Overcoming Barriers for Emerging Farmers

Minnesota farmers a vital part of the state’s economy are facing mounting challenges such as climate change, increasing cost of production, and more. According to United States Department of Agriculture data, the number of Minnesota farms from 2007-2022 decreased roughly 19%.

To address this, University of Minnesota Extension works statewide to provide research, education, and outreach to help farmers thrive. 

Emerging farmers those who traditionally face barriers to the education and resources needed to build profitable agricultural businesses—are one of those groups.

A lifeblood of rural communities

Minnesota emerging farmers tend to be younger, first generation, or immigrants. They often manage small vegetable farms because they can be profitable, and starting one requires less land and capital than growing row crops like corn and soybeans.

“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.

Hoidal searches for ways the University can help mitigate personal risk for farmers. Some of these include finding common production challenges, providing hands-on educational opportunities, and sharing research-based information about topics like nutrient management, crop planning, soil health, and climate adaptation.

Exposing Minnesotans to new cultures through growing African crops like ugu or chinsaga that benefitted from soil health and nutrient management research conducted by Extension are another enriching aspect of investing in these farmers.