Farm & Ag News

Farmamerica’s 5th annual tasting event and fundraiser Meat-a-Palooza takes place from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at Farm-america in Waseca. The event, a fundraiser for Farmamerica’s educational programming, celebrates Minnesota-made meat, beer, wine and spirits, and includes the experts behind the products. The 21+ event will feature beverages from numerous Minnesota breweries and wineries. Food,…

By Jeff Coulter, U of M Extension corn agronomist Many people are concerned about how the continued dry conditions and recent hot weather are affecting the corn crop. This article discusses how corn growth and development are influenced by dry and hot weather before, during, and after pollination. Currently, most of the corn in Minnesota has…

Eligible drought-affected farmers can now apply for zero-interest financing The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Rural Finance Authority (RFA) Board today determined that an emergency exists in Minnesota due to drought, which makes zero-interest loans available immediately for Minnesota farmers whose operations are suffering from lack of rain. “The RFA board members voted unanimously to make…

By Katherine Gathje, Interim Extension Educator Flies have been prevalent recently around the farm especially in warm or wet areas. Flies are nuisance insects but can become difficult to deal with, especially on farms. Most farms are impacted by stable flies, house flies, face flies and horn flies. Managing flies on the farm not only…

By Krishona Martinson, Extension equine specialist Recent dry weather has raised questions about how to manage horse pastures during drought. These 10 tips for managing drought-stressed cool-season grass pastures in the Midwest can help ensure pasture longevity and maximize growth when rainfall comes. Avoid overgrazing Without moisture, pasture growth slows and pastures may even become…

By Katherine Gathje, Interim Extension Educator Hot and dry conditions have not been favorable for pasture growth this summer. Farmers have had to supplement pasture feeding with more dry forages than typical, putting a strain on available forages for winter feeding. There are some pasture management practices that can be incorporated into current practices to make…

By Katherine Gathje, Interim Extension Educator Wild parsnip is a noxious weed on the control list in Minnesota. It has continued to spread across the state over the past few years despite efforts to slow or stop the spread. Wild parsnip is one of the weeds on the list that are enforced by the Minnesota Noxious…

By Katherine Gathje, Interim Extension Educator Striped cucumber beetles are commonly seen in and around gardens beginning in late May. These beetles like to spend winter under leaves or other garden debris to stay protected. They will feed on dandelions and other early flowering plants in the spring until garden host plants become available. Striped cucumber…