Agriculture

Farmers impacted by severe drought in southern Minnesota
Much of southern Minnesota is abnormally dry with the Twin Cities in a severe drought. The lack of rain is a big concern for farmers as is the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine which is creating volatility in agriculture markets. Kent Thiesse is Farm Management Analyst and Senior Vice President at MinnStar Bank. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk more about what Minnesota farmers are experiencing.
American Crystal Sugar union workers reject contract offer
Union workers at five American Crystal Sugar Company factories in the Red River Valley have rejected a final contract offer. The Moorhead-based cooperative has agreed to extend the current contract and continue negotiations.
Feds sue large poultry producers, including Cargill, alleging unfair worker practices
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against some of the largest poultry producers in the United States. It’s part of an effort to end what the government says are longstanding deceptive and abusive practices for workers.
James Clayton Wolf was charged July 7 in federal court with felony wire fraud. Prosecutors say Wolf falsely labeled crops grown on his rural Cottonwood County farm as organic and that he defrauded grain buyers and undermined the nation’s organic labeling system.
Dry June causes topsoil moisture concerns in southern, central Minnesota
So far this summer has been drier than average, even with recent rain events and a chance for storms this weekend. On Thursday, the U.S. Drought Monitor released a map showing a large swath of central and southern Minnesota abnormally dry, with some areas moving into moderate drought.
DNR releases draft wolf management plan
The Minnesota DNR released a draft wolf management plan that calls for maintaining a statewide population of between 2,200 and 3,000 wolves. It does not take a position on a wolf hunting season.
Northfield farm expands land access for immigrant, newly emerging farmers 
It’s hard to get into farming if you are starting from scratch. Now, just south of the Twin Cities, a nonprofit is helping a group of new farmers grow food to support their communities and families, while also giving the environment a helping hand.