Nicollet & Sibley County Ag News
September 2022
Yellow Garden Spider found in pasture while bug scouting for beneficial insects.
Your Ag Educator
Notes from Emma Severns
It was great to see many of you at the county fairs and at other local events. I hope all of you are enjoying the cooler weather as much as I am. As we start to wrap up the growing season, remember that Extension is a resource outside of the growing season as well. Be in touch with any questions or ideas for Extension programming.
Best,
Emma
Hot Topics in Agriculture
Saving seeds? Look out for this new non-native insect
You might be over-fertilizing your garden
Harvest your garden produce safely
Become an Extension Master Gardener
Do you have an active interest in gardening? Do you have a desire to share your gardening interest with others? Are you willing to learn more about gardening and other horticultural topics? Are you able to communicate with groups of people? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have the qualities we look for in the Extension Master Gardener program.
If you are interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener or learning more about the program, please contact me or fill out the application at z.umn.edu/mg2023onlineapp. The applications are now available, and we look forward to welcoming new volunteers in 2023! All applications must be submitted no later than October 1, 2022.
Upcoming Events
Housing for Sheep & Goats Webinar- Sept. 13th
Proper housing and facilities are important when raising sheep and goats to aid in effective management, save labor and to protect the animals, feed and equipment. This webinar will address what type of space requirements sheep and goats need along with special considerations for ventilation, utilities and manure management.
Pumpkin Grower Meetup- Sept. 16th
See a field trial showcasing cover crop and herbicide compatibility in pumpkins, and hear about how pumpkin breeders choose new varieties.
There will be time to ask questions and talk about all things pumpkin: pest management, weed control, going low-till, etc. Attendees can also tour other vegetable trials at the Southern Research and Outreach Center.
Kernza & Cover Crop Field Day- Sept. 17th
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.)
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