Agriculture

Rootworm could be resistant to genetically modified crops
An insect that can fatally weaken the root system of corn crops is overcoming farmers' main line of defense against the pest, and could threaten Minnesota's nearly $5 billion corn crop.
A break in the rains let Minnesota farmers spend more time in their fields last week and the soybean crop improved.
Agribusiness conglomerate Cargill is buying animal nutrition company Provimi for $2.16 billion to strengthen and expand existing operations.
Ice cream makers try to eat high ingredient costs
The cost of the milk, butter fat and sugar that are key to making ice cream have spiked this year, but most ice cream makers haven't passed much of the cost along to customers. They don't feel like they can, saying customers will only pay so much in a down economy, even for high-end treats.
Corn, soybean harvests to fall shorter this year
Minnesota's corn and soybean harvests are forecast to fall well short of last year's crops, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. The USDA predicts poor weather will cut the soybean yield by 11 percent, and corn by 6 percent.
Minnesota crops 'variable' due to varied summer weather
Uneven growth of corn in Minnesota farm fields has sparked a lot of speculation this summer about the condition of the state's major crops, valued at more than $12 billion. Too much rain, followed by too hot weather, has taken a toll on fields across the state.
Wet growing season could send pasta prices up
Wet conditions across the upper Midwest could lead to higher pasta prices at the grocery store.
At Farmfest, talk is about govt. farm policies
Farming is profitable now and some sectors are experiencing record profits. But many farmers are still uneasy about the future -- and much of their uncertainty has to do with government farm policies. Attendees at the annual Farmfest show in Redwood Falls echoed those sentiments.
The development of Minnesota's major crops has advanced significantly thanks to last week's high heat and humidity.
Last week's storms ended Minnesota's longest stretch of dry weather this summer, and it's having an affect on Minnesota agriculture.