Deer adding to farmer’s woes as drought conditions linger
Kirsten Mitchell talks with an Elk River farmer who says it's not just the lack of rain impacting crops – it's also deer.
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Kirsten Mitchell talks with an Elk River farmer who says it's not just the lack of rain impacting crops – it's also deer.
A couple of years ago, the Zachmans turned the old dairy barn into a place to spend the night. The idea was then born to turn it into a regenerative farm, and a hands-on experience for visitors.
It's strawberry-picking season in Minnesota. While the drought has made things tricky for some growers, Jason Rantala headed to St. Francis, where the berries are booming.
"I made a decision for the first time in 46 years to say 'nope, we're not gonna do this one,' and it feels really weird," said The Berry Patch's Kevin Edberg.
There are fresh concerns among farmers in Dakota County as Minnesota again experiences a prolonged period without rain.
There are fresh concerns among farmers in Dakota County as Minnesota again experiences a prolonged period without rain.
The nice weather we're expecting this week is welcome news for farmers. Many of them are behind schedule when it comes to spring planting, due to a cold, wet April.
Many Minnesota farmers are behind schedule when it comes to spring planting because of our cold, wet April.
That includes the cost of land. It's estimated that about 60% of Minnesota farmers have a rental agreement to farm.
There's been drought and dry weather. And when last year's fall harvest ended, farmers reported parched earth extending several feet below the surface. But in an odd way, winter is helping with that.
There's been drought and dry weather. And when last year's fall harvest ended, farmers reported parched earth extending several feet below the surface. But in an odd way, winter is helping with that.
A few months ago, Tony and his wife Kelly came to the realization that farming doesn't have to end in the fall. So they bought a shipping container, installed a hydroponic system, and went to work growing vegetables.
It's true that motivation leads to inspiration. And in Renville County, farmer Bill Voelz is inspiring his friends and family by working through a life-changing injury.
Trace amounts of rain, along with wind, have led to combine fires in Minnesota. And in some cases, those fires have spread, destroying several acres of crops.
Minnesota farmers always seem to have each other's backs, especially during harvest season.
Over the decades, something unexpected happened — demand for organics started increasing so fast that it began outstripping the supply produced in the U.S.
Despite a drought last summer and another dry summer, Minnesota is expected to increase soybean yields by 6% compared to last year.
Farmers are used to dealing with different challenges from Mother Nature, but in some parts of Minnesota it’s an animal that’s taking over. John Lauritsen shows us how deer herds are causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage to corn and soybean crops.
