FARM
Farmfest parent company emerges from bankruptcy
The parent company of Farmfest and Dakotafest, Cygnus Business Media Inc., announced Tuesday that it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sept. 21, less than two months after filing a reorganization plan with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.By From staff and Forum Communications Co. reports , November 14, 2009
Farm Briefs, Nov. 14
November 14, 2009
2009 FSA election ballots mailed to all eligible voters
WILLMAR — Ballots for the 2009 Farm Service Agency county committee election were recently mailed to all eligible voters. The deadline to return the ballots to local FSA offices, either by mail or in person, is Dec. 7.By Wes Nelson, USDA Farm Service Agency , November 14, 2009
With the sun shining, area farmers making progress on harvest 
By Gretchen Schlosser , November 11, 2009
Make crop insurance claim if corn mold is suspected 
ST. PAUL — The late harvest and extremely wet weather has resulted in several problems for farmers, including the appearance of mold on the ears in standing corn. Many farmers are asking what they need do to make sure they comply with all crop insurance procedures for any crop loss.
By Gary Hachfeld, University of Minnesota Extension , November 07, 2009
Farm Briefs, Nov. 7 
Montevideo Farm Beginnings approach becomes national model
November 07, 2009
1.6 percent of U.S. agricultural land owned by foreigners 
WILLMAR — A new publication released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides the latest information regarding the amount of U.S. agricultural land that is owned by foreign persons.
By Wes Nelson, USDA Farm Service Agency , November 07, 2009
USDA initiative aims to improve water quality in Mississippi River Basin 
WILLMAR — Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced a new initiative that will help improve water quality and the overall health of the Mississippi River Basin.
By Wes Nelson, USDA Farm Service Agency , October 31, 2009
Farm Briefs, Oct. 31 
October 31, 2009
Peterson sponsoring economy conference 
WASHINGTON, DC — After two successful local foods conferences in 2007 and 2008, U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson has announced that he will sponsor another conference on the topic. The Home Grown Economy 2010 – Equipping You to Build Community Based Food Systems, will be Feb. 15 and 16 at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall.
By Tribune News , October 31, 2009
Extension offers advice on handling, drying of soybeans 
WILLMAR — University of Minnesota Extension crop experts are encouraging soybean growers to harvest the crop as early as possible to prevent yield losses due to splitting, lodging or poor threshing of the plant. However, if soybeans are harvested at greater than 13 percent moisture, artificial drying is necessary.
October 24, 2009
Farm Briefs, Oct. 24 
October 24, 2009
Number of farmers markets up 13 percent in 2009 in U.S. 
WILLMAR — According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets in the United States is up more than 13 percent from a year ago. A recent update of USDA’s online Farmers Markets Directory now lists 5,274 markets nationwide, up from 4,685 reported in 2008.
By Wes Nelson, USDA Farm Service Agency , October 24, 2009
Farmers continue to battle the weather 
By Gretchen Schlosser , October 21, 2009
USDA confirms H1N1 in Minnesota pigs
WASHINGTON (AP) — At least one pig from Minnesota has tested positive for the H1N1 virus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Monday, the first case of a pig contracting the virus in the United States.By AP wire report , October 19, 2009
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OUR VOICES Farmers give to needy and help themselves
Merritt
Minnesota farmers are donating $115,000 worth of pork and cheese to food shelves around the state, taking the money out of funds that generally promote agriculture sales.
In a time when pork and dai
OUR VOICES Ag improvement grants available
Livestock producers can get grants to improve their operations. The Minnesota Agriculture Department is offering the grants, which provide qualified farmers 10 percent reimbursement of the first $500,000 equipment and building investment. “Last year’s effort proved that helping livesto
Posted by: Don Davis on Sep 23, 2009 at 10:19 AM | Capitol ChatterOUR VOICES Former MDA Commissioner Elton Redalen remembered as voice for farmers
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Gene Hugoson issued the following statement today praising the lifetime service of former MDA Commissioner Elton Redalen, who passed away on Friday, July 10, in Chatfield. "Elton was a mentor to me during our time t
Posted by: agweekfarmer on Jul 15, 2009 at 9:15 AM | AgweekLetter to Dave
I have to tidy up one loose end prior to making correspondence with
you, Dave. Last week, my friend Al Melbye asked me if I wrote about
what was happening on the farm because I couldn’t think of anything
else about
Summer Project-Cattle on Grass
I like to occasionally take on a project . If I feel the project is interesting, I will write about it and sometimes, even recommend others try it. This week I want to deliver the first installment about a project I recently began. I like cattle on pasture, they look great and make our farm come al
Posted by: Grant Nelson on Jun 18, 2009 at 11:20 AM | Rural ReflectionsGopher Trapping
Typically, we save our thankfulness for the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I found a reason to be thankful in spring as I was walking the cattle pasture this week. I considered the new piles of dirt courtesy of the local gophers and how their success as gophers belies my success, effort and
Posted by: Grant Nelson on Jun 11, 2009 at 1:15 PM | Rural ReflectionsHow Granster got his groove back
(l to r) two generation Belarus family picture;Belarus 525, Belarus 925
I made a change for he better this Spring. It did not involve weight loss, finances or personal growth, all good ideas but efforts I will leave to
A time to grow
I had a variety of topics from which to choose this week, however I choose gardening. I did not choose it because summer has begun; I chose it with hopes that you will read this column on
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