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...]
New fair exhibit is an eye-opening experience
Hidden in Plain Sight is a new exhibit at the Fillmore County Fair this year. If you’re a parent, grandparent or anyone who has a young person in their life, you won’t want to miss it. The free exhibit is a mock teen bedroom that contains items that are warning signs of drug and alcohol use. Adults are allowed to walk through the exhibit with a checklist to try to identify … [Read more...]
Big changes at the Fillmore County Fair
Oh, what to do, what to do... of course, the Fillmore County Fair! The fair is a changing, or actually, it is going back to it’s original purpose. The fair began in Fillmore County in June 1885 for the purpose of farmers being able to show the success of their hard work. As time went by, and with the introduction and growth of 4-H, the farmer side, known as open class, of … [Read more...]
Noxious weed control policy in Fillmore County
In 2018, the Fillmore County Highway Department and Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) have been working together on making a no spray policy to reduce the costs of noxious weed spraying in the roadside ditches of Fillmore County highways. For landowners/renters who own land along a county highway(s) and want to get a “No Spray” request form please contact … [Read more...]
Fillmore County 4-H member chosen as Minnesota delegate
“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...]