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Ag and Extension

University of Minnesota ROC Research Update Feb. 13 at SWROC

The Southwest Research & Outreach Center (SWROC) near Lamberton is hosting an ROC Research Update on Wednesday, Feb. 13. The ROC Research Update will highlight current University of Minnesota agricultural research that is conducted at the Southwest, Southern and West Central Research & Outreach Centers (ROCs). The ROCs are collaborating to share regionally focused research results and recommendations with area crop and livestock producers. Similar programs will be Feb. 12 at the WCROC in Morris and the SROC in Waseca on Feb. 14. Presentations and speakers include: Farm Income ...

Training opportunities

Gardening is an ever changing activity. I believe that each year that I have been a master gardener, there has been something new for us to try and that is not just related to new plant material. This is the start of my 27th year of being a master gardener. I think that because it changes all of the time and the certain amount of challenge that comes with working in the confines of Mother Nature’s realm, it is what keeps me coming back. I am very humble to say that this year, the U of M Extension, is finding its roots. No pun intended! I think it is because the U of M is providing all ...

Register now for PorkBridge and SowBridge programs

Registration for both PorkBridge and SowBridge distance education programs is now open. PorkBridge is aimed at those who own, manage or work in swine grow-finish facilities. SowBridge is for people involved in managing or caring for sows, and/or their litters, and boars, including operation owners, employees, technicians, managers and technical service providers. Both programs begin in early February 2019. University of Minnesota Swine Extension Educator Sarah Schieck said the programs offer accurate and timely information on a variety of topics through a regular schedule. ...

Ag Briefs

Specialty Crop Research and Development Grants Available The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is encouraging organizations that benefit Minnesota fruit, vegetable, and other specialty crop producers to apply for Specialty Crop Block Grants (SCBG) to help increase the competitiveness of their crops in local, regional or global markets. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 7. Grant projects can begin as early as Nov. 1, and can take up to two-and-a-half years to complete. Examples of projects include research on a disease or pest affecting a specialty crop, ...

Announcing Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification workshops

If you need to renew your Private Pesticide Applicator certification, you can do so by attending one of the upcoming recertification workshops sponsored by University of Minnesota Extension. These workshops offer a great opportunity to review regulations and safety issues related to pesticide application, as well as provide you with the latest University research on integrated pest management. You need to renew your private pesticide applicator certification in 2019 if you: • Apply pesticides to land or sites you own, rent or lease for the production of agriculture commodities ...

A new year

A new year for us to start planning on something new for the garden. It is always exciting to start getting those gardening catalogs in the mail at this time of the year and to think about what new plants we might want to try in the garden. It could be new annuals, perennials or vegetable plants or maybe a new tree or shrub too. Each year, it seems that there are just tons of new things to try and explore. We often make those certain New Year’s resolutions too and I have an easy one for you and other gardeners that are out there. A challenge! Subscribe to the U of M Extension’s ...