An estimated 350 Minnesota farmers are currently distressed because of COVID-10. AgCentric Director Keith Olander says agriculture has been in a “pressure cooker” situation for a number of years. “Profitability, if it existed at all, was very slim. Most farms lost equity as they moved forward, then COVID hit and the markets plummeted. That added a whole other level of disruption.” That’s why the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering Farm Business Management scholarships to those affected by the pandemic. Olander says the program isn’t limited to just the farmers struggling. “There is a full range of farmers engaged. There are those who are financially stressed, but there are also folks in-tune with a team approach to farming. Our instructors will question different aspects of an operation and how to drive more efficiency.” The scholarships offer a 75 percent tuition reimbursement. Applications are now available, and applicants must be registered by December 10. Listen to the full Red River Farm Network interview with Olander.