Agriculture

Update on bird flu in Minnesota as pathogen spills into other populations
Millions of birds around the country are being culled by farmers as an outbreak of avian influenza, or bird flu, continues to spread — and infect other species like cattle.
Minnesota lawmakers assert protections for public waters
Legislators passed language clarifying that a waterway that meets the legal definition is a public water, even if it’s not on a decades-old state inventory. Its passage followed a lengthy legal dispute over Limbo Creek, the last free-flowing stream in heavily-farmed Renville County.
Limited testing of raw milk for bird flu leaves safety questions unanswered
An avian flu outbreak in dairy herds has stoked tensions between the federal government and raw milk advocates. Milk testing could provide assurances and useful data, but some farmers oppose it.
New online tool allows for close-up look into Minnesota’s changing climate future
University of Minnesota researchers are launching a new online tool today that allows people to visualize how a future climate will look and feel, down to a 2.5 mile scale. The goal is to help engineers, farmers and others better plan for a climate-changed future.
RD Offutt Farms sues White Earth Nation over water permits
In a lawsuit filed Friday, RD Offutt farms asked a federal judge to issue a judgment that the White Earth Nation does not have the authority to regulate potato farmers’ groundwater use. RDO is challenging a White Earth ordinance requiring growers to get a tribal irrigation permit.
DNA tests help monitor for honeybee disease
A DNA testing and research center in Fargo is expanding DNA testing for pathogens in honey bees. The genetic testing can provide early detection, and help monitor the prevalence of disease in bees.
DNR sets limit on diverting water from central Minnesota trout stream
It’s the first time the DNR has used the new regulatory tool, which the Legislature authorized in 2023. The move marks a significant development in how the DNR addresses increased groundwater use and potential depletion in parts of Minnesota.