Doing a full breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) is a critical component of a farm’s overall herd health program and management.

An infertile or sub-fertile bull can dramatically affect the farm’s profitability. By the time it is recognized, either during pregnancy testing or at calving the following year, it is too late.

It is considered the best insurance policy a cow-calf producer can invest in, with a 7-to-1 return. A complete BSE allows for the full physical evaluation of the bull and his ability to travel and service cows, as well as an objective measure of the function of his internal reproductive organs. Any lameness or health issues can also be addressed at the time of evaluation, as well as identifying and performing corrective hoof trimming if needed.

A healthy and fully functioning bull will optimize your herd’s bottom line.

This content was provided by the Harmony Veterinary Clinic Team located in Harmony, MN. For more information, contact 507-886-6321.

When offering on a property, focus on making a decision that fits comfortably within your financial goals and monthly budget. Purchasing a home is a major investment, and buyers should feel confident they are making a secure long-term decision rather than stretching beyond their comfort level. Getting preapproved is key to understanding what price range of property to consider.

The current market often gives buyers more time to review comparable sales, evaluate property conditions, and negotiate favorable terms, such as requesting the seller contributions toward closing costs or mortgage rate buy-downs to help improve affordability.

For added peace of mind, consider making your offer subject to both an appraisal and a home inspection. These protections help buyers make informed decisions and feel confident in the value and condition of the property.

The key to success in today’s market is patience, preparation, and professional guidance. Buyers who stay informed, use available negotiation tools, and work with experienced real estate professionals are better positioned to make smart and confident purchasing decisions.

Professional guidance makes your move smoother and less stressful, reach out with your real estate questions to: Roxannejohnson@remax.net Roxanne Johnson, Harmony, MN Ph: 507-458-6110

It’s a very exciting time to enter the automotive industry with technology advancing as fast as it is! Self-driving capabilities, electric and hybrid technologies and advanced safety systems are just a few areas that have had incredible advancements recently.

Automotive technicians don’t just get greasy. Along with hard work and dedication, a strong knowledge of computer systems, communication networks and electrical diagnostics are a big part of what make a highly successful technician.

The first step is to gain every bit of experience you can. That might be working on your own car or getting a job at a local shop. Next, enroll in an automotive training program. This will give you a good foundation of automotive repair theory. Then, if you haven’t yet, get a job in a repair shop and take every opportunity to learn and grow. It takes time to develop the skills needed to be successful, but it can be a very rewarding career.

This content was provided by James Hagen at Total Care Care located in rural Preston, MN. For more information, call or text 507-322-4057 or visit www.yourtotalcarcare.com.

If you answered FACT, you are right! Poor indoor air quality affects your comfort, energy and health.

Do you have pet odors or dander? What about those floaties and sparklies you see when the sun shines through your window? Did you know those go into your nose and down into your lungs, causing the tickling that can turn into an attack? Wouldn’t you like to get rid of those? Well, you can! Contact me for a FREE TRIAL of chemical free technology that you won’t find at the big box stores. Science backed, money back guarantee.

What are you waiting for?

For your breath of fresh air, contact Clavonne today at 507-254-1121. Website: drivetohealth.com Email: drivetohealth@gmail.com

How much do you need to save for retirement? Rather than picking a number out of thin air, $1 million for example, find a number that will actually support the lifestyle you envision.

Begin by imagining your daily routine: Where are you living? Are you still in your current home? Will you travel more, or help family financially? Once you visualize it, you can estimate what that lifestyle will cost and start building toward it.

Here are five tips to get the building started:

• One: Start saving as early as you can. Even small amounts can grow significantly over decades.
• Two: Live below your means.
• Three: Keep your debt under control and pay down high interest debt that slows your progress.
• Four: Invest consistently and increase your saving when your income rises.
• And five: Look for chances to boost your income, perhaps through new skills or side work.

The planning you do today determines the retirement you’ll live tomorrow.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Maggie Schoepski, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 507-867-1460. Member SIPC

Excessive barking often comes from overstimulation or uncertainty, and your dog looks to you for guidance. Think of training as practicing calm, consistent leadership. When your dog reacts to every sound or movement, your job is to model the behavior you want: steady, quiet, and unfazed.

Start by identifying triggers, then reward your dog the moment they notice something without barking. This reinforces that calm behavior earns praise. Limit visual distractions if needed, but stay composed—dogs mirror the energy of their leader.

Introduce a clear “quiet” cue. Say it once, wait for a brief pause, then reward. Consistency builds trust, and trust reduces reactivity. Daily mental exercise—short training sessions, puzzle feeders, scent games—helps channel energy into productive work.

Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about providing structure. When you stay steady and predictable, your dog learns the world isn’t something to shout about.

This content was provided by Carla Ladd at Ladd K9 located in Preston, MN. For more information, contact 507-951-7398 or visit www.LaddK9.com.

Anxiety isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. Sometimes it’s a sign that more is being carried than the body was meant to hold alone.

Life changes quickly-and it can be shocking. Illness, loss, uncertainty, conflict, and disappointment all deeply impact the nervous system. After painful experiences, the mind often begins bracing for the next thing to go wrong. Thoughts loop. Sleep becomes difficult. Decision-making becomes overwhelming. The body stays on guard, trying to protect itself from what it cannot predict or control, hoping worst fears won’t be realized. Self-help only helps to a point. Eventually, the burden becomes more than we were meant to carry. We cannot know or control everything that is to come.

Information, techniques, and resources do not hold you.

Relationship does.

So when everything feels unsteady, it’s worth asking: What can I lean my weight on that will still hold when everything else falls apart?

This content was provided by Bethany Grace at Waniya Healing located in Lanesboro, MN. For more information, contact 612-790-7101 or visit www.waniyahealing.com.

We believe it starts by visiting with you and your family and really getting to know what mattered most to your loved one.

We want to know as much as we can about the deceased and understand what will be the most meaningful way to capture and personalize the service to really honor your loved one. We do this by asking questions: What can you tell us about your loved one? What was some of their favorite things? What was a good day for them? We want to make sure the service reflects that person you lost. And we want to make sure we truly listen to you and understand what was important in this person’s life. Our goal is to incorporate your answers and create a service that truly honors and remembers your loved one and helps create a meaningful funeral.

This content was provided by Ashley Hoff-Czaplewski at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service located in Lanesboro, Rushford, Chatfield, Winona, Houston, St Charles and Lewiston, MN. For more information, contact 507-467-2130 or hofffuneral.com.

When it comes to trade-in value, it will always differ from retail prices you see on KBB or NADA. In some cases, you may get more by selling your vehicle privately.

My process is straightforward. I start with the VIN and mileage to get a baseline using NADA trade-in values. From there, I do a full inspection—checking tires, looking for leaks, and evaluating how the engine runs and drives.

I also factor in current market demand for that specific vehicle.

From all of that, I determine a number that’s fair for you and still allows room for me to recondition and resell the vehicle properly.

I don’t base trade-in values on what I want to sell you—I base them on the actual condition and market value of your vehicle.

This content was provided by Josh Lewis at Top Gear Auto Sales located in LeRoy, MN. For more information, contact 507-324-1800 or visit www.topgearautosalesllc.com.

Mini split heating and cooling systems have become very popular in southeast Minnesota, especially for older homes, additions, garages, and rooms that never seem comfortable year-round.

One of the biggest things homeowners forget is regular maintenance. Dirty filters, plugged outdoor coils, and dirty indoor blower wheels can reduce efficiency, raise electric bills, and affect indoor air quality. Dust and buildup inside the unit can also create musty odors and poor airflow. We recommend cleaning filters monthly and having the system professionally cleaned and checked yearly.

Mini splits are a great option for homes without ductwork and can provide both heating and cooling with excellent efficiency.

If your home has hot or cold spots, or you are looking to improve comfort without major remodeling, a mini split system may be worth considering.

Call and schedule an appointment with Vis Plumbing & Heating to learn more about mini split options and maintenance.

Orange or reddish-brown stains are usually caused by iron in the water. Iron is common in private wells throughout our area. Even small amounts can stain fixtures, laundry, and dishes.

Iron can also build up inside plumbing and appliances over time. Unlike hardness, which leaves white scale, iron typically leaves rust-colored stains and may give water a metallic taste.

Different forms of iron require different treatment approaches. Proper testing helps determine whether you’re dealing with dissolved iron, oxidized iron, or both.

Treatment systems are available that can remove iron before it reaches your fixtures — helping prevent staining and protecting plumbing.

If you’re constantly scrubbing orange stains, your water may be the real issue.

This content was provided by Nate Van Loon at Culligan Water located in Winona, MN. For more information, contact 507-452-3600

Print advertising offers credibility, strong local reach, and lasting visibility. Newspapers, magazines, and shoppers are trusted sources of information, helping ads feel more reliable and professional. Print ads also have a longer shelf life than digital ads, as readers may keep publications for days or even weeks. Unlike online ads that can be skipped or ignored, print advertising places businesses directly in front of engaged readers without competing pop-ups or distractions.

Local publications are especially effective for reaching community audiences, promoting events, sales, services, and brand awareness close to home. Print also appeals to readers of all ages, including those who may not spend significant time online. Combined with digital marketing, print advertising creates a balanced strategy that increases recognition, strengthens credibility, and helps businesses stay visible within their market area.

If you need help, our team at the Fillmore County Journal can assist. Feel free to call us at 507-765-2151 or e-mail us at sales@fcjpromotions.com.