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Central Minnesota news and notes Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Alternative farrowing focus of March 6-7 course
MORRIS, Minn. -- An Alternative Farrowing Management Course will be offered March 6-7 at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris.
The course is part of the Swine Training Program series offered cooperatively by the Minnesota Pork Board, Pork Checkoff, the Extension Service and the University of Minnesota Swine Center.
Classroom instructions will be from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. the first day and hands-on instruction in the swine research facilities will be from 8 a.m.-noon on the second day.
Course topics include pre-farrowing management, farrowing process, health maintenance and disease prevention, sow and piglet management.
The course costs $100 and $50 for each additional participate from the same operation.
For more information, call Mark Whitney at (507) 389-5541.
Crookston researchers looking at biofuels on farms
CROOKSTON, Minn. -- University of Minnesota, Crookston researchers are developing equipment that would allow farmers to have their biofuels and let their animals eat it, too.
A project led by Paul Aakre, assistant professor in agriculture, examines opportunities for individual farmers or farm groups to produce their own biodiesel from crops like canola and sunflowers and use the byproduct of the production to feed their animals.
The biodiesel facility has the capability to handle canola, sunflower or soybean oil, and, by use of a twin screw press, produce crude vegetable oil. The oil will be made into biodiesel by a process known as transesterification.
DNR has tree, shrub seedlings available for sale
ST. PAUL -- A variety of tree and shrub seedlings are still available from state forest nurseries, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
"There are seedlings that work well for wildlife food and shelter, as well as for timber, shelterbelts, and water conservation,'' said Steve Vongroven, a DNR nursery supervisor. "This spring would be a great time to start an oak stand for future deer and turkey habitat. Many wildlife species also love our fruit-bearing shrubs, and a patch of conifers can supply excellent winter cover.''
People can call the nursery tree sales office at 1-800-657-3767 or stop by a local DNR forestry office.
Biomass Conference, Trade Show set in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS -- BBI International and the Energy & Environmental Research Center will hold the first International Biomass '08 Conference and Trade Show in the Minneapolis Convention Center on April 15-17.
The conference is designed to facilitate the advancement of near-term and commercial-scale manufacturing of biomass-based power, fuels and chemicals.
Attendees will learn and share information on biorefining technologies for the production of biopower, bioproducts, biochemicals, biofuels, intermediate products and co-products.
Oberstar receives Waterways Council award
WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Oberstar will receive the seventh annual Waterways Council Leadership Service Award Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. in the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Oberstar will be honored for his commitment to the improvement in the nation's ports and commercial inland waterways systems.
Oberstar is chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over all American transportation modes, including surface transportation, aviation and waterways.
Hunters harvest 260,000 deer in 2007
ST. PAUL -- Minnesota hunters harvested slightly more than 260,000 deer in 2007, the fourth-highest deer harvest ever recorded, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
"Once again, Minnesota deer hunters enjoyed another great deer season,'' said Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator. "The last five years have yielded the top five harvests ever recorded, which not only indicates an abundant deer population, but also shows the great flexibility our seasons offer.''
Before 2003, Minnesota hunters never killed 250,000 deer in any one season. However, for the past five years, total deer harvest has been more than 250,000 annually.
DNR honors several conservation officers
WASECA, Minn. -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Shikar-Safari Club International has selected conservation officer Joe Frear of Waseca as Conservation Officer of the Year during a recent awards ceremony.
"Joe is a role model and mentor,'' said Col. Mike Hamm, DNR chief conservation officer.
Others who were honored include conservation officer Scott Fritz of LaCrescent, Boat and Water Safety Achievement Award; conservation officer Bruce Pfalzgraff of Pelican Rapids, Waterfowl Achievement Award; conservation officer Scott Staples of Carlton, Willard Munger Wetland Achievement Award; and conservation officer Todd Kanieski of Osseo, Education Achievement Award.
Oliver Kelley Farm hosts women's event March 16
ELK RIVER, Minn. -- The Oliver Kelley Farm is celebrating Women's History Month by holding a tour exploring the woman's perspective of winter on the farm. The event will be held from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on March 16 at the farm located near Elk River.
Participants will be able to gain a women's perspective of winter on the farm. Visitors will learn how women completed household and farm chores in face of cold temperatures.
Cost for the tour is $5 and $3 for Minnesota Historical Society members.
Reservations are requested and can be made by calling (763) 441-6896.
Environmental studies major added at Morris
MORRIS, Minn. -- A new interdisciplinary major will be available next fall to University of Minnesota-Morris students. The new major in environmental studies will complement the renewable energy and sustainability initatives that are already in place.
"The environmental studies major is a major that draws heavily from existing and newly developed course in the social sciences and the sciences,'' said Pete Wyckoff, UM-M associate professor of biology and coordinator of the major.
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