ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen today released the annual list of top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell counts (SCC). Somatic cell count is a key indicator of milk quality – a lower SCC count is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life for bottled milk. In honor of June Dairy Month, 114 Minnesota dairy farms are being … [Read more...]
Eggerichs family proud to be a Century Farm
Each of the 78 Century Farms in Minnesota honored in 2022 by the State Fair and Farm Bureau Program has its own unique stories which have been passed down through the generations. The Eggerichs farm located in Bloomfield Township is one of these family farms which proudly claims the “2022 Century Farm” title. The Eggerichs Century Farm had its beginnings in 1910 by Hardin … [Read more...]
Lawn mowing considerations
By Katie Drewitz Extension Educator University of Minnesota Extension Fillmore and Houston Counties Whether you see mowing your lawn as a chore that has to be done or a relaxing way to wind down after a long week at the office there are some tips you should take into consideration this season. If the weather and your individual lawn conditions allow for it, … [Read more...]
Schumacher generations acknowledged as Century Farm
An official notice in March 2022 was delivered to Sherry Pfremmer of rural Spring Valley signed by Marie LeFebvre of Century Farms stating, “Let it be known that this farm, Schumacher Farm has been in continuous agricultural operation since nineteen hundred and twenty two, signifying more than 100 years of contributions to the community, state, nation and world.” The process … [Read more...]
City of Preston celebrates Arbor Day
Arbor Day was on Friday, April 29, 2022, and the City of Preston and students from Fillmore Central Elementary celebrated with a tree planting in Preston. Pictured above, left to right, are Brandt Miller – 6th grade, Rick Grooters – Preston Tree Board member, Jax Heibel – 6th grade, Jim Bakken – Preston Public Works director and city tree inspector, Dean Schumacher – Preston … [Read more...]
Houston County’s 2022 Century Farm
The Bernard Eden family farm is the only farm in Houston County to be recognized as a Century Farm in 2022. The family’s homestead is located across the road from the first tee at the La Crescent Pine Creek Golf Course in scenic Pine Creek valley. The Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Farm Bureau sponsor the Minnesota Century Farm Program. Each year the two organizations … [Read more...]
DriftWatch-CropCheck for Minnesota crop producers
By Katie Drewitz Extension Educator University of Minnesota Extension Fillmore and Houston Counties The DriftWatch-CropCheck programs provide a means for crop producers to communicate information about their crop locations and herbicide sensitivity to pesticide applicators. This is done by posting their locations on DriftWatch/FieldWatch, an online map. The field … [Read more...]
Properly planting trees
By Katie Drewitz Extension Educator University of Minnesota Extension Fillmore and Houston Counties Trees provide many things for our communities; beauty, energy conservation, reduction of soil erosion, filtering air pollutants, raising of property values, a home for wildlife and so much more. Trees are an integral part of our home landscapes, neighborhoods and … [Read more...]
Houston County 4-H Junior Horse Quiz Bowl team places third
The Houston County 4-H Junior Horse quiz bowl team participated at the state quiz bowl competition on Saturday April 9, 2022, in Sauk Rapids, Minn. The team members were: Elliot Plzak, Paislee Linn, Elese Plzak, Alyson Kruckow and Owen Ranzenberger. They worked very hard this season and placed third out of eight teams in the state competition. Photo by Owen … [Read more...]
NASS 2021 yield estimates for Fillmore and Houston Counties
By Katie Drewitz Extension Educator University of Minnesota Extension Fillmore and Houston Counties As I return to Southeast Minnesota, I wanted to dig into the National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) crop yield estimates. Looking at this data is an opportunity to assess yield trends in the counties to better understand yield potential. Today’s article will focus on corn … [Read more...]