News Release Archives

For further information concerning these and other press releases, please contact Margaret Hart, Interim Communications Director at Margaret.Hart@state.mn.us or Liz Erickson, Communications Coordinator at Liz.Erickson@state.mn.us.

2013 News Releases

2013 Livestock Investment Grant and Value Added Grant Recipients
Strawberry crop coming in late but looking luscious June 19
MDA confirms downy mildew disease in impatiens June 12
Secretary Vilsack and Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton launch new water quality pilot program for state's farmers June 10
Top 100 dairy farms honored for superior cow care June 5
MDA releases record breaking edition of Minnesota Grown Directory May 31
MDA reminds Minnesotans to use lawn pesticides and fertilizers with care May 20
Minnesotans encouraged to observe Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week May 20
Minnesota Agriculture Department begins 2013 gypsy moth trapping program May 16
MDA leads turkey promotion mission in China May 3
MDA advises consumers to be aware when buying landscaping plants April 30
Minnesota Grown announces “Retailer of the Year” winners April 25
Health officials investigate Salmonella illnesses linked to unpasteurized cheese product April 24
MDA encourages farmers to participate in annual survey April 18
MDA announces agricultural microloan pilot program April 17
MDA requests grant proposals for specialty crops research and development April 16
MDA recommends growers sign up for Driftwatch™ prior to spring planting April 8
National Agricultural Statistics Service, Minnesota Field Office resumes weekly crop and weather reports April 8
MDA issues consumer advisory for Belgrade Meat Centers fully cooked smoked sausage products April 3
Four Minnesota commodity councils seek board candidates March 21
MDA releases election results for Dairy and Area Two Potato Research and Promotion Councils March 21
MDA confirms brown marmorated stink bug found in Duluth March 15
Governor Dayton proclaims March 17-23 as Minnesota Agriculture Week / Agriculture Week Proclamation March 15
Minnesota to host 2013 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in June March 14
MDA issues consumer advisory for two brands of raw pet food March 12
MDA to present customer research at Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association Conference March 7
Listening session in St. Cloud to focus on new ag water quality program February 26
Crookston listening session to focus on new ag water quality program February 19
Business planning workshop is designed for small and specialty crop farmers February 15
Listening session in Roseville to focus on ag new water quality program February 15
Agriculture Commissioner seeks recommendations for new water quality pilot projects February 11
Volunteers needed to help monitor for invasive pests February 8
Listening session in Stewartville to focus on new ag water quality program February 7
MDA schedules informational meetings on gypsy moth treatments in St. Louis County February 7
New round of value-added grants available to ag producers, processors February 6
Multiple new EAB infestations found in Twin Cities February 1
Listening session in Worthington to focus on ag new water quality program February 1
MDA issues Request for Proposals for farm to school grants February 1
MDA to hold listening sessions on new ag water quality certification program January 22
MDA seeks new farms and markets for Minnesota Grown Directory January 16
First ever first detector training for pests of fruits and vegetables January 8
New EAB find in southeastern Minnesota January 2
Trade show support program helps food companies expand their markets January 2
Four agriculture promotion councils seek candidates for upcoming elections January 2

2012 News Releases

Deadline to apply for Sustainable Ag Grant Program is January 11 December 18
Elections set for two Minnesota commodity research and promotion councils December 13
MDA urges livestock farmers not to delay applications for investment grants December 12
Minnesota agricultural exports hit record high in 2011 December 11
MDA invites farmers to 2013 nutrient management conference in Fergus Falls December 6
MDA offers winter workshops again in 2013 December 5
“Yule” find a great selection of Minnesota Grown Christmas trees around the state December 3
2013 Minnesota Organic Conference packed with experts, food and fun! November 28
U of M and U.S. Forest Service research helping MDA plan next steps against EAB November 27
EAB Stingless Wasp Research November 26
Find a cornucopia of local foods for your Thanksgiving feast November 16
Farmers, ag businesses and entrepreneurs targeted for new grant program November 16
MDA distributes federal block grant to promote specialty crops November 8
MDA helped Minnesotans safely dispose of more than 18 tons of waste pesticides in 2012 November 8
Today is inaugural "National Bison Day" November 1
State venison donation program available for deer hunters in 2012 October 30
Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association celebrates successful season October 25
MDA asks Minnesotans to watch for invasive vine sometimes mistaken for holiday staple October 18
MDA encourages farmers to consider drainage water management practices this fall October 17
Annual Greenbook highlights sustainable agriculture innovations October 15
Grant funds now available for sustainable farming innovations October 10
Ethanol industry pumps estimated $5 billion into state’s economy October 10
MDA urges farmers to use soil temperature as guide for timing fall nitrogen applications October 5
Organic farmers, processors have until October 31 to apply for certification rebate October 4
Steps to success outlined for organic farmers October 2
Minnesota specialty crop producers and programs get boost from USDA October 1
MDA statement on State of Minnesota v. Alvin Schlangen September 20
MDA receives new grants from federal government to bolster food safety capabilities September 14
MDA offering flood assistance grants to farmers in 15 counties September 12
Orchards offering enough Minnesota Grown apples to meet autumn appetites September 12
MDA hounds emerald ash borer with detection dogs September 6
MDA finalizes training for dogs to find emerald ash borer September 4
MDA confirms new fungal disease on basil September 4
Live bed bugs on display at MDA State Fair exhibit August 29
State issues consumer advisory for Hoffman Town & Country Meat Market turkey jerky August 23
First cases of new influenza strain reported in Minnesota - MDH News Release August 20
Apples are early! August 20
Minnesota's organic certification cost share program now accepting applications August 20
On-farm field day features research in growing strawberries in a high tunnel August 17
Bed bugs and more await visitors to the MDA State Fair exhibit! August 17
Three Salmonella cases in Minnesota linked to multistate outbreak due to cantaloupe - MDH News Release August 17
MDA confirms new fruit pest in Minnesota August 15
MDA confirms emerald ash borer infestation at Fort Snelling golf course August 15
MDA issues consumer advisory for fresh cilantro sold in certain stores | Affected Stores August 9
Organic farm report shows fairly strong farm performance last year August 9
MDA alerts consumers to recall of Reichel Foods products August 8
MDA issues consumer advisory for recalled organic grape tomatoes / Organic Grape Tomatoes Store List August 8
Improving soil health for better profitability is focus of upcoming conference August 8
Members sought for new Dairy Research, Teaching and Consumer Education Authority August 7
MDA participates in 31st annual Farmfest August 3
MDA announces $1 million in funding for state’s livestock farmers August 3
Governor Dayton declares August 5-11 Farmers Market Week / Farmers Market Week Proclamation August 1
New MDA website provides farmers information, resources to cope with drought July 26
MDA issues advisory for four varieties of Cass-Clay Ice Cream July 25
Elk farming class being offered to encourage more production of elk July 19
MDA report shows profitability of specialty crops July 18
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 19 in Wabasha July 17
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 21 in St. James July 17
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 27 at Rock County Fair July 17
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 27 at Redwood County Fair July 17
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 21 in Eden Valley July 17
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 26 at Yellow Medicine County Fair July 17
MDA kicking off 2012 agricultural pest surveys July 12
MDA issues consumer advisory on Peppermint Bon Bon Ice Cream July 9
Media Advisory: Ag Water Quality Advisory Committee to hold first meeting on July 9; National NRCS Chief to attend July 5
MDA set to conduct gypsy moth treatments in Carlton and St. Louis Counties July 5
MDA loan program helps rural landowners fix ailing septic systems June 27
MDA assessing needs of vegetable growers with crop losses due to floods, storms June 22
New farmers market comes to State Capitol! June 20
MDA announces weed alert in Kittson County June 20
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 17 in Morris June 20
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 13 in Barnesville June 20
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 13 in Fergus Falls June 20
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 12 in Lewiston June 20
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 11 in St. Peter June 20
Tri-State Conservation Grazing Workshop scheduled August 21-22 June 19
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic July 6-7 in Park Rapids June 13
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic June 27 in Benson June 13
Deadline approaches to apply for Organic Advisory Task Force June 6
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic June 26 in Sauk Center June 6
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic June 27 in Madison June 6
State dairy farmers continue to show superior dairy cow care / 2011 Top 100 Lowest SCC List June 4
Organic farm directory available to retailers, manufacturers June 4
MDA issues consumer advisory for Blackstar Heavy Whipping Cream June 1
MDA announces members of Agriculture Water Quality Certification advisory committee May 31
We’re sensing a sensational strawberry season! May 30
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic June 7 in Mille Lacs County May 30
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic May 31 in Milaca May 30
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic June 4-8 in Little Falls May 30
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic June 9 in Cushing May 30
Minnesota adding a sticky new tool in the fight against emerald ash borer May 23
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic June 5 in Scandia May 23
MDA to offer free nitrate water-testing clinic June 4 in Hastings May 23
Low interest loans available to farmers and rural landowners for water pollution prevention projects May 22
Governor Dayton proclaims May 20-26 Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week May 18
Minnesota Department of Agriculture issues advisory for dried uneviscerated fish May 18
MDA issues consumer advisory for Korean shellfish May 16
MDA to offer free nitrate testing clinic May 22 in Sherburne County May 16
MDA to offer free nitrate testing clinic May 31 in Beltrami County May 16
MDA to offer free nitrate testing clinic May 24 in Afton May 16
MDA advises consumers shopping for organic foods to look for certified label May 10
MDA unleashing the hounds to find emerald ash borer May 8
MDA explores using dogs to find emerald ash borer May 7
Back by popular demand – the Minnesota Grown Directory! May 7
Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force seeks eight members May 7
Governor Dayton signs omnibus agriculture legislation into law May 3
Minnesota Agriculture Department launches 2012 gypsy moth trapping program May 1
Minnesota Grown announces “Retailer of the Year” winners April 19
MDA using the power of the Internet to help prevent accidental pesticide damage to plants April 18
MDA finds encouraging results using new detection method to find emerald ash borer April 18
Minnesota Department of Agriculture issues advisory for dried uneviscerated fish April 10
MDA issues advisory to farmers with business ties to northwest Minnesota seed company April 9
National Ag Statistics Service, Minnesota Field Office resumes weekly crop and weather reports April 2
MDA to begin trapping across the state for emerald ash borer March 29
MDA reminds Minnesotans to use pesticides and fertilizers with care March 27
CSAs provide sensational selections all season long March 15
MDA reschedules open houses on proposed northern Minnesota gypsy moth treatments March 12
MDA seeking candidates for Agriculture Water Quality Certification advisory committee March 5
Governor Dayton signs legislation removing export barrier for Minnesota ag firms March 2
MDA announces bioenergy grant recipients February 29
Governor Dayton proclaims March 4-10 Minnesota Agriculture Week February 27
MDA announces new formalized emerald ash borer quarantine February 27
Minnesota Ag Teacher Wins National Ag Literacy Teaching Award February 24
Scholarships available to transitioning and recently certified organic farmers February 23
CONSUMER ALERT: As drought continues, Commissioners Rothman and Frederickson urge farmers to review crop insurance needs February 16
Loans available for farm diversification and innovation February 14
MDA planning gypsy moth suppression treatments for northeastern Minnesota in 2012 / 2012 Proposed Gypsy Moth Treatment Areas February 8
Minnesota seeks lookouts for invasive pests February 1
Specialty crop growers can apply for grants to boost their businesses January 27
MDA invites farmers to February 15 nutrient management conference in Morton January 25
FAQ about farmers’ markets answered at upcoming conference January 24
Four agriculture research and promotion councils seek board candidates January 24
Minnesota farmer-author to share his conversations with the land January 10
MDA issues consumer advisory for Pepin Heights Orchards Honeycrisp apple cider January 6
Make sure your business skills are as good as your growing skills January 4

2011 News Releases

MDA warns of Christmas trees that may be harboring pests December 22
Registration discount ends Dec. 30 for Minnesota Organic Conference December 19
MDA winter workshops will help growers "think spring" December 13
MDA and partners use new detection method to find emerald ash borer December 12
MDA warns consumers to look out for invasive weed in holiday decorations December 1
Media Advisory: Media invited to get firsthand look at invasive weeds mistaken for holiday decorations November 30
Don’t let pests come into your home this holiday season November 28
Get early registration discount for 2012 Minnesota Organic Conference November 28
Christmas tree crop looks lush and plentiful! November 21
Minnesota Turkey Council seeks candidates for Board of Directors November 21
Save the date for the Minnesota Organic Conference November 16
MDA confirms brown marmorated stink bug detection in Hennepin County November 15
Media Advisory: Winona County field day planned for emerald ash borer identification November 10
MDA to sponsor video conference on state’s grazing needs November 9
Winona County field day planned for emerald ash borer identification November 7
State venison donation program available for deer hunters in 2011 November 3
Popular class on raising bison scheduled in November October 31
Salmonella illnesses linked to organic eggs / Larry Schultz Customer List - Groceries October 19
Reminder to organic farmers to sign up for certification cost-share October 17
MDA urges farmers to monitor soil temperature when planning fall herbicide applications October 13
Options plentiful for family friendly fun on the farm! October 12
Five Minnesota counties issue more than $10 million in loans to farmers October 6
FDA awards $1 million rapid-response grant to Minnesota Department of Agriculture October 4
Media Advisory: MDA introducing stingless wasps to fight emerald ash borer near St. Paul’s Summit Ave. September 29
Learn how to start a farmers’ market at upcoming workshops September 26
Vietnam trade mission presents unique market opportunities for Minnesota ag companies September 23
MDA and DNR to host open houses on emerald ash borer September 23
MDA warns consumers about shipping apples to several western states September 21
MDA encourages safety and awareness this upcoming harvest season September 14
Orchards are brimming with abundant apple harvest September 14
MDA concludes EAB insecticide special registration review September 13
MDA urges caution when handling or applying anhydrous ammonia this fall September 8
Students offered more locally grown foods in school lunches this year September 7
Organic farming profits rise in 2010 August 31
MDA confirms two new emerald ash borer infestations in southeastern Minnesota August 26
Researchers to share results of blackberry production August 22
MDA warning homeowners about grass clippings from lawns treated with Imprelis August 16
Register to win free groceries at the MDA State Fair booth August 15
You could win free groceries for a year! August 15
Organic certification cost share program now accepting applications August 15
Media Advisory: Field day features research in hops production in Minnesota August 12
MDA protects state’s walnut trees from deadly disease August 11
Online tool helps farmers consider new enterprises August 9
Governor Dayton proclaims August 7-13 as Farmers Market Week / Proclamation August 4
Popular Farmers Feed US grocery sweepstakes starts August 15! August 3
MDA confirms emerald ash borer infestation in Shoreview July 22
MDA receives grant to survey consumer trends July 20
MDA officials set to combat gypsy moth in St. Louis, Lake, Cook and Carlton Counties July 14
MDA announces weed alert in Washington County July 12
Minnesota agricultural exports up 22 percent in 2010 July 8
Researchers to show results of high tunnel raspberry production July 8
Field day to show organic mushroom production in a northern climate July 8
On-farm field day to demonstrate growing success of cold-hardy cherry July 8
MDA to combat gypsy moth in Duluth by stopping moths from mating July 8
Wholesaler/distributor representative needed on Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force July 7
MDA issues consumer advisory for Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+ Adult Premium Dry Cat Food / Image of Cat Food Bag July 1
MDA to offer free nitrate testing clinic July 12-15 in Traverse County June 30
MDA to offer free nitrate testing clinic July 13 in Roseau County June 30
MDA to offer free nitrate testing clinic July 6-8 in Meeker County June 30
MDA to offer free nitrate testing clinic July 8-9 in Hubbard County June 30
MDA to offer free nitrate testing clinic July 18-20 in Douglas County June 30
Fresh, homegrown strawberries are ripe and ready for picking June 24
MDA to offer free nitrate testing clinic June 29-30 in Lyon County June 22
MDA to offer free nitrate testing clinic June 28-30 in Kittson County June 22