Author | Lightnews

Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · 1d

November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, a time to celebrate the historic and ongoing contributions of Indigenous cultures in North America, including the agricultural cultivation of native crops upon which much of modern farming is based.

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Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · 1d

Thinking about stepping up your weed control efforts next year? A weed management plan can be as simple or complex as you want, but either way, the most important thing is to get started. Our Weed of the Month quiz can help. #MNAg

🔗 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/3f9d2f3

Close-up of a white cow standing in a green meadow filled with invasive plants and tall grass on a sunny day.

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Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · 4d

That’s a wrap on National #FarmtoSchool Month! We’ve traveled across MN visiting schools & early care centers to see what they’re cooking up, and we’re inspired by what we’ve seen. Thanks to everyone who shared lunch with us and continues to grow Minnesota's Farm to Kids movement.

#MNAg

Four people standing in a kitchen holding a large container filled with fresh green leafy vegetables.

School lunch tray with a chicken sandwich on a whole wheat bun, roasted potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, fresh apple, mixed raw vegetables, a brownie, and a carton of local fresh milk.

Group of nine people standing indoors behind a table displaying various fruits and informational posters on a wall behind them.

Children gathered around a long table covered with green tablecloths, engaging in a hands-on activity involving leaves and small containers of materials.

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Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · 4d

Our new AGRI Works Grant program supports local organizations leading projects that strengthen Minnesota farms, communities, and food systems. Apply by December 16 to help shape the future of #MNAg.

Details 📲 mda.state.mn.us/mda-launches-new-agri-works-grant-program

Front view of the Minnesota State Capitol building with its large white dome under a clear blue sky.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · 5d

Building on MN's strength as a leader in crop research & innovation, we're now accepting applications for our AGRI Crop Research Grant. Up to $1.75M in funding is available for projects that strengthen Minnesota’s $13.5B crop industry.

🔗mda.state.mn.us/mda-seeks-applications-crop-research-grants-1

Close-up of green crop plants with text announcing "AGRI Crop Research Grants now open. Apply by Tuesday, Dec. 16, 4 p.m. CT."

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Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · 6d

Registration is now open for the 2026 Minnesota Organic Conference, featuring Dr. Joel Gruver, a farmer-led panel on the future of organic agriculture, and 30+ sessions on production, marketing, research, and more. Get the details and register at www.mda.state.mn.us/moc #MNAg #MNOrganic26

Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · 7d

This week, Governor Tim Walz announced $4 million in emergency funding for 300 food shelves & Tribal Nations to offset interrupted food benefits like SNAP due to the federal government shutdown.

Use Hunger Solutions Find Help map at https://www.hungersolutions.org/find-help/ or call 1-888-711-1151.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaking at a microphone setup inside a warehouse filled with stacked food boxes.

A person wearing blue gloves hands a brown paper bag filled with groceries to an elderly person reaching out from a car window. Text below the photo reads "Need food now? Visit Hunger Solutions' website or call 1-888-711-1151 to find a local food shelf."

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Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · 11d

Spiders 🕷️ tend to give some people the creeps. But the world of spiders isn't as scary as it seems. On this Halloween 🎃 episode of our Smarty Plants podcast, we discuss spiders in Minnesota and the role they play in our ecology🕸️. #MNAg

🎧 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants

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Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · 12d

MDA staffer Kajsa Beatty presented at the Midwest Climate Resilience Conference in Milwaukee earlier this week on how we're working with farmers to help them adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change on their lands, crops, and animals. #MNAg

Audience listening to a presenter discussing agricultural projects including water quality and nutrient management on a large screen.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · 26d

Happy Great Apple Crunch Day! We’re joining students across the state in taking a big bite out of local apples to celebrate. @governorwalz.mn.gov has proclaimed October as Farm to Kids Month in MN, recognizing the farmers, food service staff, educators & partners who make #FarmtoSchool possible.🍎

Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · Oct 2

Help shape the future of sustainable farming in Minnesota! The MDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant is now open, supporting farmer-led research & on-farm demonstrations.

📅 Apply by 12/17/25
🔗 Learn more + apply at mda.state.mn.us/help-shape-future-sustainable-farming-minnesota

#MNAg

Two small green plants with visible root balls resting on rough asphalt surface, showing healthy roots and fresh leaves.

Two sheep grazing in a green field beneath large solar panels on metal supports.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · Oct 2

Kudos to Minneapolis Public Schools! Tonight at their #FarmtoSchool BBQ, Asst. Commissioner Bailey presented them with the Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Award for School District of the Year. Kudos to their team for supporting local farmers & making school meals something to celebrate! 🏆

#MNAg

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Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · Oct 1

Our Weed of the Month for October is Palmer amaranth, a fast-growing, annual weed that is detrimental to row crops and can add higher production costs to farmers already dealing with high fuel and fertilizer expenses. #MNAg

🔗 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDA/bulletins/3f50947

Palmer amaranth plant with many green oval shaped leaves. A single Palmer amaranth plant growing in a soybean field.

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Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · Sep 30

Are invasive plants just a click away? Our latest Smarty Plants podcast episode looks at the wide variety of plants and seeds available online, and what people should know before ordering to avoid introducing a harmful species to the environment. #MNAg

🎧 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/smartyplants

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Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · Sep 29

Today, Governor Tim Walz declared Sept. 29 – Oct. 5 as Soybean Week in MN, highlighting the critical role soybean farmers play in Minnesota’s economy and the growing challenges they face from federal trade policy. #MNAg

🔗 #/detail/appId/1/id/707437id/707437" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/707437

A combine harvester cutting through a golden soybean field under a clear sky with a distant tree line and road.

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Minnesota Department of Agriculture @mnagriculture.bsky.social · Sep 26

Minnesota schools & child care providers can now apply for Farm to School & Early Care grants and the Local Tots Cost-Share program to bring more MN-grown food to kids’ plates. #MNAg

📅 Deadline to apply is October 23 at 4 p.m.
🔗 Visit qrco.de/f2s2026 learn more & apply

Graphic with multiple photos and copy. Photo one: Person holding a large tray of freshly harvested garlic bulbs with green stems in front of a red barn door. Photo two: Close-up of a cafeteria tray filled with colorful sliced watermelon radishes and carrot sticks with black tongs. Photo three: Young child sitting at a school lunch table with a tray containing turkey, stuffing, an apple, grapes, and a milk carton. Copy below reads "Apply now for Farm to School Grants + Local Tots Cost-Share! Deadline in Oct. 23 at 4 p.m."

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