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Ag and Extension Briefs

Free respirator fit testing and train-the-trainer workshops Respirators are necessary for using certain pesticides safely, but we lack resources in Minnesota to help farmers and pesticide applicators choose the right respirator, as well as fit testing and medical evaluation resources. In these free workshops, we will train rural healthcare providers, co-op health and safety managers, and others to provide fit testing and other respirator support across the state. Farmers and applicators may also sign up for a free 45-minute respirator fit test. Workshops will include: Hands-on fit ...

Growing vegetables in containers

I think as the weather seems to be going, we are all wondering how quickly our gardening season will take off this year. I am not even betting that my vegetable garden will be wet because there were portions of it still under water from last fall yet. I am pretty sure that I will need to move operations farther into the garden and a piece of the vegetable garden that I was planning on using for a native prairie restoration, will have to wait until the end of the year as I will need that piece in order to have a vegetable garden. There are other things that we can do if you have ...

Ag and Extension Briefs

Cottage food producer food safety training is April 10 in Mankato Do you make the best homemade bread, home canned pickles or cookies? Consider selling your product as a Minnesota Cottage Food producer. Join University of Minnesota Extension Food Safety Educator Kathy Brandt at the Keep it Legal! Keep it Safe Cottage Food Producer class in Mankato from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the U of M Extension Regional Office. The class meets the Minnesota Department of Agriculture food safety training requirements to register as a Minnesota Cottage Food Producer to sell homemade baked ...

Raising rural mental health awareness

NEW ULM — Mental health practitioner Ted Matthews of Hutchinson said farming is unlike any other profession with its unique challenges at the 2019 Farm Show Friday. “Farming is a very complex way of life, much more than it was in the past. Farming and stress are synonymous,” Matthews said. “Work ethnic is not caused by a philosophy. It comes from work. If you learn a good work ethic, you’re better off.” Matthews said he got involved with farmers after the severe floods of 1993 and 1996-1997. He began working with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system Farm ...

Lavender plants

I usually compile a list of must-haves for my garden each year. Last year, for some reason, I had lost three lavender plants that I had for almost 4 years. Lavender can be a tricky one to grow in our area. I have used some tamed varieties of catmint (or cat nip — you choose) for their place instead but once in a while, I can get lucky and can grow actual lavender. This past year would have been a good time to do it but who can predict how much snowfall a person gets each year. The snow acts as wonderful insulation. You can still grow lavender to your hearts content here but it just ...

Ag and Extension Briefs

‘Strategic Farming — Maximizing Return on Investment’ Montevideo workshop March 7 What tactics are worth the investment when managing weed problems, disease and insect pests, SCN and IDC? What should we be looking for when making seed and technology trait decisions? What best management practices for clean seed will help ensure the marketability of grain? Hear the latest University research and information addressing these questions and more at the 2019 “Strategic Farming — Maximizing Your Return on Investment” workshop scheduled from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at ...