Agriculture

Invasive vine not reported in North America since 1958 turns up in central Minnesota
An invasive vine not reported in North America for more than 60 years turned up this summer in a small central Minnesota city — a discovery that has local and state officials puzzled as they work to eradicate the plants.
Native American farm's growth helps to feed community
Dream of Wild Health decided to expand to feed people struggling in the pandemic and produced more than one ton of vegetables, fruit and other goods for donation to people in the Indigenous community.
Wild rice growers worry about climate change hurting crops
With its rich, nutty and complex flavor, the wild rice that grows in Wisconsin and Minnesota is one of a kind. While many tribal and nontribal people are enjoying their annual pilgrimages to their favorite rice wetlands, others are concerned about the effects of climate change on this unique crop.
St. Paul brewery, U of M team up on Organic Brewers Alliance
The project will help breweries connect with organic farms for hops, barley and other ingredients such as honey. The goal is to support sustainable agriculture practices.
Small farmers challenge conventional agriculture in Pineland Sands
One farmer's plans to irrigate his land to grow crops has triggered a legal challenge by organic farmers and clean water advocates. They say traditional agriculture is not a good fit for the sandy soil, and they envision a different way of farming in this region.
Another COVID-19 ripple effect: Many meat processors booked up through deer season
As the fall hunting season prepares to ramp up this month, some local butchers and meat markets might have to turn their game customers away. Many processors are already operating at full capacity — a ripple effect of COVID-19 closures at major pork and beef processors this spring.
COVID-19 looms over sugar beet harvest
Sugar beet growers and processors hire thousands of workers each year of the harvest. This year they need to protect them from COVID-19 to ensure the harvest is brought in.
COVID-19 and climate change: Implications for our food system
From the Commonwealth Club’s Climate One series, “COVID-19 and climate change: Implications for our food system.”
Judge allows Minnesota wineries to use out-of-state grapes
A federal judge has struck down a Minnesota law that required wineries in the state to use mostly Minnesota-grown grapes, in a ruling that could have implications for other states.