Agriculture

‘Oat Mafia’ in search of a market for oats in the upper Midwest market
Some corn and soybean farmers in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa have started planting oats for environmental reasons, but also in an effort to diversify what’s grown in the Midwest. One area farmer has broken ground on a new oat mill in Albert Lea, Minn., for a local market.
Minnesota’s grain indemnity fund faces first major test with large grain elevator failure
Hansen-Mueller Co., a nationwide grain merchandiser and processor, filed for bankruptcy. The company, based in Omaha, Neb., has grain elevator operations in Minnesota. It owes hundreds of millions of dollars to farmers nationwide.
Minnesota cattle producers to vote on proposed increase in beef checkoff fees
The Minnesota Beef Council has proposed a 50-cent increase to the $1 fee charged to cattle producers on every head of cattle sold. The checkoff fee hasn’t been raised in nearly 40 years, but to make it more palatable to members, the fee would be refundable for those who want to opt out of the program.
Some Minnesota farmers could feel the government shutdown well after it ends
The government shutdown halted payments to farmers who participated in conservation programs. Even though the government has reopened, farmers may still face delays in receiving their funds.