Extension news and highlights

Planning for winter forage needs now can keep your dairy operation profitable throughout the year.

Ojibwe prophecy foretells a crossroads. At this point, humans can choose to turn away from a path of environmental degradation and toward one of stewardship of the earth and each other. If we choose the path of stewardship, the earth heals and all groups of people prosper together. A group of Northeast Minnesotans hopes a Great Lakes Cultural Interpretive Center would help us choose the latter.

Central RSDP has undertaken an intentional effort to grow the diversity and inclusivity of the board and community partners which has resulted in projects with Somali, Latino and tribal communities, including projects undertaken in a bilingual context.

New regulations for cattle ID tags take effect in January 2020.

Longtime Extension supporter Mary Bartz receives this year's recognition as Distinguished Friend of Extension.

Kyree Wilson is one of several north Minneapolis youth guided in agriculture and STEM by Amie Mondl, University of Minnesota Extension educator for 4-H Youth Development in Hennepin County.

Every September, 4-H'ers from all over Minnesota and their dogs compete in agility, obedience, showmanship and rally.

You can buy your 2019 pumpkins or winter squash from a local farmer at a roadside pumpkin stand, or find a local pumpkin patch and enjoy hot cider and other fall attractions while you pick out your perfect jack-o-lantern canvas. If you grew pumpkins or winter squash yourself, read on for tips on choosing, harvesting, and storing pumpkins until Thanksgiving or longer.

Extension faculty discuss questions such as: What is the consensus definition of soil health? What should growers look for in soil health tests, and how should they go about testing their fields? What research is available in Minnesota tying soil health tests to crop performance and yield?

Tracey Srock, an Extension Master Gardener volunteer in Crow Wing County, writes about a youth gardening class in which each student plans, plants and maintain their own garden. A similar experience is offered to veterans and other adults.