Nicollet & Sibley County Ag News
November 2022
Sibley County farmer harvesting corn for the National Corn Growers Yield Contest.
Your Ag Educator
Notes from Emma Severns
Grateful, thankful, blessed -- that sums up how I am feeling going into the month of November. This time of year I take time to reflect on what I am thankful for. In addition to my family and friends, I am thankful for all of you who I get to work with in our communities. Your investment of time and resources into our Extension work is appreciated. Remember that Extension is here as a resource for you all year round. Wishing you every blessing of this bountiful season.
With gratitude,
Emma
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Hot Topics in Agriculture
Managing residue in a dry year
NDSU addresses conditioning too-dry soybeans
Soil testing in fall gives a head start on next year’s garden
If you’re new to gardening and lawn care, you might have questions about how to care for your soil and make sure it provides the nutrients your plants need.
How do I find out if my soil needs nutrients?
Did I add too much compost or manure this past year?
If fertilizer is needed, how do I choose the right product?
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Financial Resources
MN department of agriculture livestock investment grant
Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers seeking to improve their operation are encouraged to apply for a livestock investment grant. The application deadline is November 15, 2022. Visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's website to learn more about the grant application process.Food safety certification for specialty crops program
Did your specialty crop operation incur on-farm food safety program expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in 2022 or 2023? You may be eligible for financial assistance through USDA’s Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program.NCR-SARE farmer rancher grant application
Farmers and ranchers are invited to submit grant proposals to explore sustainable agriculture solutions to problems on the farm or ranch. Visit the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) website for more information about the application process. The deadline for application is December 1, 2022.______________________________________________________
Upcoming Events
Land Rent Workshops
Landlords, farmers, and agri-business professionals should make plans to attend one of the informative land rent meetings being held across Minnesota and online.
November 29th
Gaylord- 9:30 - 11:30 am
December 13th
St. Peter- 9:30-11:30am
St. Peter - 1:30 - 3:30 pm
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Online Extension Events
Beginning Goat and Sheep Farmer’s Stories Spotlight- Nov. 10
How does a person start raising sheep or goats? What goes into the planning and what are some lessons, successes, and pitfalls these farmers have learned along the way? We will hear from beginning farmers on how they got their start and learned how to feed, house, and care for small ruminants as well as market them.
November 10, 7:00-8:00pm online
Essentials for the cattle owner with a day job- Nov. 3, 10, 17
The webinar series will focus on topics designed to help cattle owners who have obligations other than cattle such as an off the farm job or crop farming.
Thursday, Nov. 3: Grazing strategies to reduce annual costs.
Thursday, Nov. 10: How to choose your calving season
Thursday, Nov. 17: Winter housing – space requirements, feeding strategies, and spring scours.
Latest Rules for Fall Tax Planning- Nov. 22
Join Extension to learn about the latest rules and changes to expect for your ag operation in the upcoming tax year. This webinar will cover variety of topics including: charitable gifting, borrowing and lending tax issues, newly acquired farm assets, farm rental property, and more.
November 22, 6:30 - 8:30 pm online.
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University Resources for You
Walk through your woodlands or windbreaks
Landowners who have woodlands or windbreaks need to walk through these landscapes each year to assess what understory vegetation and trees are growing, determine what plants are not surviving, and identify any noxious weeds and plants or invasive species that may need to be controlled or eradicated. Read this article for more information.
UMN forage and cover crop species database
The UMN forage and cover crop species database is a tool for understanding and providing a description of 30 different crop species. This includes agronomic recommendations and soil health implications. You can also view "The Forage Field Trip" series of videos for more information.
UMN Soil Testing Laboratory
The Soil Testing Laboratory is part of the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources.
Soil testing takes the guesswork out of fertilizer recommendations, ensures fertile soil without pollution of the environment, and makes good economic sense. Our recommendations are based on laboratory results, soil characteristics, crop history, crop nutrient requirements and are specific to Minnesota locations and conditions.
Please email us at soiltest@umn.edu, or call 612-625-3101 for more information. (Email messages often result in the fastest response.)
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Connect with us!
Nicollet County Extension Office
Email: sever575@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/nicollet
Location: 501 South Minnesota Avenue, St Peter, MN 56082, USA
Phone: 507-934-7828
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UMN-Extension-Nicollet-Sibley-County-296711563757356
Twitter: @UMNExt
Sibley County Extension Office
Email: sever575@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/sibley
Location: 111 8th Street, Gaylord, MN, USA
Phone: 507-237-4100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UMN-Extension-Nicollet-Sibley-County-296711563757356
Twitter: @UMNExt