By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com As we publish this section each year, our farmers are working around the clock to find their way to the finish line of the fall harvest. For those of us who don’t live or work on a farm, we may not realize the impact our local farmers have on the bigger picture of our communities. There is … [Read more...]
From Self-Driving Tractors to a Self-Built Airplane
Inside a hangar at the Fillmore County airport sits the newest machine Kent Dornink has built. It is not a tractor, a planter or a combine. It is an airplane. Dornink spent about three years building the plane, a Van’s RV-14A. It came as a kit, in crates and pieces, with binders of plans and instructions, and he put in somewhere around 20,000 rivets holding … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – No Cow? No Problem! – Milk on the Move
By Lee Epps Part two of a milk-moving series A century ago, Houston County cows were milked not only on farms, but also in town, including the county seat. As late as the 1920s, those residing within the city limits of Caledonia were permitted to keep milk cows on their property. People would annually lead their town cow out to a nearby farm to be introduced to a rural bull. … [Read more...]
Cloverbuds: Growing Tomorrow’s Citizens
If you have a child in kindergarten through second grade, now is the time to sign them up for the 4-H Cloverbud program. According to a 4-H promotional piece, “The purpose of the 4-H Cloverbud Program is to support the positive development of children in grades K-2 as they explore their world, discover possibilities, build self-esteem, and practice the basic social skills … [Read more...]
Harmony Native Shares Journey of Growth Through 4-H Experiences
While traditionally 4-H may stand for Head, Heart, Hand and Health, for Sarah Schriever it represents family, friendships, leadership and, of course, a love of animals. It all began in third grade when, with the encouragement of her family and friends, Schriever began showing her friend’s sheep in the Cloverbud shows at the fair. And once the showmanship bug bit she … [Read more...]
Grand Meadow Locker Prepares to Open Retail Store
Nick and Rachel Berken, owners of Grand Meadow Locker, are putting the finishing touches on a major remodeling project that will expand the longtime Main Street meat locker into a retail destination for the community. The business, located at 124 Main St. S. in Grand Meadow, has been owned by the Berkens for six years. Since purchasing the building, the couple said they have … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair General 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; ID - Imago Dei; IND - Independent; LCTL - La Crescent Tiger Lilies; LCAB - La Crescent Apple Blossoms; LL - Lazy Lopers; MBRS - Mayville Blue Ribbon Strivers; NN - Newhouse Norsemen; PP - … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair 4-H Livestock 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; ID - Imago Dei; IND - Independent; LCTL - La Crescent Tiger Lilies; LCAB - La Crescent Apple Blossoms; LL - Lazy Lopers; MBRS - Mayville Blue Ribbon Strivers; NN - Newhouse Norsemen; PP - … [Read more...]
K&R Equipment’s Drones Reduce Chemical Exposure
K&R drones not only save farmers time but increase safety for local farmers. By using drones, the farmers are not exposed to chemicals as they would be spraying a field with a tractor and sprayer. K&R started spraying with drones in late 2022. K&R was originally begun in 1993 by Randy Ristau and Kenny Koch. The company sold farm service, manure and feeding … [Read more...]
Houston County Sixth Graders Day at Winnebago Springs
Winnebago Springs welcomed 210 students for the annual Sixth Grade Environmental Day on October 15. Nestled in the hills just outside Caledonia along Winnebago Creek, the scenic venue offered students an ideal setting for hands-on environmental learning. “The best classroom and the richest classroom are roofed only by the sky.” -Margaret McMillan Janice Messner, Root River … [Read more...]