Spotted lanternfly has caused both environmental and economic damages in the United States.
June 1, 2023
Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen today released the annual list of top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell counts (SCC). Somatic cell count is a key indicator of milk quality – a lower SCC count is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life for bottled milk.
In honor of National Dairy Month, 93 Minnesota dairy farms are being recognized for their superior herd management skills by achieving an average SCC of under 100,000.
“I’m honored to recognize these dairies for their dedication to quality and excellence,” Petersen said. “Minnesota’s dairy farmers provide the state and the world with high quality, wholesome dairy products for us all to enjoy.”
Although somatic cells occur naturally and are not a food safety concern, dairy farmers monitor them because they can be used as a measure of the health of their cows. Processors also pay a premium for milk with low counts. A farmer whose herd has a very low count can receive a higher price per hundredweight compared to a farmer whose herd average is high.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture and University of Minnesota dairy experts have worked with the state’s dairy farmers for 20 years to lower somatic cell counts. When the initiative began in 2003, the herds honored that year included those with SCC averages as high as 144,000, compared to the current goal of obtaining a SCC under 100,000.
Visit our website to see the low SCC list of Minnesota dairy farms. Producers on the list were nominated by their dairy plants.
###
Media Contact
Larry Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6629
Larry.Schumacher@state.mn.us
June 1, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is enlisting the public’s help in the early detection efforts of tree of heaven and spotted lanternfly. Tree of heaven is an invasive weed and preferred host for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect. These two pests have not been established in the state but are spreading towards Minnesota’s southeast border. The public in Goodhue, Houston, Fillmore, Wabasha, and Winona counties can help minimize the potential effects caused by these two pests by detecting and reporting their presence to the MDA.
If tree of heaven is present in these counties, residents will most likely spot it along roadsides and near railways. The trees look similar to staghorn sumac, ash, and walnut trees. It can reach heights of 70 feet and has compound leaves that can be 1-4 feet in length with 11-41 leaflets. The flowers are small, yellowish-green, and arranged in large clusters at the ends of the leaves. It produces winged fruit like maple trees that hang in long clusters. Tree of heaven also emits a strong, offensive odor that distinguishes it from other plants.
Residents in these five counties should be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly starting in mid to late July. The insect larvae are black with white spots, but closer to adulthood are red with spots. In the nymph stage, the pest does not fly; it is black or red with white spots. The adults are large at 1 to 1.5 inches long and are a combination of black, white, and red with spots.
“These two invasives could both be a threat to Minnesota, causing environmental and economic damage if established,” said Angie Ambourn, MDA Pest Detection Unit Supervisor. “The public’s help in early detection and reporting these invasives is key to successful early management efforts.”
If you suspect you have seen tree of heaven or spotted lanternfly, report it to the MDA utilizing their Report a Pest service, by emailing reportapest@state.mn.us or calling 1-888-545-6684. More information is available on this early detection effort on the MDA website. You can also help by taking part of a participatory science survey put on through UMN Extension and the MDA.
###
Media Contact
Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications
651-201-6131
Brittany.Raveill@state.mn.us
