Articles tagged under: Thom Petersen
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…Assistance Available for MN Hog, Turkey Producers and More
Published October 20, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic caused major hiccups in the food supply chain earlier in the year, particularly when it came processing and transportation of ag commodities. That's why nearly $7.7 million of CARES Act funding is now available agricultural producers and…ND, MN Ag Commissioners Share Thoughts on Farm Policy
Published September 16, 2020
Day One in the Red River Farm Network Issues and Events Center at the Big Iron Farm Show kicked off with a conversation with North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. Coronavirus have certainly added…NASDA Meeting Focuses on Rural Resiliency
Published September 3, 2020
Rural resiliency was one common theme during the virtual edition of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture annual meeting. The meeting was supposed to take place in association president and North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring’s home state.…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…Federal Government OKs MN Hemp Plan
Published July 15, 2020
USDA has approved Minnesota’s hemp production plan. This approval allows the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to continue to operate the state’s pilot program. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson thanked USDA for this decision, but voiced concern on some of the regulations,…MN Ag Department Issues Update on Dicamba Herbicide Use
Published June 8, 2020
While waiting for guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said they will continue operating under existing pesticide program authorities. Minnesota farmers may now use XtendiMax, Engenia and FeXapan dicamba herbicides. According to Minnesota law,…Addressing the MN Supply Chain Disruptions
Published June 8, 2020
Many meat packing plants in Minnesota are back up and running, but they are not at full capacity. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says there are still some disruptions in supply chain. "We continue to monitor disruptions, but the hogs…Petersen Confirmed
Published April 28, 2020
Thom Petersen has been confirmed by the Minnesota State Senate as the state agriculture commissioner. Before joining the Walz administration, Petersen was the government relations director for the Minnesota Farmers Union.