JIM STORDAHL
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
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
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
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
Challenging fall harvest leads to questions about soybean drying and winter storage
A challenging soybean harvest is creating many questions related to storage and drying.By Jim Stordahl , October 23, 2009
Soybean handling and storage
Soybeans are usually traded on a 13 percent moisture basis, so it is to the farmer’s advantage to harvest, store, and sell soybeans as close to 13 percent moisture (wet basis) as possible. Soybeans that are wetter than 13 percent moisture are likely to mold under warm conditions and buyers usually apply shrink factors and drying charges when wet beans are delivered.By Jim Stordahl , October 16, 2009
Post-harvest tips for later maturing corn
The cool growing season has delayed corn maturity creating concern among corn growers. The biggest challenge with corn is removing the excess moisture after harvest. Last year, many acres remained in the field until the kernel moisture was low enough for a practical harvest.By Jim Stordahl , October 09, 2009
How to stop spread of cluster flies
Over the past few weeks, we have been fending off a bumper crop of large, often slow moving flies. These flies are known as cluster flies, a name that describes their habit of clustering in large numbers inside attics.By Jim Stordahl , September 25, 2009
The arrival of home-invading bugs
The boxelder bugs are gathering on the outside of some homes in large numbers, and the multi-colored Asian lady beetles will probably arrive soon.By Jim Stordahl , September 18, 2009
Solving fruit fly puzzle can be tricky
A cracked tomato, an overripe banana, an unrinsed beverage can in the recycling bin or a damp mop used to wipe up a punch spill: all are an open invitation to those pesky fruit flies!By Jim Stordahl , September 04, 2009
Early harvest, immature corn still valuable
Due to late planting dates and a cooler than normal growing season this year, many corn fields may be harvested for silage. There is even great potential for corn in these fields to be too immature for proper corn silage harvest.By Jim Stordahl , August 28, 2009
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