The “Featured Farm of the Month” idea came up when members of the Medford FFA group attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.They were reminded that farmers are the roots of FFA and the backbone of our community. It is important that we recognize our local farmers and show appreciation to the small, but extremely vital group of people. 146201_3 E&M Dittrich Mink Ranch OraLee, Michael, Edward and Darla Dittrich own E & M Dittrich Mink Ranch in Medford, WI. The ranch, operating since 1925, was started by Mike’s Great Grandfather Edward Dittrich, 99 years ago. This ranch is four generations into the mink farming business. The ranch started out as a hobby with just three mink; two females and one male. The business soon grew to what it is today, with the main product being the pelted fur from harvested mink. The Dittrich’s put lots of time and materials into making sure the mink has the best quality of care to produce the best fur possible. On top of their phenomenal care, they are also required to be inspected every 16 months to be a certified fur farm. Over the year a variety of tasks help produce the sought after pelts. March is when the breeding season begins. Breeding season is dependent on sunlight and temperature. Welp, which is the birth of mink, starts in April and wraps up around the second week of May. Breeding season is Edward’s favorite part, while whelping is Michael’s favorite part of the job! In June, kits are able to be weaned from their mothers. Once July rolls around the kits are vaccinated, and then later in the summer are separated into individual cages. Lastly, the mink are raised until they are able to be harvested. The pastel colored mink are able to be harvested sooner in November, while the dark colored mink are harvested in December. Pelts are sold overseas to countries like China, Korea, and Greece! What a phenomenal ranch right here in Taylor County! According to USDA, Wisconsin ranks #1 in the nation for mink pelts producing over 570,000 in 2022! Sponsored by Want to nominate or sponsor the next FFA Farm of the Month? Contact Lisa Kopp at koppli@Medford.k12.wi.us or 715-748-5951 Ext. 4498. Medford FFA The “Featured Farm of the Month” idea came up when members of the Medford FFA group attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.They were reminded that farmers are the roots of FFA and the backbone of our community. It is important that we recognize our local farmers and show appreciation to the small, but extremely vital group of people. 146201_3 E&M Dittrich Mink Ranch OraLee, Michael, Edward and Darla Dittrich own E & M Dittrich Mink Ranch in Medford, WI. The ranch, operating since 1925, was started by Mike’s Great Grandfather Edward Dittrich, 99 years ago. This ranch is four generations into the mink farming business. The ranch started out as a hobby with just three mink; two females and one male. The business soon grew to what it is today, with the main product being the pelted fur from harvested mink. The Dittrich’s put lots of time and materials into making sure the mink has the best quality of care to produce the best fur possible. On top of their phenomenal care, they are also required to be inspected every 16 months to be a certified fur farm. Over the year a variety of tasks help produce the sought after pelts. March is when the breeding season begins. Breeding season is dependent on sunlight and temperature. Welp, which is the birth of mink, starts in April and wraps up around the second week of May. Breeding season is Edward’s favorite part, while whelping is Michael’s favorite part of the job! In June, kits are able to be weaned from their mothers. Once July rolls around the kits are vaccinated, and then later in the summer are separated into individual cages. Lastly, the mink are raised until they are able to be harvested. The pastel colored mink are able to be harvested sooner in November, while the dark colored mink are harvested in December. Pelts are sold overseas to countries like China, Korea, and Greece! What a phenomenal ranch right here in Taylor County! According to USDA, Wisconsin ranks #1 in the nation for mink pelts producing over 570,000 in 2022! Sponsored by Want to nominate or sponsor the next FFA Farm of the Month? Contact Lisa Kopp at koppli@Medford.k12.wi.us or 715-748-5951 Ext. 4498. Medford FFA
The top 30 essays were selected from among all 8th graders at Medford Area Middle School. Student essays placing 16 to 30 received a $20 Chamber Gift Certificate and recognition certificate along with a laminated copy of their essay. Honorees were (in alphabetical order): Sada Carstensen, Kinnley Gowey, Autumn Hartl, Braxton Larson, Graecyn Meseberg, Coraline Neitzel, Oliver Nuernberger, Steven Parkinson, Natalie Pomeroy, Melanie Richter, Renae Rymer, Avery Sigmund, Emma Steinke, Gracie Strama and Maggie Wallace-Szydel. BRIAN WILSON/THE STAR NEWS
Jacob and Daniel Nagel were joined by members of The Chamber, the Gilman Development Foundation and representatives from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Hickory Haven Apartments in Gilman. The owners renovated and converted the former nursing home facility into a mixedsize apartment complex with seven different styles of apartments ranging from a 600 square foot studio apartment to a 1,400 unit with three bedrooms and two baths. Pricing ranges from $900-1,400 with internet and water and sewer utilities included. BRIAN WILSON/THE STAR NEWS
Price County Administrator Paul Trimner explained his duties to members of the Taylor County ad hoc administrative committee on April 4. BRIAN WILSON/ THE STAR NEWS
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
