Minnesota Adds New Farm Advocate to Statewide Assistance Network

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture expands its Farm Advocate Program to provide free, confidential support to farmers facing financial pressures.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has added a new Farm Advocate, Ron Dvergsten, to its statewide network of 11 advocates who offer one-on-one help and advice to farmers facing crises caused by financial problems or natural disasters. The Farm Advocate Program has been supported by the MDA since 1984 and was born out of the 1980s farm crisis, helping thousands of Minnesota farmers over the decades.

Why it matters

Farmers across Minnesota are facing mounting financial pressures from high input costs, low market prices, and everyday living expenses. The Farm Advocate Program provides a critical support system for producers who may be struggling to keep their operations afloat, offering free and confidential assistance with financial planning, lender negotiations, farm programs, and more.

The details

Ron Dvergsten, the new Farm Advocate based in northwest Minnesota, has worked in agriculture in the region his entire career, including as an ag lender and Farm Business Management instructor. He joins 11 other Farm Advocates across the state who help farmers prepare for and attend mediation sessions, strategize about bankruptcy and foreclosure, and provide guidance on federal and state farm programs.

  • The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has supported the Farm Advocate Program since 1984.
  • Ron Dvergsten recently joined the network of 11 other Farm Advocates in Minnesota.

The players

Ron Dvergsten

A new Farm Advocate based in northwest Minnesota who has worked in agriculture in the region his entire career, including as an ag lender and Farm Business Management instructor.

Thom Petersen

The Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which has supported the Farm Advocate Program since 1984.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)

The state agency that has supported the Farm Advocate Program since 1984, providing free and confidential assistance to farmers facing financial pressures and crises.

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What they’re saying

“I have worked in agriculture here in northwest Minnesota my entire life. I understand the area and its diversity, having spent the majority of my career as an ag lender and Farm Business Management instructor, so I'm eager to serve Minnesota producers through the Farm Advocate Program.”

— Ron Dvergsten, New Farm Advocate

“Farmers are facing many financial pressures, from high input costs to low market prices and everyday living expenses, but they don't have to go it alone. If you feel your farm operation slipping underwater, it's good to call a Farm Advocate as soon as possible.”

— Thom Petersen, MDA Commissioner

What’s next

Farmers in Minnesota can directly contact the Farm Advocate closest to them to receive free, confidential assistance. Contact information for all 12 Farm Advocates in the statewide network is available on the MDA website.

The takeaway

The expansion of the Minnesota Farm Advocate Program provides a critical lifeline for the state's farmers who are struggling with mounting financial pressures. By offering personalized support with financial planning, lender negotiations, and navigating farm programs, the advocates help ensure producers don't have to face these challenges alone.