Farm Bureau hosts annual meeting
Members of the Taylor County Farm Bureau were hosted at the Zenner homestead farm in the town of Little Black last week for the group’s annual meeting.
Melvin “MJ” Zenner started the evening with a tour of the farm highlighting the t-shaped barn which was built and expanded over the years with wood harvested and planed on the farm. He also highlighted the grain bins and drying equipment as well as the collection of John Deere tractors representing more than 80 years of changes.
Laurie Peterson, of Rural Mutual Insurance reported on the company’s growth and of their continued efforts to help their patrons and return profits to them in dividend payments especially through the pandemic.
The group also received an update from District 8 director Ryan Klussendorf about the organization’s efforts to educate the public about agriculture. He highlighted the recent Bury Your Undies activity where farmers buried briefs in their farm field for several weeks this summer digging them up and showing the high level of soil activity based on how much the cloth had been consumed by soil organisms.
During the evening, the group also reviewed a list of 34 resolutions addressing agriculture and rural issues at the local, state and national level. The resolutions include: Calling for changes in livestock fence laws that if adjoining property owners are both using the fence they should share the costs.
Requiring a 12-hour notice and presentation of credentials for dairy inspections.
Supporting having law enforcement take part in animal handling courses. Opposing use of steel lugged wheels, steel surface contact wheels and steel shoed horses on paved roads.
Support standardized weight limits for milk transportation.
Support a number of changes in concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) permitting including a 90 day window for the DNR to take action or permits would automatically be renewed, holding the DNR responsible for fees if permits are not approved in a 90 day window, and extending the CAFO permitting from 5 years to 10 years.
Having whole milk as an option in school lunch programs.
Reducing or eliminating government agriculture subsidies.
District representative Ryan Klussendorf talked about the programs being done on a statewide basis.
Holy Rocka Rollaz will be the Medford Area Performing Arts Association’s second offering of the 2021-2022 season, performing on Saturday, September 25, at Medford Area Senior High School’s Red and White Theatre, beginning at 7 p.m. Take an authentic trip back to the fantastic 50s with the Holy Rocka Rollaz! If it’s the classic early rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, and more that you want, played just the way those legends played it . . . you have found your dream band! Minnesota’s own Holy Rocka Rollaz bring back the sound, the look, the memories and nostalgia of one of America’s most treasured eras.
Laurie Peterson, of Rural Mutual Insurance reported on the company’s success in the past year. She is pictured with president Rob Klussendorf.
