Research roundup: Is cropland ag carbon sequestration as effective as we want it to be?
Storing greenhouse gases in cropland soils is all the rage these days, as Fortune 500 companies, conservation initiatives and even the Biden administration seek to reward farmers for sequestering carbon beneath our feet. But how sound is this approach? We pulled together some of the latest news about no-till farming, cover crops and how effectively these practices sequester carbon. >>
Minnesota gets a bad report card for nitrate reduction (part two)
How do we get a better grade for nitrate pollution reduction? We have to change the mix of what we grow. In this follow-up, we explain why it isn't feasible to rely on incentive payments to farmers alone to move the needle on our water quality problems. And we offer an exciting solution that could improve water quality by AND sustain farmers' livelihoods. >>
Which words work?
FMR has long worked for solutions to the Mississippi's agricultural pollution problem. But a common lexicon is yet to develop in this emerging arena. As an FMR member, we'd love to know what words work for you. >>
Nitrate fertilizer: Expensive, not just deadly
Pollution from nitrate fertilizers causes severe health problems — for the river and for people — that cost us dearly, as detailed in a new report focused on Wisconsin water supplies. >>
Democracy prevails in the great FMR Kernza bake-off!
The votes are in! Get tips and recipes from our star baker and from our guest judge, award-winning chef Beth Dooley. Find out who won. >>
Climate change means crops won't grow like they used to
A new study projects 30% reduction in profits for farmers in 50 years due to flooding, drought, rising temps and other impacts of climate change. Fortunately, cover crops, perennial grains and other innovations can weather climate change *and* reduce agricultural runoff for our river. >>
Minnesota gets a bad report card for nitrate reduction (part one)
In the first of a two-part series, we’ll look at the results of the state’s recent nutrient reduction report card. The results are ... not good. >>
Choose the winners of the great FMR Kernza bake-off!
You know we're serious about clean-water crops like Kernza, but we're also pretty serious about baked goods. Check out the entries and cast your vote in our virtual bake-off by the end of October. >>
State’s Groundwater Protection Rule now in full effect
As noted in a recent MPR News story, Minnesota farm operators will no longer be allowed to apply nitrogen fertilizer in the fall or on frozen ground above Minnesota’s most vulnerable aquifers. While that means cleaner drinking water for many Minnesotans, this rule alone won't solve our nitrate pollution problems. >>