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...]
What is a fair farm rental agreement?
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension The University of Minnesota Extension is once again hosting land rent workshops this fall. Landlords, farmers, and agri-business professionals should make plans to attend one of these free, informative, in-person meetings being held across Minnesota in November and December. Farm land rental rates are the largest input … [Read more...]
Funds available to update livestock operations Apply by November 15 for Livestock Investment Grant
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers seeking to improve their operation are encouraged to apply for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Livestock Investment Grant program. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) anticipates awarding approximately $1.3 million using a competitive review process. Applications for the grant will be … [Read more...]
Now is the time to control buckthorn
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension October is a great time of year to spot and manage the buckthorn on your property. Buckthorn is a tall shrub or small tree that can reach 25 feet tall. It is commonly found in the understory of woodlands, fence lines, and forest edges. Buckthorn is easy to identify at this point in the season because its leaves maintain … [Read more...]
Expanded grants bring locally grown food to schools Nearly $4.25 million available to support Farm to School programs throughout Minnesota
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota school districts aiming to increase their purchase of fresh, locally grown, nutritious foods in school meal programs can apply for one of two grant opportunities through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Applications are also being accepted for equipment purchases that support Farm to School initiatives. Through the MDA’s Local Food for … [Read more...]
Crop research grants available from MDA
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting grant applications for applied crop research that improves the agricultural product quality, quantity, or value of Minnesota’s $9.3 billion crop industry. Applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program Crop Research Grant are due by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, … [Read more...]
Grain entrapment
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension On average, nearly two dozen people are killed each year in the U.S. in grain entrapment incidents. Flowing grain is dangerous, and behaves much like quicksand. In four seconds, a full grown adult can sink knee deep from the suction of flowing grain. In just 20 seconds, they can be completely buried. The pressure of the … [Read more...]
Fall lawn care
University of Minnesota Extension It is time to start thinking about our fall lawn care. Your actions this fall will directly impact the health of your lawn next spring. Early September is the best time of the year to plant grass seed if needed. The grass seed will germinate readily, and the cooler soil will encourage it to develop a good root system that will carry it … [Read more...]