ST. PAUL, Minn. – Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways will begin Friday, March 9 for Minnesota's central frost zone, Winter load increases and overweight permits remain in place for the state's north-central and north frost zones.
MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roads weakened during the spring thaw.
Spring load restriction dates and the six frost zones in Minnesota are listed on MnDOT’s website at www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," then click on "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.
The information also is available toll-free by calling 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400 in the Twin Cities Metro area.
Ending dates for spring load restrictions are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change. All changes are made with a minimal three-day notice.
Travelers in Minnesota can get up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports from MnDOT's 511 traveler information service. Dial 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
MDA seeking candidates for Ag Water Quality Cert Advisory committee
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking candidates to serve on an advisory committee to help develop the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program. The new program is the result of a January 17 agreement by Governor Mark Dayton and federal officials, with the goal of enhancing Minnesota’s water quality by accelerating adoption of on-farm water quality practices.
The committee will provide recommendations to MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson regarding the development of the program, as well as its particular features and focus. The committee will be convened and staffed by MDA, and will serve at Commissioner Frederickson’s discretion. Committee composition will be established by Commissioner Frederickson, with membership from the following:
• 2 farmers or ranchers;
• 2 representatives of general farm organizations;
• 3 representatives of commodity or livestock organizations;
• 1 representative of agriculture-related business;
• 1 representative of crop consultants or advisors;
• 2 representatives of environmental organizations;
• 2 representatives of conservation organizations; and
• 2 representatives of local government units.
In addition, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, the University of Minnesota Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will be invited to provide technical support.
Commissioner Frederickson will select members following the open appointment process in Minnesota Statutes 15.0597. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience and expertise in agriculture, conservation and/or water quality management. Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience and expertise in agriculture and water quality; experience in agricultural, conservation or water quality program implementation; and experience in Minnesota. In addition to the committee members, MDA may ask other technical experts to attend meetings to provide support. The committee will serve for the length of time necessary for development and early implementation of the program, but not more than two years. The first meeting will be held in early June.
Applications for the committee will be accepted by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office from March 5 through April 16, 2012. The application can be submitted online at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=5. MDA’s website has more details about the committee at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/awqcprogram.aspx.
The committee will provide recommendations to MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson regarding the development of the program, as well as its particular features and focus. The committee will be convened and staffed by MDA, and will serve at Commissioner Frederickson’s discretion. Committee composition will be established by Commissioner Frederickson, with membership from the following:
• 2 farmers or ranchers;
• 2 representatives of general farm organizations;
• 3 representatives of commodity or livestock organizations;
• 1 representative of agriculture-related business;
• 1 representative of crop consultants or advisors;
• 2 representatives of environmental organizations;
• 2 representatives of conservation organizations; and
• 2 representatives of local government units.
In addition, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, the University of Minnesota Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will be invited to provide technical support.
Commissioner Frederickson will select members following the open appointment process in Minnesota Statutes 15.0597. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience and expertise in agriculture, conservation and/or water quality management. Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience and expertise in agriculture and water quality; experience in agricultural, conservation or water quality program implementation; and experience in Minnesota. In addition to the committee members, MDA may ask other technical experts to attend meetings to provide support. The committee will serve for the length of time necessary for development and early implementation of the program, but not more than two years. The first meeting will be held in early June.
Applications for the committee will be accepted by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office from March 5 through April 16, 2012. The application can be submitted online at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=5. MDA’s website has more details about the committee at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/awqcprogram.aspx.
Public meeting on Highway 11 construction
BEMIDJI, Minn. – The public is invited to attend a meeting Thursday, March 8, to discuss improvements planned for Highway 11 from Baudette to Clementson this year. The meeting is scheduled from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Lake of the Woods ambulance garage, 111 First Ave. SW, Baudette, Minn.
Jeremy Hadrava, MnDOT project engineer, and other engineering staff will be on hand to discuss project work schedules, time frames, traffic control and potential detour plans.
The Highway 11 project was originally scheduled to start in fall 2011, but was delayed due to bid letting.
To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodation, call Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota), 711 or 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay). You also may send an email to janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us.
For updated road conditions and construction around the state, call 5-1-1 or click on www.511mn.org.
Jeremy Hadrava, MnDOT project engineer, and other engineering staff will be on hand to discuss project work schedules, time frames, traffic control and potential detour plans.
The Highway 11 project was originally scheduled to start in fall 2011, but was delayed due to bid letting.
To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodation, call Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota), 711 or 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay). You also may send an email to janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us.
For updated road conditions and construction around the state, call 5-1-1 or click on www.511mn.org.
DNR, NWTF mentored women's turkey applications due April 2
First-time adult women turkey have the chance to go afield and learn from an experienced National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) volunteer during mentored hunts being offered this spring, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said.
"The adult women turkey hunters will learn life-long outdoor skills and how to be a responsible hunter," said Mike Kurre, mentoring program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "Thanks to the NWTF, their outdoor coaches will help create the next generation of family oriented hunters."
Women are encouraged to sign up with a friend or adult daughter for an educational adventure in wild turkey hunting. An application and general information for the mid-May wild turkey hunt is available at www.mndnr.gov/discover. The application deadline is midnight on Monday, April 2. Participants will be selected through a random lottery if oversubscribed.
This program is based on the successful mentored youth hunts where, during the last 10 years, more than 1,700 youth have been introduced to this unique, educational hunting experience. With women being one of the fasting growing segments of the hunting society, the need is there, Kurre said.
Most hunts will occur Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, at several locations in Minnesota's turkey range, which generally covers the southern and western half of Minnesota. Hunts include a mandatory turkey clinic leading up to an actual hunt. All participants will hunt on private land, thanks to the generosity of private landowners and the NWTF volunteers who obtained permission.
To be eligible, a female hunter must be 18 on or before Saturday, May 19. All participants must possess a valid firearms safety certificate, purchase an apprentice hunter validation, or be born before Dec. 13, 1979. The program is for first-time turkey hunters only. Participants will be assigned a NWTF volunteer coach, who must accompany them throughout the entire hunt.
Participation in the hunts is only restricted by the number volunteers and private lands that are available. People who have an interest in providing a quality experience in turkey hunting, have hunting land and are members of NWTF, should contact the NWTF at www.nwtf-mn.org for information about participating.
"The adult women turkey hunters will learn life-long outdoor skills and how to be a responsible hunter," said Mike Kurre, mentoring program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "Thanks to the NWTF, their outdoor coaches will help create the next generation of family oriented hunters."
Women are encouraged to sign up with a friend or adult daughter for an educational adventure in wild turkey hunting. An application and general information for the mid-May wild turkey hunt is available at www.mndnr.gov/discover. The application deadline is midnight on Monday, April 2. Participants will be selected through a random lottery if oversubscribed.
This program is based on the successful mentored youth hunts where, during the last 10 years, more than 1,700 youth have been introduced to this unique, educational hunting experience. With women being one of the fasting growing segments of the hunting society, the need is there, Kurre said.
Most hunts will occur Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, at several locations in Minnesota's turkey range, which generally covers the southern and western half of Minnesota. Hunts include a mandatory turkey clinic leading up to an actual hunt. All participants will hunt on private land, thanks to the generosity of private landowners and the NWTF volunteers who obtained permission.
To be eligible, a female hunter must be 18 on or before Saturday, May 19. All participants must possess a valid firearms safety certificate, purchase an apprentice hunter validation, or be born before Dec. 13, 1979. The program is for first-time turkey hunters only. Participants will be assigned a NWTF volunteer coach, who must accompany them throughout the entire hunt.
Participation in the hunts is only restricted by the number volunteers and private lands that are available. People who have an interest in providing a quality experience in turkey hunting, have hunting land and are members of NWTF, should contact the NWTF at www.nwtf-mn.org for information about participating.
Sen. Franken to Host 2nd Annual Minnesota Delegation Hotdish Off
This Wednesday, March 7th, Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation will come together for Sen. Al Franken’s second annual hotdish competition. Sen. Franken started the friendly “Hotdish Off” last year as a way to bring the delegation together to put partisanship aside and focus on Minnesota.
Each participating delegation member will submit a hot dish—traditional Minnesota fare, similar to a casserole—on behalf of their office. Former Congressmen Vin Weber (R-Minn.) and Gerry Sikorski (D-Minn.) have agreed to judge the competition for the second year in a row and Minnesota State Society member Tom Geier will tally the votes and announce the winner. Last year, Sen. Klobuchar won the competition with her now famous “Taconite Tater-Tot Hotdish.”
The Minnesota Congressional Delegation 2012 “Hotdish Off” will be held from 1-2pm EST on Wednesday at the Capitol Visitor’s Center, room SVC 201/200 in Washington, DC
Each participating delegation member will submit a hot dish—traditional Minnesota fare, similar to a casserole—on behalf of their office. Former Congressmen Vin Weber (R-Minn.) and Gerry Sikorski (D-Minn.) have agreed to judge the competition for the second year in a row and Minnesota State Society member Tom Geier will tally the votes and announce the winner. Last year, Sen. Klobuchar won the competition with her now famous “Taconite Tater-Tot Hotdish.”
The Minnesota Congressional Delegation 2012 “Hotdish Off” will be held from 1-2pm EST on Wednesday at the Capitol Visitor’s Center, room SVC 201/200 in Washington, DC
Friday, March 2, 2012
Spring truck weight restrictions
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways will begin March 5 for Minnesota's southeast and Twin Cities Metro area frost zones, and March 6 for the south frost zone.
Winter load increases and overweight permits remain in place for the state's central, north-central and north frost zones.
MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roads weakened during the spring thaw.
Spring load restriction dates and the six frost zones in Minnesota are listed on MnDOT’s website at www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," then click on "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.
The information also is available toll-free by calling 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400 in the Twin Cities Metro area.
Ending dates for spring load restrictions are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change. All changes are made with a minimal three-day notice.
Travelers in Minnesota can get up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports from MnDOT's 511 traveler information service. Dial 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org.
Winter load increases and overweight permits remain in place for the state's central, north-central and north frost zones.
MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roads weakened during the spring thaw.
Spring load restriction dates and the six frost zones in Minnesota are listed on MnDOT’s website at www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," then click on "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.
The information also is available toll-free by calling 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400 in the Twin Cities Metro area.
Ending dates for spring load restrictions are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change. All changes are made with a minimal three-day notice.
Travelers in Minnesota can get up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports from MnDOT's 511 traveler information service. Dial 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
NDSU Barley Research and Risk Management Featured at Carrington Workshop
Barley research at North Dakota State University and the Carrington Research Extension Center will be highlighted during a workshop on March 20 at the Carrington REC.
The workshop will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. and the program starting at 10. Lunch and breaks will be served free of charge.
Featured will be a presentation about a new risk management tool by Joe Christianson, Cargill Malt global risk management specialist. Other topics and speakers are:
* Barley feed update - Vern Anderson, Carrington REC animal scientist
* Disease review and management - Robert Brueggeman, NDSU barley pathologist
* Production research review on weeds, fertility and rotations - Greg Endres, Carrington REC cropping specialist
* New generation variety development in barley and small grains - Richard Horsley and Martin Hochhalter, NDSU barley breeding program
* Barley quality in malting and brewing - Alberto Jimenez-Diaz, NDSU barley and malt quality project
* Business of barley production - Steve Metzger, Carrington REC farm business management instructor and coordinator
Sponsors include the American Malting Barley Association Inc., Anheuser-Busch Inc., Cargill Malt, NDSU Institute of Barley and Malt Sciences, Malteurop North America Inc., MillerCoors, North Dakota Barley Council, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, NDSU Extension Service, Carrington REC and Rahr Malting Co.
Lunch is free but preregistration is requested. To preregister, contact Linda Schuster at (701) 652-2951 or linda.schuster@ndsu.edu or Karen Hertsgaard at (701) 231-5384 or karen.hertsgaard@ndsu.edu.
The workshop will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. and the program starting at 10. Lunch and breaks will be served free of charge.
Featured will be a presentation about a new risk management tool by Joe Christianson, Cargill Malt global risk management specialist. Other topics and speakers are:
* Barley feed update - Vern Anderson, Carrington REC animal scientist
* Disease review and management - Robert Brueggeman, NDSU barley pathologist
* Production research review on weeds, fertility and rotations - Greg Endres, Carrington REC cropping specialist
* New generation variety development in barley and small grains - Richard Horsley and Martin Hochhalter, NDSU barley breeding program
* Barley quality in malting and brewing - Alberto Jimenez-Diaz, NDSU barley and malt quality project
* Business of barley production - Steve Metzger, Carrington REC farm business management instructor and coordinator
Sponsors include the American Malting Barley Association Inc., Anheuser-Busch Inc., Cargill Malt, NDSU Institute of Barley and Malt Sciences, Malteurop North America Inc., MillerCoors, North Dakota Barley Council, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, NDSU Extension Service, Carrington REC and Rahr Malting Co.
Lunch is free but preregistration is requested. To preregister, contact Linda Schuster at (701) 652-2951 or linda.schuster@ndsu.edu or Karen Hertsgaard at (701) 231-5384 or karen.hertsgaard@ndsu.edu.
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