May 2015 Voice of Agriculture

of AgricultureVOLUME 35 • No. 3 MAY 2015

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Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress.

With it there is accomplishment. Without it there are only alibis.

SECTION C SPECIAL INSERT HENRY FORDPAGE 12B

V ICEO®

PAGE 6A

GraingerBenefitsNeed a Speaker?

BLOGS TO 3A }

Farm Bureau Members Travel to Washington D.C.

Photo by Amber

Hanson

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS from

across Minnesota met with their Senators and

members of Congress while in Washington, D.C. during the Minnesota Farm Bureau

Federation (MFBF) Farmers to Washington D.C. trip, March 23-27. Pictured left to right are Larry and Sharon Larson – Mower County, Loren Molenaar – Kandiyohi County, Mike and Connie Gunderson – Mahnomen

County, Carolyn and Jonathon Olson – Lyon County, Joann and Arlyn Groth – Winona County, Joe Sullivan – Renville County, Sandy and Barry

Nelson – Stevens County and MFBF President Kevin Paap.

Fourteen Farm Bureau members from across Minnesota met with their members of Congress and

Senators while in Washington, D.C. during the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Farmers to Washington D.C. trip, March 23-27.

Participants met with Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken; Representatives Walz, Emmer, Peterson and Nolan; and staff from the offices of Representatives Kline and Paulsen.

During their meetings, Farm Bureau members discussed the importance of trade to Minnesota and encouraged the members of Congress to support Trade Promotion Authority in order to ensure that trade deals currently being negotiated are able to be finalized. The Farm Bureau members also asked for support to once again delist the Western Great Lakes Gray Wolves population in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and return the management of the wolf back to state control. They also discussed the importance of a federal, voluntary food labeling standard created through the newly introduced Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015.

“Research shows that the most effective way to communicate with your members of Congress is in Washington D.C.,” said MFBF President Kevin Paap. “It is vital to agriculture for our Senators and members

of Congress to put a face to the families involved in Minnesota agriculture. Farm Bureau’s Farmers to Washington D.C. trip provides this opportunity.”

Attendees were able to be audience members with fellow Farm Bureau members from Iowa, Missouri and Texas during AgriTalk where they were addressed by U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX), U.S. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Senator Roy Blunt, and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), and the state Farm Bureau presidents from Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Texas. President Kevin Paap as chair of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Trade Advisory Committee focused his comments on the importance of trade.

In addition, while in D.C. Farm Bureau members met with AFBF staff and D.C. Central Kitchen.

MORE FARMERS TO D.C. PHOTOS TO 6A }

Farmers for Water, Wildlife and Conser�a�onFarm Bureau members have

been actively engaged sharing what they are doing on their farms and ranches to protect our state’s natural resources: water, wildlife and conservation. Governor Dayton’s proposed 50-foot buffer zone has many members speaking up and sharing what they do on their farms. A few Farm Bureau member’s blogs are highlighted as examples of how farmers can share their stories and make their voices heard. We encourage you to read in their blogs in their entirety.

FACTS• Water quality is a top priorityfor farmers.• Farm Bureau supports currentbuffer laws.• Buffers can be effective whendesigned to fit the conditions of the area.

The Buffer Strip Controversy…Debunked

Posted on Faith, Farming & Cowboy Boots - Sara Hewitt, LeSueur County Farm Bureau member

Currently, the law states that public drainage ditches have to have a buffer strip of 16.5 feet. However, that buffer strip doesn’t necessarily have to be in place until a redetermination of benefits of the public

Photo by Alika Faythe Hartmann, courtesy of River Valley Woman

drainage ditch is made by the county. This is why our state should focus on funding our local soil and water conservation offices at the proper level, so they can complete these redetermination of benefits. This is probably the biggest misconception that people don’t understand about current law – the ditch has to go through the redetermination before a person actually has to put the 16.5-foot buffer strip in place. That being said, I don’t know many people who farm up to a drainage ditch without leaving at least 10-15 feet of vegetation already. Also, another thing to understand about how drainage ditches are constructed is that they have a berm up on the sides, or a raised bank – that means the water doesn’t run down directly into them. The water has to go

through the soil, filtering it.If you don’t understand the

many different things farmers are currently doing to protect water, wildlife habitat and soil, please ask!

Source: hewittfarmsinc.wordpress.com/2015/03/25/the-buffer-strip-controversy-debunked/

Water Quality – Don’t Put all Your Eggs in

the Buffer Basket

Posted on Carolyn CAREs – Carolyn Olson, Lyon County Farm Bureau member

On our farm, we have planted some buffer strips with the help of our Natural Resources and Conservation Services (NRCS)

Mark and Sarah He�i�

Vacation Time!

2A • MAY 2015 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • www.fbmn.org

President’s VoiceKEVIN PAAP • MFBF PRESIDENT

BOB STALLMAN • AFBF PRESIDENT

Setting the record straight on conservation numbers

Farmers and Ranchers are Tired of EPA Doubletalk

The Ag AgendaThe Voice of Agriculture®

(ISSN: 1529-1669)Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation 2015©Published January, March, May, July, September, November by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, 3080 Eagandale Place, PO Box 64370, St. Paul, MN 55164.

“The Voice of Agriculture” is mailed periodical postage paid at St. Paul, MN and additional entry offices. “The Voice of Agriculture” is distributed to nearly 30,000 Farm Bureau member families and others across the state of Minnesota.

Editor: Kristin (Campbell) HarnerAssistant Editor: Pam DebeleDesign and Layout: Madsen Ink

Editorial and circulation offices:The Voice of AgricultureP.O. Box 64370St. Paul, MN 55164-0370Phone: 651-768-2118Fax: 651-768-2159E-mail: [email protected] www.fbmn.org

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Postmaster send change of addresses to: The Voice of Agriculture Box 64370 St. Paul, MN 55164-0370

Voice of Agriculture® is a registered service mark owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Business owners around the country have joined with farmers and ranchers in speaking out on the Waters of the U.S. rule. More than 30 states also oppose the rule. Yet, even in the face of mounting opposition, the EPA still isn’t listening.

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy has unveiled her latest, campaign-style WOTUS spin, calling the effort the “Clean Water Rule” – as though a bumper-sticker approach to a complex regulation would change anything for people so profoundly affected by her agency’s actions.

Slogans may matter more than facts at the EPA, but the details still matter to farmers and ranchers who know full well the importance of clean water. We depend on it for our livelihoods, after all. Our biggest objection, in fact, is not about clean water. It’s about land.

McCarthy insists that the rule will allow business as usual for agriculture. She has said farmers and ranchers won’t need special permits “to go about their business.” But what she’s saying just doesn’t match up with the language of the rule. Anyone who’s been out on farmland knows that water collects in spots that aren’t regular water sources for anything else, let alone major streams and rivers.

Prairie potholes are a good example of the “waters” the EPA is targeting. These isolated wetlands are sprinkled across the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains. By pooling these isolated features together, the Waters of the U.S. rule would let the agencies treat them as a

“significant nexus” to streams and rivers – an idea that’s simply not supported by law or common sense. Together, the prairie potholes in a region could be treated just like a large body of water, even though the end result would be more control over land, not water – something that Congress never intended.

Rather than recognizing the careful stewardship that farmers and ranchers practice, EPA keeps forcing farmers and ranchers back on the defensive. McCarthy said farmers shouldn’t worry about the rule at all “unless you want to pollute or destroy jurisdictional water.” Statements like this hint that the agency is looking to broaden the rule by making it more ambiguous, not less.

Farmers and ranchers can’t afford the steep fines that regulators could impose for normal farming practices. And farmers aren’t looking to sidestep regulations: We have the most to lose if one of our most valuable resources is compromised.

EPA claims that it’s simplifying regulations and making them easier to follow, but the fine print tells another story. No matter what name the agency gives its rule, it can only lead to needless pain for agriculture and businesses across the country.

If EPA won’t listen, perhaps Congress will. Please let your senators and representative know that farmers, small business owners and state and local governments are looking to them to stop the Waters of the U.S. rule.

I’m not sure how many headlines I’ve read lately about Minnesota converting more wetlands into farmland than any other state when crop prices spiked, but it has been too many! A recent study from the University of Wisconsin – Madison has been the driving factor to those headlines.

Conservation AcresLet’s look at the actual acres in Minnesota. Acres planted

to all crops, including hay, did increase by 231,000 acres between 2008 and 2012; then acres planted to all crops, including hay, fell by 268,000 acres by 2014. Much of the increase was from land formerly in a land rental program called the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), every acre of which were cropped previously. None of it was wetlands. In fact wetlands were not and are not eligible to be enrolled into the CRP. It is a fact that the current farm bill reduced the maximum acres to be put in the CRP from 32 million acres to 24 million acres.

It is also important to note that many acres previously in CRP are now in other conservation programs like the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) and continue to provide water quality benefits and wildlife habitat. In fact, acres in the WRP Reserve Program and RIM WRP increased from 72,433 acres to 100,763 acres from 2008-2012 and increased again to 110,952 acres by 2014.

UW-Madison StudyThose of us involved in agriculture certainly understand

that all research studies must be peer-reviewed by fellow scientists. If the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) study received the scrutiny it deserved, the data

from an outdated U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) satellite imaging system last updated in 2006 would of been proven to be inaccurate unless cross-checked with more recent images or on-the-ground analysis.

It is important to know that there are several federal and state laws that prevent farmers from draining, filling and excavating wetlands. Since 1991, Minnesota has had a no net-loss wetlands policy meaning any wetlands acres that are removed must be replaced.

The UW-Madison study also ties in to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). According to the USDA Economic Research Service, the higher grain prices in that era were due to a combination of multiple crop shortages due primarily to drought around the world, increased demand due to rapid economic growth in China coupled with a weak US dollar that led to record exports levels and growing demand for biofuels. According to the USDA, it was the combination of factors all occurring simultaneously that kept grain prices higher during this period of time. The author of this report from UW-Madison wonders if changes in crop prices will now result in other changes in land use, but does not acknowledge that crop prices, reflections of demand, fell even while biofuel production kept growing.

In ClosingAs farmers who live on the land that our families farm,

we understand the importance of protecting all of our natural resources. We will continue to work with researchers, government agencies and all stakeholders to develop new technologies to conserve and protect our natural resources and environment.

MFBF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OfficersPresident. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin PaapVice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan GlessingSecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris RadatzTreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Johnson Board MembersDistrict I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry LarsonDistrict II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob RoelofsDistrict III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolyn OlsonDistrict IV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nathan CollinsDistrict V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fran MironDistrict VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Gilbertson, Sr.District VII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike GundersonState Promotion & Education Committee Chair . . . . . . . . TaLana MathiowetzState Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristy Miron

MFBF STATE STAFFAdministrativeChris Radatz, Executive Director . . . 651-768-2104Kim Oakes, Executive Secretary. . . . 651-768-2111

FoundationRuth Meirick, Director . . . . . . . . . 651-768-2115

Public RelationsKristin (Campbell) Harner, Director . 651-768-2118Pam Debele, Communication Specialist . . . . . . . 651-768-2117

Organization DevelopmentKatie Brenny, Southeast Region . . 507-923-1779James Dodds, North Region . . . . 218-556-4667 DelRay Johnson, West Central Region. . . . . . . . . . 218-639-2092Riley Maanum, Northwest Region 320-260-6417Amanda Revier, Southwest Region. . . . . . . . . . . . 320-894-2600Dennis Sabel, East Central . . . . . . 612-756-1230Yvonne Simon, South Central. . . . 507-995-1652Judy Pilcher, Support Staff . . . . . . 651-768-2114

FinanceDave Johnson, Director of Operations. . . . . . . . . . 651-768-2101Lori Wiegand, Bookkeeper . . . . . . . 651-768-2102

Public PolicyDoug Busselman, Director . . . . . . . 651-768-2109Amber Hanson, Associate Director . . . . . . . . . . . 651-768-2103Michele DeGeest . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-768-2151 Administrative Assistant

MAY 2015 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • www.fbmn.org • 3A

t BLOGS FROM 1A

conservationist and local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). On one ditch where the ditch bank rises to the edge, we have a very narrow grass buffer, which is all that is needed. We are also using cover crops, field mapping and precision equipment. This multi-pronged approach to water quality, soil health and wildlife habitat is a better approach than a mandate of every river, stream and drainage ditch needing a 50- foot buffer. Some ditches or streams do not need a grass buffer, while some could benefit from one that is greater than 50 feet. Every farmer should be able to figure out what conservation practices will work best on their farm, and should be able to change those practices when needed. Farmers want to be able to hand down their land to the next generation. To do that, we need to care for the soil and water in the best ways we can. Putting all of our water quality eggs into one basket isn’t the best way to achieve that.

Source: carolyncaresblog.com/2015/03/30/water-quality-dont-put-all-your-eggs-in-the-buffer-basket/

Dear Governor Dayton, Let’s Talk Buffer Strips

Minnesota Farm Living – Wanda Patsche, Martin County Farm Bureau member

As a farmer, I support pheasants, buffers and water quality. Agriculture is having a hard time swallowing your proposal. You are quoted in asking farmers to “look to their souls” in regards to improving water quality. Do you think farmers don’t care about water quality? We live and work on our farms, and we want to leave our

farms to our kids/grandkids. Of course, we care about water quality…

It’s hard not to become upset when the governor of your state mandates 50 feet of land set aside with no factual research to back up a standard 50-foot- buffer strip. This is land that we have paid for and land that we pay taxes on and land that we take care of…

We care. And we want to be part of the solution…

And if the true motive for the buffer strips is pheasant habitat, I can tell you this will be a feast for coyotes. Just a couple nights ago we heard about 3-4 young coyotes near our home. The “yippy, yippy” we heard was

coming from CRP land. Coyotes love this habitat. Unfortunately, it’s the same habitat pheasants like. And we all know who is higher on the food chain.

Source: mnfarmliving.com/2015/04/dear-governor-dayton-lets-talk-buffer-strips.html

Q&AWhat are current buffer

requirements? Buffer requirements are

generally covered under drainage law (MN Statute 103E), which requires a 16.5-foot buffer along some, but not all, drainage ditches, and the Shoreland Rule (MN Rules Chapter 6120), which requires counties to establish a county ordinance to protect shoreland areas, generally calling for a 50-foot buffer along rivers, streams, lakes and some drainage ditches, but providing flexibility to allow counties to require wider or narrower buffers if local conditions make 50-foot buffers impractical.

How many acres are in conservation programs?

Cropland planted to all crops- including hay in Minnesota did increase by 231,000 acres between 2008 and 2012, then fell by 268,000 acres by 2014. Much

Carolyn and Jonathon Olson

of this increase was in lands formerly in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), all of which were cropped previously- none of it was wetlands.

Acres in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and RIM (Reinvest in Minnesota) WRP increased from 72,433 to 100,763 from 2008-2012 and increased again to 110,952 by 2014.

How much shifting has occurred between habitat and cropland?

According to Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR), the total of conservation program acres, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) easements and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) declined from a high of 3.59 million acres in 2007 to 3.33 million acres in 2014. The National Ag Statistics Service reports that the area planted to all crops grew by less than one percent, from 19.57 million acres to 19.74 million acres, during the same time frame, as farmers responded to increased global demand.

What can you do to show consumers you care about Minnesota’s water?

Become a Green Star Farm today. Help prevent duplicate and overburdensome regulations. Join the growing number of farms who have completed the Minnesota Agriculture Resource Center’s Green Star Farms self-evaluation at greenstarfarms.org.

It takes 20 minutes, and it’s fast, easy and confidential. Take the Green Star Farms initiative self-evaluation today at greenstarfarms.org. For more information contact Jeremy Geske at [email protected] or 612-756-1200.

Source: Minnesota Agriculture Water Resources Center Facts

Wanda Patsche

Farm Bureau Recognizes Earth Day

Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) encourages everyone to recognize every day as Earth Day.

“In agriculture, every day is Earth Day. April 22 is the day where we emphasize the importance of our natural resources and share agriculture’s story,” said MFBF President Kevin Paap. “As farmers, we pride ourselves in caring for our water, air, land and its resources. Conserving and protecting the earth for your children and ours is our top priority.”

“Today’s farmers produce food, fiber, feed and renewable fuel using techniques such as global positioning satellites and biotechnology,” said Paap. “The Minnesota Farm Bureau is proud of the dedication and hard work of our farmer and rancher members who care for our natural resources while producing a quality, safe food supply.”

“More than 1.15 million acres in the state are enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP),” said Paap. “Farmers are involved in numerous conservation efforts with the goal of protecting the environment and providing habitat for wildlife.”

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n�YF&R Summer Leadership TourJoin Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) from around

Minnesota on July 17 for the annual Summer Leadership Tour. The day will begin at 10 a.m. with tentative tour stops including Lift Street Bridge Brewery, Land O’Lakes test kitchen and Miron Farms. The day will conclude with an evening meal and entertainment at Miron Farms near Hugo.

Look for more information later this spring!

n�Have You Completed your Green Star Farms Self-Evaluation Yet?

Help prevent duplicate and overburdensome regulations. Join the growing number of farms who have completed the Minnesota Agriculture Resource Center’s Green Star Farms self-evaluation at greenstarfarms.org.

It takes 20 minutes, and it’s fast, easy and confidential. Take the Green Star Farms initiative self-evaluation today at greenstarfarms.org. For more information contact Jeremy Geske at [email protected] or 612-756-1200.

n�Congratulations to the First in the Field Qualifiers!As part of the Ignite Membership campaign, member

volunteers are signing new members into Farm Bureau. Members who sign 5 new members by May 5 will be entered into a drawing for one of three grills. Congratulations to the following volunteers and thank you for all you do:

3 by March 3: Ted Brenny, Dean Christopherson, Nathan Collins, Jason Edwards, David Engelbrecht, Dan Glessing, Tom Griebel, Melinda Groth, Doug Heintz, Jeff Huelsnitz, Rochelle Krusemark, Larry Larson, Sara Larson, Joel Mathiowetz, TaLana Mathiowetz, Fran Miron, Kristy Miron, Ron Nelson, Craig Nord, Carolyn Olson, Kevin Paap, Jeff Pagel, Chris Radatz, Doug Schultz, Joyce Welander and Scott Winslow.

4 by April 4: Keith Allen, Ted Brenny, Dean Christopherson, Nathan Collins, Jason Edwards, David Engelbrecht, Dan Glessing, Tom Griebel, Mike Gunderson, Pete Henslin, Dave Johnson, Fred Keller, Rochelle Krusemark, Larry Larson, Joel Mathiowetz, TaLana Mathiowetz, Fran Miron, Kristy Miron, Ron Nelson, Craig Nord, Carolyn Olson, Kevin Paap, Jeff Pagel, Brian Randolph, Doug Schultz, Joyce Welander and Scott Winslow.

n�Young Farmers & Ranchers Contest DeadlinesThe Excellence in Agriculture application is due July 15. The

Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture contest is designed as an opportunity for young farmers and ranchers who may not derive 100 percent of their income from farming to earn recognition while actively contributing to the agriculture industry and building their leadership skills through their involvement in Farm Bureau and their community. Participants are judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

The Achievement Award application is due July 15. The Achievement Award is an application based contest which compares your farm’s goals and successes to other young farmers across Minnesota and the United States. The application is judged on your goals, your farm’s success, your financial planning and your leadership skills. Young farmers and their spouses, ages 18-35, are encouraged to check out this great award program. The ideal candidate(s) is an individual or couple involved in production agriculture with a majority of their income subject to normal production risks.

For more information on these leadership development opportunities go to fbmn.org and look under Leadership.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers contests are for men and women between the ages of 18-35 who are looking for leadership growth opportunities in order to preserve our individual freedoms and expand knowledge of agriculture.

n�Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Golf ScrambleThe 18th annual Foundation Golf Scramble will be held on

June 16 at River Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove. NOTE: this is a month earlier than previous years.

The golf scramble will begin with a shotgun start at noon and end with a banquet at 5 p.m. along with the awards presentation. Early bird registration is $125 due by May 15, and the final registration deadline is May 29. There is also a discount to Farm Bureau members to participate.

To register, contact Michelle DeGeest at 651-768-2151 or [email protected]. Funds raised from the golf scramble support agricultural education, safety training and leadership development.

n�September Farmers to D.C.Join other farmers as we take our message to federal decision

makers, . The MFBF Washington, D.C. fall September 15-19leadership trip offers you the opportunity to have an impact on public policy, represent fellow farmers on a national level and tour historic Washington, D.C. To reserve your spot, submit a $50 per person, non-refundable deposit before For more July 7. information, contact Michelle DeGeest at 651-768-2151 or [email protected] or see page B of this issue of The 2Voice of Agriculture.

n�Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Century ClubJoin the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Century Club, a

fundraising campaign to commemorate the past and celebrate the future of the Minnesota Farm Bureau. The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Century Club recognizes individuals who donate $1,000 to the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation above any current giving. Donations can be made in installments or as one donation. Century Club members will receive a Farm Bureau Century Club Pin, be recognized at our 100th Minnesota Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in 2018 and be invited to a Foundation sponsored “Century Club Dinner.”

Checks payable to the MFB Foundation. Donations may be mailed to: MFB Foundation, PO Box 64370, St. Paul, MN 55164. For more information, go to fbmn.org or contact Ruth Meirick at 651-768-2115 or [email protected].

n�Livestock Banners Available from American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s newest product, “Learn about Livestock” barn banners, was developed for use at fairs and livestock shows. The banners feature key information about major livestock species related to production, lifecycle, the environment, how farmers care for animals and safety.

Banners featuring information about dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry are available and are a great way to add an agriculture literacy component to a fair or livestock show.

Banners are available for individual or bulk purchase in two styles: retractable roll-up with case and hanging (with grommets). Logos may be added for an additional charge.

Livestock barn banners can be ordered through agfoundation.org or by emailing [email protected].

n�Summer Teacher TourThe Minnesota Ag in the Classroom Program is offering

K-12 educators, administrators and guidance counselors a first-hand look at agriculture. The 2015 tour will be held July 27-28 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day touring a multi-family farm near Northfield, a Hmong farm near Hastings, Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank and an Urban Organics Aquaponics.

The tour is $35 for two days and 16 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). In addition, two graduate credits will be available through Hamline University for $330.

County Farm Bureaus are encouraged to sponsor an educator(s) to attend. To register go to www.mda.state.mn.us/maitc. For more information contact Al Withers at [email protected] or Sue Knott at sue.knott @state.mn.us.


FARM BUREAU NEWS NOTESMINNESOTA

CALENDAR OF EVENTSn�May 5• First in the Field Membership Deadline

n�May 15• Foundation Golf Scramble Early Bird Deadline

n�May 29•Foundation Golf Scramble Registration Deadline

n�June 11-19• Marketbasket Survey

n�June 16• MFB Foundation Golf Scramble

n�June 17• MFBF Board Meeting

n�July 15• Young Farmers & RanchersAchievement Award Application Deadline• Young Farmers & RanchersExcellence in AgricultureApplication Deadline

n�July 17• Young Farmers & RanchersSummer Leadership Tour,Washington-Ramsey County• Farmers to D.C. RegistrationDeadline

n�July 29-30• MFBF Board Meeting

n�August 4-6• Farmfest

n�August 27-September 7• Minnesota State Fair

n�September 14• MFBF Board Meeting

n�September 15-19• Farmers to Washington D.C.

n�September 30• Foundation Scholarship Deadline• Membership Year End

n�November 19-21• MFBF Annual Meeting

n�January 10-13, 2016• AFBF Annual Convention, Orlando, FL

n�January 22-23, 2016• MFBF Leadership Conference, Bloomington

n�MNOC OrienteeringMay 9White Bear Townshipmnoc.orgTamarack Nature Center is a 320-acre

preserve within Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park in White Bear Township. More than four miles of turf trails, paved trails and boardwalks makes this park ideal to set challenging courses for every skill level. There will be a wide range of courses offered.

n�Bluff Country GatheringMay 14-17Lanesborolanesboro.comLive music, calling and teaching at

the Lanesboro Community Center. The concert will be May 15 and the Barn Dance on May 16.

n�Astronomy and StargazingSaturdays May 16-September 26Starbuckdnr.state.mn.usSee stars, planets, galaxies and

nebulae up close with your own eyes! Join the Glacial Lakes Astronomers and Stargazers Society (GLASS) at Glacial Lakes State Park. You will get the chance to look through a variety of telescopes and binoculars as GLASS members answer your questions about your night sky.

n�Science SaturdayMay 23Soudanmndnr.gov/soudanExplore the park to learn about

various plants and animals. The programs will consists of hands on activities and in-field exploration, as well as, discussions on how to continue one’s learning in various citizen science programs. Meet at the Soudan Underground Mine visitor center and be prepared to be outside.

n�Great American Think OffJune 13New York Millskulcher.orgThis event is put on by the Cultural

Center and is held at the Performing Arts Center at the school. Hear four finalists debate a moral/ethical question and cast your vote for “The World’s Greatest Thinker!”

n�Fishing for EaglesWednesdays and Thursdays June 24-August 27Wabashanationaleaglecenter.orgThis summer at the National Eagle

Center, kids fish for free when they fish for eagles! We’ve got the fishing poles, lifejackets, bait and a dock out front. Sign out the equipment and take your kids fishing right here! Best of all they can donate their catch to feed the bald eagle ambassadors. We’re offering fun for the whole family to experience all summer long, so plan your visit to include an afternoon of Fishing for Eagles!

For more information on these and other events, log onto exploreminnesota.com. Submit your community event by emailing [email protected] or fax 651-768-2159.

discover!

•


Happy 30th Anniversary

DENNIS SABEL, EAST Central Area Program Director, is celebra�ng �� years as a Farm Bureau employee in May. Dennis’ career began with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau and has been with Minnesota for the last 16 years. Congratula�ons to Dennis and his achievements with Minnesota Farm Bureau.

AGRI-BYTESl�Consumer Reports

Distorts on GMOsA recent article by Consumer

Reports, “GMO foods: What you need to know,” sounded alarms about GMOs. The article took liberties with a few key facts, according to American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) allies at BIO, the Biotechnology Industry Organization. Karen Batra, director of food and agricultural communications at BIO says it was disheartening for her to learn that Consumer Reports, a source she trusts on a number of consumer issues, such as which type of toaster, computer or car to buy, did not always offer the same kind of fact-based advice when it comes to GMOs. She suggests a more appropriate headline for the piece should be: “GMO foods: What Consumers Union wants you to believe.” Consumers Union, she notes in a recent blog, is the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports and has pursued a political agenda for years against biotechnology and GMOs.

Batra’s blog, “Consumer Reports Does Consumers No Favors,” says that the Consumer Reports article needs to be taken with a grain of salt. The Consumer Reports article, for example, attempts to build a case that GMOs have not been proven safe. As Batra wrote, “Academic expert Kevin Folta responds to such allegations on safety by stating that there is no way one can PROVE safety: “They criticize scientific reports as not demonstrating safety, when there is no scientific way to demonstrate safety. You cannot prove that anything is safe. You can only demonstrate, under your conditions, in one test, that there is evidence of harm. That’s it.”

l�Mobile-Friendly Web App Launched for Marketbasket Surveys

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) announced the availability of a mobile-friendly web app members can use to complete marketbasket surveys on retail food prices. Survey results are used for a national publicity campaign that reports the retail cost of food while emphasizing its relatively small increase in price over time compared to other consumer goods as well as the contribution of U.S. food, fiber and fuel production to national security. Contact AFBF’s Anna Burkholder at [email protected] or 202-406-3648 for more information or to request the link to the app.

l�Farmland Documentary Update

Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Moll’s feature-length documentary, Farmland, is available on DVD at Walmart, Walmart.com and Amazon. The availability of the

documentary at retail locations across the country and online provides another opportunity for viewers to experience the film, which offers a firsthand glimpse inside the world of farming by showcasing the lives of six young farmers and ranchers in their 20s, including Ryan Veldhuizen from Edgerton.

Community kits for public screenings are now available. To host a public screening in your area, contact Kristin Harner at [email protected] or 651-768-2118. For more information on the film, farmlandfilm.com.

Nancy Kavazanjian, chairwoman of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance board, has challenged everyone to purchase a copy of the Farmland DVD and donate the documentary to your local library and your local FFA chapters and 4-H clubs with a sticker attached that reads who donated the DVD.

l�3 New Case IH Tractors Eligible for Farm Bureau Discount

Case IH unveiled three new tractor lines during this season’s farm show circuit and all of them are eligible for the Case IH Farm Bureau member $300 to $500 incentive program in participating states. New Maxxum and Farmall 100A series tractors, as well as Farmall C series tractors with a new low-profile orchard cab option, are part of the program. Members can download program details and a Farm Bureau discount certificate online or contact the Minnesota Farm Bureau at 651-768-2114 or [email protected].

l�HungerU Challenge Reaches College Students

HungerU is an initiative of the Farm Journal Foundation that aims to highlight hunger in America and the farm sector’s role in combating it by educating college students on the significance of today’s

agriculture. The HungerU Tour visited college campuses in New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts during April. Go to www.hungeru.com to take the HungerU challenge and learn more about “giving hunger an expiration date.”

l�Desperate for WaterWhile Boston was running out

of places to pile snow this winter, the drought-stricken West would have gladly received it. Now, with researchers predicting a “megadrought” and severe water shortages for the Southwest and Central Plains sometime around the middle of this century, Western farmers are focusing on optimizing irrigation, developing new plant varieties that thrive in dry, saline conditions and recycling water used in processing. Unfortunately, the big fixes for water shortages are not simple or inexpensive. Some ideas include desalination of seawater, long-distance water

AGRIBYTES TO 8A }

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Photo submi�ed by Carolyn Olson

FARMERS TO WASHINGTON D.C. par�cipants met with Senators Amy �lobuchar and Al Franken and Representa�ves Walz, Emmer, Peterson and Nolan. Pictured with Congressman Walz are Joe Sullivan, Barry and Sandy Nelson, Mike Gunderson, Jonathan and Carolyn Olson, Loren Molenaar, Congressman Walz, Joann and Arlyn Groth and Sharon and Larry Larson.

Photo submi�ed by Carolyn Olson

TOP ISSUES DISCUSSED with Senators and members of Congress in Washington D.C. were trade, the Endangered Species Act and the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015. Mee�ng with Congressman Rick Nolan were MFBF President Paap, Larry and Sharon Larson, Joann and Aryln Groth, Loren Molenaar, Congressman Rick Nolan, Joe Sullivan, Sandy and Barry Neslon, Jonathan and Carolyn Olson and Connie and Mike Gunderson.

t FARMERS TO D.C. FROM 1A

The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation Speak for Yourself program is made possible by generous partnership with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota’s Farm Credit organizations including AgStar Financial Services, United FCS, AgCountry and AgriBank and Minnesota Beef Council. Speak for Yourself is the internal name for the program. The external name is Farming Today. For additional information on Speak for Yourself contact Marytina Lawrence, MFB Speak for Yourself coordinator at 763-273-6981 or [email protected].

Farming Today on FacebookSpeak for Yourself (SFY) has launched a new

public Farming Today Speakers Facebook page to connect with civic organizations and other target audiences online. The goal is to continue the conversation about today’s farming with key groups online and demonstrate that SFY speakers have great stories to tell about farming and raising healthy, nutritious food.

The Farming Today Speakers Facebook page describes the program, and how to schedule a speaker. It also features program milestones, news stories, audience and meeting organizer comments and other program success stories.

Current speakers are engaging with key target audiences by extending the conversation before and after a SFY presentation.

To access the Farming Today Facebook Page, visit facebook.com/FarmingTodaySpeakers. Remember to “Like” us!

Help Identify Potential AudiencesDo you have any leads for audiences to hear our Speak for Yourself

presentations?Do you know someone...• In a service organization (Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Club, Chamber of

Commerce, etc.)?• In a MOMS or MOPS group?• Who is a FACS or agriculture teacher?• At a food manufacturing company?• In other groups that would be interested in or benefit from hearing

from a farmer?If you have any type of lead, contact Barbara Dodson, Speak for

Yourself scheduler at 800-711-0747, ext. 222 or [email protected].

Need a Speaker?

Tell your agstory with flair

It’s planting season, which means farmers are working hard to get the crops in the field so they can continue to raise and grow healthy and nutritious food for all of us. Here are some ideas for our farmers to tell their story not only during planting season, but all throughout the year.

Consumers have a thirst for more information about farming, but the farmer videos and farm tour content out there aren't what people want to watch. Compelling personalities and scenarios grab attention - think less duck hunters and more Duck Dynasty, less fishermen and more Deadliest Catch.

You don’t need to be reality show stars to effectively tell your story.

Use a splash of the unexpected.

Embrace the extreme.Open up on conflict or

crisis.Consumers have said they

would be interested in watching farmers deal with these types of issues:

Financial risk and rewardThe challenge of interacting

with those who buy their product

Weather unpredictability: flood and drought

Source: U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance Research Roadmap

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Capitol Corner

DOUG BUSSELMAN • Director of Public Policy AMBER HANSON • Associate Director of Public PolicyFor more information on legislative issues, contact the MFBF Public Policy Team at 651-768-2100 or visit the Legislative Action Alert Center at www.fbmn.org

STATE ISSUES

Offering a comprehensive or meaningful report at this point in the Minnesota Legislature is challenging. At this writing, the Legislature has just returned from the break provided for Easter and Passover with most of the elected legislators having spent time back in their districts conferring with constituents.• The week preceding Easter was a time

where several local meetings were held across the southern portion of the state to discuss Governor Mark Dayton’s 50 foot buffer mandate.• In the northern portion of the state,

information meetings were held to provide updates on responding to depredation of livestock by wolves, returned to the Endangered Species Act listing as “Threatened.”

At this point in the legislative process, with a few weeks remaining, the activities are focused on considering omnibus finance bills by those committees with authority for processing state agency budgets and other spending provisions related to the committee’s area of responsibilities. After completing two of the three legislative deadlines, the final deadline was April 24 when committees needed to complete their work on major appropriations and finance bills.

Legislative proposals of major interest to Farm Bureau are all still works in progress, whether the measures are supported or opposed.

n�Thank You Farm Bureau Members!

Although the race has not been completed, we do have plenty to appreciate when it comes to Farm Bureau member involvement. Recently the final, of four, Farm Bureau Days on the Hill activities was held with Farm Bureau members and area FFA and 4-H members joining to meet with their elected representatives in St. Paul. This highly visible and personalized engagement activity has been very successful this legislative session in not only calling attention to Farm Bureau areas of focus, but also building working relationships with members of the Minnesota House and Senate.

We also are very aware of the strong presence that Farm Bureau members have had in meeting with legislators in various town hall and listening sessions held in the respective districts throughout the session.

Farm Bureau members have made their voices heard in a couple of very important “Action Request” actions.

Thank you for all who have followed the ongoing legislative outreach process that Farm Bureau has offered this year. Whether through weekly updates provided through electronic/digital media or by participation in the every-other-Friday conference calls, Farm Bureau members have demonstrated their commitment to be aware of legislative developments and through that working knowledge effectively respond to communicate with their legislators.

The Public Policy Team welcomes your contact and interactions. Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email.

n�Property TaxesThe highest priority for Minnesota

Farm Bureau Federation’s (MFBF) in the 2015 Legislature has been seeking

agricultural property tax relief.Beginning with legislative proposals to

change the basis for agricultural property taxes assessed for the purpose of debt bonding such as schools or other local government building projects requiring voter approval, Minnesota Farm Bureau has strongly supported a move to an equal and fair approach of all property owners paying on the basis of a house/garage and one acre. Statistics of the present system for charging all property indicate that in most school districts where debt bonding has been approved, individual agricultural property owners pay 10 times the amounts of homeowners in town.• Moving slowly through the legislative

consideration process the bills (HF 596 and SF 576) dealing with the house/garage and one acre concept have been amended with the changes working to create a system for debt bonds taxes to be based on a 50-50 split with half assessed on Referendum Market Value (house/garage and one acre) and half assessed on Net Tax Capacity (all property).

The new direction, if adopted will provide meaningful adjustments from the present system for agricultural property owners without creating a substantial tax adjustment to other taxpayers.• A more direct approach is a different

piece of legislation, SF 2004 and HF 2077, introduced and strongly supported by MFBF which seeks to cover half the agricultural portion of school bond debt starting with the 2016 tax year with state general funds. This solution does not impact other classes of property taxpayers while also helping agricultural landowners dealing with property taxes escalated by school district debt bonds already approved and in effect.

Legislators have not embraced the concept for a house/garage and one acre because of their concern over the impacts on other constituents who would have their property taxes increase.• MFBF has also worked cooperatively

with the Minnesota Rural Education Association to address deferred maintenance issues in rural school districts, and the potential for funding/tax changes that would improve equalization support of these needs for a broader scope of school districts statewide.

n�EducationA strong push has been made in the

2015 Minnesota Legislature to deal with chronic shortages of high school vocational agricultural instructors and the diminishing support of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System for the farm business management program. Several legislative proposals have been offered for additional funding and proactive programs like a college loan forgiveness program to assist in attracting and retaining high school vocational agricultural educators. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) supports all options available for increasing the workforce of high school vocational agricultural instructors.

Meeting the needs of the farm business management program has taken a couple of different forms, but are all based on providing funding through competitive grant support and demonstration of performance on the part of institutions of the Minnesota State Colleges and University System who provide this program. Recent developments of declining support by individual college

Presidents and the resulting reductions in financial consultants are at the heart of the challenges confronting this very important program. Simply increasing financial support to the system has not yielded follow through to benefit the farm management program and the intention of the grant approach is to compel the institutions to earn the proposed $2.4 million funding made available for each of the next two fiscal years.

Details of how much funding and mechanics for moving financial assistance to these key agricultural education areas will play out as omnibus financial packages come together in each of the two legislative bodies and conference committees work to resolve differences.

n�Agricultural Production PracticesAgricultural production practices is a

priority focus are for the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation’s (MFBF) 2015 policy implementation program. The following are a number of legislative areas that fit this priority.

n�Agritourism Liability Protection Passed

Working with other agricultural organizations and working through details of concerns from legal advocates, legislation has been passed by the Senate on a 63-0 vote to provide protections from inherent risk of agritourism activities. The protections provided do not absolve anyone from negligent, willful or wanton disregard of safety of the participant and requirements are necessary for posting notice which warns of inherent risk of agricultural activities associated with the agritourism events.

At this time the only outline for the required notice is to indicate there are inherent risks associated with the agritourism activity. More details will likely be expanded.

MFBF supported the bills to accomplish passage of this legislation.

n�Wolf Depredation PaymentsOn December 19, 2014, U.S. District

Judge Beryl Howell reinstated Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for gray wolves in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. Wolves in Minnesota have been classified as threatened, and the other wolves in the other two states were designated as endangered. This decision now leaves farmers, ranchers and pet owners helpless in protecting their animals against wolf attacks.

Complicating the matter, state funds from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for reimbursement for losses of livestock have been depleted for this fiscal year, and claims are not being paid.

Legislative attention is being given to providing funds to cover the costs for reimbursement of livestock losses. Further, legislative authority is under consideration to include the ability to cover the costs of unreimbursed losses since the funds were depleted for the current fiscal year.

MFBF supports actions to address the depredation impacts of wolves.

n�50 foot Buffer MandateGovernor Mark Dayton’s proposal to

require 50 foot perennial buffers for all waterways and waterbodies in the state has captured the center stage of policy considerations. While not advancing

through established deliberation routes, failing to gain committee passage of the legislative deadline process, the matter remains in the mix of potential approval.

MFBF has opposed the proposed bills on the basis of the legislative language infringing on private property rights as well as heavy-handed regulatory proposals to force compliance to the one-size-fits-all mandate.

MFBF will continue to monitor and be involved in the discussions.

n�TransportationMinnesota Farm Bureau Federation’s

(MFBF) involvement on transportation related legislation has included support for legislation to expand the opportunity for overweight permits to be used for more than raw or unprocessed agricultural products. The gross weights of up to 97,000 pounds or 99,000 pounds when authorized for use by the Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner. The vehicles authorized for permits would still remain to have seven or more axles.

New, under proposed legislation SF 309 or HF 620, are the loads qualified to be covered. Agricultural production inputs (livestock and poultry feed, seed, fertilizer, potash and agricultural lime) as well as highway and building construction materials would be authorized for the permitted increased weight limits.

n�Zip RailMFBF have been in discussion

regarding several legislative proposals regarding the high-speed, passenger-only rail service to connect Rochester and the Twin Cities.

MFBF supports legislation explicitly prohibiting any government funding for any further study, design, construction or operation and also prohibiting the use of eminent domain to acquire any right-of-way for the rail corridor. The prohibition of government funding would translate to all levels of government (state, county, cities and the special taxing district created for the Destination Medical Center in Rochester). There have also been other legislative proposals which take various forms including the prospect that private investors would cover the costs for construction and operations.

NATIONAL ISSUES

n�Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (H.R. 1599)

The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act was introduced in order to create a national, voluntary, science-based food labeling standard. It would: • Require the Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) to conduct a safety review of all new plant varieties developed using bioengineering before those foods are introduced into commerce.• Create a new legal framework,

subject to FDA oversight, governing the use of label claims regarding either the absence of, or use of, genetically engineered food or food ingredients.• Require FDA to develop a federal

definition and regulations for “natural” claims on product labels.• Establish a voluntary, national “non-

GMO” certification program at the United States Department of Agriculture

CAPITOL CORNER TO 8A }


(USDA).Farm Bureau supports

legislation that would adopt a federal, voluntary labeling standard.

A federal labeling solution will:

• Advance food safety by establishing standards for biotech foods and ingredients,

• Informs consumers on biotech products in the marketplace,

• Provides consistency by creating a national standard for biotech labels, and

• Eliminates consumer confusion about the foods they purchase.

Consumers have a right to know what’s in their food, but they shouldn’t be misinformed about what’s safe, or forced to pay higher prices unnecessarily.

n�Northern Long-Eared Bat Listed as Threatened under the ESA

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has listed the Northern Long-Eared Bat as

threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The current range of the Northern Long-eared bat encompasses 39 states, including Minnesota. Farm Bureau is concerned the new listing may impose undue harm to farmers, ranchers and landowners by restricting activities that do not contribute significant effects and are unrelated to the primary threat to this species—white nose syndrome.

The USFWS has also released an interim special 4(d) rule for the listing of the Northern Long-Eared Bat, which is open for public comment until July 1. A 4(d) rule allows the USFWS to establish special regulations for threatened species that either increase or decrease the ESA’s normal protections in order to reduce conflicts between people and the protections provided by the ESA, especially if the conflicts would not slow the species’ recovery. For the Northern Long-eared Bat, Farm Bureau is concerned about the application of pesticides. The

interim 4(d) rule does not clarify how it will treat lawful use of crop protection tools, including pesticides. The USFWS findings state the use of pesticides have no significant effect on the Northern Long-Eared Bat.

Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) will be submitting comments on the interim rule to make sure that farmers, ranchers and landowners can continue activities that do not pose a threat to this animal.

n�Repeal the Federal Estate Tax

The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 (H.R. 1105) has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives to repeal the federal estate tax.

Many farmers and ranchers have benefited greatly from the 2012 Congressional action that increased the estate tax exemption to $5 million indexed for inflation, provided portability between spouses and continued the stepped-up basis. But in spite of this much-

appreciated relief, estate taxes are still a pressing problem for agriculture for two main reasons:

• The indexed estate tax exemption, now $5.43 million, is still working to catch up with the increase in farmland values over the past several years.

• The value of family-owned farms and ranches is usually tied to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. When estate taxes exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners are often forced to sell off these farm and ranch assets to cover the death taxes, jeopardizing the viability of their business.

Minnesota Farm Bureau supports this bill and thanks Congressmen John Kline, Erik Paulsen, Tom Emmer and Collin Peterson for supporting the repeal of the Death Tax. The bill now heads to the Senate for action, perhaps as a piece of comprehensive tax reform later this year.

n�Ditch the Rule!EPA has sent its Waters of the

United States final rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for interagency review, the final step before the rule is released as a final rule. The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) received the proposed rule April 6.

OIRA’s regulatory review is supposed to take 90 days, though controversial rules can be tied up at the office for far longer. EPA officials, however, have long said that they were aiming to finalize the rule this spring. Farm Bureau has shared its concerns with OMB and continues to support legislation that would block or reform the rule.

Photo by Yvonne Simon

Faribault Food Packing

FARIBAULT COUNTY FARM Bureau packed 280 bags for children in need of food on the weekends at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blue Earth. The project was part of the county’s Food Awareness Month and Food Shelf Month ac�vi�es.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Photo by Ka�e Brenny

Waseca County in the Classroom

WASECA COUNTY FARM Bureau taught students in Waseca about agriculture by bringing live animals to their classrooms, including a calf and two lambs. Students were able to see firsthand how farmers care for their animals.

pipelines and even towing icebergs from the Arctic to southern coastlines.

��Farm Bureau Mentors Sought for Farmer Veterans

Farm Bureau has partnered with the Farmer Veteran Coalition to identify farmer veterans who are interested in finding a mentor. Postcards developed by AFBF promote the Farmer Veteran Project and identify Farm Bureau mentors were distributed at the FUSION Conference to volunteer leaders serving in state Young Farmers & Ranchers, Women’s Leadership and Promotion & Education programs. Contact Dr. Lisa Benson at [email protected] for more information.

��2 Percent Increase in Donations for Foundation

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture saw a 2 percent increase in contributions in fiscal 2014 to achieve a record-breaking total of $1,830,041. Online donations to the Foundation are now accepted at agfoundation.org.

t AGRIBYTES FROM 5A

��American Farm Bureau Files Brief in Egg Law Case

A California law that regulates agricultural production in other states is unconstitutional for multiple reasons, and a lower court ruling that barred other states from bringing suit against California on behalf of their citizens should be reversed, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. In a friend-of-the-court brief filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (State of Missouri, et al. v. Harris, et al.),

AFBF urged the court to find that six states have standing to challenge California’s egg law.

��Ag Groups, Ag Tech Providers Support 13 Data Principles

AFBF has partnered with 30 ag tech providers and other groups to address farmers’ concerns about big data. The group released 13 principles on how to handle this type of information while addressing concerns about security, privacy and transferability. Visit fb.org and search for Privacy and Security Principles for Farm Data for the 13 principles.


Winona �ook �undle �ona�on

WINONA COUNTY FARM Bureau donated Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom book bundles to every public and private school in the county. Pictured is Winona County Farm Bureau President Glen Groth, with a class at the public school in Dakota.

t CORNER FROM 7A

of AgricultureV ICEO

®

Section B MAY 2015

Minnesota Responds to Highly-Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Day on the HillMarch 4, 17 and April 7

As of April 24, 49 farms in 17 Minnesota counties have had confirmed cases of highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This equates to over 3 million birds. All affected farms remain under quarantine. Daily updates are provided through the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH).

No Public Health RiskThe Minnesota Department of

Health (MDH) reports that no human infections with this strain of the virus (H5N2) have been detected in Minnesota or elsewhere in the U.S.

This is not a public health risk or a food safety risk. The potential risk is for those who have direct contact with infected birds.

Farm Family AssistanceMinnesota farm families

affected by HPAI may contact the Minnesota Farmer

Assistance Network (MFAN) for assistance. MFAN is a partnership of organizations launched by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) designed to address the needs of farmers facing financial challenges. The primary purpose of the MFAN Program is to provide business and financial guidance. MFAN can also assist by providing referrals for legal services, basic needs and mental health counseling.• 1-877-898-MFAN (6326)• 651-201-6326 (local)• [email protected]

Poultry Farmers and Backyard Flock Owners

Continue to closely monitor your birds and be proactive in monitoring for disease. Test your flock for influenza. Call the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory at 320-231-5170 for more information.

Prevent your birds from exposure and/or co-mingling with wild waterfowl, wild birds and other poultry.

Report sick birds to your veterinarian, and report unusual death loss to your veterinarian and/or the Board of Animal Health immediately.

Avoid sharing equipment with other farmers/farms.

Restrict visitors on your farm.

Farmers with general questions about avian influenza and biosecurity can call 888-702-9963.

Turkey HuntersSuccessful wild turkey

hunters in Kandiyohi, Pope, Meeker, Swift and Stearns counties can help determine if highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is present in Minnesota wildlife by allowing a sample to be collected from their turkeys.

Successful hunters should call to schedule an appointment and allow a sample to be collected from their turkey:• Sauk Rapids, 320-223-7840 • New London, 320-354-2154 • Glenwood, 320-634-0342 • Carlos Avery, 651-296-5290 • Little Falls, 320-223-7869Visit the DNR’s website for

more information.

Food SafetyAll poultry identified with

HPAI are prohibited by law from entering the marketplace.

There is no evidence that people can acquire avian influenza by eating poultry products.

As a reminder, all poultry and eggs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit.

Hotlines• General questions about

avian influenza and biosecurity: 888-702-9963

• Report sick or dead poultry: 320-214-6700 Ext. 3804 (MN) OR 866-536-7593 (USDA)• Report sick or dead wild

birds: 888-646-6367 (DNR)• Movement permits

into/within/out of the control zones: 651-201-6817 or use the online permit request form.

For additional information, visit mnairesponse.info.

BackgroundThe United States Department

of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Pacific, Mississippi and Central flyways. The first case of H5N2 in the Mississippi flyway was confirmed in Minnesota on March 5, 2015.

Over 210 Farm Bureau members from Minnesota met with legislators on March 4, March 17 and April 7 during Farm Bureau Day on the Hills, in addi�on to the Day on the Hill on February 17. These programs are held annually

and are coordinated by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federa�on. Among top issues Farm Bureau members focused on were estate tax conformity with federal law, transporta�on funding for roads and bridges, support for

agricultural educa�on and farm business management legisla�on, bu�er zones, changes to property tax system to house/garage and one acre and wolf depreda�on.

BELTRAMI COUNTY FARM Bureau members traveled to the Minnesota State Capitol on April 7. Pictured le� to right are Chris Chris�ansen, Representa�ve Dan Fabian (R-Roseau), John Gilbertson, Stanley Kimmes and Representa�ve Dave Hancock (R-Bemidji).

Photo provided by Riley Maanum

ON MARCH 6, Farm Bureau members from northwest Minnesota and members of the Minnesota Wheat Growers Associa�on par�cipated in a Day on the Hill. Among issues discussed were wolf depreda�on, commercial driver’s licenses and biotechnology.

ON THE MARCH 17 Day on the Hill event coordinated by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federa�on, Farm Bureau members from Blue Earth, Brown, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Redwood, Renville and Yellow Medicine Coun�es had the chance to talk about important farm issues with Representa�ve Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent) and Senator Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls).

RENVILLE AND SWIFT County Farm Bureau members par�cipated in the March 17 Day on the Hill Event. Pictured le� to right are Ma� Clausen, Doug Olinger, Allen Saunders, Mitch Koosman, Senator Lyle Koenen (DFL-Clara City), Nathan and Sean Collins and Sabrina Ley.

AVIAN TO 2B }

2B • MAY 2015 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • www.fbmn.org

The virus has not caused human illness.

The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

For additional information, visit mnairesponse.info and minnesotaturkey.com/farmers/ hot-topics/avian-influenza/.

Source: Minnesota Board of Animal Health

t AVIAN FROM 1B


�g in �he ��assr��m ��na��nBROWN COUNTY FARM Bureau donated American Farm Bureau Founda�on accurate ag boo�s Sugarbush Spring and The Beeman to local libraries in their county. Pictured are Springfield librarian Sandy Honl, Brown County Farm Bureau President Greg Bartz and Children’s Librarian Rebecca Bartz.

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ur September 15-19

Join Farm Bureau members from Minnesota as we take our message to federal decision-makers and see Farm Bureau in action. This tour is an ideal opportunity to have an impact on public policy and to see historic Washington, D.C.

Highlights Include: American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) key H

legislative issues briefing Visits with Minnesota congressional delegation, H

government officials and AFBF staff An embassy visitH Meetings with outside agricultural organizations H

H Tour the famous landmarks of historic Washington, D.C.

Cost: $1,305 per individual based on double occupancy, single occupancy trip is $1,865. Price includes: airfare, bus transfers, four nights hotel and one group dinner.Registration: Reserve your spot by sending in a $50 per person, non-refundable deposit before July 17. Given the nature of meetings conducted, the Farmers to Washington, D.C. trip is limited to Farm Bureau members who are 13 years and older.Grants Available: The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MF1BF) is offering $300 grants (one per county) to the first 10 applicants for the Farmers to Washington, D.C. trip. A registration form and $50 deposit must be the submitted to MFBF to be eligible for the grant. Grants are distributed on a first come first serve basis.

Check with your county Farm Bureau for sponsorship opportunities. Register by contacting Michelle DeGeest at 651-768-2151 or [email protected].

5 Tips for Sharing Road with Farm Equipment

Planting season is finally here, and farmers across the country are headed to the fields. Most farmers have fields in several different places, meaning that they and their equipment have to hit the road.

These men and women are trying to make it to their ground so that they can plant the crops that keep you and I fed, but the equipment they need can be big.

I often find myself wondering what to do when I meet, or am behind, a large tractor or combine on the road. Here are five tips to keep you and the farmers you meet safe this spring (and not seem like a jerk of a driver)!

1) Slow down and leave plenty of space between your car and the equipment.

2) Watch for turn signals, and possibly hand signals, from the driver to let you know they’re turning. They may need extra space to do so.

3) Keep an eye out for other traffic that may try to pass you and the equipment.

4) If you’re going to pass the equipment, go slowly, leave plenty of space and be sure to look for other traffic.

5) Be patient and know that their hard work, and your patience, pays off for you at every meal!

Source: Real Farm Wives of America Blog

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Jack Zimmerman from Elysian, Minnesota is a disabled Afghanistan war veteran. He stepped on an IED in 2011 & lost both of his legs. He is confined to a wheel chair because of his injuries. “After I spend a day in my wheel chair I end up with a lot of back, neck, & shoulder pain. Within a half hour of applying Steuart’s Pain Formula I am pain free. Prior to knowing about Steuart’s I could not tolerate a whole day in my wheel chair.”

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Farm Bureau Members Discuss Priority Issues in D.C.

Farm Bureau members from Minnesota were among the nearly 500 attending the American Farm Bureau Federation’s

(AFBF) Advocacy Conference, February 23-26. Farmers and ranchers gathered in Washington, D.C. to discuss top policy priorities.

Participants met with Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken; members of Congress Tim Walz, Eric Paulsen, Tom Emmer, Rick Nolan and Collin Peterson and staff members from the offices of John Kline, Keith Ellison and Betty McCollum, as well as, U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway.

They discussed current priority issues including: the need for Trade Promotion Authority, delisting wolves from the Endangered Species Act and maintaining the integrity of the Clean Water Act.

“American agriculture and businesses rely on trade agreements to break down barriers and create a more balanced marketplace,” said Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) President Kevin Paap. “Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) is essential to completing the trade agreements currently being negotiated. Farm Bureau members strongly encouraged our Congressional delegation to stand firm to show other countries we are ready to act on trade negotiations by passing TPA.”

“Farm Bureau members also shared concerns

regarding the recent court decision to relist the gray wolf on the Endangered Species Act (ESA),” said Paap. “We have been hearing from farmers, ranchers and pet owners about the devastating attacks and threats from the wolf with no option to protect their animals. Minnesota has done and will continue to appropriately manage the wolf population. Congress needs to ensure that management is returned to the states, and federal protection is removed now that the wolf is no longer endangered.”

“The definition of ‘Waters of the United States’ remains a priority for Minnesota Farm Bureau,” said Paap. “The proposed rule provides none of the clarity and certainty it promises. Farm Bureau members urged our Members of Congress to have EPA withdraw their proposed rule in order to draft a rule that actually conforms to the limits approved by Congress in statute.”

Farm Bureau members that were in Washington D.C. included: MFBF President Kevin Paap; Nathan Collins - MFBF District IV Director; Marlin Fay - Mower County, AFBF Energy Advisory Committee; Jeremy Geske - Le Sueur County, AFBF Environmental Regulations Committee; John Gilbertson - MFBF District VI Director; Jake Hein - Becker County, AFBF Public Infrastructure Committee chair; and Bob Roelofs - MFBF District II Director.

H

Submi�ed photo

WHILE IN WASHINGTON D.C., par�cipants in the AFBF Advocacy Conference met with members of the Minnesota Congressional Delega�on. Pictured with Congressman Emmer are Chris Radatz, MFBF Execu�ve Director; Jake Hein, Becker County; Marlin Fay, Mower County; Amber Hanson, MFBF Associate Director of Public Policy; Cheryl and John Gilbertson, MFBF District VI Director; Congressman Tom Emmer; MFBF President Kevin Paap; Bob Roelofs, MFBF District II Director; and Nathan Collins, MFBF District IV Director.

Submi�ed photo

MEETING WITH CONGRESSMAN Collin Peterson in Washington D.C. were Chris Radatz, Execu�ve Director; Bob Roelofs, MFBF District II Director; Nathan Nelson, Pine County; Jake Hein, Becker County; Amber Hanson, Associate Director of Public Policy; Nathan Collins, MFBF District IV Director; Congressman Collin Peterson; Marlin Fay, Mower County; Cheryl and John Gilbertson, MFBF District VI Director; Jeremy Geske, Le Sueur County; and MFBF President Kevin Paap.

MFBF PRESIDENT KEVIN Paap presented Senator Al Franken with the

Friend of Farm Bureau award during the AFBF Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C. in February. The

award is given to members of Congress who have supported Farm Bureau issues, as demonstrated by

their vo�ng records.

Photo by Chris Radatz

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School Safety Presenta�onsGOODHUE COUNTY FARM Bureau member Tim Mack, back, conducted safety presenta�ons at schools throughout the county. Pictured are students from Zumbrota-Mazeppa who correctly answered trivia ques�ons to receive a slow moving vehicle sign.

Photo by Rosanne Caughey

�oo� ��n�le �ona�onsCROW WING COUNTY Farm Bureau donated a Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom book bundle to St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School library. The book bundle consists of 20 agriculture books including dairy, beef, hogs, soybeans, corn, popcorn, trees, vegetables and honey. Pictured reading to the preschool class is Crow Wing County Farm Bureau member Gary Douce�e.

YARD & GARDENBefore Buying Plants, Understand your Site

The first trip to your local garden center or nursery in spring can be exhilarating. After six months of winter, gardeners may allow their emotions and excitement rather than their site conditions to determine their plant choices. It’s important to select plants that don’t just grow in your landscape, but thrive. Healthy, long-lived plants can be a good

investment in your landscape as well as a well-

landscaped yard adds value to your home.

Take time before visiting your local garden center or nursery to gain a good understanding your soil, the quantity and quality of light in your landscape, and your space available for planting. Armed with this information, you will make

better plant choices, and better choices will save time and money and improve your chances for a healthy, beautiful landscape.l�Understand your soil.Healthy soil is like building a

good foundation for your house, and understanding your soil type is the first step to a healthy landscape. The best option is to submit a soil sample to the U of

M Soil Test Laboratory. Instructions for how to collect and submit a soil sample are found on the U of M Soil Test Laboratory website. The cost for a routine test is $17. You’ll receive information in a couple weeks that includes your soil type, pH, percent organic matter, fertilizer and lime recommendations, etc. Explanations are included on

the back of your results.At minimum, you should know

whether your garden soil is clay or sandy by doing the soil ribbon test. Clay soil does not drain well while sandy soil drains too quickly. Mixing in compost can help in both of these situations.l�Observe the quality and

quantity of light in your landscape.

Plants are usually labeled with their optimal light requirements for best plant performance. “Full sun” means the plant requires six hours or more of complete sunlight. “Part sun” is 3-6 hours of complete sunlight. “Shade” means three hours or less of sun. “Heavy shade” means almost no sun. Remember that nearby trees cast shade as well as buildings, overhangs and fences. Quality of light is also important to understand. Six hours of morning sun is going to be less intense light and heat than six hours of afternoon sun. Some plants like Ligularia and Hydrangea macrophylla will wilt in intense heat, so locating them in a site that receives less intense morning sun may reduce wilting.l�Know how much space you

have available.The goal is to choose plants that

will easily fit into landscape spaces when they reach their mature size and form. Measure the garden space you are planting. Locate windows, steps, driveway, walks, patios, decks, easements and utilities on your drawing. Measure the height of windows nearby to avoid buying plants that potentially would overgrow the windows and thus require severe pruning. You may choose to draw a base map. A base map is drawn to scale and represents your entire property on paper. It shows existing plants, topography, structures, North arrow, views, natural areas, mature trees, easements, fencelines, etc. A site survey form is helpful in identifying features of your site. A base map is especially helpful if you are planning to add/change areas of your landscape.

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

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YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS

SHANTEL KOERINGMFBF YOUNG FARMERS

AND RANCHERSCOMMITTEE MEMBER


Hometown: Fort Ripley

Children: I have a three year old bo�le baby pygmy goat named Blessing.

Educa�onal Background: I graduated high school in 2011 and graduated with my Associate in Arts Degree in December 2014. I am working towards my teaching licensure in agricultural educa�on.

Farm Descri��on: My family has a hobby farm with seven pygmy goats, eight chickens, two dogs, �wo cats and �ve mini donkeys. My grandparents and I take care of 20-30 head of dairy heifers and steers for my uncle and grandparents organic dairy.

Hobbies: Sleeping (I am a college student.), reading, racing cars with my family, playing in the CLC Community Band and exploring new and interes�ng music.

Why did you get involved with YF&R? I knew a few people in Farm Bureau, and it seemed like the next logical step a�er FFA.

Dates to Remember: July 15 – Deadline for Achievement Award Contest; July 15 – Deadline for Excellence in Agriculture Contest; YF&R Summer Leadership Tour in Washington County – July 17; Farmfest August 4-6; Minnesota State Fair – August 27 - Labor Day; Minnesota Farm Bureau Annual Mee�ng -November 19-21; MFBF Leadership Conference; January 22-23, 2016 in Bloomington

FFA and 4-H Alumni - Come Home to Farm Bureau

I was in Louisville. It was an exciting, nerve racking and slightly bitter place for the end of an eight year FFA career, that had me thinking back to the beginning of those years. But even before that I gave my time and energy to another organization. We were the Ripley Raiders 4-H Club, my cousins and siblings and I put on skits, went tubing and held some interesting meetings. That is where I started... as a 4-Her.

It was there that I had my first taste of meetings run via Roberts Rules and my innate skill for taking meeting minutes. It was there I had stood on a stage playing a news reporter for a skit, enjoying the attention and the people, the camaraderie in the room and the people more so than the spotlight. All before I ever had the chance to advocate for agriculture.

From there I moved to advocate for dairy where I did get my first try at a classroom visit. Both moves, the first to 4-H where I was with family and incredibly shy, the second to the dairy industry. This experience exposed me to public speaking. Believe it or not I still am like the majority of the population - outrageously nervous to speak to a large crowd. All developed my teamwork and leadership skills. These experiences paved the way for a stunningly exciting, nerve racking and at times bitter sweet FFA career, where I held chapter office twice, competed in my respective Career

Development Events and ran for state office.

Which brings me back to the beginning of the end, I was in a room with a record number of recipients anxiously waiting and after a couple of long hallways and a few pictures as well as thoughts about what I should do if I fell on stage. I walked across the big stage with my fellow FFA members in front of 60,076 plus people to receive the golden key of my American Degree. It was my proudest and most sad moment of my life thus far and my thoughts were of what do I do after I take my beloved blue corduroy off for the last time? Where do I go from here?

But just like those organizations before, this too was a stepping stone, not an ending but a new beginning. I had heard about Farm Bureau from my dairy association coordinator, knew some high school classmates of my aunts were active in Farm Bureau and had heard many times the huge amount of support and sponsorship Farm Bureau gave to the organizations that I loved.

So the transition from FFA to Farm Bureau was smooth, the structure was familiar and similar as well as the flow of events, it felt like I had stepped into an older lifelong version of FFA. But that wasn’t all, throughout my leadership journey that has lead me to Farm Bureau, I have noticed a common theme and realized why I joined 4-H, American

Dairy Association, FFA and Farm Bureau, because of the people.

The camaraderie, the shared sadness and joy amongst people with similar interests and a singular goal. I didn’t join because of the cool gear or the possibility of advancement, but because when I walked into a meeting room of people I had never met, and we introduced ourselves, it felt like coming home.

I knew right away despite age gaps or a difference in preference of machinery color that even though we only see each other a couple of times a year - that these are people I can talk to, advocate for agriculture with and have fun with. They all care, about each other, our organizations and even me, whether that means taking care of me on a trip to Nashville where I learned that the camaraderie and unity crosses state lines. I wholeheartedly hope to find many, many others who are willing to join me for this next part of our leadership journey.

MINNESOTA FARM BUREAU MEMBERS®

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Call one of the Preferred Auto Repair Shops below or visit www.fbfs.com/AutoRepairShops for a complete list in your area.

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Su�mi�ed Photo

West Polk County F�� u�e�u �on��onWEST POLK COUNTY Farm Bureau presented a check to North Country Food Bank (NCFB) Execu�ve Director Susie Novak that will provide 10,000 meals to area individuals and families in need. Pictured le� to right at the NCFB in Crookston are Dus�n Perry and Ron Salen�ne, �oth of the West Polk County Farm Bureau; Riley Maanum, MFBF Northwest Area Program Director; Mike Gunderson, MFBF District VII Director; Paul Dragseth, president, West Polk County Farm Bureau; Susie Novak, NCFB Execu�ve Director; Crookston Mayor Gary Willhite; and Randy Boushey, A � L Potato Company in East Grand Forks.

Stop Ticks

HEALTH & WELLNESS

DEET, Showers and Tick Checks Can Stop Ticks

Reduce your chances of getting a tickborne disease by using repellents, checking for

ticks and showering after being outdoors. If you have a tick bite followed by a fever or rash, seek medical attention.

Gardening, camping, hiking

and playing outdoors – when enjoying these activities, don’t forget to take steps to prevent bites from ticks that share the outdoors. Ticks can infect

humans with bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause serious illness.

Before You Go OutdoorsKnow where to expect ticks.

Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. You may come into contact with ticks during outdoor activities around your home or when walking through leaf litter or near shrubs. Always walk in the center of trails in order to avoid contact with ticks.

Products containing permethrin kill ticks. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings.

Use a repellent with DEET on skin. Repellents containing 20 percent or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) can protect up to several hours. Always follow product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding the hands,

eyes and mouth.

After You Come IndoorsCheck your clothing for ticks.

Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Placing clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least an hour effectively kills ticks.

Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.

Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, which even includes your backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Check these parts of your body and your child’s body for ticks:

Under the armsIn and around the earsInside belly buttonBack of the kneesIn and around the hairBetween the legsAround the waist

What to Do if You Find an Attached TickRemove the attached tick as

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7 Secrets Storm-Chaser Scam Artists Don’t Want You to KnowIn 2014 alone, there were

more than 18,000 reports of severe weather involving tornadoes, wind or hail. Though most view the storm aftermath as a tragedy, storm-chaser scam artists view it as an opportunity. With plenty of unsuspecting victims expecting an inspection on their home soon after the storm, how are scam artists differentiated from legitimate inspectors? Read on for tips to help identify frauds and protect yourself from becoming a scam artist victim.

Tip #1 – Be AwareStorm scammers often travel

to affected neighborhoods and look for distressed homeowners.

Be wary of scammers pretending to be your insurance company requesting personal information over the phone.

Scammers may tell you they’ve been sent by your insurance company, but your insurance company will alert you before a contractor or other worker is sent.

Other common scams include subpar work and materials, price gouging and advance payment for work that is never completed.

Tip #2 – Protect Your Property

Don’t settle for the first bid, especially if a contractor contacts you.

Make temporary repairs to protect your home from further damage and keep your receipts.

Get at least two written estimates to ensure you’re not the victim of price gouging and compare them carefully. Make

FAMILY SECURITY

sure to ask if there’s a charge for estimates.

Tip #3 – Report Your Claim

Contact your insurance agent or claims center as soon as possible.

If the storm or disaster was significant, teams of claims adjusters may be mobilized to speed the process.

Your claims adjuster will determine the scope of the damage, which can help you determine if a contractor’s estimate is reasonable.

Your adjuster may be able to make a contractor recommendation.

Tip #4 – Do Your Research

Checking a contractor’s background can help you save time, money and heartache.

Check a contractor’s track

record through your local Better Business Bureau, Home Builders Association or insurance claims adjuster.

Ask to see a contractor’s license, local operating permit and certificates of insurance for property, liability and workers compensation coverages.

Ask for references and check with other customers to be sure they were satisfied.

Tip #5 – Get it in WritingGet everything in writing, not

just the cost.This includes scope of

work, timeline, guarantees and

payment schedule.If you don’t understand

something, ask for an explanation.

Be sure to mark through any blank lines.

Tip #6 – Save Full Payment for When the Work is Done

Reputable contractors will not ask for full payment before the work is complete.

A small initial deposit is reasonable.

Know if you’re expected to pay the contractor(s) directly or if your insurance company will.

Tip #7 – Review Your Coverage

While home insurance and car insurance policies generally cover storm damage, it’s a good idea to review your coverage.

Schedule a SuperCheck with your Farm Bureau agent before storm season.

Understand the losses your specific policy covers.

Source: Farm Bureau Financial Services

ON MARCH 23, the MFBF Promo�on � Educa�on �P�E� Commi�ee conducted Agriculture in the Classroom ac�vi�es with the third and ��h grade classes at Cedar Mountain Elementary. The annual ac�vity is held in con�unc�on with the March P�E Commi�ee mee�ng near the home of the chair.

ANOKA COUNTY FARM Bureau member Juanita Reed Boniface was recently announced as a winner of the 2015 Na�onal Agriculture in the Classroom Ag Advocate Award. The award recogni�es

volunteers who give freely of their �me �romo�ng agricultural literacy to students, integra�ng informa�on about food and agriculture and assis�ng in understanding the role of agriculture in the

local, na�onal and global economy. Reed�Boniface will receive the award at the Na�onal Agriculture in the Classroom Conference to be held in Louisville, Kentucky at the end of June.

Farm Bureau flag photo


ON MARCH �, Mar�n County Farm Bureau held their Farmers Share Breakfast at the HyVee in Fairmont. Pictured are Mar�n County Farm Bureau members Curt Kuehl and Rochelle Krusemark who told their farm story to community members as they came to eat.

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The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation will hold its annual golf fundraiser at River Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove, Minnesota on Tuesday, June 16. All proceeds from the event assist the MFB Foundation programs. Funds will be used for programs focused on agricultural education, safety education and leadership development.

The format will be a four-person scramble with a shotgun start at noon. The entry fee covers 18 holes of golf, two carts per foursome, a box lunch, banquet meal and prizes. Other contests will take place throughout the course.

The cost for the event is $150 for individuals or $125 if registered before May 15. There is special discounted pricing for Farm Bureau members. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Fundraiser Set for June 16

Save

the

Date!

Registrations are due May 29.

For more information, download a brochure and registration form at www.fbmn.org/pages/golf-scramble or contact Ruth Meirick at 651-768-2115 or [email protected].

Other MFB Foundation fundraisers include the pork chop stand at FarmFest, August 4-6 and the annual auction held at the MFB Annual Meeting on Friday, November 20.

The MFB Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities for supporters of agriculture to invest in people and programs focused on supporting active farmers and agriculturalists, better connecting agriculture to consumers and serving rural communities. Examples of some of the programs currently funded include: the Ag Cab Lab – Tractor and Combine, Speak for Yourself, youth and leadership programs, academic scholarships, grants and the Agriculture Transportation Handbook. For more information or to donate, contact the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation at 651-768-2115, [email protected] or log onto www.fbmn.org.

Photo by Amanda Revier

Pipestone Ag BreakfastOVER 600 PEOPLE were served at the Pipestone County Farm Bureau agriculture breakfast on March 18. Community members had the opportunity to meet farmers and learn more about agriculture within Pipestone County, all while enjoying a meal served by the Farm Bureau members.

You’ve got time whenyou joinONLINE!You can renewor joinFarm Bureaua� �mn�or�

More power. More features. More versatility. The new Massey Ferguson® 7600 Series.Introducing the mid-frame row crop tractors tractors that are exactly right for you. Because we designed them to off er all the features and options you need to get just the performance you want – no matter what you’re farming or what the task. With four models ranging from 170 to 225 gross engine HP and your choice of Dyna-6™ or Dyna-VT™ transmissions, the Massey Ferguson 7600 Series off ers exclusive features like programmable cruise speeds, Dynamic Tractor Management and second-generation e3™ SCR clean air technology. The new 7600 Series. You couldn’t ask for more. Come see us soon or go to masseyferguson.com

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ADANORMAN COUNTY IMPLEMENT

218-784-2961

BEMIDJIBOBCAT OF BEMIDJI

218-751-4660Business As Northwest Mechanical

Service

MADISONLUND IMPLEMENT COMPANY

320-598-3150www.lundimplement.com

NERSTRANDISAACSON IMPLEMENT COMPANY

507-334-4059www.isaacsonimplement.com

SPRING VALLEYMARZOLF IMPLEMENT CO.

507-346-7227www.marzolfi mp.net

CANBYFARMERS COOP ASSOC.

507-223-7241www.farmerscoopassn.com

CLARKFIELDCONSUMERS COOP

320-669-4426

COTTONWOODCOTTONWOOD COOP OIL

COMPANY507-423-6282

MINNEOTAFARMERS COOP ASSOC.


WINNEBAGOCORN PLUS507-893-4747

www.cornplusethanol.com

Express Pressure Washers, Inc. 15880 SE 74th Ave

Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 507-583-2703

nSizable inventory of replacement parts and accessories

nRepair all makes and models of pressure washers

nProvide on-site service if needed

nOffer Preventative Maintenance Contracts

Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 5:00 Saturday from 8:30 to 12:00 / Fax: 507-583-2060

Email: [email protected] Website: www.expresspressurewashers.com

Join us on Facebook!

Celebrating 30 years of business from 1984 to 2014!

Leading supplier of non-GMO corn and soybean seed. Exceptional yields. Multiple cyst-nematode varieties.

507-427-2097Mountain Lake, MN

www.bluestemag.comConventional Corn

and SoybeansVERTICALFORCE

The all-new Mustang 2700V Skid Steer Loader features an innovative lift arm design delivering 130-inches of nearly vertical lift height.

Powerful Yanmar Tier III 84-hp, • turbocharged diesel engine

The all-new vertical-path lift • arm design delivers extended reach and lift height for easy truck loading

State-of-the-art operator’s cab • features unsurpassed comfort and visibility

High-flow auxiliary hydraulics • available for applications that demand maximum performance

Extra-long wheelbase • enhances overall machine stability and provides a smoother ride

m u s t a n g m f g . c o m

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( )


The Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) Foundation will hold its annual golf fundraiser at River Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove, Minnesota on Tuesday, June 16. All proceeds from the event assist the MFB Foundation programs. Funds will be used for programs focused on agricultural education, safety education and leadership development.

The format will be a four-person scramble with a shotgun start at noon. The entry fee covers 18 holes of golf, two carts per foursome, a box lunch, banquet meal and prizes. Other contests will take place throughout the course.

The cost for the event is $150 for individuals or $125 if registered before May 15. There is special discounted pricing for Farm Bureau members. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Fundraiser Set for June 16

Save

the

Date!

Registrations are due May 29.

For more information, download a brochure and registration form at www.fbmn.org/pages/golf-scramble or contact Ruth Meirick at 651-768-2115 or [email protected].

Other MFB Foundation fundraisers include the pork chop stand at FarmFest, August 4-6 and the annual auction held at the MFB Annual Meeting on Friday, November 20.

The MFB Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities for supporters of agriculture to invest in people and programs focused on supporting active farmers and agriculturalists, better connecting agriculture to consumers and serving rural communities. Examples of some of the programs currently funded include: the Ag Cab Lab – Tractor and Combine, Speak for Yourself, youth and leadership programs, academic scholarships, grants and the Agriculture Transportation Handbook. For more information or to donate, contact the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation at 651-768-2115, [email protected] or log onto www.fbmn.org.

Photo by Amanda Revier

Pipestone Ag BreakfastOVER 600 PEOPLE were served at the Pipestone County Farm Bureau agriculture breakfast on March 18. Community members had the opportunity to meet farmers and learn more about agriculture within Pipestone County, all while enjoying a meal served by the Farm Bureau members.

You’ve got time whenyou joinONLINE!You can renewor joinFarm Bureaua� �mn�or�


and weeks following the bite, and see a health care provider if these develop. Your risk of acquiring a tick-borne illness depends on many factors, including where you live, what type of tick bit you and how long the tick was attached. If you become ill after a tick bite, see a health care provider.

Reduce Ticks in Your YardModify your landscape to create Tick-Safe

Zones. Regularly remove leaf litter and clear tall grasses and brush around homes, and place wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to keep ticks away from recreational areas. Keep play areas and playground equipment away from shrubs, bushes and other vegetation.

Consider using a chemical control agent. Effective tick control chemicals are available for use by the homeowner, or they can be applied by

a professional pest control expert, and even limited applications can greatly reduce the number of ticks. A single springtime application of acaricide can reduce the population of ticks that cause Lyme disease by 68–100 percent.

Discourage deer. Removing plants that attract deer and constructing physical barriers may help discourage deer from entering your yard and bringing ticks with them.

Prevent Ticks on AnimalsUse tick control products to prevent family pets

from bringing ticks into the home. Tick collars, sprays, shampoos or “top spot” medications should be used regularly to protect your animals and your family from ticks. Consult your veterinarian and be sure to use these products according to the package instructions.

Source: Center for Disease Control

t TICKS FROM 6B

Photo by Ka�e �renny

District I YF&R TourON MARCH 21, 18 Young Farmers & Ranchers from southeastern Minnesota toured Trans Ova Gene�cs in Siou� Center, �A� ��ac� � Feed�ot in Garretson, S�� Ta�e 1� �re�ery in Luverne and ��ue Stem Restaurant in Luverne. Pictured are �ar�ci�ants at Trans Ova Gene�cs.

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Compact design with full-size performance The MLT 634 Telescopic Loader

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These machines are ideal for farm

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HIGH REACH AT FULL CAPACITY The MLT 634 carries 7,000 lbs. (3100 kg) in maximum capacity, up to 19’10” (6.05). www.manitou.com

COTTONWOODSTERLING EQUIPMENT & REPAIR, INC.

507-423-9909www.sterlingequipmentinc.com

OWATONNANORTHLAND FARM SYSTEMS

507-451-3131www.northlandfarmsystems.com

Kimmes-Bauer Irrigation22100 Lillehei Ave.

Hastings, MN 55033(651) 437-1973

[email protected]

EXPECT DURABILITY WHEN SUPERIOR ENGINEERING MEETS HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL.Yes, our pivots look a little different, but when you use high-strength steel that is twice as

strong, uncommon engineering solutions can be used that bring a lot of benefit to your operation.

In the end every Reinke pivot will not only span your field, it will stretch far into the future.

For more information, call or visit your friendly Reinke dealer, call toll-free at 866-365-7381 or visit Reinke.com.

kimmesbauer.com

• 5-year planetary warranty

• 3/4” thick twinscrew

• 3/4” Floor (double 3/4” at planetary)

• Wall thickness 3/8”

• DIGI STAR 4 point weighting

• Extra heavy duty plate frame

• 2 speed gear box

• Stainless steel conveyor

• 16 hardened cutting knives

• Underslung spring suspension with truck axles

2250 Austin Rd.Owatonna, MN800-385-3911

www.northlandfarmsystems.com

DairylandSupply Inc.320-352-3987 • 1-800-338-6455

www.dairylandsupply.comSAUK CENTRE, MN

22225500 A tti Rd2222 0

6720 H.D.Twin Screw


PROMOTION & EDUCATION

MELINDA GROTHMFBF PROMOTION & EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEMBER

Hometown: RidgewayEduca�onal Background: Iowa State University, B.S. BiologyFarm Descrip�on: 65 milking cow dairy herd, 800 acres of

corn, soybeans and alfalfaInnova�ve Farming Methods: Variable rate applica�on of

fer�li�er based on grid and �one soil sampling, mul�ple applica�ons of nitrogen with liquid sidedress applica�on techniques, GPS technology on board most equipment, contour strips used on farms where needed to address erosion

Hobbies: I enjoy living and working in the country and the lifestyle that comes along with it, but maybe not the laundry! If I’m not home, I’m probably riding one of my horses.

Dates to Remember: Minnesota Farm Bureau Founda�on Golf �u�ng - June 16 in Co�age Grove; Farmfest August �-6; Minnesota State Fair – August 27 - Labor Day; Minnesota Farm Bureau Annual Mee�ng -�ovember 1�-21; MFBF Leadership Conference; January 22-23, 2016 in Bloomington.

Melinda’s Favorite Spring Planting Season Lunchbox Treat:

Find your Niche to Share your Farm StoryDo you ever find yourself

wondering “Does everyone these days have a blog?!” It can sometimes feel overwhelming when we’re told to “share our ag story,” and then we see blog post after blog post being written and we’re lulled into inaction thinking that we don’t have anything significant to add to the conversation.

I don’t blog, I can’t seem to find the time and interest to start one. However, I have found my own place to communicate my viewpoints over Facebook. For me, it’s much easier to snap a quick picture or video and post a brief description of an activity on my farm and let that spark conversation. I also like to go directly to online groups who are active with people questioning today’s farming practices and comment on their pages to have a discussion with them where instead of having to try to drive traffic to my blog post that I’d like them to see explaining a farming practice that I wish they could know more about.

It’s maybe not as cool as having a blog, but it’s what I’m comfortable doing, and I can do quickly without taking a lot of my time. It works for me, and I’m still doing my part in connecting my life in agriculture with those who may not have any other access to a farm.

I want to encourage you to find your own niche in telling your ag story. It could be on social media, or it could be starting a blog. Perhaps something a little closer to home appeals to you? Maybe you’d like to participate in some Ag in the Classroom visits? Your district Promotion and Education Committee member would be a great resource to help you get started with materials, ideas and places to visit.

Summer is a great time of year when folks are out and about at farmers markets, county fairs, town festivals and the like, maybe there would be a way for you or your county Farm Bureau to have a presence and engage with your local consumer there?

Don’t feel overwhelmed or that you don’t have anything to add to the conversation, find whatever way you feel most comfortable and make your

own niche to deliver your message. You are the only person who can tell your story, blog or no blog.

• 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour• 1 1/4 cups quick oats• 1/2 cup pecans or almonds,chopped fine• 1/3 cup granulated sugar• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda• 1/4 teaspoon table salt• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsaltedbutter, cut into 12 piecesand softened

• 1 cup raspberry preserves (seedless if you prefer)

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with two overlapping pieces of foil laid in different directions in pan with edges of foil taller than sides of pan and spray with vegetable spray.

Whisk flour, oats, nuts, sugars, baking soda and salt together in a large bowl. Using a mixer, beat flour mixture and butter at low speed until well blended and the texture resembles wet sand, about 2 minutes.

Transfer two-thirds of the mixture to the prepared pan. Press the crumbs evenly and firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake until just starting to brown, about 20 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, spread the preserves evenly over the hot crust; sprinkle remaining flour mixture evenly over preserves. Bake until bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking time. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Lift the bars from the baking pan using the foil extensions on sides of pan and cut bars into 25 squares and serve.

(Makes 25 squares)

Submi�ed Photo

Kanabec-Isan� �ounty sho�s Farm�andKANABEC-ISANTI COUNTY Farm Bureau offered a free showing of the Farmland documentary on Saturday, February 28 at the Paradise Theater in Mora. A short panel discussion about today’s farming was held immediately following the film. Those par�cipa�ng were Chad Barnick, Stacy Thoeny, Donavon Stromberg, Eli Berry, Rick Martens and Ma� and Andy Felger.

Raspberry Squares

CANBYFARMERS COOP ASSOC.


GHENTFARMERS COOP ASSOC.

507-428-3450

MINNEOTAFARMERS COOP ASSOC.


ROCHESTERCHS

507-289-4086www.chsrochester.com

SEE US TODAY! OFFER ENDS JUNE 30, 2015.

Case IH is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. CNH Industrial Capital is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. www.caseih.com

®

*

The Case IH Farmall A Series tractors are built with proven basics – like a dependable, fuel-efficient diesel engine and a straightforward mechanical transmission – for simple operation and rugged reliability. No fancy electronic controls. Just simple machines built with all the pulling power and hydraulics you need for loading, blading, tilling, mowing, baling and more.

* For commercial use only. Customer participation subject to credit qualification and approval by CNH Industrial Capital America LLC or CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. See your Case IH dealer for details and eligibility requirements. Down payment may be required. Offer good through June 30, 2015. Not all customers or applicants may qualify for this rate or term. CNH Industrial Capital America LLC or CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. standard terms and conditions will apply. This transaction will be unconditionally interest free. Canada Example: The interest rate will be 0.00% per annum for a total contract term of 72 months. Based on retail contract date of April 1, 2015 with a suggested retail price on a new 2WD Farmall 45A tractor of C$21,962.40, customer provides down payment of C$4,299.00 and finances the balance of C$17,663.40 at a rate of 0.00% per annum for 72 months. There will be 71 equal monthly installment payments of C$245.33 with the first due on May 1, 2015 and one final installment of $244.97 due on April 1, 2021. The total amount payable will be C$21,962.40 which includes finance charges of C$0.00. Taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in suggested retail price. Offers are available only at participating dealers. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Sleepy Eye507-794-2131

Bingham Lake507-831-1106

Slayton507-836-8571

www.millersellner.com

FabraDome®

StructuresCustom Sizes - Economical -Versatile

• Sheep Barns• Grain Storage• Warehouses• Greenhouses• Machinery Storage• Horse Riding Arenas

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Fabra Dome Stuctures are high quality, low cost and fi t all types of applicants

Fast, simple installation saves you money

[email protected] • www.fabradome.com

Dealer Inquiries Welcome877-257-4311 • Audubon, IA

Call today and start saving!

(003) Notices

(031) Professional

(047) Help Wanted

(075) Heating/Fuel

(090) Misc. Farm Equipment

(090) Misc. Farm Equipment

(096) Salvage Parts

(117) Purebred Cattle

(160) Seed

(164) Chemicals

(185) Building Materials

(164) Chemicals

Market PlaceANNOUNCEMENTS: (003) Notices (005) Farmers Market (006) Travel

BUSINESS-TRAINING: (008) Schools (010) Computer Training (012) Computer Programs

FINANCIAL: (013) Loans (015) Investments

COMMUNICATIONS: (020) Radio Communications (023) Satellite Systems/Cable (024) Computers (025) Cellular Phone

SERVICES: (028) Farm Services (031) Professional

(033) Repair Services (035) Diesel Repair (036) Tiling/Ditching/Terracing

PETS: (040) Pets For Sale (043) Pets Wanted

HELP WANTED: (047) Help Wanted (050) Job Wanted

MOTOR VEHICLES: (053) Autos/Vans (055) Trucks/Pickups (056) Heavy Duty/Commercial (057) Parts/Accessories (058) Motorcycles

VEHICLE TIRES/ACCESSORIES: (060) Passenger Tires (063) Truck Tires (065) Agricultural Tires (067) Accessories

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE: (069) Antiques (070) Home Furnishings (072) Appliances (073) Articles For Sale (074) Gardening Equipment (075) Heating/Fuel (076) Fish Farms (077) Plants/Trees (078) Wanted To Buy

SPORTING EQUIPMENT: (080) Boats/Motors (082) All Terrain (084) Snowmobiles (085) Hot Tubs (086) RV/Marine

FARM EQUIPMENT: (090) Misc. Farm Equipment (091) Tractors (095) Farm Trailers (094) Material Handling (096) Salvage Parts (097) Farm Equip. Wanted

ENERGY: (100) Wind Power (103) Generators

LIVESTOCK: (110) Dairy (113) Beef (115) Calves (117) Purebred Cattle (119) Feeder Pigs (121) Swine (123) Purebred Swine (125) Sheep/Goats (127) Purebred Sheep/Goats (128) Llamas (129) Horses (135) Poultry/Rabbits (137) Exotic Animals & Wildlife (139) Livestock Equipment (141) Livestock Equip. Wanted (142) Livestock Materials

HAY/FEED/BEDDING: (150) Hay/Straw/Grain (152) Feed

(154) Bedding

SEED/FERTILIZER/CHEMICALS (160) Seed (162) Fertilizer (164) Chemicals

REAL ESTATE: (170) Farms (172) Farm Land (174) Mobile Homes (176) Resort Property (178) Land For Rent (179) For Rent (180) House (181) Small Acreage

BUILDING MATERIALS: (185) Building Materials (187) PreCnst. Bldgs. Util./Mach. (189) Bins/Silos

AUCTIONEERS: (190) Auctioneers (193) Auctions (195) Coming Sale Dates

IndexTo advertise in the ClassifiedsCall 1-800-798-2691

WANTEDDAMAGED

GRAINWe pay top dollar for

damaged grain.

All grains.Any condition.

Trucks & Vacsavailable.

Immediate responseanywhere.

Call for a quote today.

PRUESS ELEV.INC

800-828-6642PRUESS ELEVATOR INC

Buyers & Feeders ofDamaged Grains

Corn,Beans & Screenings.Wet,dry,hot & silo corn.

Trucks availableZ BAR YARDS319-480-1673319-480-1426563-926-2190

QualSight LASIKQuality Eye Surgery

22 MN Locations

Call 866-244-0962QualSight.com/-MNFB

Hip or RoundBarn Roofing

Barn and Quonset Straightening

1-800-355-2598

Wanted DriversVan & Reefer Drivers

Benifits included

DakotalandTransportation Inc

605-543-6640

New & High Tread Used Tractor Tires,

Dual Hubs& Hardware

Call 641-843-3536

Used Portable Sawmills!Buy/Sell

Call Sawmill Exchange 800-459-2148713-729-6455

USA & Canadawww.sawmillexchange.com

OUTDOOR WOOD & COALBURNING FURNACES, ALL

STAINLESS STEEL. LIFETIMEWARRANTY ORDER NOW! Saveup to $1450 w/in-stock specials!

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& contractor pricing.Free Estimates on a completesystem. Compare & SAVE!!!www.mikesheating.com or

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THE COMMON SENSE

WIRE WINDERHeavy Duty Hydraulic WirewinderAlso available High Tensile Spool

Common Sense Manufacturing

“Quality that just makes sense”

Kelly Melius Faulkton SD

For a dealernearest you

go to:commonsensemfg.com

or call 605-598-4157 or

605-216-0687 (cell)

Backhoes,Excavators, Dozers,

Skidloaders, &Tractors

www.joewelcheq.comCaledonia, MN507-724-3183

STOPLOOK NO FURTHER!!

“One Company-One Voice”

Sapa Extrusions Inc., Yankton, SD (World’s Leading Aluminum Extruder) has several production positions available for qualifi ed individuals who want to work a 4 days on 4 days off (12) hours a day shift schedule with overtime, and are able to lift up to 50# on a regular basis. These positions are full time and include both night and day shift openings.

Sapa offers a very competitive compensation package paid weekly with $1.00 shift differential for nights. Where else can you get performance based merit increases every 3 months. We offer an Excellent benefi ts package at an affordable cost for both single individuals and families. Sapa also offers quarterly profi t sharing (how would you like to get an extra paycheck every four months just because you helped the company make a profi t), company paid life insurance, short and long term disability and ten paid holidays, a 401K plan with Company participation and a Company sponsored retirement plan which you become fully vested after three years of service. If you are a hard working, dedicated person who wants to work only sixteen days a month then come join us.

Interested candidates please apply in person and/or by mail: Attn: Jane Larson, HR Mgr. 2500 Alumax Rd, Yankton, SD 57078 or email: [email protected] Opportunity &Affi rmative Action Employer

Kuntz Equipment

Hydraulic Ejection. 5-9 yds.

Box Scrapers, 6-20'wide

Kuntz EquipmentGridley, Il. 61744

(309) 747-2420www.kuntzequipment.com

EiklenborgCombine & Tractor

Salvage

Combine-Baler& Tractor PartsAplington, Iowa

319-347-5510

Yearling and 2‐Yr‐Old Bulls,AI sires: Upshot, Final Answer, Impression, Advantage, Upward,

Payweight, Full Power, Consensus

ADAMS’ ANGUS Lime Springs, IA

319‐290‐9436

OPEN POLLINATED SEED CORNOut produces hybrid for silage.

Quality grain, $65/bu plus S&H(217)857-3377

Morris GrainWholesale Ag

Chemicals800-872-2501

www.morrisgrain.com

Generic Sure Start................$39.75/gal.

Durango DMA...............$16.35/gal.Sonic........$52.70/lb

Fertilizer quotes available.712-657-2160

Silo Doors -- Wood or SteelShipped promptly to your farm,stainless steel staples, hardware

available! 800-222-5726Landwood Sales LLC

Earn thousands on your land by leasing the hunting rights. Free evaluation &

info packet. Liability coverage included. Th e experts at Base Camp Leasing have

been bringing landowners & hunters together since 1999.

Email: [email protected] Call: 866-309-1507

BaseCampLeasing.com

MINNESOTA HUNTING LAND WANTED

FARM & BUSINESS

n�Grainger, Inc.Exclusive Grainger offers for Farm Bureau Members - at least 10% off catalog each price. To ensure your membership discount is applied, ALWAYS reference Minnesota Farm Bureau’s unique account number (860600410) when visiting your local branch or ordering via Grainger Customer Support Call Center. Create a user ID and password and view exclusive Farm Bureau pricing online. Grainger has established a new Farm Bureau Member Support line at 708-396-1900 to help Farm Bureau members get registered, place orders using their state discount code, check stock, answer questions and provide support for www.Grainger.com. FREE standard ground shipping ONLY on orders placed at Grainger.com.

n�Case IH Tractor and Equipment Incentive ProgramEligible Farm Bureau members will receive an incentive discount – from $300-$500 – when purchasing qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealerships. This discount is stackable, meaning it can be used with other discounts, promotions, rebates or offers that may be provided by Case IH or a Case IH dealership. A current Farm Bureau membership verification certificate must be presented to the Case IH dealer in advance of product delivery to receive an incentive discount. Go to fbadvantage.com.

n�AgriPlan/BizPlanSave $5,000 a year with AgriPlanNOW! TASC’s AgriPlanNOW Section 105 Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) plans save members an average of $5,000 annually by enabling family farmers and other qualified small business owners to deduct 100 percent of their family health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical, vision and dental expenses not covered by insurance as business expenses. TASC offers an industry-exclusive audit guarantee, a money back guarantee and a TASC card to make medical expense reimbursement as easy as the swipe of a debit card. Farm Bureau members in Minnesota receive a 15% discount. For more information, contact TASC toll-free at 855-591-0562. Be sure to mention discount code MNFA. For a free tax savings analysis, visit the MN Farm Bureau affiliate partner page online at http://bit.ly/MNfarmbureau.

n�Business SuccessionHanding over the reins of a family farm or business isn’t easy. It takes time and teamwork to create a strategy that fits the goals and objectives of both the current and future owners, especially as operations grow in size and complexity. And oftentimes, starting the conversation is the hardest part.With the right tools and resources at your fingertips, you can be on your way to a successful succession strategy - and peace of mind. Visit www.SmallBusinessTransition.com to find tips for starting the conversation, assembling a team and understanding planning options.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

For tickets and information on benefits call 651-768-2114 or visit fbmn.org. Select Member Benefits under Member Services. First time users will need to create a username and password.

n�Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium, Mall of AmericaCheck out the re-designed aquarium. Members receive up to 40% discount on tickets. Also order online at fbmn.org.

n�Nickelodeon Universe®, Mall of AmericaThe nation’s largest indoor family theme park. Discounted all day wristband tickets may be ordered at fbmn.org.

n�Minnesota Zoo, Apple ValleyDiscount card—offering $2 adult and $1 child off zoo admission and $1 off IMAX Theatre admission.

n�ValleyFair, ShakopeeMembers receive a savings off gate price tickets and parking. Tickets may be ordered at fbmn.org. Check out the newly expanded water park.

n�Xcel Energy Center, St. PaulEnjoy discounts to events at xcelenergycenter.com/MNfarm. The site is updated as new events are announced.

n�Great Wolf Lodge, Wisconsin Dells, WIA perk for the whole pack! A 20% savings off best available room rates and includes up to four waterpark passes. Visit greatwolf.com or call 866-925-9653 to make reservations. Use code: MNFB551A. (Offer guaranteed when reservations are made 30 days prior to arrival date).

n�Water Park of America, by Mall of AmericaWater Park of America will honor a Sunday-Friday water park general admission rate of $15 per person per day or Saturday $20 per person per day. Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America – save 25% off standard overnight room rates. Discount coupon can be downloaded at fbmn.org. Use promotional code “FARM” to redeem. (All rates are subject to availability and blackout dates.) waterparkofamerica.com/fbmn.

HEALTH

n�ScriptSaveA prescription drug savings card. Save on brand name and generic prescription purchases at local pharmacies and use Group Number 941. Visit scriptsave.com and go to card services page, click on option to enroll and enter requested information. Print out your card. Or call 800-700-3957 to request your card.

n�Life Line ScreeningReceive the following four screenings for $135 and an additional osteoporosis screening at no extra cost: stroke/carotid artery, heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysm and peripheral arterial disease. If there are any issues after screenings, in most cases there are many treatment options available. These decisions are ones you should carefully and thoughtfully discuss with your doctor.For more information call 877-564-7283 or visit lifelinescreening.com/mnfb.

n�Anytime Fitness, LLCFarm Bureau members in Minnesota and their immediate family members are eligible to enjoy the following at participating Anytime Fitness clubs: 10% off standard monthly fees; 50% off standard enrollment fees*; Free, 7-day trial passes offered to members who bring proof of their membership to an Anytime Fitness club (one pass per person). Anytime Fitness honors health care fitness incentive programs.

* Valid at participating locations. For a complete list of club locations, visit anytimefitness.com.

n�QualSight LASIKOffers a 40% - 50% off the national average price savings on LASIK vision correction at over 700 locations nationwide. QualSight doctors are credentialed, Board Certified and use the latest FDA technologies. Call 877-507-4448 or visit qualsight.com/-MNFB for a doctor near you.

n�Clear Value HearingClear Value Hearing and Starkey Hearing Technologies have partnered their resources to offer a comprehensive hearing benefit program offering Farm Bureau members discounts on today’s latest technology. Includes FREE hearing assessment, FREE annual testing, 100% guaranteed custom fit, and much more. Call 888-497-7447 or visit clearvaluehearing.com for more information.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

n�Farm Bureau Financial Services* (FBFS)FBFS offers a wide range of competitive products and services to county Farm Bureau members in Minnesota. We can help meet your individual and business needs through all stages of your life with home, vehicle, farm/ranch and life insurance, along with products for retirement and education funding, estate preservation, and more. Contact your local Farm Bureau agent or visit our website at www.fbfs.com today for more information.

* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Western Agricultural Insurance Company, West Des Moines, Iowa

n�Farm Bureau BankOffers Farm Bureau members core banking services including: credit cards, FDIC insured deposit accounts, vehicle loans, residential mortgage loans and business lines of credit. To learn more or open an account visit farmbureaubank.com.

COMMUNICATIONS

n�FB Benefits Mobile AppAvailable for free on both Apple and Android devices, the free Farm Bureau Member Benefits App includes alphabetical and categorical listings of member benefits available in Minnesota. It also features a convenient mapping feature to help you identify member benefits near you at any time. Download the app today and get the most from your Farm Bureau membership! Search: FB Benefits. You will need your membership number and zip code to get started.

n�Ready MobileBudget-friendly, reliable nationwide coverage and no contract mobile phones and wireless services are available from Ready Mobile, an exclusive partner of Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation. Farm Bureau members can save 10%. Visit readymobile.com and enter Promo Code MFBF to start saving today. You will need your membership number to verify your discount.

HOTEL

n�Choice HotelsSave 20% off rates at almost 5,000 hotels worldwide. Ascend, Quality Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, Cambria Suites, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Mainstay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotels, EconoLodge and Rodeway Inn. For reservations call 800-258-2847 or log onto choicehotels.com. ID # 00209660.

n Wyndham Hotel Group Farm Bureau members receive a rate up to 20% off at nearly 7,400 participating hotels. Call ahead to 877-670-7088 to make reservations at Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Ramada, Travelodge, Knights Inn, Wingate Inn, Baymont Inns & Suites, Dream Hotels, Night Hotels, TryP, Super 8, Microtel, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Garden, Wyndham Grand and Hawthorn Suites (10% discount). Refer to group number 8000002603. Visit wyndham.com.

AUTOMOBILE

n�General MotorsThe offer is available to eligible Farm Bureau GM Bonus Cash members, such as Owner Loyalty (discounted employee, dealership employee and supplier pricing is excluded). The $500 "Bonus Cash" offer can be used on the purchase or lease of all 2014 and 2015 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models. Must be a member for at least 30 days prior to date of delivery. To obtain your GM certificate, go to fbadvantage.com, click on "Minnesota," enter in your member number (i.e. 9800000) and zip code. Questions can be directed to 651-768-2114.

n�Polaris Polaris is offering a utility vehicle incentive program to Farm Bureau members. Members will receive $200 off all *full size all-terrain vehicles (ATV), $300 off all *full size utility and sport vehicles (UTV), and $300 off all *GEM electric vehicles. (*discount does not apply to any youth models.) Must be a member for at least 30 days and provide valid Polaris authorization certificate obtained at fbadvantage.com.

n�AAAFarm Bureau members receive up to a 20% discount off AAA membership, applies to new and renewal. Waiver of $10 enrollment fee for new members. For more information on this exclusive program, contact AAA at 800-677-2227. Be sure to mention that you are a Farm Bureau member and refer to Group #M875. aaa.com.

n�Avis Car RentalSave up to 25% on daily, weekend and weekly rates. For information and reservations, call 800-422-3809 or log onto avis.com. Mention your Avis worldwide discount number: Minnesota Farm Bureau, A298823.

EXTRA REWARDS

n�Theft & Arson Reward ServiceRewards individuals up to $1,000 for offering information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) committing theft, arson or vandalism to property belonging to Farm Bureau members. Forms available at local Farm Bureau offices or call 651-768-2114.

n�No-cost Accidental Death InsuranceAccidental death insurance policy for the member, spouse and unmarried children younger than 22 years and living at home. The maximum amount of the policy is up to $2,000 for the member and spouse and $1,000 for the children. For more information call 651-768-2114. See fbmn.org.

n�Farm Bureau Marketer Farm Fresh GuideFor the farmer who would like to sell their farm fresh items direct to the consumer. Publishes in the May edition and at fbmn.org. To be included contact Judy Pilcher, [email protected], 651-768-2114, Fax: 651-768-2159 or visit fbmn.org.

THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP!

DIRECTfarm fresh


VACATION TIM

E!

®

Discover

Minnesota

in your

own

backyard !

food!

Fun!

Festivals!His

tory!

Fishing!

vacation guide

2C • MAY 2015 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • www.fbmn.org

l�Farmland ShowingDate: June 6Time: Food at 6 p.m., Movie at 7 p.m.Location: Historic Sherburn Theatre, SherburnCost: FreeDescription: Join the community in seeing Farmland,

a documentary by James Moll featuring six farmers throughout the U.S., including a pig farmer from southwestern Minnesota. A light meal will be served before the film with ice cream and conversation following the documentary.

Contact: Rochelle Krusemark, 507-236-3625Sponsored by: Martin County Farm Bureau, Martin

County Pork Producers, Martin County Soybean Growers and Martin County Corn Growers

l�Farmland ShowingDate: June 11Time: 6:30 p.m.Location: Kasson TheaterCost: Free and open to the publicDescription: Join the community in seeing Farmland,a documentary by James Moll featuring six farmersthroughout the U.S., including a pig farmer from

southwestern Minnesota. Join us for the Dodge County Dinner with a Farmer from 4 to 6 p.m. at Erdman’s Market before the movie.

Contact: Mary Jo Schoenfeld, 507-455-0745Sponsored by: Dodge County Farm Bureau

l�Dodge County Dinner with a FarmerDate: June 11Time: 4-6 p.m.

ndLocation: Erdman’s Market, 19 2 Street NW, KassonDescription: Come enjoy dinner, ask local farmers

questions and have the kids participate in activities about agriculture. Join us for a FREE showing of Farmland at the Kasson Theater at 6:30 p.m.

Contact: Mary Jo Schoenfeld, 507-455-0745Sponsored by: Dodge County Farm Bureau,

Minnesota Beef Council, Dodge County Corn & Soybean Growers, Erdman’s Market and the local FFA chapters

l�Rochester Farmers Market and Healthy Living FairDate: June 13Time: 8 a.m.-Noon

thLocation: Rochester Farmers Market, 4 Street SE, Rochester

Cost: Free

Description: Booths and activities about food and being healthy

Contact: Katie Brenny, 507-923-1779Sponsored by: Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation

l�YF&R Tri-County Event – Freeborn, Steele and Waseca CountyDate: June 18Time: 7 p.m.

thLocation: Farmamerica, 7367 360 Ave, WasecaCost: FreeDescription: All ages 18-35 are invited for a live band

and food.Contact: Sara Larson, 507-995-5208Sponsored by: Freeborn, Steele and Waseca County

Farm Bureaus

l�Waseca County Dinner in a FieldDate: August 12

thLocation: Farmamerica, 7367 360 Ave, WasecaCost: FreeDescription: Have dinner in a field and meet the

farmers in your community.Contact: Sara Larson, 507-995-5208Sponsored by: Waseca County Farm Bureau

ri-tainment

l�2015 Grand Cities Art FestGrand Forks and East Grand ForksSaturday June 13 • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m and Sunday June 14 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Grand Forks and East Grand Forks sit on the border between Minnesota and North Dakota in the scenic Red River Valley. Every year the North Valley Arts Council sponsors Art Fest.

Located in downtown Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, Art Fest is a celebration of artistic talent and entertainment that highlights the region’s talent. There will be child-centered crafts, local music and

demonstrations by artists. This year’s featured artist is

Douglas Becker. He has over 20 years of glass blowing experience. His designs focus on capturing the fluid movement of molten glass. novac.org/grand-cities-art-

fest.htmlexploreminnesota.com/events/4

603/grand-cities-art-fest

let’s GO!l�Ambassador BluesSt. Peter’s Minnesota Square Park Saturday, June 13

St. Peter again hosts Ambassadors’ Blues Fest at the Minnesota Square Park. The music festival is held outdoors and is free and open to the public. There will be top-notch blues from five bands along with food and beer vendors to purchase refreshments. stpeterchamber.com/ambassado

rs-bluesexploreminnesota.com/events/8

958/ambassador-blues

Plan Your Summer VacationAt Cass Lake

Minnesota’s Finest Resort

Sunset Cove Resort AndAllen’s Bay Lodge & Grille!www.sunsetcove-resort.com

[email protected]

GREAT Walleye FishingMid-week Specials

Check Us Out Onlinewww.angleinnlodge.com

For Reservations:1-218-223-8111

Angle Inn LodgeOak Island, MN

BEARD’S

RESORT

BBBBBBEE DD SSSSS

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LeRoy & JudySandgren

20250 121st St., NENew London, MN 56273

320-354-2745www.beardsresort.com

SAVE - TIME - GAS - MONEYAn affordable family friendly resort

Rent All 4 house keeping cabins & receive a discount!!

or�cabins can be rented on an individual basis�

Call for detailsOpen May - Sept.

0

Expect “Great Things”

Thursday, August 20 - Sunday, August 23, 2015

Thursday through Saturday, 10:00am - 10:00pm

Sunday, 10:00am - 6:00pm

This year’s schedule is packed full of events, entertainment and new food! There will be new events and features

this year: Visit the Civil War display in the log cabin • Children’s Mutton Bustin’ •

Returning on Friday night–Demo Derby • Saturday night–Stock Car Racing • Flower Arranging Contest • Daily Children’s Bike

Giveaway • Milk “Maggie” the Cow. All new entertainment on two stages. So come out with your friends and family

and make memories at the fair.

R001743765

Douglas

County Fair

Memories at the Douglas County Fair!

www.dcmnfair.com

For Detailed Info Visit Us Online!

300 Fairgrounds Rd.(Hwy 82 West)

Alexandria, MN 56308

Feature:1st Annual Douglas

County Princess Pageant

Cruise ToIsle Royale

National ParkDay Trips $68

218-475-0024See our website for informationwww.isleroyaleboats.com

15 miles West of MinneapolisHamel, Minnesota

763-478-6611www.hamelrodeo.org

Purchase tickets online with code: Bulls and Receive $2.00 Discount

July 9-12

morgancreekvineyards.com new ulm minnesota

Dožínky®

31st AnnualCzech Harvest Festival

Classic Car CruiseStreet Dance • Beer Garden • Food Booths

Dožínky® FestivalMain Street, New Prague, MN

Fri, Sept. 18 - Sat., Sept. 19, noon-5 p.m.• Ethnic Crafts • Food Booths

• Entertainment • ParadeNew Prague Chamber of Commerce952-758-4360 www.newprague.com

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Friday

www.wadenacountyfair.com

Sneak Peek Carnival, Vendor Buildings Open.

June 25, 2015: 6 pm: Central MNBulls-N-Barrels; 9 pm - 1 am: Farmer’s

Daughter - Band Shell

June 26, 2015: 6 pm: Central MN Bulls-N-Barrels; 9 pm - 1 am: Lost Highway

- Band Shell

June 27, 2015: 6 pm: Wadena Co. Fair Truck & Tractor Pull; 9-1 Switch - Band Shell

June 28, 2015: 7 am - 11 am: Pancake Breakfast; WSCA Horse Show;

1 pm: LA Pig Races

S k P k C i

JUNE 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

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Come to Ely, Minnesota!• Surrounded by Superior

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Cabins • Basketball • Playground Mention this ad for your 10% discount!

FISHINGfor a Minnesota Resort?

WHITE IRON BEACH RESORT(877) 665-4885

www.whiteironbeach.com

MAY 2015 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org • 3C

JUNE

Hennepin County Fair (Corcoran)June 18-21Mike Rouillard, 763-420-4546hennepincountyfair.com

Norman County Fair (Ada)June 24-27Dan Merkins, 218-784-4984normancountyfair.com

Cass County Fair (Pine River)June 25-28218-821-0444thecasscountyfairmn.org

Wadena County Fair (Wadena)June 25-28Malinda Dexter, 218-631-7630wadenacountyfair.com

Red Lake County Fair (Oklee)June 26-28Leah Larson, 218-268-4747

JULY

Cannon Valley Fair (Cannon Falls)July 1-4Phyllis Althoff, 507-263-3548cannonvalleyfair.org

Aitkin County Fair (Aitkin)July 8-11Kirk Peysar, 218-927-2465aitkincountyfair.org

Polk County Fair (Fertile)July 8-12Michael Moore, 218-779-7858

Redwood County Fair (Redwood Falls)July 8-12Jeff Potter, 507-627-2801redwoodcountyfair.com

South St. Louis County Fair (Proctor)July 8-12Mary Korich, 218-628-2401proctorduluthfair.com

Winona County Fair (St. Charles)July 8-12Winona County Fair Board 507-932-3074winonacountyfair.com

Big Stone County Fair (Clinton)July 9-12Bruce Wellendorf, 320-325-3247bscfair.org

Clay County Fair (Barnesville)July 9-12Pam Aakre, 218-354-2675mnclaycountyfair.org

Cass County Fair (Pillager)July 10-12Donna Klimek, 218-746-3348pillagerfair.com

Otter Tail County Fair West (Fergus Falls)July 15-18Mike Holstrom, 218-736-0272wotcountyfair.com

Wabasha County Fair (Wabasha)July 15-18Barb Petit, 507-251-7149wabashacountyfair.org

Dodge County Fair (Kasson)July 15-19Marilyn Lermon, 507-634-7736dodgecountyfreefair.com

Hubbard County Fair (Park Rapids)July 15-19Burt Hill, 218-237-3247

Pennington County Fair (Thief River Falls)July 15-19Ray Safranski, 218-416-2550penningtoncountyfair.com

Ramsey County Fair (Maplewood)July 15-19Joe Fox, 651-777-6514ramseycountyfair.com

Waseca County Fair (Waseca)July 15-19Robin Dulas, 507-835-8958wasecacountyfair.org

Watonwan County Fair (St. James)July 15-19Don Craig, 507-375-5515stjameschamberofcommerce.com

Chisago County Fair (Rush City)July 16-19Mike Hochstatter, 320-358-0296chisagocountyfair.org

Grant County Fair (Herman)July 16-19Michelle Sperr, 320-677-2284grantcountyfairmn.com

Kittson County Fair (Hallock)July 16-19Mike Wollum, 218-843-1521kittsoncountyfair.org

Mahnomen County Fair (Mahnomen)July 16-19Gerry Sweirs, 218-935-2226mahnomencountyfair.com

Sherburne County Fair (Elk River)July 16-19Velvet Longtin, 763-441-3610sherburnecountyfair.org

Roseau County Fair (Roseau)July 19-25Buddy Erickson, 218-463-3387roseaucountyfair.com

Faribault County Fair (Blue Earth)July 21-25Sara Gack, 507-520-6552faribaultcountyfair.com

Fillmore County Fair (Preston)July 21-25Kathy Tesmer, 507-272-2261fillmorecountyfair.com

Jackson County Fair (Jackson)July 21-25Michael Stade, 507-847-7223jacksoncountyfairmn.com

Anoka County Fair (Anoka)July 21-26Ray Hyovalti, 763-427-4070anokacountyfair.com

Rice County Fair (Faribault)July 21-26John Dvorak, 507-332-2470ricecountyfair.net

Isanti County Fair (Cambridge)July 22-26Jolene Hasselfeldt, 763-689-8487isanticountyfair.com

Kanabec County Fair (Mora)July 22-26John Angstman, 320-679-3374kanabecfair.org

Marshall County Fair (Warren)July 22-26David Gunderson, 218-745-4445marshallcountyfair.org

Scott County Fair (Jordan)July 22-26Norm Pint, 952-492-2436scottcountyfair.com

Yellow Medicine County Fair (Canby)July 23-25Melissa Denelsbeck, 507-223-5852ymcfair.org

FAIRS TO 5C}

There’s fun for everyone at the county fair. Showcase your county 4-H programs, enter some fun contests, watch great entertainment and enjoy a tradition! Just take a look at the list below.

Come See The Best of the Fair

AITKINAITKIN COUNTY FAIR

218-927-4902July 8 - 11

aitkincountyfair.org

ALEXANDRIADOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR

320-760-1278Aug. 20 - 23

www.mndouglascofair.com

APPLETONSWIFT COUNTY FAIR

320-815-6138Aug. 19 - 23

www.swiftcountyfair.org

BAGLEYCLEARWATER COUNTY FAIR

218-694-6520Aug. 5 - 9

BARNUMCARLTON COUNTY FAIR

218-389-6737Aug. 13 - 16

www.carltoncountyfair.com

CALEDONIAHOUSTON COUNTY FAIR

507-725-3397Aug. 19 - 23

www.houstoncountyfair.com

CAMBRIDGEISANTI COUNTY FAIR

763-444-5540July 22 - 26

www.IsantiCountyFair.com

ELK RIVERSHERBURNE COUNTY FAIR

763-441-4457July 16 - 19

www.sherburnecountyfair.org

FARIBAULTRICE COUNTY FAIR

507-332-2470July 21 - 26

www.ricecountyfair.net

JORDANSCOTT COUNTY FAIR

952-492-2436July 22 - 26

www.scottcountyfair.com

LAKE ELMOWASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR

651-436-6009July 29 - Aug. 2

www.washingtoncountyfair.org

LECENTERLE SUEUR COUNTY FAIR

507-357-6500Aug. 20 - 23

www.lesueurcountyfair.org

MADISONLAC QUI PARLE COUNTY FAIR

320-598-3989Sept. 10 - 13

lqpfair.org

NEW ULMBROWN COUNTY FREE FAIR

507-354-2223Aug. 12 - 16

www.browncountyfreefair.com

OWATONNASTEELE COUNTY FREE FAIR

507-451-5305Aug. 18 - 23www.scff.org

PERHAMOTTERTAIL COUNTY FAIR EAST

218-346-2750July 23 - 26

www.eotcountyfair.org

PINE CITYPINE COUNTY FAIR

320-629-2465July 29 - Aug. 2

www.pinecountyfair.com

PRESTONFILLMORE COUNTY FAIR

507-467-2667July 21-25

www.fi llmorecountyfair.com

REDWOOD FALLSREDWOOD COUNTY FAIR

507-627-2801July 8 - 12

www.redwoodcountyfair.com

ROCHESTEROLMSTED COUNTY FAIR

507-282-9862July 27 - Aug. 2

www.olmstedcountyfair.com

ST. CLOUDBENTON COUNTY FAIR

320-253-1194Aug. 4 - 9

BentonFairMN.com

TWO HARBORSTHE LAKE COUNTY FAIR

218-269-4159Aug. 20 - 23

www.thelakecountyfair.com

WACONIACARVER COUNTY FAIR

952-442-2333Aug. 5 - 9

www.carvercountyfair.com

WASECAWASECA COUNTY FREE FAIR

507-837-9424July 15 - 19

www.wasecacountyfair.org

WILLMARKANDIYOHI COUNTY FAIR

320-599-4318Aug. 5 - 8

www.kandifair.com

WORTHINGTONNOBLES COUNTY FAIR

507-376-5143Aug. 12 - 16

www.noblescountyfair.com

4C • MAY 2015 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

Clay CountyDate: May 30Time: 7 a.m.-NoonLocation: Kasin Farms,

th4271 230 Street, HawleyDirections: From Hawley, go

3.25 miles south on County Road 31

Cost: Free will donationMenu: Pancakes with

strawberries, breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs with cheese, milk, coffee and water

Activities: Barrel train rides, horse drawn wagon rides, new and old farm equipment display, milk drinking contest, Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, horticultural information, biodiesel and ethanol displays, farm animal zoo

Parking: Available on site with horse or tractor wagon rides to the breakfast area

Contact: Keith and Lori Aakre, 218-937-5514

Sponsored by: Clay County Farm Bureau and many area businesses

Stearns CountyDate: June 6Time: 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Location: Rohe Dairy,

MelroseDirections: Park at Melrose

Area Public School. A free shuttle will take you to the farm.

Cost – Adults: $5Cost – Children: 5 and under

freeMenu: Pancakes, French

toast, sausage, eggs, milk, juice and coffee

Activities: Guided tours, obstacle course, petting zoo, wagon rides and more

Parking: Not available on site. Park at Melrose Area Public School.

Contact: stearnsfarmbreakfast.com

Sponsored by: AgStar Financial Services, American Foods Group, Central Minnesota Credit Union, Land O’Lakes, Leedstone, Melrose Dairy Proteins, Munson Feeds, Midwest Machinery Company, Stearns County American Dairy Association, Stearns County Farm Bureau, Stearns Electric Association, Vita Plus, Zoetis and more

Waseca CountyDate: June 9Time: 6-8 p.m.Location: Farmamerica,

th7367 360 Ave, WasecaCost: FreeMenu: Pork and beef burgers,

milk, popcorn, root beer floats, chips and cookies

Activities: Children’s

activities, live music, tram rides and petting zoo

Contact: Sue Harguth, 507-461-2538

Sponsored by: Waseca County American Dairy Association and the Waseca Chamber Ag Committee

Todd CountyDate: June 13Time: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.Location: Zigan Dairy, Long

PrairieDirections: Park at Long

thPrairie High School, 9 Street NCost: $1Menu: Burgers, chips, ice

creamParking: No parking is

available at the farm. Take the shuttle from Long Prairie High School.

Contact: Todd County Extension, 320-732-4435

Sponsored by: Todd County Livestock Advisory Council and Todd County Extension

Goodhue CountyDate: June 17Time: 7-11 a.m.Location: Burfeind Dairy

LLC, 18820 County 9 Blvd, Goodhue

Cost: FreeMenu: Egg bake, fruit, rolls

and dairy productsActivities: Kids’ activities

and live animalsContact: Christian Schmipf,

651-380-8293Sponsored by: Goodhue

County American Dairy Association and KCUE – Red Wing Radio

Mower CountyDate: June 20Time: 8-11:30 a.m.Location: Reiland Farms,

Troy and Chris Sukalski, 13698 th755 Ave, LeRoy

Directions: From Highway 56 in LeRoy, take County Road 14 (east side of the high school) north for 3 miles. Turn west on County Road 11 for 1.5 miles,

ththen south on 755 Ave. Watch for signs.

Cost – Adults: $3Cost – Children: Age 6 and

under are free, family rate of $12

Menu: Pancakes, sausage, milk, coffee and orange juice

Activities: Horse drawn wagon rides, petting zoo, farm scavenger hunt, farm tours and much more

Parking: Free parking at the farm

Contact: Virginia Bissen, 507-582-3518 or [email protected]

Sponsored by: Mower

County Farm Bureau Federation with many supporting county organizations and businesses

Steele CountyDate: June 20Time: 8 a.m.-NoonLocation: Clover Glen Dairy

thFarm, 9368 SE 18 Street, Claremont

Cost – Adults: $5Cost – Children: 5 and under

are freeMenu: Pancakes, sausage,

cheese, milk and coffeeActivities: Barn tours, petting

zoo, jump house, picture with a calf, horse and buggy rides, kids craft tent, butter making, antique tractors and dairy princesses

Parking: Handicap parking only at the farm. There will be a shuttle bus from the Steele County Fairgrounds from 8-11 a.m.

Contact: Glenn Johnson, 507-676-3421 or Mary Schroeder, 507-213-9394

Sponsored by: Steele County American Dairy Association

Watonwan CountyDate: June 20Time: 8-11 a.m.Location: Bryan and Kathy

Christenson Farm, th73805 280 Street, St. James

Directions: 7 miles north of St. James on Hwy 4, then 2.5 miles east on County Road 1

Cost: FreeMenu: Pancakes, little

smokies, rolls, coffee, milk and juice

Activities: Equipment to explore, hay rides, live animals, visit with legislators, bouncy barn, 4-H information and exhibits/demonstrations

Parking: Available on siteContact: Scott and Samantha

Runge, [email protected] or Facebook at Watonwan County Farm Bureau

Sponsored by: Watonwan County Farm Bureau along with other supporting businesses and organizations

Wright CountyDate: June 20Time: 7 a.m.-NoonLocation: Goldview Farms,

WaverlyCost – Adults: $5Cost – Children: 5 and under

are freeMenu: Pancakes, sausage,

coffee and milkActivities: Tour the dairy

farm, cheese and ice cream samples, wagon rides, education agriculture booths and a petting zoo

Parking: Park at HLWW High School to take the shuttle to the farm

Contact: breakfastonthefarm.org or Dan Glessing, 320-420-4807

Sponsored by: Wright County Farm Bureau, Wright County American Dairy Association, Munson Lakes Nutrition, Feed Stuff Bagging Inc., Centra Sota Cooperative and many more

Wabasha CountyDate: June 25Time: 4-9 p.m.Location: Klein Cow Palace,

69363 County Road 2, Lake City

Cost: $5Menu: Shredded beef, corn,

apples, mashed potatoesActivities: Kids’ activities,

petting zoo, tractors and moreParking: Parking and busing

will be available from Lake City Elementary

Contact: Katie Brown, 507-951-2951

Sponsored by: Local county agriculture organizations and county businesses

Fillmore CountyDate: June 27Time: 5 p.m.Location: Redalen Holsteins,

LanesboroCost: Free will donationMenu: Cheeseburger, beans,

potato saladActivities: Corn box,

inflatable jump toys and see robotic milking in action

Contact: Trinity Johnson, 507-273-7550

Sponsored by: Fillmore County American Dairy Association

Olmsted CountyDate: June 27Time: 6:30-11:30 a.m.Location: Schumacher Dairy

Farm, ElginDirections: North of Elgin on

Highway 247Cost – Adults: $6Cost – Children: Age 5-13

$3, under 5 freeMenu: All you can eat

pancakes, sausage, cheese, milk, orange juice and coffee

Activities: Petting zoo, horse pulled wagon rides, agriculture displays and exhibits

Parking: On siteContact: Ken Levos,

507-696-4013Sponsored by: Many area

businesses

Beltrami CountyDate: June 28Time: 8:30 a.m.-NoonLocation: Beltrami County

FairgroundsDirections: 2 miles north of

Bemidji on Highway 71Cost – Adults: $5Cost – Children: 11 and

under freeMenu: Pancakes, ice cream,

berries, sausage and hamActivities: Live farm animals,

scavenger hunt and moreContact: Linda Binkley,

218-760-8014Sponsored by: Beltrami

County Farm Bureau

Winona CountyDate: June 30Time: 5-8 p.m.Location: Wirtland Holstein

Farm, 25438 County Road 25, Lewiston

Cost: Free event, charge for meal

Menu: Brats, hot dogs, chips, beans, root beer float, cheese stick

Activities: Farm machine display, games, petting zoo, train wagon and a band

Parking: Limited on site, shuttle buses will be available

Contact: Winona Area Chamber of Commerce, 507-452-2272 or [email protected]

Sponsored by: Winona Area Chamber of Commerce and AgStar Financial Services

Blue Earth and Le Sueur Counties

Date: July 18Time: 7-11:30 a.m.Location: Goebel Brothers

Family Farm, 19692 Monks Ave, Mankato (not far from the MSU-Mankato campus)

Cost: Free (suggested donation $1)

Menu: Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs

Activities: Farm machinery display, farm animals, kids’ activities and more

Parking: Off-site parking with a shuttle bus to the farm will be available

Contact: Like us on Facebook – Breakfast on the Farm hosted by Le Sueur and Blue Earth County Farm Bureaus

Sponsors: Blue Earth and Le Sueur County Farm Bureaus, Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation, Scott/Le Sueur County Corn & Soybean

breakfast on the

farm

BREAKFAST TO 5C }


Otter Tail County Fair East (Perham)July 23-26Diane Sazama, 218-346-2750eotcountyfair.org

Olmsted County Fair (Rochester)July 27-August 2Terry Leary, 507-367-2455olmstedcountyfair.com

Becker County Fair (Detroit Lakes)July 29-August 1Lowell Jorgenson, 218-847-5587beckercountyfair.tripod.com

Chippewa County Fair (Montevideo)July 29-August 1Carmen Haugen, 320-226-3292chippewacofair.com

Rock County Fair (Luverne)July 29-August 1Lee Sells, 507-449-3247rockcountyfair.org

Beltrami County Fair (Bemidji)July 29-August 2Rina Phillips, 218-751-4106beltramicountyfair.org

Pine County Fair (Pine City)July 29-August 2Steve Hallan, 320-629-3408pinecountyfair.com

Sibley County Fair (Arlington)July 29- August 2Dennis Van Moorlehem, 507-964-5698sibleycountyfair.com

Stearns County Fair (Sauk Centre)July 29-August 2Jackie Spoden-Bolz, 320-352-2482stearnscountyfair.com

Washington County Fair (Lake Elmo)July 29-August 2Kim Salitros, 651-257-4470washingtoncountyfair.org

Wright County Fair (Howard Lake)July 29-August 2Dennis Beise, 320-543-2111wrightcountyfair.org

Blue Earth County Fair (Garden City)July 30-August 1Kelly Marks, 507-381-0836blueearthcountyfair.org

Lincoln County Fair (Tyler)July 30-August 2Curt Madsen, 507-247-5454

Meeker County Fair (Litchfield)July 30-August 2Judy Barka, 320-593-3247meekerfair.com

AUGUST

Crow Wing County Fair (Brainerd)August 4-8Jerry Grimsley, 218-829-6680brainerd.com/fair

Benton County Fair (Sauk Rapids)August 4-9Laura Falconer, 320-253-5649bentonfairmn.com

Freeborn County Fair (Albert Lea)August 4-9Norm Fredin, 507-373-6965freeborncountyfair.com

Kandiyohi County Fair (Willmar)August 5-8Cheryl Johnson, 320-235-0886kandifair.com

Pipestone County Fair (Pipestone)August 5-8Mark Moeller, 507-825-5979

Carver County Fair (Waconia)August 5-9Mike Jensen, 952-442-2333carvercountyfair.com

Clearwater County Fair (Bagley)August 5-9Cheryl Grover, 218-694-2780

Lyon County Fair (Marshall)August 5-9Deloris Richards, 507-320-2175lyoncountyfair.com

Nicollet County Fair (St. Peter)August 5-9Ann Volk, 507-934-2684nicolletcountyfair.com

Pope County Fair (Glenwood)August 5-9Paul Koubsky, 320-491-5663popecountyfair.org

Mille Lacs County Fair (Princeton)August 6-9Florence Dehn, 763-389-3138millelacscountyfair.com

Koochiching County Fair (Northome)August 7-9Karrie Greser, 218-897-5205

Dakota County Fair (Farmington)August 10-16Kristine Smith, 651-463-8818dakotacountyfair.org

Goodhue County Fair (Zumbrota)August 11-16Carol Schumann, 507-732-5001goodhuecountyfair.com

Mower County Free Fair (Austin)August 11-16Denise Schneider, 507-433-1868mowercountyfair.com

Murray County Fair (Slayton)August 12-15Kim Konkol, 507-836-6303murraycountyfair.com

Brown County Free Fair (New Ulm)August 12-16Lucy Gluth, 507-354-2223browncountyfreefair.com

Nobles County Fair (Worthington)August 12-16Karla Talsma, 507-376-5143noblescountyfair.com

St. Louis County Fair (Chisholm)August 12-16Bettie Valley, 218-263-4256stlofair.org

Stevens County Fair (Morris)August 12-16Steve Storck, 320-589-1062scfair.net

Morrison County Fair (Little Falls)August 13-16Roxanne Kathrein, 320-632-1040morrisonfair.com

Carlton County Fair (Barnum)August 13-16Allysha Sample, 218-389-6737carltoncountyfair.com

Wilkin County Fair (Breckenridge)August 13-16Milan Drewlow, 701-640-6644wilkincountyfair.org

Todd County Fair (Long Prairie)August 13-17Debra Durheim, 320-732-2739toddcountyfair.com

Martin County Fair (Fairmont)August 17-23Edwin Murphy, 507-235-9576theotherbigfair.com

Steele County Free Fair (Owatonna)August 18-23Jim Gleason, 507-451-5305scff.org

Renville County Fair (Bird Island)August 19-21Laura Melberg, 320-365-3242renvillecountyfair.com

Cottonwood County Fair (Windom)August 19-22Sally Larson, 507-831-6122

Houston County Fair (Caledonia)August 19-23Emily Johnson, 507-725-3397houstoncountyfair.com

Itasca County Fair (Grand Rapids)August 19-23Marlene Eichorn, 218-326-6470itascacountyfair.org

McLeod County Fair (Hutchinson)August 19-23Casey Walters, 320-587-2499mcleodcountyfair.com

Swift County Fair (Appleton)August 19-23Elaine Mitteness, 320-815-6138swiftcountyfair.org

Douglas County Fair (Alexandria)August 20-23Ron Tschaekofske, 320-808-7443dcmnfair.com

Lake County Fair (Two Harbors)August 20-23Rachel Bailey, 218-269-4159thelakecountyfair.com

Le Sueur County Fair (LeCenter)August 20-23Ruth Hoefs, 507-357-6500lesueurcountyfair.org

SW St. Louis County Fair (Floodwood)August 21-23Susan Coccie, 218-476-2716

Traverse County Fair (Wheaton)August 27-30Janet Koch, 320-808-6323traverse.co.mn.us/traverse-county-fair

SEPTEMBER

Lac qui Parle County Fair (Madison)September 10-13Todd Patzer, 320-598-3989lqpfair.org

Source: Minnesota Federation of County Fairs

Growers, Blue Earth County Corn & Soybean Growers, Le Sueur County Pork Producers, Blue Earth County Pork Producers, AgStar Financial Services, Southern Minnesota Center for Agriculture and more.

Rice CountyDate: July 22Time: 7:30-9 a.m.Location: Rice County

Fairgrounds Beer Garden, Faribault

Cost: Free, first come-first served

Menu: Eggs, sausage, fruit, rolls, juice and coffee

Activities: Agriculture Hall of Fame inductions

Parking: Available at the fairgrounds

Contact: Mary Jo Schoenfeld, 507-455-0745 or [email protected]

Sponsored by: Rice County Farm Bureau

t BREAKFAST FROM 4Ct FAIRS FROM 3C

breakfast on the

farmNicollet CountyDate: July 26Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Location: Along Nicollet

County Road 5, 5.5 miles east of State Hwy 111

Menu: Pork chop dinner, pie and ice cream

thActivities: 100 Anniversary Program for Nicollet County Farm Bureau and Extension and games

Parking: A shuttle will be available.

Contact: Garfield Eckberg or Dennis Schmidt, 507-246-5025

Sponsored by: Nicollet County Extension, Nicollet County Farm Bureau and KNUJ Radio

Washington-Ramsey County

Date: July 26Time: 12:30 p.m.Location: Miron Family

Farm, 15250 Homestead Ave N, Hugo

Cost: Free will donationMenu: Lunch and ice creamActivities: Farm tours,

entertainment, gamesParking: Available on siteContact: Kristy Miron,

[email protected] by: Washington-

Ramsey County Farm Bureau and Washington County American Dairy Association

EXPERIENCEEVERY SEASON

Nisswa Chamberof Commercewww.nisswa.com

(218) 963-2620 [email protected]

DINING | LODGING | SHOPPINGBOATING | FISHING | GOLFING

SNOWMOBILING | PARKSPAUL BUNYAN TRAIL

Downtown OronocoGOLD RUSH DAYSANTIQUE SHOW & MARKET

ORONOCO, MINNESOTAAUGUST 14-16, 2015

(5 miles N. of Rochester, MN. on Hwy. 52)

PO Box 266 Oronoco, MN. [email protected]

507-367-2111www.goldrushmn.com

7 am to 7 pm Friday and Saturday; 7 am to 2 pm on SundayOronoco Gold Rush is a non-profi t organization.

All proceeds go to benefi t the community!

CELEBRATING SINCE 1972ALWAYS THE 3RD

WEEKEND IN AUGUST

TOUR TIMES Daily April – October:

10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

NO Tours on Sundays or religious holidays.

Step Back in Time & Tour the

Old Order Amish at their Farms

• Relax in our comfortable van or bus • Knowledgeable, friendly guide• Learn of unique Amish history• View and Shop Amish furniture, quilts,

baskets, baked goods, & more!

A Fun and Educational Three Hour Tour!

Reservations & Departure:Stone Mill Hotel & Suites

102 Beacon St. E., Lanesboro(507) 467-3070

[email protected] w w. b l u f f s c a p e .c o m

Located 1/2 Block North of the Commonweal Theatre

ONLY YOU CAN PR E VE N T W I L D FIRE S.w w w. s m o k e y b e a r. c o m

The most dangerousanimals in the forest don’t live there.

The most dangerousanimals in the forest don’t live there.

6C • MAY 2015 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • fbmn.org

l�Heritage Day CelebrationSoudan Underground Mine State ParkJuly 18 • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Soudan mine was Minnesota’s first iron mine. No longer producing iron, it is now a monument to the history of mining and its heritage.

Journey below ground 2,341 feet via a cage to the 27th level. There you will ride the rails into the mine and hear the stories of mining from over a century ago. There is also a High Energy Physics Tour which takes you a half mile underground to a lab where physicists and engineers are trying to answer questions about the universe.

There will be surface mine tours, blacksmithing and rock knapping demonstrations, geology hikes, traditional food and music, archery in the park, and many other fun activities.

On the surface, there is a drill shop, crusher and engine house to explore. There are also trails to hike through a hardwood conifer forest and the Soudan Iron Formation to explore. dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/soudan_underground_mine/index.htmlexploreminnesota.com/events/5543/heritage-day-celebration

l�Historic Fort Snelling: Independence Day Celebration

Fort SnellingJuly 4 • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Historic Fort Snelling, located in St. Paul, played an integral part in Minnesota’s history. This year on the fourth of July, you can spend the day celebrating our nation’s independence just like during the 1800s!

The highlights of the day will include a mock battle on the Parade Ground celebrating Colonel Snelling’s victory at the Battle of Oak Woods during the War of 1812. There will also

be cannon salutes, military dress parades, historic fife and drum music, historic games and other family-friendly activities to participate in. Guests can also visit the Dred Scott quarters to explore the history of slavery in Minnesota and the part Fort Snelling played in the great debate over freedom during the 1800s. This is sure to be the highlight of your Independence Day celebrations!

events.mnhs.org/calendar/Results.cfm?EventID=3617&CFID=8480516&CFTOKEN=75442477exploreminnesota.com/events/

11182/historic-fort-snelling-independence-day-celebration

let’s GO!

For tickets and information on benefits call 651-768-2114 or visit fbmn.org. Select Member Benefits under Member Services. First time users will need to create a username and password.

n�Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium, Mall of AmericaCheck out the re-designed aquarium. Members receive up to 40% discount on tickets. Also order online at fbmn.org.

n�Nickelodeon Universe®, Mall of AmericaThe nation’s largest indoor family

Travel for less with membership benefits!theme park. Discounted all day wristband tickets may be ordered at fbmn.org.

n�Minnesota Zoo, Apple ValleyDiscount card—offering $2 adult and $1 child off zoo admission and $1 off IMAX Theatre admission.

n�ValleyFair, ShakopeeMembers receive a savings off gate price tickets for adults. Tickets may be ordered at fbmn.org.

n�Xcel Energy Center, St. PaulEnjoy discounts to events at xcelenergycenter.com/MNfarm. The site is updated as new events are announced.

n�Great Wolf Lodge, Wisconsin Dells, WIA perk for the whole pack! A 20% savings off best available room rates and includes up to four waterpark passes. Additional passes may be purchased for $25 per person. Visit greatwolf.com or call 866-925-9653 to make reservations. Use code: MNFB551A. (Offer guaranteed when reservations are made 30 days prior to arrival date).

n�Water Park of America, by Mall of AmericaWater Park of America will honor a Sunday-Friday water park general

admission rate of $15 per person per day or Saturday $20 per person per day. Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America – save 25% off standard overnight room rates. Discount coupon can be downloaded at fbmn.org. Use promotional code “FARM” to redeem. (All rates are subject to availability and blackout dates.)

n�Choice HotelsSave 20% off rates at almost 5,000 hotels worldwide. Ascend, Quality Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, Cambria Suites, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Mainstay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotels, EconoLodge and Rodeway Inn. For reservations call 800-258-2847 or log onto choicehotels.com. ID # 00209660.

n Wyndham Hotel Group Farm Bureau members receive a rate up to 20% off at nearly 7,400 participating hotels. Call ahead to 877-670-7088 to make reservations at Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Ramada, Travelodge, Knights Inn, Wingate Inn, Baymont Inns & Suites, Dream Hotels, Night Hotels, TryP, Super 8, Microtel, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Garden, Wyndham Grand and Hawthorn Suites (10% discount). Refer to group number 8000002603. Visit wyndham.com.waterparkofamerica.com/fbmn.

1-800-611-8258 (VALU)www.detroitlakes.com/tamaracresort

Cabins/Short Stay/New LodgeFREE WATER TOYSClean & Clear 1100 acre lakeFisherman/HuntersSpring & Fall Specials

Tamarac Resort & Campground LLC

WATERFRONT RESORTMOTEL - SUITES - COTTAGES

POOL • HOT TUB • BOATS • BIKES • TENNIS • HBO • CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

IN ROOM INTERNET AVAILABLE

7353 HWY. G • EGG HARBOR, WI 54209

Call: 1-800-257-1560WWW.SHALLOWS.COM

OR E-MAIL TO: [email protected]

in Door CountySTAY ON THE BAY!


floatrite

let’s GO!

18th Annual Detroit Lakes Festival of BirdsDetroit Mountain Recreational Area 29409 17th St, Detroit LakesMay 14 – 17

The Detroit Lakes area in Minnesota is a unique transition zone, going from tall-grass prairie to northern hardwood and conifer forest. Because of this, nearly 200 bird species come through this area mid-May during their spring migration. In recent years, some of the birds spotted have been Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Rough-legged Hawk, Chestnut-collared Longspur, LeConte’s and Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows, Rock Wren, Golden-winged and Northern Parula Warblers, Alder Flycatcher and Black-backed Woodpecker.

But you don’t have to be an expert on birds to enjoy this event! Every year, from May 14 – 17 the Detroit Mountain Recreational Area sponsors field trips, workshops, social events and exhibitors on birds, bird watching and other educational events.

Featured presenters include Carrol Henderson and Paul Baicich with their new book, “Bird Feeding in America;” Bob Janssen with his new book “Birds of MN State Parks,” along with technical advisor Carrol Henderson; and Melissa Groo, a professional nature photographer. Plus a sparrow workshop by expert Doug Buri. visitdetroitlakes.com/events/festival-of-birdsexploreminnesota.com/events/3852/detroit-lakes-festival-of-birds

Loop the Lake Festival Lake Bemidji, Sanford Center, 1111 Event Center Drive, BemidjiJune 20

Lake Bemidji, located near the town of Bemidji, is a small glacially formed lake about 11 miles in diameter. It is less than 50 miles from the Mississippi River and receives and drains water to this river.

The city of Bemidji hosts many activities on this lake and invites you to join the Loop the Lake Festival. Join us for a family-friendly bike ride around Lake Bemidji. This will be a 17-mile ride on easy, paved route with festive rest stops. There

will be a focus on bike safety and riding techniques. The city of Bemidji will have their Nice Ride bikes available for rent.

In the evening there will be activities including Movie Night at the Waterfront and a musical theater production at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse. bikebemidji.comexploreminnesota.com/events/19631/bike-

bemidji-loop-the-lake-festival

WaterFest 2015Lake Phalen in St. PaulMay 30, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Minnesota’s many lakes and rivers are one of its most popular attractions. With the rise of environmental awareness came Waterfest, an annual event on Lake Phalen in St. Paul, Minnesota. This annual event celebrates the importance of maintaining our clean watershed and offers a fun opportunity for outdoor hands-on learning about clean water, wildlife, and land and water conservation.

Some events taking place this year are Voyageur canoe and

solar pontoon boat rides; stand up paddleboards and fishing lessons. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboats will be available for check out. Enjoy other activities including a fishing contest, geocaching, climbing walls, jump castle, obstacle course, native plant give-away, Eco Arcade, live animals, water games, landscaping, watershed and art exhibits, music, dance, lakeside yoga and lots more.exploreminnesota.com/events/

19340/waterfest-2015rwmwd.org/waterfest

War of 1812 Family DayNorth West Company Fur Post. 12551 Voyageur Lane, Pine CityJune 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During the War of 1812 Minnesota played a role in the conflict with the British territories. The North West Company, located near present-day Pine City, enlisted all able bodied voyageurs to help defend the business of fur trade. Now the fur post is a preserved monument to this war, voyageurs and the early days of

Minnesota. Reenactments of the fur post

from the winter of 1804 will take place on June 6. There will be musket drills, marching in formation! There will also be a French voyageur and a British fur trade clerk to discuss what life was like back then, plus an Ojibwe encampment. The visitor center has an expansive

exhibit gallery including a 24-foot birch canoe, a 30-foot tall stone fireplace and a gift shop. The Snake River heritage trails are open year round for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing.

exploreminnesota.com/events/15108/war-of-1812-family-daysites.mnhs.org/historic-

sites/north-west-company-fur-post

MILLE LACS BAND’S ANNUAL POWWOWIskigamizigan Powwow GroundsOnamiaAug. 21-23

American Indian dancers from across the country take part in traditional dances and drum ceremonies. A grand entry takes place prior to the powwow in which dancers dressed in bright colored regalia proceed on to the powwow grounds for an opening ceremony. Contests, food, crafts, raffle drawings, adult and youth horseshoe tournaments, a parade on Saturday and a fun run sponsored by the Mille Lacs Indian Museum.exploreminnesota.com/events/7403/mille-lacs-bands-annual-pow-wow

Show & Shine Classic Car ShowSpomer Classics

May 23, 2015

UV Splash DashDowntown Worthington

June 12, 2015

Windsurfi ng Regatta & Music FestivalSailboard BeachJune 12-14, 2015

Regatta Bike RideJune 13, 2015

International FestivalJuly 10 & 11, 2015

King Turkey DaySeptember 18 & 19, 2015

Worthington Area Convention &Visitors Bureau

1121 Third AvenueWorthington, MN 56187

507-372-2919 or 800-279-2919worthingtonmnchamber.com

38th AnnualWILDER PAGEANT

Walnut Grove, MN

Tickets 888-859-3102 • walnutgrove.org

July 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 2015Ti k tt 88888 88 99 331102 l ttiTi k tt 88888 885599 331102 l tt

JJJJJJJJJJJuulyyy 100 ,,, 7 88,,, 44 55,,, 00 55JJJJJJJJJJuulyyy 100 1111,,,, 117 188,, 2244 2255,,,, 22001155“The sun goes down, the lights go up, and so begins the magic on the hillside”

0 11 1 118 24 250 11 177 18 24 25

Outdoor drama based on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Honest American value. For folks with honest

American values.It’s no accident we call ourselves AmericInn. We believe in value. Like a clean, fresh

room. A hot, homestyle breakfast. Free, hotel wide internet access. And an Easy

Rewards program—the only rewards program that pays cash for stays. All from people

you can trust. After all, we’re not just like you. We are you. Right down to our roots.

ALGONA ...........................515.295.3333

CLEAR LAKE .....................641.357.8954

FAIRFIELD ........................641.451.6600

FORT DODGE ...................515.576.2100

IOWA FALLS .....................641.648.4600

OSCEOLA .........................641.342.9400

OWATONNA .....................507.455.1142

PELLA ...............................641.621.1421

PEQUOT LAKES ...............218.568.8400

SHAKOPEE .......................952.445.6775

SILVER BAY ......................218.226.4300

ST CLOUD ........................320.253.6337

THIEF RIVER FALLS .........218. 681.4411

TOFTE ...............................218.663.7899

WACONIA .......................952. 442.8787

WHITE BEAR LAKE ...........651.429.7131

WORTHINGTON ...............507.376.4500

BLUE EARTH ....................507.526.4215

CHANHASSEN .................952.934.3888

CLOQUET .........................218.879.1231

JACKSON .........................507.847.2444

ROSEAU ...........................218.463.1045

TWO HARBORS................218.834.3000

AmericInn.com | 800.634.3444

May 2015 Voice of Agriculture

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Transcript of May 2015 Voice of Agriculture