Down on the farm: A chance to chat about farming

Issues that get farmers to devote a morning of discussion during harvest time must be important. Resolutions about the Cloquet Forestry Center, local milk processing, and County Extension programs drew a dozen busy agriculture practitioners to the annual meeting of the Carlton County chapter of the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU). The group is comprised of specialists in livestock, dairy, vegetables, berries, and agritourism, as well as Carlton County director of development Ryan Pervenanze. Chair Mark Thell led the discussion at the Silver Brook Town Hall in Wrenshall on Sept. 24.

Stu Lourey, government relations director of MFU, spoke about lobbying at the Capitol in St. Paul. His focus is on health care, antimonopoly, climate resilience, shortage of veterinarians, and the Farm Bill.

Recent controversy over the disposition of property at the Forestry Center prompted a motion that MFU lobby the University of Minnesota to continue operating the Center in stewardship with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. In another motion, livestock farmer Steve Risacker called for MFU support of County Extension programming, which includes 4-H and an Agriculture Educator. While 4-H promotes agricultural and outdoor learning for youth, the Educator puts results of University of Minnesota research at the disposal of farmers.

An extensive discussion on the local processing of milk brought various points of view. All small- and medium-sized farms face an ongoing threat from monopolistic practices by large operations and corporations. Walmart, Costco and Kwik Trip will not buy milk, meat, or produce locally. Livestock producers have some advantage, since their animals can be processed locally and they can market directly to customers. Direct sale of raw milk, however, is highly restricted; buyers must come to the farm and draw from the bulk tank. Three county dairymen, Peter Laveau and his brother Duane, both of Wrenshall, and Willow River’s Jeff Pasek, who was honored in August as Farmer of the Year at the Carlton County Fair, pay to have their milk transported to a co-op three hours away. On-farm processing has a high cost for equipment, licensing, and inspection; furthermore, milk prices fluctuate erratically year to year. None of the dairymen would consider the risk of such a project. They were, however, in favor of a resolution that includes milk as part of any MFU policy that supports local processing. Several people suggested ideas for starting an independent operation that would pasteurize milk and turn it into butter, ice cream, cheese, yogurt, etc. Janaki Fisher-Merritt pointed out that he and others have found success selling vegetables to Super One, and maybe that could be a market for locally produced milk and dairy products.

Brett Amundson of Farm LoLa in Wrenshall spoke enthusiastically about agritourism. He welcomes city folk who want to rent a cabin or park their RV among the berries and chickens that he tends. As part of the Twin Ports metro area, Carlton County is attractive to nearby urbanites.

The resolutions, along with others from around the state, will be brought forward at the annual MFU convention in Minneapolis, Nov. 22-24. Three delegates — Mark Thell, Dan Reed, and I — will represent the chapter at the meeting, which will shape MFU policy and guide the organization in promoting the economic interests and quality of life for rural Minnesota communities.

John Sanford “Sandy” Dugan of Wrenshall is the father of Annie Dugan, partner of Janaki Fisher-Merritt of the Food Farm. He’s always looking for a good farm story. Contact him at 218-461-5847 or [email protected].