Tax Break Available for Beginning Farmers
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Rural Finance Authority is now accepting applications for a tax credit for the sale or lease of land, equipment, machinery, and livestock in Minnesota by beginning farmers. To qualify, the applicant must be a Minnesota resident with the desire to start farming or who began farming in Minnesota […]
Residents Receiving Unknown Seeds from China
Residents in North Dakota and Minnesota are receiving unsolicited packages containing seeds from China. Agriculture officials in other states are also reporting similar instances, and the motive behind this action is not known at the time. The foreign seeds may be invasive and introduce diseases harmful to plants and/or livestock. Anyone receiving unsolicited seeds in […]
MN Farmers Must Develop a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is requiring all Minnesota farmers to have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in place by June 29. The plan must comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health coronavirus guidelines and OSHA standards. All farms and farmers’ markets must develop and implement a preparedness plan.
Farmers Advised to File Claims with Karlstad Elevator Closure
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture received notice from the Karlstad Farmers Elevator that their doors are closing. Therefore, MDA is advising farmers who have not received payment or had grain stored at the elevator to file a bond claim. The elevator holds a $70,000 bond with the Department to help mitigate losses upon closure. […]
New Radio Series Highlights Farmer Stress
Prompted by the many sources of stress currently impacting farmers and ranchers, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Red River Farm Network have joined forces to create a new radio and podcast series called TransFARMation. The series is designed to increase awareness and reduce inhibitions about acknowledging farm stress, as well as highlight the […]
