Agriculture

U.S. Ag Department Expects Soybean Crops at Record Level in North Dakota

A survey found that farmers are planting more soybeans than ever in North Dakota

NORTH DAKOTA — The U.S Agriculture Department says soybeans are expected to be planted at a record high level in North Dakota. A recent survey found that more farmers are investing in the crop that’s in high demand. “This will really be a turning point year,” said Peter Lovas, of Lovas Farms in Hillsboro. According to a survey done by…

Nearly 20 Years Since Major Blizzard of ’97

April 1997 began with temperatures in the 60s, giving people hope for spring after 10 blizzards that winter

  NORTH DAKOTA — It’s been nearly 20 years since a devastating April blizzard struck North Dakota. It began as freezing rain or sleet on April 4th. By the time it was done on the 7th, it dumped as much as 2 feet of snow in some areas. April 1997 began with temperatures in the 60s, giving people hope for…

Minnesota Based Land O’Lakes Purchases Vermont Creamery

The company will continue to make goat cheese, cultured butter and fresh dairy in Websterville, Vermont

  ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Minnesota-based Land O’ Lakes has purchased Vermont Creamery. The company will continue to make goat cheese, cultured butter and fresh dairy in Websterville, Vermont. Co-founders Allison Hooper and Bob Reese said the company has experienced growth and it needs a partner that will help it realize its business potential. The president and CEO of Land…

Sen. Hoeven Wants Quick Vote on President Trump’s Pick for Ag Secretary

Hoeven is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Senate Agriculture Committee has approved President Trump’s pick for agriculture secretary. In his confirmation hearing last week, former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue stressed that he has worked with Democrats in the past. He sought to reassure farm-state senators in both parties who are fearful about the impact of President Trump’s proposed deep cuts to farm programs….

Iron Eyes Makes Plea on Riot Charges in Morton County

Protesters maintain they were peacefully assembling on land they believe rightfully belongs to American Indians

  MORTON COUNTY, N.D. — An American Indian activist accused of inciting a riot during the Dakota Access protests has pleaded not guilty. Chase Iron Eyes and 73 others were arrested February 1 after setting up teepees on land that authorities say was owned by the pipeline developer. Protesters maintain they were peacefully assembling on land they believe rightfully belongs…

Local Farmers Urged to Take Precautions Against Bird Flu

The bird flu virus has now been detected in five states

FARGO, N.D. — The North Dakota Department of Health is urging local farmers to take precautions as the list of states with the bird flu grows. Georgia has just been added to the list which already includes Tennessee, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Alabama. Avian Influenza, otherwise known as the bird flu, can be transmitted by both direct contact and through air. “The…

Rise in Temperatures Leading to Rise in River Levels

Flood warnings are also out for Drayton, Neche, Walhalla and upstream of Warren

  RED RIVER VALLEY — Our warm weather is producing snow melt runoff in northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota and river levels are rising. A flood warning has been extended in Grafton. The Park River is expected to rise into major flood category with a crest near 16 feet by Saturday. That is nearing the record high of 16.16…

Minnesota Wineries Suing Over State Grape Restrictions

The operators say the state Farm Wineries Act unconstitutionally hampers their ability to source grapes and juice from elsewhere

  MINNESOTA — Two Minnesota wineries are suing the state to try to overturn a law that requires them to make their products with a majority of grapes grown in Minnesota. The operators say the state Farm Wineries Act unconstitutionally hampers their ability to source grapes and juice from elsewhere. Nan Bailly, owner of Alexis Bailly Vineyards, of Hastings, says…

President Trump Approves Construction of Keystone XL Pipeline

Critics say a finished Keystone pipeline threatens one of the world's largest underground fresh water deposits along with other environmental problems

  NATIONAL — Construction on the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline was officially approved by the Trump administration. This reverses President Obama’s previous decision to block construction on the pipeline which feeds oil from Canada to a network of other pipelines in Nebraska. Critics say a finished Keystone pipeline threatens one of the world’s largest underground fresh water deposits along…

Fargo’s Feathered Friends

They're crafting a new backyard chicken keeping ordinance, but they need your help to do it.

After sweeping urban areas of the country over the past few years, backyard chicken keeping could be coming to Fargo. After identifying some seemingly contradictory elements of city ordinance regarding keeping the birds in your backyard, Fargo City Commissioners directed the city attorney to work with Fargo Cass Public Health and other city departments to update Article 12–03, and other…