By Peter Mitchell and Riley Buley The invasive plant knotweed persists in Fillmore County. Native to Asia, knotweeds were first planted in North America in the late 1800s as ornamental garden plants. They escaped cultivation and have spread to most states. In their native range, knotweeds are early colonizers after volcanoes with stems pushing through volcanic rock. … [Read more...]
Soil and Water Conservation
By Doug Keene Resource Conservation Specialist If erosion is visible, it exceeds tolerable soil loss limits and it is time to address the issue. We can pay up to $0.90 on the dollar to assist producers with the installation of practices to reduce soil and water runoff allowing you to keep productive soils in place for future generations. In 2025, $213,123 of State and … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Root River SWCD Administer Over $7 Million to Local Producers Implementing Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices
Despite funding pauses and a government shutdown, Fillmore and Root River SWCDs Administer over $7 million to Local Producers Implementing Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices. Fillmore and Root River SWCD have partnered to enroll in a pilot program aimed at increasing the adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices. The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture is … [Read more...]
Why Soil Health Matters
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...]
Three Little Birds Travel Agency Takes Flight
Nikki Olson of rural Bratsberg just launched her new business, Three Little Birds Travel Agency, on November 14, 2025. The name, Three Little Birds Travel Agency, came from her three children. Nikki felt that the fact that birds fly and travel tied in well with her company. She also enjoyed the song “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley, feeling the song’s lines “don’t worry about … [Read more...]
Head to Caledonia for a Taste of Italy
The long-awaited opening of Caledonia’s newest eating establishment and grocery store came to fruition late last summer. Frank and Julia’s, an Italian grocer and deli, opened on July 26, 2025, and was well worth the wait. The owners, Tracey Knutson and Bryan Spier, purchased the former Albert’s grocery store on 138 S. Kingston St. in downtown Caledonia in 2021. The building … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Market is a Dream Come True
After more than two years without a grocery store the dream of having a market back in Lanesboro has come true for area residents. The manager of Lanesboro Market, Cynthia Ruen, was asked to run the market before anything else went forward. Owners of the building, Susan Schultze and Todd Readinger, as well as Lanesboro residents Phil and Heidi Dybing were happy with … [Read more...]
It’s a Win for Spring Grove
Red’s IGA in Spring Grove is well-known for its high-quality meats, exceptional customer service, competitive prices, and the distinctive red hair of the previous owner Pat Longmire, an attribute that inspired the store’s name. Wynn Nies and his wife Justine Nies purchased Red’s IGA from Pat and Debbie Longmire in January 2025. The Longmires owned and operated Red’s since … [Read more...]