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The wet, cold weather is preventing Minnesota farmers from getting much planting done. In its weekly crop progress and condition report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says only 8 percent of the state's corn crop has been planted, which is up 4 percentage points from last week's report but is still two weeks behind normal.
New federal data show the number of farms in Minnesota fell 8 percent from 2007 to 2012, while the market value of agricultural products the state's farmers sold increased by 61 percent over the same five-year period.
As concerns grow about the food we eat, American farmers are facing increased scrutiny and criticism. Now, the farming industry is going on the offensive with a new film premiering May 1.
Most Minnesota farm families could get an extra $260 in property tax relief per year under legislation that's meant to ease the squeeze they're feeling between rising property taxes and falling crop prices.
Some are calling it the future of farming -- a technique that will provide local fresh produce year-round in the Twin Cities. Right now lettuce, kale, and herbs are ready for harvest in St. Paul.
Minnesota's legislative auditor is calling for greater oversight over the state's 13 agricultural research and promotional councils, which are funded by millions of dollars in check-off fees that producers pay.
While winter has been unforgiving to most of the Midwest, the next several months will dictate the season's impact on all-important sectors, such as shipping and farming. Fast-melting snow in the northern Midwest likely won't be able to soak into the frozen ground.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). But Minnesota farmers say the free trade accord has not exactly been fair. Fresh from a NAFTA 20 year anniversary get together in Mexico City, Doug Peterson brought back a failing report card for the accord.
Minnesota's corn harvest continues to run ahead of the normal pace after a slow start. In its weekly crops and weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says the state's corn harvest advanced 14 percentage points last week to 87 percent complete.
According to the owners of Locally Laid Eggs, their chickens are known as athletes. Oh, and they're all named 'Lola.' The egg company is one of the finalists in a competition to win free ad time during the Super Bowl. The family farmers were in the Twin Cities Monday in an effort to get out the vote for the contest, which is sponsored by the software company Intuit. Owners Lucy and Jason Amundsen, along with their kids and the Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson, were celebrating the announcement at the Seward Co-Op in south Minneapolis.
As U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar helped volunteers at the Second Harvest Heartland warehouse in Golden Valley, she said she is optimistic that Congress will pass a new long-term farm bill this year. That would be welcome news to Second Harvest CEO Rob Zeaske.
The farmer-owned cooperative CHS Inc. has pledged $3 million toward a national agricultural safety initiative. Carl Casale, president and CEO of Arden Hills-based CHS, made the announcement Wednesday at the North American Agricultural Safety Summit in Minneapolis.
A growing number of Minnesota farmers are relying on irrigation to ensure they can produce a crop when the weather turns dry. So far this year, Minnesota Public Radio reports, farmers have applied for 466 irrigation permits.
A dozen farmers and business owners from Africa are visiting farm equipment factories in the Midwest to study technology that might help them produce more soybeans and corn back home.
Minnesota farms are getting wired. New data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that 71 percent of Minnesota farms now own or lease a computer, a slight increase from 2011.
Economic growth slowed down this month in rural areas of 10 Midwest and Plains states, according to a report issued Thursday. The overall economic index for the region slipped to 55.8 in August from 57.3 in July, but was far ahead of the 47.1 in August 2012.
Minnesota farmers are expected to harvest their second-largest corn crop in state history. According to this week's projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Minnesota's corn and soybean crops are expected to be slightly smaller than 2012.
Cooler weather has given Minnesota farmers a break from the heat. In its weekly crops and weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday that statewide, temperatures for the week averaged 6.7 degrees below average. Despite the cooler weather, 5.9 days were suitable for field work last week.
Armyworms are being blamed for damaging a number of central Minnesota cornfields in recent days, though experts aren't sure about the extent and severity of the infestation.
State regulators blamed farming for rising nitrate levels in southern Minnesota surface waters in a new report Wednesday, citing the increasing use of drainage tiling as a major reason.
The new official commemorative art for this year's State Fair was unveiled on Wednesday. Minneapolis artist Marie Olofsdotter unveiled her creation on Wednesday on the state fairgrounds.
Minnesota farmers who have had trouble completing their spring planting due to a muddy May are facing some important decisions this month, and grain prices are rising as traders worry that yields will be hurt by the late finish to the planting season.
Now that the weather has finally warmed up, farmer's markets are back in business. But, you may not see some of your favorite foods right away. Fresh fruits and the honey supply will be delayed this year. Step into the packing facility for Ames Farm Unlimited, and it seems like business as usual. But owner Brian Fredricksen says all the jarred honey, candles and honeycomb are leftovers from last summer.
As Minnesotans start to think about yard work, the state has some words of caution.
Erin West, 42, and Rubi Vergara, 14, were fatally shot Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
Several Minnesota schools are reporting closings and delays ahead of a snowstorm set to drop up to seven inches of snow.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Wednesday that it had detected presumptive positive human case of H5N1 in Barron County.
Kathy Ingebrand of Mahtomedi is one of the first people in the country to receive the infusion meant to slow down Alzheimer's disease by up to 35%.
Army veteran Delphine Littlewolf and her 7-year-old son Curtis have been living in her compact car for six months.
Army veteran Delphine Littlewolf and her 7-year-old son Curtis have been living in her compact car for six months.
It's the largest gift ever given to a Dakota County library.
A traffic stop in the east Twin Cities metro over a revoked driver's license led to the discovery of explosive devices and criminal charges against an East Bethel man who identifies as a "sovereign citizen."
Holidazzle is a free event with lights, stage performances, Santa, nearly 200 vendors and more. It runs Wednesday through Sunday.
Six voters linked to the missing ballots at the center of the election contest in a south metro Minnesota House race testified on Tuesday that they voted for DFL incumbent Rep. Brad Tabke.
Kathy Ingebrand of Mahtomedi is one of the first people in the country to receive the infusion meant to slow down Alzheimer's disease by up to 35%.
Anna Bailey has made a name for herself with her unique brand of handcrafted wood art pieces.
Before Adam Fravel learned his punishment for the murder of Madeline Kingsbury, her family and friends gave emotional victim impact statements inside a Winona County courtroom, where the proceedings were filmed and livestreamed at their urging.
An 8-year-old boy is in the hospital after falling from a ski chair lift in central Minnesota.
A potentially impactful snowstorm is heading for Minnesota late Wednesday, with plowable snow in areas across the state.
The man was flown to a hospital in Minnesota, but the department gave no word on his condition. No one else was hurt.
Xcel says the project is intended to replace the energy that will be lost when its coal-fueled power plant near Stillwater closes in 2028.
Minnesota and Wisconsin leaders are responding to the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
Roughly 70,000 gallons of oil from a pipeline spilled into the ground in Wisconsin, officials said.
A northern Wisconsin tribe along with a coalition of groups moved Thursday to block plans to reroute an aging pipeline around the tribe's reservation, arguing state regulators have underestimated the environmental damage that construction would cause.
Army veteran Delphine Littlewolf and her 7-year-old son Curtis have been living in her compact car for six months.
It looks like any other grocery store, but when you check out at Today's Harvest in Maplewood, shoppers aren't spending a dime.
The Buck Hill slopes played host to "Carve for a Cure" on Sunday, a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
As an equestrian with years of experience, Jen Kelly has taken a tumble or two — until a tumble in September 2020 where she broke three vertebrae in her neck and crushed her spinal cord.
A Vikings Hall of Famer is experiencing all kinds of emotions. Cris Carter is dealing with the announcement by Randy Moss of his cancer condition. Saturday night he surprised kids on behalf of the Salvation Army with a gift bag that lacked for nothing.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
Robyn Harbison, a recent U of M alumni, is facing a fourth-degree assault charge in connection to the takeover of Morrill Hall in October in protest of the university’s investments in Israel.
Despite popular belief, the bald eagle is not the official national bird. It may soon become official, however, thanks to a Minnesota-led bill making its way to President Biden's desk.
Herschel Walker, the former football star who unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Georgia in 2022, will be nominated to serve as ambassador to the Bahamas.
For generations, it's been an iconic part of the Twin Cities, and now it has its very own song, thanks to one of Minneapolis' own.
It looks like any other grocery store, but when you check out at Today's Harvest in Maplewood, shoppers aren't spending a dime.
Heating your home in the winter can take a toll on your pocketbook, but it doesn't have to with some easy tips to save.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans produce 25% more trash from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.
The Minnesota-born Mexican restaurant chain Chi-Chi's is making a comeback 20 years after ending its "celebration of food."
Erin West, 42, and Rubi Vergara, 14, were fatally shot Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
An attorney for Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, says he will waive extradition at his hearing on Thursday.
A 27-year-old Hastings man is accused of producing child sexual abuse material and investigators believe there may be other victims involved.
A traffic stop in the east Twin Cities metro over a revoked driver's license led to the discovery of explosive devices and criminal charges against an East Bethel man who identifies as a "sovereign citizen."
Before Adam Fravel learned his punishment for the murder of Madeline Kingsbury, her family and friends gave emotional victim impact statements inside a Winona County courtroom, where the proceedings were filmed and livestreamed at their urging.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Wednesday that it had detected presumptive positive human case of H5N1 in Barron County.
Kathy Ingebrand of Mahtomedi is one of the first people in the country to receive the infusion meant to slow down Alzheimer's disease by up to 35%.
Republicans wants to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire next year and could let ACA subsidies lapse to help pay the tab, according to analysts.
It's a term that's being thrown around a lot these days. Some think it's a social thing, others a medical thing.
The Safe Drinking Water Act was the first time a national set of regulations and standards were set and followed by all public water suppliers in the United States.
Holidazzle is a free event with lights, stage performances, Santa, nearly 200 vendors and more. It runs Wednesday through Sunday.
For generations, it's been an iconic part of the Twin Cities, and now it has its very own song, thanks to one of Minneapolis' own.
Among the 25 films selected by the Library of Congress to be preserved for future generations are the Coen Brothers' "No Country for Old Men," "The Social Network," Cheech & Chong's "Up in Smoke," and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."
Thirty years ago on Friday, the Metropolitan Sports Center in Bloomington was demolished.
Hope Walz, daughter of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, took a swipe at influential podcaster Joe Rogan and the men among his fanbase after the host said he supported President-elect Donald Trump due to misstatements the former Democratic vice presidential candidate made about his past.
Two high-powered girls basketball teams in Delano and Centennial met on the court Friday. Plus, see how Prince and Hiawatha High School’s gym are heavily connected.
If the Vikings win their remaining three games, they're in great position to earn the No. 1 seed, regardless of what the Eagles or Lions do.
The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback and benching veteran Kirk Cousins as they fight for their first playoff berth since 2017.
The Minnesota Vikings' defense made things difficult for Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams in a 30-12 victory on Monday night.
"We love you Randy!" Jefferson shouted toward the ESPN camera as he formed the shape of a heart with his fingers in front of his chest.
Esme Murphy talks with Congressman Pete Stauber, who hopes to see President Biden’s 20-year moratorium on new mining near the Boundary Waters reversed by President-elect Donald Trump.
President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to reverse President Biden's 20-year moratorium on new mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on his first day in office.
In this election, Klobuchar faired much better than all other Senate Democrats — she won by a significantly larger margin.
For Democrats the postmortem continues on why Vice President Kamala Harris and her Running mate Governor Tim Walz performed more poorly with almost every demographic than Joe Biden did in 2020. In Minnesota, Senator Amy Klobuchar did much better than Harris with some of those same groups.
As Election Day nears, experts say voters in Wisconsin and other battleground states will decide the 2024 presidential election winner.
Duluth is known for its scenic views across the city, but one location stands out from the rest.
One family's creative design in central Minnesota allows guests to sleep under the stars — at any time of year.
"Thomas Dambo, he believes the trolls really help us kind of shine a light on how we can take better care of the environment and be better to each other," said Stearns.
There are a lot of quirky town names in Minnesota: Embarrass, Nowthen, Clontarff, Kiester. But the people of Nimrod believe their name stands out from the rest.
Did you know that donkeys are fast, smart and can build life-long bonds with other animals and people? It's believed that donkeys are smarter than most dogs.
There are a lot of reasons to get distracted this time of year and to procrastinate.
It's a term that's being thrown around a lot these days. Some think it's a social thing, others a medical thing.
Every home has a distinct smell, and chances are your home smells just as strong to other people. Why can't we notice our own home's smell but we can notice everyone else's?
An important deadline is approaching, and we're not talking about Christmas shopping. End of semester exams are coming up for students of all ages.
Jeff Wagner dives into the cold-weather dating trend that has singles looking for love with a time limit.
Regions Hospital and Children's Minnesota share photos of their tiniest patients dressed to the nines for Halloween.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Thursday night due to the arrival of a severe geomagnetic storm.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Monday night.
Storms ripped through parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin on Thursday evening. There were several reports of tornadoes and trees were downed in the metro and beyond, including in Cottage Grove, Anoka, Champlin and Fridley.
A powerful thunderstorm tore through the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair on Monday night, delaying Tuesday's opening.
Several Minnesota schools are reporting closings and delays ahead of a snowstorm set to drop up to seven inches of snow.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says flakes will start to fly overnight with heaviest snow during the morning commute.
A winter storm warning is in effect for parts of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, due to a snowstorm arriving overnight.
For some local businesses, the snow is a chance to cash in.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says flakes will start to fly overnight with heaviest snow during the morning commute.
For the past six months, Delphine Littlewolf and her 7-year-old son Curtis have been living in her compact car. And like many on the street, life had caught up with her. That's when MAC-V stepped in. As WCCO's Reg Chapman shares, they first worked to gain her trust, and are now supporting her through some legal troubles.
This season is a time for making memories with family, but a mind-robbing disease can spoil the holiday spirit. In Health Watch, WCCO's Jason Rantala shares how a new treatment is giving a Minnesota Alzheimer's patient hope.
An unlicensed driver could face charges in a deadly crash that happened in the blink of an eye.
Signs of the holiday season traditionally include snowflakes and Santa Claus. But this year, a group called the Minnesota Satanists is creating controversy with this display inside the State Capitol. WCCO's Caroline Cummings explains why the exhibit has sparked both criticism and cheers.