By Riley Buley Fillmore SWCD secured funding to treat 0.85 miles of stream banks along Maple Creek against the invasive knotweed. Originally brought to the U.S. as an ornamental plant, knotweed can cause harm to stream-bed areas and overcrowd native vegetation. It is a bamboo-like plant with broad leaves and white flowers that can reach over 10 feet in height. Knotweed … [Read more...]
In Fillmore County, No Livestock Operation is Too Big or Too Small for NRCS and SWCD Staff
By Jessica Bronson District Conservation, USDA/NRCS This past summer, Dean Thomas, SE Grazing Specialist, helped develop a grazing system that has 250 cow/calf pairs. The EQIP participant converted their expiring CRP land into a new rotational grazing system and Dean was able to use his knowledge and personal experience to help this producer with developing the … [Read more...]
What’s in My Drinking Water?
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends testing your private well water every year for coliform bacteria. This test can indicate if other infectious bacteria, viruses, or parasites may be in your water supply. The Fillmore SWCD is an accredited lab by the MDH for the analysis of bacteria in your drinking water. We are local, convenient, and can give you timely … [Read more...]
How’s My Waterway?
By Riley Buley, Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District, District Administrator Fillmore SWCD gets asked regularly about the status of local waterways. What are the current impairments? What stream sections are improving and which ones are getting worse? As it turns out, these questions on the status of local waterways are raised by communities nationwide. In … [Read more...]
Are You Ready for Nutrient Management?
By Sara West Nutrient Management Specialist, Fillmore SWCD Would you like help creating a nutrient management plan for your farming operation? With the help of the Fillmore County SWCD, we can come up with a nutrient management plan before the new growing season arrives. By taking the time to understand your needs, goals and objectives related to nutrients on your … [Read more...]
Buffers
By Sara West Nutrient Management Specialist, Fillmore SWCD Be sure to check buffers along protected waters come spring. Since the buffer law was implemented in the fall of 2017, Fillmore County typically exceeds 99% compliance throughout the county. I would like to commend the landowners that have put in extra time and effort to keep the buffers on their … [Read more...]
Sixth Grade Conservation Day
By Theresa Baker Administrative Assistant Fillmore SWCD October 3, 2024, marked Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District’s 37th year of offering the Fillmore County sixth graders to come and spend the day at Forestville State Park and learn about natural resources with in our county. This year we had approximately 128 students from Fillmore Central, Kingsland and … [Read more...]
Registration Renewals for Feedlot Producers
Livestock producers in Fillmore County who need to renew their registrations should have or will be receiving notice for updating their feedlot registrations for 2025. Fillmore County currently has 568 registered feedlots. Feedlots with 50 or more animal units, or 10 or more animal units in shoreland areas, are required to register. Registration information includes … [Read more...]
Soil Erosion
By Doug Keene 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 2024, $190,737 State and $1,025,153 of Federal (EQIP) funds … [Read more...]
From Sawmill Survival to Hardwood Success: Root River Hardwoods’ 46-Year Journey
By Zech Sindt Root River Hardwoods has been a cornerstone of Preston, Minn., for over 45 years, a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders. The company’s story began in 1979 when the Webster Lumber Company sawmill was on the verge of shutting down. Dick Bahl, a man who “did this his whole life, logging and sawmill,” wasn’t ready to let it close. … [Read more...]
Presenting Country Financial in Rushford
Danielle Luhmann wants to take care of people and make sure they are protected; working as an insurance agent for Country Financial feels like a perfect fit for her. She has been working for the company for 10 months. Danielle has a lot of previous customer service experience. In the past she has worked for the Dakota Post Office, the Kwik Trip in Rushford, and in Good Shepherd … [Read more...]
New Gateway Cafe Owners Bring Home Cooking and Community Spirit to Wykoff
For more than half a century, the Gateway Cafe has been a fixture in Wykoff — a place where neighbors gather, stories are shared, and regulars slide into their usual seats. But under the cafe’s new owners, Jennie Moreland and Mary Aakre, this small-town treasure is in the middle of a delicious revival. With a mix of cherished traditions and fresh energy, the Gateway blends … [Read more...]
The Sawmill Inn Has New Owners
Daisy and Ryan Ruberg purchased The Sawmill Inn located at 809 East Cedar Street in Houston, Minn., on June 25, 2024. They had been looking for a more flexible work option for Daisy after their son Rushton was born in February. Daisy had previously worked as a tax consultant in the corporate office of Ashley Furniture. The motel, which was originally built in 2005 by John and … [Read more...]
A Place for Dog Lovers and Craft Beer Drinkers
Bust out of your gate and make tracks to The Dog Paddle in Fountain, Minn., for a unique experience with your furry friends! Kim Radke, owner of The Dog Paddle, has created a space where a person can chill, and so can their pet. Whether you would like to enjoy a cool drink with friends and their dogs, or grab a bite to eat, The Dog Paddle has something for you. The idea … [Read more...]
Erin’s Adventure on the Avenue: Making a Dream Come True
At just six years old, a bright-eyed little girl named Erin stepped into the enchanting world of Dacia’s on Main in Harmony, Minn., for a haircut. The moment she crossed the threshold, she was captivated by the vibrant colors and the inviting atmosphere that surrounded her. For as long as she could remember, Erin had dreamed of styling hair, and Dacia’s became a source of … [Read more...]