By Anne Koliha, Technician   It’s winter in Minnesota and the blustery winds are blowing.   Although some winters aren’t as cold and snowy as others, on the colder, windier days you may have wished for added protection against the elements.  On those days it’s difficult to imagine that spring’s not far away.  It’s not too early to begin planning a new windbreak … [Read more...]

By Anne Koliha, Technician When it comes to soil health and water quality, farmers have always been some of the most conscientious and concerned people.  This is due to their deep, hands-on connections with soil, water, and nature.  Over the years, great strides have been made in recognizing and improving soil health and water quality, due partially to the partnerships … [Read more...]

Hi! I’m Nikki Shaw, the new Water Management coordinator to Fillmore SWCD. I’m originally from Embarrass, Minn., where we have a much shorter growing season. The last few years, my parents and I have been trying out high tunnels and a variety of vegetables, namely tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Our first high tunnel went up in the spring of 2016, and our second in the fall of … [Read more...]

The Drinking Water Protection in SE MN Grant is a new grant focused on Drinking Water Supply Management Areas and townships with high well nitrates results based on the finalized reports from MN Department of Health 2018-19 study. To view the final reports you can log on to www.mda.state.mn.us/township-testing-program#Results.  In Fillmore county, these townships are Arendahl, … [Read more...]

By Doug Keene  Resource Conservation  Technician Change in weather patterns and the lack of conservation practices, heavy rains have caused excessive water runoff and soil erosion. We have seen increased interest for conservation practices such as contour farming, no-till, grassed waterways, terraces, grade stabilization structures and cover crops. Contact your … [Read more...]