Agriculture

The plot to keep meatpacking plants open during COVID-19
Newly released documents reveal that the meatpacking industry’s callousness toward the health of its workers and its influence over the Trump administration were far greater than previously known.
Comic: One Sioux chef's attempt to reclaim Native American cuisine
When it comes to North American cuisine, Indigenous foods don't typically come to mind. Chef Sean Sherman is changing that by serving food that celebrates and preserves his ancestors' Lakota cooking.
Wet spring slows planting for many Minnesota farmers
Planting for most Minnesota crops is well behind average because of wet conditions and cold soil temperatures. Warmer weather over the past week is helping to dry fields, but widespread rains continue and in many parts of the state farmers are waiting as prime planting time slips past.
Biden sees bigger role for U.S. farms due to Ukraine war
President Joe Biden wants to put a spotlight on the spike in food prices from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Democrat plans to travel on Wednesday to an Illinois farm to emphasize how U.S. agricultural exports can relieve the financial pressures being felt worldwide.
Russians wreak havoc on Ukrainian farms, mining fields and stealing equipment
Ukraine is one of the world's biggest producers of wheat, corn and sunflower oil. Officials say 30 percent of farmland is now occupied or unsafe. "My fields were destroyed by the shelling," one farmer says.
New Bemidji State degree draws on Indigenous practices to teach 21st century sustainability
BSU students can now earn a full degree in Indigenous Sustainability Studies that builds on traditional philosophies and practices while also studying the mainstream sustainability techniques.
First case of human avian flu infection confirmed in Colorado
A Colorado man has tested positive for avian flu in the first recent confirmed case of a human infected with the disease that has resulted in the deaths of millions of birds. Minnesota health officials said they've been “actively monitoring” but have not confirmed any cases in humans.
Bird flu spreads from flocks to raptors; what's next?
Nearly 2 million birds in commercial or backyard flocks have been affected by Avian Influenza or bird flu in Minnesota. Today, the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center confirmed that avian flu has killed 12 wild raptors. What is next and how can we all help prevent the spread? Host Cathy Wurzer talks with Jeff Bender, professor at the University of Minnesota in Environmental Health Sciences and Director of the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center.