Recent content from Tom Meersman
Stakes are high in soybean country if China adopts tariffs
Many in farm country have been troubled by the on-again, off-again talk of tariffs and counter-tariffs between the U.S. and China, and they worry that decades of building mutually beneficial trade relations could be wiped away.
Bloomington husband and wife die within 24 hours of each other
Bill and Mary Hanson were buried together on what would have been their 53rd wedding anniversary.
![A buffer strip of grass and trees along the Rock River west of Edgerton is a good example of the protective strips that help filter runoff. ] In the s](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/E6WY7ONEVBIEDMHYPRH7BKM3B4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Farmers urge Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders to provide tax credits for buffer property
Farmers demand compensation for taking cropland out of production, but it's unclear where the money will come from.
![From left, Jim Prokopanko, Rick McLellan, Joc O'Rourke, Emmerson Ward, Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas and Mark Isaacson. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McG](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/DCKBFALV7BDAUC3G3SDY46E7XI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Mosaic Company reported lower sales volumes but higher sales revenue for quarter
Late spring planting and rail bottlenecks in Canada affected its earnings.
Rural Minnesotans frustrated over health costs, lack of broadband
Many rural Minnesotans feel left behind or ignored when it comes to challenges in everyday living.
Lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis questions attorney fees and conduct in Syngenta case
Corn growers accuse attorneys of "self-dealing."
On-the-spot hiring
An unconventional job fair in St. Paul is seeking veterinarians
On-the-spot hiring
An unconventional job fair is looking for trained veterinarians
Proposed new penalty for Minnesota's buffer law decried by farmers, legislators and Gov. Dayton
State agency apologizes, says fines were meant to help with compliance.
Rowbots Systems help bring the future to farming
"Rowbots" can fertilize crops more efficiently and precisely, and hopefully in the future, plant some seeds.
Minnesota has millions at stake as China targets soybean exports
Minnesota is the nation's third largest producer of soybeans. The crop accounts for 30 percent of the state's agricultural exports. The state shipped more than $2 billion worth of soybeans abroad in 2016. More than half went to China.
Albert Lea Seed House thrives as it adjusts to a changing farm industry
The third-generation company provides a wide variety of seeds that farmers can't find through co-ops.
![Steve Carlson, with Carlson Farms, harvest soy beans in his combine on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017 in Welch, Minn. ] AARON LAVINSKY ï aaron.lavinsky@s](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/QUV56B2KIAG3GTC774BCSOJVEI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota median farm income down again
Low commodity prices caused another year of "slow bleeding" in 2017.
China's volley in trade war may first hit hog farmers in Minnesota, Midwest
China's retaliatory moves to penalize pork, ethanol will have outsized impact in the state.
March: CHS sues ex-manager, claiming conflict of interest with Mexican grain broker
Officials said a former CHS grain marketer did not disclose his financial ties to a Mexican company.
Minn. farmland prices down in 2017, but they may be stabilizing
Prices for farmland declined across Minnesota in 2017, another sign of a weak farm economy that's been plagued by low crop prices and reduced incomes for the past four years.
CHS sells headquarters campus for $55 million
The company will lease back the space from Trust Equity Funding.
Diverse portfolio helps Land O'Lakes carve out record profit in lean times
Diverse portfolio helps Arden Hills co-op carve out record earnings in a weak farm economy.
Michael Foods to expand near Des Moines
The company will build a new egg processing facility that will create more than 150 new jobs.
Feb. 23: Minnesota farmers fear losing exports in trade dispute with China
Soybean growers, others have a lot at stake as trade rhetoric heats up and NAFTA negotiations founder.
![From left, Jim Prokopanko, Rick McLellan, Joc O'Rourke, Emmerson Ward, Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas and Mark Isaacson. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McG](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/LWD5JTMMZRGJYCFSEQKYPDHBVY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
The Mosaic Company reported increased net sales for the fourth quarter, despite income loss
Higher fertilizer prices helped the Mosaic Co. increase net sales by 12 percent in its fourth quarter, although net income dropped because of the changes in U.S. tax legislation.
Revol Greens is bringing Minnesota-grown lettuce year-round to Twin Cities
Revol Greens in Medford is using greenhouses to compete with lettuce trucked from warmer climes.
Bellisio Foods will shut down its Austin, Minn., frozen food plant
The Minneapolis company will consolidate its manufacturing in Ohio and California to improve efficiency.
One of Duke of Westminster's companies opens office in Minneapolis
Wheatsheaf Group, an investment firm, is looking to the Midwest for innovative solutions to global food challenges.
CoCo will become Fueled Collective as it launches a new franchising effort in co-working
Company leaders say the franchise will mix co-working with the hospitality of a social club.
Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says 2018 pivotal year for agriculture
The Farmers Union represents about 10,000 farmer members in the state, and advocates for state and federal agricultural programs and policies.
'Unintended consequence' of new tax law could hurt Cargill, small grain elevators
Change gives farmers a break for selling to co-ops instead of private firms.
CHS earnings down in first quarter of fiscal 2018
The nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative was helped by fuel business, affected by negative agriculture trends.
Newsprint trade dispute causing heartburn for many U.S. newspapers, printers
A paper company in Washington state claims that Canada is selling the product at unfair trade prices, but others disagree.
Career advisers say tight job market could be good time to switch companies
With the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, now may a good time for Minnesotans to think about changing jobs.
![Jack Weber drove his wheat combine on his field. The wheat doesn't bring much cash but it does improve the health of his soil. ] GLEN STUBBE •](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/WOMF72UQ73M2QKIROGWTHU7GPY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Farm census has big implications for states, rural areas
Upcoming farm census offers hard data, look at ways agriculture is shifting in the state.
Monsanto facing stricter rules nationally and in Minnesota for dicamba pesticide
Farmers are hoping that new pesticide restrictions will prevent a repeat of soybean damage in 2018.
Minnesota corn growers looking for innovation that protects the environment
Grants allow Minnesota farmers to field-test conservation ideas.
Seven Tim Hortons restaurants in Minnesota sued for breach of contract
The Canadian restaurant chain says it has not received payments from several of its Minnesota franchisees.
Loggers and truckers sue Xcel Energy over proposed shutdowns of plants
Lawsuit says Xcel's idea to cease using three Minn. plants will cost 100 jobs.
![Organic dairy farmer Kevin Stuedemann talked about the difficulties of owning a small operation as he wandered the pasture at his farm. ] ANTHONY SOUF](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/UBE4YMDUJZ2KJGSDS5AF52UJOQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Mental health issues cropping up as financial stress continues on farms
Years of low commodity prices have loaded producers with debt and anxiety.
Minnesota corn and soybean farmers had a good year for production, but profits may not follow
Corn, soybean production declined slightly in a year when worldwide harvests are 'hitting on all cylinders'
University of Minnesota researchers are blasting weeds with corncob grit to protect raspberries and other crops
Researchers are studying how to pulverize weeds with abrasive grit as an alternative to herbicides or hand pulling
![Laura Dunham is going t to be announced as new head of University of St. Thomas School of Entrepreneurship. ]Class A Semifinal match between Orono and](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/QXQHP7JVSIDQCQYICNM3NYBHWU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
University of St. Thomas ratchets up its entrepreneurship programs on campus
With a new leader, the University of St. Thomas ratchets up its entrepreneurship training effort
Cargill will purchase Diamond V animal health and nutrition business
The acquisition expects to accelerate the support of healthier animals and more wholesome food.
![Entomology researcher Eric Burkness checked raspberry plants growing in a hoop house for signs of spotted wing drosophila Tuesday. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE &](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/2MHB3LPQ3EB6ZACKV4UZQUYDDA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
New insect pest changing the way Minnesota fruit is grown
Scientists race to find fix as losses pile up for berry farms, wineries
Minnesota's organic farming industry shows steady growth, USDA survey shows
Minnesota ranks ninth nationally in organic production and sales with double-digit growth that mirrors trends around the country
Land O'Lakes opens $40 million innovation center in Wisconsin
The facility in River Falls, Wis., will develop products for its WinField United division.
Farmers, Syngenta reach settlement over Agrisure Viptera corn seed
The pending settlement is subject to court approval and would establish a fund to compensate corn farmers for economic losses incurred when China would not accept U.S. exports.
Adrienne Barnwell, longtime pediatric psychologist, dies at 79
Barnwell was passionate about helping children with complex, rare and traumatic medical problems, and spent four decades doing so in the Twin Cities.
Mosaic assessing damage to Florida operations after Hurricane Irma
All employees seem to be safe and accounted for, the CEO said.
Highly anticipated Roundup replacement spawns hundreds of Midwestern farmers' complaints
A new formulation of an old herbicide has sparked complaints.
![From left, Jim Prokopanko, Rick McLellan, Joc O'Rourke, Emmerson Ward, Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas and Mark Isaacson. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/BRE McG](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/NIXHA74JAYS3FMXL37SN5FECR4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Mosaic sees higher fertilizer sales
Even though fertilizer prices remain low, the company beat earnings expectations in second quarter.
Farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin are now recycling millions of pounds of plastic
Dairy farmers are lining up to join a program that turns plastic waste into trash bags
Bankrupt Brazil partner sinks CHS earnings for quarter
The nation's largest farmer-owned cooperative reported lower earnings across the board during the past quarter.
First-of-its-kind law aims to help young farmers find footing in Minnesota
As young farmers in the state struggle to break into the industry, Minnesota introduces a first-of-its-kind law to lend a hand
![Employees at Allianz Life exercised during a class at their on-site fitness center, Tuesday, May 30, 2017 in Minneapolis, MN. ] ELIZABETH FLORES ï](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/UQK5COSEUDTJ5WKJE24M7YWTDI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Wellness programs evolve to help workers cope with social and emotional stress
Top Workplaces companies are expanding programs to include mental and social dimensions.
New law allows much of Minnesota's biomass industry to be shut down
Xcel says plants are too expensive to run.
![A buffer strip of grass and trees along the Rock River west of Edgerton is a good example of the protective strips that help filter runoff. ] In the s](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/7VEYKTAFW2DTECRVIJ6T7VOSQM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Buffer measure has grace period added under new legislation
Farmers would apply for the temporary extension; money would be shifted in budget to help.
Jay Debertin named president and CEO of Inver Grove Heights-based CHS Inc.
Carl Casale replaced by veteran manager after co-op's earnings flounder.
Minnesota farmers are back on track with 2017 planting
Dry — and warmer — weather last week allowed corn and soybean producers to catch up to average planting times.
Great Lakes shipping season off to a solid start
A winter with less ice meant shipping out of Duluth and Superior and across the Great Lakes saw upsurge over last year.
Minnesota farmers hit pause as they wait to plant corn this spring
Farmers need some sun to get corn, other crop production back on schedule.
Low fertilizer prices hurt Mosaic's bottom line
Farmers have reduced fertilizer, putting strain on Plymouth firm's earnings.
Xcel's plan for Becker plants is uprooting University of Minnesota research farm
Xcel, with city of Becker's support, is selling land for industrial development.
AgStar merger creating one of nation's largest farm credit associations
The merger of three major agricultural lenders in the Upper Midwest is raising questions about how big is too big when it comes to the Farm Credit System.
![Crop farmer Mike Petefish stood for a portrait alongside a planter in his barn Tuesday. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE ï anthony.souffle@startribune.com Crop](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/JG2N3CAES43NIUKQOPXF2CS5SQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
2017 may be 'tipping year' in tightening farm economy
As Minnesota farmers ready for planting, they have to keep an eye on finances and hope for the best.
State tracks down source of weed harmful to crops
The invasive Palmer amaranth contaminated seed mixes sold by a small Minnesota company.
Pot's cousin explored as viable crop option for Minnesota
Not to be confused with illicit marijuana, useful plant draws interest as crop option at U's ag campus.
Land O'Lakes buying artisanal pioneer Vermont Creamery
Specialty cheeses have bumped up in popularity because of stronger consumer interest in healthier, locally produced foods without artificial growth hormones.
More than 30 percent of Minnesota farmers lost money in 2016
Two years of losses place financial stress on farmers as prices continue to decline.
Losses, tighter credit prompt University of Minnesota Extension to help financially pressed farmers
University of Minnesota Extension announces free and confidential counseling service to help struggling farmers.
Land O'Lakes CEO says exports, immigrant workers are 'important' to farm economy
In an interview, he discussed reasons for the company's success and answered questions about what's ahead for farmers and the ag sector.
Douglas Birk, pioneer of Minnesota archaeology, dies at 73
Birk was a national expert on fur trade history, which included the early French explorers and the British and Americans who followed.
