University of Minnesota researcher asks, “Can pennycress saves the world?”

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If you’re a farmer in Minnesota, you have to think about what you can do to keep your soil from washing and blowing away during the long winter. Environmentalists also have legitimate concerns about soil runoff polluting waterways. And anyone who eats has an interest in nutrients staying in the ground and not being washed down to the Gulf of Mexico. University of Minnesota Plant Biology Graduate Student Kevin Dorn has been thinking about these issues too, and that has led him to spend his time decoding the genome for a weed called pennycress. The Morning Blends Terry Carter spoke with Kevin and asked what is pennycress? [Audio below]

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Searching for the Farm Bill

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Farmfest is the largest farm show in Minnesota, bringing farmers together to talk about and see the latest in tractors, seeds, and other farm-related equipment. But Farmfest also brings out the politicians to talk about what is happening with agricultural policies and markets. With no farm bill in place, the question understandably on everyone’s minds at this year’s policy panel was “What’s next?” While the policymakers in attendance did a pretty good job of explaining how we got where we are today, the future of farm policy was left unclear. Continue Reading

Midtown Farmers Market: Market report with Veseli Orchard

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Dare we say it? Perhaps we’ll whisper it so summer doesn’t disappear too quickly…apples have arrived at the market. The early-season apples that is – the State Fair and the Mantet. They’re from Denny Havlicek’s orchard – Veseli Vrsek. In this week’s Market Report we talk to Denny to find out more about the apples, what we can expect to see coming in this fall, and how he keeps his crops free from pests. Continue Reading

This year’s plague: Grasshoppers!!!!!

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The comment I get often when saying that I farm organically (we are transitioning to certified organic) goes something like this, “it’s amazing they can charge so much more for putting less into it.” Sometimes I try to correct this misconception sometimes I just shrug and walk away. What most people don’t see is the hours of work and love that go into wanting to do something the healthiest way possible. We are connected to our land, and our animals and unfortunately the animals that find us. We know that we can’t dissect the natural world and take some parts out to make our life easier though sometimes we really wish we could. Continue Reading

Reading and weeding as the garden grows

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Children and gardening is a match made in heaven. They are both about starting small, growing, depending on others, and finally turning into something very special. Still, not every parent, grandparent or care provider has a green thumb. Nor does everyone have a backyard primed for planting. And some of us have little gardening wisdom to impart. Still, we have stories to share, tons of resources and glorious books to read with kids. Virtual gardening is a great option. Continue Reading

Midtown Farmers Market: Market report with Humble Acres

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In this week’s Market Report, we talk to Diane Reszka of Humble Acres about plants – specifically, how her family grows plants using sustainable methods, how to plant successfully in hot weather, and what you’ll find at her market stall right now. This week’s Report has a lot of great information packed into a podcast that’s less than 4 minutes long. [Audio below]Market Report Notes:Plant early in the morning or later in the day to keep the plants happy.Water will help get plants through the transition period.Right now, the stars of the show are phlox, coneflower, Russian sage, cardinal flower, astilbe, coral bells, Minnesota hardy hibiscus, daylily, sedum, liatris, and some great grasses. All of which you can find at Humble Acres at the Midtown Farmers Market.Humble Acres is located at 433 East Cove Road, Hudson, WI. It is open daily (weather permitting) from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.The Midtown Farmer’s Market is open Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Check out its website for more of what’s fresh at the market.If you like My Broadsheet, help us spread the word and tell your neighbors and friends. Continue Reading