Agriculture

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.
Farmers have a big problem on their hands: They can't find a way to ship their stuff
Cargo ships are unloading containers in the U.S. and immediately shipping them out, empty, to meet demand in Asia. That's frustrating American farmers and exporters who are struggling to get products overseas.
72% of Minnesota is now in severe drought
The hot, mostly dry conditions forecast through the end of July provide no relief to the dire situation. Water levels are low in many lakes and rivers throughout Minnesota, including at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis.
Hot, dry conditions show no sign of letting up in Minnesota
Heat and drought conditions are forecast to continue this week in Minnesota, with temperatures climbing into the 90s across much of the state and little rain — putting additional stress on crops and expanding the threat of wildfires. 
Des Moines faces extreme measures to find clean water
For years, Des Moines Water Works has tried without success to get farmers upstream to reduce fertilizer runoff that leaves rivers with sky-high nitrate levels. Now, it’s considering a drastic measure that, as a rule, large cities just don’t do — resorting to wells to find clean water.