Field 2 Field - Part 19

January 27, 2019January 27, 2019

Throwback Thursday on a Saturday

Small Town Guy, Big City Thoughts, and a Throwback Thursday on the wrong day.

There’s a popular hashtag that regularly makes the rounds on social media. It’s #TBT, which stands for “Throwback Thursday.” Well, I had my very own Throwback Thursday last Saturday

Had a little bit of a flashback to my sports play-by-play days on Saturday. Went down to the Target Center in Minneapolis to watch some small-town basketball. Spring Grove (one of the teams my paper covers) was in town to take on LeRoy-Ostrander. A couple of times a season, small town teams come in and get to play in the Target Center while the Timberwolves are out of town. Kind of a season highlight for the kids and a lot of fun for moms and dads. It was also a nice throwback for me.

I’m still blown away by just how good the Target Center looks after renovations last year. I went and looked back at some pictures I took when Redwood Valley made the boys’ state basketball tournaments just to be sure, and I was right. That old dark wooden floor (that always looked like it hadn’t been waxed in years) made the atmosphere so dark and gloomy. The new wood floor down there, combined with the GIGANTIC overhead screens/scoreboards give the Target Center a modern-day feel. I like it. Now if we could just put a more successful franchise in there?

Is it seriously the end of January already? Wasn’t it just Christmas like two weeks ago?

Thank the Good Lord that the government shutdown is (temporarily) over. I really don’t care what your politics are. Our “leaders” are getting fat and rich by keeping their hands in our collective cookie jar. How do they keep getting elected?

For that matter, why is it a bad thing to want to secure the southern border? I’ve got a wife, daughter, and relatives I’d like to see kept safe. Anyone arguing against securing the southern border, while at the same time living behind a wall that surrounds their private residence (pick a politician), is an absolute hypocrite.

I saw a headline today that said the Infernal Revenue Service is going to need some time to get through the work backlog because of the shutdown? Have THAT many people already submitted their tax returns? And does that seem a little ominous for those of us still waiting for our W-2 forms?

Watching the Golden State Warriors play the Celtics in Boston tonight and got to thinking: Do they EVER call traveling in the NBA? I KNOW they don’t when James Harden is playing. If you doubt me, just watch the highlights. That step-back three he likes so much from the right wing (and never seems to miss)? I swear to you his feet shuffles and THEN he takes a step back. And watch The Beard when he drives to the basket. How many steps does he take between picking up the dribble and laying it in? You’ll be surprised. Take a look here. There’s a lot of discussion out there about this very topic 🙂

That’s all I have for now. I’m sitting here at home on a Saturday night, just before 9 p.m., and got to thinking that things have changed. This used to be PRIME TIME go out time back in the day. Now I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to make it successfully till ten o’clock. Can anyone else relate to advancing middle age as much as I can right now?

January 25, 2019January 25, 2019

Government Shutdown Gets a Repreive

Trump Announces Temporary End to Partial Government Shutdown

President Trump announced Friday that he had reached an agreement with Congressional Democrats to temporarily reopen the Federal Government, ending the 35-day partial government shutdown. Nine departments had gone without funding, including the USDA. Senate lawmakers from both parties had asked the president to temporarily reopen the government while they work on a broad-scale immigration agreement. (Photo from timesofisrael.com)

President Donald Trump announced Friday that he has reached an agreement to reopen the federal government for three weeks. That three-week continuing resolution will allow furloughed federal employees to return to work. Trump also promised to get them their back-pay, “As soon as possible. It will be quick.” The remarks come on the 35th day of the shutdown. Members of the Senate from both parties have recently pushed Trump to temporarily reopen the government and restart serious negotiations on a wider-reaching immigration deal. Trump did mention the importance of allowing immigrants to legally enter the country to work, something very important to agriculture. The three-week resolution will allow the government to reopen nine unfunded departments, which includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Two bills to reopen the government were shot down in the Senate on Thursday. That got serious negotiations going for the first time in weeks. Trump had asked for a “down payment” on funding for a border wall in exchange for reopening the government, but it’s still unclear if he got what he asked for. Trump said he has other options that would allow him to build the southern border wall. Right now, It’s unclear if he’ll take any steps if lawmakers temporarily fund the government but don’t reach a solution on immigration.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement in response to President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of reopening the federal government:

Government shutdown — Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue is pleased that the partial government shutdown ended on Friday. He said they’ll be working to reestablish all USDA functions as soon as possible. Photo from foodsafetynews.com)

“President Trump’s announcement of the reopening of the federal government is welcome news, as it will bring thousands of our employees back to work and return us to our mission of providing our customers with the services they rely upon. I extend my sincere thanks to the thousands of USDA workers who stayed on the job during the shutdown to offer as many of our normal activities as we could. The President has already signed legislation that guarantees backpay for all employees, and we will move forward on that as soon as possible. Meanwhile, we will prepare for a smooth reestablishment of USDA functions.

“There will now be sufficient time for Congress to come to an agreement with the President on his pledge to protect our national security by securing our southern border with a reliable, effective barrier.”

Here’s the announcement from Fox 10 in Phoenix, Arizona:

January 23, 2019January 23, 2019

Farm Service Agency offices will reopen

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says all Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices nationwide will soon reopen to provide additional administrative services to farmers and ranchers during the government shutdown. Certain FSA offices have been providing limited services for existing loans and tax documents since January 17, and will continue to do so through January 23. Starting on Thursday, January 24, all FSA offices will open and offer a longer list of services they’ll offer to farmers.

Additionally, Secretary Perdue announced that the deadline to apply for the Market Facilitation Program has been extended to February 14. The program is designed to help American farmers hurt by retaliatory tariffs. Other program deadlines may be modified and will be announced as they are addressed.

“At President Trump’s direction, we have been working to alleviate the effects of the lapse in federal funding as best we can, and we are happy to announce the reopening of FSA offices for certain services,” Perdue said. “The FSA provides vital support for farmers and ranchers and they count on those services being available. We want to offer as much assistance as possible until the partial government shutdown is resolved.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has temporarily recalled all of the more than 9,700 FSA employees. Offices will be open from 8 am to 4:30 pm weekdays, beginning January 24. President Trump has already signed legislation that guarantees employees will receive all backpay missed during the shutdown.

For the first two full weeks under this operating plan (January 28 through February 1 and February 4 through February 8), FSA offices will be open Mondays through Fridays. After that, offices will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, if needed, to provide the additional administrative services. That schedule will be in effect until the government shutdown ends and full funding is restored

Agricultural producers who have business with the agency can contact their FSA service center to make an appointment.

Farm service Agency offices will be able to provide a list of critical services to farmers, which are listed below. The offices are allowed to do so, because failure to perform these services would harm funded programs. FSA staff will work on the following transactions:

Market Facilitation Program.
Marketing Assistance Loans.
Release of collateral warehouse receipts.
Direct and Guaranteed Farm Operating Loans, and Emergency Loans.
Service existing Conservation Reserve Program contracts.
Sugar Price Support Loans.
Dairy Margin Protection Program.
Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage.
Livestock Forage Disaster.
Emergency Assistance Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program.
Livestock Indemnity Program.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.
Tree Assistance Program.
Remaining Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program payments for applications already processed.

Transactions that will not be available include, but are not limited to:

New Conservation Reserve Program contracts.
New Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership Loans.
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program.
New or in-process Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program applications.
Emergency Conservation Program.
Emergency Forest Rehabilitation Program.
Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
Grassroots Source Water Protection Program.

With the Office of Management and Budget, USDA reviewed all of its funding accounts that are not impacted by the lapse in appropriation. After the reviewal process, USDA was able to except more employees. Those accounts that are not impacted by the lapse in appropriation include mandatory, multiyear, and no year discretionary funding including FY 2018 Farm Bill activities.

January 18, 2019January 18, 2019

Minnesota FSA Offices Temporarily Open

https://www.farmers.gov/sites/default/files/documents/OpenFSAServiceCenters.pdf

The link above will show you which Minnesota FSA offices are open.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is encouraging farmers who are experience difficulties because of the government shutdown to remember that MDA can help. While the USDA did announce today that Farm Service Agency (FSA) Offices will temporarily reopen January 17, 18, and 22, some farmers may still need to get additional resources heading into the spring planting season.

“I’m pleased that the FSA offices will reopen for a few days to help farmers get their existing loans processed,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “FSA is an important federal partner and provides critical services to farmers. My understanding is that the FSA staff will be available to assist farmers with existing farm loans.”

Petersen encourages Minnesota farmers to contact their local FSA office immediately during this temporary reopening. He also reminds farmers who may be in need of financial assistance or other resources to remember these programs run by the MDA.:

Rural Finance Authority low interest loan programs. Contact Ryan Roles at 651-201-6666, or visit www.mda.state.mn.us/agfinance
Farm Advocate Program for farmers needing one-on-one financial advice or other assistance. Contact Matt McDevitt at 651-201-6311, or visit www.mda.state.mn.us/farmadvocates.
Farm and Rural Helpline for farmers and their families that are coping with stress. Call 833-600-2670, or visit www.mda.state.mn.us/about/mnfarmerstress.

January 18, 2019January 18, 2019

Vermeer Bouncing Back from 2018 Tornado

Employees and management at Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella, Iowa, will always remember July 19, 2018. An EF3 tornado tore through the campus, causing significant damage and a number of non-life-threatening injuries. To add insult to injury, the tornado hit as the company was celebrating its 70^th anniversary.

In the immediate aftermath of the storm, Vermeer CEO Jason Andringa said, “We’ve dealt with several challenges during our 70 years of doing business and we’ve survived them thus far. We plan on doing it again.” That recovery is well underway.

“I was there that day, taking part at an anniversary event at which we had brought in more than 400 customers and dealers,” said Mark Core, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Vermeer. “We had an unbelievably good day. I’d just left to go to another meeting at the corporate building, so I was as far away as I could get from the tornado and still be on the campus.

“The people that were closer than I was described a lot of flying debris,” said Core. “A lot of people in our tornado shelters didn’t necessarily hear anything but they did feel their ears pop. They knew something was close. But, for most people, they really didn’t have any idea how big the tornado was until they walked outside.”

Awe and bewilderment are terms Core used to describe the reactions in the aftermath. Several plants sustained heavy damage and the wastewater treatment facility was a total loss. As the recovery process continues, Core said they will have to demolish two of their manufacturing facilities on the Vermeer campus.

“That means about 30 percent of our manufacturing space will be demolished,” Core said. “It should take two or three years to rebuild, including the time it takes to decide exactly how we want it rebuilt.

“Our CEO (Andringa), the grandson of our founder, set two immediate goals the next day,” Core recalled. “The first goal was getting everyone back to work within 45 days, so they could get back to their normal livelihood. The second was he wanted us to build ourselves back stronger than ever by 2020.

“We got everybody back to work in 31 days,” he recalled. “The second goal is what we’re in the middle of right now. Some things force a company to reinvent itself. Vermeer has never had a financial crisis because of how the owners manage the company. We’ve never been part of a purchase or acquisition. But, we did have a tornado. That gives us the opportunity of a clean slate to improve how we do things.”

In his words, Core said they are “shockingly” back up to pre-storm production levels. They had to shift some of their divisions into rented buildings in order to reclaim some space. He said the workers are more crowded in than they were before. They did have to outsource a few things temporarily as well. He said, “it might look too good to the naked eye,” but they’re still producing at a high level.

“I think a big key to the rebuilding is the passion of Midwest workers who believe in the family and the company,” Core added. “The only way to get everybody back to work in 45 days was to figure out how to get the production lines back in place in 30 days. It hasn’t been easy and there’s still a lot to learn over the next two-or-three months about our temporary world here, but so far, it’s been really pretty amazing.”

The company had a small spike in back orders during the first few weeks after the tornado, but overall, Core said the disruption at the dealer level has been small. He said their dealers did a “phenomenal job” of working with each other to help take care of customers.

“It’s been so much fun to watch the people on our staff rise and shine as they continue to help the company move in the right direction,” Core said with a smile visible even during a phone conversation. “They’ve been able to make quick and smart decisions on things like production, environmental health and safety, facilities, and senior leadership.

“We’ve also had a lot of support from our community,” Core added. “We’ve even had a lot of help from companies that you’d consider our competitors. It’s humbling when you hear from a major competitor that night who told us their people want to head our way and see if they could help us. I think we had a total of eight competitors contact us within the first 24 hours.

Core said it says a lot about people in the business of agriculture, who are always willing to lend a hand in the worst of situations.

“I think we’re getting through this,” Core said.

Here’s a first-hand, birds-eye view of the damage at the Vermeer plant taken by a drone on the same day.

January 2, 2019January 2, 2019

Invasive Insect Found in Holiday Decorations

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is encouraging residents who purchased wreathes, swags, boughs, and other evergreen decorations at several retailers to burn items, or bag and throw away items to stop the spread of the invasive insect elongate hemlock scale (EHS).

EHS is native to Asia. It feeds on nutrients found on the underside of conifer needles.

Earlier this week the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection issued a similar warning after finding EHS in greenery at several retail chains. The MDA then began inspecting similar retailers across Minnesota, looking for the insect in any leftover greenery. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture found the insect in displays at Menards and Home Depot locations. Both companies are cooperating with MDA investigators and are pulling what’s left of the displays off the shelves.

The bigger challenge for inspectors is the evergreen items came all the way from North Carolina. It’s more than possible that the items were sold at other locations as well.

Minnesotans who bought wreathes, swags, boughs, and other evergreen decorations at Home Depot or Menards should burn the items, or bag them and dispose of them in the trash once the items are no longer useful for decoration. Do not compost the items.

Here is the insect itself and the damage it leaves behind. (Photo courtesy of OSU Extension)

“Unless you know you purchased evergreen products from a locally grown source, residents should err on the side of caution and burn, or bag and throw away your evergreen items,” said Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Whitney Place. “This will help us ensure this invasive insect does not get a foothold in Minnesota.”

Elongate hemlock scale has been found in the eastern U.S., Michigan, and Nevada. It had previously not been found in Minnesota.

December 30, 2018December 30, 2018

His First Car

Small-Town Guy, Big City Thoughts

I got to help a son through a major life stage the other day. His first car. Gaelan Smith chose an ’02 Red Pontiac Grand Prix GTX. Got it with only 170,000 miles on it. I haven’t car shopped in a long time and forgot how much work it is. However, I also forgot how rewarding it is for a kid to have his first car.

Gaelan’s first car is a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GTX. It’s got a few things to work on as far as the outside appearance but she’s solid where it counts!

I offer this as an example. Gaelan and I work out regularly at Planet Fitness up in Brooklyn Park. Got out of the car and he hit the lock button. In the short walk from the car to the front door, I watched in the windows along the front of the gym and saw him turn around and look back at the car three times. No reason to. Just wanted to turn and look back at his car. Adorable! Took me back to getting my 1969 sky blue Chevy Nova when I was his age. Good memories. Good times!

You really do forget just how much fun it’s NOT to get insurance on cars for kids. Especially teenage boys in red cars.

In other random thoughts, go see the new Aquaman movie. Dang. With all the (well-deserved) guff that DC has taken for its previous movies, they hit a serious home run with this one. I’d say it’s okay to say that, even if you don’t like superhero movies, you will love this one! Comedy. Lots of action. Eye candy for the boys and girls. Heck, even my mother-in-law, Debby Bourgond, wants to go see it. 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Aquaman. Go see it. (Photo from Variety.com)

Speaking of fun things to do, made my first trip to Dave and Buster’s yesterday. When the kids were younger, I thought Chuckie Cheese was game-playing nirvana. Well, D and B up the ante when it comes to video games and food. First of all, the chicken fingers were fantastic. And it only got better from there.

Anyone close to me knows how much I love the superhero games Injustice and Injustice 2. They’re console games for the Xbox One. I had no idea they made Injustice into an arcade game! Braedan Smith was standing next to me when I made my discovery. Turned to him and said, “I think I just cheated on my wife.” I was pretty excited. Highly recommend a family trip to Dave and Buster’s if you have one nearby.

I really tried hard to think of a way to bring this game home with me from Dave and Busters. Didn’t figure it out in time.

Final thought: Just started reading a Stephen King book called Sleeping Beauties. All of the women in the world fall asleep, webbing appears around their heads, and they’re trapped in a coma. Just think about that, fellas. All the women in the world in a coma. Makes me shudder just thinking about it. If you have to ask why, you might wanna try fifth-grade health class all over again.

Later…

October 22, 2018

Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline Available 24/7

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds farmers and their families that the Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free and confidential. The toll free number is (833) 600-2670.

helpline

“These are challenging times for growers who are facing a number of economic headwinds on the farm. And during harvest, that stress builds for a lot of farmers spending long hours in the combine,” said Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Brian Thalmann, who farms near Plato. “All farmers should know this number is available when outside help is needed.”

Farmers and rural communities face unique stresses and emotional situations, including financial challenges, unpredictable weather, and physically demanding work. Stress, anxiety, depression, financial burdens, and other mental and emotional challenges are common.

The Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline connects callers to financial help, mental health counselors, legal assistance, and more. Calls are confidential, but counselors may ask for a first name and phone number in case of a dropped call. Translation services are available in all languages.

The Helpline is also available to people who are worried about family or friends and aren’t sure how to help.

Farmers and rural Minnesotans can call the toll free number as often as needed at (833) 600-2670 or visit the MDA’s website for additional resources on farming and stress.

Here are some great tips on dealing with farm stress of Lynn DeVries of the Nebraska Extension Service.

October 19, 2018

USSEC Initiative Helping Move Extra Soybeans

It’s well-known that the trade dispute between the United States and China has hit the U.S. soybean industry hard. China, once the biggest buyer of U.S. soybeans, is no longer purchasing large volumes of beans. That means a lot of the product needs to find new markets. The U.S. Soybean Export Council is working on a new initiative called “What It Takes,” which is designed to help deal with the backlog of soybeans that need to be shipped and sold.

“When the tariff dispute cranked up in April, we were all hopeful that it would be a short-term thing,” said USSEC CEO Jim Sutter. “While it could change at any time, we’d better plan for it to be a longer-term ordeal. It’s made even more challenging by the complex issues between the two countries. There’s more than soybeans involved, with a lot at stake.”

“It was a huge shock to what our industry has gotten used to in terms of marketing plans,” Sutter said. “Our team has been very busy working with exporters. We’re trying to help them in any market where they might have potential customers. We’re also working with importers around the world, telling them about the attributes and possibilities that U.S. soy holds for them.”

Sutter said most overseas markets have purchased at least some U.S. soybeans. There are just a few that haven’t yet. U.S. beans are priced very competitively around the world right now, making them a more affordable option than in past years.

Soybeans have really backed up in the Pacific Northwest. Exporters there typically sell most of their beans to China. USSEC is focusing on encouraging potential customers to come to the PNW as they look for soybeans, and they’ve been successful at it. Taiwan has purchased soybeans in the Pacific Northwest for the first time in 15 years.

“We’re doing a lot of work in other Asian countries, which we think would be a logical destination for those beans from the Pacific Northwest.”

Here’s the complete conversation:

Here’s a refresher on just how USSEC helps improve things for soybean farmers:

October 18, 2018October 19, 2018

Organic Farming adding acres and operations

Organic farming is growing to meet the increasing demand for its products. A report from Mercaris, an organic industry data service, says the U.S. now has roughly 6.5 million acres of organically certified land. The number of certified organic farms is three percent higher this year than in 2017. Laura Batcha, CEO/Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association, says that great is news.

“We always welcome seeing an increase in U.S. acres dedicated to organic farming,” Batcha said. “It’s something very important to see an increase in the overall value chain and the sustainability of the industry, as a whole.

“We’ve been investing in some particular initiatives that have an emphasis on increasing production in terms of row crops, including row crops and small grains,” Batcha added. “It’s really nice to see the number of acres has grown in the last year. Our members worked on projects to help to increase knowledge transfer that would support farmers transitioning their acres (to organic), so it’s nice to see that particular crop types and geographies are showing an increase.”

Some of those geographies include states along the East Coast, through the Corn Belt, and through the West. Those areas reported the largest gains in total certified operations. Just those three regions alone added 430 certified organic farming operations. Batcha is pleased that organic is spreading to different locations.

Batcha said the goal is to keep a nice and steady growth in the number of organic areas and operations across the country. That’s not necessarily an easy thing to do because there’s no one way of doing things in organic production that applies to all products.

“It’s tough to talk about keys to growing the industry as a whole because you have to look at it from a crop-specific perspective,” she said. “You also need to look at things from a regional perspective. What works for specialty crops in California won’t be the same thing that works for small grains in the Great Plains.

“The industry is focusing on several things right now,” Batcha added. “Organic regulations require crop rotation and cover-cropping. Organic farms have longer and more complex crop rotations (than traditional farming). What is needed is for crops in different rotations to have access to markets. It’s an emphasis the whole supply chain is looking at. Some of our farms may have six or seven different crops and we want healthy markets for all of them.

“The other thing the (Mercaris) report calls out is improving transparency in terms of data and statistics in the organic industry,” Batcha said. “But there are still gaps. The report recommended the same thing that our members have already brought to the Department of Agriculture. The recommendation we want is to see that the reporting of acreage from the certified agencies to the USDA to be a mandatory data transfer on an annual basis. It’s not only important for good statistics that inform policy choices, as well as farmer decision-making out in their fields.”

There are now 17,648 U.S. farms certified as compliant with the USDA National Organic Farming Program standards for organic row crop production. Total organic acres increased from 6.4 million acres in 2017.

The data company calls the report the only trusted information source on organic farmland statistics because the Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will not be issuing data on organic acreage for 2018.