News

As planting begins, Minnesota farmers wary of war's impact

April 27, 2026

Pauline Van Nurden, Extension economist at the Center for Farm Financial Management, says the costs of farmland rent, seed, and other expenses, such as interest payments, have remained high.


Building a better food system

April 16, 2026

When we talk about healthy eating, the conversation often focuses on personal choices. But according to Marc Bellemare, a professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, changing the way the world eats is a complex puzzle that goes far beyond individual decision-making. For many, the hurdle isn't a lack of intent — it’s a lack of access.
 


Why you're paying more for tomatoes and lettuce, but a little less for meat-an interview with Charlotte Ambrozek

April 13, 2026

The consumer price index for March showed grocery prices are up 2% from last year, with tomatoes, lettuce, and nonalcoholic beverages leading the way.


Minnesota's Job Engine Stalled in January - Laura Kalambokidis comments on how to reverse weakness in the labor market

April 10, 2026

For the first time since May of 2007, Minnesota's unemployment rate ticked higher than the nation's, sitting at 4.4 percent in January on a seasonally adjusted basis. The national rate fell slightly that month to 4.3 percent.

That's according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, or DEED, for the month of January.


Minnesota’s job engine stalled in January

April 3, 2026

For the first time since May of 2007, Minnesota's unemployment rate ticked higher than the nation's, sitting at 4.4 percent in January on a seasonally adjusted basis. The national rate fell slightly that month to 4.3 percent.

Laura Kalambokidis, a former state economist who teaches at the University of Minnesota, said the state’s higher January unemployment rate stood out to her.


Students make personal sacrifices as Iran War continues

March 30, 2026

Students’ emotional and financial worries have heightened since the start of the war.

Aina Perez Finishes in Top Sixteen of American Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet

March 24, 2026

This year’s competition featured 36 participants from across the country and Aina finished in the top 16, representing Minnesota.


The worst of both worlds? Skyrocketing costs and plummeting prices. Ed Usset comments

March 17, 2026

Uncertainty looms over Minnesota’s soybean industry as President Trump hints at delaying a trip to China, affecting potential trade deals. Professor Ed Usset comments on how skyrocketing costs and dropping prices are combining to be "the worst of both worlds" for today's farmers.


The seeds our parents planted: A family's story of daughters in agriculture

March 9, 2026

Sisters (and CFANS alums) Elizabeth, Katherine and Hannah Wilts, owners and operators of Wilts Family Farm.


How researchers are using AI and satellite data to address global challenges

February 23, 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and deep learning are rapidly reshaping how researchers understand complex systems — especially when paired with satellite data and remote sensing technologies. By analyzing vast streams of information collected from space and airborne sensors, researchers across the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) are using AI to monitor croplands, track air quality and identify invasive species more efficiently and accurately. At the same time, CFANS researchers are asking important questions about when — and how — these powerful tools should be used responsibly.