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Agriculture

Record Minnesota corn crop expected

The U.S. Agriculture Department says Minnesota farmers should harvest some big crops this fall. The USDA released its first estimate today of the corn and soybean harvest based on actual field inspections. Farmers say their crops look good, but a lot of things can happen between now and harvest. Warmer temperatures and more rain are needed. The good crop prospects also have a down side. Grain prices have fallen sharply the past few months.

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Making music with farm machines

Musicians have often tried to coax melody from unlikely sources. Now in New York Mills things are going to an entirely new level. This summer, an artist from New York City is finding a connection between music boxes and abandoned farm equipment.

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University aims to thwart terrorist threats to food supply

Security must extend from the farmer to the fork as the government works to ensure that the nation's food supply is kept safe from terrorists, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said on Tuesday at the University of Minnesota.

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Farmers made money in 2003

New figures show that most Minnesota farmers made a healthy profit last year. That's a big change from a few years ago, when many farmers struggled to stay in business. A study by farm management specialists in the state university system looked at about 2,300 farms, and found their average profit in 2003 was $67,000.

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Things are looking profitable for Minnesota farmers

As temperatures warm up, Minnesota farmers are ready to head into the fields for spring planting. This year farmers have reason to be optimistic. Prices for the Minnesota's two major crops, corn and soybeans, are close to all-time highs.

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Officials test waffle plan for flood control

For years residents of the Red River Valley have struggled with floods. Cities and towns have spent millions of dollars building dikes and diversion projects in an attempt to stay dry. Now researchers are working on a new approach to flood protection, patterned after a waffle.

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Milk: it does a political body good

A future dairy farmer came up with a proposal that would make it easier for him to start his own dairy farm. The idea has piqued the interest of some Minnesota legislators.

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Jury says hog odors not a nuisance

Farmers in southern Minnesota are welcoming a jury verdict which cleared a hog producer of allegations that his livestock caused nuisance odors. A New Ulm couple claimed fumes from hog manure stored on the farm were so offensive they were forced to move. The jury said hog odors are not a nuisance.

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Growing a crop of houses

Some Stearns County farmers are upset with a neighbor's plans for his land. A dairy farmer north of Melrose wants permission to do something unusual. He'd like to seed a crop of houses where corn and soybeans would usually grow. The landowner says because of the slumping farm economy, it's the best way to make money from his dairy farm. His neighbors say houses don't belong in a farm field in the middle of prime dairy country. The issue is forcing Stearns County officials to plan for future development.

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Farmers question temple plan

Local governments are becoming more protective of farmers. In southwest Minnesota a county board struggled with a proposal to locate a Buddhist temple in an agricultural area.

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