Want to learn how to assess soil health and incorporate practices like “planting green” and grazing cover crops? A virtual Land Stewardship Project (LSP) workshop will feature soil health experts Jay Fuhrer and Jon Stika from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16. All Zoom experience levels are welcome and guidance to using the platform will be given in the first 10 minutes of the … [Read more...]
March 15 last day to complete enrollment for 2021 Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage Programs Call today about 2021 crop year eligibility
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 9, 2021 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2021 must do so by March 15. Producers who have not yet signed a 2021 enrollment contract or who want to make an election change should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to make an … [Read more...]
MN Department of Agriculture’s final Township Testing Nitrate Report published
In December of 2020, the Final Results from the MN Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Township Testing program were published for Houston County. These results are available in both a 69-page report and a three-page summary. Both of which are available on MDA’s website www.mda.state.mn.us/townshiptesting and Root River SWCD’s website … [Read more...]
New scholarship available to Minnesota Ag Water Quality certified farmers
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering a new scholarship for farmers to learn business management strategies that will lead to profitable and competitive farming operations. The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) Farm Business Management Scholarship provides tuition money for the Farm Business Management … [Read more...]
Register now for small grain workshops
The University of Minnesota Extension is holding a series of virtual small grain workshops in February to address successful small grain management. “Whether you’re a farmer or crop consultant already producing small grains, or looking for another crop to add to the rotation, these workshops are for you,” says Jared Goplen, Extension Educator in Crops. “Workshops will be … [Read more...]
What’s in my soil? Protect your garden from unwanted pests
By Mari Hardel Minnesota Department of Agriculture A shocking number of weed seedlings popped up the first spring of my new garden. If you’re planning a garden or landscaping project, consider how the materials you use could bring in invasive species – weeds, seeds, and unwanted pests. Compost can be a huge help to your garden, but the material can also introduce weeds. … [Read more...]
U of M Extension to host Beef Calving Essentials Webinar Series
The University of Minnesota Extension is excited to host a six part webinar series titled: Beef Calving Essentials Webinar Series. Upcoming Zoom meetings will be held on February 15, 18, 22, and 25 from 8-9 p.m. CST. The series will focus on different considerations to prepare for calving on beef cattle operations. Farmers, 4-H’ers, ag business professionals who work with … [Read more...]
Minnesota Ag in the classroom creates resources for in-person, hybrid and online learners
ST. PAUL, MN – As teachers and students adjust to new ways of learning in 2021, Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) is responding to changing needs for K-12 education with the launch of Minnesota AgMag’s new stand-alone website. Long available to kindergarten through sixth grade students as a print publication, Minnesota AgMag now shares the story of agriculture … [Read more...]
Thank you for celebrating 100 years of Houston County 4-H!
Although COVID has taken up much of the last year, it didn’t stop Houston County 4-H from celebrating our 100-year anniversary! We began the new 4-H year (October 1, 2019) with a new event: a Fall Festival at the Fairgrounds! It was a lot of fun and very well attended! Then we had a survey contest and the top three winning clubs (Wilmington Gophers, Sheldon Spartans and the … [Read more...]
Online beef quality assurance and secure beef supply training scheduled
SLAYTON, MN., January 21, 2021 — University of Minnesota Extension, along with Minnesota Beef Council, will host several online Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Secure Beef Supply (SBS) training sessions starting in February through April. Producers only need to attend one of these free workshops to receive a three-year BQA certification, and they will also learn the steps … [Read more...]