Agriculture

Digesters make renewable energy from manure, but face hurdles
Danish company Nature Energy planned to build several large-scale anaerobic digesters in Minnesota and Wisconsin that would harvest methane from livestock waste to produce biogas. Those plans are now on hold. But experts say there’s plenty of potential to turn methane from manure from a liability into a commodity.
In Minnesota, thirsty crops put ground water levels at risk
To help us understand the state of groundwater in Minnesota, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Department of Natural Resources Hydrologist Ellen Considine, as well as Bob Shimek, an extension educator with White Earth Tribal and Community College who is active with water issues.
Growing diversity: The changing face of Minnesota farming
Don’t miss this special North Star Journey Live conversation recorded at the Minnesota State Fair about emerging farmers. What’s being done in our state to encourage more diversity in agriculture?
Prime, grass fed — bird friendly? Audubon Society label coming to a meat aisle near you
The Audubon Society is expanding its ranch certification program to the Midwest, in an effort to create consumer demand for bird-friendly ranching practices. A farmer in Clearwater, Minn., is one of the first in the state to start the process.