Agriculture has been an integral part of Minnesota’s land and water for a thousand years. While crops have changed, the spirit of farming has remained constant. MPR Archive presents a selection of stories that reflect the diversity of what has been harvested, such as corn, soybeans, wild rice, and even tree fiber. This collection is also about the many hands that toil in, and care for, the soil and water…from the migrant farm worker in Red River Valley’s sugar beet fields, the Hmong immigrant planting near Homer, the Chanarambie Township farmer amidst the 1980s farm crisis, and Ojibwe members following ancient harvesting traditions.
November 9, 1987 - On this Midday call-in program, MPR’s Dan Olson talks with Willis Eken, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union; and Merlyn Lokensgard, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau. They discuss the current economy/policy of the farm scene, and answer listener questions.
June 7, 1988 - MPR’s Tom Meersman reports on the troubling conditions facing farmers as drought conditions set in across many areas of the state. Meersman interviews farmers and officials about the potential impact.
November 29, 1988 - MPR’s Stephen Smith profiles those in Meeker County as they endure the extreme drought conditions. This part of the state was one hit hardest by the dry weather in 1988.
December 17, 1988 - MPR’s Kate Smith looks back at the extreme drought that enveloped Minnesota in 1988. Smith speaks with a farmer and climatologist to get their stark take of the weather event.
May 15, 1989 - Mainstreet Radio’s Rachel Reabe interviews Milton Raske, a resident of Pillager, Minnesota, on his astrological gardening system. He has been planting vegetables for decades based on astrological signs. Agricultural officials do not support moon planting as it is not supported by science, but that doesn’t stop Raske.
June 3, 1989 - MPR’s Mark Heistad reports on Hmong farmers in the Twin Cities area. Farming is a natural transition for Hmong immigrants settling in Minnesota. It is also an important factor towards independance and bonding of family.
December 27, 1989 - A Mainstreet Radio special from southwestern Minnesota town of Madison. MPR’s John Biewen presents a documentary entitled, "We're Not Dying," which highlights how the town survived the 1980’s farm crisis.
May 9, 1990 - Mainstreet Radio’s Rachel Reabe profiles Steve and Deb Heuer, whose work as bovine sitters. The Minnesota couple are for hire to assist dairy farmers who are away from their farms for a period of time and need someone to watch, feed, and milk the cows.
May 20, 1991 - Mainstreet Radio’s John Biewen visits La Paysanne, a sheep milk production company outside of Hinkley, Minnesota. The cheeses made from sheep milk include feta and ricotta. The sheep dairy industry in the U.S. is a small market and a tough business to succeed at.
September 9, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten speaks with a central Minnesotan farmer who recounts his experience of 9-inch rainfall and being humbled by the wrath of nature.