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...]
Don’t overlook farm shop hazards Potential for injury is found in most farm shops – take time to recognize them
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...]
Grain bin safety
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...]
New videos highlight groundwater and nitrate movement in southeast Minnesota
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...]
Safety on the farm
When you make a mistake on the farm, most often you can learn from it and make corrections so it doesn’t happen again. Following these general safety guidelines can help you prevent accidents and keep you and your loved ones safe. Power take-off The power take-off, or PTO shaft, is an efficient means of transferring mechanical power between farm tractors and implements. … [Read more...]
AmeriCorps plays central role in controlling noxious weeds Along the Root River in Fillmore and Houston counties, crews work with SWCDs, agriculture department to treat Japanese hops, poison hemlock
PRESTON — The Fillmore Soil & Water Conservation District is battling two non-native weeds that threaten the Root River. Japanese hops and poison hemlock, both on Minnesota’s Noxious Weeds List, choke out native species that shade streams and stabilize their banks — putting cold-and-clear-water trout habitat at risk. For the fourth consecutive season, a Conservation … [Read more...]
Funding available for sustainable agriculture projects AGRI grants help farmers test new ideas to drive sustainability
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 and Demonstration (SustAg) Grant by 4 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2019. The MDA’s SustAg Program is part of the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program, which administers … [Read more...]
Preston woman gains recognition at State Fair
By Barb Jeffers It’s the sweetest thing seeing the fruits of your labor being awarded. Jenny Dornink of Preston, Minn., entered nine jars of homemade and colorful jellies for competition at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair and to her delight, she received six ribbons. Dornink began learning the basics of canning while she was in high school as her grandmother, Lois Ray, had … [Read more...]