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An appreciation of home
Fedors welcome friends, family to their rural haven
By LIZ VOS Staff writer Holdingford Jim and Rosie Fedor love to entertain. Their home and farm in rural Holdingford serves as a gathering place for friends, family and neighbors year-round. Their home is inviting and spacious, offering a taste of the country, a modern layout and hints of family history throughout. When they were married 13 years ago, Jim and Rosie moved into the small farmhouse that had been a retirement home for Jims grandparents. It was tiny, said Rosie of their original home. We didnt have any room and heating costs were through the roof. They decided it was time to start fresh. They began plans for their new home, which would replace the farmhouse. The entire house was hauled away in about four dumpsters, said Jim of the compact two-story home. Jim and Rosie knew what they wanted in a home and were able to meet with their builder to get the layout just right. By October 2009, the new home was complete. FEDORS continued on page 4
ountry C cres A
Jim and Rose Fedor stand surrounded by Christmas decorations in their Holdingford home. The couple worked as a team unloading eight totes of decorations at Christmas to fill their home with holiday cheer.
Ryan Kleinschmidt calls in the geese. He loves nothing more than getting the geese to land near his decoys.
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Marilyn and Rodney Lanners continue providing a family-focused winter outing at the Eagle Mountain tubing slopes. They started making snow in mid-November.
Those machines are still reliable and are used to cover the slopes. Still, there are some things they could not do. They were successful on the front hills (those facing the chalet), but never the major skiing areas, said Rodney. Rodney and Marilyn both
Sue Sims Ad Design/Publication Layout Amanda Thooft Ad Design Janell Westerman Ad Design Nancy Middendorf Ad Design Proofreaders Andrea Borgerding Diane Schmiesing Jan Hoppe Story ideas send to: bryan@saukherald.com Deadlines: Country Acres will be published the third Sunday of every month and inserted to rural customers with the Mid-Minnesota Shopper. Deadline for news and advertising is the Friday before publication. Extra Copies available at the Albany Enterprise, Melrose Beacon and
Rodney Lanners uses a snowcat machine to push snow and develop the runs for snow tubing.
have full-time jobs, but for the past month or so they, with the help of friends, worked on getting the chalet and grounds into shape for this season. There were the usual fixes around a building that needed tending to. Grass had to be trimmed, tow-cables that pull the tubes and people up three separate hills needed to be looked at and if needed repaired, the food service area reviewed, a handicapped access added and the snow tubes looked at. The tubes used for tubing are no longer just old inner tubes from cars or tractors. They are now plastic-bottomed, round gliding vehicles designed to go down hill on snow. We have about 250 tubes and they cost about $200 a piece, said Rodney. Tubing became a part of Eagle Mountain in the 1980s. Shortly after they started making snow, they found the front slopes were a popular place for tubing. With the inconsistent snow cover on the back areas, the business started marketing itself as snow-tubing site. It caught on
quickly. Weve had crowds here of 175 people, said Rodney. Most of those people take a tube down one of the threes slopes. There is the Main Slope (easily viewed from the chalet), the Screaming Eagle and the North Slope, said Rodney. When some call they ask if the big hill called Eagle Mountain is open. The Big Hill was primarily a ski slope and is not used unless there is enough natural snow to justify it and for tubers safety. It can provide a thrill ride. People can get going to 15 to 30 mph on Eagle Mountain, said Rodney. But like all the hills, snow is needed. We need about a 15-inch base across the three slopes, said Rodney. That covers about three acres, and those are steep acres. It can take anywhere from 18 days to a month to get the right amount of snow made. Well water is pumped to the machines
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Rodney Lanners checks equipment, making sure it would be ready to go when Eagle Mountain opened.
In a few hours the snow machines can create drifts of snow on the Eagle Mountain grounds.
that produce a mist of frozen water. The well-water comes out at about 45 degrees, said GRodney. It goes into a donnut-shaped sprayer that sprays into a high-speed fan. When conditions are right, it really piles up. While making the snow, the machines, weather and wind are constantly monitored. Its like a newborn baby, said Marilyn. You have to keep checking up on it. As winds change, the ma-
chines are adjusted to keep the wind flowing over the machine and blowing the snow over the grounds. It can be a slow process, said Rodney. But that is what you have to do. After the snow is made, it is packed and worked using a machine called a snowcat. The machine can push snow and it has another function. On the back is a 15-foot grinder that can turn ice into a nice powdery snow, said Rodney. I also use the snowcat to
Trophies and helmets testify to Rodney Lanners interest in snowmobiling as well as Eagle Mountains outdoor facilities.
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One of the six Christmas trees in the Fedors home sits in their basement and holds a string of popcorn that has lasted nearly eight years.
With an open-floor concept, Jim and Rosie are now able to open their home even more to guests. Its really a fun place to entertain, Rose said. We love our home! The couples farm has been the scene of countless parties and gatherings and has even been the site of weddings. We made our barn into a bar, explained Jim. When our old house was too small to fit everyone, we did what we could with the space we had.
Adding to the inviting floor plan of the house are the many antiques, family heirlooms, and vintage wares throughout every room. The couple has a great appreciation for items that have stood the test of time, including a chest belonging to Jims grandmother, a cabinet belonging to Rosies grandmother and even the original kitchen from their old farmhouse, which was protected from demolition and replicated in the couples basement, where Rosie keeps her canned
goods. Not only does the couple mix their creative abilities to make every detail of their home unique and special, they also transform their home seasonally with an array of decorations. We decorate a lot, said Rosie. But Christmas is definitely my favorite, so we do a lot more this time of year. From the front porch to the backyard, the master bedroom to the living room, the Fedors have adorned their home with twinkling lights, garland, fes-
A set of jingle bells hangs from a mirror in the Fedors master bedroom. In the reflection, is an antique dresser. Details, such as the bells, are found throughout the Fedors entire home, adding cheer at every glance.
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A chair that belonged to Rose Fedors grandmother is tastefully garnished with Christmas cheer in the couples back porch. The furniture and dcor in the porch are mainly family heirlooms and vintage wares the couple has found on their many visits to antique shops.
The view from the Fedors living room shows layers of decorations in the dining room, back porch and the deck leading to their backyard. (At left) The kitchen from the Fedors original farmhouse was salvaged and installed in their basement. The couple keeps a large garden and the basement kitchen serves as a storage space for their many canned goods.
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KLEINSCHMIDT continued from front_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Thats when I really startTruckloads of geese Waterfowlers are like ed to get bit by the waterfowl Perusing through Klein- fishermen, he said. You just schmidts Facebook pictures, dont give out too much inforbug, he said. In 2000 he met Ran- one will clearly see he spends mation. dy (The Flagman) Bartz at a much of his spare time hunting But he does like to share goose-hunting seminar in Al- geese. He is pictured with rows his love for the sport. His faexandria. He started looking and truck beds full of the bird, vorite aspect of hunting geese into field hunting for Canada whether hunting alone or with is calling them into his decoys. geese and his dad, Rick, round- a group of buddies. Luring the birds is just as fun ed up some Big Foot decoys From the time the season as shooting them. and together they bought some opens, all of my weekends are Being able to call to the layout blinds. spent on the road hunting, birds and get them to come to A year later I took the he said. Most of my week where they dont necessariplunge and bought my first-ev- nights during the season are ly want to be is very rewarder high-end goose call and spent scouting and watching ing, he said. I dont care if forced myself to learn how to the birds, which is one of the Ive seen it a thousand times. blow it over the next couple most important things a hunter It never gets old when they fiseasons. can do to increase their success nally commit to your decoys Once again, he was rate. and swing right into where you hooked. That is when goose Kleinschmidt keeps a per- want them. hunting came to the forefront sonal log of the places he hunts Hunting geese isnt just a In addition to shooting waterfowl, Kleinschmidt loves to shoot of his mind. It wasnt just a and how many birds he gets, sport to him, its a craft. pictures. The above photo shows a successful days hunt on a rustic hobby anymore. It was a pas- but keeps the information to What I love most is the barn. sion. himself. ability to call and flag to the A lifelong passion Kleinschmidt is married geese and manipulate them into landing where you want He has been hired by sev- to Abby and they have 3-yearthem to finish, especially when eral outfitters and product old twins, Blake and Brooke. youre not hunting where they companies to represent them at A little young to be out in the outdoor shows and help teach blind with dad, but that day want to be. He said the greatest thrill the sport to beginners. He trav- will come soon enough. credits about hunting waterfowl is els throughout the state and the Kleinschmidt Abby with being understandthat as a hunter, one can make Dakotas. or break their hunt just by the Working different shows ing of his love for the sport. way they set their decoys, hide around the state has been a He is gone many weekends their blind, call at the birds great way to connect with new during the season, and as stator run their flag. For Klein- people in the sport, he said. ed before, is often out at night schmidt, its all about prepara- And seeing someone who is during the week scouting. tion and reward. Seeing some- new to the sport or just never I think I can count on one thing through from start to really been on a great water- hand the number of times she finish, whether at work at Fell- fowl hunt and watching the ex- has asked me not to go out of ing Trailers, or out in the field, citement that overtakes them town on a hunt, he said. I is a hallmark of his personality. when we get a good group of know she has her hands full If I had to pass shoot birds to decoy in pretty close during the spring and fall seaor jump shoot my ducks and is awesome. I really look for- sons, but she always seems to geese, even turkeys for that ward to the coming years when make it work and is a fantasKleinschmidt is just as comfortable in a blind as he is in his own matter, there is no way I would I will be able to get my kids tic mother and wife. She is the bed. When not hunting on the weekends he spends his weeknights do it! he said. I just dont see out and watch them go through most understanding person I know. the reward in doing it that way. that same excitement. out scouting.
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Geese by the truckful! What does he do with all that meat? he gifts it to friends and family and also processes a lot for him and his family.
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Kleinschmidt has another goose in his sights. He also enjoys hunting wild turkey and ducks, but geese are his favorite pastime.
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By BRYAN ZOLLMAN Staff writer
Extravagant Christmas light display helps raise thousands for families in need
Spicer What do you get when you string together 350,000 light bulbs, using 15,000 zip ties and four miles worth of extension cord? A pretty darn awesome Christmas light display, thats what. The display is at the home of Chad and Angela Koosman, who live between Spicer and Willmar just off County Road 9. They call it Celebrate the Light and it benefits the Kandiyohi County Salvation Army. Their home is a hop, skip and a jump from the outskirts of Stearns County near Belgrade and a straight shot down Highway 71. And for those who make the drive, it is well worth it. If you string all the lights, cable and extension cord together, it would stretch 40 miles, said Chad. Chad started the display six years
shine!
Chad and Angie Koosman stand outside their Spicer home where they have one of the most extravagant light displays around. Chad started the project when he wanted to help raise money for the Salvation Army. Since he started the light display six years ago, he and Angie, along with countless other family members and friends who volunteer, have raised more than $170,000.
Chad checks his tree, a 40-foot-high telephone pole with an abundance of lights attached that dance to music. Angie also has a 40-foot high tree. To vote on whose is better, go to their Facebook page.
ago because he was looking for a way to compete against the Salvation Armys top fundraiser. Koosman owns a lawn irrigation business and likes to keep busy with other projects in the winter months. He volunteered to be a bell ringer, and when he was challenged to raise as much as the top bell ringer in the area, he took it a step further. Im a busy-body, said the 31-year-old who grew up in Willmar. I tried to figure out something to do with my time. When I said I would challenge the top bell ringer, I guess I didnt know what I was getting into. At first, Koosman increased his volunteer hours and rang a bell at various locations for three hours a day. But whenever he did, the top bell ringer, Roger St. Clair, would ring for five hours. Koosman had already begun working on putting up an elaborate Christmas light display and asked if it would be cheating if he put a kettle out by his driveway for people who drove by to see it. He contacted local businesses to match the kettle on certain days and before he knew it, he had raised $5,800.
That was my way to beat the best bell ringer, he said proudly. But he wasnt finished. Especially after one little girl visited him while he was bell ringing. She put a dollar into his kettle and eagerly announced, I cant wait to get a present from you this year. It touched him deeply as he saw the effect the Salvation Army kettle fundraisers has on children. So he took it one step further. I thought if I could make all my Christmas lights dance to music I could really make this thing soar, he said. Koosman jumped in with both feet, lined up corporate sponsorships and worked on putting together one of the most dynamic light shows not just in the state, but in the country. He spent countless hours arranging lights to blink according to the beat of several Christmas carols. He uses a transmitter and has his own radio station where those who come to see the lights can sit in the warmth of their vehicle, tune in and watch the lights dance. The idea worked. In the past four years he has raised $170,500. Last year alone, he and Angie raised $57,000.
Ringing bells to wedding bells In his third year, Koosman decided to add another fundraiser to the mix. He ordered Christmas trees and sold them with all proceeds going to the Salvation Army. But the idea didnt take and he ended up losing $2,500 and burning all his leftover trees. But it was well worth it. That was also the year he met his future wife. Angie stopped in and bought a decorative holiday pot. Chad was immediately drawn to her. She paid with a check and Chad put it aside. We had a little chat and later that night I googled her, Chad said. Our first date was New Years Eve. Almost a year later, the couple got engaged. Part of Chads holiday display is a movie night on the first two Saturdays of December. On one particular Saturday, he posted a video of himself down on one knee asking Angie to marry him. There were 300 cars in the parking lot and they all began honking their horns. I think everyone in the town knew he was going to ask, but me, said Angie.
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This is the view from the front yard looking out over the 5-acre property. For more information on the Koosmans display and directions to the property, go to www.celebratethelight.net.
Last weekend, they had carriage rides, real reindeer on site and a professional photographer taking pictures of kids with Santa. They even invited families into their home for the Santa photos. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army, and thats even before expenses. The Koosmans do not keep a dime. The carriage ride weekend is Angies favorite. There are kids everywhere, she said. Its great to see all the smiles on their faces. While they are waiting to see Santa, families make cookies in the garage. One thing the Koosmans make sure of is that it is always affordable for families. There is never a cost to anything, said Angie.
They hope that instead people will make an offering to the kettle. Every year Chad and Angie receive feedback that helps validate their efforts. One woman told them her grandson was saying his bedtime prayers and prayed for the house with the Christmas lights. He said Dear God, please dont let the house with the Christmas lights burn down, said Angie. Yes, its a lot of work, but we do it to raise money and to hear stories like that. In the end, its the Christmas and giving spirit that really shines from within Chad and Angie Koosman, and helps brighten the lives of those less fortunate. This year, they hope to break the $60,000 mark for the Salvation Army. Pretty sure that makes Chad Koosman the best bell ringer around.
Chad checks the dozens of extension cords used just to light one tree. He said it takes him and his crew about 800 hours to get everything set up.
Pictures really dont do the light display justice. It is something people have to see to truly enjoy. All the lights on the property blink in beat with seven different Christmas carols that are broadcast over an FM station. More than 24,000 people visited the home last year alone.
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Every year Christmas ite shows on TV, like Rudolph comes up too fast, the Red Nosed Reindeer and here we are and Frosty the Snow again. In all the busyMan the same ones ness, Christmas can every year. And always, sometimes come and red and green paper go without nearly chains marked the days enough time spent on until the big day. I rethe true meaning of member looking out on it. Christmas Eve trying to by Diane Christmas as a catch a glimpse of Sankid seemed so simple Schmiesing ta riding across the sky (though for mom, with eight in his sleigh. And of course, kids, Im sure it was just as there was all the excitement much work as moms have to- when he actually showed up. I day). There was the magic of could never figure out how he the Christmas tree all lit up in always got that big box of gifts an otherwise dark living room, into our house without us seeand the peaceful-looking na- ing him! tivity set reminding us of the Over the years, there real Christmas story. I remem- have been some memorable ber making popcorn balls and gift-giving events. The most pulling taffy. Before Christ- satisfaction Ive gotten has mas, there would be the favor- been when Ive had a theme,
Above, my grandchildren with their portraits on Christmas 2012. From left: Collin, Eli, Jake, Isaac, Carmen, Gemma, Noah, Luke and Carter.
The cookie jar Christmas theme was a hit with my daughters. Pictured with their matching antique jars like the one their grandma had when they were little are (from left): Shanna, Melissa, Melanie, Amy and Danielle.
them with ribbon. When Christmas Eve came, I had the girls open them all at once. When the first one was open, there came a loud shriek of delight. That sound alone made it all worth it. Then last year, I painted a small portrait of each grandchild. It was fun to see the excitement on their faces, and their parents too. I didnt know how theyd react, but it was so rewarding when two-year-old Gemma started stamping her feet and shouting over and over, Its Gemma! Its Gemma! Three-year-old Collin had a different reaction. He looked at his and said, Its Jake, set it down and walked away. Keeps me humble, and I never think about it without chuckling. I will be doing more childrens portraits in the
future, as this year I was blessed with three more grandsons! As crazy as Christmas can get, it seems like the best times are the simplest ones. One of my favorite Christmas meals was just tacos. I decided that with so many little grandkids, it would be easy, quick and stress free. I wouldnt do it every year, because Id miss the traditional fare, but once in a while laid back is perfect. Whatever traditions you have, I hope they bring you joy and peace. I especially keep in mind all of you who will spend the holidays, maybe for the first time this year, without your loved ones. For you, I know, this can be agonizing, and I pray for some measure of peace for you as well. May there be many blessings on your families, and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
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By RANDY OLSON Staff writer Albany - While winter can be a challenging season for Minnesotans, it can be an especially difficult time for Minnesotans animals. Whether theyre pets or domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep or horses, the varied and hard-to-predict weather of Minnesota makes animal husbandry challenging. For horse owners, one simple accessory can provide a little style and a great deal of function: the horse blanket. A horse blanket is an animal coat designed to keep a horse warm and protected from wind or other winter elements such as sleet or freezing rain. They wrap around a horses body from the chest area to the rear quarters. Straps cross under the belly to keep the blanket in place while allowing the horse to roam freely in the barn, pen or yard. Anita Dobmeier, whose family owns three horses on their Albany-area dairy farm, stressed one important aspect of utilizing a horse blanket. When a horse is chilled, they start to shiver and shake. The result is that they metabolize stored fat in their bodies and lose weight, she explained. Horse owners use the Henneke Body Conditioning Scor-
Dixie is ten years old and cared for by Gracie Dobmeier, the daughter of Tom and Anita Dobmeier of Albany.
ing system, which is available online, to help prepare their horse for winter conditions. It rates horses from a one (emaciated) to nine (obese). A score of four or five is ideal. The Henneke system can be used across all equine breeds without specialized equipment. It is based on both visual appraisal and palpable fat cover of the six major
points of a horses body. A score of four, moderately thin, is described as Ridge of spine and outline of ribs are visible; tail head may or may not be visible depending on the breed; withers, shoulders, and neck do not appear overly thin. A score of five, moderate, is described as Spine and ribs cannot be seen however ribs
can be felt; tail head is spongy; withers, shoulders, and neck are rounded and smooth. Dobmeier and her husband, Tom, operate a 44-cow dairy farm with their teenage children, Austin and Gracie. Their children enjoy working with the horses just as much as they do. They have learned all about caring for horses. Our
horses, in turn, are like family to us, said Dobmeier. The Dobmeiers youngest horse is Dixie, 10 years old, and is considered Gracies horse. In the winter, Dixie is clad in a pink-colored blanket. Next is Zip, a 13-year-old horse that all but refuses to wear a blanket. We dont know exactly why, but Zip will not wear a blanket. He tears it to shreds. We think it is a combination of getting too warm in the blanket, and the blanket causing him to itch, said Dobmeier. Their oldest is Montana, 20 years old. Blankets are sometimes used to keep a horses hair short. If horses are blanketed at the start of fall, especially if kept in a lighted area for 16 hours a day, they will not grow a winter coat. If a horse is subjected to cold weather without either a blanket or a natural hair coat to keep it warm, it may become ill, and vulnerable to sicknesses such as influenza. Heavy blankets for warmth make up most of the horse blanket market, although light blankets can be used in the summer to help equine shed flies. With shelter from severe winds, some level of cover from freezing rains and a blanket to help store heat, a horse can handle just about any type
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Montana is the elder of the Dobmeiers horses, 20 years old and clad in a red horse blanket.
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There are a variety of Christmas trees available at Frieler Farms. Peggy and Neil Frieler stand in front of precut trees for sale on their Christmas tree lot northeast of Upsala. They also have trees that can be cut down in their fields.
children, Amanda, Jacob, Eric and Nick, would continue to doalong with many other people. Frieler Farms is a Christmas tree destination. They also have Christmas wreathes, crosses and garland for sale.
Its so much fun watching people pick out a tree, Peggy said. Neil said its all hands on deck, with their children coming home to help out. For Neil, running a tree farm is a
Neil Frieler shows how they will often twirl a tree around for a customer when they are choosing a tree.
dream job come true. After years of working at a nursery in the Twin Cities, they decided Frieler Farms would be his full-time job, while Peggy works at Holdingford schools. They are licensed tree growers with a quality-grown nursery stock of trees for sale spring, summer and fall. But this time of the year its all about Christmas trees. I always liked being outside, said Neil, who has a degree in forestry and also served as a Marine for four years. When asked how the two met, he said, We were (Upsala) high school sweethearts. Peggy said they have known one another 32 years and have been married 26 years. Practicing what they preach, each year they put up a real Christmas tree and watch their children decorate it. Our first Christmas I went into the Superior National Forest and cut down a white spruce tree, said Neil. We had a permit. Fifteen years ago they planted a couple thousand Balsam Fir, Frasier Fir and Scotch Pine tree seedlings, knowing it takes six or seven years to harvest that first crop of Christmas trees. Each spring, as soon as the ground thaws, they still plant anywhere from 3,500 to 4,000 seedlings, using a hand planter.
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Raising a tree from a seedling takes anywhere from six to 12 years, depending on the tree, said Neil. It also depends on the weather, which plays an important part in Christmas tree growth. Tending to their trees is a full-time job, especially when it comes to trimming each individual Christmas tree, as they walk through fields of trees. Even with that, there is no guarantee a tree will make it from the field to a home, decorated for Christmas. It takes three trees to bring one marketable tree, said Neil. It amazes them that they can go out into a field and trees that were planted at the same time can range in size from six-feet to 12-feet tall. Eight years ago, they harvested their first crop of Christmas trees to sell. When asked who they sold the first tree they cut down to, Neil laughed as he said, Probably us. Their most popular trees are Scotch Pine and Balsam. The Scotch Pine is affordable and the Balsam has good needle retention, said Neil. They cut down a variety of tree sizes, giving customers a wide variety to choose from. We sell a lot of 12- to 14-footers because so many people have vaulted ceilings, said Neil. They even sell a few 20-footers. Standing in their yard is a tree shaking machine, which ensures all the dead needles are removed from the tree before it is tied up with colored string fin a baling machine right beside the ,shaker. e They also tell people if they are not tgoing to put up their tree immediately, d n , e
Neil Frieler pulls a tree out of their baler, while Peggy watches. They shake and bundle trees for customers.
mas Eve Day to get a tree, said Peggy. People will also leave with candy canes and wishes for a Merry Christmas. The Frielers are thankful the need for Christmas trees has remained steady and are hopeful they, and their grown children, have many years of selling Christmas trees in their future.
It just wouldnt seem like Christmas if we didnt sell Christmas trees, said Neil. Its a happy time of the year, adds Peggy. Each Christmas tree that leaves their lot is a beautiful sight, especially knowing it will end up in someones home decorated for the season.
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The Christmas holiday is a busy ally mild. Mistletoe can be quite toxic time full of shopping, cookif large quantities are ingested. Symptoms can range from just ing, decorating and enjoying vomiting and diarrhea to carfriends and family. Unfortudiovascular collapse and death. nately, it can also be a time There are different varieties of when you may find yourself mistletoe with varying toxicity sitting in a veterinarians office but it is safest to use all mistledealing with collateral damtoe with caution in homes with age from the festivities. These problems usually have some- by Wendy pets. Holly berries are toxic thing to do with your cat or Womack, DVM and can cause vomiting and diarrhea and mental depresdog consuming or chewing on something they shouldnt plants, cer- sion. Lilies are particularly dangerous tain foods or inedible items. The result to cats and can cause kidney failure. can be anything from a simple upset Amaryllis, especially the bulb, can stomach to a serious toxicity or a need cause gastrointestinal problems and tremors. Some less common holiday for life-saving surgery. The most common holiday plants plants which can be harmful to pets are we worry about are poinsettias, mistle- American and European bittersweet, toe, holly, lilies and amaryllis. The dan- chrysanthemums, Christmas rose, and ger from poinsettias is quite limited. Jerusalem cherry. Remember, it is hard The sap from the stem and leaves can to find a place high enough or inaccesirritate the mouth and possibly cause sible enough that a curious cat cant gastrointestinal upset but this is usu- reach to investigate that strange new
thing in the room. There are two general dangers that can arise from pets eating table or people food. The first is to eat overly fatty foods like pork products, gravy, butter, etc. Dogs in particular are prone to developing pancreatitis from consuming these types of food. Pancreatitis and inflammation of the pancreas usually cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Often the dog cannot even keep water down and the diarrhea can become bloody. This condition usually requires hospitalization on IV fluids to maintain hydration and to allow the pancreas to rest while nothing is given orally for a few days. Rarely, pancreatitis can be fatal. It is tempting while we are enjoying our holiday feasts to share some with the family dog, but try to resist this temptation and ask holiday guests not to share either. Beyond fatty foods, there are several human foods which are actually toxic to pets. I am just going to mention a few we often have around more at the holidays yeast dough, chocolate, and sugar free treats containing xylitol. The smell of fresh bread baking is intoxicating, but if your dog ingests some of the raw yeast-contained in dough while it is rising, it can truly be a toxin. The dough continues to rise rapidly in the warm environment of the stomach and can cause vomiting and bloat. The fermenting yeast produces ethanol which can lead to neurologic symptoms from ethanol toxicity. And yes, this same ethanol toxicity can occur if you allow your pet to drink alcoholic beverages. Next chocolate, you knew I was going to have to talk about chocolate. The chemical in chocolate that is toxic to pets is called theobromine. At lower doses it causes vomiting and diarrhea. At higher doses it can cause hyperexcitability, tremors, and abnormal heart rhythms. It is capable of causing death. This being said, the lowest amount of theobromine per ounce is found in milk chocolate 44-60 mg/oz. Concentrations increase to about 150 mg/oz. in dark and semisweet chocolate and increase further to 390-450 mg/oz. in unsweetened bakers chocolate. How serious chocolate ingestion is depends on the type of chocolate, amount eaten
and the size of the pet, so call your veterinarian if your pet eats chocolate to see if it is enough to cause a problem. The artificial sweetener xylitol is found in many sugar free gums and candies. Depending on the amount eaten, a life-threatening drop in blood sugar can occur causing seizures, coma and severe liver damage. Be very careful what foods you offer your pet during the holidays and what treats are left within easy reach of a curious pet. Finally, there are all the scattered toys and holiday decorations just begging to be chewed on or eaten. Plugged in electric cords if chewed on can cause a nasty burn on the tongue and lips or death from electrocution. Tinsel and ribbons are absolutely irresistible to young cats and kittens who may swallow them, causing a lot of intestinal damage and the need for lifesaving surgery. Batteries have corrosive material in them which is dangerous if they are chewed on or swallowed. I can tell you from experience that there appears to be no limit to what a dog or cat can and will swallow. Especially in homes with children and all those brand new toys often left on the floor, it is important to keep them picked up to avoid tears over ruined gifts and veterinary bills for foreign body surgeries. So enjoy the holidays with your four-footed friends and family members, but remember to protect them from these and other avoidable dangers. May you all have a blessed and safe Christmas.
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Editors note: The following article was in the Eden Prairie News and it was requested to be reprinted in Country Acres. John and Jenny Thull work on the Thull familys 5-acre Oakshire Vineyards near Melrose, with Johns parents, Richard and Marion Thull. Melrose - It all started as a pet project. To make use of some extra space at the University of Minnesotas Horticultural Research Center (HRC) near Victoria, John and Jenny Thull planted 20 varieties of squash, pumpkin and gourds. Six years later, theyre up to 180 varieties and have their sights set on hitting 200. That seems like a good, round number, said John. Despite a less-than-ideal growing season this year, the married couple were able to haul in 10 tons of product from their three-acre pumpkin patch along Highway 5. Although the Thulls primarily work with the HRCs vineyard, growing and testing grapes for wine, they have taken on the pumpkin patch project with great gusto. The goal is to introduce people to more edible varieties of squash, said Jenny, who is also a trained chef. Her personal mission is to help others erase those childhood memories of bland acorn squash and replace them with a
Husband and wife team, John and Jenny Thull harvested 180 kinds of pumpkin, squash and gourds.
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Cucurbits (plants from the family of squash, pumpkins and gourds) come in many shapes and sizes. The Thulls oversee the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Centers pumpkin patch, where they are up to 180 varieties and have their sights set on hitting 200.
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ny. What about Linus? I think we are Linus, said Jenny with a laugh. John and Jenny invite people to join them for the 2014 fall displays at the Arboretum.
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The U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is opening the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for new enrollments for federal fiscal year 2014. Starting today through Jan.17, 2014, producers interested in participating in the program can submit applications to NRCS. Through the Conservation Stewardship Program, farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are going the extra mile to conserve our nations resources, said NRCS State Conservationist Don Baloun. Through their conservation actions, they are ensuring that their operations are more productive and sustainable over the long run. The CSP is an important Farm Bill conservation program that helps established conservation stewards take their level of natural resource management to the next level to improve both their agricultural production and provide valuable conservation benefits such as cleaner and more abundant water, as well as healthier soils and better wildlife habitat. Baloun said todays announcement is another example of USDAs comprehensive focus on promoting environmental conservation and strengthening the rural economy, and it is a reminder that a new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill is pivotal to continue these efforts. CSP is now in its fifth year and so far, NRCS has partnered with producers to enroll more than 59 million acres across the nation. The program emphasizes conservation performance; producers earn higher payments for higher performance. In CSP, producers install conservation enhancements to make positive changes in soil quality, soil erosion, water quality, water quantity, air quality, plant resources, animal resources and energy. Some popular enhancements used by farmers in Minnesota include: Using new nozzles that reduce the drift of pesticides, lowering input costs and making sure pesticides are used where they are most needed; Modifying water facilities to prevent bats and bird species from being trapped; Establishing pollinator and/or beneficial insect habitat; High-level integrated pest management, reducing pesticide risk to the environment; and Rotating feeding areas and monitoring key grazing areas to improve grazing management. Eligible landowners and operators in all states and territories can enroll in CSP through Jan. 17 to be eligible during the 2014 federal fiscal year. While local NRCS offices accept CSP applications year round, NRCS evaluates applications during announced ranking periods. To be eligible for this years enrollment, producers must have their applications submitted to NRCS by the closing date. A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if the program is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, stewardship threshold requirements and payment types. For the checklist or to learn more about CSP, visit the NRCS CSP website at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/ or visit your local USDA NRCS office.
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