Livestock values decline in S. Dakota

05/08/2008 12:00 AM
More than $2 billion in livestock were sold last year by farmers and ranchers in South Dakota.

MTI farm report: Less need for government support in 2007

05/06/2008 12:00 AM
Annual reports from the 92 farms enrolled in Mitchell Technical Institute’s Farm and Ranch Management program show that solid crop and livestock sales lowered the need for government support in 2007.

Weather hinders field work

05/06/2008 12:00 AM
SIOUX FALLS (AP) — Snow measured in feet and significant rain last week trimmed the time South Dakota farmers and ranchers could spend doing their jobs.

South Dakota Weekly Crop Weather Report

04/29/2008 12:00 AM
Field work progressed quickly for the first part of the week, but it was interrupted in eastern South Dakota due to winterlike snow storm on Friday and Saturday. There were 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork in the past week. Farm activities focused on preparing equipment, seeding of small grain, calving and lambing activities, and general care of livestock.

South Dakota poultry receipts up

04/29/2008 12:00 AM
SIOUX FALLS, April 28, 2008 -- The value of egg production in South Dakota during 2007 was $51.4 million, up 95 percent from the $26.3 million in 2006, according to the South Dakota office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Producers received an average 73.2 cents per dozen, up from the previous year’s 36.5 cents per dozen. This doubling of egg prices resulted in the large increase in value of egg production.

South Dakota meat animal cash receipts lower in 2007

04/29/2008 12:00 AM
SIOUX FALLS, April 25, 2008 -- The 2007 cash receipts from cattle, hogs, and sheep in South Dakota totaled $2,196.1 million, down 5 percent from 2006, according to the South Dakota office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Cattle accounted for 83 percent of the total, hogs for 16 percent, and sheep for 1 percent. Cash receipts decreased in 2007 for cattle and hogs, but increased for sheep. Gross income from meat animals (which includes value of home consumption) in South Dakota during 2007 totaled $2,213.4 million, down 5 percent from 2006.

South Dakota milk cash receipts up

04/29/2008 12:00 AM
SIOUX FALLS, April 25, 2008 -- Cash receipts from marketings of milk in South Dakota during 2007 totaled $311.9 million, up 59 percent from the $196.1 million in 2006, according to the South Dakota office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Higher milk prices along with higher production levels resulted in larger cash receipts.

Red meat production up from last year

04/29/2008 12:00 AM
SIOUX FALLS, April 25, 2008 -- Commercial red meat production for South Dakota totaled 89.6 million pounds during March. This was up 6 percent from one year ago and up 7 percent from last month. For March, pork production was up from one year ago, while sheep and lamb production was down, according to the South Dakota office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Bowwow bling catches on

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Pets stylish in unique collars
Tina Hallada and Karen Jensen were tired of plain, boring dog collars. “We like to keep our dogs stylish,” said Jensen of West Fargo.

Seek nutrition information from qualified sources

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“The doctor will see you now. I’m a nurse,” my 4-year-old daughter said as I walked by her bedroom.

Square dancing

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Ag ‘bubble’ may burst Minn.’s economy

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Minnesota farmers face a “bubble” that potentially could devastate the state’s economy, a new report says.

Congress still struggling to finish farm bill

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WASHINGTON – Struggling lawmakers had hoped to finish farm bill legislation this week so a final version could be debated on the House and Senate floor next week. But following a meeting that lasted until early Friday morning, some key issues, including the size of payments to wealthy farmers, remained unresolved.

Ron Williams

Bowls crafted with hope

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Artist crafts vessels for faith show
When thousands gathered in Fort Worth, Texas, for the opening communion service at the 2008 United Methodist general conference, a little piece of Moorhead was also present.

Square dancing

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Don’t let spoiled food ruin a party

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“I’d like to make an egg bake for a brunch, but I won’t have time the night before the event. Can I make it a couple days ahead of time?” my friend asked.

This July 2007 photo shows corn growing on a farm near Worthington, Minn. Corn gets a lot of attention from biotechnology companies and as a result, has had a number of genetic modifications which make corn plants resistant to insects, disease and specific herbicides, thus cheaper to insure, which can save farmers and taxpayers money.

Associated Press / Minn. Public Radio

Modified corn may save money

Associated Press
Use of genetically altered crop may result in lower costs for farmers, taxpayers
MOORHEAD – Corn gets a lot of attention from biotechnology companies and as a result, has had a number of genetic modifications which make corn plants resistant to insects, disease and specific herbicides.