Agriculture

How agriculture is coping with this summer’s drought
For farmers, the summer of 2021 is the best of times and the worst of times. Big farms that plant corn and soybeans are coping with the drought. But it’s a different story for small growers.
‘Micro-farmers’ face drought without safety net
Some farmers who work just a few acres of land without crop insurance or other programs designed to help much larger operations are facing the dual challenges of adverse weather and the ongoing pandemic.
Well drillers struggle to keep up with demand for water
The drought is drying up wells in some parts of the state, but that’s just one of the factors that have well-drilling contractors scrambling to keep up with demand, and some customers waiting months for a new well.
With chicken prices soaring, Cargill joins private firm to buy Sanderson Farms for $4.5B
Sanderson Farms, the nation's third-largest poultry producer, is being acquired by Cargill and privately held Continental Grain for $4.53 billion as the price of chicken soars.
Cows go to market as pastures dry up
The worsening drought is affecting farmers and ranchers across much of the state. Many ranchers are watching pastures wither and turn brown. They’re trying to find enough feed to last through the winter. Some are already selling cattle they know they won’t be able to feed.
Drought threatens to empty water wells in parts of Minnesota
Parts of Minnesota saw much-needed rain over the weekend, but it wasn't enough to break the ongoing drought. And the abnormally dry conditions are threatening some private water wells that rely on rain to recharge. In severe cases, shallow wells are out of water.