Agriculture

Farmers buoyed but cautious as China resumes buying soybeans
The resumption of soybean sales to China this week is encouraging to American farmers, but producers see it only as a small step and say they need more federal aid.
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.
Increased dairy production, coupled with stagnating demand, have kept prices low. At the same time, trade scuffles have made it harder for farmers to reach new consumers overseas.
Thanks to science, you can eat an apple every day
After harvest, apples can be stored for months in controlled atmosphere storage rooms where the temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and humidity levels are adjusted to put them into hibernation.
Minn. farmers have most to lose if conservation cut from farm bill
House and Senate negotiators are trying to work out a deal on the farm bill before the end of the year, but one key difference between the House and Senate versions of the bill is the fate of the Conservation Stewardship Program, which gives farmers credit for maintaining practices that reduce soil erosion and improve water quality.