Excessive loss of body heat can lead to serious illess, inury, even death. What is cold stress and why should farmers and ranchers be aware of its symptoms? Cold stress occurs when skin temperature, and eventually internal body temperature, decreases during exposure to cold temperatures. Near freezing temperatures, especially when combined with increased wind speed, cause … [Read more...]
Minnesota will continue emerald ash borer regulations
Federal deregulation of the insect leaves states to determine future options Minnesota will continue regulation of emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive insect that kills ash trees, after federal officials today announced deregulation of the insect effective January 14, 2021. Since 2002, when EAB was first discovered in the United States in Michigan, the U. S. Department of … [Read more...]
Strategic farming 2021: let’s talk crops!
Pull up a chair and join in or bring the conversation with you as you go about your day. Whatever works best for you, we hope you will join us this winter to discuss some of the key issues and questions around crop production facing Minnesota corn and soybean farmers today. Sessions will be held over Zoom, which can be accessed via your computer, phone or other mobile device, … [Read more...]
Minnesota Organic Conference goes virtual
Four sessions throughout January offer learning opportunities Minnesota’s only statewide conference on organic agriculture is going virtual for 2021. The Minnesota Organic Conference, hosted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will take place every Thursday in January, beginning on January 7, 2021. Virtual sessions will begin at 3 p.m. and provide farmers … [Read more...]
A gift of ag safety
Safety tools are gifts with lifetime value Struggling to find a valuable gift for that farmer on your list? Don’t overlook the options for boosting safety practices with a gift such as high-quality work gloves, earmuffs to help prevent hearing damage or a warm chore coat. If budgets allow, retrofitting a tractor with a Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) is a gift that can … [Read more...]
Free assistance for farmers in greater Minnesota
Farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs in rural Minnesota are invited to apply to join the Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN), a free technical assistance program led by Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). Through HEN, CEDA’s professional staff will provide free, one-on-one coaching to help with everything from crafting business plans to writing grants to … [Read more...]
Silage bunkers and piles: know the dangers
Horizontal silo forage systems are economical and maintain high-quality forage at low cost. These benefits are maximized when producers and farm managers implement safety practices to reduce potential for tractor or truck rollovers, run-overs by or entanglement in machinery, falls from heights, crushing/engulfment due to collapsing silage or injury resulting from worker … [Read more...]
Grain handling safety: priceless practices
By UNMC, Central States - Center for Agricultural, Safety and Health, Omaha, NE Grain is valuable, but lives are worth much more In the process of handling grain, producers are exposed to a range of safety hazards both during harvest and once the grain is stored. Jess McCluer, vice-president of Safety and Regulatory Affairs at the National Grain and Feed Association (NFGA), … [Read more...]
Cost-share funds available for hog and turkey farmers for COVID-19-related losses
Farmers impacted by pandemic supply chain back-up may be eligible ST. PAUL, MN: Hog operations that were forced to depopulate hogs and turkey producers who marketed fewer liveweight pounds due to supply chain back-ups during the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for cost-share funds to recoup some of their losses. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Hog … [Read more...]
USDA grant funds agriculture marketing partnership MDA to partner with UMN to bolster local, regional markets
ST. PAUL, MN: A grant from the US Department of Agriculture will help the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and partners at the University of Minnesota (UMN) engage farmers and agriculture businesses in marketing their products more effectively both locally and regionally. The USDA’s Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program awarded the MDA $235,169 to develop a … [Read more...]