Agriculture

Farmfest returns to southwestern Minnesota this week
The annual agriculture trade show takes place from Tuesday through Thursday on a 50-acre site at the Gilfillan Estate southeast of Redwood Falls.
Invasive viburnum leaf beetle found in Minnesota for the first time
For the first time, the viburnum leaf beetle has been confirmed in the state. A resident of Eden Prairie found the insect feeding on arrowwood viburnum leaves in June and contacted the state Department of Agriculture.
Economists say Trump administration is overpaying farmers for trade losses
The Trump administration has released details of a $16 billion plan to compensate farmers who've lost money as a result of the trade dispute with China. Some economists say it's too generous.
Hmong farmers, HealthEast write prescription for better health: Veggie boxes
Eating healthy can be a challenge for people who lack access to fresh produce, or can’t afford it. The Hmong American Farmers Association and HealthEast have been trying to change that, and in turn, transform the doctor-patient relationship.
As climate changes, taxpayers will shoulder larger U.S. payouts to farmers
That's good for farmers but bad for taxpayers, who subsidize government-backed crop insurance. The fate of research that forecasts these costs is in doubt as economists and scientists leave the USDA.
Chasing Palmer: Minnesota tries to stop high-cost invasive weed
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is taking a zero-tolerance approach to the invasive Palmer amaranth plant, trying to prevent potentially significant financial losses for farmers.
Tru Shrimp had planned to build a multi-million-dollar shrimp production facility in Luverne, in southwestern Minnesota. But in January, the Minnesota-based company told Luvene officials it was building in South Dakota instead.
Got milk? Squeeze on dairy farmers eases
Minnesota dairy farmers have been hit hard with a long-running series of challenges: low milk prices, trade wars and blizzards to boot. But dairy producers see a glimmer of hope for their industry.
Trump escapes blame for ethanol policy hurting corn farmers
Midwest farmers and their Republican elected officials rarely miss a chance to shower President Trump with praise when he takes actions they believe help agriculture, but they're now parsing their words over the administration's policies dealing with ethanol.
Your hummus habit could be good for the Earth
High in fiber and protein, chickpeas are playing a starring role on menus. They're also good for soil health -- and growing demand could help restore soils depleted by decades of intensive farming.