Benton Ag Plus - December 16, 2023

BENTON AG Plus

Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023

Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties

Minnesota-grown

Tax resources for USDA program participants

Christmas tree arrives in D.C.

Farm Service Agency News by Ryan Brunn, executive director for Benton and Mille Lacs counties

Navigating ling taxes can be challenging, especially if you are new to running a farm business, participating in disaster programs for rst time or trying to forecast the farm’s tax bill. Receiving funds from U.S. Department of Agriculture through activities such as a conservation program payment or a disaster program is considered farm income that includes a tax liability for farm businesses. USDA technical assistance is free and creates no tax implications. At the end of the tax year, USDA issues tax forms 1098 and 1099 for farm loans, conservation programs administered by the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service

USDA page 3B

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Minnesota Department of Administration employees haul a Happy Land Tree Farms fir up the steps of the Minnesota Capitol Nov. 28 in St. Paul. Happy Land Tree Farms also sent a 10-foot Fraser fir to Washington, D.C., for Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence.

Champion.” Minnesota Christmas Tree Association President John Krueger said this year was the rst time a state grower received either the national grand champion or reserve champion distinctions. “It’s the rst one ever for a Minnesota farm (to be placed in the top two nationally),” Krueger said. “Of course, there are only two per year: one goes to the White House, and one goes to the vice president’s residence. Happy Land Tree Farm has dominated the Minnesota State Fair Christmas tree competition, which is how the Minnesota association chooses which trees will compete at the national level.”

Happy Land Tree Farms fir selected for vice president’s residence BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER

A family-run tree farm from Sandstone recently received a national distinction that Minnesota Christmas Tree Association leaders said put the state’s tree-growing industry on the map. A 10-foot Minnesota-grown Fraser r is bringing holiday spirit to Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence in Washington, D.C., this December after Happy Land Tree Farms landed the 2023 Reserve Champion title at the National Christmas Tree and Wreath Contest. The contest took place during the National

Christmas Tree Association convention Aug. 4 at Wolcyn Tree Farms & Nursery in Cambridge. Happy Land Tree Farms secretary Myra Olson said her family was simply pleased to be in attendance at the competition in August and did not expect to end the event by being named one of the top tree farms in the nation. “It’s incredibly signi cant for us,” Olson said. “We have worked pretty hard entering the Minnesota State Fair competitions, and we’ve won 15 times. Because of that, we decided to enter the national competition. We were very shocked to learn that we got Reserve

Happy Land Tree Farm page 2B

On the lot and ready to go!

New PS242

New PS242

w/horizontal beaters

w/vertical beaters

Used PS242 HB Call and ask for Rod for pricing!

1960-2023 Celebrating 63 years!

New Rakes and wheel rakes

FLUEGGE’S AG Farm Material Handling Specialist

ROD FLUEGGE “the boss”

2040 Mahogany St., Mora, MN 320-679-2981 BA50-1B-BL