Carlton County Extension Connection
May 2025
Warmer weather is upon us! Like many of you, the shift in seasons reignites my love for gardening and time spent in the field. With that in mind, I’m excited to share a new resource I’ve been working on: the Perennial Forage Decision Tool.
Each year, producers across the region ask the same important question: What forages will work best for my operation? The answer isn’t always simple. No two farms—or even fields—are exactly alike, and a single producer may need different forage strategies for different parts of their operation.
That’s where this tool comes in. It’s designed specifically for Midwest producers to help determine the most suitable perennial forages based on soil type, intended use, management style, and livestock species. The recommendations are tailored to support practical, sustainable decisions in the field.
Please try it out! z.umn.edu/perennialforageselectiontool
-Mercedes
Join the Carlton County Master Gardeners for their annual plant sale. Lots of perennials, vegetable starts, bulbs etc. will be available for $3, and $5. Your local experts will be available to answer all of your gardening questions.
Saturday, May 31st, 2025, 9 am until sell out
Veteran's Park Pavilion, 508 Cloquet Ave., Cloquet
Carlton SWCD Is hosting an educational event
When: May 8th, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Where: Wrenshall High School Commons (207 Pioneer Dr, Wrenshall, MN 55797)
Enjoy a dinner buffet and topics including:
- Cost Share Opportunities (up to 90%!)
- Tips to manage mud and improve water quality
- Soil health resources, practices, and benefits
- Grazing Options
- No-Till Interseeder Rental Onsite Tour
- Local Farmer Panel
Also presentations by:
Ryan Clark - Regional Ag Water Certification Specialist
John Stoltz - Carlton SWCD Engineering Technician
Mercedes Moffett - Carlton County Ag Extension Educator
Jace Stallman - USDA-NRCS Rangeland Management Specialist
Registration is required. Register online at www.carltonswcd.org/events or call 218-384-3891.
Sign up for the new Minnesota Agritourism Quarterly Newsletter to stay connected with farm-based tourism efforts across the state. The newsletter includes best practices, regulatory updates, marketing tips, success stories, and news from statewide partners and programs.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/PAivr1PmQ3xFKArB7
The Carlton SWCD Native Plant sale is back. They have Native Plant Kits. Plants arrive from the greenhouse in 4-inch plant/ plug flats of 36 plants in six species. Plant for monarchs, songbirds, pollinators, shady areas, pine mulch gardens, deer resistance, buckthorn replacement, rain gardens and shoreline restoration. There are also native seed mixes available for pollinators, songbirds, monarchs, buckthorn replacement or a bee-friendly lawn! Plants are available for purchase online at carltonswcd.org/store or call 218-384-3891. Orders may be placed until June 13th. Plant pickup will be June 27th at the Carlton County Transportation Building (1630 Co Rd 61, Carlton, MN).
Beginning Livestock Production will cover animal nutrition, housing and facilities, health, and livestock handling with information specific to beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, and swine. We will also take a look at what you must consider when raising multiple species.
The online course will help new livestock producers decide which livestock species fit their system and goals.
We will give you the information you need to plan for essential facilities and supplies, and help you develop the animal husbandry and science skills necessary to successfully raise livestock.
The course launches on May 12 and will remain active until December 31, 2025. You may join the course at any time and finish at your own pace.
Cost: $50
Registration: This is an online course. You will receive instructions for accessing the training after you register.
In 4-H all youth are welcome!
4-H is an out- of-school, hands-on learning program for anyone in Kindergarten through one year past high school (grade 13). You choose a project that's interesting to them and explore it with peers and caring adults. 4-H clubs are groups of youth who want to learn together and meet in every part of Minnesota.
What can I do in 4-H?
The sky's the limit! 4-H offers learning experiences in science, photography, agriculture, healthy living, civic engagement and much more. We have one-day events, year-long projects and everything in between. There are many ways to try 4-H.