BENTON AG Plus
Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023
Drought assistance programs
Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties
Loss of hearing is not an obstacle
for future Benton County 4-H’er BY TIM HENNAGIR STAFF WRITER
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Farm Service Agency News by Ryan Brunn, executive director for Benton and Mille Lacs counties
With the extremely dry weather we have been experiencing in central Minnesota, we have now triggered additional Farm Service Agency programs to assist livestock producers. All producers in Benton, Mille Lacs, Sherburne and Anoka counties can apply for the following programs if applicable to their farming operation. Please read about the below programs and see if FSA can help. Livestock forage losses Producers are eligible to apply for the 2023 Livestock Forage Disaster Program bene ts on small grain, native pasture, improved pasture, annual ryegrass and forage sorghum intended for grazing.
ll youth need opportunities to be involved in activities that showcase their talents. Programs like 4-H empower disabled youth. They also build unique friendships. Five-year old Stella Mielke did not hear the cheers when she participated at the Benton County Fair as an open class novice during the Aug. 1 swine judging. “Stella has to overcome barriers because she’s deaf,” said her mother, Jade. “Having a disability isn’t an obstacle to 4-H. Stella and sister, Hailey, have lots of gumption.” The girls’ swine-showing received a helping hand from Corey, Vicky, Morgan and Austin Molitor. Next year’s goal is having Stella become a fully bloomed 4-H Cloverbud, joining Hailey at the fair showing pigs. “Don’t forget that 4-H is for everybody,” Vicky said. “It allows anyone to participate. That’s the message.” Austin agreed with his mother’s assessment regarding Stella’s participation and her impact upon others. “She should get the same opportunities as everyone else,” he said. “A disability should not be a barrier. Stella makes me work harder to be better with my 4-H involvement, and she has a lot of fun doing it.”
Mielke’s animal interactions occur in silent world Jade, Hailey and Stella participated in a school event that featured Tank, the Molitor’s crossbred calico market barrow. It was not long before Tank and Hailey formed a bond. When Austin applied for a job at the Mielke family’s dairy farm and was hired, he was asked about the process of getting involved in 4-H. “Hailey got us involved
with the Molitors’ pigs,” Jade said. “When she started walking and caring for a pig, Stella was determined she was going to do the same thing. Since Stella is deaf, my participation involves communicating with sign language, which Morgan and Austin have picked up and learned.”
Mielke page 2B
Programs page 3B
PHOTO BY TIM HENNAGIR
Stella Mielke is all smiles after giving a crossbred calico gilt named Possum a quick brushing and plenty of pre-event attention prior to an novice appearance at the Aug. 1 Benton County Fair 4-H swine show in Sauk Rapids. Stella is deaf, and sign language is one tool when visiting with the Corey and Vicky Molitor family.
SPREADERS, SPREADERS, SPREADERS... New Kuhn 242
Two New Kuhn VB242s
w/horizintal beaters
On the Lot
Several other used Kuhn spreaders to choose from! Stop in and check em out and speak to Rod
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ust Delivered
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