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Getting ready in so many ways
Contributor | March 18, 2024
Why do I love March besides March Madness (for all those fellow basketball lovers out there)? Spring! Well, it’s kind of a love hate relationship to be honest…usually so much mud! This year though, we can’t complain about the weather at all. It’s been so mild! Which speaking of the weather, raise your hand if you think we’re in for... READ MORE >
Local garden club looking to grow – in more ways than one
Contributor | March 18, 2024
Much as area farmers have planting on their mind this time of year, so too do members of the Jackson Garden Club, though on a slightly smaller scale. Founded so long ago nobody can quite remember when, the Jackson Garden Club has a long history of service to the community of Jackson. At present, club members tend gardens around a... READ MORE >
What is the science of reading?
Contributor | March 15, 2024
During the last legislative session, the State placed a great deal of emphasis on student success in reading and literacy. In an economy where so much of what we do requires the ability to read and think critically, the legislature passed and the Governor signed into law the Minnesota READ Act. The READ Act has created a mandate upon school... READ MORE >
Enroll by March 15 in USDA’s key commodity safety net programs for the 2024 crop year
Contributor | March 04, 2024
Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year have until March 15, 2024, to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provide vital income support to farmers who experience substantial declines in crop prices or... READ MORE >
Dairy producers can enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage
Contributor | March 04, 2024
Dairy producers will be able to enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Feb. 28, 2024, and ends April 29, 2024. For those who sign up for 2024... READ MORE >
Minnesota Ag News – chicken & eggs
Contributor | March 04, 2024
Minnesota egg production during January 2024 was 181 million eggs, down 14 percent from the previous January, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of all layers on hand during January 2024 was 7.11 million, down 17 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for January was 2,546,... READ MORE >
Minnesota Ag News – crop values
Contributor | March 04, 2024
The production of Minnesota’s field and miscellaneous crops was valued at $14.0 billion in 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Values 2023 Summary. This was down 17 percent from 2022. The value of corn for grain production totaled $7.19 billion, down 22 percent from the previous year. Minnesota’s corn price averaged $4.75 per bushel, $1.52... READ MORE >
Minnesota Ag News – 2023 corn, silage and soybean estimates
Contributor | March 04, 2024
Corn Renville County was the highest-ranking county for corn for grain production with 54.6 million bushels produced. Redwood (41.9 million), Jackson (39.1 million), Swift (38.8 million), and Nobles (38.5 million) rounded out the top five counties. There were 11 counties with production of more than 35 million bushels. Watonwan led all counties with an average yield of 209.3 bushels per... READ MORE >
Will the lack of snow impact farmers this spring?
Contributor | March 04, 2024
With warmer weather and less snow than usual, Minnesota farmers are discussing potential impacts to the 2024 planting season. Jeffrey Strock, a professor at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton, Minn., provides expert commentary on what Minnesota farmers can expect this spring. “We received just nine inches of snow at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center through January... READ MORE >
Plenty to consider as farmers weigh early planting
Contributor | March 04, 2024
Brian Hefty is ready to plant corn. Well, maybe not, but it sure seemed like he could be on yet another unseasonably warm day late last month as he spoke with farmers at the Jackson Farm and Home Show in Jackson. “I’m ready to plant today,” Hefty joked with farmers. “It looks like April out there. The snow’s gone and,... READ MORE >