Andrew and Lisa Kingsley run Harmony Gardens and Floral as a family business with their four children in tow. Grace (eight), Charity (eight), Liberty (seven), and Charlie (four) spend their days playing and helping with chores, which allows them to spend lots of time with their parents. It’s been working out great but towards the end of the last school year, Andrew and Lisa … [Read more...]
Safety on the farm
When you make a mistake on the farm, most often you can learn from it and make corrections so it doesn’t happen again. Following these general safety guidelines can help you prevent accidents and keep you and your loved ones safe. Power take-off The power take-off, or PTO shaft, is an efficient means of transferring mechanical power between farm tractors and implements. This … [Read more...]
Reducing electrical hazards on the farm
With the onset of electrical service to farms throughout the mid-century, rural families and businesses were aided in efficiency, hygienic practices, food storage/handling, and some impressive mechanical equipment upgrades. However, a whole new series of potential hazards were added and even today, are worth noting as the harvest season looms. The obvious hazards, shock to … [Read more...]
Rushford to benefit from fiber build
AcenTek is investing in the community and Rushford residents will benefit. The local provider of Internet, Voice and Video services is replacing their copper facility with fiber optics. Last year AcenTek converted residents and businesses in the city limits of Rushford but now will begin the process of bringing fiber to the rural areas. This upgrade will provide rural residents … [Read more...]
Protect your horse, vaccinate for West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus can be fatal for your horse. Harmony/Cresco veterinarian Dr. Lynn Aggen reported that the first case of West Nile Virus in the area this year was officially confirmed in McIntire, Iowa, near Riceville. The Amish-owned horse died and another horse, also Amish owned, died from what was expected to be WNV, although not officially confirmed. A third case of WNV … [Read more...]
What came first, the chicken or the ordinance? Chickens are allowed in 43% of Fillmore County cities
In recent years, Fillmore County has become a brooder box of chicken politics. It’s not about whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican. It’s about important stuff. It’s about whether townies should have the right to egg it up. The late KFC kingpin Colonel Sanders would delight in all this crispy chicken chatter. On Tuesday, November 6, 2018, voters living in the City of … [Read more...]
2018 Fillmore County Fair Open Class results
Farm Products Grand Champion, Greg Dornink, Preston Vegetable Grand Champion, Laurie Syverson, Harmony Reserve Champion, Sherry Hareldson, Rochester Champion, Monica Ortner, Harmony Youth Champion, Audra Otto, Harmony Orchard Grand Champion, Sheila Craig, Preston Reserve Champion, Monica Ortner, Preston Champion, Pine Tree Orchard, Preston Apiarian Grand … [Read more...]
Wild cucumbers are smothering our trees!
Wild cucumbers (Echinocystis lobata) are in full force this time of year. They are found in moist, rich soil in areas such as woodland edges, landscapes and thickets. These plants are aggressive and can smother trees. Characteristics include bright green plants creeping or climbing to 25’, twining stems often grooved and angled, leaves that are maple leaf-shaped and sandpapery … [Read more...]
Odd name, great eggs
There’s a young entrepreneur near Cherry Grove who has really got things cracking. At just seven years of age, he’s certainly no hard-boiled businessman, but Carter Keim is the CEO (Chief Egg Officer) of the family’s new egg-venture, which he named “Chester’s Butt Nuggets.” For a seven-year-old, Carter knows a lot about chickens and their care. Recently, he explained the … [Read more...]
Zero interest loans available for farmers affected by flooding
Minnesota farmers affected by the recent flooding can take advantage of a 0% Disaster Loan Program offered by the Minnesota Rural Finance Authority (RFA). The program helps farmers cover flood clean-up, repair, and replacement costs not covered by insurance. The severe summer storms, which began on June 9, 2018, have caused significant flooding and damage to farm property in … [Read more...]