Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Agriculture

Life and debt on a dairy farm

Over the past 30 years, the number of dairy farms in Minnesota has dropped by 84 percent. Last year, the state's dairy production hit its lowest level in 50 years. But despite the poor economic outlook, some farm families are making a living -- while living the life they want.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A new type of corn

They've been mocked as "franken-food." But far from stumbling, genetically-modified crops dominate the corn and soybean market.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Farmers oppose genetically-modified wheat

Farmers' love affair with genetically-modified crops is growing. The latest debate is over a new genetically-modified wheat variety, which is being developed by Monsanto. Monsanto is one of the largest distributors of high-tech crops. But farmers are urging Monsanto to keep Roundup Ready wheat in the laboratory.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Farmers prepare for spring planting

Farmers across the state are eager for the weather to settle so they can plant their crops. Machinery is rolled out of the shed and prepped for work. It's time to act on plans developed over the winter. Spring is a time for optimism on the farm. This year is no exception.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The debate over farm expansion gets personal

Minnesota's dairy industry is at a crossroads. Some farmers say the future is in getting bigger -- milking more cows. Not everyone agrees. One group, the Land Stewardship Project, has spearheaded the opposing viewpoint.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

European farmers are coming to America

State agriculture officials say Minnesota could benefit from a new wave of European immigrants, but isn't. Many European dairy farmers are selling their farms and moving to the United States. However, current law keeps those farmers from buying land in Minnesota. Agriculture officials want to change that. They say European farmers have the desire to buy failing Minnesota dairy farms. But some say the state shouldn't lay out the welcome mat for foreigners while Minnesota dairy farmers are struggling.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Dairy farmers facing big changes

Minnesota's dairy industry is going through historic change -- for the worse. In the last 20 years, 72 percent of the state's dairy farmers have left the business. Some say Minnesota needs larger scale farms, but many disagree.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The state of dairy: Resources

A list of resources and links with more information on the dairy industry in Minnesota and the upper Midwest.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Focus on more dairy farmers, not just more dairy cows

Dave Minar runs Cedar Summit Farm near New Prague and is a member of the Land Stewardship Project. Here are his thoughts about how to strengthen the dairy industry in Minnesota.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!