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Agribusiness

MFU applauds IRA investment in rural communities

ST. PAUL – The Inflation Reduction Act includes a $40 billion investment over 10 years in agriculture, forestry and rural communities, according to the Minnesota Farmers Union. “This is a welcome investment in rural communities, agriculture and forestry,” said Gary Wertish, Minnesota Farmers Union president. “Not only does the bill invest in conservation programs, but also in biofuel infrastructure and assistance for rural electric cooperatives. Rural Minnesota is full of potential, and this investment will help family farmers and rural America grow to become stronger and more ...

Event highlights latest innovations in farming

WELCOME, Minn. – Project 1590's annual From the Ground Up event at the Moeller family farm on Aug. 4 centered on innovations in agriculture. The event partners with farm families in Martin County to reach out to community members and leaders who might be unfamiliar with various aspects of ...

How the climate deal would help farmers aid the environment

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The climate deal reached last week by Senate Democrats could reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that American farmers produce by expanding programs that help accumulate carbon in soil, fund climate-focused research and lower the abundant methane emissions that come from cows. The bill includes more than $20 billion to improve the agriculture sector's impact on the environment, mostly by expanding existing U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that help farmers change to better practices. Farmers would be paid to improve the health of their soil, withstand ...

Dutchman convicted in farmers’ roadblock over emissions

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A man was convicted Thursday of dumping straw on a Dutch road last month and sentenced to 80 hours of unpaid community service work, one of the first cases stemming from widespread protests by Dutch farmers against government plans to slash nitrogen emissions. The 42-year-old man, whose identity wasn't released by the court in the eastern city of Arnhem, was also ordered to pay 3,600 euros (about $3,700) in damages to cover the costs of the cleanup operation. The court ruled that he and about 30 other demonstrators partially blocked a highway on July ...

Family affair: Extended Team Tauer’s effort gets dairy’s work done

BROWN COUNTY — David Tauer said he likes to keep busy. Indeed. He’s up at 4:45 a.m. daily to milk his dairy herd. He milks it again at 5 p.m. Dairy cows need milking twice a day, every day. “We’re very fortunate to have the great help we do,” he added. “What makes me happy is ...

Emerging farmers group seeks members

The Emerging Farmers’ Working Group has openings for nine volunteer members for two-year terms. Minnesotans interested in making it easier for new and emerging farmers to create or sustain an agricultural business are encouraged to apply now through Sept. 8. “The work of the Emerging Farmers’ Working Group is critically important in helping identify barriers to entering the field of agriculture and create resources to support new and emerging farmers in our state,” said Assistant MDA Commissioner Patrice Bailey. “We need members of diverse communities and varying backgrounds ...