spring ag 2015

SpringSpringSpringSpringSpringAgricultureAgriculture

2015

March 18 & 19, 2015

SPRING AG Wednesday, March 18 & Thursday, March 19, 2015

We’re Committed toWe’re Committed to

AgricultureAgriculture

Ken Rossow, Senior Vice President-Ag Lending (left) & Gary Miller, Vice President

Nicollet County Bank Ag Lending Officers

Ken Rossow and Gary Miller both grew up on farms in southern Minnesota.

Working in the field and with livestock, they learned at an early age what farming is all about.

They continued their agricultural education through universities, classes and agricultural schools.

Nicollet County Bank is proud to have two lending officers with their educational backgrounds as well as their genuine

knowledge and deep interest in farming and agricultural lending. They are active in our community and go the “extra

mile” to serve our customers.

Stop by or call 931-3310 for an appointment to visit with Ken or Gary about all your farm business financial planning. They are

committed to agriculture, and they are committed to you.

220 S. Third Street • St. Peter, MN • (507) 931-3310

Like us on Facebook!

www.nicolletcountybank.com

Published by:

St. Peter Herald311 S. Minnesota Ave, St. Peter, MN 56082

507-931-4520 • Fax: 507-931-4522 Le Sueur News-Herald

101B Bridge Street, Le Sueur, MN 56058507-665-3332 • Fax: 507-665-3334

Le Center Leader62 East Minnesota Street, Le Center, MN 56057

507-357-2233 • Fax: 507-357-6656

www.stpeterherald.com www.lecenter.com

www.lesueurnews-herald.com

Cover Design: Nikkie GilmoreAd Design: Nikkie Gilmore, Mary Jo Blanchard

©2015

SpringSpringSpringSpringSpringAgricultureAgriculture

2015

March 18 & 19, 2015

Wednesday, March 18 & Thursday, March 19, 2015 SPRING AG PAGE 3

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BY RONDA ADDY

When two or more crops are cultivated at the same time on a � eld, the process is called intercropping. The theory be-hind intercropping is that the crops planted aren't likely to be plagued by the same insect pests and diseases, raising the poten-tial for growth.

� e concept of intercropping has been around for some time. In the South, velvet beans or cowpeas were planted in stand-ing corn in rows wide enough to let the sunlight in. � e beans or peas would climb the cornstalks, allowing them to be harvested together in the fall and saving on manual labor.

Deciding what crops to plant in intercropping requires care-ful consideration of a number of factors, including the climate and soil. � e crops used can be from di� erent plant families or di� erent varieties of the same crop species as long as they don't compete with each other for water, nutrients, sunlight or space. One crop will be more important than the other due to its contribution to food produc-tion. However, because one crop will mature before the other, the competition between the two will be reduced.

There is more than one method of intercropping. Some of these include: • Mixed or multiple intercropping, in which two or more crops are grown on

the � eld at the same time with-out any row arrangement. • Relay intercropping, in which the sec-ond crop is planted with the � rst crop in its reproductive stage but before harvesting. • Row inter-cropping, in which two or more crops are grown at the same time with at least one of them planted in rows. • Strip intercropping, in which two or more crops are planted together in strips wide enough to allow machine crop production but close enough to interact. � ere are two types of strip intercropping. Contour strip cropping follows the layout of a rotational sequence and the contour of the � eld during till-age. Field strip cropping follows the general slope of the land with strips of the same width.

� e bene� ts of intercropping are numerous. Some of these include: • Reduction of insect pests • Reduction of plant dis-eases • Reduction of weeds • Reduction in hillside erosion • Increased topsoil protection • Attraction of benefi cial insects • Better use of farm area • Better production and pro� tability

Although intercropping is most common on farms, it can also be done in backyard gardens through companion planting. Planting � owers or herbs among vegetables with the same nutrient and moisture needs can add color to the garden and attract more bene� cial insects than harmful ones. Isn't that something?

Grown Together BY TRESA ERICK-SON

C e n -turies ago, S p a n i s h e x p l ore r s discovered sweet po-tatoes on their travels through the West Indies. They liked the sweet potatoes so much that they decid-ed to bring them back to Sp ain . Years later when white potatoes, or “papas” as they were called, were introduced in Sp ain ,


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BY TRESA ERICKSON

Centuries ago, Spanish ex-plorers discovered sweet potatoes on their travels through the West Indies. �ey liked the sweet po-tatoes so much that they decid-ed to bring them back to Spain. Years later when white potatoes, or “papas” as they were called, were introduced in Spain, many assumed the two types of pota-toes were related, but they were wrong. Sweet potatoes belong to the morning glory family, and white potatoes to the nightshade family. If the white potato isn’t related to the sweet potato, where does it come from and how did it get to the United States?

�e Irish white potato that we eat today was born high in the Andes Mountains on the Titicaca Plateau, stretching across Peru and Bolivia. �ere, Aymara In-dians developed more than 200 varieties of the potato. It became a staple in the Aymara diet as well as in the Incan, Mochia and Chimu diets.

In the 1500s, Spanish con-quistadors discovered the pota-to in South America while they were searching for gold, and brought it back with them. It took some time, however, before the potato was appreciated in other parts of Europe. Because it was a member of the nightshade family, a group including some poison-ous plants, many feared it. Oth-ers recognized the potato for its medicinal purposes, and believed it could cure a wide array of ill-nesses, including tuberculosis.

�e potato slowly spread to the Low Countries and Switzer-land, and in 1620, was introduced to Prussia, where it was recog-nized for its nutritional value. To combat the famine spread-ing across Prussia, Frederick the Great ordered his people to plant potato crops. Many Prus-sians, however, feared the potato and refused to grow it. Frederick the Great retaliated by threaten-ing to cut o� the nose and ears of anyone who disobeyed his or-

ders. By 1756, the beginning of the Seven Years War, the potato had become a staple in the Prus-sian diet.

During the Seven Years War, a young French chemist, An-toine Augustin Parmentier, was imprisoned in Prussia. While there, he subsisted on potatoes. Claiming that the potato was the reason for his survival, Parmen-tier fought hard upon his release to popularize it in his country. He convinced King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette to encourage farmers to grow the potato, and to ease the fears of his peers, he shared potato dishes with sev-eral highly respected government leaders, including Benjamin Franklin. His campaign worked, and by the late 1700s, the po-tato had become a staple in the French diet.

Europeans made several at-tempts to introduce the potato to the United States throughout the 1600s, but it didn’t take hold un-til 1719, when Irish immigrants

brought the potato to London-berry, NH. �e immigrants dis-covered the crop grew as well in the colonies as it did in Ireland. �eir success with growing the potato prompted other colonists to try it, and before long, it be-came the second largest crop in the colonies. However, the potato

was still used primarily to feed animals and did not become a staple in the American diet until the late 1800s with the help of �omas Je�erson.

While serving as the Ameri-can minister to France, Je�erson developed a taste for French

cooking, especially their potato dishes. As president, he intro-duced a wide variety of potato dishes at various dinners and was the �rst to serve French fries. Be-cause of his in�uence, the potato became popular in American cuisine.

Potatoes: From �e Andes To �e States


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By MARK STEILMinnesota Public Radio News

St. James, Minn. – Corn is Minnesota’s biggest cash crop, and in recent years it has de-livered big returns to the state’s farmers.

But this year, most corn farm-ers are expected to lose money. That’s causing a lot of concern among farmers as they negoti-ate spring planting loans with lenders.

“It’s a bad situation here this year,” said Duane Ommodt, who farms in Watonwan County southwest of Mankato. “Virtually everybody is going to lose money. It’s a bad deal.”

Ommodt said some farmers could lose as much as $300 on each acre of corn they plant. If that happens, even medium-sized Minnesota farms could see the revenue they earn from selling the crop fall more than $100,000 short of what it cost to plant the corn.

�e problem is unpro�table crop prices. Several years ago, corn prices were as high as $8 a bushel, and soybeans nearly $18 a bushel.

But today, a bushel of corn sells for less than $4 and soy-beans less than $10, said David Bau with the University of Min-nesota extension.

“Both prices are losing propo-sitions today on the farming out-look,” Bau said.

As spring planting looms, the gloomy picture is a problem for farmers and lenders alike.

John Bhend, an agriculture business banker for Bremer Bank in Austin, Minn., said farmers are closely examining their seed, fer-tilizer and other spring planting

costs.“[They want] to make sure

it’s a necessity and not a conve-nience,” Bhend said. “To try and keep their cost of production as reasonable as possible, without reducing yields.”

Bhend said many farmers hope to cut expenses by nego-tiating lower land rents. Some have been successful, but the re-ductions have been fairly small, mostly under 10 percent, he said.

Among the factors keep rent costs high are land costs. Despite reduced farm pro�ts last year, a University of Minnesota study shows that through the end of last September, median farmland prices across the state increased about 5 percent over the previ-ous year.

In part, Bhend said, that owes to the fact that some sectors of the farm economy have prospered.

“The livestock industry has been very, very good in the past two years,” Bhend said. “And if there’s been a parcel of ground that’s come up for sale, amongst a group of livestock producers ... we’ve actually seen guys bid very aggressively.”

Just when crop farmers will have another pro�table harvest is uncertain.

Bhend expects most will survive this year’s low corn and soybean prices, cushioned from disaster by the big profits they earned during a run of record income years that ended in 2012. He said most used the extra cash to pay down debt.

During a down economic year like the one farmers are facing now, Bhend said, that’s equity they can tap.

“They’re taking the atti-tude that they’re going to work

through it, and they’re going to be okay on the back side,” he said.

If grain prices stay low into next year, some farmers will have to make di�cult decisions.

Ommodt, the St. James farm-er, holds out hope that he may at least break even because some of his costs, like land rent, are lower than most other farmers. He’s also fortunate that his yields gener-ally are higher than most of his neighbors.

At 64, he may not farm an-

other year if he doesn’t at least break even this year.

Breaking even, Ommodt said, is not good news, since it doesn’t provide money for living expenses.

“A guy should eat once in a while,” he said.

Reach Regional Managing Editor Suzanne Rook at 507-931-8567. Follow her on Twitter @rooksuzy

As corn prices fall, Minnesota farms worry about the future

Duane Ommodt works on a tractor in a shop on his farm near St. James in southern Minnesota. Ommodt says low grain prices means this year probably will be a money loser for most farmers.(Mark Steil/MPR News)


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Crop and livestock produc-ers can play an important role in promoting and de� ning the future of agricultural retention in their respective counties.

Crop and livestock producers can also be proponents of agricul-tural industry development and re-development, locally and on a statewide basis. While each coun-ty functions di� erently in regards to agricultural promotion and de-velopment, the following concepts can be considered to encourage crop and livestock producers to become involved at the local level.

Get involved with producer groupsBeing involved with crop and

livestock producer groups will help you stay informed about a variety of agricultural issues at the local, state and federal levels. When your producer group has events, be sure to get involved. For a listing of crop and livestock producer groups, please visit the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council.

Get involved with local government

Most counties have various opportunities for crop and live-stock producers to get involved with local government. For ex-ample, some counties implement ordinance review committees when ordinance revisions are be-ing developed. Other opportuni-ties for involvement may include

participation on your:Local Planning CommissionBoard of AdjustmentFeedlot Review CommitteeComprehensive Local Water

Management Plan Advisory Com-mittee

Being involved at the local level will allow you to keep in-formed about agricultural issues and will give you a voice for the future and vision of agriculture in your county.

Join or start an agricultural advisory committee

A committee such as this can be developed to provide guidance to local policy makers regarding crop, livestock, feedlot and re-lated agricultural issues. Gener-ally, these types of committees are comprised of crop and livestock producers and individuals that represent various sectors within the agricultural community. Counties that have an agricul-tural advisory committee include Kandiyohi, Ottertail and Stearns Counties.

Get involved with your lo-cal chamber of commerce

Local chambers of commerce can be a valuable asset to crop and livestock producers. Agricultural production is an important and large part of local economic en-gines. Being involved in your local chamber will provide opportuni-ties for your voice to be heard as a

business owner – one that contrib-utes to the economic well being of your county and city.

Become involved with your local or regional economic de-velopment commission, initia-tive foundation and Resource Conservation and Develop-ment (RC & D) area.

A number of opportunities exist through these types of or-ganizations for you to become involved with local and regional economic development issues that focus on a variety of issues related to:

• Renewable Energy• Agriculture• Natural Resources and Water Quality• Job Creation and Retention• Rural Health Care• Labor Force IssuesVisit the following websites

for more information about their organizations and how to become involved with them:

Minnesota Regional Develop-ment Commissions

Minnesota Initiative Founda-tions

Resource Conservation and Development Areas

Get involved with your Soil and Water Conservation Dis-trict (SWCD)

Being involved on an SWCD board is bene� cial and can be a

valuable and rewarding experi-ence. Also, participation on local Farm Service Agency boards and Local Work Groups organized by the Natural Resources Conser-vation Service at the local level can provide you with direct in-sight into federal farm programs and conservation priorities. An SWCD can provide cost-share and technical assistance to crop and livestock producers for imple-menting a wide variety of conser-vation practices. More informa-tion about SWCDs in Minnesota.

Get to know your local County Feedlot O� cer

The CFOs across the state are organized via the Minnesota Association of County Feedlot O� cers. Currently there are 55 counties that are delegated to administer the state feedlot pro-gram. CFOs provide direct as-sistance to livestock producers in regards to feedlot permits and feedlot re-registration.

Obtaining feedlot permits and re-registering your livestock operation is important. You can keep abreast of current rules and regulations by visiting with your CFO. Also, if you are a dairy, beef or pork producer, environmental quality assurance programs are in place to promote compliance with state feedlot rules. More in-formation about the county feed-lot program.

Getting involved at the local level

BY TRESA ERICKSON

You don't farm on a wide scale, but you have a decent-sized truck patch that you � ll with all kinds of produce each year. You usually end up with more than enough food to � ll your family's freezers and cabinets, and this year, you have decided to sell the surplus at the local farmer's market.

Farmer's markets can be a

great place to sell produce, cra� s and other items. In order to be successful, you need to bring your best goods and people and set up an attractive display. If your prod-ucts and service don't appeal to buyers, you won't sell a thing.

The best displays are clean, well stocked and easy to maneu-ver through. You may use tables, crates, baskets and the like to dis-play your goods. Just make sure

Set Up To Sell

Continued ON Page 13


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BY RONDA ADDY

Anyone familiar with farming has probably heard of multiple peril crop insurance (MPCI), but for those of you who haven't, it is a form of federal crop insurance that provides protection against weather-related losses and other unavoidable perils. � e insurance is available through the Federal Crop Insurance Program, which is underwritten by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) and sold and serviced through private insurance com-panies.

MPCI policies apply to a variety of crops. Some of these include: • Apples • Almonds • Barley • Beans (canning and processing) • Canola • Citrus and citrus trees • Corn • Upland and extra-long staple cotton • Cranberries • Dry beans • Figs • Flax • Florida fruit trees • Grain sorghum • Millet • Oats • Peach-es • Peanuts • Peas • Peppers • Plums • Popcorn • Potatoes • Prunes • Raisins • Rice • Rye • Safflower • Soybeans • Stone fruit • Sugar beets • Sugarcane • Sunflower seeds • Sweet corn

(fresh market and canning) • To-bacco • Tomatoes (fresh market and canning and processing) • Walnuts • Wheat

MPCI policies typically cover damage caused by drought, earth-quakes, excessive moisture, exces-sive temperatures during pollina-tion, � re, � ood, frost/freeze, hail, insect infestation, lightning, plant disease, tornadoes, wildlife dam-age and wind. Policies do not cov-er damage caused by a number of other factors, including poor farming practices, the� and low commodity prices.

MPCI policies also cover re-planting, planting and late plant-ing situations. In the event of late planting, there is a 25-day period. In the event crops can't be planted in a � eld, no other crops can be planted except for forage crops.

� e amount of MPCI cover-age is based on the levels of yield and price coverage chosen. � e insurance yield is based on the actual production history (APH), an estimate of the actual yield on the crop based on a four to 10 consecutive year production record period. The amount of coverage for crops can be 50 to

85 percent of the APH. � e yield guarantee per acre is equal to the APH insurance yield multiplied by the level of coverage chosen.

MPCI policies stay in e� ect until cancelled in writing a� er the first effective crop year but be-fore the cancellation date. Policy changes must be requested before the sales closing date. Coverage can be increased before the sales closing date of the applicable crop. Other changes such as ad-dress or name corrections can be made anytime. Every year a signed acreage report by unit for each insured crop is submitted before the acreage reporting date for the insured crop.

The cost of crop insurance varies according to the coverage level chosen, the loss history for the county the farm is located in and the APH yield. If crop dam-age occurs, it should be reported immediately to the insurance provider.

With the variety of coverage, features and unit designations, MPCI is a good way to protect cash � ow. Anyone wanting more detailed information should con-tact their local insurance agent.

A Little Peace Of Mind Composting is a common way

to make good use of food le� overs and other organic debris, but now a technique known as vermicom-posting is increasing in popular-ity in the U.S. Using harmless red earthworms (Eisenia foetida) to efficiently break down the food matter, this simple composting technique can be adapted by any household. It is also being used more and more by organic farm-ers who have decided to start pro-ducing their own vermicompost as well as raising their own worms.

Cuba and India are coming to be known as leaders in this area because of their warm climates.

Over the past decade, farmers in Australia and on the west coast of the United States have also in-creased their use of vermicompost-ing, leading to a boom in industries directly related to vermicompost-ing in their respective regions.

But what is the advantage be-hind such a technique? Apart from the fact that vermicompost is su-perior to conventional compost, farmers can use the worms for oth-er purposes, such as feeding ani-mals. Additional income is another possibility for organic farmers who embark on this venture. Diff erent systems of vermicomposting are available to farmers: pits or bins,

windrows (static piles of mixed manure and bedding materials), and continuous � ow reactors.

Once your chosen method of vermicomposting has been set up, you’ll be able to see for yourself all the benefits that vermicompost brings to your crops. For example, vermicompost o� ers a higher con-tent of assimilated nutrients, pro-vides plants with better protection against disease, and repels pests. And because it is clean and socially acceptable, unlike the spreading of traditional manure, vermicompost opens up interesting avenues of op-portunity for farmers.

Vermicomposting on the farm


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Come in and secure your Precision spacing tools today for a maximum yield this fall. Ask about managing depth and germination, too.

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BY RONDA ADDY

When you buy anything used, you’re taking a gamble that what-ever you purchase will last longer than the time it takes you to get it home. When you’re talking about something small, the fact that it could turn out to be a lemon may not seem like a big deal, but when you’re talking about something as large as a tractor, that’s an entirely di�erent matter. Here are some pointers on buying a good used tractor.

On the day of the sale, most tractors are sold “ride and drive,” which means that you can drive the tractor after you buy it to make sure the block is solid, the di�erential is �ne and the trans-mission works. If you �nd some-thing wrong with any of these three, you are not obligated to buy the tractor. If, however, you �nd something else wrong, you must go forward with your pur-

chase and buy the tractor as is. To ensure the latter doesn’t happen to you, check out the tractor care-fully before you bid on it.

Here are some other impor-tant tips to ensure you buy a good used tractor:

• Check the dealer’s suggested retail price for the tractor and don’t go above it.

• Check with the owner to find out why the tractor is being sold and ask to see the maintenance records.

• Check with the dealership regarding service and replacement parts for the tractor.

• Check that the tractor hasn’t been stolen or mortgaged.

• Check the transmission, brakes, clutch, exhaust, air intake, steering and gauges when taking the tractor for a test drive.

• Check the engine for smoke or knocks.

• Check the overall appear-ance of the tractor. Look for new welds, rust, holes, cracked hoses

and belts, faded paint, caked-on dirt and loose nuts. Make sure that any body repairs have been done properly.

• Check the cooling system for rust and contamination.

• Check the air filter for leaks in the seals, intake hoses and con-nections.

• Check the tires for cuts, breaks or cracks.

• Check the grease fittings to see if a grease gun has been used.

• Check the hydraulic oil pres-sure and �ow.

• Check the oil for signs of age and leaks. While you’re at it, in-spect the rings, valves, bearings and cylinder walls for excessive wear.

• Check the hydraulic connec-tions for contaminated plugs.

• Check the front wheel ro-tation. Jack up the machine and rotate the front tires, looking for side clearance in the seals and bearings.

• Check the hydraulic and transmission �uid for contami-

nation and �lings.• Check the bearings, pulleys,

chains, shafts and bushings for excessive clearance, and the belts and pulleys for alignment. Make sure there is no excessive vibration in any of these areas.

• Check the hydraulic lift.

Keep in mind that it may run �ne without anything on it, so add some weight to it and test it out. If the tractor has remote hoses, ac-tivate the remote hose spools with the motor running. If you hear them lug down the motor, there’s a good chance the li� is �ne.

When buying a tractor at auc-tion, there is no sure�re way to guarantee you won’t get burned. Going in armed with the knowl-edge of what to look for, however, may help you avoid coming away with a lemon.

Be On �e Lookout


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Mercury Containing Devices (Thermometers, etc.)Fluorescent Bulbs (From households only)

BY TRESA ERICKSON

It’s Sunday afternoon, and you’re getting ready for the game. You’ve got the remote, the chips and the soda. You flop into the recliner and switch on the TV. Miles away, a satellite dish re-ceives a signal from a satellite in space and transforms it into the game you are about to watch. At a farm across town, a similar event is taking place. A combine antenna receives a signal from a satellite in space and transfers it to a computer, providing the farmer with information about his �elds, including the exact location of the combine. �e farmer is engaged in precision farming.

In precision farming, satel-lites collect data about a farm and transfer it back to the farmer on his computer. �e farmer can then analyze the data himself or hire a company to do it for him. Some farmers have already benefited from the use of this technology. Images from the satellites Land-sat and SPOT have been used to identify areas that are under stress

on a farm. However, the cost to obtain these images is high. To monitor by satellite the conditions of a typical 2,500 acre farm in the Midwest, a farmer would have to pay $3,500 every two weeks. Most farmers cannot a�ord this, so re-searchers are looking into ways to make the technology more af-fordable.

Because it is so costly, preci-sion farming is more popular in the West where farms are larger. �ere, most farmers use Global Positioning Sensing (GPS), a se-ries of military satellites that iden-tify the location of farm equip-ment within a meter of the actual site in the �eld.

Pinpointing the location of a piece of equipment can help farm-ers determine the quality of the land in that location. In the spring, the farmer’s �elds are mapped out on a computer, and each �eld map is transformed into a �eld grid. At harvesttime, satellite signals de-termine the location of the com-bine on the �eld grid. Meanwhile, the combine’s computer gathers

yield data for each square in the grid. As the data is analyzed, the farmer may discover a di�erence in yields among the squares in the grid. While one square may have produced 175 bushels of beans per acre, another might have only pro-duced 150 bushels per acre. �e farmer can then test the soil in each of the squares to determine the reason for the di�erent yields. �e square that produced more, for example, may have more nu-trients than the one that produced less.

The typical farmer has too many acres to test, but with pre-cision farming, he can pinpoint areas that need testing and then adjust his practices to meet the needs of those areas. For example, a�er discovering that a particu-lar square produced less because it lacked nutrients, he can take that knowledge and apply it to the crops in the fall. Armed with a computerized soil map of his �eld and satellite signals indicat-ing where he is in the field, the farmer can add more fertilizer to the area of the �eld that needs it

when he comes to it.Farmers who use precision

farming tend to have a better idea of what it takes to produce the greatest yields. �ey rarely pur-chase more supplies than neces-sary and use them only where needed, saving time and money. However, precision farming isn’t as easy as it sounds. Farmers may know which squares to test, but determining why those squares are bearing smaller yields can be difficult. Factors, like nitro-gen levels in the soil, fluctuate throughout the season, so it may

take months before the cause is pinpointed. Even if the cause is determined, deciding how to cor-rect the problem can be di�cult.

Precision farming requires a lot of intensive labor, including �eld mapping, soil testing, data analysis and record keeping, an-other reason small farmers choose not to do it. �ose who do use it, however, bene�t and may bene�t even more in the future with the addition of geographic informa-tion systems (GIS) to GPS. Several companies are now marketing GIS

record keeping systems that allow farmers to record details, such as the type of equipment used and the weather at the time, and per-sonal notes as well, such as an in-crease in weed growth. �is infor-mation is combined with the GPS data and documented in the GIS system for the farmer’s future use.

As the technology becomes more a�ordable, precision farm-ing will become a way of life for many farmers in the future. �ose who once farmed by the mile may soon be farming by the foot.

Farming By Satellite


Understanding the process of soil formation teaches us that it is not everlasting and that bet-ter methods of soil management have to be developed. �e type of soil depends on the ambient ma-terials and micro-environmental conditions. Soil materials as well as environmental factors such as drainage, rainfall, difference in altitude, temperature, and veg-etation all determine the type of soil and the speed of its formation.

�e organic material of soil is formed by the accumulation of plant and animal residues at dif-

ferent stages of decomposition. As these materials are being continu-ously degraded by microorgan-isms in the soil, which contains billions of bacteria. �is organic matter is transient and should be regularly renewed with the addi-tion of new plants or new animal residues.

�e percentage of organic mat-ter in soil is low, but it plays an im-portant role in soil properties and plant development. It improves soil structure and assists, among other things, in the granulation of mineral particles. It improves

the water retention capacities of the soil and plant production. It is also a source of nutrients, pro-viding mineral elements such as phosphorous, sulphur, and nitro-gen. Lastly, it is also the principle source of energy for soil organ-isms.

Soil conditions have to allow for the absorption of these nutri-ents by root systems. In order to create these conditions, the fol-lowing basic soil needs have to be met: soil aeration, water, de-composition of residues, and soil fertility.

Understanding soil formation BY RONDA ADDY

One of the latest trends in farming is specialty crops, which are pro�table crops grown on lim-ited acreage by a small number of farmers. Growing specialty crops is not for everyone. Before you make the decision, there are sever-al factors that you must consider.

Before you commit to rais-ing specialty crops, you need to ask yourself a series of questions. �ese include:

• Do you know for certain that there is a market for specialty crops in your area?

• Do you have the time, mon-ey, equipment and land to follow through once you get started?

• Do you feel like you can sus-tain your interest when things go wrong?

• Do you have the labor need-ed to harvest the crops, or will you need to hire others to help you? Can you a�ord to hire others?

• Do you get along with people well enough to sell the crops your-self, or will you need to hire some-one to sell them? Can you a�ord to hire someone?

• Do you have a way to get the crops to buyers?

Before planting any crops,

you must check your site and make sure it has good soil, suf-ficient drainage and access to quality water. If it does not, you will need to make the necessary adjustments. You must also �nd out what the seasonal water table is like and what kind of wildlife roam the area. Keep in mind that there may be wildlife that could either be harmed by your crops or damage your crops. In either case, you will need to take steps to protect your crops from contact with wildlife.

When planning crops, you must find out which ones cus-tomers are likely to buy and buy o�en. Apples, cucumbers, sum-mer squash and tomatoes are good candidates for consideration. Popular seasonal items include as-paragus, peaches, sweet corn and strawberries. Ask around to see if there is someone who would be willing to supply you with other types of crops. Avoid going all out and growing lots of crops. Focus on a few and learn everything you can about them before branching out. Of those few, find one that you can grow very well and make it your signature crop.

Specialty crops in general re-quire more delicate handling at harvest than regular produce.

Here are some tips for handling specialty crops:

• Harvest crops at optimum maturity to ensure the best taste.

• Handle crops gently.• Store harvested crops out of

the sun and keep them as cool as possible.

• Know the handling and mar-ket requirements of crops.

• Keep harvesting operations simple and the packing line clean and uncomplicated.

• Carefully package harvested crops.

• Secure packaged crops when transporting them.

�e decision to raise specialty crops is not one to be taken lightly. �ey tend to require more work than other crops and provide a smaller harvest. It is these very qualities, however, that generally create a market for such products.

Specialty Crops


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�e debate over foods containing GMOs continues�e foods people eat and how

those foods are grown and manu-factured has long been a topic of contention. Recently, the subject of genetically modi�ed organisms, or GMOs, has garnered its share of attention.

GMOs are organisms that have been altered via genetic engineer-ing. Foods that contain GMOs have been produced in part in a laboratory by foreign genes from plants and animals. While there are some people who say that foods containing GMOs are safe for consumption, others argue that that may not be the case, saying such foods create new, unintended toxic substances that could exacer-bate allergies and increase cancer risk.

Foods containing GMOs are largely crops that are modified using the latest molecular biol-ogy techniques. In the laboratory, certain traits, such as increased re-sistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content, are enhanced. By modifying plant genetics, a

scientist can isolate a particular gene that makes a crop drought-tolerant and increase its potency to make that crop thrive better in drought-stricken areas. Genes from one plant can also be trans-ferred to another plant to create desired traits. If a particular gene is unsavory to certain insects, this gene can be put into other crops to deter those insects.

In the past, crops were bred to feature speci�c, desired traits with the hope that breeding two di�erent �owering plants to form a hybrid would bring out the best features in both species. However, the process is time-consuming and genetic modi�cation in the labora-tory generally produces faster, less expensive results.

Proponents of foods contain-ing GMOs say that desired traits can be produced in these foods more readily, which is advanta-geous to the agriculture industry by creating larger, more tolerant crops. In addition, GMOs may help crops become more resistant to disease, reducing reliance on

herbicides and pesticides needed to �ght disease. GMOs also may help certain crops grow better in colder climates and where soil conditions are salty.

But some environmental ac-tivists, public interest groups and even religious organizations ar-gue tampering with foods is not proper. In addition, such oppo-nents say the potentially harm-ful environmental and medical impact of laboratory-built crops warrants concern.

In 2000, a study published in the journal Nature found that pol-len from a genetically modified corn crop called B.t. corn caused high mortality rates in monarch butter�y caterpillars. Unintented harm to other organisms living in close proximity to GMOs is a signi�cant concern.

In addition, there is concern that foods that contain GMOs and those that do not may cross-breed and create super-plants. Such plants may become disease- and

herbicide-resistant, thusly choking out the intended crops. In June 2013, Monsanto Co., the world’s largest seed company, was sued by an environmental group and a Washington farm over claims it failed to take steps to prevent genetically altered wheat from contaminating regular wheat after Monsanto field-tested the modi�ed wheat in 16 states.

Another area of concern is the health implications of introducing foreign genes into foods. �e e�ect of such practices on the human body are largely unknown. Unex-pected allergic reactions or even physical changes in the body may occur. Evidence as to the safety of GMOs is insu�cient.

Many European nations have backed away from growing crops containing GMOs. Things in North America aren’t as cut and dry. E�orts are ongoing to have GMO ingredients listed on the la-bels of packaged foods produced in the United States, but no such labeling is presently required.

�at’s disconcerting to some, as there is a high likelihood that many of the packaged foods sold in the U.S. contain some GMOs.

�e debate about foods con-taining GMOs �gures to continue.

Shoppers must determine whether they want to consume foods that contain genetically modi�ed in-gredients or they prefer natural alternatives. TF138414


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Continued FROM Page 6� ough farming was once big business in the United States, by 2012 less than 1 percent of Ameri-cans were professional farmers. Many challenges face today's farm-ers, many of which are largely un-known to the general public.

Many people have an outdated view of a farm as a small, family-owned and operated parcel of land where livestock is raised in open pens and crops are hand-harvested when ripe. � e reality is that mod-ern-day farms have had to overhaul operations to meet demand and remain competitively priced while adapting to the ever-changing ways technology infiltrates all parts of life. Each of these factors present obstacles for today's farmers.

TechnologyRural farming communities are

expected to make an e� ort to inte-grate modern technology into an industry that has been around for centuries. But such a transition in rural areas, where communications systems may not be as up-to-date as those in urban areas, is not always

so easy.According to the Manitoba Ru-

ral Adaptation Council, a shi� from a resource-based to an information-based economy, compounded by the rapid introduction and expansion of new technology in the workplace, has altered farm operation and the skills in demand. Older workers who have been schooled in one way of agriculture may have a signi� cant impact on labor supply and the vi-tality of farming as a career. Younger adults who are knowledgeable in technology may no longer seek out agricultural careers.

Decrease in farming as an oc-cupation

� e United States Environmen-tal Protection Agency says that only about 960,000 Americans claim farming as their principal occupa-tion. As that � gure has dwindled, the average age of farmers continues to rise, as the Bureau of Labor Sta-tistics notes that roughly 40 percent of the farmers in this country are 55 years old or older. � is has led to concerns about the long-term health of family farms throughout the United States.

Environmental concernsMany farmers have come under

scrutiny for how farming impacts the environment. A growing em-phasis on sustainability and con-servation has led many people to protest certain farming practices. Protesters claim that certain prac-tices, such as raising livestock, can pollute water, while the use of fertil-izers and chemical pesticides is bad for the environment. Many farmers, however, have altered their methods to be more environmentally friendly and self-sustainable in the process.

Climate change is another envi-ronmental issue farmers must deal with. Strong storms and severe droughts have made farming even more challenging.

Financial fall-out� e ongoing recession of the last

half-decade has also a� ected farm-ers. In November of 2012, the Unit-ed States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the unemployment rate within the agriculture, forestry, � shing, and hunting industries was at 13.6 percent, far higher than the

national unemployment rate. As a result, many farm families have found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place, as rising costs for equipment and technology are being coupled with decreasing pro� ts and rising unemployment.

Further complicating matters is competition from corporations and international food producers who have made it di� cult for family farmers to turn a signi� cant pro� t. Many family farmers rely on loans and lines of credit to survive, but thanks to changes in the � nancial sector that saw banks become less willing to extend lines of credit, some farmers are facing bankruptcy.

� ough it can be easy for those who do not work in the agricultural industry to overlook the struggles facing today's agricultural profes-sionals, a greater understanding of those struggles and the challenges that lay ahead can bene� t the in-dustry and its employees down the road.

TF132913

Challenges facing farmers today and tomorrow

Greater public awareness of agricultural challenges could help the industry in the future.


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you clean all produce and store it at least six inches o� the ground.

To pull buyers to your display, dress it up with linens and mix shapes, sizes and colors of pro-duce. �is will create interest and depth. Arrange containers so that buyers can see them from a dis-tance and get to them up close.

Keep buyers at your display by placing goods so they are readily accessible, especially to the dis-abled, and posting prices where they can be easily seen. Make sure all writing is legible and all prices are correct. You don't want to ac-

cidentally charge more or less for an item than it is worth.

To complete your display, check that everyone working behind the tables is dressed ap-propriately and up to the task. Casual attire, like jeans and a T-shirt and tennis shoes, is per-fectly acceptable; tank tops, halter tops, short shorts, �ip-�ops and the like are not. Smiling, helpful faces are always a welcome sight. If one of your workers is under the weather or feeling stressed, don't hesitate to send them home. Remember, they are representing

you and your hard work in the �eld. Make sure they dress and act the part.

When it comes to selling goods at a farmer's market, pre-sentation is everything. Make certain you have displayed your goods attractively and of-fer friendly service. Check your display o�en, re�lling containers as needed, cleaning up all spills and messes, and getting rid of any wilted produce. �e smallest of e�orts can pay o� big at the farmer's market.

Set Up To Sell Continued FROM Page 6


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�e Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will soon determine when to start spring burning restrictions. �is year, with little snowpack and an early start to spring, restrictions are likely to take e�ect earlier, maybe as soon as next week.

The DNR restricts burning shortly a�er snow melt when ex-posed dead grass and brush can ignite easily and burn quickly. The restrictions normally last from four to six weeks until suf-�cient green vegetative growth occurs.

“�e spring �re restrictions have resulted in a dramatic de-crease in both the numbers and sizes of accidental �res,” said Ron Sto�el, DNR wild�re suppression supervisor.

Fire danger can vary greatly from one part of the state to another. Locally determining when the restrictions take ef-

fect enables the DNR to restrict burning in areas where �re risk is elevated.

Restrictions mean the state will not issue burning permits for burning brush or yard waste. Debris burning is especially dan-gerous during April and May, when most wildfires occur in Minnesota.

Residents may need to �nd alternatives to burning or wait until after green-up when it is safer to burn. Prior to burning, the DNR urges people to check the statewide fire danger and burning permit restrictions at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/�re/�rerating_restrictions.html.

Finally, the DNR notes that many local areas, counties or municipalities have specific burning regulations or restric-tions. Residents should check with local authorities to obtain proper permits before burning.

Minnesota DNR alerts public to spring burning restrictions

A recent USDA economic report on rural America took an interesting look at the income-generating activities of farmers. The 2012 study evaluated the ways that farmers are adapting to harsher econo mic realities. Most farm households to day are generating business income in three ways: by selling their com-modities (crops, livestock, dairy, or produce) in the conventional way; developing new ways to use their on-farm resources for busi-ness; and by owning or operating o�-farm businesses to comple-ment their farming activities.

Signi�cantly, the study found that one third of American farm households re sort to supple-mental revenue-generating ac-tivities that have nothing to do with commodity production. In 2008, the ave rage income from run ning o�-farm busines ses was $42,700 — down from $76,000 in 2006. �ese farm house holds have an annual in come nearly the double of those who do not own o�-farm businesses.

�ose households most likely to diversify into non -commodity farming acti vities are generally bigger operations, avera ging over 600 acres. On-farm di -ver sification activities include pick-your-own agritourism, direct-to-con sumer sales of produce and pro ducts, and cus-tom work. Such sideline busi-nesses signi�can tly dipped into the human re sources of farm households, with ap proximately 50 percent more ope rator work time going into the farm than in households who do not en gage in these activities.

�e overall message ap pears to be that sole-in come commod-ity pro duction is a thing of the past. But clearly, farmers are able to re-think their job skills and be creative in developing proj-ects to supplement com modity pro duction. Whe ther they own a business o�-farm or o�er non-conventional services at the farm, rural Ame ricans continue to make a valuable contribution to the economy.

Farmers get creative and diversify

Many farms are diversifying their resources by running pick-your-own operations or selling their goods directly to consumers.


By ELIZABETH DUNBARMinnesota Public Radio News

Many farmers have long en-dorsed the practice of planting buffer zones to separate farm �elds from waterways. But now that Gov. Mark Dayton and leg-islators from both parties are pushing a bill to require bu�ers, some farm groups are objecting.

Bu�ers can be grasses, trees or shrubs. �ey drink up some of the pollutants — like nitrates from fertilizer — that wash o� farm �elds and end up in water-ways. �ey also help keep stream banks and riverbanks in place.

It’s not a new concept, and Steve Woods of the Freshwater Society has proof. Inside a ‘90s-era document sporting vintage computer graphics on its cover are some of the same recom-mendations state lawmakers are considering today.

“At that time they were talk-ing about 50-foot setbacks,” Woods said. “�is is well-estab-lished physical science.”

Dayton first proposed re-quiring 50-foot buffers on all streams and rivers in the state back in January. His main argu-ment then was adding pheasant habitat, but administration of-�cials now say it’s about water quality.

DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr said requiring buf-fers is only part of the solution.

“�e water quality challenge is huge in this state,” he said. “�ere is no single silver bullet, and we will have to work as hard as we can over the next 20 years just to make marginal improve-ments.”

�at the governor and mem-bers of both parties are push-ing a law requiring buffers is signi�cant, say those who have advocated bu�ers for years. It’s galvanized members of con-servation groups like the Izaak Walton League of America. Don Arnosti, who represents

the group, called it “one of the strongest initiatives that could be in the broadest public interest in pursuit of clean water.”

�e bill would require buf-fers in place by September 2016. Current law mandates buffers along about 36 percent of the waterways in the state, accord-ing to a state agency analysis, so the change would be signi�cant.

Republican Rep. Denny Mc-Namara, who chairs the House Environment and Natural Re-sources Policy and Finance Committee, said it faces an uphill battle at the Legislature.

“The governor has laid out an extremely, extremely aggres-sive plan,” he said. “It’s realisti-cally next to impossible as it’s laid out, but Rep. [Paul] Torkelson has been willing to take on what seems to be next to impossible in its entirety and hopefully can come up with something that may begin to work.”

Torkelson, the Republican House sponsor, has yet to con-vince both the Minnesota Farm-ers Union and Minnesota Farm Bureau. High grain prices in re-cent years have given farmers an incentive to plant as many acres as possible. Prices have come down, but money is still a con-sideration.

Thom Peterson testified Tuesday on behalf of the farm-ers union before the House envi-ronment committee. “�e major concern is the 50-foot. Farmers see that as a taking. �ey’re be-ing told to do something di�er-ent with that land, and that is a concern,” he said.

But some of the DFL sup-porters of the bill argued there are costs associated with not requiring the bu�ers. Studies by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency show widespread pollu-tion in the state’s waters, and at least some of that can be traced to farming.

“I have to at least ask the question for those millions of

other people who want clean wa-ter and swimmable water, etc.: Suppose all of those other people consider it a taking of the clean water that belongs to everyone, if one segment is allowed un-restricted ability to pollute the water?” said Rep. Alice Hausman of St. Paul.

Details have yet to be worked out, such as how much it will cost to implement and enforce the bu�er requirement. Minnesota has already spent millions try-ing to clean up lakes, streams and rivers, but those who manage the money say we won’t see sig-ni�cant progress without policy changes.

Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson said he feels torn.

“I feel I’m torn between two lovers: lovers of the environ-ment and lovers of agriculture,” he said. “We all want abundant and a�ordable food supply and we all want clean water.”

But Frederickson said the evi-dence that bu�ers improve water quality is overwhelming and that Minnesota, home of the Missis-sippi River headwaters, should send a message to other states that Minnesota is serious about cleaning up.

Last year, the Environmental Working Group criticized state o�cials for not enforcing exist-ing bu�er rules in southern Min-nesota.

Craig Cox, the group’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, applauded the legislation, saying it is unique among the big agriculture states.

For a stream a mile long, Cox said, the legislation would require only about 6 acres of buf-fers on each side, having a mini-mal impact on the total acres dedicated to row crops.

“The beauty of it is that it’s not a big burden, yet the bene�ts to water and habitat are huge,” he said.

‘Aggressive’ plan aims to separate crops from waterways

The Minnesota Grown Pro-gram advises anyone interested in Community Supported Agri-culture (CSA), to purchase shares now, while they are still available. CSA farms are a fast-growing model for direct-farm marketing and production. Minnesota CSA farms have exploded in the past decade, growing from 10 farms in 2005 to 90 farms currently listed in the Minnesota Grown Directory.

A CSA farm sells subscriptions or memberships to their program. Members pay dues before the growing season to receive a share of produce later in the summer, generally once per week for 14-20 weeks, or more. CSA farms sched-ule and deliver shares to drop sites for customer pickup of fresh, local products. Many farms o�er drop

sites outside the city where they farm.

Mark Boen of Bluebird Gar-dens in Fergus Falls looks forward to a great CSA season and encour-aged buying shares soon, “Pur-chasing a CSA share is a great way to connect with your local farm-ers and provide your family with nutritionally dense food that’s been raised in a sustainable way. Reserve your spot early. Farmers do have shares le�, but they move quickly. You don’t want to miss your chance!”

Minnesota Grown spokes-woman, Jessica Miles, said prepa-ration and planning are impor-tant when joining a CSA program, “Make sure you do your research. No two CSA’s are alike and you want to choose one that meets

your speci�c needs as a consumer. Some shares even include meat, eggs, dairy or baked goods. Take advantage of the community as-pect of the program. Please reach out and chat with your farmer to learn more!”

Joining a CSA is a great way to get healthy, local produce! Typi-cally, a full share is enough to feed four vegetable-loving adults. Many farms also offer half shares for purchase. Consumers can quick-ly �nd their nearest CSA farm by visiting www.minnesotagrown.com and entering their city or zip code. �ey may also order a copy of the FREE printed Minnesota Grown Directory by calling 1-800-657-3878 or going online to www.minnesotagrown.com.

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Minnesota DNR alerts public to spring burning restrictions


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In an e� ort to live a more en-vironmentally friendly lifestyle, consumers have embraced or-ganic foods in record numbers. � ey stand behind the idea that organic products are not only bet-ter for them, but also better for the planet. But the claims that organic food is safer, healthier and more eco-friendly may be more hype than fact. Some organic foods are not all that they seem to be, and when you dig for the dirt on "or-ganic," you might be surprised at what you � nd.

� e variety of organic products available at specialty food stores and more traditional supermarkets has increased considerably. Food purists and environmentalists sup-port this growing trend. Certi� ed organic foods are grown without

the use of pesticides, synthetic fer-tilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. Organically produced meats are from animals that do not take antibiotics or growth hor-mones to produce heartier cuts. � e USDA National Organic Pro-gram sees to it that organic foods meet these stringent requirements and also that any companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to the supermarket or restaurant are certi� ed as well.

However, consumers who em-brace organic products might not be getting what they think they are. � e term "organic" conjures up images of local produce stands and farmers diligently caring for their crops. However, as organic foods have grown in popularity

and the organic food industry has become a multi-billion dollar in-dustry, the methods of bringing these foods to a store near you have changed. While consumers may believe that organic broccoli was trucked in from a farm down the road, it actually may have trav-eled thousands of miles -- negating many environmental bene� ts in the process.

Many smaller organic busi-nesses have felt the pressure to keep up with mainstream foods and have joined the ranks of com-mercial food production. In fact, some smaller companies have actually been bought out by large food giants. Organic Cow, a Ver-mont milk producer, now operates under the auspices of Horizon, a company based in Colorado. Cas-cadian Farm, which produces or-

ganic frozen dinners among other items, is a subsidiary of General Mills. Many mainstream food companies have their own organic alter egos, which would no doubt surprise consumers who support the organic food movement.

Even true organic foods shipped from small farms over short distances may not be able to meet the hype of the organic moni-ker. Plant physiologist and biolo-gist Alex Avery's 2007 book titled "� e Truth About Organic Foods" talks about origins of organic food and dispels some of the myths that prevail. Avery notes that organic foods are not pesticide-free be-cause all vegetables contain about five percent of their weight in natural pesticides, some of which may be just as potent as manmade varieties. Avery also notes that

more than 95 percent of conven-tional meat and dairy products in the United States are totally free of antibiotics and 99.5 percent of it is free of synthetic hormones. Only one sample in 400 violates the antibiotic limits set by the FDA. Avery also states that there are no nutritional di� erences be-tween organic and conventionally produced foods, which debunks the myth that organic foods are more nutritionally sound.

Organic foods also may con-tribute to a higher carbon foot-print. Instead of using chemical fertilizers to feed produce, the use of animal manure may mean clearing out land for grazing and creating its own problems in o� -gassing and water contamination that has been associated with rais-ing livestock. Furthermore, the

U.K. Department of Environment and Rural A� airs states, "A shi� towards a local food system, and away from a supermarket-based food system with its central distri-bution depots, lean supply chains and big, full trucks, might actually increase the number of food-vehi-cle miles being traveled locally, be-cause things would move around in a larger number of smaller, less e� ciently packed vehicles."

Champions of organic foods are sure to stand by the claims that organic foods are better. Many or-ganic foods are nutritionally sound and rely on more natural growing methods. Yet consumers should keep an open mind about both organic foods and their commer-cially produced counterparts.

TF12B665

Organic claims not always accurate


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An agriculture degreeinstead of an MBA?

Manure, the ultimate fertilizer

For the past couple of decades, some might say, the nation’s bright-est minds have been drawn into the glitter and glory of the world of � -nance. But speculation and trading might not hold on to their allure for the cleverest graduates in the middle-distant future. More than a few economic forecasters are say-ing that the MBAs of today will be overshadowed by the agricultural degrees of tomorrow.

� e world’s food and fuel prob-

lems are really only just beginning; with population increases and the accessibility of fuel oil on the de-crease, the people who can strat-egize and grow the right crops are those who will be the most trea-sured in our economy. In fact, Tim-othy Burcham, dean of agriculture and technology at Arkansas State University, recently told CNBC News that “the opportunities for a person that has a graduate degree in agriculture are great now, but

they are going to be really, really excellent going into the future.”

� at is no secret to technology companies like Google, whose Google Glass technology is seen to have broad implications for the farmers and agronomists of the fu-ture. Growers wearing Glass gear in the combine will be able to refer to insect databanks and crop yield in-formation even as they drive down

the rows! It’s just another example of how exciting and full of potential the next years in agriculture are go-ing to be.

As well-known investor Jim Rogers told CNBC news, “I’d urge (young people) not to get MBAs, but to get agricultural degrees.” It sure looks like this is where great things are going to be happening soon.

Nitrogen, phosphorous, nutri-ents, water, and organic matter are the major components of animal manure, making it one of the best methods for fertilizing � elds. With-out adequate management, how-ever, manure can metamorphose into a source of pollution, contami-nating water or producing harmful atmospheric emissions.

Manure from large animals, such as cattle, supplies higher quantities of nutrients but contains more nitrogen. Poor management can result in this type of manure burning some of the more fragile

crops. On the other hand, pork or poultry manure have higher quanti-ties of phosphorous, which is more suitable for some crops.

Cattle manure is an important resource for producing higher yields of organic crops, so prepared manures are much better than bulk manures for these up-market prod-ucts. Composting any kind of live-stock manure can greatly reduce the problem of weed proliferation, as seeds that are ingested and excreted by the animals are sterilized during the composting process.

Raw manure can become a source of contamination in plants destined for human consumption because of the pathological agents it contains. However, if composting is done properly, the majority of these agents are destroyed, thus greatly reducing the contamination risk by converting animal excrement, litter, and other raw products into humus, a stable organic product.

Even though city dwellers may only see manure as something to be discarded, farmers know that it will increase the yield of their � elds in no time at all.


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Herbicides used to treat curly-leaf pondweed on area lakes may not lead to improvements in wa-ter quality, according to the Min-nesota Department of Natural Resources.

Curly-leaf pondweed is an invasive plant found throughout much of Minnesota, but seems to be especially problematic in the central and southern parts of the state. �is submerged aquatic plant is unique in its growth pat-terns when compared with other aquatic plants.

According to Nick Brown, DNR invasive species specialist, curly-leaf pondweed sprouts from reproductive structures called tu-rions each fall, and grows slowly throughout the winter under the ice.

“Once the ice has le� the lake, the small curly-leaf pondweed plants start to grow very rapidly,” Brown said. “They get a jump start on the native plants, leading to dense mats of the plant by May or June.” He adds that sometime around early or mid-July, curly-leaf pondweed has died and the plant decomposes in the lake.

In the past, many managers and lake-users thought that early treatment of curly-leaf pondweed

might lead to better water qual-ity and improved native plant populations. �is approach was thought to make a difference throughout the year and over the long term, too.

Recent research has proven otherwise. Large-scale treatments of curly-leaf pondweed in lakes with high nutrient levels, where curly-leaf tends to prosper, did not produce water quality bene�ts or increase native plant popula-tions – in some cases even a�er five years of continuous treat-ments.

�e DNR issues permits each spring that allow lake associa-tions, local units of government other entities to treat nuisance areas of this invasive plant on a lake-wide or bay-wide scale. �e goal of these permits is not to eradicate the plant from lakes, but to reduce the surface matting it causes and to enhance recre-ational use of the lake during the open water season.

Herbicides used to control curly-leaf pondweed are restrict-ed to 15 percent of the littoral area (areas less than 15 feet deep) of the lake.

Mechanical harvesting may also be used to control curly-leaf

pondweed. When mechanical harvesters are used, lake groups may control curly-leaf pondweed on up to 50 percent of the littoral area of the lake.

Combinations of herbicide and mechanical methods may also be used. A limit on what areas to be treated or harvested insures that native plants, which provide water quality and �sh and wildlife habitat bene�ts, will be protected.

“Treating curly-leaf pond-weed may not lead to long-term improvements in water qual-ity or native plant communities,” Brown said. “But managing the plant early in the spring may lead to improved recreational access throughout the summer.”

Brown recommends contact-ing the nearest DNR invasive species specialist if interested in treating curly-leaf pondweed in a local lake, or for any questions about aquatic invasive species. A list of contacts can be found at www.mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html.

Have realistic goals when treating curly-leaf pondweed on area lakes


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2014 CHRYSLER 200S AWD, 5.7 Hemi, moonroof,NAV ............................................... $34,9752014 CHRYSLER 200 LMTD, heated leather, remote start ........................................... $15,9752014 DODGE AVENGER SE, 4cyl, auto, PW, PDL ....................................................... $13,9752013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S, 4 cyl, auto, p. seat.........................................................$13,9752013 CHEVY IMPALA LT, remote start, moonroof .....................................................$13,9752013 HONDA ACCORD EX-L, heated leather, moonroof, 7K ....................................$23,9752013 CHRYSLER 200’s, 3 to choose from ................................................ As low as $12,4752012 CHEVY CAMARO RS, conv., only 25K .............................................................$21,9752011 CHRYSLER 200 TOURING, p. seat, alloy wheels, 25K ......................................... $13,9752010 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ, heated leather, moonroof ...............................................$11,9752010 CHEVY IMPALA LT, heated leather, moonroof ..................................................$10,9752009 FORD FUSION SE, V6, p. seat, 6CD ..................................................................$7,9752008 CHRYSLER SEBRING TOURING, conv., hardtop, 41K ....................................$12,9752006 BUICK LACROSSE CXS, p. seat, leather, alloy wheels .......................................... $8,4752006 CHRYSLER SEBRING GTC, conv., only 65K .....................................................$7,9752005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER, conv., 4 cyl turbo, leather ............................................. $7,975

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Lager’s

910 Old Minnesota Ave.507-931-4070 • 800-657-4802 HOURS: Mon - Fri 8-6 | Sat 8-4

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