October 2011 Archives

I saw many corn and soybean fields with prominent patches of giant or common ragweed, common waterhemp or volunteer corn during my travels in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa this fall. These weed patches were likely the product of glyphosate herbicide overuse.

This fall is the time to develop a plan and take control of herbicide-resistant weeds before they take control of you.

University of Minnesota Extension is offering a new one-hour, interactive, online course that teaches food handlers, such as employees at grocery stores, restaurants, schools and healthcare facilities about food allergies and how to protect the health of their customers.

University of Minnesota Extension energy economist Doug Tiffany has developed a new tool to help car-shopping consumers answer the common question, "Should I buy an alternative vehicle?"

Accessible online, the free tool helps consumers more easily navigate the differences in the costs of ownership and operation and greenhouse gas emissions among four car types: conventional, hybrid, electric and extended range electric vehicles.

2011 was a challenging growing season for wheat. Delayed planting, a hot and humid July, Fusarium head blight and bacterial leaf streak took their toll on the crop.

Now, as soil temperatures cool down, is the time to plan your nitrogen management for 2012. The first important question is "How much nitrogen should I apply?" University of Minnesota Extension nitrogen guidelines should be a starting point.

Youth take part in Minnesota Historical Society 'Sharing Community Stories' intergenerational project

How does being a member of 4-H, University of Minnesota Extension's youth development program, impact the state's youth? Just ask the 4-H'ers.

Pheasant populations in Minnesota have dropped 64 percent from 2010, largely due to two severe winters and a wet spring, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Landowners cannot control the weather; however, they can plant more thermal cover for overwintering wildlife.

Dry conditions and high winds in several parts of Minnesota are creating a high-risk situation for the spread of fires. For farmers, combine or field fires can result not only in loss of valuable equipment and crop, but also loss of human life, livestock, homes and other property.

University of Minnesota Extension Dean Bev Durgan honored University President Emeritus Robert Bruininks this week at Extension's annual conference. She also honored several Extension faculty members for exemplary work that helped Minnesotans improve their lives through Extension research and education.

The following is a list of recipients and awards:

Corn producers in Minnesota have historically had few widespread and significant problems with leaf diseases, in contrast to most major Midwestern corn-producing states. A leaf and stalk disease on corn called Goss's leaf blight and wilt (or just Goss's wilt) has been increasing in Minnesota since 2009.