Nicollet & Sibley County Ag News

October 2023

Sibley County Office Hours October 9th - November 10th

Due to being short staffed during harvest, the Sibley County Office hours will be changing to Monday - Thursday from October 9th through November 10th.

We recommend calling before stopping in to ensure someone is there to assist you.

Thank you for your understanding!

Educator to You

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Happy October!

I wanted to stress the importance of grain bin safety during this busy season. There are safety precautions that can be taken to prevent grain-related incidents.

Manage grain to prevent spoilage, work from outside the bin, create a safe environment on your farm, take proper safety precautions if you need to enter the bin. It is also important to have a buddy with you in a safe location in case something goes wrong.

For more information on grain bin safety, visit https://extension.umn.edu/farm-safety/grain-bin-safety

Wising everyone a plentiful and safe harvest!

- Samantha

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Today in Agriculture

Fall soil sampling and BMPs

Check out the latest episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast where Extension specialists talk conditions around the state, best time to take soil samples in fall and more!

Lawn care calendar

Lawn care is important to keep your grass happy and healthy. Minnesota lawns of cool season turfgrasses bear the stress of changing weather and can survive harsh winters. A sustainable lawn care routine should support this natural life cycle of cool season grasses.

Check out this resource on Minnesota lawn care and recommended times for maintenance.

Cool season turf grass growth cycle illustration. Courtesy: Cornell University

Upcoming events

Farm Transition and Estate Planning Webinar Series

The University of Minnesota Extension is presenting four webinars on introductory farm transition and estate planning. Webinars are held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and are at no cost to attendees. Attend one or attend all four!

Oct 4: Developing your farm transition goals and assembling your “team”

Oct 11: All things tax: gifting, selling, and transferring

Oct 25: Wills, trusts, ownership titling—what does it all mean?

Nov 8: Putting the basics together: estate, retirement, healthcare, and business transfer planning

Register here!

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Agricultural Tax Issues

This one-day course targets income tax professionals that work with farmers, but will also benefit agricultural professionals such as agricultural lenders and farm management instructors.

Webinar date: Tuesday, October 10th 8am - 4:30pm

Mankato date: Friday, October 13th 8am - 4:30pm

Webinar date: Tuesday, October 17th 8am - 4:30pm

St. Cloud date: Thursday, October 19th 8am - 4:30pm

Registration fee: $215

For more information, visit https://extension.umn.edu/event/agricultural-tax-issues-2

Register

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Save the Date: Land Rent Workshops

Mark your calendars for the 2023 Land Rent Workshops.

Both Nicollet County workshops will be held at the Health and Human Services Center in the River Room in St. Peter.

The Sibley County workshop will be held at the Sibley County Service Center in the Sibley Room in Gaylord.

Keep an eye out for more information!

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