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Minnesota Department of Agriculture
@mnagriculture.bsky.social
510 followers 42 following 40 posts
Working for Minnesota's food supply, environment, and agricultural economy.
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An 11-acre public park in Rochester became a showcase for what can happen when invasive plant removal allows native plants to return. Check out our latest Weed of the Month newsletter to learn more! #MNAg

ℹ️ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/3fd2eee
Two stitched photos show a before-and-after of a wooded area in Rochester. In 2020, the thick foliage, consisting largely of invasive species, crowds the underbrush. In 2024, the same area has been opened up and native bluebell plants are visible throughout.
December 1, 2025 at 3:09 PM
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We’re grateful for the farmers, makers & small businesses who nourish our communities. This Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, we encourage you to shop local. Your support strengthens hometown economies. Start by browsing this year's Minnesota Grown holiday gift guide at MinnesotaGrown.com 🎁
Two brown gift boxes with green ribbons surrounded by green and gold ornaments on a textured green background with 'Minnesota Grown's Gift Guide 2025' text.
November 28, 2025 at 2:01 PM
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This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for the growers who provide the food that people will be gathering around to renew connections and celebrate the harvest.

In observance of the holiday, MDA offices will be closed today, Thursday, November 27, and tomorrow, Friday, November 28.
Golden roasted turkey being lifted from a baking pan on a white wooden table, ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Copy says "Happy Thanksgiving from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture" with the MDA logo.
November 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
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Today, Governor Tim Walz welcomed this year's Swanville-based Minnesota Thanksgiving turkey to the Capitol. Commissioner Thom Petersen joined him and leaders of Second Harvest Heartland, Minnesota 4-H, and Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, which donated $10k to hunger relief. #MNAg
A white turkey stands on a blue tablecloth with 'Minnesota Turkey Farmers Association' printed, surrounded by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and others in a formal room. A large white turkey with fanned tail feathers standing on a patterned red carpet indoors. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaking at a podium in an ornate room with a turkey on a table next to him, American and state flags behind, audience seated and photographing the event.
November 25, 2025 at 9:36 PM
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Today, we welcomed Turck's Trees of Litchfield to the MN State Capitol as they delivered the tree which will be on display throughout the holiday season. The 15-foot balsam fir was the MN Christmas Tree Grower's 2025 State Fair Christmas Tree Competition Grand Champion.
People carrying a cut and bound tree up the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol on a cloudy day. Two workers setting up a large Christmas tree inside the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda, with ornate arches and glowing lamps. Group of seven adults including Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen and members of Turck's Trees standing indoors around a large undecorated Christmas tree in the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda with ornate architecture and a staircase in the background. Workers positioning a large Christmas tree inside the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda, a grand marble hall with arched columns and American flags.
November 25, 2025 at 4:19 PM
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Up to $10,000 is now available for MN farmers to improve biosecurity and prepare their farms for drought, storms, and other extreme weather events. Two AGRI grants, one goal: a stronger, more resilient ag community.

Details & deadlines 🔗www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-offers-grants-boost-farm-resilience
November 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
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Residents in and around Martin County can get their private well water 🚰 tested for nitrate at our free one-day clinic in Fairmont 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4.

Details on how to prepare your sample and where to bring it 🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/free-well-water-testing-clinic-martin-county
November 24, 2025 at 4:40 PM
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Livestock producers take steps every day to fight antibiotic resistance & protect their animals. Good husbandry, farm biosecurity, & veterinary-client-patient relationships ensure antibiotics are used appropriately.

ℹ️ www.mda.state.mn.us/drug-residue-prevention-resources/resource-library-producers
Two veterinarians examine a cow inside a barn during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week with a blue info circle explaining Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR).
November 21, 2025 at 8:01 PM
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If your holiday plans call for a festive tree, there are plenty of great live choices from Minnesota tree growers this time of year. The latest Smarty Plants podcast episode has what you need to know before heading out to a tree lot or farm. 🎄 #MNAg

🎧 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants
Logo of Smarty Plants podcast featuring glasses with leaves, a grasshopper, and a butterfly on a green background.
November 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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Antimicrobial 🦠 resistance doesn’t just impact people. It matters for animal health, too. At the MDA, we provide outreach and education to support antibiotic stewardship in the use of veterinary drugs for livestock animals. #MNAg

Learn more 🔗 www.mda.state.mn.us/residue-prevention.
Woman standing behind a Minnesota Department of Agriculture table with informational materials for U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, November 18-24, in a room with white brick walls.
November 20, 2025 at 3:58 PM
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We’re excited to announce the Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year winners! 🥳🛒 These retailers go above and beyond to champion local farmers, highlight Minnesota Grown products, and make it easier for shoppers to choose local options.

🔗www.mda.state.mn.us/meet-minnesota-grown-retailer-year-winners
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
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We're advising farmers who have sold grain in Minnesota to Hansen-Mueller Co. and have not received payment to submit a claim with the MDA. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 17, 2025.

🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-advises-farmers-ties-hansen-mueller-co-file-claims
Three large silver grain silos stand under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds, connected by elevated conveyor belts.
November 19, 2025 at 3:10 PM
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Discover how Minnesota schools, early care providers, and farmers are working together to bring more local food into classrooms, cafeterias, and communities across the state in our 2025 Farm to Kids Annual Report.

🔗 www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/farm-school-early-care-overview
November 18, 2025 at 8:56 PM
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It’s U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week! The MDA works with farmers and the food production industry to prevent antibiotic drug residues and protect Minnesota’s food supply. 🦠

Fighting antimicrobial resistance takes all of us – learn more 🔗 bit.ly/4mAMTTS.
Row of dairy cows eating in a barn with a U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week banner promoting fighting antimicrobial resistance.
November 18, 2025 at 4:03 PM
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Our grant opportunity for urban farmers in Minnesota to receive up to $5,000 to make conservation-focused improvements is now open for applications. Apply by Dec. 18, 2025. An info session will take place online at 1 p.m. Nov. 20, 2025.

🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mini-grant-urban-farms-now-open
November 14, 2025 at 8:30 PM
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We recently expanded our MN Ag Weather Network, adding a station outside Rollag, MN. We're another step closer to providing real-time, hyperlocal environmental data collected w/in 20 miles of all #MNAg land. #MNWx

🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-expands-ag-weather-network-west-central-minnesota-0
Tall weather monitoring tower with instruments in a dry grass field under a clear blue sky. Map showing Minnesota and North Dakota with agricultural weather network stations, expansion areas, and 20-mile coverage zones marked.
November 14, 2025 at 2:53 PM
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It's here! Minnesota Grown’s annual Gift Guide is your go-to source for thoughtful, locally made gifts. Shop small, give big, and support Minnesota farmers and makers this holiday season 🎁✨

📲 Browse the 2025 Gift Guide now: MinnesotaGrown.com
#ShopLocal #MinnesotaGrown
Two gift boxes with green ribbons surrounded by holiday ornaments and pine branches, featuring text 'Minnesota Grown's Gift Guide 2025' on a textured green background.
November 13, 2025 at 7:44 PM
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Paid Leave is coming to MN - is your ag business ready?
Join an engagement session to help employers prepare to meet their responsibilities under the new program. Learn what Paid Leave means for your ag business.
11/25/25 @ 12-1:30 p.m.
ℹ️ https://tinyurl.com/yawddpad
Person waving during a video call with two people displayed on a laptop screen in a cozy room.
November 12, 2025 at 4:44 PM
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This Veterans Day, we recognize the many veterans (including those in agriculture) who have served our nation in peace and in war. Their sacrifices can never be repaid, but they must be remembered.

In observance of the holiday, all MDA offices are closed today, Tuesday, November 11.
American flag waving with bold white text saying 'Thank You Veterans' honoring military service members.
November 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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Greetings from the 20th Annual Emerging Farmers Conference! We're present and presenting today and tomorrow in Brooklyn Center. Hope to see you there! #MNAg

ℹ️ https://www.emergingfarmers.org/
Two people posing together at an indoor event with informational booths and a 'No Drift Zone' sign visible nearby. A crowded indoor event with people visiting booths and a colorful prize wheel labeled 'Wild Card' at the center. Four conference attendees standing together indoors, wearing badges and holding coffee cups, smiling for a group photo.
November 7, 2025 at 8:53 PM
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MN firearm 🦌 hunters: As you head out Saturday, remember you can help people in need! Our hunter-harvested venison donation program turns your success into food for charities, thanks to participating meat processors.

ℹ️https://www.mda.state.mn.us/food-feed/hunter-harvested-venison-donation-minnesota
Close-up of a young buck with velvet-covered antlers standing near a tree in a dimly lit forest.
November 7, 2025 at 3:24 PM
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Anyone wanting to grow or process hemp in MN in 2026 can now apply for a license. Both individuals & businesses must complete the application process.

Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026.

🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/application-period-opens-minnesotas-2026-industrial-hemp-program
November 5, 2025 at 7:30 PM
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Attention MN beef producers! Request your ballot to vote in the upcoming MN Beef Checkoff Referendum. Producers will vote on a 50¢ increase to support beef research, promotion, and consumer outreach.

Learn more & request a ballot🔗mda.state.mn.us/minnesota-beef-checkoff-fee-increase-proposed
November 5, 2025 at 3:15 PM
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November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, a time to celebrate the historic and ongoing contributions of Indigenous cultures in North America, including the agricultural cultivation of native crops upon which much of modern farming is based.
November 3, 2025 at 9:01 PM
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Thinking about stepping up your weed control efforts next year? A weed management plan can be as simple or complex as you want, but either way, the most important thing is to get started. Our Weed of the Month quiz can help. #MNAg

🔗 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/3f9d2f3
Close-up of a white cow standing in a green meadow filled with invasive plants and tall grass on a sunny day.
November 3, 2025 at 4:58 PM