Search

The public is invited to the Hastings Kernza® Field Day on Aug. 14 to explore Kernza, a groundbreaking perennial grain that offers a powerful combination of environmental and agricultural benefits. This event will provide a close-up look at how Kernza is transforming farming practices by improving soil health, reducing runoff, and creating new opportunities for sustainable food and forage production.

Hosted in partnership with Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Forever Green Initiative, University of Minnesota Extension, and Dakota County, the event will highlight Kernza’s dual role as both a grain and forage crop. Participants also will learn about emerging market opportunities and cost-share programs available to farmers interested in transitioning to perennial systems.

Event Details

Hastings Kernza® Field Day
Aug. 14 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
2500 Enterprise Ave, Hastings
(Across the road from the Hastings Water Tower)
For more information, visit the event page: Hastings Kernza Field Day

Kernza is one of a suite of perennial crops that the Forever Green Initiative has included in its research and crop commercialization efforts. Its comprehensive approach moves new crops out of the lab and onto the landscape, where they can make a difference for farmers, the environment, industry, and society. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture receives Clean Water Funds to support the Forever Green Initiative. 

When compared to annual crops, perennial crops require fewer resources to farm and provide living cover year-round. Continuous living cover has been shown to enhance water and soil quality, sequester carbon, build soil health, and provide greater biodiversity and pollinator habitat. Significant environmental benefits of these crops will result from widespread production. 

Kernza is an intermediate wheatgrass that has diverse characteristics that make it desirable for food, beverages, and animal forages. Through private and public investment, the market for Kernza is growing in Minnesota. 

Attendees will:

• Learn about Kernza’s environmental benefits and agronomic potential
• Hear from experts and producers advancing perennial agriculture
• Discover cost-share and conservation funding opportunities
• Network with farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals

This free, in-person field day will take place rain or shine. Lunch will be provided, and attendees are welcome to stay for a casual social hour following presentations. Registration by Aug. 1 is required to ensure lunch is provided. Register online at Hastings Kernza Field Day.

This event is made possible through the collaboration of Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, Forever Green Initiative, Dakota County, University of Minnesota Extension, and with support from Minnesota’s Clean Water Fund, which is dedicated to restoring and protecting Minnesota’s water resources for future generations.

###

Media Contact
Cynthia Moothart, MDA Communications
651-420-2637
Cynthia.Moothart@state.mn.us

Minnesota Grown and the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) are once again inviting grocery and liquor retailers across the state to support farmers and show off their local pride by entering the 2025–2026 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year contest, now open for entries through October 10, 2025 at 4 p.m.

This annual contest celebrates Minnesota retailers who go above and beyond to promote Minnesota Grown products—everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats, dairy, alcoholic beverages, packaged goods, and more. Stores are encouraged to create eye-catching displays and engaging promotions that highlight the best from Minnesota’s farmers at a time when many fresh fruits and vegetables are in season.

“This contest is a fun and meaningful way for grocers to spotlight the incredible diversity of locally grown and raised products right as harvest season hits its peak,” said Jennifer Alexander, Regional Marketing Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. “We’re excited to see this year’s creativity and to celebrate the strong relationships between stores, producers, and the communities they serve.”

“Grocers are deeply rooted in their communities and take pride in connecting Minnesotans with the best our state has to offer,” said MGA President Patrick Garofalo. “We are proud to play a role in this collective effort that showcases and celebrates innovative partnerships and the commitment it takes to bring local products from farm to shelf.” 

How it works:
Participating retailers will select a one-week window between August 1 and September 30, 2025, to showcase Minnesota Grown products in-store and through related marketing. Whether it’s creative in-aisle displays, community events, tasting stations, or digital campaigns, retailers are encouraged to get creative in spotlighting their local suppliers.

Regional winners will be selected from across the state, with an additional statewide award for outstanding beer, wine, and spirits promotion. A popular People’s Choice Award will also return this year, driven in part by public voting on the Minnesota Grown Facebook page.

Winners will receive:

• Exclusive use of the “Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year” logo throughout 2026
• A commemorative plaque awarded at the MGA Awards Luncheon in spring 2026
• Featured recognition in Minnesota Grown and MGA promotions

How to enter:
Full contest details and the online entry form are available on the Retailer of the Year contest webpage. Entries must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025 via the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s online grants portal.

For questions about the contest or submission process, contact Jennifer Alexander at Jennifer.J.Alexander@state.mn.us.

Minnesota Grown is a program of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to promote products grown and raised in Minnesota. The program has connected consumers with local farmers, farmers’ markets, and other producers of agricultural products near them for over 40 years. The Minnesota Grown Directory at minnesotagrown.com is a searchable map of over 1,000 local farms, markets, and producers across the state. The program also licenses the use of the Minnesota Grown label to Minnesota producers and retailers. Anywhere you see the Minnesota Grown logo, you can have confidence that product was grown or raised within the state. Find local near you in our directory of over 1,000 farms and markets at minnesotagrown.com. 

The Minnesota Grocers Association is the only state trade association that represents the food industry of Minnesota from farm to fork. It has served the industry for over 125 years, with over 300 retail, manufacturer, and wholesale members supporting nearly 1,300 locations statewide. MGA member companies employ over 150,000 union and non-union Minnesotans. It actively advances the common interest of all those engaged in any aspect of the food industry as a leader and advocate in government affairs. Learn more at mngrocers.com.

###

Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us 

Farmers, landowners, and conservation partners are invited to attend the annual Rosholt Research Farm Field Day, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Rosholt Research Farm, 910 Old Highway 28 in Westport.

This hands-on, educational event will feature cutting-edge research and demonstrations focused on improving soil health and nutrient management strategies. Registration is required by Aug. 13, and lunch will be provided.

The program includes presentations and in-field demonstrations on:

• Nitrogen use in irrigated corn with cover crops
• Irrigation and nitrogen management strategies
• Soil health assessment techniques and erosion control
• Drone seeding of cover crops

Participants will see ongoing research trials and learn from experts working to promote sustainable farming practices across Minnesota.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Additional details are available online at Pope Soil and Water Conservation District (www.popeswcd.org) and Stearns Conservation District (www.stearnscd.org). Interested attendees can register by filling out this online form or calling 320-634-5327. 

Research studies and field day activities are funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council, the Minnesota Office for Soil Health, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Minnesota Clean Water Fund.

This event is organized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Pope and Stearns conservation districts.

###

Media Contact
Cynthia Moothart, MDA Communications
651-420-2637
cynthia.moothart@state.mn.us

Minnesotans are invited to celebrate the bounty of the harvest season during National Farmers Market Week Aug. 3 – 9. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is partnering with Minnesota Grown, Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association, Minnesota Farmers Union, and Land Stewardship Project to recognize the week with events at nine farmers markets across the state. 

• Crookston Farmers’ Market – Downtown Central Square, 151 E 3rd St, Crookston, Thursday, Aug 7, 4 – 6:30 p.m.
• Moorhead Farmers’ Market – Viking Ship Park, 202 1st Ave N, Moorhead, Tuesday, Aug 5, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
• Pope County Farmers’ Market – Pope County Museum Parking Lot, State Hwy 104 S, Glenwood, Saturday, Aug 9, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
• St. Joseph Farmers’ Market – Lake Wobegon Trailhead, 610 Co Rd 2, St. Joseph, Friday, Aug 8, 3 – 6 p.m.
• Marshall Farmers’ Market – 200 South A St., Marshall, Saturday, Aug 9, 7:30 a.m. – noon
• North Mankato Farmers’ Market – Caswell Park, 1825 W. Howard Dr., North Mankato, Monday, Aug 4, 3 – 6 p.m.
• Eyota Farmers’ Market – West Side Park, 303 5th St SW, Eyota, Tuesday, Aug 5, 4 – 7 p.m.
• Buffalo Farmers’ Market – 100 1st Ave NE, Buffalo, Saturday, Aug 9, 8 a.m. – noon
• Virginia Market Square – 111 S 9th Ave W, Virginia, Thursday, Aug 7, 2:30 – 6 p.m.

There are 402 farmers’ markets and more than 10,000 market vendors across Minnesota and Tribal Nations, according to the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association. These markets strengthen local economies, support small and emerging farmers, and expand access to fresh, locally grown food. Many also offer food access programs that help make nutritious food more affordable. In addition to healthy options, Minnesota’s farmers’ markets offer many culturally relevant foods that reflect the diverse communities they serve, making these markets a source of nourishment, culture, and connection.

“With over 400 markets across the state, there’s likely a farmers’ market near you,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Markets rely on the support of their shoppers to remain thriving spaces for local food access and a vital source of income for Minnesota farmers. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is grateful to the market managers, vendors, and volunteers who make farmers’ markets possible.”

In addition to providing fresh, seasonal produce, farmers’ markets strengthen local economies. “Farmers’ markets give family farmers the opportunity to bring fresh, nutritious foods to their neighbors, filling a void in many rural communities that otherwise lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish. “Farmers’ markets are also an economic boost in rural communities, as consumers spend their dollars with their neighbors, keeping their money in the local community. Studies have shown that this local multiplier effect generates an additional $2 to $6 of additional economic activity for every dollar spent.”

Recognizing the role of farmers’ markets in food access and community health, Minnesota lawmakers created a new grant program during the 2024 session with support from the Land Stewardship Project. Through a competitive process, 29 farmers markets across the state were awarded a total of $146,669 to strengthen their nutrition assistance programs. 

“Investing in farmers’ markets means investing in the health of our communities and market access opportunities for growers,” said Laura Schreiber, government relations director at Land Stewardship Project. “We’re proud to help ensure Minnesota lawmakers continue to invest in and support these vital public spaces where food, culture, and community come together.”

Minnesotans are encouraged to use Farmers’ Market Week as a jumping-off point to build a habit of shopping local and supporting farmers’ markets all year long. Find a market near you using MFMA’s interactive map at mfma.org or search for Minnesota Grown member markets, farmers, and makers at minnesotagrown.com.

The Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association works to foster a community of vibrant, profitable, and professionally managed Minnesota farmers’ markets that cultivate, nourish, and inspire a vibrant local foods landscape. The MFMA vision is to create greater accessibility to local, farm-fresh foods and to allow opportunities for local food producers to thrive and grow. Find their statewide map of markets at www.mfma.org.

Minnesota Grown is a program of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, created to promote products grown and raised in Minnesota. For more than 40 years the program has connected consumers with local farmers, farmers’ markets, and other agricultural producers through resources like the Minnesota Grown directory, a searchable map of over 1,000 local farms, markets, and producers. The program also licenses the use of the Minnesota Grown label to Minnesota producers and retailers. Anywhere you see the Minnesota Grown logo, you can have confidence that product was grown or raised within the state. Visit minnesotagrown.com to find local near you.

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org, and follow MFU on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

The Land Stewardship Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering an ethic of stewardship for farmland, promoting sustainable agriculture, and developing healthy communities in the food and farming system. LSP has offices in the Minnesota communities of Montevideo, Lewiston, and South Minneapolis. Learn more and join at landstewardshipproject.org.

###

Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us

Applications will open August 1 for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Soil Health Financial Assistance Program Grants. 

These grants are available to individual producers, producer groups, and local governments to purchase or retrofit soil health equipment. Grants provide up to 50% cost-share, with a minimum award of $500 and a maximum award of $45,000. There is $4.36 million available statewide for this round of funding, which comes from the 2025 Minnesota Legislature and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The MDA continues to monitor possible changes to federal funding commitments because of policy decisions within the Trump Administration. 

“The Soil Health Financial Assistance Grant helps offset equipment costs and ensures more farmers are engaged in soil health practices that benefit Minnesota’s water and natural resources,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “I want to thank our state leaders and federal partners for investing in this program, and I encourage producers, producer groups, tribes, and local governments to apply for this opportunity.”

Examples of eligible new or used equipment include, but are not limited to, no-till drills, air seeders, and strip tillage units. 

The Request for Proposals and application link can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us/soil-health-grant once the application opens on August 1. Applications are due August 29, 2025. Awards will be announced by January 1, 2026.

This is the fourth round of Soil Health Financial Assistance Program Grants. The third round awarded $2.79 million to 90 individuals and organizations across Minnesota. The third round received nearly 310 applications, with requests exceeding $9.6 million – or greater than three times the funding available.

###

Media Contact
Cynthia Moothart, MDA Communications 
651-420-2637
Cynthia.Moothart@state.mn.us