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NOVEMBER | 2019

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Table of Contents ’61 John Deere restored...................................................5 Winter checklist...................................................................9 Agritourism..........................................................................10 Strip tillage............................................................................11 Farm to market...................................................................14 Vertical farming................................................................ 22 Mental health..................................................................... 25 Education............................................................................. 26 Ag census............................................................................ 28 Negotiating rent...............................................................30 Know your banker........................................................... 32 Protect cattle......................................................................33 Technology..........................................................................34 Farm of the future............................................................36 PUBLISHER: Steve Ammermann EDITOR: Kelly Boldan MAGAZINE EDITOR: Sharon Bomstad AD MANAGER: Christie Steffel MAGAZINE DESIGNER: Jamie Hoyem

A publication of West Central Tribune, November 2019 2208 W. Trott Ave, Willmar MN | www.wctrib.com 320.235.1150 Content from West Central Tribune staff, Forum News Service, Green Shoot Media and submitted articles.

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Carolyn Lange / West Central Tribune Charlie Haug of Willmar stands beside the 1961 John Deere 4010 tractor he spent the last three years renovating. The tractor was the first 4010 to be sold from his family’s implement dealer. In 2016 Charlie bought the tractor back from the family who’d purchased it in 1961 and began renovating it.

BRINGING THE JOHN DEERE HOME

Great-grandson of implement dealer buys back and refurbishes tractor sold in 1961

By Carolyn Lange | clange@wctrib.com

andling the threadbare ledger with care, Charlie Haug points to the hand-written script documenting where his great-grandfather sold a brand new 1961 John Deere 4010 tractor from his Haug Implement business to a Raymond farmer named Harland Hauser. Three years ago Charlie and his grandfather went back to the Hauser farm, purchased the tractor and brought it back home to Haug Implement and began a long renovation project. This year, Charlie, who is 16 and a junior in the KerkhovenMurdock-Sunburg School District, finished the project and won FFA grand champion awards for his efforts at the

Kandiyohi County Fair and the Minnesota State Fair. “That’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life, that’s for sure,” he said of winning the top awards for the FFA ag mechanics division. Getting the tractor to its current shiny green state involved searching for many replacement parts at scrap yards. “More parts than I want to know,” said Charlie. And it consumed “more hours than I want to know.” The end result was well worth it, said Charlie, the fifth-generation Haug to work in the 101-year-old family-owned implement business that started in Pennock, moved to Kerkhoven and has been located in Willmar since 1971.

“We were lucky enough that Charlie had the interest to restore it,” said Paal Haug, Charlie’s dad. “It’s been kind of a family project and it’s been a whole lot of fun.”

West Central Tribune – November 2019 – Page 5

The family has re-purchased and renovated other tractors originally sold by the business, including a 1929 GP John Deere that has steel wheels. That tractor was put on a float for parades celebrating the company’s 100th anniversary. Knowing that the 4010 was still owned by the Hauser family, the Haugs had been interested in buying the tractor back to return it to the Haug fleet. “We were lucky enough that Charlie had the interest to restore it,” said Paal Haug, Charlie’s dad. “It’s been kind of a family project and it’s been a whole lot of fun.” Charlie was just 13 years old when he and his grandfather, Butch Haug, went to the Hauser farm to look at the tractor. “It was in pretty rough shape but I could see it had potential,” said Charlie. “There was not a lot of paint left on it and no seat left and it hadn’t ran for 10-15 years,” he said. “Everything just looked pretty shot about it.” He and his grandpa loaded up the tractor that day and brought it back to the shop in Willmar. “He was pretty excited that we would have a project we could do together,” Charlie said of his grandfather. Within a couple days of buying the tractor, Charlie got the sheet metal cleaned up, replaced the fuel and batteries and tried to fire it up. “I started it up just to see if she would run, and she did.”

Submitted photo This is what the 1961 John Deere 4010 tractor looked like in 2016 when Charlie Haug and his grandfather, Butch Haug, picked it up at the Mike and Karen Hauser farm near Raymond.

Page 6 – November 2019 – West Central Tribune

Carolyn Lange / West Central Tribune Charlie Haug points to the place on the ledger documenting the sale of a brand new 1961 John Deere 4010 from his family’s implement business. Three years ago, Charlie bought that tractor back from the family of its original owner and this year completed renovating the tractor. The project won top FFA awards this year at the Kandiyohi County Fair and Minnesota State Fair.

West Central Tribune – November 2019 – Page 7

Carolyn Lange / West Central Tribune Charlie Haug is shown on his 1961 John Deere 4010 at the Minnesota State Fair, where he won the blue ribbon for overall restoration and the best of show for the overall ag mechanics division in the FFA competition.

Knowing that he had a good piece of equipment to work with, Charlie removed parts in earnest and replaced them with new and salvaged pieces. “As I started getting into it I knew what I needed,” he said. After he got everything in working order, he separated the rear-end of the tractor from the front end and refurbished the clutch and power take off, rebuilt the engine and put in pistons, rods and bearings. The project involved untold hours of time that brought Charlie, his dad and grandpa together. “A lot of time,” Charlie said. “After school. After work. Early mornings. Whenever I could I tried to work on it, and that’s hard to do with our life.” They got the tractor in perfect working order, but he said it was still “kind of ugly” with the old, faded and chipped paint. Charlie said he used it for about a year raking hay on the family farm, FFA plowing competitions and tractor pulls before giving it the beauty treatment.

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In April of this year Charlie took off the sheet metal hood and fenders and started sand-blasting it and preparing it for painting. The sheet metal was sent to a professional painter but Charlie, with help from his father and grandfather, painted the rest of the tractor in John Deere green. When the final pieces were put back on Charlie said he “didn’t even recognize” the tractor. “I was so excited. That was a cool day,” he said. “It just didn’t look anything like it did before.” And what did his grandpa say when he saw the old tractor that looked like the brand new model that was sold from the implement lot 58 years ago? “Well, he told me, ‘it looks pretty nice, Charlie.’ That’s about all he said, but I could see he was pretty excited.” VIDEO Standing beside his tractor, which See related is stored at Haug Implement, Charlie video on said the three years he invested in wctrib.com the project was “all worth it.”

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A CHECKLIST FOR WINTER

eteran farmers know at least one truism: you can’t control Mother Nature. But you can prepare for the known issues that occur each season. And while you can’t safeguard for the extremes the weather might bring, stocking up for the approaching winter season is always a smart plan. As with any plan, preparing a checklist in advance will help you ready your farm and prepare you, your family and your livestock, land and equipment for the coming cold weather. The experts at Beef Magazine put together this general checklist to get you started. Stockpile forages: Take an inventory of feedstuff available. Haul hay stacks home. Order extra loads to have a good stockpile on hand. Check waterers: Make sure you have parts and light bulbs for those electric waterers. A heater or two would be useful for stock tanks. A spare hose and float are always good to have on hand, as well. Add insurance with additional power sources: If the farm loses electricity, icy or snow-packed roads could delay power companies from restoring your electricity. Do you have a generator or two on hand to power waterers, refrigerators, heaters or equipment? Fuel up: Make sure you have plenty of gasoline, propane and diesel on hand to fuel tractors, generators and trucks. Stock the pantry: farm families need fuel, too, to get through a cold spell. What do you have on hand in your pantry that could be prepared quickly and possibly without a heat source? Take an inventory of your animal health and calving supplies: A cold front can be stressful on livestock,

resulting in sick animals. It can also cause cows to start calving earlier than expected. Are you ready to treat illness or take care of a surprise calf or two? Check your calving supplies and medicine cabinet to make sure you have things on hand in an emergency. Check with the neighbors: Do you have elderly neighbors who might not be able to handle the harsh weather in a bad storm? What’s their plan, and are you close and available to help in the event of bad weather? Can you help them fill hay feeders and prepare for the storm ahead of time? Consider those around you, as well as your own family, to keep everyone safe during inclement weather. Watch the weather closely: Don’t let a blizzard catch you by surprise. Prepare now and keep an eye on the forecast to ensure your farm survives and thrives through every blizzard or cold spell this winter.

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BENEFITS OF AGRITOURISM ARE MANY

s an industry, agriculture offers no guarantees. But there are ways to help ensure farms remain solvent during lean times. Increasingly, many are turning to agritourism to diversify and add value to their enterprises. As more Americans discover the farm-to-table movement in stores and restaurants, their interest in visiting the source has also increased. Touring farms and ranches helps them understand agriculture and horticulture and the operations behind them. Some also take part in farming or ranching activities; others simply find the experience an illuminating and educational day out. But creating a new revenue stream is only one of the benefits of agritourism. Here are more. Planting a seed: Besides the extra income, farmers who’ve taken the plunge into agritourism as a side business find the extra effort valuable because they get advocate and dispel myths and stereotypes. They also get to make the connection between the people who produce the agriculture products people rely on every day and their efforts to protect land and livestock. New jobs and businesses: Launching an agritourism business may encourage other farms who also want to reap the rewards. In turn, a developing agritourism

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Page 10 – November 2019 – West Central Tribune

landscape may have the potential to reverse negative economic trends by creating new jobs. Local businesses may also benefit and new ventures may arise. Not just tours: With diversification into agritourism, many operations find their successes lead them to expanding from tours and activities to such options as creating a “life-on-the-farm” experience. Others might recognize the value in renting facilities for weddings or other events. Festivals: A large farm, or a group of farms, can create bona fide seasonal festivals that combine many of the popular elements of agritourism such as tours and traditional farming activities with local vendors and live music. Community involvement: Agritourism is not only a boon to farms and ranches, but can also provide benefits to the surrounding community or communities. Community involvement can help increase visibility through marketing efforts. The full participation of the community in planning tourism is essential to a successful program. However appealing these benefits and the possibility of additional income, not all farmers are prepared for the downsides: modest returns, interference with the main farm operations, loss of privacy, increased responsibilities, labor needs and liability risk. As with any business, it’s smart to assess your capabilities, gauge your interest and dedication to the effort and form a plan. If you decide to make the leap into agritourism, here’s a brief list of tips to help get you started: • Assess your assets, beginning with your inventory with what you already have; • Evaluate your marketplace and identify your potential buyers; • Evaluate the technical feasibility of your prospective business; • Evaluate the financial feasibility of your prospective business; • Develop a business and marketing plan; • Take into account any “right to farm” related issues that will affect your business; and • Take advantage of tourism industry resources.

KERKHOVEN FARMER GETS GRANT TO STUDY STRIP TILLAGE By Carolyn Lange | clange@wctrib.com

ith the goal of decreasing soil erosion and increasing the health of the soil that produces his corn and soybean crops, Harmon Wilts is preparing to begin a three-year experiment with strip tillage. Wilts, a former University of Minnesota Ag Extension Educator who is currently a technical agronomist with Bayer Crop Science, while also farming near Kerkhoven, was recently awarded a grant from the Minnesota Corn

Growers Association to put the practice to the test. The project could help show the differences between conventional tillage and strip tillage and ease farmers’ concerns about changing Harmon Wilts their tillage practices. The steps Wilts will use in his research project will be closely monitored and the results carefully recorded. It’s hoped that at the end of the three years, Wilts will have improved his fields and maintained yields — and his work will give other farmers a working model to use on their own farms. “We hope to help our farm, but show others that this is what we’ve learned,” Wilts said.

Grant program

Wilts’ project certainly caught the eye of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, which said it provides funding from its Innovation Grant Program with the goal to make Minnesota corn farmers leaders in the nation for being sustainable and environmentally responsible. This is the fourth year the grants have been provided. So far, the association has invested nearly $600,000 in more than 50 farmer-led research projects. Wilts was one of 10 Minnesota farmers selected for the three-year grant this year. Submitted photo A field shown here was tilled this fall by Harmon Wilts with his strip tillage equipment that will be part of his three-year research project.

West Central Tribune – November 2019 – Page 11

Paul Meints, senior research director with the MCGA, said it makes sense to let farmers like Wilts who “actually know how things work” take on research projects like this. With the replicated trials, Meints said farmers must produce data that’s “on par” with research that would be done by University researchers. “We’re looking for publishable data,” he said. As the farmers do their research, quarterly reports will be posted online for others to see. That data will give farmers “more confidence” in putting the practices to work for themselves, Meints said. There have been some strong success stories with research coming from the fields of farmers. A past project that provided research on planting cover crops in between corn rows has “proved to work very, very well,” Meints said. He said a Yellow Medicine farmer is just finishing up his research project on underground strip irrigation that applies water and nitrogen only when needed, and that looks very promising. “These are farmers helping themselves,” he said. “These guys are thinkers. They’re brilliant.”

Wilts’ research project

A close-up view of Harmon Wilts’ strip tillage equipment.

Submitted photo

Wilts will use strip tillage on four, 80-acre fields — two soybean fields and two corn fields. The process will begin this fall after the crops are off the fields.

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“We hope to help our farm, but show others that this is what we’ve learned,” Harmon Wilts

Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association This photo shows a corn field being planted using the strip tillage method. Submitted photo Harmon Wilts uses special equipment to create ridges in fields for his three-year research project on strip tillage practices.

On each of the fields, Wilts will do three things: One-third of the field will be tilled with a conventional disk ripper that slices through crop residue and exposes the soil, one-third of the field will be tilled with a strip tiller equipped with knives and the other third will be tilled with a strip tiller equipped with coulters. Using autosteer on his tractor and strip tillage equipment Wilts will create berms — basically small ridges of soil and crop residue — that are about eight inches wide and three to four inches tall. Between those berms are strips of soil where crops will be planted next year. At the same time the berms are being created, a band of dry fertilizer, like phosphorus and potassium, will be applied in the strips. In the spring, about 40% of the nitrogen will be applied in the strips at the same time seeds are planted and the remaining nitrogen applied when the corn is about 12 inches tall. Having berms of residue and a smaller amount of soil disturbed in the planting bed should reduce soil erosion, said Wilts, adding that having the sun beat down on the strips of soil can help speed up soil planting conditions in the spring. He knows his fields may look a little rough the first year or two as the berms are established and adjustments made in the equipment and chemicals, but he said the benefit to soil health will be worth it. “There will be a few challenges along the way,” he said. “We’re a little bit scared but quite excited too.”

As part of the grant, Wilts will hold a field day at his farm for others to see the results. Data recorded by the autosteer equipment will be vital to the project, along with information Wilts gathers by collecting soil samples going into the fields to do stand counts to gauge how much corn came up. Having access to technology that gathers data is “a lot better than writing on a tablet and forgetting where you put it,” he said. Wilts isn’t doing the research by himself. His three daughters, Hannah, Katherine and Elizabeth who also have careers in agriculture, are working with him on the project. Wilts said he and his daughters had studied strip tillage before and were interested in using it on their farm, but said the poor farm economy made it risky to take on another financial risk. The grant, which he said covers some — but not all — the costs of the project made it feasible for the family to start an experimental strip tillage program. “It helped us say, ‘let’s do it,’” Wilts said.

2020 grants

Applications for the 2020 research grant program are being taken until Dec. 31 Meints said any farmer with an innovative idea should make their pitch and apply for a grant. If you’re out sitting in your combine and you have a good idea, jot it down and make a proposal,” he said. For more information go to their website, mncorn.org. West Central Tribune – November 2019 – Page 13

TAKING FOOD FROM FARM TO FAMILIES KEEPS STARBUCK FAMILY ON THE FARM Farm-to-market beef, vegetables and fruit

By Carolyn Lange | clange@wctrib.com

s a registered dietitian for more than 40 years — and as a partner with her husband, Luverne, on their family-owned farm for nearly as long — Mary Jo Forbord is passionate about strengthening the link between good food and good health. The Forbords raise 150 head of grass-fed, half-blood Lowline Angus beef cattle on their 480-acre certified organic farm, located between Benson and Starbuck in southern Pope County. They also raise certified organic fruits and vegetables.

For a number of years the Forbords sold their Prairie Horizons Farm grass-fed beef to customers in the Twin Cities, as well as the Stone’s Throw Cafe in Morris, Pomme De Terre Foods in Morris and Kadejan Market in Glenwood. Now they’re making it even easier for people in west central Minnesota to access the food they produce by selling locally produced organic beef and produce at their on-farm store, located at 31008 Minnesota Highway 29, Benson. The fifth-generation farmers want to raise “good food and have a community to share it with,” Forbord said. Continued on page 17

Submitted photo Prairie Horizons farm is located along state Highway 29 between Benson and Starbuck.

Page 14 – November 2019 – West Central Tribune

Carolyn Lange / West Central Tribune Mary Jo Forbord and her husband, Luverne, sell their grass-fed beef and organic fruits and vegetables from their on-farm store near Benson. The store is open 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays and by appointment.

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ORGANIC CERTIFICATION Have you ever wondered what it would take to become a certified organic operation?

esearch shows that organic farming practices can make major positive impacts on our environment — and your bottom line. They can improve water quality, conserve energy, enhance biodiversity and contribute to enhanced soil health. Becoming certified organic also can boost your reputation as an environmentally conscious farmer with more than just production in mind. There were more than 22,000 certified organic farms and businesses generating $43 million in retail sales of organic products in the United States in 2015, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The industry creates jobs and promotes economic growth and opportunities across rural America.

Taking the steps

Are you thinking about becoming certified but unsure where to start? There are many resources available to make the certification process as financially and operationally viable as possible. According to the USDA, there are five basic steps to organic certification: • The farm or business adopts organic practices, selects a USDA-accredited certifying agent, and submits an application and fees to the certifying agent. • The certifying agent reviews the application to verify that practices comply with USDA organic regulations.

• An inspector conducts an on-site inspection of the applicant’s operation. • The certifying agent reviews the application and the inspector’s report to determine if the applicant complies with the USDA organic regulations. • The certifying agent issues an organic certificate.

Cost and maintenance

It is relatively simple to maintain organic certification. Your farm or business will go through an annual review and inspection process, and you will be kept in the loop of any changes or updates required to retain your status. Actual certification costs or fees vary widely depending on the certifying agent and the size of your operation, but can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Charges generally cover the application fee, annual renewal fee, assessment on annual production or sales, and inspection fees. The USDA Organic Certification CostShare Programs can reimburse eligible operations up to 75% of their certification costs. Don’t forget to check into this valuable assistance.

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Continued from page 14 Equipped with coolers, freezer storage and shelves for displays, the Prairie Horizons Farm store is a warm and attractive setting to buy food and have a discussion about Forbord’s favorite topic of food, health and connecting with people. It’s not about “bushels and price” but about relationships and food security, Forbord said, while giving a tour of the farm, which includes an experimental fruit orchard that contains apples, pears, plums, grapes, hazelnuts and aronia berries (similar to chokeberries). The orchard is named after the couple’s son, Joraan, who started the orchard in 2006 when he was 19 years old. Joraan died of cancer in 2010 when he was 22. Their mission is to “build a farm-based system of healthy food production, processing and distribution that is economically sound, environmentally responsible and beneficial to future generations.” Forbord said another goal of Prairie Horizons Farm is to provide a real-life demonstration of how farmers can stay on the farm by providing good food to people who live in their community. The end result, she said, will be healthier farmers and healthier food consumers. During a recent talk at a member meeting of the New London Food Co-op, Forbord drew the link between poor food quality and the increasing rates of obesity and diabetes in Minnesota.

Carolyn Lange / West Central Tribune Organic vegetables and fruits are grown at Prairie Horizons Farm and sold, along with processed items like jam and pickled beets, at their on-farm store.

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She said there is a difference between quality food and food that’s made to be cheap and fast. “The bottom has dropped out of quality with our food supply,” she said. “Are we feeding our community well?” Food that is grown in another state or another country and is “built to ship” can “take a toll on flavor,” Forbord said. “It’s been a blast,” Forbord said of having the on-farm store, which is open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, and by appointment. But there have been challenges. Heavy rain and high water this year has made it difficult to get to the Prairie Horizons Farm store off of its main access on Highway 29. However, the store can be accessed through a back-entrance on the Forbord’s property. Their beef is for sale year-round at the store. Produce is available seasonally, however Forbord preserves and sells jam, salsa and other items under her food handler cottage industry license while — available while supplies last. For more information, or to confirm access to the store, contact Prairie Horizons Farm at 320-760-8732.

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VERTICAL FARMS HAVE NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP By Katie Pinke | Forum News Service

hat is vertical farming? It is an agricultural practice of vertically growing food on an inclined surface. I have heard the term and considered vertical farming to be more for urban populations and city centers, but to get a look at vertical farming I didn’t travel to a city. Instead, my AgweekTV colleague and I went to New London, pulled off a rural road and, in between corn and soybean fields, walked into what was once an empty building. Today the building is home to 180 acres of vertical lettuce farming and headquarters of Lettuce Abound. Lettuce Abound Farms grows seven varieties of lettuce and basil. They produce inside, using no natural sunlight and just 4% of the water typically used in lettuce farming, according to Lettuce Abound founder and CEO Kevin Ortenblad.

Katie Pinke / Forum News Service Lettuce Abound Farms of New London harvests 2,000 heads of lettuce weekly and distributes in Minnesota and North Dakota using vertical farming production.

Page 22 – November 2019 – West Central Tribune

Ortenblad gave a tour to a group of Minnesota Farm Service Agency managers and I was able to join. “This is a great way to grow food, and I think this is the farm of the future,” Ortenblad said. After seeing Lettuce Abound’s facility I have a clearer vision of how it can grow Katie Pinke and supplement established farms and create opportunities for a vertical farm to pop up anywhere globally. Ortenblad once was a corn and soybean farmer, but no more, “we are the only aeroponic organic facility, so we did the trial and error method, which is very painful and it takes a long time,” he said

Erica Dischino / Tribune file photos Budding lettuce plants grow under a light before being inserted into the vertical wall where they will grow to maturity in the aeroponics system at Lettuce Abound Farms in rural New London.

I also appreciate the ingenuity and vision many farmers have to step out and find a new way — a different path in agriculture. I think Ortenblad and his family are those types of farmers. Lettuce Abound Farms is harvesting 2,000 heads of lettuce a week and distributing across Minnesota and now into Hornbacher’s grocery stores in North Dakota. It’s better than any lettuce I’ve grown or purchased recently. There are empty buildings and warehouses everywhere that could become home to vertical farming, bringing fresh produce to areas often labeled as food deserts — areas where it is difficult to access fresh, quality food. “It’s something that can be taken anywhere that it wants to go to. Instead of I don’t have any land here, I can’t farm. Well, you can build a building.” Ortenblad said.

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Of course, it takes capital to make it happen. I learned on the tour that vertical farms like Lettuce Abound are not classified as a farm because they are not farming 10 or more acres of tillable land, limiting the farm programs or loans they could qualify for. Can this change? I hope so. We need all kinds of farms to feed a booming global population. With more people, there is less land to farm. Vertical farms are a part of a bigger solution for agriculture. I am grateful for farmers in Mexico, South America, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Florida, who provide fresh produce when it can’t be grown in the Upper Midwest. But Lettuce Abound Farms is changing that. Fresh lettuce from central Minnesota in the dead of winter is a reality. I hope to see more vertical farms get established and grow from our rural areas to urban centers. Erica Dischino / Tribune file photo Water moves through an irrigation system to hydrate lettuce plants at Lettuce Abound Farms in New London.

Page 24 – November 2019 – West Central Tribune

LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

By Ashley Kjos, PsyD, LP

innesota is home to 74,542 farms spread across more than 26 million acres. This industry provides more than 350,000 jobs for Minnesotans and contributes $75 billion to the state’s economy. Farming is a very stressful occupation due to financial challenges, price and market uncertainties, production challenges, marital problems, social stressors and isolation, and the physical nature of the work. Farmers are used to solving their own problems and are a proud, resourceful, brave and resilient group. However, the mounting stress, anxiety, depression and financial burdens within this community are insurmountable for one to manage on his or her own, and often family members and friends are uncertain how to help. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, farmers are in the occupational group with the

highest overall rate of suicide at 84.5 per 100,000; this is nearly five times higher than the general public. This also means that the number of suicide attempts and those contemplating suicide is much, much higher than the general population. Ashley Kjos There is help available. The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline is a free, confidential 24/7 helpline (833-600-2670) for farmers who might be struggling with stress, anxiety, depression and/or suicidal thoughts. This line can also connect callers to financial help, mental health counselors, legal assistance and more. Continued on page 27

MIDWEST DAIRY NAMES MOLLY PELZER AS NEXT CEO

Molly Pelzer

Midwest Dairy, the organization representing 7,000 dairy families across the Midwest, has announced that the Corporate Board of Directors has chosen Molly Pelzer as the organization’s next chief executive officer. Pelzer, who currently serves as Midwest

Dairy’s chief experience officer, succeeds outgoing CEO Lucas Lentsch. She assumed her new role on Oct. 1. “Given her leadership experience and longstanding commitment to dairy farmers and the dairy checkoff program, Molly embodies everything we want in Midwest Dairy’s next leader,” said Allen Merrill, chairman of Midwest Dairy’s board of directors. “We’re excited to see how she leads our organization as we fulfill our vision and mission to bring dairy to life and give consumers an excellent dairy experience.” Continued on page 31 West Central Tribune – November 2019 – Page 25

TRAINING AND EDUCATION INGRAINED IN FARMING

he agriculture industry will always be in demand of forward-thinking, cost-focused innovators, especially as technology cements itself further into daily operations. If you’re considering entering the field, there are multiple avenues to becoming a successful farm owner, operator, employee or sales professional. Many American universities offer traditional four-year degrees and specialty certifications. Many secondary credentials are available through community colleges or extension campuses and also can lead to high-paying, dependable jobs for years to come. The key is finding the program that positions you for an agricultural job you’ll love.

Accredited farm manager The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers is the primary certifying body for several specialties, including the AFM. As a professional farm manager, your tasks can include operational plan development, capital improvement, lease management, real estate appraisal and team leadership. According to the ASFMRA, here are the prerequisites for the AFM certification: • Four years of farm or ranch management experience or equivalent (One calendar year equals 1,600 hours). • A four-year college degree or equivalent.

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Do you enjoy solving problems for clients and giving advice on best-practice solutions? The American Society of Agricultural Consultants’ CAC designation might be your best bet.

Here are some of the protocols required to earn a CAC designation, according to ASAC: • Five years of agricultural consulting experience. (One calendar year consists of minimum 600 hours.) • A four-year college degree or equivalent. • Submission of an agricultural consulting plan illustrating the applicant’s ability to meet ASAC standards for such documents. • Completion of numerous courses, including Standards & Ethics for Agricultural Consultants, Communications for Ag Consultants, and Consulting Services Delivery. • Current membership in ASAC prior to applying for certification. • Completed CAC application for the final accrediting exam, with applicable fee. • Pass final CAC Certification exam.

Mental Health continued from page 25 The Helpline is also available to people who are worried about friends or family and are not certain how to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available by phone call or text (800-273-8522 or text 741741) for free crisis support 24 hours per day anywhere in the United States. In addition, Woodland Centers, a local community mental health center, operates a 24/7 mobile crisis team who are available to provide immediate assistance and intervention to situations in the community or in one’s home. Call 800-432-8781 to connect with Woodland

Center’s Mobile Crisis Team or get more information at crisismobile.com Farmers have one of the most vital and yet most stressful jobs. If you or someone you care about is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, and/or suicidal thoughts, there are people and organizations ready to help. Reach out and let us support those that have provided for so many, for so long. Ashley Kjos, PsyD, LP, is CEO at Woodland Centers in Willmar. West Central Tribune – November 2019 – Page 27

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AG CENSUS

he U.S. Department of Agriculture released the results of the 2017 Census of Agriculture in April. The report spans 6.5 million new points of information about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Since the last census in 2012, the report notes that both farm numbers and land in farms continue to decline by small percentages. Additionally, there continues to be more of the largest and smallest operations and fewer mid-sized farms, with the average age of all farmers and ranchers continuing to rise. Here are some key highlights from the latest census: There are 2.04 million farms and ranches (down 3.2% from

2012) with an average size of 441 acres (up 1.6%) on 900 million acres (down 1.6%). The 273,000 smallest (1-9 acres) farms make up 0.1% of all farmland while the 85,127 largest (2,000 or more acres) farms make up 58% of farmland. Just 105,453 farms produced 75% of all sales in 2017, down from 119,908 in 2012. Of the 2.04 million farms and ranches, the 76,865 making $1 million or more in 2017 represent just over 2/3 of the $389 billion in total value of production while the 1.56 million operations making under $50,000 represent just 2.9%.

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Farm expenses are $326 billion with feed, livestock purchased, hired labor, fertilizer and cash rents topping the list of farm expenses in 2017. Average farm income is $43,053. A total of 43.6 percent of farms had positive net cash farm income in 2017. Ninety-six percent of farms and ranches are family owned. Farms with internet access rose from 69.6% in 2012 to 75.4% in 2017. A total of 133,176 farms and ranches use renewable energy producing systems, more than double the 57,299 in 2012. In 2017, 130,056 farms sold directly to consumers, with sales of $2.8 billion. Sales to retail outlets, institutions and food hubs by 28,958 operations are valued at $9 billion.

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CHALLENGE: NEGOTIATING FARMLAND RENT

egotiating farmland rental rates can be a challenging endeavor, especially setting an initial price that might be locked in for years. As the landlord, you want to make sure you are making a steady profit year over year. You also want to be fair with your tenant to ensure a healthy long-term engagement. Your costs as the landowner include loan payment, insurance and taxes, all of which are major factors in setting a reasonable, fair rate. Below is a helpful landlord checklist from the Michigan State University Extension to help you develop a reasonable rental rate for your land. Work with your local extension

officials to help walk you through these questions and set a fair, profitable rate. 1. What is the crop productive index for the land from the Soil Conservation Service survey? 2. What is the nutrient content (soil test report from last year)? N, P, K, Zn, Mn, Mg, pH, and organic matter come into play here. 3. What is the crop production history (for each crop planted on the farm in the last 10 years)? 4. What is the crop production level? (Yields for each crop planted on the farm for the last 10

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years. Push for actual yields not coffee shop or general numbers). What chemicals have been applied and at what rate of application, to the crops over the past three to five years? (This can have a big impact on rotations). What is the drainage tile spacing, type of tile, when were they installed, spacing, etc. Do you have a tile map with outlet information? What is the surface drainage situation, grass runways or outlet locations and their function, or is there a pot-hole drainage system? Are you willing to share some of the production and price risk to have the potential for higher rent? Are you willing to share some of the production cost or be in a crop share arrangement? Are you willing to enter into a flex rental arrangement that has a base cash rental rate with a maximum price that would be triggered if the crop yield and prices are above an agreed upon level? What is the size of each field that you are renting? Total tillable rental acres? Do any fields have any access restrictions, such as narrow drives, fences, electric/telephone poles, houses, barns, schools, located on busy road or close to residential areas?

Midwest Dairy continued from page 25 Pelzer, of Tipton, Iowa, joined Midwest Dairy in 1984 and has held various executive leadership roles. In her most recent position as chief experience officer, Pelzer led the development of the organization’s strategic priorities. Prior to Midwest Dairy, she worked with the Midland Dairy Association, as well as Dairy Council, Inc., both former checkoff organizations that are now part of the Midwest Dairy region. A registered dietitian, Pelzer graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Pelzer is the organization’s third CEO in its 19 years of dairy history. Her proven experience in developing programs and resources comes at an exciting time as

the organization continues its focus on consumer-centric goals to drive sales and enhance consumer trust for dairy. “I am proud and humbled to represent dairy farmers and Midwest Dairy staff as we continue to work with our partners to increase sales and trust in dairy and reinforce the importance of dairy foods and dairy farming to our communities” said Pelzer. “I am eager to continue to build strong relationships with dairy farmers, industry leaders and partners as we continue to maximize the investment dairy farmers make in their checkoff organization.” Lentsch is leaving Midwest Dairy for a leadership role with Dairy Management, Inc. For more information, please visit www.midwestdairy.com.

File photo Cows at East Dublin Dairy in Murdock.

West Central Tribune – November 2019 – Page 31

GET TO KNOW YOUR BANKER

f you don’t have a good banker on your side, your farm might not be getting the most out of its finances and loan opportunities. Your banking institution is your partner in making sure funds are available for new equipment, infrastructure, staff and repairs. Without a clear understanding of what your bank can and cannot do, you can compromise the overall financial health and future of your farming operation.

Communicating with your bank

Setting up regular meetings with your banker is an important step in keeping lines of communication open. Initial meetings with your bank should include setting up a road map for success. As the relationship progresses, the financial reports you provide your banker will serve as the cornerstone for future

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A consistent relationship

When it comes to finding the right banker, you’re looking for consistency. An ideal partner is one who is consistent and clear about lending practices. Farming can be an unpredictable endeavor, given the elements that are ultimately out of the farmer’s control. Finding a banker who is practical with a robust understanding of the agricultural industry — and all of its quirks — will help you survive hardships, overcome challenges and react to opportunities for growth.

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Not every lender will necessarily be the right fit when it comes to financing your farm. When looking for the right partner, there are a few key questions to ask yourself: • Is the bank comfortable with agricultural loans? • Does the bank have the ability and size to finance your operation? • Do other farming operations you know use this bank? In other words, does it have a track record of serving agricultural professionals?

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Does the staff seemingly have the knowledge, background and experience to meet your financing needs? Do you feel confident the bank will stick with you when challenges arise, including low commodity prices or serious drought? Once you feel confident in answering “yes” to all of these questions, it might be the right time to enter into an engagement with your new lending partner.

PROTECT CATTLE IN THE COLD

As the cold creeps in, don’t forget to consider your cattle. Especially in the Northern Plains, cattle can have a hard time replenishing the amount of energy it requires to stay warm against dropping temperatures. Some temperatures this winter will easily reach below minus 30 at some point, making life tough on livestock and the farm hands attempting to efficiently manage them.

Increased feeding

With a heavy winter coat, the critical temperature for cattle is around 18 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the North Dakota State University Extension Service. Below this temperature, cattle begin expending more energy to stay warm. One way of combating this natural reaction is to increase the amount of feed you deliver to your herd on a daily basis. Consider feeds with higher nutrient quality to help your cattle reach their required level of nourishment.

Adequate protection

Another relatively simple way of keeping your cattle warm this winter is to provide plenty of protection from the elements. The combination of frigid temperatures, moisture and wind can cause frostbite or even death. Create permanent or portable windbreaks to protect your cattle, or strategically use natural barriers such as trees for protection. To overcome moisture challenges, ensure adequate amounts of bedding to keep your cattle dry. This can be especially critical for calves, which are in increased danger of frostbite, hypothermia and death.

Remember your employees

Be sure not to overlook your human capital this winter season as you work hard together to keep your cattle herd safe, dry and warm. Encourage your farm hands to wear warm clothing while they work outside. This includes layers, extra gloves and wind protection. Remind them that the animals can only be protected by people who are prepared to deal with all of the elements Mother Nature has to offer this time of year. West Central Tribune – November 2019 – Page 33

TECH’S ROLE IN AG EQUIPMENT

s technology marches on at a dizzying pace, farms are not immune. Many of the advancements, especially in new equipment, are designed to help producers to achieve more efficient results than ever before. If you’re in the market for new equipment or if you’re just interested in what’s new, the Farm Bureau Financial Services identified several new trends in agriculture technology you’ll soon find available.

Planting and harvesting

Smart Ag, an agriculture tech company, has developed new software it calls AutoCart. The system allows you to monitor and control a self-driving grain cart, allowing a

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tractor to become fully automated and the cart it’s pulling to follow. Using the technology, you can be confident your work was being done as efficiently as possible

Data and navigation

The concept of connecting any device to the internet, known as the Internet of Things, extends to farm equipment. Agriculture tech firms have developed sensors with image recognition capability that allow you to view crops anywhere. The data they collect enables you to make changes in water and nourishment immediately. Similar devices can be added to equipment to track the health of the machine itself, in addition to GPS capability, yield mapping and harvest documentation, significantly reducing downtime.

Robotics

Automation has long assisted in the more tedious aspects of manufacturing. But combined with robotics, this technology can increase productivity, producing faster and higher volume yields. Among the players in farm robotics is equipment giant John Deere, which recently purchased a start-up that concentrates on spraying and weeding. Other systems in the works include laser and camera guidance, as well as plant-transplanting and fruitpicking robots.

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Identifying which traits and genes are best for crop production is the focus of machine learning and analytics, which could assist farmers worldwide in predicting which breeds are best for their location and climate. These algorithms are also useful to consumers, who can see which products are popular resulting in more successful farming forecasts.

Other advancements

According to Coastal Farm stores, several other advancements in farm technology should not escape modern operators. Oregon State University is propelling developing the digital farm of the future using such technologies as drones, fiber-optic cables and the use of radio frequencies. Each of these systems is designed to help farmers make the best decisions possible based on real-time data. Smart collars are also poised for advancements. While the tech has been around for a while, development continues to make it easy to track fertility, activity, feed intake, stress and illness. In a related area, camera systems have been developed to monitor broods of chickens to decrease problems using predictive models.

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THE FARM OF THE FUTURE

he challenges of farming are myriad. But so are the techniques and innovative spirit farmers bring to the calling. Still, some question whether their efforts are just sustaining their livelihoods for the present instead of preparing the long haul. For a birds-eye view, AgWeek magazine recently took stock of the six forces poised to change the industry. Here’s the highlights from the results of those findings.

Consolidation

It’s no secret farms are in decline; that’s been the case since the 1930s. But while the average size of farms has increased, the amount of land in agriculture has remained flat. The last Census of Agriculture reported that of the

2.1 million farms in the United States, only 15% are atscale production farms. These farms also control 80% of acreage. That figure will decrease to 100,000 production farms, experts predict, with 5% of farms producing 75% of output.

Psychology

Agriculture debt — some $410 billion in 2018 — is at its highest level since the 1980s, data reveals. Many farmers question their viability if these trends continue. Operating profitability is declining as loans become harder to repay. According to figures amassed by Aimpoint Research, nearly 60% of farmers were concerned about their ability to deal with debt.

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Technology

It’s no surprise that young people are interested in and have an affinity for technology, but an increasing number are also interested in agriculture and how these two fields can converge. According to the USDA, some 69% of young farmers will have college degrees and return to farms determined to shake up the status quo by utilizing new technology. Even older farmers are embracing technology as they see competitors do so and themselves falling further behind the curve.

Government

The Congressional Budget Office projects the 2018 Farm Bill, which traditionally provides support for many farmers and rural areas, will cost $428 billion over the next five years. Besides funding issues, trade policy also has a direct effect on operations. Agriculture exports are expected to fall $141.5 bill this year as a result of the trade war. Other top issues include labor and regulatory reform.

Consumers

Price, healthiness and freshness are the top factors driving consumer decisions when it comes to agriculture products. Because consumers are the center of gravity when it comes to change in agriculture, what they perceive is changing the industry. Some of those factors — nonGMO, organic, locally produced foods — are perceived as better than the alternatives. Whether producers know these beliefs to be true or not, retailers are responding.

Markets

Even while commodity prices are low, farmers continue to increase production due to the growing world population. Analysts predict a 70% increase in food supply will be necessary to meet those needs — especially in South America, which experts predict will become the breadbasket of the future.

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