With more than 14K registered cottage food producers in MN, we’re hosting a free virtual workshop focused on what comes next. Hear from MDA staff about resources and support available to help you grow. Register today! 🔗www.eventbrite.com/e/growing-food-agriculture-businesses-tickets-1909174084079

We don't always think about the seeds that the plants we love came from. Fortunately, the MDA Seed Inspection Team does! On our latest Smarty Plants podcast episode, find out what goes into making sure the seeds you buy grow the plants you want. 🎧 www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants

Support is available for MN dairy farmers through DAIRI, a state funded program that helps eligible producers enrolled in USDA's Dairy Margin Coverage program offset premium costs. Apply by 5 p.m. on March 19. 🐮 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/support-available-minnesota-dairy-farmers-through-dairi

Temps are dropping dangerously low across MN, which means farmers may need to take extra measures to protect livestock. University of Minnesota Extension offers lots of weather and climate resources to help. #MNAg #MNWx 🔗 https://extension.umn.edu/climate-and-weather/weather-and-climate-resources

Governor Tim Walz's 2026 Infrastructure Plan invests in agriculture & rural MN. It includes $50M for our Rural Finance Authority & $2.3M for our East Grand Forks potato facility. #MNAg 🔗 https://www.startribune.com/walz-proposes-907-million-package-of-construction-projects/601564124?utm_source=gift

It's a packed day at MN Ag Expo in Mankato. Commissioner Thom Petersen joined leaders of the MN House and Senate ag committees on a panel discussing priorities for agriculture in the upcoming session.

$500K in MDA grants (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency-funded) for 8 projects will help bring continuous living crops/cropping systems to commercial scale to protect soil, water, & climate. 🌍🚰🚜 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-invests-nearly-500000-accelerate-markets-continuous-living-cover-crops

This year marks the 40th anniversary of our state’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday celebration. Communities across MN will honor Dr. King’s legacy and bring his vision to life. ℹ️ https://mn.gov/oeoa/mlk-2026/ In observance of the holiday, MDA offices will be closed today, Monday, 1/19/26.

Applications for our next Farm to School Institute cohort are open! We have two information sessions next week where schools can learn more about the Institute and how to apply. Get the details in our latest Farm to Kids e-news 🍎✏️ 💌 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/4034b7c

Funding is now available to support grocery stores and small food retailers across MN. FRIDG grants can help fund equipment purchases, technical assistance & more to strengthen retail operations and improve food access. 🔗 www.mda.state.mn.us/funding-available-strengthen-minnesota-food-retailers

We updated our fall nitrogen fertilizer restrictions map. It helps farmers comply w/ Groundwater Protection Rule, showing them areas vulnerable to groundwater contamination. ℹ️ https://www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/fertilizers/nutrient-mgmt/nitrogenplan/mitigation/wrpr/wrprpart1/vulnerableareamap

We're celebrating National Milk Day here in Minnesota! MN produces over 10M pounds of milk per year, worth more than $2.3 billion, making us the seventh-largest milk producing state in the USA! If you're enjoying a glass of milk or other dairy product, there's a good chance it came from nearby.

Day two of the Minnesota Organic Conference wrapped up today. Great to see old friends and new. Thank you to the exhibitors, speakers, and sponsors who made #MNOrganic26 possible. Save the date for next year's conference, Jan. 7-8, 2027!

That's a wrap on day one of the Minnesota Organic Conference in St. Cloud! With 400+ attendees, this year’s conference is bringing farmers and partners together to learn from one another and strengthen farming practices that nourish people, land, and community. #MNOrganic26

AGRI Urban Agriculture Grants are now open! These grants support youth education, workforce development & community partnerships across MN. Projects in communities of 5K+ may qualify. Learn more at our Jan. 15 virtual info session 💻 🔗 www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-opens-grants-urban-agriculture-projects

Beginning on New Year's Day, Minnesota began a 3-year phaseout of rowan mountain ash tree sales, because the non-native tree can overtake forests and suppress natural regeneration. Find out more in our latest Weed of the Month. 🔗 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/402d047

Applications are open for for two grants that help producers manage risk. Don’t miss this chance to invest in resilience on your farm, apply by Jan. 15! ⛈️ AGRI Prepare Grant for extreme weather 🧫AGRI Protect Grant for biosecurity 🔗www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-offers-grants-boost-farm-resilience

Our friends at AURI are offering free, one-day food safety assessments for eligible Minnesota food businesses through their Food Safety Assessment Pilot Program. There is still room to participate! Learn more and apply at: auri.org/guides/food-safety-resources/ 

As you take down holiday decor, remember greenery can spread invasive insects and diseases. Please dispose of it properly, not in woods or compost piles. Learn more about invasive pathogens and pests at www.mda.state.mn.us/holidaygreenery

From all of us at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, we wish you the very best in the New Year. Our offices are closed today, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in observance of the holiday.

Attention all 🍎 growers! Visit with MN Grown staff at the MN Apple Growers Association Winter Educational Seminar Jan. 7–8 in La Crescent, MN. Learn about resources, marketing support & tools available to growers statewide. Register at www.minnesotaapple.org/event-6408457 📸 Country Blossom Farm

With less than a week to register for #MNOrganic26, don’t miss what’s new this year — a Wellness Space for farmers to recharge and explore mental and physical health resources. Register today & make the Wellness Space part of your conference plan! 🔗www.mda.state.mn.us/moc#MNOrganic26

Minnesota farmers considering farm transition are invited to attend a Multigenerational Farm Transition Retreat in 2026. 📍 Red Wing: Jan. 30–31 📍 Mankato: Feb. 20–21 📍 St. Cloud: March 13–14 Learn more & register: https://extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/farm-transition-and-estate-planning

Insects and plant diseases can hide on holiday greenery and spread into the environment. Please don’t toss your holiday greenery into woods or backyard compost piles. Instead, dispose of it properly — use the trash, curbside tree collection, or a designated drop-off site.

From all of us at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, we wish you the very happiest of holiday seasons. Our offices will be closed today, Thursday, Dec. 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Approximately 10% of Minnesota households, or over 200,000 homes, use propane gas as their primary heating fuel. Governor Tim Walz has issued Executive Order 25-14 exempting certain motor carriers and drivers transporting propane and diesel from service hour regulations. https://ow.ly/GfVS50XO2sH

The 2026 Minnesota Organic Conference is coming up Jan. 8–9, 2026! From solar grazing to health management in organic poultry, this conference has session for any farmer looking to learn, connect & grow. Register online before Jan. 4 and view the full agenda at www.mda.state.mn.us/moc

This holiday season, dispose of holiday greens properly by: - Using a curbside collection service - Bringing trees to a designed drop off - Placing small greens into your trash can https://ow.ly/TmVL50XNi4e

The environment around us is changing, and altering how invasive plants and insects affect native species. Concern about those changes can cause eco-anxiety. On the latest #SmartyPlants podcast episode, we're talking about ways to cope with that concern. 🎧 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants

We're now accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. Whether you're a farmer, nonprofit, or ag org - this is a great opportunity to invest in the future of MN’s specialty crop industry. 🔗 Learn more: www.mda.state.mn.us/grants-available-strengthen-mns-specialty-crop-sector

Don’t forget to add food safety to your holiday “To Do” list by following these steps: 1️⃣ Clean your hands for 20 seconds with soapy water & always serve food on clean plates. 2️⃣ Separate raw and cooked foods. 3️⃣ Cook with a food thermometer. 4️⃣ Chill leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.

Reminder: Apply for our Urban Farm Conservation Mini-grant by Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Up to $5,000 available for commercial urban farmers in Minnesota to implement conservation practices. 🌍 🚰 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/urban-farm-conservation-mini-grant

If you’re still searching for the perfect Christmas tree, consider buying local! Minnesota-grown trees are harvested fresh, last longer, and support our state’s farmers. Find a local tree farm near you at MinnesotaGrown.com 🎄 📸 from Minnesota Grown member Goldenman Christmas Trees

We'll start accepting applications for the 2026 Beginning Farmer Tax Credit on 1/1/26. $4M available for landlords/sellers who rent/sell farmland, equipment, livestock, & other assets to beginning MN farmers. ℹ️ https://www.mda.state.mn.us/applications-open-jan-1-mda-2026-beginning-farmer-tax-credit

"We really think it's important for us to help the people who feed the nation" says agricultural mental health counselor Tracie Self. Thanks to Linder Farm Network for highlighting resources available to MN farmers facing stress and financial hardship. Watch the video 📹 https://ow.ly/k4wx50XE16I

Minnesota Grown has supported our state’s local food community for 40+ years, helping consumers discover more than 1,300 farms, markets, and producers across the state. If you want to grow your business in 2026 visit MinnesotaGrown.com/Join for eligibility and more.

Cold days call for a hot lunch! Thanks to the team at Roseville Area Schools who hosted us for their MN Thursday menu which included Turkey Banh Mi (with turkey thighs from Ferndale Market and fresh baked bread from Mi Sant), pickled veggies, fruit, and a spicy siracha mayo.

Healthy soil provides essential nutrients, water & a stable foundation for crops to thrive. On World Soil Day, and everyday, we can protect this precious resource for future generations. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us for info on a number of programs. #WorldSoilDay #SoilHealth

MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen on Tuesday presented the 2025 Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award to Tom Cotter and family of Austin, MN. Cotter's farm is certified through our MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program. 🔗 www.mylandmylegacy.com

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