By Michael Cruse Extension Educator for Fillmore and Houston Counties Women in Agriculture Network (WAGN) is excited to announce its April seminar: “Becoming a Preferred Employer.” The event will take place April 4, 2017 at the Heintz Center in Rochester, Minn., (1926 Collegeview Rd E, Rochester, MN 55904). Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program runs from … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2017
Fillmore County FSA Promotes National Agriculture Week March 21-23
The Fillmore County FSA office invites producers to stop in the office the week of March 20 to celebrate National Agriculture week. During National Agriculture Week we collectively celebrate the food, feed, and fiber that US Farmers and Ranchers provide every day. The staff will be providing treats starting Tuesday, March 21 through Thursday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to … [Read more...]
SMIF awarded emerging entrepreneurs loan funds for non-typical business owners
OWATONNA, MN, February 6 - Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently received a $50,000 allocation from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) through the State’s new Emerging Entrepreneurs Loan Program (EELP). The money will be used to provide loans to businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities … [Read more...]
Omodt and Jorde Farms GP and its path from a family farm to 48-state business
When it comes to the Omodt family, one can undoubtedly notice the presence of the farming industry, perhaps leading to the conclusion of its possibility of running in the genes of select individuals. That is why it is no surprise to learn of Perry Omodt, grandson of the original owners of Omodt and Jorde Farms GP, now being a half of the partnership of the nationally … [Read more...]
Gehling Auction Co. bids for comfort in new building
The days of standing out in the rain, snow and heat are distant memories for those who attend auctions at Gehling Auction Co., LLC of Preston, Minn. “Technology” was the main reason a new building was necessary, states owner Ron Gehling, who operates the business with his wife Lana and son Matt. “Technology has changed it all,” says Ron, as people no longer have to deal … [Read more...]
A View From the Woods ~ Insidious pesticide use harms pollinators
I don’t often mix the personal reflections of this column with my professional life. However, I recently worked on a project that revealed a huge environmental problem that is little known, even to the people who are involved in it. I behooves me to share what I have learned. Many are aware of declining monarch butterfly populations, because we so rarely see them … [Read more...]
World Water Day is March 22: Why waste water?
Submitted by the Fillmore SWCD in celebration of our 75th Anniversary The United Nations (UN) has designated the 22nd of March each year as World Water Day. The 2017 theme is “Why Waste Water?” which is about reducing and reusing wastewater. All of us have learned about the water cycle, so we know that water is recycled over and over again. All the water that was on … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces April 1 grant application deadline
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage fund. The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for proposals in three categories: Arts & Cultural Heritage, Presenter/Production Assistance, and Small Towns/Rural Areas. … [Read more...]
Summer internships Harmony’s golden opportunity
By Julie Little “What’s the difference between a job and an internship?” was the opening question posed by Jan Bigalk, member of the Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce and coordinator of this summer’s new internship program. She addressed several Harmony business owners with an interest in providing internships at a “Teach and Learn” session on March 7. “With a job,” she … [Read more...]
Spring Valley lot and property issues
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on Monday, March 13. All members were present: Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. No visitors had signed up to address the council. Joe O’Connell was on hand to discuss the “former elementary school property” on which he is planning to put homes. … [Read more...]