Huge wind farm planned in Dodge County

HAYFIELD, Minn. -- Plans are under way for a new wind farm in western Dodge County that could power up to 100,000 homes.

Nature Energies, a European-based company, hopes to build a 450 megawatt wind farm with up to 300 wind turbines, said Jeff Cook-Coyle, the company's development vice president. Cook-Coyle, a Rochester resident, said western Dodge County is an ideal spot for the project -- thanks in part to good wind and a nearby transmission line.

This marks the third wind farm proposal for Dodge County. High Country Energy has proposed installing up to 200 wind turbines in Dodge and Olmsted counties. Renewable Energy Systems recently installed a meteorological tower in Dodge County as a step in developing a wind farm.

Report: JOBZ subsidy program unfocused

ST. PAUL -- A new report criticizes Minnesota's JOBZ business tax break program, saying it has failed to focus on the most economically needy areas and suffers from weak oversight.

A report from the legislative auditor says JOBZ has helped businesses that would have expanded even without aid, and helped other companies that compete with existing Minnesota businesses.

The report also says the Department of Employment and Economic Development has overstated the number of jobs created by the program.

The department also needs to improve its oversight of the agreements that say how many jobs and much investment JOBZ companies will provide. The auditor says some contracts are so loose they are hard to enforce.

The JOBZ program was established by Gov. Tim Pawlenty in 2003 and has given tax breaks to 350 businesses.

Margin management seminar set in Mankato

MANKATO, Minn. -- A Margin management seminar for pork producers will be offered Feb. 26 in the Minnesota Pork Board office in Mankato.

Seminar hours are from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Advanced Margin Management is designed for pork producers and swine operation business managers who want to advance their strategic use of futures and option contracts to control price and risks associated with buying feed and selling hogs. The workshop is free, but pre-registration is requested and can be made by calling the Pork Board at (507) 345-8814.

River Country gives to Le Sueur County 4-H

LE CENTER, Minn. -- A donation has been made to the Le Sueur County 4-H Program by River Country Co-op, headquartered in St. Paul.

River Country is affiliated with Minnesota Valley Co-op Supply, which has offices in Montgomery, New Prague and Webster. The donation is part of the $24,000 given to local FFA chapters and 4-H programs.

Jack Widmer, representing River Country Co-op, presented a check to the Le Sueur County 4-H Federation.

More than 300 youths in the county are 4-H members.

Pork producers seek ambassador candidates

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- The Olmsted County Pork Producers Association is seeking candidates for 2008 Pork Ambassador.

Candidates must be Olmsted County residents and must be 17 years old and not yet 21 years old by Jan. 1, 2009.

Applications are due by March 31.

Candidates must be from families actively engaged in pork production or who are pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field. Candidates also need strong communications and leadership skills.

For more information, call Myrna Welter at (507) 533-9434.

Crop management event in Mankato Feb. 22

MANKATO, Minn. -- A Southern Minnesota Crop Management meeting is planned Feb. 22 in Mankato.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in the Alltel Civic Center.

The event will focus on providing farmers with up-to-date information on nutrient, pesticide and crop management.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and several other organizations are putting on the event.

The meeting will also look at results from University of Minnesota research and farmer-initiated nutrient rate evaluations, water-quality results, and more.

Cannon River Watershed Partnership to meet

FARIBAULT, Minn. -- The Cannon River Watershed Partnership's annual meeting is planned March 3 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Elks Club, Faribault.

A social half-hour will begin at 6 p.m. and be followed by a business meeting and program in the form of a quiz bowl directed by CRWP staff.

Executive director David Legvold will provide a recap of the organization's 2007 activities.

Pre-registration is requested by Feb. 29. To make a reservation, call (507) 786-8400.