Agriculture

Harvest will show wide variation this year
Minnesota's soybean crop suffered most from the summer drought according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Some Minnesota farmers will find their best yields ever next month while may take home half a crop.
High fuel costs affect some more than others
While everyone who drives is feeling the impact of the rising cost of fuel, some businesses like trucking companies and farming operations are being hit even harder.
U.S. Senate candidates go country at Farmfest
The candidates for Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat sparred over agriculture policy today at Farmfest near Redwood Falls. Republican Mark Kennedy and Democrat Amy Klobuchar both said it may be a good idea to extend current federal agriculture programs instead of writing a new farm bill next year. They disagreed over which one is the true friend of the farmer.
Drought damages corn crop
Corn farmers dealing with drought may have another problem, low prices. Corn prices have declined in recent weeks because traders believe there's enough grain on hand to meet demand.
Drought forces ranchers to make tough decision
Drought conditions in northwest Minnesota and the Red River Valley are hurting farmers and ranchers. The dry weather isn't just damaging crops and reducing yields, it also has some ranchers selling off cattle.
Poor spring wheat harvest may mean higher bread and cereal prices
The harvest of winter wheat is just finishing up and combines will move over to the spring wheat harvest this week or early next. Farmers expect $5 per bushel this year. That's up $1.50 over last year. Consumers are seeing an increase in the grocery store but the reason for that might surprise you.
Farmer, world, push conservation spending
Farm subsidies are becoming so expensive some people expect significant changes in federal agricultural policy. If that happens, land and water conservation programs may benefit.