Heavy rain and high winds have caused trouble for many Minnesota farmers this spring. And that’s just the latest challenge. Following last year’s historic drought, farmers are now dealing with supply chain issues, rising costs, avian influenza and instability caused by international conflict.
Gov. Tim Walz recently signed an agriculture omnibus bill that will fund drought relief, rural broadband and support for emerging farmers.
Coming up at 9 a.m. Thursday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota’s agriculture commissioner and representatives from the Minnesota Farmers Union and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association about the state of farming.
And we want to hear from you: If you are a farmer, how are you doing? How are rising costs and bad weather affecting your farm? And if you are a consumer, what concerns do you have about how rising costs will affect you? Call us at 651-227-6000 or 800-242-2828 during the 9 a.m. hour or tweet @AngelaDavisMPR.
Guests:
Thom Petersen is the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Anne Schwagerl is the vice president at the Minnesota Farmers Union. She owns and operates a farm in Browns Valley, Minnesota.
Mike Skaug is the president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. He owns and operates a farm in Beltrami , Minnesota.