'Buffer Bully'? Dayton Embraces Title In Clean Water Push
Gov. Mark Dayton has been labeled "the buffer bully" and run into severe resistance with a plan requiring farmers to leave more space between cropland and sensitive waterways.
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Gov. Mark Dayton has been labeled "the buffer bully" and run into severe resistance with a plan requiring farmers to leave more space between cropland and sensitive waterways.
Minnesota lawmakers are hoping to send more help to turkey farmers and the state as they fight a deadly bird flu outbreak.
A state of emergency was declared Friday by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad with nearly 17 million chickens and turkeys dead, dying or scheduled to be euthanized due to a widening bird flu outbreak.
Despite cool, wet weather, Minnesota farmers are continuing a spring planting pace well ahead of last year and the five-year average.
Up to 5.3 million hens at an Iowa farm must be destroyed after the highly infectious and deadly bird flu virus was confirmed, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday.
Minnesota farmers have made early strides in planting small grains, thanks to good weather. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers in Minnesota were able to plant over one-third of the expected small grain acreage and over half of the sugar beet acreage during the week ending Sunday.
Although only 3.5 days were suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, the U.S. Department of Natural Resources says small grain planting by Minnesota farmers is 3.5 weeks ahead of last year's pace.
Gov. Mark Dayton will visit Worthington and Austin to promote his proposal to require farmers to leave 50-foot buffer strips along ditches, streams, ponds and lakes to improve water quality and animal habitat.
Many Minnesota livestock producers enjoyed record profits in 2014 while earnings for crop producers fell for the second straight year, according to a new report that warns both sectors will face tougher times this year.
University of Minnesota Extension officials remind farmers and landowners they have until the end of March to make their crop program choices under the 2014 farm bill. The choices are between the Price Loss Coverage and Agricultural Risk Coverage programs.
Seeking to fan agriculture exports to Cuba, a Minnesota House panel took initial steps Tuesday to spend state money on promoting the shipment of goods to the island nation amid improving relations with the United States. The bipartisan bill that the House Agriculture Finance Committee kept in the budget mix would designate $100,000 to promote marketing exports to Cuba.
Talk of a new Minnesota trade mission to Cuba is in the air. The House Agriculture Finance Committee kept a bill in the mix Tuesday that would designate $100,000 to promote agriculture exports to Cuba. Its sponsor says half of that could defray costs from a state trade trip to the island nation.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar wants to lift the Cuba trade embargo. She just got back from a visit to the island country, and at a summit Monday morning in St. Paul, the Democrat talked about how ending the embargo could help farmers and businesses here.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will visit Minnesota to discuss efforts to expand trade. Vilsack will meet Friday in St. Paul with officials from the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council and other business leaders to talk about increasing exports as a strategy for creating job opportunities in Minnesota.
The nonprofit Farm Rescue is accepting applications from farmers who need help with spring planting.
Minnesota will get $9 million under an initiative announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday. The agency has approved 115 proposals nationwide for the first round of funding under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which was part of the 2014 farm bill.
Gardeners at hundreds of spots around the country are sharing seeds as part of an increasing interest in locally grown food, but some agriculture officials say the well-meaning effort violates state laws.
U.S. agriculture has a big appetite for freer trade with Cuba. From wheat to rice to beans, the industry stands to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of President Barack Obama's plan to ease economic and travel restrictions imposed against the communist-ruled island.
For the first time in two decades, U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson finds himself having to fight hard to keep his job and to avert a loss that could cost Minnesota one of Congress' most influential voices on farm matters. Peterson is the ranking minority member and former chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. He has represented western Minnesota's 7th District for nearly 24 years and says it benefits from his clout.
Minnesota is tops in the nation when it comes to elk farming, but the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association says there's room for growth. The USDA Census of Agriculture shows that Minnesota leads the U.S. in farmed elk production and is home to 141 elk farms raising more than 4,200 elk.
Minnesota Sen. Al Franken is hoping for an election-season bump on an issue he's tried to build into a cornerstone of his campaign: agriculture.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $328 million in funding Monday to protect and restore farmlands, grasslands and wetlands across the country.
Students in Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools will eat lunch food that comes from Minnesota farmers on the first Thursday of every month. School administrators say Minnesota Thursdays stems from the Farm to School programs at both districts.
Gov. Mark Dayton is urging the federal government to step in on railroad delays hitting Minnesota grain farmers. A growing backlog of railroad shipments cost corn, wheat and soybean farmers $109 million in lower prices this spring, according to a University of Minnesota study.
The Farm Rescue nonprofit in the Upper Midwest is approaching another milestone. The volunteer organization based in North Dakota will help its 300th farm family in the region by the end of the year.
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
Temps stay above average all week, mostly in the 30s for highs and 20s for lows.
Lindsey Vonn, who came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, was airlifted off the mountain.
Saturday marks one month since a federal agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. Thousands gathered at Powderhorn Park to celebrate her life and honor her legacy.
Savannah Guthrie released a new video on Saturday, saying her family is willing to pay for the safe return of their mother.
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
Saturday marks one month since a federal agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. Thousands gathered at Powderhorn Park to celebrate her life and honor her legacy.
Becca Good, the partner of Renee Good, released a statement on Friday, thanking the community for their kindness.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minneapolis Fire Department was called to a utility generation plant on the 600 block of Main Street Southeast on reports of smoke and flames around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
Community leaders in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say federal agents have detained at least 10 Somali people there and arrested several more during protests. One man says he was arrested and released, only to be arrested again.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
On GOP caucus night, a straw poll for governor among 13 candidates saw House Speaker Lisa Demuth emerge as the winner. House Speaker Demuth will be front and center for the next three months during the upcoming legislative session. She spoke to Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
The Minneapolis Lake Street Council alone says they’ve lost $46 million in revenue since December, and are pleading with community members to spend money at local shops and restaurants.
Several Twin Cities small businesses say Operation Metro Surge has cost them millions of dollars in revenue. Now, they're asking for the community’s help.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Lindsey Vonn, who came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, was airlifted off the mountain.
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Saddiq Bay scored 30 points, including two free throws, as the New Orleans Pelicans overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115.
Veteran point guard Mike Conley is expected to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded twice this week, NBA insider Shams Charania reports.
Minnesota United FC is adding an international star to its roster.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says highs return to the mid 30s this afternoon with the help of a SE wind and a little sunshine to end the day.
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.
Temps stay above average all week, mostly in the 30s for highs and 20s for lows.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says warmth will return to wrap up the weekend.
We return to above average freezing temperatures on Sunday, and have a chance at the 40s Monday. Lisa Meadows shares how long we'll remain above average and when we might see a hint of snow.
In an effort to push back on Operation Metro Surge dozens of businesses in the Twin Cities are fundraising. They're using everything from beer, to ice cream, to art. Ashley Grams shows us how the community is coming together.
We've seen a lot of creativity amidst the unrest of the last few weeks, and as Photojournalist Nick Lunemann shows us, we are hearing it too.
Dry January might be over, but for many people, the choice to not drink goes well beyond just one month. One local distillery has opened a new space to make sure all feel welcome, whether you're drinking or not.
Here are the latest updates and headlines from WCCO.com.
On GOP caucus night, a straw poll for governor among 13 candidates saw House Speaker Lisa Demuth emerge as the winner. House Speaker Demuth will be front and center for the next three months during the upcoming legislative session. She spoke to Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.