Month: May 2020

The Minnesota Department of Health has released the latest COVID-19 report and the statewide death total has reached 395 with 317 in long-term care or assisted living facilities.
The positive test results continued to climb in Polk County, up to 36 cases. The good news – Polk County hasn’t reported a COVID-19 related death. Marshall County is up to three positive cases, Norman County is reporting 8, Mahnomen and Clearwater are reporting two, and Red Lake, Pennington, Kittson, and Roseau counties are still reporting one case each. All the numbers are listed below.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will open signup this summer for CLEAR30, a new pilot program that offers farmers and landowners an opportunity to enroll in a 30-year Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract. This pilot is available to farmers and landowners with expiring water-quality practice CRP contracts in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay regions. The program sign-up period is July 6 to Aug. 21, 2020.

“This pilot allows us to work with farmers and landowners to maintain conservation practices for 30 years, underscoring farmers’ commitments to sound long term conservation stewardship on agricultural land,” said Minnesota Executive Director Joe Martin. “Through CLEAR30, we can decrease erosion, improve water quality, and increase wildlife habitat on a much longer-term basis. We want to share this opportunity early, before the sign-up period, so farmers and landowners have more time to consider if CLEAR30 or another program is right for their operation.”

The pilot is available in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Eligible producers must have expiring Clean Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers (CLEAR) initiative contracts, including continuous CRP Cropland contracts with water-quality practices or marginal pasturelands CRP contracts devoted to riparian buffers, wildlife habitat buffers or wetland buffers.

The longer contracts will help ensure that practices remain in place for 30 years, which will help reduce sediment and nutrient runoff and help prevent algal blooms. Traditional CRP contracts run from 10 to 15 years.

Annual rental payment for landowners who enroll in CLEAR30 will be equal to the current Continuous CRP annual payment rate plus an inflationary adjustment of 27.5 percent since CLEAR30 contracts will be for 30 years – much longer than the 10 to 15-year contracts for Continuous CRP offers.

Another unique program feature is that FSA will help producers maintain CLEAR30 contract acreage.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and fieldwork will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. Anyone wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency is required to call to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus. 

STAY AT HOME EXTENDED, RETAIL OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS
Yesterday, the governor announced an extension of the Stay at Home order until May 18, along with a modification to the policy on retail stores. Beginning May 4, retail and other non-critical businesses may begin offering curbside pick-up. According to the governor, this will allow up to 30,000 more Minnesotans back to work.

This is a step in the right direction, however, I would urge the governor to continue working with other industries and businesses that remain unable to open their doors to get them safely operating as soon as they can. Our communities rely on small businesses that face major problems from being forced to close, and I hope those businesses will have a path forward soon.

I would also urge the governor to make sure the guidelines are consistent for everyone. There is a huge disparity in the guidelines for big box stores and small retail stores. Our local retailers can operate in the same manner as large chains while keeping their employees and customers safe. Minnesotans know what is expected of them as they venture out to different areas of our communities. We all want to make good decisions to keep our loved ones and friends safe, and consistent guidelines are key to making that happen.

GUIDANCE ON ELECTIVE PROCEDURES
I’ve spoken extensively with local healthcare providers about the problems caused by the moratorium on nonessential medical procedures and surgeries. Our hospitals and providers are facing major problems because of the moratorium.

Thankfully, the governor has announced that he will be modifying the executive order on elective procedures in the coming days. From yesterday, April 30, to noon on Saturday, May 2, the Minnesota Department of Health will be collecting feedback and input online. You can view their draft guidance and complete a public comment survey here.

PLEASE CONTACT ME
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!

Deb Kiel

STAY AT HOME EXTENDED, RETAIL OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS
Yesterday, the governor announced an extension of the Stay at Home order until May 18, along with a modification to the policy on retail stores. Beginning May 4, retail and other non-critical businesses may begin offering curbside pick-up. According to the governor, this will allow up to 30,000 more Minnesotans back to work.

This is a step in the right direction, however, I would urge the governor to continue working with other industries and businesses that remain unable to open their doors to get them safely operating as soon as they can. Our communities rely on small businesses that face major problems from being forced to close, and I hope those businesses will have a path forward soon.

I would also urge the governor to make sure the guidelines are consistent for everyone. There is a huge disparity in the guidelines for big box stores and small retail stores. Our local retailers can operate in the same manner as large chains while keeping their employees and customers safe. Minnesotans know what is expected of them as they venture out to different areas of our communities. We all want to make good decisions to keep our loved ones and friends safe, and consistent guidelines are key to making that happen.

GUIDANCE ON ELECTIVE PROCEDURES
I’ve spoken extensively with local healthcare providers about the problems caused by the moratorium on nonessential medical procedures and surgeries. Our hospitals and providers are facing major problems because of the moratorium.

Thankfully, the governor has announced that he will be modifying the executive order on elective procedures in the coming days. From yesterday, April 30, to noon on Saturday, May 2, the Minnesota Department of Health will be collecting feedback and input online. You can view their draft guidance and complete a public comment survey here.

PLEASE CONTACT ME
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!

Deb Kiel

Spring planting is always a busy time for farmers; and a worldwide pandemic only amplifies the stress and uncertainty that accompanies the season.

“Planting season means long hours and lots of unknowns for area farmers,” says Heather Dufault, a Local Ag Extension Educator at U of M Extension. “And while farmers are maintaining their equipment, it’s critical they also take care of their health. Now more than ever we need all our farmers and their families to stay well.”

University of Minnesota Extension offers important tips for farmers to stay healthy and keep their operations going:

• Practice social distancing; at home, in the shed and out in the field
• Make sure you ride single in your cab, and stay six feet away from your team whenever possible
• Practice social distancing when taking deliveries
• Keep sanitizing supplies handy and wash your hands frequently, especially before and after meals, repairs and activities with other people
• Limit non-essential visitors to your farm
• Use technology to communicate as much as possible. Text work plans to employees instead of holding morning meetings in the shed or at the kitchen table. Use a phone or tablet to take a picture of a broken part and send it to the dealer. Call ahead to make sure parts are in stock and ask the dealer to place the part outside the door
• Clean and sanitize shared equipment after each use
• Wipe down doorknobs, steering wheels, radio knobs, grab handles, fuel tank covers and other surfaces people might touch
• Make sure you have a written contingency plan in case you, a family member or one of your workers becomes sick, and share that plan with the people involved

“Farmers are the backbone of our community and our region,” says Heather Dufault. “And many days, especially during long hours of planting season, the stress of being a farmer in these times can become almost too much. That’s why it’s important farmers know they’ve got someone they can talk to.”

The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s free and confidential. The number to call is 833-600-2670.

Resources for Farmers

• Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline
  • 833-600-2670
  • Available 24/7
  • Free
  • Confidential
• Minnesota Rural Mental Health Specialists
  • Monica McConkey  218-280-7785 (Generally serving areas north of Highway 12, which runs from Ortonville through Willmar to the Twin Cities)
  • Ted Matthews  320-266-2390 (Generally serving areas south of Highway 12)
  • Monica and Ted work with farmers throughout Minnesota. There is no cost and no paperwork

• Mobile Crisis Teams
  • https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/people-with-disabilities/health-care/adult-mental-health/resources/crisis-contacts.jsp
  • This web site has an interactive map that lists phone numbers for each county
  • Phones numbers are answered 24/7
  • Responders travel in private vehicles and generally arrive within two hours
• University of Minnesota Extension
  • https://extension.umn.edu/rural-stress
  • This site lists financial and mental health resources

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • 800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK)
• Crisis Text Line
  • Text MN to 741741
  • Immediate, free and confidential support for people in distress

Spring planting is always a busy time for farmers; and a worldwide pandemic only amplifies the stress and uncertainty that accompanies the season.

“Planting season means long hours and lots of unknowns for area farmers,” says Heather Dufault, a Local Ag Extension Educator at U of M Extension. “And while farmers are maintaining their equipment, it’s critical they also take care of their health. Now more than ever we need all our farmers and their families to stay well.”

University of Minnesota Extension offers important tips for farmers to stay healthy and keep their operations going:

• Practice social distancing; at home, in the shed and out in the field
• Make sure you ride single in your cab, and stay six feet away from your team whenever possible
• Practice social distancing when taking deliveries
• Keep sanitizing supplies handy and wash your hands frequently, especially before and after meals, repairs and activities with other people
• Limit non-essential visitors to your farm
• Use technology to communicate as much as possible. Text work plans to employees instead of holding morning meetings in the shed or at the kitchen table. Use a phone or tablet to take a picture of a broken part and send it to the dealer. Call ahead to make sure parts are in stock and ask the dealer to place the part outside the door
• Clean and sanitize shared equipment after each use
• Wipe down doorknobs, steering wheels, radio knobs, grab handles, fuel tank covers and other surfaces people might touch
• Make sure you have a written contingency plan in case you, a family member or one of your workers becomes sick, and share that plan with the people involved

“Farmers are the backbone of our community and our region,” says Heather Dufault. “And many days, especially during long hours of planting season, the stress of being a farmer in these times can become almost too much. That’s why it’s important farmers know they’ve got someone they can talk to.”

The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s free and confidential. The number to call is 833-600-2670.

Resources for Farmers

• Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline
  • 833-600-2670
  • Available 24/7
  • Free
  • Confidential
• Minnesota Rural Mental Health Specialists
  • Monica McConkey  218-280-7785 (Generally serving areas north of Highway 12, which runs from Ortonville through Willmar to the Twin Cities)
  • Ted Matthews  320-266-2390 (Generally serving areas south of Highway 12)
  • Monica and Ted work with farmers throughout Minnesota. There is no cost and no paperwork

• Mobile Crisis Teams
  • https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/people-with-disabilities/health-care/adult-mental-health/resources/crisis-contacts.jsp
  • This web site has an interactive map that lists phone numbers for each county
  • Phones numbers are answered 24/7
  • Responders travel in private vehicles and generally arrive within two hours
• University of Minnesota Extension
  • https://extension.umn.edu/rural-stress
  • This site lists financial and mental health resources

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • 800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK)
• Crisis Text Line
  • Text MN to 741741
  • Immediate, free and confidential support for people in distress

Extreme fire conditions today across much of Minnesota have resulted in the National Weather Service issuing a Red Flag Warning for the following counties in Northwest Minnesota:

Beltrami, Cass, Clay, Mahnomen, Norman, Otter Tail, Polk, and Red Lake.

A Red Flag Warning means the area is experiencing critical weather conditions that are ideal for wildfire, including strong winds and minimum humidity values. Do not burn while the Red Flag Warning remains in effect and check any burning done recently to ensure the fire is out. Any spark could become a wildfire under Red Flag conditions.

The Red Flag Warning expires at 7 p.m.

Elevated fire danger extends to the other portions of Minnesota, with critical fire weather conditions forecast to occur. Residents should stay tuned to later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.

Stay connected, stay safe:

• Check the statewide fire danger and current burning restrictions webpage, which the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources updates daily.
• Follow @mnforestry (DNR Forestry) on Twitter for up-to-date information on statewide fire conditions.
• Follow @mnics (Minnesota Incident Command System) for information on large wildfires.

Extreme fire conditions today across much of Minnesota have resulted in the National Weather Service issuing a Red Flag Warning for the following counties in Northwest Minnesota:

Beltrami, Cass, Clay, Mahnomen, Norman, Otter Tail, Polk, and Red Lake.

A Red Flag Warning means the area is experiencing critical weather conditions that are ideal for wildfire, including strong winds and minimum humidity values. Do not burn while the Red Flag Warning remains in effect and check any burning done recently to ensure the fire is out. Any spark could become a wildfire under Red Flag conditions.

The Red Flag Warning expires at 7 p.m.

Elevated fire danger extends to the other portions of Minnesota, with critical fire weather conditions forecast to occur. Residents should stay tuned to later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.

Stay connected, stay safe:

• Check the statewide fire danger and current burning restrictions webpage, which the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources updates daily.
• Follow @mnforestry (DNR Forestry) on Twitter for up-to-date information on statewide fire conditions.
• Follow @mnics (Minnesota Incident Command System) for information on large wildfires.