Agriculture

Federal help for cellulosic ethanol
Several companies are competing to build the nation's first cellulosic ethanol plants. The federal government likely will help decide the winners.
Construction concerns stall new ethanol  plants
Some plans for new ethanol production have been postponed or canceled across the U.S. as the ethanol boom slows. One analyst says far more plants have been proposed than will ever be built.
A new crop for Minnesota
As you settle down to a big Thanksgiving meal you'll probably see cranberries, in some form, on the table. Most of the nation's cranberry supply comes from Minnesota's neighbor to the east, Wisconsin. But cranberries are a crop native to Minnesota that just haven't taken hold here commercially.
Peterson becomes a powerful voice for agriculture
Now that Democrats have won a majority in both houses of Congress changes in leadership are coming. Minnesota 7th District Rep. Collin Peterson will be the new chair of the House Agriculture Committee.
Collin Peterson to head up House Ag Committee
As a result of the Democrats' taking control of the U.S. House, Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson, a DFLer from the 7th District, is in line to become chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. He spoke with MPR's Cathy Wurzer.
The cost of Minnesota timber
The high price of timber was creating a crisis in Minnesota's forest products industry. Then the price crashed, making things worse.
Spreading the word about manure
More farmers are using manure to beat the high cost of commercial fertilizer. The practice brings with it environmental issues.
Reseeding the prairie
The number of prairie areas in Minnesota is slowly increasing. Each fall the state reseeds hundreds of acres of marginal farmland and other parcels of land with native prairie plants.
Starting a new life "900 Miles from Nowhere"
A new book blows some dust off the history of the Great Plains. "900 Miles from Nowhere" reveals the lives of early homesteaders through their own letters and photos.