Cities in Minnesota may enact ordinances requiring Minnesota Department of Agriculture licensed commercial and noncommerci
July 8, 2024
Minnesota farmers looking to add safety equipment to their on-farm grain storage facilities can now apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant program.
The program reimburses up to 75% of the cost to purchase and install eligible safety equipment for on-farm grain bins or silos. Applicants are eligible to receive up to $400 per bin or silo, with a limit of $2,400 per farm per year. Grant funding comes from a legislative appropriation of $75,000 for both the Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant and the Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Rebate programs.
“Handling grain comes with a high level of risk, and workers should take every precaution possible to prevent potential tragedies,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “I encourage farmers to make use of this grant opportunity to help themselves, their families, and their employees stay safe around their silos and bins.”
Examples of eligible safety equipment include, but are not limited to:
- Fall protection systems,
- Engineering controls that prevent contact with an auger or other moving parts,
- Dust collection systems that minimize explosion hazards,
- Personal protective equipment that increases the likelihood of surviving a grain-bin-related emergency,
- Grain silo air quality monitoring equipment, and
- Other grain storage facility safety equipment with prior approval from the MDA.
The MDA is accepting grant applications through May 15, 2025, or until all funds are exhausted. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and to apply, visit the MDA’s Grain Storage Facility Safety Grant webpage.
###
Media Contact
Logan Schumacher
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
July 8, 2024
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is preparing to treat multiple sites in Carlton and southern St. Louis counties to slow the spread of spongy moth. Officials will conduct the aerial management activities July 10-12, beginning as early as 6:30 a.m. each day and continuing throughout the day. The dates are dependent on weather conditions in the area.
There are 13 treatment sites throughout Carlton County, including an area in the city of Cloquet. There are five treatment areas in southern St. Louis County, all on the western side of the county. There are maps of the sites available on the MDA website. Residents can also look up their address on an interactive map to determine if they are within any of these blocks.
The MDA will use a method of mating disruption involving the aerial application of an organically certified, waxy, food-grade substance containing pheromones specific to spongy moths that confuses the male moths. This makes it difficult for the male spongy moths to find females for mating, reducing mating success. The result is fewer caterpillars hatching and defoliating trees next year. Application is timed just as adult moths emerge in early summer.
The mating disruption product will be applied by low-flying yellow planes contracted by the U.S. Forest Service in a joint project with the MDA. The product is not harmful to humans, animals, birds, or other insects, and will help protect forest health, property values, and the state’s tourism industry.
To help area citizens stay informed, the MDA has set up a Report a Pest Info Line at 1-888-545-MOTH with the latest details about treatment dates and times. On the morning of the treatments, residents can call the phone number with any questions they may have. Simply press 0 (zero) to speak to someone. The MDA's website also has information about spongy moths and control efforts.
Residents can also sign up for updates about treatment progress:
- Text “MNMDA NORTH” to 66468 to receive text notifications.
- Text “MNMDA NORTH” [your email address here]” to 66468 to receive email notifications.
Or sign up online for text or email notifications.
Spongy moths are among America's most destructive tree pests, having caused millions of dollars in damage to eastern forests. The moths are now threatening Minnesota. If present in large numbers, spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest. Oak, poplar, birch, and willow are among their preferred hosts. The moths spread slowly on their own, but people can unintentionally help them spread by transporting firewood or other items on which the moths have laid their eggs.
Contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 1-888-545-6684 or reportapest@state.mn.us with questions regarding spongy moth and the planned treatment.
###
Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us
INSTRUCTIONS
Application Part A—Farmer Information
Complete the farmer information section and answer the yes/no eligibility and demographic questions using the definitions below. Note: Applicant name must match the purchaser of the land. Married couples may only complete one combined application.
Definitions
Minnesota Resident means the applicant has established a permanent home within Minnesota’s borders and has no present intention of moving outside the state.
Good Standing with the State of Minnesota:
- No back taxes owed.
- No defaults on Minnesota State-backed financing for the last seven years.
- Acceptable performance on past MDA grants.
- Compliant with current state regulations.
Direct Ownership is when an individual is the direct owner of farmland, shareholder in an operation that includes farmland, or the beneficiary of a life estate that includes farmland. Indirect Ownership is any interest or traceable interest in farmland.
Family is considered a person who is related by blood or marriage to the applicant or applicant's spouse. To be eligible for this grant, an applicant cannot purchase farmland from a family member, which includes any person or entity owned by a person within three degrees of relation to the applicant or applicant's spouse.
Application Part B – Purchase Information
Complete the farmland purchase information section with as many details as you have for the land you intend to purchase. If you do not have some of this information, you may leave questions blank; however, you will need to be prepared with all this information and close on your farmland purchase within six months if your application is approved. If your grant application is approved, you will also need to provide copies of:
- Purchase agreement
- Schedule F or signed statement claiming no farm sales to report
- Loan estimates or other proof of secured financing
- Other documentation required as needed to ensure the applicant qualifies for this program
The MDA will award these grants using a random lottery process, with priority given to eligible applicants with no more than $100,000 in annual gross farm product sales and eligible applicants who are producers of industrial hemp, cannabis, or specialty crops. Complete grant RFP eligibility, rules, and instructions is available on the program website.
Privacy Notice: The information provided by an applicant will be used to assess the applicant’s eligibility to receive a Down Payment Assistance Grant from the MDA. The decision to apply for this grant is voluntary, and applicants are not legally required to provide any of the requested information. Applicants may decline to complete this application without any legal consequence. However, only completed applications will be considered for a grant; incomplete applications will not be considered.
Access to private or nonpublic data provided as part of this application is limited to those authorized by law, including but not necessarily limited to MDA staff and contractors with a valid work assignment to access the data, parties authorized by the applicant, parties identified in a valid court order or federal subpoena, Minnesota Management and Budget, Minnesota Department of Administration, the state auditor, and the legislative auditor. If necessary, the MDA may also share the data with law enforcement or the Office of the Attorney General.
General pesticide information is available for the following pesticides:
Fomesafen
Glufosinate
| Pesticide Type |
|---|
Reference to commercial products or trade names here or elsewhere on this site is made with the understanding that no
Glyphosate
| Pesticide Type |
|---|
