Christopher Vondracek
Agriculture Reporter
AgricultureVondracek has reported on prairie dog lawsuits in the Black Hills to federal education policy in Washington D.C. A native of Faribault County, Minnesota, he’s a graduate of the University of South Dakota, holds an MFA from Hamline University, and taught college English for many years in Winona and St. Paul. His debut collection of poetry, Rattlesnake Summer, was published in 2020, and his memoir, Dancing with Welk, in 2022. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Carrie, and daughter, Rosie.
Latest from Christopher Vondracek
Greater Minnesota
Trying to expand a cannabis business, surrounded by moratoriums
Red River Valley now has a beet-sugar-based, THC-infused soda pop, but its owners — and customers — have had to fight through some stigmas.
September 8, 2024
Greater Minnesota
Minnesota farm country debates what could be the state’s first carbon-capture pipeline
Pipeline safety and environmental benefits are in question as the Summit Carbon Solutions project — an $8.9 billion system in five Upper Midwest states — tries to move ahead in Minnesota.
August 28, 2024
Business
Small farms boost rural economies. Can organic milk save dairies from extinction?
For a generation, Wisconsin-based Organic Valley pushed a save-the-family-farm narrative as the cooperative grew. Now, their new CEO is eyeing revitalization of rural communities.
August 23, 2024
Greater Minnesota
Against a backdrop of sick cows, the show must go on at the Minnesota State Fair
Troves of dairy cows, and their youthful attendants, will descend to the barns for competition. Officials have demanded all milking cows show negative tests for bird flu.
August 22, 2024
Bemidji
‘A special Minnesota thing’: Wild rice harvest season returns
But it’s not quite ready. “The manoomin makes its own schedule,” said one tribal official.
August 16, 2024
Greater Minnesota
Walz knows his way around farms, but his support in ag country continues to wane
The Minnesota governor has long been a fixture in the state’s agriculture scene, but as governor he has drawn rural opposition over a tossed-off slogan years ago and his handling of the 2020 civil unrest.
August 9, 2024
Agriculture
Minnesota farmers express discontent over prices, regulations at Farmfest
Low commodity prices, a stalled farm bill, and animal disease just some of the troubles swirling overhead at the summer’s end of 2024
August 8, 2024
Elections
Klobuchar, White and Fraser take the stage at Farmfest
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar and GOP candidate Joe Fraser stuck to policy, while endorsed Republican candidate Royce White tried to move the discussion to his “MAGA extremist” credentials.
August 7, 2024
Bemidji
‘A special Minnesota thing’: Wild rice harvest season returns
But it’s not quite ready. “The manoomin makes its own schedule,” said one tribal official.
August 16, 2024
Greater Minnesota
Walz knows his way around farms, but his support in ag country continues to wane
The Minnesota governor has long been a fixture in the state’s agriculture scene, but as governor he has drawn rural opposition over a tossed-off slogan years ago and his handling of the 2020 civil unrest.
August 9, 2024
Agriculture
Minnesota farmers express discontent over prices, regulations at Farmfest
Low commodity prices, a stalled farm bill, and animal disease just some of the troubles swirling overhead at the summer’s end of 2024
August 8, 2024
Elections
Klobuchar, White and Fraser take the stage at Farmfest
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar and GOP candidate Joe Fraser stuck to policy, while endorsed Republican candidate Royce White tried to move the discussion to his “MAGA extremist” credentials.
August 7, 2024