November’s farm family interview included not only mom and dad, Ryan and Molly Kappers, but their four young children, Haiden, Emily, Olivia and Avery, who range in age from 3 to 10. At the beginning of the interview, the kids were hesitant to talk, but as the interview progressed, they eagerly answered questions and shared their stories. Once outside, the kids became excited … [Read more...]
A Farm Family’s Vision
Eric and Ann Kreidermacher consciously made a decision to live a simple life when they said their vows, which would allow them to raise a happy, healthy family. Both Eric’s parents were raised on farms, his father on a dairy farm. The family farm on which Eric and Ann are raising their family was purchased by Eric’s parents in 1967. His dad milked cows for a few years but … [Read more...]
Local Land Rent Survey Now Available
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension PRESTON and CALEDONIA, MN, September 26, 2023 — The Fillmore and Houston County Extension offices are currently collecting responses to the 2023-2024 Fillmore and Houston County land rent surveys. If you are a land owner in Fillmore or Houston County you may see a paper copy of the survey arrive in the mail. University of … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair Open Class Results
Department 1 - Game Horses Dept 1- Class A Keri Eglinton, Champion; Christine Novak, Reserve Dept 1- Class B Keri Eglinton; Reserve Champion Dept 1- Class C Rosalie Plzak, Champion; Keri Eglinton, Reserve Champion Dept 1- Class D Elliot Plzak, Champion; Keri Eglinton, Reserve Dept 1- Class E Elliot Plzak, Champion; Keri Eglinton, Reserve Champion Dept 1- Class … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair 4-H Results
4-H Club Legend BHSS - Black Hammer Swift Scooters; BW - Brownsville Wildcats; CR - Caledonia Rockets; HNH - Hearts and Hooves; HC - Hokah Chiefs; HCSS - Houston County Sharpshooters; IND - Independent; LCTL - La Crescent Tiger Lilies; LCAB - La Crescent Apple Blossoms; LL - Lazy Lopers; MBRS - Mayville Blue Ribbon Strivers; MCL - Money Creek Livewires; NN - Newhouse … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Open Class Results
Farm Products Grand Champion: Jeff Gillespie, Fountain - Rye sheaf; Reserve Champion: Greg Dornink, Preston - Ear Corn; Honorable Mention: Levi Johnson, Fountain - Alfalfa sheaf; Honorable Mention: Greg Dornink, Preston - Tallest corn Vegetable Gardening Grand Champion: Darlene Eickhoff, Wykoff - Fresh herb display; Reserve Champion: Darlene Eickhoff, Wykoff - Red … [Read more...]
MDA Farm to School and Early Care Grants Open for Applications MN School Districts and Early Childhood Education Centers are Eligible for Funding
ST. PAUL, MN – Two grants that aim to increase local purchasing in Minnesota Farm to School and Early Care programs are now open for applications through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Through this round of Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Farm to School and Early Care Grants, school districts and early childhood education (ECE) centers … [Read more...]
Farm Family – Kevin Tart and Julie Broadwater
The Tart family has been toiling in the same fields for five generations all in the Root River valley minutes from Spring Valley, Minn. And, all within a mile of the farm where Kevin Tart and Julie Broadwater along with their three children, Lakin, Macen and Nayli live. Kevin’s great-great-grandfather Alkin Tart and his wife Mary Tart were the first generation to farm the … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair Receives Rave Reviews
Commissioner Bob Schuldt commended the Houston County Fair Board for an outstanding fair and that people he talked with at the fair were impressed with the rodeo. Commissioners Eric Johnson and Robert (Bob) Burns added that they felt that the fair was well attended, noting there was a line at the rodeo. Chairperson Dewey Severson called the regularly scheduled meeting to order … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Livestock 4-H Results
4-H Club Legend AHF - Arendahl Hi-Flyers, BC - Bloomfield Cloverleaves, CC - Carimona Cruisers, CW - Challenging Workers, HHH - Harmony Helping Hands, I- Independent, LL - Lanesboro Livewires, MBB - Mabel Busy Bees, NGG - Norway Go-Getters, Racine RR - Racine Rural Rookies, Root RR - Root River Rabbits Beef Senior Beef Interview Champion: Adia Evans, Root RR; Reserve … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Non-livestock 4-H Results
4-H Club Legend AHF - Arendahl Hi-Flyers, BC - Bloomfield Cloverleaves, CC - Carimona Cruisers, CW - Challenging Workers, HHH - Harmony Helping Hands, I- Independent, LL - Lanesboro Livewires, MBB - Mabel Busy Bees, NGG - Norway Go-Getters, Racine RR - Racine Rural Rookies, Root RR - Root River Rabbits Agronomy Champion: Jeffrey Snyder, Racine RR Cake & Cookie … [Read more...]
Fair time!
Celebrate 165 years of tradition, food, entertainment, and exhibits at the 2023 Fillmore County Fair, July 17-23. The fairgrounds is located just minutes west of Hwy. 52 in Preston. Food is one of the top reasons fairgoers attend county fairs. Food, especially fair food, challenges all fiave senses. Whether it is a bag of fluffy sticky sweet cotton candy, grilled burger, … [Read more...]
Raised bed gardening
By Tanner Marquardt Student Intern University of Minnesota Extension PRESTON, MN, June 19, 2023 — As you’re gardening this year you may find that you want to change up your garden, or maybe you want something easier to access, consider raised garden beds. Raised garden beds are excellent for people with mobility issues or who struggle to bend to the ground. Raised garden … [Read more...]
Armyworms
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension PRESTON and CALEDONIA, MN, June 13, 2023 — As of writing this article, both Fillmore and Houston counties, along with many other parts of the state, are in D0 (abnormally dry) or D1 (moderate drought) conditions. Given the current stage and conditions of our crops there are many things that we need to be thinking … [Read more...]
Top Minnesota dairy farms honored for superior cow care
Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen 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 count is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life for bottled milk. In honor of National Dairy Month, 93 Minnesota dairy farms are being recognized for their … [Read more...]
