Rural Life 2013

Rural Life

Wednesday, June 12 �■ Thursday, June 13

2013

VALLEY RURAL LIFE Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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Friday, June 141:30-4:00 p.m.

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(507) 931-3310220 South Third St. • St. Peter, MN

They are, from left, Stacey Schugel, daughter of Dan and Shelley Schugel of New Ulm (they farm near Courtland); and Megan Struss, daughter of Paul and Mary Struss of rural Courtland.

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Minnesota Valley Rural LifeA special publication of Huckle Media

PublisherStephanie Hill

Managing EditorSuzanne Rook

Media ConsultantsStephanie Hill, Sherry Wilmes, Kathleen Davies

Advertising DesignersMary Jo Blanchard, Nikkie Gilmore

Cover DesignKelly KubistaPage Design

Tony Borreson

Rural Life 2013 is distributed to subsribers and readers of Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald and St. Peter Herald at no additional charge.

All Rights Reserved. ©2013All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013 VALLEY RURAL LIFE PAGE 3

7 3

By JAMES STITT • [email protected]

A slight drizzle fell on the Le Sueur County Fair-grounds as a group of kids piled out of the 4-H Building, and ran over to a van, not to get in,

but to let something out — � ve dogs. � e dogs jumped out onto the ground, going in � ve di� erent directions as the kids grabbed the leashes trailing lazily behind them on the ground. Pulling the dogs, the kids jogged across the � eld for obedience training.

The kids, all Le Sueur County 4-Hers, bring their dogs to obedi-ence training every Monday during the summer, some in preparation for dog shows or some just for the training itself. One of the dog shows they are preparing for will take place July 26 and 27 the Le Sueur County Fairgrounds in Le Center. � e show will feature four events, one in obe-dience, one in showmanship and two in the rally format.

Dianne LeBrun, 19, from Mont-

gomery, has competed in close to 30 dog shows and she has enjoyed the time bonding with her dogs, a black lab, Jozzy, and mini Austra-lian shepherd, Mack. She said that seeing them grow has been a great experience.

“It’s a fun way to get involved with your animals,” said LeBrun. “Watching them grow and watch-ing them get better.”

Sarah Freitag, 11, and her dog bond over obedience training. (James Stitt/Le Center Leader)

Best Friends

Obedience training brings Le Sueur County 4-Hers, dogs closer together

See COMPANY Page 4


LeBrun has been training her dogs for a couple hours a week, and going to the classes for nine years. When training the dogs on her own, she takes them out and first tries to get them to listen. Then she spends time playing with them and practices “heel” and “sit.” She then practices “long sits,” where she has her dogs sit, and she goes out of sight and has them stay.

She said that training with other kids and dogs helps Jozzy and Mack deal with distractions.

It helps her work on her commu-nication with her dogs.

LeBrun won at state with her dog Jozzy when she was in 10th grade, and said that it was an un-expected moment for her. Her mother, Eve LeBrun, echoed that sentiment.

“She was standing there go-ing ‘did they forget me?’” said Eve LeBrun. “Nope, last one — cham-pion.”

Now in college, Dianne LeB-run has begun to teach other kids how to train their dogs and how to prepare for dog shows. She said that training for the shows isn’t

easy, but kids have fun and bond with their dogs.

“It’s hard work, but it’s worth it,” said Dianne LeBrun. “Don’t be afraid to try it.”

Dianne LeBrun said being a trainer for other kids has been a great experience. She enjoys passing on her knowledge to others, and has really enjoyed watching other kids grow with their dogs.

“Just watching kids grow and learn and understand has been great.” Dianne LeBrun said.

Company: Trainer has begun teaching others how to work with their dogs

Dianne LeBrun teaches other kids to train their dogs in obedience. (James Stitt/Le Center Leader)

From Page 3

DOG TRAINING TIPS

Speak: Show the puppy a treat and say “Speak!” (You may have to actually bark yourself so that he gets the idea. Do this inside so your neighbors don’t think you’ve gone to the dogs.) Once he barks, praise him.

Quiet: After the dog masters barking, really get him going. Then, suddenly bring your � nger to your lips and say “Quiet!” He will likely be startled and immediately stop barking. Reward him e� usively.

Give: To help avoid unwanted aggression and guarding behaviour, teach your puppy to hand over his toys and food. Begin by o� ering him a toy-for-food trade. Say “Give!” as you make the exchange.

Get it/leave it: Leash your dog and go for a walk. Toss a treat in front of him and say “Get it!” Once he masters this concept, try asking him to “Leave it!” Drop the treat. When he goes for it, gently bop him on the nose while saying “Leave it!” Make a game out of “getting” and “leaving”.

Sit: Place a treat in front of Zeus then gently move it upwards over his head. He’ll raise his head to follow your hand and, in the process, lower his rump. Push his hindquarters down to the ground with your free hand while saying “Sit!”

Lay: Present your pet with a treat then lower it to the ground while saying “Lay!” Try gently guiding his shoulders to the � oor. Give the reward when he lies down, even if it is only momentarily

Stay: Have your pup sit down. Back away from him a few steps while saying “Stay!” then praise him for doing just that. After a split second, reward him. Always praise him while he is still waiting, not after he gets up so that he will associate the word with the correct action.

Come: Carry treats with you throughout the day and randomly call to your pup using his name, “Mr. Bean, come!” When he races to you, reward him.

Source: Eukanuba

See COMPANY Page 5


During obedience train-ing, Dianne LeBrun works with the older and more ex-perienced kids, while trainer Ruth Schwartz works with the younger kids.

Schwartz has been the dog trainer for Le Sueur County 4-H for nine years. She start-ed out as a 4-H mom training dogs with her daughter. She said the exercises benefit the dogs as well as the kids and provides a lasting lesson.

“It is a responsibility and it takes practice to get something out of it,” said Schwartz. “And people who have pets growing up are more likely to have them when they are adults.”

They spend a couple hours a week running the dogs through different drills. They practice getting the dogs to heel and walk with their owners and do doggie push-ups (where the dogs lay down then get back up). They also do “sit” and “stay” exercises.

Schwartz said dogs that go through training see benefits beyond the obedience they learn. She said that dogs who are trained in obedience are less likely to end up in shelters.

Then the kids get a chance

to try the agility and obedi-ence drills that are used in the shows. They walk with their dogs and direct them through tunnels, over hurdles and have them sit at certain areas.

Olivia Balfanz, 10, is in her first year training her golden retriever, Ruckus. She said that

she has had a lot of fun with her dog.

“I really like dogs,” said Balfanz. “I like getting to know what his weaknesses are and make him better.”

Reporter James Stitt can be reached at 931-8572 or follow him on Twitter @LCL_j_stitt.

From Page 4

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Olivia Balfanz, age 10, is in her � rst year of obedience training with her dog Ruckus and is enjoying the bonding experience. (James Stitt/Le Center Leader)

Qualifying farms Century Farms have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years and are 50 acres or more. Century Farm families receive a commemorative sign, as well as a certi� cate signed by the State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bu-reau presidents and Gov. Mark Dayton.

Since the program began in 1976, more than 9,700 Minnesota farms have been recognized as Century Farms.

2013 Century Farm families are listed by county, then by the farm’s city, family names and year of original purchase:

Blue Earth CountyGood � under Charles H. &

Marilyn E. Barnard 1912Mankato Ronald & Elaine

Marzinske 1913Vernon Center Will & Paula

Purvis 1913Brown CountyMorgan Marjorie & Elmer

Zempel 1913New Ulm Richard Baumann

1872New Ulm Howard & Adele

Stueber 1913Sleepy Eye Gary & Rosie Hill-

esheim 1905Sleepy Eye Wiltscheck – Sell-

ner Family Farm 1912Le Sueur CountyLe Sueur Arneson Family

Farm 1882Le Sueur Randy & Ronda

Schleeve 1913Le Sueur Wesley & Patricia

Schlegel 1912Montgomery John A. & Mary

Jo Schleis 1865Waterville Schwartz-Schultz-

Nelson Farm 1911Scott CountyBelle Plaine Gloria Volek 1910Shakopee � eis Twin Farms

(Marvin and Martin � eis) 1912Sibley CountyArlington Kenneth Mueller

1873Arlington Reuben & Dorene

and Michael & Kris Willmsen 1913

Belle Plaine William & Pauline Fahey 1892

Gibbon Burton & Nancy Spaude 1913

Waseca CountyPemberton David J. Clausen

and Roger Clausen 1910Waseca Wayne & Joanne Kru-

ger 1913

More than 180 Century Farms honoredThe Le Sueur farm of Wes and Pat Schlegel has been named a 2013 Century Farm. (Stephanie Hill/St. Peter Herald)


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By BRETT NEELYMinnesota Public Radio News

WASHINGTON — �e farm bill passed a major procedural hurdle in the U.S. Senate �urs-day when a vote to end debate won approval by a wide margin. On Monday, the bill could receive a vote in the full Senate, where it is expected to pass.

But the farm bill appears to be in potentially serious trouble in the House because of a partisan battle over spending on the federal food stamp program.

�e farm bill is a much broader piece of legislation than its name suggests. In addition to crop sub-sidies and various agricultural programs, it also sets the rules for the federal food stamp program, which spends $80 billion a year.

When Congress last passed a farm bill in June 2008, President George W. Bush vetoed it on the grounds that it gave too much money to wealthy farmers. But the bill was so popular that both chambers of Congress that same day overrode Bush’s veto, which takes a two-thirds vote.

Almost exactly �ve years later, there is zero chance that the lat-

est farm bill will draw that kind of support in the U.S. House.

Privately, Democratic sources say the newest bill may only re-ceive the votes of 30 out of 201 House Democrats because the leg-islation cuts too much spending on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- nearly $21 billion over the next decade.

U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, the ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, admits he’s having trouble convincing many Democrats to back the bill. But Peterson, who co-authored the farm bill with the committee’s Republican chairman, U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma, said the GOP is also having trouble drawing support because con-servatives want even deeper food stamp cuts.

“I’ve had some Republicans tell me they only have 150 votes,” said Peterson, who represents Minne-sota’s 7th District.

If the Republican and Demo-cratic vote tallies are accurate, the farm bill is far short of the 218 votes needed to pass the House.

Worse still for Peterson and Lucas, almost anything they do to attract Democratic votes will likely

lose Republicans.If they make the bill friendlier

to the GOP, it will surely lose some of the few Democrats who support it and make negotiations with the Senate more di�cult.

�at’s not how farm bills used to work.

Traditionally, they were a bi-partisan marriage of political con-venience between urban and rural interests.

Not anymore, said veteran Congressional scholar Norm Orn-stein at the American Enterprise Institute.

“If there’s ever a case study that’s emblematic of how polar-ization and tribalization have just taken over rational policymaking or the art of the deal, it’s this one,” Ornstein said.

But things have changed since 2008.

�e recession led to a massive expansion of the program’s rolls and costs.

President Obama’s Republican critics, among them U.S. Rep. Steve King of Iowa, have sought to link the program’s growth to their ideo-logical critique of the president.

“I’m concerned about the e�ort on the part of the administration

to actively promote the expansion of dependency in this country,” King said.

Meanwhile, in�uential conser-vative political groups that have formed since 2008 have put a bullseye on the farm bill, running radio ads in some congressional districts urging voters to pressure their lawmakers to oppose the bill.

Dan Holler, communications director for Heritage Action of America, an arm of the conser-vative Heritage Foundation, said members of Congress should vote separately on issues such as crop programs and food stamps instead of casting votes on one big bill.

“We certainly think things should pass or fail on their own merits,” he said. “If somebody can go out and make a great case on why we should spent $80 billion a year on the food stamp program and they can win that public argu-ment then more power to them.”

To Ornstein, that proposition goes against the grain of how a democratic legislature works.

“You have to give members

the cover to be able to vote for a package so that they can justify the things that are unpalatable to their constituents by pointing to the things that are very popular with their constituents,” he said.

Peterson said many Democrats also have become more unwilling to cut deals.

“We’ve got in�exible folks, too -- the people saying there can’t be one penny taken out of food stamps,” he said.

Among the Democrats �ghting the food stamp cuts is Minneapolis U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the largest and most lib-eral faction of House Democrats.

“At a time when unemploy-ment is still very high, poverty is very high, wages have been stag-nant, we cannot pull the rug out from under families,” said Ellison, who represents Minnesota’s 5th District.

But Ellison sidestepped the issue of whether liberals would try to defeat the farm bill on the House �oor.

Doing so would have the e�ect of keeping food stamps at their current, higher, funding level.

“All we can do is put every bit of our energy into making this the best bill that we can before we do have to vote and make a �nal deci-sion on passage,” Ellison said.

For Peterson, who entered a very di�erent Congress in 1991, the struggle to pass a farm bill re-�ects the growing polarization of Congress and the public.

Peterson said with just 50 or so congressional districts considered competitive between the two par-ties, most members are now much more worried about ideological purity and avoiding a primary election than they are about ac-complishing anything.

“�ey’re worried about being challenged by the right or le� of their party,” Peterson said. “�at’s part of the problem.”

The House is expected to consider the farm bill the week of June 17 -- if Peterson and his allies have rounded up enough votes by then.

Farm bill heads to full Senate, House prospects dim

Nicollet County group of University of Minnesota Master Gardeners up and running, planning tours

�e Nicollet County group of University of Minnesota Master Gardeners is o� to a great start even if the gardens they tend are growing a bit slowly this spring.

�e perennial organization is ready and willing to take on your toughest garden questions free of charge. Be it end rot on your tomatoes, white �ies on your leaves, or simply choos-ing �owers with good curb appeal-give the certi�ed master gardeners a chance to help you out. �is time of the year a lot of soils are getting nutrient tested! Pick up a soil sample packet and plant with con�dence knowing you’ve fertilized your garden appropriately.

Don’t have any gardening

questions? Join the group on their educational outings. �is year, the group will visit a num-ber of area gardens and land-scaped areas including the Min-nesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska June 15, a local tree tour, Como Park Zoo and Conserva-

tory and the UMN greenhouses in September as well as a variety of private gardens throughout the season.

Contact the Nicollet County Extension O�ce in St. Peter at 507-934-0363 for more informa-tion.


507-665-3375 • 621 S. 4th St., Le Sueur, MN • www.mvhc.org

CongratulationsWesley & Patricia Schlegel

Minnesota Century Farm Family

Like a good neighbor,State Farm is there.®

Heidi Baker, Agent350 W. Derrynane, Le [email protected]

Home • Auto • Life • Farm & Ranch

Ann Porter, Agent806 N. Main Street, Le Sueur

[email protected]

In a small town it’s nice to know your neighbors

By AL BATTGuest columnist

A giant meteor hadn’t de-stroyed the earth during the night.

� at made it a good day.I stepped in a hole dug by a

badger as I chased some spar-rows across a grassy prairie while doing a bird count for a state park.

I fell, but I emerged from the adventure uninjured. I credit my ability to remain unscathed in such mishaps to a lifetime of using my shinbone as a device for � nding furniture in the dark.

It was no tornado in Okla-homa.

� at made it a good day.A Florida lottery player is

richer by $590.5 million as the winner of the highest Powerball jackpot in history.

I didn’t win because I’ve nev-er purchased a lottery ticket. � e buck stopped before it got there.

I’m ahead by a dollar.� at made for a good day.I walked through an area

with a heavy concentration of wood ticks. � at put a hop in my step. � e day was cool. Others complained about the tempera-ture.

I was happy that it wasn’t too hot.

� at made for a good day.Once upon a time, I was in-

terested in amateur radio. I built shortwave radios and antennas. Despite being a profound doo-

fus, I learned Morse Code. I transmitted text information as a series of electrical impulses by use of a telegraph key that re-sulted in standardized sequences of short and long signals called dots and dashes or dits and dahs. I sent them in an order like this, “.... . .-.. .-.. ---,” which I think means “hello,” but I’m not sure.

You see, I’ve f o r g o t t e n what Morse Code I knew.

I h a d n’t thought about my failed rec-ollection of Morse Code f o r m a n y

years until I was waiting to go on stage in Nebraska. Perform-ing ahead of me was a woman who tap danced. She was good and a tough act to follow.

� en it occurred to me that if I understood Morse Code, a tap dancer would drive me crazy.

� at made for a good day.One pleasant morning, my

wife and I went to the zoo to see the critters and the people look-ing at the critters. I had a slight sore throat. I didn’t like to whine about it, but I’m a husband. I have to whine about things. It’s not only my duty, it was a part of my wedding vows. We stopped to look at the gira� es.

I hadn’t spent much time looking up when I decided that I was pleased I wasn’t a gira� e with a sore throat.

� at made for a good day.A friend tried to talk me into

bowling. I don’t want to bowl. Bowling is a � ne sport/activity, but I bird. I’m a birder, not a bowler. I consider birding a rip-roaring good time. I’ll admit that I was weakening. I thought about becoming a bowler. I could bird while bowling.

� en I read in the newspaper about a Florida man who acci-dentally shot himself in the leg while bowling. That’s why I’m not a bowler.

� at made for a good day.Generally, I don’t compare

myself to others. I don’t believe in comparing what I do with what others do. There are in-stances when that is useful or necessary. Mostly, it serves no purpose other than to aggravate or dishearten. We are all di� er-ent. We are who we are. We do what we do. We shouldn’t en-courage comparisons.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, there were two con-temptible brothers who lived in Hartland. � ey were rich, having

obtained their money in any way possible. � e brothers attended church regularly in an e� ort to present themselves as upright citizens. A new pastor, one who believed in putting the hay down where the cows could get at it, initiated a fundraising campaign to build a new church. Not long a� er the drive had begun, one of the brothers died. � e other brother sought out the pastor the day before the funeral and gave him a check for the amount needed to � nish paying for the new building.

“I have only one condition,” he said. “At my brother’s funeral, you must say that he was a saint.”

� e pastor gave his word and deposited the check in the bank.

At the funeral, the blunt pastor didn’t hold back. “He was an evil man,” he said about the deceased. “He cheated not only in his business dealings, but in every other aspect of his life.”

The clergyman concluded by saying, “But compared to his brother, he was a saint.”

Compared to what?

Batt

The new Minnesota Grown Directory boasts a record num-ber of farms and other local listings where consumers can buy direct from the producer. The 2013-14 edition features 970 listings including wineries, farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms, Christmas tree farms and lots, garden centers, meat and dairy producers, and or-chards.

Minnesota Grown spokes-woman Jessica Miles says this is the first time the directory has been printed in full color – making it much easier for con-sumers to use.

“Each section of the directo-ry is color-coded enabling con-sumers to more quickly search listings by region,” said Miles.

Miles says Minnesota Grown partnered with the Institute for Agriculture Trade Policy (IATP) to also include farm facts and promote kid-friendly fun in the directory. Many ac-

tivities, such as planning a farm tour, are outlined throughout the directory. Parents, teach-ers and others can use these activities as a tool to introduce children to what makes agri-culture fun.

“Partnering with Minnesota Grown on the directory was a great opportunity to connect with families as we develop IATP’s new Farm to Childcare initiative,” said Erin McKee, pro-gram associate with IATP. “We think it’s very important for children get out and learn about where their food comes from.”

Printed copies of the free Minnesota Grown Directory can be ordered through Explore Minnesota Tourism by calling 1-888-TOURISM or by order-ing online at www.minnesota-grown.com. An online version of the directory is also available at www.minnesotagrown.com where users can enter their city or zip code to see a map of Min-nesota Grown farms near them.

MDA releases new edition of Minnesota Grown directory


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By JEFFREY HAHNUniversity of Minnesota Extension

Although carpenter ants can be found in homes anytime dur-ing the year, they seem particu-larly noticeable in the spring as the weather becomes warm.

Many people think of carpen-ter ants as big, black ants. And it is true the most common species here is black and approaches ½ inch in length. However, you can’t always go by size and color; there is another carpenter ant species that is red and black and about 3/16th inch long.

A more sure method is to look for a one-segmented petiole be-tween the thorax and the abdomen (ants either have a one or two seg-mented petiole. Also examine the shape of the thorax (the middle section of the body). In carpenter ants, the thorax is evenly round in pro� le while other Minnesota ants have unevenly shaped thoraxes.

Finding carpenter ants inside in the spring can mean that a nest is present there; the sooner they are present indoors with the onset of warm weather, they more likely a nest exists in your home. Also look for signs of coarse sawdust

which is a sign of a nest. If you � nd a swarm of winged carpenter ants indoors, that is a sure sign of an indoor nest. Remember that not all winged ants you see are carpenter ants so be sure they are correctly identified. If you find just one or several carpenter ant queens (winged or wingless) in y ou r h om e , they probably just wandered into your home accidentally and no nest is present.

There are two types of car-penter ant nests. Parent colonies nest in moisture damaged wood while satellites nests, o� shoots of the main colony, can nest in sound wood as well as insulation and hol-low doors. Carpenter ants have the potential to damage the wood in buildings as they excavate galleries and tunnels. Fortunately, this dam-age occurs relatively slowly and it usually takes years for it to become severe enough to be an issue.

If you believe that you have a carpenter ant nest in your home, it is very challenging to control

it yourself. It is critical to deliver insecticide to the nest; just killing the foraging workers has no im-pact on the nest. Typically baits are used for ant problems. However

the ant baits available to the general public are not suffi-ciently attrac-tive or e� ective to successfully e l iminate a carpenter ant nest.

� e best control for carpenter ants is to contact a licensed pest management service to treat the nest. An inspection is very impor-tant to � nd the foraging trails and ideally the nest(s). � ere are several options for treating the nest. Many technicians use a non-repellant re-sidual insecticide (e.g. Termidor), sprayed around the building’s ex-terior. � e carpenter ants pick up residue; take it back it to the nest where it gets spread through colo-ny, ultimately eliminating it. Tech-nicians may also set out baits to control carpenter ants. � ey have a variety of baits and the experience to choose the proper bait that will be most e� ective (it is not unusual for technicians to use more than one bait to be successful).

Keep in mind that baits take time so it is important to be pa-tient and allow carpenter ants to take back su� cient bait to control the nest. If the exact location of the nest is discovered, it can be treated directly, especially with a dust.

Carpenter ants come out in spring

MORE ON ANTSFor more information,

including preventative steps, visit www1.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/� nd/carpenter-ants/

In honor of June Dairy Month, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Freder-ickson released the annual Top 100 list of Minnesota dairy farms demonstrating superior dairy herd management skills as measured by their cows’ low somatic cell count (SCC) aver-age.

� e Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota have been working with the state’s dairy farmers for the past decade to reduce somatic cell counts and as a result, the average SCC level has dropped signi� cantly.

Somatic cell count is a key

indicator of milk quality – a lower SCC count is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life. Although somatic cells occur naturally and are not a food-safety concern, dairy farm-ers monitor them because pro-cessors will pay a premium for milk with low counts. A farmer whose herd has a very low count can receive significantly more per hundredweight compared to a farmer whose herd average is high.

When the initiative began in 2003, the SCC levels on the Top 100 list were as high as 144,000 compared to an SCC of 100,000 or below in 2012. Nineteen Min-

nesota dairies have been on the Top 100 list in at least eight out of the past 10 years.

� e farmers making the Top 100 list receive a certificate of congratulations signed by Fred-erickson.

Area farms recognized:Randy and Kathy Bauer, Le

Sueur Cheese Company, Rice County

James and Donna Hoefs, LeSueur Cheese Company, Le Sueur County

Allen and Nancy Dauer, First District Association, Nicollet County

John Wenninger, First Dis-trict Association, Sibley County

Area dairy farms among 100 honoredFour area dairy farms have been recognized for superior her management. (File photo)

Carpenter ant queen. A swarm of queens inside indicates a nest in the home. (University of Minnesota Extension photo)


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By MARK STEILMinnesota Public Radio News

Minnesota farmers are near � nishing spring planting, but it’s been a struggle. Rain has delayed work in many parts of the state. Farmers in other states face the same problem and grain traders are starting to worry that the har-vest may be a� ected.

By the beginning of June about 87 percent of Minnesota’s corn crop had been planted, be-hind the average rate of 98 per-cent planted, reports the U.S. Ag-riculture Department. Soybeans are even further behind with just over half of the crop seeded, compared to nearly 90 percent in most years.

Heavy rain in parts of the state have slowed � eld work and le� standing water in � elds.

Jim Schlegel, who farms in southeast Minnesota, which has seen some of the heaviest rain, said it has been the wettest spring he’s ever seen. � at’s saying a lot, because Schlegel is 83 years old.

“I’m one of them stubborn farmers that won’t quit,” he said.

That stubborn streak has come in handy this spring, be-cause even with the terrible weather Schlegel keeps going. He’s been able to resume plant-ing this week, but has to closely monitor his tractor so that it doesn’t get stuck in the � elds.

“I’m running into pockets it seems like that all at once you’re starting to sink,” Schlegel said. “And it’s just too much water all over the place.”

So much water that the hot joke is that farmers are seeing standing water on hillsides, Schlegel said.

But while it’s been rainy, not every part of the state has weath-er problems.

“Actually, if we can keep get-ting what we’ve been getting it would be just perfect for us,” said Francis Buschette, a retired farmer in Renville County in central Minnesota.

Buschette still keeps a close eye on crop progress in his area, but he said planting is basically finished there. The region, at least for now, has avoided the

heavy rains plaguing other parts of Minnesota, he said.

“If we can keep getting the rains and warmer temperatures there’s a very good potential of having a pretty decent crop coming up this fall,” Buschette said.

This variable weather pat-tern is being seen all across the nation’s midsection. � e wettest fields are in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and parts of Illinois. Further east, Indiana and Ohio farmers are seeing near perfect spring planting conditions. On the other hand, portions of Ne-braska and Kansas still have ex-treme or exceptional drought. � e uneven start is making grain traders nervous about the size of the fall harvest.

The possibility of reduced supplies is a� ecting grain prices, said Christian Mayer, a market advisor for grain and livestock for Northstar Commodity in Min-neapolis.

“Just a few weeks ago the corn price was quite a bit lower,” Mayer said. “Now it’s starting to work a little bit higher.”

Corn prices rose about 10 per-cent in the last week and a half, Mayer said, mainly because of weather concerns. In some places planted � elds are underwater, and may have to be replanted once the water drains. But in areas where the weather has been good, like Minnesota’s Renville County, farmers have the prospect of good crops and higher prices to bring them better profits. Buschette

said the corn he’s seen in recent days is growing nicely.

“Well, I guess it would be 4 or 5 inches tall,” Buschette said. “It looked beautiful.”

� at’s a good start, but most of the state is not that far along. Sixty percent of the Minnesota corn crop is rated in good or ex-cellent condition. Last year at this time 84 percent of the crop was judged to be in that category.

With spring planting delayed, grain markets keep an eye on crops

Heavy rains over the past few days have � ooded some � elds in southeast Minnesota. Farmers there may need a week of dry weather before they can resume spring planting. (Mark Steil/MPR News photo)


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By UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION

The snowy, rainy spring of 2013 has left many farmers making the decision to put some, or all, of their acres into the prevented plant insurance option. Although cover crops are not a require-ment of the prevented plant option, they are still a good idea to help with erosion control and weed management.

It’s important for farmers to talk with their insurance agents and local Farm Service Agency. Understand and follow the prevented plant rules to ensure pay-ment. Remember, there may be differ-ences depending on your state or even your county.

Planting date of the cover crop will be important for selection. A June or early-July planting date works best with warm-season grasses like sorghum, sorghum-sudan grass and the millets. If left to grow through the fall, these species can reach heights of six to eight feet and produce quite a bit of above ground biomass.

Oats, wheat, annual ryegrass, the clovers, tillage radish and the like of-ten have an August planting date. What about a July planting date? These spe-

cies should deal well with hot summer weather. The question is the timing of physiological maturity. Some plants may mature and go to seed before a killing fall frost. If this happens, tillage and/or herbicide will terminate any volunteers.

Regardless of what cover crop is cho-sen, there are a few things to remember.

Prevented plant at 60 percent of the guarantee does not allow for grazing or haying of a cover crop before November 1. The cover crop can be terminated via tillage or herbicide before then, how-ever.

If haying or grazing is needed, there is a “second crop” option that will allow it. The prevented plant payment is de-creased to 35% of the guarantee.

Check with the Farm Service Agency to find what cover crop species are ac-ceptable for prevented plant acres. Crops that can be insured (such as soybeans or alfalfa) are usually not considered ac-ceptable for the 60 percent payment.

Order, and get delivered, the cover crop seed as soon as possible. Spring 2013 already has seen supplies decreas-ing and prices increasing.

Again, remember to talk with your insurance agent and Farm Service Agen-cy before making any decision.

Cover crops for prevented plant acres� e Minnesota Department of Ag-

riculture (MDA) reminds homeowners to properly follow label directions when applying lawn and garden pesticides and fertilizers this spring. Whether home-owners are applying these products themselves or hiring a professional to do the job, lawn and garden products must be handled with care.

When applying pesticides and fertil-izers, homeowners should � rst read the product labels that specify how to use the product safely, e� ectively, and legally. Applying pesticides, fertilizers, or weed and feed products that contain both a pesticide and a fertilizer in a manner inconsistent with label directions is a violation of the law.

When hiring a professional lawn care provider to apply lawn care products, MDA advises homeowners to make sure these professionals are licensed. State law requires commercial applica-tors to be licensed by MDA. To obtain a license, applicators must demonstrate the necessary quali� cations, knowledge and training to apply pesticides and fer-tilizers safely, e� ectively, and according to the law.

Whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring a professional, follow

these tips to help ensure lawn, garden and tree-care services are performed correctly:

Buy only what you need and store unused product safely.

Do not apply chemicals if the weath-er conditions are not right. For example, high wind can cause products to dri� o� -site and potentially harm people or plants.

Sweep up any dry product from side-walks or other hard surfaces and reapply it to the intended site.

Ask to see the professional applica-tor’s license before they start working. � ey must carry a valid license ID card.

Be wary of people who make prom-ises that sound too good to be true, claim their products are completely safe or pressure you to commit to or sign a

service contract.Note warning signs/flags that are

posted on a lawn near the sidewalk or street and at entry points on recreational property to alert people that a treatment was made to the area.

Review written application records and/or invoices provided by applicators to document their work, including prod-ucts used and sites applied.

Consumers can call the Better Busi-ness Bureau 800-646-6222 and ask for a customer satisfaction history about lawn care companies. For information about applicator licenses, call MDA at 651-201-6615. To report an unlicensed person making a pesticide or fertilizer applica-tion, please � le a complaint on the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us.

Use lawn pesticides, fertilizers with care

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By JENNIFER VOGELMinnesota Public Radio News

MORRIS, Minn – Lucky for small towns, many of the things they do best, like grow-ing local food and wine and making things by hand, are now in vogue. That was the message at a f i l led-to-the-brim seminar on tourism and rural economies during the fi-nal day of the two-day Rural Arts and Culture Summit at the University of Minnesota Morris.

“Slow travel,” was the con-cept emphasized by Deborah McLaren, a consultant with St. Paul-based f irm, Local Flavor. “It’s based on the slow food movement,” she said. “It means slowing down to enjoy your food, knowing where it comes from and meeting the people who raised it or cooked it or brewed it. It means slow-ing to the pace of a commu-nity. People want to come to your community and do these things.”

She said slow travel, where tourists lollygag around sam-pling the local specialties, is huge in Europe, Asia and Af-

rica.McLaren suggested that

small towns emphasize their foo d, natura l landscap es , bike trails, cultural heritage and artisans in order to draw tourists from the cities and energize locals to support the small businesses in their midst.

“There are growing num-bers of local food festivals in Minnesota,” she said, men-tioning a restaurant walking tour in Stillwater, the Meander art crawl (which also features food) along the Minnesota River in the western part of the state and others.

The tourism industry in the state last year brought in almost $12 billion in gross sales, she said. “I want more of that to go into your own pockets.”

Emphasizing what’s local and unique – such as barns in Caledonia, in the southeastern corner of the state, painted with traditional quilt patterns – represents the “epitome of sustainable tourism,” she said.

Work ing w it h ex is t ing wineries is another way to go, according to Local Flavor

consultant Kent Gustafson. He said there are currently five wine trails in Minnesota and more than 40 wineries. People who drink wine tend to like art and local food as well.

“There are a number of events that take place during wine trail weekends,” he said. “This can be a vehicle for you as artists in a variety of ways. They host different genres of music. They pair local food with their wines. There are art fairs and exhibitions.”

The key, McLaren said, is collaboration. Maybe one town in an area has a good res-taurant and another has a bed and breakfast. They should work together.

“Relationships are going from competitive to more co-operative,” she said. “Market-ing and business, everything is becoming more cooperative.”

If the old model was top down, “the new model is the bazaar, an integrated place where people work togeth-er,” McLaren said. “Maybe two people have the same products, but they are in the same bazaar, so they all do better.”

Slow food, slow travel could build rural tourism By DAVID NICOLAI

and DOUG HOLEN, Extension Educators — Crops

The University of Minne-sota Extension Forage Team has developed a list of resources available to livestock and alfalfa producers a� ected by the recent alfalfa winter injury and winter-kill in 2013. � ese resources are available at the U of MN Exten-sion crops website http://www1.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/crops/spring-issues/

Reports of winter injury and winterkill of alfalfa continue to intensify across parts of south-ern Minnesota. Producers are examining options in light of their field assessment and in-ventory; many are faced with purchasing hay or growing some type of emergency forage crop. Livestock producers will need to carefully consider short and long-term inventory needs and then manage the damaged alfalfa

to get as much tonnage and qual-ity as possible. � e University of Minnesota Winter Injury article for livestock producers which is located on-line at the U of MN extension crops web site includes information on Forage Inventory Management, Feeding , Animal and Forage Cropping Options.

� e University of Minnesota and Wisconsin Forage Teams are collaboratively working to better understand the scope, severity and causes of this year’s alfalfa winter injury that has been re-ported throughout the two states

We are asking all Minnesota and Wisconsin alfalfa and hay producers to complete a brief 12 question survey before Friday, June 13. Please answer all ques-tions, and then select “Done” and your answers will be re-corded. � e survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/alfalfainjury2013. One survey per farm is su� cient. (in-dividual survey results are con� -

dential and only bulk represented by county and state.)

We will share the summa-rized survey results at future Minnesota and Wisconsin for-age programs.

In addition to the forage pro-ducer survey we have developed a specific alfalfa winter injury survey for crop consultants and ag professionals to better un-derstand the scope, severity and causes of this year’s alfalfa win-ter injury that has been reported throughout Minnesota from their unique perspective as consultants to forage producers available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2013alfalfainjuryconsultant

Again this consultant survey will help researchers and exten-sion personnel to better under-stand this year’s alfalfa winter injury that has been reported throughout Minnesota thus helping with future recommen-dations for similar winter injury events.

U of M Extension launches websites for alfafa weather damage


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