News

USDA is providing a total of $14.4 million in grants and technical assistance through two separately funded projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing a total of $14.4 million in grants and technical assistance through two separately funded projects to support urban agriculture and innovative production. USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) is making available $2.5 million for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) grants, building on $53.7 million invested in UAIP grant projects by OUAIP since 2020. In addition, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which oversees OUAIP, is providing $11.9 million in funding through an interagency agreement with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to promote the hiring of Urban Agriculture Conservation Extension Educators through the Cooperative Extension programs at Land-grant Universities.

Read MoreUSDA is providing a total of $14.4 million in grants and technical assistance through two separately funded projects

Jan. 20 is the first 2025 Free Park Day at Minnesota state parks, recreation areas

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Monday, Jan. 20. This Free Park Day is one of four days each year on which the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit at state parks and recreation areas. There is one fee-free day for each season of the year, giving Minnesotans an opportunity to experience state parks and recreation areas at different times of the year.

Read MoreJan. 20 is the first 2025 Free Park Day at Minnesota state parks, recreation areas

Farm Transition and Estate Planning Workshop planned

Are you starting to think about planning for a management transition of your farm? Or maybe you are working with a next generation or new operator on farm succession already. Need a path forward to help you think about the options? University of Minnesota Extension will provide full-day workshops and two-day multi-generational retreats across Minnesota on farm transition and estate planning.

Read MoreFarm Transition and Estate Planning Workshop planned

Minnesota West Fall 2025 scholarship applications now open

Minnesota West Community & Technical College recently announced that the application period for its Fall 2025 scholarships opened on January 7, 2025. Minnesota West and additional scholarships support students pursuing higher education and workforce training by offering financial assistance to reduce tuition costs and foster academic success. The awards are designed to help students at various stages of their educational and career paths, both new and returning.

Read MoreMinnesota West Fall 2025 scholarship applications now open

Southwest Minnesota State University and Avera announce partnership to develop a four-year nursing program

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) and Avera announce plans to partner on the development of a four-year nursing program aimed at providing new educational opportunities for students interested in nursing careers. This new bachelor’s degree program will add to the existing RN to BSN Nursing Program at SMSU and will help address the demand for more nurses at hospitals and clinics throughout the region and across the state of Minnesota.

Read MoreSouthwest Minnesota State University and Avera announce partnership to develop a four-year nursing program

VA’s Veteran Health Administration notifying Veterans whose personal information may have been compromised

The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Health Administration is sending letters to 1838 Veterans notifying them of the potential disclosure of limited information that may have been sent to another VA patient. No social security numbers or other identifying information other than name were divulged, when Xerox Corp., under contract to VA, experienced a printing error in November.

Read MoreVA’s Veteran Health Administration notifying Veterans whose personal information may have been compromised