May 21, 1984 - MPR’s Mark Heistad presents a two-part report, titled “Crop Seeds.” In this first report, a look at the threat of corn blight, a devastating disease to crops, and the discussion of seed diversity to protect against disease.
May 22, 1984 - MPR’s Mark Heistad presents a two-part report, titled “Crop Seeds.” In this second report, a look at old crop seed storage, and the discussion of importance in archiving older genetic varieties.
July 5, 1984 - Orville Freeman, former Minnesota governor and secretary of agriculture, speaking at "The Future of the North American Grainery" conference, sponsored by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Freeman outlines his ideas for a new U.S. farm policy. Freeman served three terms as governor of Minnesota from 1955 to 1961. In 1961 he was appointed Secretary of Agriculture and held that office through the Kennedy and Johnson administrations until 1969.
October 19, 1984 - MPR special coverage of senatorial debate between Joan Growe and Rudy Boschwitz. Agriculture policy is highlighted. Debate was held at St. Johns University, and sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio.
November 5, 1984 - Minnesota Journal host Gary Eichten presents a collection of reports and news items for Monday, November 5th, 1984. This was the first broadcast of the Minnesota Journal program series.
January 28, 1985 - On this Midday call-in program, a discussion with Jim Nichols, Minnesota's Agriculture Commissioner about the impact of farm crisis. Nichol's office has been a very busy one lately coordinating efforts of farmers and legislators to ease the farm debt crisis. Farmers have been organizing in 1985 to a greater degree than at any time since the Great Depression.
February 18, 1985 - MPR’s Mark Heistad presents an MPR documentary, titled "When Farmers Took a Holiday." Little more than a half century ago Midwestern farmers staged a revolt against the Depression era farm crisis. This documentary reexamines the Farmer's Holiday Association movement through stories of farmers, political figures, bankers, and others.
March 5, 1985 - Minnesota Journal host Gary Eichten presents a collection of day/evening reports and news items for Monday, March 5, 1985.
July 25, 1985 - Bruce Gardner, professor of Agriculture and Resource Economics at the University of Maryland, speaking at Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture Series at St. Cloud State University. The theme of debate was “Resolved: The Fate of Farming Should Be Determined in the Marketplace.” Dr. Gardner spoke in favor of market influences controlling farm policy.
July 25, 1985 - Harold Breimyer, extension economist emeritus at the University of Missouri, speaking at Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture Series at St. Cloud State University. The theme of debate was “Resolved: The Fate of Farming Should Be Determined in the Marketplace.” Breimyer argued that agricultural prices are an appropriate subject for public policy.