Carlton County Extension Connection
October 2025
October 20–21, 2025 | Southeast Minnesota
We’re hitting the road again—and you’re invited! The Northeast Forage and Grassland Council’s (NEFGC) Annual Bus Tour is back, and this year we’re exploring the rich agricultural and agribusiness landscape of Southeast Minnesota.
This two-day adventure is open to everyone—membership is not required—so bring a friend or family member!
Tour Schedule Highlights
🚌 Day 1 – Monday, October 20th
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Depart from Scanlon Park & Ride at 6:00 AM sharp
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Spam Museum, Austin, MN – A fun and quirky start!
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Cotter Farm – Learn about local agricultural practices
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Faribault Woolen Mill – A look at Minnesota’s textile heritage
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A large-scale maple syrup sugar shack – Sweet learning in store!
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Overnight stay at GrandStay Hotel, Faribault, MN
🐄 Day 2 – Tuesday, October 21st
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Dan Heins Ranch – Cover crops and livestock integration
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Soil Warrior – Innovative soil management technology
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Aurora Pharmaceuticals – Animal health solutions
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Blondies Butcher Shop – Local meat processing insights
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CannonBelles Cheese – Artisan cheese made in MN
📝 Important Details
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Pre-registration is required by October 16th
📞 Call Mandi or Ann to register 218-384-3511 -
Tour cost: TBD (final cost will be shared after registration closes)
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Hotel accommodations:
Guests are responsible for booking their own rooms at:
GrandStay Hotel, Faribault – Call (507) 334-2888
Ask for the "Forage and Grassland" block at $110/night
A good year brings important decisions—especially when it comes to how you reinvest profits back into your beef operation before January 1st. The choices you make now can impact not only your farm’s future but also your upcoming tax bill.
Join us for a practical discussion on smart strategies to put your dollars to work, from capital improvements to financial planning. We’ll look at options available before year’s end and welcome input from farmers on what has worked for them.
Please join us for the Central Cattlemen’s meeting on Thursday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fireside Inn (415 Meadow Dr, McGregor, MN 55760). All agriculture producers are welcome, as this timely topic applies to every operation.
Thinking about keeping your flock happy and healthy through the coldest months? Join us for an engaging webinar on Tuesday, October 14th from 7:00-8:30 pm to learn best management practices for raising chickens in Minnesota’s winter climate.
We’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
· Winter-hardy breeds that thrive in cold weather
· Poultry nutrition and general care to keep birds in top condition
· Egg sales basics for those interested in marketing their flock’s products
· Coop and run preparations—with special attention to ventilation, lighting, and heating
Whether you’re brand new to chickens or looking to sharpen your skills, this class will give you the tools and confidence to keep your flock comfortable, productive, and safe all season long.
Register online: z.umn.edu/wintercoop2025
Join the Extension Office and Carlton Community Education for an evening of gazing at the universe.
Exploring the Night Sky: After the sun sets, the universe is ours to behold! But in the planetarium, the sun can set whenever we want. Explore the wonders of tonight's sky and learn about the stars, constellations, planets, and other objects we can see.
When: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 6-7:30 pm
Where: South Terrace Elementary School Gym, 530 Stine Drive, Carlton
Cost: $5 individuals, $10 per family
Each session takes 30 minutes. Times available are 6:00 pm or 6:45 pm.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Contact 218-384-8684 or mnext-carlton@umn.edu.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for the fiscal year 2026 AGRI Livestock Investment Grant. This program helps farmers start, improve, or expand livestock operations by funding equipment, facility improvements, and new construction.
New this year, reimbursement rates have increased—farmers can now receive 50% back on the first $20,000 of eligible expenses and 25% on additional expenses, up to $25,000. About $1.4 million will be awarded through a competitive process, with grants ranging from $400–$25,000.
Priority will go to beginning farmers (10 years or fewer), generational transitions, halal/kosher livestock producers, robotic milking equipment, and applicants new to the program.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. CT, Thursday, November 13, through the MDA’s online portal. Full details are available on the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant webpage
Have you ever wondered how to grow a giant pumpkin? Most giant pumpkin varieties grown for competitions were bred by backyard gardeners. These varieties are not commercially available but you can buy them from local giant pumpkin grower organizations. Some groups, such as the St. Croix Growers Association, sell seeds online to raise funds.
A few older varieties are commercially available, but typically only grow up to 200 to 300 pounds but are still fun to try. These include Atlantic Giant, Big Max, and Wyatt’s Wonder. Atlantic Giant can grow larger than that, but many hobby-grown varieties still outperform Atlantic Giant.
The 2025 world champion is yet to be determined at the Safeway world championship pumpkin weigh-off in Half Moon Bay California on October 13th. The world record for the largest is pumpkin is 2749 pounds and is held by Travis Gienger of Anoka in 2023.
To get some ideas for next year, Extension has a great fact sheet with all the information you need to grow a prize winning cucurbit!
Pressure canners with a dial gauge should be checked for accuracy each year before use. This is an important step in safely preserving foods and should not be skipped.
Pressure canners will either have a dial gauge or a weighted gauge for indicating and regulating the pressure inside the device.
A dial gauge can lose accuracy over time and with repeated use. If a dial gauge reads high, this can lead to under-processing or not reaching the required temperature during canning. Under-processing can result in unsafe food. If a dial gauge reads low, this can lead to over-processing or too high of a temperature is reached during canning. Over-processing can result in poor-quality food.
Weighted gauges will rock gently or make a frequent jiggling noise to indicate if the correct pressure is being maintained. Read the manufacturer's instructions to know how a particular weighted gauge should rock or jiggle. Weighted gauges do not require testing for accuracy as the weights are solid pieces of metal with no moveable parts.
Please call ahead to schedule an appointment with either Ann (218-384-8684) or Mandi (218-384-8680).
Join the University of Minnesota Extension for an interactive workshop on establishing silvopasture systems on October 2nd, 2025 1-4pm.
Tour examples of silvopasture through both addition and subtraction methods, and see how livestock and trees can thrive together. Learn practical strategies for grazing livestock in silvopasture systems, renovating and managing woodlands, and integrating tree crops for production and shade. There will also be discussions on silvopasture fencing and infrastructure design. Gain insights from experts with UMN Extension, and the Savannah Institute while touring living examples in the field. Tree crops that will be covered include chestnuts, hazelnuts, black walnuts, persimmons and more."
October 2nd, 2025 1-4pm
75057 340th St. St. James, MN 56081
Registration is encouraged. https://z.umn.edu/silvopastureregister
The second annual Tri-County Winter Webinar Series will be held on Tuesday afternoons from September to December, allowing gardeners to learn from experts during the day. This informative series will feature expert speakers covering a range of gardening and landscape topics, perfect for the beginner gardener or homeowner.
The webinars will take place in the afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on pre-selected Tuesdays, offering valuable insights into seasonal gardening practices and planning for the 2026 growing season. Below is the schedule of topics and speakers:
October 7: Plant propagation for indoor and outdoor plants with UMN Extension Master Gardener, Bill Cook
October 21: A beginner's guide to houseplants with Emily Lindenfelser, Tri-County Extension Educator, Horticulture
November 4: Growing, storing, and enjoying dahlias with UMN Extension Master Gardener, Jackie Burkey
November 18: An introduction to rain gardens with Tarah Young, Hubbard County Extension Educator, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Natural Resources
December 2: Growing kiwiberries in MN with Laura Irish-Hanson, Extension Educator, Horticulture, and Dr. Seth Wannemuehler, assistant professor of woody landscape plant breeding
December 16: Climate ready IPM with Marissa Schuh, Extension Educator, Integrated Pest Management
Each session is free to attend, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link. All sessions will be recorded and uploaded to the Meeker County Extension YouTube channel. To register, please visit z.umn.edu/WinterWebinarSeries
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your gardening skills with advice from local and regional experts!
For more information and to register, visit z.umn.edu/WinterWebinarSeries or contact Emily Lindenfelser at hans6005@umn.edu.
