The Tesmer Farm Safety Day Camp set a record for most attendees with nearly 600 students. The annual May event held at Mabel’s Steam Engine Park brings fourth graders from Fillmore and Houston County schools to learn about basic safety. “This year was the biggest ever,” said Michael Cruse, local extension educator. “And the great thing is, it’s almost completely supported by … [Read more...]
Fillmore County 4-H horse project holds annual awards banquet
The Fillmore County 4-H Horse Project met on Sunday, January 29, 2017, at the F&M Bank community room in Preston for their annual awards banquet and potluck. To start off the evening, a slide presentation of horse activities from the past year was shown by the 2015-2016 horse project historians. During the awards program members received horse related awards in two … [Read more...]
Youth Tractor & Farm Safety Certification
The University of Minnesota Extension is pleased to announce the new and improved Youth Tractor & Farm Safety Certification Program. This program is designed to provide youth ages 14 years old and older the opportunity to learn how to safely operate equipment above 20 horse power. The Youth Tractor & Farm Safety Certification Program includes an online learning … [Read more...]
Extension offers one-to-one services for financially distressed farmers
University of Minnesota Extension will begin offering one-to-one financial counseling to farmers in serious financial stress. “We know that due to a variety of factors, including on-going low prices, some farmers find themselves facing difficult circumstances,” said Bev Durgan, Extension dean. “With our new program, Extension offers distressed farmers help in understanding … [Read more...]
Drinkalls know family, farming and forage
What’s your dream job? One obvious answer would be doing work you really enjoy, with the people you love. That’s the situation that the Drinkall family is in with their business, Drinkall Family Forage Enterprises. Recently, Delvin Drinkall and his sons, Tyson and Cody shared some insights into their business. When asked how long they’ve been in this business, Delvin … [Read more...]
Women in Agriculture Network to offer “Becoming a Preferred Employer” in April
By Michael Cruse Extension Educator for Fillmore and Houston Counties Women in Agriculture Network (WAGN) is excited to announce its April seminar: “Becoming a Preferred Employer.” The event will take place April 4, 2017 at the Heintz Center in Rochester, Minn., (1926 Collegeview Rd E, Rochester, MN 55904). Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program runs from … [Read more...]
Fillmore County FSA Promotes National Agriculture Week March 21-23
The Fillmore County FSA office invites producers to stop in the office the week of March 20 to celebrate National Agriculture week. During National Agriculture Week we collectively celebrate the food, feed, and fiber that US Farmers and Ranchers provide every day. The staff will be providing treats starting Tuesday, March 21 through Thursday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to … [Read more...]
SMIF awarded emerging entrepreneurs loan funds for non-typical business owners
OWATONNA, MN, February 6 - Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently received a $50,000 allocation from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) through the State’s new Emerging Entrepreneurs Loan Program (EELP). The money will be used to provide loans to businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities … [Read more...]
Omodt and Jorde Farms GP and its path from a family farm to 48-state business
When it comes to the Omodt family, one can undoubtedly notice the presence of the farming industry, perhaps leading to the conclusion of its possibility of running in the genes of select individuals. That is why it is no surprise to learn of Perry Omodt, grandson of the original owners of Omodt and Jorde Farms GP, now being a half of the partnership of the nationally … [Read more...]
Gehling Auction Co. bids for comfort in new building
The days of standing out in the rain, snow and heat are distant memories for those who attend auctions at Gehling Auction Co., LLC of Preston, Minn. “Technology” was the main reason a new building was necessary, states owner Ron Gehling, who operates the business with his wife Lana and son Matt. “Technology has changed it all,” says Ron, as people no longer have to deal … [Read more...]