Agriculture

Big Beef prepares for battle, as interest grows in plant-based and lab-grown meats
As sales of plant-based substitutes like almond milk rise and cow milk sales decline, the meat industry sees a cautionary tale. With meat alternatives growing, Big Beef takes the fight to regulators.
Startup using tech to pull back the curtain on seed, fertilizer prices
The Farmers Business Network was born of farmers frustrated with opaque pricing for seed and chemicals, and tech guys who believe that data is the answer. So far, about 7,500 farmers across North America are buying in to the idea.
Farm bill compromise reached with SNAP changes out, industrial hemp in
While much of the farm bill draft mirrors current law, there is a major change coming for farmers: industrial hemp will be legalized. Forestry and food stamps became sticking points.
Today is the official last day on the job for MPR's Worthington-based reporter, who has been with MPR since 1978. He joined MPR News' Phil Picardi to talk about the state of agriculture in Minnesota.
Cargill tests robotic cattle driver as a way to improve worker safety
Hundreds of injuries — and some fatalities — are caused by cattle each year. But a new robot might be able to emulate some sounds and actions of workers, keeping them safe from kicks and attacks.