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Ag and Extension

Master gardeners

Think globally, act locally. It’s a phrase that applies so well to University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners in Lyon County. We are the University of Minnesota, on the ground — often literally — delivering science-based practices to our communities. As volunteers, Master Gardeners learn not only from scientific research, but from one another and the communities we serve. And sometimes we surprise people. Many are familiar with Master Gardeners as reliable resources for questions about flowers or grass because horticulture skills are a cornerstone of our work. But did you ...

Ag Briefs

Horse power event Sept. 12 The Chippewa County Historical Society announces that the 16th annual “Horse Power Event” will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the historic Swensson Farm Museum. The Swensson Farm Museum is located six miles east of Montevideo or 11 miles west of Clara City on Highway 7, 5 miles south on Chippewa County Road 6, and 1/8 mile east on Chippewa County Road 15. From Granite Falls, go 4 miles north on Chippewa County Road 5 and 2 3/4 miles west on Chippewa County Road 15. Signs will be posted. This popular event celebrates farming in ...

Home canning

The Farmer’s Markets have been very busy this year! If you are missing the feel of the county fairs that we have all missed out on this year due to the pandemic, visit your local farmer’s market. It may just help a bit! There are so many interesting crops that are for sale there along with all of the baked goods, preserves, and much, much more. With all of the goodies from the farmer’s markets and along with all of the goodies from our gardens, it has also been a very busy time for preserving our food. I have been actively canning, either by hot water bath or by pressure canning ...

Ag and Extension Briefs

AgriBusiness State of the Agriculture Panel The Agribusiness State of the Agriculture Panel will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Lyon County Fairgrounds Hoop Barn. The even includes a panel of Agriculture experts in different areas to hear about the state of agriculture in 2020. Joining the panel are: Paul Lanoue — dean of Agriculture and Business Management at Minnesota West Community & Technical College, Farm Business Management instructor, SMSU Ag Bowl scholarship coordinator, Local beef and crop farmer. Greg Boerboom — Boerboom, along with his family, are ...

European chafers

There is yet, one more invasive species that is now on our doorstep and one to watch out for especially if you love a lush, green lawn. This is another beetle that has been in the US for a little while but has been just recently found in a lawn in the Twin Cities metro area. According to the U of M Extension, “The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed that European chafer (Amphimallon majale) has been found for the first time in the state. This invasive insect is a severe pest of turfgrass. First found in the U.S. in New York in 1940, European chafer is now found in ...

Ag and Extension Briefs

AgriBusiness State of the Agriculture Panel The Agribusiness State of the Agriculture Panel will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the Lyon County Fairgrounds Hoop Barn. The even includes a panel of Agriculture experts in different areas to hear about the state of agriculture in 2020. Joining the panel are: Paul Lanoue — dean of Agriculture and Business Management at Minnesota West Community & Technical College, Farm Business Management instructor, SMSU Ag Bowl scholarship coordinator, Local beef and crop farmer. Greg Boerboom — Boerboom, along with his ...