A new twist has been added to the call-in Farm Information Line, from the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Farmers needing quick answers can now email their questions to fil@umn.edu and get a response no later than the next business day.

The Farm Information Line is a free service that works with local Extension agriculture educators and regional offices to provide answers to Minnesota production agriculture and small acreage questions.

The Farm Information Line is staffed by experienced Extension personnel who take calls from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Questions at other times of day and weekends can be left on voice mail, and now by e-mail, and will be returned no later than the next business day.

In addition to the latest hot questions about the effects of Minnesota’s diverse weather conditions on crops, here are some other common questions that farmers ask:

• What should I pay for land rent in my area?
• How much fertilizer should I put on my horse pasture?
• The leaf tips on my oats are turning white. What is causing this?
• How do I get rid of rats in my goat barn?
• What kind of farm record keeping and accounting software is available?
• How do I get my land certified for organic crop production?
• What are the feedlot regulations in my county?
• How many tons of haylage do I have in a 20x60 silo about 10 feet high?

More information, including a brochure and display flyer that can be downloaded and distributed to customers or members of farm organizations, is available at:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/farmline

The website also lists telephone numbers of county Extension offices with agriculture staff, another way to get the latest research-based information.