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...]
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...]