As livestock producers head into the early winter months, they may find themselves slowing down (a bit), or at least with livestock. Weaning and vaccinating is done and now focus can be on forages and winter body condition scores (BCS). Producers might be thinking with some of their down time they should be cleaning out manure from their barn yard, but is it the right time to do that? Will it be effective?
In winter it is not recommended to spread manure on your fields. Instead plan on storing it or starting a composting pile. Often questions may arise such as, "Since the ground may be frozen or harder than other times of the year, isn't it better for compaction considerations to spread in winter?" The answer is, yes, compaction will be less, but that is the only benefit. However, the cons are more numerous. The nutrients in the manure can't soak into the frozen soil, so the potential for nutrient loss is extremely high. Winter has the highest rate of runoff, so the nutrients will be end up in the ditches, therefore not providing anything to your fields.
If possible, store manure in winter and spread it in spring when the chances of nutrient loss is lower and the soon to be growing crop is able to use the nutrients provided.
~Katie Hagen
Regional Climate Summaries
In East Central Minnesota, average annual temperature is projected to increase by 3.7-4.4 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) and average annual precipitation is projected to increase by up to 1.4 inches by mid-century (2040-2059), depending on the emissions scenario. The timing and intensity of precipitation is also expected to shift, with wetter springs, drier summers, shorter snow seasons, heavier rain events, and longer dry spells without measurable rainfall. Learn more about climate projections, changes we've already experienced, and the potential impacts it will have on our lives!
From Prep to Plate: Food Safety for the Holidays
The holiday season can be a busy time for many people, and thinking about food safety might not be at the top of your to-do list. However, taking a moment to brush up on some key food safety strategies can help keep you and your guests healthy. Most people are aware of how following handwashing recommendations and a thorough kitchen sanitation routine can lower the risk of spreading illness. But what actions can you take to control food temperatures and food allergens? Give the gift of safe food by using these recommendations at your holiday gatherings.
Offal Wildlife Watching
Where: At home
When: Throughout hunting season
Cost: Free
About: The Offal Wildlife Watching project has been collecting images of scavengers at deer gut piles (offal) since 2018 to better understand how this rich food source is used by wildlife in different Minnesota habitats. Researchers will share how remote cameras can be used to observe wildlife, some tips and techniques for different research questions, interesting project results and how you can get involved, even if you're not a deer hunter.
Agritourism with AgPlan
Where: Red Pine Winery in Cambridge, MN (31111 Polk St NE
Cambridge, MN 55008)
When: January 14, 2025 at 9-11 AM
Cost: Free
About: Do you have an agritourism business idea but are unsure how to make it successful? Do you want to add value to your farming operation but are unsure where to begin? Or perhaps you’re new to farming and have a great idea about how to connect the public with food production. Writing a business plan can dramatically increase the success of implementing your business ideas and goals.
Women in Ag Network Conference
Where: The Park Event Center in St. Cloud, MN
When: February 11, 2025
Cost: TBD
About:
For beginning, future, and long-time farmers, those in the ag industry, educators, and farming enthusiasts
Find out more about the Women in Ag Network
Topics include farm production, finances and taxes, recordkeeping, human resources, laws and regulations, USDA info, investing and estate planning, marketing, emergency awareness, managing social presence, carbon markets, wellbeing, and resiliency.
Minnesota Beginning Farmer Institute
Where: Carlton Transportation Building in Carlton, MN
When: January 9 (12 PM - 5 PM), January 16, & 23 (10 AM to 3 PM), 2025
Cost: Free
About: The Institute is a 3-part course that teaches young and/or new farm owners or operators farm management topics including, business planning, taxes and record keeping, finances, rent, and marketing. Lunch is provided each day, plus many handouts and resources will be offered for you to take home.
Conservation Conversations
Where: North Pine Government Center in Sandstone, MN
When: December 5, December 18, 2024 & January 17, 2025 (times vary)
Cost: Free
About: Pine/Isanti County Extension and the Soil and Water Conservation District are hosting three "conversation" workshops that will allow like-minded producers network and discuss conservation practices (in order): no-till systems, rotational grazing, and organic production. Those conversations will be offered in that order on the dates listed above.
Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference
Where: Grand Rapids, MN
When: January 11, 2025
Cost: $30 for first individual, $10 for each additional family member; tribal member go for free
About: Extension’s woodland owner conference returns to northern Minnesota! This event will bring together woodland stewards from across northern Minnesota to share insights on the importance of managing our northern forests. Sessions include trail design, managing wildlife, see collection, wildfire, and water quality.
Climate Change Effects on Migratory Birds
Flyways
Climate change is not uniform globally or within the United States. Therefore, migratory birds’ arrival varies each spring and they are prompted to move within their four main flyways by specific weather and temperature patterns.
According to NASA, in the western half of the U.S., bird migration is strongly linked with regional air and ocean surface temperatures of the adjacent Pacific Ocean. Above-average temperatures are causing birds to migrate earlier in the spring. In the eastern half of the U.S., however, migration is linked with Rossby Waves, airwaves flowing east to west that transfer warm air from the tropics poleward and cold polar air to the lower latitudes. They form due to the Earth’s rotation and geography and significantly impact weather and climate patterns for thousands of miles.
In addition to these cues, birds rely on the annual change in day length on migration timing. Knowing the causes of bird migration patterns allows us to manage and direct our efforts to protect, restore, and preserve their habitat, especially in the flyways.
Migration
Birds migrate short or long distances based on food availability and climate conditions correlating with their annual life cycles. A longer migration distance increases the risk to survival. Since so many factors affect breeding and migration, birds must be extremely adaptable and flexible to shifts in global climate patterns that are not equal across geographic regions.
In Minnesota’s temperate zone, increasing winter and spring temperatures could promote birds staying through the winter and breeding earlier. Based on historical records, current populations of migratory birds are shown to arrive earlier in the spring and breed sooner than they did in the past, but these trends are not equal across species. The estimated rate of change varies based on several factors, including the availability of good quality food, the amount of daylight, how far birds migrate, the specific species, life-history traits, and geographic region.
Contact Me
Katie Hagen
Ag Production, Hort & Natural Resources Extension Educator
Email: hagen@umn.edu
UM Ext Isanti County
555 18th Ave. SW
Cambridge, MN 55008
763-689-8254
UM Ext Pine County, County Courthouse
635 Northridge Dr NW #280
Pine City, MN 55063
320-591-1662