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...]
Overall farmer health
By Emily Krekelberg U of M Extension Educator, Farm Safety and Health Farmers have always had to cope with a long list of stressors. Now more than ever, it is critical that we think about and discuss the need for mental and overall well-being in farming and across agriculture as a whole. A key to health and wellness is intentional well-being. Think of your overall … [Read more...]
Funding available for sustainable agriculture projects $200,000 in grants available for farmers to test new ideas
ST. PAUL, MN — Farmers and Minnesota nonprofit and educational organizations focused on testing new ideas in sustainable agriculture are encouraged to apply for a Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration (SustAg) Grant by 4 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 2020. SustAg grant projects explore farm profitability, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture … [Read more...]
Feedyard mechanic shop It’s much safer when it’s organized
Practicing good housekeeping and organization in a feedyard mechanic shop can not only help save time but may significantly improve overall shop safety. Identifying feedyard safety principles is one of the aims of Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH). This University of Nebraska Medical Center group (www.unmc.edu/publichealth/feedyard/) is … [Read more...]
Safety and health for youth in agriculture
By Emily Krekelberg U of M Extension Educator, Farm Safety and Health The farm is a great place to raise kids, but it’s also dangerous. About one-third of all farm accidents involve children. Prevent your child from becoming a statistic: make sure they understand on-farm hazards, only give them age-appropriate tasks, and make sure they are supervised. Many of the everyday … [Read more...]
To the people of Fillmore County, from your Sheriff…
By John DeGeorge Fillmore County Sheriff “It’s good to work in Fillmore County.” It’s never been unusual to hear that from one of our deputies, but over the past few months, I’ve sure heard it a lot more. Every year at this time, the Fillmore County Journal recognizes our area first responders with a special section. Jason Sethre asked me if there was something I … [Read more...]
Harmony Fire Department creates memorial with ‘incredible support’ from community
A bronze figure stands guard near the Harmony Fire Department. His proud stature carries the weight of not only his firefighting equipment, but also the honor and commitment of many firemen who have come before him, of those who serve today and of those who will follow in the future. The statue arrived earlier this summer to take his post, nearly three years after the idea was … [Read more...]