Agriculture

In long-running dispute over water and land in Pineland Sands, a farmer is caught in the middle
Cattle rancher Tim Nolte's plan to expand his farm has gotten caught up in a yearslong debate over the effects of changing land use on the water of the Pineland Sands region, which covers four counties in north-central Minnesota.
Planning, training, challenge and hope: Passing the family farm to the next generation
As Minnesota farmers get older — their average age is now 58 — many are thinking about what's next for the family farm. A challenging ag economy in recent years makes passing the farm on to the next generation more difficult.
Some Midwest farmers see hope in Democrats' climate platforms
A small group of farmers in Iowa believe they’ve influenced the field of Democratic presidential candidates to focus more on climate change and how agriculture can be part of the solution to global warming.
Minnesota considers raising water permit fees
Cities, industries and some livestock farmers could pay more for water quality permit fees under a proposal by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. But some cities and farmers are objecting, saying the money should come from the state's general fund instead.
Locust swarms in Africa are worst in decades
The worst outbreak of desert locusts in Kenya in 70 years has seen hundreds of millions of the bugs swarm into the East African nation from Somalia and Ethiopia. Those two countries have not had an infestation like this in a quarter-century.
MPCA estimates greenhouse gas emissions for Winona Co. dairy farm expansion
After Minnesota’s appeals court revoked a controversial permit for a proposed dairy farm expansion in Winona County, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released a draft permit and an additional environmental review that shows the project’s potential impacts to the climate.
Top ag banker: Optimism remains, despite tough times in farm country
One regional ag lender says he’s optimistic despite a weakening farm economy in the Upper Midwest. Some key economic factors are helping farmers survive a stretch of several years of low profits.
Reading, writing, and agriculture: Minnesota teacher honored for efforts to educate students about farming
“These are the people that are going to be leading our communities someday,” says kindergarten teacher Tiffany Kortbein. “I have that chance starting so young to teach these children, so that way they understand and they have the correct information. Food doesn't just come from the grocery store.”