By Scout Nelson
Minnesota’s agricultural landscape is changing as new and emerging farmers face rising challenges such as climate change, higher production costs, and decreasing farmland. According to United States Department of Agriculture data, the number of Minnesota farms dropped nearly 19% between 2007 and 2022.
The University of Minnesota Extension is working statewide to provide the research, education, and outreach needed to help farmers overcome these barriers and create thriving operations. Emerging farmers, often younger, first-generation, or immigrants, typically operate small vegetable farms because these enterprises require less land and capital than large-scale row crops.
“It’s important to work with them because even if they’re small in scale, they’re people directly feeding their community and supporting vitality,” says Natalie Hoidal, an Extension vegetable crops educator.
Extension educators focus on reducing risk by identifying production challenges, offering hands-on learning opportunities, and sharing research-based guidance on nutrient management, soil health, crop planning, and adapting to changing weather patterns. Growing unique crops such as African vegetables like ugu and chinsaga also helps enrich communities and introduce new cultures.
Adapting to Minnesota’s environment can be difficult for newcomers. “If [the farmers] have not sold to larger customers before, they might not know how to meet the food safety requirements of markets like schools, hospitals, and restaurants,” says Annalisa Hultberg, a regional Extension educator in food safety. Her program trains thousands of fruit and vegetable producers to cool, wash, and pack produce safely to meet wholesale standards.
Pest management presents additional challenges, especially for those pursuing organic methods. Insects such as cabbage loopers can damage crops like cabbage, collards, and brussels sprouts. Extension educators teach holistic approaches to pest control, including the careful use of organic pesticides.
Extension also serves as a bridge between university researchers and communities. “Extension connects science- and evidence-based research to our communities,” Hultberg adds. These partnerships support long-term relationships and ensure that new agricultural projects have a strong foundation built on trust and shared knowledge.
Through its dedicated programs, the University of Minnesota Extension continues to empower emerging farmers, fostering resilient farms and vibrant local food networks across the state.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Minnesota, Education