Long strenuous hours and rising operating costs can be blamed for fewer milk producers in Minnesota. The Star Tribune reports there are roughly 4,079 dairy farms in the state -- 356 fewer than in January 2011.

The state-supervised dairy board is backing away from claims that milk and other dairy products can help people lose weight after some experts said the claims were deceptive.

Lawmakers are looking to cut costs in the new farm bill. Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson says much of the savings will come from replacing direct subsidies with an insurance program. The crop insurance will subsidize farm income if commodity prices fall below certain levels.

The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board says dairy products can help people lose weight, but some nutrition experts dispute such claims, and a consumer protection lawyer says the board's claims qualify as "deceptive" under Wisconsin law.

The Arden Hills company is facing allegations that it conspired with other dairy producers to slaughter herds to reduce supply and drive up prices.

State law allows farmers to only sell raw milk at their farms. State officials say Alvin Schlangen sold raw milk at a warehouse in Minneapolis. He's also faces charges for selling unlabeled or misbranded products.

The Pioneer Press reports the median net farm income was up one percent to hit a record $123,000 last year. Crop farmers were "still very profitable," but saw a slight decrease despite record-high crop prices. The dairy sector as well as hog and beef producers all saw improvements, according to the annual report released Wednesday.

A thunderstorm collapsed a silo and barn near Colby Thursday, and a farmer working inside was able to slip out with his life, the Marshfield News Herald reports. About 20 dairy cows were trapped in the rubble. The National Weather Service says 70- to 80-mph winds likely did in the structure.