Carlton County Extension Connection

August is here, and that means the county fair will be here before we know it! Our office is excited to connect with all of you down at the fairgrounds August 13–16. We can’t wait to see what the kids create this year and to cheer them on as they showcase their hard work and creativity.

On a different note, I’ve been having lots of conversations lately about poor hay yields. With the high temperatures and limited rainfall, fields that didn’t receive fertilizer this spring are really starting to show it. As we start easing into “fall mode,” this is a great time to think about soil sampling and planning for the fertilizer you’ll need.

Considering pre-buy options now may help reduce costs later on.

With fuel prices climbing, it’s worth asking whether it’s cost-effective to make another pass across a field when you can practically see straight through the stand. If you have questions or just want to talk through your options, give me a call—I’m always happy to chat.

Please join us for a special celebration at Noon on August 14th at the Pavilion at the Carlton County Fairgrounds! We're coming together to honor our incredible Farm Family and our Distinguished Senior Citizens. These people are the heart and history of our community. Come enjoy free refreshments, good company, and a joyful gathering dedicated to the people who make Carlton County such and amazing place to call home.

Join the Northeast Minnesota Forage and Grassland Council for an engaging hands‑on Field Day hosted by K&M Cattle. This event offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at a family-run cattle operation dedicated to efficient production, responsible land stewardship, and long‑term sustainability. Attendees will tour key facilities, learn about practical management decisions, and explore innovations that support both livestock and land health.

Event highlights include: • Greenhouse and monoslope feeding/manure storage barn
• Water control and hay processing systems
• Calving and show barn
• Financial aspects of farm management
• Bull sales
• Cattle handling approaches designed with small children in mind
• Wooded pasture improvement through logging

Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: 31936 State Hwy 65, McGregor
Cost: $15 at the door (includes lunch)
Registration: Call 218‑384‑8680

This event is presented in partnership with the Midwest Forage Association, USDA, University of Minnesota Extension, and Minnesota Water Quality programs.

Backyard flock owners and anyone interested in raising chickens are invited to a free Chicken Care Basics Workshop at the University of Minnesota Student Organic Farm. The session will cover practical strategies for caring for laying hens, keeping birds healthy, and maintaining safe practices when working with poultry. Participants will also see mobile chicken huts in action and begin the evening with a guided tour of the farm’s certified organic fruit and vegetable plots.

Registration is preferred, but walk‑ups are welcome. Event details, farm location, and parking instructions: z.umn.edu/chickencareworkshop

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the UMN Student Organic Farm in St. Paul

This season, Extension is offering a series of free forestry workshops designed to support woodland owners and land stewards across Minnesota. Join us to explore Climate‑Ready Trees, learn how to identify and manage invasive species in your woods, strengthen forest stewardship for wildlife habitat, and build forest health and resilience through practical, science‑based management. All workshops are free, and we kindly ask participants to register so we can plan for attendance.

• Friday, August 21, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Grand Rapids Regional Extension Office.
• Friday, August 28, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Brainerd Northland Arboretum.
• Friday, September 11, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Harrison Park Community Center in Duluth.

We welcome you to join us in celebrating 65 years of service in Carlton County on Tuesday, August 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Chub Lake Pavilion. The event will be our opportunity to say thank you to all of our area partners and YOU, local landowners. Your collaboration is essential to the conservation work we do every day.

First 100 event registrants will receive a free lunch.

Register at https://carltonswcd.org/events

Outside, a smoky orange haze hung over my garden. The sun wanted to peek through, but all it could muster was an eerie glow. With wildfires becoming a more frequent summer occurrence, many Minnesotans are learning to navigate the challenges it brings.

A couple summers ago was the first time I noticed that this smoky haze doesn’t just impact human and animal health. My garden plants were looking a bit sad and ragged. I spoke with neighbors, coworkers, and friends and it seemed like most gardeners were noticing a significant decline in harvest and overall plant health. What was affecting all of our gardens?

That’s when I made the connection. During periods of intense wildfire smoke, my garden struggled. Leaves would yellow and droop. Growth was slow and stunted. Extended periods of dense smoke can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching plants, particularly affecting sun-loving crops. Small particulate matter, such as ash, can coat leaf surfaces and block a plant’s ability to ‘breathe’ by interrupting the carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange.

So what can we do?

Not much can be done about the smoky haze blocking sunlight. However, most plants can recover once the smoke clears. I have noticed that in summers with repeated smoke events, plants tend to fall behind in their growth. With a short growing season, that can be especially frustrating. If you want to make up the time at the end of the growing season, a simple DIY hoop cover over garden beds can prolong the season.

If you notice particulate matter, or a fine dust, covering your plants you can wash them off. For smaller gardens, take a slightly damp rag and wipe down leaves. However, this can be cumbersome for large gardens. Once the smoke clears, take a hose and water your garden from the top, down. You still may need to grab a rag and wipe off stubborn particulate build-up.

Can I eat my produce?

Yes. Take extra care to wash all fruits and vegetables after harvesting. Start with a quick rinse outside, so that the ash doesn’t move indoors. Then, wash a second time inside. If you still notice lots of particulates on your produce, you can peel them, such as with tomatoes and apples, or remove the outer layer of lettuce and cabbage heads. You can also soak your produce in a 10% (by volume) white vinegar solution. This is especially helpful with textured vegetables such as kale, bok choy, and broccoli that can be a bit more challenging to scrub.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, most gardens will recover well from the impacts of wildfire smoke. You may notice some slowed growth and temporary stress. If you’re unsure whether your plants are struggling due to smoke, or some other deficiency, you can visit the Master Gardener website, What’s Wrong with My Plant?, or contact the Carlton County Master Gardeners to ask questions.

Author: Tina Cross, Master Gardener Volunteer Carlton County

Sources:

Produce Safety After A Wildfire. UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma County. https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2019-11/315093.pdf

How Wildfires Affect Your Garden Plants. The Old Farmer’s Almanac. https://www.almanac.com/firescaping-your-yard-and-garden

Is it safe to eat my garden produce affected by wildfires? OSU Extension Service. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-extension/featured/it-safe-eat-my-garden-produce-affected-wildfires.

The Carlton County 4‑H is seeking donations to support our Community Bid Fund. Each year, we hold an auction featuring photos of our blue‑ribbon winners. When an animal is sold, the young exhibitor receives 75% of the winning bid to invest in next year’s project helping them grow, learn, and continue their 4‑H journey.

Our Community Bid Fund ensures that every child, including those who may not receive strong bidder response, is still able to carry forward their goals for the coming year. Your contribution helps guarantee that every 4‑H member has the opportunity to continue building confidence, responsibility, and skills through their animal projects.

Checks can be made out to Carlton County 4‑H, with a note indicating Community Bid Fund. Please feel free to stop in, mail a donation, or give us a call, every bit of support makes a meaningful difference for our local youth. Also feel free to come out and support our local 4-H kids on Sunday at 4:30 at the main arena.

Thank you for helping us invest in the future of Carlton County 4‑H!

Our free little library is in need of some new books, specifically children's books. If you have any you would be willing to donate, please drop them off at the Extension office. The community thanks you!

We will be closed on August 11 & 13. Come find us at the fairgrounds.

For assistance with registration or printing of information please contact the Extension Office at

218-384-3511. A computer is also available for public use.

Mercedes Mills, Agriculture Educator, moffett029@umn.edu, 218-384-8681

Katie Diggs, 4-H Youth Development Educator, silta006@umn.edu, 218-384-8682

Deena Olson, Office Administration Assistant, olso7219@umn.edu, 218-384-8680

Stacey Achterhoff, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, seacht@umn.edu, 218-384-8684

317 Chestnut Ave

P.O. Box 307 Carlton, MN 55718

218-384-3511

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