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Panel discusses farming strategies at Farmfest

GILFILLAN ESTATE — A panel of experts discussed farming strategies in challenging times in the Farmfest Forum building Tuesday.

State Rep. Paul Anderson, who farms near Starbuck, promoted more use of E15 and going to an even higher percentage of ethanol in newer cars.

“I’m passionate about expanding the use of E15,” Anderson said. “E25 to 30 is the sweet spot. This will help the Minnesota corn market.”

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Secretary Bob Worth of Lake Benton talked about the need for more exports.

“We need to export six out of every 10 rows of soybeans,” Worth said.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson said loan programs are available for farmers with assets under $400,000.

“Talk to your banker or call me,” Frederickson said about the loan programs.

Comfrey farmer Alphonse Mathiowetz asked why supply management isn’t beging discussed.

“We try to export more soybeans each year. The more we grow, the lower prices go. If we don’t keep producing, we’ll all be having farm sales,” Worth said. “We tried managing supply in the ’60s and ’70s. It didn’t help much.”

Roesler said the USDA is concerned about the U.S. losing its market share.

“If ag production moves offshore, it puts food security and the U.S. balance of payments out of whack,” Roesler said.

Frederickson called for the U.S. to re-open trade with Cuba. He cited recent bipartisan legislation that would do so.

Roesler said farmers need to have a good handle on their working capital and liquidity to be competitive.

Worth talked about the importance of finding a good banker and being good friends with him.

“If you get in a pickle, a good banking friend will pull you out,” Worth said.

Moderator Jerry Groskreutz said he’s seeing more farmers working together again, sharing machinery in tough times.

“Anything you can do to reduce fixed input costs is important,” said Paula VanNurden of the University of Minnesota Center for Farm Financial Management.

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