Agriculture

2 beef processors cited for humane violations
A government inspection of slaughterhouses found significant problems with the treatment of cattle and two of the nation's largest beef processors, one of them Minnesota-based Cargill, were slapped with humane handling violations.
This week more than 3,000 high school and college students have been meeting at the University of Minnesota to talk about how the next generation of farmers will impact the industry.
Biodiesel mandate sparks food fight
Several lawmakers questioned efforts to increase the content of biodiesel in diesel fuel sold in Minnesota, saying it would increase already rising food prices.
Jeffrey Sachs on 'Common Wealth'
Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and leading expert in economic development, poverty elimination, and environmental sustainability, recently discussed his new book, "Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet" recently at the Commonwealth Club of California.
From farm to fuel tank
Agricultural economists join Midday to discuss the global food supply crisis, what it means for domestic farmers and the implications of using food for fuel.
New novel combines development, kung fu and brussels sprouts
When author Don Lee began writing his latest novel, "Wrack and Ruin," he wanted to do something light. He wanted to set the story in a small northern California town, and make one of his characters a farmer. He said the choice of crops was narrow, and one stood out: brussels sprouts.