Minnesota Department of Agriculture

@mnagriculture

Working for Minnesota's food supply, environment, and agricultural economy.

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Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· 28d

We're offering free, onsite well water nitrate testing at our Farmfest tent again during the Aug. 4-6 event at the Historic Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls. Bring a sample and learn about our programs while you're there! 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-offering-free-nitrate-testing-farmfest

Man in blue shirt demonstrating a water testing device to a woman wearing a cap at an indoor event booth.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· 28d

Thanks to our International Marketing team and Dennis Lynch, from Food Export Midwest, for a great food export readiness seminar today! Learn more about how we help Minnesota food and ag businesses reach customers around the world, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/exporting-international-trade 🌏

Group photo of Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Food Export staff in a brightly lit hotel ballroom where the seminar is taking place.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· 29d

One more reminder! You have until July 31 to submit comments on the adequacy of Minnesota Rules in protecting our natural resources from pollution, impairment, or destruction allegedly resulting from neonicotinoid-treated seed use. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/neonic-treated-seed-public-comment

Close-up of numerous bright red treated corn seeds densely packed together, showing their smooth, shiny surfaces and varied shapes.

Sunlight filters through dense green trees over a gently flowing river with rocks along its banks.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· 29d

For years, scientists have puzzled over a question: Why are nitrate levels going down in some groundwater aquifers, but rising in others? Learn how groundwater age, geology, climate, and land use history shape nitrate trends in the SE MN karst region. 👀 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV74r2Gfirk

Stream flowing through a rocky, wooded area in Southeast Minnesota's karst region with text about groundwater age and nitrate trends.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 20

USDA's Farm Service Agency is accepting applications to help with organic certification costs for 2025 and 2026 program years through Dec. 31, 2026. Up to $750 available or up to 75% of the cost, whichever is smaller. Contact your local FSA office 🔗 https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/minnesota

Lush green organic crop field under a clear sky with text about cost share assistance for organic producers and a deadline of Dec. 31, 2026.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 17

We have expanded our Minnesota Ag Weather Network (MAWN) with the installation of two weather stations in South Central MN. Located near Wells in Faribault County & Vernon Center in Blue Earth County, the new stations are a crucial step toward improving statewide data coverage for MN farmers.

Weather monitoring station with instruments, solar panel, and tall antenna set in a green field under a partly cloudy sky.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 16

Just wrapping up an afternoon at the Ramsey County Fair. Back after a six-year hiatus, and better than ever! Runs through Sunday, July 19 in Maplewood. ℹ️ https://ramseycountyfair.com/

Close-up of a brown horse with a light-colored halter behind metal bars in a stable.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 16

If you apply fertilizer for hire, you must be licensed by the MDA. Businesses that sell or apply fertilizer also need a fertilizer license that covers their employees. Get licensed now and head into the busy season with confidence. Apply 🔗 https://www2.mda.state.mn.us/webapp/erenewal/apply.jsp

Green tractor pulling a large fertilizer tank and cultivator across a harvested field with dry crop residue.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 15

We're gathering input on the socioeconomic impact of large-scale dairies in Minnesota through two virtual meetings on 7/28/26 & an online form. Comments will be accepted 7/28/26-10/1/26. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-gather-input-socioeconomic-impact-large-scale-dairies-minnesota

Two Holstein cows with ear tags eating hay inside a metal feeding stall on a farm.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 14

Today's Summer Cattlemen's Tour brought producers together in Lyon and Lincoln counties to showcase the innovation and stewardship keeping Minnesota's beef industry mooving forward. Thanks to the Southwest Cattlemen's Assn and Minnesota State Cattlemen's Assn for hosting!

Close-up of black cattle feeding inside a covered barn with metal railings and hay on the ground.

Man in green shirt smiling while holding a plate with a sandwich and baked beans at a casual indoor barbecue event.

Three people standing inside a large metal building, smiling at the camera, with event booths and attendees in the background.

Two men wearing headsets and holding microphones broadcast live from a table covered with a WNAX Radio 570 banner.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 13

We & local Soil & Water Conversation Districts are hosting a series of nitrate testing clinics for private well owners this summer. All residents within driving distance are welcome. Next one is in Pope County on 7/16. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/free-well-water-nitrate-testing-clinic-pope-county

Five clear glasses lined up, each being filled with water showing different levels and bubbles forming.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 10

Reminder! We're seeking public input on whether Minnesota rules adequately protect our natural resources from pollution allegedly resulting from neonicotinoid-treated seed use. Learn more and submit comments by July 31. 🔗www.mda.state.mn.us/neonic-treated-seed-public-comment

Sunlight filters through dense green trees over a gently flowing creek with rocks along its banks.

Close-up of numerous bright red neonicotinoid-treated corn seeds.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 8

Today the Farm to School Institute presented the 2026 Cream of the Crop Awards to the winners in Hutchinson, MN. This is a statewide contest to celebrate school districts, early care centers, & family day cares who buy, serve, & promote food from MN Grown farmers and producers.

Four women standing indoors against a rustic wooden wall, two holding awards and smiling at the camera.

Group of eleven smiling women posing indoors, one holding a clear award plaque, against a wooden wall backdrop.

Group of smiling children and two adults posing in front of rustic wooden doors inside a wooden-paneled room.

Four women and a child stand inside a wooden-paneled room with natural light from a window on the left.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 8

Come meet our outreach veterinarians if you're attending the Web Livestock Auction in Benson on Friday, July 10! Stop by their booth from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. to pick up resources on antibiotic stewardship and drug residue prevention.

MDA Drug Residue Prevention Program offers resources and event information with educational materials and a calendar.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 7

Chlorpyrifos - an active ingredient found in insecticides such as Pilot 4E, Warhawk, and Drexel Chlorpyrifos 4E - has reappeared in several Minnesota rivers and streams after two years with no detections. Info 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/docs/2024-02/waterbmpchlorpyrifos.pdf

Red tractor spraying crops in a large field under a partly cloudy sky with trees in the background.

Calm river flowing through green fields under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 6

In MN, anyone applying fertilizer for hire must be licensed with the MDA. Businesses that sell or apply fertilizer also need a license covering employees. Apply: https://www2.mda.state.mn.us/webapp/erenewal/apply.jsp Requirements: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticide-fertilizer/fertilizer-licensing

Red tractor pulling blue farming equipment and a white fertilizer tank across a harvested field under a partly cloudy sky.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 6

Reminder: Applications are now open for our Down Payment Assistance Grant, and anyone interested in applying is invited to attend our informational webinar at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, July 7, 2026 to learn more. Info 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/minnesota-helps-farmers-buy-their-first-farm

Two farmers shaking hands beside a tractor at sunset with a vibrant orange and purple sky.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 3

“I think crop art is where Minnesota’s agricultural heritage kind of meets its creative spirit,” said MDA staffer Erika Camplin. MN's crop art is on display in Washington, D.C. for America's 250th 🔗 www.mprnews.org/story/2026/07/02/minnesota-crop-art-on-display-at-great-american-state-fair

Display of Minnesota crop art featuring Al's Diner with a blue-striped awning, a "Croppie" fish, and a star that says "Crop Star".

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 3

As we head into Independence Day weekend, we at the MDA want to wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July! Our offices are closed today, Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of the holiday.

Hand holding a lit sparkler emitting bright sparks against a dark background.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 2

We're hosting a free waste pesticide collection event on July 16, 2026, in Clay County, MN. Farmers, residents, and businesses can safely dispose of up to 300 pounds of unwanted and unusable pesticides at no cost. Info 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-host-free-waste-pesticide-collection-event-0

Assorted aerosol cans of insecticides and household sprays piled together in a container.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 1

Invasive species are often moved from place to place unintentionally by people unaware of their actions. Our latest Weed of the Month newsletter explores ways people can enjoy the outdoors while preventing their spread. Read more 🔗 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/41e5c37

Person cleaning mud off the blue-soled black shoe with a small red brush outdoors on grass.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jul 1

We plan to aerially manage 16 sites in Aitkin, Carlton, Pine, and St. Louis counties in NE MN to slow the spread of spongy moth. It will likely take place July 14-17, 2026, depending on weather conditions. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-conduct-spongy-moth-aerial-management-northeast-minnesota

Yellow agricultural airplane flying low over expansive green farmland under a clear blue sky.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jun 30

Our Green Fertilizer Grant is due July 15! This program could help kickstart green fertilizer production in MN, read more in this MPR story 📲 mprnews.org/story/2026/06/13/a-minnesota-grant-aims-to-kickstart-domestic-green-fertilizer-production & apply at www.mda.state.mn.us/green-fertilizer-program

Black and white cow standing on a green pasture with wind turbines in the background under a clear blue sky.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jun 30

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has issued import restrictions for dogs and cats from states with active New World screwworm infestations. Learn more 🔗 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNBAH/bulletins/41e3ea6

Close-up of a New World screwworm fly perched on the edge of a vibrant green leaf with detailed wings and red eyes.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jun 29

Planning an Independence Day cookout? Or just picking up some chicken to cook for supper? Either way, follow these guidelines to make sure it's safe to purchase and consume.

Checklist for safe raw chicken purchase: proper labeling, licensed retail, and USDA or state inspection marks.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jun 26

Do you have a passion to support fellow farmers? Nominate yourself to be a Dept. of Agriculture Farm Service Agency county committee member. #LeadYourFSA fsa.usda.gov/coc

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jun 25

Recent rains didn't change the overall drought picture in MN, according to the Drought Center. In fact, 40% of MN is now in some form of drought, up from 37% last week. Severe drought remains located in north central MN and in the SW corner of the state. 🔗 https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

Map of Minnesota showing drought intensity levels as of June 23, 2026, with areas marked from abnormally dry to severe drought.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jun 24

As we approach peak berry season in MN, a tiny pest threatens to ruin growers' hard work. On the latest episode of our Smarty Plants podcast, we'll zoom in on the spotted wing drosophila fly, and the work being done to keep our berries delicious. Listen now 🎧 www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants

Close-up of a small fly resting on the surface of a ripe red raspberry with visible fine hairs on the fruit.

Photo credit: Hannah Burrack, North Carolina State University, Bugwood.org

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jun 23

Reminder: Over-the-top use of approved dicamba products (Engenia®, Stryax™, & Tavium®) on dicamba-tolerant soybeans ends June 30 for everywhere in MN north of Interstate 94. It ended June 12 for everywhere south of I-94. 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticide-fertilizer/dicamba-general-information

Red tractor spraying soybean crops in a vast green field under a clear sky at sunrise.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture@mnagriculture· Jun 22

Ready to expand into international markets? Join MDA and Food Export on for a full-day seminar covering export readiness, market research, pricing, trade agreements, and more. 📅 July 22 📍 Delta Hotels, Minneapolis 📲 Register at www.foodexport.org/events/exporter-education/seminars/g26edusem-mn/