agriculture

'Land conservation key to bringing back Minnesota bird population'

by sue rich

update

October 8, 2019

We didn't pay MPR to write that headline, but it's exactly the message we want people to understand. >>

UN: Global warming is splintering our food supply

by Peter LaFontaine

update

September 4, 2019

Agriculture is a major driver of climate change, but it can also be a big part of the solution. The future of the planet relies on shifting to sustainable practices more rapidly than ever before. >>

"Workhorse" Minnesota River needs our help

by Peter LaFontaine

update

September 3, 2019

The Star Tribune recently highlighted the state's $360 million plan to turn things around for the Minnesota River and cut the river's sediment levels in half. Will it be enough? >>

by Trevor Russell

update

August 16, 2019

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently released a series of reports, studies and plans addressing water contamination in the Minnesota River, the biggest tributary to the Mississippi in our state. It looks like the river is in need of some big changes if we're to meet our state's water quality goals. >>

Attack of the killer... algae?

by Peter LaFontaine

update

August 9, 2019

A destructive storm can have a silver lining; Hurricane Barry seems to have lessened the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone. But this year's algae blooms are still hurting Minnesota's waterways. >>

NPR: As climate changes, taxpayers will shoulder larger U.S. payouts to farmers

by Trevor Russell

update

August 9, 2019

A recent National Public Radio story highlighted the risks that climate change may pose to both farm operations and Americans' pocketbooks in the years to come. >>

Self-inflicted brain drain at USDA threatens farm economy

by Peter LaFontaine

update

July 25, 2019

Leaders at the U.S. Department of Agriculture are plowing forward with the relocation of two major research agencies, a move that threatens to push out hundreds of career staffers and undermine scientific inquiry. The country can't afford this setback at a time when the farm economy is threatened from all sides and clear analysis of these threats is paramount. >>