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Ag and Extension

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 ...

Ag and Extension Briefs

Paul & Brenda Zeug Family recognized as a 2020 ‘U of M Farm Family’ The Paul and Brenda Zeug family of Morgan has been named Redwood County’s “2020 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota. Paul’s family originally ran a dairy operation, but it was transitioned to a farrow-to-finish swine business. The current Zeug farm is a small operation focused on sustaining the rural way of life as much as the land itself. The family raises corn, soybeans and alfalfa in rotation. The farm is mainly a cow-calf beef operation. The Zeugs sell feeder cattle; they finish ...

Attend U of MN Virtual Cover Crop Field Day

Extension educator in Crops At 1 p.m. on Aug.18, U of MN Extension will host a virtual Cover Crop Field Day: Setting up for Success. Through this live webinar, researchers and educators will highlight U of MN research that provides management tips and considerations to help farmers and ag professionals successfully incorporate cover crops into Minnesota cropping systems. The program will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m., with presentations from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by a cover crop roundtable from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Although there will be time for questions and answers after each ...

Invasive lily leaf beetle

Japanese beetles, Emerald ash borer, so what could be next? The next invasive insect to knock on our Minnesota doors is not green this time but red. Some of the most beautiful or captivating insects that grace our doors are some of the most destructive insects that we can come into contact with and this one is out looking for lilies. The Invasive lily leaf beetle has been found in the metro area of Minnesota and has been confirmed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. These are very tiny insects that have a taste for lilies. The adults are quite small but are very loudly red in ...

JBS USA to invest $2.6 million in Worthington to support local community

GREELEY, Colo. — Through its Hometown Strong initiative, JBS USA recently announced plans to donate $2.6 million to help Worthington respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and invest in the community’s future.  JBS USA is working with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs. All projects will be determined by the end of the year. Community members may send suggested proposals for investment to hometownstrong@jbssa.com.  “Worthington is home to one of the nation’s signature pork production ...