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North Dakota agriculture officials say there are about 1.85 million beef cattle around the state. For processed livestock that winds up on store shelves, regional producers stand to gain more competitive ground under new federal rules concerning

"Product of USA" label for meat items could carry more weight under new rule

Big players in the beef and poultry industry face pressure to prepare for a new federal rule for "Product of USA" labels. And advocates for smaller …

North Dakota has joined Minnesota, Virginia and Arkansas to take part in a national pilot project that pays farmers for every acre they use for conservation practices, such as cover crops. (Adobe Stock)

ND chosen for 'climate smart' farming pilot project

North Dakota is one of four states chosen for a federally funded pilot program to spur more interest in farmers to reduce their carbon footprint…

Agriculture experts said even if farmers are lucky to have health insurance, behavioral health services may be considered

Despite more awareness, mental-health barriers remain for farmers

It is January and North Dakota farmers may already be looking ahead to the spring planting season. Mental health providers see hope and challenges …

According to the National Family Farm Coalition, the average U.S. farmland value is now $3,800 per <br />acre, the highest since the 1970s. (Adobe Stock)

ND farmers still navigate corporate land-ownership policy maze

North Dakota's farming landscape is seeing policy shifts dealing with corporate ownership of agricultural interests. Now, there's fresh debate at the …

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…

Policy analysts said the Farm Bill is generally a bipartisan issue, but reauthorization can get held up by spending disputes over certain programs, especially the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farming Community Joins Push for Jumpstart on Farm Bill Talks

North Dakota farmers and fellow producers from around the country are in Washington, D.C., this week, calling on Congress to prioritize the soon-to-…

Roughly 30 states now allow some form of raw-milk sales, including North Dakota. (Pixabay)

Raw Milk Gets Foot in the Door in ND, But Health Risk Warnings Remain

North Dakota has joined the raw-milk movement. The state now allows limited sales of the product, and officials are urging caution for consumers who …

Summit Carbon Solutions is seeking land agreements and permit approval in several Midwestern states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa, for a proposed pipeline that would collect carbon emissions from ethanol plants and store them underground. (Adobe Stock)

After ND Permit Rejection, Carbon Pipeline Opponents Won't Rest

Groups tracking energy policy in the Midwest are sizing up the impact of North Dakota's decision to decline a permit for a controversial pipeline proj…

According to the National Agricultural Law Center, more than a dozen states have taken to steps to restrict or prohibit foreign entities from buying U.S. farmland. (Adobe Stock)

ND Joins Movement to Ban Foreign Ownership of Farmland

A pair of new North Dakota laws go into effect today that ban foreign entities from buying up land in the state. Advocates for smaller farmers see it …

The lack of broadband infrastructure has been seen as a huge barrier for rural Americans to access high-speed internet. But advocates say in areas where internet is available, monthly costs can be another burden. (Adobe Stock)

Giving Low-Income North Dakotans a Hand with Internet Costs

North Dakota will soon boost its infrastructure for high-speed internet, thanks to the latest federal subsidy. In the meantime, low-income households …

Now in its seventh year, AARP's Community Challenge grant program helps local groups address a range of issues, including food insecurity. A small North Dakota town is using the funds to keep its lone grocery store from closing by switching to a

In ND Food Desert, Town Gets Funds for 'Self-Service' Grocery Store

In recent years, North Dakota's smaller towns have seen at least 15% of their grocery stores disappear. That's prompted a flurry of action, including …

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 …

Smaller and mid-sized farms say due to market concentration and supply-chain issues within agriculture have made it much harder to get their foods to various markets, including schools and restaurants within their own regions. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farm Communities See Brighter Path with Food Business Centers

Rural development leaders say getting healthy, locally grown food to underserved areas is a challenge in states like North Dakota. They hope a new …

In recent weeks, House and Senate committees in Congress have been holding hearings on the Farm Bill, which faces a fall deadline for reauthorization. (Adobe Stock)

Farm Bill Debate: More Breathing Room Sought for Conservation

Funding for a longstanding food-assistance program is at the center of the Farm Bill reauthorization debate. But there also are calls to make it …

In 2021, North Dakota's community health centers recorded more than 127,000 visits. Leaders say these facilities save the state money by providing certain care that keeps patients out of emergency rooms. (Adobe Stock)

Workforce Issues Prompt Plea from ND's Community Health Centers

Nearly 30 states provide direct funding to community health centers, and there's a push to add North Dakota to the list. Supporters say the extra …

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 …

A bill to relax restrictions under North Dakota's Anti-Corporate Farming Law saw its first committee hearing in the state Legislature this month. (Adobe Stock)

Renewed Debate Over ND's Anti-Corporate Farming Law Underway

For the second time in nearly a decade, North Dakota is considering changes to a longstanding law that blocks corporate ownership of farms. With …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) can affect the ambient air quality of a community. (Adobe Stock)

ND's Anti-Corporate Farming Law Faces New Fight Over Ownership Rules

Gov. Doug Burgum wants amendments to North Dakota's anti-corporate farming law, arguing certain rules make it harder to boost livestock production…

In the latest Census of Agriculture, North Dakota had nearly 20 counties where the average farmer age was 57 or older. (Adobe Stock)

As More Farmers Near Retirement, ND Focuses on Succession Planning

The U.S. has seen the average age of farmers inch upward. In states such as North Dakota, there's outreach to help those farmers with retirement on …

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 …

With climate and market volatility in play, farmer advocates say now is not the time for Congress to reduce funding for crop insurance. (Adobe Stock)

ND Group: Farm Bill Impacts Every American

Congress wants to know what Americans would like to see in the next Farm Bill. Producer advocates in North Dakota say it is something everyone should …

Supporters of storing carbon emissions from ethanol plants underground tout the benefits in the threat of climate change. But opponents say it would likely result in greater reliance on fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

ND Landowners Build Opposition to Land Use for Carbon Pipeline

The list of North Dakota counties voicing concerns about a proposed carbon-emissions pipeline is growing longer. Several are now on record opposing …

In addition to herd losses, North Dakota ranchers say they used up extra resources to try and keep their livestock alive during April's severe snowstorms. (Adobe Stock)

In Snowstorm Aftermath, ND Cattle Producers Urged to Seek Aid

North Dakota ranchers are still assessing their losses from the spring snowstorms. They are being urged to tap into federal relief, and some are …

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 …

Farm safety experts say such factors as a wet harvest season can lead to more accidents in places like grain bins, as the product can clog up equipment, putting workers in dangerous positions. (Adobe Stock)

ND Brings Farmer Safety Back to the Forefront

2022 will see a renewed focus on farmer safety in North Dakota. A key position has been filled to focus on education designed to reduce accidents and …

Nationally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says there continues to be a slow decline in the number of farming operations. (Adobe Stock)

Protecting the Family Farm Focus of Virtual Event

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Family farms are navigating a maze of market barriers and threats from climate change. While solutions develop, some say producers …

Commodity prices are higher, but advocates for smaller farmers contend that consolidation still allows a handful of corporations to reap a lot of the benefits. (Adobe Stock)

New Campaign Aims to Take Bite Out of Big Ag

JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- Actions continue in Washington, DC, to address longstanding market fairness issues within agriculture, but those behind a new …

Industry observers say just four companies control nearly 80% of all the beef slaughtered in the United States. Advocates for livestock producers say it affects their bottom line. (Adobe Stock)

Through USDA Efforts, Ranchers Flex Some Selling Muscle

JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- The beef or chicken you buy from the grocery store is often processed by the same small number of companies. Advocates for …

For decades, farmers have called on the USDA to take antitrust action against what they say is anticompetitive behavior in consolidated ag markets. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farmers: Antitrust Work Needs to Result in Votes

JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- Voices for North Dakota farmers feel they're only at the halfway point in seeing more fairness within agriculture markets…

Agriculture observers say digital connectivity could be an emerging force in the coming years as farmers try to become more efficient and avoid disruptions to their work. (Adobe Stock)

ND Hopes to Serve as Epicenter of Farms Going Digital

FARGO, N.D. -- A North Dakota project, Grand Farm Education and Research Initiative, looks to play a role in steering farming innovation, in the U.S…

Farmer advocates say as more extreme weather events flood out rural roads, producers face more obstacles in planting or harvesting their crops. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Crumbling Farm Roads, ND Producers Push for Infrastructure Funds

JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- Farmers say timing is everything for successful production, but North Dakota producers said it's not just changing weather …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a 154% increase in telehealth visits during the last week of March in the United States, as the pandemic unfolded. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health-Care Access Focus of New ND Partnership

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota has long dealt with a shortage of access to mental health care in rural areas. But efforts are ramping up to make sure …

North Dakota farmers, especially those who grow soybeans, say they've been hammered by trade policy. But the union representing farmers in the state is hopeful Ag Secretary nominee Tom Vilsack will be able to establish a better environment, if approved. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farmer Group Backs Vilsack, Cites Valuable Experience

BISMARK, N.D. - A key agriculture group in North Dakota sounds hopeful about President-elect Joe Biden's choice for agriculture secretary - despite …

Some cattle ranchers in the United States have been pushing for market reforms for nearly two decades. They're hopeful the disruptions caused by the pandemic will convince enough lawmakers to take action. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farmers Hope Market-Reform Bill Sees New Life

KEENE, N.D. -- The cattle market has seen many wild swings in recent months, and North Dakota ranchers say it's time for Congress to step in…

Soybeans are among the top products for North Dakota farmers when it comes to global reach, with more than 90% leaving the state, and about two-thirds of annual soybean production shipped out of the country. (Adobe Stock)

Rail Access Gives ND Farmers Better Chance to Compete Globally

MINOT, N.D. -- North Dakota farmers this week are getting something they'd been wanting for years: an intermodal rail service. This transportation …

After states like Arizona and Florida saw coronavirus surges over the summer, peaks are now happening in states like North and South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

Dakotas' COVID Spike: Not Just an Urban Problem

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The Midwest has seen higher levels of COVID-19 activity in recent weeks, and that includes North and South Dakota. And health …

North Dakota farmers have been among the hardest-hit producers by the U.S./China trade war, because of the large amount of soybeans that were shipped to that country. (Adobe Stock)

Struggling ND Farmers, Ranchers Have New Platform

MAKOTI, N.D. -- Farmers and ranchers across North Dakota have struggled mightily in recent years, especially with the trade-war impacts. A new …

In some parts of the country, business owners say packages they shipped have been late to arrive, or have been lost altogether. And residents in certain states have reported not receiving any mail over a several day period. (Adobe Stock)

Some ND Small-Business Owners Report Postal Service Delays

HAZEN, N.D. -- Many economists say the pandemic is making it harder for small businesses to survive. And to make matters worse, troubles with mail …

Suspicions of price-fixing within the beef industry have been around for years but have intensified in 2020, leading to federal investigations. (Adobe Stock)

ND Cattle Farmers Amplify Calls for Fair Market Policies

DRAKE, N.D. - Calls are growing louder for changes within the beef industry to create fairness for farmers and ranchers struggling to compete with …

U.S. Postal Service officials say the agency's current cash crunch, made worse by the pandemic, could result in a shutdown by this fall if an emergency federal loan isn't authorized. (Adobe Stock)

States Like ND Could See Harm to Rural Areas if Postal Service Goes Away

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Leaders of the United States Postal Service warned of its increasing financial woes before and during the pandemic, and concerns …

In March, live cattle futures dropped 3.5% on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, while demand for beef was skyrocketing. That has producers worried about price manipulation in the beef markets. (Adobe Stock)

Beef Farmers Call for Probe of Possible Market Manipulation

FORBES, N.D. -- Beef producers in North Dakota are calling on federal officials to look into the possibility of market manipulation. They say a …

In addition to the 11 public school districts already approved, three more North Dakota districts have applied for a four-day-a-week schedule. (Adobe Stock)

More ND School Districts Testing 4-Day Weeks

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The number of North Dakota school districts moving to a four-day academic week has doubled in the past year - and more districts …

Christie Obenauer (R), president and CEO of Union State Bank of Hazen, meets with Matt Clarys (L) of Western Steel Builders. Partnering with the Bank of North Dakota, Obenauer's small bank has been able to finance several large projects in her town. (Justine Wiedrich)

At 100, Nation's Only State-Owned Bank Still Thrives in ND

By Oscar Perry Abello Broadcast version by Mike Moen Reporting for the YES! Magazine Media-Prairie News Service BISMARCK, N.D. - The little city of …

In addition to competition and cost issues, rural grocers in North Dakota say lack of access to financial resources are making it harder for them to stay open. (Adobe Stock)

Fight is On in ND to Keep Rural Grocery Stores Open

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Several groups are trying to shine a light on what they call a big problem in North Dakota -- the disappearance of independent …

The brown squares on this satellite image indicate the areas of unharvested corn in an otherwise snowy North Dakota landscape. (NASA Earth Observatory)

Weather Leaves Frustrated ND Farmers in Holding Pattern

MAKOTI, N.D. - Many North Dakota farmers have yet to harvest all their 2019 crops, due to the wet fall and more snow over the winter. There's also …

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