Federal regulators launch probe of big agriculture

ST. LOUIS — Some Obama administration officials have made clear their unease with the increasing control a handful of corporations have over the nation’s food supply, and this week in Iowa they could show whether they are serious about changing the system.

Shuttered ND canola plant looking to reopen

BISMARCK, N.D. — A defunct Northwood canola processing plant wants to reopen, about a year after it went broke and left $810,000 in unpaid bills.

'Hemp History Week' events planned in 50 states

WASHINGTON - The Hemp Industries Association (HIA) and Vote Hemp say the 1st Annual Hemp History Week will be held May 17-23, 2010.

State parks offer sweet deal: maple syruping demos

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Several Minnesota state parks are offering a sweet deal as spring approaches this month — maple syruping demonstrations starting Saturday.

SD company to expand corn drying

WATERTOWN, S.D. — Watertown-based ethanol producer Glacial Lakes Energy is expanding its corn drying capacity.

Brazil harvest expected to grow in 2010

SAO PAULO — The Brazilian government says the nation’s 2010 crop production is expected to be 8.5 percent higher than last year.

Grants available for specialty crops

ST. PAUL — Specialty crop growers in Minnesota can now apply for the 2010 Specialty Crop Block Grant program through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The grants help growers of specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables and nursery plants compete in today’s marketplace. Minnesota’s federal allocation for the grants is more than $797,000.

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Column: Farmers urged to monitor stored grain for problems

ST. PAUL — This spring could be a critical time to monitor stored grain — especially higher moisture grain.

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ND leads nation in honey production again

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota leads the nation in honey production for the sixth consecutive year.

SURE in 2010?

FARGO, N.D. — Farmers and ranchers have until close of business March 15 to buy insurance that could make them eligible for the 2010 federal “permanent” disaster program known as SURE.

• Keep loss records now for LIP program

Keep loss records now for LIP program

FARGO, N.D. — Livestock producers who lose animals because of weather should think ahead to keep inventory and death records for the Livestock Indemnity Program, says Aaron Krauter, state executive director for North Dakota Farm Service Agency.

• SURE in 2010?

Wrenshall farmers win award for sustainable practices

Food Farm’s fresh organic vegetables, grown by John, Jane and Janaki Fisher-Merritt of Wrenshall, are already well-known around Carlton County and the Duluth area.

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Judge makes no immediate ruling on Roundup Ready sugar beet seed

Attorneys told the president of American Crystal Sugar Co. that a federal judge in San Francisco on Friday made no decision but rather took under advisement the request to halt immediately the use of any Roundup Ready sugar beet seed.

Workshop on manure is March 31

MANKATO — A manure value workshop is March 31 at the Minnesota Pork Office, 151 Saint Andrews Court, Mankato. The workshop begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes at 12:30 p.m. with lunch.

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Plan for spring flood uncertainties

ST. PAUL — A combination of climate features — including a wet fall season and heavy, wet snowfalls all winter — have elevated the risk of spring flooding on many Minnesota watersheds. One obvious consequence of spring flooding in western and southern Minnesota counties would be delayed field working conditions in the agricultural landscape.

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