agriculture

Climate change means crops won't grow like they used to

by Peter LaFontaine

update

November 1, 2020

A new study projects 30% reduction in profits for farmers in 50 years due to flooding, drought, rising temps and other impacts of climate change. Fortunately, cover crops, perennial grains and other innovations can weather climate change *and* reduce agricultural runoff for our river. >>

Minnesota gets a bad report card for nitrate reduction (part one)

by Trevor Russell

update

October 14, 2020

In the first of a two-part series, we’ll look at the results of the state’s recent nutrient reduction report card. The results are ... not good. >>

Choose the winners of the great FMR Kernza bake-off!

by Ellie Rogers

update

October 9, 2020

You know we're serious about clean-water crops like Kernza, but we're also pretty serious about baked goods. Check out the entries and cast your vote in our virtual bake-off by the end of October. >>

State’s Groundwater Protection Rule now in full effect

by Trevor Russell

update

September 10, 2020

As noted in a recent MPR News story, Minnesota farm operators will no longer be allowed to apply nitrogen fertilizer in the fall or on frozen ground above Minnesota’s most vulnerable aquifers. While that means cleaner drinking water for many Minnesotans, this rule alone won't solve our nitrate pollution problems. >>

State & Strib connect the dots between crops and water health

by sue rich

update

September 8, 2020

The Star Tribune recently covered a report that underscores the connection between water quality and the need to alter what we plant in Minnesota's farm fields. But this report wasn't issued by the usual suspects — now the state is actively calling for profitable clean-water crops. >>

Pinelands-to-potatoes fiasco heads to court

by Trevor Russell

update

August 11, 2020

A controversial attempt by of a Fargo-based agribusiness giant to skirt Minnesota‘s environmental laws is going to court – and the stakes are huge. >>