FARM

SD couple spearhead effort to donate crops to countries in need

BRIDGEWATER, S.D. — In 2007, Kenton Hofer took a mission trip to Guatemala. While there, he helped build a house for an 82-year-old widow, who every afternoon would sit on a rock and shell corn, one ear at a time, so she could have supper.

By Candy DenOuden , May 25, 2013

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

Danger on the farmstead

It’s no coincidence that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rank agriculture as one of the most dangerous industries for workers. Rodney Rebel, a fourth-generation farmer in Richardton, can attest to that following a March accident that left him with a broken left arm and pelvis. “I was driving down the highway near Richardton, pulling my tractor on the way to feed the cows, when I was rear-ended by a semi,” Rebel said. “It’s terrible. I’ve been in the house since March and lost cows in the last winter storm. It turns life around.”

By Betsy Simon , May 17, 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

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

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

Warmer weather helps farmers in ND start fieldwork

BISMARCK — Warmer, drier weather conditions have helped farmers in North Dakota start fieldwork.

May 06, 2013

Japanese millers set to meet with NDSU researchers

FARGO — A group of Japanese milling executives plans to visit with North Dakota State University researchers about producing and marketing wheat.

May 06, 2013

Spring wheat in North Dakota down 21 cents

BISMARCK — The April preliminary spring wheat price of $7.65 per bushel in North Dakota is down 21 cents from last month.

April 30, 2013

Snow melt affects farmers

BISMARCK — Rapidly melting snow has caused flooding in some areas of North Dakota.

April 30, 2013