Wholestone Farms was founded in 2018 when CEO Luke Minion met with farmers who shared a vision to produce pork and be competitive with the commercial large pork producers. Wholestone is privately owned by 235 farm families across the Midwest. In Fillmore County, there are four farm families/owners: Smith Farms owned by Greg, Deb and Randy Smith of Rushford, Johnson’s Rolling … [Read more...]
How To Put Together a Manure Management Plan
By Melissa Wilson, Extension specialist; Nancy Bohl Bormann, Researcher; and Chryseis Modderman, Extension educator It’s that time of year when the crops are coming off the field and folks are starting to think about next year’s crop. If you have livestock on your farm, you are also thinking about manure application, which may happen this fall and/or next spring. How … [Read more...]
Pigs are More Than Just an Animal, They are a Learning Tool
By Janee Kale The title of this article are words spoken by a young man who has spent a significant amount of time in his life breeding, raising and showing pigs. Jacob Welch of Spring Valley owns and operates JW Show Pigs with his fiancée Olivia. Together they run a 10 head show pig sow operation, consisting of Durocs, Spots, and Crossbreds. They farrow two times a … [Read more...]
Safely Sharing the Road During Fall Harvest Season
MnDOT asks motorists and farm equipment operators to safely share the road during fall harvest season. Motorists traveling on Minnesota roads this fall should be aware of large farm equipment transporting crops to markets, grain elevators and processing plants, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Crash data shows there were 446 crashes involving … [Read more...]
2024-2025 Local Land Rent Survey Now Available
By Katie Drewitz The Fillmore and Houston County Extension offices are currently collecting responses to the 2024-2025 Fillmore and Houston County land rent surveys. If you are a land owner in Fillmore or Houston County you may see a paper copy of the survey arrive in the mail. University of Minnesota Extension greatly appreciates everyone who takes the time to respond to … [Read more...]
Get on Board with Pork
Culinary options multiply when individuals and families are open to trying different foods and recipes. There are many protein sources individuals can consider, and pork ranks highly among them. Pork is consumed worldwide and, when enjoyed in moderation, can be part of a healthy diet. Pork has roughly 297 calories for a 3.4-ounce serving. One such serving of pork offers … [Read more...]
Treat Fellow Football Fans to Slow-Cooked Ribs and Homemade Sauce
Football and food go are a perfect and popular pairing. Though fans may not need to eat while watching their favorite team play, adding food to the football festivities certainly makes fall weekends more enjoyable. Certain foods have become Saturday and Sunday afternoon staples once football season kicks off. Few fans will turn down a plate of wings or walk away from a tray … [Read more...]
Pros and cons to keeping pigs as pets
People are drawn to pets for various reasons. Self-sufficient cats entice those who prefer independent pets that do not take up much space. Dog lovers might enjoy the companionship and boisterous personalities of tail-wagging pooches. Exotic pet owners appreciate the uniqueness of their reptiles and amphibians and how they may serve as a conversation starters. Pot-bellied … [Read more...]
Foods on the barbie need not be unhealthy
Certain foods found at barbecues are better than others for health-conscious men and women. Barbecue season is still in full swing, and that means many evenings spent dining outdoors with a feast of grilled foods at your beck and call. Such foods may be delicious, but some barbecue standards may not be ideal for those trying to maintain a beach-ready body. But even if a trim … [Read more...]
Farm to table businesses booming
Consumers' appetites for local foods are growing, and restaurants have taken notice. Today, many local businesses, including farms and restaurants, have mutually exclusive relationships that make it possible for local residents to enjoy nutritious, locally produced meals. According to the market research firm Packaged Facts, local foods generated $11.7 billion in sales in 2014 … [Read more...]