Storms start to move out of Minnesota, continue for western Wisconsin

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Minnesota farmers have been hit hard by the summer’s hot, dry conditions. Seventy-eight percent of the state is currently experiencing extreme drought conditions, and 

small farmers are weathering the drought with virtually no safety net

Earlier this month, Minnesota received $17.5 million in federal aid to mitigate the impact of climate change. Gov. Tim Walz says some of that will go to support farmers and ranchers.

Small farmers are pushing for more streamlined ways to get a piece of that pie. Many aid programs for farmers are targeted to large, traditional crop and livestock farms. But there’s less infrastructure to support small farmers.

Guest host Chris Farrell talked with Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture Commissioner and small farmers about the impact of the drought and the future of small farming in Minnesota.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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For farmers, the summer of 2021 is the best of times and the worst of times. Big farms that plant corn and soybeans are coping with the drought. But it’s a different story for small growers.

How agriculture is coping with this summer’s drought

Two people sell vegetables at a farmer's market. 

How agriculture is coping with this summer’s drought

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