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Ag Briefs

USDA extends deadline for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program  Hog producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale during the COVID-19 pandemic now have until April 15 to submit their applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP). SMHPP, which is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, originally had a deadline to submit applications by Feb. 25.    SMHPP assists hog producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020, the period during which ...

USDA announces Conservation Reserve Program sign-ups for 2022  

Agricultural producers and landowners can sign up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a cornerstone conservation program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a key tool in the Biden-Harris Administration effort to address climate change and achieve other natural resource benefits. The General CRP sign-up will run from Jan. 31 to March 11, and the Grassland CRP sign-up will run from April 4 to May 13.  “We highly encourage farmers, ranchers and private landowners to consider the enrollment options available through CRP,” said Farm ...

Houseplant care

My grandmother was the queen of growing African Violets. I think that they need a light and gentle touch and that would certainly describe my grandmother’s touch! I am more suited toward the succulent plants because they are more forgiving. I also like that there are so many different kinds of succulents out there. Hens and chicks remain my favorite. I think that when it comes to houseplants we either ignore them a bit too much or we spend excessively too much time paying attention to them and neither is a good thing to do. The U of M Extension has a great webpage dedicated to the ...

Ag and Extension Briefs

Small grain workshops scheduled throughout Minnesota University of Minnesota Extension is offering 10 small grain workshops across Minnesota in January and February to address successful small grain management. “Whether you are a farmer or crop consultant already producing small grains, or a farmer looking for another crop to add to the rotation, these workshops are for you,” says Jared Goplen, Extension educator in Crops. “Workshops will focus on production agronomics, variety selection, and economics, and include an open-forum discussion for related topics and on-farm ...

USDA reminds Lyon County farmers and ranchers to vote

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started mailing ballots for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee elections to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country. To be counted, ballots must be returned to the Lyon County FSA office or postmarked by Dec. 6.  “FSA county committee members provide valuable knowledge and judgment as decisions are made about the services we provide, including disaster and safety-net programs,” said David Schreiber, county executive director for Lyon County. “Please take a few minutes to review your ballot and make your selection ...

Ag Briefs

Cottage Food Producer Food Safety Training webinar and online course available 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? Join University of Minnesota Extension Food Safety Educators, Kathy Brandt and Suzanne Driessen at a Cottage Food Producer Food Safety Training webinar or take the online course. Both the webinar and online course meet the Minnesota Department of Agriculture food safety training requirements to register as a Minnesota Cottage Food Producer. Once registered, ...