Farm & Ag News

Apply by Friday, Oct. 2, to shape policies that remove barriers to farming Minnesotans interested in making it easier for new and emerging farmers to create or sustain an agricultural business are encouraged to apply to join a legislatively created Emerging Farmers’ Working Group through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). “Minnesota has a vibrant…

By Katie Drewitz, U of M Extension The Stearns County Extension Master Gardeners invite you to join them for Fall Gardening Knowledge for Free. This year’s event will be held as a two-part webinar series from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Thursday, Oct. 1. Register today at z.umn.edu/GKFF. Each session is taught by a…

$200,000 in grants available for farmers to test new ideas Farmers and Minnesota nonprofit and educational organizations focused on testing new ideas in sustainable agriculture are encouraged to apply for a Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration (SustAg) Grant by 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. SustAg grant projects explore farm profitability, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits of…

Microloan program doubles maximum loan amount to $20,000 A loan program designed to help nontraditional farmers start or expand their businesses is doubling the maximum amount that Emerging Farmers can borrow. The Pilot Agricultural Microloan Program from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Rural Finance Authority (RFA) can be used for working capital (annual costs…

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have joined forces to help Minnesota livestock farmers in need of additional forage to feed their herds. Many livestock owners were unable to send animals for processing due to COVID-19-related disruptions at meat slaughtering facilities, and as a result some farmers…

By Jim Salfer, Extension Educator There has been unprecedented milk and product price volatility over the last few months. Rabobank’s global dairy strategist Mary Ledman and Vice President of Dairy Research Ben Laine discuss their outlook on the global and U.S. dairy markets on a webinar at noon, Tuesday, Aug. 25. The webinar is hosted…

The University of Minnesota Extension is excited to host a six-part webinar series titled “Key Components of a Successful Beef Operation: Cow/Calf to Consumer.” The series will be held from 6-7:30 p.m., Aug. 12, 13, 18, 20, 25, and 27. The series will focus on different aspects of raising and managing beef cattle while keeping…

COVID-19 relief funds available to help farmers restructuring debt Eligible farmers restructuring their debt can get half of the loan guarantee fees on USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) restructuring loans covered through a new Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) program, paid for through federal COVID-19 funding. The Minnesota Legislature appropriated $175,000 in COVID-19 relief this…

Text and email service now available The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering two new ways that farmers and others involved in agriculture can contact the Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: text and email. “We want to make it as easy as possible for our farmers to get the help they need when they…