agriculture

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National

Black farmers among those left in limbo amid federal funding freeze

5:00am February 20, 2025

The federal government has historically discriminated against Black farmers. The recent funding halt from the Trump administration presents yet another hurdle to those who have spent decades fighting for equity in farming.

A military vet and a scientist were securing America's food system. Trump fired them

5:00am February 20, 2025

More than 10,000 federal employees who had yet to complete their probationary periods have been fired by the Trump administration, including those who work to protect American agriculture.

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John Deere faces U.S. lawsuit over farmers' ability to repair tractors

1:58pm January 15, 2025

The Federal Trade Commission and two states accuse Deere of costing farmers time and money by unfairly limiting software access and forcing the use of only authorized dealers.

Farmers are abandoning their land. Is that good for nature?

7:00am January 03, 2025

Traditional farmers around the world are walking away from millions of acres of land where they once grew crops or grazed animals. It's provoking mixed reactions.

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Can eating less beef and dairy help save the Colorado River?

12:00pm September 11, 2024

by Steve Inskeep

Nearly half of the water drawn from the Colorado River goes to feed for beef and dairy cows. Researchers say modest changes in American diets could help farmers use less water — and help the climate.

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Regenerative agriculture is sold as a climate solution. Can it do all it says?

12:00pm September 10, 2024

Governments and industries are pouring billions of dollars into so-called “regenerative agriculture.” But while scientists say some of these farming practices do reduce planet heating pollution, for others the science is less clear.

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Human Interest

Piedmont Pit Stops: How North Carolina's wine industry emerged from the ashes of Big Tobacco

6:00am July 15, 2024

by April Laissle

As the tobacco industry downsized in the 1990s, North Carolina farmers were forced to pivot. Some opted to convert their tobacco fields into vineyards, revitalizing the Yadkin Valley.

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