Agriculture

Farmers worry about possible budget cuts to ag programs
Farm groups are rushing to save government subsidies they've long received. President Barack Obama and lawmakers have targeted $30 billion or more in agriculture spending cuts as they try to negotiate a deficit-reduction deal.
Beekeepers closely watch population, productivity
July is typically a busy month for bees, and peak time for honey production in Minnesota. It's also a busy time for beekeeper Jeff Anderson, who keeps a close eye on his hives - not just to watch for honey, but also for disease.
Hive health: Beekeepers closely watch population, productivity
Beekeepers are working to overcome another year of significant bee losses from colony collapse disorder, which has killed millions of honey bees in Minnesota and across the country.
Minnesota crops benefit from another warm week
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that most fieldwork resumed across Minnesota last week after several wet weeks caused delays.
Threatened with a series of state laws cracking down on cramped cages, a group representing the egg industry on Thursday said it would agree to seek federal regulation to improve conditions for egg-laying hens.
Delivery to food shelves will continue during shutdown
Food shelf directors around the state breathed sighs of relief after learning the state government shutdown won't threaten the delivery of tons of food.
The State Public Utilities Commission approved a controversial 50-turbine wind farm in Goodhue County.
Corn prices drop on prospect of ample harvest
U.S. and Minnesota farmers have planted more corn than expected and the prospect of an ample harvest is driving prices sharply lower.
Crops growing slowly, but expected to catch up
The growth of Minnesota crops are behind where they should be for this time of year, agriculture officials say.
Minnesota's ethanol industry faces uncertain future
Not only has ethanol production stalled out in the United States and taken at least a symbolic blow in Congress, what once was billed as the next generation in making ethanol has been slower to build than expected.