Otter Tail County Extension Update

Happy October! As we look back on this growing season and begin to dream and plan for next year's, check out the fall resources and upcoming events below. Read about how to build habitat for the pollinators in your area and create a plan for doing so, and learn how and when to divide your perennials. Consider attending the agritourism exchange if you do or are considering agritourism, or brush up on your knowledge of how to prepare your chicken coop for the winter. Finally, keep your eye out over the next few months for the many upcoming events and opportunities that this winter will hold - even if our fields and gardens are resting, there will still be many chances for all of us to keep learning something new.

Additionally, please take a few minutes to fill out the 2 minute Otter Tail County Extension's needs assessment survey to help shape future programming in the area - the survey is open for just a little longer, and your feedback is important and greatly appreciated!

Take care,

Olivia Olson

olso7655@umn.edu

office: (218) 998-8308

cell: (218) 282-5963

OTC Extension survey

Deep winter greenhouses

Dividing perennials

Creating pollinator habitat

Food business survey

Backyard chicken coop webinar

Agritourism exchange

Annie's Project trainings

Soil Management Summit

What do you want to learn about from Otter Tail County Extension? Take this short survey to tell us what resources and workshops Extension can provide for OTC communities. If you live in or visit the county, we'd love to hear from you - your input is highly valuable!

Have you been wanting to extend your growing season? Consider looking into a deep winter greenhouse, which use the sun as heat to enable cool-hardy plants to be grown even in our coldest months. Check out this resource from Extension to learn more about the greenhouses and see examples from around the state.

Dividing perennials is a simple way to keep your garden looking its best year after year. Older plants can become crowded, and dividing them helps restore vigor and improve blooms. It’s also a great way to control plant size and spread, keeping your garden tidy and balanced. Plus, you’ll end up with extra plants to fill in bare spots or share with friends and neighbors. Fall is one of the best times to divide many perennials, giving them a head start for spring. Our guide provides clear steps for dividing plants successfully and includes a chart covering more than 100 perennial species.

Read the full article on dividing perennials, or click here for specific information for 125 different perennials.

Creating a healthy home for pollinators requires planning and maintenance of your landscape, and the intentional creation of spaces for them to overwinter. Read (and watch) about how to create these habitats in your landscape for the pollinators here.

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 us on Thursday, November 13, from 1–5 p.m. at Redhead Creamery in Brooten, MN, for the 2nd Annual Agritourism Exchange—an afternoon of learning, connection, and inspiration. The event features engaging speakers, a panel of experienced agritourism hosts, resource tables, and plenty of networking over food and refreshments. A cash bar will also showcase Redhead Creamery’s new milk vodka. Learn more and register at z.umn.edu/ATexchange. Questions? Contact Extension Educator Freya Thurmer at fjt@umn.edu.

Take charge of your farm, ranch, or business’ future with two upcoming financial management courses - one online and one in-person in Crookston. This 4-part series will help you understand how to make rational decisions about incomes and cash flows. As always, Annie's Project programs empower farm/ranch women to make business decisions and communicate with their families, partners and lenders.

• Register for the Crookston sessions - November 3, 6, 10, and 13
• Register for the online sessions - November 11, 13, 18, and 20

Looking for help in coping with business, family, or mental health issues? This resource list from the MN Department of Agriculture has a list of trained professionals to assist in a variety of ways.

MN Farm and Rural Helpline:

Phone: 833-600-2670

Text: FARMSTRESS to 898211
Email: farmstress@state.mn.us

Crisis Text Line:

Text: MN to 741 741

Are you a beginning farmer looking to rent or purchase working farmland in the Midwest? Or are you an established farmer/landowner in the Midwest who is seeking a beginning farmer to purchase or rent your working farmland, or to work with in a partnership situation? The Land Stewardship Project's Farm Beginnings project has simple application forms available for people seeking farmland or farmers. More information and the forms can be found at this link.

Email: olso7655@umn.edu

Phone: office (218) 998-8303 cell (218) 282-5963
Website: extension.umn.edu
Location: 118 N Main Ave, New York Mills, MN 56567

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