Labor shortages can make it hard for any business owner to compete, and those working in the agricultural sector are no exception to that reality. The U.S. Senate Committee on Aging notes that the median age of farmers in the United States is 58, and more farmers are older than 65 than under 44. That doesn’t bode well for the future, but the labor shortages confronting the … [Read more...]
Mapping the Future of Agriculture
The demand for food is directly related to population growth. By 2050, food needs are expected to double, according to a study published in the journal Agricultural Economics. That puts increasing pressure on the agricultural sector to meet growing demand. However, many experts think the industry will fall short. In addition to increased food demand, consumer habits, … [Read more...]
How Rising Food Demand is Affecting Farming
The population is growing and so is its demand for food to fuel those extra bodies. Harvard Business Review reports the global population has quadrupled over the last century. It’s predicted that, by 2050, the population will exceed nine billion people. The world is not able to feed all of its inhabitants, according to Penn State. There are more than one billion people who … [Read more...]
Getting to the Root of Sodic Soil
Plants often are only as strong as the soil in which they grow. While certain greenery may thrive no matter where it’s planted, soil conditions are often key to successful growing. Sodic soil is one condition people may experience at home or in commercial farming operations. Sodic soils, sometimes called saline-alkali soils or dispersive soils, are defined as having high … [Read more...]
Hooked on Fly Fishing!
Josh Norlien has fished since he was a kid, but he “really got hooked on fly fishing” quite recently. Now he wants to share his passion with his friends and neighbors; the Norlien family will be opening their new shop, Money Creek Outfitters, in Houston with a grand opening March 15 – the same day as Owl City Cycles will be opening for the spring season. Norlien wants to make … [Read more...]
E-bikes Soar in Popularity
In late summer and fall last year it quickly became obvious that e-bikes were becoming more and more popular. Rushford saw swarms of e-bikes parked on the city streets; riders were strolling the streets and enjoying meals in the local restaurants. While the Root River Trail often sees an increase of bikers during the peak fall season, this was different – lots of the bikes were … [Read more...]
Love of Horses Spans Four Generations at Ukkestad Arena
Horses have been a part of Rachel Ukkestad’s life since she was a child. Growing up outside of Rushford during the Great Depression, she had always wanted a pony, but in those times “if it didn’t milk or pull a plow, you didn’t feed it.” So as a kid, her experience was with the work horses that were still commonly in use on farms at the time. At age 18 Rachel married … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson FFA Plans for Fun Week
By Courtney Thorman FFA Week is a week-long celebration that local chapters put on each year. The goal of FFA week is to throw fun activities for younger kids to get them engaged in the club. By hosting FFA Week, chapters increase enrollment and expose children to the joys of a high school club. The Rushford-Peterson chapter celebrates FFA Week by hosting a middle school … [Read more...]
Lanesboro’s FFA Week Summary
By Kristi Ruen The Lanesboro FFA Chapter has been busy with career development events, award applications and many fun activities for members. The chapter now boasts over 115 members who all enjoy the fun, friends and awards that FFA has to offer. The year started with six members exhibiting at the Minnesota State Fair FFA Livestock Show. Soon members were busy … [Read more...]
LeRoy-Ostrander FFA To Celebrate FFA Week
By Tiffany Timm The LeRoy-Ostrander FFA will celebrate 2025 FFA Week with a variety of items throughout the week!! Due to Presidents’ Day being on Monday there is no school, but many FFA members and L-O students/staff will be finding their dress up clothes for the upcoming days that week!! Dress up days for the week have yet to be determined due to officer meetings. However, … [Read more...]