AGRICULTURE

Minnesota

With four additional sites, Minnesota passes 3 million birds affected by H5N1 avian influenza

The inventory of flocks in Minnesota diagnosed with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza now stands at 62 sites, with a total of 2,718,082 birds affected, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. Two additional infection sites were announced Friday, April 29.

Columns

Too much of a good thing isn't a good thing

"Last year at this time, when we already were watching the U.S. Drought Monitor turn redder and redder every week, we would have danced with joy to see even one of the storms we've had this year. But right now, at this minute, can it please stop?"

May 23, 2022 05:30 AM

A female farmer in a stocking cap, flanked by her parents in their 70s, stand in their farm yard, flanked by her triplet daughters on a vintage school merry-go-round.

Business

Music master Anne Waltner comes home to partner in parents’ farm

Anne Waltner, Parker, South Dakota, left a full-time career as a concert pianist and educator to join her parents’ farming operation. Along the way she married, had triplet daughters and survived cancer. Of her journey and life, she says: “Can you think of anybody luckier than me?”

May 16, 2022 05:30 AM

Minnesota

Disaster, again: Minnesota barn fire that killed about 1,000 goats, litter of puppies echoes 2020 blaze

A fire at the same farm on Christmas Eve 2020 caused the deaths of about 1,000 milking goats, 15 peacocks and a dog.

May 13, 2022 05:05 PM

Latest Headlines

Minnesota

More backyard producers infected with avian flu as Minnesota reaches 70 sites, approaches 2.9M birds

There are 70 sites of confirmed avian flu infection in Minnesota as of Tuesday, May 10. The inventory of flocks diagnosed with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza is approaching 2.9 million, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

May 10, 2022 05:22 PM

By Susan Lunneborg

A bank at left, with the words Dakota Heritage Bank on the side of the brick external wall, has vehicles parked outside of it. A cafe in the distance to the right also has vehicles outside.

Columns

Small towns are still open for business, thanks to those who believe they're worth it

Losing the bank in town seemed like it could be the beginning of the end for the community. Instead, it revealed that there are still some business leaders who believe in small towns.

May 09, 2022 05:30 AM

By Jenny Schlecht

An aerial photo shows water meandering across a bare field.

Business

It's too cold and too wet to plant across the northern Plains

Cold temperatures and excessive moisture have delayed spring planting across the northern Plains.

May 09, 2022 05:30 AM

By Ann Bailey

Business

Wolff's Suffolks takes lamb from pasture to pizza

Wolff's Suffolks has been in the Suffolk industry for over 40 years. But recently, the ranch decided to diversify and sell their lamb to consumers and restaurants.

May 07, 2022 05:30 AM

By Emily Beal

Columns

Modern ag is a big tent with many occupants

Modern ag really is a big tent, and there's room inside for many kinds of farming operations.

May 06, 2022 05:30 AM

By Jonathan Knutson

Minnesota

Minnesota's Black farmers working to reconnect to land

Farmer Angela Dawson is trying to help others overcome obstacles and make a living from the land.

May 04, 2022 10:42 AM

By Jon Collins / MPR News

Minnesota

Minnesota has 66 sites of confirmed avian flu infection

There are 66 sites of confirmed avian flu infection in Minnesota as of Tuesday, May 3. The inventory of flocks diagnosed with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza is about 2.73 million, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

May 03, 2022 05:02 PM

By Susan Lunneborg

Minnesota

Amid avian flu outbreak, activists decry poultry-killing methods

The protests have generated media headlines here in Minnesota. During a Timberwolves’ April 12 game at Target Center a woman glued her hand to the floor of the court, wearing a T-shirt that read, “Glen Taylor Roasts Animals Alive.”

April 30, 2022 07:55 AM

By Kirsti Marohn / MPR News

Summit Carbon SolutionsYMSKM_454e22040814050_0001 (1).jpg

Minnesota

Summit Carbon Solutions says drain tile is main landowner concern raised as company hosts Minnesota meetings

Summit Carbon Solutions has hosted six open house meetings in Minnesota for landowners along the proposed route of a pipeline to carry carbon dioxide. The No. 1 message from those meetings has been concern about drain tiles, company officials told the Yellow Medicine County Board of Commissioners.

April 28, 2022 04:43 PM

By Tom Cherveny