Agriculture

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.”
Trump to sign 'phase one' China trade deal, but most tariffs remain in place
President Trump is set to sign a "phase one" trade deal with China Wednesday. The agreement relaxes some U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. In exchange, China is expected to buy more from the U.S.
Menahga family launches Minnesota's first A2 milk creamery
A fifth-generation Finnish dairy farm in northern Minnesota is exclusively breeding an A2 herd and preparing A2 milk, a product designed for easier digestion, for sale.
Farmers got billions from taxpayers in 2019, and hardly anyone objected
Farmers got more than $22 billion in government payments in 2019 — and most of the money came through a program that Congress never approved. It's the highest level of farm subsidies in 14 years.
An 11-year-old boy who was overcome by fumes at a western Minnesota grain silo has died, becoming the third victim to die from the farm accident that also claimed the lives of his father and uncle, authorities said.