Low farm income, a lingering trade war and other issues affecting agriculture are increasingly causing stress and mental health issues for farmers in Minnesota and around the country. The University of Minnesota has stepped up to fill the gap for farmers looking for mental health resources. More than 90% of American farmers and farm workers say financial issues impact … [Read more...]
Pinkie goes to Relay for Life auction
Linus Hammell bought Pinkie a couple of years ago and is donating it back to the 2019 Fillmore County Relay for Life auction. The tractor, shown here with Jared, Jacob, Jordon and Kjersten Peterson and dog, Max, is currently displayed at the home of their grandfather Dale Peterson, on Hwy. 16 southeast of Preston. These four young adults are passionate about the Relay for Life. … [Read more...]
Top Minnesota dairy farms honored for superior cow care
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen today released the annual list of top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell counts (SCC). Somatic cell count is a key indicator of milk quality – a lower SCC is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life for bottled milk. In honor of June Dairy Month, 115 dairy farms are being recognized for … [Read more...]
New MDA Dairy Assistance Program takes effect Small- to medium-size dairy farmers may be eligible for assistance
ST. PAUL, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is rolling out its new Dairy Assistance, Investment and Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program to provide financial assistance for dairy producers who enroll for five years of coverage in the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. “Minnesota farmers are the cornerstone of our state’s economy,” … [Read more...]
500 tractors roll through Fillmore County
Anyone who lives or works in the southeastern part of Fillmore County probably noticed something unusual on Monday, June 10. Tractors (lots of them!) came putt-putt-putting through, as part of the WMT Annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade. No, they hadn’t taken any wrong turns. In explaining why an Iowa tractorcade was in Minnesota, WMT and WHO Farm Broadcaster Andy … [Read more...]