Agriculture

EPA will ban a farming pesticide linked to health problems in children
Agency officials issued a final ruling on Wednesday saying chlorpyrifos can no longer be used on the food that makes its way onto American dinner plates. The move overturns a Trump-era decision.
How agriculture is coping with this summer’s drought
For farmers, the summer of 2021 is the best of times and the worst of times. Big farms that plant corn and soybeans are coping with the drought. But it’s a different story for small growers.
‘Micro-farmers’ face drought without safety net
Some farmers who work just a few acres of land without crop insurance or other programs designed to help much larger operations are facing the dual challenges of adverse weather and the ongoing pandemic.
Well drillers struggle to keep up with demand for water
The drought is drying up wells in some parts of the state, but that’s just one of the factors that have well-drilling contractors scrambling to keep up with demand, and some customers waiting months for a new well.
Much of Minnesota sees rain, but not enough to break drought
Much of Minnesota saw rain this weekend — heavy in some places — but weather experts say it’s not enough to break through the drought that much of the state is experiencing.
Farmers say drought aid urgently needed
Minnesota farmers are urging Gov. Tim Walz to move quickly on drought aid, as conditions worsen for farmers across the state.
Cows go to market as pastures dry up
The worsening drought is affecting farmers and ranchers across much of the state. Many ranchers are watching pastures wither and turn brown. They’re trying to find enough feed to last through the winter. Some are already selling cattle they know they won’t be able to feed.
Drought threatens to empty water wells in parts of Minnesota
Parts of Minnesota saw much-needed rain over the weekend, but it wasn't enough to break the ongoing drought. And the abnormally dry conditions are threatening some private water wells that rely on rain to recharge. In severe cases, shallow wells are out of water.
Firefighters battle large grain elevator fire in western Minnesota
Firefighters from more than a half-dozen western Minnesota communities battled a grain elevator fire Sunday in Clinton, Minn. Several dozen people were evacuated.