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
By Annie Lewis 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 … [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...]
State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation accepting Century Farm applications
ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more may apply for the 2018 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 10,000 Minnesota farms have been honored … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central FFA is getting ready for its second crop on the learning plot
Corn and soybeans are big here - ubiquitous in this part of the country - but success with these crops, as in any crop, is not guaranteed. There are many decisions to be made every step of the way and then weather and other factors are also constantly changing. How do farmers decide when to plant, what to plant, how to fertilize and treat their fields? How do they recognize … [Read more...]
Drones; the flying future of agriculture
Fillmore County farmers are a lot of things; hard-working, dedicated, intelligent. They’re also at the forefront of innovative technologies that are changing the industry. One technology, the use of aerial drones in crop production, is increasing at an impressive pace. A May 2016 press release by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) predicted the value of drone powered solutions in … [Read more...]
Stay ahead with Tail’s End Services
When you live your life caring for livestock, there are certain dirty jobs that come with the territory. Tail’s End Services, LLC can lighten your load when it comes to hauling manure. Jeff Passow, owner of Tail’s End Services, grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City High School, and planned on becoming a farmer following graduation. … [Read more...]
Applying manure this spring? Start planning now
By Melissa Wilson Extension Manure Management Specialist It may be hard to imagine spring coming anytime soon with the recent arctic temperatures, but in a few short months it’ll be time to apply nutrients for the upcoming crops. If you plan to apply manure, now is the time to start mapping out your plans for the year to save headaches down the road. Here are some tips to … [Read more...]