LAWTON, Iowa. — Harold Fischer will tell you that nowhere in the Bible is there any mention of retirement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump heralded a breakthrough in U.S.-China trade talks, and markets rallied in relief over a de-escalation in tensions between the world's two biggest economies.

Four West River legislators will host a field hearing next month on hemp and agricultural land taxation.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Many farmers in the Midwest and South whose planting this year was interrupted by wet weather are getting a reprieve, though a few Northern states have seen harvest prospects go from bad to worse.

LEWISBURG, W.Va. (AP) — A farming business owned by the family of West Virginia's billionaire governor has received $125,000 in soybean and corn subsidies, the maximum allowed from a federal program meant to help American farmers through the U.S. trade war with China.

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota farmers have withdrawn hundreds of thousands of acres from the government's biggest conservation program in the last decade, shifting land that was set aside for grasses and wildflowers back into corn, soybeans and other crops.

A groundbreaking study conducted by scientists in South Dakota has found that the world’s most widely used family of pesticides — neonicotinoids — is likely causing serious birth defects in white-tailed deer, deepening concerns over the chemical’s potential to harm large mammals, including humans.

(THE CONVERSATION) Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses bring the state a lot of political attention during presidential election cycles. But in my view, even though some candidates have outlined positions on food and farming, agriculture rarely gets the attention it deserves.

Emtech, the 3-year-old colt who had a fatal breakdown on the second day of the current Santa Anita meeting, had tested positive for a painkiller about a month before his death.

ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer is banned from entering horses in the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita, where he was barred earlier this year.

AMES, Iowa – Faced with challenging weather, tight profit margins and low commodity prices, today’s farmers must do everything in their power to reduce risk and manage returns.

North Dakota State University Extension and Montana State University Extension are co-hosting the Solid Finances webinar series, which teaches adult financial education in 13 sessions.

If this year has been good for anything, it’s been sweet clover – as evidenced by the yellow countryside across the area. A good source of nutrition for cattle when the plants are young, sweet clover can grow so well it crowds out more beneficial pasture grasses.

In the spring of 2019, the Northern and Central Plains regions experienced extremely cold and snowy weather. The sub-zero temperatures during calving season caused many calves to lose their ears and tails to frostbite, which can then cause cattle buyers to discount those calves during fall s…

There are several natural rules that apply to yard and garden tasks.

MINOT, N.D. — The wind energy industry's reliance on out-of-state construction labor is costing North Dakota's economy more than $62 million, according to a report released on Oct. 16 by advocacy group Local Jobs North.

ST PAUL, Minn. — Weeks after the White House attempted to make amends with the ethanol industry, a new rule on small oil refinery waivers proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is drawing criticism from Minnesota Democrats.

FARGO, N.D. — Microsoft Corp. on Oct. 17, announced a $1.5 million, three-year investment into the Fargo-based tech firm Emerging Prairie to help build its new high-tech Grand Farm project.

HURON, S.D. — Following yet another disappointing announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on their management of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke said it’s time to recognize the RFS Is broken.

If you are interested in learning more about sheep shearing or becoming certified for wool classing, plan to attend the schools the North Dakota State University Hettinger Research Extension Center is co-hosting Nov. 23-25.

There are many ways to add value to your flock to improve profitability. A fundamental often overlooked is keeping records and then using them to make management decisions.

BROOKINGS —Aurora County held their first-ever Progressive Ag Safety Day on Sept. 19, at the Aurora County 4-H grounds under the guidance of Audra Scheel, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program advisor. The program was sponsored by Agriculture Foundation, which provides education, training and res…

(THE CONVERSATION) — When I answer my office phone as an extension vegetable specialist, from time to time it’s someone asking how they can get recognition for growing a huge tomato, possibly the biggest one ever. When I ask how big a tomato we’re talking about, and the caller says 2 or 2.5 …

As I was picking up some dog treats, I stopped in my tracks when I saw the new flavor for fall.

The 2019 growing season has been challenging for farmers and ranchers in the region.

BROOKINGS — Lyle Mangen, a 1986 graduate of South Dakota State University from Willmar, Minn., was honored as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department at the department’s Banquet of Excellence on Oct. 10.

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is excited to share the agenda to their upcoming annual convention and trade show, which will take place at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn in Rapid City. The two-day event will feature some of the most knowledgeable and influential speakers in the ag…

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Farmers and ranchers in Montana are often intimately aware of the dangers posed by noxious weeds, but the general public’s knowledge of invasive species has also increased due to education and outreach efforts over the past 25 years, according to a recent survey.

PIERRE — As harvest season is underway, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission encourages grain producers, buyers and warehouses to review state laws and rules regarding the purchase and storage of grain. Understanding these state policies is an essential step for producers and buyers …

BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Behind the theme “Banking More Profits with No-Till,” the National No-Tillage Conference (NNTC) returns to St. Louis in January with an agenda packed with in-depth sessions on every facet of successful no-till systems.

Being good neighbors is a way of life for brothers Jeff Burg, 51, and Cory Burg, 50. The fourth-generation Wessington Springs farmers collaborated with neighboring farmers to build a weigh station so they could purchase high moisture corn direct from other area farmers for cattle feed.

Iowa State University Extension Plant Pathologist Daren Mueller will be featured on a North Central Climate Collaborative (NC3) webinar later this month. The focal point of the discussion will be around how climate change is impacting disease expression in both corn and soybean in the North …

The 2019 Global Agricultural Productivity Report, "Productivity Growth for Sustainable Diets, and More," released on Oct. 15 by Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, shows agricultural productivity growth – increasing output of crops and livestock with existing or fewer i…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Environmental Protection Agency’s supplemental proposed rule would indeed estimate future exempted Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes, but not as a 3-year rolling average based on actual volumes previously lost through small refinery exemptions (SREs). That solution…

As a wildlife damage specialist for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, I’ve accepted the fact that odd odors are just part of the job. From handling skunks to hard working interns that haven’t showered in a few days, one smell in particular is in a category all of its own. That smell is …

As farm policy has moved away from its roots in the Great Depression, we have observed what policy elements have worked well and which ones have created problems. As farm policy analysts, we view our task as one of building on those policy elements that have worked well and designing new ele…

BROOKINGS — In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, SDSU Extension and University of Illinois Extension will host a webinar titled “Senior Moments and Other Misnomers About the Aging Brain” on Nov. 8 at 11:00 a.m. MST/Noon CDT.

DES MOINES, Iowa – The U.S. receives broad-based economic, national security, and diplomatic benefits from its agricultural assistance investments in the developing world, according to a new report commissioned by the Board for International Food and Agriculture Development (BIFAD). U.S. agr…

Wondering how to do cover crops? UMN Extension, in collaboration with the Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC), has produced cover crop “recipes” for two scenarios: Post corn, going to soybean and Post soybean, going to corn.

The Haney test, a test for soil health, is being used to assess biological activity in the soil. Growers are using these tests to qualify for programs, explore their soil health, and in some cases, plan crop fertility needs. However, many questions remain about interpreting Haney test inform…

HURON, S.D. – In response to the recent flooding impacting many parts of the country, the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service announces the availability of $217.5 million to 11 states, including South Dakota. The emergency funding is specifically …

Imagine turning the handle on the water faucet and nothing comes out. Reaching the scoop into the feedbag only to scrape the bottom and come up empty. Picking up the coffee pot to pour, but no liquid fills your cup.

HURON, S.D. — Advancements in agriculture research and technology are essential to tomorrow’s farmers and ranchers. To support the future of South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers, South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) Foundation provides a $2,500 scholarship annually to a South Dakota gradu…

Ethiopian farmers and university staff have a better understanding of crop production, thanks to two North Dakota State University Extension specialists.

This is not meant to be a complaint, but a reflection of the reality facing our dairy sector. “We” means all of us.

Temperatures in much of Minnesota have already been below freezing, or will be soon. If you are still planning to graze or mechanically harvest forage on cover crop acres it is important to keep forage species in mind as some species can have toxic effects on animals.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Many farmers in the Midwest and South whose planting this year was interrupted by wet weather are getting a reprieve, though a few Northern states have seen harvest prospects go from bad to worse.

LEWISBURG, W.Va. (AP) — A farming business owned by the family of West Virginia's billionaire governor has received $125,000 in soybean and corn subsidies, the maximum allowed from a federal program meant to help American farmers through the U.S. trade war with China.

(THE CONVERSATION) Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses bring the state a lot of political attention during presidential election cycles. But in my view, even though some candidates have outlined positions on food and farming, agriculture rarely gets the attention it deserves.

(THE CONVERSATION) — When I answer my office phone as an extension vegetable specialist, from time to time it’s someone asking how they can get recognition for growing a huge tomato, possibly the biggest one ever. When I ask how big a tomato we’re talking about, and the caller says 2 or 2.5 …

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota farmers have withdrawn hundreds of thousands of acres from the government's biggest conservation program in the last decade, shifting land that was set aside for grasses and wildflowers back into corn, soybeans and other crops.

A groundbreaking study conducted by scientists in South Dakota has found that the world’s most widely used family of pesticides — neonicotinoids — is likely causing serious birth defects in white-tailed deer, deepening concerns over the chemical’s potential to harm large mammals, including humans.

AMES, Iowa – Faced with challenging weather, tight profit margins and low commodity prices, today’s farmers must do everything in their power to reduce risk and manage returns.

North Dakota State University Extension and Montana State University Extension are co-hosting the Solid Finances webinar series, which teaches adult financial education in 13 sessions.

If this year has been good for anything, it’s been sweet clover – as evidenced by the yellow countryside across the area. A good source of nutrition for cattle when the plants are young, sweet clover can grow so well it crowds out more beneficial pasture grasses.

In the spring of 2019, the Northern and Central Plains regions experienced extremely cold and snowy weather. The sub-zero temperatures during calving season caused many calves to lose their ears and tails to frostbite, which can then cause cattle buyers to discount those calves during fall s…

There are several natural rules that apply to yard and garden tasks.

MINOT, N.D. — The wind energy industry's reliance on out-of-state construction labor is costing North Dakota's economy more than $62 million, according to a report released on Oct. 16 by advocacy group Local Jobs North.

ST PAUL, Minn. — Weeks after the White House attempted to make amends with the ethanol industry, a new rule on small oil refinery waivers proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is drawing criticism from Minnesota Democrats.

FARGO, N.D. — Microsoft Corp. on Oct. 17, announced a $1.5 million, three-year investment into the Fargo-based tech firm Emerging Prairie to help build its new high-tech Grand Farm project.

HURON, S.D. — Following yet another disappointing announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on their management of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke said it’s time to recognize the RFS Is broken.

If you are interested in learning more about sheep shearing or becoming certified for wool classing, plan to attend the schools the North Dakota State University Hettinger Research Extension Center is co-hosting Nov. 23-25.

There are many ways to add value to your flock to improve profitability. A fundamental often overlooked is keeping records and then using them to make management decisions.

BROOKINGS —Aurora County held their first-ever Progressive Ag Safety Day on Sept. 19, at the Aurora County 4-H grounds under the guidance of Audra Scheel, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program advisor. The program was sponsored by Agriculture Foundation, which provides education, training and res…

As I was picking up some dog treats, I stopped in my tracks when I saw the new flavor for fall.

The 2019 growing season has been challenging for farmers and ranchers in the region.

BROOKINGS — Lyle Mangen, a 1986 graduate of South Dakota State University from Willmar, Minn., was honored as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department at the department’s Banquet of Excellence on Oct. 10.

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is excited to share the agenda to their upcoming annual convention and trade show, which will take place at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn in Rapid City. The two-day event will feature some of the most knowledgeable and influential speakers in the ag…

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Farmers and ranchers in Montana are often intimately aware of the dangers posed by noxious weeds, but the general public’s knowledge of invasive species has also increased due to education and outreach efforts over the past 25 years, according to a recent survey.

PIERRE — As harvest season is underway, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission encourages grain producers, buyers and warehouses to review state laws and rules regarding the purchase and storage of grain. Understanding these state policies is an essential step for producers and buyers …

BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Behind the theme “Banking More Profits with No-Till,” the National No-Tillage Conference (NNTC) returns to St. Louis in January with an agenda packed with in-depth sessions on every facet of successful no-till systems.

Being good neighbors is a way of life for brothers Jeff Burg, 51, and Cory Burg, 50. The fourth-generation Wessington Springs farmers collaborated with neighboring farmers to build a weigh station so they could purchase high moisture corn direct from other area farmers for cattle feed.

Iowa State University Extension Plant Pathologist Daren Mueller will be featured on a North Central Climate Collaborative (NC3) webinar later this month. The focal point of the discussion will be around how climate change is impacting disease expression in both corn and soybean in the North …

The 2019 Global Agricultural Productivity Report, "Productivity Growth for Sustainable Diets, and More," released on Oct. 15 by Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, shows agricultural productivity growth – increasing output of crops and livestock with existing or fewer i…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Environmental Protection Agency’s supplemental proposed rule would indeed estimate future exempted Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes, but not as a 3-year rolling average based on actual volumes previously lost through small refinery exemptions (SREs). That solution…

As a wildlife damage specialist for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, I’ve accepted the fact that odd odors are just part of the job. From handling skunks to hard working interns that haven’t showered in a few days, one smell in particular is in a category all of its own. That smell is …

As farm policy has moved away from its roots in the Great Depression, we have observed what policy elements have worked well and which ones have created problems. As farm policy analysts, we view our task as one of building on those policy elements that have worked well and designing new ele…

BROOKINGS — In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, SDSU Extension and University of Illinois Extension will host a webinar titled “Senior Moments and Other Misnomers About the Aging Brain” on Nov. 8 at 11:00 a.m. MST/Noon CDT.

DES MOINES, Iowa – The U.S. receives broad-based economic, national security, and diplomatic benefits from its agricultural assistance investments in the developing world, according to a new report commissioned by the Board for International Food and Agriculture Development (BIFAD). U.S. agr…

Wondering how to do cover crops? UMN Extension, in collaboration with the Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC), has produced cover crop “recipes” for two scenarios: Post corn, going to soybean and Post soybean, going to corn.

The Haney test, a test for soil health, is being used to assess biological activity in the soil. Growers are using these tests to qualify for programs, explore their soil health, and in some cases, plan crop fertility needs. However, many questions remain about interpreting Haney test inform…

HURON, S.D. – In response to the recent flooding impacting many parts of the country, the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service announces the availability of $217.5 million to 11 states, including South Dakota. The emergency funding is specifically …