Recent content from Christopher Vondracek
New Cargill CEO on role in global food chain: 'Food can't be weaponized'
Brian Sikes took the helm at America's largest private company on Jan. 1, at a moment in time full of volatility and international upheaval.
Minnesota farmers meet over meatballs, talk legislation
An informal gathering billed as a "listening session" by organizers found legislative agriculture leaders seated in a Pierz machine shop, hearing directly from farmers from across the state.
Cargill, CHS adding Houston terminal to joint venture TEMCO for grain shipments
Minnesota agribusinesses say expansion to the Gulf of Mexico will bring more stability to grain shipping.
Government wants tractors back from Minnesota organic farmer accused of fraud
A judge returned a farmer's tractors in order to harvest crops last fall — even though the man stands accused of fraud. Now, his attorney says the tractors should stay on his farm.
New honeybee vaccine gets little buzz from Minnesota bee community
The USDA has approved the first-ever vaccine for honeybees. But Minnesota's beekeepers say their troubles are bigger.
Study: Topsoil 'being eroded 100 times faster than it's forming'
An eye-popping new report argues that soil erosion in the Midwest — including from samples in southwestern Minnesota — is happening at a far faster clip than previously estimated.
After daylong search, missing Stillwater man's body found
George Musser had last been seen at a downtown Stillwater bar early Saturday morning.
U's new grape can withstand cold winters — though maybe not Minnesota cold
Clarion, the latest grape bred by the University of Minnesota's nurseries, packs previous grape Itasca's flavor profile but with tidier growth.
State fund would help Minnesota grain elevators, which are closing at an alarming rate for farmers
After bankruptcies by grain buyers, the push is on for a state-backed indemnity fund.
E15 ethanol blend might soon be available year-round
Critics say the movement to frame ethanol as good for the planet is "greenwashing." But political momentum has grown, citing rural economies and domestic energy.