AGRICULTURE

Beef up for higher prices

Beefing up could mean meat eaters will have to open up their wallets a little wider this summer, as the price of beef and other meats continue to climb. “Beef prices have been high this year at all levels,” said William Hahn, Animal Products and Cost of Production Branch Markets and Trade Economics Division of the USDA-Economics Research Service. “April had the highest five-area 35-65 percent Choice Direct steer we have ever seen.” According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, supply and demand is what controls the price of beef cattle, but prices will fluctuate because it takes time to replenish the cattle supplies.

By Betsy Simon , May 24, 2013

Rewards grow in North Dakota cattle killing cases

BISMARCK — Donations from the North Dakota Stockmen's Association have boosted reward funds for information leading to convictions in two high-profile cattle-killing cases on opposite sides of the state.

By BLAKE NICHOLSON , May 16, 2013

Utilities warn farmers to watch out for poles

BISMARCK — Just halfway into the month, nine accidents involving farm equipment and utility poles have already been reported to the Dakota Valley and Northern Plains Electric Cooperatives in May.

May 15, 2013

Idaho spud giant bets on biotech potatoes

BOISE, Idaho — A dozen years after a customer revolt forced Monsanto to ditch its genetically engineered potato, an Idaho company aims to resurrect high-tech spuds.

By JOHN MILLER , May 14, 2013

In Harvey, farmers are playing the waiting game

HARVEY — It’s a sunny day in early May, the sort of day on which farmers in the Harvey area normally are going full bore in their fields. Not this year. A cold spring has delayed planting, and farmers here don’t expect to be in their fields until the middle of May at the earliest.

By Jonathan Knutson , May 14, 2013

Army worms hit southwest ND

FARGO — “Large numbers” of army cutworms have been reported in alfalfa in southwest North Dakota, a North Dakota State University report shows.

By Mikkel Pates , May 14, 2013

Warmer weather continues to help ND farmers

BISMARCK — Warmer weather conditions across North Dakota helped farmers make significant progress on their fieldwork.

May 13, 2013

Bobcat Co. breaks ground on $20M Bismarck facility

BISMARCK — Bobcat Co. is investing $35 million in an expansion and renovations in Bismarck, about 3½ years after closing its manufacturing plant and laying off nearly 500 workers.

May 13, 2013

North American bison museum opens in South Dakota

RAPID CITY, S.D. — A museum chronicling the history of the North American bison is now open in South Dakota.

May 13, 2013

Dakota Zoo welcomes newborn camel to family

BISMARCK — Bismarck's Dakota Zoo is welcoming a newborn camel to its brood.

May 13, 2013

Report: US winter wheat production forecast down

WICHITA, Kan. — The winter wheat crop is expected to be far smaller this season compared to last, particularly for hard red varieties used in bread, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Friday.

By ROXANA HEGEMAN , May 11, 2013

Wet spring brings troubling start to corn planting nationwide

ST. LOUIS — John Reifsteck looks out at his muddy 1,800-acre central Illinois farm and wonders when he'll get to plant.

May 07, 2013

Dogs attack, kill sheep in NDSU barn

FARGO – Authorities say a dozen sheep are dead after two dogs entered a North Dakota State University research barn this morning and attacked the animals.

May 07, 2013

School evacuated after truck hauling anhydrous ammonia hits train

MURDOCK, Minn. — Students at a west-central Minnesota elementary school are being evacuated to a nearby high school in response to the collision involving a semi-trailer hauling anhydrous ammonia and a train about 8:30 a.m. this morning.

By Forum News Service , May 07, 2013

VIDEO and PHOTO: Two-headed calf born in SD

A two-headed calf was born in rural Mitchell, S.D., this past week at Ed Neugebauer’s farm. The calf lived for two days. This is the first two-headed calf born in Neugebauer’s herd.

May 06, 2013