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Keeping a Good Eye on the Pasture (pun intended)
Cattle on grass in the summertime is supposed to be the “easy” time of year – however, it can quickly turn into a difficult time if it requires roundups and treatments.
A few cases of pinkeye can quickly turn into a herd problem if left untreated, so early intervention is definitely recommended. Antibiotics, fly control, and eye protection (eye patches or suturing of the third eyelid) are the best for not only slowing the spread, but also avoiding scarring or blindness.
Pinkeye prevention and treatment can be very frustrating and requires a multi-angled approach which includes various approaches at fly control (pour/spray-ons, salt & mineral additives, fly tags, & some novel fly vaccines are being developed), pasture management (controlling weeds, clipping seeded out grass, providing shade to avoid grouping & eye injury from tail switching), and vaccination.
This content was provided by the Harmony Veterinary Clinic Team located in Harmony, MN. For more information, contact 507-886-6321.
I Think My Home Is Worth More Than My Realtor Is Suggesting. How Do I Know They Are Correctly Pricing My Property?
This is one of the most common questions sellers ask.
A Realtor’s pricing recommendation isn’t based on what a seller hopes to receive, it’s based on facts and stats. Your Realtor arrives at pricing recommendations using recent comparable sales, current competition, market condition, and your property information.
Pricing a home too high can reduce showings, extend marketing time, lead to price reductions, and even hurt the property’s market appeal. Buyers may choose not to make an offer, fearing they’ll offend the seller or wondering why the property hasn’t sold.
A competitively priced home attracts more qualified buyers, creates greater interest, and may generate multiple offers. Remember, market value is determined by what a qualified buyer is willing to pay in today’s market. Pricing your home correctly from the start gives you the best opportunity for a successful sale.
Professional guidance makes your move smoother and less stressful, reach out with your real estate questions to:
Email: Roxannejohnson@remax.net
Phone: 507-458-6110
Roxanne Johnson, Harmony, MN
I hear a lot about extended warranties or service contracts. Are they worth it?
Extended warranties are typically offered when purchasing a vehicle from new or used dealers. You can also purchase them for a vehicle you already own.
You may have heard they can save you thousands, or that they are a scam and just there to take your money. Both might be true!
We work with many different extended warranties and have seen both. There are companies that are reputable and will cover needed repairs when you break down, but we have also seen warranties that are not reputable. When it comes time to call in repairs to those, they have enough fine print written into the contract, they can get out of covering almost any needed repairs. Some contracts have limitations such as high deductibles, lifetime contract payouts, per claim maximums and part type restrictions.
If you are looking to purchase an extended warranty, do your research. A search online will tell you if other customers are happy with the brand you are looking at, or if you should stay away.
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.
What’s that smell in my house?
Have you ever noticed an odor which created a worry and led you to discover something unexpected in your home? We often notice odors before we notice particles.
This week, wildfire smoke entered my friend’s house. She smelled it before she saw the PM 2.5 reading begin to climb. It reminded me that our senses can be useful warning tools that the air we love to breathe may no longer be safe.
Don’t ignore unusual odors. The air inside your home affects your family’s health, sleep, energy, and peace of mind. Sometimes our best lessons come simply from paying attention. I’d love to help you create a cleaner, fresher indoor environment so you breathe easier, sleep better and live better! Try a purifier with no risk and see for yourself.
For your breath of fresh air, contact Clavonne today!
Phone: 507-254-1121
Website: drivetohealth.com
Email: drivetohealth@gmail.com
The hidden danger of investing too cautiously
One significant risk investors face isn’t losing money in a market dip; it’s failing to reach their long-term financial goals.
Many people focus on avoiding short-term losses and invest too conservatively, which can limit growth over time and may impact your retirement security.
A thoughtful approach starts with understanding three things: how much risk you’re comfortable taking, how much risk you can afford based on your financial situation and time horizon, and how much growth you need to reach your goals.
You’ll want to find the balance between your level of risk and long-term goals. Spreading your investments across a diverse set of investment and asset types can help manage market ups and downs while still pursuing growth, though it doesn’t guarantee profits or protect against losses.
Investing well isn’t about avoiding risk. It’s about taking a balanced approach that merges your level of comfort with the future you’re working toward.
Investors should understand the risks involved with owning investments, including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The value of investments fluctuates and investors can lose some or all of their principal.
This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Maggie Schoepski, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 507-867-1460. Member SIPC
How can I help my dog prepare for the kids going back to school?
Back-to-school season brings big changes for the whole family — including your dog. A sudden quiet house or different schedule can leave some dogs feeling confused or anxious.
Start adjusting their routine a week or two before school begins by gradually changing meal times, walks, and alone time. Keep daily exercise and mental enrichment a priority to help burn off energy and reduce stress. If your dog has become used to constant company over the summer, practice short departures and calm returns so being home alone doesn’t become a stressful event.
A little preparation now can help your dog transition smoothly and prevent unwanted behaviors like barking, chewing, or accidents.
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.
Is there any hope of living a life without migraines?
Likely yes — but I’d begin with a different question.
Most people ask, “How do I stop my migraines?” That’s understandable. But if they’ve become a recurring part of your life, it may not be the most helpful question.
A migraine diagnosis can validate your experience. But your body is still trying to tell you something.
Do you actually know what is happening in your body when you get a migraine? More importantly, do you know why your body keeps falling into that pattern?
No one can promise that every migraine can be resolved. But I also wouldn’t assume they have to be accepted as a permanent part of life. A breakthrough often begins when we pivot from trying to make it stop to taking the time to understand the whole picture.
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.
How do you know what to do or say to someone after the funeral is over?
For many families and individuals some of the hardest days are the days and weeks after the funeral.
Once everyone has left town and the reality of the loss has started to sink in is when a grieving family or individual needs some support.
Support can be as simple as a call, note, or kind gesture and it can really go a long way. There are many things you can do to help that person or family. Sometimes a phone call or text to check in on them. A chance to see how they are doing and maybe, depending on the situation, an opportunity to have some additional remembrance or conversation about the individual that died. An invite to coffee, or lunch or bringing by a meal or snack are all good ways to connect. Just remember, it doesn’t have to be extravagant, or some big production, it just has to be heartfelt.
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.
What’s the best used vehicle to buy?
The question of which used vehicle is the best choice is undoubtedly the most frequent inquiry I receive at Top Gear Auto Sales.
In reality, there is no single perfect vehicle. Every manufacturer has produced exceptional models as well as others that are best avoided.
When assisting clients with a vehicle purchase, I evaluate several critical factors: the reliability of the engine and transmission, anticipated repair and maintenance costs, safety ratings, overall condition, service history, and the quality of care provided by the previous owner. A well-maintained vehicle with 180,000 miles is often a superior investment compared to a neglected vehicle with only 80,000 miles.
While brands such as Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, and various GM and Ford trucks have earned strong reputations for dependability, I caution that specific engines and transmissions within these brands vary in quality. My objective is not merely to complete a sale, but to assist you in securing a vehicle that aligns with your budget and provides years of reliable service.
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.
What plumbing maintenance should homeowners do during the summer?
Summer is a good time to take care of a few plumbing jobs before the busy harvest and heating seasons arrive.
- Walk around your home and check outside faucets for leaks or drips that may have appeared after winter.
- If you have a sump pump, pour a bucket of water into the pit to make sure it’s working properly.
- Check your water softener and refill the salt if needed.
- If your water heater hasn’t been flushed in several years, removing sediment can help it run more efficiently and last longer.
- It’s also a good idea to inspect washing machine hoses for cracks or wear.
Spending a little time on maintenance now can help prevent unexpected repairs later.
Not sure if everything is working the way it should? Give VIS Plumbing & Heating a call at 507-467-2240 or 507-886-2008. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly.
Is a FRIDGE FILTER enough to protect my drinking water?
Fridge filters are great for improving the taste and smell of your water, but they’re not designed to remove many of the contaminants that can be found in drinking water.
Most refrigerator filters reduce chlorine and some common impurities, but they typically don’t remove nitrate, pesticides, fertilizers, arsenic, PFAS, and other dissolved contaminants that can be present in private well water.
If you’re concerned about what’s in your water — especially if you have a private well — a reverse osmosis (RO) system provides a much higher level of filtration for the water you drink and cook with. The best place to start is with a water test to determine what, if any, contaminants are present.
Schedule a free water consult with Nate at CulliganBetterWater.com or call 507-452-3600.
How can I build customer loyalty and engagement with contests?
As a business owner, you’ve probably noticed that the Fillmore County Journal runs a lot of readership contests. We give away prizes to readers presenting a variety of ways they can participate.
Some contests are as simple as a registration form, either from the newspaper or from our website.
Other contests, like the word search sections we publish, challenge readers to find words within a puzzle.
We receive thank you notes and cards on a regular basis from readers who appreciate that we offer these contests.
There are many benefits for businesses to coordinate a contest.
- Reward loyal customers
- Get people talking about your business
- Generate interest from new potential customers
- Create foot traffic in your business, so they can see what you have to offer
As a business owner, if you ever want to bounce your contest ideas off of me, feel free to call me at 507-765-2151 or e-mail me at jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com.
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