Living Earth Center Purchases New Irrigation System with Grow-a-Farmer Grant

Living Earth Center (LEC) in Mankato recently upgraded the irrigation system at the Blue Earth County Community Farm with support from the Grow-a-Farmer Grant, a partnership between Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF).

The Community Farm, managed by LEC since 2021, had been relying on an older irrigation system that was leaking, losing pressure, and wasting water. The Grow-a-Farmer Grant allowed LEC to replace it with a more flexible design that includes multiple valves and tubing, giving staff greater control over water use and helping conserve resources.

Much of the equipment was purchased from another farmer, which made the upgrade both cost-effective and sustainable. The system, installed earlier this summer, is already helping the farm reduce water waste while making day-to-day operations more efficient. LEC remains rooted in its origins as the Center for Earth Spirituality and Rural Ministry founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1996. It has grown into a vibrant community hub where people of all traditions come together through education, advocacy, and community agriculture.

The Grow-a-Farmer Grant program was created to help local producers strengthen their operations through equipment upgrades, sustainable practices, and resilience against challenges like extreme weather. By easing the cost of improvements, the program supports long-term success for small farmers and community food initiatives across the region.

For RNDC, projects like this reflect an ongoing commitment to agriculture as a foundation of south central Minnesota’s economy and way of life. Partnering with SMIF ensures that local farmers and food producers have access to resources that encourage innovation and sustainability.

The new irrigation system at LEC’s Community Farm demonstrates how targeted support and collaboration can make a lasting impact. Together, RNDC and SMIF continue to invest in opportunities that keep the region thriving and resilient for the future.

Celebrating Local Foods Month in Region Nine

Throughout August, south central Minnesota celebrated the 4th Annual Local Foods Month, a community-wide event pairing local farmers with restaurants to showcase the flavors of the region. The initiative brought together eight farms and eleven restaurants, each highlighting unique dishes that told the story of where our food comes from and the people behind it.

Local Foods Month was created to spotlight the abundance of products available from local growers, build lasting partnerships between farmers and restaurants, and encourage the community to support local growers. From fresh produce to locally raised livestock, the variety of ingredients offered a true taste of the region’s agricultural richness.

This year’s participating restaurants included Wooden Spoon, Mom & Pops Ice Cream, Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, Chankaska Creek Winery, River Rock Coffee & Tea, Pub 500, Sherburn Cup Truck, Sweet Haven Cocktail Lounge, La Plaza F!esta, Tandem Bagels, and Beans Coffee House. They partnered with growers Blue Dirt Farm, Cedar Crate Farm, Alternative Roots Farm, Rebel Rooster, Leuer Gardens, Under the Sun Herbs, K&M Fischer Farm, and Hannah’s Honey.

The event was made possible through the collaboration of RNDC, the South Central Minnesota Growers’ Network, and Minnesota State University-Mankato’s Strategic Partnership Center.

Thanks to the participation of farms, restaurants, and enthusiastic community members, this year’s Local Foods Month was a great success. It not only celebrated the flavors of the region but also strengthened connections between producers, businesses, and residents who value supporting local.

Video: Mapleton Presented T-Mobile Hometown Grant Check to Support the Nation's First Childcare House

The City of Mapleton was awarded over $39,000 through the T-Mobile Hometown Grant to support the creation of the nation's first child care house. The check was presented to Mapleton Mayor and RNDC Commissioner Jeff Annis at a community picnic. The first operator in the new childcare house will be Tiny Roots led by Brooke Garvey. Tiny Roots will focus on nature-inspired child care, welcoming children between the age of six weeks to seven years old. It is a mixed-age environment that encourages peer learning, empathy, and a strong sense of community through play-based learning.

Watch the video of the presentation below and learn more about Tiny Roots at https://businessofchildcare.com/tiny-roots-child-care/

Take the 2025 RNDC Regional Survey

RNDC is gathering input from residents, business owners, and community partners across south central Minnesota. Your feedback will help us assess regional challenges, identify opportunities, and measure progress toward regional economic development goals.

This survey is part of the yearly Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) reporting. The CEDS is a five-year roadmap that outlines shared regional goals and strategies for building a thriving economy.

To learn more about the CEDS, visit https://www.rndc.org/what-we-do/economic-development/ceds/.

Take the survey by clicking the button below.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is in the process of updating the Greater Minnesota Transit Plan (GMTP), which will guide transit strategies and priorities for communities outside of the Twin Cities. The plan will help shape how public transit evolves in both rural and urban areas across the state, making community input a key part of the process.

During the first phase of the project, MnDOT focused on learning how residents currently use transit and gathered ideas to strengthen service in local communities. The project is now moving into its next phase, and residents are invited to share feedback that will help set future priorities.

Community members can participate in several ways. MnDOT is asking residents to complete a survey, share personal stories about their experiences with transit, and identify where transit is most needed in Greater Minnesota. Participants can also weigh in on what they see as the top priorities for improving transit service across the region.

In addition to the online survey, MnDOT will be conducting onboard surveys to connect directly with riders. Passengers may see staff joining their trips to gather input or will have the opportunity to scan a QR code during their ride to provide feedback.

By participating, residents have the chance to influence how transit services grow and adapt to meet the needs of communities throughout Greater Minnesota. For more information, to read about feedback from the first phase, or to sign up for updates, visit the project website by clicking the button below.