FOLEY, Minn. — With the constant changing landscape of agriculture comes new educational needs. In order to better understand these needs I have created a survey designed to capture what you as growers need and would like to see coming from this position in the future. I welcome all ideas and will use the information gathered from this survey in future programming and educational efforts. Please use this link z.umn.edu/TriCountyCrops and fill out the survey. It should take 2-3 minutes to complete and your responses will help shape the future programming from this position. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call the office at 320-968-5081 or email ndrewitz@umn.edu.
For those who are interested in the educational opportunities coming up soon, the Conservation Tillage Conference (CTC) is in St. Cloud this year at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. Roll up your sleeves for some practical, hands-on information that will save you soil, time, fuel, and money. This conference emphasizes proven farmer experience and applied science. Straight from the fields, learn how heavier, colder soils aren’t necessarily the challenge they’re made out to be. Hear from long-time no-till, reduced tillage, and cover crop farmers as they share their experiences, so you can be spared the same hard-learned lessons. This conference is geared for both the experienced and novice growers and consultants. Early bird fee is $140 for the full conference. Prices will rise to $180 after December 2nd, 2019. Register online at z.umn.edu/DIGtheCTC or call 320-235-0726 x2001. Visit z.umn.edu/DIGtheCTC for more information on the agenda, lodging, program speakers, and to register.
The Land-Rent meetings are also going on around Central Minnesota again this fall. Farm land rental rates are the largest input cost and a fair farm rent agreement is a challenge in today’s economy with current corn and soybean prices in 2019. Topics covered at the meetings will include local historic and projected farmland rental rate trends, current farmland values and sales, a worksheet that will help determine a fair rental agreement. Input costs for 2019 will be presented along with current 2019 corn and soybean prices. Worksheets will examine 2020 costs and what is affordable rent that a farmer will be able to pay in 2020, the rate of return to the landlord at current market values, and flexible rental agreements. Area meetings will be held at the following locations:
Cold Spring on November 26th at 9:30am at Granite Community Bank; 202 2nd Ave S, Cold Spring, MN 56320
Foley on November 26th at 1:30pm at Foley City Hall; 251 4th Ave N, Foley, MN 56329
— Nathan Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension
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