Articles tagged under: Minnesota Agriculture Department
Emergency Funding Approved for HPAI Response
Published April 8, 2022
State Representative John Burkel describes this as band-aid funding to offset the cost of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza testing supplies and equipment for the veterinary diagnostics lab. "That emergency preparedness response fund had dropped under $400,000 and the state thought…Finding Drought Relief Solutions for MN Farmers
Published June 25, 2021
As severe drought conditions spread, the Minnesota Agriculture Department is exploring ways to help farmers. In a stakeholder call on Friday, Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen said disaster loans could be available for farmers through the Rural Finance Authority. "We haven't…MDA Budget Proposal Focuses on Biofuels, Meat Processing and Conservation
Published January 26, 2021
The Minnesota Agriculture Department’s budget proposal has a three-percent increase from the previous biennium. With the additional funds, Minnesota Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen says the department wants to build on two areas, starting with a $4 million investment in E15…COVID Creates a “Perfect Storm” for MN Agriculture
Published November 23, 2020
COVID caused disruptions in the food supply chain this year. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says Minnesota’s processing industry was hit harder than any other state in the country. "More than 30 percent of Minnesota's pigs go to the Smithfield…MN Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule Goes Into Effect Next Month
Published August 3, 2020
Starting in September, fall nitrogen fertilizer application in Minnesota will be restricted in areas vulnerable to groundwater contamination. The Groundwater Protection rule restricts the use of nitrogen fertilizer in the fall and on frozen soils in Minnesota. Depending on where…MDA Investigates Drift Complaints
Published July 23, 2020
As of July 20, the Minnesota Agriculture Department received 91 dicamba complaints. There were 21 total complaints in 2019. "It all started the first week of June. It was chaotic both from a legal standpoint with the courts and also,…Starting Strong in 2020
Published January 24, 2020
Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says local agriculture had its challenges and successes in 2019. "Last year was one of the wettest on record, the lowest farm income in 23 years and trade was a challenge." There are positives in…