Fi l lmore County

Winter 2013

The Fillmore

SWCD offers:

Low interest loan dollars

State Cost Share dollars for water-ways, terraces, and feedlot fixes

Nutrient Management Plans

Manure Spreader Calibration

Grazing Management Plans

Tree Program

Bacteria Testing

Plat Book Sales

C O N S E RVAT I O N C H R O N I C L E S

District Board Travis Willford………………….….…………..Chair Brian Hazel………………...…………….Vice Chair Tim Gossman......……………..……....Treasurer Pamela Mensink..…………..…………Secretary Leonard Leutink, Jr...………..…....Supervisor

District Staff Dawn Bernau Rick Grooters Doug Keene Anne Koliha Joe Magee Donna Rasmussen Jennifer Ronnenberg Jeanette Serfling Dean Thomas

900 Washington Street NW

Preston, Minnesota 55965

Phone: 507-765-3878

Fax: 507-765-4415

www.fillmoreswcd.org

The SWCD’s role The function of the Soil and Water Conservation District is to take available technical, financial and educational resources, whatever their source, and focus or coordi-nate them so that they meet the needs of the local land user.

FILLMORE SOIL & WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Fillmore Soil & Water Conservation District

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Arden & Judy Willford Named 2013 Outstanding Conservationists Arden and Judy Willford, of Harmony, have been named the 2013 Fillmore County Outstanding Conservationists. The Willford’s were recognized at a luncheon during the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) annual convention on Tuesday, December 3rd held at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South. The state’s SWCDs are currently recognizing accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota’s natural resources. Conservation has long been an important part of the Willford’s farming operation beginning in 1961 when Arden’s dad developed his conservation plan with the Soil Conservation Service and SWCD. Over the years, they have maintained and installed over 21,000 feet of terraces, 15,000 feet of grassed waterways, 5,000 feet of contour buffer strips and also maintain three miles of stream buffers. Arden and Judy have no-tilled corn and soybeans for over 10 years on 220 acres they own and on 110 rented acres. Another 23 acres are in pasture and CRP. The Willford’s have their soil grid sampled and use variable rate technology to apply their fertilizer in a split application. Basal stalk nitrate tests are used in the fall to evaluate their nitrogen fertilizer program. They utilize cover crops on their soybean acres into which corn is no-tilled in the spring. Pheasants are raised in cooperation with the Pheasants Forever Chapter and released on their CRP acres. A wet area on their rented acres is maintained in permanent grass along the stream bank, is home to many bird species, and is mowed every year after nesting season to control the weeds.

The Fillmore SWCD congratulates Arden and Judy Willford. They are continuing the long tradition of conservation and have passed along their stewardship ethic to their family to ensure

that the practices and management on their land are carried into future generations.

Be sure to check out our website for news, upcoming events and program information.

www.fillmoreswcd.org

Page 2 FILLMORE SWCD 507 .765 .3878

The Fillmore SWCD offers...

Low interest loan dollars

State cost-share dollars for waterways, terraces, farmstead windbreaks and feedlot fixes

Feedlot cost-share assistance

Nutrient Management Plans

Manure Spreader Calibration

Grazing Management Plans

Tree Program

Bacteria Testing

Plat Book Sales

Survey Flag Sales

Tree Planter Rental

Tree Bar Rental/Sales

Fillmore SWCD Receives Dividend from Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust… The Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) recently received a dividend check in the amount of $4,959.00 from Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust (MCIT). MCIT is a member service organization that provides 81 of Minnesota’s 87 counties and associated entities with property, casualty and workers’ compensation coverage, as well as risk management and loss control services designed for public entities. Fillmore SWCD’s decision to join MCIT has resulted in significant cost savings to taxpayers over the years. MCIT’s decision to issue a dividend is based on a comprehensive actuarial review of the Trust’s reserving and rate level strategies, the performance of its investment portfolio, operational expenses, and claim history. The efforts of Fillmore SWCD to manage situations that expose it to loss had a positive impact on the performance of MCIT and contributed to the ability of MCIT to return a dividend this year. The total dividend that MCIT distributed to members in 2013 is $19 million: $7 million from the Workers’ Compensation Division and $12 million from the Property/Casualty Division. Fillmore SWCD received $3,843.00 from the Property/Casualty Division and $1,116.00 from the Workers’ Compensation Division this year. Since 1991 MCIT has returned more than $274 million of fund balance to members. According to MCIT Board Chair Scott Sanders, Watonwan County commissioner, “The 2013 dividend demonstrates the benefits of pooling, members’ dedication to managing risk and the reward of Fillmore SWCD’s continued participation in the Trust.”

AgBMP Low Interest Loans… Loan dollars are available to help correct existing water quality problems. Many local lenders participate in this pro-gram to assist landowners in protecting our water quality. The loan runs for a term of five to ten years with an interest rate of 3%. Eligible practices include:

Terraces, grassed waterways, structural erosion control structures

No-till equipment (planters and drills)

Replacement of failing septic systems

Sealing of unused wells

Well replacement (specific criteria to meet)

Variable Rate Technology (tied to conservation practices)

Feedlot Fixes

Manure handling equipment To start the loan process, bring in a written estimate of the project to be completed and complete an application at the Fillmore SWCD office. The loan application process must be started at the SWCD office before any work begins to secure funds. After completion of the loan application, you would then go to a participating lender to finish the details and terms of the loan with them. The funds are limited each year and are on a first come, first serve basis. If you would like more information or want to apply for the loan, contact Anne Koliha or Donna Rasmussen at the Fillmore SWCD office at (507) 765-3878 ext. 3.

Scholarship Awarded to Katie Winslow… The Fillmore SWCD is proud to announce that Katie Winslow, daughter of Scott and Jean Winslow of Fountain, has been awarded our 2013 Returning College Student Scholarship. Katie is currently attending the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education with a Teaching Certification. She would like to work to connect consumers back to the farm and help farmers tell their story about conservation.

Congratulations Katie and best wishes for success in your future endeavors!

Conservation means development as much as it does protection. I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land; but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob, by wasteful use, the generations that come after us. ~Theodore Roosevelt

Conservation Chronicles Page 3, FILLMORE SWCD 507.765.3878

Think Spring—Tree Sales Have Begun… The spring tree planting season will be here before you know it and the SWCD’s tree program is just getting underway. The SWCD offers a variety of bare root and potted trees and shrubs for sale. New this year to the list of bare root conifers is white spruce. Information about each type of tree and shrub can be found on our website. The District sells good quality trees, but offers no guarantee of survival. Trees and shrubs are offered on a first come, first serve basis. The order form can be found on page four of this newsletter, online at www.fillmoreswcd.org, or can be picked up at the SWCD office in Preston located at 900 Washington Street NW. Also offered for sale are tree mats and fertilizer packets and tree planters or tree spades are available for rent. Tree order forms are due at the SWCD office by February 25, 2014. Most varieties of trees and shrubs will still be available in limited quantities, so get your order in early for best selection. You will be notified by postcard in early April when the trees are available for pickup.

The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.

~Proverb

The Value of Trees… The winter winds are beginning to blow which gets people thinking about planting windbreaks. So, when is the best time to plant a windbreak? See above… The SWCD’s tree program distributes 12,000 to 15,000 trees each year to over 200 customers in and outside of Fillmore County. One of the primary uses of many of the trees sold by the SWCD is for farmstead windbreaks. Tree sales offer affordable trees to our customers while generating income for the SWCD. More important are the many functions and benefits that trees provide to the landscape. Windbreaks are an energy conservation measure for the farmstead plus they offer shelter from wind and sun for livestock and wildlife and capture blowing snow for slow melting and infiltration. In general, young, growing trees take up large quantities of carbon dioxide reducing levels of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. They also intercept pollutants both in the air and water. A healthy tree stand reduces soil erosion by dissipating the energy of raindrops before they hit the ground and by improving water infiltration. Tree roots are great at holding soil in place. All of these factors reduce surface runoff which also reduces soil erosion and flooding. According to American Forests, mature forests can reduce by 40 to 60 percent the amount of water reaching streams.

The Value of Trees (continued)… For many years, windbreaks were eligible for state cost share funding, but this year windbreaks were removed from the list of eligible practices except in counties where wind erosion is a problem. Fillmore County does not meet the state’s requirements to be considered a wind erosion county. However, the SWCD Board has long recognized the importance of trees on the land, especially on the steep and rolling hills found in most of the county. So, this tradition will continue. The SWCD will continue to offer trees for sale and will offer cost share for windbreaks utilizing its local funds. Up to 50 percent of the cost of trees for a farmstead windbreak designed by the SWCD staff will be paid to the landowner. Contact the SWCD office at 507-765-3878 ext. 3 or email rick.grooters@fillmoreswcd.org for more information about how to get cost share for a farmstead windbreak.

2014 Supervisor Election Information… Districts 1 and 2 to be filled by election in 2014 An elected board of five supervisors governs our Soil and Water District. Each board member represents a district within the County and each district is defined by municipal boundaries. District 1—Arendahl, Rushford Village, Norway, and Holt townships and the City of Lanesboro District 2—Sumner, Jordan, Chatfield, and Spring Valley townships excluding the City of Spring Valley SWCD Supervisors are elected in the general election. An election for Supervisors is held every two years and the seats are filled for four year alternating terms. A supervisor shall hold his or her office until a successor has been elected or qualified. The office of the Supervisor is a nonpartisan office and each supervisor represents their district. Fillmore SWCD Supervisors are elected at-large—meaning that all eligible voters throughout Fillmore County are able to vote for the open positions. Filing dates have not been determined for 2014. Watch the newspapers and our website for more information.

Page 4 Fillmore SWCD 507.765.3878

Conservation Chronicles Page 5, Fillmore SWCD 507.765.3878

2013 Cattle Feeder Days December 19, 2013

to be held at the Rochester Events Center

Rochester, MN

Topics and Speakers...

Monoslope Feeding Facilities and Considerations-Sam Odom, Summit Buildings

Value of Manure as Fertilizer: Feedlot Design and Management Considerations—Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo, U of M Beef Team

Incorporating Forages into Preconditioning Programs—Dr. Eric Mousel, U of M Beef Team

Considerations for Drylot Preconditioning Pro-grams—Nicole Kenney Rambo, U of M Beef Team

Registration... $30 per person and $15 for each additional person from the same family or farm, which includes a meal and all educational materials.

Please RSVP online or with the following individual. Payment will be accepted at the event. Online: http://z.umn.edu/cfday2013

Jake Overgaard at 507-457-6440 or over0128@umn.edu Watch for details about the upcoming Cow/Calf Days

scheduled for February 13, 2014 at the Heintz Center in Rochester, MN. You’ll learn applicable solutions to current cow/calf issues while also looking towards future improvements and expansion.

U of M Beef Team Presents Nutrient and Manure Management Plans… With winter planning months upon us, it is time to update your Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). Having an up-to-date plan will ensure you are taking the proper nutrient credits for manure and legume crops. Proper crediting helps save you money, and you will also know how much commercial fertilizer to pre-order. To update your NMP, contact Dawn Bernau, Nutrient Management Specialist at 507-765-3878 ext. 3 or dawn.bernau@fillmoreswcd.org. 2014 Nutrient Management Plan Reminders

2014 plans should be done before fall 2013 manure applications

Scales to calibrate manure spreaders are available

Take manure tests yearly (manure kits available at the SWCD office)

New soil tests should be no older than four years and taken every 5-20 acres depending on field size and terrain

Keep detailed manure application records, including date of application, method of application, manure source, field ID, acres covered, loads hauled or tons/gallons applied

Keep commercial fertilizer records Cost to Prepare Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP)

New Plan (EQIP) $0.70/acre

Yearly Update (EQIP) $0.50/acre

New Plan (MPCA) $0.50/acre

Yearly Update (MPCA) $0.35/acre

Helpful Websites for Manure & Nutrient Management… N rate calculator (http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/soilfertility/nitrate.aspx This website provides a process to calculate economic return to N application with different nitrogen and corn prices and to find profitable N rates directly from recent N rate research data. The method used follows a newly developed regional approach for determining corn N rate guidelines that is being implemented in several Corn Belt states. NRCS Manure and Nutrient Management (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/mn/technical/?cid=nrcs142p2_023689) Has all the tools for developing a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan

MPCA Feedlots-Nutrients and Manure Management (http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/topics/feedlots/feedlot-nutrient-and-manure-management.html) Has information regarding Feedlot Rules, Feedlot Permits and Application forms, Feedlot NPDES permit application, Feedlot Publications, Feedlot Nutrient and Manure Management, Manure Management Excel spreadsheet, Feedlot Environmental Review, Open Lot Agreements and more. Adapt-N (http://adapt-n.cals.cornell.edu/) Predict corn N needs more precisely based on field specific conditions. Adjust N applications based on weather on your farm. Reduce fertilizer costs and losses in the long-term, while maintaining yield.

Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land. ~Aldo Leopold

Page 6 Fillmore SWCD 507.765.3878

Kingsland Courtyard Receives SWCD Grant for Rain Gardens… By Jennifer Ronnenberg, Conservation Technician

Students of Kingsland Schools in Spring Valley will soon be learning how to build rain barrels, design and construct rain gardens and the importance of using native plants in landscaping. This spring, they will help transform the existing school courtyard into an outdoor classroom, complete with stormwater friendly garden features. With the help of the Fillmore SWCD Stormwater Mini-Grant Program, The Kingsland Courtyard Committee was awarded a $2,180.00 grant to create rain gardens and other stormwater treatment features in the overall plan for the new outdoor classroom. High school students of the horticulture class will help with design features, and many other students will be involved with planting the gardens, testing water and keeping everything in good working condition. Be sure to check back to see the progress on the rain gardens

and all the other transformations of the outdoor classroom!

The existing courtyard is currently used for younger children. With the new design, kids of all grades will have a place to learn about the environment with hands-on activities. The stormwater grant will provide funds for rain

gardens to infiltrate stormwater from the roofs of the

surrounding buildings.

In this map view of the school, the

approximate volume of roof drainage has

been calculated. The goal of the rain gardens

is to eliminate as much of this volume as

possible by either storing water for later use,

or infiltration directly into the ground.

WISHING YOU WARM, COZY

HOLIDAYS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Conservation Chronicles Page 7, Fillmore SWCD 507-3765-3878

Natural Resources Conservation Service 413 Farmers St Box A Preston, MN 55965 Phone: (507) 765-3878 Ext 3

Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers cost share and incentive payments for landowners and producers adopting new conservation practices in their operations. The first 2014 scoring period will occur in December 2013 and rankings will take place until February 2014, so agricultural producers looking to solve natural resource problems on their farms should apply now for assistance through EQIP. Some of the practices available through EQIP again in 2014 will be: Grassed Waterways are a shaped or graded channel that is established with suitable vegetation to carry surface water at a non-erosive velocity to a stable outlet. They are used to help reduce gully erosion, which in HEL fields need to be controlled, and improve water quality. Cover Crops to reduce erosion from wind and water and to increase soil organic matter. The cost share ranges depending on the crop is $46 to $80 per acre. Cover crops offer a wide range of benefits: they trap nitrogen left behind by fertilizer in the field, which otherwise may be washed away over the winter. They conserve water, improve the quality of soil, suppress weeds, and control insect pests and erosion. Cover crops can also provide an excellent source of animal feed during periods when drought has reduced forage. Prescribed Grazing involves better management and utilization of pasture forage so that it is more productive. Larger pastures are split into smaller “paddocks” so livestock graze more evenly and the other paddocks are allowed adequate time to recover. Cost share money is available for fencing, waterlines, water tanks, and pasture planting. Cost Share rates are higher if you qualify as a Beginning Farmer/Rancher, Limited Resource Farmer/Rancher, and/or a Socially Disadvantaged Farmer/Rancher. These are just a few of the practices that we can provide technical assistance with. For more information on other practices available you can log onto www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov or stop into our office at 413 Farmers St Box A, Preston, MN 55965. We can also be reached at 507.765.3878 Ext 3. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) encourages agricultural and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional ones on their operations. CSP is a voluntary conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to conserve and enhance soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. CSP provides opportunities to both recognize excellent stewards and deliver valuable new conservation. Through 5-year contracts, payments will be made as soon as practical after October of each year for contract activities installed and maintained in the previous year. For all contracts, CSP payments to a person or legal entity may not exceed $40,000 in any year and $200,000 during any 5-year period. Each CSP contract will be limited to $200,000 over the term of the initial contract period. The average contract is $20-$30 per acre. In Fillmore County there is 31,000 cropland acres, 4,600 pastureland acres, and 1,900 forestland acres enrolled into the Conservation Stewardship Program. If you are interested in learning more about CSP and how you can prepare for it, please contact our office at 507.765.3878 Ext 3, or stop in at the USDA Office located at 413 Farmers St Box A, Preston, MN 55965. Information is also available on the NRCS website www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Page 8 FILLMORE SWCD 507.765.3878 Conservation Chronicles

Is Your Conservation Plan Up-To-Date?

Since your last plan update, have you:

• Bought land ?

• Rented new ground?

• Changed crop rotations?

• Changed tillage practices?

• Changed nutrient or pesticide management practices?

IF SO, YOU MAY NEED TO UPDATE YOUR CONSERVATION PLAN!

Contact your local NRCS or SWCD staffby calling 507-765-3878, ext. 3

to be sure your conservation plan is up-to-date.