An 11-acre public park in Rochester became a showcase for what can happen when invasive plant removal allows native plants to return. Check out our latest Weed of the Month newsletter to learn more! #MNAg ℹ️ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/3fd2eee

We’re grateful for the farmers, makers & small businesses who nourish our communities. This Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, we encourage you to shop local. Your support strengthens hometown economies. Start by browsing this year's Minnesota Grown holiday gift guide at MinnesotaGrown.com 🎁

This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for the growers who provide the food that people will be gathering around to renew connections and celebrate the harvest. In observance of the holiday, MDA offices will be closed today, Thursday, November 27, and tomorrow, Friday, November 28.

Today, Governor Tim Walz welcomed this year's Swanville-based Minnesota Thanksgiving turkey to the Capitol. Commissioner Thom Petersen joined him and leaders of Second Harvest Heartland, Minnesota 4-H, and Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, which donated $10k to hunger relief. #MNAg

Today, we welcomed Turck's Trees of Litchfield to the MN State Capitol as they delivered the tree which will be on display throughout the holiday season. The 15-foot balsam fir was the MN Christmas Tree Grower's 2025 State Fair Christmas Tree Competition Grand Champion.

Up to $10,000 is now available for MN farmers to improve biosecurity and prepare their farms for drought, storms, and other extreme weather events. Two AGRI grants, one goal: a stronger, more resilient ag community. Details & deadlines 🔗www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-offers-grants-boost-farm-resilience

Residents in and around Martin County can get their private well water 🚰 tested for nitrate at our free one-day clinic in Fairmont 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. Details on how to prepare your sample and where to bring it 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/free-well-water-testing-clinic-martin-county

Livestock producers take steps every day to fight antibiotic resistance & protect their animals. Good husbandry, farm biosecurity, & veterinary-client-patient relationships ensure antibiotics are used appropriately. ℹ️ www.mda.state.mn.us/drug-residue-prevention-resources/resource-library-producers

If your holiday plans call for a festive tree, there are plenty of great live choices from Minnesota tree growers this time of year. The latest Smarty Plants podcast episode has what you need to know before heading out to a tree lot or farm. 🎄 #MNAg 🎧 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants

Antimicrobial 🦠 resistance doesn’t just impact people. It matters for animal health, too. At the MDA, we provide outreach and education to support antibiotic stewardship in the use of veterinary drugs for livestock animals. #MNAg Learn more 🔗 www.mda.state.mn.us/residue-prevention#MNAg

We’re excited to announce the Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year winners! 🥳🛒 These retailers go above and beyond to champion local farmers, highlight Minnesota Grown products, and make it easier for shoppers to choose local options. 🔗www.mda.state.mn.us/meet-minnesota-grown-retailer-year-winners

We're advising farmers who have sold grain in Minnesota to Hansen-Mueller Co. and have not received payment to submit a claim with the MDA. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 17, 2025. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-advises-farmers-ties-hansen-mueller-co-file-claims

Discover how Minnesota schools, early care providers, and farmers are working together to bring more local food into classrooms, cafeterias, and communities across the state in our 2025 Farm to Kids Annual Report. 🔗 www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/farm-school-early-care-overview

It’s U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week! The MDA works with farmers and the food production industry to prevent antibiotic drug residues and protect Minnesota’s food supply. 🦠 Fighting antimicrobial resistance takes all of us – learn more 🔗 bit.ly/4mAMTTS.

Our grant opportunity for urban farmers in Minnesota to receive up to $5,000 to make conservation-focused improvements is now open for applications. Apply by Dec. 18, 2025. An info session will take place online at 1 p.m. Nov. 20, 2025. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mini-grant-urban-farms-now-open

We recently expanded our MN Ag Weather Network, adding a station outside Rollag, MN. We're another step closer to providing real-time, hyperlocal environmental data collected w/in 20 miles of all #MNAg land. #MNWx 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-expands-ag-weather-network-west-central-minnesota-0

It's here! Minnesota Grown’s annual Gift Guide is your go-to source for thoughtful, locally made gifts. Shop small, give big, and support Minnesota farmers and makers this holiday season 🎁✨ 📲 Browse the 2025 Gift Guide now: MinnesotaGrown.com #ShopLocal #MinnesotaGrown

Paid Leave is coming to MN - is your ag business ready? Join an engagement session to help employers prepare to meet their responsibilities under the new program. Learn what Paid Leave means for your ag business. 11/25/25 @ 12-1:30 p.m. ℹ️ https://tinyurl.com/yawddpad

This Veterans Day, we recognize the many veterans (including those in agriculture) who have served our nation in peace and in war. Their sacrifices can never be repaid, but they must be remembered. In observance of the holiday, all MDA offices are closed today, Tuesday, November 11.

Greetings from the 20th Annual Emerging Farmers Conference! We're present and presenting today and tomorrow in Brooklyn Center. Hope to see you there! #MNAg ℹ️ https://www.emergingfarmers.org/

MN firearm 🦌 hunters: As you head out Saturday, remember you can help people in need! Our hunter-harvested venison donation program turns your success into food for charities, thanks to participating meat processors. ℹ️https://www.mda.state.mn.us/food-feed/hunter-harvested-venison-donation-minnesota

Anyone wanting to grow or process hemp in MN in 2026 can now apply for a license. Both individuals & businesses must complete the application process. Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/application-period-opens-minnesotas-2026-industrial-hemp-program

Attention MN beef producers! Request your ballot to vote in the upcoming MN Beef Checkoff Referendum. Producers will vote on a 50¢ increase to support beef research, promotion, and consumer outreach. Learn more & request a ballot🔗mda.state.mn.us/minnesota-beef-checkoff-fee-increase-proposed

November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, a time to celebrate the historic and ongoing contributions of Indigenous cultures in North America, including the agricultural cultivation of native crops upon which much of modern farming is based.

Thinking about stepping up your weed control efforts next year? A weed management plan can be as simple or complex as you want, but either way, the most important thing is to get started. Our Weed of the Month quiz can help. #MNAg 🔗 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/3f9d2f3

That’s a wrap on National #FarmtoSchool Month! We’ve traveled across MN visiting schools & early care centers to see what they’re cooking up, and we’re inspired by what we’ve seen. Thanks to everyone who shared lunch with us and continues to grow Minnesota's Farm to Kids movement. #MNAg

Our new AGRI Works Grant program supports local organizations leading projects that strengthen Minnesota farms, communities, and food systems. Apply by December 16 to help shape the future of #MNAg. Details 📲 mda.state.mn.us/mda-launches-new-agri-works-grant-program

Building on MN's strength as a leader in crop research & innovation, we're now accepting applications for our AGRI Crop Research Grant. Up to $1.75M in funding is available for projects that strengthen Minnesota’s $13.5B crop industry. 🔗mda.state.mn.us/mda-seeks-applications-crop-research-grants-1

Registration is now open for the 2026 Minnesota Organic Conference, featuring Dr. Joel Gruver, a farmer-led panel on the future of organic agriculture, and 30+ sessions on production, marketing, research, and more. Get the details and register at www.mda.state.mn.us/moc #MNAg #MNOrganic26

This week, Governor Tim Walz announced $4 million in emergency funding for 300 food shelves & Tribal Nations to offset interrupted food benefits like SNAP due to the federal government shutdown. Use Hunger Solutions Find Help map at https://www.hungersolutions.org/find-help/ or call 1-888-711-1151.

Spiders 🕷️ tend to give some people the creeps. But the world of spiders isn't as scary as it seems. On this Halloween 🎃 episode of our Smarty Plants podcast, we discuss spiders in Minnesota and the role they play in our ecology🕸️. #MNAg 🎧 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants

MDA staffer Kajsa Beatty presented at the Midwest Climate Resilience Conference in Milwaukee earlier this week on how we're working with farmers to help them adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change on their lands, crops, and animals. #MNAg

Happy Great Apple Crunch Day! We’re joining students across the state in taking a big bite out of local apples to celebrate. @governorwalz.mn.gov has proclaimed October as Farm to Kids Month in MN, recognizing the farmers, food service staff, educators & partners who make #FarmtoSchool possible.🍎

Help shape the future of sustainable farming in Minnesota! The MDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant is now open, supporting farmer-led research & on-farm demonstrations. 📅 Apply by 12/17/25 🔗 Learn more + apply at mda.state.mn.us/help-shape-future-sustainable-farming-minnesota #MNAg

Kudos to Minneapolis Public Schools! Tonight at their #FarmtoSchool BBQ, Asst. Commissioner Bailey presented them with the Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Award for School District of the Year. Kudos to their team for supporting local farmers & making school meals something to celebrate! 🏆 #MNAg

Our Weed of the Month for October is Palmer amaranth, a fast-growing, annual weed that is detrimental to row crops and can add higher production costs to farmers already dealing with high fuel and fertilizer expenses. #MNAg 🔗 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/3f50947

Are invasive plants just a click away? Our latest Smarty Plants podcast episode looks at the wide variety of plants and seeds available online, and what people should know before ordering to avoid introducing a harmful species to the environment. #MNAg 🎧 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants

Today, Governor Tim Walz declared Sept. 29 – Oct. 5 as Soybean Week in MN, highlighting the critical role soybean farmers play in Minnesota’s economy and the growing challenges they face from federal trade policy. #MNAg 🔗 https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/707437

Minnesota schools & child care providers can now apply for Farm to School & Early Care grants and the Local Tots Cost-Share program to bring more MN-grown food to kids’ plates. #MNAg 📅 Deadline to apply is October 23 at 4 p.m. 🔗 Visit qrco.de/f2s2026#MNAglearn more & apply