Terry Rindels and Tom Greiner recently sat down to discuss the changeover of leadership occurring at the Preston Dairy & Farm Association. Although there will be a new manager, they assure their customers that very little else is expected to change. Regarding his tenure at Preston D & F, Rindels stated, “I’ve done it as manager for 13 ½ years, and been here for 26. … [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 2019 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...]
MnDOT encourages farmers to join standing corn rows program while planning spring planting
ROCHESTER, MN – As farmers in southeast Minnesota finalize their seed purchases and spring planting plans, the Minnesota Department of Transportation asks growers to consider joining the standing corn rows program to help control blowing and drifting snow on state highways. MnDOT pays farmers on a per acre basis to leave standing corn rows on selected state roads in areas … [Read more...]
Specialty Crop Research and Development Grants available Applications due by March 7, 2019 at 4 p.m.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is encouraging organizations that benefit Minnesota fruit, vegetable, and other specialty crop producers to apply for Specialty Crop Block Grants (SCBG) to help increase the competitiveness of their crops in local, regional or global markets. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, March 7, 2019. Grant projects can … [Read more...]
MPCA Commissioner denies permit to proposed feedlot, recommends study of nitrate-contaminated waters in the sensitive karst region of southeast Minnesota
Citing the need to address elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water in the karst region of southeast Minnesota, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner John Linc Stine is announcing his decision to deny a general permit for the proposed Catalpa swine facility in Fillmore County near Mabel, Minn. Because of the permit denial, a related decision, whether to … [Read more...]
Response to interview with a pig
By Dr. Ross Kiehne Swine Veterinarian Harmony, MN In response to: Interview with a Pig As a veterinarian focusing exclusively on pig welfare and health for over 19 years, I have dedicated my life to helping farmers raise pigs in the most humane, healthy and sustainable way possible. I am proud of the role I play and the producers whom I have the privilege to work beside. My … [Read more...]
USDA reminds producers of disaster program deadlines
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Joe Martin reminds Minnesota producers who experienced losses from natural disasters during the 2017 and 2018 calendar years that they may be eligible for assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) … [Read more...]
Proposed hog feedlot controversy continues, decision imminent
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) held another meeting to allow the public to express their concerns and to pose questions at the Mabel Community Center on December 4. Similar to the June 19 informational MPCA meeting, concerned citizens packed the community center once again. During the first public comment period, 771 written comments were received by the MPCA. … [Read more...]
MPCA to hold meeting on additional test results for proposed swine facility in Fillmore County
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will hold a public informational meeting Tuesday, December 4 on additional investigations for the proposed Catalpa Ag swine facility in Fillmore County. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Mabel Community Center, 201 Main St. South. The agency will present the findings followed by time for questions. The MPCA will accept comments on … [Read more...]
Friends of the Root River annual meeting
Friends of the Root River and the public are invited to our annual meeting in the Rushford Village Hall on Wednesday, November 28. The address is 43038 MN-30, Rushford. The business meeting begins at 5 p.m., followed by a light dinner at 6 p.m. Our speaker this year, John Bruihler of the Rush-Pine Farmer-Led Council, will speak at 6:30 p.m. to their successes in improving both … [Read more...]