COUNTRYSIDE

February County Line now available

Serving Becker and surrounding counties. Written and Edited by these Becker County Offices: The University of Minnesota Extension, FSA, NRCS, Soil and Water Conservation District. New articles are published each month. View the current issue of County Line Today! http://dl-onlinetoday.com/CountyLine/index.html

February 01, 2011

Important practice: Lawn mowing tips

Lawn mowing is perhaps the most important practice performed in home lawn care. The simple practice of mowing impacts not only the appearance of your lawn, but also can impact the turf’s ability to ward off problems.

By Jim Stordahl , April 23, 2010

It’s time: Prune fruit trees soon

Carl Hoffman, my coworker in Stearns County, brings us this week’s timely tip. Many of us have fruit trees that are often neglected, but hopefully, this article will motivate those of us that need a little encouragement to put those pruning shears to work.

By Jim Stordahl , April 02, 2010

Manure has value for crops

Manure has tremendous value in crop production that goes beyond the usual N-P-K needs of the crop. While the value of manure is usually calculated using these typical elements, manure also provides most of the necessary micronutrients. This is why deficiencies seldom show up on farms that routinely use manure.

By JIM STORDAHL , March 17, 2010

Soybean cyst nematode discovered

Just when you thought you were getting soybean aphid management figured out, a new pest has make its appearance in the area that may make aphids seem like a minor inconvenience. The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is one of the most destructive pests affecting soybeans in the United States.

By Jim Stordahl , February 18, 2010

Peterson sponsors 2010 Home Grown Economy Conference in Marshall, Feb. 15-16

U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (DFL-Minn.) will sponsor the “The Home Grown Economy 2010 – Equipping You to Build Community Based Food Systems” conference in Marshall on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 15-16. In addition, to improve access for constituents throughout the 7th Congressional District, interactive video sessions will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the following college campus locations: University of Minnesota, Crookston, University of Minnesota, Morris, Bemidji State University, and Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls.

February 11, 2010

Locally grown foods a hot trend nationwide

Again this past year, locally produced foods was one of the hottest nationwide trends in foods, one of which is farm friendly or local foods. Indeed, this is good news that can have a positive impact on farmers, consumers and even our rural communities.

By Jim Stordahl , February 11, 2010

2009 ag income tax update for farm families available

For tax years 2009 and 2010, there are a number changes that have resulted from the passage of federal tax laws. These changes can dramatically affect farm families, their farm business and the management of their tax planning.

January 08, 2010

Why earthworms are so important to soil

Have you ever wondered why some farmers are adamant about their earthworm populations? Every year, they go out to their fields armed with a shovel and dig holes to count their numbers. What is so important about those little worms?

By Jim Stordahl , January 08, 2010

Tips to reduce frozen septic systems

It may be a white Christmas, but not by much. Winters without snow cover often raises concern of frozen septic systems and fearful visions of mad dashes to an outhouse, so snow to shovel should be considered a winter blessing.

By Jim Stordahl , January 01, 2010

American Crystal sugar beet payments will be down because of bad growing season, low sugar

Thanks to miserable weather, profits from this fall’s sugar beet harvest won’t be nearly as sweet for American Crystal Sugar growers as last year.

By Craig McEwen , December 04, 2009

Cash rental agreements; another arrow in the quiver

Nearly every week of the year, I receive questions on land rental values. Historically, the guidelines have been relatively consistent on land used exclusively for agricultural purposes.

By Jim Stordahl , November 27, 2009

Franken visits Zurn farm near Callaway

Though U.S. Sen. Al Franken has long been an advocate for a green economy, and has sponsored at least one ag-related piece of legislation, the fledgling legislator admits his experience with farms and farming is more limited than he would like.

By Vicki Gerdes , November 13, 2009

Harvest continues to be slowed by rain, snow

Farmers made little if any progress in harvesting crops the past week in eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota as rainy, muddy and cold conditions continued to foil field operations.

By Stephen J. Lee , November 03, 2009

MDA livestock investment grant application deadline is Nov. 30

Minnesota livestock producers have until November 30 to apply for a Livestock Investment Grant through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).

October 30, 2009