Carlton County Extension Connection
March 2024
A Note From Your ANR Educator
March is here! What a winter (or spring? or??) we've been having. Lately I have been attending some trainings for farm transition workshops. Both operations big and small, it's important to be thinking about farm transitions. Whether this transition will be in 2 years or 20, it can't happen until it starts. Forming a plan with what your wishes and goals for the farm are, while they may be difficult, is the best place to start. Starting to think about these things and getting things in writing allows for a roadmap for the next generation, as well as eases tensions. Extension's website has some great resources on how to start this process and what all to consider. I'm always happy to have a conversation as well, and see how we can get this process underway.
Best,
Mercedes
Butterflies of the North Woods
Join the Extension Office for our next Community Connect class. Larry Weber, naturalist and author of the book "Butterflies of the North Woods" will talk about our local butterflies as we progress from spring to summer. We will look at the features of common butterflies and when and where to see them. He will also discuss butterfly lifecycles and bring photo examples.
Thursday, March 14, 2024 6-7:30 pm
Carlton County Transportation Bldg., 1630 County Rd. 61, Carlton
$5 at the door. 18 and under are free. Admission includes hand-outs.
Climate Change Impacts on Wildlife & Habitat
The University of Minnesota Extension in partnership with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are pleased to announce a three-part webinar series sharing DNR research on the impacts of climate change on Minnesota wildlife, as well as the impacts on wildlife habitats. Sessions will be held on the first three Wednesdays in April (3, 10, and 17) starting at 12 p.m.
April 3-Cervid Species: Session one will highlight the four Minnesota biomes, the current wildlife species found within them, and the natural progression of the ecosystems. It will call attention to the change of wildlife species, specifically moose populations with some deer and elk (cervid species) considerations based on forest succession, disease, predation, and recent change of land use. It will provide participants with a historical context to how wildlife populations and their habitat have changed in tandem with physical and biological systems due to climate change and weather trends.
April 10-Cavity Nesting Creatures: Session two will dive into old growth forest ecosystems and complexes related to wildlife habitat, especially cover and space for cavity dwelling wildlife, such as the wood duck, fisher, and martin. The potential effects of forest system change on these wildlife species and their habitat will be discussed along with how people can assist and manage their forests for these creatures. In addition, we will provide resources that examine the effects of climate change and forest habitat for small migratory birds. Participants will learn about what they can do through phenology to be climate resilient, while tracking data for continued wildlife research.
April 17-Black Bears: The third and final session will focus on black bear habitat and adaptability, along with human and bear interactions and coexistence. Research biologists will predict the potential bear population trends in Minnesota and explain how they have already made accommodations in relation to a changing climate. Participants will learn about planting and habitat considerations for adapting ecosystems to future climate conditions, as well as the significance of being a steward of the land to benefit bears.
This is a free webinar, but pre-registration is required. Please register at z.umn.edu/WildlifeClimateSeries2024.
University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. To request accommodation for persons with disabilities, contact your local Extension office two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Richard Breitkreutz celebrates 20 years as a Master Gardener
Carlton County Master Gardener Richard Breitkreutz was presented a certificate of accomplishment at the February Master Gardener meeting. Richard specializes in apple tree management and helped establish the Gitigaan garden at the Fond Du Lac reservation back in 2003.
He started working at the newly formed garden with Master Gardener Leland Debe who then encouraged and sponsored him to join the Master Gardener program.
Since then he has volunteered countless hours in our community and is a fixture at the Carlton County fair Master Gardener booth. Hats off and thank you!
Soil Fertility & Forage Management Workshops
UMN Extension Educators in Northeast Minnesota are happy to host two days of Soil Fertility & Forage Management Workshops on March 26 and March 27 at a location near you from 9am to 4pm. The price will be $15 cash or check at the door. This will include lunch and supplies.
These workshops are aimed for new and beginning forage producers who are hoping to learn about growing forages. These workshops will apply to producers growing forages in pastures, fields, or both! Come learn about the best management practices and how to grow and maintain the best forage stands for years to come and get the most economic return on your investments.
Topics include: basic soil fertility, soil testing, grass and legume species break down, creating seeding mixtures, strategies to meet the needs of each species, planting and seed bed preparation for stand establishment, use of a nurse crop, basic forage yield goals, ensuring stand longevity, hands on learning of a fertilizer plan, expected budgets, and potential return on investments.
March 26: Sandstone Public Library (106 Main St. Sandstone, MN 55702).
March 27: Clinton Town Hall (8907 MN-7 Iron, MN 55751).
To register: Call Mandi Haglund 218-384-8680 or email haglu119@umn.edu
For more information on the Soil Fertility & Forage Management Workshops visit the University of Minnesota Extension website:
Sandstone: z.umn.edu/sandstoneforageday
Iron: z.umn.edu/ironforageday
East Central Corn & Soybean Conference
The University of Minnesota Extension invites all crop producers in East Central Minnesota to the
Corn & Soybean Conference on March 5, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Braham Event Center.
This is an educational and informational program involving two of the most widely produced crops.
Please register online at https://z.umn.edu/CornSoybeanConference. Agendas will be handed out
with the program materials in an extension folder during registration. Writing utensils will also be
provided. A light breakfast and lunch will be served during the program. A registration fee of $15 per person is to be paid at the door via cash or check and includes a meal and program materials. Checks should be made out to Regents of the University of Minnesota.
This program will include six Extension Specialist speakers with the following topics: crop economics and insurance, integrated pest management, weed management and herbicide use, nutrient management for various soil types, relative maturity and selection of corn hybrids, return on investment (ROI) for input costs, and effects of corn on corn, and disease update on corn and soybeans. In addition, Minnesota's Department of Agriculture Commissioner (Thom Peterson) and Representative Nathan Nelson will be in attendance to provide updates. Other agricultural entities(FBM, NRCS, SWCD, etc.) will have tables at the event in which attendees will have the opportunity to visit throughout the day.
Any questions pertaining to this event can be directed to Katie Hagen by phone (Pine: 320-591-1650; Isanti: 763-689-8254) or email (hagen@umn.edu).
WANTED: Agricultural producers with bear damage
MN DNR is conducting a research study to learn more about bear damage to corn/oat/sunflower fields, orchards, gardens, etc. We will provide materials and assist with the installation of a 6-strand high-tensile energized fence. We will compare bear damage between the fenced field/item and a nearby unfenced field/item.
What’s expected from you:
-Maintain the fence
-Loosen and tighten wires, seasonally
-Keep vegetation away from the fence by mowing/weed-eating/spraying
-Provide labor for the installation
What you’ll get from MN NDR:
-All fence materials
-Technical assistance
-Assistance with the installation
Ideal fields/items for this study:
-10-40 acre fields (smaller gardens, orchards, etc. are fine)
-Incur regular bear damage
-Have a nearby control field
-Have existing infrastructure
(not required)
Contact Hannah at
(218) 398-1086 or Hannah.Leeper@state.mn.us for more information
Spring Gardening Spectacular - "Grow your Gardening Knowledge"
When: Thursday, March 28, 2024 ~ 9:45 am - 3:30 pm
(check-in begins at 9 am)
Where: Mountain Iron Community Center - 8586 Enterprise Dr. S. (across the highway from Walmart)
Cost: Cost is $30 per person
* Price includes the program, the 2024 Fruit and Vegetable variety lists, reference materials, coffee, refreshments, and a hot lunch.
Topics for the day's program include (subject to change): Growing while embracing weather extremes, growing great garlic, growing onions, update on tomato & pepper varieties, basic soil fertility, growing blueberries, cut flowers, selecting hardy zone 3 apples, planting, pruning, and protecting apple trees.
To Register:
Register Online: Click Here
* If you would like to register online, but pay by cash or check, use code "Pay by check" and either mail or drop off your payment at the Extension Office in Virginia.
Register by Mail: Mail your name, address, phone number, and email address, along with payment to Extension Office in Virginia.
Register by Phone: Please call 218-749-7120
Make checks payable to "St. Louis County"
The Virginia Extension office is located at 201 S 3rd Ave W. Virginia, MN 55792
Spring Gardening Extravaganza - "Color Your World"
When: Saturday, March 16, 2024 ~ 9:00 am - 4 pm
Where: St. Louis County Depot in Duluth - 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802
Cost: $35 per person
*Attendees receive the 2024 SGE Resource Book. Lunch and refreshments are included.
We'll have amazing speakers and presenters including dahlia and orchid expert, Robert-Jan Quene, County Horticulturist Bob Olen, Extension Agriculture Educator, Troy Salzer, and the Extension Master Gardeners. Participants will be able to attend THREE of the following workshop/seminars (subject to change):
Container gardening, pollinator gardens, growing dahlias, growing orchids, growing blueberries, propagating houseplants, constructing bee houses & habitats, growing and pruning apples, growing great northern lawns, bee lawns and alternatives, basic soil fertility/soil testing, making vegetables taste great.
To Register
Register Online: Click Here
* If you would like to register online, but pay by cash or check, use code "Pay by check" and either mail or drop off your payment at the Extension Office in Duluth. (2503 Rice Lake Rd, Duluth, MN 55811)
Register by Mail: Mail your name, address, phone number, and email address, along with payment to Extension Office in Duluth.
Register by Phone: Please call 218-733-2870.
Make checks payable to "St. Louis County"
Syruping 101 Workshops Across the State
University of Minnesota Extension is offering a series of maple syruping workshops across the state. These free workshops will take place throughout the winter months, around the time when syruping is recommended.
These workshops will be tailored to the syruping hobbyist. Whether you’re looking to get started, or hone in on syruping skills, this workshop is a great learning tool for the small-scale enthusiasts. Extension educators will lead participants through the considerations for proper syruping techniques.
Depending on your location, there will be opportunities for in-class instruction, on-farm tours, or both across the state of Minnesota. There will be an educational presentation and hands-on activities regarding the tapping and syrup making process. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the history of maple syrup, laws and regulations, and techniques and equipment for extracting and processing sap for sustainability. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and activities involved. Please register to join us for one of these workshops. Pre-registration is required, and each workshop will be capped at 25 participants. If there is inclement weather, cancellation or confirmation of each workshop will be communicated to registered participants on the morning of their selected workshop.
If you have questions about the workshops or need help with registration, please call your local Extension office.
Funds for the maple syrup workshops were provided by a MN NCR SARE minigrant.
BWSR accepting applications for fall 2024 Lawns to Legumes projects
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is accepting applications for fall 2024 Lawns to Legumes pollinator habitat projects.
The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources. Anyone who lives in Minnesota and has a yard, deck, or other outdoor space for planting can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat in their yards. The program is available to both homeowners and renters.
“Lawns to Legumes helps Minnesotans be part of the solution to the challenges facing declining pollinator populations,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “The gardeners involved in this program prove that small-scale habitat projects can have big impacts.”
Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you will need to reapply to be considered for fall 2024 funding.
More than 4,000 residential habitat projects across all 87 Minnesota counties have been implemented since the program launched in 2019. The program shares online resources such as gardening templates, habitat guides and advice about selecting native plants for all Minnesotans interested in creating pollinator habitat in their yards. Lawns to Legumes receives funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and the state General Fund.
Apply online at Blue Thumb’s website. For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit BWSR’s website.
MFU Foundation Offers Loans to Help Small Meat Processors
Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) Foundation is now accepting loan applications from meat processors. The Foundation has a total of $900,000 in revolving loan funds to distribute to support small and medium-sized meat and poultry processors through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP).
The MPILP offers low-interest loans for the start-up, expansion and operation of slaughter and further processing of meat and poultry. Loans of up to $100,000 are available at a 4 percent fixed interest rate with a term of up to 10 years. Funds can be used to purchase land or equipment, cover start-up costs and make other business investments. Returned funds will be made available to new borrowers.
“Minnesota Farmers Union has worked to enhance meat and poultry processing options for family farmers for more than five years, since members first raised the issue of a lack of access to small meat lockers and having to wait more than a year to have their livestock processed,” said MFU President Gary Wertish, who is also president of MFU Foundation. “Covid-19 illustrated the problems of a consolidated food system. Since then, the state legislature has invested in rebuilding the state’s meat and poultry processing infrastructure and this federal loan program will help meat processors make additional investments. An independent, diverse meat processing industry is essential to a diverse, independent livestock production industry and a cornerstone of rural economic development.”
MPILP is funded by a grant from United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.
Find more information online at mfu.org/mfu-foundation-meat-processing/.
Article from Morning Ag Clips dated 2/1/2024.
The Little Free Library at the Extension Office is in need of some book donations. Any gently used books would be appreciated especially children's books! Donations can be dropped off at the office during business hours. 📚
Ask a Master Gardener
Are you making plans to change up your landscape? Maybe you have a garden, lawn care or tree question? Carlton County Master Gardener Volunteers are here to help. You can submit a question anytime through our handy webform, and one of our local volunteers will call or email you to help you out. Ask a question today!
Plat Books
Plat Books for sale!
Did you know? The Carlton County 4-H Federation has an ongoing fundraiser selling Carlton County plat books?! Currently we have plat books for the 2021 year which can be purchased at the Extension office for $40.00 (cash or checks only, please).
In 4-H all youth are welcome!
4-H is an out- of-school, hands-on learning program for anyone in Kindergarten through one year past high school (grade 13). You choose a project that's interesting to them and explore it with peers and caring adults. 4-H clubs are groups of youth who want to learn together and meet in every part of Minnesota.
What can I do in 4-H?
The sky's the limit! 4-H offers learning experiences in science, photography, agriculture, healthy living, civic engagement and much more. We have one-day events, year-long projects and everything in between. There are many ways to try 4-H.
For assistance with registration or printing of information please contact the Extension Office at
218-384-3511. A computer is also available for public use.
Carlton County Extension Staff
Keri Cavitt, Regional Director cavit005@umn.edu
Mandi Haglund, Principal Office & Admin. Specialist, haglu119@umn.edu
Mercedes Moffett, Agriculture Educator, moffett029@umn.edu
Ann Rust ,Vol. Coord. & Horticulture Asst., rustx048@umn.edu
Mikaela Schelde, Interim 4-H Educator, schel484@umn.edu
Contact the office
317 Chestnut Ave
P.O. Box 307 Carlton, MN 55718
218-384-3511
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