Gardening
Healthy Lawns: June 17, 6 to 7 p.m., instructions of how to join the online class will be available at https://wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/ . Lawn care can be expensive and puzzling. Learn some simple tips and techniques that can help you get the best performance out of your yard while protecting area lakes and streams from pollutants and runoff. Adam Hjelm of the Sauk River Watershed District will cover a wide variety of topics and answer your questions about watering, fertilizing, weed identification and so much more to make your lawn the best it can be. This “Come Grow with Us” class is free, but donations are accepted. For more information call 320-589-1711.
Farming
USDA Farm Service Agency: open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While our program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with our producers by phone, and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. In the event a Service Center is not currently available to serve customers on location, producers can receive assistance from the closest alternate Service Center by phone. Learn more at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
Farm Beginnings: Sept. 1 deadline for applications for the Farm Beginnings class that starts in October in Red Wing. The 12-month training session helps beginning farmers clarify their goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan and start building their operation. The course uses a mix of farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network. It is designed for new and prospective farmers who want to plan a profitable farm business. Students do not need to currently own land, but some farming or production experience is helpful to get the most out of the class. More information and registration is on the Land Stewardship Project website or email Annelie Livingston-Anderson at annelie@landstewardshipproject.org
