The Brookings-AEI Commission on Rural Prosperity hosted field hearings in the Fargo area and at Mahnomen this past week. Former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp co-chairs this commission with former Republican Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire. Heitkamp told the…

With soybean harvest pretty much wrapped up in west central Minnesota, Peterson Farms Seed Lead Agronomist Rick Swenson says farmers have turned to corn harvest, and progress is moving along at a rapid pace. “The soybeans have been cleaned up…

Corn harvest in South Dakota is in high gear, and Dairyland Seed District Sales Manager Keith Rekow says despite all the moisture they’ve received, most of what he’s hearing from farmers has been good. “Up there in Lamoure County and…

Regarding the potential imports of Argentine beef, North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne said the Trump Administration is making a huge mistake. “Ranchers really don’t deserve to have this crap going on from D.C.” Watne sees a lack of understanding…

It can be difficult to unify the U.S. beef and cattle industry, but President Trump accomplished that. On Truth Social, Trump said cattle ranchers need to understand the only reason they have done well is due to the tariffs he…

With all the drama over imports of Argentine beef, USDA unveiled a plan to strengthen the American beef industry. This comprehensive plan includes the streamlining and expansion of grazing on federal lands; new standards to deal with wolves and other…

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says the state’s farm economy is under serious stress, with many producers facing loan defaults and rising bankruptcies. He is calling for federal action to stabilize trade and create stronger domestic markets for crops. “We’re seeing…

The Brookings-AEI Commission on Rural Prosperity hosted field hearings in the Fargo area and at Mahnomen this past week. Former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp co-chairs this commission with former Republican Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire. Heitkamp told the…

With soybean harvest pretty much wrapped up in west central Minnesota, Peterson Farms Seed Lead Agronomist Rick Swenson says farmers have turned to corn harvest, and progress is moving along at a rapid pace. “The soybeans have been cleaned up…

Corn harvest in South Dakota is in high gear, and Dairyland Seed District Sales Manager Keith Rekow says despite all the moisture they’ve received, most of what he’s hearing from farmers has been good. “Up there in Lamoure County and…

Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council Chair John Mages is featured in this edition of MN Corn Matters, highlighting efforts to build demand for corn. Listen to the report at this link. 

In the Minnesota Farmers Union Minute, MFU Director of Government Relations Stu Lourey recaps the resolutions process and the issues facing members. Click here. 

Matt Fanta is the new North America executive vice president for the forage and turf seed company, DLF. Most recently, Fanta served as president of Wilbur Ellis Nutrition. Before that, he spent 20 years with Land O’Lakes. During that time,…

Iowa-based Peoples Company has announced the pending acquisition of Murray Wise Associates from Farmland Partners. Murray Wise is recognized for its work in farmland sales, brokerage, management and advisory services. Farmland Partners acquired MWA in 2021.  The sale takes effect…

The Soybean Processors Association of India is urging its government to not to allow imports of biotech soybeans from the United States. The organization claims these imports would hurt the country’s goal of self-sufficiency.  If realized, it would limit the…

The Thursday comments made by the President, saying he had a deal on beef that would bring prices down, sent the cattle futures south on Friday. “Once again, President Trump is making comments impacting the markets,” said Arlan Suderman, chief…

In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson looks to the outside markets with gold, silver and the stock market for strength. Cattle prices went the other direction late…

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet with Chinese trade negotiators this week. This past week, Bessent said one of China’s top trade officials was ‘unhinged’ during the most recent trade talks. The Chinese news agency now reports Chinese President Xi…

Before trade talks can resume with China, President Donald Trump has a list of demands. He said China needs to take action on rare earth minerals, fentanyl and soybeans. Trump told reporters he believes a deal can still be made…

The U.S.-Chinese trade relationship took many twists and turns this past week. Early in the week, President Trump addressed the trade relationship with China in a White House news briefing. “Look, I have a great relationship with President Xi, but…

Cattle futures plummeted in reaction to President Trump’s comments on consumer beef prices. “While I don’t know the specifics of what the President has in mind and what it all means, the remarks were concerning,” said Julie Ellingson, executive vice…

Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council Chair John Mages is featured in this edition of MN Corn Matters, highlighting efforts to build demand for corn. Listen to the report at this link. 

In the Minnesota Farmers Union Minute, MFU Director of Government Relations Stu Lourey recaps the resolutions process and the issues facing members. Click here. 

Matt Fanta is the new North America executive vice president for the forage and turf seed company, DLF. Most recently, Fanta served as president of Wilbur Ellis Nutrition. Before that, he spent 20 years with Land O’Lakes. During that time,…

Iowa-based Peoples Company has announced the pending acquisition of Murray Wise Associates from Farmland Partners. Murray Wise is recognized for its work in farmland sales, brokerage, management and advisory services. Farmland Partners acquired MWA in 2021.  The sale takes effect…

North Dakota State Representative Jared Hagert spoke about government investments in rural communities at the Rural Prosperity field hearing. Hagert said these aren’t partisan issues. “Even in North Dakota, it’s hugely different how you define rural,” said Hagert. “Think about the…

Countless quality checks are in place in the Bayer soybean seed processing facility in West Fargo. “We’re looking for moisture, disease, mechanical damage or anything that will inhibit its ability to grow,” said Site Lead Dan Sundberg. Each soybean goes…

The Bayer commercial soybean processing facility in West Fargo handles the equivalent of 100,000 acres of soybean seed each year across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. This site moves through 2.8 million units or bags of soybean seed each year.…

With soybean harvest pretty much wrapped up in west central Minnesota, Peterson Farms Seed Lead Agronomist Rick Swenson says farmers have turned to corn harvest, and progress is moving along at a rapid pace. “The soybeans have been cleaned up…

Corn harvest in South Dakota is in high gear, and Dairyland Seed District Sales Manager Keith Rekow says despite all the moisture they’ve received, most of what he’s hearing from farmers has been good. “Up there in Lamoure County and…

Countless quality checks are in place in the Bayer soybean seed processing facility in West Fargo. “We’re looking for moisture, disease, mechanical damage or anything that will inhibit its ability to grow,” said Site Lead Dan Sundberg. Each soybean goes…

The Bayer commercial soybean processing facility in West Fargo handles the equivalent of 100,000 acres of soybean seed each year across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. This site moves through 2.8 million units or bags of soybean seed each year.…

The Bayer Commercial Soybean Production facility in West Fargo began as a canola and sunflower plant owned by Interstate Seed. It was acquired by Monsanto in 2009 and converted to soybean seed processing. Now a Bayer company, the plant packages…

National Sunflower Growers Association Executive Director John Sandbakken says the weather has disrupted harvest in some areas, but field activity continues. “We’ve had some rain delays here and there with situations like that, but yields right now are trending above…

Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association Executive Director Harrison Weber says harvest progress has slowed due to recent frost and rain, but is still moving forward. “We’re 80 percent done at American Crystal, and we’ve certainly faced all kinds of…

Regarding the potential imports of Argentine beef, North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne said the Trump Administration is making a huge mistake. “Ranchers really don’t deserve to have this crap going on from D.C.” Watne sees a lack of understanding…

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins weighed in on the controversy over beef prices during an appearance on CNBC. President Trump said the U.S. would import Argentine beef to lower consumer beef prices. Rollins didn’t address that possibility, but spoke about the…

The response to Trump’s comments has been quick from the U.S. cattle industry. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said its members cannot stand behind the President while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentinian beef.…

It can be difficult to unify the U.S. beef and cattle industry, but President Trump accomplished that. On Truth Social, Trump said cattle ranchers need to understand the only reason they have done well is due to the tariffs he…

The White House hosted Senate Republicans for an event on Wednesday. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds spoke with President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins about Argentine beef imports and the impact on U.S. cattle producers. Rounds said he heard…

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has responded to President Trump’s plan to import Argentine beef to lower consumer beef prices. NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says his organization is concerned. “but, more importantly, we are just flat disappointed.” Woodall said Trump’s plan…

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins used social media to provide an update on New World Screwworm. USDA has staff on the ground in Mexico monitoring 350 collection sites in affected areas. Testing is also being done in three states on the…

The Brookings-AEI Commission on Rural Prosperity hosted field hearings in the Fargo area and at Mahnomen this past week. Former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp co-chairs this commission with former Republican Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire. Heitkamp told the…

North Dakota State Representative Jared Hagert spoke about government investments in rural communities at the Rural Prosperity field hearing. Hagert said these aren’t partisan issues. “Even in North Dakota, it’s hugely different how you define rural,” said Hagert. “Think about the…

The Soybean Processors Association of India is urging its government to not to allow imports of biotech soybeans from the United States. The organization claims these imports would hurt the country’s goal of self-sufficiency.  If realized, it would limit the…

Regarding the potential imports of Argentine beef, North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne said the Trump Administration is making a huge mistake. “Ranchers really don’t deserve to have this crap going on from D.C.” Watne sees a lack of understanding…

NDFB President Daryl Lies is not seeking reelection, and there are two candidates to fill the vacancy: Lucas Lang of Sterling and Val Wagner of Monango. Lang is a fourth-generation rancher who is a member of the NDFB state board. Lang…

Val Wagner and her husband, Mark, ranch in Dickey County in southeastern North Dakota. Wagner is the current NDFB vice president, but has been involved in the organization for decades. Wagner said her roles within the Farm Bureau Young Farmer and…

The response to Trump’s comments has been quick from the U.S. cattle industry. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said its members cannot stand behind the President while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentinian beef.…