By John Boyum In 2015 and 2016, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) partnered with Fillmore SWCD, Wabasha SWCD, University of Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Extension to implement 103 on-farm nitrogen trials. Participating farmers and crop advisers were able to compare nitrogen rate, timing, source, stabilizer, rate after manure, and rate with first year … [Read more...]
What is a grade stabilization structure?
By Doug Keene Resource Conservation Technician A grade stabilization structure is an embankment built across a draw or drainage way to take runoff from a higher elevation to a lower elevation while preventing gullies from extending upslope. Grade stabilization structures not only provide many benefits to water quality, they also provide a water source for wildlife. They … [Read more...]
It’s that time of year…district tree sales have begun
The SWCD has once again begun its annual tree sales program. We offer a variety of bare root shrubs, deciduous trees and conifers and potted conifers. We sell good quality trees, but offer no guarantee of survival. Quantities are limited, so order your trees early for the best selection. Payment is required with your order and should be received at the SWCD office by Friday, … [Read more...]
Cover crops: Feeding the livestock underground
By Dean Thomas Area Soil Health Technician The soils on your farm cannot be taken for granted. Protection from water and wind eroding the soil away has been stressed for decades. By keeping your soils not only “in place” but also to keep them as healthy and productive as possible, you need to feed the “livestock” underground too. Your soil is full of living organisms … [Read more...]
Scholarships awarded by SWCD
In May of 2016, the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) awarded a $500 scholarship to Fillmore Central High School senior, Lexi Dols, the daughter of Sean Dols and Deb Dols of Preston. Lexi’s future plans are to attend UW River Falls to obtain a degree to become a Veterinary Technician and also obtain a degree in Business Management. You can apply for the … [Read more...]
Arden Lenz
Memorial Services for Arden Lenz will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, Minn., with Pastor Betsy Dartt. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 4, 2017 from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in the Spring Valley Cemetery at a later date. Arden K. Lenz, age 77, of Spring Valley, Minn., … [Read more...]
Ruth Sophia Esther Stender Garnatz
Ruth Sophia Esther Stender Garnatz, 87, of Lanesboro, Minn., died on February 1, 2017 at Park Lane Estates in Preston. Ruth was born June 21, 1929 to August and Eldora (Horstman) Stender on a farm in Spring Valley Township Fillmore County, Minn. Ruth attended LPN nursing school and worked as an upholsterer with her husband for many years. She married Dallas Garnatz on … [Read more...]
Ruth Marion VandenBerg
Ruth Marion VandenBerg, 95, of Harmony, Minn., went to be with the Lord on January 29, 2017 at the Gundersen Harmony Care Center in Harmony, Minn. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 3, at 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Brookings, S.Dak. Friends may call two hours prior to services at the church. Burial will be at Fairlawn Cemetery in Aurora following … [Read more...]
Laura J. Forsyth
Laura J. Forsyth, 94, of Houston, Minn., died on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab in Houston. Laura Jeannette Traff was born on February 16, 1922 in rural Houston to Oscar and Lizzie Germanson. She was raised on the family farm in Looney Valley and moved to town to attend and graduate from Houston High School. On August 31, 1940 she was united in … [Read more...]
Charlotte Virginia Nelson
Charlotte Virginia Nelson, 84, rural Canton, Fillmore Co., Minn., died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, January 29, 2017. She was born September 20, 1932, in the Big Woods, Preble Township, to Henry and Esther (Thompson) Knudson and was baptized and confirmed at the Henrytown Lutheran church. Charlotte was raised with her sister, Harriet Elvira on their ancestral … [Read more...]