Agriculture

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.
A grass-roots movement for healthy soil spreads among farmers
America's farmers are digging soil like never before. A movement for "regenerative agriculture" is dedicated to building healthier soil and could even lead to a new eco-label on food.
When robots milk cows, farm families taste freedom
On a growing number of dairy farms, cows, not people, decide when they need to be milked. Robots can do the job day or night. For some farm families, the robots free them from rigid milking schedules.
Minnesota farmers endured 5th straight year of thin profits
A new report says bumper crops and occasional upticks in prices weren't enough to save most Minnesota farmers from a fifth straight year of thin profits in 2017.
As milk prices decline, worries about dairy farmer suicides rise
The nation's dairy farmers are facing their fourth year of depressed milk prices. The outlook is so bleak, it's increased worries about farmer suicides. One recent outreach effort drew criticism.
U study: Wetlands key to keeping harmful nitrates out of waters
A new University of Minnesota study found wetlands are providing a significant water quality benefit by keeping nitrates from crop fertilizer out of rivers.