 acres of CRP with contracts ending in 2027 & 2030.

Parcel #2: 194.28 total acres, approx. 189.5 acres tillable.

Productivity Index: 80.4 Parcel #4: 61.4 total acres, approx. 44.78 acres tillable.

Productivity Index: 68.3 approx. 13.74 acres of CRP with contract ending in 2029.

Parcel #5: 45 ac total acres, wooded land and approx. 18 acres of CRP with contracts ending in 2027 & 2030. Will own the existing field road along the south-west side of the parcel up to the point in which it turns straight north. *Note: All acres are published based on Watonwan County Online Records and FSA records.

In case of severe weather, listen to 860 AM KNUJ & 107.3 FM SAM, 8:30 the morning of the auction for postponement & rescheduling info. Blizzard Date is December 22nd ~ 11:00 am

Alan Lantz Estate

Listing Auctioneer: Matt Mages, 507-276-7002, Lic 52-22-018

Auctioneers: Matt Mages, Lar r y Mages, J oe Wer sal, J oe Maidl, J ohn Goelz, & Ryan Fr oehlich Broker/ Clerk: Mages Land Co. & Auction Ser vice, LLC. Not r esponsible for accidents at auction or during inspection. Everything sold “AS IS”. Everything to be settled immediately after the auction. For all full terms go to magesland.com.

magesland.com

Real Estate Wanted

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022 T

Bins & Buildings

Tractors

F

WANTED: Land & farms. I NEW AND USED TRACTOR SILO have clients looking for PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, Take-down & clean up dairy, & cash grain opera55, 50 Series & newer tracSpecializing in silos tions, as well as bare land tors, AC-all models, Large in congested areas. parcels from 40-1000 acres.

Inventory, We ship! Mark FULLY INSURED Both for relocation & investHeitman Tractor Salvage 507-236-9446 ments. If you have even 715-673-4829 thought about selling con- Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. tact: Paul Krueger, Farm & 100% financing w/no liens or Planting Equip Land Specialist, Edina Re- red tape, call Steve at Fairalty, 138 Main St. W., New fax Ag for an appointment.

Prague, MN 55372.

888-830-7757 FOR SALE: KINZE 3200 late paulkrueger@edinarealty.com model 12R30” planter w/ (612)328-4506 trash whippers, very low Farm Equipment acres, very nice condition, asking $43,000. 507-227-2602 Feed Seed Hay FOR SALE: Wil-Rich 3400 Series 32’ field cultivator w/ 4 FOR SALE: Case IH 900 Alfalfa, mixed hay grass bar Nobles harrow. Case IH 8R30” planter, pull type w/ hay & wheat straw.

7500 Series 6 bottom vari- insecticide, nice condition, Medium squares or round width onland hitch plow. JD asking $5,000. 507-227-2602 bales. Delivery available.

400 15’ rotary hoe. MM 12’ Call or text LeRoy Ose grain drill on rubber. All in 218-689-6675 excellent condition.

507-360-8610 FOR SALE: Large round bales baleage, fairly dry, 1st FOR SALE: 600 bu Kinze through 4th crop, feed test grain cart with new tires on and delivery available. Jim it 2 years ago, in real good Vermilya, 507-254-4807 or shape, $12,000. 507-391-5127 507-951-3201 Dover MN. We buy 507-345-4523 Salvage Equipment Parts Available Classified line ads work!

Hammell Equip., Inc. Call 507-345-4523 (507)867-4910

Your ad could be here!

Have an upcoming auction?

Talk to your auctioneer or call 507-345-4523 to place your auction in

THE LAND

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

Steffes Auction Calendar 2022

Livestock Equipment

Harvesting Equip

For more info, call: 1-800-726-8609 or visit our website: SteffesGroup.com

Lou Hog feeders, 8’, 10 hole, 7 1/2” holes, Stainless Steel.

Also, Tractor chains, 18-4-34, like new. 507-380-4856

Opening November 28 & Closing December 13 at 7PM Princeton Area Grain Handling Equipment Auction, Princeton, MN, Timed Online Auction

Wanted

Opening December 5 & Closing December 12 at 12PM Adam Schiller Farm Retirement Auction, Crookston, MN, Timed Online Auction

2014 JOHN DEERE 640FD 40 ft Flex Draper, Dual Knife Drive, Flip Over Reel $55,000 (320) 510-0468

All kinds of New & Used farm equipment - disc chisels, field cults, planters, soil finishers, cornheads, feed mills, discs, balers, haybines, etc. 507FOR SALE: 1991 Case IH 438-9782 1680, 7,200 hrs, $10,000. 2008 R 25’ Case IH 1020 header w/ WANTED: 365 to 750 bushel , trailer, excellent condition, gravity boxes. JD 115 stalk - $14,000. 507-383-3447 Leave chopper. All good condition.

320-266-6878 e message k eFOR SALE: 2014 John Deere 612C cornhead, 12R22”, It Works!

Ad $74,000. 320-221-3789

Livestock Equipment

Opening December 5 & Closing December 13 at 7PM 1-D Ranch Bred Beef Cow Auction, Dassel, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 5 & Closing December 14 at 7PM George Mastey Construction Auction, Foley, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 6 & Closing December 13 at 1PM Mark & Mandy Westrom Grain Handling Equipment Auction, Elbow Lake, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 6 & Closing December 13 at 2PM Dennis A. Bauer Estate Auction, Bowbells, ND, Timed Online Auction

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Millers Canvas Shop 920-787-1994

LAND

AUCTION

Opening December 7 & Closing December 14 at 10AM Steffes Construction Consignment Auction, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening December 7 & Closing December 15 at 10AM Janesville, WI Area Farm Equipment Consignment Auction, Multiple Locations, Timed Online Auction

Answers for Poinsettia Word Search

LAND

AUCTION

80.5 AC± | 1 TRACT LE SUEUR CO, MN

240 AC± | 3 TRACTS MARTIN CO, MN

TIMED ONLINE ONLY

LIVE AND ONLINE AT RANCHANDFARMAUCTIONS.COM

ONLINE AT RANCHANDFARMAUCTIONS.COM

BIDDING ENDS: 12/16/22 AT 5:00 PM CDT IN COOPERATION WITH WHITETAIL PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE, LLC BRYCE MCVICKER, AGENT (507) 430-8518 R A N C H A N D FA R M AU C T I O N S .CO M

In Cooperation With Whitetail Properties Real Estate Llc (40316821) | Jeff Evans, Minnesota Broker, License # 40316820 | Joe Gizdic, Director, Ranch & Farm Auctions, 217.299.0332 | Bryce Mcvicker, Minnesota Land Specialist For Whitetail Properties Real Estate, Llc, 507.430.8518

PAGE 27

AUCTION:

AUCTION DATE: 12/14/22 AUCTION TIME: 10:00 AM AUCTION LOCATION: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 920 E 10TH ST FAIRMONT, MN 56031 IN COOPERATION WITH WHITETAIL PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE, LLC

BRYCE MCVICKER, AGENT (507) 430-8518

R A N C H A N D FA R M AU C T I O N S .CO M IN COOPERATION WITH WHITETAIL PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE LLC (40316821) | Jeff Evans, Minnesota Broker, License # 40316820 | Joe Gizdic, Director, Ranch & Farm Auctions, 217.299.0332 | Bryce McVicker, Minnesota Land Specialist for Whitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC, 507.430.8518

Opening December 8 & Closing December 15 at 10AM Corey Grochowski & Brain Dahl Sugarbeet Equipment Auction, Kennedy, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 12 & Closing December 20 at 1PM 1-D Ranch Retirement Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 12 & Closing December 21 at 7PM Central Equipment Sales Auction, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 14 & Closing December 21 at 10AM R&R Farms Inventory Reduction Auction, Hoffman, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 15 & Closing December 22 at 7PM Hegg Grain Bin Auction, Canby, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 16 & Closing December 21 at 10AM Online Steffes Auction – 12/21, Upper & Central Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction Opening December 19 & December 28 at 11AM Dvorachek Farm & Industry Equipment Auction, Brillion, WI, Timed Online Auction Thursday, December 22 at 10AM Steffes AgIron Litchfield Event, Litchfield, MN Opening December 22 & Closing December 29 at 1PM Winneshiek County, IA & Houston County, MN Land Auction – 182.5± Acres, Spring Grove, MN Opening December 23 & Closing December 27 at 12PM Online Hay Auction – Quality Tested, Litchfield, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening December 27 & Closing December 29 at 10AM Polk County, MN Land Auction – 77± Acres, Trail, MN, Timed Online Auction Opening January 6 & Closing January 11 at 10AM Online Steffes Auction 1/11, Upper Midwest Locations, Timed Online Auction

PAGE 28

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

TWO DAY | TIMED ONLINE | NO-RESERVE

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022 T

DEALER & FARMER AUCTION

BIDDING CLOSES: MONDAY & TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH & 20TH STARTING AT 8:30 A.M. CT BOTH DAYS

ITEMS WILL BE LOCATED AT SULLIVAN AUCTIONEERS’ FACILITIES IN ILLINOIS & INDIANA AND OTHER OFFSITE LOCATIONS

SULLIVAN AUCTIONEERS’ HAMILTON, ILLINOIS FACILITY: 1066 US Hwy 136 E | Hamilton, IL 62341 Contact: Maverick Woodside (309) 313-2275 Maverick@SullivanAuctioneers.com SULLIVAN AUCTIONEERS’ HUNTINGTON, INDIANA FACILITY: 11996 N Goshen Rd | Huntington, IN 46750 Contact: (217) 847-2160 Sold@SullivanAuctioneers.com SULLIVAN AUCTIONEERS’ BIRD ISLAND, MINNESOTA FACILITY: 101 Hwy 212 Ave | Bird Island, MN 55310 Contact: Allen Henslin (320) 979-1808 Ahenslin@SullivanAuctioneers.com

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE FARM MACHINERY, TRUCKS & TRAILERS AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT CONTACT US TODAY

(844) 847-2161 • WWW.SULLIVANAUCTIONEERS.COM License #44400107

DETAILS, PHOTOS & BIDDING: www.SullivanAuctioneers.com

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022 Livestock

Pets & Supplies

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls English Shepherd Puppies. PARMA DRAINAGE PUMPS also Hamp, York, & Hamp/ Great w/ kids & animals. New pumps & parts on hand.

Duroc boars & gilts. Alfred Born Oct 6. Puppies are be- Call Minnesota’s largest dis(Mike) Kemen 320-598-3790 ing raised outside so will be tributor used to cold weather. $250/ HJ Olson & Company ea. 507-362-4567 for more de- 320-974-8990 Cell - 320-212-5336 Swine tails & to request photos.

FOR SALE: Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc, cross bred boars, and gilts. Top quality.

Excellent herd health. No PRSS. Delivery available.

320-760-0365 Spot, Duroc, Chester White, Boars & Gilts available.

Monthly PRRS and PEDV. Delivery available. Steve Resler. 507-456-7746

www.facebook.com/TheLandOnline

Tree trimming, cutting and removal.

Boom Truck & Insured.

Call or Text Josh Linder 507-995-7081

One Call Does It All!

Rat terrier puppies for sale, born 10/11/22. Make great pets and good mouse and rat dogs. 3 males and 3 females.

952-292-8347

REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073

With one phone call, you can place your classified line ad in The Land, Farm News and Country Today.

SELL IT FAST

Thank You Farmers!

Call The Land for more information 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665

with a classified line ad!

Call us today 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665

PAGE 29

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

TIMED ONLINE | NO-RESERVE

FARM RETIREMENT

AUCTION

BIDDING CLOSES: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022 STARTING AT 10:00 AMCDT

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 7620 135TH AVE. S.W., RAYMOND, MN 56282

WANTED

DAMAGED GRAIN STATEWIDE

We pay top dollar for your damaged grain. We are experienced handlers of your wet, dry, burnt and mixed grains.

Trucks and vacs available.

Immediate response anywhere.

INSPECTION DATE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

PRUESS ELEV., INC. 1-800-828-6642

AUCTIONS & FOR SALE January 10 January 11

Thank you for your business this past year.

Happy Holidays!

Full Farm Management Services

January 12 January 19 January 20 Only registered bidders may attend

WILLIS & GRETJEN WUBBEN

Ensure Asset Preservation, Conservation, Negotiate Leases and Terms to Fit Ever Changing Industry Trends.

Call Randy or Ryan today for more details!

“Need listings! We have qualifed buyers!”

Randy Queensland • 507-273-3890 • randy@Irmrealestate.com Ryan Queensland • 507-273-3000 • ryan@Irmrealstate.com Grand Meadow, MN • 800-658-2340

HIGHLIGHTS: 2006 JD 8430T track tractor, 6,112 hrs; JD 2940 2wd tractor, 5,618 hrs; JD 730 2wd tractor; JD A 2wd tractor; 1944 Case SC 2wd tractor; 1951 Ford 8N 2wd tractor; 2013 JD 333E compact track loader, 948 hrs; Erskine 2410XL hyd. drive snow blower; Diamond 7’ hyd. drive rotary mower; Flexxifinger rotary style rock picker; Nabor hyd. rock lift; 74” hyd. rock rake; 84” grapple bucket; 72” HD pallet forks; Salford 570RTS 41’ vertical tillage tool; Salford 2124 I-2100 24’ vertical tillage tool; Case-IH 4300 46’ field cultivator; Wil-Rich 35’ field cultivator; JD 40’ pull-type rotary hoe; Tebben 5 shank 3-pt. ripper; 1998 International 9400 day cab semi, 766,049 mi.; 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd pickup, 10,296 mi.; 2000 Chevrolet 3500 4wd pickup, 81,590 mi.; 2009 Trail King 52’ live bottom trailer; 1993 Timpte 42’ hopper bottom trailer; 1992 Timpte 42’ hopper bottom trailer; 1991 Fontaine 42’ low boy trailer; 1982 Dorsey 44’ step deck tender trailer; 2019 PJ 34’ flatbed trailer; Shop built 10’ dump trailer on single axle trailer frame; Shop built 7’ service body on single axle trailer frame; Shop built pickup bed trailer on single axle trailer frame; (2) JD 2630 display; JD StarFire 6000 receiver; JD 1291 12 row 22” corn head; Shop built 800 gal. pull-type sprayer; Land Pride RCM5014 14’ batwing mower; Alloway 25’ 3-pt. stalk chopper; Letourneau 17 yd. dirt scraper; 14’ semi mount grader; 60’ 2-bar drag harrow; 16’ yard drag; Land Pride RBT6012 12’ 3-pt. blade; 500 gal. 3-pt. sprayer; 2007 Polaris Ranger 700 EFI 6x6 UTV, 5,545 mi.; 2013 Polaris Ranger 800 ERFI 6x6 UTV; Westfield MK130-111 13”x111’ swing away auger; Westfield WR100-41 10”x41’ truck auger; Westfield WR100-31 10”x31’ truck auger; Feterl 10”x15’ auger; Batco drive over pit; Caterpillar T50 LP forklift, 2,750 hrs; Ferris 5100 zero turn lawn mower, 1,137 hrs; Ferris 5100 zero turn lawn mower, 1,252 hrs; 24’ van trailer storage body; 24’ van trailer storage body; 14’ van trailer storage body on dually frame; 18,000 gal. 2-compartment fuel barrel; 500 gal. fuel barrel; 500 gal. LP tank; 2,000 gal. tank on single axle running gear; 1,900 gal. tank on 14’ tandem axle trailer; 1,000 gal. poly tank on tandem axle trailer; 100 gal. poly tank on single axle trailer; 55 gal. ATV sprayer; Many other additional support items!

For property brochures, contact Hertz at 507-345-LAND (5263) WWW.HERTZ.AG 151 St. Andrews Court #1310, Mankato MN 56001

Auction Managers: Allen Henslin (320) 979-1808, LaDon Henslin (320) 894-5959 & Frank Roering (320) 290-8490

PAGE 30

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022 T

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

VIRTUAL ONLINE

VIRTUAL ONLINE

RENVILLE COUNTY, MINNESOTA

RENVILLE COUNTY, MINNESOTA

LAND AUCTION

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022 AT 10:00 AM

CT

VIRTUAL ONLINE

LAND AUCTION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022 AT 10:00 AM

CT

RENVILLE COUNTY, MINNESOTA

LAND AUCTION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022 AT 10:00 AMCT

76 ACRES± (SUBJECT TO SURVEY) • 1 TRACT

155.23 SURVEYED ACRES • 1 TRACT

75 ACRES± • 1 TRACT

The Sorenson farm is located between Sacred Heart & Renville

The Kubesh farm is located 2.5 miles northeast of Renville, MN a short distance north of the Sugar Beet Coop. The farm is further described as being located in Section 27, T116N R36W, Crooks Township, Renville County, MN. Land represents productive tillable farmland with a CPI Rating of 90!

The Penke farm is located a short distance south of Olivia, MN along 810th Ave. & 330th St. The farm is further described as being located in Section 24, T115N - R35W, Troy Township, Renville County, MN. This tract represents productive, tillable cropland which boasts a Productivity Index Rating of 88 and sells free & clear for the 2023 crop year!

Please see website for county & private tile maps!

Representing Attorney: Sene Zupke | Kraft Walser Law Office 107 N 9th Steet | Olivia, MN 56277 | (320) 523-1322

Representing Attorney: Chris Kleiman | Kraft Walser Law Office 131 Main St. South | Hutchinson, MN | (320) 587-8150

a short distance north of Hwy 212 along Renville Co. Rd 12.

The farm is further described as being located in Section 4, T115N - R37W, Sacred Heart Township, Renville County, MN.

TERI KUBESH

The farm represents productive tillable crop land with PI over 90!

JEAN SORENSON

Auction Manager: Allen Henslin (320) 979-1808

Representing Attorney: Sene Zupke | Kraft Walser Law Office 107 N 9th Street | Olivia, MN 56277 | (320) 523-1322

JOEL & JACKIE PENKE

Auction Manager: Allen Henslin (320) 979-1808

Auction Manager: Allen Henslin (320) 979-1808

Successful auctions start in The Land!

DEADLINE: 7 days prior to publication.

Plus! Look for your classified ad in the e-edition.

To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 507-345-4523 or 1-800-657-4665 Mail to: The Land Classifieds Place 418 South Second St., Mankato, MN 56001 d Fax to: 507-345-1027 Your A Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Today!

Online at: www.thelandonline.com

• Reach over 259,000 readers • Get more coverage • Start your ad in The Land • Add more insertions

THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

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1 edition @ $21.99 2 editions @ $38.99 3 editions @ $48.99 Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per issue EXTENDED COVERAGE - must run the same number of times as The Land FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 8,400 circ.

THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) - Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 7,902 circ.

THE FREE PRESS (FP) - Serving south central Minnesota, 11,157 circ.

PAPER(S) ADDED (circle all options you want): FN CT FP ($7.70 for each paper, and each time) issues x $7.70 STANDOUT OPTIONS (THE LAND only) $2.00 per run:  Bold  Italic  Underline  Web/E-mail links

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The ad prices listed are based on a basic classified line ad of 25 words or less. Ads running longer than 25 words will incur an added charge.

CHECK ONE:  Announcements  Employment  Real Estate  Real Estate Wanted  Housing Rentals  Farm Rentals  Merchandise  Antiques & Collectibles  Auctions  Hay & Forage Equipment

 Goats  Farm Services  Material Handling  Swine  Fencing Material  Bins & Buildings  Pets & Supplies  Feed, Seed, Hay  Grain Handling Equip.  Livestock Equipment  Fertilizer & Chemicals  Farm Implements  Cars & Pickups  Poultry  Tractors  Industrial &  Livestock  Harvesting Equipment  Dairy  Planting Equipment Construction  Trucks & Trailers  Cattle  Tillage Equipment  Recreational Vehicles  Horses  Machinery Wanted  Miscellaneous  Exotic Animals  Spraying Equipment  Sheep  Wanted NOTE: Ad will be placed in the appropriate category if not marked.

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Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________________State_________ Zip ___________________________ Phone ___________________________________________# of times _______ Card # ___________________________________________Exp. Date________ Signature ____________________________________________________________

SORRY!

CHECK We do not issue refunds.

ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed. Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one week’s insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022 TRACTORS NEW NH T4.75, T4.90, T4.120 w/loader On Order NEW NH Workmaster 60, 50, 35’s/loaders On Order NEW NH 25S Workmasters ...…......…. On Order NEW Massey Tractors ........................... On Order NEW Massey 4710 w/loader ….......... COMING New NH Boomer 40w/loader ….......… On Hand 3-New Massey GC1725 ……..................... Just In Massey GC2400w/loader …..................….. $8,700 ’11 Massey 7475 Nice ………..........……. $99,500 ’13 NH Workmaster w/loader …… ……. $18,500 ’16 Massey 4608 rops w/loader …............. $43,900 ’17 NH T4.75 w/loader ……..................… $53,000 ’18 NH T4.75 w/loader .............................. $54,000 ’21 NH T7.260 ………........……………… Just in NH T8.390 ……………..............………… Just In NH T8.410 ………….........……………….. Just in TILLAGE Sunflower 4610 9-24 …….........……… COMING Sunflower 4412-05 ……......................…… Just in CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW NH L318/L320/L328 wheeled units ....... On Hand NEW NH C327/C337/C345 track units .......... On Order NH L228 low hours ............................................ $44,900

HAY TOOLS

New Disc Mowers - 107,108,109 New Disc Mower Cond. - 10’, 13’ New Wheel Rakes - 10,12,14 New NH Hay Tools - ON HAND Frontiern WR1010 wheel rake …….............……… $5,950 ’15 NH DB313 ………………...............………… $29,000 ’13 NH BR7090 ……………….........…………… $25,900

PAGE 31

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

• 5/8” drum roller wall thickness • 42” drum diameter wall thickness • 4”x8” frame tubing 3/8” thick • Auto fold

PLANTERS JD 1770 12-30 DF Gen 2 …….......……………. $29,500 JD 7200 12-30 w/LF ………........................…… $21,000 White 6186 16-30 w/liq …....…...................……. $18,000 ’09 White 8222 w/20-20 ……………..........……. SOLD Taking 2023 New Spring Orders COMBINES NEW Geringhoff chopping cornhead .................... Call ’18 Gleaner S97 …….....................................… SOLD ’14 Gleaner S68 ………...............…..………… Just In ’02 Gleaner R62 …...............................……… $53,500 ’02 Gleaner R62 ……………...................……. $35,000 ’94 Gleaner R72 ………….......................…… $27,000 Geringhoff parts & heads available

MISCELLANEOUS NEW Salford RTS Units ........................................ Call NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders .............................. Call NEW Westfield Augers .......................................... Call NEW REM VRX Vacs. .......................................... Call NEW Hardi Sprayers ............................................. Call NEW Riteway Rollers ........................................... Call NEW Lorenz Snowblowers ................................... Call NEW Batco Conveyors ......................................... Call NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ....................... Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons ................................ Call NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ...................... Call Pre-Owned Grain Cart .................................. On Hand New Horsch Jokers ................................................ Call

NOW HIRING SERVICE TECHS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

(507) 234-5191 (507) 625-8649 Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon

If you’re having a Farm Auction, let other Farmers know it!

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND

December 23, 2022 January 6, 2023* January 20, 2023* February 3, 2023

Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!

Deadline is 8 days prior to publication.

Indicates early deadline, 9 days prior to publication. * 418 S. Second Street • Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 Fax: 507-345-1027

www.TheLandOnline.com • e-mail: theland@TheLandOnline.com

Thank you for reading The Land. We appreciate it!

MANDAKO 12’-60’ LONG ROLLERS

FOR THE BEST DEAL ORDER NOW!

GREENWALD FARM CENTER Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177 14 miles So. of Sauk Centre

ADVERTISER LISTING

Ag Builders .................................................................... Cover Wrap Agri Systems/Systems West ........................................................... 21 Beck's Hybrids .....................................................................1, 16, 17 Chanhassen Dinner Theatres .......................................................... 10 Crystal Valley Coop ...................................................................... 14 Dairyland Seed Co., Inc. ................................................................. 9 Greenwald Farm Center ................................................................. 31 Hertz Farm Management .............................................................. 29 Kannegiesser Truck ....................................................................... 13 Land Resource Management .......................................................... 29 Letcher Farms ................................................................................. 6 Mages Auction Service .................................................................. 26 Mathiowetz Construction Co. ........................................................ 23 Meister Cheese ............................................................................. 20 Mike's Collision & Repair Center .................................................... 7 Northland Buildings ...................................................................... 18 Pioneer ...................................................................................... 3, 5 Pruess Elevator, Inc. ..................................................................... 29 Ranch & Farm Auctions ................................................................ 27 Riverland Community College ......................................................... 4 Rush River Steel & Trim ............................................................... 19 Schweiss Doors ............................................................................. 29 Smiths Mill Implement, Inc. .......................................................... 31 Snirt Stopper, LLC ........................................................................ 25 Southwest MN K-Fence ................................................................... 8 Steffes Group ................................................................................ 27 Sullivan Auctioneers ..........................................................28, 29, 30 Syngenta ....................................................................................... 11 Wealth Enhancement Group ........................................................... 15 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 418 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com

PAGE 32

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 9, 2022

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

Christmas during the war

T

he young Charles Lindbergh favored his mother Evangeline’s Swedish Party Cakes during the holiday season. You know who I mean; the Charles Lindbergh who flew the first non-stop transatlantic flight, New York to Paris, in May, 1927.

Charles spent his boyhood and teen years living in a handsome farm house on a farm just outside of Little Falls, Minn. His teen years coincided with America’s participation in World War I. Although the U.S. did not have actual rationing at the time, the U.S. Food Administration used advertising and peer pressure to greatly reduce food consumption.

That’s where Charle’s favorite cookies come in, according to an interpreter at the Lindbergh farm house which is now managed by the Minnesota Historical Society.

“Each person,” she said holding up a sugar jar, “was confined to using only six cups of sugar monthly.”

Then, handing out Evangeline’s recipe which has one cup of sugar, she tells visitors that people in those days were good at sharing.

“At the end of the month, when sugar was low, neighbors sometimes would pool their sugar to make a cake. Then they’d share the cake.”

The annual holiday tour of the Lindbergh house this year included a Christmas tree like the Lindbergh family might have had during the war.

It featured hand-made paper chains (which visitors were encouraged to make at a craft table), strings of popcorn and cranberries, and cut out snow flakes.

“Before the war,” explained another interpreter, “people often put mercury glass ornaments on their Christmas trees. But, because it was made in Germany, they didn’t put it on war-time trees. They thought it was disloyal.”

In another room in the house, which was built in the early 20th century, an interpreter is knitting.

She tells visitors about the American Red Cross program “Knit Your Bit” where experienced knitters made socks, scarves and caps for “Our Boys.” Charles probably didn’t do any knitting in that room, which was intended to be the dining room. He did operate a chicken hatchery in the room, explains the interpreter, and he slept in the adjacent porch.

Little Falls, Minn.

“Charles didn’t write much about cleaning,” the interpreter says when asked who cleaned the dining room. “He did burn the floor once with the incubator,” she says, pointing to the burn marks in the flooring.

The Lindbergh House employs five part time interpreters, site manager Kayla Stielow said. It is closed until Memorial Day — although special tours can be arranged. The home is adjacent to the interactive Lindbergh Museum and across the road from Lindbergh State Park.

More can be learned at www.mnhs.org/lindbergh. v

agbuilders.com 507-831-2600 info@agbuilders.com w/ e v $a er t n i W g n i c i r P

agbuilders.com 507-831-2600 info@agbuilders.com

Commercial & Farm Systems

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Prices can change anytime.

1-800-826-2233 Call today for Winter Pricing

Ag Builders is Your Local

& Farm Fans Grain Dryers CF/AB 270 520bph

12” 1hp Axial Fans - 40hp Centrifugal Fans

CF/AB 370 710bph

C2125 A

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CF/AB 511 990bph

CF/AB 601

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GSI Air Systems 5” Air System 1700bph

6” Air System 2400bph

GSI Versaloops 8” Versaloop 4000bph

10” Versaloop 6000bph

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Call today

for

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BUCKET ELEVATOR 128’ HI CAP 24” 6,000 BPH (WITH MOTOR & DRIVE)

BUCKET ELEVATOR 100’ SR 36” 10,000 BPH (WITH MOTOR & DRIVE)

Prices subject to change without notice.

800-826-2233 • agbuilders.com • Windom, Mn • 507-831-2600