Agriculture

A new report shows the U.S. with the fewest cattle in at least four decades as a widespread drought forces ranchers to sell off animals.
Drought brings concern for crops and livestock
MPR's Mark Steil speaks with Tom Crann of All Things Considered regarding the drought that affects parts of northwest, southwest and southeast Minnesota.
Minnesota crops starting to suffer from drought
Drought conditions in the Midwest are intensifying and starting to affect Minnesota crops, as both corn and soybeans took a step backwards over the last week.
Seven listening sessions will be held across Minnesota this month to assess employers' workforce needs in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is conducting its annual surveys for new and emerging pests in some of the state's key crops.
An agronomist says much of southern Wisconsin's corn crop could be lost unless the region gets a significant amount of rain in the next week.
Food stamps, not subsidies, focus of House farm bill debate
The House Agriculture Committee met Wednesday for a contentious debate on the size of the food stamp program while generally signing off on the size and scope of commodity programs for farmers.
Parents defend putting children to work on farms
Some farmers say the U.S. Labor Department was misguided in its attempts to protect children from farm accidents and are relieved the agency dropped its plans this spring and has promised not to take up the matter again.
This week, Congress will again turn its attention to the farm bill. The Senate passed its version of the bill last month. This time, it's the House Agriculture Committee that will begin considering a different draft of the bill that covers farm subsidies and nutrition programs for the poor. Reporter Brett Neely discussed the key issues in the debate with Morning Edition host Phil Picardi.
A farmers market in Apple Valley is putting a twist on selling a summer treat. Pahl's Market is opening its annual corn drive-though.