Growers who complete survey eligible for $500 gift card MANKATO, MN – As farmers make their preparations for the 2021 growing season, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is encouraging the state’s nearly 28,000 soybean growers to participate in a survey to help farmer-leaders and researchers better address the diverse production challenges facing growers … [Read more...]
Tax break available for beginning farmers
Tax credit available for land, equipment expenses to start farming ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Rural Finance Authority is now accepting applications for a tax credit for the sale or lease of land, equipment, machinery, and livestock in Minnesota by beginning farmers. To qualify, the applicant must be a Minnesota resident with the desire to … [Read more...]
A family of winners
As the name implies, American Quarter horses are bred to run at lightning speed for a quarter mile and are remarkably intelligent. Their build is perfect for tight turns and sudden stops. This popular breed of horse performs as a racehorse and is known for its performance in rodeos, horse shows, and as a ranch horse. Winning is in their DNA, which can be traced back to the … [Read more...]
Online Beef Quality Assurance and Secure Beef Supply training scheduled
University of Minnesota Extension, along with Minnesota Beef Council, will host an online Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Secure Beef Supply (SBS) training session January 7, 2021, from 6:30-8 p.m. Producers attending this free workshop will receive a three-year BQA certification and will learn the steps needed to begin their own Secure Beef Supply plan. In an ongoing … [Read more...]
Cold stress: Why you need to recognize it
Excessive loss of body heat can lead to serious illess, inury, even death. What is cold stress and why should farmers and ranchers be aware of its symptoms? Cold stress occurs when skin temperature, and eventually internal body temperature, decreases during exposure to cold temperatures. Near freezing temperatures, especially when combined with increased wind speed, cause … [Read more...]
Minnesota will continue emerald ash borer regulations
Federal deregulation of the insect leaves states to determine future options Minnesota will continue regulation of emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive insect that kills ash trees, after federal officials today announced deregulation of the insect effective January 14, 2021. Since 2002, when EAB was first discovered in the United States in Michigan, the U. S. Department of … [Read more...]
Strategic farming 2021: let’s talk crops!
Pull up a chair and join in or bring the conversation with you as you go about your day. Whatever works best for you, we hope you will join us this winter to discuss some of the key issues and questions around crop production facing Minnesota corn and soybean farmers today. Sessions will be held over Zoom, which can be accessed via your computer, phone or other mobile device, … [Read more...]
Minnesota Organic Conference goes virtual
Four sessions throughout January offer learning opportunities Minnesota’s only statewide conference on organic agriculture is going virtual for 2021. The Minnesota Organic Conference, hosted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will take place every Thursday in January, beginning on January 7, 2021. Virtual sessions will begin at 3 p.m. and provide farmers … [Read more...]
A gift of ag safety
Safety tools are gifts with lifetime value Struggling to find a valuable gift for that farmer on your list? Don’t overlook the options for boosting safety practices with a gift such as high-quality work gloves, earmuffs to help prevent hearing damage or a warm chore coat. If budgets allow, retrofitting a tractor with a Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) is a gift that can … [Read more...]
Free assistance for farmers in greater Minnesota
Farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs in rural Minnesota are invited to apply to join the Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN), a free technical assistance program led by Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). Through HEN, CEDA’s professional staff will provide free, one-on-one coaching to help with everything from crafting business plans to writing grants to … [Read more...]