Farmfest

Visit the MDA’s exhibit for information on a wide variety of agriculture-related programs and resources. 

Farmfest is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. each day

Featured programs include:

• Rural Finance Authority Loan Programs — Get information on low- to zero-interest loans to help recover from natural disasters, improve farm facilities, restructure debt, expand livestock production, and help first-time farmers purchase land.
• Grant Programs — Learn more about MDA grant programs available to help increase productivity, improve efficiency, develop new agricultural products, and more.
• Minnesota Ag Weather Network — See how to get real-time weather data and decision-support tools and view the network’s recent expansion thanks to additional funding from the Clean Water Fund. Pick up a postcard to take the information home with you!
• Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program — Discover how you can become certified and obtain regulatory certainty for 10 years, all to help protect our water.
• Rural Mental Health Resources — Find out about the people and organizations ready to help farmers and their families deal with stress, depression, and suicide.

Free Nitrate Testing for Private Wells — The Minnesota Department of Health recommends annual testing for nitrate and other contaminants in all private wells. Testing takes less than 5 minutes, and results are confidential. Visit Water Testing for Nitrate for more information.

Just follow these steps:

• Run your cold tap 5-10 minutes (this can be saved in a pitcher or other container for later use)
• Collect at least one cup of water in a clean, sealed container
• Keep the sample cool

The MDA Farmfest Booth is #517S.