Recent content from Brooks Johnson
How to navigate parental leave, no matter your situation
First step: Know what questions you need to answer and how to plan.
Slow start for Minnesota taconite shipments
May shipments were 20% below average despite a high steel mill utilization rate and ice-free lakes.
University of Minnesota survey: 1 in 5 Americans prefer plant protein over meat
Omnivores will be hunting for more plant protein in the coming years, driving demand for alternatives.
Why food inflation may linger, as explained by a loaf of bread
Even if the war in Ukraine were to end and global wheat supply moderates, the cost of some consumer staples, like bread, could still be rising next year.
Minnesota food industry leaders seek to help maturing startups in next growth leap
The MBOLD group selected four businesses for its Bold Growth mentorship program, which focuses on proven startups looking to clear next growth hurdle.
March for Our Lives protesters seek gun control in Minneapolis
Hundreds gathered in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday morning as part of a nationwide wave of marches, rallies and protests calling for stricter gun laws after recent mass shootings.
SuperMom's Kitchen salads recalled for possible listeria contamination
The products are made by a St. Paul Park business for Speedway and other outlets.
3M cleared to reopen Belgium factory partially idled by 'forever chemicals' concerns
Belgian regulators imposed strict pollution standards, and 3M is spending $300 million on remediation.
3M settles with Duluth woman paralyzed by driver who huffed keyboard cleaner
The driver intentionally inhaled the aerosol spray while driving, lost consciousness and struck a pedestrian.
Teamsters reach deals with UNFI, other Minn. food companies
The contract helps avert work stoppages that could have added pressure to an already strained grocery supply chain.
General Mills selling its stake in often-criticized Israel business
The company's Pillsbury plant in the West Bank has drawn protests and boycotts over the years for being in occupied territory.
Hormel braces for bird flu impact on Jennie-O business, plans more price hikes
The Minnesota company said latest bird flu outbreak will cause "large supply gaps" for the Jennie-O turkey brand this year.
Minnesota-based pet food company Tuffy's expands with purchase of Chaska business
Tuffy's will continue Finley's mission to employ people with disabilities.
Charlie Sugnet, University of Minnesota English professor who bridged Minnesota and Africa, dies at 77
Sugnet was remembered as a compassionate teacher and influential intellectual who helped launch the U's creative writing program.
General Mills to sell Hamburger Helper, other brands for $610 million
With the divestiture, the Minnesota company diminishes its presence in the boxed-food category it pioneered 50 years ago.
Minnesota greenlights small doses of THC derived from legal hemp
Among a suite of changes to the state's hemp industry, up to 5 mg of hemp-derived THC will be allowed in food and beverages.
General Mills focuses on 'moments that matter' for in-person work
Teams at the Golden Valley headquarters pick the schedules that work best for meeting up in the office.
3M loses final bellwether earplug trial with $77M verdict in favor of veteran
With no sign of a settlement to resolve the remaining claims against the company, cases are preparing to go to trial in waves of 500 at a time.
Formula shortage could ease by late June, but feels far off to many Minnesota caregivers
Minnesota parents expressed exhaustion, desperation over on infant formula shortage Thursday at the Capitol in St. Paul.
The worst appears over for bird flu in Minnesota poultry operations
The spread of the virus that's claimed nearly 38 million birds nationwide has slowed substantially in May.
'Fur baby boom' boosts General Mills' Blue Buffalo brand
The brand has seen big growth due to the "humanization" of pet food.
Minnesota-made drinks aim to do more for your body than quench thirst
Consumers are looking for added benefits from their everyday food and drink to boost their health and wellness.
Eden Prairie's SunOpta starts seeing turnaround in fruit business
Changes to production along with product innovation are boosting the plant-based food company's fruit segment.
As infant formula shortage persists, FDA reiterates it's moving to fix
The agency says it is streamlining processes to combat empty shelves that are creating stress for parents and caregivers who rely on the nutrition to feed their babies.
How to roll over retirement savings to buy a business
A ROBS rollover is a little-known mechanism for starting a business. It is complex and can be risky, but for some it's the right option.
Minnesota parents still struggling to find infant formula amid shortages
Abbott's Similac recall complicated an already tight supply of the crucial infant nutrition.
Shakopee's Rahr Corp. joins effort to diversify craft beer
The malt company announced at this week's Craft Brewers Conference in Minneapolis that it's committing $100,000 to fund the Harriet Baskerville Incubation Program's first year.
Minnesota businesses team up to bring plastic film recycling to state
Myplas is opening a $24 million recycling facility in Rogers next year to process flexible films and other plastics that otherwise would be headed for the landfill.
After an explosive decade, craft beer growth slows as industry matures
With 10,000 people gathered for this week's Craft Brewers Conference in Minneapolis, leaders say the industry is maturing and smaller breweries must keep pace with consumers.
Locally raised halal meat presents new opportunities for Minnesota producers
Most halal goat meat now comes frozen from Australia and New Zealand, but there's an effort afoot to create a fresh, local supply.
'Copycat' cannabis edibles draw ire of big food companies
Packaging that mirrors major brands are called "unscrupulous" and potentially dangerous for children.
3M's profit slips on flat sales as company starts to report financial impact of litigation
Demand for N95 respirator masks drops as the company begins reporting effect on bottom line from PFAS, earplug litigation.
New Teamsters president visits Minnesota to rally local union members
Amid contract negotiations in Rochester, St. Cloud and Hopkins, O'Brien touts "a new generation of workers."
U study in north Minneapolis asks: Do we eat more fast food because we want it or because it's there?
Research project seeks to learn why West Broadway in Minneapolis is a magnet for fast-food outlets.
Are Lucky Charms actually making people sick? General Mills finding no link.
Neither General Mills or the FDA have found any link between the cereal and recent reports, but the federal agency continues investigating consumer complaints.
3M survey: Trust in science is high, but misinformation is a threat
The company's fifth annual State of Science Index also showed rising global concern for climate change.
Woman at Timberwolves game protests bird-flu deaths at Taylor company
The woman was removed from Target Center after she tried to glue her hand to the basketball court Tuesday night.
General Mills' 301 Inc. invests $15 million in female-led venture funds
The money is meant to address the disparity in venture funding for businesses led by women and people of color.
Twin Cities inflation hits record 8.2%, food and gas prices up
While prices are up, the metro area's inflation rate on food and fuel were less severe than the national average.
Post-it Notes get a Pantone color makeover
The 3M brand partnered with the global color authority for new hues and palettes as offices become more personalized.
Greed or good business? Food company profits over past year
Some big food and beverage companies have pushed up profit margins along with price increases, while others are just passing along the increased cost of doing business.
CHS wraps up profitable quarter as war in Ukraine unsettles key energy and grain segments
The Minnesota agricultural firm's second quarter ended before the effects of the conflict could be felt. Improved energy demand, commodity and fertilizer prices drove CHS profits in the first months of 2022.
Bird flu reaches 1 million turkeys in Minnesota: Here's what you need to know
The poultry industry, regulators and politicians have repeatedly assured consumers it is not a food safety issue. But bird viruses do, however, have the potential to do economic damage.
For the second year, Minnesota farmers saw profitability improve in 2021
Adjusted for inflation, last year was the second-most-profitable on record. It was also the second straight year of improved profitability for the state's farmers after seven years of barely breaking even.
Minnesota pork producers eye 40% greenhouse gas reduction by end of decade
A new report provides a model for sustainability practices in the nation's second-leading pork-producing state.
SunOpta's new Eden Prairie HQ cements transition to Minnesota
The non-dairy milk and fruit-based food producer is rapidly expanding production capacity to meet demand for more plant-based products.
Thousands of jars of Skippy peanut butter recalled over possible metal shards
The Hormel-owned brand said stainless steel fragments may be present in more than 9,000 cases.
Bird flu detected in Minnesota flocks
The industry is confident the multi-state outbreak won't be as devastating as 2015.
More food manufacturing could unlock billions for Minnesota economy
But a recent study found small food and beverage brands and manufacturers need help connecting.
General Mills tweaks formulas to stay ahead of supply chain woes
Profits were up 11% and sales were flat in the quarter ended Feb. 27.
General Mills, LeBron James foundation team up on taco restaurant
The Taco Shop by Old El Paso had its soft opening in Akron, Ohio, last month.
Wisconsin's Organic Valley dairy co-op focused on carbon 'insetting'
The Wisconsin-based farmer cooperative aims to be the first major dairy company to offset its emissions through on-farm practices.
Minnesota hemp industry applauds legal fix to CBD question
The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy on Wednesday returned legal clarity to CBD sales and possession in the state.
Belgium finalizes stricter PFAS regulations, keeping 3M plant partially idle
The company said it supports reduced discharge limits but disagrees with the time frame.
Can a 3M film help climate-proof our buildings?
3M's passive radiative cooling film used in SkyCool rooftop systems is now at use in several pilots, including North Market in Minneapolis.
Minnesota's birds, poultry industry at risk as avian flu closes in
Cases in Iowa, South Dakota flocks means outbreak likely in Minnesota, but it's possible to avoid a worst-case scenario.
3M suspends 'all business operations' in Russia
The Maplewood-based company has an office in Moscow.
Cohasset council OKs environmental review for $440M wood plant
Council upholds legislative carve-out, will not require lengthier environmental study for Huber's $440 million wood mill.
In Winsted, Minn., Tetra Pak plant responds to high global food demand
Glencoe native Seth Teply was named CEO of Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada last fall. The Minnesota-raised executive started his career in Winsted as an intern.
Large beer distributor J.J. Taylor is selling its Minnesota business
About 180 employees would be laid off, with many likely to be hired on by the new owner, Breakthru Beverage Group.
Is Minnesota really one of the nation's top sugar producers?
Americans consume sugar from beets every day, whether they realize it or not. And Minnesota farmers produce a lot of it.
Duluth's Allete buys solar developer for $165 million
Allete is acquiring New Energy Equity, a Maryland company that focuses on small-scale projects.
Minnesota's hemp industry in trouble, advocates push Legislature for fixes
A state appeals court ruling last year put Minnesota sales of CBD, delta-8 THC in question
Planters, pricing, promotion give Hormel another record quarter
The Austin, Minn., foodmaker hit $3 billion in first-quarter sales for the first time.
Profit rose 11% at Land O'Lakes as dairy products stayed popular last year
The cooperative said supply chain and inflation issues eroded some of its profit growth.
Kay's Naturals discontinued months after sale; Clara City plant still growing
The new owner, Eden Prairie-based Milk Specialties Global, said the decision reflects a "shift in the business model."
Leech Lake Band, Indigenous activists push back on planned wood plant in Cohasset
"We have a right to have it proven to us that this is not going to hurt us; I don't think they can prove that," one activist says.
The latest supply chain casualty? Your favorite six-pack of beer
Brewers have largely absorbed the ballooning expenses for their ingredients, but as the supply chain woes persist, consumers will start paying more for their beer.
JonnyPops expands with Elk River plant as popsicle company hits 10 years
The Minnesota maker of frozen treats invests in a major expansion, aiming for faster growth over the next decade.
Minnesota's Tru Shrimp postpones IPO
The aquaculture company cited 'adverse market conditions' in delaying its plans.
3M plans $165M in water upgrades at Cottage Grove plant
The chemical manufacturing campus had been the source of PFAS contamination in east metro groundwater that led to a settlement with the state of Minnesota.
Mesabi Trust says Cleveland-Cliffs has 'failed to engage' over royalties at mine
Cliffs CEO said 'ridiculous royalty structure' reason for idling Silver Bay and Babbitt operations this spring.
Plans to idle Northshore mine disrupt otherwise strong outlook for iron ore and steel
Taconite mines recovered quickly in 2021 from a brief pandemic lull, and strong steel demand bodes well for the industry's year ahead.
Cleveland-Cliffs to idle Northshore taconite mine this spring
Halt will allow Northshore to avoid 'absurdly high' royalty payments to Mesabi Trust.
University of Minnesota plans $220M agriculture research center near Austin
Legislature asked for $60 million to kick off initiative in Mower County.
