The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Value-Added Grant Program. The MDA anticipates awarding up to $1 million using a competitive review process. The intent of the program is to increase sales of Minnesota agricultural products by investing in production capacity, market … [Read more...]

When celebrating Canada Day, revelers may want to enjoy some of the classic foods borne out of this land in the North. Thanks to the wide array of people of varied cultures that reside in Canada, cuisine can range from French foods to wild game first hunted by Inuit and other native peoples. Outside of Canada, the country may be best known for a few exports, including maple … [Read more...]

A career in agriculture can prove richly rewarding. While it's common to envision overalls and tractors when imagining careers in agriculture, the opportunities to work in the agriculture industry stretch beyond the farm and into the corporate world. The following are a few of the paths men and women with a passion for agriculture can pursue. • Business: Agriculture is big … [Read more...]

Consumers' appetites for local foods are growing, and restaurants have taken notice. Today, many local businesses, including farms and restaurants, have mutually exclusive relationships that make it possible for local residents to enjoy nutritious, locally produced meals. According to the market research firm Packaged Facts, local foods generated $11.7 billion in sales in … [Read more...]

Certain foods found at barbecues are better than others for health-conscious men and women. Barbecue season is still in full swing, and that means many evenings spent dining outdoors with a feast of grilled foods at your beck and call. Such foods may be delicious, but some barbecue standards may not be ideal for those trying to maintain a beach-ready body. But even if a trim … [Read more...]

Canadians and Americans love their gas grills, but some feel that grilling over gas loses some of the flavor associated with charcoal and smoke. Well worry no more. There are numerous grilling planks and wood chips available (GrillPro, for example, has a full line of flavors) that, when combined with the cooking power of a Broil King gas grill, allow backyard chefs to taste the … [Read more...]

People are drawn to pets for various reasons. Self-sufficient cats entice those who prefer independent pets that do not take up much space. Dog lovers might enjoy the companionship and boisterous personalities of tail-wagging pooches. Exotic pet owners appreciate the uniqueness of their reptiles and amphibians and how they may serve as a conversation starters. Pot-bellied … [Read more...]

MANKATO, MN – David Mensink, a farmer from Preston, Minn., traveled to Japan in early September to learn more about the world’s most competitive red meat import market and to demonstrate their commitment to serving it. The visit came on the heels of the trade agreement in principle that would bring Japanese tariffs on U.S. beef, pork and other agricultural products in line with … [Read more...]