STATE

Former Mission rancher new ag dean at SDSU

A former president and general manager of a ranch at Mission is the new dean of agriculture at South Dakota State University.
The Brookings-based university announced that Barry Dunn, an agricultural academic administrator with South Dakota ties, will assume the duties of dean of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. The announcement was made Monday morning to college faculty and university personnel. He begins his duties May 22.

December 29, 2009

Farmers invited to MDA listening session in Pipestone

ST. PAUL — It has been an eventful 2009 for farmers and agribusinesses, and there’s no sign of things slowing down in 2010 or beyond. With that in mind, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is inviting local farmers and others in agriculture to share their thoughts on key issues during a listening session with Deputy Commissioner Jim Boerboom on Wednesday in Pipestone.

December 26, 2009

Federal dairy assistance totals $290 million

Financially strapped dairy farmers can draw on a new $290 million assistance program, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Thursday.

December 18, 2009

Bill may aid S.D. railroad patrons

Hoping to give South Dakota farmers “a fair shake” from rail carriers, John Thune has thrown his support behind legislation designed to assist small shippers who do not have the expertise to make challenges or complaints about their rail service.

By Korrie Wenzel , December 17, 2009

Cold weather prompts shortage of No. 1 diesel fuel in region

The rapid onslaught of frigid weather and a late harvest have created a demand wave for No. 1 diesel fuel throughout the region.
It’s been tough to find for consumers and suppliers alike.
“It got cold so fast we didn’t have enough on hand,” said Tammy Lorang, owner of Mount Vernon Gas & Oil.

By Ross Dolan , December 11, 2009

Pricey 15-year-old Wis. cheddar flies off shelves

December 10, 2009

Minnesota Turkey Growers Hunger Solutions Minnesota

Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson wrestles with a turkey, bringing attention to the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association gift of 24,000 pounds of turkey and $6,650 to Hunger Solutions Minnesota. Behind Hugoson Tuesday are Rahn Annis of Willmar, president of the turkey association, left, and the association Executive Director Steve Olson. Gov. Tim Pawlenty stood to the side, telling Hugoson to get the turkey out of its cage and put it on a table for photographers. In past yearly pre-Thanksgiving turkey events, Pawlenty has handled the turkey himself. Pioneer Photo/Don Davis

November 25, 2009

Vaporizer explosion reported in Lake Wilson

LAKE WILSON - The Lake Wilson and Chandler Fire Departments were dispatched to a report of a vaporizer explosion at 10:20 p.m. Tuesday night at the Lake Wilson Grain Elevator.

By Justine Wettschreck , November 18, 2009

Corn crop expected to set records for harvested acreage, production and yield

SIOUX FALLS - South Dakota’s November 1 corn production is forecast at 690.0 million bushels according to the South Dakota Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

By News release , November 10, 2009

News release: Oacoma cattleman to lead SD Beef Industry Council

PIERRE – A new slate of officers stepped into leadership positions with the South Dakota Beef Industry Council following elections at the organization’s annual meeting in Brookings. The SDBIC administers the $1 Beef Checkoff on cattle sold in South Dakota. Checkoff dollars are utilized strictly for promotion, education or research programs. Fifty cents of every dollar is directed to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board for programs on the national level. The SDBIC retains 50 cents, which is invested in additional national programs or in-state programs.

By News release , November 05, 2009

Climate experts unsure when wet cycle will end in Red River Valley

A wet cycle in the Red River Valley that began in the early 1940s is showing no signs of abating and flood protection measures remain warranted for the Fargo-Moorhead area, a panel of climate experts has concluded.

By By Dave Olson , November 05, 2009

Point-by-point debate: Farm Bureau vs. Environmental Working Group

Earlier this month, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a report titled “Climate Change Will Cost Farmers Far More than a Climate Bill.” Soon thereafter, Mike Held, administrative director of the South Dakota Farm Bureau, sent The Daily Republic a Farm Bureau response to some of the claims in the EWG report. The Daily Republic then gave EWG Midwest Vice President Craig Cox a chance to comment on the Farm Bureau’s responses. Following is the verbatim text from both sides.

October 23, 2009

Horses seized from farm near Spencer

SIOUX FALLS (AP) — The McCook County Sheriff’s Office says it has seized 12 horses from a farm near Spencer.

October 14, 2009

Carefully consider backgrounding in feeding and marketing calves

FARGO - Declines in calf prices may interest some producers in feeding calves and marketing them at heavier weights later rather than sending them to market now, according to a North Dakota State University livestock specialist.

By NDSU Extension Service , October 13, 2009

Money in corn cobs? Research at Scotland seeks to prove there is

There’s ethanol, and hopefully money, in corn cobs. That’s what Poet, the world’s largest ethanol producer, is banking on with the help of $100 million in grants from the Department of Energy.

By Ross Dolan , October 10, 2009