FILLMORE COUNTY
OURN L
“Where Fillmore County News Comes First”
FEBRUARY 11, 2019
FILLMORE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Conservation Chronicles
SWCD STORIES
Outstanding Conservationists honored PAGE 2 Scholarships available PAGE 2 Time for tree planting – District Tree Program PAGE 3 Well and Stream Water Nitrate Testing Clinic PAGE 4 MN Buffer Law compliance PAGE 5 Nutrient management updates PAGE 7 Feedlot Corner PAGE 8 Donna Rasmussen receives award PAGE 9 Need for conservation practices PAGE 10 Farm finances and soil health workshop PAGE 11
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, February 11, 2019
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Outstanding Conservationists honored at MASWCD Convention
Gerald Peter with Paula Mohr of The Farmer magazine, the award sponsor.
Photo submitted
Gerald and DiAnne Peter of Mabel were chosen as the 2018 Fillmore County Outstanding Conservationists. Photo submitted
Scholarships available Looking to ease the burden of that college tuition? Maybe cover the cost of those environmental sciences books that are required this semester? You can apply for the scholarships available through the Fillmore SWCD. We offer a $500 scholarship for incoming freshman and $500 for returning college students pursuing a degree in natural resources, agriculture, or related areas. Both applications are available online at www.fillmoreswcd.org or stop by the office in Preston and pick one up. Deadline for the graduating high school senior application is March 22, 2019, by 4 p.m. to the SWCD office. The 2018 scholarship
was awarded to Brady Ristau, son of Doug and Deb Ristau of Preston. Deadline for the returning college student will be July 26, 2019, by 4 p.m. to the SWCD office. To qualify, you must be a sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a degree in natural resources, agriculture, or related areas. There were no applicants in 2018. Both scholarships require submission of the application plus an essay on “What Natural Resource Conservation Means to Me.” For more information regarding the scholarships, please contact the SWCD office at (507) 765-3878, ext. 3.
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Fillmore County Journal 136 St. Anthony Street • Preston, MN 55965
and a hedge has been planted along one field to reduce erosion. Gerald and DiAnne have 85 Black and Red Angus cow/calf pairs. All their cattle are grass fed and the calves sold after weaning in November. Cows are wintered on corn stalks and spend no time in a feedlot. Their 125-acre pasture is rotationally grazed and divided into 12 paddocks which the cows are moved through weekly. Their 120 acres of woodland are fenced to exclude cattle, which enhances the wildlife. They also have a seven acre field that is maintained specifically for wildlife habitat, which they have inter-seeded with species beneficial to wildlife. This area is used by both family and guests that include young hunters and participants in the Wounded Warrior hunting program. Gerald is a former Fillmore SWCD supervisor, Preble Township Board member and Mabel Cooperative Telephone Board member. He is currently a member of the Fillmore County Cattlemen, and the Mabel Legion, having served six years in the Army Reserve, and is a member of the Land Stewardship Project. The Peters have been participants in the SE MN Volunteer Nitrate Monitoring Program since it began in 2008. Gerald’s reputation with his neighbors speaks highly of the respect they have for his opinion on pest scouting and the prudent use of pesticides and herbicides. The Peters are known for their stewardship of the land and for giving back to the community. The Fillmore SWCD congratulates Gerald and DiAnne Peter as their 2018 Fillmore County Outstanding Conservationists!
Each year the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) selects an outstanding conservationist who exemplifies the meaning of conservation. This year Gerald and DiAnne Peter of Mabel were chosen. They were honored at a luncheon at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s (MASWCD) Convention held in December in Bloomington, where Outstanding Conservationists from across the state were recognized. The Peters farm 370 acres in a corn-soybean-oats-hay rotation on both owned and rented land in Preble Township. All their land is in contour strips and no-tilled, except where the cows are wintered. They started using cover crops with EQIP and have continued their use on all acres following corn and soybeans. They have found that the use of cover crops is the best conservation practice for erosion control and nutrient retention. The farm has many conservation practices that have been added and maintained over the years. Their farm has four ponds which were installed starting in the early 1970s. Two of the ponds have had sediment removed to restore their original capacity. Waterways are maintained and added as needed. They have seven gully control structures at the head of draws where cropland adjoins steeper woods or pasture land. These structures are small dikes with a pipe or spillway, which were installed with help from the SWCD in the 1980s and are still functioning well today. They also maintain a 750-foot farmstead shelterbelt, adding trees as needed,
$5,000 scholarship for junior level college students and above announced The Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry Scholarship Endowment Fund invites qualified students to apply for the upcoming fall season scholarship. The fund is managed by the Rochester Area Foundation and their application portal will be open from January 15 to March 30, 2019. Details about the Scholarship and the Endowment Fund can
be found at the fund’s website: www.protectourresources.org. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide merit-based financial aid to individuals growing up in southeast Minnesota and attending school in the 5-state upper midwest AND who are committed to sustainability in the fields of agriculture and forestry, have
demonstrated leadership and communication skills, and are interested in pursuing a career in sustainable agriculture and/ or forestry. The Fund was established in 2015 and has awarded scholarships to three students so far. These students came from rural Lake City, rural Red Wing, and Rochester.
Upcoming events Cover Crops 101 Tour Mower/Freeborn County farmer Tom Cotter (cotterfarm@hotmail.com) and TJ Kartes (tjkartes@saddlebutte. com) of Saddle Butte Seed Company will talk about cover crop seed origination; species and species mixes; step-bystep production; and value of cover crop technology. Free to
a.m. to 3 p.m., cost is $20. Cover Crop, No-Till & Grazing: evaluating the economics and first steps to improving soil health with Minnesota farmers Grant and Dawn Breitkreutz and Tom Cotter
attend. Contact Tom or TJ by email for more information! ty Community Center, 1380 S. Elm Street, Owatonna, Minn., 6-8 p.m. Land Stewardship Project Winter Workshops For more information on any of the events listed, call (507) 523-3366. Events run from 10
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
niques used on Conventional and Organic Farms, featuring UW-Madison researcher Erin Silva
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
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Time for tree planting – District Tree Program Trees are major contributors to our quality of life. Trees reduce air and noise pollution while adding beauty and dignity to our surroundings. Now is the time to plan for your spring planting of trees and shrubs. The SWCD Tree Program offers quality stock at reasonable prices. A variety of bare root shrubs, deciduous trees, conifers and potted conifers along with fertilizer packets and tree mats with staples are available to purchase. Quantities are limited, so order your trees early for the best selection. If you would like to order a tree or shrub not listed on our order form, please contact the SWCD Office at (507) 765-3878, ext. 3, and we can check availability from our supplier. To make planting easier and more efficient we have tree bars and tree planters available for rent. Give the district a call to reserve the tree planter. The deadline for orders is Friday, February 22 along with full payment. You will be notified by postcard and/or email of tree pick-up days, times and location, which usually occurs in midApril. Order forms along with descriptions are available in this insert, on our website at www. fillmoreswcd.org, or at the SWCD office in Preston at 900 Washington Street NW.
A large variety of bare root shrubs, deciduous trees, confiers and potted conifers are available through the SWCD on the tree order form in this publication. Photo submitted
Shrubs VARIETY
SIZE
MATURITY SIZE
DESCRIPTION
Common Purple Lilac Redosier Dogwood
18” – 24” 18” – 24”
10’-15’ 7’ – 9’
Red Splendor Crabapple
18” – 24”
15’ – 25’
American Cranberry Bush
18” – 24”
6’ - 16’
Common Chokecherry
18” – 24”
10’ – 25’
Juneberry
18” – 24”
8’
A fast growing shrub with giant purple clusters of fragrant blooms in spring. Partial to full sun. Attractive red stems with creamy-white flowers followed by white berries. Red twigs create winter color. Tolerates most any location, growing in moist soils and in sun or shade. Excellent wildlife food source and cover. Tree of open graceful upright spreading habit. Reddish-green glossy foliage turns reddish-purple in fall. Very persistent fruits are dark red and showy. Full sun, moderately drought tolerant. Dark green turning bright red in fall. Pair of reddish glands on petiole near base of leaf. White flowers in large flat-topped clusters bloom in June. Purple foliage color; new leaves emerge green and turn purple as they mature. Small white flower in May; small, reddish-purple fruit relished by birds. Plants naturally form many root suckers. Prefers well-drained soils. Most popular for its fruit production, is a hardy native of the Great Plains.
Deciduous Trees Red Maple
2’ – 3’
40’ – 60’
Black Walnut
18” – 24”
50’ – 75’
Sugar Maple
2’ – 3’
60’ – 75’+
Red Oak
18” – 24”
60’ – 75’
Bur Oak
18” – 24”
70’ – 80’+
White Oak
18” – 24”
50’ - 80’’
Hackberry
18” – 24”
40’ – 60’
American Hazelnut
18’ – 24”
15’ – 18’
Black Hills Spruce
8” – 12”
40’ –60’
Norway Spruce
7” – 15”
60’ – 100’+
White Pine
7” – 15”
50’ – 80’
Red Pine (Norway)
7” – 15”
70’ – 80’
American Arborvitae
12” – 18”
40’ – 60’
White Spruce
7” – 15”
40’ – 80’
Black Hills Spruce
18” – 24”
40’ – 50’
Dark Green Arborvitae
18” – 24”
40’ – 60’
Techny Arborvitae
18” – 24”
15’ – 20’
Norway Spruce
18” – 24”
60’ - 100’+
White Spruce
18” – 24”
40’ – 80’
An excellent landscape tree. It has an oval to round crown, smooth gray bark as a young tree and red flowers in very early spring. The lobed leaves are a nice bright green and develop beautiful fall colors ranging from yellow to orange to vivid red. Requires full sun for best results. Moderately fast growing. Tall with deeply fissured brown bark. Important timber tree. Moderate growth rate. Prefers moist, well drained soils. Nuts eaten by squirrels and red and gray fox. The largest of our native maples, somewhat slow-growing but desirable for symmetrical form and bright fall colors. Very hardy. Prefers rich, well-drained soil. Fastest grower of the oaks. Does best on moist or well-drained sites in full sun. Dense, lustrous foliage. Red to reddish-brown fall color. Valuable wood products tree. Acorns provide excellent wildlife food source. Large, hardy, long-lived tree. Slow growing. Prefers adequate moisture and clean cultivation. Does best on slightly moist to well-drained sites. Requires full sun. Valuable wood products tree. Acorns provide excellent wildlife food source. Purplish-red autumn color. Moderate growth rate. Prefers moist loam soil but tolerates both wet and dry sites. Has purplish-brown fruit and is readily eaten by birds and other wildlife. Medium to fast growth rate. Full sun. Grows in dry or moist wooded areas in full sun to partial shade. Has a male and female flower on one tree. Male flowers are showy yellowish brown catkins and female flowers appear in small reddish inconspicuous catkins. Nuts are commonly left for the squirrels and birds. Fall color ranges from orange, rose, purplish red, yellow and green to undistinguished, dull yellowish green.
Bare Root Conifers Noted for its dark green foliage and conical form. Slow to moderate growing. Prefers heavier soils, adequate moisture, and clean cultivation. Drought tolerant. Hardy. Does best on moist to sandy, well-drained soils. Partial shade to full sun.. Fastest growing of the spruce trees. Attractive drooping branches. Needles are 3”-5” long, very soft and flexible, and bluish-green color. Grows well in rich, moist soil, but does best in moist, sandy loams. Full to partial shade. Good lumber tree. Needles in clusters of 5. Needles are 4” – 6” long, flexible and a dark yellow-green color. Prefers moist soils, but will tolerate dry conditions. Shade intolerant. Moderate to rapid growth. Needles in pairs. Vigorous growing narrow pyramidal tree developing a broad base and medium height. Foliage retains its dark green color year round. It has a medium growth rate. Needles are 1/3” – ¾” long and blue-green in color. Hardy. Does best in moist, well-drained, gravelly soils. Quite tolerant of hot, dry summers. Fairly rapid growth rate. Tolerant of considerable shade. Good wildlife cover.
Potted Conifers Noted for its dark green foliage and conical form. Slower growing. Prefers heavier soils, adequate moisture and clean cultivation. Vigorous growing. Prefers full sun to partial shade. More pyramidal in habit. 8’ – 10’ wide mature width. Broad-based, pyramidal conifer. Slower growing. Dark green foliage that doesn’t turn yellow in winter. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Hardy. Does best on moist to well-drained soils. Shade tolerant. Fastest growing of the spruce trees. Attractive drooping branches. Needles are 1/3” – ¾” long and blue-green in color. Hardy. Does best in moist, well-drained, gravelly soils. Quite tolerant of hot, dry summers. Fairly rapid growth rate. Tolerant of considerable shade. Good wildlife cover.
Miscellaneous Supplies Tree Mat Fertilizer Packet (18-9-9 ) + 6% sulfur
1 – 3’ x 3’ mat with 5 sod staples. Mats block 92% of the sunlight to kill weeds and grasses for up to three years. Controlled-release coating dissolves only when the soil is warm and moist, the time when nutrients and water can be absorbed and used efficiently. These packets release nutrients over a period of 12 months.
Rain Barrels EZ Assemble Rain Barrel Rain Barrel Stand
Pre-drilled 55 gallon plastic barrel, parts packet, and assembly instructions. 12” x 24” x 24” Treated Stand/Base
Trees will be available in April, 2019. Postcards will be mailed in early April notifying you of pick-up dates and time.
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, February 11, 2019
Farmstead windbreaks
Planting a windbreak provides many benefits to homes and farmsteads. Photo submitted
The FCJ reaches over 13,000 households each week.
An old adage states that the best time to plant a windbreak was 20 years ago. If this is true, then the next best time is today. Planting a windbreak is a longterm management decision that takes several years to begin providing benefits but will last a lifetime. A windbreak is a barrier that reduces or redirects the energy of the wind. A farmstead windbreak is a strip of vegetation generally consisting of multiple rows of trees and shrubs, which shelters a residence and related structures from the negative effects of wind. The additional benefits of a farmstead windbreak include: 1. Protects the people and animals from cold winter winds by reducing wind velocities. 2. Prevents large amounts of snow from drifting by catching
it inside and directly behind the windbreak and melting it slowly as it soaks into the ground so it does not run off. 3. Reduces the costs of heating and cooling your home by reducing the wind velocity. 4. Protects the home, business, or farm building from windstorms that can come at any time of the year. 5. Reduces traffic dust and other noises from nearby roads and fields. 6. Reduces the effects of hot drying summer winds; the trees act like air conditioners as they transpire and have a cooling effect on the immediate area. 7. Provides a better working and living condition with more productivity for persons inside the windbreak as a result of reduced winter winds. 8. Attracts game and song-
5th Annual Well and Stream Water Nitrate Testing Clinic If you ever wonder how much nitrate is in the water, bring us a sample to test. The testing is FREE. The 5th Annual Well and Stream Water Nitrate Testing Clinic will be held February 16, 2019, at National Trout Center, 120 St. Anthony, Preston. If you come between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. your samples will be analyzed within 15 minutes. Bring as many water samples as you want from local wells,
springs, ponds, streams and rivers. While you are waiting, try water samples from three different local wells. We will also have coffee and other refreshments. You might talk to hardy local anglers about winter trout fishing, or visit with water experts from the Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MnWOO) or talk with your neighbors about water, aquifers and well protection.
You will see the most up-todate information about nitrates and wells in Driftless Area including data from the last four years of testing. Bring your water samples in a clean plastic or glass container. Include the location and date you collected the sample and any other details. Please have a minimum of one cup (8 oz) of water minimum. Two cups are OK but not necessary. Everything is Free. If you decide to go collect
water samples from streams you can have some fun in the cold, come to NTC to get warmed up and hydrated while your samples are analyzed, and you can take your new fishing tips and your nitrate tests home. After five years of this, Citizen Science nitrate screenings have confirmed the scientific studies that show the patterns of nitrate distribution in our karst landscape. The surrounding areas with shal-
birds and other wildlife all times of the year, especially in the winter. 9. Helps beautify the overall landscape around the area and make it a better place to work and play along with an increase in the total value of the windbreak protected area. 10. Protects growing plants and trees by lowering evaporation rates resulting in an increase in growth and plant quality. Fillmore SWCD has costshare funds available at 50% of the cost of potted trees with a maximum of $1,000 to assist landowners in the establishment of a farmstead windbreak. Please contact the Fillmore SWCD and speak with Anne Koliha at (507) 765-3878 ext. 123 or anne.koliha@fillmoreswcd.org. low bedrock, sinkholes and springs are heavily impacted by nitrates. This ongoing effort gives our neighboring landowners and farmers the information they need to protect our water resources. The event is hosted by the National Trout Center, the Fillmore SWCD, and the Minnesota Well Owners Organization. The Root River Partnership will also be there. You will meet trained water quality specialists and people who have an interest in pure, clean water for everyone from the smallest baby to the tallest angler.
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Monday, February 11, 2019
MN Buffer Law compliance
A monitoring plan was developed and adopted by the Fillmore SWCD Board of Supervisors to maintain compliance with the MN Buffer Law. Photo submitted
Buffers are critically important to keep water clean, prevent erosion, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for wildlife. As a reminder, buffers are required on all public waters. With the cooperation of landowners and producers, Fillmore County has achieved 99% compliance. Now we need to look at maintaining compliance with the MN Buffer Law, and to do so, a monitoring plan was developed and adopted by the Fillmore SWCD Board of Supervisors. Fillmore SWCD Monitoring Plan for Buffer Compliance Tracking 1. Compliance tracking of all parcels subject to the Buffer Law a. All parcels in the county are to be reviewed within a 3-year timeframe. The Fillmore SWCD will review 1/3 of par-
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
cels each year. 2. Random Spot Checks a. Random spot checks will be done in addition to the tracking of all parcels within a 3-year span. These checks may be conducted via aerial photo review or on-site review depending on availability of updated aerial photos and the practice that is being checked/ access to farms. A combination of both aerial and on-site review may also be used. b. The SWCD will conduct a random spot check review on 5% of parcels each year. c. Additionally, the SWCD should review parcels of emphasis more frequently. c.i. Previously non-compliant c.ii. No-till/Conservation tillage or cover crop alternative practice plans c.iii. Variable width buffers
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c.iv. Other Alternative Practice Plans c.v. Cost-share funded projects c.vi. Parcels of further emphasis 3. Process to Handle Complaints a. A Buffer non-compliance procedure flow chart was developed between the Fillmore County Zoning and Fillmore SWCD to use for handling noncompliance and complaints. If you need to install, reseed or repair your buffer or have any other concerns or questions, please call the Fillmore SWCD and speak to Anne Koliha at (507) 765-3878 ext. 123 or anne.koliha@fillmoreswcd.org. Thank you for doing your part to protect water quality now and for future generations.
Root River One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) implementation begins! By Donna Rasmussen Administrator The Root River One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) watershed-based implementation funding was allocated from the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources in May of 2018 in the amount of $850,301 for fiscal years 2018-2019. Several subwatersheds were selected as priority areas for conservation practices to be implemented (see hashed areas on the map). A top priority is drinking
water protection so funds are designated for two vulnerable public water suppliers’ drinking water supply management areas: Chatfield and Utica and the subwatershed in which each is located. Improving soil health and nutrient management are key elements for these areas, and funds are being used for technical assistance from the Area Soil Health Technician, Dean Thomas, and the Nutrient Manage-
ment Specialist, Sara West, both of whom are housed in the Fillmore SWCD office. There will
also be support for the Rush-Pine Farmer Led Council to prioritize how funds can be used to assist farmers with implementing prac-
tices in the watershed upstream of Rushford. In the headwaters of the Root River in Mower County, several grassed waterway and water and sediment basin practices have been identified, and more will be planned following one-on-one farm walkovers with farmers in that area. Riceford Creek and the South Fork of the Root River have been prioritized for practices, in particular for water storage upstream of
Mabel to reduce flooding in that city and sediment issues in the stream. Crooked Creek Watershed District has a grade stabilization structure that is designed and ready for construction using the watershed funds. There are also some funds budgeted to do projects outside these priority areas. In addition to the state funds, federal EQIP funds have been designated for use in the 1W1P See WATERSHED Page 6 ➤
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Services
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Page 6
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
WATERSHED
Continued from Page 5
priority areas through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for federal fiscal years 2019-2021. Practices implemented under this program in the first year will receive a higher cost share rate than under regular EQIP. First sign up deadline for the EQIP funds is April 19. If you want to learn more or
Monday, February 11, 2019
An Official Legal Newspaper for Fillmore County
have input into future priorities for projects, have a conversation with your local SWCD/County Water Planner or your elected officials serving on the Policy Committee. For Fillmore County, the Water Planner is Caleb Fischer, located at the Fillmore SWCD office. The Root River 1W1P document, along with other related materials, is available on Fillmore SWCD’s website at: www.fillmoreswcd.org/rootRiverWatershed.html.
2018-2019 Root River Project Areas (Watershed-Based Funding only). Photo submitted
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Monday, February 11, 2019
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Nutrient management updates By Sara West questions. get your Manure Management Nutrient Management As we head into the heart Plans up to date! Assistance Specialist of winter, keep in mind the with this is available through A Nutrient Management setbacks from sensitive features the SWCD office for $0.35/ Workshop set for March 5 at are different when the ground acre. We also offer manure the Winona Technical College is frozen. So when manure spreader calibrations, which is will be held in conjunction application is necessary, please a free service, and manure test with Houston and Winona follow the setbacks shown kits. All of these services can Counties. This workshop will below. help you increase profit margins focus on developing and updatTo further reduce the risk in your operation and reduce ing your own Nutrient Man- of runoff, apply manure to the possibilities of groundagement Plan for your opera- ground with less than a 6% water contamination and the tion. Assistance will be avail- slope for solid manure and 2% over application of Nitrogen. able for everyone interested. slope if you are applying liq- For questions or to schedule a We will be posting more details uid manure. Also avoid spread- Nutrient Plan update, call the for this event on the SWCD ing through waterways to help Fillmore SWCD at (507) 765website and Facebook page, or avoid runoff during snowmelts. 3878, ext. 3 and speak with you can call the office with any Now is also a great time to Sara West. Manure Setback Distances for Sensitive Areas Winter Setbacks vs. Warm Season Setbacks Sensitive Feature Winter Setback/ NO manure Injected/Incorporated Incorporation Manure Stream/intermittent Stream 300 Feet 25 Feet Lakes & Wetlands 300 Feet 25 Feet Open Tile Intakes 300 Feet 25 Feet Drainage Ditches 300 Feet 25 Feet Sinkholes 50 Ft Down & 300 Ft Upside 50 Feet Wells, Mines, Quarries 50 Feet 50 Feet
To further reduce the risk of runoff, apply manure to ground with less than a 6% slope for solid manure and 2% slope if you are applying liquid manure. Also avoid spreading through waterways to help avoid runoff during snowmelts. Now is also a great time to get your Manure Management Plans up to date! Assistance with this is available through the
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, February 11, 2019
The FCJ reaches over 13,000 households each week.
Feedlot Corner Thinking of making changes to your livestock operation – construction, change of ownership, expansion? Now is the time to visit with the County Feedlot Officer (CFO) to ensure plans and permits are ready when the changes and construction begins. The County Feedlot Officer will be sending out re-registration forms to operations needing updates – so please send them back in promptly if you receive one. Also, annual site inspections will be conducted at selected operations throughout the year. Please feel free to contact the Feedlot office at any time with questions or
concerns. Contact information
plaints, Permitting, Registration: Mike Frauenkron, Fillmore County CFO/ Zoning Technician, (507) 765-2539 or mfrauenkron@co.fillmore. mn.us Koliha, Engineer Technician at Fillmore SWCD, (507) 7653878, ext. 123, or anne.koliha@fillmoreswcd.org Planning: Sara West, Nutrient Management Planner at Fillmore SWCD, (507) 7653878, ext. 105, or sara.west@ fillmoreswcd.org
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Monday, February 11, 2019
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Donna Rasmussen receives 2018 Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee award During the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ (MASWCD) annual convention held in Minneapolis on December 10, Donna Rasmussen was named 2018 Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Employee. Rasmussen has spent her career advancing water quality initiatives in southeastern Minnesota. The Fillmore SWCD administrator manages a staff of eight, secures and implements grants, oversees pilot programs, and plays a role in several regional and state conservation programs. The Fillmore SWCD administrator since 2008, Rasmussen previously served as Fillmore County’s first water plan coordinator. Rasmussen’s dedication to the Root River Watershed is clear with her and the Fillmore SWCD Water Management Coordinator serving as the dayto-day coordinators for the Root River One Watershed One Plan partnership since 2014. She helped complete its comprehensive watershed management plan in 2016, and developed a work plan for an $851,301 Watershed-Based Funding pilot grant for implementation in 2018. Donna continues to be an integral part of the Root River
Fillmore County’s Donna Rasmussen receives an award for her ongoing work with the SWCD. Photo submitted Field to Stream Partnership. She commits a significant amount of her staff’s time to water quality monitoring for this program. Donna has effectively coordinated the implementation of their $1.3 million Targeted Watershed grant between a large number of project partners (Fillmore/ Root River/Mower SWCDs, MN Department of Agricul-
AgBMP Loan Program
* 3% Interest Rate Loans * 10 Year Maximum Term
Septic Systems
* Individual and Cluster Systems are Eligible * Lender may charge customary fees * Lender may require collateral *Must complete application before work begins on system * Need written cost estimate to fill out application
AgBMP Loan Program
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) certifies farmers for managing the land within their operation in a way that protects water quality. Agricultural operations and landowners seeking certification will undergo a three step process.
Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer is a lender of last resort for assessment on to property taxes for septic systems.
* Repair of Existing Systems or New Construction
in area water quality initiatives. She chairs the regional Basin Alliance for the Lower Mississippi in Minnesota (BALMM), which works with state agencies and other partners to coordinate protection and water quality improvement efforts. She was also instrumental in forming the non-profit citizens group Friends of the Root River in
To qualify for property tax assessment:
1. Application
Borrower must be denied a loan for septic from a bank.
2. Assessment 3. Verification
Property taxes must be currently paid to date
This program is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water. Those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices will be certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty for a period of ten years.
County will collect a 0.5% origination fee of loan amount Begin Application at:
Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District Anne Koliha 900 Washington St NW Preston, MN 55965 (507) 765-3878 ext. 123 anne.koliha@fillmoreswcd.org LOW INTEREST LOANS
for
Well Replacement
FOR WATER QUALITY
* 3% Interest Rate Loans
* Privately Owned Existing Well
* 10 Year Maximum Term
* Existing well contaminated
* Lender may charge customary fees
* Does not meet set back requirements
* Lender may require collateral
* Existing well to be sealed
2014. Donna stands out with her continual hard work to seek out new funding opportunities, programs, initiatives, partnerships, etc. that will further the SWCD’s mission and get more conservation on the ground. Because of Donna’s reliability and collaboration, the Root River watershed has been the location of many pilot projects, including one of the state’s first Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS), One Watershed One Plan, and Watershed-Based Funding grants. It was also the first watershed in Minnesota that received MN River Basin Healthy Watershed Initiative (MRBI) dollars from NRCS after Donna and other partners spoke before the Midwest Natural Resources Group. Under Donna, the SWCD has maintained and developed a good relationship and increased cooperation and funding with the Fillmore County Board. She and her staff have been fully involved with the county board to discuss and implement compliance with the MN Buffer Law, the local soil loss ordinance, industrial sand mining and other zoning issues that have been discussed during her tenure as administrator. Donna is well-respected by all of her colleagues, and despite plans for retirement in March 2019, continues to be actively engaged in all conservation work in this corner of the state.
Become a Water Quality Certified Farm!
for
Certified farms receive:
Through this program
LOW INTEREST LOANS FOR WATER QUALITY
ture, Board of Water and Soil Resources). This has culminated in the project being awarded the Rural Vitality Award at the 2018 Environmental Initiative Award Ceremony. The continued success of this project is due to much of Donna’s work “behindthe-scenes.” In addition to her work at the SWCD, Rasmussen is involved
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Regulatory certainty: certified producers are deemed to be in compliance with any new water quality rules or laws during the period of their certification Recognition: certified producers may use their status to promote their business as protective of water quality Priority for technical and financial assistance: producers seeking certification can obtain specially designated technical and financial assistance to implement practices that promote water quality The public receives: * Assurance that certified producers are using conservation practices to protect Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and streams.
Contact Anne Koliha at the Fillmore SWCD to get signed up, 507-765-3878 ext. 123 or anne.koliha@fillmoreswcd.org
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, February 11, 2019
The FCJ reaches over 13,000 households each week.
Fillmore County Highway 2018 showed the need for conservation practices Department/SWCD Integrated With excess rainfall comes the possibility of excess soil Roadside Management and nutrients leaving. On one example field that has been Agreement Form is due March 31 monitored for nine years, there
Fillmore County Highway Department has developed a “Noxious We e d - No Spray” program to help reduce the cost of the chemical spraying in County roadside ditches. The county or their contractor will annually spray county road ditches in the fall of the year, which is found to be most effective. The purpose of this program is to provide a
standard for the maintenance of noxious weeds in roadside ditches. By signing the No Spray Request Form, landowners/renters agree to control and/or remove the noxious weeds and brush within the “No Spray Zone” signs. Two signs, two posts and hardware can be purchased from the Highway Department for $34.36 (including sales tax). If you are interested in signing up, contact Fillmore County Highway Department at (507) 765-3854 or email: truen@co.fillmore.mn.us.
With as much rain as we had last year, the need for conservation practices is evident in farm fields, range/pasture land, and riparian areas. Photo submitted By Aaren Mathison Conservation Technician Rain might make corn, but too much rain means trouble for our soil and nutrients in the form of runoff. Through the Root River Field to Stream Partnership (https://rootriverfieldtostream.org/), we monitor
runoff at multiple edge-of-field sites that help us understand the correlation between farming practices and possible pollutants in our streams. Oftentimes a “minor” concern is actually a “major” contributor to pollution in our streams and rivers.
have been an average of 20 runoff events per calendar year. Even though we don’t have our finalized data yet for 2018, we had approximately 55 runoff events last year on this same field. There were nearly three times as many events in 2018 that could cause a landowner’s valuable soil and nutrients to leave their property. One field had a total of over 45 inches of precipitation during the growing season (April 1 to November 1) when about 31” is typical. That’s almost 50% above normal. Not just our data showed that this past year has been anything but typical. Several locations in southeast Minnesota measured 50-60” of precipitation for the year, when about 35” is normal. With as much rain as we had last year, the need for conservation practices is evident in farm fields, range/pasture land, and riparian areas. If you have any questions in regards to saving your soil and nutrients from another runoff, contact our office at (507) 765-3878, ext. 3
SAVE THE DATE! Fillmore SWCD Annual Forestry Field Day Wednesday, July 24, 2019 Native Seed for CRP, CREP, DOT, BWSR, & Custom Mixes 20740 County Road 33 Spring Grove, MN 55974 507-498-3944
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5:30 pm Light supper followed by program at 6:00 pm PRECISION AGRICULTURE
Scheevel & Sons INC Ron Scheevel Cell 507-273-9796 Aaron Scheevel Cell 507-272-3923 507-765-4756 17057 Kind Rd. Preston, MN 55965
The FCJ reaches over 13,000 households each week.
Monday, February 11, 2019
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Page 11
Smart conservation strategies for drought
Just a few changes to daily habits can have a sizable impact.
water for washing. Use it to clean areas of the home or water plants.
Drought conditions require advanced preparedness and conservation until weather improves. Drought can affect just about any area of the country at any time. Water conservation remains the most important consideration during times of drought. Drought preparedness can make riding out the weather that much easier. The National Drought Mitigation Center defines drought as “a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time.” Drought indices vary depending on geographic location. What would be a drought in one area
and have any leaks repaired.
unless you plan to drink it.
restrictors on faucets.
and aerate the lawn to help the landscape conserve water. able containers in the refrigerator.
may be entirely normal conditions in another. Surviving drought that results in a water shortage and impacts quality of life may require government intervention and the cooperation of citizens and homeowners. Even if drought is not typically accompanied by the kinds of warnings associated with floods and certain storms, it remains dangerous. Statistics Brain reports that, between the years of 1980 to 2014, roughly 19,000 people a year lost their lives due to the effects of drought. Drought may be most associ-
ated with arid regions, but it is not exclusive to deserts. For instance, drought is a problem in Canada, a country often associated with cold weather. As early as the end of March 2017, the Canadian Drought Monitor indicated large areas of abnormally dry conditions in British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and Saskatchewan, with smaller pockets of abnormally dry areas in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Novia Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. Conserving water is the utmost priority during times of drought.
efficient appliances.
posals for getting rid of food waste. recycled water can be used safely. For example, collected rainwater can be repurposed to water plants and outdoor landscapes. washer with a full load. heating up the shower or sink
channel rainwater, or use rootdelivery systems to water landscapes more efficiently. reduce water evaporation. that recycles water.
ing strategies with others in your community.
MN Farmers to lead farm finances and soil health workshop in Preston A Land Stewardship Project (LSP) workshop called “Cover Crops, No-Till & Grazing: Evaluating the Economics and First Steps to Improving Soil” will be held Friday, February 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the St. Columban Church in Preston (408 Preston St. NW). It will feature presentations by southwestern Minnesota farmers Grant and Dawn Breitkreutz, along with southeastern Minnesota farmers Tom Cotter and Myron Sylling. The cost is $20 per individual, which includes lunch; students receive a $10 scholarship rate. To register by February 13, contact LSP’s Alex Romano at (507) 523-3366.
Directions from U.S. Highway 52, turn south on to St. Paul Street NW; after .1 miles, turn right to stay on St. Paul Street; in .2 miles turn left onto Preston St. NW. The church will be on your left. Between the testimonials of pioneering farmers like Gabe Brown, the media buzz and new research around the benefits of soil health and farm profitability, area farmers are looking to take steps to build soil through practices like no-till, cover cropping and rotational grazing. Yet, new practices bring their share of challenges, successes and even failures. The farmers presenting at the February 15 workshop will address this
learning curve with stories from their own operations. In their 20 years of farming in Redwood County, the Breitkreutzes have put forth a massive effort to regenerate their soils by practicing no-till row cropping and managed rotational grazing, as well as diversified cover cropping. They believe that soil health and regenerative agriculture should not be considered an expense — everything they do on their land has an economic return plus a soil health benefit. Their presentation will be followed up by a group discussion and presentations from Cotter and Sylling on their own experiences
with soil building methods such as cover cropping, reduced tillage and rotational grazing. Cotter, from Austin, raises no-till and strip-till conventional corn and soybeans, as well as sweet corn and peas, and is transitioning some land to organic. His family also raises beef cattle and they incorporate practices such as cover crop grazing, interseeding covers into corn, and growing a warm season cover crop. Sylling, who farms near Spring Grove, is a long-time cash grain producer who has been no-tilling for 20 years and using cover crops intensively for the past six years. “The best thing that Grant and
Dawn bring to the soil health conversation is their experience with practical implementation of good soil building methods,” said Mike Seifert, a no-till crop farmer from Jordan, Minn. “As a farmer who has read about and studied the principles of soil health, my biggest questions revolve around how to implement those principles in a realistic way on my own farm. That’s where Grant and Dawn come in. They’ve been experimenting with soil health methods for years, and they talk about those experiences in a way that is honest, direct and relevant to farmers who want to get started down the road to soil health on the right foot.”
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DON’T JUDGE A SEEDBED BY ITS SURFACE. You know that a level seedbed is key to maximizing yields. However, your seedbed consists of more than just the soil surface. It’s comprised of the entire layer of soil where the seed is placed and germinates, including the seedbed floor. The Case IH True-Tandem™ vertical tillage line-up delivers an even, smooth seedbed. Front and rear gang blades are precisely indexed to each other to remove any unevenness in the seedbed floor. The smooth sub-surface maximizes planter productivity to place seeds at the desired depth and spacing. As a result, you achieve uniform germination, rapid emergence and increased yields.
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