agriculture

Water crisis in Des Moines: Why does a river city need wells?

by Peter LaFontaine

July 12, 2021

Des Moines has ample surface water from its two rivers, but contamination from upstream runoff has forced officials to start pivoting to a drastic new plan: drilling $30 million worth of wells. >>

Federal Mississippi River initiative takes flight! Sign the petition

June 24, 2021

Learn more about how the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) Act could help restore the Mighty Mississippi. Read more

A bald eagle, wings spread wide, as it soars over water.

Something's rotten in the state of Minnesota

June 1, 2021

The latest act in the "Pinelands to Potatoes" saga is a blow to environmental protection. >>

Who farms in MN? What the ag census tells us about MN agriculture

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2021

As we work to transition our croplands toward more water-friendly systems, it’s important to examine how the ag sector reinforces systematic inequities that disproportionally impact low-income farmers and people of color — so we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. >>

Kernza pays off for MN water supplies

by Peter LaFontaine

May 17, 2021

The flagship "clean-water crop" delivers tremendous value in reducing water pollution, reports the Star Tribune. >>

FMR supports call to ramp up federal ag conservation assistance

April 29, 2021

FMR is proud to be part of a broad coalition of 133 conservation, farmer and rancher, wildlife and other groups urging the leadership of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate agriculture committees to ensure the forthcoming infrastructure package includes robust funding for Farm Bill conservation programs and farmer assistance. >>

Competing Clean Water Fund bills move forward in Legislature

by Trevor Russell

April 13, 2021

The Clean Water Fund is designated to protect, enhance and restore water quality in lakes, rivers and streams, as well as protect groundwater. Both the Minnesota Senate and House have authored spending proposals, but they're very different, leaving the fate of our legislative priorities — like clean-water crop funding and lead service line replacement — uncertain. >>