The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system wants to ensure that it's churning out graduates who have the skills the agricultural economy needs. That's what's behind a seven-stop listening tour for the rest of the month that will take educators to Crookston, Austin, and Little Falls among other places.

The economy remains strong in rural areas of 10 Midwest and Plains states because of the health of agricultural businesses there. The overall economic index on the new monthly Rural Mainstreet survey rose to 58.5 in May from April's already healthy 57.1. Any score above 50 on the index suggests growth in the months ahead.

Minnesota farmers have seen an increasing amount of their rich soil washed and blown away in recent years. As the planet gets hotter, and Minnesota gets warmer and wetter, soil erosion is critical problem. But farmers have part of the answer, and it is right outside their windows.

It's in conjunction with National Ag week. State officials say nearly one in five jobs in Minnesota are linked to the agriculture industry. According to the USDA, Minnesota generated $15 billion in farm income and $5 billion in exports in 2010.

The oil boom helped North Dakota move from No. 13 last year to No. 5 in the most recent survey by CNBC. Minnesota ranked No. 11, down from the No. 7 spot last year. Texas was named the best state for business.

In Minnesota, the Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based retailer says it will hire more than 900 people at its two dozen stores in the state. The company says they're able to hire more employees than the last holiday season because of strong store growth.