Agriculture

Dairy farmer's witness concedes problems while defending farm
A dairy consultant testifying on behalf of a Gibbon dairy farmer testified in court Friday that he believes "quality milk products and safe products can be produced on that farm." However, he acknowledged that higher-than-allowable levels of bacteria were found recently in some milk samples taken from the farm.
American Crystal Sugar Co.'s early beet harvest began Tuesday, earlier than ever because the crop appears to be bigger than ever.
Cargill's fourth-quarter net income more than doubled, the global agribusiness company said Tuesday, as ingredient costs fell and consumer demand began to strengthen. Full-year profits, however, still lagged behind 2009.
Last week's rains slowed Minnesota's small grain harvest, but progress remains ahead of last year and the five-year average.
North Dakota's spring wheat crop is expected to be 4 percent bigger than last year's, thanks in part to average yields that should equal the 2009 record of 46 bushels per acre.
Minn. corn crop estimated at record 1.25B bushels
The USDA estimates the Minnesota corn crop at 1.25 billion bushels, slightly better than last year's high-water mark.
Minnesota farmers await important corn count estimate
The U.S. Agriculture Department on Thursday will unveil its estimate of just how much corn, soybeans, wheat and other crops the nation's farmers will produce this year -- a key figure for Minnesota farmers.
Wheat prices climbed by 8 percent Thursday, and that surge will add millions of dollars in value to Minnesota's wheat crop.
Rep. Peterson: Feds shouldn't increase farm spending
U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Detroit Lakes, one of the most powerful figures in Congress, told farmers on Tuesday that he doesn't think the federal government should increase farm spending when it puts together the 2012 farm bill.
A small grudge plays a big role in Iowa farm novel
A small grudge that grows out of proportion is at the heart of Michelle Hoover's new novel. "The Quickening" revolves around two Depression-era Iowa farmwives Mary and Enidina.