‘Minnesota Harvester Handbook’ guides enthusiasts to natural resources

ST. PAUL, Minn. (12/11/2014)—Harvesting sustainable natural resources is integral to the heritage of many Minnesotans. For a growing number of others, though, interest in tapping into our state’s abundant buffet of resources is reaching new levels.  How to harvest wisely?      

Developed by the University of Minnesota Extension, the newly released “Minnesota Harvester Handbook” has answers. Contributions come from a broad base of experts in this 118-page guide covering a wide array, including mushrooms, maple syrup and berries, as well as non-edibles such as wood for crafting.

“This guide isn’t just for people who own woods. It’s for those who have an interest in learning how to connect with nature through harvesting non-timber natural resources and doing so responsibly,” said Mike Reichenbach, Extension natural resources educator.

Resources are divided by the season of their harvest; its chapters delve into details such as where resources grow and how-to tips on harvesting. Photos throughout the guide help readers correctly identify items. In addition, the handbook offers exhaustive information on resources and their cultural importance, marketing, regulations regarding public and private land and more.

“Each chapter puts an emphasis on environmental benefits, sustainability and regrowth,” said Gary Wyatt, also an Extension natural resources educator.

The guide sells for $24.95. To learn more or order, visit http://z.umn.edu/rnd. Orders will be received in seven to ten days or less.

It will be a text for later introductory non-timber forest products classes offered by Extension. To learn more, visit Extension’s My Minnesota Woods page at http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/.  

Updated Canola Production Field Guide Now Available

Producers, agricultural consultants and others interested in agriculture can use an updated canola production (spiral bound) pocket field guide to obtain the latest information about canola production, according to Hans Kandel, North Dakota State University Extension Service agronomist.

"The previous field guide was published in 2005 and was in need of major updates, especially on the canola diseases of blackleg and sclerotinia, canola insects, weed management, desiccation at harvest and other management issues," Kandel says.

NDSU Extension staff and other canola specialists wrote the revised and reviewed guide. The field guide also has a photo section at the back of the publication with pictures of weeds, insects and diseases.

The publication is a comprehensive guide for those considering or are growing canola. Some of the topics include canola varieties; growth stages; field selection; planting dates; soil fertility requirements; weed, insect and disease management and control; frost tolerance and damage; swathing and harvest management; resource contacts and publications; and useful websites.

North Dakota growers can order a free copy of the pocket guide from the Northern Canola Growers Association at (877) 585-1671 or email info@northerncanola.com.

A free copy also can be obtained from the Research and Extension Centers in Carrington, Dickinson, Hettinger, Langdon, Minot and Williston and at local county NDSU extension offices.

A Web version of the guide can be found at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/crops/a1280.pdf or the publication can be obtained from the NDSU Distribution Center for $6 per copy, which includes shipping and handling. Call (701) 231-7882 or email NDSU.DistributionCenter@ndsu.edu for information or order online at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs.

The "Canola Production Field Guide" (A-1280) was partially funded by the Northern Canola Growers Association and produced by the North Dakota State University Extension Service.

the new Minnesota Grown Directory!

ST. PAUL, Minn. – If it says “Minnesota Grown,” it’s gotta be good. Plan now to pick up your free copy of the 2011 Minnesota Grown Directory packed with hundreds of places to find great locally grown foods. The 30th Anniversary edition makes it convenient to locate orchards, farmers’ markets, berry farms and garden centers where you can purchase products directly from the grower.

The cover of the directory features Minnesota Grown spokesperson Carrie Tollefson who grew up in rural Minnesota. Tollefson is a staunch supporter of Minnesota agriculture and eating locally.

“As an Olympic runner, I want the freshest, healthiest foods I can find,” says Tollefson. “These foods are easy to find in the Minnesota Grown Directory and buying them locally is also a great way to support Minnesota’s hardworking farmers.”

Tollefson says she’s proud to be part of the 30-year history of the Minnesota Grown Directory, a promotion that began long before buying local became the trend it is today.

More than 190,000 copies of the free guide are distributed by tourist information centers, farms, libraries, real estate agents, retailers, and other supporters of local growers. The printed directory is made possible by the participation of more than 900 listed growers, more than 20 advertising sponsors, and repeated cover sponsorship by the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU).

A complimentary copy of the Minnesota Grown Directory may be ordered by calling Explore Minnesota Tourism at 1-888-VISITMN (1-888-847-4866). The guide is also offered online as a searchable database on the Minnesota Grown website at www.minnesotagrown.com.