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
Three people stand behind a colorful Lovebird cereal display booth with various cereal bags and boxes arranged on the table and shelves.
Two people posing at a colorful Jonny Pops booth with illuminated displays and promotional materials on the counter.
Three people in Huxley shirts stand behind a booth displaying various Huxley juice cans and bottles at a promotional event.
Group of people wearing matching shirts standing behind a green So Good So You counter with colorful juice bottles and banners promoting detox, energy, and immunity drinks.
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! ✨
Fresh red and yellow apples displayed in a cafeteria fruit tray alongside red grapes and yellow pears with serving tongs.
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
Map of Minnesota highlighting 22 counties in green scattered across central, western, and southeastern regions.
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
Close-up of a hand harvesting leaves in a vibrant green field during early morning light. Text reads "Celebrating Women's History Month" with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture logo visible in the bottom right corner.
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.
Large tree with dense green foliage and clusters of small yellowish flowers under a partly cloudy sky.
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 🐮🥛
MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen standing with six individuals wearing matching navy FFA tops and khaki skirts or pants, standing on dirt ground near a red barn and white golf cart at MN Farmfest in 2025.
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.
Person pouring water from one glass to another over a kitchen sink with a modern faucet.
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
Stylized face with glasses, leaves, and a bug, representing the Smarty Plants agriculture podcast.
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 Cream of the Crop Awards 2026 call for K-12 schools and early care centers to apply, promoting local food commitment.
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
Fresh Minnesota-grown vegetables and fruits arranged with a sunflower, promoting CSA Week and quality locally grown produce.
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 📦🥦
School Garden Conference scheduled for March 13, 2026, with registration now open, featuring logos of Minnesota, University of Minnesota, and Department of Agriculture.
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.
Narrow irrigation canal running through lush green farmland under a clear blue sky.
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
Wooden crates filled with fresh green onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, and leafy greens on metal shelves in a community food shelf.
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
Calendar with a pen beside MDA Drug Residue Prevention Program flyers about animal treatment and slaughter readiness.
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/
American flag waving against a clear blue sky on a tall flagpole with a golden finial.
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.
Celebrate Farm & Food Book Month (and National I Love to Read Month!) this Feb with MN Ag in the Classroom! 📚🌱 Join us on Zoom with special guest readers Princess Kay of the 🥛🌌 (2/17, 9am) + MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen (Feb 23, 1pm). Register at minnesota.agclassroom.org/programs-and-events/book/
February is #NationalPesticideSafetyEducationMonth! Check out the MDA's Pesticide Safety Guide for Homeowners to learn how to minimize risks to people, animals, & the environment when using pesticides.
🔗(pdf) https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/docs/2021-03/pestsafetyguidehomeowner.pdf
Natural Products Expo West 2026 in Anaheim invites visitors to find exhibitors on the expo floor from March 3 to 6.
Exterior of the Anaheim Convention Center during Expo West.
Our Make it Minnesota team will be exhibiting with 11 Minnesota food & bev brands at Expo West next moth, highlighting how our state supports food entrepreneurs and helps local businesses grow on a national stage.
🔗www.mda.state.mn.us/minnesota-brings-its-best-natural-products-expo-west
Catch us at the Minnesota Farm Bureau’s Urban Ag Conference at St. Paul College this Saturday, 9a – 4p. We’re proud to sponsor this free event that brings together urban farmers, educators & advocates to connect, collaborate, and learn. 🌱
RSVP and find more events at www.mda.state.mn.us/events
Located in NW MN, Ron Dvergsten joins 11 other Farm Advocates who offer 1-on-1 help/advice to farmers facing crises caused by financial problems or natural disasters. Their services are confidential & free of charge.
🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/new-minnesota-farm-advocate-joins-statewide-network
Close-up of a brown and white calf next to educational materials about preventing drug residues in livestock. Text reads: We would LOVE to help you prevent drug residues with our many resources!
We would LOVE to help you prevent drug residues with our many resources! Request a free livestock record-keeping booklet by emailing us at ResiduePrevention.MDA@state.mn.us.
Find additional resources online: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/food-feed/drug-residue-prevention-resources
Attention Minnesota beef producers! Feb. 12 is the last day to request a ballot for the beef council referendum on a proposed refundable 50¢ increase to the state beef checkoff. Get details and request a ballot at www.mda.state.mn.us/minnesota-beef-checkoff-fee-increase-proposed
The MDA announced that state-specific restrictions for three over-the-top use dicamba herbicide products will be in place for the 2026 growing season. The restrictions include temperature and date cutoffs. Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/dicamba-restrictions-announced-2026-growing-season
Young person leaning against green cattle chute holding a tool with a calf's head sticking out from the chute on a farm.
Wooden gate in a wire fence enclosing a farm field with young crops under a partly cloudy sky.
Farmer driving a green tractor tilling soil in a large field under a clear sky.
Our Beginning Farmer Equipment & Infrastructure Grant helps new farmers get established. Grants of up to $10K support the purchase of equipment and improvements like irrigation, fencing, livestock equipment, and more.
🔗 www.mda.state.mn.us/beginning-farmer-equipment-infrastructure-grants-open
