Agriculture

Drought Conditions Hitting Farmers and Ranchers Hard Across the Region

A farm in Leonard is suffering from drought conditions

LEONARD, ND — Due to severe drought conditions in portions of the state, North Dakota lawmakers announced farmers and ranchers will receive emergency grazing acres. Drought conditions are affecting nearly a third of North Dakota. That’s a concern for Leonard farmer, Mark Nesemeier. “We have some subtle moisture, but we do have some late planted crops that had trouble coming up…

The Fargo Project in Final Steps of Developing Nature Property

The Fargo Project is hoping to make a vacant property a place where people in the Red River Valley will have a space to relax and gather for fun activities

FARGO, ND — People of the Fargo Project are putting their plans into place for an open plot of land in south Fargo. They are working on developing the land to connect people with nature. The Fargo Project is hoping to make a vacant property a place where people in the Red River Valley will have a space to relax…

Fargo’s Myriad Mobile to Make New App for Ag Producers

CEO Jake Joraanstad says they're using $1.35 million from the Falls Angel Fund

  FARGO, ND — A new app which could make life easier for farmers in the valley is using a $1.35 million angel investment fund. Myriad Mobile, a North Dakota tech company, raised $1.5 million for an app which streamlines contracts between farmers and grain elevators. CEO Jake Joraanstad says they’re using $1.35 million from the Falls Angel Fund. It…

Minnesota Ag Officials Warn of Poison Hemlock Growth

Officials say it's quickly spreading around the St. Charles and Lanesboro areas

  MINNESOTA — Ag officials in Minnesota say poison hemlock is spreading throughout the southern part of the state. This invasive plant can grow up to eight feet tall, has white umbrella shaped flowers and can smell like carrots. Officials say it’s quickly spreading around the St. Charles and Lanesboro areas. It’s mainly found on roadsides, near streams and in…

North Dakota Taxpayers Reporting Drop in Income

The number of people filing their taxes also dropped by nearly 25,000 people

  NORTH DAKOTA — Land across the state of North Dakota isn’t the only thing drying up. Taxpayers are reporting less income, too. Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger said taxpayers are reporting more than a three percent drop in their income. The number of people filing their taxes also dropped by nearly 25,000 people. Rauschenberger said the decreases are due to…

President of the National Farmers Union Objecting to Health Care Proposal

Two out of three farmers and ranchers have a pre-existing condition

NATIONAL — The president of the National Farmers Union is voicing his objections to the latest health care proposal. Roger Johnson is a native of Turtle Lake, North Dakota. He was asked to speak at a Senate event on how the Republican health care bill would impact farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Two out of three farmers and ranchers have…

North Dakota Farmers Take a Stand Against Cuts for Food Stamps

Under the current proposed budget, federal SNAP funding would be cut by $193 billion over ten years

AMENIA, ND. — Congress is considering a White House budget proposal that includes nearly $200 billion in cuts to the national SNAP program, formerly known as food stamps. North Dakota farmers and agriculture leaders gathered in Amenia. They came together to speak out against the White House proposed budget that would cut hundreds of billions of dollars in federal aid…

Lost Color Footage of what Appears to be Aftermath of Fargo’s ’57 F5 Tornado

It includes shots of Immanuel Lutheran church with its roof gone

FARGO, ND — It is unbelievable timing. One month ago, Charlie Francis bought some old home movies during an online auction from the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. He was surprised to come across what appears to be lost footage from the aftermath of the deadly 1957 Fargo tornado. It was 60 years ago yesterday when the F5 tornado killed 12…

North Dakota Ag Officials Joining Call for Emergency Action Over Drought Conditions

North Dakota's congressional delegation made the same request earlier this week

  NORTH DAKOTA — Officials are calling on Ag Secretary Perdue to open CRP land for haying and grazing due to widespread drought. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson have joined the call for the emergency action. North Dakota’s congressional delegation made the same request earlier this week. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor…

Fergus Falls Community Garden Committed to Making Region Healthier

Lakes Region Takes Root in Fergus Falls Has a Mission To Provide Healthy Options To Those in Need

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — Community gardens are popular in our region because they offer people a chance to socialize with others while learning how to garden fresh produce. One community garden in Fergus Falls is offering that and more. Five years ago, Jason Bergstrand had the idea of a community garden that would help improve access to healthy food throughout Otter…