Modern homesteading doesn’t have to mean living off-grid, owning dozens of acres, or doing everything yourself. The University of Minnesota Extension will host the Modern Homesteading Conference on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Park Rapids High School, designed for everyday people who want to become more self-reliant while balancing work, family and busy schedules.
Wertish family, 2026 Farm Family of the Year
Love the outdoors? Join the Southwest Minnesota 4‑H Spring Wildlife Day on April 11, 2026 at the Merit Center in Marshall. A whole day of wildlife activities perfect for all ages and skill levels. Sign up by April 3: https://z.umn.edu/SWMNSpringWildlifeDay
While it’s a relief to see incomes trending upward from 2024, the structure of that income is a bit of a double-edged sword.
Minnesota's low-population areas often have limited resources. Empowering Small Minnesota Communities makes funding projects and planning easier.
Many remember Mary Page (1934-2013) for being the mayor of Olivia, a University of Minnesota Regent and a voice for rural Minnesota. Descendants honor her and her husband Jim through giving.