NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) are partnering to provide free online suicide prevention classes tailored to farming communities. This effort aims to change public perceptions in agricultural communities and better equip them to identify and help people who may be having thoughts of … [Read more...]
Financial programs for farmers
You’ve likely seen that both the Minnesota state legislature and the federal legislature passed financial relief laws in response to the COVID-19 situation. But what do they mean financially for farmers and other agricultural small business owners? This article offers a short summary of some of the recent legislation. Federal Programs The Families FIRST Act requires all … [Read more...]
Wykoff residents recognized for their service to the livestock industry
In the 86-year history of the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association Hall of Fame, there have been three inductees from Wykoff. Hog breeder, Henry A. Derenthal was inducted in 1949, and this past March, Normen and Doris Peterson were inducted for providing exceptional service to the livestock industry. “The Petersons are good and honest people who treat their customers very … [Read more...]
Farm safety and health? Yeah, there’s an app for that
By Emily Krekelberg 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 for farmers; the full list was compiled by Iowa’s … [Read more...]
Harmony veterinarian retires after 47 years
“If you like what you do, you never have to work a day in your life and that’s true,” Dr. Lynn Aggen said. Aggen spent 47 years working at the Harmony Veterinary Clinic and celebrated his retirement with an open house on June 18. It all started when a steer needed medical attention at his parents’ farm near Worthington, Minn. Aggen was able to watch the vet work on the steer. … [Read more...]
Drive-thru Dairy Night on the Farm “udderly” amazing
While the coronavirus has caused the cancellation or postponement of many events, the Fillmore County American Dairy Association found a creative way to mo-o-o-o-o-ve forward with their annual Dairy Night on the Farm. On Saturday, June 20, from 4-7 p.m., an estimated 750 dairy enthusiasts drove to the Mulhern Dairy farm on the outskirts of Fountain, Minn. The Mulherns have … [Read more...]
The many hats of dairy farmers
By Kelsey Biel When I think of hard-working, dedicated, persistent, and passionate people, a dairy farmer immediately pops in my mind. Dairy farmers are some of the most committed people to their work. They wear many hats besides being a farmer; dairy farmers are nutritionists, environmentalists, and community members. One of my favorite things on my family’s dairy farm is … [Read more...]
“Farming in Tough Times” webinar kicks off free series for farmers
Community development groups in southeast Minnesota are working together to produce a new series of five free webinars for farmers called “Growing Stronger Together”. The series will kick off on Friday, June 12 at 10 a.m. with a webinar entitled “Farming in Tough Times.” With low commodity prices, high debt loads, and challenging weather in recent years, farmers are … [Read more...]
Local farms among top Minnesota dairy farms honored for superior cow care
Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen today released the annual list of top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell counts (SCC). Included on this list were Trailside Hosteins of Fillmore County; Schroeder Brothers LLC, Dev-Lin Holsteins LLC, and Stan and Bev Meyer, all of Houston County; and Reiland Dairy of Mower County. Somatic cell count is a key indicator … [Read more...]
Free series offers marketing and grant webinars for ag businesses
The “Growing Stronger Together” webinar series will continue with two more free events in June, providing farmers in southeast Minnesota and beyond with helpful business information. “Direct Marketing for Farmers” will be held on June 23 at 5 p.m. and “Grant Money for Farmers: How to Maximize Funding to Grow Your Business” on June 30 at 10 a.m. Attendees will hear directly … [Read more...]