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...]
Community is one reason I live in the Midwest
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
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
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
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
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...]