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Read news and insightful learnings and perspectives from Extension's work in Minnesota communities.
Use these blog articles to know and grow your local economies, strengthen community leadership and engagement, and develop tourism. Choose to explore all or filter content by topic.
![Chef Emily stands in front of her brick oven, which has logs below it, holding out a very large pepperoni pizza.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Emily%20Knudsen%20Pleasant%20Grove%20Pizza%20Farm.jpeg?h=1dde08b6&itok=h_ekUkza)
Minnesota's showcase of rural innovation expands, yet has more potential for success.
![Two dancers performing at an event](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/dancers-at-cultural-event.jpg?h=ced063a6&itok=U7ppbvnT)
Festivals and events have both direct and indirect economic impacts on local economies. Extension impact studies help communities understand the cost and benefit of local tourism.
![Nighttime front of the historic building with a lantern and patio tables in front. The windows are arched and have decorative metal work at the top.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/the%20grand%20credit%20Ryan%20Nosbush.jpeg?h=9d69ee3f&itok=-850jxT3)
U of M Extension’s Brigid Tuck provides 11 years of economic research.
![Orange-belted bumble bee on ablooming pussy willow in spring time.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/pussy-willow_0.jpg?h=17e003f7&itok=ek1jNOv_)
The University of Minnesota will lead a multi-state effort to help rural, tribal and underserved communities access federal funding for energy and environmental improvement efforts.
The intersection of agriculture and tourism offers an ever-growing range of options to those seeking to open their farms and property to visitors.
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