Agriculture

Black farmers among those left in limbo amid federal funding freeze
The federal government has historically discriminated against Black farmers. The recent funding halt from the Trump administration presents yet another hurdle to those who have spent decades fighting for equity in farming.
What you need to know about bird flu
More people, livestock and wildlife in the U.S. are testing positive for bird flu. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guest discuss what you need to know about how the avian influenza virus is changing, who is at risk, and how to prevent its spread.
A new type of bird flu has been found in dairy cows in Nevada
The strain of bird flu is distinct from what has previously been found in dairy cattle. The finding means the virus has again spilled over from birds to cows, and it raises some worrying questions.
On the frontline against bird flu, egg farmers fear they're losing the battle
The tools the U.S. used to contain previous bird flu outbreaks just aren't working this time, according to some agricultural experts. Some egg farmers have called for vaccinations for poultry.
Report: Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions bounced back after pandemic, still below 2019 level
Transportation remains the state’s largest source of greenhouse gases, contributing nearly 30 percent of emissions. It’s not clear whether Minnesota is on track to meet its goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent by 2025, or reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Environmental groups sue Minnesota agencies over nitrate pollution
The lawsuit alleges the agencies have failed to adopt regulations that are adequate to protect water resources from farm-related nitrate pollution. It also asks the agencies to reopen state rules that govern animal manure and commercial fertilizer, major sources of nitrate contamination in groundwater, lakes, rivers and streams.
Egg prices are soaring. Don't expect that to change anytime soon
It looks like grocery shoppers hoping for soaring egg prices to turn around are likely to be waiting a while. Prices have more than doubled since the summer of 2023 and millions of chickens are still being slaughtered every month because of bird flu.
Could winter-hardy crops fuel airline flights of the future? U of M researchers think it’s possible
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have been studying winter oilseed crops that can be turned into sustainable aviation fuel and provide other environmental benefits. Interest in SAF has been on the rise as the airline industry looks to reduce its carbon emissions.