By Tyler Trieglaff

Notes from the Chief

Notes from the farm…66 is the magic number as I did not hear of any more babies at the time this went to the press. We have 15 left, hopefully, by May 17. 

That will be our sixth week of calving. We normally shoot to be done in nine weeks or three heat cycles.

Dad just started to work one field last Thursday, soon it will be time to plant corn. Last year, we planted a cover crop in between our corn rows after the corn was about a foot tall. The field had been sprayed for weeds and then we planted rye, turnips, red clover, and other plant species. This is to help the soil health and also provide some more pasture for the cows after the corn crop is taken off. It’s like getting 1.5 crops in a single growing season. 

The cover crop was a mild success due to the lack of rain last summer. The crop did come up in September after some moisture, but the overall crop was not that impressive. The cows did get some extra nibbles and it did save on some hay bales.

This year I want to try something a little more off the wall. Our corn is planted in 30-inch rows with a plant population per acre around 28,000. Research shows that skipping every other row and planting 60-inch rows can have a positive impact on the soil and crops. The plant population would be doubled in each row, leaving close to the 28,000 plants per acre. The 60-inch rows will allow for more sunlight to contact each plant as well as allow more space for the cover crop. 

The potential losses to the corn crop are minimal yet the benefit of the extra forages will outweigh any other losses. More nutrients in the soil and more manure to fertilize the ground. How much will we plant in 60-inch rows? 

It may be a few acres or it may be 10-15 acres. It will be interesting to say the least.

Have a nice week.

Saturday, April 30

7:38 p.m. Assist with a medical.

Sunday, May 1

1:39 p.m. Neighbor reporting getting nasty text messages from a neighbor. Officer gave advice to block the number and ignore the messages.

2:48 p.m. Report of a court order violation and damage to property. Ricky Thomas, Jr., 29, Detroit Lakes arrested and facing charges.

11:04 p.m. Security alarm on W Maple. Building is secure.

Monday, May 2

11:08 a.m. Assist school truancy officer.

3:47 p.m. Assist with a semi getting out of the gas station after delivering fuel.

5:04 p.m. Officer asked to intervene as neighbors want to find the property pins to mark the property line. Officer talked with all involved and things were handled civilly.

6:21 p.m. Assist with a complaint of property damage and burglary on Borah Road.

7:53 p.m. Report taken of a rental trailer house that had items taken by the former tenant. Obvious signs of intentional damage. Under investigation.

Tuesday, May 3

5:23 p.m. Assist with looking for a vehicle that stole items from Menards. UTL.

8:18 p.m. Report of a suspicious person at a house on E Main. Male party lived at the house and was just out for a walk.

Wednesday, May 4

3:20 p.m. Officer called to the high school to assist with a student who was having a rough day. Student left with mom before officer arrived.

7:23 p.m. Warrant arrest of Alicia Alaniz, 32, Frazee.

Thursday, May 5

3:43 p.m. Report of a vehicle on the bike path between Frazee and DL. UTL.

4:33 p.m. Report of a female laying in front of a car on St Hwy 87. Turned out vehicle was broke down and it was a non-issue.

4:41 p.m. Vehicle unlock on W Main.