Beef Cow and Calf - Commercial: Cory Scanlan, 1st, Champion Commercial Cow/Calf, Brownsville Wildcats Dairy Steer, Crossbred Division: Cory Scanlan, 1st, Reserve Champion Crossbred Dairy Steer, Brownsville Wildcats; Jenna Scanlan, 2nd, Brownsville Wildcats Market Beef: Steer - Hereford, Registered: Leo Privet, 2nd, Reserve Champion Hereford Steer, Showmanship - Award of … [Read more...]
Happy 100th Anniversary, Houston County 4-H Clubs
Houston County’s 4-H clubs are celebrating the county’s 4-H program’s 100th anniversary this year. Houston County claims 100 4-H clubs in 100 years. Further, at one time, there were approximately 30 clubs in Houston County with 800 members. Each year 4-H clubs submit their Treasurer book, Secretary book, and Historian book, which are evaluated by Extension’s award committee. … [Read more...]
The power of an internship
It’s a common story: schools close down, office employees work from home, and internships are canceled. Last spring, most plans went out the window. As a college student, I was preparing to intern either at an orphanage in Mexico or with a policy group in Washington D.C. The last thing that I expected to spend my summer doing was live in a trailer and work on a potato farm in … [Read more...]
Valerie (Earley) Luhman: Fillmore County roots, agricultural success
National FFA Officer Candidate Deep roots and strong wings: being equipped with these two things can take you anywhere. There’s one Fillmore County native who exemplifies this philosophy. Valerie Luhman (maiden name Earley) has used her roots in Fillmore County to soar to new heights as an agricultural entrepreneur. Valerien Luhman, daughter of James and Rachel Earley, has … [Read more...]
September Weed of the Month: Invasive knotweeds
By Mari Hardel Minnesota Department of Agriculture It’s that time of year again – summer is coming to an end and invasive knotweeds are blooming. In Minnesota, we have three different species of invasive knotweeds: Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum × bohemicum), Giant knotweed (P. sachalinense), and Japanese knotweed (P. cuspidatum and P. cuspidatum var. compacta). While these … [Read more...]
Don’t overlook farm shop hazards Potential for injury is found in most farm shops – take time to recognize them
Each farm shop is unique in size and design. One thing all farm shops have in common are the everyday hazards found in housekeeping, chemical storage, and obstacles that can cause slips, trips and falls. Dennis Murphy, Professor Emeritus at the Penn State University Agricultural Safety and Health Program, says hazards often differ according to shop size. “Many smaller … [Read more...]
Grain bin safety
By Emily Krekelberg U of M Extension Educator, Farm Safety and Health On average, nearly two dozen people are killed each year in the U.S. in grain entrapment incidents. Flowing grain is dangerous, and behaves much like quicksand. In four seconds, a full grown adult can sink knee deep from the suction of flowing grain. In just 20 seconds, they can be completely buried. The … [Read more...]
New videos highlight groundwater and nitrate movement in southeast Minnesota
ST. PAUL, MN – The flow of groundwater in southeast Minnesota is fascinating and complex because the unique geology is like no other area of the state. In a new educational video series, the movement of groundwater is explored and brought to life using a unique approach that combines realistic graphics, animation, and aerial footage of the region’s geology. By understanding how … [Read more...]
Farm safety and health apps
By Emily Krekelberg U of M Extension Educator, Farm Safety and Health Technology plays a vital role in agriculture today, and it can even help us stay safe and healthy on the farm. There are a variety of applications — or apps — available for our smart phones that span a wide range of topics related to farm safety and health. Below is just a sampling of the apps available … [Read more...]
MDA now accepting applications for noxious weed/invasive plant grants
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for 2021 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. Counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and weed management entities (including weed management areas) may apply for grants to mitigate noxious weeds around the state. Grants for fiscal year 2021 will be funded up to $5,000. The awards are … [Read more...]