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Ag and Extension

Ash trees

Each spring, as a master gardener, there is one particular question that I get quite often. “My ash trees are losing their leaves and so could it be Emerald Ash Borer?” Generally speaking, no. Emerald Ash borer is now active and in fact, is active between May 1-Sept. 30. The winter months, there is lower activity but even though there may not be activity, you can still potentially spread the pest by our own actions. Let’s first tackle what happens with our ash trees at this time of the year that makes things look so worrisome. Ash anthracnose, which is a fungal problem in ash ...

Ag and Extension Briefs

Summer learning for Lyon County youth Although many parts of typical summer feel different this year, 4-H is open and will offer a variety of learning experiences for youth to explore. We are exploring all possible options for showcasing youth learning and project development on the local level. More information will be released as soon as possible. 4-H is also offering several statewide opportunities where youth can connect with each other and build new skills and have fun connecting with each other. Whether it’s photography, cooking, performing arts, pollinators, civic engagement ...

Ag Briefs

Forever Green Initiative and AURI to host Virtual Field Days on new winter annual oilseeds The University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative (Forever Green) and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) will host a series of interactive webinars highlighting new winter annual oilseed research and development starting Tuesday. Winter camelina (Camelina sativa) and pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) are new winter-hardy annual oilseeds with great potential for use as cash cover crops that keep the land in continuous living cover while providing economic benefits to farmers ...

Peonies

Peony plants are a wonderful addition to the garden. There are some residents who don’t like how ants seem to be attracted to them but generally speaking, it will depend on the year when you may see a lot of ants on these beautiful plants. I am fortunate that I have several peony plants in my perennial gardens. They are so easy to take care of and there are so many colors to choose from. There are some peony cultivars that can live up to 100+ years. I have one plant that has been on our farm for 50 years. A beautiful deep pink. I have also been given a very, bright yellow peony. It ...

Ag Briefs

Lincoln County FSA acreage reporting map pick up dates announced The Lincoln County FSA Office will have aerial photos available to pick up in the USDA Service Center parking today from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. and Wednesday, May 27 from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. If someone wants another person, other than their spouse, to pick up their maps, they need to have that person bring a signed statement permitting FSA to provide their maps to the other person. Farmers will need to complete their maps with the crops, shares, planting date, prevented planted areas, and acres if an official field ...

‘Murder hornets’

With the pandemic moving on through the U.S. it may seem like we are at the end of times especially when we hear that now we have to think about “Killer Hornets” or “Murder Hornets.” While those who are susceptible to bee stings and so forth are always concerned about any new threat that insects may pose to their health, these hornets may not be as big of a threat to Minnesotans any time soon. Yes, once again, we can thank good old Mother Nature and our darn cold winters for protecting us from an insect that probably won’t be able to survive through a good old fashioned ...