Rural life 2015

ural LifeJune 10 - 12, 2015

R

VALLEY RURAL LIFE Wednesday, June 10-Friday, June 12, 2015

LIFE CHANGES.WE’VE GOT A PLAN FOR THAT.

If you’re looking for a health plan to fit your changing life, or you just want to know your options, give me a call. We’ll review your needs and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plans available to you.

Authorized independent agent/agency for Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus®, nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Ad: AD319 (1c, 5.666 x 4.5)<publication tracking number>

Before use, submit this ad to Blue CrossAgency Relations for approval. Send it byemail to: [email protected]

<Agency/Agent Name><Agency/Agent contact information>TTY 711

[Agency logo/Agent photo]

[ ]

us

Casey West, Carolyn Mager & Warren “Buster” West

TTY 711

Buying Corn416 Mathews St. Mankato, MN

At the same location locally owned since 1972

www.biggain.com • 507-385-7241

Receiving 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday

Simple, easy to read cash contractsHIGHLY COMPETITIVE BIDS!

Fast dumping

888-736-9190 | landtoairexpress.com

Select Your Destination

Jason MekalsonGeneral Manager

NEW!3 CONVENIENT

TRIP TIMES

Mankato Departures7:20 am • 11:00 am

3:30 pm

Rochester Departures12:30 pm • 3:30 pm

6:30 pm

Rural LifeA special

publication of the Le Center Leader,

Le Sueur News-Herald, St. Peter Herald and the Waseca County News

PublisherJulie Frazier

Managing EditorSuzy Rook

Media ConsultantsKathleen DaviesMissy Daschner

Gayle Stelten

Advertising DesignMary Jo Blanchard

Nikkie Gilmore

Cover DesignLauren Barber

Page DesignKelly Kubista

Rural Life 2015 is distributed to subscribers

and readers of the Le Center Leader,

Le Sueur News-Herald, St. Peter Herald and the Waseca County News

at no additional charge. All rights reserved. ©2015All advertising contained

herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.

Hoping to protect Minnesota’s groundwater sup-plies amid an irrigation boom, state o�cials this season will have new power to levy heavy �nes on farmers pumping water illegally.

Last year, the Legislature authorized the Min-nesota Department of Natural Resources to �ne violators as much as $20,000 without having to go to court. �e agency begins enforcement in June.

�e e�ort is part of the state’s goal to ramp up management of Minnesota’s ground water, and ir-rigation is a primary focus. A farmer needs a permit to pump more than 10,000 gallons a day or 1 million gallons a year. Many irrigators trigger the require-ment within an hour of operation.

So many farmers are irrigating now that the DNR fears that in some parts of the state irrigation demand is more than what aquifers can supply.

• More: Unchecked irrigation threatens to sap Minnesota groundwater

Farmers with permits are required to report how much they pump each year. �e DNR can restrict irrigation if there’s too much water being taken. But

unpermitted irrigators could upset the balance since their take is unknown.

Before last year’s law change, the DNR had to take a violation to court as a criminal matter. With this new law, the agency can issue civil penalties on its own.

State o�cials say the sti� �nes will motivate il-legal irrigators to end the practice. It’s not clear how many will be �ned under the new system.

“�ese people were using a public resource to make money, and the advantage to them was so great that they just paid the fine,” said Julie Ekman, the DNR’s water resources and conservation manager. �e cost, she added, “wasn’t enough to induce them to come into compliance.”

�e DNR believes that once word gets around, most farmers will voluntarily register their unper-mitted wells. �ere’s no doubt that for many farmers, irrigation is crucial.

With an irrigation rig, a farmer can make it rain whenever crops need it. Hundreds of Minnesota

DNR readies sti� �nes for farmers caughtillegally pumping water

IRRIGATION BOOM

An irrigator waters potato plants near Park Rapids on Aug. 1, 2014. A farmer needs a permit to pump more than 10,000 gallons a day or 1 million gallons a year. (Dan Gunderson/MPR News 2014)

By MARK STEIL • MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO NEWS

See IRRIGATION on 3

Wednesday, June 10-Friday, June 12, 2015 VALLEY RURAL LIFE PAGE 3

Basic or Bold, Plain or Fancy, Small or Large, St. Peter Lumber Company can help you create just the right metal building to meet your needs.

Durability • Longevity • Economical • Maintenance Free • High Quality

Basic or St. Peter Lumber Compajust the right metal building to meet your needs.

Basic or St. Peter Lumber Compajust the right metal building to meet your needs.

Visit us today! 507-931-3200

200 South Front Street www.stpeterlumber.com

www.nicolletcountybank.com507-931-3310 • 220 South Third St. • St. Peter, MN

Ice Cream Social

N icollet County Bank’s

Friday , June 12 • 1 : 30-4pm

• Stop by for Dairy Queen® ice cream cake, coff ee, and milk served by the Nicollet County Dairy Princesses and Ambassadors! • Register for door pr� es! • Help us celebrate Dairy Month!

Stacey Schugel, Dairy Princess; Emily Annexstad, Dairy Ambassador; and Megan Struss, Dairy Princess

Like us on Facebook!

IRRIGATIONFrom PAGE 2

farmers are � nding the resulting boost in harvests and revenue more than justi� es the cost.

“I don’t think I’d be farming without the bene� t of irrigation,” said Alan Peterson, president of the Irrigators Association of Minnesota, which supports the tougher penalties for illegal pumping. Irrigation has proved most helpful on the state’s sandy soils in central Minnesota, he added.

Even though an irrigation rig’s cost can reach into six � gures, the � nancial rewards have led to a sharp increase in the practice.

Last year the number of irrigation permits is-sued in the state increased by about 40 percent over the previous year. Peterson says in drought years when most fields struggle to produce anything, irrigated land can still push up bumper crops. � e di� erence can be over $100,000 in revenue in a single season.

An irrigator not only can pay for itself quickly, it can fatten a farmer’s bottom line for years. But Peterson acknowledges some farmers are pumping groundwater for irrigation illegally.

Just how many farmers do that is unknown.

An MPR News investigation last year found that about a third of the roughly 1,200 irrigation wells drilled between 2008 and 2012 either lacked a permit, or went a substantial period of time, some-times years, without one. � e DNR has estimated the number at between 2 and 10 percent of the state’s irrigators. A Freshwater Society report put the number at more than 25 percent.

Whatever the number, the new, higher penalties should bring the agency closer to its goal of making sure that every irrigator has a permit, Ekman said.

� e June enforcement start is later than orig-inally planned. � e DNR said it needed time to develop a graduated � ne structure that took into account the severity of violations and could survive a court challenge.

It would be worse to set up an unfair system that a court overturns later, said Steve Woods, executive director of the nonpro� t Freshwater Society who worked for the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.

“Nobody wants these water rustlers to get away with poaching Minnesota’s water,” he said.


™

*0%-10% down payment required. Applies to purchases of new 2011-2015 Motorcycles, Scooters, ATVs & Side x Sides, made on a Yamaha Installment Financing loan account from 2/1/15 to 6/30/15. Offer is subject to credit approval by Synchrony Financial. Maximum contract length is 36 months. Minimum amount financed is $5,000. Fixed APR of 3.99%, 6.99%, 7.99% or 13.99% assigned based on credit approval criteria. Example: Monthly payments per $1,000 financed based on 36-month term are $29.52 at 3.99% rate and $34.17 at 13.99%. Standard down payment requirement is based on credit approval criteria. **Customer Cash offer good on select 2011-2015 models between 2/1/15 to 6/30/15. Offer good only in the U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii. Dealer remains responsible for complying with all local and state advertising regulations and laws. ATV models shown are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry passengers. Never engage in stunt riding. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Avoid excessive speed. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Professional riders depicted on closed courses. Shown with optional accessories. ©2015 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaOutdoors.com 2/15

GRIZZLY® 700

GRIZZLY® 550

500500500$+3.99% 500500CUSTOMER CASH**500500

UP TO

3.99FOR 36 MONTHS*3.99AS LOW AS

%APR

DRANTTEL SALES AND SERVICE2001 OLD MINNESOTA AVE

SAINT PETER MN, 560822314507-931-1363

™

*0%-10% down payment required. Applies to purchases of new 2011-2015 Motorcycles, Scooters, ATVs & Side x Sides, made on a Yamaha Installment Financing loan account from 2/1/15 to 6/30/15. Offer is subject to credit approval by Synchrony Financial. Maximum contract length is 36 months. Minimum amount financed is $5,000. Fixed APR of 3.99%, 6.99%, 7.99% or 13.99% assigned based on credit approval criteria. Example: Monthly payments per $1,000 financed based on 36-month term are $29.52 at 3.99% rate and $34.17 at 13.99%. Standard down payment requirement is based on credit approval criteria. **Customer Cash offer good on select 2011-2015 models between 2/1/15 to 6/30/15. Offer good only in the U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii. Dealer remains responsible for complying with all local and state advertising regulations and laws. ATV models shown are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry passengers. Never engage in stunt riding. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Avoid excessive speed. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Professional riders depicted on closed courses. Shown with optional accessories. ©2015 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaOutdoors.com 2/15

GRIZZLY® 700

GRIZZLY® 550

500500500$+3.99% 500500CUSTOMER CASH**500500

UP TO

3.99FOR 36 MONTHS*3.99AS LOW AS

%APR

DRANTTEL SALES AND SERVICE2001 OLD MINNESOTA AVE

SAINT PETER MN, 560822314507-931-13632001 Old Minnesota Ave • Saint Peter

(507) 931-1363 or 1-800-481-1363www.DranttelSalesandService.com

DRANTTELSALES & SERVICE

Belle Plaine, MN952-873-2224

Northowood, IA641-324-1154

Osage, IA 641-324-1154

Hollandale, MN507-889-4221

Owatonna, MN507-451-4054

SalesPartsService

� e Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is turn-ing to smartphones to help determine what kind of fish anglers are catching in Min-nesota Lakes.

For decades, DNR research-ers have relied on time-con-suming and expensive surveys to compile that information. But they are rethinking that approach in favor of the nearly ubiquitous device that anglers, much like everyone else, have come to rely on.

� is year, the DNR is work-ing with University of Min-nesota researchers to see if anglers could submit data on their catch via a smartphone app. � e free app, iFish Min-nesota, helps anglers log what they’re catching and where.

The DNR wants to gauge � shing pressure — how � shing a� ects lakes — and ensure � sh populations can reproduce.

For larger lakes in the state, that has long involved some-one going out and interview-

ing hundreds of anglers to ask about the fishing there, said Melissa Treml, fisheries re-search and policy manager for the DNR.

Among the questions: What types of � sh are you catching? And how big are they?

“If we change a regulation, maybe � shing pressure could go up or down, or the sizes of fish being removed,” Treml said. “And then it allows us to see how anglers are respond-ing.”

� e annual DNR research on the state’s 10 largest wall-eye lakes is known as a creel survey, named for the small wicker basket used by anglers to hold � sh.

But for other large lakes, the surveys are on a rotation. For example, a creel survey at Lake Bemidji has been conducted once every 10 years. Treml said it can cost $35,000 to survey just one lake during the open-

DNR researchers hope iFish app nets

loads of dataBy ELIZABETH DUNBAR

See RESEARCHERS on 5

The DNR is asking anglers, like these men out on the Minnesota River, to submit data on their catch via a smartphone app. The free app, iFish Minnesota, helps anglers log what they’re catching and where.


Firmly Rootedin the Community

Since 1902, First State Bank has been providing �nancial �exibility to Le Center, Henderson, and surrounding rural communities.

Real Estate Loans • Operating Loans • Equipment Loans

First state Bank

WWW.FSBLECENTER.COM

88 N. Park Ave. Le Center, MN(507) 357-2225

239 Main St. Henderson, MN(507) 248-3740

FARMERS ELEVATOR OF TRAVERSE507-931-2112 OR 1-800-290-2112

COME TO US FOR ALL OF YOUR FERTILIZER, SPRAY,AND LAWN CARE NEEDS!

• 25-0-8 Weed & Feed • 25-0-8 LaWn FertiLizer • 27-0-8 Crab Grass

• tripLet For your LaWns & broadLeaves

600 Southside Drive • Le Sueur 507-665-6426 • Fax: 507-665-8907

www.interstatebuildingsupply.com

For all your building & project needs!

FREE Delivery • FREE Estimates

RESEARCHERSFrom PAGE 4

water season, so the DNR has to weigh its op-tions.

“It’s been quite a few years where we’ve been toying with other ideas just due to the expense and the fact that we can’t get to that many lakes,” she said.

Paul Venturelli, an assistant professor in � sheries at U of M, said data collection via the smartphone app could help the scientists cope with shrinking research dollars.

“It’s also an interesting opportunity to be everywhere all the time,” he said. “You can’t creel everywhere all the time, but anglers are everywhere all of the time. Someone’s � shing right now.”

Researchers aim to convince 20,000 to 30,000 anglers to download the iFish Min-nesota app and sign up for iFish Forever, a

free add-on that allows anglers to share their information anonymously.

If 30 to 50 percent of those people use the app regularly, it could be a viable alternative to the traditional creel survey, Venturelli said. � at could give researchers data on even more lakes.

A� er a year of data collection, researchers will compare the app data with their traditional data-collection methods.

An analysis of app data collected in Alberta, Canada, showed where people were � shing. O� cials in Denmark also are trying out the technology. In the United States, Florida re-searchers are using it. For the app to work for the DNR, Venturelli said, Minnesota partici-pants will have to report accurate data.

“We need people to be using the app cor-

rectly, logging every trip and every single � sh they catch, even if it’s a three-inch perch,” he said. “I was ice � shing and caught a bunch of those and dutifully logged all of them, even though my thumb got pretty cold. Otherwise you start to create biases in the data.”

Some anglers already have signaled their interest in helping the DNR collect fishing data. Since 2003, Minnesota B.A.S.S. Nation, an angling group, has sent the DNR data on bass caught during tournaments and even dur-ing private � shing trips.

� e group’s conservation director, Mickey Goetting, said the iFish Minnesota app sounds like a good idea. � e main challenge, he said,

will be convincing anglers to use it.“Our system took some time. You have to

keep publicizing that it’s out there to get some growth,” Goetting said. “You’ll get a little push-back in that some people don’t want to give up their secret � shing spots, but I think long term it will provide value to the DNR.”

Treml said there’s no need for anglers to worry about the DNR sharing their secrets.

“It’ll all be anonymous. We’re not going to be posting your hot � shing spot or any-thing like that,” she said. “It’s just for general, broad-scale patterns in their angling behavior, which we hope will help us better manage the � sheries.”


Dealer Area

Carpet | Tile & Stone | Hardwood | Laminate | Resilient | shawfloors.com

You know what’s awesome?An idea on a napkin

became a business today.

RICKWAY CARPET

and Window Treatments

1107 Cross Street, North Mankato507-625-3089 • wwwrickwaycarpet.net

M-Th 9 am-8 pm; Fri. 9 am-6 pm Sat. 9 am-4 pm; Closed Sun.

�e University of Minne-sota Extension Service says the bird flu outbreaks since March 4 have cost the state’s turkey and poultry industries nearly $310 million.

The U of M used a com-puter model to determine that for every $1 million in direct potential sales revenue lost to bird �u, the indirect costs are $1.8 million, including $450,000 in lost wages in the state’s 80 nonmetro counties.

Direct losses for turkey and egg-laying operations are at $113 million.

“These projections rep-resent where we stand as of May 11,” says Brigid Tuck, an extension senior analyst in Mankato. “If the virus af-fects more farms, as we have seen since May 11, the im-pact levels will rise. If barns stay empty for another cycle of poultry production, these numbers could potentially double.”

Big new casesTuck notes the recent an-

nouncement of a 2-million-

hen egg-laying operation being hit in Renville County will be a “signi�cant” increase in the impact on the poultry industry, which already had been �gured at 14 percent in her study as of May 11. About 9 percent of the turkey indus-try had been hit, she says.

Minnesota’s poultry pro-duction and poultry process-ing together account for $3 billion in receipts in the state. �ey account for about 7 per-cent of the state’s agricultural and forestry economy.

�e idling of 100 poultry processing facilities would re-

sult in 210 jobs a�ected across all industries, Tuck says.

She says the analysis didn’t account for the amount of time the barns might have to sit idle before repopulation. She says the study didn’t focus on what producers might be able to receive in compensa-tion from either federal or state sources.

Kent Olson, U of M econo-mist and associate dean of the Extension’s Center for Com-munity Vitality in St. Paul, said the analysis is an “initial look at the short-to immedi-ate-term picture.” He says so

far, only one producer has an-nounced layo�s. �e Jennie-O Store in Faribault, Minn., earlier this month announced it would lay o� 233 people as of May 26.

Olson says it is di�cult to know how many of the state’s 6,000 poultry processing workers might be a�ected, or for how long.

“It may be a temporary loss,” Olson says.

The study determined, for every $1 million in lost poultry production, the feed industry loses about $230,000 in demand. Of every 100 jobs

lost associated with the indus-try, nine are in trucking.

Tuck and Olson didn’t im-mediately know whether any of the affected turkey barns have been able to repopulate.

Tuck says the study was ac-complished as part of an eco-nomic emergency program in consultation with economic development partners in the state. She doesn’t know wheth-er a follow-up study will be launched or when, but says she and colleagues “de�nitely recommend” it. She says there could be opportunities to co-ordinate with researchers in

other a�ected states, includ-ing Iowa.

Minnesota declared an economic state of emergency as a result of the bird �u out-breaks on April 23. Tuck says the disease “certainly intro-duces some uncertainty” into the business for the state, but says the study wasn’t designed to say how the disease might affect future investments in the industry.

Study estimates bird �u costs in Minnesota $310 millionU of M Extension: costs could double

By MIKKEL PATES • FORUM NEWS SERVICE

“Just keep checkingthe classi�eds,and you’ll �nd

what you want.”

931-8578

…for classi�eds that work!southernminn.com


507-381-4042

$100 OFF $100 OFF PER WINDOWwith the purchase

of 4 or more

or interest free �nancing till 2020*

Replace all the Windows in Your Home for $125 per Month.

(based on 10 windows white/white)

2104 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato

507-625-5064866-625-5064

www.lacinasiding.com

• Energy Efficient• 8x Stronger than Vinyl

• Low Maintenance• Installed for you

• Stainable EverWood® Interior option

Serving you in

Southern MN since 1996!

*Interest will be charged to your account from the purchse date if the purchse balance is not paid in full within the �nance period. BOA LIC#20272178

Authorized Bobcat Dealer

Delivering on the Promise Since 1915

800.642.4104www.ufcmn.com

Pa r ts . S e r vi c e . S a l e s . R enta l .

The seasons change. The tasks change. Fortunately, your machine doesn't have to change. Bobcat®

equipment is famous for its adaptability. With dozens of attachments to handle any job, comfortablecabs that battle the elements, and innovative designs you can't find anywhere else, Bobcat lets youdo more with less.

Author i zed Bobcat Dea le r



P a r t s . S e r v i c e . S a l e s . R e n t a l .

Bobcat® and the Bobcat logo are trademarks of Bobcat Company.

Authorized Bobcat Dealer


800.642.4104wwwwww.www.wwwufcmnufcmn.comcom

Pa r ts . S e r vi c e . S a l e s . R enta l .

The seasons change. The tasks change. Fortunately, your machine doesn't have to change. Bobcat®

equipment is famous for its adaptability. With dozens of attachments to handle any job, comfortablecabs that battle the elements, and innovative designs you can't find anywhere else, Bobcat lets youdo more with less.

Author i zed Bobcat Dea le r



P a r t s . S e r v i c e . S a l e s . R e n t a l .

Bobcat® and the Bobcat logo are trademarks of Bobcat Company.

THEY’RE HEREAND THEY’RE READY TO WORK.

The seasons change. The tasks change. Fortunately, your machine doesn’t have to change. Bobcat® equipment is famous for itsadaptability. With dozens of attachments to handle any job, comfortable cabs that battle the elements, and innovative designs you can’t � nd anywhere else, Bobcat lets you do more with less.

Bobcat® and the Bobcat logo are trademarks of Bobcat Company

Available Now at UFC

Rebates from $500 to $1500

or Financing Available

United Farmers Cooperative845 Pioneer Ave. Lafayette

507-228-8224 • 1-800-642-4104www.ufcmn.com

Available Now at UFC

Rebates from $500 to $1500

or Financing Available

United Farmers Cooperative845 Pioneer Ave. Lafayette

507-228-8224 • 1-800-642-4104www.ufcmn.com

Organic claims not always accurate

In an e� ort to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, consumers have embraced organic foods in record numbers. � ey stand behind the idea that organic products are not only better 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 “organic,” you might be sur-prised at what you � nd. � e variety of organic products available at specialty food stores and more traditional su-permarkets has increased considerably. Food purists and environmentalists support this growing trend. Certi� ed organic foods are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modi-� ed organisms or ionizing radiation. Organi-cally produced meats are from animals that do not take antibiotics or growth hormones to produce heartier cuts. � e USDA National

Organic Program sees to it that organic foods meet these stringent requirements and also that any companies that handle or process or-ganic food before it gets to the supermarket or restaurant are certi� ed as well. However, consumers who embrace or-ganic products might not be getting what they think they are. � e term “organic” conjures up images of local produce stands and farm-ers diligently caring for their crops. However, as organic foods have grown in popularity and the organic food industry has become a multi-billion dollar industry, 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 traveled thousands of miles -- negating many environ-mental bene� ts in the process. Many smaller organic businesses have felt the pressure to keep up with mainstream foods and have joined the ranks of commer-

cial food production. In fact, some smaller companies have actually been bought out by large food giants. Organic Cow, a Vermont milk producer, now operates under the aus-pices of Horizon, a company based in Colora-do. Cascadian Farm, which produces organic frozen dinners among other items, is a subsid-iary 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 moniker. Plant physiologist and biologist 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 � ve percent

There are many consumers that would like to believe that organic foods are healthier and better for the environment. But some research indicates that these claims may not be justi-� ed.

See ORGANIC on 10


14,0007

�ough farming was once big business in the United States, by 2012 less than 1 percent of Americans were professional farmers. Many challenges face today’s farmers, many of which are largely unknown 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 modern-day farms have had to overhaul operations to meet demand and remain com-petitively priced while adapting to the ever-changing ways technology in�ltrates 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 integrate modern technology

into an industry that has been around for centu-ries. 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 Rural Adapta-tion 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 work-ers who have been schooled in one way of agri-culture may have a signi�cant impact on labor supply and the vitality of farming as a career. Younger adults who are knowledgeable in tech-nology may no longer seek out agricultural ca-reers.

Challenges facing farmers

Greater public awareness of agricultural challenges could help the industry in the future. (Metro Creative Graphics)

Many people have an outdated view of a farm

See CHALLENGES on 9


Decrease in farming as an occupation

�e United States Environ-mental Protection Agency says that only about 960,000 Amer-icans claim farming as their principal occupation. As that �gure has dwindled, the aver-age age of farmers continues to rise, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics 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 concerns Many farmers have come under scrutiny for how farm-ing impacts the environment. A growing emphasis on sus-tainability and conservation has led many people to protest certain farming practices. Pro-

testers claim that certain prac-tices, such as raising livestock, can pollute water, while the use of fertilizers and chemical pes-ticides is bad for the environ-ment. Many farmers, however, have altered their methods to be more environmentally friendly and self-sustainable in the process. Climate change is another environmental issue farmers must deal with. Strong storms and severe droughts have made farming even more chal-lenging.Financial fall-out �e ongoing recession of the last half-decade has also af-fected farmers. In November of 2012, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the unemployment rate within the agriculture, forestry,

Exceptional Care...When You Need It.

Orthopedics Rheumatology Diabetes Education& Nutrition

FamilyMedicine

Hospital & ClinicMerging Streams of Health Care

1900 North Sunrise Drive, St. Peter(507) 931-2200 | (507) 934-8480

RiversEdgeHealth.org

Call 1-507-934-8480for more information or to schedule an appointment

River’s Edge Clinic provides a wide range of health services for our patients.

Tri-County Solid Waste Of� ce507-934-7078 • [email protected]/180/Tri-County-Solid-Waste

Just Keeping It GreenJust Keeping It GreenJust Keeping It GreenJust Keeping It GreenJust Keeping It GreenJust Keeping It GreenRiverbend Recycling Center - 600 Webster Ave. North Mankato

Nicollet County Recycling Site - 1700 Sunrise Dr. St. Peter (Nicollet County Public Works parking lot)

Waste Management Recycling Center - located 4 miles south of Le Sueur on Cty road #36

Household Hazardous Waste Facility - 651 Summit Ave. Mankato (open to residents of Le Sueur, Nicollet & Sibley counties)

Yard Waste Drop-Off & Recycling Site - Southwest Corner of North Swift St. and West St. Julien

LJP Waste & Recycle - 2160 Ringhofer Dr. North Mankato Public Recycling Drop Off is M-F from 8 am to 4:45 pm

Challenges facing farmers

See CHALLENGES on 10

CHALLENGESFrom PAGE 8


ticide-free because all vegetables contain about �ve 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 conventional meat and dairy products in the United States are totally free of antibiotics and 99.5 per-cent 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 between or-ganic and conventionally produced foods, which debunks the myth that organic foods are more nutritionally sound. Organic foods also may contribute to a higher carbon footprint. Instead of using chemical fertilizers to feed pro-duce, 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 raising 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 distribution depots, lean supply chains and big, full trucks, might actually increase the number of food-vehicle miles being traveled locally, because 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 organic foods are nutritionally sound and rely on more natural growing meth-ods. Yet consumers should keep an open mind about both or-ganic foods and their commercially produced counterparts. TF12B665

CHALLENGES ORGANICFrom PAGE 9 From PAGE 7

�shing, and hunting industries was at 13.6 percent, far higher than the national unemploy-ment rate. As a result, many farm families have found them-selves stuck between a rock and a hard place, as rising costs for equipment and technology are being coupled with decreasing pro�ts and rising unemploy-ment. Further complicating mat-ters is competition from corpo-rations 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 agri-cultural industry to overlook the struggles facing today’s agricultural professionals, a greater understanding of those struggles and the challenges that lay ahead can bene�t the industry and its employees down the road. TF132913 (Metro Creative Graphics)


We always put you FIRST!

From Seed to Harvest, we can help your business grow! EQUAL HOUSING

L E N D E R

Member FDIC

Visit us online at www.fnbmn.comMankato

507.625.1121St. Peter

507.931.4000Gaylord

507.237.5521

Visit us online at www.fnbmn.com

Craig Bode, Vice President

Ag Lending

THE FARM STORE FOR EVERYONE!

• Hand & Power Tools• Plumbing & Electrical Supplies• Batteries & Automotive• Catt le & Hog Gates• Fencing Supplies• Rope, Chain & Cable• Stock Tanks, Feeders• Sprayer Supplies• Kent Animal Feeds• Welders & Supplies• PTO Parts• Power Equipment• Work & Casual Clothing• Work Boots• Rubber Footwear

507-387-1171800-879-1938

1951 N. Riverfront Drive, MankatoEmployee Owned & Operated

www.candssupply.com

Farm, Home, Commercial

RENT ITDid You Know?

We have RENTAL EQUIPMENT and

SPECIALTY ATTACHMENTS!

Bobcat of MankatoA division of Sanco Equipment

2333 7th Ave. Mankato, MN 56001507-625-4511

www.bobcatofmankato.com


Lager’sSt. Peter

910 Old Minnesota Ave. 507-931-4070 • 800-657-4802

HOURS: M - Th 8-7 | Fri 8-6 | Sat 8-4

2015 Dodge Dart SE2.0 4 cyl., auto, pw, pdl, alloy wheels, rallye pkg

#11344

$16,982*

2015 Dodge Challenger SSheated seats & steering wheel, remote start, nav, premium

sound system

#11257

$28,985*

2015 Chrysler 200 Limited4 cyl., auto, pw, pdl, alloy wheels

#11316

$19,998*MSRP: $24,580 MSRP: $33,585

MSRP: $22,240

MSRP: $26,480

MSRP: $36,730

MSRP: $32,665

MSRP: $29,070

MSRP: $25,690

MSRP: $48,365

MSRP: $19,830

MSRP: $44,620

MSRP: $43,490

2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4X4remote start, heated seats & steering wheel,

back-up camera, nav, tow pkg

#11081$28,996*

2015 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4X44 cyl., 9 speed auto, back-up camera,

satellite radio, alloy wheels

#11341

$23,916*

2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4X4v6, auto, heated seats, remote start, auto temp, tow pkg

#11299

$32,985*

2015 Jeep Compass High Altitude 4X4leather, p.seat, 6.5” touch screen, back-up camera, heated

seats, remote start

#11195$24,946*

2015 Dodge Journey AVP

#11306

$17,993*

pw, pdl, dual zone temp, touch screen, satellite radio

2015 Chrysler Town & Country Touring

#11078

$28,992**

heated seats & steering wheel, nav, back-up camera, dvd

2015 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4X4

#11346

$38,473*

3.0 ecodiesel, pw, pdl, tow pkg, back-up camera, satellite radio

2015 Ram 2500 Crew Cab Slt 4X4

#11320

$39,987*

6.4 hemi, v8, remote start, back-up camera, tow pkg

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4

#11333

$40,989*

heated leather, tow pkg, moonroof, nav, 20” wheels

2015 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4X4

#11125$21,988*

heated seats, remote start, 6.5” touch screen, uconnect with blue tooth

*includes � nance cash. must � nance through lager’s � nance source to qualify. see salesperson for details. o.a.c. **also includes minivan owner loyalty. see salesperson for details.

www.lagerschryslerdodgejeep.com

SALE PRICE SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

MSRP: $33,224

Rural life 2015

Documents

Transcript of Rural life 2015