Agriculture

Concerns over federal tariffs and budget bill dominate Farmfest policy forum
Farming has never been easy, but this year seems especially challenging, with input costs rising, violent storms damaging crops and some commodity prices dropping. Those concerns took center stage at the annual Minnesota Farmfest, which is underway this week in the southern part of the state. 
Minnesota's 'Millennial Farmer' talks future of agriculture at Farmfest
Zach Johnson, a sixth-generation soy and corn farmer and YouTuber from west central Minnesota, talked to MPR News guest host Chris Farrell about pride and pressure to advance his farm into its seventh generation.
Ranchers say expanding herds to take advantage of record retail beef prices isn’t so simple
South Dakota rancher Calli Williams wants to benefit from high beef prices, but it's not so simple. She and her husband have faced challenges like drought, limited grass for grazing, and rising land costs.
Trump's USDA to scatter half its Washington staff to field offices. Critics see a ploy to cut jobs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to move thousands of employees out of Washington, D.C., aiming to save money and bring them closer to farmers and ranchers.
Minnesota Farmfest leader, innovator and founding father dies at 88
Marlyn Buss, who is considered the founding father of Minnesota Farmfest, died on Friday at 88 in Lake Crystal on what would have been his 55th wedding anniversary. He restarted and expanded the annual exhibition of farm equipment and agricultural products, turning it into a place when rural Minnesotans could come together to make connections and discuss agricultural policy, as well as for entertainment.
University of Minnesota grows non-native plants for immigrants to have a taste of home
Immigrants living in the United States inevitably miss a piece of home that can’t be found abroad. A new program at the University of Minnesota is working to change that.
Trump food aid cuts eliminate key income source from some smaller Minnesota farms
The Trump administration slashed funding for a program that helps feed school children and the food insecure this spring, and it’s affecting not only those in need but also those who grow that food, leaving some farmers without a critical source of income.
Hundreds of sheep helping keep prairie plants in check at Xcel’s Sherco solar project
Xcel Energy is managing vegetation at its Sherco Solar project by using sheep to graze beneath the solar panels. It’s an example of agrivoltaics, a growing practice of pairing renewable energy with agriculture that provides mutual benefits.