Agriculture

Cargill's fourth-quarter net income more than doubled, the global agribusiness company said Tuesday, as ingredient costs fell and consumer demand began to strengthen. Full-year profits, however, still lagged behind 2009.
Last week's rains slowed Minnesota's small grain harvest, but progress remains ahead of last year and the five-year average.
North Dakota's spring wheat crop is expected to be 4 percent bigger than last year's, thanks in part to average yields that should equal the 2009 record of 46 bushels per acre.
Minnesota farmers await important corn count estimate
The U.S. Agriculture Department on Thursday will unveil its estimate of just how much corn, soybeans, wheat and other crops the nation's farmers will produce this year -- a key figure for Minnesota farmers.
Rep. Peterson: Feds shouldn't increase farm spending
U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Detroit Lakes, one of the most powerful figures in Congress, told farmers on Tuesday that he doesn't think the federal government should increase farm spending when it puts together the 2012 farm bill.
A small grudge plays a big role in Iowa farm novel
A small grudge that grows out of proportion is at the heart of Michelle Hoover's new novel. "The Quickening" revolves around two Depression-era Iowa farmwives Mary and Enidina.