By Benya Kraus President and CEO, SMIF During the summer of my junior year of college, I had what I now call my “quarter-life existential crisis.” I was 21 years old and spending the summer in Waseca on the family farm, a stark departure from the life I was living in Boston during the school year. Instead of cocktail bar hopping in the city with my new 21-year-old status, I … [Read more...]
Welcome to Dairy Night on the Farm
The public is cordially invited to the Mulhern Dairy farm on Saturday, June 13, from 5-8 p.m. for a closer look at life on a working dairy farm in Fillmore County. Plan to attend this year’s Fillmore County Dairy Night on the Farm, which will bring local families to the Mulhern Dairy farm, located at 25901 County 7, Fountain, Minn., for an evening centered on food, family … [Read more...]
Celebrating the G.O.A.T. Dairy Month with MDGA
MDGA (Minnesota Dairy Goat Association) brought Dairy Month in with a bang as they presented their state dairy goat show on May 29, 30 and 31. Most people think of cows during Dairy Month, but many people feel goats are the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) providers of a great milk supply. Goat milk is used for drinking, making cheese and butter, and making soap, to mention a … [Read more...]
D & D Dairy Milks 1,000 Cows
When people drive by the D & D Dairy on Hwy. 43 outside of Rushford, they are sure to notice the huge silage pile on the farm. The pile measures 80 yards wide by 100 yards long and rises to a height of about 20 feet. When the pile is under construction, you might see four or five tractors on top of the pile packing the silage down. Once that pile is completed, it takes a … [Read more...]
Beef Prices At All-Time High
According to Joe Nelson, beef prices in all classes at the Lanesboro Sales Commission have seen an increase to levels not seen before. This past week, one of the cattle weighing 1,600 pounds brought $2.585 per pound for a total sale price of $4,136 – an all time high! Nelson commented that not long ago $2 a pound was considered a good deal! Market cows also had an all-time … [Read more...]
Properly Planting Trees
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension Trees provide many things for our communities: beauty, energy conservation, reduction of soil erosion, filtering air pollutants, raising property values, a home for wildlife and so much more. Trees are an integral part of our home landscapes, neighborhoods and countryside. If you are looking to plant a tree for the … [Read more...]
Economic Development Authorities: Rich, Rural Community Assets
Economic Development Authorities (EDAs) play a critical role in supporting rural communities by providing financial tools and guidance. In Fillmore and Houston Counties, two key EDA programs, Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) and grants, serve as essential resources for both new and existing businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities. A community’s approach to … [Read more...]
Launching Seed Library in Spring Valley
The seed of gardening joy was planted in Fillmore County Master Gardener, Magali Disdier by her grandparents who were farmers. “One of my grandfather’s hobbies was to graft all his fruit trees in his orchard,” commented Magali. This love of flourishing flora, as well as the desire to encourage others to explore the concept of gardening, inspired Magali to start a local seed … [Read more...]
2025 Seed Trial Winners
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension The University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners have been running a flower and vegetable varietal trial since 1982. Extension Master Gardeners around the state devote some of their garden space to the selected varietals and keep records throughout the growing season. The results … [Read more...]
Featherstone Farm Marks 32 Years of Local, Organic Vegetable Production
Take a drive through the farmlands of Fillmore or Houston counties, and you’ll see the same few crops: corn, soybeans, maybe some hay. Head west out of Rushford on Highway 30, and just past the cement plant you’ll see something totally different: acre after acre of cabbage, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, melons, carrots, cucumbers, kale, broccoli, beets, onions, squash - pretty … [Read more...]