Roots & Ridge Report

June has arrived, and with it comes the familiar sprint of summer in southwest Minnesota. After a spring that kept us guessing, it seems we've jumped right into the heat of summer. After some much needed rain over the last week everything seems be taking off, though many areas are still far from being out of drought conditions. As always, this time of year brings a long list of tasks and not nearly enough hours in the day to accomplish them all.

Across Pipestone and Murray counties, the landscape seems to be changing by the day. I've seen the first cutting and baling of hay fields, sprayers out and about, and livestock out grazing. In my own neck of the woods, lambing season is winding down, the cows are out on pasture, and the garden is finally starting to take shape along with plenty of weeds that seem to be thriving despite my best efforts.

As we settle into the heart of the summer season, I want to remind you that Extension is here to help. Whether you're scouting fields, evaluating pasture performance, troubleshooting livestock concerns, or simply looking for information to support your operation, don't hesitate to reach out. Working alongside producers to solve problems and find practical solutions remains one of the most rewarding parts of my role as your local Extension educator.

In this issue, you'll find timely information and resources from Extension. I've also included a few podcasts that are worth a listen if you can find some time in the tractor, truck, or mower. Dr. George Lemke shares important reminders and practical information on vaccine handling this month, and you'll find additional resources designed to help you make informed decisions as the growing season progresses.

I hope you find something useful in these pages and wish you a safe, productive June.

Matti Boomgaarden- Extension Educator

boomg022@umn.edu

MC:507-836-1143

PC:507-825-1193

Liz Stahl, Extension Educator - Crops and Axel Garcia y Garcia, Sustainable Cropping Systems Specialist

Register now for the 2026 University of Minnesota "Cover Crop Field Day: Setting up for Success" at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center by Lamberton on Thursday, June 25. Check-in will start at 8:30 a.m., and the field day will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (lunch included). The field tour will start promptly at 9:00 a.m., weather permitting, and the event will be held rain or shine.

This program is for farmers and those who work with farmers, with or without cover crop experience, and anyone else who would like to learn more about cover crops.

Pre-register by June 19 to ensure yourself a meal at Cover Crop Field Day Registration. Later registrations and walk-ins are still welcome, but timely registration is required to ensure yourself a meal.

Tour stops and indoor topics include:

· Finding the sweet spot for cereal rye seeding rate and termination timing

· Cereal rye interactions with soybean and pathogens

· Measuring the impacts of cover crops on soil erosion

· Comparing camelina planting strategies

· Interseeding into short-stature corn

· Demonstration of cover crops often used for grazing

· Planting cover crops with pollinators in mind

· Cover crops and landscape implications

Presenters include:

· Axel Garcia y Garcia, Assoc. Professor / Sustainable Crop Systems Specialist, Dept. of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, SWROC, Lamberton

· Gregg Johnson, Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, SROC, Waseca

· Claire LaCanne, Extension Educator – Crops, Andover Regional Extension Office

· Sara Gall, MS Student, Applied Plant Science, Dept. of Agronomy and Plant Genetics

· Bob Fowler, MS Student, Land and Atmospheric Science, Dept. of Soil, Water and Climate

· Liz Stahl, Extension Educator - Crops, Worthington Regional Extension Office

There is no cost to attend. Questions? Contact Liz Stahl at stah0012@umn.edu.

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.

Vaccination is one of the most effective tools for preventing disease outbreaks in livestock, but improper handling can significantly reduce vaccine performance. Many vaccines are highly sensitive to temperature changes and must be stored within a strict range, usually between 35°F and 45°F. When vaccines are exposed to freezing temperatures or excessive heat during storage or transport, their active ingredients can break down and lose potency. Poor refrigeration practices, such as overcrowded coolers, faulty thermometers, or leaving vaccines in direct sunlight while working cattle, can result in animals receiving little or no real protection against disease.

Another common mistake is improper mixing and administration of vaccines. Modified-live vaccines often require reconstitution with a diluent immediately before use, and once mixed, they typically remain effective for only a few hours. Using dirty syringes, contaminated needles, or expired products can compromise vaccine quality and introduce infections into the herd. Inconsistent dosing, incorrect injection sites, and failure to follow label directions can also reduce immune response. Additionally, vaccinating stressed, malnourished, or already sick animals may prevent the immune system from responding adequately, leaving livestock vulnerable despite being vaccinated.

Good vaccine management practices are essential for maintaining herd health and maximizing return on investment. Producers should routinely monitor refrigerator temperatures, transport vaccines in insulated coolers with ice packs, and protect bottles from sunlight and dust during handling. Needles should be changed frequently, and only the amount of vaccine needed for immediate use should be mixed at one time. Always use a clean needle when drawing vaccine from the bottle. Following manufacturer guidelines and working closely with a veterinarian to develop a herd vaccination program can help ensure vaccines deliver the intended protection. Proper handling not only improves animal health and productivity but also reduces the risk of costly disease outbreaks in livestock operations.

The staff at Windy Ridge Veterinary Clinic is happy to help with any questions on vaccine handling, or protocols today! Please give us a call at (507)-825-3336.

Health officials are reminding backyard poultry owners to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of human salmonella infection. Since January 2026, 184 salmonella cases linked to backyard poultry have been reported across 31 states, including cases in Minnesota. Many of the illnesses were reported during March and April, when families commonly purchase chicks and ducklings for the spring season. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have worked with Minnesota’s Department of Health and the Board of Animal Health for several years and have confirmed that up to 75% of chick shipments to farm stores carry Salmonella.

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that affect the intestinal tract and is sometimes carried by healthy poultry, including chicks, ducklings, and adult birds. Because poultry may carry the bacteria without appearing sick, practicing good hygiene around poultry and their living areas is important.

While most people who become ill recover without medical treatment, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems may be at greater risk for more serious illness. Common symptoms can include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and dehydration.

Backyard poultry can still be enjoyed safely by following a few practical steps:

Practice Safe Hygiene When Handling Poultry

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling poultry, eggs, or equipment.
• Avoid touching your face while caring for birds.
• Do not kiss or cuddle poultry.
• Use hand sanitizer until soap and water are available.
• Avoid eating or drinking while handling poultry or cleaning coops.
• Wear shoes designated for coop use and leave them outside when possible.
• Supervise children around poultry and encourage proper handwashing.
• Children under 5 years old should avoid direct handling of chicks and ducklings

Maintain a Clean Coop and Handle Eggs Safely

• Keep poultry and poultry equipment outside the home.
• Keep coops and equipment clean.
• Collect eggs frequently and discard cracked eggs.
• If washing eggs, use water that is at least 20°F warmer than the egg to help prevent contamination.
• Eggs may also be cleaned gently with a brush, cloth, or fine sandpaper.
• Refrigerate eggs promptly after collection.
• Cook eggs thoroughly until yolks and whites are firm.
• Cook egg dishes to 160°F or higher.
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Protect Flock Health Through Strong Biosecurity Practices

• Introduce new poultry to existing flocks gradually and keep them separated for at least 30 days.
• Purchase birds from hatcheries that participate in the National Poultry
• Improvement Plan (NPIP), which works to reduce salmonella in poultry breeding and hatchery operations.
• Continue practicing good biosecurity measures to keep flocks healthy.

Many farm and feed stores have also added protective measures to decrease the chance of spreading salmonella, including installing barriers around live poultry displays and providing educational materials and handwashing or sanitizing stations to encourage safe handling practices.

For more information, please reach out to Matti Boomgaarden as your local extension educator or visit the University of Minnesota Extension poultry website

website at www.extension.umn.edu/poultry.

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