Lakes Community Cooperative

08/12/2026

☀️Summer is the perfect time to tackle those DIY projects/garden improvements you've been planning or getting out on the water. Our summer sale at Lake Park Hardware Hank offers fantastic deals on top brands, ensuring you have everything you need to get the job done right.

Find your favorite brands from:
☀️Dewalt
☀️Scotts
☀️Miracle-Gro
☀️Engle
☀️Rapala
☀️And there are many more fantastic brands waiting for you!

Find us at: 14583 US-10, Lake Park, MN 56554. Deals are lasting now through the end of August. Don't miss out on these incredible deals! Visit Lake Park Hardware Hank today to take advantage of our summer sale!

08/12/2026

We have a fresh shipment of goodies coming to our Perham Meat Market today from Old Soul Artisan Bakery! 🙌

Stop and see us at 459 3rd Ave SE, Perham, MN 56573!

We have a load of fresh sourdough loaves headed to the Perham Meat Market today at Lakes Community Cooperative. We should have them delivered about noon today.

This week we're sending a few sourdough brownies with as well. Who's gonna be the first to snag some of these babies?

Tag your local friends who need some fresh sourdough in their life!

08/12/2026

🌡Managing Drought-Stressed Silage: Key Tips

☀Dealing with drought-stressed corn during silage harvest requires careful management, focusing on moisture levels and nitrate risks. Here are essential steps to protect your livestock and enhance feed quality:

🚜Target Harvest Moisture for Optimal Packing
Appearance vs. Reality: Drought-stressed corn might seem drier than it is. Harvesting at incorrect moisture can cause spoilage or runoff. Ensure it’s moist enough to pack tightly and exclude oxygen for proper fermentation.

Moisture Targets by Storage Type:
💧Bunkers and Piles: 65% to 70% moisture (30–35% dry matter).
💧Upright Concrete Silos: 62% to 65% moisture.
💧Bags: 60% to 68% moisture.

The Rain Rule: Delay Harvest
🌦Nitrate Spike: Rain after drought causes roots to absorb nitrogen quickly, spiking nitrate levels.
✋Action: Wait 3 to 5 days after rain before harvesting to allow plants to convert nitrates into proteins.

Adjust Harvest Strategy: Raise the Cutter Bar
🌽Nitrate Concentration: Nitrates are highest in the bottom 6 to 8 inches of the stalk.
⬆Action: Raise chopper height to 10 or 12 inches to reduce nitrate levels in silage.

Storage Strategy: Ensure Full Fermentation
⬇Nitrate Reduction: Fermentation can reduce nitrates by 50% to 60%.
❗Action: Pack tightly and ferment for at least 4 weeks. Be cautious of hazardous nitrogen dioxide gas in enclosed silos.

Feeding Strategy: Test and Dilute
✔Safety First: Always test feed for nitrate levels.
✉️Action: Send a sample for nitrate testing. If elevated, dilute by mixing with low-nitrate forages.

📞For further assistance, visit us at the country store or call 218-346-7075 for advice on sampling or field checks. We’re here to help you through this challenging crop year!

08/11/2026

🍀If you happen to stop by our Perham Country Store, make sure to take a moment to explore the heartwarming thank you letters from our local 4-H participants!

🍀We are honored to be part of each of these journeys and look forward to celebrating many more successes with our 4-H community from Lakes Community Cooperative!

08/10/2026

🌽Important Corn Silage Update🌽
Due to drought and unpredictable crop development, corn silage moisture levels are erratic this year. To ensure timely harvest, we've adjusted our corn burn down process.

☀ Typically conducted after Labor Day, this year’s dry weather means time is of the essence. We're offering flexible, as-needed moisture testing at the Country Store (459 3rd Ave SE, Perham, MN 56573) using our equipment.

❓How to Sample Your Stalks?
For accurate moisture results:
🌽Select 4 to 5 random stalks representing your field's average condition.
✂Cut stalks at your planned chopping height (6 to 8 inches above ground, higher if nitrates are a concern).
🚗Bundle and bring them to the country store.
❄️Keep them cool and wrapped if delayed.

📞If visiting the store doesn’t fit in your schedule, we can collect sample stalks from your field and provide results within a few hours via text, call, or email.

🐮Drought conditions increase nitrate concerns. Ensiling can reduce nitrate levels by half. Monitor your cutting height and test fermented silage at feed out for livestock safety. Look out for an upcoming post on nitrates from harvest to feeding.

➡Contact Logan at 218-640-3797 or Bruce at 218-261-0100 to schedule moisture testing or request a field pickup. Feel free to share with those that are in need of moisture testing this season! Thank you for choosing Lakes Community Cooperative!

08/10/2026

Perham Meat Market Specials

08/08/2026

🐐Recently, we had the chance to catch up with Alydia Mitchell at the Becker County Fair to learn more about her show experience this year!

❓What is your animal's name?
Duke

❓What kind of animal are you showing?
Market goat

❓What is your favorite thing about your animal?
How well he has expressed more of his structure and the growth he has progressed

❓How many years have you been in 4-H?
Alydia has been showing for 9 years in 4-H and 5 years in FFA.

❓What is your favorite part of showing?
Showmanship - it doesn’t matter as much of the look of my animal it’s based on how well I can show my animals. Plus I love how many people I have met along the way

❓What is your dream farm animal to show one day?
Beef because this is the only animal I haven’t shown yet

❓What are you looking forward to for next year?
Hopefully being able to go to more Jackpot shows and creating impactful memories with my family and friends

❓What is the one thing you're most proud of this season?
I'm proud of winning showmanship at the Midwest Premier Youth Goat and Sheep Show along with my siblings all winning their showmanship

❓What is your favorite fair food?
At the Becker County Fair, Alydia grabs a funnel cake, while at the State Fair, she enjoys Sweet Martha's Cookies.

Thank you, Alydia, for sharing your passion and experiences with us. We hope your journey continues to be filled with success and joy. Good luck with your future endeavors from Lakes Community Cooperative!

08/07/2026

** Update Sold Out**

Our Perham Meat Market has 10 # bags of chicken breasts on sale for $17.50ea while supplies last!

Stop in and claim yours today at 459 3rd Ave SE, Perham, MN 56573!

08/07/2026

Yes, we do carry ZYN's at our Battle Lake Cenex! It seems Jim missed seeing the large display right behind Mckenna. 🤷😊 But don’t worry, it’s here and waiting for you!

While you're here, don't forget to check out our fantastic selection of snacks and drinks. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, we’ve got you covered.
Visit us at: 36879 MN-210, Battle Lake, MN 56515

Our friendly team, including Taylor, Mckenna, and the rest of the crew, are here to assist you with any of your convenience store or hardware needs. We look forward to seeing you soon!

08/06/2026

POV: You’re not being nosy… you’re just making sure you’re up to date on the latest local farm news. 👀🌽

If you haven’t heard our Dog Day’s of Summer sale is happening now through the month of August!

Stop in and receive $5.00 of any 26lb. bag of Nutri Source dog food. Don’t forget to ask about our punch cards! Find us at 459 3rd Ave SE, Perham, MN 56573.