According to 2023 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service data, the Minnesota beef cattle inventory was 360,000 head, including 15,800 head in Fillmore County and just 2,900 across the ‘border’ in Mower County. Just how many of these cattle are the more popular breeds - Black or Red Angus, Hereford, Simmental, or Charolais - doesn’t appear to be published widely, but … [Read more...]
Soil Testing for Lawns and Gardens
By Katie Drewitz As you look at your spring to-do list, one of the first things should be getting a soil test done, if you have not done one in the past three years. Understanding your soil is important for a successful lawn or garden. Soil analysis can help to determine the current state of the soil. You will also receive recommendations for best performance. This time of … [Read more...]
Farm Family – Spring is in Full Bloom at Heartland Blooms-n-Berry Farm
A familiar phrase this time of year is “April showers bring May flowers,” and nowhere is that more true than at Heartland Blooms-n-Berry Farm. On Friday, May 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Schuldt family invites the public to visit their farm during the second annual Tulip Festival, held on their scenic farm conveniently located on Highway 76 between Caledonia and … [Read more...]
Properly Planting Trees
By Katie Drewitz Trees provide many things for our communities; beauty, energy conservation, reduction of soil erosion, filtering air pollutants, raising property values, a home for wildlife and so much more. Trees are an integral part of our home landscapes, neighborhoods and countryside. If you are looking to plant a tree for the upcoming Arbor Day or any time this year, … [Read more...]
Study Examines the Age of Groundwater and Nitrate Trends in Southeast Minnesota
ST. PAUL, MN: A newly published study by researchers at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Geological Survey, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reveals new information about the age of groundwater in the state’s distinctive Driftless Area of southeastern Minnesota. The peer-reviewed study examined current … [Read more...]
106 Washington Street: The Next Chapter
Walking into the former shoe repair store at 106 Washington Street in downtown Decorah brings back a flood of memories, as it does to many boomers. If only the walls could talk, one has to wonder what stories they would tell. Now, a new chapter is being written. Kari L. Steinlage, owner of KL Design Co., revealed that the building, which dates back over 100 years, was home … [Read more...]
Root Family in Their Happy Place, Surrounded by Their Dream House on a Lovely Lot
Constructing your dream home is a thrilling journey filled with endless possibilities. However, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety throughout the process. The Root family embraced every twist and turn, trusting in the journey’s unfolding while remaining dedicated to their vision. By allowing the experience to flow naturally and with patience, they discovered … [Read more...]
Why Hiring a Painter is the Right Choice
Few home improvements can change the look of a room faster and more affordably than a painting makeover. In fact, homeowners often turn to paint before they make any other renovations. Home Light, a real estate technology company, says painting a home’s interior can net a return on investment as high as 107 percent. Although painting is a project that can be tackled by … [Read more...]
How to Boost Home Value Before Selling
People considering buying or selling a home are facing a unique market. The real estate market has been in flux for several years, and high interest rates have made it more expensive to borrow. The Mortgage Bankers Association is projecting that 30-year mortgage rates will level out to 6.5 percent for the forseeable future. That means that people who have been waiting for … [Read more...]
How to Establish a Peaceful Backyard Retreat
Backyards have undergone quite a transformation over the last decade-plus. The days when patios and decks were all a backyard living space had to offer are largely a thing of the past, as homeowners have realized just how valuable it can be to commit to a stunning backyard. The real estate experts at Zillow estimate that homes with backyard features such as outdoor … [Read more...]