Agriculture

Minnesota farmers want help fending off voracious deer
Farmers across the state want the Department of Natural Resources to do more to curb damage from large herds of white-tailed deer. A DNR official said it would be difficult for the state to compensate farmers for all wildlife losses. But agency staff are drafting regulatory proposals to address the deer problem that they could unveil during the upcoming legislative session.
American Crystal Sugar reports a record crop despite drought
Moorhead-based American Crystal Sugar Company is reporting a record crop in 2023 as the sugar beet cooperative marks its 50th anniversary.
State agencies pledge new steps to reduce nitrate in southeast Minnesota
Last month, the EPA said state agencies need to develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the nitrate problem in eight southeast Minnesota counties’ drinking water. In a letter Friday, commissioners of the departments of health, agriculture and the Pollution Control Agency promised to do more – but said they may need more federal or state money to do so.
Millions of U.S. apples were almost left to rot. Now, they'll go to hungry families
Many growers across the country have been left without a market due to oversupplied apple processors. West Virginia rescued its surplus, with a plan that donates apples to hunger-fighting charities.
Judge throws out lawsuit by southeastern Minnesota dairy farm seeking to triple in size
Environmental advocates, including the Land Stewardship Project, opposed the expansion. They said the additional manure generated by a larger operation would increase the risk of water pollution in a region where nitrate in groundwater already is a problem.
Tackling the 'big brown spot': Keeping fields in living cover could be path to reducing nitrate
Commercial fertilizer and manure applied to crop farms is a major source of nitrate in Minnesota’s water. A new report finds planting crops that keep the soil covered year-round benefits both the environment and farmers.
Christmas tree growers anticipate healthy demand despite drought challenges
Minnesota’s Christmas tree farms are busier than ever getting ready to sell their harvest to the public. The demand for live trees remains strong despite much of the state suffering repeated droughts during the last several years.