By Jennifer
Pena
Photo illustration by Charles Smith-Dewey
Sit
back and let us hoof through those hard-to-find subjects on the Web. The list below covers
assorted curious topics, from rare tractor parts to Alpacas. We’ve even thrown in
something educational and fun for the kids. Remember, AURI’s site is also
constantly updated, so stop by at www.auri.org. Happy surfing.
Blue
Sky Alpacas
Alpaca breeder and fiber producer
www.blueskyalpacas.com
Here’s a
Minnesota-grown site from St. Francis. Blue Sky Alpacas breeds these llama relatives,
billed as “rare, small, curious, intelligent fiber-producing animals.” Owners
Linda, Chad and Kenneth Niemeyer also make products from the alpacas’ luxurious
fleece. This site is small but engaging, and if you’re considering purchasing an
alpaca sweater or want an alpaca stud for your own ranch, check it out.
Biewer’s
Tractor Salvage
For the machines of yesterday ... and today
www.salvagetractors.com
Tractors break
down, and finding those old rare parts isn’t always easy. Biewer’s Tractor
Salvage of Barnesville, Minn. comes to the rescue with an impressive inventory of those
elusive components.
Farm Safety and
Health
A one-stop source for info
www.bae.umn.edu/~fs/index.html
The Farm Safety
and Health Program of the University of Minnesota Extension Service has fashioned a site
chock full of practical tips. Subjects range from livestock handling to pesticide and
other agricultural chemical hazards. Also included is information on rural issues and
projects the program has been supporting. This site is a timely and top-notch source of
information.
Jason’s
Agri-Net
R U up on the Web yet?
www.agri-net.net
Businesses are
rushing to set up on the Web these days. Jason Portner, the owner and key operator of
Jason’s Agri-Net, specializes in helping agricultural businesses and organizations
create and maintain home pages. Jason’s Agri-Net also helps folks hook up to Prairie
Lakes Internet, a service provider based in Mankato, Minn. This site is a one-page
advertisement with links to company sites Portner has helped to construct or update.
Minnesota
Agriculture 2010
Facts, farms and the future
www.mnag2010.com
“Did you
know that the average American spends 17 percent of their income on food?” On this
site, devoted to Minnesota agriculture, you’ll find ag trivia you can use to wow your
friends. Or take a quiz on what you know about farming. Or learn about the effect of ag
exports on Minnesota’s economy, or read the proposed feedlot rules. This site also
links to helpful resources. Click on over and get informed.
Sci4Kids
Seein’ science
www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids
Quite possibly
one of the best “for kids” sites dealing with agriculture, Sci4Kids covers a
wide range of subjects. Home page sports a colorful mural where kids can click on any
picture to reach creative educational pages. Read stories about the scientists at the
Agricultural Research Service and the wacky things they are investigating. Want to be a
scientist? Click on the “Dr. Watts” head. Want to learn about insects? Fruit?
The environment? While Sci4Kids is geared toward eight to thirteen year-olds, it’s a
sure bet adults will find it fascinating too.
FarmPhoto.com
Photos galore
www.farmphoto.com
Free is always
welcome when searching the ’net. This site delivers with free desktop wallpaper and
over 1500 high-resolution, undoctored photographs to choose from. Whether you’re
interested in tractors, crops or cows, browsing this photo album is simple and graphics
load fast. Photos range from sublime sunsets and idyllic croplands to less-than perfect
produce and even manure.
Wild
Blueberry Network
Information Centre
agri.gov.ns.ca/nsbi/wbic
