By Anesa Liptak Soil Health Technician When we think about the major ecosystems on earth, soil is not typically on the top of the list. Forests, oceans, and the atmosphere tend to grab all the attention. But the truth is, healthy soil is doing a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work. It helps grow our food, manages water, stores carbon, and supports an incredible variety … [Read more...]
Nutrient Management
By Sara West Nutrition Management Specialist Nutrient management is important to both crop performance and farm profitability because it ensures crops receive the right nutrients in the right amounts, at the right time, and in the right place. This directly influences yields, input costs, and long-term farm success. Importance to the Crop Improves growth and … [Read more...]
Building Better Habitat: Supporting Monarch Butterflies and Pollinators in Southeastern Minnesota
By Erin Boettcher Farm Biologist Habitat quality plays a critical role in the health of wildlife populations, and southeastern Minnesota is no exception. Pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and other insects rely on a steady supply of food and shelter throughout the growing season. Among these pollinators, the monarch butterfly has become a well-known indicator of … [Read more...]
The Lights Shine Brightly in Harmony
On Sunday, December 14, all were invited to Harmony’s Cancer Memorial Park to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer and those who are fighting the fight. The 20-foot spruce tree in the park will shine brightly every evening throughout December in remembrance of those who have lost their lives and to honor those who are battling cancer. The group explains the … [Read more...]
No-Till Planting
By Dan Wermager Technician, Root River SWCD No-till planting is a great tool for conventional farmers to use in order to help the environment. No-till planting can reduce erosion, improve infiltration, reduce runoff, and build organic matter. These are all very important things, because eroded soil is the #1 pollutant of surface water in the world. Erosion is an … [Read more...]
Free Manure Sampling and Spreader Calibration
By Bob Scanlan MN Dept. of Agriculture The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Houston County Environmental Services Office are offering free manure sample analysis and manure spreader calibration in certain townships of Houston County. Feedlot operators working in Black Hammer, Caledonia, Mayville, Spring Grove, and Wilmington Townships can take … [Read more...]
Prairie Strips
By Dan Wermager Technician, Root River SWCD An exciting opportunity for prairie strips is now available for area farmers. Prairie strips are a fairly new CRP practice. They reduce erosion, improve water quality, and create insect and bird habitat by establishing strips of native prairie vegetation on a field. They can be placed across a field in one or more contour … [Read more...]
The Many Benefits of Cover Crops
By Dan Wermager Technician, Root River SWCD As you are driving through the area in late fall or early spring, you may notice more green fields than you normally would. If it’s not a hay strip, then the green vegetation you are seeing is likely winter rye that has been planted as a cover crop. Cover crops are gaining a lot of traction in the area in recent years, and … [Read more...]
Tap-In – Free Well Test Kits Available
By Jean Meiners Technician, Root River SWCD The Minnesota Department of Health is offering free well test kits for eligible homes in eight southeast Minnesota counties. Your household may be eligible if: 1) A private well is the main source of drinking water for the place you live, 2) The private well is in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha or … [Read more...]
Potential Opportunity for Feedlot Operators in Houston County
By Bob Scanlan MN Dept. of Agriculture The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is working with farmers and crop advisors located in Houston County townships where 10% or more of the private wells tested over the nitrate Health Risk Limit (HRL) of 10 mg/L. Those townships include Black Hammer, Caledonia, Mayville, Spring Grove, and Wilmington. This pilot program is … [Read more...]