Farm

Program Deadline Approaching

By Kent Thiesse Farm management analyst kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced a sign-up period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in 2023 that will extend from Feb. 27 through April 7 at local FSA offices. The current CRP sign-up period will be for renewing existing CRP contracts and adding farmland acres into the General CRP program. Landowners can sign-up for the Continuous CRP program throughout the year, and the sign-up period for the Grassland CRP program will be announced by the USDA at a later date. The CRP program is offered on a voluntary basis through the USDA. The CRP program can be used as a tool by landowners and the agricultural community to invest in the longterm protection and well-being of their land and natural resources.

The CRP program has a long history of promoting conservation practices and farmland stewardship in the United States. The CRP program was established in December of 1985 as part of the 1985 farm bill and has remained part of every farm bill since that time. The maximum acreage and primary goals of the CRP program have changed over the years; however, the CRP program has been a centerpiece of the Conservation Title every time a new farm bill has been written. There may be some adjustments to the CRP program; however, CRP will likely remain a key component of the Conservation Title when the next farm bill is completed later this year or beyond.

There are three different CRP programs that agricultural producers and landowners can enroll in:

• General CRP — The General CRP program has only been altered slightly since the CRP program was initiated in 1985. The goal of the General CRP program is to offer producers and landowners the opportunity to put larger land parcels into a 10-year or 15-year CRP contract, and in return receive an annual rental payment from the USDA for the acres of tillable farmland that are enrolled into CRP. The CRP acres are usually seeded into approved long-term grasses and trees to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat. More recently, the General CRP program also includes climatesmart practices to help increase carbon sequestration and the removal of greenhouse gases. Landowners offer land into the General CRP program through a bidding process that includes an acceptable CRP rental rate for the length of the contract. The General CRP rental rates cannot exceed 85% of the average cash rental rate in a given county. The USDA evaluates all bids submitted through an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI), which takes into account the value of the land parcel for protecting the soil, improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitat and reducing greenhouse gases, as well as considering the annual cost based on the desired rental rate. A total of 2.1 million acres in the U.S. were accepted through the General CRP sign-up period in 2022, representing approximately 90% of the acres that were offered for bid.

• Continuous CRP — Under Continuous CRP, landowners and producers can enroll in the CRP program at any time during the year.

The USDA accepts all land parcels that are offered through Continuous CRP into the CRP program, provided that the land meets the established requirements for the program.

Many times, Continuous CRP is used on smaller land parcels that have specific environmental benefits, such as near rivers, streams or drainage ditches, or to re-establish wetlands. The last farm bill set the maximum annual payment rate for Continuous CRP at 90% of the average county rental rate; however, there has been legislation passed by Congress since the last farm bill that has enhanced some financial opportunities through the program. The Continuous CRP program can be part of special programs such as the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program, and the Clean Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers Initiative (CLEAR30). Many times, these special programs are only offered

Charles “Charlie” A. Vogel, age 77, of rural St. Peter, died Saturday, February 25, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2023, day/date/time to be announced later. St. Peter Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com

Saint Peter, MN (February 17, 2023) —Today, the Nicollet County Historical Society announced that it has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting the E. St. Julien Cox House and Treaty Site History Center for free, up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 850 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of the Nicollet County Historical Society’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences. Museums for All helps expand ac- cess to museums and also raises public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire communities. More than 850 institutions participate in the initiative, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more. Participating museums are located nationwide, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM)

The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) champions children’s museums worldwide. With more than 460 members in 50 states and 16 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children’s museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination. Learn more at www.childrensmuseums.org.

About the Nicollet County Historical Society (NCHS)

The Nicollet County Historical Society was organized on August 22, 1928. Since then, we’ve been gathering, preserving, and sharing the varied history of the people, places, and events that have shaped Nicollet County. We’re a community asset and leader engaging and educating the public and fostering an appreciation of Nicollet County History. To learn more, visit www.nchsmn.org and follow us on Facebook.

NCHS Seeks Applicants for 2023 Board of Directors

Saint Peter, MN - The Nicollet County Historical Society (NCHS) is currently accepting applications for Board of Directors members. NCHS has the privilege of gathering, preserving, and sharing Nicollet County and Minnesota’s rich history. We do this by offering exhibits providing access to, and interpretation and enjoyment of, our collections artifacts and unique local stories. Housing and caring for an extensive collection of Nicollet County and Minnesota-focused photographs, doc- uments, maps, etc.

Creating educational programs that offer various learning opportunities for adults and children, including lectures, films, demonstrations, hands-on activities, etc.

Keeping our membership updated about our sites, upcoming events, new additions to our collection, and historical interest stories with a quarterly print newsletter, The Crossing.

Directors are expected to: Attend bi-monthly board meetings. Actively participate in planning, governance, and fundraising. Serve on committees. Be ambassadors, volunteering your time and talents at our historic sites or within our communities.

The best candidates have passion for history, connections that can help promote NCHS and experience in finance, accounting, law, or human resources. The deadline for consideration is February 28, 2023. Learn more at https://www.nchsmn.org/call-for-2023 -board-members/ or 507-934-2160.

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Saint Peter Youth Hockey and Minnesota River Bulldogs Host Mite Jamboree in LeSueur

The St. Peter Youth Hockey Association and Minnesota River Bulldogs put on its eighth annual Bulldogs Mite Jamboree from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on February 25 at the Le Sueur Community Center.

Over 250 players and 20 teams from across the area registered to compete in the event. Area teams that participated in the oneday event included Hutchinson, Shakopee, New Prague, Waconia, Mankato, Faribault, New Ulm, Shakopee, Tri-City United, and Minnesota River.

The event featured two hockey vendors, including airbrushed hats and custom jewelry with association logos.

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Daddy-Daughter Dance Continued From Page One

ing modern dance, country and other popular music. Kids of all ages enjoyed the night with their fathers, dancing, running around and just being silly.

There were inflatable beach balls and guitars that were popular with many of the small children who seemed more content on playing than dancing. There were many dancing to the tunes as well, often in coordination with songs like the Cuban Shuffle. In addition to the dance, there were other fun activities for children to do with their dads. This included a bean bag toss and microphone making with toilet paper tubes, a black ball and crayons and stickers to decorate them. The community center also had board games like Sorry! and Candyland available to play.

Registrants paid $30 for the dance, but food and ice cream was also available to guests. The dance was held in the gym. Professional photos of dad and daughter were also available for the guests. The lobby was decorated with balloons and streamers. Volunteers and staff helped make the event successful once again.

Photos From Bockfest Celebration in New Ulm

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AsK A troPPer

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I read your article last week about trailer safety. I would like more information on trailer hitch ball sizes and why they have different sizes?

Answer: There are four different trailer hitch ball sizes. Each size has a different weight rating related to the trailer you are pulling. It is very important to make sure you always use the proper ball size with the trailer you are pulling. The ball size required for the trailer is stamped on the coupler of the trailer. If you use the wrong size ball, the trailer will not latch properly and could come disconnected. Once you have the ball connected to the coupler, you need to latch down and put a pin through the coupler to keep it secured.

Trailer hitch ball sizing:

A 1-7/8 inch ball has a gross towing weight of 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. It is commonly used for light trailers like a utility trailer or small fishing boat. bill aligns Minnesota with the rest ofChapter 9, House File 50: This bill authorizes the DNR to make changes to improve Minnesota’s state park anderly transfer Minnesota county and

A 2 inch ball has a gross towing weight of 3,500 to 12,000 pounds. It is used for pulling campers and bigger boats.

A 2-5/16 inch ball has a gross towing weight of 6,000 to 30,000 pounds. This size would be used for travel trailers and larger utility trailers.

The largest size is a 3 inch ball which has a 30,000 pound rating. This is usually used on livestock or large travel trailers.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.

You can also email him at: Troy. Christianson@state.mn.us.