agriculture

by Peter LaFontaine

update

January 22, 2020

Here's what one farmer's fight tells us about agriculture, public health and our state's exasperating approach to balancing priorities. >>

Report: One in eight Minnesotans drink groundwater with elevated nitrate

by Trevor Russell

update

January 15, 2020

Drinking water for an estimated half a million Minnesotans is drawn from groundwater contaminated with elevated levels of nitrate, a toxic pollutant that is linked to cancer and is especially dangerous for infants, according to a recent Environmental Working Group analysis of federal and state test data. >>

What is Forever Green?

update

January 8, 2020

Perennial crops like Kernza, under development through the University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative, hold promise for soil and water health, as well as farm profit. Read more

The head of a Kernza grain in a field; behind it is a tour group gathered to learn about the crop.

Thank you, River Guardians!

by Sophie Downey

update

December 11, 2019

Thank you, River Guardians! We deeply appreciate you advocating for clean water and sustainable and equitable development along the river this past year. >>

Another brutal year for MN farmers

by Peter LaFontaine

update

December 5, 2019

Wet weather, a trade war, and low crop prices combined to deal a blow to Minnesota's rural communities in 2019.

Why is this Water Blog news? Because the same strategies that FMR supports to reduce river pollution from agricultural sources can also make farms more profitable and resilient long-term. >>

Gov. Tim Walz forms climate sub-cabinet

by Peter LaFontaine

update

December 5, 2019

Minnesota is falling short of meeting its climate change goals. A new government initiative seeks to re-energize state efforts and build momentum toward a better future. >>

Lessons from the Dust Bowl: A cleaner Mississippi is rooted in a new farming paradigm

by Peter LaFontaine

update

November 1, 2019

Our agricultural practices caused disastrous dust storms like this one in Kansas in 1935. Generations later, the way we farm has again led to grave challenges — unsafe drinking water and the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. What can the Dust Bowl teach us about how to move forward? >>