Continuous living cover crops and cropping systems for purposes of this grant refer to agroforestry, pere
Reimbursement Worksheet FY2512.93 KB
At Risk
Scientific Name: Ralstonia ps
May 13, 2025
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In recognition of this observance, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is recognizing an individual who has dedicated his career to supporting the mental health of Minnesota’s farm families. Ted Matthews, a long-serving agricultural mental health counselor, will retire at the end of June after decades of service to farmers across Minnesota.
Matthews has spent more than 30 years listening to farmers through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. In the 1990s, Farm Business Management instructors, with support from the MDA and funds from the Minnesota Legislature, helped launch a pioneering model of mental health care tailored to the unique realities of rural life. Matthews’ approach was simple: meet farmers where they are, honor their unique challenges and culture, and offer counseling without red tape, insurance requirements, or cost.
Research shows that farmers experience common mental health conditions more often than the general population. According to the National Rural Health Association, the suicide rate among U.S. farmers is 3.5 times higher than the national average. However, Matthews is quick to point out that the persistent stress inherent in farming and ranching can still take a significant toll on health, relationships, and outlook even without a formal mental health diagnosis.
Over his long career, Matthews has supported individuals and families coping with anxiety, depression, loss, and isolation. He’s been there for farm couples navigating relationship strain, families grieving a loved one lost to suicide, and those dealing with the trauma of having to depopulate flocks or herds during disease outbreaks. His presence has been a lifeline during times when few others knew what to say or how to help.
“Ted’s impact on rural mental health in Minnesota can’t be overstated. He has brought hope and healing to many in crisis with humility and heart.” Says MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.
As he prepares to retire, the MDA invites those who have worked with Ted Matthews, or been impacted by his support, to share memories, express gratitude, or send well wishes. Notes can be emailed to Meg Moynihan at Meg.Moynihan@state.mn.us or shared by phone at 651-201-6616. Messages can be anonymous.
If you or somebody you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Call the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline at 833-600-2670 or visit minnesotafarmstress.com for resources and support 24/7.
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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us
In 2022, the Minnesota Legislature provided funding to the MDA through the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) for grants to organizations in Minnesota to develop enterprises, supply chains, and markets for continuous living cover (CLC) crops and cropping systems in the early stage of commercial development. This includes, but not limited to, regenerative poultry silvopasture systems, Kernza® perennial grain, winter camelina, and elderberry.
The Request for Proposals for this one-time competitive grant opportunity opened Monday, March 13, 2023 and closed April 23, 2023. A summary of selected projects is included in the table below.
| Organization Name | Project Summary | Award Total |
|---|---|---|
| Dawson Drug & Gifts | Purchase a freeze dryer to expand the market of continuous living cover crops, primarily fruit. | $50,000 |
| Midwest Elderberry Cooperative | Design, build, and test a continuous flow prototype elderberry destemmer that can be linked to a wash, dry, and freeze process conveyor line. | $48,800 |
| Regenerative Agriculture Alliance | Purchase a mechanical harvester and two de-husking units for two hazelnut grower networks in Minnesota to hasten ongoing development of supply chains. | $50,000 |
| Nine Hazels Farm | Improve greenhouse operation to produce hybrid hazelnut seedling plugs for sale. | $29,657 |
| Perennial Pantry | Build team capacity and develop standard operating procedures to operationalize a processing plant dedicated to the production of CLC products. | $50,000 |
| Perennial Promise Growers Cooperative | Develop capacities to and systems required to market Kernza. | $50,000 |
Unused funds may be included in a second RFP in June 2024.
LCCMR Approved Project Work Plan
Funding for the program was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
