By Lizabeth Stahl Extension Educator – Crops Did you miss any of the Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops sessions this winter and were wondering where to access recordings? Well search no more. All sessions, which were originally held Wednesday mornings from January 6 to March 24, are available at: z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Just scroll down the page to find the … [Read more...]
Planting date is just one factor affecting yield potential
By Lizabeth Stahl and Jared Goplen Extension Educators – Crops WASHINGTON, MN, April 15, 2021 – It is well known that planting date plays a key role in determining yield potential in corn and soybean. Long-term University of Minnesota trials demonstrate, for example, that corn yield is usually optimized when corn is planted from April 25 to May 10. Long-term data also show … [Read more...]
Home improvement loans available for low income homeowners
Semcac, a Community Action Agency serving southeastern Minnesota, has funds available through Minnesota Housing for housing rehabilitation loans for eligible homeowners in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona counties. This loan is a 0% interest rate loan (no monthly payments) with a 15-year term or a 10-year term for … [Read more...]
Rep. Davids announces state grant for Houston
ST. PAUL, MN – State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) is pleased to announce that the City of Houston has received a Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) grant and loan. “This is wonderful news for Houston, and I commend the city and state officials who worked together to make this grant happen,” Davids said. Houston will receive a WIF Wastewater Grant of nearly … [Read more...]
Houston County Outstanding Senior Citizen Award
Nominations from county residents are now being sought for the 2021 Outstanding Senior Citizen Award for Houston County. The award recognizes outstanding senior citizens (one male and one female) who have contributed their time and talent to benefit their community after reaching the age of 65. The person nominated must be 70 years of age by June 1, 2021. They will be honored … [Read more...]
57-year employee ready for new adventures after retiring from Harmony Agri Services
Tuesday, April 20, was a special day for Jim Austin of Harmony. He not only celebrated his 82nd birthday, but also marked the end of a 57-year career with Harmony Agri-Services. As he reflected on his time spent working at the agricultural center, Austin noted many changes as well as expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with so many excellent customers and fellow … [Read more...]
The first prom of the decade
Some area high school proms are returning this year after many were canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chatfield, Grand Meadow, and Rushford-Peterson high schools will hold a prom this year that is very similar to previous years, while Houston High School will hold an event different from traditional prom. On Saturday, May 1, students at Chatfield High School … [Read more...]
April weed of the month: habitat restoration
Habitat loss is one of the most important causes of species decline in the United States. More and more people are looking to restore parts of their property, or their entire property, back to a natural setting. This is great news for native plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife that rely on native habitats for survival. However, this can be an intimidating process for … [Read more...]
Brian Pogodzinsi, Houston County Engineer, reappointed to a four-year term
Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre were all present via Zoom at the April 13 regular meeting of the Houston County Commission. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. COVID-19 update For the first time, Houston County Public Health did not fill all the Moderna appointments last week. There was much interest in … [Read more...]
The University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development is offering FREE webinars April–June
The University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development is offering FREE webinars April-June around the topics of financial parenting and feeding your child. In addition, there are a few stand-alone webinars and a series of webinars being offered in Spanish. Check out these offerings – you can also google the name of the series to find it online: Financial … [Read more...]