Travelers should prepare to slow down for construction work zones as road projects begin to ramp up across the state, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today. The agency has nearly 180 road construction projects this season that will help maintain and improve Minnesota’s roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure; improve safety and mobility; and support jobs that will be worked on statewide.

Three Minnesota state parks offer guided tours, giving participants opportunities to learn about fascinating features of the parks and the history behind them.

Several southwest Minnesota economic and workforce development organizations have partnered to host the SW MN Regional Workforce Summit on April 29 at the Heritage Event Center in rural Taunton. This all-day event is targeted at employers, HR staff, schools, community leaders and economic development professionals and features a great lineup of speakers and panelists providing attendees with tools and resources aimed at attracting and retaining employees.

Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year have until April 15, 2025, to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provide vital income support to eligible farmers who experience substantial declines in crop prices or revenues for the 2025 crop year. In Minnesota, producers have completed 89,471 contracts to date, representing 84% of the more than 106,000 expected contracts. “Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs provide excellent risk protection, for market declines, at no cost to the producer,” said Daniel Mahoney, Deputy State Executive Director for FSA in Minnesota. “If you haven’t made your program election or signed a contract, please contact your local FSA county office as soon as possible to set an appointment so you don’t miss the April 15 deadline.” 

On March 26, Dennis Todey, USDA Midwest Climate Hub Director and Jeff Coulter, UMN Extension corn agronomist, joined UMN Extension Crops Educator Angie Peltier for a discussion about current and forecasted weather conditions and considerations for a successful 2025 corn crop. This was the final weekly episode of the 2025 Strategic Farming: Let’s talk crops! series of webinars.

Registration is now open for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ summer 2025 I Can! outdoor recreation programs in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.

Prospective bear hunters have until Friday, May 2, to apply for a bear hunting license from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Applications for the 2025 season can be submitted online, at any license agent or by telephone at 888-665-4236.