Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend Jan. 17 through Jan. 19

Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend runs Saturday, January 17, through Monday, January 19. During the three-day event, Minnesota residents can fish for free when accompanied by a child 15 or younger.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it’s a great opportunity for families to try ice fishing, while reminding anglers to always check ice conditions before heading out. Conservation Officer Colby Fontes advises anglers to drive slowly and to be especially aware of pressure ridges:

The DNR is also waiving vehicle permit fees at all state parks on January 19 for Free Park Day. More information is available on the Minnesota DNR website.

Possible Change to Walleye Limits in Minnesota

Minnesota anglers could soon see a change to how many walleyes they can keep. The Department of Natural Resources is proposing to reduce the statewide inland walleye limit from six fish to four, while keeping the rule that allows only one walleye over 20 inches. If approved, the change would take effect March first of 2027. The DNR says the update reflects changes in climate, invasive species, and fishing technology since the rule was adopted in 1956. The proposal would also clarify regulations on border waters and other restricted areas. Public comments are being accepted through March fifth. More information is available at mndnr.gov.

Does DEED have measures in place to combat fraud in new paid leave program?

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is confident it has the pieces in place to prevent fraud in the new Paid Leave program. DEED Deputy Commissioner Evan Rowe gave these comments when asked about the process in regard to the program’s integrity.

First payments for the program began rolling out Monday. More than 2,600 Minnesotans will start getting payments and the average amount is a little more than $1,100.

Minnesota Extension’s Women in Ag Conference Returns next month

It’s conference season for agricultural producers across the region, and one event that producers should mark on their calendars is the annual University of Minnesota Extension Women in Ag Conference. Event representative Susan Hinrichs gives us a preview of this year’s conference.

Hinrichs says conferences like Women in Ag are becoming more important as the Agricultural sector continues to see more women getting in the job field. 

For more information or to register for the Women in Ag Conference, go to the University of Minnesota Extension website at extension.umn.edu/business/women-ag-network.

US Rep Angie Craig discusses Farm Bill & other ag legislation 

The Farm Bill will be expiring later this year, and producers across the country are left wondering if congress will be able to pass a new bill before the midterm election takes place in November. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig speaks more on what’s currently being discussed in regards to a farm bill, and whether she’s confident in one being passed this year. 

Agricultural labor reform is a hot topic, and a priority for many in Washington DC this year, but Rep Craig is not optimistic about the potential passage of meaningful farm labor reform. 

It’s been a tough couple years for producers and families alike when it comes to ag economics, and Craig discussed the potential plan of passing a farm/family relief package. 

For more agricultural news and programming, go to the Farm News webpage at rjbroadcasting.com.

Audio from the Red River Farm Network