Sauk Rapids Herald - December 3, 2022

3 places to see Santa

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the man in red, there is no need to wait up on Christmas Eve as Santa Claus is coming to town. The jolly old elf plans to make a few appearances in central Minnesota before visiting homes across the world Dec. 24.

Here’s where to nd him:

Santa Day 2022

The Rice Women of Today and Bridge Church extended a special invitation to Kris Kringle, who has RSVP’ed yes to the Santa Day 2022 event in Rice.

Children can meet and greet Santa at Old Village Hall, 30 E. Main St., Rice, from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.

Popular SRRHS teacher, 4-H member fighting cancer

Foley. The silent auction event was hosted by the Benton County 4-H Club to benefit Levinski, a longtime 4-H member and teacher at Sauk Rapids-Rice School, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Early diagnosis, urge to return to classroom keep Levinski upbeat

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend served as a welcome reprieve for Mary Levinski, though it went well beyond enjoying a feast with family.

For Levinski, a teacher in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School district for 22 years who also leads the culinary program, it provided an escape from the mental stress that comes with ghting an aggressive form of cancer. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer that was

found during a preventative surgery and has since been ghting the disease

Tis’ the season

Jingle & Mingle

Winter Festival is Dec. 10

BY MAURA WENNER & NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITERS

Christmas cheer will be spread throughout the streets of Sauk Rapids Saturday, Dec. 10, as the community will play host to the Jingle & Mingle Winter Festival.

The event, which began in 2021 as a way to showcase Sauk Rapids businesses and area artisans, expands in its second year by combining city traditions with exciting new activities.

“Our main goal with Jingle & Mingle is to draw attention to our local businesses, the ones that support our youth and civic groups throughout the year,” said Heidi Sertich, who organized the event with Marla Elness.

“It’s our big thank you to them at the end of the year for all that they do for our community.”

Jingle & Mingle Winter Festival spans the entire day. An artisan market opens at 9:30 a.m. at Riverside Terrace in Southside Park and will feature 20 artists until 4:30 p.m. that day.

“Our rst year with the artisans was so popular that this year we had to have the event center host some of the artisans that wanted to be part of it,” Sertich said.

• Benton County Board of Commissioners Public Hearing- pg. 10 • City of Sauk Rapids Public Hearing Notice - pg. 10 • City of Sauk Rapids Reg. Minutes, Nov. 14 - pg. 10 • City of Sauk Rapids Notice of Hearing on Improvement - pg. 10 • Mayhew Lake Township Meeting Notice - pg. 10

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON

Mary Levinski gives instructions to her Sauk Rapids-Rice High School culinary class in April. Levinski is on medical leave while fighting cancer and hopes to return to the classroom in mid-February.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Current and former members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School culinary team Chelsey Vogel (front, from left), Chloe Molitor, Starlyn Spoden and Hazel Snavley; (back, from left) Noah Rosenberger, Fionn Falk, instructor Mary Levinski, Kavan Gullette and Jaidev Lachmansingh unite Nov. 19 at Mr. Jim’s in

through chemotherapy.

Benedith A. Mager James R. Neumann

Levinski

The process has been arduous, sometimes painful and grueling, but Levinski has countless reasons to keep ghting and remain upbeat. Perhaps none more important than returning to the classroom kitchen where she teaches her students the intricacies of creating delicious dishes.

“The hardest thing was when my doctor told me I had to take

from front

medical leave (from school),” Levinski said. “I cried for two days. I love what I do, I love teaching, I love the students, and my colleagues are all amazing people. It is really hard to be away. Knowing the culinary team is getting ready to start their competition is tough. It’s so hard to not be there with them.”

Though Levinski has rarely been able to leave home since her treatment began in the fall, she was able to reconnect with current and former students along with longtime friends at the Benton County 4-H Silent Auction Nov. 19 at Mr. Jim’s in Foley. The auction is an annual event that raises money for a community member in need, and Levinski was selected due to her lifelong dedication to 4-H.

The event raised money for Levinski to help with medical expenses not covered by insurance. Of course, desserts for the fundraiser were made by the SRRHS culinary team.

“The event meant a great deal to me,” Levinski said. “I’m blessed by the good will of people to help those when in need. This truly was a blessing to ease my anxiety. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in the event.”

Family history spurred procedure

Levinski grew up with two sisters and a brother. Her sister, Sue, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 18 years ago and recently was stricken with breast cancer.

That led doctors to recommend each of the siblings to go through genetic testing to see if they would be susceptible to the disease. All three tested positive for the BRCA gene, which is linked to both ovarian and breast cancers.

“It’s an interesting story to say the least,” Levinski said. “We did the tests last December, and with all of us testing for the gene, the oncology department put forth a preventative plan.”

Levinski had partial hysterectomy surgery in August. A week after the procedure, she received the phone call from her doctor she feared – it was cancer.

Though the cancer was found in stage one, the type of cancer

is grade three, which means it is highly aggressive.

“They caught mine early, which means my survival rate is much higher,” Levinski said. “Most women who are diagnosed with this type of cancer don’t know they have it until it’s stage three or four, so I’m one of the lucky ones.”

Levinski has been working with a female cancer specialist at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park and also is receiving chemotherapy. She said the treatments are extremely hard on her body, causing severe fatigue while trying to perform mundane tasks.

“The treatments make me incessantly tired,” Levinski said. “The rst week after it is the hardest. Your body just aches and little things just fatigue you. You sleep for two hours, then you get up and try it again. It is a little rough. By the time I have go through my next round, I’m feeling

really good and then it just strikes you back down. It’s humbling to know you’re limited in what you can do sometimes.”

On medical leave until mid-February, Levinski said the school’s culinary program is in good hands.

James Leeder, a 2011 SRRHS graduate and former member of the culinary team, is guiding the team as they begin preparations for competition.

Leeder is the general manager of Gary’s Pub in Maple Plain and serves as Levinski’s mentor chef.

Levinski’s loyal students share her hopes of Levinski soon returning to the classroom.

Senior Kavan Gullette, a member of the SRRHS culinary team, said Levinski constantly goes beyond her required duties, including coming to school two hours early to bake scones and caramel rolls the team used for raising money.

“My initial thought

was, ‘Where did this come from and why her?’” Gullette said.

“However, as both of us hugged, she said it was OK and moved on to think about how we are going to take on the other competition at state. Mrs. Levinski is the most kindhearted person I have met, putting her students above all no matter the circumstance.”

Levinski has three more rounds of chemotherapy scheduled. She remains hopeful to complete the school year before having her third surgery, a full hysterectomy and double mastectomy.

“That I’m not looking forward to,” Levinski said. “That’ll probably be after school is out, but it’s really on their time frame because of the (family) history. I just want to get back as soon as I can. Being at the school really does give me so much energy, and I miss that so much.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED

People peruse silent auction items during a 4-H sponsored benefit Nov. 19 at Mr. Jim’s in Foley. The event, which benefitted Mary Levinski, had over 150 people in attendance.

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

Representatives of Primerica Financial Services of Sauk Rapids – Spencer Linn (front, from left), Brady Zylla and Randy Tamm; (back, from left) Kallie Linn, Ember Tamm, Joyce Linn and Karen Davis – ring bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Nov. 22 outside of Coborn’s in Sauk Rapids. The group raised $513.61 during the twohour evening period.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Sauk Rapids will meet in the Council Chambers of the City Hall at 6:10 p.m. on December 12, 2022, to consider the making of the 2023 Overlay Improvements, an improvement on 3rd Avenue North from 8th Street North to 2nd Street North and from the dead end north of 9th Street North to 8th Street North, 4 ½ Avenue North from 13th Street North to the Cul-de-Sac north of 13th Street North, 5th Avenue North from 13th Street North to the Cul-de-Sac north of 13th Street North, 6th Avenue North from 8th Street North to 2nd Street North and from 2nd Street North to Division Street, 6th Avenue South from Division Street to 1st Street South, 7th Avenue North from 8th Street North to 3rd Street North, 8th Avenue North from 6th Street North to 3rd Street North, 9th Avenue North from 11th Street North to 3rd Street North, 10th Avenue North from Benedict Drive North of 8th Street North to 3rd Street North, 8th Street North from 9th Avenue North to 10th Avenue North, 8 ½ Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North, 7th Street North from 5th Avenue North to 7th Avenue North and 3rd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North, 6th Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to 8th Avenue North, 5th Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to the cul-de-sac north of 7th Avenue North, 4th Street North from 4th Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to 10th Avenue North, Benedict Drive loop extending east of 10th Avenue North, Oak Drive from North Highview Drive to the Cul-de-Sac south of North Highview Drive, and West Highview Drive from Benton Oaks Drive to 18th Street NW by Full Depth Mill/Reclamation and Bituminous Overlay of the Streets, and Spot Reconstruction of Curb and Gutter pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 429.011 to 429.111.

The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is property along 3rd Avenue North from 8th Street North to 2nd Street North and from the dead end north of 9th Street North to 8th Street North, 4 ½ Avenue North from 13th Street North to the Cul-de-Sac north of 13th Street North, 5th Avenue North from 13th Street North to the Cul-de-Sac north of 13th Street North, 6th Avenue North from 8th Street North to 2nd Street North and from 2nd Street North to Division Street, 6th Avenue South from Division Street to 1st Street South, 7th Avenue North from 8th Street North to 3rd Street North, 8th Avenue North from 6th Street North to 3rd Street North, 9th Avenue North from 11th Street North to 3rd Street North, 10th Avenue North from Benedict Drive North of 8th Street North to 3rd Street North, 8th Street North from 9th Avenue North to 10th Avenue North, 8 ½ Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North, 7th Street North from 5th Avenue North to 7th Avenue North and 3rd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North, 6th Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to 8th Avenue North, 5th Street North from 2nd Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to the cul-de-sac north of 7th Avenue North, 4th Street North from 4th Avenue North to 5th Avenue North and from 5th Avenue North to 10th Avenue North, Benedict Drive loop extending east of 10th Avenue North, Oak Drive from North Highview Drive to the Cul-de-Sac south of North Highview Drive, and West Highview Drive from Benton Oaks Drive to 18th Street NW. The estimated cost of the improvement is $4,320,000. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

Ross Olson City Administrator

Published in Sauk Rapids Herald on November 19 and December 3, 2022.

R-46/48-2B

Meeting Notice

Mayhew Lake Township

The December through April monthly meetings of the Mayhew Lake Township Board will be at 7 p.m. the rst Tuesday of each month at the Jefff Molitor farm at 7032 Little Rock Road NE, Foley, MN, 56329.

FR-47-2B

REGULAR MEETING

SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL

SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, November 14, 2022 6:00PM MINUTES

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members present.

2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda

NONE

3. Approve the Agenda

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

4. Approve Minutes

A. 10-24-2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the10-24-2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously. B. 10-31-2022 Special City Council Meeting Minutes

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the 10-31-2022 Special City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously with Councilperson Ellering abstaining from the vote.

5. Receive and File

NONE

6. Mayor’s Communications

• 2022 General Election-Mayor Hunstiger thanked Dana Furman, City Clerk, for all of the work that she did in preparing for the 2022 General Election. He stated that the precincts were all very busy on Election Day. Mayor Hunstiger also thanked the following staff who helped to make the General Election run smoothly in Sauk Rapids: Ashley Black, Joe Borman, Scott Rassmussen, Pete Eckhoff, Jack Kahlhamer, Todd Schultz, and Ross Olson. He noted that the City could not administer the election process without the help of the 53 election judges who also served the City on Election Day.He said that a thank you letter will be sent to all of the election judges thanking them for their service to the City.

7. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda

NONE

8. Public Hearings

A. Applicant City of Sauk Rapids Purpose

To Consider Proposed Amendments To The City Code As It Relates To The City’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Regulations

1.

1. Open Public Hearing

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Benton County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on December 20, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. in the Benton County Boardroom, 531 Dewey Street, Foley, for the purpose of taking public testimony on possible changes to the Benton County fee schedule. All persons interested may appear and be heard at the time and place set forth above. Individuals unable to attend the public hearing can make written comment by writing to the Benton County Administrator, Benton County Courthouse, 531 Dewey Street, Box 129, Foley, Minnesota 56329. Written comments must be received prior to the public hearing. A copy of the current fee schedule and proposed changes can be obtained from the Benton County website (www.co.benton.mn.us) or by calling the Benton County Administrator’s Of ce at 968-5000.

R-48-1B

2. Close Public Hearing

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.

3. Consider Action

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve Summary of Publication and revisions to Chapter 14 of the City Code to ensure with state stormwater mandates. Motion carried unanimously.

9. Consent Agenda

A. Approve Police Department’s Continued Participation with Law Enforcement Support Of ce or Other Federal Source B. Accept Donation from Gilleland and Rollies

C. Approve Compensatory Time Carry-Over

D. Approve 2022 Plumbing and Mechanical Contractor Licenses

E. Approve Authorizing the Appointment to the Police Of cer Position

F. Approve Amendment to City Code Regarding Parking on ½ Street

G. Approve Resolution to Af rm the Invalidity of the 2020 CUP Amendment Originally Granted to Journey Home

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve consent agenda item 9A-9G. Motion carried unanimously.

10. Regular Agenda

A. 2023 Overlay Improvements

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the resolution Ordering the Preparation of Report on Improvements for the 2023 Overlay Improvements. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to Accept the Feasibility Study and call for a public hearing on improvement. Motion carried unanimously.

11. Other Staff Items

A. Compost Site-Pete Eckhoff stated that the compost site will remain open until further notice.

B. No Parking on Streets—Perry Beise reminded residents of the overnight parking restrictions in place for winter parking.

12. Other Council Items and Communications

NONE

13. Approve List of Bills and Claims

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously.

14. Adjournment

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:18 PM R-48-1B

CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING AN ORDINANCE RELATED TO UPDATES TO THE CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS OFFICIAL FEE SCHEDULE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, will hold a public hearing meeting of the Council beginning at 6:00 p.m., or shortly thereafter, on Monday, December 12, 2022, to be held in the Council Chambers at the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave North, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, to discuss the updates of certain city fees in the city’s of cial Fee Schedule.

All interested persons may appear at the December 12th public hearing and present their views orally or in writing. A copy of the fee updates may be obtained at the City’s of ces. Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk’s of ce at City Hall, telephone (320) 258-5300. R-48-1B

End of year records

BY ERIC SONNEK AND UPDATED BY DANA ADAMS University of Minnesota Extension

The end of the year usually means a time for the holidays with family and friends.

For a dairy operation, the end of the year is a good time to look over records and see if some changes can be made to strengthen the operation.

It is also a time to re ect on recent changes, such as what has worked well on the farm and what has not.

The following is a list of tasks that can be done at the end or beginning of the year.

Take an accurate feed inventory. Feed is the largest single expense on any dairy operation, especially considering current commodity prices. By taking an accurate feed inventory at the beginning of each year, a decision can be made regarding what is needed to buy in the future. This kind of preparation gives a good benchmark to compare against from year to year. An example of how this could help is if corn silage is already half gone. Producers have a long way to go until the next corn silage harvest and may have to start thinking about future ration changes and how to source quality forages if low.

Collect an accurate animal inventory Both banks and farmers appreciate accurate numbers for what animals are on the farm. This is a great tool to evaluate stocking density and farm facilities. You can also look at the calf program and the number of calves that may have died this year. If the number is larger than expected, work with the veterinarian to determine why and look for ways to improve.

Review cull cow records. There are a few things that can be evaluated with cull cow records. A good place to start is determining why cows left the herd. These records can also show the stage of lactation when cows are leaving the herd. If most of the cows are leaving about 30 days after calving, evaluate the dry cow or transition program for ways to improve.

Growing Success

New farm instructor comes to area

BY MAURA WENNER STAFF WRITER

Two months ago, Central Lakes College in Brainerd welcomed the addition of Buckman resident Nicole Brixius to its farm business management team for the Milaca area.

“When I found out about this position and what they were doing for the farm community and feedback from farmers themselves, I was excited,” Brixius said. “I love sharing information and teaching. It drew me in; I thought this could be something for me.”

The college instructor position is special in the way that Brixius rarely teaches in a classroom setting. Rather her instruction is done on site; she travels to agricultural operations and teaches to others in the same place where their day-to-day tasks happen.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Nicole Brixius is a new farm business management instructor for Central Lakes College in Brainerd. Brixius will serve the Milaca region for Central Lakes College, which includes producers who reside in Benton, Isanti, Mille Lacs, eastern Morrison and Pine counties.

Crimson clover is a warm season legume that originated in southeastern Europe and was brought to the United States in the early 19th century. Crimson clover is now one of the most popular annual legumes grown worldwide.

Crimson clover is an excellent cover crop for interseeding into corn. This clover should be planted from V4 to V8 for the most optimal growth. As corn matures, it will shade the crimson clover causing little growth until after the corn is removed.

In soybean, crimson clover should be planted at leaf drop. Clover is used as a cover crop for a variety of reasons such as weed control, rapid growth, nitrogen credit and increased organic matter.

Crimson clover is also a great forage but not for hay. Dry hay can be a struggle with crimson clover due to high moisture content. The high moisture makes it a great choice for ensiling.

Crimson clover has little to no bloat potential, but for the best quality forage, crimson should be added into a forage mix with a grass such as annual ryegrass.

Yields will vary greatly based on growing conditions but can be expected to be significantly less than red clover.

This cover crop has a short planting window across Minnesota and should be done between May and September. Depending on the intended use and seeding method, crimson clover should be planted around 10-15 pounds an acre. When planting, consider a shallow depth of a quarter of an inch.

Information provided by the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District.

4-H hosts 63rd annual

adult volunteer, leaders banquet

Over 550 volunteer years recognized in Benton County program

BY ANN OLSON University of Minnesota Extension

The 63rd annual Benton County 4-H Adult Volunteers and Leaders Banquet Nov. 20 at Jack & Jim’s in Duelm signi ed the end of the 4-H year as well as an appreciation dinner and awards program for 4-H adult volunteers and leaders.

Banquet page 5B Quality low-moisture tub that will maintain integrity in all weather conditions providing consistent nutrition from top to the bottom.

Omega Breeder Lic Breeder • Omega 3 Fatty Acids – provide an anti-inflammatory response which can improve the fertility of bulls, heifers and cows. • Amaferm® - a precision prebiotic containing Aspergillus oryzae to maximize fiber digestion and improve gut health.

PREPARE FOR BREEDING SEASON Introduce to breeding females 45-60 days prior to the breeding season to aid in reproduction success. WEATHER RESISTANT

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Benton County adult volunteer plaque recipients – Jodi Henry (front, from left), Katrina Dolezal-Mersinger, Brenda Kaschmitter and Michelle Peacock; (back, from left) Ed Popp, Cheryl Scapanski, Jill Nielsen, Alyssa Stewart, Kevin Kuklok and Stacie Morris – hold their awards at the 63rd annual Benton County 4-H Adult Volunteers and Leaders Banquet Nov. 20 at Jack & Jim’s in Duelm. The individuals won awards for their outstanding dedication to Benton County 4-H.

AG BENTON Plus

We want to hear from you!

Wow! 2022 is coming to an close, and its quick passage has me wondering where the last 11 months have gone.

Choosing not to spend too much time dwelling on the past, I’m looking to the future and hoping to improve the Benton Ag Plus publication in the new year.

Many agricultural stories have gone untold this past year which leaves twice as many to tell in

2023. I would love your feedback on how we can improve this section of the paper and am looking for a hand up in doing so.

Any and all thoughts are appreciated and can be sent to natasha@saukherald.com or 2 Second Ave. S. Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. If a phone call is more your style, feel free to reach out to me at 320-223-3618.

– Natasha Barber, editor

What types of articles do you read most in Benton Ag Plus? (Check all that apply)

Stories about agricultural best practices and being good stewards of the land.

Benton County 4-H events and activities.

Releases from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and other federal and state agencies.

Who from the agricultural business community would you like to read about? _________________________________________________________ What family should we feature in 2023 and why? ____________________ What type of livestock stories are you most interested in reading? Other (please explain) _____________________________________________ Other (please explain) _____________________________________________ What non-livestock topics would you like to know more about? Water quality Farm succession planning Regulatory changes Crop disease Grant opportunities Other (below) Please send comments to: Sauk Rapids Herald, 2 Second Ave. S. Suite 135 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 Or, email them to natasha@saukherald.com

Join for Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops 2023

WORTHINGTON – Minnesota farmers can discuss key issues around crop production when joining Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops in 2023.

This live webinar series will provide current research-based information on crop management strategies. Sessions will take place using the online platform Zoom, which can be accessed via computer, phone or other mobile device. Sessions are 9-10 a.m. Wednesdays from Jan. 11, 2023, through March 29, 2023.

Each session will start with a brief presentation by the discussion leaders followed by discussion framed around participant questions on the topic.

For more details and to register, visit https://z.umn.edu/strategic-farming.

There is no charge to participate thanks to generous sponsorship from the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.

Not able to attend a day? No problem. Sessions will be recorded and posted for later viewing.

Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops topics:

– Jan. 18: "What’s bugging my corn? An outlook on corn rootworm and more" hosted by Anthony Hanson, extension educator and other integrated pest management specialists.

– Jan. 25: "Climate factors and nitrogen management" hosted by Dan Kaiser, extension nutrient management specialist, and Brad Carlson, extension educator.

– Feb. 1: "Semi-dwarf corn and soybean cyst nematode breeding efforts" hosted by Rex Bernardo, professor and endowed chair of corn breeding and genetics, and Aaron Lorentz, associate professor of soybean breeding and genetics.

– Feb. 8: "Are biologicals in corn and soybean logical?" hosted by Seth Naeve, extension soybean agronomist, and Dan Kaiser, extension nutrient management specialist.

– Feb. 15: "Weed management in the era of increasing herbicide resistance" hosted by Debalin Sarangi, extension weed management specialist.

– Feb. 22: "Can I take an nitrogen credit? and other cover crop FAQs" hosted by Anna Cates, state soil health specialist, and Matt Ruark, extension soil scientist.

– March 1: "Expanding your rotation with small grains" hosted by Jochum Wiersma, extension small grains specialist.

– March 8: "Corn tar spot: distribution, development and management" hosted by Dean Malvick, extension plant pathologist, and Darcy Telenko, extension field crop pathologist.

– March 15: "Alfalfa weevil and other alfalfa management challenges" hosted by Craig Shaeffer, extension forage agronomist, and Anthony Hanson, extension educator.

– March 22: "Soybean pests-What’s up with the new and old and are they a big deal?" hosted by Bob Koch, extension entomologist.

– March 29: "Get your planters ready" hosted by extension researchers, educators and agronomists.

Swine Poultry Goat ON

Horse Specialty Other (below)

– Jan. 11: "Forecast for the season: weather, economics and supply chains" hosted by Ed Usset, extension grain marketing economist, and Pete Boulay, assistant state climatologist.

(from left),

are pictured