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Ag and Extension

SMSU Agronomy Field Day

The seventh annual SMSU Agronomy Field Day is scheduled for Friday, July 18, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the SMSU Agronomy Field Trials Farm site adjacent to the Jon Knochenmus Center for Innovation, located on the north edge of Marshall. (2927 265th Avenue, Marshall) The day will include lunch, tours, and presentations highlighting SMSU field-trial research, as well as other related programs and projects. The schedule includes: Welcome, Dr. Raphael Onyeaghala, dean of the College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies SMSU Demonstration Plots and Field-Trial Site ...

Farmers educate students on power of soybeans

The Yellow Medicine County Corn and Soybean Growers Board understands the vital role agriculture plays in rural communities and is committed to educating the next generation. That’s why they prioritize participating in the two-day Yellow Medicine County Ag in the Classroom event, where interactive sessions help students explore agriculture and its impact on their daily lives. During the event, board members led the soybean-focused educational session, introducing students to the many products derived from soybeans, including soap, hand sanitizer, printer ink and biodiesel. To bring ...

Strategic Farming: Let’s talk crops! webinar focused on corn insect pest challenges

On Feb. 26, Dr. Fei Yang, UMN Corn Extension entomologist, joined UMN Extension Crops Educator Dr. Anthony Hanson for a discussion on corn insect pests. Dr. Yang provided an update on the current challenges Minnesota faces with these pests and shared insights from his research on corn insect pest management. This was the eighth episode of the 2025 Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops! webinar series, which will continue through March. Two primary corn rootworm species including western (WCR) and northern (NCR) species continue to cause significant injury to corn in Minnesota. These ...

USDA announces Aug. 14 application deadline for Emergency Relief Program Assistance for commodity and specialty crop producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the deadline for commodity and specialty crop producers to apply for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) for 2022 natural disaster losses is Aug. 14, 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) began accepting ERP 2022 applications in October 2023.  “If natural disasters impacted your farm or ranch in 2022, there’s still time to submit your application for Emergency Relief Program assistance,” said Whitney Place, FSA state executive director for Minnesota. “Don’t delay. Gather up your documents and contact your local FSA ...

Free event focusing on cow efficiency and forage production

All beef and dairy producers, those selling feed to beef and dairy operations, as well as industry professionals are invited to join Minnesota Dairy Initiative and UMN Extension on Monday, July 8, at the Pipestone County Fairgrounds for a free educational event focusing on cow efficiency and forage production. With high feed costs, improving whole-farm feed efficiency for both beef and dairy operations is crucial for maximizing herd profitability. At this event, leading industry professionals and University specialists will discuss cow efficiency as it relates to both beef and dairy ...

MSR&PC announces election results

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) announced that five grower leaders have been elected and reelected to the board of directors. Tasked with directing soybean checkoff dollars to increase profitability to Minnesota soybean farmers, MSR&PC’s elected board of 15 directors are dedicated to maximizing checkoff dollars in three core areas: research, promotion and education. Elected to their first terms on the MSR&PC board are Corey Hanson, representing District 1, 2 & 3, and Joel Schreurs, who will represent District 7. Hanson will replace Kris Folland, who served ...