The State of Minnesota recognizes aquaculture (privately raising fish or other aquatic life) as agriculture.
Darrin (32) and Ned (67) started exploring farm transfer options because Darrin wanted to dairy farm and Ned wanted the dairy to continue even though his own children were not interested in taking over.
Darrin moved into a trailer house on the property. He started out working for a salary but also had the option to buy cows, buildings and, eventually, land. As time passed, their relationship progressed from employer/employee to more of a partnership. By the time Ned was ready to retire, Darrin was in a position to buy the rest of Ned’s operation.
Before and while working with Darrin, Ned consulted his accountant, lawyer, and other advisors to ensure he and his family would be protected into retirement. This planning paid off, and now Darrin is a new generation on the farm – just as Ned had hoped would happen.
Darrin (32) and Ned (67) started exploring farm transfer options because Darrin wanted to dairy farm and Ned wanted the dairy to continue even though his own children were not interested in taking over.
Darrin moved into a trailer house on the property. He started out working for a salary but also had the option to buy cows, buildings and, eventually, land. As time passed, their relationship progressed from employer/employee to more of a partnership. By the time Ned was ready to retire, Darrin was in a position to buy the rest of Ned’s operation.
Before and while working with Darrin, Ned consulted his accountant, lawyer, and other advisors to ensure he and his family would be protected into retirement. This planning paid off, and now Darrin is a new generation on the farm – just as Ned had hoped would happen.
Ernest and Gertrude Squabble farmed their whole lives. Their daughter Sara was the only child interested in farming and gradually took over the operation as they aged. Sara repeatedly asked her parents about her place in the future of the farm business, but Ernest and Gertrude kept saying it was all taken care of in their will.
Ernest died first, and things went on as usual. But after Gertrude died and the will was read, Sara found out that the farm and all of its assets were to be divided equally between her and her two siblings.
Sara thought it was clear that she should get the farm. After all, she was the one who’d stayed home to run it. Her two siblings had both moved away but now wanted their inheritance in cash – and as soon as possible. There was no way for Sara could buy out her brother and sister. The farm was sold in its entirety, with many of the proceeds going toward taxes and legal fees. After the personal sacrifices and financial contributions Sara had made, she felt hurt and taken advantage of. She no longer farms and the family no longer speaks.
Ernest and Gertrude Squabble farmed their whole lives. Their daughter Sara was the only child interested in farming and gradually took over the operation as they aged. Sara repeatedly asked her parents about her place in the future of the farm business, but Ernest and Gertrude kept saying it was all taken care of in their will.
Ernest died first, and things went on as usual. But after Gertrude died and the will was read, Sara found out that the farm and all of its assets were to be divided equally between her and her two siblings.
Sara thought it was clear that she should get the farm. After all, she was the one who’d stayed home to run it. Her two siblings had both moved away but now wanted their inheritance in cash – and as soon as possible. There was no way for Sara could buy out her brother and sister. The farm was sold in its entirety, with many of the proceeds going toward taxes and legal fees. After the personal sacrifices and financial contributions Sara had made, she felt hurt and taken advantage of. She no longer farms and the family no longer speaks.
Darrin (32) and Ned (67) started exploring farm transfer options because Darrin wanted to dairy farm and Ned wanted the dairy to continue even though his own children were not interested in taking over.
Darrin moved into a trailer house on the property. He started out working for a salary but also had the option to buy cows, buildings and, eventually, land. As time passed, their relationship progressed from employer/employee to more of a partnership. By the time Ned was ready to retire, Darrin was in a position to buy the rest of Ned’s operation.
Before and while working with Darrin, Ned consulted his accountant, lawyer, and other advisors to ensure he and his family would be protected into retirement. This planning paid off, and now Darrin is a new generation on the farm – just as Ned had hoped would happen.
Ernest and Gertrude Squabble farmed their whole lives. Their daughter Sara was the only child interested in farming and gradually took over the operation as they aged. Sara repeatedly asked her parents about her place in the future of the farm business, but Ernest and Gertrude kept saying it was all taken care of in their will.
Ernest died first, and things went on as usual. But after Gertrude died and the will was read, Sara found out that the farm and all of its assets were to be divided equally between her and her two siblings.
Sara thought it was clear that she should get the farm. After all, she was the one who’d stayed home to run it. Her two siblings had both moved away but now wanted their inheritance in cash – and as soon as possible. There was no way for Sara could buy out her brother and sister. The farm was sold in its entirety, with many of the proceeds going toward taxes and legal fees. After the personal sacrifices and financial contributions Sara had made, she felt hurt and taken advantage of. She no longer farms and the family no longer speaks.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and partner organizations are proposing to treat spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) infestations this summer in seven counties across eastern Minnesota.
Spongy moths are ranked among America’s most destructive tree pests. The insect has caused millions of dollars in damage to forests as it has spread from New England westward in recent decades. Spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest. This pest is found in most of Wisconsin and is now establishing itself in northeastern Minnesota.
The MDA monitors for spongy moth each year, surveying for start-up infestations. When an infestation is found, the department conducts aerial treatments and targets the infestation before it can spread. The number of spongy moths detected in Minnesota in recent years has increased, and populations continue to push westward. The increase in moths created the need for more treatment areas in 2024.
Forty-two treatment areas totaling approximately 160,000 acres are proposed in Carlton, Chisago, Fillmore, Houston, Isanti, Pine, and St. Louis counties. The areas will be treated with either: Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), a biological insecticide that is organically certified for use on food crops, or mating disruption, an organic substance containing pheromones specific to spongy moths that confuses the male moths. Residents can view an interactive map on the MDA website to determine if they’re located within any of the proposed treatment areas.
The treatments will be conducted from June through July, depending on insect development and weather.
The MDA has successfully treated dozens of spongy moth infestations across eastern Minnesota from Grand Portage to the Twin Cities to Houston County. These successful treatments help postpone the full-scale invasion of spongy moth. They also save local communities and homeowners money and protect the health of the state’s urban and natural forests.
Residents in proposed treatment areas and the public are invited to attend an informational meeting to learn more about the insect and the treatment methods.
Date/Time | Location | Address |
---|---|---|
April 1, 2024 4-6 p.m. |
Hinckley City Hall Community Room | 106 1st Street SE Hinckley, MN 55037 |
April 2, 2024 4-6 p.m. |
Cloquet Library | 320 14th Street Cloquet, MN 55720 |
April 3, 2024 4-6 p.m. |
Caledonia City Hall Auditorium | 231 E. Main Steet Caledonia, MN 55291 |
April 4, 2024 10 a.m. |
Virtual | All mating disruption treatments |
April 4, 2024 12 p.m. |
Virtual | BtK treatment in Carlton and St. Louis counties |
April 4, 2024 6 p.m. |
Virtual | All mating disruption treatments |
April 8, 2024 4-6 p.m. |
Iron Trail Motors Event Center | 919 6th Street South Virginia, MN 55792 |
April 9, 2024 4-6 p.m. |
North Branch Area Library | 6355 379th Street North Branch, MN 55056 |
To register for virtual meetings, go to www.mda.state.mn.us/smtreatments.
Residents in proposed treatment areas will also be receiving a postcard with more information. Citizens can also find info on spongy moth treatments, sign-up for text or email notifications, and proposed treatment area maps at www.mda.state.mn.us/smtreatments.
Comments on any of the proposed treatments are being accepted through April 15, 2024. Comments should be submitted in writing via mail or email to:
Kimberly Thielen Cremers
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155
Kimberly.TCremers@state.mn.us
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Media Contact
Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications
651-201-6131
Brittany.Raveill@state.mn.us