Filed under: Around McLeod County Effects of Swine Manure Applications on Soil Nutrient Levels and Phosphorus (AG-BU-08424) is a recently published bulletin that can be obtained from the University of Minnesota Extension that reports results of a study of liquid swine manure applications on nine fields in southwest Minnesota. Filed under: Around McLeod County Effects of Swine Manure Applications on Soil Nutrient Levels and Phosphorus (AG-BU-08424) is a recently published bulletin that can...

Laurel and a raised eyebrow to Smithfield Foods' recent attempts to clean up the image of its Bladen facility, the largest pork-processing plant in the nation. Now the plant that processes as many as 25,000 hogs a day needs to look like a desirable place to work, so Smithfield is running a series of commercials in the eastern part of the state emphasizing quality food and good jobs. The NRA's stance on any change to gun law in recent years has been a lot like former NRA president Charlton...

At today's pump prices, that's a $12 drive east from Chicago in a Toyota Camry, $56 in a 7-miles-per-gallon Winnebago tricked out with a satellite-linked entertainment center, gourmet kitchen and bedroom suites. The formal dedication of the $8 million facility isn't until August, but already enthusiasts have begun to wander in off the highway. This summer's venture will head to Quebec, but Barbour says high gasoline and diesel prices have led some regulars to beg off for shorter getaways....

More than 4,800 claims have been filed against the federal government during the past six years alleging that a child contracted autism as a result of a vaccine. The test case addresses the theory that the cause of autism is the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in combination with other vaccines containing the preservative thimerosal. Lawyers for the parents are expected to present their expert testimony during the first week of the hearing. He said that parents of children with autism...

Research has officially begun in the largest study ever conducted to measure levels of various gases and airborne pollutants emitted from poultry, dairy and swine facilities across the nation. Unique study"This study will give us a wealth of much-needed scientific information about livestock-generated air pollution," said Al Heber, the Purdue professor of agricultural and biological engineering who leads the study. Measurements have begun in locations throughout the country and by...