Low farm income, a lingering trade war and other issues affecting agriculture are increasingly causing stress and mental health issues for farmers in Minnesota and around the country. The University of Minnesota has stepped up to fill the gap for farmers looking for mental health resources. More than 90% of American farmers and farm workers say financial issues impact … [Read more...]
Pinkie goes to Relay for Life auction
Linus Hammell bought Pinkie a couple of years ago and is donating it back to the 2019 Fillmore County Relay for Life auction. The tractor, shown here with Jared, Jacob, Jordon and Kjersten Peterson and dog, Max, is currently displayed at the home of their grandfather Dale Peterson, on Hwy. 16 southeast of Preston. These four young adults are passionate about the Relay for Life. … [Read more...]
Top Minnesota dairy farms honored for superior cow care
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen today released the annual list of top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell counts (SCC). Somatic cell count is a key indicator of milk quality – a lower SCC is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life for bottled milk. In honor of June Dairy Month, 115 dairy farms are being recognized for … [Read more...]
New MDA Dairy Assistance Program takes effect Small- to medium-size dairy farmers may be eligible for assistance
ST. PAUL, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is rolling out its new Dairy Assistance, Investment and Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program to provide financial assistance for dairy producers who enroll for five years of coverage in the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. “Minnesota farmers are the cornerstone of our state’s economy,” … [Read more...]
500 tractors roll through Fillmore County
Anyone who lives or works in the southeastern part of Fillmore County probably noticed something unusual on Monday, June 10. Tractors (lots of them!) came putt-putt-putting through, as part of the WMT Annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade. No, they hadn’t taken any wrong turns. In explaining why an Iowa tractorcade was in Minnesota, WMT and WHO Farm Broadcaster Andy … [Read more...]
The conversation continues – UMN Extension and partners host Farmer Roundtable
By Haely Leiding University of Minnesota Extension Assistant The second series of Farmer Roundtables was hosted May 29 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove. Houston County Economic Development Authority (EDA), Spring Grove EDA, Trinity Lutheran Church, and University of Minnesota- Extension have teamed up to host an opportunity for farmers in the area. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County 4-H’er Jacob Welch attends National 4-H Conference Nine Minnesota 4-H youth selected as delegates for this annual conference
On April 5-11, more than 230 youth from 46 delegations across the United States, United States territories, and Canada participated in the National 4-H Conference at the National 4-H Conference Center near Washington, D.C. The conference engages youth in developing a briefing to a federal agency on an issue of interest for both the youth and the agency. Jacob Welch was one … [Read more...]
Do you have thoughts related to value added agriculture in SE Minnesota?
Join us for a community conversation on value added agriculture and other topics at the Trinity Church in Spring Grove on May 29, 2019, from 10-11:30 a.m. With weak markets for conventional commodity products and increasing interest in local, home grown goods, value added agriculture has become a hot topic. What is value added agriculture? It is simply adding value – … [Read more...]
Harmony dairy family forges on despite challenges
Jim and Randi Wingert of Harmony know what it is to work hard, but they also know how fulfilling that work can be for their whole family. “It’s honorable, rewarding, yet the most challenging work some days,” Randi said. Jim and Randi along with their seven children, Coltin (19), Morgan (17), Claytin (12), Mady (11), Melony (8), Maggie (8), and Martina (7) run a dairy farm … [Read more...]
Laura Christensen steps in at SWCD
If you’ve stopped in to the Fillmore County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office lately, you may have noticed a new face. That’s Laura Christensen, who was recently hired as district administrator. Laura explained, “I am replacing Donna Rasmussen. She’s been here a long time and has been a really big part of this district, so I have big shoes to fill… Donna … [Read more...]