Emerging Farmer Working Group Meeting
Join us for the first meeting of the Emerging Farmer Working Group.
The purpose of the working group is "to advise the commissioner and legislature regarding the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that support emerging farmers in this state." The MDA is committed to establishing this working group in a way that is responsive to the communities it hopes to serve. We want the group to be a collaborative and inclusive space for Emerging Farmers that is created by Emerging Farmers and led by Emerging Farmers.
This is a virtual meeting using the Webex platform. Members of the public are welcome and public comments can be made through the chatbox. Please contact Ariel Kagan if you have questions or need reasonable accommodations.
Introduction to Halal Meat and Opportunities for Goat Farmers
The Silvopasture Learning Network is hosting this webinar to explore the untapped potential of the halal meat market in Minnesota. Speakers include Ariel Kagan (Minnesota Department of Agriculture), Serdar Mamedov (University of Minnesota Extension), and Sue Wika and Tom Prieve of Paradox Farms (Sustainable Farming Association members).
The Silvopasture Learning Network promotes silvopasture to improve soil health, water quality, and restore oak savanna in Minnesota. This project is a joint effort led by University of Minnesota Extension with the Sustainable Farming Association and Great River Greening, with funding provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
Please use this form to submit questions you have regarding your operation type and the Stay Safe Minnesota Guidance materials. These questions will be shared with the webinar presenters prior to the session to ensure the information is addressed.
Farm to School PARSNIP RFP Webinar
Find out about a new opportunity to support Farm to School in Minnesota. During this webinar, we’ll introduce PARSNIP (Pilot to Accelerate Regional Support for Nutrition at Institutions from Producers) and explain the Request for Proposals (RFP) process.
This RFP calls for proposals from organizations to develop a regional farm to school coordination pilot project and provide recommendations to the MDA and partners about models and approaches for future regional Farm to School support in Minnesota.
During the webinar, participants can submit questions that will be answered by email afterward. We must receive all questions about the RFP by Friday, October 30 at 4:00 p.m. to be answered as part of this process.
To receive a copy of the Request for Proposals or submit a question about the RFP, email Helen Schnoes at helen.schnoes@state.mn.us.
Final proposals are due Friday, November 13 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time to Emily Jerve, emily.jerve@state.mn.us.
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MAITC Teacher Professional Development Webinar
Join Regional Specialist Toni Dauwalter for this quick workshop to learn how to access over 400 dynamic lessons on Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom's (MAITC) Curriculum Matrix.
You'll learn how to create a "My Binder" so you can save the lessons you like, and visit the Ag Classroom Store to find out how to get lesson materials all in one place. This workshop is for K-12 teachers.
Learn more about these resources and others in the MAITC Educator Center.
Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Forum
Find out more about economic opportunities in the agriculture industry, what employers are doing to attract talent, and how state agencies can assist farmers, employers, and workers in the community. Hear stories from Minnesota immigrant and refugee farmers and updates from partner organization who have provided support during this past year. The MDA is excited to participate in this event organized by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
This event will be held using Microsoft Teams. If you can't use the link above, you can join by phone:
Call-in number: 323-849-4874
Conference ID: 739 405 026#
More information is in this attached flyer (PDF)
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is planning a second treatment to eradicate a gypsy moth infestation in part of Minneapolis’s Loring Park Neighborhood. Officials plan to conduct a ground treatment beginning Tuesday, May 25, as early as 5 a.m. and continuing through mid-morning. It may take crews three mornings to complete the work. This schedule is dependent on weather conditions at the time.
The treatment product, Foray/Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), is a biological product that is organic certified for food crops. It has no known health effects for humans, pets, birds, fish, bees, and other non-caterpillar insects.
To help area citizens stay informed, the MDA has set up an Arrest the Pest Info Line at 1-888-545-MOTH with the latest details about treatment dates and times. On the morning of the treatments, residents can call the phone number with any questions they may have. Simply press 0 (zero) to speak to someone. The MDA's website (www.mda.state.mn.us/gmtreatments) also has information about gypsy moths and control efforts. Residents can sign up for updates about treatment progress by texting “MDA MINNEAPOLIS” to 468311 to receive text notifications or texting “MDA MINNEAPOLIS [your email address here]” to 468311 to receive email notifications.
The MDA offers the following tips to residents in the treatment area:
- For the gypsy moth treatment to work, it must begin early in the morning. Treatments may begin as early as 5 a.m. Residents will see tree maintenance crews, and on-street parking may be restricted as crews move around the area.
- The treatment product has no known health effects for humans, but residents may wish to stay indoors during the treatment and keep windows closed for a half hour after application.
- The residue does not cause damage to outdoor surfaces. However, soapy water will remove any residue on windows or other items.
Treatment area: The treatment area is along 14th and 15th streets from Loring Park to Nicollet Ave (SEE MAP).
Gypsy moths are among America's most destructive tree pests, having caused millions of dollars in damage to Eastern forests. The moths are now threatening Minnesota. If present in large numbers, gypsy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest. Oak, poplar, birch and willow are among their preferred hosts. The moths spread slowly on their own, but people can unintentionally help them spread by transporting firewood or other items on which the moths have laid their eggs.
Contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 1-888-545-6684 or Arrest.the.Pest@state.mn.us with questions regarding gypsy moth and the planned treatments.
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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us