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Minnesota Department of Agriculture
@mnagriculture.bsky.social
510 followers 42 following 55 posts
Working for Minnesota's food supply, environment, and agricultural economy.
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Approximately 10% of Minnesota households, or over 200,000 homes, use propane gas as their primary heating fuel. Governor Tim Walz has issued Executive Order 25-14 exempting certain motor carriers and drivers transporting propane and diesel from service hour regulations. https://ow.ly/GfVS50XO2sH
Walz issues executive order easing regulations after feds delay heating assistance for Minnesotans
Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 25-14 exempting certain motor carriers and drivers transporting propane and diesel from service hour regulations. The federal government failed to release funds for the
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December 24, 2025 at 5:11 PM
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The 2026 Minnesota Organic Conference is coming up Jan. 8–9, 2026! From solar grazing to health management in organic poultry, this conference has session for any farmer looking to learn, connect & grow. Register online before Jan. 4 and view the full agenda at www.mda.state.mn.us/moc
December 23, 2025 at 6:40 PM
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This holiday season, dispose of holiday greens properly by:
- Using a curbside collection service
- Bringing trees to a designed drop off
- Placing small greens into your trash can
https://ow.ly/TmVL50XNi4e
December 22, 2025 at 4:44 PM
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The environment around us is changing, and altering how invasive plants and insects affect native species. Concern about those changes can cause eco-anxiety. On the latest #SmartyPlants podcast episode, we're talking about ways to cope with that concern.

🎧 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants
Stylized face with round glasses, green leaves, a grasshopper, and a butterfly representing the Smarty Plants podcast by Minnesota Agriculture.
December 18, 2025 at 10:01 PM
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We're now accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. Whether you're a farmer, nonprofit, or ag org - this is a great opportunity to invest in the future of MN’s specialty crop industry.

🔗 Learn more: www.mda.state.mn.us/grants-available-strengthen-mns-specialty-crop-sector
Person wearing a plaid shirt holding freshly picked red, green, and yellow bell peppers in a garden.
December 17, 2025 at 7:22 PM
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Don’t forget to add food safety to your holiday “To Do” list by following these steps:
1️⃣ Clean your hands for 20 seconds with soapy water & always serve food on clean plates.
2️⃣ Separate raw and cooked foods.
3️⃣ Cook with a food thermometer.
4️⃣ Chill leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Three stacked glass containers filled with cooked poultry, mashed potatoes, and shredded poultry against a white background. Golden roasted turkey garnished with lemon and rosemary, surrounded by roasted potatoes on a wooden dining table set for a festive meal.
December 16, 2025 at 3:30 PM
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Reminder: Apply for our Urban Farm Conservation Mini-grant by Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Up to $5,000 available for commercial urban farmers in Minnesota to implement conservation practices. 🌍 🚰

🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/urban-farm-conservation-mini-grant

A photo collage consisting of the following: hands wearing blue gloves planting seeds into soil using a clear plastic bag outdoors; a monarch butterfly perched on a vibrant pink coneflower in a blooming garden; rows of young leafy green plants growing in soil with drip irrigation tubes supplying water; and a garden area with green plants, red tulips, and large water containers in the background.
December 15, 2025 at 7:42 PM
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If you’re still searching for the perfect Christmas tree, consider buying local! Minnesota-grown trees are harvested fresh, last longer, and support our state’s farmers. Find a local tree farm near you at MinnesotaGrown.com 🎄

📸 from Minnesota Grown member Goldenman Christmas Trees
Christmas tree decorated with red ornaments stands in a pine forest near wooden benches adorned with festive garlands.
December 12, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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We'll start accepting applications for the 2026 Beginning Farmer Tax Credit on 1/1/26. $4M available for landlords/sellers who rent/sell farmland, equipment, livestock, & other assets to beginning MN farmers.

ℹ️ https://www.mda.state.mn.us/applications-open-jan-1-mda-2026-beginning-farmer-tax-credit
Close-up of a calculator, pen, and paperclip resting on a detailed financial chart with numerical data and grid lines.
December 11, 2025 at 8:15 PM
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"We really think it's important for us to help the people who feed the nation" says agricultural mental health counselor Tracie Self. Thanks to Linder Farm Network for highlighting resources available to MN farmers facing stress and financial hardship.

Watch the video 📹 https://ow.ly/k4wx50XE16I
Woman with curly hair and headband sitting in front of a rustic wooden backdrop decorated with pumpkins and a 'Blessed' sign. The lower third reads "Tracie Self, MN Rural Mental Health Specialist."
December 9, 2025 at 3:30 PM
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Minnesota Grown has supported our state’s local food community for 40+ years, helping consumers discover more than 1,300 farms, markets, and producers across the state. If you want to grow your business in 2026 visit MinnesotaGrown.com/Join for eligibility and more.
Two people standing in a grassy field at sunset holding a sign that reads 'Minnesota Grown Proud Member'.
December 5, 2025 at 8:38 PM
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Cold days call for a hot lunch! Thanks to the team at Roseville Area Schools who hosted us for their MN Thursday menu which included Turkey Banh Mi (with turkey thighs from Ferndale Market and fresh baked bread from Mi Sant), pickled veggies, fruit, and a spicy siracha mayo.
December 4, 2025 at 10:03 PM
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Healthy soil provides essential nutrients, water & a stable foundation for crops to thrive. On World Soil Day, and everyday, we can protect this precious resource for future generations. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us for info on a number of programs.
#WorldSoilDay #SoilHealth
December 4, 2025 at 5:43 PM
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MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen on Tuesday presented the 2025 Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award to Tom Cotter and family of Austin, MN. Cotter's farm is certified through our MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program.

🔗 www.mylandmylegacy.com
Group of nine people standing indoors holding a large sign for the 2025 Leopold Conservation Award presented to Tom Cotter of Austin, MN.
December 3, 2025 at 4:57 PM
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An 11-acre public park in Rochester became a showcase for what can happen when invasive plant removal allows native plants to return. Check out our latest Weed of the Month newsletter to learn more! #MNAg

ℹ️ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/3fd2eee
Two stitched photos show a before-and-after of a wooded area in Rochester. In 2020, the thick foliage, consisting largely of invasive species, crowds the underbrush. In 2024, the same area has been opened up and native bluebell plants are visible throughout.
December 1, 2025 at 3:09 PM
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We’re grateful for the farmers, makers & small businesses who nourish our communities. This Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, we encourage you to shop local. Your support strengthens hometown economies. Start by browsing this year's Minnesota Grown holiday gift guide at MinnesotaGrown.com 🎁
Two brown gift boxes with green ribbons surrounded by green and gold ornaments on a textured green background with 'Minnesota Grown's Gift Guide 2025' text.
November 28, 2025 at 2:01 PM
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This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for the growers who provide the food that people will be gathering around to renew connections and celebrate the harvest.

In observance of the holiday, MDA offices will be closed today, Thursday, November 27, and tomorrow, Friday, November 28.
Golden roasted turkey being lifted from a baking pan on a white wooden table, ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Copy says "Happy Thanksgiving from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture" with the MDA logo.
November 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
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Today, Governor Tim Walz welcomed this year's Swanville-based Minnesota Thanksgiving turkey to the Capitol. Commissioner Thom Petersen joined him and leaders of Second Harvest Heartland, Minnesota 4-H, and Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, which donated $10k to hunger relief. #MNAg
A white turkey stands on a blue tablecloth with 'Minnesota Turkey Farmers Association' printed, surrounded by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and others in a formal room. A large white turkey with fanned tail feathers standing on a patterned red carpet indoors. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaking at a podium in an ornate room with a turkey on a table next to him, American and state flags behind, audience seated and photographing the event.
November 25, 2025 at 9:36 PM
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Today, we welcomed Turck's Trees of Litchfield to the MN State Capitol as they delivered the tree which will be on display throughout the holiday season. The 15-foot balsam fir was the MN Christmas Tree Grower's 2025 State Fair Christmas Tree Competition Grand Champion.
People carrying a cut and bound tree up the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol on a cloudy day. Two workers setting up a large Christmas tree inside the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda, with ornate arches and glowing lamps. Group of seven adults including Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen and members of Turck's Trees standing indoors around a large undecorated Christmas tree in the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda with ornate architecture and a staircase in the background. Workers positioning a large Christmas tree inside the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda, a grand marble hall with arched columns and American flags.
November 25, 2025 at 4:19 PM
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Up to $10,000 is now available for MN farmers to improve biosecurity and prepare their farms for drought, storms, and other extreme weather events. Two AGRI grants, one goal: a stronger, more resilient ag community.

Details & deadlines 🔗www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-offers-grants-boost-farm-resilience
November 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
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Residents in and around Martin County can get their private well water 🚰 tested for nitrate at our free one-day clinic in Fairmont 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4.

Details on how to prepare your sample and where to bring it 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/free-well-water-testing-clinic-martin-county
November 24, 2025 at 4:40 PM
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Livestock producers take steps every day to fight antibiotic resistance & protect their animals. Good husbandry, farm biosecurity, & veterinary-client-patient relationships ensure antibiotics are used appropriately.

ℹ️ www.mda.state.mn.us/drug-residue-prevention-resources/resource-library-producers
Two veterinarians examine a cow inside a barn during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week with a blue info circle explaining Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR).
November 21, 2025 at 8:01 PM
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If your holiday plans call for a festive tree, there are plenty of great live choices from Minnesota tree growers this time of year. The latest Smarty Plants podcast episode has what you need to know before heading out to a tree lot or farm. 🎄 #MNAg

🎧 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants
Logo of Smarty Plants podcast featuring glasses with leaves, a grasshopper, and a butterfly on a green background.
November 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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Antimicrobial 🦠 resistance doesn’t just impact people. It matters for animal health, too. At the MDA, we provide outreach and education to support antibiotic stewardship in the use of veterinary drugs for livestock animals. #MNAg

Learn more 🔗 www.mda.state.mn.us/residue-prevention.
Woman standing behind a Minnesota Department of Agriculture table with informational materials for U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, November 18-24, in a room with white brick walls.
November 20, 2025 at 3:58 PM
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We’re excited to announce the Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year winners! 🥳🛒 These retailers go above and beyond to champion local farmers, highlight Minnesota Grown products, and make it easier for shoppers to choose local options.

🔗www.mda.state.mn.us/meet-minnesota-grown-retailer-year-winners
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM