“If you like what you do, you never have to work a day in your life and that’s true,” Dr. Lynn Aggen said. Aggen spent 47 years working at the Harmony Veterinary Clinic and celebrated his retirement with an open house on June 18. It all started when a steer needed medical attention at his parents’ farm near Worthington, Minn. Aggen was able to watch the vet work on the steer. … [Read more...]
Drive-thru Dairy Night on the Farm “udderly” amazing
While the coronavirus has caused the cancellation or postponement of many events, the Fillmore County American Dairy Association found a creative way to mo-o-o-o-o-ve forward with their annual Dairy Night on the Farm. On Saturday, June 20, from 4-7 p.m., an estimated 750 dairy enthusiasts drove to the Mulhern Dairy farm on the outskirts of Fountain, Minn. The Mulherns have … [Read more...]
The many hats of dairy farmers
By Kelsey Biel When I think of hard-working, dedicated, persistent, and passionate people, a dairy farmer immediately pops in my mind. Dairy farmers are some of the most committed people to their work. They wear many hats besides being a farmer; dairy farmers are nutritionists, environmentalists, and community members. One of my favorite things on my family’s dairy farm is … [Read more...]
“Farming in Tough Times” webinar kicks off free series for farmers
Community development groups in southeast Minnesota are working together to produce a new series of five free webinars for farmers called “Growing Stronger Together”. The series will kick off on Friday, June 12 at 10 a.m. with a webinar entitled “Farming in Tough Times.” With low commodity prices, high debt loads, and challenging weather in recent years, farmers are … [Read more...]
Local farms among top Minnesota dairy farms honored for superior cow care
Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen today released the annual list of top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell counts (SCC). Included on this list were Trailside Hosteins of Fillmore County; Schroeder Brothers LLC, Dev-Lin Holsteins LLC, and Stan and Bev Meyer, all of Houston County; and Reiland Dairy of Mower County. Somatic cell count is a key indicator … [Read more...]
Free series offers marketing and grant webinars for ag businesses
The “Growing Stronger Together” webinar series will continue with two more free events in June, providing farmers in southeast Minnesota and beyond with helpful business information. “Direct Marketing for Farmers” will be held on June 23 at 5 p.m. and “Grant Money for Farmers: How to Maximize Funding to Grow Your Business” on June 30 at 10 a.m. Attendees will hear directly … [Read more...]
Local businesses struggle with increasing meat prices
Why the increase in meat prices? U.S. consumers have not seen such a rapid increase in the price of food purchased to consume at home since February 1974. According to the Consumer Price Index report released on May 12, 2020, in one month, the food at home category raised 2.6% in April. Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs increased the most, rising 4.3%. Conversations with Cody and … [Read more...]
Jeff and Mariann Metz’s commitment to their family business
Always on the search for the best cheese curds lead to the Metz’s Hart-Land Creamery in Hart, Minn. Cheese curds so delicious, large, and squeaky that their garlic and herb curds won second place in the 2015 American Cheese Society annual competition. The award-winning cheese curds are the result of the family’s commitment to their herd and production. The business began in … [Read more...]
Managing agricultural PPE needs when supplies are short
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is necessary to protect farmers and other agricultural workers from pesticides, grain dust, mold, and other hazards. The COVID-19 global pandemic, however, has stressed the supplies of PPE since the emergency needs of our medical care providers and first responders must be met. The following are some considerations if you are a farmer, … [Read more...]
SMIF awards $30,000 in Grow a Farmer Assistance Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently awarded three organizations $10,000 each through the Grow a Farmer Assistance Fund. These organizations will use the funding to support local food growers in SMIF’s 20-county region whose businesses have been impacted by the current health and economic crisis. The pandemic has resulted in restrictions of face-to-face … [Read more...]