By Aaren Mathison Conservation Technician Many people have historically viewed wetlands as wastelands, believing the only productive use for them was to drain or fill them so the land could be developed or used for production. In reality, wetlands are highly productive and diverse ecosystems that help control erosion, improve water quality, and provide habitat for at … [Read more...]
Well, Well, Well
By Kaleb Adams Intern, Fillmore SWCD The Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is working to update and improve Fillmore County’s private well inventory with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). This project will verify existing private well locations and assign new, accurate well identification numbers to wells that currently have … [Read more...]
Invasive Knotweed Persists in Fillmore County
By Peter Mitchell and Riley Buley The invasive plant knotweed persists in Fillmore County. Native to Asia, knotweeds were first planted in North America in the late 1800s as ornamental garden plants. They escaped cultivation and have spread to most states. In their native range, knotweeds are early colonizers after volcanoes with stems pushing through volcanic rock. … [Read more...]
Soil and Water Conservation
By Doug Keene Resource Conservation Specialist If erosion is visible, it exceeds tolerable soil loss limits and it is time to address the issue. We can pay up to $0.90 on the dollar to assist producers with the installation of practices to reduce soil and water runoff allowing you to keep productive soils in place for future generations. In 2025, $213,123 of State and … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Root River SWCD Administer Over $7 Million to Local Producers Implementing Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices
Despite funding pauses and a government shutdown, Fillmore and Root River SWCDs Administer over $7 million to Local Producers Implementing Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices. Fillmore and Root River SWCD have partnered to enroll in a pilot program aimed at increasing the adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices. The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture is … [Read more...]
Why Soil Health Matters
By Anesa Liptak Soil Health Technician When we think about the major ecosystems on earth, soil is not typically on the top of the list. Forests, oceans, and the atmosphere tend to grab all the attention. But the truth is, healthy soil is doing a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work. It helps grow our food, manages water, stores carbon, and supports an incredible variety … [Read more...]
Nutrient Management
By Sara West Nutrition Management Specialist Nutrient management is important to both crop performance and farm profitability because it ensures crops receive the right nutrients in the right amounts, at the right time, and in the right place. This directly influences yields, input costs, and long-term farm success. Importance to the Crop Improves growth and … [Read more...]
The Smell of Christmas is in the Air
The smell of fresh pine trees, burning wood, steaming hot chocolate, and freshly baked cookies fills the air at the Guberud Hill Tree Farm from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas or until the last tree is sold. Starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas, the public is invited to stop by and select the perfect Christmas … [Read more...]
No-Till Planting
By Dan Wermager Technician, Root River SWCD No-till planting is a great tool for conventional farmers to use in order to help the environment. No-till planting can reduce erosion, improve infiltration, reduce runoff, and build organic matter. These are all very important things, because eroded soil is the #1 pollutant of surface water in the world. Erosion is an … [Read more...]
Free Manure Sampling and Spreader Calibration
By Bob Scanlan MN Dept. of Agriculture The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Houston County Environmental Services Office are offering free manure sample analysis and manure spreader calibration in certain townships of Houston County. Feedlot operators working in Black Hammer, Caledonia, Mayville, Spring Grove, and Wilmington Townships can take … [Read more...]