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...]
Fillmore County Land Rent Survey results
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...]