Agriculture

The wheat harvest in the Northern Plains is complete and the crop is out of the field. Farmers have started to move the harvest from the farm to the elevator. But the next step will be more difficult. That is, finding enough railroad cars to move crops from elevators to markets around the country.
One of the many issues left undecided by the collapse of the World Trade Organization talks in Cancun is the fight over food names. The European Union wants the exclusive rights to terms like Feta and Champagne, Gorgonzola and Chablis. E.U. trade officials argue that these and 37 other identifiers belong to small producers in specific regions of Europe. The issue isn't likely to go away anytime soon. And that worries Midwestern cheese makers.
There's a new effort to make South Dakota competitive in biotechnology. Many would say the state is about 20 years behind the times. But Gov. Mike Rounds says whether it's agricultural products or medical breakthroughs, he's ready to offer an office and financial assistance to companies willing to move. Unfortunately many biotech companies are either well established elsewhere, or are still just someone's good idea.
Minnesota farmers are paying close attention to a trade dispute spurred by European Union restrictions on genetically modified, or GM crops. The EU placed restrictions on GM crops in 1998, citing a need to protect consumers. They've banned certain varieties of GM corn and just this year, required labelling of GM food. U.S. trade officials say the restrictions are illegal protectionism. The U.S. wants the World Trade Organization to intervene.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and state Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson visited the Southeastern Minnesota town of Mazeppa on Tuesday to evaluate crop damage from this summer's drought.
Governor Tim Pawlenty will seek federal aid to assist farmers who are losing crops to the tune of more than $1 billion in Minnesota. The aid will help what has been a heartbreaking growing season.
Gov. Pawlenty said Friday that the state will seek a federal disaster declaration because of drought conditions. He says it appears about 50 of the state's 87 counties qualify for disaster assistance because of the late-summer drought. Some House Democrats say the governor should also start putting together a state disaster relief package.
Gov. Pawlenty says he'll seek federal aid for Minnesota farmers coping with a late-summer drought. Pawlenty made the announcement Friday on his weekly radio show. Pawlenty says it appears that at least 50 of the state's 87 counties are suffering drought conditions. He says the paperwork will be finalized and submitted in the next couple of days.
Elk farmers in Minnesota are facing tough times. The fear of chronic wasting disease has cut into the market for elk meat. For some farmers new regulations to limit the spread of the disease prevents them from selling their animals at all. One central Minnesota elk farmer says he's found a way to make money in the struggling industry. But state officials say the farmer's approach is illegal and inhumane.