KX News: Agriculture

Wheat prices end July with huge monthly gain

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:17:00 GMT

Wheat prices are rising in July by the biggest amount in more than a half century as severe drought conditions in Russia and other former Soviet republics destroyed grain crops. If the gains continue, U.S. shoppers could see a bump up in prices

Chicken producers debate 'natural' label

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:27:00 GMT

Federal officials are considering changing guidelines for labeling chicken after some producers argued that poultry injected with salt, water and other ingredients shouldn't be promoted as "natural." The U.S. Department of Agriculture had maintain

Here is the latest North Dakota news from The Associated Press...

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:13:00 GMT

A North Dakota environmental group is worried about steel used in the construction of a pipeline that moves crude oil from Canada through six states. The group wants government regulators to investigate whether TransCanada Corp.'s Keystone pipeline u

Judge halts plans to ship Honolulu trash to Wash.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:13:00 GMT

A temporary restraining order has been issued to halt the inaugural shipment of trash from Honolulu to Washington state. The order was issued Thursday by U.S. District Judge Edward Shea of Spokane, Wash. He questioned whether the U.S. Department

Judge threatened...Suing blogger...New debt management rules...

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:54:00 GMT

The federal judge in Phoenix who put key parts of Arizona's new immigration law on hold has been receiving threats. The U.S. Marshal for Arizona says Judge Susan Bolton has received thousands of phone calls and e-mails, some of them threatening.

Latest North Dakota news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:27:00 GMT

The Democratic candidate for North Dakota's Public Service Commission says the Legislature should put aside $100 million for a carbon dioxide project. Brad Crabtree says Basin Electric Power Cooperative wants to test technology on its Antelope V

Update on the latest news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:31:00 GMT

Arizona is appealing a federal judge's order that put most of the state's immigration law on hold. The state's appeal filed Thursday asks that U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton's preliminary injunction be lifted so that all of the law can take ef

Republican with tea party ties to run for Ky. gov.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:14:00 GMT

A Louisville businessman with tea party ties has announced he will run for governor in Kentucky. Phil Moffett, president of the information technology firm CCS Partners, is the first of a potentially crowded field of Republicans to enter the 201

Dozens arrested...Rangel charges outlined...Michigan oil threat...

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:07:00 GMT

Dozens of people have been arrested in Phoenix as they protested Arizona's immigration crackdown. It's a crackdown that, for the most part, didn't go into effect as scheduled today because of a judge's order. But organizers went ahead with protests,

Eds: Updates with latest stories.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:46:00 GMT

AP Entertainment & Arts Digest for Thursday, July 29, 2010 Questions to Dolores Barclay, 212-621-1626, or dbarclay"at"ap.org, or Steve Loeper, 213-346-3135, or sloeper"at"ap.org. In video, contact Rob Merrill at 212-621-7258, or rmerri

Three arrests...Sherrod says she'll sue...Bears caught...

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:01:00 GMT

Three people have been arrested as hundreds of protesters rally against Arizona's new immigration law. The rally comes despite a federal judge's last-minute decision to block the most controversial parts of the measure from taking effect today. Bef

AP Entertainment & Arts Digest for Thursday, July 29, 2010...

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:54:00 GMT

Sherrod will sue...Bears are caught...Nofly wedding...

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:05:00 GMT

The woman who was forced from her job at the Agriculture Department says she's going to sue the conservative blogger who posted an edited video of her making racially tinged remarks. Shirley Sherrod (shuh-RAHD') says she'll be suing Andrew Breitbart

Obama on 'The View': Blames media in racial firing

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:16:00 GMT

President Barack Obama blames the media for creating a "phony controversy" over racial remarks by a black Agriculture Department official that were posted on the Internet. His administration ousted the employee, but then apologized and offered to r

Obama: America needs to hear Sherrod's full story

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:02:00 GMT

President Barack Obama says Shirley Sherrod "deserves better than what happened last week" when the black Agriculture Department official was ousted in a racial firestorm over selective remarks. Addressing the National Urban League on Thursday,

Project Safe Send sets record

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:55:00 GMT

A North Dakota program that enables residents to dispose of unusable pesticides safely and for free collected a record amount this summer. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says more than 400 people brought in 215,594 pounds of herbicides,

HOLD FOR RELEASE UNTIL 11 a.m. EDT. THIS STORY MAY NOT BE...

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:17:00 GMT

Here is the latest South Dakota news from The Associated Press...

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:46:00 GMT

Sen. Tim Johnson says he's taking comments from South Dakotans on how the current farm bill is working in preparation for congressional work on writing the next one. The South Dakota Democrat who's a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Su

Johnson wants comments on farm bill

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:22:00 GMT

Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson said he's taking comments from South Dakotans on how the current farm bill is working in preparation for congressional work on writing a new one. He's created an online survey that asks a number of questions.

Feds, farmers create habitats for migrating birds

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:47:00 GMT

The government is doling out $20 million to farmers in eight states to create habitats for migratory birds whose usual Gulf wintering spots may be fouled by the massive BP oil spill. The farmers are being paid to keep their rice, crawfish and s

Latest North Dakota news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:13:00 GMT

The driver of a pickup truck that crashed into a motorcycle, killing a Fargo couple, has been charged with aggravated reckless driving. Neil Walton of Lisbon was charged Wednesday in the April 18 crash south of Fargo. Authorities say Walto

EOA - Farm Hauling

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:58:00 GMT

On the farm or at the ranch trailers play an integral part of the agriculture based business Grain is hauled to the bin and elevator and Cattle are shipped to market. However the need for a hitch and mobility goes well beyond just trasporting goods to mar

Fair Numbers

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:58:00 GMT

There's high flying excitement - and down to earth agriculture to find here at the fair. We'll have the stories later in the news ... first, to Alysia for some fair attendance information. The 2010 fair has been maintaining a record pace through the f

Here is the latest North Dakota news from The Associated Press...

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:06:00 GMT

A Mandan man accused of assaulting his female neighbor and restraining her with duct tape has been sentenced to 13 years in prison. Authorities say Robert Gray and the 21-year-old woman had watched television together in his apartment. Gray suffered

NDSU manure spill investigated in fish kill

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:17:00 GMT

Authorities are investigating whether a manure spill at a North Dakota State University dairy barn caused the death of more than 100 fish in a nearby drainage ditch. Greg Lardy, NDSU's head of animal sciences, says a pump moving manure from the

Zimbabwe appeals treason acquittal of top PM aide

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:26:00 GMT

Zimbabwean lawyers say the nation's highest court is appealing the acquittal on treason charges of a top aide of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. The Supreme Court adjourned indefinitely Wednesday to study bulky court records of the High Court

Kelp, fish guts used to improve soil in Alaska

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:13:00 GMT

A program that promotes sustainable agriculture in the West could mean better soil for gardeners in Alaska. The program backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing a grant to the University of Alaska at Fairbanks to build demonstr

They're breeding: Wolf pup seen in Lower Peninsula

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:56:00 GMT

Wildlife experts say there's evidence wolves are breeding in the northern Lower Peninsula, a century after their extermination. The U.S. Agriculture Department and Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment said Tuesday they trappe

Here is the latest South Dakota news from The Associated Press...

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:46:00 GMT

The federal Agriculture Department says about 61 percent of South Dakota's winter wheat crop has been harvested, slightly behind the average. Spring wheat harvest is getting under way. PIERRE, S.D. (AP) A program encouraging South Dakotans

DuPont 2Q profit climbs as sales jump, costs fall

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:36:00 GMT

Chemical maker DuPont Co. says its profit nearly tripled in the second quarter as sales surged in most of its businesses, and costs decreased. DuPont says its profit rose to $1.16 billion, or $1.26 per share. That's up from $417 million, or 46 c

Minn. promotes Saudi Arabia export opportunities

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:15:00 GMT

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is highlighting export opportunities in Saudi Arabia for food and agricultural companies. The department and the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council are sponsoring a seminar in Minneapolis on Tuesday on ex

Latest North Dakota news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:13:00 GMT

A national report on children's health and well-being ranks North Dakota 12th best in the nation. That's down from No. 7 last year. The Annie E. Casey Foundation released its 2010 Kids Count Data Book late Monday on how the 50 states fared in 10

Latest South Dakota news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:13:00 GMT

A new report on the health and well-being of American children ranks South Dakota 26th best overall in the nation. The Annie E. Casey Foundation released its 2010 Kids Count Data Book late Monday on how the 50 states fared in 10 categories of c

Ag Debate- Boucher & Goehring

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:37:00 GMT

Much of the North Dakota State Fair is centered around agriculture and today the men vying for the position of Ag Commissioner squared off for a friendly debate. Current Republican Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Democratic challenger Merle

Ag Day Moved to Open Road Honda

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:02:00 GMT

Animal lovers rejoice. The Morton County Ag Day will live on. After the sale of the Mandan Community Center to the Mandan School District the Morton County Farm Bureau had to find a new place to host the long time tradition. Nathan Boehm is the presid

SD crops progressing well thanks to weather

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:47:00 GMT

Pests like grasshoppers continue to create problems for South Dakota farmers, especially in the western end of the state, but the crops are making progress. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday that scattered showers across the state h

GOP invites blogger Breitbart to fundraiser

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:27:00 GMT

The Republican National Committee has invited conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart to participate in a private GOP fundraiser next month with party chairman Michael Steele. Breitbart was behind an edited video clip of a former Department of Agr

Minn. crops continue to develop ahead of average

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:06:00 GMT

Minnesota crops continue to thrive as the small grain harvest gets underway and 89 percent of the corn crop is in good or excellent condition. In its weekly crop and weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says 85 perc

Cool spells slows growth of ND crops

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:45:00 GMT

North Dakota agriculture officials say below-normal temperatures last week slowed crop development and that even though rain replenished some dry areas, more precipitation is needed. The state field office of the National Agricultural Statistics

Latest North Dakota news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:12:00 GMT

Supporters of an expansion of North Dakota's Heritage Center say they're close to having the $6 million they need to start the project. Foundation director Virginia Nelsen said Monday that the project is "a few hundred thousand" dollars short of

Fair features North Dakota products

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:14:00 GMT

Products made in North Dakota are being featured at the State Fair in Minot. Monday was designated "Pride of Dakota Day." Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring estimated that about three dozen companies were displaying, sampling and selling the

Experts say peony could be Alaska's next cash crop

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 09:45:00 GMT

Agricultural experts in Alaska say the state might be ready to make its mark on the world peony market. Experts at a University of Alaska Fairbanks conference say that international demand and the unique northern growing season could make the sh

Latest Minnesota news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:45:00 GMT

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has wrapped up his stop in Afghanistan and is now planning to visit wounded troops in Germany. Pawlenty said he met with Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. ambassador Karl Eikenberry while in Afghanistan. He says the pur

MegaRide Passes

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:12:00 GMT

If concerts and agriculture aren't exactly your thing - there's plenty more fun to be had at the North Dakota State Fair. Every year, families take advantage of the Mega Ride Pass - where, for $60, a person gets unlimited access to ride all the rides on

Helicopter crashes in Minn field, injuries unknown

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:26:00 GMT

A helicopter has crashed near a Rochester corn field. The Post-Bulletin reports the aircraft went down Saturday about 1:30 p.m in a gully near a field. The pilot's condition could not immediately be confirmed. The newspaper says a coroner

Minn.'s 1stever gypsy moth caterpillar confirmed

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 08:42:00 GMT

Minnesota agriculture officials have confirmed the first-ever sighting of a gypsy moth caterpillar in the state, a disturbing discovery that hints at threats of deforestation in coming years. The caterpillar was confirmed Thursday in Duluth. It

Destructive insects intercepted at LA airport

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:35:00 GMT

Customs inspectors at Los Angeles International Airport have found harmful insects that have never been seen in the country before while checking out a shipment of fresh-cut flowers from South Africa. U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman

Bonnie delaying BP...Help for small banks...Activist soldier...

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:07:00 GMT

Even if it doesn't go directly over the spill zone, Tropical Storm Bonnie is already delaying efforts to plug BP's ruptured well. Key ships stationed over the well have been ordered to evacuate. But the government is allowing BP to leave the well's t

Obama: Vilsack 'jumped the gun' on Sherrod

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:43:00 GMT

President Barack Obama says [[kxtopic:agriculture:t[Agriculture]:t]] Secretary Tom Vilsack "jumped the gun" when he decided to dismiss a USDA employee accused of racism by a blogger. Edited video from a speech by Shirley Sherrod was posted on a

New Grandstand Christened

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:16:00 GMT

They knew it was a race against the clock and a battle working in the elements. But less than a year after the last concert wrapped at the North Dakota State Fair Grounds, the old Grandstand was raized and a new cornerstone for concert entertainment is

Aid signed into law...Tropical storm forms...Obama: Vilsack jumped...

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:15:00 GMT

President Barack Obama has quickly signed into law a restoration of benefits for people who have been out of work for six months or more. About 2.5 million people are affected. Their payments were interrupted by a congressional dispute over funding

Jobless aid restored...Tropical Storm Bonnie...Senate energy bill...

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:05:00 GMT

Federal checks could begin flowing again as early as next week to about 2.5 million jobless people who lost up to seven weeks of unemployment benefits during a GOP filibuster. President Barack Obama signed into law today a bill restoring the benefi

Obama apologizes to woman fired by USDA

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:27:00 GMT

The woman at the center of a racial furor says she had a "very good" conversation with President Barack Obama, but she still doesn't know if she'll rejoin the government. The White House says Obama reached Shirley Sherrod by phone at midday, aft

Allen: Well will stay capped in storm...Obamas to visit...

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:03:00 GMT

With a storm looming, the federal government's oil spill chief says he'll decide this evening whether to evacuate ships involved in the Gulf of Mexico cleanup. Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen says if ships do leave, the ruptured well will remain

Jobless bill passes...Obama apologizes to Sherrod...Climber's body...

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:14:00 GMT

Congress has approved legislation to restore unemployment benefits to people who have been out of work for six months or more. The House has given final approval to the measure by a vote of 272-152. President Barack Obama has promised to sign it quic

Ky. Republican tells farmers programs may be cut

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:07:00 GMT

Republican Senate candidate Rand Paul has told an audience of Kentucky farmers their federal payments may need cutting in the interest of national debt reduction. In response, Democrat rival Jack Conway says that's a position that poses a threat

Obama conveys regret...Storm heads for Gulf...ExGM workers...

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 07:04:00 GMT

President Barack Obama has conveyed "his regret" to the Agriculture Department official who lost her job for making some comments about race. The White House says the president told Shirley Sherrod (sha-RAWD') that "this misfortune can present an opp

WASHINGTON (AP) Obama calls ousted Agriculture official at center of ra...

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 06:15:00 GMT

Sherrod says she'd love to talk race with Obama

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:32:00 GMT

Former Agriculture Department official Shirley Sherrod says she wants to discuss racial issues with President Obama, but there's need for him to apologize for her wretched week. Making appearances on network news shows, Sherrod repeats she isn't

Gulf progress threatened...Search for climber suspended...Sherrod...

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:52:00 GMT

Forecasters say a storm brewing in the Caribbean will likely move into the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend. They say there's a 40 percent chance it will become a tropical depression or a tropical storm. Work on a relief tunnel to shut down BP's leaki

Gearing up for payments...Tropical storm?...Considering her future...

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:45:00 GMT

State unemployment agencies are making preparations to send checks to millions. It's expected the House will follow the Senate and approve a bill Thursday restoring aid for about 2.5 million people. President Barack Obama says he'll quickly sign the

Update on the latest news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:24:00 GMT

The Senate has passed a bill restoring unemployment benefits to millions of Americans who have been out of work for six months or more. President Barack Obama is poised to sign the measure into law after a final House vote on Thursday. It's a we

Eye on Ag - MEY Field Tour

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:13:00 GMT

Which crops will grow best in certain areas, which varieties are geared towards a growers needs? (Mark Halvorson, NDSU Agronomist) "You might see a once percent of a half of percent..." All questions farmers often have and often find answers at crops t

WH apologizes to fired Ag worker; she mulls new administration job...

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:10:00 GMT

After accepting apologies from the White House and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Shirley Sherrod has a new job offer to consider. After demanding her resignation earlier this week, the Obama administration has done an about-face and begged

Latest Montana news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:51:00 GMT

Firefighters have contained about 20 percent of a wildfire burning in windy conditions near the center of Yellowstone National Park. The fire is located seven miles southwest of the Bridge Bay Campground. Park officials say all roads and trails

Update on the latest news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:37:00 GMT

The government's point man on the oil spill is downplaying worries that BP's capped well is buckling under the pressure. Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen says at least five leaks have been discovered around the well machinery, but he dismisse

Jobless benefit extension poised to pass...Allen: Cap leaks just...

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:09:00 GMT

Millions of Americans who have exhausted their unemployment benefits are a step away from getting them back as the Senate is poised to pass an extension today. Democrats overcame a Republican filibuster yesterday with the support of Maine's two Repub

Ag department to reconsider ouster...Report: no way to gauge...

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:52:00 GMT

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he will "conduct a thorough review and consider additional facts" about his decision to ask Shirley Sherrod to resign. Pressure on Sherrod began after alleged racially tinged comments, but the video of her remar

URGENT

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:17:00 GMT

Fiat says its board has approved its demerger creating two companies as the Italian automaker reports a return to second quarter profits with earnings of euro90 million ($115.6 million). Fiat's board on Wednesday approved the plan to separate it

USDA reconsiders employee ouster over race remarks

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:03:00 GMT

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he will reconsider the department's decision to oust a black employee over racially tinged remarks after learning more about what she said. Vilsack said in a statement early Wednesday morning that he will "

USDA worker pressured to resign over race comments

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:17:00 GMT

The Obama administration is standing by a quick decision to oust a black Agriculture Department official over her speech about race at an NAACP event. But calls are growing for the USDA to reconsider amid evidence that Shirley Sherrod's remarks

Jobless benefit votes...Resignation flap...'Very small drip'...

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:04:00 GMT

The Senate is expected to finally pass a bill tomorrow that would extend unemployment benefits for some 2.5 million Americans who have exhausted them. Democrats overcame a Republican filibuster today with the support of Maine's two Republican senator

Filibuster defeated...Racial controversy...Whooping cough cases...

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:01:00 GMT

The Senate is expected to vote tomorrow on a bill that will resume jobless benefits for more than two million Americans still unable to find work. Lawmakers voted 60-40 today to end a Republican filibuster that had blocked the legislation. The 60th v

Job benefits vote tomorrow...NAACP: "Snookered"...Lohan...

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:05:00 GMT

A stubborn Republican filibuster in the Senate has been broken. A brand new senator representing West Virginia cast the 60th vote to end the delay. Republicans say the nation can't afford to restart jobless benefits for 2.5 million people who been ou

Report: Warmer climate puts water supplies at risk

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:51:00 GMT

A new report says more than 1,000 counties across the United States are at risk for potential water shortages by midcentury as warmer temperatures deplete supplies and demand for water rises. The report, released Tuesday by the Natural Resources

NAACP retracts criticism of USDA worker

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:23:00 GMT

NAACP leaders are calling on the Obama administration to reconsider its ousting of a black Agriculture Department worker who was pushed out of her job over racially tinged remarks, reversing their previous criticism of the employee. NAACP Presid

Report says warmer climate could parch counties

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:23:00 GMT

A new report says more than 1,000 counties across the United States could face potential water shortages by mid-century as warmer temperatures deplete supplies and agricultural and consumer demand for water rises. The report, released Tuesday by

Lohan begins sentence...No one anticipated spill...Afghan shooting...

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:05:00 GMT

Actress Lindsay Lohan has been taken into custody in Beverly Hills, Calif., to begin her jail sentence. She was sentenced to serve 90 days in jail earlier this month after a judge determined she violated her probation. But she is likely to serve far

USDA worker quits over racism charge from video

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:14:00 GMT

A black federal worker has resigned from a Georgia agricultural job after a video clip showed her saying she had not helped a farmer as much as she could have because he was white. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement Tues

Here is the latest North Dakota news from The Associated Press...

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:13:00 GMT

All eight commercial airports reported increases in boardings in June, leaving North Dakota with a record-setting month. The state Aeronautics Commission says there were more than 67,000 boardings statewide last month compared with more than 62,000 i