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Agriculture

WTO may intervene in dispute over genetically modified crops

Minnesota farmers are paying close attention to a trade dispute spurred by European Union restrictions on genetically modified, or GM crops. The EU placed restrictions on GM crops in 1998, citing a need to protect consumers. They've banned certain varieties of GM corn and just this year, required labelling of GM food. U.S. trade officials say the restrictions are illegal protectionism. The U.S. wants the World Trade Organization to intervene.

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Pawlenty tours drought-stricken fields

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and state Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson visited the Southeastern Minnesota town of Mazeppa on Tuesday to evaluate crop damage from this summer's drought.

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Drought turns good crop outlook to poor

Governor Tim Pawlenty will seek federal aid to assist farmers who are losing crops to the tune of more than $1 billion in Minnesota. The aid will help what has been a heartbreaking growing season.

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Pawlenty to ask for federal aid for farmers; DFLers want state relief package too

Gov. Pawlenty said Friday that the state will seek a federal disaster declaration because of drought conditions. He says it appears about 50 of the state's 87 counties qualify for disaster assistance because of the late-summer drought. Some House Democrats say the governor should also start putting together a state disaster relief package.

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Gov. Pawlenty to seek federal drought relief

Gov. Pawlenty says he'll seek federal aid for Minnesota farmers coping with a late-summer drought. Pawlenty made the announcement Friday on his weekly radio show. Pawlenty says it appears that at least 50 of the state's 87 counties are suffering drought conditions. He says the paperwork will be finalized and submitted in the next couple of days.

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Elk Farmer finds new way to make money

Elk farmers in Minnesota are facing tough times. The fear of chronic wasting disease has cut into the market for elk meat. For some farmers new regulations to limit the spread of the disease prevents them from selling their animals at all. One central Minnesota elk farmer says he's found a way to make money in the struggling industry. But state officials say the farmer's approach is illegal and inhumane.

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Tiny insects cause big trouble

The pest-of-the-summer for Minnesota farmers is the soybean aphid. They're not big, but one acre of soybeans may contain more than 100 million aphids.

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The politics of farming

Farmers from across Minnesota are in Redwood County for Farmfest. Four members of Minnesota's congressional delegation held a forum to discuss provisions of last year's Farm Bill. One of the issues that popped up was mandatory meat labeling.

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The Enthusiasts: The sheep shearer

Doug Rathke turned his enthusiasm into a living. Doug Rathke shears sheep for a living and competes in sheering competitions around the country and abroad. In the latest edition of our series, The Enthusiasts, Minnesota Public Radio's Steve Nelson pays a visit to Doug Rathke's farm near Hutchinson and meets Rathke, his sheep, and his electric clippers in a big white sheering barn.

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