Agriculture

Free of bird flu for now, Minnesota keeps wary eye on global outbreaks
Minnesota poultry farmers have so far avoided a repeat of the 2015 flu epidemic that decimated local flocks. But its spread in Europe and Asia is making producers and scientists nervous.
President Donald Trump on Monday officially ended U.S. participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Many Minnesota businesses saw the proposed deal as a way to boost exports to Asian markets. Other groups, though, applauded Trump's move.
Former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, 70, would be the first Southerner to lead the Agriculture Department in more than two decades.
Minnesota farmers say Dayton plan to curb runoff is laced with problems
Gov. Mark Dayton sees the state law requiring 50-foot grassy buffer strips along most Minnesota water bodies as part of his environmental legacy. Farmers call it too costly and unworkable. Minnesota's senior U.S. House member agrees.
Seeing problems on the horizon, counties seek delay in buffer law
Minnesota county officials want to delay the state's new buffer law. The law, set to take effect in November 2017, requires strips of permanent vegetation on edge of streams, lakes and some ditches.
Minn. farmers ready for new curbs on livestock antibiotics
A Jan. 1 federal rule change means farmers will need a veterinarian's OK to give their animals antibiotics. Minnesota farmers, though, say they've been pulling back on antibiotics for years in response to consumers.
With harvest's end, buffer law work begins
The end of harvest means the beginning of work to implement Minnesota's new buffer law, and Minnesota farmers remain divided over the initiative.
Record growing season of mixed value to growers
The Twin Cities have gone over 200 days without a freezing temperature, but the value of a long growing season really depends what you grow and how you grow it.
Glen Taylor sees green in 'war on big food'
Billionaire Glen Taylor sees an opportunity in addressing changing consumers tastes by selling pork that can be traced to the farm where it was raised.
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association is pledging new efforts to make the state's corn farmers the country's "most sustainable and environmentally responsible."