Minnesota farmers had most profitable year since 2012
The results became clear late in the year when commodity prices suddenly climbed after government aid rolled in.
Complaint may spur review of meat industry's virus response
A union complaint about whether an Oklahoma meatpacking plant is doing enough to protect workers from the coronavirus could test the industry's response to the pandemic because Seaboard Foods says it is following recommendations from the government and trade groups.
Coronavirus
Minnesota farms, food industry face another pandemic growing season
Last year the COVID-19 pandemic triggered major disruptions in the state's $112 billion industry. Meatpacking plant closures and declines in sales to restaurants forced some livestock to be euthanized.
Agriculture
Hawaii coffee farmers hope lawsuit settlements guarantee the Kona in your cup is real
Big retailers and distributors slap the label on coffee that doesn't meet Hawaii's standard.
Agriculture
States take uneven approaches to getting vaccines to meatpacking workers
COVID-19 vaccines are making their way into the arms of U.S. meat and agriculture workers, but companies and union officials said progress needs to be…
Agriculture
Minnesota farmers prepare for new direction from Washington
A new year brings new reasons for optimism for Minnesota's farmers, fueled by a booming export market with China and forecasts for a strong 2021 harvest. But the new administration has farmers wondering what's in store.
Agriculture
USDA sees record plantings of corn, soybeans, but tight supplies too
The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast domestic supplies of soybeans would remain historically tight into 2022 despite its projection for a record-large harvest this autumn.The…
Agriculture
As Oklahoma pork plant speeds up slaughtering, workers report more injuries
A regulatory change in 2019 is starting to make the day-to-day duties more difficult in pork slaughterhouses.
Business
Land O'Lakes launches carbon-trading program for farmers
Land O'Lakes launched a carbon credit generation and trading program last week that it said will help crop farmers capitalize on rising demand for greenhouse…
Agriculture
China's purchases of U.S. soybeans soared 53% in 2020, but fell short of deal target
China's soybean imports from the United States in 2020 rose by 52.8% from a year earlier, customs data showed last week, though the stepped-up buying…
Agriculture
As Biden seeks diversity on his team, the Agriculture Department becomes a flash point
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden's choice to fill the deputy secretary post at the Agriculture Department underscores the scarcity of Blacks and other minorities in…
Business
Trump administration's last-minute break on ethanol standards angers farmers
The EPA on Tuesday exempted three oil refiners from biofuels requirements.
Agriculture
For Minnesota farmers, 2020 was nothing like they expected and surprisingly profitable
The continuing pandemic, a trade war and natural disaster blew apart all expectations.
Agriculture
On the day the U remembered Borlaug's Nobel Peace Prize, another food innovator won it for 2020
It has been 50 years since Norman Borlaug received the Nobel Peace Prize for developing a high-yield, disease-resistant wheat that saved an estimated billion human…
Local
Planting the seeds for a new generation of farmers
Lizy Bryant hopes to turn her farm south of the Twin Cities into a space where Black families can learn, create and reconnect with the land.
Business
Meat companies seek better coordination on virus vaccine rollout
Chicken processor Perdue says inconsistent policies by states could slow the vaccination effort.
Agriculture
Minnesota organic dairy farmers hope to regain ground under Biden
Organic Valley's CEO is cautiously optimistic for industry despite the loss of powerful Rep. Collin Peterson.
Agriculture
Singapore becomes first place in world to approve sale of lab-grown meat
The meat, to be sold as nuggets, will be priced at premium chicken prices when it launches "in the very near term," the co-founder and CEO says.
Coronavirus
COVID-19 canceled governor's turkey meet-and-greet
Annual meet-and-greet with governor a victim of virus precautions.
Agriculture
At last, a year when farmers don't have to store soybeans
Brazil ran out of soybeans, creating an opportunity for U.S. farmers suffering after Trump trade war
Agriculture
Food producers complain about China's virus tests on commodity imports
BEIJING – Major food-producing countries are growing increasingly frustrated with China’s scrutiny of imported products and are calling on it to stop aggressive testing for…
Agriculture
Farmers see record $40B in aid, but many uneasy accepting help
Farmers, who as a group disproportionately vote Republican and support President Donald Trump, are uneasy with being seen as on the dole. "Who wants to be dependent on government for everything? It just feels wrong."
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