By Michael Cruse Extension Educator for Fillmore and Houston Counties Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s land rent survey. According to our survey results, 2016 land rental rates in Fillmore County averaged between $199.50-$208.83/acre. This is lower than the $213.16/acre reported for 2015 and about even with the $207.67/acre predicted for 2016 in last … [Read more...]
USDA offers flood impacted Minnesota farmers and ranchers immediate disaster assistance
ST. PAUL, MN, Sept. 26, 2016 - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Minnesota Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Grant Herfindahl, reminds farmers and ranchers of federal farm program benefits that may be available to help eligible producers recover from recent heavy rains and flooding. “These significant rain and flood events in Minnesota have left extensive … [Read more...]
Partnerships will help Minnesota corn farmers become the most sustainable and environmentally responsible in the U.S.
Written by Zach Fore Part of the appeal of corn farming is the independence it offers. You are your own boss, using a combination of science, skill, gut feeling and a little bit of luck to grow a crop every year and (hopefully) turn a profit. But corn farmers can’t do it all on their own. Finding the right partners is key to helping corn farmers improve their own … [Read more...]
Sustainability programs part of MCGA’s goal of becoming most environmentally responsible farmers in U.S.
Written by John Mages As combines started rolling and harvest season 2016 began, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) unveiled an ambitious new plan to help Minnesota’s corn farmers become the most sustainable and environmentally responsible farmers in the United States. Yes, that’s a lofty goal. But as a farmer for the last 35 years, it’s a goal I’m confident … [Read more...]
Minnesota corn farmer testifies at pollinator and neonic hearing
A legislative hearing last week focused on Gov. Mark Dayton’s recent executive order on protecting pollinators, specifically a section of the order that requires farmers to prove that they face “imminent danger of significant crop loss” before they can make foliar applications of neonictinoids. MDA is also requesting regulatory authority of treated seeds. Brian Thalmann, a … [Read more...]
Perennial forage reporting deadline November 15
PRESTON – Fillmore County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Tammy Martin, reminds producers that raise perennial forage to report these acres for 2017 by the November 15, 2016 deadline. In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Fillmore County FSA office to file a crop certification by the applicable … [Read more...]
Developing new markets will help MN corn farmers become the most sustainable and environmentally responsible in the U.S.
By Jerry Demmer Did you know that corn is an ingredient in more than 4,000 consumer products? Or that every gallon of regular unleaded fuel you put in your vehicle contains 10 percent ethanol made from corn? Yes, corn is used for more than just feeding livestock. It touches our lives in many ways, whether we’re brushing our teeth (corn is an ingredient in tooth paste), … [Read more...]
Farmers Co-op Elevator in Houston earns impressive HACCP certification
In recent years, sweeping food safety reform has led to monumental changes in the food system, including how livestock feeds are manufactured. In 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FMSA) was put into law. This mandated science-based preventative controls across the food supply chain for all food and feed facilities by the Food and Drug Administration. The biggest reform … [Read more...]
Fillmore County youth celebrate 4-H Week Oct. 2-8
PRESTON - October 2-8 is National 4-H Week, and Fillmore County is celebrating the 4-H youth who have made an impact on the community and are stepping up to the challenges of a complex and changing world. The 4-H youth development program provides “learn by doing” experiences to encourage youth to experiment, innovate and think independently. 4-H programs are offered through … [Read more...]
Florenceville-Granger tractor pull attracts more than 60 pullers
GRANGER, MN - Despite the threat of storms, a large crowd of tractor pullers and fans turned out for the annual event on August 27. The rain held off, and a total of 144 pulls provided great entertainment. Classes at the pull included Farmstock and Sportsman. Results are as follows: 400 Farmstock: 1. Dennis Eiken, Harmony, Minn., WD45, 248.2; 2. Alex Reimann, Whalan, … [Read more...]