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Agriculture

Lawmakers resist Pawlenty's proposal to cut ethanol subsidies

In a sign of trying times to come, key lawmakers on Thursday resisted the first major attempt to solve the state's budget problems, denouncing Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposal to eliminate $26.8 million in ethanol subsidies this year.

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Budget cut reaction: It's only a warm-up

Gov. Tim Pawlenty's plan to bridge the state's current $356 million deficit has touched off a chorus of protest from some corners of the Capitol. One of the larger items on the chopping block is the state's subsidy to ethanol producers, which is slated for complete elimination for the remainder of the biennium. Higher education, state agencies, and a business tax break would also suffer.

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Pawlenty names heads for agriculture, commerce

Two more cabinet positions were filled Friday, when Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty named Gene Hugoson the commissioner of agriculture and Glenn Wilson the commissioner of commerce. The two appointments bring Pawlenty's cabinet to eight. He earlier named commissioners of finance, human services, pollution control, administration, revenue and labor and industry.

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Settlement announced in ValAdCo dispute

An agreement today appears to settle a long running battle over the largest hog feedlot manure lagoon in Minnesota. The settlement between the state attorney general and the owners of the ValAdCo hog company grew out of a nearly decade-long fight over the health impacts of fumes from the facility. Under the agreement Valadco will stop using open air lagoons.

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Cold MacDonald had a farm...

This time of year in Minnesota, everyone watches the weather. But just like every other time of year, farmers watch the skies a little more seriously than most people. Next year's income depends on the thermometer and the snow cover. It also depends on the countless chores that just won't wait for spring, no matter how cold it gets in the meantime.

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A better year for grain farmers

Minnesota farmers are getting a better price for their grain. That may be good news for taxpayers as well.

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Sen.-elect Norm Coleman outlines agriculture policy

Sen.-elect Norm Coleman gave his first policy speech since the election on Tuesday night. The topic was agriculture. Coleman offered few specifics but received a standing ovation from members of the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council.

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Coleman outlines agriculture effort

Sen.-elect Norm Coleman gave his first policy speech since the election on Tuesday night. The topic was agriculture. Coleman offered few specifics but received a standing ovation from members of the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council.

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Ethanol industry steamrollers opponents

Ethanol supporters, such the nation's corn farmers, say it's a way to reduce this country's dependence on foreign oil and benefit the environment at the same time. Ethanol opponents doubt those arguments, but they're fighting a losing battle.

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New organic food labels take effect

After years of debate, new federal standards for organic foods take effect this week. While many hail the USDA certification process, others say the new labels are unnecessary and will confuse consumers.

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