An emergency quarantine is a restriction on the movement of spongy moth life stages and materials from leaving the designated emergency quarantine area. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) emergency quarantine will be in effect from May 1, 2025 to June 15, 2026.
Due to federal budget uncertainties and significant funding delays within the USDA Forest Service, the MDA did not receive the federal funding needed in time to perform Btk aerial management operations. This has forced the MDA to cancel all Btk management for 2025, which was proposed in areas with high-risk spongy moth infestations. Btk targets and kills spongy moth caterpillars.
As a result, the MDA is placing an emergency quarantine in these areas to prevent the spread of spongy moth. The MDA will intensely survey these areas in 2025 with hopes to manage in 2026.
Due to federal budget uncertainties and significant funding delays within the USDA Forest Service, the MDA did not receive the federal funding needed in time to perform Btk aerial management operations. This has forced the MDA to cancel all Btk management for 2025, which was proposed in areas with high-risk spongy moth infestations. Btk targets and kills spongy moth caterpillars.
As a result, the MDA is placing an emergency quarantine in these areas to prevent the spread of spongy moth. The MDA will intensely survey these areas in 2025 with hopes to manage in 2026.
An emergency quarantine is a restriction on the movement of spongy moth life stages and materials from leaving the designated emergency quarantine area. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) emergency quarantine will be in effect from May 1, 2025 to June 15, 2026.
Due to federal budget uncertainties and significant funding delays within the USDA Forest Service, the MDA did not receive the federal funding needed in time to perform Btk aerial management operations. This has forced the MDA to cancel all Btk management for 2025, which was proposed in areas with high-risk spongy moth infestations. Btk targets and kills spongy moth caterpillars.
As a result, the MDA is placing an emergency quarantine in these areas to prevent the spread of spongy moth. The MDA will intensely survey these areas in 2025 with hopes to manage in 2026.
The emergency quarantine restricts movement of all regulated articles outside of the emergency quarantine zone until the emergency quarantine is lifted. Residents living within the emergency quarantine area must self-inspect any regulated articles. The following is a list of examples of items that should be inspected:
- Lawn and garden equipment
- Outdoor household and patio items
- Recreational vehicles (RVs, campers, ATVs, etc.)
Trees may be pruned but all branches, woodchips and other woody material must stay on the property. Tree bark and branches have the highest risk of having egg masses attached. The emergency quarantine also requires that all outdoor household products, such as patio furniture, trucks, campers, or pallets be inspected to assure the article is free of spongy moth life stages before moving them out of the emergency quarantine zone.
The emergency quarantine restricts movement of all regulated articles outside of the emergency quarantine zone until the emergency quarantine is lifted. Residents living within the emergency quarantine area must self-inspect any regulated articles. The following is a list of examples of items that should be inspected:
- Lawn and garden equipment
- Outdoor household and patio items
- Recreational vehicles (RVs, campers, ATVs, etc.)
Trees may be pruned but all branches, woodchips and other woody material must stay on the property. Tree bark and branches have the highest risk of having egg masses attached. The emergency quarantine also requires that all outdoor household products, such as patio furniture, trucks, campers, or pallets be inspected to assure the article is free of spongy moth life stages before moving them out of the emergency quarantine zone.
The emergency quarantine restricts movement of all regulated articles outside of the emergency quarantine zone until the emergency quarantine is lifted. Residents living within the emergency quarantine area must self-inspect any regulated articles. The following is a list of examples of items that should be inspected:
- Lawn and garden equipment
- Outdoor household and patio items
- Recreational vehicles (RVs, campers, ATVs, etc.)
Trees may be pruned but all branches, woodchips and other woody material must stay on the property. Tree bark and branches have the highest risk of having egg masses attached. The emergency quarantine also requires that all outdoor household products, such as patio furniture, trucks, campers, or pallets be inspected to assure the article is free of spongy moth life stages before moving them out of the emergency quarantine zone.
Minnesota dairy farmers are encouraged to apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Dairy Business Planning Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support diary operations in planning for the future.
Eligible projects include hiring a qualified, independent third party to help create a business plan for your dairy operation. This can include plans to:
- Evaluate the feasibility of expanding your operation
- Plan for environmental upgrades
- Develop a farm transition or succession strategy
- Update feedlot permits
- Address other business planning needs
"Dairy farming comes with real challenges, and thoughtful planning is essential. We’re proud to offer Dairy Business Planning Grants to support Minnesota farmers as they look ahead to strengthen their operations. Their hard work brings fresh, high-quality dairy products to tables here in Minnesota and beyond," said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.
The grant pays 50 percent of the cost to develop a business plan, up to $5,000. Producers are responsible for the remaining 50 percent. Applications will be funded on a first come, first served basis until June 1, 2025. The MDA has approximately $28,000 remaining to be used this fiscal year.
To see the full eligibility requirements and to apply, visit the Dairy Business Planning Grants web page. Questions at this program can be directed to Kami Schoenfeld at Kami.Schoenfeld@state.mn.us or call 651-201-6643.
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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us
