Fillmore Central Public Schools middle and high school students, fellow teachers, and administration surprised Spanish teacher Brandi Mayer with a warm welcome on Friday, October 30, after a 12 ½ month deployment with the Minnesota Army National Guard. Mayer started teaching at Fillmore Central in June 2016 and will begin her fifth year as the school’s Spanish teacher on … [Read more...]
Chatfield Veteran humbled by quilt of valor presentation
On August 8, 2020, Donald J. Scott of Chatfield received a special gift in honor of his service to our country. Scott, a Vietnam War veteran, received a Quilt of Valor sewn by Chris Rand and Rita Radil of Rochester. His wife, Rosanne Licciardi, and his niece, Julie Soat of Galena, Ill., wrapped the quilt around him on the day of its presentation. As a Vietnam soldier, Scott … [Read more...]
Gone West
Fellow Fillmore County pilots honored their friend LaVern Knoepke’s memory, by flying the missing man formation at his funeral last July. Knoepke joined the Army on May 13, 1953, one week after marrying Betty Miller spending from 1953-1955 in Korea. After Korea, he returned home to Fillmore County. Knoepke was a lifelong member and a past commander of the Preston V.F.W. and … [Read more...]
September Weed of the Month: Invasive knotweeds
By Mari Hardel Minnesota Department of Agriculture It’s that time of year again – summer is coming to an end and invasive knotweeds are blooming. In Minnesota, we have three different species of invasive knotweeds: Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum × bohemicum), Giant knotweed (P. sachalinense), and Japanese knotweed (P. cuspidatum and P. cuspidatum var. compacta). While these … [Read more...]
Don’t overlook farm shop hazards Potential for injury is found in most farm shops – take time to recognize them
Each farm shop is unique in size and design. One thing all farm shops have in common are the everyday hazards found in housekeeping, chemical storage, and obstacles that can cause slips, trips and falls. Dennis Murphy, Professor Emeritus at the Penn State University Agricultural Safety and Health Program, says hazards often differ according to shop size. “Many smaller … [Read more...]
Grain bin safety
By Emily Krekelberg U of M Extension Educator, Farm Safety and Health On average, nearly two dozen people are killed each year in the U.S. in grain entrapment incidents. Flowing grain is dangerous, and behaves much like quicksand. In four seconds, a full grown adult can sink knee deep from the suction of flowing grain. In just 20 seconds, they can be completely buried. The … [Read more...]
New videos highlight groundwater and nitrate movement in southeast Minnesota
ST. PAUL, MN – The flow of groundwater in southeast Minnesota is fascinating and complex because the unique geology is like no other area of the state. In a new educational video series, the movement of groundwater is explored and brought to life using a unique approach that combines realistic graphics, animation, and aerial footage of the region’s geology. By understanding how … [Read more...]
Farm safety and health apps
By Emily Krekelberg U of M Extension Educator, Farm Safety and Health Technology plays a vital role in agriculture today, and it can even help us stay safe and healthy on the farm. There are a variety of applications — or apps — available for our smart phones that span a wide range of topics related to farm safety and health. Below is just a sampling of the apps available … [Read more...]
MDA now accepting applications for noxious weed/invasive plant grants
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for 2021 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. Counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and weed management entities (including weed management areas) may apply for grants to mitigate noxious weeds around the state. Grants for fiscal year 2021 will be funded up to $5,000. The awards are … [Read more...]
Funds available to improve safety on MN farms New program can make grain bin safety more affordable
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota farmers who want to add safety equipment to their on-farm grain storage facilities can now apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) new Grain Storage Facility Safety Cost-Share program. The program reimburses up to 75% of the cost to buy, ship, and install eligible safety equipment for on-farm grain bins or silos. The program will pay … [Read more...]