October 2012 Archives

Dorothy McCargo Freeman, Associate Dean for the center for Youth Development with University of Minnesota Extension, learned on Oct. 13 that she is a 2012 WEM Outstanding Educator Award for Excellence in Education recipient, an honor that is accompanied by a $10,000 award.

For seasonal homeowners closing a septic system for the winter helps prevent the system from freezing, prolongs the life of the system, and keeps it operating at a high level. Doug Malchow, University of Minnesota Extension Water Resource Management Educator, has some tips to consider when preparing your cabin's septic system for the winter months.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one in 10 Minnesotans struggle to get enough food. With limited time and money, being physically active and choosing healthy food to eat can be difficult.

The hot, dry summer weather encountered this past summer has resulted in higher levels of mycotoxins in corn grain being harvested this fall. In order to minimize the potential negative impacts that can occur when feeding grain contaminated with mycotoxins to swine, pork producers should be especially cautious and evaluate grain for mycotoxins prior to using as feed.

University of Minnesota Extension Dean Bev Durgan honored Dan Dolan this week with Extension's Distinguished Friend award at the organization's annual conference.

University of Minnesota Extension Dean Bev Durgan honored Dan Dolan, president of the Washington County Agricultural Society, on Oct. 9 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.

University of Minnesota Extension has adjusted long-standing recommendations on fall nitrogen fertility to turfgrass and now advocates for applications to be made no later than mid-October. This recommendation aims to reduce the negative environmental impacts of nitrogen applications in the late fall, while maximizing the turfgrass growth benefits for the cost-conscious consumer or turfgrass manager.

During National 4-H Week, Oct. 7-13, 2012, youth throughout Minnesota will celebrate how 4-H helps them make a difference in their lives and communities today, and prepare for tomorrow.

Approximately 71,000 young people across Minnesota participated in University of Minnesota Extension's 4-H program in 2011.

As one of the driest Septembers in state history comes to an end, the drought situation in Minnesota is being assessed by a number of state agencies as well as University of Minnesota Extension.