$75 per person PCR refunds available through Dec. 31
Source: MN Department of Revenue
Minnesota Milk encourages our members and dairy industry friends to contribute a refundable $75 per person and $150 per couple through the Minnesota PCR (Political Contribution Refund) program. You may qualify for a refund for your political contributions made to Minnesota political parties and candidates for state offices.
You can request a Political Contribution Refund if you contribute money to:
Qualified candidates for:
Minnesota Legislature (state House or Senate)
Minnesota governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general
Minnesota Milk started it's Five-Star Dairy program in collaboration with the State of Minnesota in 2001, as a way to reward farmers for doing good. Still today, over 20 years later, Five-Star Dairy Environmental Quality Assurance signs stand at the end of many Minnesota Milk member and non-member driveways. Eventually, portions of that pilot program developed into the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program in 2015.
As MAWQCP enters its 10th year of statewide certifications, the program is recognizing producers who recertify their operations. Farmers who complete the process will receive a mug and continued satisfaction that they are helping to conserve our state’s water resources.
If you are certified and approaching the 10-year mark, it's time to recertify. Reach out to your local certification specialist to begin the process.
Below are additional benefits to re-certification:
Regulatory certainty: Certified operations are considered in compliance with state water quality regulations that may emerge during their 10-year agreement.
Farm Business Management Scholarships: The Farm Business Management Program helps owners and operators meet business and personal goals through one-on-one instruction. Scholarships cover 75% of tuition costs the first year and 50% through completion of the program.
Access to ongoing grants for new practices that support water quality: Certified producers have priority access to financial assistance for implementing approved conservation practices, up to $5,000 a year.
Access to emerging grants that support best management and conservation practices (BMPs): Upcoming opportunities include funds for nitrogen inhibitor product use, tree planting, crop diversification, and more.
Priority feedlot permitting through MPCA: Certified producers’ applications move to the top.
Soil Health Equipment Grant ranking points: Certified farms are prioritized in the ranking process for the MDA’s Soil Health Financial Assistance Program. To date, 90% of awards have been made to certified farms.
Branding and marketing: Certified producers can use the Minnesota Water Quality Certified Farm label to promote their products.
FREE technical assistance: Participants receive specialized technical and financial assistance to implement practices that enhance soil health and water quality.
Opportunity to show the public that voluntary conservation programs work. This is a chance to demonstrate how farmers are implementing best management practices on a scale that does not require additional regulation.
To all who are certified, thank you for your leadership on behalf of Minnesota agriculture.
Rep. Backer hosts January 22 ag field hearing - Shaping the future of agriculture
Source: Representative Jeff Backer
Join Rep. Backer and other local Minnesota farmers, stakeholders, and commissioners at the Agriculture Summit on January 22, 2026.
Rep. Backer will be joined by Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson, DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen, MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler, several legislators, local stakeholders, and livestock and crop farmers from Minnesota.
This event will focus on strengthening Minnesota’s agriculture industry through direct engagement with those working in the field. Everyone involved in the agriculture industry is encouraged to attend.
Legislative leaders on Tuesday officially set the timeline for getting bills through the committee process during the upcoming 2026 session. Read more about the three deadlines for the 2026 session below.
Several public listening sessions were held over the past few weeks on the proposed rule Updated Definition of "Waters of the United States". The agencies will continue to accept written comments through January 5, 2026.
Written comments can be submitted below. The 45-day comment period closes on January 5, 2026.
USDA announces January 15 national batching deadline for major NRCS conservation programs
Source: USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service established a national Jan. 15, 2026, batching deadline for the first funding round of key conservation programs. This national batching date ensures producers have a clear, consistent timeline for participating in Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. This includes NRCS’ new Regenerative Pilot Program, which provides targeted Farmer First assistance through EQIP and CSP.
Winter load increases begin in the south and southeast frost zones
Source: MN Department of Transportation
The Minnesota Department of Transportation began winter load increases on unrestricted highways in the South and Southeast frost zones on December 29, 2025; winter load increases are already in effect statewide. Vehicles may operate up to 10 percent over standard legal loads on unrestricted highways, provided they comply with registration limits, posted signs, and local restrictions. A winter weight increase permit is required only on interstate highways.
Load limit zones, routes, and additional information are available at mndot.gov/loadlimits.
The Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant Program, also referred to as the Prepare Grant, helps Minnesota livestock and specialty crop producers buy and install supplies or equipment that will help make their operations more resilient to extreme weather.
Approximately $500,000 is available for this program. We expect to award 50 to 75 grants.
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