Farm & Ag News

By Dana Adams, U of M Extension Cattle are remarkably durable, especially considering the temperatures that central Minnesota sees annually. When given enough time and support to adapt from a hot humid summer into an upper Midwest winter, they can perform well in nippy temperatures. Below are some strategies that can be implemented now for…

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 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 2022 will be funded up to $5,000. The awards…

Schiefelbein Angus Farm near Kimball ranked as largest in registering the most Angus beef cattle in Minnesota with the American Angus Association® during fiscal year 2021, which ended Sept. 30, according to Mark McCully, Association Chief Executive Officer. Angus breeders across the nation in 2021 registered 313,138 head of Angus cattle. “Our Association members lead…

By Nathan Drewitz, U of M Extension Landlords, farmers, and agri-business professionals should make plans to attend one of the land rent meetings being held across Central Minnesota. These free meetings are offered by University of Minnesota Extension. Farmland rental rates are the largest input cost, and a fair farm rent agreement is a challenge…

By Dana Adams, U of M Extension “Taking Charge of YOUR Finances: How to Survive and Thrive” financial management workshop will be taught in Central Minnesota to community members. This short course will use an interactive and fun approach to teach participants how to organize and use financial records, develop and analyze financial statements, and…

Apply by Dec. 9, 2021 The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) anticipates awarding up to $250,000 to demonstrate and publicize the energy efficiency, environmental benefit, or profitability of sustainable agricultural techniques or systems, from production through marketing. The Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program’s Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant program will accept applications through 4…

Cost-share, rebate programs offset purchase, installation costs Minnesota farmers who want to improve safety on their farms can now apply for funding through two programs from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) that help with the cost of buying, shipping, and installing eligible safety equipment. “There’s very little that can comfort a family who has…

By Katie Drewitz, U of M Extension October is a great time of year to spot and manage the buckthorn on your property. Buckthorn is a tall shrub or small tree that can reach 25 feet tall. It is commonly found in the understory of woodlands, fence lines, and forest edges. Buckthorn is easy to…

By Katie Drewitz, U of M Extension Raking leaves is one of those fall chores that you likely aren’t thrilled about doing, especially if you have an abundance of trees. It seems that, this time of year, the questions that always arise are if it’s really necessary. The short answer to that question is that…

By Dana Adams, U of M Extension When many of us think of autumn, we think of leaves changing, cooler weather, and everything covered in pumpkin spice. Few remember to ask “but what about the bees?” How do honeybees fuel up for the chilly weather ahead, and what can any Minnesota resident do to help them…