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Over a several-year period, the USDA is awarding roughly $400 million to newly established regional food hub centers, where under-resourced farmers and food businesses can get help in getting their products to a wider market. (Adobe Stock)

Regional center helps small food, farm businesses reach local tables

Ever order a hamburger at a restaurant and wonder where the ingredients came from? Farmers in North Dakota and surrounding states are leaning on a new…

Beyond legal-related maneuvers, the USDA has taken other steps to create more market fairness in the heavily consolidated livestock and meat production industry, including funding for more local processing options. (Adobe Stock)

The little guy could get a bigger voice in proposed USDA fairness rule

From North Dakota to Texas, the beef raised on farms goes through a production process controlled by four major companies and independent ranchers …

For now, U.S. farmers have certainty about commodity policies and other USDA programs with the Farm Bill being extended another year. But conservation groups hope Congress is aggressive in approving a robust long-term plan well before the next deadline. (Adobe Stock)

Sigh of relief for Farm Bill, but advocates stress it's temporary

This week's move by federal lawmakers to advance another temporary government budget also means the Farm Bill, which recently expired, is extended…

Farm organizations tracking the emergence of gene editing tools for seeds say it could lead to less stress on farmland, while reducing growing costs for producers. (Adobe Stock)

'Designer Seeds' Poised to Transform Agriculture

In the future, the food you eat could be grown from seeds developed with gene editing tools. As scientists tinker with crop DNA, North Dakota farmer …

In 2016, North Dakota voters rejected changes to a 90-year-old law which blocks corporate ownership of farms. However, state leaders say it is time again to consider changes, arguing North Dakota is losing competitiveness in livestock production. (Adobe Stock)

Regulatory, Tribal Impacts Hang Over ND's Corporate Farming Debate

North Dakota's plan to boost animal agriculture has reignited a thorny issue: loosening restrictions on corporate ownership of farms. The state said …

The National Farmers Union says the portion of American farmland that is foreign-owned has grown by about 60% in the last decade. (Adobe Stock)

ND's Anti-Corporate Farming Law Turns 90

Supporters of a long-standing North Dakota law emphasizing family farms are celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, at a time of increased debate …

Organizers behind farmers markets say grant programs have helped to spur interest among young entrepreneurs who want to sell locally grown food. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farmers Markets Tout Importance in Rebound Year

Next week is National Farmers Market Week. In North Dakota, there is a sense of relief after tough conditions last year, along with a mostly …

Nearly 40 farmers markets are spread across North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

Growing Power: ND Communities Urged to Embrace Farmers Markets

In the coming months, North Dakotans will be filling baskets at local farmers markets. As vendors prepare this year's produce, communities around the …

Without enough support for sustainable agriculture, some industry groups say extreme weather events will put more pressure on farmers and ranchers, leading to higher food prices. (Adobe Stock)

Climate Report Spurs Calls for Diversity in Ag Production

After last year's extreme drought in states such as North Dakota, a new United Nations report found it will be harder to adapt to future effects …

When it comes to sustainable agriculture, North Dakota ranks in the middle of the pack for practices such as cover crops. But it has made big gains in recent years. (Adobe Stock)

USDA Program Adds New Twists to Selling Sustainable Agriculture

Farmers in North Dakota and across the U.S. have been encouraged to adopt climate-friendly practices. The federal government is adding financial …

Soybean exports to China, the crop's largest export market, are down 98 percent in 2018. (United Soybean Board/Flickr)

Farmers Wary About 2019, Ongoing Trade War

BISMARCK, N.D. – Concerns about 2019 are growing as the United States' trade war continues to hurt farmers. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny …

Two large-scale hog farm operations have already been proposed in North Dakota. (rygudguy/Pixabay)

Communities in Limbo as ND Decides on Large Farming Operations

BISMARCK, N.D. — Could large hog-farming operations be on the horizon for North Dakota? The state Department of Health is clearing the way for …

Women farm or co-farm more than 300 million acres across the country. (Robert Couse-Baker/Flickr)

Initiative Aims to Get More Women Landowners Involved in Conservation

BISMARCK, N.D. – Increasingly, women are the landowners of farms, but they often lack access to conservation programs and resources. That's why …

One third of all the food we eat is the direct result of pollinators such as the monarch butterfly, according to a Cornell study. (C Watts/Flickr)

Conservation Groups Want North Dakotans to Help Iconic Butterfly

AUBURN, N.D. – If you've ever watched the process of a caterpillar becoming a vividly colorful monarch butterfly, you probably have an …

Some North Dakotans worry that two proposed, large-scale hog farms could push out small, family-owned operations. (afnewsagency/Flickr)

North Dakotans Raise Concerns About Two Large Farming Operations

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakotans have concerns about two large-scale hog farms in the state. Referred to as Confined Animal Feeding Operations …

Beekeepers only saw a 33 percent dip in colony numbers over the last year, a smaller decrease than in years past. (Marisa Lubec/U.S. Geological Survey)

Project in ND Helping Beekeepers Deal with Bee Stressors

BISMARCK, N.D. – A group has chosen North Dakota to demonstrate and collect data on the best practices for managing bees, as the species faces …

North Dakota is the largest producer of barley and many other cereal grains in the United States. (Krista Lundgren/USFWS)

ND Farmers Want More from Crop Insurance in Next Farm Bill

BISMARCK, N.D. – While negotiations over the next farm bill in Congress may seem distant, North Dakota farmers hope the 2018 bill can make …

Dow Chemical executives asked the Trump administration to scrap studies that said their agricultural products were harmful to endangered species, leaked documents show. (StoykoSabotanov/iStockphoto)

Dow Chemical Asks Feds to Drop Studies, Leaked Letters Show

BISMARCK, N.D. – A conservation group is raising questions about Dow Chemical's attempts to convince the Trump administration to drop studies …

North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne says low commodity prices are causing financial pain among farmers. (NDFU.org)

Farmers Optimistic, but Low Prices Cause Concern

BISMARCK, N.D. - Low commodity and livestock prices are putting increasing stress on agriculture producers across the country. Despite a growing …

A new study shows that retailers carrying

Study: "Bee-Friendly" Retailers Seeing Rise in Sales

BISMARCK, N.D. — New tests found significant decreases in the use of bee-killing pesticides on "bee-friendly" plants. That’s good news …

As North Dakota voters prepare to weigh in on the state's corporate-farming law, family-farm advocates hold public discussions in four towns this week. (iStockphoto)

Debate Heats Up about Preserving ND Family Farms

BISMARCK, N.D. - Starting today, family-farm advocates host a series of talks about the state's anti-corporate-farming bill. North Dakota is one of …

Rural, business and renewable energy groups in North Dakota are helping home and business owners find new ways to save money by saving energy. (iStockphoto)

ND Business, Ag Groups to Talk Green Energy Economics

WEST FARGO, N.D. – As many people are going green for St. Patrick's Day, some North Dakotans will be talking green energy in West Fargo…

A sustainable-agriculture advocacy group says the USDA's decision to rescind grass-fed labels is a step back for consumers and meat producers. (Morguefile.com/mensatic)

Sustainable Ag Group: USDA's Latest Move Could Hurt Some ND Meat Producers

BISMARCK, N.D. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture this week announced that it will stop using labels for grass-fed and naturally raised livestock…

As the COP 21 climate talks wind down in Paris, rural organizations, leaders and experts are laying out their environmental concerns. (Kevin_P/Morgufile.com)

Rural Groups Push Their Climate-Change Priorities

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Paris climate talks will come to an end Friday, and as world leaders continue to discuss how to limit greenhouse gas …

Sustainable=agriculture advocates say the EPA's new renewable-fuel standards are good, but don't go far enough to spur new sources. Credit: JZlomek/morguefile.com

Ag Group: EPA Renewable Fuel Rules a Mixed Bag

BISMARCK, N.D. - It took two years of delays, but this week the Environmental Protection Agency finally released new renewable-fuel standards for the …

For the first time, produce farmers soon will have to comply with new federal food safety rules, and a sustainable ag advocate is mostly praising the move. Credit: KyleJones/morguefile.com

Sustainable Ag Advocate Weighs in on New Food Safety Rules

BISMARCK, N.D. - It took five years of debate, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finally has approved new food safety rules. Late last week…

Another outbreak of avian influenza could hit this fall, after nearly 50 million birds were lost with the spring eruption of the disease. Credit: jarun011.

Concerns on Carcass Disposal Should Bird Flu Return

BISMARCK, N.D. – As the poultry industry in North Dakota and across the Midwest works to rebound from the spring outbreak of avian influenza…

An expert on avian influenza says it was just a matter of time that the disease would spread. Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr.

Preventing Bird Flu: Change the Production Model

BISMARCK, N.D. - The outbreak of avian influenza that has decimated hundreds of turkey and chicken operations in the United States - including North …

PHOTO: A new USDA report shows many high skill jobs in the food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and environment sectors, but not enough college graduates to fill them. Photo credit: ackab1/Flickr.

Field of Opportunity: Graduate Shortage for High-Skill Ag Jobs

BISMARCK, N.D. – New research shows a growing demand for highly skilled workers in agriculture, but not enough young people are choosing that …

PHOTO: The battle over how best to negotiate foreign-trade agreements is expected to soon heat up in Washington D.C., as the Obama administration pushes for fast-track authority on deals such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. Photo credit: USDA/Flickr.

Fast-Track Trade Authority: Boom or Bust for ND Farmers?

BISMARCK, N.D. - A growing coalition of American food and farm groups is calling for rejection of a plan to give President Obama fast-track …

PHOTO: McDonald's is being urged to stop using meat that's been raised with antibiotics, following a new awareness campaign by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. Photo credit: Elsie Hui/Flickr.

Consumer Group Urges Big Changes for Big Mac

BISMARCK, N.D. - A new campaign has been launched urging the largest restaurant chain in the nation to stop purchasing meat that's been raised with …

PHOTO: As more farmers across the state and the country turn to cover crops, the latest trend of mixing species can have an even greater impact. Photo credit: Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Farmers Starting to Mix It Up: Cover Crop "Cocktails"

BISMARCK, N.D. - The use of cover crops is having positive effects on the environment and also on the bottom line for farmers. It appears that the …

PHOTO: North Dakota farmers and ranchers are being asked to weigh in on the enrollment process for this year's Conservation Stewardship Program. CREDIT: USDA

North Dakotans Asked to Critique Conservation Stewardship Program

BISMARCK, N. D. - North Dakota farmers and ranchers can weigh in on the enrollment process for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). As this …

PHOTO: It's becoming more common to see women operating farms and ranches in the region, and the Center for Rural Affairs is working to connect them with resources they may not otherwise know are available. Photo credit: Solly Markovitch

The Crop of Women In Agriculture Continues to Grow

BISMARCK, N.D. - The number of women getting involved in agriculture continues to grow, and efforts are under way across the region to help them …

PHOTO: A new poll finds rural Americans feel the federal government could be targeting much more effective help for small-town economies. Photo credit: Carl Wycoff

Will a New Farm Bill Fail to Support Rural Communities?

BISMARCK, N.D. - As the U.S. House prepares for another try at passing a Farm Bill, a new survey has found that a majority of those in rural America …

Farm Bill Amendment Could Impact Animal Treatment in ND

BISMARCK, N.D. - Lawmakers are putting many "eggs" in the Farm Bill "basket" in Washington, one of which could affect the welfare of farm animals…

PHOTO: Soil and wetlands conservation would be linked to crop insurance subsidies under legislation supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union and conservation groups. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith.

Unlikely Bedfellows Support Conservation Amendment

BISMARCK, N.D. - The U.S. House is expected to take up the next national farm bill this week. There are big changes from the last five-year farm bill…

PHOTO: The Center for Rural Affairs says no-till planting is one way America's farmers can help battle climate change. CREDIT: NRCS Soil Health

U.S. Farmers: Growing a Positive Impact on Climate Change

BISMARCK, N.D. - America's agriculture industry contributes a relatively small amount of this country's greenhouse gases, but experts say various …

PHOTO: Three years after filing a petition to get the FDA to pull the approval of animal feed containing arsenic, several advocacy groups have now filed suit. They say the arsenic is not needed to raise animals and poses a public health risk. CREDIT: Norman Ack

Lawsuit Seeks to Eliminate Arsenic in Animal Feed

BISMARCK, N.D. - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is facing a lawsuit because it continues to allow arsenic in animal feed given to chickens…

PHOTO: More and more investors are moving away from global capital markets to put funding into local enterprises, where there's a positive social impact along with a return. CREDIT: Herval

Stock Market Reaches New High, But More Investing Locally

BISMARCK, N.D. - With technology meaning an ever-connected world, the options for investing these days are nearly unlimited, but a growing trend in …

PHOTO: There is still no new Farm Bill, and the Center for Rural Affairs says there needs to be a change in funding priorities. CREDIT: Jason Riedy

Farm Program Funding Priorities Called Out of Step

BISMARCK, N.D. - The Center for Rural Affairs is calling for a change in priorities in how the nation's farm programs are funded. Executive director …

PHOTO: Dozens of turbines on a ridge between Ellendale and Ashley. The Center for Rural Affairs says more high voltage transmission lines will help get wind generated electricity on the grid. CREDIT: cariliv

Getting More North Dakota Wind Power on the Grid

BISMARCK, N.D. - There is a treasure trove of renewable energy in the U.S., but the obstacles and barriers to getting it on the grid are many…

PHOTO: The average American throws out about 20 pounds of food a month, which ends up costing $300 to $500 a year. Photo credit: John Michaelson

A Food Waste Problem: Your Kitchen & Around the World

BISMARCK, N.D. - Reducing waste. It's a major opportunity to address the growing global demand for food and, in North Dakota and across the United …

PHOTO: Organic Farm. CREDIT: Courtesy of CRA

$14-Million Up for Grabs with the USDA's Value-Added Producer Grants

BISMARCK, N.D. - The clock is ticking for North Dakota farmers and ranchers who need funds to move their value-added ideas forward. The USDA is now …

ND's Beginning Farmers, Retiring Landowners Collaborate

BISMARCK, N.D. - Getting a start can be very challenging for North Dakota's beginning farmers and ranchers, but now a national program aimed at …

North Dakotans Weigh Benefits of Real Christmas Trees

ENDERLIN, N.D. - With Christmas just weeks away, many North Dakotans are now deciding whether to buy a real tree or an artificial one. It's a choice …

Power to the Small Farmer: National Conference to End Factory Farming

BISMARCK, N.D. - Consumer, environmental and animal-welfare activists are converging in Virginia this week, with a mission to end so-called "factory …

A Prosperous and Strong America is a Secure America

BISMARCK, N.D. - When it comes to national security, two longtime military men say in a new paper, it's time for America to refocus its strategy…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 18, 2024

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ND: Sustainable Agriculture and Farming