By Anne Koliha, Technician Already a certified farmer or agricultural landowner with the MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP)? Well then, listen up because there are new endorsements that have been added to the program which you can seek. The MAWQCP is launching three new endorsements in addition to the 10-year certification a farmer or agricultural landowner … [Read more...]
Plan for next spring’s windbreak planting now
By Anne Koliha, Technician It’s winter in Minnesota and the blustery winds are blowing. Although some winters aren’t as cold and snowy as others, on the colder, windier days you may have wished for added protection against the elements. On those days it’s difficult to imagine that spring’s not far away. It’s not too early to begin planning a new windbreak … [Read more...]
Working with farmers to improve water quality through the MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program
By Anne Koliha, Technician When it comes to soil health and water quality, farmers have always been some of the most conscientious and concerned people. This is due to their deep, hands-on connections with soil, water, and nature. Over the years, great strides have been made in recognizing and improving soil health and water quality, due partially to the partnerships … [Read more...]
New Water Management coordinator hired in 2019
Hi! I’m Nikki Shaw, the new Water Management coordinator to Fillmore SWCD. I’m originally from Embarrass, Minn., where we have a much shorter growing season. The last few years, my parents and I have been trying out high tunnels and a variety of vegetables, namely tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Our first high tunnel went up in the spring of 2016, and our second in the fall of … [Read more...]
Drinking Water Protection in SE MN Grant
The Drinking Water Protection in SE MN Grant is a new grant focused on Drinking Water Supply Management Areas and townships with high well nitrates results based on the finalized reports from MN Department of Health 2018-19 study. To view the final reports you can log on to www.mda.state.mn.us/township-testing-program#Results. In Fillmore county, these townships are Arendahl, … [Read more...]
Cost share funds available for conservation practices
By Doug Keene Resource Conservation Technician Change in weather patterns and the lack of conservation practices, heavy rains have caused excessive water runoff and soil erosion. We have seen increased interest for conservation practices such as contour farming, no-till, grassed waterways, terraces, grade stabilization structures and cover crops. Contact your … [Read more...]
Will deploying low-grade nuclear weapons make nuclear war more likely?
By Robert Johnson Harmony, Minn. The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in December by a vote of 477 to 36 allows deployment of the “low yield” W 76-2 (5-7 kilotons) tactical nuclear warhead. They will be added to the Trident II D5 ballistic missiles carried by the Kitsap-Bangor Trident submarines on Hood Canal in Puget Sound about 20 miles northwest of … [Read more...]
In celebration of Valentines Day!
My granddaughter was playing on the floor in front of me as I watched her from my armchair. She may have been about five at the time. Suddenly she stopped what she was doing and her expression became serious. She looked up and said “I care about you!” I don’t know what prompted her words but it was especially remarkable as we were separated by many miles and seldom were … [Read more...]
Government this week
Monday, February 10 • Houston City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. • Spring Valley City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. • City of Rushford City Council, City Hall, 6:30 p.m. • Chatfield City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. • Wykoff City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 11 • Fillmore County Commissioners, Courthouse, 9 a.m. • Harmony City Council, City Hall, … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Reflection of ourselves
By Leah Himlie If someone walked down every street of Minneapolis and counted the number of people of color, how many would that person see? If a survey of the entire state of Minnesota was conducted, how many people would check a box declaring their sexual orientation something other than straight? In the United States, how many would state their religion to be something … [Read more...]