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Farmers, producers and rural communities can find the latest info to help navigate the pandemic.

April 22, 2020

2 Min Read
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JUST A CLICK AWAY: The Minnesota Corn Growers Association has compiled an extensive online resource list for farmers that provides information on a variety of topics of interest regarding COVID-19, planting and mental health.Bojan89/Getty Images

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association has launched a one-stop website that provides farmers the resources they need as they begin planting during the current pandemic. COVID-19 is impacting every segment of food production as Minnesotans join the rest of the nation in taking the necessary steps to prevent spreading of the disease.

Farmers can visit MCGA online to find resources from the University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and other agencies.

Related: Complete coronavirus coverage

More resources for farmers and rural communities trying to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic can be found below:

Resources for farmers looking for guidance on how to best manage their operation during these challenging times include:

  • Spring planting during COVID-19

  • Steps on the farm to manage COVID-19

  • Webinar on risk management in challenging times

  • Accessing USDA Service Centers by phone

  • Documentation for essential service employees to carry as they travel from home to work.

  •  More information on Minnesota's "Stay at Home" order

Mental health resources

Resources for farmers and members of rural communities in need of support include:

  • The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline, available to farmers 24-7 at 833-600-2670

  • Free and confidential resources to help cope with farm and rural stress from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture

  • The Red River Farm Network TransFARMation Series, a podcast designed to increase awareness and reduce inhibitions about acknowledging farm stress as well as highlight the resources available

State and federal agency resources

Farmers and producers of all varieties have access to helpful resources provided by state and federal agencies, including:

  • COVID-19 FAQ and Resources from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture

  • Guidance for ethanol plants interested in supplying sanitizer for donation or sale from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture

  • COVID-19 response for dairy and swine producers from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

  • Seasonal Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) renewal from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

  • Financial assistance for small businesses, including farms and cooperatives from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

USDA COVID-19 FAQ and resources

General resources and guidance on the coronavirus outbreak from USDA includes:

  • USDA COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide

  • Minnesota Ag in the Classroom

  • "Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota “At Home”

Additional resources from MCGA partners

Resources from other agricultural organizations partnered with MCGA, such as the National Corn Growers Association and the University of Minnesota Extension, includes:

  • National Corn Growers Association’s COVID-19 resources

  • NCGA COVID-19 program updates

  • “Council Remains Committed to Global Customers” from the U.S. Grains Council

  • “Rural Grocery Resources” from the University of Minnesota Extension

  • “Helping your family plan for COVID-19” from the University of Minnesota Extension

MCGA welcomes farmers to contact the organization if they have any specific concerns related to how COVID-19 is impacting their farms.

Source: Minnesota Corn Growers Association, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all of its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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