Pine & Isanti County Ag. Update
Agriculture, Horticulture, & Natural Resources
May 2023
From your Ag Extension Educator
I've had some great mentors during my college internships through UMN Extension in Northwestern Minnesota. Most of them have passed on now, but Clay County's Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator, Randy Nelson, is still making a difference by educating the public.
While I was an intern, learning the ropes, I helped Randy with the American Rose Trials for Sustainability (A.R.T.S.), which identifies roses that perform well in a given region when grown under “minimal input conditions.” That means that these rose varieties can survive without pesticides, fertilizers, and winter cover in hardiness zones 3b/4a!
I love my rose bush because it continuously blooms and I rarely feel the need, nor have the time, to maintain it! Year after year it is still strong and healthy, even after being dumped on and flattened by snow this winter. On this side of the state we are in the same zone as Clay County, so this research might come in handy if you're a gardener like me. Find the list of these winning hardy roses for Minnesota's northern climate by visiting the A.R.T.S. Website. You can also read more about the trials in the Source Magazine: Cold Hardy Roses Without All the Fuss.
~Katie Hagen
University Resources Made For You
Agritourism
There are many resources for agricultural producers that are seeking assistance or information on agritourism, including business planning documents, licensing and regulations rules, health and safety sheets, and marketing toolkits. The article called Agritourism: Where Agriculture and Tourism Meet displays all these resources for current or prospective agritourism producers.
Get ready for more local and statewide opportunities and events this month!
Parasite Management for Sheep & Goats
- Focused on immune function and response to overcome parasite infection impacts
- Highlight genetic selection tools
- Parasites are the #1 concern for small ruminant producers
- Cost: Free
- Register Online
Landscaping with Native Trees & Shurbs
- Topics include identifying/selecting native trees & shrubs, planting zones, climatology, and aesthetics
- This webinar is for anyone who enjoys gardening or landscaping
- Cost: Free
- Register Online
Foraging for Wild Edibles & Decoratives
- Many Minnesota resources, such as wood, berries, and plants, can be harvested for wreaths, baskets, jam, or dinner
- Learn the why and how of responsible harvesting and understand the biology and ecology of harvested plants
- Bring home The Minnesota Harvester Handbook
- Cost: $20
- Register Online
Ag. Topic of the Month
Vaccination & Access to Antibiotics
Over-the-counter antibiotics are moving to prescription only on June 11, 2023, which producers have known about for quite some time now, but since it's just around the corner here's a reminder of what questions you should be thinking about and are frequently asked:
What is the regulation?
FDA Guidance for Industry (GFI) #263 - Recommendations for sponsors of medically important antimicrobial drugs approved for use in animals to voluntarily bring under veterinary oversight all products that continue to be available over-the-counter.
Starting June 11, 2023, all currently available over-the-counter antibiotics will only be available as prescription medications.
Which antibiotics will no longer be over-the-counter starting June 11, 2023?
All currently available over-the-counter antibiotics will only be available as prescription medications starting June 11, 2023. This includes but is not limited to the following:
- Penicillin
- Oxytetracycline
- Sulfa antibiotics
- Mastitis tubes
Which medications will remain over-the-counter after June 11, 2023?
Some medications are not considered crucial for human medicine and will remain over-the-counter. This includes the following:
- Ionophores, i.e., Rumensin, Bovatec
- Parasiticides, i.e., Ivermectin
- Oral pre/pro/postbiotics
- Topical non-antibiotic treatments
Which livestock species will be affected by this rule change?
This new rule will impact all livestock species.
Why are over-the-counter antibiotics moving to prescription only?
Over-the-counter antibiotics are moving to prescription only to provide more veterinary oversight. Similar to the Veterinary Feed Directive, placing antibiotics under the supervision of veterinarians should result in more judicious use and less antibiotic resistance.
What do you need before you can get a prescription from a veterinarian?
Livestock producers must have a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) in place before they can be prescribed antibiotics by a veterinarian.
What is a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)?
A VCPR is a working relationship between a veterinarian (veterinary clinic) and a client. Ideally, a VCPR is a documented agreement between both parties that includes a dedicated visit to the animal location(s) the client operates. This visit and documentation must occur at least once every year.
What questions about antibiotics from your veterinarian should you be prepared to answer?
The main question you should be prepared to answer is, how are you using antibiotics right now? This includes the following:
- What antibiotics do you use?
- How do you administer each antibiotic?
- When do you administer antibiotics?
- Why do you administer antibiotics?
You can hear more about this subject by listening to The Moos Room Podcast:
- Episode 137- Lack of access to a veterinarian - what to do
- Episode 140 - Over-the-counter antibiotics are going away June 2023
- Episode 152 - What is a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship?
If you are looking for someone to talk to directly, Joe Armstrong is a DVM and works as an Extension Educator in Cattle Production Systems at the University of Minnesota. His email is armst225@umn.edu or you can reach him by phone at 612-624-3610.
For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at extnews@umn.edu.
Connect With Us
Contact Me
Katie Hagen
Extension Educator
Ag Production, Horticulture & Natural Resources
Email: hagen@umn.edu
UM Ext Isanti County
555 18th Ave. SW
Cambridge, MN 55008
763-689-8254
UM Ext Pine County, County Courthouse
635 Northridge Dr NW #280
Pine City, MN 55063
320-591-1650
Listen live on the radio Friday of every other week @ 100.9 WCMP & Nice 95.5 KBEK