Thom Petersen | Red River Farm Network

Minnesota Dairy Herds Test Negative for Avian Influenza

Published March 12, 2025

Minnesota is in the third week of testing its dairy herds for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. "We've tested over 400 farms and had no positive cases," reports Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. "We also haven't had a positive case in poultry…

Important Interaction Between State and Federal Governments

Published February 18, 2025

Ten percent of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s $400 million budget comes from the federal government. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee and outlined the interaction between the federal government and his Department. Federal funds also impact…

State Invests in Water Quality

Published January 15, 2025

The Red River Basin Commission hosted its annual Land and Water International Summit Conference in Grand Forks. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen highlighted state initiatives. "A lot of drainage upgrades, but also water quality upgrades, whether that's our Water Quality…

MDA Preps for ’25 Legislative Session

Published December 31, 2024

With 2024 in the rearview mirror, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is preparing for the upcoming legislative session. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said budget planning is a priority. The continued spread of avian influenza is also on the radar. "One…

Petersen Optimistic About 2025 Session

Published November 8, 2024

With the election behind us, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is preparing for the 2024 legislative session. Agriculture Commisioner Thom Petersen is evaluating budget and policy priorities. "Some of the policies that we've looked at would really focus around animal disease."…

Poultry Company Bankruptcy Strands 1.3 Million Chickens

Published October 11, 2024

A Fairfax, Minnesota-based poultry company, Pure Prairie Poultry, closed its doors last week. Bankruptcy forced the closure of the company's processing plant in Charles City, Iowa, impacting dozens of contract growers and 1.3 million birds. These contractors are located in…

Expanding Market Opportunities

Published September 14, 2024

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen described himself as the state's agriculture cheerleader. That role includes finding new farm markets for Minnesota commodities. “I’m just always really excited about the possibilities.” Peterson cited countries that offer opportunities, including Morrocco, Japan, Korea,…

Ag Commissioner Assesses Damage

Published June 26, 2024

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen surveyed flood-related damage in southwest Minnesota on Wednesday. That’s on top of Tuesday’s aerial tour of the Mankato area with Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar. "Going from the Twin Cities to the Mankato,…

Petersen, Roberts Show Support for Bio-Based Economy

Published May 22, 2024

Ahead of the farm bill markup, 14 state agriculture officials have sent a letter to House Agriculture Committee leadership about the importance of ag-based manufacturing. Corn, soybeans and other commodities to make products like bio-based plastics, packaging and lubricants. With…

Ducheneaux Visits Minnesota

Published May 14, 2024

Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux was in Minnesota on Monday morning. Ducheneaux traveled to farms and county FSA offices in Minnesota. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen highlighted some of the things they focused on. Ducheneaux got to see some of…

Articles tagged under: Thom Petersen

Minnesota Dairy Herds Test Negative for Avian Influenza

Important Interaction Between State and Federal Governments

State Invests in Water Quality

MDA Preps for ’25 Legislative Session

Petersen Optimistic About 2025 Session

Poultry Company Bankruptcy Strands 1.3 Million Chickens

Expanding Market Opportunities

Ag Commissioner Assesses Damage

Petersen, Roberts Show Support for Bio-Based Economy

Ducheneaux Visits Minnesota

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