DULUTH — Small farms in northeastern Minnesota are encouraged to apply for the Farmer Climate Action Fund, on-farm project funding that address climate change and resilience.
These projects could include planting wildlife corridors, replacing fossil fuels with clean energy alternatives, planting nitrogen cover crops and other projects that implement conservation practices.
David Abasz, executive director of the University of Minnesota Extension Northeast Regional Development Partnership, shared in a news release that he always has ideas that would improve his farm's climate resilience.
“The new funding will support Northeast farmers to be innovative while also reducing the risks that often come from incorporating climate change adaptations on their farms," Abazs said. "This is a real opportunity to get creative.”
The Northeast RDSP will accept applications through Feb. 14, with awards announced in early March. Priority will be given to projects that are shovel-ready and can be completed by the end of the year.
Farmers in Koochiching, Itasca, Aitkin, Pine, Carlton, St Louis, Lake and Cook counties, as well as farmers from the Grand Portage, Fond du Lac and Bois Forte reservations, are encouraged to apply.
More information is available at the U of M Extension website.
-
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe Boys and Girls Club of Bemidji Area operates a branch at J.W. Smith. Families and staff are concerned about the future of the grant-funded program if the school closes. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEDarrin Smedsmo's vintage aircraft was impounded following an emergency landing within the Red Lake Nation in October 2025, and he is still waiting for a day in tribal court. -
Pam Perry, retired non-game wildlife biologist, discusses the wonders of late winter birding, including Red-headed Woodpeckers, Common Redpolls and Horned Larks. -
Contributed/Jordan Weis | Weisguy Images LLCAfter a lot of thought and consideration, Grand Rapids Riverfest will take a break this year. This pause reflects KAXE’s financial realities and the complexities of putting on an event of this scale. -
Contributed/Alyssa Chen / Minnesota ReformerThe package has 18 proposals, including prohibiting legislators from making direct appropriations to nonprofits and establishing a centralized Office of Inspector General. -
In this episode, co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan discuss Horned Larks and anthocyanins (new vocabulary word!).Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe! -
Events this week include a snowshoe hike in Chisholm, a People Powered Party celebrating a beer brewed in KAXE's honor, and a symphony orchestra showcase in Bemidji. -
Contributed/The Unruly ShutterThe four teams will represent rural Northern Minnesota in the state tournament March 4-7, 2026, in the Twin Cities. -
Contributed/Staples-Motley Cardinals Wrestling via FacebookThe Cardinals' dominant run at the state tournament ended with another championship Feb. 26, 2026. United North Central's more mixed results resulted in a fifth-place finish. -
Contributed/Francesco Ungaro via PexelsAnita Charlene Gruel was pronounced dead at the scene. Her son Charles Lane Gruel was treated for injuries caused by the fire. The fire is still under investigation.
