Future Agronomists Wanted: Youth Contest Set for July at U of M

Issue #274

29 May

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌤️ Marshall, MN Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 69

🗞️ State Funds Support Lyon County Efforts to Combat Flooding and Improve Water Management

🗞️ Future Agronomists Wanted: Youth Contest Set for July at U of M

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

State Funds Support Lyon County Efforts to Combat Flooding and Improve Water Management

The Lyon County Soil & Water Conservation District has been awarded two grants from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) through the Water Quality and Storage Program.

The grants are part of a broader $3.1 million effort across Minnesota to improve water quality and bolster resilience to extreme weather conditions.

The funding will be used to implement projects that increase water storage capacity and reduce the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas. These initiatives are designed to help safeguard local infrastructure and agricultural land by managing runoff more effectively.

Launched in 2021 with bipartisan legislative support, the Water Quality and Storage Program aims to enhance Minnesota’s natural water management systems. The latest round of grants is fully funded by the state and benefits six local governments.

Alongside Lyon County, grant recipients include the Area II Minnesota River Basin Projects, Blue Earth Soil & Water Conservation District, Faribault County, Rice Creek Watershed District, and Yellow Medicine County.

Future Agronomists Wanted: Youth Contest Set for July at U of M

Minnesota youth interested in agriculture have the opportunity to participate in the 2025 4-H/FFA Crop Scouting Contest, scheduled for Monday, July 28, at the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul Campus.

The event is open to both 4-H and FFA members and includes hands-on, field-based stations where teams complete tasks such as identifying crop pests, diagnosing plant diseases, and analyzing soils. The contest is designed to simulate real-life experiences in crop scouting and agronomy, providing participants with early exposure to careers in agriculture and natural resources.

Teams can be composed of members from 4-H, FFA, or both organizations. Registration is open until June 15. A virtual training series will be offered this summer to help participants prepare, especially those without access to a local coach.

Leading up to the contest, Minnesota 4-H will host five free Plant Science Summer Field Days across the state. Each event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a provided lunch. Locations and dates include:

  • July 9: Lamberton and Rosemount

  • July 16: Waseca

  • July 22: Chaska

  • August 11: Angora

More information and registration details are available at: https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-showcase-events/4-hffa-crop-scouting

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Sunday, June 1st
Sunday, June 1 - Wednesday, June 4

  • 2025 First Lutheran VBS in Marshall from 4:00-7:15pm (Snack and Supper Included)

Wednesday, June 4th (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143

  • Ramsey Park Jamboree at Ramsey Park Campground Area in Redwood Falls from 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Thursday, June 5th

  • Makers Market in Granite Falls from 5-8 PM, with live music by Clark Machtemes

Saturday, June 7th
Thursday, June 12th
Friday, June 13th
Saturday, June 14th

  • Ribfest in Echo, MN at Echo Community Park

    • Rib meal will be ready ay 4:00 PM

  • Lucan Pretzel Days in the Lucan City Park

    • all day Saturday

    • Enjoy Bounce houses, petting zoo, kids pedal pull, firemans breakfast feed, lions bbq supper friday night. Baseball tournament and more

Tuesday, June 17th

  • Walk for Memories – Dementia Awareness Event at Marshall Area YMCA from 4:00 to 7:00 PM

    • What to Wear: Purple, to show support for dementia awareness

    • Free to attend, no registration needed

    • First 200 attendees get a swag bag

    • Includes vendor booths, live music, giveaways, drawings, and food for purchase

    • T-shirts available for sale

    • Donations: Free-will donations accepted, benefiting the Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network (checks payable to A.C.E. of SW MN)

    • More Info: Visit the Facebook pages for Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network, Act on Alzheimer’s Marshall, or A.C.E. of SW MN – Lyon/Lincoln County

    • Contact: Jane Nelson Como at 507-829-1143 for questions.

Tuesday, June 17th - Thursday, June 19th

  • MADAN's Dementia Awareness Week Hosted by: Boulder Creek Assisted Living (Memory Care)

    • Event: Virtual Dementia Tours (by appointment only) from 11 AM - 3 PM

    • To Schedule: Call Jan at 507-929-1234

Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st

Special Community Events

  • SAIL: Stay Active & Independent For Life brought to you by A.C.E. of SW MN

    • a total of 24 classes every Tuesday and Thursday

    • from April 29 - July 17 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the YMCA in Marshall

  • Vacation Bible School (VBS)

    • Swan Lake Evangelical Free Church - June 8-March 12

    • VBS at Living Word in Marshall - June 1 - 4

    • VBS at Echo Alliance Church - June 15-19 from 6:30 - 7:45 PM

      • SCUBA: Diving into Friendship with God

      • Registration is at 6 PM on Sunday June 15th

      • Pre-K through 5th/ 6th grade

      • Parents are welcome to sit in with their kids or join the adult class during that time.

      • For more information call Pastor Marty at 507-925-4176

We want to take a moment to express our gratitude to you for being such a fantastic part of our newsletter community.

Your support, feedback, and engagement mean the world and it's what keeps us motivated to bring you valuable content every time.

But guess what? We're on a mission to make an even bigger impact on our community, and we need your help!

You can share our newsletter with your friends & family. Together, we can grow our community and reach even more people!

As a token of our appreciation for your support, you'll have the chance to receive a birthday shout out, a $10 gift card from Kwik Trip, or a $25 gift card from Rolling Hills Pizza! 🎉

So help us spread the word!

Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
Is Your Business One of Them?

We ❤️ local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts.

If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you!

Marshall Area Insider is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Send us a message and let's collaborate to let the community know what makes your business special!

👇 Select an option below:

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.