PRESTON, MN, January 12, 2023 — Local farmer Jared Olson recently directed a $5,000 Bayer Fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation to the Fillmore County Agricultural Society (Fillmore County Fair Board). The Fair Board used the funds to complete a safety project for bringing water to the grandstand at the Fillmore County fairgrounds. The Fair Board graciously wants to … [Read more...]
Applications open for funding to help new farmers purchase land Qualified farmers will receive dollar-for-dollar matching money up to $15,000
ST. PAUL, MN. – Applications are now being accepted for a new grant program to support Minnesotans purchasing their first farm. The Down Payment Assistance Grant Program is managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and offers dollar-for-dollar matching up to $15,000 for qualified small farmers to purchase farmland. The MDA’s Rural Finance Authority (RFA) is … [Read more...]
Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops 2023
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension Pull up a chair and join in or bring the conversation with you as you go about your day. Whatever works best for you, join us this winter to discuss some of the key issues and questions around commodity crop production facing Minnesota farmers today through the “Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops” webinar series. This … [Read more...]
Three awards support agricultural mental health
ST. PAUL, MN - Three new projects are joining the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Bend, Don’t Break Initiative to help Minnesota farmers cope with adversity. “Agriculture can be a tough profession and Minnesota farmers experience a wide variety of physical, mental, and business stresses day-to-day and season-to-season,” Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Land Rent Survey results
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s land rent survey. According to our survey results, 2022 land rental rates in Fillmore County averaged $218.16/acre with a range of $57-$425/acre. The weighted average was $226.42/acre and the mode (most commonly reported) was $200/acre. In Houston County the rent … [Read more...]
Picking the perfect Christmas tree
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension As we gathered with family and friends last week to give thanks for our many blessings, some of our minds likely wandered to decorating for Christmas. While I personally wait to put up any Christmas decorations until December, I want to provide you with information for finding the perfect Christmas tree before you embark on … [Read more...]
Permit for auctions in Ag District considered
The Fillmore County Planning Commission met on November 17 to consider an application for a conditional use permit for auctions in the Agricultural District. Chairman Trinity Johnson opened the public hearing for an application submitted by Enos and Emma Hershberger, section 18 of Canton Township. This conditional use permit application is considered under Section 604.03(13) … [Read more...]
November weed of the month: Plumeless thistle
I don’t know about you, but I’m already missing seeing all the purple flowers of July and August! The fall weather is making me nostalgic for watching all the new blooms of native plants each week in the summertime. One purple flower that always catches my eye is that of a thistle. It’s mostly the non-native thistles that catch my eye, though it is always a fun “treat” to … [Read more...]
USDA funding available to help low-income individuals and families buy or repair homes
USDA Rural Development has funding availabile for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area. The Direct Home Loan program offers financing to qualified very low- and low-income applicants that are unable to qualify for traditional financing. No down payment is required, and the interest rate could be as low as one … [Read more...]
The secret to getting your Christmas cactus to bloom
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension Is your Thanksgiving cactus blooming? Has your Christmas cactus set buds? There are several factors that are required for the tropical plants of the Schlumbergera family to bloom. The Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti received their name because the typical bloom period is near to the holiday, however, that is not always … [Read more...]
