agriculture

Nitrate fertilizer: Expensive, not just deadly

by Peter LaFontaine

December 4, 2020

Pollution from nitrate fertilizers causes severe health problems — for the river and for people — that cost us dearly, as detailed in a new report focused on Wisconsin water supplies. >>

Democracy prevails in the great FMR Kernza bake-off!

by Peter LaFontaine

November 6, 2020

The votes are in! Get tips and recipes from our star baker and from our guest judge, award-winning chef Beth Dooley. Find out who won. >>

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

by Peter LaFontaine

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

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

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

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

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. >>