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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]