By Katie Drewitz For much of the area, harvest is wrapped up. For many, fall is also the time for manure application to fields. Manure is a valuable, natural fertilizer. In order to get the most value for next year’s crop, and avoid runoff and leaching we need to remember the 4Rs. The 4Rs are Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time and Right Place. There are many sources … [Read more...]
Need a Trailer? Bluff Country Ag and Equipment’s Got it!
Just a year and a half ago, Creighton and Charles Horihan moved into their new building located along Highway 43 on the outskirts of Rushford. At that time, when asked if they had plans of adding any more businesses, Creighton had hinted at another one coming soon. Fast forward to today and that additional business has become a successful reality. Very visible from the … [Read more...]
Rotational Grazing: Pipeline to Water Quality, Soil Health
RUSHFORD - The rotational grazing system Carter Lee installed on 70 acres of Fillmore County blufftops is revitalizing pastureland, improving soil health and protecting the Root River, a designated trout stream. “That piece originally was in the CRP program (Conservation Reserve Program) and when it came out, we decided we would really like to put (the land) back into … [Read more...]
Anhydrous Safety Key Goal for Farmers This Fall
Many farmers and custom applicators will soon apply anhydrous ammonia (NH3) after harvest. Even with a rush against time and the weather, safety should never be compromised. Accidents involving NH3 have proven how dangerous and deadly the fertilizer can be when not handled properly. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) offers the following tips to farmers, … [Read more...]
What Consumers Can Do to Support Local Farmers
Farming has never been a vocation for individuals looking for easy work. Farmers typically work long hours, braving the elements regardless of how unpleasant the weather may be. All that hard work ensures individuals who live in rural, urban and suburban communities have constant, readily available access to healthy foods. Such devotion merits support, and thankfully there … [Read more...]
Discover a Fall Tour Crafted Just for You
Harvest season is upon us, and the landscape is ablaze with fall. With perfect weather for a tour, there’s no better time to explore the three wineries, two distilleries, and four breweries that call Fillmore and Houston Counties home. A one-of-a-kind tour crafted just for you makes exploring the vibrant farming communities of Bluff Country a breeze. Before you embark on … [Read more...]
Mulch Perennials and Bulbs after the Soil Freezes
By Katie Drewitz While I continue to hope for nice autumn weather, we know that winter will come in the next few weeks. As the soil freezes, we need to be thinking about mulching both perennial and bulb flower beds. Although snow is the best winter protection for perennials, we can’t always depend on adequate snowfall to form sufficient insulation. Therefore, protective … [Read more...]
Up Up and Away!
Plan to attend the annual Caledonia Balloon Rally from October 18-20 where ten hot air balloons are scheduled to launch from the field behind the Caledonia Middle School/High School at 825 N. Warrior Drive. The Caledonia Balloon Rally planning committee is excited to invite everyone to this year’s event, which has been a beloved tradition in Caledonia since 1990. The balloon … [Read more...]
Picture-Perfect Autumn: Your Guide To Bluff Country’s Byways
Autumn is a popular time to explore the scenic byways in Historic Bluff Country. The varied landscape provides a picturesque backdrop for photos, selfies, and videos. With leaves changing colors, the bright blue sky, the fall harvest, and colorful birds, you’re guaranteed to find something that captures your interest. Pumpkins, squash, and apples contribute to colorful fall … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair Open Class Results
Ceramics Glazed, Ages 6-8: Natalie Schulze, Blue, Grand Champion Collectables Age over 16, Santas - M, Katie Broadwater, Blue, Grand Champion Most unusual collection - M: Elaine Graf, Blue, Reserve Champion Crafts Handicrafts, New used for old discards: Ellie Harmon, Blue, Grand Champion Wall hanging: Kristi Schuld, Blue, Reserve Champion Crafts 14 and … [Read more...]
No Passport Required for Wykoff Fall Festival
No passport is required for the annual Wykoff Fall Festival this weekend, September 27-29. You don’t need to travel to Germany to experience Oktoberfest-Wykoff’s fall festival brings the festive spirit of Germany’s Oktoberfest right here to town. Tapping of the keg kicks off the festivities at noon on the festival grounds. This year’s grand marshals are Garry and Becky … [Read more...]
Storing Tender Bulbs
By Katie Drewitz The only thing I do not like about autumn is that some of my favorite flowers reach the end of the bloom cycle. The important thing to remember is that if these are tender bulbs, they need to be put into proper storage. This will ensure that you will be able to enjoy some of your favorite flowers and save some money next spring. Tender bulbs include tuberous … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair 4-H Results
4-H Club Legend BHSS - Black Hammer Swift Scooters; BW - Brownsville Wildcats; CR - Caledonia Rockets; HNH - Hearts and Hooves; HC - Hokah Chiefs; HCSS - Houston County Sharpshooters; IND - Independent; LCTL - La Crescent Tiger Lilies; LCAB - La Crescent Apple Blossoms; LL - Lazy Lopers; MBRS - Mayville Blue Ribbon Strivers; MCL - Money Creek Livewires; NN - Newhouse … [Read more...]
Miranda Schroeder Competes for Princess Kay of the Milky Way
Nineteen-year-old Miranda Schroeder, of Caledonia, Minn., represented Houston County in the 71st Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. Left, Schroeder is posing alongside her butter sculpture. Her mom and dad, Daniel and Sheila Schroeder are also shown along with Miranda inside the cooler. Miranda is a student at Minnesota State College … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Open Class Results
Arts & Crafts Grand Champion Patty LeMay, Lanesboro; Reserve Champion Thomas Hogue, Preston Baking Grand Champion Susan Nash. Wykoff; Reserve Champion Ruth Eickhoff, Wykoff; Adult Champion Ann Sparks, Preston; Youth Grand Champion Blair Faulhaber, Lanesboro; Youth Reserve Champion Audra Otto, Harmony Canning Grand Champion Jen Dornink, Preston; Reserve … [Read more...]