(MOORHEAD, Minn.) – Senator Rob Kupec (DFL-Moorhead) toured area farms this week to highlight advancements in organic farming and water quality, and to learn more about the economic challenges facing Minnesota farmers.
In addition to Sen. Kupec, who serves as Vice-Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Broadband Committee, the tour was joined by Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson and other MDA staff.
“Minnesota’s farmers are the best in the world, and they continue to lead in adopting innovative farming practices leading to better productivity and more sustainable land and water use,” said Sen. Kupec. “These visits highlight some really exciting opportunities that policymakers in the legislature and the state can help support to ensure Minnesota remains an international leader in agriculture.”
The tour included a visit to two different family farms in Northwestern Minnesota. The first was a visit to Askegaard Organic Farms, a 900-acre organic farm producing different types of organic grains. The visit included a presentation on equipment obtained from Minnesota Department of Agriculture grants and sustainable ag practices they use.
The second farm tour was at Twin Oaks Dairy near Pelican Rapids. Though a relatively small dairy operation, their adoption of innovative practices has built sustained success and stability, including the use of a robot to milk and to help with feeding, innovative rubber flooring and stalls to maximize cow comfort and health, and the use of cover cropping.
Following the farm visits, the group also toured the Manna Food Co-Op in Detroit Lakes, which has recently received grant funding to create a commercial-grade kitchen in their store. Lack of access to these types of kitchens is the biggest hurdle for many small food businesses looking to grow, and they are often too cost-prohibitive for most individuals to purchase themselves. With this new kitchen up and running, area food entrepreneurs are using it to build businesses around local food production.
“Farmers are facing a lot of challenges right now, but there are also many opportunities where we can support, uplift, and sustain family farms and our agricultural economy,” said Sen. Kupec. “These face-to-face conversations, tours, and visits are a critical way we can work together to make sure every farmer succeeds and thrives.”
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