Agriculture

‘A lot at risk’: Expanded Willmar lab plays key role in tracking bird flu
The Minnesota Poultry Testing Lab is located in Kandiyohi County for a reason. It’s surrounded by chicken and turkey farms that help make Minnesota one of the top poultry producers in the nation.
Avian flu escalates, snares 1 million Minnesota birds
Minnesota animal health officials said Wednesday the latest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has now been found in 21 poultry flocks across 11 Minnesota counties. Most are commercial turkey operations.
More Minnesota butcher shops open as consumers seek locally sourced food
Pandemic supply chain problems have prompted a renewed interest in local butcher shops as consumers look closer to home for reliable sources of food. Government support to help fund expansion and training is also helping grow the industry.
Avian influenza confirmed in two Minnesota poultry flocks
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in two poultry flocks in Minnesota, the state Board of Animal Health announced Saturday. Back in 2015, 9 million birds in Minnesota were killed by the virus, or euthanized to slow its spread.