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May 13, 2024

Carrie Allord, a third-grade teacher at St. Francis Catholic School in Brainerd, has been recognized as Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom’s (MAITC) 2024 Outstanding Teacher Award winner.

Allord uses a wide range of agriculture-themed books, lessons, and materials to support the development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in her students, and is always looking for opportunities to connect plants, animals, and food to the learning activities happening in her classroom. She also uses a classroom chicken named Pearl as well as a chick hatching program to help students investigate lifecycles and connect to important science concepts.

“To be agriculture literate is to understand and respect where our food comes from. It is important for teachers and students to share the knowledge of agriculture so that everyone around us understands how agriculture impacts our world, and our daily lives,” said Allord.

In addition to the state-level award, Allord was also recognized as one of six Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award winners by the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization. She will receive a $500 stipend and travel expenses covered to attend the 2024 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, this June.

All Minnesota licensed K-12 educators who creatively integrate agricultural concepts into non-agricultural education classroom settings are eligible for the MAITC Outstanding Teacher Award. Applications are reviewed by a committee of MAITC Foundation board members, who select the recipient each winter.

MAITC is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the MAITC Foundation that seeks to increase agricultural literacy through K-12 education. Visit the MAITC website for more information and free educational resources.

Carrie Allord receives the 2024 MAITC Outstanding Teacher Award from MAITC staff members.
Left to right: St. Francis Catholic School Principal Jennifer Nagel, MAITC 2024 Outstanding Teacher Carrie Allord, MAITC Ed Specialists Sue Knott and Keri Sidle.

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Media Contact:
Logan Schumacher
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us

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The Nitrogen Management Financial Assistance Pilot Program is a competitive funding opportunity for producers who implement agricultural practices (initiatives) that have the potential to reduce leaching of nitrate-nitrogen into groundwater. Applications are reviewed on an on-going basis, as received. Eligibility is verified by the MDA Soil Scientists and/or representatives.

 

Location
Authorized representative

If awarded a grant, enter the name and contact information for the person that will sign the Nitrogen Management Financial Assistance Pilot Grant contract agreement for this organization. This is often yourself or other leadership in your operation/organization.

Initiatives

Select the initiatives you plan to implement. The rate of reimbursement is listed for each. Please note there is a limit of $5,000 per year for up to three years. This can be applied to one or more initiatives.

Rate: $40/acre up to 125 acres

Rate: $25/acre up to 200 acres

Rate: $5,000/year up to 3 years

Rate: $200/spreader calibration, $50/manure sample up to $5,000

Rate: $25/acre up to 200 acres

Rate: $50/acre up to 100 acres

Rate: $50 per sample up to $5,000

Rate: $50/test sample (zone or grid based) up to $5,000 or up to $5,000 to purchase precision testing equipment (one time funding), or $20/acre up to 250 acre for precision technology contractor to estimate in-season application rates of nitrogen

Rate: $50/acre up to 100 acres

Rate: $50/acre up to 100 acres

Are you an employee of the state of Minnesota?
Are you related to any staff working for the MDA?
Are you receiving any other grant funding from the MDA?
Are you in good standing with the state of Minnesota? (No back taxes owed, no defaults of Minnesota state-backed financing for the past seven years, in compliance with current state regulations, and acceptable performance on past MDA grants.)?
Are you the principal operator or have the authority to apply on behalf of the farm?
Are there any other applications being submitted on behalf of this farm?
Have you been convicted of a criminal offense, such as theft, embezzlement, or forgery related to a state grant agreement?
Is the land where this practice is proposed within a Groundwater Protection Rule Level 2 DWSMA?
Are there other sources of funding being utilized to support the adoption of this practice?
The MDA is unable to reimburse for any work that is performed prior to the start date of the grant contract agreement. Do you acknowledge this statement?
Certification

By signing this application

I certify that no project expenses will be incurred until the grant agreement is fully executed.

I also agree to implement the selected initiative(s) and follow the terms of the technical resources mentioned for each initiative.

To the best of my knowledge and belief, the data in this application is true and correct.

I understand that submitting false or misleading information in connection with this application may result in the applicant being found ineligible for financial assistance.

I further understand that receiving public funds as a consequence of false representations constitutes an act of fraud. 

I understand that the MDA may conduct audits, check references, and conduct site inspections after grants are awarded and prior to dollars being disbursed.  Payment is performance-based, and funds will not be dispersed to the applicant until requirements are met for the selected practice.

I understand application data is private or nonpublic data until grant applications are awarded. Names, addresses, and requested amounts then become public information. An entire application becomes public when an agency has completed negotiating the grant agreement with a grantee.

Individual grant applicants do not have to provide the information requested on the application form. However, if you do not, we will not be able to consider your grant request.

The only persons who will have access to your data during the time that it is protected are those permitted access by law, by your written consent, by a court order, or by those department employees whose job duties require access.

To the best of my knowledge and belief, the data in this application is true and correct and supporting documentation for the claims and assertions made within this application is available to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) for its review.

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May 16, 2024

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will set approximately 20,000 insect traps this year to survey for spongy moth (Lymantria dispar). The traps will be set throughout the eastern half of the state.

This work is part of the MDA’s annual trapping survey program, designed to protect Minnesota’s forests and urban areas from spongy moth by identifying potential problem areas for future treatments. The goal isn’t to trap every spongy moth. Instead, the survey is key to early detection and slowing the spread of the insect. Annual surveys and follow-up management delay the devastating impacts of spongy moth.

Spongy moth caterpillars eat the leaves of over 300 types of trees and shrubs, favoring oak, poplar, birch, and willow. Severe, repeated infestations can kill trees. Spongy moths are also a human nuisance.

In 2022 and 2023, record numbers of spongy moths were detected in traps placed in Minnesota, reflecting a nationwide trend of increased spread. The infested area of North America includes Minnesota’s Lake and Cook counties, much of Wisconsin, the northeastern region of the U.S., and southeastern Canada.  

Nearly 40 MDA survey staff will be setting traps from May through July. Traps will remain in the field until mid-September in the southern region and through October in the northern region. The “delta” traps are small, triangle-shaped, and made of cardboard. Bigger “milk carton” shaped traps will be set in select areas of Carlton, St. Louis, and western Lake counties to survey potentially higher numbers of moths. All the traps contain a pheromone to lure in male spongy moths.

The traps are placed mainly on trees in a grid pattern at a specified distance from each other. The grid allows for the traps to detect as many male moths as possible and provide population data. To be successful, it is important to maintain the survey grid. Citizens are asked not to disturb the traps and to call the MDA’s Report a Pest line at 888-545-MOTH (6684) or email spongy.moth@state.mn.us if they would like traps moved or removed from their property.

In addition, this year the MDA is asking the public to be extra vigilant on spotting potential infestations and reporting potential spongy moth sightings via the Report a Pest online service or by emailing reportapest@state.mn.us.

“With the public’s help, this work protects industries like tourism and forestry from economic harm and saves Minnesota’s urban and forested areas from environmental damage,” said Plant Protection Director Mark Abrahamson.

For more details about the trapping survey program and spongy moth, visit the MDA website.

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Media Contact
Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications
651-201-6131
Brittany.Raveill@state.mn.us

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May 17, 2024

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Minnesota Pavilion will make its return to Chicago for the National Restaurant Association Show May 18-21, 2024. Twelve Minnesota food and beverage businesses will exhibit as part of the Pavilion within the “A Taste of the States” section of the trade show to promote products made and grown in the state to a regional and national audience.

The National Restaurant Association show is the largest annual gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere. “A Taste of the States” — organized by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture — provides dedicated space for U.S. food and beverage companies to engage with thousands of buyers from the foodservice industry, including restaurants, breweries, hotels, airlines, and institutions such as schools, universities, military, and healthcare. Businesses can also connect with international buyers from more than 100 countries across the globe.

“The National Restaurant Association Show offers a unique platform for these 12 Minnesota-based food and beverage companies to make new connections with foodservice representatives from around the world, helping expand the reach of their brands and products as well as Minnesota agriculture,” said MDA Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey.

The following businesses and organizations will exhibit in the Minnesota Pavilion to promote food and beverage products from the state:

The MDA supports exhibiting companies with promotional and logistical support leading up to the show and on the ground in Chicago. Minnesota Pavilion events are offered through the MDA’s Make it Minnesota program, which works with Minnesota food and beverage companies on business and market development. Make it Minnesota aims to create and protect jobs, increase the use of Minnesota agricultural ingredients, and promote economic development in Minnesota’s agriculture and food sectors.

The MDA will also host a reception for Minnesota attendees of the trade show on Monday, May 20.

This year’s Minnesota Pavilion event is supported by partnering organizations Agricultural Utilization and Research Institute (AURI), Naturally Minnesota, and NearestYou.

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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us

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May 29, 2024

Farmers enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) have higher profits than non-certified farms, according to five years of data from the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence.

The “Influence of Intensified Environmental Practices on Farm Profitability” study examines financial and crop and livestock production information from farmers enrolled in the Minnesota State Farm Business Management education program. The 126 MAWQCP farms in the study saw more gross cash farm income and net farm income in 2023 than non-certified farms. Looking at five-year average data, the average net cash income for MAWQCP farms was over $213,600 compared to nearly $163,000 for non-MAWQCP farms. Other key financial metrics are also better for those enrolled in the MAWQCP, such as debt-to-asset ratios and operating expense ratios.

The five years of data serve as an indicator of a positive return on investment for whole-farm conservation management that farmers implement to become certified.

“We now have continuous data that shows the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program provides better economic outcomes on top of the benefits to our water and soil resources,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “With so many advantages to the MAWQCP, I encourage all farmers and landowners to look into certifying their land and contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District for more information.”

“The MAWQCP producers participating in Farm Business Management can enhance farm profitability by benchmarking various aspects of their farm operations,” said Keith Olander, Executive Director of AgCentric, and Agricultural Partnerships. “This study shows that these producers operate with a higher level of efficiency compared to their peers.”

To find details on the economic study, visit: https://www.agcentric.org/farm-business-management/annual-fbm-reports/.

The MAWQCP puts farmers in touch with local conservation district experts to identify and mitigate any risks their farms pose to water quality on a field-by-field basis. Producers going through the certification process have priority access to financial assistance. After being certified, each farm is deemed in compliance with new water quality laws and regulations for 10 years.

Since the program’s statewide launch in 2016, the 1,500 Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality certified farms have added more than 2,915 new conservation practices that protect Minnesota’s waters. Those new practices have kept over 48,250 tons of sediment out of Minnesota rivers while saving 144,125 tons of soil and nearly 60,375 pounds of phosphorous on farms each year. The conservation practices have also reduced nitrogen loss up to 49% and cut greenhouse gas emissions by over 58,250 tons per year.

Farmers and landowners interested in becoming water quality certified can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or visit MyLandMyLegacy.com.

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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us

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Principal Investigator: Fabian Fernandez

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June 4, 2024

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is planning to treat six areas in Carlton County and one area in St. Louis County to manage spongy moth infestations detected in those areas last fall. Officials plan to conduct the first of two rounds of aerial management activities likely the week of June 10.

The exact date and time of aerial management activities are heavily dependent on weather conditions and insect development. For the most up-to-date information on these activities, citizens are encouraged to sign up for text or email notifications.

  • Receive text notifications by texting “MNMDA Treatments” to 66468.
  • Receive email notifications by texting “MNMDA Treatments [your email address here]” to 66468.
  • Or sign up online for text or email notifications.

All management areas in Carlton County are in the eastern portion of the county; the area in St. Louis County is just north of Meadowlands. Exact locations can be found via maps on the MDA website or an interactive map that is searchable by address. Citizens may notice a low-flying airplane as it navigates the treatment areas. The aerial management activities will start as early as 5 a.m. It may take multiple days to complete the first round of activities. The MDA apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the noise of the plane.

This is the first of two aerial applications of Foray/Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) over each area. The second will take place 5-14 days after the first application. Btk is a biological product that is organic certified for food crops. It has no known health effects for humans, pets, birds, fish, livestock, bees, and other insects.

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.

The MDA offers the following tips to residents in the management area:

  • The management product has no known health effects for humans, but residents may wish to stay indoors during the management activities and keep windows closed for a half hour after application.
  • Residents can cover gardens or turn on sprinklers if they wish.
  • The residue does not cause damage to outdoor surfaces. However, soapy water will remove any residue on outdoor items.

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.

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Media Contact
Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications
651-201-6131
Brittany.Raveill@state.mn.us