Pine & Isanti County Ext. Update
Agriculture, Horticulture, & Natural Resources
Every year the University of Minnesota recognizes farm families that show a commitment to the agricultural industry, their community, and conservation. The Farm Family Recognition Program has honored Minnesota farmers since 1979. It is coordinated by University of Minnesota Extension, the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Honored farm families cover a wide spectrum of farming, from traditional crops and livestock to community-based ventures and operations producing an array of fruit, vegetables and flowers. They were selected by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on the honorees’ demonstrated commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture.
“This year's Farm Families of the Year reflect the impressive strength — and incredible variety — of agriculture in our state," said Extension Dean Bev Durgan. "The University of Minnesota is proud to honor these families and their innovation and dedication to Minnesota agriculture."
This year Isanti County recognized the Foster Family of Foster Family Farm. They were recognized during a county board meeting and given their award certificate during the county fair.
In Pine County, the Becker Family of Becker's Angus have been awarded this honor. They were presented with their certificate at the Pine County Fair. The President of the University of Minnesota and the Dean of Extension were present during the ceremony.
Both families, along with all other Minnesota counties' chosen farm families, will be recognized and receive additional awards at Farm Fest, near Redwood Falls, at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026. The event will be held on the Gilfillan Estate in Wick Buildings Farmfest Center.
~Katie Hagen
Heat Stress & Drought Management for Livestock
With the lack of rain and extreme heat, take care in managing your livestock, their feed, and your pastures. Extension offers a variety of articles for you to learn more about managing drought-stressed horse pastures or how to feed dairy cattle during a drought. When it comes to managing the livestock themselves and protect them from heat, consider reading about how heat stress affects swine production, preventing heat stress in poultry, or how to manage heat stress in feedlot cattle.
Environmental Affects on Trees & Forests
Successive years of drought can compound stress on trees. Woodland stewards concerned about the health of their trees can take steps to reduce drought stress on their woods. If you planted new trees, avoid light watering as this promotes shallow root systems that are susceptible to summer heat and drought stress. If you having more specific issues with your plants, such as maples turning red in August, feel free to check out our plant diagnostic tool.
Field Notes 2026
Where: Online
When: Wednesdays in August, 2026 from 8:00 - 8:30 AM
Cost: Free
About: The growing season is filled with a host of challenges, including insect, disease, and weed pests, resistance concerns, agronomic issues, and soil fertility questions. The Field Notes program is designed for farmers and agricultural professionals as a weekly, 30-minute webinar to address all of your crop-related questions in real-time in an interactive, discussion-based format.
Chicken Care Workshop
Where: UMN Student Organic Farm in St. Paul, MN
When: August 11, 2026 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
About: Participants will learn practical strategies for raising laying hens, including how to keep them safe and healthy while protecting yourself and others when working with poultry. Attendees will view mobile chicken huts in action and begin the evening with a bonus tour of the certified organic fruit and vegetable plots on the Student Organic Farm.
John Stevens' 9th Annual Field Day
Where: 10815 555th St in Rush City, MN
When: August 14, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $25 for non-members of Minnesota Soil Health Coalition. Lunch is included!
About: See firsthand how biology-driven farming practices can produce successful crops while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. Featured speakers: David Kleinschmidt (Progressive Agronomy Consulting Services), Joe Ailts (Ailts Agronomy), and Jordan Meyer (Regenerative Farmer & Rancher).
Pine County SWCD Cookout on the Farm
Where: Hallan's Hilltop Ranch (21007 St. Croix Rd) in Pine City, MN
When: August 21, 2026 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Cost: Free - dinner included
About: Steve Hallan is a Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certified (MAWQCP) producer and has adopted conservation practices to fit the changing needs of his farm. Learn how he has protected water quality, reduced soil erosion, and built wildlife habitat. This is a family friendly event with interactive activities for all ages.
Dual Yield: Agrovoltaics Research Insights
Where: Online
When: August 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
About: Dr. Jordan Macknick from the National Laboratory of the Rockies will highlight his extensive research into dual use land management with solar energy and agriculture production. Dr. Brad Heins with the University of Minnesota, will provide updates on his research into co-location of pasture-based dairy farming and solar sites.
2026 Agroforestry Institute
Where: Online
When: September 15-17, 2026 starting at 8:00 AM each day
Cost: $100
About: This two and a half day workshop includes classroom sessions and on-farm visits discussing five main agroforestry topics, including design and implementation: windbreaks, silvopasture, alley cropping, riparian forest buffers and forest farming. Registration is required.
Nitrogen Smart Fundamentals
Where: Online at your own pace
Cost: Free
About: Nitrogen Smart focuses on the fundamentals of nitrogen management so producers can maximize economic return on N investments while minimizing losses. This self-guided course is free thanks to the generous support of the Minnesota Corn Growers.
Midwest Bumble Bee Identification, Ecology, & Conservation
Where: Online at your own pace
Cost: $80
About: This self-guided course will cover 25 common and uncommon bumble bee species, including the endangered rusty patched bumble bee. Color morphs common in the upper Midwest and cover species common throughout eastern North America will be the focus. Anyone who wants to reliably identify bumble bees to species in the field, including conservation professionals, students performing research on bumble bees, and volunteers who want to take their identification skills to the next level.
Hinckley Residents Community Garden Interest Survey
Pine County Extension would like to gauge your interest in having a community garden. Share your thoughts at z.umn.edu/HinckleyCGSurvey!
Community gardens offer a wide range of benefits to a community that include accessing healthy food, reducing food costs, fostering community relationships, encouraging physical activity, creating educational activities and spaces, and reducing environmental impacts. Overall, community gardens contribute to a healthier, resilient, and sustainable community. Let us know your thoughts!
Cyclospora
Cyclospora is a foodborne parasite that causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea. The parasite is spread through human feces, contaminating food or water that is then consumed by others.
Cyclospora is not immediately infectious after passing in feces, meaning it does not spread from person to person. It typically takes one to two weeks in the environment for it to become capable of causing infection. After a person consumes contaminated food or water, it can take up to two weeks before symptoms appear, making it difficult to trace the source of Cyclospora.
As of July, 2026, the current outbreak is only associated with iceberg lettuce. However, previous outbreaks have been linked to snow peas, raspberries, basil, cilantro, bagged spring mix and green onions.
Who is at Greatest Risk?
Anyone can become infected with Cyclospora, but certain groups are more likely to develop severe illness or complications, including:
- Young children
- Older adults
- Pregnant individuals
- Immunocompromised people (people with weakened immune systems)
What About Cyclospora in Minnesota?
Cyclospora is common in warm, humid climates and is most commonly associated with fresh, outdoor-grown produce. The parasite is consistently present in many tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Mexico, Central America, South America, and other areas with similar climates.
While produce grown in the U.S. can occasionally become contaminated, outbreaks are more often linked to imported fresh produce from regions where the parasite is more common.
Consumers are encouraged to continue purchasing and enjoying fresh produce, including locally grown fruits and vegetables.
At this time, no locally grown Minnesota produce has been implicated in the current Cyclospora outbreak.
Reducing the Risk of Cyclospora at Home
Cook produce
The only reliable way to inactivate Cyclospora is to cook contaminated food to an internal temperature of at least 158°F.
Wash produce
Washing produce does not reliably remove all Cyclospora, but it can help reduce contaminants. When preparing fruits and vegetables:
- Remove the outer leaves of leafy greens, and then rinse the remaining leaves under cold running water.
- Scrub the rind of firm produce with a soft brush before peeling.
- Do not wash produce with soap, bleach, vinegar or other special wash water additives. These wash water additives are not effective at removing Cyclospora, and any residue left on produce may cause an upset stomach.
Stay informed
Keep up to date on current foodborne illness outbreaks and food recalls. Keep fresh produce in its original packaging whenever possible. The packaging contains important information such as the brand, lot number, and purchase details, which can help you determine whether a product is included in a food recall.
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