Farm & Ag News

By Karen Johnson, McLeod and Meeker County Extension Educator The Farm Family Recognition Program has existed for more than 30 years and honors farm families from throughout Minnesota for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities. This program exists through the continued support of and coordination by University of Minnesota Extension, the…

The Valley Tractor Club meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, March 22, at the Valley Inn in Eden Valley. Please bring ideas for games we can play at the tractor show in June. New members are welcome.

By Kathy Brandt Extension food safety educator, Uof M Extension Regional Office, Marshall Do you get rave reviews on your homemade breads, cakes, and cookies? Are family and friends asking to buy your yummy home canned salsa and pickles? Have you considered starting a food business out of your home but are at a loss…

By Katie Drewitz, U of M Extension The official start of Spring is just a few short weeks away. While we wait, you may consider starting a few seeds indoors. Starting garden flower and vegetable plants in the home can provide the home gardener with enjoyment as well as some definite advantages. One of the…

By Katie Drewitz, U of M Extension As we enjoy a bit of a February thaw, perhaps you are looking for something to do to get out of the house. There are a few tasks you can be focusing on to help get you ready for spring, including pruning your trees. An old rule of…

Three Stearns County dairy farmers are featured in a new video about farm conservation and finances. Steve Schlangen, Tim Kerfeld, and Tom Gregory are experimenting with new practices to reduce the use of fertilizer, improve water quality, and increase soil health. All three farmers are motivated to improve water quality and ensure that their land…

By Dave Bau, Extension Educator, Ag Business Management,  U of M Extension Regional Office, Worthington The Farm Resource Guide for 2021 is now available at many University of Minnesota Extension County offices across the state. This resource guide includes a wide variety of useful farm business management information including the following items: • Custom rates:…

Growers and processors must apply for a state license Online applications are now open for anyone wishing to grow or process hemp in Minnesota in 2021. A license from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is required for individuals and businesses. Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2021, and a license is good for…

The virtual forum is free to attend The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is hosting the 2021 Industrial Hemp Forum Wednesday, Feb. 10, and Thursday, Feb. 11. The event runs from noon-4 p.m. each day. The two-day virtual event is designed for anyone interested in hemp and hemp production. It is free to attend.

By Karen Johnson, UMN Extension Educator, McLeod and Meeker Counties Are you due to renew your Private Pesticide Applicators certification? If so, there are a few things that you need to know. For farmers with certifications that expire March 1, 2021, you can renew through one of four routes this year. The cost is $75 for…