Local
Minnesota dairies are suffering too, but haven't dumped milk yet
An initial surge of pandemic-driven milk-buying at grocery stores has subsided and consumption has gone back to normal.
Local
Crucial processor of Minnesota pork closes over COVID-19
The closing of the Sioux Falls plant, which slaughters a sizable number of hogs from Minnesota and supplies meat throughout the country, shows the growing tension between public health and sustaining the food supply chain.
Local
With restaurants closed, a bacon backup is building in Minn. and hog prices are plunging
About two-thirds of bacon sales happened in restaurants and hog farmers are suddenly losing money.
![A worker uses a grinder on a welding project at Code Welding in Blaine, Minn. [Star Tribune file photo]](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/AG724ZYDSWBDVFDNFJE34I6CTU.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Local
Medtronic, other med-tech firms fear parts shortage if Trump invokes wartime production law
Trump is under pressure to force companies to make ventilators for the U.S., but it's not so simple.
Agriculture
Virus epidemic leads some countries to restrict food exports
For some commodities, a handful of countries, or even fewer, can make up the bulk of exportable supplies.
Local
Minnesota ethanol producer ramping up production of industrial alcohol used in sanitizers
A biofuels downturn has been exacerbated by the coronavirus shutdown.
Local
Minnesota offers emergency loans to help small business stay afloat
The program is designed as a stopgap until federal money starts flowing.
Local
Trump, Walz, other leaders face fundamental choices between health and wealth
As economic toll rises, hard choices are being rethought by officials at every level.
Local
Minneapolis Fed chief floats forgivable loans for small business
The idea would be to prevent a massive, prolonged spike in unemployment.
Agriculture
![Livestock graze along the Chanarambie Creek in the city limits of Egerton. ] In the small town of Edgerton where a shallow aquifer readily absorbs lea](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OX3UDVYZGZ4KZVACZXMALHJNRA.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Farmers use water much more efficiently than 60 years ago, new study says
Better animal genetics and breeding mean that animals are more efficient at converting food into meat, milk and eggs.
Agriculture
Oil's epic crash reminds farmers they are also energy traders
Growers have become more vulnerable to energy swings over the past decades as nations from the U.S. to Brazil mandated the use of biofuels.
Agriculture
Economic fallout from coronavirus is also hitting farmers
Dairy prices also suffering, could get worse if schools close, lowering demand.
Agriculture
![Dairy cows eat at a farm near Lewiston on Feb. 17, 2020. ] ANDY KOSIER • andy.kosier@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YSMGLBRNVP3L3BNKDZB5G6FEN4.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Moratorium on large dairies proposed at Minnesota Legislature
The proposal comes amid fear that a handful of rapidly expanding dairies are hastening the exits of small dairies across the state and country.
Agriculture
Huge Wisconsin operation shows promise of aquaponics in Midwest
Superior Fresh's grand experiment raises an intriguing question that, for now, can't be answered: How many other Midwest farmers can follow its path?
Local
Nitrate problem worsening in rural Minnesota's drinking water
A new report shows that fast action is needed to control the contamination.
Agriculture
A fraud case in South Dakota throws harsh spotlight on organic grain
The case is the second large-scale organic fraud case in the Midwest to attract federal prosecution in less than a year.
Agriculture
'Fair repair' movement gaining ground with Minnesota legislators
"Fair repair" legislation is under consideration in Minnesota to force manufacturers to share their repair manuals and parts with independent repair shops.
Agriculture
Minnesota farmer on U.S.-China trade pact: 'The ag economy doesn't live on promises'
A U.S. House committee hearing explored the impact of the China trade war and the first phase of a trade pact to resolve it.
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Agriculture
News coverage and the latest trends in Minnesota agriculture, including dairy, cattle, poultry and wheat, corn, soybean and potato farming.
