USDA Farm Service Agency has declared 3 MN counties primary natural disaster areas following severe weather in 2025. Farmers there & in nearby counties may be eligible for FSA emergency loans & our Rural Finance Agency's Disaster Recovery Loan Program. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/disasterloan

Our Pesticide & Fertilizer Management Division is preparing for its regular seasonal inspections. These visits protect public health, the environment, & worker safety, while ensuring compliance with laws. What to expect: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-reminds-ag-businesses-how-verify-inspectors

Mark your beehives in FieldWatch — a free online mapping tool that helps pesticide applicators see where hives and other sensitive sites are located. Applicators can then plan ahead and take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/fieldwatch

Look-alikes are common in the plant world, with a native plant and an invasive species sometimes hard to tell apart. Our April Weed of the Month newsletter covers some commonly mistaken plants and how to spot the differences. 🔗 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/410d9cf

Minnesota is proud to host The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSPS) first annual Regional Sustainable Agriculture Initiative meeting in St. Paul this week. GSPS works across borders to grow the region's economy and protect the world's largest system of surface fresh water.

In recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the 28th annual Women in Agricultural Leadership Conference underscored the essential role women play in the ag industry. Strong leadership today is building a more resilient ag future for tomorrow! 🌱🌎

Today is Farmworkers Day in Minnesota, a time to recognize the essential role over 380,000 agricultural workers play in generating over $100B in economic activity for our state. Read Governor Tim Walz's proclamation 🔗 https://mn.gov/governor/assets/03.31.26%20Farmworkers%20Day_tcm1055-736272.pdf

Our AGRI Value-Added & MPEM Grants are now open for projects that expand processing capacity, market diversification & market access for a wide range of MN agricultural products 🌽🥕🌾🥩🥚🐔🥛 💰 Up to $2.25M available 📆 Apply by June 17 🔗 mda.state.mn.us/grants-available-boost-sales-minnesota-ag-products

Accidents involving anhydrous ammonia (NH3) can result in severe, life‑threatening injuries when proper precautions are not followed. Here are reminders for farmers, applicators, & others to keep safety their top priority. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/anhydrous-safety-should-be-top-priority-spring

Don't miss upcoming info meetings on proposed spongy moth management in southern MN this summer, beginning Monday, 3/30/26, in Winona. Meetings offer an overview of plans for aerial treatment to disrupt spongy moth mating habits. ℹ️ https://www.mda.state.mn.us/smmanagement

The Beach Family Farm, a fifth generation farming operation near Stanchfield, MN, today became Ag Water Quality Certified, making it one of the largest in the program. The Beach Family worked with Centra Sota Cooperative, a vital partner in the program. ℹ️ mylandmylegacy.com

Today Commissioner Petersen joined the Minnesota Vikings as Land O'Lakes donated 40k lbs of mac & cheese to Second Harvest Heartland. The donation fulfills a pledge Land O'Lakes made to donate 1 ton of food for every point scored by the Vikings during their game vs. the Green Bay Packers on 1/4/26.

Governor Tim Walz applauded approval of a temporary federal fuel waiver allowing nationwide sales of E15 & removing restrictions on E10 sales this summer. 🔗 https://www.startribune.com/e15-ethanol-waiver-year-round-nationwide-trump-administration-epa-lee-zeldin-klobuchar/601637638?utm_source=gift

If you’re using preemergence herbicides, follow our herbicide Best Management Practices. These simple steps prevent chemicals from reaching Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, & groundwater. Questions or need guidance? ℹ️ https://www.mda.state.mn.us/herbicide-best-management-practices-protect-water-quality

Managing a buckthorn infestation can make us all want to pull our hair out along with the invasive bush. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our latest Smarty Plants podcast episode offers tips and hope for dealing with this aggressive plant. 🎧 https://www.mda.state.mn.us//smartyplants

Today, March 24, 2026, is National Ag Day — a great time to thank farmers for all they do. MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen and Governor Tim Walz joined Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing to proclaim today as Agriculture Day in Minnesota. Discover more at agday.org. #AgDay26

Join educators, farmers, and food leaders from across Minnesota at the Farm to Kids Conference this April 16–17 at Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone, MN. 🌱 Free to attend 👉 Register today: https://sites.google.com/view/farmtokidsconference/home

Don't miss our virtual info meeting on proposed summer spongy moth management in northern MN at 6 p.m. Tuesday, 3/24/26. The meeting will offer an overview of aerial treatment with an EPA-certified organic product that disrupts spongy moth mating habits. ℹ️ https://www.mda.state.mn.us/smmanagement

If you’re planting or handling seeds treated with neonicotinoids — please follow best management practices this season. These steps protect pollinators and other wildlife that are vital to Minnesota’s ecosystems. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2019-05/neonictreatedseedbmps_0.pdf

Good news, Minnesota dairy farmers! The deadline to apply for the DAIRI Program has been extended to April 9. If you produced less than 160,000 cwt of milk in 2022 and are enrolled in DMC coverage, you may be eligible. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/dairi for more info and to apply 🐄

MN applicators: If you plan to apply over-the-top dicamba this year, you must complete manufacturer-provided online training beforehand. https://www.engeniaherbicide.com/training.html https://bayerstewardshiptraining.com/ https://www.syngenta-us.com/herbicides/tavium-application-stewardship

Minnesota dairy farmers, this is your reminder! If you’re enrolled in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program through USDA's Farm Service Agency, you have until 5 p.m. Thursday, March 19 to apply for the DAIRI Program, which helps cover your DMC premiums. More info and apply at mda.state.mn.us/dairi

Don't rely on luck to prevent drug residues! Recordkeeping, IDing treated animals, and judicious antibiotic use are all core principles of drug residue prevention in meat and milk products. Drug residue prevention resources: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/food-feed/drug-residue-prevention-resources

It was a great day for MN Ag in the Classroom's School Garden Conference today! The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum was the perfect place for 200 school garden champions to get inspired. Find resources for your school garden at minnesota.agclassroom.org/school-gardens/ 🌱

Minnesota hunters donated nearly 14,000 pounds of venison to food banks, food shelves, and feeding programs in 2025, exceeding 2024 donations by more than 50%. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mn-venison-donations-fight-hunger-climb-2025

We're proposing aerial management of 35 areas in nine eastern MN counties to treat spongy moth infestations this summer. Several meetings to provide detailed information are planned. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/35-areas-nine-minnesota-counties-proposed-spongy-moth-aerial-management-2026

Today, MDA Deputy Commissioner Andrea Vaubel & Assistant Commissioner Peder Kjeseth joined Governor Tim Walz in meeting w/ Minnesota Corn Growers Association representatives at the Capitol. They discussed expansion of E15 & Sustainable Aviation Fuel, as well as rising diesel & fertilizer prices.

The interactive We Are Water MN exhibit is now open at Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo through 4/20, then at the Capitol Region Watershed District (St. Paul), Itasca State Park (Grand Rapids), Great River Arts (Little Falls), & Northtown Library (Blaine). ℹ️ https://www.mnhum.org/program/we-are-water-mn/

MN ag retailers: Apply by 3/30 to offer point‑of‑sale discounts on enhanced‑efficiency nitrogen fertilizers that cut GHGs & protect water quality. Farmer discounts expected to start in May. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-announces-15-million-expand-access-nitrogen-enhanced-efficiency-fertilizers

Hope to see you at the second annual Ag for All Conference tomorrow, March 7, in Waite Park! Brought to you in partnership with University of Minnesota Extension and UMN College of Veterinary Medicine. Haven't registered? There's still time: https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/agforall?usp=sharing

We're showing up strong in the North Hall of Natural Products Expo West with 11 brands representing the innovation, quality, and entrepreneurship growing in our state. If you're at #ExpoWest stop by the Minnesota Pavilion, hang out in our campfire lounge, and taste what MN has to offer! ✨

The Farm to Kids Roadshow is bringing free training & networking sessions across MN to foster connections that get more local food onto kids trays. 3/24 – Cloquet 3/25 – Brainerd 3/26 – Bagley 3/27 – Mankato 4/2 – Rochester 4/8 – Roseville Learn more at renewingthecountryside.org/farm_to_kids

Our new Bio-fertilizer Innovation & Efficiency Pilot Program aims to help farmers improve nitrogen management, protect water quality, & enhance soil health. Apply by 5/1 for up to $15/acre in qualifying counties. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-launches-biofertilizer-innovation-efficiency-program

March is Women's History Month, and 2026 is also the International Year of the Woman Farmer. We recognize and honor the contributions women have made and continue to make to Minnesota's agricultural economy, from farm to fork.

Tree of heaven, which can grow in a large colony & hosts invasive spotted lanternfly, was confirmed in MN for the first time in 2025. Find out how we're preventing its statewide spread in the latest Weed of the Month newsletter. 🔗 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/40c3d2a

We’re proud to stand alongside Minnesota’s organic farmers and food system partners at Marbleseed! MDA staff is here to connect growers with resources and programs that support resilient, thriving farms. Stop by our booth in the exhibit area and say hello! 👋 #Marbleseed2026 #MnAg

Acetochlor—a widely used corn and soybean herbicide—has been detected at high levels in southern MN waterways, especially in May/June following heavy rains. Follow Acetochlor Best Management Practices: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/acetochlorbmps_infographic.pdf

ATTN Minnesota dairy farmers! Apply for our Dairy Assistance, Investment & Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program before March 19! DAIRI provides funding to help offset premiums for those enrolled in USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage program. Learn more at www.mda.state.mn.us/dairi 🐮🥛

It's National #FFAWeek! FFA has been an important part of building the future of farming here in Minnesota, by fostering agricultural education and leadership development. Join us in celebrating the next generation of leaders who will sustainably feed, clothe, and fuel the world.

We're seeking public comments on the Groundwater Protection Rule. Share your input on whether the rule adequately protects against nitrate contamination—or if additional restrictions are needed. Comments are due by March 12. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/groundwater-protection-rule-public-comment

A perfectly manicured lawn is the goal for many homeowners, but freshly mowed grass doesn't make great habitat for Minnesota’s pollinators. On the latest Smarty Plants podcast episode, join our guests to discuss yard options that help rebuild pollinator habitats. 🎧 www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants

Minnesota Grown's Cream of the Crop Awards are open! These awards recognize K–12 school districts, early care centers, and day cares for their leadership in serving and promoting Minnesota grown foods. Spread the word and apply by 3/20. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/cream-crop-awards-open-2026

That’s a wrap on #CSAWeek! Minnesota Grown has been sharing the benefits of CSA's all week long, from supporting local farmers to enjoying fresh, seasonal produce, and more. It’s not too late to explore the directory and find a pickup location near you 👉 minnesotagrown.com/csa#CSAWeek📦🥦

Last call to register for the 2026 School Garden Conference happening at the UMN Arboretum on 3/13! This conference is a great for teachers, admin, school garden volunteers & anyone else interested in youth gardening programs. 🔗minnesota.agclassroom.org/school-gardens/school-garden-conference/

Minnesota farmers were already facing mounting financial pressures, and tariffs only created more uncertainty and stress. The MDA continues to support farmers at home and build trade relationships abroad as we head toward spring planting season.

MN farmers care for their land & water. We support that commitment w/ practical, science based Best Management Practices (BMPs) that help reduce input losses, protect water quality, & build long term soil health. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticide-fertilizer/pesticide-best-management-practices

We're proud to launch a new state-funded Farm to Food Security Grant program to support local farmers while expanding access to local food for Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity. #MNAg 📆 Applications due by 4 p.m. on March 31, 2026 🔗 www.mda.state.mn.us/farm-food-security-grants-open

It’s Grain Bin Safety Week in Minnesota. Grain bin work can be dangerous, reviewing safety practices can help prevent serious injuries. Visit the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center online at http://umash.umn.edu for resources to help keep farmers and ag workers safe. #MNAg

Our Outreach Veterinarians will be at the Central Livestock Association sale this Tuesday, February 17 in Albany. If you’re attending the livestock auction, stop by to say hi & pick up some resources on antibiotic stewardship & drug residue prevention! ℹ️ https://www.centrallivestock.com/

Today, we celebrate Presidents' Day, recognizing those who have led our country throughout our history. MDA offices will be closed today, Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of the holiday.