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.
-
The North Central Research and Outreach Center helped test our state fruit for winter hardiness, a step in its eventual release as the University of Minnesota's first apple variety.
-
And: Kids Count on Us Bemidji to host an affordability forum; MnDOT Hwy. 73 corridor meeting planned for Chisholm; Essentia Health-Fosston tree walk fundraiser is Sunday; and mental health care is scarce for rural BIPOC Minnesotans.
-
In this episode, co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discuss woodpecker grunts, gifts for nature nerds, and first aid for injured owls.
-
Laurie Kramer is a professor of applied psychology at Northeastern University in Boston and an expert in sibling relationships and managing strategies for family conflict.
-
Itasca County Attorney Jacob Fauchald expects the case to eventually go to trial, but there may be more legal maneuvering before then. Martin's next appearance is set for February 2026.
-
-
Brian Pelander of Alden Township was fatally injured when a tree fell by him the morning of Nov. 26, 2025.
-
The executive director of the Nameless Coalition for the Homeless and former Beltrami County commissioner posted a video on social media, saying he will seek the seat.
-
-
During the week of Nov. 25, 2025, we enjoy reports of bobcat sightings, Tundra Swans and a lingering heron. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.