“I told myself not to get my hopes up,” 17-year-old Maddie Smith said about her April trip to the 4-H National Conference, “but I knew that I had a greater chance of making it if I applied than if I didn’t,” she laughed. The application process to be a delegate at the 4-H National Conference is rigorous and selective, but Maddie was up for the challenge. She has an aunt who … [Read more...]
Top Minnesota dairy farms honored for superior cow care Herds with lowest somatic cell count are recognized
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson 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 count is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life for bottled milk. In honor of June Dairy Month, 112 Minnesota dairy farms are being … [Read more...]
Citizens advocate for EIS on proposed hog feedlot in Fillmore County
The informational meeting held by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) regarding the proposed Catalpa LLC hog facility drew a large crowd to the Mabel Community Center Tuesday evening, June 19. More than an hour before the meeting was to begin, speakers demanding an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a substantially more in-depth review, spoke to the crowd in front … [Read more...]
MDA Announces Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant awardees $300,000 in grant funds are awarded to 29 projects
ST. PAUL, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is awarding a new grant program aimed at combating noxious weeds around the state. Twenty-nine projects will split $300,000 though the Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. The money, which is given to local municipalities, counties, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts, will be used to purchase equipment and … [Read more...]
USDA resumes continuous conservation reserve program enrollment
As part of a 33-year effort to protect sensitive lands and improve water quality and wildlife habitat on private lands, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will resume accepting applications for the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Eligible farmers, ranchers, and private landowners can sign up at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office between June 4 and … [Read more...]
USDA reopens application period for producers recovering from cattle loss, other disasters
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting disaster assistance program applications on June 4 from agricultural producers who suffered livestock, honeybees, farm-raised fish and other losses due to natural disasters. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reopening the application period for two disaster assistance programs in response to statutory changes … [Read more...]
Justin Ward: World-class bullfighter
Conventional wisdom says that anyone trying out a new sport will “take their lumps” for quite a while before they achieve any type of success. But Justin Ward is not an average athlete. And while he continues to take his lumps (literally), he’s also quickly found success charging at him like an angry bull. Justin graduated from Mabel-Canton High School in 2014, and then … [Read more...]
MPCA extends public comment period for proposed hog feedlot in Fillmore County
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended the public comment period to July 3 at 4:30 p.m. for the Environmental Assessment Worksheet on the proposed Catalpa, LLC hog facility in Fillmore County. Comments already submitted on the proposal will become part of the public record. This means that citizens need not submit their comments again during the extended … [Read more...]
Roadside Dairy: A family farm with heart
When asked to write an article about a farm, my first thought was — boring. Then something happened. I went to Roadside Dairy and met the family who owns it. Let’s just say, dairy farming is anything but boring! This beautiful farm is run by people who not only work hard, but truly care about their cows, their family and their community. On June 16, they’ll be hosting Dairy … [Read more...]
Annual 4-H horse project meeting
The annual meeting of the 4-H Horse Project has been held. Members and parents gathered for their annual business meeting which included business matters of the coming year and election of youth and adult County 4-H Horse Project Officers. The new youth officers are: President Maddie Smith, Vice-President Chase Ketterhagen, Secretary Kjersta Hinz, Treasurer David Goddard, … [Read more...]