Fillmore County Journal

"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"

Farmers Co-op Elevator in Houston earns impressive HACCP certification

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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

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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...]

Community is one reason I live in the Midwest

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There are many reasons why I live in the Midwest and the strength of our local communities is one of the primary ones. Community strength can be seen in many ways, but one of the most profound is when you see neighbors helping neighbors who are in need. On August 23, 2016 our neighbors in northeast Iowa experienced an historic flood. The area received intense rainfall … [Read more...]

Trash the garbage burning habit

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Friends of the Root River will sponsor a program on Issues with Open Burning on Wednesday, September 28, at Tri-County Electric Cooperative, 31110 Cooperative Way, Rushford. At 6:30 p.m., doors open for light refreshments. Program at 7 p.m.: Why open burning is a problem. The health, environmental, and economic concerns - by MPCA Solid Waste Compliance staff Jacob Brady and … [Read more...]

No Seat? No Rider

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Tractor rollovers and runovers are consistently among the top causes of on-farm injury and death. The risk for severe injury from rollovers and runovers is especially high for extra riders who do not have a designated seat. So the message is very simple. If your farm equipment – tractors, combines, etc. – does not have an instructor’s seat in addition to the operator’s chair, … [Read more...]

Compaction a concern for fall field work

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Healthy soils are the foundation of our cropping systems. One of the most important attributes of a healthy soil is good soil structure. Due to the excess rainfall we have received this summer, the soil structure of our local farm fields is at risk of being destroyed by compaction this fall. Soil compaction refers to a reduction in soil pore space. Healthy soils have a … [Read more...]

Fall safety concerns in agricultural communities

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The beginning of fall signals the beginning of many exciting things: schools are back in session, local sports begin, new hunting seasons are right around the corner and fall crop harvest is beginning. While these activities can be exciting, there are a number of dangers that this time of year brings as well. • Kids are back in school. Kids can be unpredictable. They like to … [Read more...]

Doug and Deb Ristau family named the 2016 Fillmore County Farm Family of the Year

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The Doug and Deb Ristau family has been named Fillmore County’s 2016 Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota. Doug and Deb purchased a 320-acre farm in 1987 with a small 30-cow Herford herd, which they purchased from the previous farm owner, and were part owners of a 60-cow Holstein herd with Doug’s parents. In 1995, they began custom raising Holstein heifers … [Read more...]

CPS of Harmony has reasons to celebrate

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Crop Production Services of Harmony, Minn., is close to having their new building which will store and mix dry fertilizer complete. This is reason enough for the company and its employees to celebrate, which is why they will be hosting an open house, but the business will also recognize local heroes in September, as well. The new building on the site of CPS was in the … [Read more...]