FOND DU LAC — A program providing legal and business support for farmers in the Fond du Lac Reservation is the recipient of a state grant intended to support underrepresented farming communities.
Nearly $48,000 was awarded to Farm Commons, which also helps farmers enroll in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Micro Farm Crop Insurance program.
The grant funds can be used to pay up to 65% of emerging farmers' premium expenses under the insurance program.
The funding comes in response to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Emerging Farmers’ Working Group and the first-of-its-kind Emerging Farmers Office.
These groups identified technical assistance as one of the top needs for emerging farmers.
Technical assistance includes helping with record keeping, financial statements, business plans, licenses and regulations, land access, applying for grants and loans, sales and marketing, and other business support.
Emerging farmers include farmers who are members of a community of color, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, or any other emerging farmers as determined by the commissioner of agriculture.
The working group also features northern Minnesotans, including Nikki Crowe, tribal conservation collaboration coordinator for the Fond du Lac Band, and Cindy Hale, who is co-owner of Clover Valley Farms near Two Harbors.
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Plus: Caucus Night is coming on Tuesday — here's what to expect. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAbout 80 students walked three blocks to the Crow Wing County Judicial Center in downtown Brainerd to line both sides of Laurel Street. Many carried anti-ICE signs and chanted together. -
Contributed/St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Facebook pageMichael Hart, 40, previously escaped state custody at the Northeast Regional Corrections facility in St. Louis County in September 2025. -
Chelsey Perkins/KAXECriminal histories include a 2002 DWI conviction for one, and a 2010 underage drinking conviction for the other. Two others arrested without warrants are being held pending removal proceedings. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEA single text quickly became a community-powered benefit concert in support of Save the Boundary Waters, a nonprofit aiming to protect the area from copper-nickel mining. -
Lorie ShaullCaucus night is the first step of the political party organizing process, where you can help shape the party platform, support candidates and learn ways to get more involved. -
Taylor Apedaile/Amanda LussierChef Kyle Lussier of Grand Rapids restaurant The Pines was named a semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category of the James Beard Awards. -
Contributed/Bonnie Lundorff via the KAXE - KBXE Season Watch Facebook groupDuring the Phenology Report for the week of Jan. 27, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Ruffed Grouse tracks, Great Horned Owls, and canid mating season. -
And: Protestors gather outside union meeting with Rep. Stauber; and Dan Horoshak, Roger Skraba announce state House campaigns.
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Contributed/Trampled by TurtlesBassist Tim Saxhaug joined KAXE to discuss the band’s sold-out show at the Turf Club and how he and his bandmates are using music to support the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund.
