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Ag and Extension

Online gardening activities

We are all at home looking for things to do while we wait out this virus. There are a few gardening things that you can do in your own home to bring a little spring in and help us all with an activity that is positive. I want to lead parents to the Minnesota Extension webpages, not only for gardening but for the 4-H program as well. There are activities being posted from 4-H for kids to do at home and the Extension has all sorts of information on so many things — many of which are videos to watch. For adults, this also includes tips on canning or preserving and even drying, which can ...

New plant materials

According to the All-American Selection Winners website, “AAS is the only national, nonprofit plant trialing organization in North America. All-America Selections is an independent nonprofit organization that tests new, never-before-sold varieties for the home gardener. After a full season of anonymous trialing by volunteer horticulture professionals, only the top garden performers are given the AAS Winner award designation for their superior performance.” There is all sorts of information regarding new plant material that is sold for gardeners throughout the U.S. We have to make ...

Staying healthy in the time of COVID-19

U of M Extension Farmers and those working throughout the agricultural supply chain will soon be in the midst of the 2020 planting season. Staying healthy during this time is particularly critical as the optimal planting window is only so wide and it can be extremely weather dependent. It may be very difficult to find trained replacement labor if one were to fall ill during this time. Many farmers are also at an age that puts them at higher risk from a COVID-19 infection. For personal safety and to maintain a COVID-19 free labor force, farmers and all who are in the agricultural ...

Gearing up for gardening

The sunnier days and warmer temperatures are getting the gardener inside all of us ready to go and pumped up for another summer of gardening in Minnesota. We made it through probably the worst winter has to offer and I am finding that there are many gardeners who have been starting their seeds indoors. This is truly exciting news. Remember, that there are many avenues to get your gardening questions answered this growing season. The first route to go is contact your local Master Gardener. A list of gardeners is usually kept at your local U of M Extension office. Master Gardeners go ...

Ag and Extension Briefs

Food regulations class has been canceled The free training on local food regulations scheduled for April 7 at the Marshall Area YMCA has been canceled because of COVID-19 concerns, said Kim Guenther, Marshall Farmers’ Market coordinator. All unnecessary travel, including for such trainings, is postponed. The Farmers’ Market was coordinating the training with the Minnesota Institure for Sustainable Agriculture, Renewing the Countryside, and the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association. Environmental review required before project implementation The National Environmental Policy ...

Ag and Extension Briefs

Cottage Food Producer Food Safety training is March 30 in Marshall University of Minnesota Extension Food Safety Educator Kathy Brandt is offering a “Keep it Legal! Keep it Safe Cottage Food Producer” class in Marshall from 1-5 p.m. Monday, March 30, at SWWC Service Cooperative. The class meets the Minnesota Department of Agriculture food safety training requirements to register as a Minnesota Cottage Food Producer to sell homemade baked goods, candy, home-canned peaches, pickles, salsa, jam and jellies and more. The course focuses on food safety practices for all processes ...