Calendar of Events

Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar & enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com.

— Apple Valley, Minn. — Stops on the tour include the UMN Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science, UMN College of Veterinary Medicine and UMN Forage Research plots. Attendees will have exclusive access to the entire zoo from 4 to 8 p.m. Lunch and supper included. Contact Joe Armstrong at armst225@umn.edu or (612) 624-3610.

Litchfield, Minn. — Tour features six gardens. Gardens highlight a wide array for gardening strategies from natural wetland areas, numerous varieties of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs; along with unique raised beds and water features. Contact Meeker County Extension at (320) 693-5275.

Online — Webinar will discuss in-season cropping issues as they arise. Weekly sessions may include topics related to soil fertility, agronomics, pest management and equipment. You need to register only once and may attend any or all of the webinars. Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@umn.edu or (320) 5891711.

Minn. — Program will include analyzing crop canopy growth using drones; cropping systems and ag opportunities; becoming an effective leader in agriculture; transitioning farmland to organic; and an update on SMSU’s school of agriculture. Plot tours follow. Contact Southern Minnesota State University at agriculture@ SMSU.edu.

— Online — Presenters will show how to use BeCrop technology Vivema Twin to tomato crops. Ag input manufacturers can analyze the indirect and direct effects of their products on the soil microbiome. Contact Ava Mehrpour at ava@biomemakers.com

Certification — Faribault, Minn. — The youth tractor and farm safety certification program is a two-part program, including both an online learning experience and two days of in-person hands-on training in the summer. The online course is a self-paced one- to two-week program. Contact Claire LaCanne at lacanne@umn. edu or (507) 332-6165

July 14 & 15 — Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Certification — Zumbrota, Minn. — Contact Aly Kloeckner at schw1348@umn.edu or (651) 385-3100.

Crops Following Small Grains — Easton, Minn. — Learn about managing diverse rotations, no-till corn, spring-seeded covers and the benefits of grazing for soil health. Contact Tamsyn Jones at tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661 ext. 1010.

Building Resiliance — Oronoco, Minn. — Landowners have worked extensively to enhance the health and biodiversity of the farm by planting, restoring and managing pollinator habitat. Hear about their efforts and how to implement habitat for beneficial insects and climate resilience. Contact Tamsyn Jones at tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661 ext. 1010.

Iowa — A multi-session, hands-on workshop for women interested in learning more about agronomy. The goals of this series are to provide a better understanding of inputs for crop production, different conservation practices and increase confidence in communication with their spouse, farming partner, ag retailer or tenant. Contact Sarah DeBour at sdebour@ iastate.edu or (641) 423-0844.

Online — Register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Contact Jared Goplen at gople007@umn.edu or (320) 589-1711.

River, Minn. — Panelists will give insight into the key ancient grain nutrients which affect human health. Hands-on baking demos, ancient grains in the food industry, and the importance of whole grains in diet. Contact Northern Crops Institute at info@ancientgrainsconference.com

Erickson likes what he sees when looking out at the crops at this point in the growing season. “The corn doesn’t look too far off from normal.” The newly planted beans are flourishing as well. “The beans are coming.” The crops were all planted late, but they seem to be doing well. “They look good.” v

Even in the midst of clean-up from the latest storm, optimism remains for Johnson. “We still feel fairly positive. We’re not giving up.” v

According to Roelofs, the crops in the area look good, just a touch behind. He’s hopeful the forecasted rains come through to give the corn and beans the boost they need. v

“Beans are looking good. I didn’t see any flowers when I walked them.”

“We’re sitting OK for moisture.” Four and a half inches of rain fell on the farm in June.

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Protection starts with prevention

There are armyworms in the area. A few were found in Winslow’s corn fields. He’ll recheck the fields in a few days to see if the number of worms has increased. He’ll also be walking bean fields on the lookout for aphids. “Just keeping an eye on things.”

Winslow had the opportunity to teach tractor safety on June 28 for Fillmore County Extension. Four 14-year-olds took part in learning how to drive a tractor and learn some key maintenance. They had an opportunity to test their tractor driving skills on a closed course. All four students passed the course.

The pigs are doing fine with these warmer temperatures on the livestock side. “The heat hasn’t bothered them yet.”

In continuing to chip away at the repair list from the December storm, Winslow will replace two damaged grain bins next week.

From the never-ending storm clean-up to replanting, it stays busy on the Winslow farm. However, Winslow will take a break from that to attend his granddaughter Lorelei’s baptism on July 10. The summer has been filled with highs and lows, and Winslow is going to savor those highs. v