I don’t often mix the personal reflections of this column with my professional life. However, I recently worked on a project that revealed a huge environmental problem that is little known, even to the people who are involved in it. I behooves me to share what I have learned. Many are aware of declining monarch butterfly populations, because we so rarely see them … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces April 1 grant application deadline
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage fund. The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for proposals in three categories: Arts & Cultural Heritage, Presenter/Production Assistance, and Small Towns/Rural Areas. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County producers urged to consider risk protection coverage before crop sales deadlines
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers to review available USDA crop risk protection options, including federal crop insurance and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage, before the crop deadline of March 15, 2017. Federal crop insurance covers crop losses from natural adversities such as drought, hail and excessive moisture. NAP covers … [Read more...]
SWCD High School Scholarship deadline is March 31
Each year, the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) provides two $500 scholarships to students pursuing a degree in natural resources, agriculture or another related field. One of the scholarships goes to a graduating Fillmore County high school senior. That application is due Friday, March 31. Applications are available at the SWCD office in Preston or … [Read more...]
DNR teams with USDA sharpshooters to contain CWD
“Right now, it looks like we’re on the front end of this,” USDA District Supervisor and Wildlife Biologist John Hart said about the 2016 discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease in Southeastern Minnesota. After two deer near Lanesboro and Preston tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease last fall, the Minnesota DNR placed a recreational feeding ban in Fillmore, Mower, … [Read more...]
C and T Horse Company weathers the highs and low of the business
Father and son duo Clint and Todd Peterson have been in the horse trading business ever since they can remember. “All I’ve ever really done is trade horses,” Clint said. “Todd’s been doing it since he was big enough to.” Under the name of C and T Horse Company, Clint and Todd have sold horses all over the United States. On the schedule for early March is a trip to Maine … [Read more...]
View Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park by horseback
As many people look at their calendars and start planning ahead for this year’s vacation spots for their families and horses some may overlook a wonderful location right here in Fillmore County. In fact, they may be the busiest trails in the United States for several reasons. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, which is nestled between Spring Valley, Minn., and Preston, … [Read more...]
Tips for prospective horse owners
Children often dream of waking up one morning and finding their own horse or pony in their yards. Some people are able to make this dream a reality and own these beautiful animals. Whether raising a horse for pleasure or profession, it is important to know that caring for horses can be labor-intensive. The reward for properly taking care of a horse is a healthy and … [Read more...]
Craig Mensink receives Minnesota Pork Distinguished Service Award
It’s safe to say that Preston native Craig Mensink knows his stuff. Mensink has been in the pork industry for two decades now and was recently presented with the 2017 Minnesota Pork Distinguished Service Award. “It has been a true privilege to help Minnesota pig farmers have a voice,” Mensink said. Mensink first began working with the pork industry in the mid-nineties … [Read more...]
2016 Transitioning to Organic workshops December 7
Registration is now open for the second series of Transitioning to Organic orkshops hosted by the University of Minnesota. Our local meeting will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2016 in room HB117 of the Heintz Center in Rochester, Minn. This is a free, one-day workshop that will build on the information presented in the first series of workshops hosted last year. The … [Read more...]