By Richard C. Snell Barton County Extension Agent, agriculture Once again it's deja vu all over again. [Read More]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP)--Prairie Berry Winery saw double-digit growth this summer in the number of visitors at its Hill City winery and shop, a remarkable increase considering "people are more conservative in their spending habits right now,' according to winery marketing manager Michele Slott. Wine may be a discretionary expense, and retailers say shoppers have been looking for value-priced bottles, but there are several signs the area's wine industry is ...[Read More]

Potential risks from new transgenic Bt crop lines can be assessed using carefully controlled laboratory tests, according to findings of a study by Agricultural Research Service scientists and cooperators. This finding will help streamline the assessment process for introducing new insect control technology to the marketplace, while ensuring environmental safety. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a biological control bacterium that...[Read More]

By Michael Fisher Golden Plains Area Extension Agent, livestock The late harvest has had many of our corn farmers nervous, hoping that they can get the crop out before winter really sets in. It has also left many cattle producers nervous as they have wondered if they will be able to get any value out of corn stalk grazing before the next snow. [Read More]

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)--Sunflower crops could set records in the nation's top two producing states this year, helping to blunt a drop in nationwide production and ensure a healthy supply for processors in the United States and Canada. The good year for growers in North Dakota and South Dakota in turn might help keep consumer prices down for foods that use sunflower oil although worries remain about the weather-delayed harvest. "Any time that the crop ...[Read More]