Wild game processing is any additional handling or preparing of field-dressed wild game, from cutting and skinning a carcass, to curing, cooking, or smoking. Wild game processors conduct these activities as a commercial business. Processing wild game only for yourself or immediate family, household, or hunting party members does not fall under the wild game processing requirements.
Licensed wild game processors now have the option to expand beyond wild game to the custom slaughter and processing of traditional livestock animals for the owners of the animals. Additionally, licensed processors are eligible for the Hunter-Harvested Venison Donation Program; participating processors receive a $250 sign-up incentive and direct reimbursement of processing costs up to $150 per deer processed for donation.
Licensed wild game processors now have the option to expand beyond wild game to the custom slaughter and processing of traditional livestock animals for the owners of the animals. Additionally, licensed processors are eligible for the Hunter-Harvested Venison Donation Program; participating processors receive a $250 sign-up incentive and direct reimbursement of processing costs up to $150 per deer processed for donation.
Nursery Certification in Minnesota Has Changed for 2025
· Historically, the MDA has offered two types of nursery certificates, one for nursery growers and one for nursery dealers.
· Beginning January 1, 2025, the two certificate types will be combined into one and all nursery certificate holders will be considered Live Plant Dealers:
"Live Plant Dealer" means an entity who:
(1) raises, grows, or propagates nursery stock for sale, outdoors or indoors;
(2) acquires and further distributes nursery stock, including through landscaping or distribution with a tree spade; or
(3) operates a business in Minnesota selling nursery stock with or without taking ownership or handling the nursery stock
2023 Minnesota Statutes 18H.02 Subd. 15b.
· All 2024 nursery certificates will be renewed as Live Plant Dealer nursery certificates for 2025.
· Historically, the MDA has offered two types of nursery certificates, one for nursery growers and one for nursery dealers.
· Beginning January 1, 2025, the two certificate types will be combined into one and all nursery certificate holders will be considered Live Plant Dealers:
"Live Plant Dealer" means an entity who:
(1) raises, grows, or propagates nursery stock for sale, outdoors or indoors;
(2) acquires and further distributes nursery stock, including through landscaping or distribution with a tree spade; or
(3) operates a business in Minnesota selling nursery stock with or without taking ownership or handling the nursery stock
2023 Minnesota Statutes 18H.02 Subd. 15b.
· All 2024 nursery certificates will be renewed as Live Plant Dealer nursery certificates for 2025.
- Many certificate holders grow stock and sell finished stock purchased from others and a single certificate type simplifies participation in the program.
- A single certificate type also allows for one fee schedule for all program participants.
