Agriculture

Conservation group names Mississippi ‘most endangered’ U.S. river
The group American Rivers says the Mississippi faces threats including increased flooding and inadequate disaster prevention and response. In Minnesota, one environmental advocate says not much has been done to move the needle on the biggest source of pollution in the river — agriculture.
JBS Worthington plant workers demand safer work conditions
As the Trump administration sets the stage for faster processing speeds at pork and poultry plants, meatpacking workers at JBS Foods in Worthington are demanding safer work conditions in a new contract
Lambs, family and garlic help this couple build a new life in rural Minnesota
Mark Anema and Kate Ritger met at a garlic harvest party, started a farm, got married and had a kid. For Anema, it meant a huge change from a life in finance to farming. It isn’t easier or more profitable, but he says changing his life has changed him for the better.
Minnesota farmers face challenges as farm incomes continue to decline
The median net farm income for Minnesota farms statewide dropped to $21,964 in 2024, marking the lowest level this century. Crop producers had some of the worst financial difficulties, with net farm incomes for crop farmers at almost zero dollars.
Minnesota food shelves worried as USDA cancels truckloads of food
This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled almost half of food shelf orders from Minnesota farmers under the federal Commodity Credit Corporation. Organizations providing nutrition programs say they are concerned about how to provide for their clientele.
Stearns County dairy herd tests positive for avian flu
The H5N1 virus appeared in raw milk samples collected from a Stearns County herd. Health officials say there's no concern for public safety, because milk sold in stores is pasteurized to kill bacteria and viruses.