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Ag and Extension

Minnesota Farm Bureau unveils Centennial Book

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Centennial book “100 years and growing...The People of the Minnesota Farm Bureau” was unveiled at the MFBF Annual Meeting on Nov. 22. MFBF dedicates this history book to its county Farm Bureaus and the members and leaders who had the vision to be an advocate for agriculture driven by the beliefs and policies of our members during its first 100 years. Carolyn Van Loh wrote the 90-year history book “Strong Roots - The People of the Minnesota Farm Bureau” and the “100 years and growing...The People of the Minnesota Farm ...

Natural resource positions available with Conservation Corps

Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa is seeking young adult applicants, ages 18 to 25, for more than 500 AmeriCorps positions that include full-year, partial-year, and summer service terms. Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa engages youth and young adults in meaningful service, leadership development, and environmental stewardship. AmeriCorps is a real-life education and service-learning experience. Members learn teamwork and leadership, gain technical skills and earn certifications to support environmental stewardship. They also get the personal satisfaction of taking on ...

Agriculture department reopens enrollment for dairy program

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has reopened enrollment in its Dairy Assistance, Investment and Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program for eligible milk producers through the end of the year. Producers who have locked in five years of coverage through the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program and who have not already successfully enrolled in the DAIRI program can apply. The state ag department has already issued $3.4 million to about 1,800 producers, representing more than 1,550 farms in Minnesota, through the program in its first round of ...

How silage gas buildups can turn deadly

MILLERVILLE — Two farm families in Millerville have filled their silos with corn and grain countless times, but on Dec. 21, a problem with a sealed silo led to tragedy. Inside the silos, which were full of moisture, shelled corn — or silage — started to ferment and produce carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, gasses which are heavier than air and settle. Longtime animal science and agriculture expert Charlie Stoltenow with North Dakota State University Extension explains gases can crowd out oxygen and suffocate people who end up in the bottom of sealed silos where it ...

Worthington farmer to lead American Soybean Association

ST. LOUIS — Bill Gordon’s big moment has finally arrived. Fifteen years after he became a state director in his home state of Minnesota, Nobles County farmer Bill Gordon was elevated to president of the American Soybean Association (ASA) Thursday during the organization’s December board meeting. “This is very rewarding,” Gordon says. “It’s been a long journey since 2004 and I’m excited for this opportunity. 2020 is going to be an exciting year.” Gordon, a Worthington native, is the sixth Minnesota farmer to serve as ASA president and the 82nd in the advocacy ...

Female farmers get inside scoop on agricultural markets

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Beth Didier farms with her husband and father-in-law near Spiritwood, North Dakota, about 80 miles west of Fargo. They grow several thousand acres of soybeans, corn and wheat. Didier works full time off the farm, but as her father-in-law moves into retirement, she’s taking a larger role in the farming operation. Understanding when to sell crops is critical, she said. “Especially in a year like this when prices aren’t great, yields aren’t great, and so you have to sell it at the best price you can so that you can actually pay the bills,” said ...