When asked to write an article about a farm, my first thought was — boring. Then something happened. I went to Roadside Dairy and met the family who owns it. Let’s just say, dairy farming is anything but boring! This beautiful farm is run by people who not only work hard, but truly care about their cows, their family and their community. On June 16, they’ll be hosting Dairy … [Read more...]
Annual 4-H horse project meeting
The annual meeting of the 4-H Horse Project has been held. Members and parents gathered for their annual business meeting which included business matters of the coming year and election of youth and adult County 4-H Horse Project Officers. The new youth officers are: President Maddie Smith, Vice-President Chase Ketterhagen, Secretary Kjersta Hinz, Treasurer David Goddard, … [Read more...]
State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation accepting Century Farm applications
ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more may apply for the 2018 Century Farm Program. Produced by the Minnesota State Fair in conjunction with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, the Century Farm Program was created to promote agriculture and honor historic family farms in the state. More than 10,000 Minnesota farms have been honored … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central FFA is getting ready for its second crop on the learning plot
Corn and soybeans are big here - ubiquitous in this part of the country - but success with these crops, as in any crop, is not guaranteed. There are many decisions to be made every step of the way and then weather and other factors are also constantly changing. How do farmers decide when to plant, what to plant, how to fertilize and treat their fields? How do they recognize … [Read more...]
Drones; the flying future of agriculture
Fillmore County farmers are a lot of things; hard-working, dedicated, intelligent. They’re also at the forefront of innovative technologies that are changing the industry. One technology, the use of aerial drones in crop production, is increasing at an impressive pace. A May 2016 press release by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) predicted the value of drone powered solutions in … [Read more...]
Stay ahead with Tail’s End Services
When you live your life caring for livestock, there are certain dirty jobs that come with the territory. Tail’s End Services, LLC can lighten your load when it comes to hauling manure. Jeff Passow, owner of Tail’s End Services, grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City High School, and planned on becoming a farmer following graduation. … [Read more...]
Applying manure this spring? Start planning now
By Melissa Wilson Extension Manure Management Specialist It may be hard to imagine spring coming anytime soon with the recent arctic temperatures, but in a few short months it’ll be time to apply nutrients for the upcoming crops. If you plan to apply manure, now is the time to start mapping out your plans for the year to save headaches down the road. Here are some tips to … [Read more...]
Root causes, Root solutions
The Root River Field to Stream Partnership seeks to answer how farm practices affect water quality. Findings apply to fields and rivers across southeastern Minnesota. RUSHFORD – Today, they ride trike in the calf barn, climb hay bales in pink cowboy boots, snuggle in a toddler-size John Deere sweatshirt. One day, Josh and Steph Dahl’s three children could become … [Read more...]
Fillmore County dairy farmers recognized during banquet
Fillmore County Dairy farmers were brought together to celebrate the past year’s achievements at the annual American Dairy Association (ADA) and Dairy Herd Improvement Association’s (DHIA) banquet held on February 22 at the Branding Iron. Highlights of the evening included honors given for dairy production, the announcement of the host for Dairy Night on the Farm and the 2018 … [Read more...]
A leader in trailer sales
When you have a passion for something, the best way to be truly happy is to somehow include that passion into your daily life. Dennis “Denny” Grell, of Denny’s Trailer Sales, has not only managed to do that, but he has also built a very successful business around it as well. “I love horses,” states Denny, “and I decided to get into selling horse trailers” and other … [Read more...]
Doubletree Leatherworks creating usable works of art
John and Heather Hill know a thing or two about hard work and the beauty of handcrafted art. The pair are owners of Doubletree Leatherworks and specialize in one-of-a-kind, custom leather creations. The company was started as Doubletree Carriage Company in 2008 as a horse drawn carriage service. While successful, when John and Heather welcomed baby Henry, they knew the … [Read more...]
Hoof it over to Spring Valley Vet Clinic
When an emergency situation occurs with your animal, it is comforting to know that there are people who can help and will respond to your needs immediately. Spring Valley Veterinary Clinic of Spring Valley, Minn., has a competent and caring staff that will help put your mind at ease whether facing a medical emergency or routine services for your large or small animal. Dr. … [Read more...]
Trailside Holsteins spotlights dairy farming at Super Bowl Experience
Billed as the National Football League’s “theme park,” the Super Bowl Experience is an impressive array of activities and sights highlighting the sport. Held Saturday, January 27 through Saturday, February 3 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the eight-day event was expected to draw more than 150,000 people. Fifteen football-related challenges gave attendees their chance to … [Read more...]
Fillmore County land rent survey results
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s land rent survey. According to our survey results, 2017 land rental rates in Fillmore County averaged between $193.57-$202.67/acre. Survey responses for 2017 land rent ranged from $90.00-$300.00/acre. The predicted average for 2018 land rental rates is between $187.71-$197.47/acre. These values are based on 122 returned … [Read more...]
What is a fair and profitable farm rental agreement?
Landlords, farmers, and agri-business professionals should make plans to attend one of the informative meetings being held across Minnesota. These free meetings are being provided by the University of Minnesota Extension. Farm land rental rates have started to lower as corn and soybean prices continue lower in 2017. Determining a fair farm rent agreement is a challenge in … [Read more...]