Farm & Ag News

Minnesota Farm Bureau’s Sesquicentennial Farm program will honor Minnesota families who have owned their farms for at least 150 years. Since the Sesquicentennial Farm program began in 2008, more than 400 farms have been recognized. Applications are due March 1. The Sesquicentennial Farm program recognizes family farms according to the following qualifications: 

By Karen Johnson, UMN Extension Educator McLeod and Meeker Counties Attention all gardening enthusiasts: The McLeod County Extension Master Gardeners welcome you to participate in this year’s virtual Garden Education Series. The Garden Education Series will take place via Zoom on the 2nd and 4th at 7 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 28 through April 8.

By Karen Johnson, UMN Extension, McLeod and Meeker Counties University of Minnesota Extension is seeking agriculture interns to work with Extension Educators and faculty. Learn about agriculture, Extension, and educational programming. Positions are available in the following counties or program areas: Benton, Houston, McLeod/Meeker, Murray/Pipestone, Stearns, Wright, Livestock Team (St. Paul), and Pesticide Safety and…

Tax credit available for land, equipment expenses to start farming The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Rural Finance Authority is now accepting applications for a tax credit for the sale or lease of land, equipment, machinery, and livestock in Minnesota by beginning farmers. To qualify, the applicant must be a Minnesota resident with the desire…

By Karen Johnson, UMN Ext., McLeod and Meeker Counties University of Minnesota Extension, in collaboration with the Minnesota Dairy Initiative – Central Region, have announced the upcoming Winter Dairy Series. This series will consist of six informal conversations on a variety of topics relevant to MN dairy farmers. Each Zoom discussion will be held from…

Join us for an informational webinar session about low-disturbance manure injection, soil health, manure management, and tillage practices. Learn about how low soil-disturbance manure injection into the soil is an effective management strategy for soil health and nutrient management. The virtual field day will take place from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, via Zoom. 

Direct payments available for many commodities grown or raised by Minnesota producers U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) is urging Minnesota producers who have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting economic crisis to submit applications for assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) by Dec. 11. This USDA program…

On-farm Food Safety virtual sessions By Katie Drewitz, U of M Extension Do you grow fresh produce for sale or donation? If so, join U of MN Extension and farmer presenters this winter for a series of short, focused, virtual sessions to learn practical steps for keeping your produce safe, your customers healthy, and your…

Soil is essential for everyday life. Not only do we walk on it, but we also rely on soil for gardening, producing food, growing plants, and much more. But most importantly, farmers depend on rich, fertile soil to grow vigorous crops to feed the world. Soil is made up of a mixture of organic and…

Local Christmas tree farmers prepared with new COVID-19 precautions Minnesota Christmas tree growers are hard at work readying for the holidays with new precautions in place to help buyers have a fun and safe experience, whether looking for hand-crafted wreaths, pre-cut trees, or cut-your-own trees. Growers statewide have changed aspects of their tree-buying experience to…