Make sure you’re taking the right steps so your pet is staying safe outdoors during the harsh Minnesota winters. Animal Humane Society’s Brittany Baumann says pet owners need to be aware of their pets behavior when out in the cold.

If your dog starts lifting their paws and shivering, Baumann says to take them back inside immediately. Other tips include using sweaters or extra padding for short-haired breeds, but limiting outdoor time is smart for smaller pets to help prioritize your pet’s safety this winter. You can visit the Animal Humane Society for a full list of tips.

The Minnesota Ag Expo will be held January 20th & 21st at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato. You can experience the ag expo with a full trade show floor of nearly 100 booths. The floor is easy to navigate and will hosts a number of different vendors, commodity groups, state agencies, agribusinesses, industry organizations, legislative leaders and guest speakers.

MN Ag Expo is a unique chance to focus on the big picture while learning how the ag industry continues to grow and evolve. Each year, the Expo hosts inspirational keynote speakers and breakout sessions that will cover everything farmers need to know to keep their operations prosperous in the new year.

Registration is now open for local and area farmers and producers interested in attending. To register or find more information about the event, you can go to their website at mnagexpo.com.

Northwest Minnesota has seen one special restaurant in Erskine withstand the test of time and in 2026, Ness Cafe is celebrating 114 years of business. Ness Cafe Owner Tommy Helgeson told R&J News more about the history of the cafe, and the changes it’s gone through throughout the years. 

Helgeson says not only the food, but their loyal customer base and staff are the things that have kept them in business for so long. 

The cafe is open all but 2 days throughout the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas and they are dedicated to making everything homemade including their special Hot Beef Sandwich. You can find more info on their website at thenesscafe.com.

With cattle prices being as high as they are, cattle producers across the region are weighing their options when it comes to vaccines. Merck Technical Services Veterinarian Deana Hardee says it’s important to not take shortcuts, and she shares some things that you should keep in mind this winter.

While each operation and situation is different, Hardee tells us some of the things that producers should be looking at, and discussing with their veterinarians.

Hardee says it’s also important for producers to get their calves vaccinated, as it’s the right thing to do for the animal, and it also pays to do so.

For more agricultural news and programming, go to the Farm News webpage at rjbroadcasting.com. 

Audio from the Red River Farm Network