agriculture

Lessons from the Dust Bowl: A cleaner Mississippi is rooted in a new farming paradigm

by Peter LaFontaine

November 1, 2019

Our agricultural practices caused disastrous dust storms like this one in Kansas in 1935. Generations later, the way we farm has again led to grave challenges — unsafe drinking water and the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. What can the Dust Bowl teach us about how to move forward? >>

Leading scientists to UN: Slash nitrogen waste — or else!

by Peter LaFontaine

October 23, 2019

We're not the only region working to stem nitrogen pollution. Scientists are calling on the United Nations to focus on this serious issue worldwide. >>

'Land conservation key to bringing back Minnesota bird population'

by sue rich

October 8, 2019

We didn't pay MPR to write that headline, but it's exactly the message we want people to understand. >>

UN: Global warming is splintering our food supply

by Peter LaFontaine

September 4, 2019

Agriculture is a major driver of climate change, but it can also be a big part of the solution. The future of the planet relies on shifting to sustainable practices more rapidly than ever before. >>

"Workhorse" Minnesota River needs our help

by Peter LaFontaine

September 3, 2019

The Star Tribune recently highlighted the state's $360 million plan to turn things around for the Minnesota River and cut the river's sediment levels in half. Will it be enough? >>

by Trevor Russell

August 16, 2019

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently released a series of reports, studies and plans addressing water contamination in the Minnesota River, the biggest tributary to the Mississippi in our state. It looks like the river is in need of some big changes if we're to meet our state's water quality goals. >>

Attack of the killer... algae?

by Peter LaFontaine

August 9, 2019

A destructive storm can have a silver lining; Hurricane Barry seems to have lessened the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone. But this year's algae blooms are still hurting Minnesota's waterways. >>