Agriculture

November 4, 2003 4:00 PM

The remains of farm life

At the turn of the last century, close to half of all Americans lived in rural areas. Over the last 100 years, though, the number of farmers has dropped so low that by 1993, the U.S. Census stopped counting the number of people living on farms. Lee Klancher is one Minnesotan who mourns the loss of the country's rural communities. His latest book, Tractor in the Pasture, showcases the remnants of a dying lifestyle.

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October 26, 2003 3:01 PM

Milk producers organize

U.S. dairy cooperatives are trying to boost the price farmers receive for their milk. They're paying farmers to cut production, but some wonder if the plan will work.

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October 19, 2003 3:00 PM

America's beef with Cuba

A year after former Gov. Jesse Ventura's trade mission to Cuba, exports to the communist country have skyrocketed. However, heightened political tensions over Fidel Castro's decision to imprison more than 70 political dissidents may hurt business.

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October 13, 2003 11:29 AM

Pawlenty wants to expand wetland conservation program

Farmers working land along the state's three major rivers would be paid to set aside up to 100,000 acres to improve water quality by curbing runoff while restoring wildlife habitat, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced on Monday.

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October 13, 2003 12:01 AM

Red River Valley farmers anticipate a profitable harvest

Harvest equipment is rolling through the region's farm fields. It's a critical time for farmers, because their income is dependent on this time of year. Farmers hope market conditions are ripe for a good price. So far this year in the Red River Valley, harvest has been going smoothly and it appears the price may be right.

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October 2, 2003 12:01 PM

Drought cuts soybean yields

The fall harvest has confirmed predictions of drought damage. Soybean yields In Minnesota are down about a third from an average year. The good news is, prices are rising.

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September 19, 2003 12:01 AM

Minnesota wheat makes a premium vodka

Early in 2003, a new kind of vodka made its national debut. Shakers is made in the small west-central Minnesota town of Benson from wheat grown on area farms. Now it's sold in bars and restaurants in 16 states. In a part of the state better known for corn fields and dairy farms, premium vodka is giving value-added agriculture new meaning.

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September 17, 2003 11:00 AM

Farmers lament inability to get bumper wheat crop to market

The wheat harvest in the Northern Plains is complete and the crop is out of the field. Farmers have started to move the harvest from the farm to the elevator. But the next step will be more difficult. That is, finding enough railroad cars to move crops from elevators to markets around the country.

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September 15, 2003 5:04 PM

An international food fight

One of the many issues left undecided by the collapse of the World Trade Organization talks in Cancun is the fight over food names. The European Union wants the exclusive rights to terms like Feta and Champagne, Gorgonzola and Chablis. E.U. trade officials argue that these and 37 other identifiers belong to small producers in specific regions of Europe. The issue isn't likely to go away anytime soon. And that worries Midwestern cheese makers.

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September 15, 2003 12:00 PM

South Dakota wants to lure biotech companies

There's a new effort to make South Dakota competitive in biotechnology. Many would say the state is about 20 years behind the times. But Gov. Mike Rounds says whether it's agricultural products or medical breakthroughs, he's ready to offer an office and financial assistance to companies willing to move. Unfortunately many biotech companies are either well established elsewhere, or are still just someone's good idea.

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