Agriculture

Cow gives birth to quadruplet calves on Minnesota farm
A central Minnesota farm family is celebrating an agricultural rarity this holiday weekend: One of their cows gave birth to quadruplet calves.
'He was my everything': A farmer's wife reflects on her husband's suicide
The stress of farming — especially during springtime planting — can take its toll. Farmers have one of the highest suicide rates of any job in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
General Mills sustainability chief: Healthy food needs healthy soil
Jerry Lynch told a crowd of agribusiness and food industry executives gathered in Minneapolis Thursday that healthy soil can help address everything from climate change to erosion -- and that savvy consumers are beginning to pay attention.
China cutting U.S. soybean purchases in face of tariffs threat
Chinese buyers are canceling orders for U.S. soybeans, a trend that could deal a blow to American farmers if it continues. Roughly 60 percent of U.S. soybeans are shipped to China.
Farm Bill could undo part of the Affordable Care Act
A provision now in the House's bill would help agricultural groups set up association health plans. Such plans, favored alternatives of the GOP, aim to reduce health care costs for small groups.
Crop-destroying birds better prey these falcons don't see them
Falcon pest control is gaining popularity, especially among eco-friendly farms. The raptors are trained to scare off pesky birds like starlings, which can cause thousands of dollars in crop damage.
A sign of the future in Morris: Cows + solar panels + fast electric car charger
Researchers at the University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris say solar arrays and electric vehicles could help offset greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.