From cold-hardy apples to next-generation AI computing technologies, the University of Minnesota is helping turn research discoveries into products, companies and partnerships that strengthen Minnesota's economy and improve lives. The University launched a record breaking 27 startups in fiscal year 2026, according to t...

U.S. Meat Export Federation members from throughout the nation gathered in Palm Springs, Calif., Wednesday for the organization's annual Strategic Planning Conference. The meeting attracted a record number of participants as USMEF celebrated its 50th anniversary. USMEF Chair Jay Theiler, executive vice president of Ida...

USDA is testing a new way for farmers to receive and complete government agricultural surveys, using text messages and email invitations. The National Agricultural Statistics Service says selected producers will be invited to participate in its December Agricultural Survey through the new system. Participants will use ...

An aging and shrinking U.S. barge fleet could mean higher transportation costs and weaker grain prices for farmers in the years ahead. A new report from CoBank says the inland waterway system is facing growing pressure from older vessels, rising construction costs, and recurring low water levels on the Mississippi Rive...

The American Soybean Association is warning against requests from several states with large petroleum interests that are petitioning for a rollback of Renewable Fuel Standard volumes. These requests, if acted on, would strike a major blow to domestic U.S. soybean markets and rural economies more broadly. Several govern...

USDA is using an artificial intelligence tool to check data in today's monthly crop production report, following errors that raised questions about government crop estimates. Undersecretary Scott Hutchins says the tool would have caught a problem in September's corn data. A computer file incorrectly combined irrigated ...

The National Association of Wheat Growers is urging Congress to deliver a new farm bill and additional economic and disaster assistance as lawmakers return to Washington. The organization established its policy priorities during its annual fall meeting last week in Albuquerque, New Mexico, jointly hosted with U.S. Whea...

Tyson Foods plans to restart a second shift at its Amarillo, Texas, beef plant through a new partnership with a group of cattle producers. The company announced the agreement Monday with Allied Beef, a group of ranchers and feeders based in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and other states. Tyson says the partnership is in...

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum today announced a USDA proposed rule to update grazing permit issuance, eligibility and qualifications, and revise grazing fee provisions to ensure consistent fee-setting across national forests and grasslands in 16 contiguous W...

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin hiring for 228 positions at the New World Screwworm (NWS) Sterile Fly Production Facility in Edinburg, Texas, starting this month. Those interested in the positions can apply online starting today at USAJobs....

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today called on President Trump and congressional leaders to find a bipartisan pathway forward that stabilizes America's food supply by stabilizing the workforce behind it. "President Trump has - yet again - called for a reasonable solution to the labor crisis...

Eight finalists from across Minnesota have been selected for the state's 2026 Outstanding Conservationist Award, recognizing their leadership in implementing conservation practices and protecting Minnesota's land and water resources. The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) has named ...

This month's 2026/27 U.S. corn outlook is for smaller production, domestic use, exports, and ending stocks. Corn production is forecast at 15.9 billion bushels, down 141 million from last month with a 1.6-bushel reduction in yield to 179.6 bushels per acre. Harvested area for grain remains at 88.5 million acres. With a...

The American Coalition for Ethanol today urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to prioritize bipartisan legislation allowing nationwide, year-round sales of E15 before the end of the 119th Congress, emphasizing the fuel's proven ability to lower prices at the pump. ...

Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson says the recent election could create an opportunity to rebuild bipartisan cooperation on farm policy. The Minnesota Democrat, who served 15 terms in Congress, says agriculture policy cannot work effectively when controlled by just one party. "You're goin...

National Farmers Union says family farmers used this year's elections to put rising production costs and market concerns in front of candidates, and the organization is urging lawmakers to act. NFU President Rob Larew says farmers raised concerns about high fuel, fertilizer, seed, and feed costs, tight margins, market ...

U.S. trade officials are pressing China to follow through on commitments to purchase American agricultural products, as President Donald Trump prepares for another meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Adding to the diplomatic attention, China has confirmed it is discussing a possible meeting this month involving Xi,...

USDA sent its largest-ever agricultural trade mission to Vietnam, looking to build on a market that purchased nearly $5.6 billion in U.S. agricultural and related products last year. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden will lead the mission this week to Ho Chi Minh City. The delegation includes 43 U.S. businesse...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) today announced a program that gives selected agricultural producers a new way to access and complete their surveys online. Participants will receive a survey invitation by text message or email and use multifactor authentication to ve...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently mailed Farm Service Agency county committee election ballots to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Producers and landowners must return their completed ballots in person to their local FSA county office by close of business, or ...