Business
Proposal would tax Minnesota farmers to help pay for cleanup of nitrate pollution
Last year, the EPA called out nitrate pollution, largely from agriculture, in southeastern Minnesota. Now a bill to raise taxes on fertilizer is moving through the Legislature.
Business
![Take and prepare food items are easy to locate in the grocery area of the Target in Minnetonka, as are the bulk food items in the foreground. ] JEFF W](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/AOV5ZWTNQN65MD62T7GUG34TGA.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Target joins antitrust lawsuit against Cargill and others over high beef costs
The Minnesota retailer is among the most recent to join dozens of plaintiffs alleging a price-fixing conspiracy by the nation's largest beef producers, including fellow Minnesota company, Cargill.
Business
Summer sales of E15 coming permanently to Minnesota, EPA says. But not until 2025.
Midwestern governors, including Gov. Tim Walz, had requested the federal agency allow sales of higher blends of ethanol for use by consumers during summer months.
Business
Minnesota's top ag official denies allegations of discrimination made by white, male farmer
Last month, a Beltrami County farmer sued over a state-backed grant program aimed to help producers buy farmland, saying he was discriminated against because he was a white male.
Business
Janitorial service breaks child labor laws at Iowa slaughterhouse, feds allege
New court filing says nine teens were working overnight at Sioux City plant.
Business
Feral hogs not in Minnesota, new state report finds
But loose swine do run wild in state. Moreover, wild pigs live north of Minnesota's Canadian border, fueling concern about possible incursion down the road.
Business
Union asks Minnesota meat processor to create child-welfare fund in wake of labor allegations
Amid contract negotiations with Tony Downs Foods in Madelia, the union calls for a novel response: pay for a fund for kids.
Business
USDA says Minnesota farms are growing in size, but shrinking in number
Fewer farmers and farmland across America, as nation's agriculture industry continues to consolidate.
Local
Dairy processor fined for overwhelming southeastern Minnesota sewer plant by dumping raw milk
Plainview Milk Products Cooperative has been cited for four spills in the last two years.
Business
McDonald's eggs are now 100% cage-free with assist from Cargill and a Minnesota grower
The fast-food chain hit its pledge early to use only cage-free eggs.
Business
Turkey growers crying foul over USDA decision favoring industry players including Jennie-O, Cargill
Final payment reform rule only applies to broiler chicken growers instead of all poultry farmers.
Business
Ramstad: This Minnesota town can defy rural trends of decline, but first must overcome prejudice
A food processing town, which found the spotlight because of a local fight on workforce housing, is taking a deeper look at its economic future.
Local
Thousands of Minnesota women, infants could lose access to federal program due to stagnant funding
On Thursday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Minnesota to urge Congress to fully fund the Women, Infants and Children supplemental nutrition program, or it will face funding cuts for the first time in 25 years.
Business
A pipeline for cow gas draws environmental support, ag concentration concerns
The PUC met at a bar in Benson, Minn., on Tuesday evening to hear citizen feedback on a plan to pump and sell biogas that could generate green energy.
Business
Many workers displaced by slaughterhouse closure remain in Windom, waiting for opportunity
A state investigation into missing backpay for workers opened the door for many workers on agriculture worker visas to remain in the U.S.
Business
Minnesota farmers wonder: Will a new federal farm bill ever come?
Last fall, Congress extended the 2018 farm bill for another year. Farmers say "kicking the can down the road" just won't do in 2024.
Business
![Jack Weber drove his wheat combine on his field. The wheat doesn't bring much cash but it does improve the health of his soil. ] GLEN STUBBE ¥ gl](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/U4WIH7TWF7ASCI5UPEDNSGH5VE.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
White farmer sues Minnesota ag grant program, alleging discrimination
Last year, Minnesota's legislature offered money for historically underserved producers — including BIPOC, LGBTQ and women farmers — to buy land.
Agriculture
A dry, warmer winter means more snirt. What is it and why is it coating Minnesota ditches?
Not only a wicked portmanteau, the combo of "snow" and "dirt" is a symptom of warmer winters.
Business
Minnesota dairy farmer takes Hastings Creamery to court over unpaid milk deliveries
Text messages show Minnesota dairy farmer in distress as historic creamery stumbled toward demise.
Business
Minnesota-based CHS explores potential merger with ag co-op Growmark
Illinois-based Growmark and Inver Grove Heights' CHS are in early talks.
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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.
