Notes from Emma Severns
Goodbye & Farewell -
As we enter into the new year, I will be entering into a new position elsewhere. I have resigned from my position as the Nicollet & Sibley County Ag Extension Educator. My last day will be Thursday, January 5th, 2023.
While I’m excited about this new opportunity, I want to say that these past two years have been amazing. I appreciate the time I spent working as an Extension educator and will miss everyone here that I have gotten to know. It was a wonderful experience to work for such a great organization that allowed me to do such fulfilling work in the community.
Thank you for the support and encouragement you have provided me during my time at Extension. Please continue to use Nicollet & Sibley County Extension as a resource for all your agriculture and horticulture needs. I hope you will stay in touch and I wish the very best for Nicollet & Sibley County Extension.
Sincerely,
Emma
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Learn how to prune your apple trees this winter Winter is the time of year when apple trees are dormant and pruning is recommended. Get hands-on apple tree pruning experience at a free workshop during the next few months. These free workshops will take place throughout the winter months, the time of year when apple trees are dormant and pruning is recommended. Whether you have two trees or 20, you can get guidance on proper pruning methods and hands-on practice pruning trees at apple orchards. | The top 10 Minnesota Crop News blog posts from 2022 As the year draws to a close, here's a look back at the top 10 Minnesota Crop News blog posts of 2022. | Prairie violets to foster return of an uncommon butterflySpring Lake Park Reserve in Dakota County was plowed farmland for decades before it became a park in the 1970s. But before European settlers came, forest, grasslands, wetlands, oak savanna and prairie unfolded upon its landscape. Dakota County is also the home base for Sam Talbot, a University of Minnesota Extension educator who is helping to reintroduce over 100 species of desirable native prairie plants, including the prairie violet. |
Learn how to prune your apple trees this winter
Whether you have two trees or 20, you can get guidance on proper pruning methods and hands-on practice pruning trees at apple orchards.
The top 10 Minnesota Crop News blog posts from 2022
Prairie violets to foster return of an uncommon butterfly
Spring Lake Park Reserve in Dakota County was plowed farmland for decades before it became a park in the 1970s. But before European settlers came, forest, grasslands, wetlands, oak savanna and prairie unfolded upon its landscape.
Dakota County is also the home base for Sam Talbot, a University of Minnesota Extension educator who is helping to reintroduce over 100 species of desirable native prairie plants, including the prairie violet.
Women in Dairy: Using Baler Twine and Barn Lime- January 12th, 2023
The Minnesota Dairy Initiative and University of Minnesota Extension are excited to announce the upcoming Women in Dairy: Using Baler Twine and Barn Lime event! The event's purpose is to inspire women with ties to the dairy industry through networking, education and empowerment.
This year’s program will feature Laura Daniels. Laura Daniels is a farmer, coach, consultant and agriculture advocate. For 15 years Laura served as the general manager of her dairy, Heartwood Farm, in charge of day-to-day operations. Now, she advises fellow farmers and business owners in the areas of team building and strategic planning with Hitch Pin Consulting. Laura founded Dairy Girl Network in 2013 to help fellow dairy women across the United States connect and succeed. Laura enjoys sharing this passion through giving speeches and leading workshops that inspire many to find their purpose, build their skills and have the confidence to tell their story.
The event will begin with registration and social gathering, followed by dinner and presentation starting at 7:00 p.m. Cost to attend is $20.
Dairy Producer Night Out- February 7th, 2023
The University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Dairy Initiative are excited to announce the Dairy Producer Night Out: Farm Transition to be held on Tuesday, February 7th, at Hahn’s Dining & Lounge in Winthrop. Come enjoy an evening of networking and learning with other dairy farmers. This event will run from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and is free to attend. A meal will be provided for attendees.
Succession planning for farmers is important, but it can be complicated. Join Jared Holt from Ascent Financial as he shares suggestions on when to begin planning farm transitions and options for reaching farm transition goals. Participate in a panel discussion including Jared Holt and area dairy producers.
Registration for the event is requested by February 1st. Cost to attend is free. Register at z.umn.edu/DairyNightOut2023 or by calling the Sibley County Extension office at 507-237-4100.
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Pollinator Habitat Webinar SeriesAre you interested in creating pollinator habitat, but you don’t know where to begin? Check out this upcoming webinar series to help guide you in your pollinator plan. University of Minnesota Extension Educators are excited to bring you this webinar series on creating your own pollinator habitat. This three-part series will cover how to create a pollinator-friendly garden, bee lawn and prairie planting. Join us January 31, February 1 & 2 from 1:30-2:30 pm each afternoon for this free webinar. | Farm transition webinar seriesJoin us online in January for four webinars on introductory farm transition and estate planning. Attend one or attend all four. These webinars include materials and advice that can help you start the farm transition and estate planning process.
| Trees and shrubs for a changing climateExtreme weather events such as droughts and even floods are becoming more frequent and more severe, adding stress to our perennial vegetation. Tree, forest and climate experts have been creating models that help us predict what species of trees and shrubs will survive 50 and 100 years from now. Learn about climate resources and what tree and shrub species look favorable for Minnesota in the future. January 26th, 12-1 pm |
Pollinator Habitat Webinar Series
Are you interested in creating pollinator habitat, but you don’t know where to begin? Check out this upcoming webinar series to help guide you in your pollinator plan. University of Minnesota Extension Educators are excited to bring you this webinar series on creating your own pollinator habitat. This three-part series will cover how to create a pollinator-friendly garden, bee lawn and prairie planting. Join us January 31, February 1 & 2 from 1:30-2:30 pm each afternoon for this
free webinar.
Farm transition webinar series
Join us online in January for four webinars on introductory farm transition and estate planning. Attend one or attend all four.
These webinars include materials and advice that can help you start the farm transition and estate planning process.
- January 4: Developing your farm transition goals
- January 11: All things tax: gifting, selling, and transferring
- January 18: Wills, trusts, ownership titling—what does it all mean?
- January 25: Putting the basics together: estate, retirement, healthcare, and business transfer planning
Trees and shrubs for a changing climate
Extreme weather events such as droughts and even floods are becoming more frequent and more severe, adding stress to our perennial vegetation. Tree, forest and climate experts have been creating models that help us predict what species of trees and shrubs will survive 50 and 100 years from now. Learn about climate resources and what tree and shrub species look favorable for Minnesota in the future.
January 26th, 12-1 pm
Nicollet County Extension Office
Sibley County Extension Office