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Agriculture

Turkeys provide a new source of power

Minnesota will soon be home to a new kind of alternative energy plant. A British company called Fibrowatt plans to build a power plant near the central Minnesota town of Benson. The facility would burn a mix of turkey manure and wood chips to make electricity. The project would provide Exel Energy with a third of the renewable energy it's required to buy every year. But some opposed to the project say there are better uses for turkey manure.

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Minnesota soybean farmers remain frustrated with Brazil

This year for the first time Brazil will export more soybeans than the United States. The country's maintained a longstanding ban on genetically modified soybeans. But industry experts say as much as a quarter of Brazil's crop is produced from illegal GMO seed. The situation has caused frustration among American producers.

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Cattle prices continue to soar

A shortage of live cattle is driving prices to all time highs. For 7 years, ranchers in cattle country have struggled to survive a drought. Some ranchers can't afford feed. They've culled their herds. Others have gone out of business. But those who have managed to survive are cashing in.

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The remains of farm life

At the turn of the last century, close to half of all Americans lived in rural areas. Over the last 100 years, though, the number of farmers has dropped so low that by 1993, the U.S. Census stopped counting the number of people living on farms. Lee Klancher is one Minnesotan who mourns the loss of the country's rural communities. His latest book, Tractor in the Pasture, showcases the remnants of a dying lifestyle.

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Milk producers organize

U.S. dairy cooperatives are trying to boost the price farmers receive for their milk. They're paying farmers to cut production, but some wonder if the plan will work.

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America's beef with Cuba

A year after former Gov. Jesse Ventura's trade mission to Cuba, exports to the communist country have skyrocketed. However, heightened political tensions over Fidel Castro's decision to imprison more than 70 political dissidents may hurt business.

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Pawlenty wants to expand wetland conservation program

Farmers working land along the state's three major rivers would be paid to set aside up to 100,000 acres to improve water quality by curbing runoff while restoring wildlife habitat, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced on Monday.

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Red River Valley farmers anticipate a profitable harvest

Harvest equipment is rolling through the region's farm fields. It's a critical time for farmers, because their income is dependent on this time of year. Farmers hope market conditions are ripe for a good price. So far this year in the Red River Valley, harvest has been going smoothly and it appears the price may be right.

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Drought cuts soybean yields

The fall harvest has confirmed predictions of drought damage. Soybean yields In Minnesota are down about a third from an average year. The good news is, prices are rising.

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Minnesota wheat makes a premium vodka

Early in 2003, a new kind of vodka made its national debut. Shakers is made in the small west-central Minnesota town of Benson from wheat grown on area farms. Now it's sold in bars and restaurants in 16 states. In a part of the state better known for corn fields and dairy farms, premium vodka is giving value-added agriculture new meaning.

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