 Governor Walz visited the farm of Matt Kruger in Pine Island to highlight resources available for new farmers. A shortage of new farmers and financial barriers to farming threaten the future of agriculture. State resources including the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit, Beginning Farmer Loan Program, and the Down Payment Assistance Grant provide necessary supports to encourage new farmers.
"Minnesota is built on agriculture. We rely on our farmers to feed our families and drive the economy and it is vital that we support our farmers and create opportunities for new folks to enter the occupation, especially amid difficult times," said Governor Walz. "I am grateful for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for their work ensuring that new farmers and rural communities can thrive."
 Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited a farm in Litchfield to spend time with 4-H students preparing for the Minnesota State Fair. The 4-H Youth Development Program has six million participants annually and enrolls approximately 65,000 youth ages 5-19 in Minnesota each year, representing the largest youth development program in the state.
"4-H represents the largest youth development program in the state. Minnesota is built on the strength of our farmers and producers – and I saw that spirit alive and well in these young people. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan
 Lieutenant Governor Flanagan attended a land restoration ceremony in Leech Lake. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act was signed into law in December 2020, providing for the transfer of approximately 11,778 acres of public land that was being managed by the Chippewa National Forest to the Department of the Interior to be held in trust for the benefit of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
"Days like today don’t just happen. This was the result of years of deliberate and thoughtful work to overturn policy that should have never been imposed in the first place," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Today is a powerful reminder that while we cannot change the past, we can work together to build a better future."
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