U of M Extension News Releases

U of M Extension launches websites for forage shortage, late planting issues

2013-05-13T21:53:12Z

Media contact: Allison Sandve, U of M Extension, ajsandve@umn.edu, (612) 626-4077; or Catherine Dehdashti, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu

ST. PAUL, Minn. (5/13/2013) —University of Minnesota Extension has educational resources available for those with questions related to a continuing forage shortage and late planting issues.

Reports of winter injury and winterkill of alfalfa continue to intensify across parts of southern Minnesota, contributing to the existing shortage caused by two years of drought. Producers are examining options in light of their field assessment and inventory; many of these producers face purchasing hay or growing some type of emergency crop to feed livestock.

Visit Extension's "Alfalfa Weather Damage and Emergency Forages" website at www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/crops/spring-issues.

Minnesota farmers were delayed getting into their fields, according to the
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, after a late season snow storm brought moisture to areas that were already damp and cold. Warmer, drier weather in much of the state last week has likely improved planting progress, but challenges still exist in some areas.

Visit Extension's "Late Planting" website at www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/crops/late-planting.

Also available is Extension's toll free-phone and email Farm Information Line (1-800-232-9077 or fil@umn.edu). Extension's Farm Information Line is a resource for questions about water, crops, horticulture and climatology issues. Calls and emails are handled within one business day.

Forage replacements for lost alfalfa

2013-05-13T14:25:06Z

ST. PAUL, Minn. (5/13/2013) —Several reports have come in indicating varying levels of winterkill in alfalfa. For dairy producers, this is an unwelcome start to the late spring. University of Minnesota Extension provides recommendations on alternative forages to replace damaged alfalfa and feed livestock affordably.

Alfalfa winterkill may be caused by a combination of factors, including harsh and long winter conditions, plant stress due to drought and, possibly, over-harvesting during the previous summer. Reports have indicated that late cuttings in 2012, even before Sept. 1, resulted in very little regrowth; observations of late summer cuttings have been reminiscent of alfalfa cut in mid-October.

In March, alfalfa fields looked to be in decent shape. The damage appears to have occurred after the slight temperature warming in March followed by the slushy snow in April. Southern Minnesota locations have reported a considerable amount of winterkill.

Forage selection and seeding strategies
Producers already face high feed prices. The last two years of dry weather resulted in a shortage of feed, especially forage.

Key attributes of successful forage options are that they establish quickly, grow rapidly, and provide good yield and quality per acre. Experts have made many suggestions, including ryegrass, sorghum-sudan grass, BMR sudan grass, clover, wheat, barley, oats, peas and oats silage. Some producers decide to replace alfalfa acres with corn or soybeans.

Availability of seed may be a concern that dictates which forage option works best for each producer. Dan Undersander, University of Wisconsin, recommends simply drilling Italian ryegrass into the dead areas with no tillage. Tillage would disturb the field and delay seeding. Undersander recommends seeding 10 lbs. /acre (55 seeds/sq. ft.).

If producers decide to plow their alfalfa fields, they should consider long-term needs for cow diets and decide if they will select alternative forage or use those acres to plant other crops.

Additional strategies
This is a great time to evaluate your options for storing forages to prevent shrink and increase efficiency of forage feeding. Lactating cow diets in 2013 may reflect alfalfa shortage because producers will likely be feeding greater than 50 percent of the dry matter diet as corn silage.

Consider forage conservation options such as restricted feeding of growing heifers and exploring alternative non-forage fiber sources, such as whole fuzzy cottonseed, soyhulls, corn gluten feed, beet pulp, and sweet corn silage. Try to maximize forage quality for high-producing cows, and avoid making decisions that save money in the short-term but cost money in the long term.

Finally, evaluate potential cull cows, including excessive numbers of replacement heifers, to reduce forage needs. As always, consistency within the nutrition program is always a positive. Make necessary changes gradually and work to minimize variation in nutrient supply to dairy cattle.

Visit www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/crops/spring-issues for more Extension information about the forage shortage situation. Visit www.extension.umn.edu/dairy for more information for dairy producers.

Any use of this article must include the byline or following credit line:
Noah B. Litherland is a dairy scientist with University of Minnesota Extension. Zachary J. Sawall is a graduate student in the Department of Animal Science.

Media Contact: Allison Sandve, U of M Extension, (612) 626-4077, ajsandve@umn.edu

U of M Extension Ag News Wire is a service of University of Minnesota Extension, Communications, 240 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave., St. Paul, MN 55113.

To unsubscribe from U of M Extension Ag News Wire, please email extnews@umn.edu.

For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at extnews@umn.edu.

University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Maximizing forage in winter injured and killed stands

2013-05-06T17:42:34Z

ST. PAUL, Minn. (5/6/2013) — An unusual amount of winter injury and winterkill of alfalfa stands occurred in south central and southern Minnesota. While reports do not represent a detailed analysis of where injury to alfalfa occurred across Minnesota, they suggest a need for producers to check on stands and evaluate them for potential winter injury.

Several environmental factors likely interacted to stress alfalfa and cause winter damage, including:

a very dry fall and early winter that may have prevented alfalfa from accumulating adequate root reserves to survive the unusually long dormant period;
periods during the winter without snow cover which typically provides insulation against low air temperatures;
ice sheeting due to snow melting and rainfall in January/February; and
the long periods of snow cover and low temperature that prevented spring alfalfa regrowth when reserves were low.

Further recommendations for producers are available by going to University of Minnesota Extension's Minnesota Crop News.

-------
Source: David Nicolai, Extension educator in crops, U of M Extension Regional Center, Farmington, 651-480-7732, nico0071@umn.edu
Article contributions: Dr. Dan Undersander, Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin

Choosing ACRE or DCP on the farm in 2013

2013-05-06T15:32:31Z

ST. PAUL, Minn. (5/6/2013) —The extension of the 2008 Farm Bill opens up the decision to participate in either of the safety net programs: the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program or the Direct and Countercyclical Program (DCP). Farmers have until June 3, 2013 to sign up for the ACRE program and August 2, 2013 for the DCP program.

Under the earlier rules of the 2008 Farm Bill, farmers who signed up for ACRE had to remain in ACRE through 2012. The extension changes that requirement. Even if farmers signed up for ACRE before, the extension allows them to change their choice and sign up for DCP if they think that is a better choice for them in 2013. (Farmers are not required to sign up for either program, but participation makes sense for 2013 in almost all cases.)

The 2013 decision to sign up for ACRE involves some uncertainty because the drought of 2012 has cast doubt on the potential yields for 2013 and thus the potential market prices. Also, changes in the demand side for grains may have weakened the market's ability to absorb higher production at current price levels.

At this point in early May, the decision seems to tilt toward the sign up for the DCP in 2013. Prices for the 2013 crop are still strong in the futures markets. And so far yields are not expected to drop drastically due to late planting. The most recent snows did not cover the entire state, so the state yields may not suffer as much as individual yields in the affected areas.

As we learn more about the planting season and potential production levels and price movements, this situation may change. So farmers need to pay attention to these changes and make their final choice between ACRE and DCP closer to the deadline of June 3.

Due to this uncertainty and their individual situations, every farmer needs to evaluate his or her own conditions and payment limits and decide whether the ACRE or DCP program is the best option for their farm in 2013.
Farmers and their advisers can use a worksheet provided by University of Minnesota Extension (http://z.umn.edu/dkf) to help them evaluate their situation for the 2013 decision.

Any use of this article must include the byline or following credit line: Kent Olson is a Professor of Applied Economics with University of Minnesota Extension.

Media Contact: Allison Sandve, U of M Extension, (612) 626-4077, ajsandve@umn.edu
-----

Understanding late and prevented planting issues

2013-04-29T17:30:59Z

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/24/2013) —The potential of reduced production due to delayed planting in 2013 because of the cold, wet start to the growing season could result in additional challenges in managing marketing. While there is still time to plant this year's crop and achieve normal yields, it is important to understand the marketing implications if we experience continued delays in corn planting.

Many parts of the United States saw their crops, especially corn, devastated by drought in 2012. In other locations the damage was much less severe, but we saw reduced yields that coupled with the increase in futures prices triggered a crop insurance payment. In the cases of significant reductions in yield, farmers who typically forward-priced a portion of their crop prior to harvest found themselves in the predicament of having sold or hedged more grain than they ended up harvesting.

If planting is delayed and if producers change their cropping plans resulting in fewer corn acres on their farm, they could see significant reductions in the amount of corn being produced. Growers who have already forward-priced any significant amount of production may end up having sold more corn than they end up producing. Farmers who find themselves or expect to find themselves in this position need to approach managing their marketing positions in a thoughtful and well-planned manner.

The first thing that farmers need to do is to review their current marketing actions.

1.) What contracts were utilized?

Cash forward
Futures fixed or Hedge-to-arrive
Futures and/or options contracts

2.) What amounts of grain (especially corn) have been hedged or forward-priced with elevator contracts?

3.) At what price have each of the contracts been set?

4.) What are the terms of the elevator contracts?

Cash forward: Delivery obligated contract. There normally is not a non-delivery clause in this contract. Sellers (farmers) are expected to deliver grain, and if unable, they must find grain to fill the contract.
Futures fixed or hedge-to-arrive contracts: These are also normally considered delivery obligated contracts. However, in many cases there is a buy back clause in the contract that will outline the circumstances that allow for non-delivery and the cost to exit from the contract.
Futures and option on futures contracts: These contracts can simply be bought back or sold to offset the futures contract or the option on futures positions. The difference between the sales price (the initial price set with the futures hedge) and the price upon offsetting or buying back the contract will result in either a gain if the buy-back price is lower than the original sale price or a loss if the buy-back price is higher.

5.) Crop insurance considerations
It is important to realize that to minimize risk, any of the contracts that can be offset or bought out, should be offset during the harvest price discovery period for revenue-based crop insurance. The price discovery period for crops commonly grown in our region is during the month of October. If producers panic and lift the positions prior to that time, and the price decreases during the price discovery period, losses will be increased.

In many cases a combination of the previously mentioned contracts will have been used by growers to price their crops. If that is the case, then the lowest cost exit strategy or strategies need to be implemented.

Keep in mind that communication with grain buyers, brokers and lenders is important so everyone who may be impacted by these situations will be informed of the consequences of non-delivery of contracted grain. Also, unnecessary risk can be avoided by waiting until the harvest price discovery period is in process before contracts are bought back.

For more information on managing agricultural businesses, visit www.extension.umn.edu/AgBusiness

Any use of this article must include the byline or following credit line:
Bret Oelke is an agricultural business management educator with University of Minnesota Extension.

Media Contact: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu

New U of M Commodity Challenge ready for action

2013-04-23T14:27:41Z

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/23/2013) —Commodity Challenge, an online grain trading game, has been redesigned and relaunched by a University of Minnesota Extension economist at the University's Center for Farm Financial Management.

The Commodity Challenge game (www.commoditychallenge.com) features real-time cash, futures and options quotes for corn, soybeans and wheat. It offers a one-of-a-kind approach to learning about commodity markets and price risk management. It is used in high school and college classrooms, and by farmers to learn about marketing strategies. Players will find it to be intuitive and easy to navigate. Commodity Challenge was used last year by more than 1,500 people in 12 states.

For newcomers to the world of grain marketing, Commodity Challenge offers a hands-on opportunity to learn about futures and options terms and pricing tools. Commodity Challenge also introduces players to the basics of trading grain: placing orders, unwinding positions, and accounting for gains and losses.

"Commodity Challenge asks players to put themselves in the shoes of a grain producer, allowing players to experience the pain and glory of trading decisions in a risk-free environment," said Edward Usset, Extension economist and grain marketing specialist with the Center for Farm Financial Management.

Usset adds that it's different from other online trading games. "Other games concentrate on a speculative approach to trading—a 'buy low, sell high' approach. This game focuses on the use of futures and options contracts to manage price risk."

Some decisions players face include: How will you manage price risks associated with producing grain? Will you sell grain today, or store grain to sell later? Will you establish a price using futures contracts, or buy put options to set a minimum price? Commodity Challenge offers great way to explore pricing tools and marketing strategies.

The redesigned website improves upon a successful learning experience, featuring a great new look with links to social media and a game dashboard. Game leaders will be able to monitor player decisions and progress.

The new version also features a broad selection of local cash markets. Commodity Challenge games can be customized to display nearby prices and quotes on forward contracts. Cash and forward prices are provided by GeoGrain, a service that gathers daily grain quotes from thousands of local cash markets. Futures and options quotes are provided by the major exchanges and by Telvent/DTN.

The best way to experience Commodity Challenge is to register and join an open game (a game without password protection). Players can place orders, check account actions and develop a feel for how the game works. Creating a Commodity Challenge game for groups is very easy. Send an email to Usset at usset001@umn.edu and specify the group's location, a start date, an end date, and specify the grains to trade (corn, soybeans, HRW wheat, SRW wheat, HRS wheat). If you have specific questions or inquiries about Commodity Challenge, direct those to Usset as well.

The first version of Commodity Challenge was launched in February 2002, as a joint project of the Montana Grain Growers Association and Kevin McNew, president of GeoGrain.com. Commodity Challenge games remain free thanks to sponsorship support from Minnesota Soybean, Farm Credit and the North Central Risk Management Education Center.

For more information on agricultural business management, visit www.extension.umn.edu/AgBusiness and www.cffm.umn.edu.

Source: Edward Usset, University of Minnesota Extension Economist, with the Center for Farm Financial Management, (651) 625-7014, usset001@umn.edu.

Media Contact: Allison Sandve, U of M Extension, (612) 626-4077, ajsandve@umn.edu

They're back and they're gross, but bed bugs can be conquered

2013-04-17T14:12:59Z

Media contact: Allison Sandve, ajsandve@umn.edu, (612) 626-4077; or Catherine Dehdashti, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/17/2013) —Bed bugs have resurged to become a significant pest of the 21st century, but an entomologist with University of Minnesota Extension has made it his goal to beat the bed bug through research and education.

North Americans have had a 30-year reprieve from this pest, after bed bugs were almost completely banished as a result of mass treatments with older types of insecticides. "Recently though, bed bugs have found ample opportunity to increase in numbers, due to changes in the way we use insecticides, lack of public knowledge about the pest and increased mobility in society" said Stephen Kells, Extension entomologist.

Last year, the Let's Beat the Bug! campaign began helping Minnesotans learn about bed bug prevention and control. "Since then, we've expanded our reach by working with public health workers, landlords and others and producing videos and fact sheets in Hmong, Somali, Spanish and Arabic," Kells said. Resources are available at www.bedbugs.umn.edu/resources.

Kells also expanded his research base, for example, studying the natural chemical, or pheromone, the bed bugs use to attract other bed bugs to a location. Such information could lead to better ways to disrupt the insect's spread and lifecycle.

Kells is doing laboratory studies on insecticides to determine how to make them more effective. Insecticides are far from the only treatment, though. Kells and his team have studied ways that heat treatments can end infestations and worked with companies that develop the heat treatment machinery. "Heat is a viable alternative to controlling these pests and Minnesota is a leader in using this technology to control bed bugs," Kells said.

In addition to homes and hotels, bed bugs may show up in in schools, retail facilities, office buildings, libraries and other public areas. Even hospitals have sometimes been challenged keeping them away. The Let's Beat the Bug! campaign has developed guidelines to help schools and other facilities prevent and control bed bugs.

Insecticides available on store shelves are not effective. If you want to control bed bugs with insecticides, you must call a professional. The website provides tips to control and prevent bed bugs via non-chemical practices. Apartment dwellers should contact their landlords; property managers are responsible for keeping units free of infestations.

"Bed bugs spend 80 percent of their lives in hiding. Sprays and bug bombs often reach everywhere in living spaces except for where the bugs are hiding," Kells said. Professionals are better able to determine where the pests hide, either through careful inspections or the use of dogs trained to smell out bed bugs. They are also licensed to use controlled insecticides, and are trained to use them in a way that targets the bug populations while protecting humans and pets from the chemicals.

For detailed information, visit www.bedbugs.umn.edu. You may also call the Bed Bug Information line at 612-624-2200 or 1-855-644-2200, or email questions to bedbugs@umn.edu.

Anticipated corn planting dates still in range for high yield expectations

2013-04-11T19:01:00Z

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/11/2013) —Weather conditions are delaying the onset of corn planting, but wide fluctuations in corn planting progress are not uncommon in Minnesota. By the end of April, about 50 percent or more of Minnesota's corn acres were planted in 2009, 2010 and 2012, compared to less than 5 percent in 2008 and 2011.

While most growers prefer to get their crops off to an early start, early planting is not a requirement for high yields. In 2008 and 2011, when it was mid-May before half of Minnesota's corn acres were planted, state-average grain yields ranked third and fifth among Corn Belt states, respectively.

This is supported by University of Minnesota Extension corn planting date studies conducted at the University's Research and Outreach Centers. In a study from 1988 to 2003 at Lamberton, planting dates ranging from April 21 to May 6 produced grain yields within 1 percent of the maximum. In another study from 2009 to 2011 at Lamberton, Morris, and Waseca that was funded by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, grain yield was within 1 percent of the maximum when planting occurred between April 25 and May 10. In both studies, rapid decline in corn yield did not occur until planting was delayed beyond mid-May.

Corn requires soil temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for germination. However, once the last week of April is reached, corn planting should generally occur as soon as soils are dry enough, regardless of soil temperature. If corn is planted into soils that are too wet, the advantages of an earlier planting date can be negated due to soil compaction around the seed zone, which can result in poor growth of nodal roots and reduced uptake of water and nutrients.

A planting depth of 2 inches is generally optimal for most planting dates and soils, but can be deeper on coarse-textured soils to ensure that the seed is placed in moist soil. Avoid the temptation to plant corn shallow when soils are cold, as planting depths less than 1.75 inches increase the risk of poor nodal root development and root lodging later in the season.

In order to maximize economic return, a general guideline for growers in Minnesota is to stick with the planned seed choices until May 20 to 25. When planting occurs after May 20 to 25, it is wise to switch to hybrids that are 5 to 7 relative maturity units earlier than full season for the region.

For more resources on corn production from University of Minnesota Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/corn.

Any use of this article must include the byline or following credit line: Jeff Coulter is a corn agronomist with University of Minnesota Extension Media Contact: Allison Sandve, U of M Extension, (612) 626-4077, ajsandve@umn.edu

Stay safe after ice storm, leave trees alone until ice melts

2013-04-11T15:33:50Z

Media Contact: Allison Sandve, U of M Extension, (612) 626-4077, ajsandve@umn.edu
Source: Mike Reichenbach, U of M Extension; Phil Sell, Kansas State University Extension

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/11/2013) —A University of Minnesota Extension forester warns that in addition to falling branches - which literally can weigh thousands of pounds - fallen and sagging utility lines are a hazard that ice storms can bring. Damaged wires in or around your trees could still be energized. You should let the power company complete its repairs before any tree work begins.

After the power company has finished their work in the area, homeowners can move downed limbs that are an immediate hazard, but would do well to wait until the ice melts before dealing with damaged trees and their debris. Never use a pole pruner anywhere near utility lines. If necessary, hire a certified arborist trained in that specialty.

"Using chain saws or even simple saws while standing on icy ground underneath compromised trees could endanger your life," said Mike Reichenbach. Attempting to knock ice off the trees isn't wise, either, he said. Hanging branches could fall on you at any time.

Do not rush to make a decision about removing or pruning trees. Contact an arborist or forester to help evaluate the condition of the tree. The arborist or forester can identify trees that are hazardous, and make recommendations to eliminate the hazard. They also can provide recommendations for pruning or removal based on their knowledge of how different trees react to storm damage. Conifers that have been severely damaged may not survive, while hardwoods that have been severely damaged might recover. Different hardwoods will react differently. Aspen, birch and poplar trees that have been severely damaged may recover but because of the nature of the damage, decay organisms may colonize the wounded tissue and create a future hazard.

When pruning, avoid the temptation to top the tree. Also avoid the temptation to cut back limbs in an effort to balance or even out the tree's appearance. The discredited practice of topping can lead to more damage in the future, according to Reichenbach. After the ice melts is the best time to assess the full extent of a tree's ice storm damage.

Beyond obvious breakage, look for cracks in crimped branches that haven't broken cleanly. Check for vertical splits below branch crotches. Never declare a tree a complete loss before considering its potential for recovery. In general, a tree may not be worth salvaging if more than half of its crown is gone, its overall form is ruined or the main trunk is split.

Sometimes, however, new growth can re-establish the framework of a damaged tree. Once their ice load is gone, limber branches may return to their natural upright position.

Establishing a better understanding for 2013 alfalfa productivity potential

2013-04-08T13:40:46Z

Media Contact: Allison Sandve, University of Minnesota Extension, office 612-626-4077, ajsandve@umn.edu

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/8/2013) —The increasing cost of forages, continuing fear of drought conditions, and extending winter season have many producers wondering about the productivity of their hay fields in 2013. While temperatures have been colder this winter, the good news is that an insulating layer of snow has persisted across most of the state for an extended period of time.

Overwintering success of forages is typically a combined function of climatic conditions and management decisions. Environmental factors such as snow cover, lethal temperatures, ice sheeting, and air-temperature fluctuation play important roles in plant survival from one growing season to the next. These effects are heavily influenced by stand age, variety genetics, fertility programs, and harvest schedules.

Some of the significant management factors affecting winter injury include species and variety selection, soil fertility, and cutting management.

Assessing alfalfa winter survival:

Stem counts (versus plants per square foot) better represent total production in a given area and account for variability in plant performance. Use stem counts to estimate current yield potential and assess root and crown health to determine future yield potential. Stand health based on stem densities per square foot can be assessed in the following manner:

Greater than 55 stems indicates density will not be a limiting factor,
The range between 40 and 55 stems is understood to represent some reduction in yield but probably more than adequate in years of low inventories and high value, and
Fewer than 40 stems indicate a poor stand and consideration for termination.

To assess root and crown health, dig up six inches of taproot material in three to four locations of a field. Split open the taproots to determine crown and root vigor. Look for healthy, off-white material indicating strong, healthy plants. Discoloration and spongy material are typical of weakened crowns. The symmetry of shoots growing from the crown also contributes information about overall plant health. While evaluating stand and yield potential, we must keep in mind contributions made from grasses. Presence of grasses may be great enough to justify keeping a marginal stand in production.

We suggest making the same assessments on second crop regrowth. Watch for slow green-up, uneven stands, or additional plant mortality. Winter injury and/or death can be delayed by the shock of cutting a weakened plant, resulting in additional stand losses. Whenever stand diminishes to the point of needing corrective measures, take time to determine the cause. Troubleshooting problem fields and identifying the cause of stand reduction can lead to better management decisions.

For a more detailed version of this column, visit University of Minnesota Extension's Crop News website at http://z.umn.edu/d29. For more information on forages, visit www.extension.umn.edu/forages.

Any use of this article must include the byline or following credit line: Doug Holen and Phil Glogoza are crops educators with University of Minnesota Extension. Craig Sheaffer is a professor in the University of Minnesota's Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics.

Preparing Wells and Septic Systems for a Flood

2013-04-08T12:31:30Z

Media contact: Allison Sandve, U of M Extension, ajsandve@umn.edu, (612) 626-4077

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/8/2013) —If you live in an area with flooding in your spring forecast, you will want to make sure your wells and septic systems are as prepared as possible. Portions of the region on both the North Dakota and Minnesota sides of the river are at more than 80 percent risk of major flooding, according to Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota Extension climatologist.

Extension experts in well and septic systems suggest the following steps to prepare for a flood:

For wells

Make sure the well has a tight fitting waterproof cap.
Wrap the cap and well casing with durable sheet plastic and duct tape, then place sand bags around the wells.
Ensure that backflow prevention valves are in place.
Turn the electricity off to your well pump just prior to the flood. Do not turn the electricity back on until the flood waters recede.
Make sure the surface seal outside the casing is in good shape.
Ensure that the land surrounding the well is sloped away.
If the well is not used during the flood, plug the vent holes. Remember to unplug the vent holes after threat of flood is passed.
If flood waters inundate your well head, you will need to test the water to make sure it's safe even if you have followed the pre-flood recommendations. Find out in advance how and where you can get a well water text after the flood waters recede.
Buy or fill sanitized containers with water. Store them where they won't be flooded, so you have some safe drinking water until your well can be put back in service.

For septic systems
If you are in a location defined as a floodplain, there are a few things that can be done well in advance of any flooding. These include:

Maintain a healthy system. A well-maintained septic system is better able to withstand the stresses of flooding. Helpful operation and maintenance information can be found at septic.umn.edu/owners.
Ensure all access points to the system (maintenance holes and inspection ports) are properly covered to prevent the flow of flood waters into the system.
Be sure your system was designed and installed and is operated according to Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080.2270, which provides specifications for systems that are likely to withstand flooding during their lifespan. Install a backflow preventer (check valve) on the building sewer so sewage cannot back up into your home during a flooding event. Ensure your tanks have been installed in a manner that protects them against flotation from buoyant (upward) forces on the tank in saturated soil.

In preparation for imminent flooding
If your septic system requires electricity, turn off the pump and alarms at the circuit box before the area floods. Discontinue use of the system once the power supply has been shut off.
Waterproof all electrical connections to avoid electrical shock or damage to wiring, pumps, and the electrical system.

All system owners should make plans for severely limiting water use during and after the actual flooding event. Remember, well water may be contaminated and the soil treatment area may not accept water until the area dries. Normal water use should not continue until the area is unsaturated and a SSTS professional has visited the system to identify and repair any problems.

A tank can be pumped to reduce the amount of sewage that could back-up into the home. This is not necessary if a backflow preventer has been installed. Tanks in flood prone areas should be anchored to prevent buoyant forces from pushing the tank above the ground. This is a much larger concern if the tank has been recently pumped.

Additional Resources
Citizens can access the most up-to-date information on flood preparation by visiting Extension's website at www.extension.umn.edu/flood. Information about recovering from floods will be added as it becomes relevant.

Also available are Extension's toll free phone services, the Flood Information Line (1-800-232-9077) and the AnswerLine (1-800-854-1678). Extension's Flood Information Line is a resource for questions about water, crops, horticulture and climatology issues. Extension's AnswerLine provides answers to household and family-oriented questions, such as cleaning, mildew, and food safety issues.

Preparing livestock in a flood zone

2013-04-08T12:04:17Z

Media contact: Allison Sandve, U of M Extension, ajsandve@umn.edu, (612) 626-4077

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/9/2013) —The impact of a natural disaster on people always makes headlines. If you happen to be a livestock farmer, the impact on you seldom makes headlines, but it makes a big impact on you, your livestock and the viability of your operation.

Many natural disasters give you little or no warning, but flooding is usually forecast, giving farmers time to think about contingency plans and take action. Your specific plan of action will vary by the type of livestock operation, but there are many common questions to address.

University of Minnesota Extension suggests that you consider these questions for your own livestock operation if flooding is a possibility at your farmstead or livestock facility:

Where can I take livestock that is safe from floodwaters?
How will I move livestock?
Where will I secure enough trucks/trailers to move livestock in a timely fashion?
Who will be available to help? Might they have their own livestock to move?
Is there appropriate shelter and fencing at the temporary site?
Is there feed at the site or will I have to haul feed there?
How will I move feed?
When should I move feed?
How much feed will I need?
Do I need to move implements and feeding equipment?
Where will I access fuel for implements?
If my usual source of commercial feed is unable to deliver feed, what alternative sources do I have?
If I have to reduce feeding amounts to stretch the supply, how will I ration it out?
What about bedding material?
Is there adequate water on the site?
Are there adequate water fountains or tanks?
If I am able to stay in my home, will I be able to get to the livestock location?

If you are able to leave your stock at home but the power goes off for hours or even days because of flooding:

How will you water your livestock?
How will you provide ventilation for your stock?
How will you milk the cows?
How will you cool the milk?
How will you get the milk into a tanker and off to market?
How long can you store milk on the farm before you have to dump some of it?
If the road washes out or is blocked, how can you get milk out?
If you have an emergency power generator, will it start when you need it?
How long can your generator run continuously?
How is the generator fueled and can you keep it supplied?
If injured livestock needs to be euthanized, how will you do it?
How and where will you dispose of mortalities?
If your labor force is disrupted, where can you find the help to get the work done?
Have you considered whether you would re-establish the business you now have if it entirely disappeared to a natural disaster?

You probably don't have answers to all those questions right now, but start thinking about them. Engage the innovative thinking of the rest of your family and the people who are part of your farming operation
Planning ahead of spring flooding will help reduce the need to make hasty decisions under a stressful situation and assure that whatever decision is made will best fit the needs of the family and farm operation for the years ahead.

Additional Resources
Citizens can access the most up-to-date information on flood preparation by visiting Extension's website at www.extension.umn.edu/flood. Information about recovering from floods will be added as it becomes relevant.

Source: Chuck Schwartau, livestock educator, University of Minnesota Extension

Preparing homes for flooding

2013-04-08T12:00:13Z

Media contact: Allison Sandve, U of M Extension, ajsandve@umn.edu, (612) 626-4077

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/8/2013) —If your home is in a location that is at a high risk for flooding this spring, you need to know how to prepare your home to resist or survive flooding. Flooding can occur in a number of ways.

Sub-surface water leaks: These occur when groundwater levels rise enough to enter the house through cracks or openings in foundations, basement slabs, or sumps and foundation drainage systems. You can prepare for this degree of basement flooding by raising the furnace, water heater, appliances, and storage items an adequate distance above the floor using waterproof blocking.

Spring run-off and minor surface flooding: During spring run-off or surface water flooding events, the amount of water in foundation drainage systems increases the demand on the sump pump system. Check the ejection pipe, sump and sump pump to be sure that they are functioning properly. If prolonged flooding or a power outage is possible, consider keeping a spare sump pump and a gas powered electric generator available. Store generator fuel safely and operate the generator in a safe location where exhaust fumes cannot enter the home.

Sewer back-ups: These can occur even if the blockage or flooding is some distance from your home. To protect your home, consider having a valve or one-way check valve installed where the sewer main leaves the house. A plumbing professional can help you determine the best method and location. If you do not have a valve installed to block the sewer main, temporary compression plugs can be inserted in floor drains and plumbing drain openings. Remember that a sewer system blockage could force water higher up in the home's drainage system than expected.

Major surface flooding: When streams and rivers overflow their banks, major surface floods present the greatest threat of structural damage to the home. If the home is outside of areas protected by dikes, and the foundation has been strengthened or braced and sealed sufficiently to withstand the external water pressure, it may be possible to keep the basement dry using gas powered pumps. If the basement has not been reinforced and is incapable of withstanding the force of floodwaters, allowing the basement to fill with water may protect the foundation from structural damage by keeping the pressure similar on both sides of the foundation walls and floor.

If there is still time before the flooding, move stored items, furniture, and appliances to a safe upper level of the home or to a safe location outside the flood zone. Before the home is flooded, shut off the water, gas and electricity. After flooding clean-up and repairs, your utility company may require that service be restored only by trained utility representatives.

Additional Resources
Citizens can access the most up-to-date information on flood preparation by visiting Extension's website at www.extension.umn.edu/flood. Information about recovering from floods will be added as it becomes relevant.

Source: Richard Stone, housing technology educator, University of Minnesota Extension

U of M Extension announces flood preparation web, phone resources

2013-04-08T11:48:35Z

Media Contact: Allison Sandve, U of M Extension, (612) 626-4077, ajsandve@umn.edu

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/8/2013) —University of Minnesota Extension announced today its coordinated system of educational resources available for those with flood-related questions, both in preparation for a flood emergency and while recovery efforts are underway.

Portions of the region on both the North Dakota and Minnesota sides of the river are at more than 80 percent risk of major flooding, according to Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota Extension climatologist. Cities at risk include Wahpeton, Fargo, Moorhead, and Oslo and Pembina. Flooding scenarios depend on a host of factors during April, and flooding could begin to take place after April 16.

Citizens can access the most up-to-date information on flood preparation by visiting Extension's website at www.extension.umn.edu/flood. Information about recovering from floods will be added as it becomes relevant.

Extension's online resources include information on preparing your family, finances, household and farm for flooding. Both phone services will refer callers to appropriate state and federal agencies if additional information is needed.

Several factors could tip the scales as flood season arrives in Red River Basin

2013-04-03T21:28:36Z

Media Contact: Allison Sandve, University of Minnesota Extension, office 612-626-4077, ajsandve@umn.edu

ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/3/2013)— Watchful eyes are on the Red River Basin, as spring conditions again have left the region vulnerable to flooding similar to that in 2009 and 2011.

Portions of the region on both the North Dakota and Minnesota sides of the river are at more than 80 percent risk of major flooding, said Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota Extension climatologist. Cities at risk include Wahpeton, Fargo, Moorhead, and Oslo, and Pembina , Flooding scenarios depend on a host of factors during the next month.

"We're expecting a wetter-than-normal April. A gradual thaw could definitely help matters," Seeley said. "Right now, conditions look like that's what we could see in the early days of April."

Currently, frost depth in much of northwestern Minnesota is as much as 43 inches. That leaves soil unable to absorb the moisture delivered by flooding, which in turn is fueled by four to six inches of water in the snow pack. Temperatures that rise slowly and return to below freezing at night could provide a much-needed cushion, Seeley added.

"What we don't want to see during the next month temperatures rising suddenly to the 50s and 60s and staying there. The snow melting into water would roll right over the ground," Seeley said. "We also want to go out of March and into April without thunderstorms and the significant amount of water they can add to the mix by raising river levels. At the moment, things are looking quiet with regard to severe weather."

Formed where the Bois de Sioux and Otter Tail rivers converge in western Minnesota, the Red River flows northward, creating the boundary between Minnesota and North Dakota. It is fed by 11 major watersheds. It drains 550 miles north of its origin into Manitoba's Lake Winnipeg.

Seeley and others also are monitoring developments along the Minnesota River. Currently, Montevideo is at 40 to 60 percent risk for major flooding.

Visit www.extension.umn.edu/extreme-weather for related educational information on flood preparation and recovery. Another resource, the Red River Basin Decision Information Network at www.rrbdin.org offers tools and information both for area officials and resident. Visit climate.umn.edu for more information from the University of Minnesota's climatology working group, including Seeley's WeatherTalk page.

For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at extnews@umn.edu. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.