Assistance for Farmers
Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation Program
The MDA offers multiple grants and scholarships that can be suitable for dairy farmers through the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program. Examples include the Livestock Investment Grant, the Beginning Farmer Farm Business Management Scholarship, and the Value-Added Grant. For more information, visit the AGRI Program webpage or contact the MDA Agricultural Marketing & Development Grants Line at 651-201-6500.
Loan Opportunities
The Rural Finance Authority (RFA) offers low-interest loan programs to farmers for a wide variety of activities. The RFA partners with local lenders to provide affordable credit to eligible farmers seeking to purchase land or equipment, to finance farm improvements, or to reorganize farm debt. The RFA also offers loans for beginning farmers and can certify a beginning farmer as eligible to receive the beginning farmer tax credit.
The Agriculture Best Management Practices (BMP) Loan Program is a water quality program that provides low-interest loans to farmers, rural landowners, and agriculture supply businesses. The purpose is to encourage agricultural BMPs that prevent or reduce runoff from feedlots, farm fields, and other pollution problems identified by the county in local water plans. The projects are managed through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts or county environmental offices.
Other Assistance
There are many more resources available for farmers and ways to get help beyond grants and loans, including resources for coping with farm and rural stress. The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline can be reached at 833-600-2670, or by texting FARMSTRESS to 898211 or emailing farmstress@state.mn.us. Minnesota Farm Advocates provide one-on-one assistance for Minnesota farmers who face a crisis caused by either a natural disaster or financial problems. Farm Advocates understand the needs of agricultural families and communities. They are trained and experienced in agricultural lending practices, mediation, lender negotiation, farm programs, crisis counseling, disaster programs, and to recognize the need for legal and/or social services.
Emerging Farmers
In 2019, the MDA convened a series of listening sessions to learn about ways the department can advance the success and sustainability of farmers who traditionally face barriers to the education and resources necessary to build profitable agricultural businesses, including immigrant farmers and farmers of color. Learn more about resources for emerging farmers.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Kandiyohi County for the first time. There are now 35 counties in the state, including Kandiyohi, with EAB.
A tree care company contacted the MDA after suspecting a tree on the west side of Nest Lake near Spicer was infested with EAB. MDA staff were able to find live EAB larvae and collect samples. Federal identification confirmed emerald ash borer.
EAB was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009. The insect larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. Often, the trees show several signs of infestation because of this. Woodpeckers like to feed on EAB larvae, and woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of emerald ash borer. Also, EAB tunneling can cause the bark to split open, revealing characteristic S-shaped galleries underneath.
Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Kandiyohi County, the MDA is enacting an emergency quarantine which limits the movement of firewood and ash material out of the area. The emergency quarantine will cover the northeast corner of the county, from U.S. highways 71 and 12 on the western and southern borders, respectively, and the county line on the northern and eastern borders.
The MDA issues quarantines for all areas known to have EAB to reduce the risk of further spreading the tree-killing insect.
A virtual informational meeting for residents and tree care professionals in Kandiyohi County will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Experts from the MDA will give a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.
Emerald Ash Borer Virtual Informational Meeting
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
10-11 a.m.
Register at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab
The public will also have an opportunity to provide input on the proposal to add the partial Kandiyohi County emergency quarantine to the state’s formal quarantine. The MDA is taking comments on the proposed formal quarantine now through July 8, 2022, and recommends adopting the quarantine on July 12, 2022. The proposed quarantine language can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.
Comments can be made during the virtual meeting or by contacting:
Kimberly Thielen Cremers
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155
Kimberly.TCremers@state.mn.us
There is more EAB information on the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.
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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us