Farm & Rural Helpline

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced a state-specific restriction for the use of the herbicide dicamba in Minnesota for the 2019 growing season. Dicamba is primarily used for controlling post-emergence broadleaf weeds.

The 2019 Minnesota restriction is in addition to those established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The affected formulations are XtendiMax by Monsanto; Engenia by BASF; and FeXapan by DuPont.

The decision follows the MDA’s ongoing investigations and informal surveys into reports of crop damage from alleged dicamba off…

Minnesota Organic Conference organizers have announced the 2019 conference keynote speakers for January 10 and 11, 2019. Chef Sean Sherman will present “The (R)evolution of Indigenous Food Systems of North America” on January 10. Farmer and registered dietician Mary Jo Forbord will present “Organic Food from Minnesota: Our Roots and Future” on January 11.

Sean Sherman, a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, is an internationally renowned chef and indigenous foods scholar. Sherman’s main culinary focus is to bring back a sense of Native American cuisine to today’s…

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown program is now accepting new members. Qualifying members include farms, farmers markets, and food businesses that raise agricultural products in Minnesota. The program helps businesses and markets connect with audiences through the Direct-to-Consumer and Wholesale directories. New members are encouraged to join online by December 31, 2018,…