Veronica Marshall

10/09/2026

10/08/2026

10/06/2026

Hunger is rising in Minnesota, while support systems are stretched thin. Farmers are also feeling the strain as diesel prices, tariffs, and severe weather drive up costs and cut into their margins. But thanks to new support from the state, help is on the way.

10/05/2026

What do catfish, state parks, and invasive species management have in common? They all need your voice. 🗣️✨

The DNR is looking for passionate outdoor enthusiasts to join our key advisory groups and help guide real management decisions.

Groups with open seats include:
🐟 Catfish Fisheries Work Group
🐟 Esocid Fisheries Work Group
🐟 Panfish Fisheries Work Group
🎣 Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee
🌅 Lake of the Woods Fisheries Input Group
🌳 Natural Heritage Advisory Committee
🥾 Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee
🏹 Recruit, Retain, Reactivate Advisory Council
🐟 Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee

Applications close Thursday, October 15—don't miss your chance to get involved! Learn more and apply here: https://engage.dnr.state.mn.us/

10/05/2026

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Agriculture Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Specialty Crop Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant (Prepare) Program. The Program, also referred to as the Prepare Grant, helps Minnesota specialty crop producers buy and install supplies or equipment that will help make their operations more resilient to extreme weather. More information regarding eligibility, deadlines, and requirements can be found by using the link in the comments.

10/05/2026

10/01/2026

Rural care is in crisis. Are mergers the answer? Senators are hearing the benefits and trade-offs of healthcare system mergers now - and you can too.

Watch the latest Committee on Health and Human Services meeting live, or stream it here later:

Agenda:Health Care System Mergers*NOTE: Due to the fluid natur...

09/30/2026

Minnesotans who rely on support to meet essential needs, like food and healthcare, depend on the state to provide fast, efficient systems that deliver help without delay. But the state's current health and human services software is outdated, leading to workarounds, longer wait times, errors, and extra expenses.

Now, senators are taking action - the Legislative Commission on Human Services meets for the first time today. The group will oversee, monitor, and provide recommendations on the modernization of human services systems to help Minnesotans in need, local governments and their staff, and save money.

The meeting starts at 11 AM, and you can watch it here: https://www.house.mn.gov/Live/1

09/22/2026

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Livestock Investment Grant and the AGRI Protecting Livestock from Avian Influenza (Protect) Grant. Applications for both programs must be submitted by Tuesday, November 17 at 4 pm.

AGRI Livestock Investment Grant
The AGRI Livestock Investment Grant helps Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers improve, update, and modernize their infrastructure and equipment. The maximum award is $25,000, and the minimum award is $400. This grant will reimburse 50% of the first $20,000 in eligible expenses, then 25% of eligible expenses up to the maximum grant of $25,000. MDA expects to award approximately $1.5 million in this grant cycle using a competitive review process, leading to approximately 60 to 80 grants awarded.

More information, including the link to apply, is here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri-livestock-investment-grant

AGRI Protecting Livestock from Avian Influenza (Protect) Grant
The AGRI Protecting Livestock from Avian Influenza Grant, also referred to as the Protect Grant, helps Minnesota farmers and ranchers buy and install supplies or equipment to prevent the transmission of avian influenza on their farms. Applicants may request between $500 and $10,000 per farming operation. Applicants must commit at least 20% of the total project cost as match. Sources of match may be in the form of in-kind labor (up to 20% of eligible materials cost, with a maximum of $2,000), cash, loans, other grants, or liquid capital assets dedicated to the project. MDA expects to award approximately $250,000 using a competitive review process, leading to approximately 60 to 80 grants awarded.

More information, including the link to apply, is here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri-protecting-livestock-avian-influenza-protect-grant