Extension Connection

I can't believe we have already hit December! Where did this year go? I hope everyone has a chance to slow down and catch up with friends and family as the holidays unfold. Remember to cherish your time together.

Happy Holidays.

Best,

Mercedes

The beginning of November, Carlton County Extension in partnership with Carlton SWCD and the City of Cloquet hosted a public demonstration on the burning of biochar. Using Oregon kilns provided by SWCD, biochar was made from buckthorn collected around the area. The concept of taking an invasive species, changing it and applying to soil for the better, is something very fascinating.

You might be asking, what is biochar? Biochar is a form of long lasting charcoal that can be used as a natural soil amendment. As biomass is burned down, the burning process is stopped before the wood is completely turned to ash. From here, this can be incorporated into soils.

How does it work? Due to the makeup of biochar it has really great water holding and filtration capacity. The micropores within the material suck up the water and hold onto that. Not only does it hold water, but it holds nutrients needed in the soil as well. Soil is alive with numerous microbes and bacteria that aid in the breakdown and betterment of soil matter. Biochar works really well if it is added in addition to manure or compost. As everything is mixed together, the biochar grabs onto the nutrients and microorganisms to be better stored, and used in the soil.

Biochar is a unique option for renovating a overrun space on your property. Whether your a farmer, gardener, or looking to improve some of your potting mixes, biochar is option.

Photo above: Brad M. of Carlton County SWCD and Master Gardener Judy W. monitor the biochar burn

Watch the January newsletter for more information regarding the next Community Connect class where Shawn Bernhardt of Carlton will demonstrate the process of "Growing Shitake Mushrooms" at home. Stay tuned!

Looking to purchase your first farm? The Minnesota Department of of Agriculture's Rural Finance Authority is offering matching funds of up to $15,000 for down payment, for qualified farmers. Applications open at 9 am on January 4, 2023. Attend an information meeting Tuesday, December 6 from 2-3 pm or Thursday, December 15 from 6-7 pm to learn about qualifications and how to apply.

Zoom links are available for the meetings at: www.mda.state.mn.us/down-payment-assistance-grant-program

Tell your friends!

Register today to attend our two-day conference on December 9th and 10th at Willmar Conference Center in Willmar, MN!

https://www.mnsca.org/events/convention

Happening Thursday, December 15- Friday, December 16 at the Park Event Center (500 Division St, Waite Park MN).

The Soil Management Summit emphasizes proven farmer experience and applied science. Straight from the fields, learn how heavier, colder soils aren't necessarily the challenge they're made out to be. Hear from long- time no till, reduced tillage, and cover crop farmers as they share their experiences, so you can be spared the same hard-learned lessons.

The summit features presentations and Q & A with researchers, farmers, agricultural advisors, information from sponsors, and conversations with farmers experienced in different soil health practices.

Registration is $180. Follow the link to register.

https://extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/soil-management-summit

• Are green eggs and ham safe to eat?
• Beware of unsafe ways to cook turkey
• Is your homemade food gift safe to eat?
• Mailing food gifts
• Making homemade egg nog that's safe
• Party food safety tips
• Safety of hard cooked eggs for dyeing
• Twelve food safety mistakes of the holiday season

https://extension.umn.edu/food-safety/preserving-and-preparing#holidays-and-food-safety-1961914

Are you interested in creating pollinator habitat, but you don't know where to begin? Check out this upcoming webinar series to help guide you in your pollinator plan. University of Minnesota Extension Educators are excited to bring you this webinar series on creating your own pollinator habitat. This three-part series will cover how to create a pollinator-friendly garden, bee lawn and prairie planting. Join us January 31, February 1 and 2 from 1:30-2:30 pm each afternoon for this free webinar. You must pre-register for this series a http://z.umn.edu/BeeSeries to receive the webinar links.

A mink has been spotted around the county this month. A very common species to find here in Minnesota. Easily recognized by its long body, rounded ears, whitish belly, and a white or yellow bib on the front. Mink usually prefer hollowed out logs or banks to live in near a water front. Mink are nocturnal animals and not commonly seen, but tracks in the snow can be found and usually lead you to their homes. With no natural predators, and litter sizes up to 5 or 6, these guys are abundant. The diet typically consists of anything they can find near the water such as fish, frogs, crayfish, eggs, worms, mice, and more. Pursing its next meal can be done with ease, as mink can travel by land or water.

Check out the Minnesota DNR website for more information.

-Information provided by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Carlton County Extension Office will be closed on Friday, December 23rd and Monday, December 26th, 2022 in observance of Christmas and Friday, December 30th, 2022 and Monday, January 2nd, 2023 in observance of the New Year. If you need assistance during the office closures, staff can be reached by email or by leaving us a voicemail. We will get back to you as soon as we are able.

Our Carlton County 4-H newsletter is jammed full of upcoming events, County Fair details and and all things Carlton 4-H! Read our latest email newsletter and consider signing up for future newsletters or forward to anyone interested in finding out how you can get involved. Participants are Kindergarten through grade 13 and adults volunteers are needed. Contact our office with questions and learn more about how you can get involved today!

Keri Cavitt, Regional Director cavit005@umn.edu

Tracey Hartung, Administrative Specialist thartung@umn.edu

Katie Siltanen, 4-H Educator silta006@umn.edu

Mercedes Moffett, Agriculture Educator, moffe029@umn.edu

Ann Rust, Vol Coord & Horticulture Assist rustx048@umn.edu

Email: mnext-Carlton@umn.edu
Website: https://local.extension.umn.edu/local/carlton
Location: 317 Chestnut Avenue, Carlton, MN, USA
Phone: 218-384-3511
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UofMNExt

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