Agriculture

Minnesota harvested fewer apples in 2010. But, growers say prices recovered from a downturn the previous year.
High grain prices fuel record prices for farmland
The price of farmland in the Upper Midwest begins the new year at record levels, with no sign of a peak yet. High grain prices are giving farmers lots of cash and they're spending it on their favorite asset.
Cleaner tractors get cool reception from farmers
Farm equipment manufacturers are rolling out cleaner tractors to meet stricter new federal air regulations, but many in the industry say the challenge will be getting farmers to put the high-priced models into fields during hard economic times.
US bison ranchers struggle to meet consumer demand
The deep snow blanketing the Midwest prairie didn't bother the bison on Ed Eichten's ranch one bit. The hardy animals evolved to survive - even thrive - year-round on the open range, and with their big heads, they can plow right through drifts 5-feet tall or more.
The Food Safety Modernization Act has passed Congress, strengthening federal oversight of food processing facilities and farms but keeping a controversial exemption for small farms.
The state's Department of Agriculture will be in new hands for the first time in 15 years. Gov.-elect Mark Dayton has named former state Senator David Frederickson as the next agriculture commissioner.
Gov. Tim Palwenty is asking for a federal agricultural disaster declaration for four Minnesota counties because of significant crop losses.
Ethanol supporters in the Dakotas are praising tax cuts passed last week in Washington for extending alternative fuel incentives.
The Justice Department is pursuing several leads on possible anti-competition cases in agribusiness after a series of hearings on the issue, according to Christine Varney, the head of the agency's antitrust division.
High grain prices lead to big profits for farmers
High grain prices have led to big profits for crop producers, strengthening the farm economy while other sectors continues to struggle.