Recent content from Christopher Vondracek
Stinky reception for manure rules in Minnesota farm country
Minnesota regulators are updating rules for two permits, seeking to limit pollution into groundwater
Minnesota State Fair will prohibit nursing dairy cows at Miracle of Birth over bird flu risk
The spread in cattle herds of H5N1, often called bird flu, has ramped up biosecurity measures for livestock as Minnesota's county and state fair season begins.
Feds give Minnesota $200M to decarbonize food systems. Here's what the state will invest in.
Peatland restoration, farm country EVs, and biofuels are all focus areas of major EPA grant.
Chefs convene with farmers in northeast Minneapolis to talk farm policy
The gathering, orchestrated by the Chefs for Healthy Soil movement, comes as the federal Farm Bill remains stalled in Washington, D.C.
Federal funds help launch halal goat meat slaughterhouse in central Minnesota
Clean Chickens started with a mobile poultry-processing unit. The owners of that business will next establish another facility to meet a growing need in the state: a halal meat processor.
A rural Minnesota meat locker goes up in flames, but the business isn't down for good
Cattle producers and butchers in the area say an emerging resilience after decades of decline is helping forestall greater problems in the small meat-processing world.
Minnesota sheep on the lam in Zumbrota evades police but not a cowboy's lasso
Videos from the Zumbrota Police Department document their pursuit of the furry baaaaandit.
Camelina is the crop of jet fuels and cleaner waters. But will farmers grow it?
The winter-planted cover crop has sustainable possibilities in the future, but first, farmers need to know if the muscular, intermediate oilseed can actually grow during Minnesota's notoriously cold winters and mild springs. That starts with a field outside Chatfield.
University of Minnesota ag visionary, Forever Green Initiative founder Don Wyse dies
The University of Minnesota crop scientist helped develop Kernza and pennycress, key parts of the regenerative agriculture movement.
Produce farmers lack crop insurance. This flood has exposed the inequity.
Rains washed out farmland, including many fruit and vegetable crops, in south central Minnesota last month. U.S. agriculture policy historically hasn't protected those growers the same as row-crop farmers who feed animals and power biofuels.
What was a riverside bar in southern Minnesota is now an island
The Minnesota River has swallowed up summer fun for the region's residents, including patrons at this local establishment.
Hwy. 169 along the Minnesota River was rebuilt to withstand a 100-year flood. Sixteen years later, it's flooded.
Portions of Hwy. 169 near Le Sueur have been closed for days, blocking the commerce that flows through the region.
Minnesota rains mean 'some real agony' as farmers lose crops
Heavy rain comes after observers already measured "surplus" moisture for more than half the state's topsoil.
Minnesota farm fields are waterlogged, complicating growth
In the state's Lake Country, many fields are filling with rainwater, a stark change from a year ago.
Mexican migrant workers face low wages, cartel violence after layoffs in Minnesota
The bankruptcy of a southwestern Minnesota pork plant left many people holding debts. The workers on H-2B visas felt stiffed on the pledged income and powerless as they were forced to move suddenly.
Bringing your cow to the county fair? Beware new bird flu protocols.
Just in time for fair season, when thousands of animals will be exhibited, a dairy herd in Minnesota tested positive for H5N1.
![Tom Revier looked over a pen full of black angus steers that are about 60-days from sending to slaughter during a tour of his facility. ] ANTHONY SOUF](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HLH4MANEE735GXU3SJINU4TKCU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota cattle company sued over scheme to 'disguise' operations to hide from creditors
Lawsuit alleges the owner put his college-aged daughter in charge of a feedlot in Olivia — among the state's largest — to avoid paying $2 million to an Omaha firm.
Trabajadores temporales en un dilema: mantener a su familia junta o trabajar para vivir
Algunos trabajadores legales terminaron en los campos petroleros de Texas, otros en instalaciones alimentarias en Michigan. Una persona con visa H-2B llegó a una granja lechera y mantienen a tres hijos en México y a un recién nacido en Estados Unidos. "Es una pena".
Promesas rotas que destrozan el sueño americano de los trabajadores
Los trabajadores con visas H-2B se sintieron estafados por los sueldos prometidos y sufrieron impotencia ya que los forzaron a mudarse de un momento a otro.
Mantuvieron en operación este matadero en Minnesota; después quebró y los trabajadores terminaron abandonados
Cientos de trabajadores legales de HyLife en Windom fueron despedidos; provenían de Salvatierra, una ciudad Mexicana plagada de crimen y pobreza. El cierre de la planta reveló una laguna en el sistema de visas estadounidense y sumió varias vidas en un torbellino.
Guest workers torn between holding family together and making a living
Some legal workers ended up in Texas oilfields, others at a Michigan food plant. One H-2B visa holder landed at an Iowa dairy, providing for three kids in Mexico and her American-born baby. "It's sadness."
They kept this Minnesota slaughterhouse running. Then it went bust, abandoning workers.
HyLife in Windom laid off hundreds of legal workers from Salvatierra, a Mexican city plagued by crime and poverty. The plant's failure revealed a gap in the U.S. visa system, throwing lives into turmoil.
White Minnesota farmer claims win after bias suit that spurred changes dismissed
At the end of May, the agriculture omnibus spending bill became law and removed references to "emerging farmers" in the Down Payment Assistance Grant program, which would have targeted diverse farmers.
First case of bird flu detected in Minnesota dairy cows
State officials are warning those who work closely with infected animals they are at risk of contracting the virus.
Veterans memorialize fallen comrades at Minnesota's cemeteries
On Memorial Day, people gathered across the state to honor and remember those who served in the armed forces.
After months of delays, federal farm bill finally passes committee
Rep. Angie Craig, citing cuts to nutrition, voted against a farm bill that advanced out of House Ag committee early Friday morning, but the other Minnesotan on the committee, Rep. Brad Finstad, supported the legislation.
Minnesota farmers remain on guard after Michigan worker tests positive for bird flu
Minnesota has seen uptick in bird flu in commercial flocks over the last week.
A Game 7 Wolves win would defy historical odds
Does the NBA team that won Game 6 do so again in Game 7? How much of an advantage do the Denver Nuggets have on home court?
In surprise, Minnesota GOP backs Royce White to run against Klobuchar
The former basketball star-turned-activist was introduced by former Trump adviser Steve Bannon.
The middle class remains elusive for Native Americans in Minnesota
For Native Americans in Minnesota, the economic story of the recent decades is one of tenuous and fragile growth. Native American income was the fastest growing between 2005 and 2019, according to new data, yet no other group remains as likely to fall down the economic ladder.
What a Trump immigration crackdown would mean for Minnesota's economy
The state's labor shortage is among the country's more severe, with just 51 workers for every 100 open jobs.
Biden opens door for tax credits so corn farmers can grow jet fuel
Corn growers can qualify for the lucrative credits if they use cover crops and avoid tilling the soil.
Land O'Lakes CEO Beth Ford named to Time's list of 100 influential people
Last year, the leader of the Arden Hills-based agribusiness and food giant, was recognized by Time for sustainable agriculture work.
Minnesota farmers welcome spring rain: 'There's nothing like the chemistry of rainwater'
The Land of 10,000 Lakes (and farms) slipped back out of drought last week and Tuesday's rains helped, too, good news especially for farmers.
Fields softened early this year, but corn farmers await April 10 to kick off planting season
Baseball has Opening Day. Anglers have the Fishing Opener. Corn farmers have federal crop insurance day.
Minnesota farmers saw income drop 76 percent last year from plunging commodity prices
A survey of Minnesota's top-earning farmers suggests sagging pork, dairy and crop prices led to a 76% drop in farm profitability in 2023. The short-term future doesn't look bright, either.
Is bird flu coming for Minnesota's dairy cows next?
The devastating avian virus has already infected baby goats in Stevens County. Now Minnesota ag officials brace for what feels like the inevitable.
Farm out your groceries this summer with a CSA subscription
Community supported agriculture offers big-time nutrition and local produce, as long as you're willing to cook — and eat — whatever your farmer provides.
White House yet to release sustainable jet fuel tax credit rules; corn farmers eager to mix in ethanol
The lucrative federal tax credit created by the Inflation Reduction Act could be a boon for corn farmers, if it's ever released.
![A school bus driving Austin's basketball teams to Rochester drove past the Hormel Foods plant, which employs much of the town. ] Aaron Lavinsky • aa](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/CNGFNXO2H2R6DZW3U4V2H6QJ5I.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Pigs' blood leaked from Hormel plant into storm water system in Austin, Minn.
Officials say the debris, released by faulty equipment at a pork processing plant, overwhelmed the city's system for several days.
Minnesota AG's office negotiates safe living conditions for dairy workers in wage theft case
Evergreen Acres Dairy in Paynesville, which disputes the underlying charges, has agreed to stipulations while the case continues.
AI could help track farm country's carbon emissions, U study says
A new study from the University of Minnesota suggests a machine learning model could help solve the tricky question of where planet-warming gases are escaping from soil.
Sugar prices keep climbing. Minnesota bakeries are suing sugar companies over it.
Edina-based United Sugar and Minnetonka-based Cargill are among the defendants in federal antitrust lawsuits.
Manure haulers sue Minnesota boss, alleging poor housing, deceit and wage theft
South African farm-laborers arrived in western Minnesota town to find a job very different than the one they signed up for, including illegal housing, unpaid hours and poor treatment.
Farming conservation funds earmarked in 2022 now being challenged in Congress
A Minnesota farmer says a "light bulb" went off when he tried environmental practices on his Stearns County farm. Now, some on Capitol Hill want to reallocate the funding that made this climate-smart experimentation possible.
Were Windom slaughterhouse workers' wages actually withheld? State and attorney battle in bankruptcy proceedings.
The sprawling pork processing facility in southwestern Minnesota employed over 1,000 people.
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.
![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=120&w=180&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.
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.
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.
Janitorial service breaks child labor laws at Iowa slaughterhouse, feds allege
New court filing says nine teens were working overnight at Sioux City plant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
![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=120&w=180&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.
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.
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.
![Workers make their way out of the Long Prairie Packing Company in Long Prairie, Minn., on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. ] Elizabeth Flores • liz.flores@st](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OPV5JXHPTYD5DH2A56N6L7ER5A.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Race, rural economy and a housing shortage collide in Long Prairie apartment fight
Many community leaders in the central Minnesota town welcome a company plan to build apartments, but the proposal has "brought out a lot of ugly in a small town."
Despite drought, Minnesota corn farmers helped U.S. to record 2023 harvest
Farmers in the state harvested 4% more corn than in 2022, while nationwide, last year saw a record harvest of 177.3 bushels per acre.
More than $135M worth of turkeys and chickens have been killed in Minnesota because of bird flu
That's just what the USDA has reimbursed the state's poultry and egg producers so far.
Minnesota hog farmers shoulder weight of adapting to California's law
Jan. 1 marked the deadline for banning sales in the Golden State of pork raised on farms where sows live in confined pens.
Move over, Kernza — camelina is a new winter oilseed that could save the Mississippi River
Environmentalists say to repair Minnesota's watershed, farmers should switch to perennial grains. But this winter cover crop, with established buyers, may be a better fix.
Minnesota's sugar beet industry celebrates record harvest during the sweetest season
The state is a top producer of beets — almost entirely in the Red River Valley and across a swath of southern Minnesota. But with the Farm Bill in limbo, so, too, is the federal safety-net.
Dozens of Minnesota dairy farms folded in November
Minnesota had 146 fewer dairy farmer permits this month than at the beginning of the year.
Bypass the grocery store meat counter and buy the quarter-beef (or half-hog) to save money
Since the pandemic's run on meat at grocery stores, the old-school lockers of rural Minnesota — purveyors of prime beef, steaks, even lutefisk and once destined for the chopping block — are enjoying a renaissance.
Minnesota farmer gets prison for organic grain fraud scheme
Federal judge delivers three-year sentence to southwestern Minnesota man who undermined the "trust" of U.S. organic grain market.
Monopolies in Minnesota's farm country gaining attention from DOJ, AG Ellison
Fewer companies produce the fertilizer and seed for farmers. There are also only a handful of major commodity buyers. Government prosecutors are taking a look.
Congressional watchdog: Stop paying big farmers' crop insurance
New report spells out how Congress could drop subsidies for top producers and save millions in taxpayer dollars
'What are we if we are just one thing?': Minnesota farmers face their likely absence from state flag
The finalists to replace Minnesota's current flag lack explicit agricultural imagery — and maybe that's OK, rural advocates say.
Minnesota's African immigrant farmers throw harvest feast, celebrating first year as a group
Minnesota African Immigrant Farmers Association celebrates this year's bounty and its first year as an organization.
USDA's hardiness zone map changes. What it means for Minnesota gardeners and growers
Minnesotans pride themselves on enduring deep, winter cold. The latest map shows this extreme cold is fading.
Cargill speeds up timeline to end deforestation in Brazil. Will it be enough?
The Minnesota ag giant's move comes ahead of COP28 and after months of sustained criticism of its soy supply chain from environmental groups.
