The America’s Farmers programs, sponsored by Bayer Fund, are back for another year to strengthen farming communities across Minnesota. Beginning January 1, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education is partnering with farmers across the country to help strengthen rural public school districts through $15,000 STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) grants. Since 2010, … [Read more...]
Sesquicentennial farm applications due March 2
Minnesota Farm Bureau’s Sesquicentennial Farm program will honor Minnesota families who have owned their farms for at least 150 years. Since the Sesquicentennial Farm program began in 2008, over 371 farms have been recognized. The Sesquicentennial Farm program recognizes family farms according to the following qualifications: 1) The farm must be at least 150 years old this … [Read more...]
Applications now open for Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN) in Greater Minnesota
Entrepreneurs in rural Minnesota are invited to apply to join the Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN), a new program led by Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). CEDA is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to innovative community development practices and business growth in small towns. Through HEN, CEDA’s professional staff will 1) provide … [Read more...]
State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation accepting century farm applications
Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more are invited to apply for the 2020 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 10,500 Minnesota farms have been honored … [Read more...]
Marzolf Implement: 65 years of service and relationships
Corey Marzolf, owner of Marzolf Implement in Spring Valley, says that throughout 2019, his business is celebrating 65 years in business, and he attributes that longevity to two guiding principles. Marzolf Implement has always stressed good service after the sale, and maintaining strong relationships with their customers. Regarding the origins of Marzolf Implement, Corey … [Read more...]
Maddie Smith represents U of M in Minnesota Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet
Maddie Smith, from Preston and attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, majoring in agricultural education and agricultural communications and marketing, qualified for the final four in the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Collegiate Discussion Meet during the MFBF 101st Annual Meeting at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bloomington November 23. The Collegiate … [Read more...]
Serio Farms hydroponics is really growing
Autumn is the season of abundance, with fresh local produce available in backyards and farmers markets. But before we know it, winter arrives, and most of our “fresh” produce actually spends many days being shipped thousands of miles to our area. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could get fresh, local produce all year long? Thanks to Andrew Serio, owner of Serio Farms, that … [Read more...]
What is a fair farm rental agreement?
Landlords, farmers, 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 are the largest input cost the farmer has. Determining a fair farm rent agreement is a challenge in today’s economy with current low … [Read more...]
Recycling 101: They’re here!
By Drew Hatzenbihler Solid Waste Administrator The Fillmore County Resource Recovery Center just received a total of six dumpsters from Revolution Plastics for recycling agricultural and silage plastics! Before you jump in your car and head down to start recycling, take a minute to read this article and read the dumpsters when you arrive to make sure the materials you are … [Read more...]
MDA Grants available for crop improvement research Research supporting growth and sustainability favored
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting grant applications for applied crop research that promotes economic growth and environmentally sustainable practices. The MDA anticipates awarding up to $1,050,000 in February 2020 for proposals that will improve agricultural product quality, quantity, or value in Minnesota. Research projects are preferred that … [Read more...]