Elton Francis Tart, age 92, of rural Spring Valley, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at the Patty Elwood Center, Cresco, Iowa. Elton Francis Tart was born May 15, 1928, in rural Spring Valley, Minn., the son of Francis and Olive (Frank) Tart. On October 7, 1950, he married Erna Pretsch in Spring Valley, Minn. To this union six children were born: Rich, Ralph, … [Read more...]
Elmo M. Wojahn
Elmo M. Wojahn, 96, of Houston, Minn., died on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab in Houston. Elmo Martin Wojahn was born on March 2, 1924, in Comfrey, Min., to Henry and Minnie (Finstad) Wojahn. He was raised in Comfrey and entered the U.S. Navy before WWII, where his aircraft carrier the USS Hornet-CV8 supported the “Jimmy Doolittle Raiders” … [Read more...]
September Weed of the Month: Invasive knotweeds
By Mari Hardel Minnesota Department of Agriculture It’s that time of year again – summer is coming to an end and invasive knotweeds are blooming. In Minnesota, we have three different species of invasive knotweeds: Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum × bohemicum), Giant knotweed (P. sachalinense), and Japanese knotweed (P. cuspidatum and P. cuspidatum var. compacta). While these … [Read more...]
Don’t overlook farm shop hazards Potential for injury is found in most farm shops – take time to recognize them
Each farm shop is unique in size and design. One thing all farm shops have in common are the everyday hazards found in housekeeping, chemical storage, and obstacles that can cause slips, trips and falls. Dennis Murphy, Professor Emeritus at the Penn State University Agricultural Safety and Health Program, says hazards often differ according to shop size. “Many smaller … [Read more...]
Grain bin safety
By Emily Krekelberg U of M Extension Educator, Farm Safety and Health On average, nearly two dozen people are killed each year in the U.S. in grain entrapment incidents. Flowing grain is dangerous, and behaves much like quicksand. In four seconds, a full grown adult can sink knee deep from the suction of flowing grain. In just 20 seconds, they can be completely buried. The … [Read more...]
New videos highlight groundwater and nitrate movement in southeast Minnesota
ST. PAUL, MN – The flow of groundwater in southeast Minnesota is fascinating and complex because the unique geology is like no other area of the state. In a new educational video series, the movement of groundwater is explored and brought to life using a unique approach that combines realistic graphics, animation, and aerial footage of the region’s geology. By understanding how … [Read more...]
Farm safety and health apps
By Emily Krekelberg U of M Extension Educator, Farm Safety and Health Technology plays a vital role in agriculture today, and it can even help us stay safe and healthy on the farm. There are a variety of applications — or apps — available for our smart phones that span a wide range of topics related to farm safety and health. Below is just a sampling of the apps available … [Read more...]
MDA now accepting applications for noxious weed/invasive plant grants
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for 2021 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. Counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and weed management entities (including weed management areas) may apply for grants to mitigate noxious weeds around the state. Grants for fiscal year 2021 will be funded up to $5,000. The awards are … [Read more...]
Funds available to improve safety on MN farms New program can make grain bin safety more affordable
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota farmers who want to add safety equipment to their on-farm grain storage facilities can now apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) new Grain Storage Facility Safety Cost-Share program. The program reimburses up to 75% of the cost to buy, ship, and install eligible safety equipment for on-farm grain bins or silos. The program will pay … [Read more...]
Overall farmer health
By Emily Krekelberg U of M Extension Educator, Farm Safety and Health Farmers have always had to cope with a long list of stressors. Now more than ever, it is critical that we think about and discuss the need for mental and overall well-being in farming and across agriculture as a whole. A key to health and wellness is intentional well-being. Think of your overall … [Read more...]