Record Diesel Prices
U.S. retail diesel prices have reached a record high. AAA reports the national average reached $5.85 per gallon Thursday, surpassing the previous high set in June 2022. The ongoing wars involving Iran, Russia and Ukraine are being cited as factors behind the…
The Haves and Have-Nots
At Dorothy, Minnesota, Luke Forness, Black River Ag, says the corn crop got off to a good start with adequate moisture through June before conditions turned dry in July. “It’s just a case of haves and have-nots, as some fields…
Early Planting Advantage Tested by Cold, Wet Soils
Cold soil conditions created challenges for crops planted early near Wimbledon, North Dakota. Matt Peterson, who leads Aligned Ag, said some of the corn planted around May 20th experienced cold germination issues, particularly with hybrids that are slower to emerge.…
Rollins Says Tyson Will Sell Closed Plants to U.S. Buyers; Tyson Disagrees
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says Tyson Foods has committed to selling its recently closed beef processing plants only to American buyers. Rollins made the comments during an appearance at the Farm Progress Show, saying consolidation in the meatpacking industry is making…
Using Technology to Improve Crop Reports
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says USDA is looking to improve the accuracy and transparency of its crop reporting system by using new technology. “We will conduct a pilot to evaluate the use of improved satellite imagery, working with NASA and other…
CR Passes
A bill to fund the government through December 11th is on its way to the President’s desk. The continuing resolution passed the House with a lopsided 370-48 vote. It previously passed the Senate 90-to-six. For agriculture, this bill extends mandatory…
National Security Risk or a Market Factor?
The Trump Administration is accusing the state-owned Chinese shipping company, COSCO, of using hidden equipment to spy on the United States. According to Reuters, the national security allegations could have a major impact on U.S. agriculture. COSCO is a big…
AM Radio Bill Up for a House Vote
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is scheduled for a vote in the U.S. House during the week of September 14. The legislation has broad support in Congress but has not previously come up for a House vote. The bill would…
FFA’ers to Make First Auctioneering Chant
The first group of North Dakota FFA student auctioneers will have an opportunity to put their skills to work during the Big Iron Farm Show. “Then, in February of 2027, we are going to be doing a preliminary contest for…
Farmland Values Hold Up Despite Tight Margins
Farmland values continue to hold up despite tighter margins in agriculture. NDSU Extension Agricultural Finance Specialist Bryon Parman says the rapid appreciation in cropland values has slowed over the past two to three years. “We’re really starting to see that a…
Senate Dems Challenge USDA Reorganization Plan
Senate Democrats, led by Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, are raising concerns about the proposed reorganization of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. In a letter to USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, the lawmakers point to the loss of more than 25 percent of…
EPA, Army Corps Seek Comments on WOTUS Rule
The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers are seeking public input on their latest effort to define waters of the United States. The proposed rule is intended to provide more predictability for farmers and landowners following the 2023 Sackett v.…
Record Diesel Prices
U.S. retail diesel prices have reached a record high. AAA reports the national average reached $5.85 per gallon Thursday, surpassing the previous high set in June 2022. The ongoing wars involving Iran, Russia and Ukraine are being cited as factors behind the…
Silage Season Winding Down
The season started wet at Raymond, Minnesota, delaying the first alfalfa cutting. Noah Hultgren says the conditions turned much drier later in the summer. Hultgren says the silage chop is underway, with one large dairy he supplies about two-thirds finished.…
AM Radio Bill Up for a House Vote
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is scheduled for a vote in the U.S. House during the week of September 14. The legislation has broad support in Congress but has not previously come up for a House vote. The bill would…
Fund Positioning Creates Opportunity and Risk
Global headlines and uncertain crop conditions have brought fund traders to ag commodities. “With that, we’re at a very, very dangerous place where the funds are approaching record long,” said Tommy Grisafi, president, Ag Bull Trading. “And we enter harvest;…
Not So Fast
While Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tyson Foods has committed to selling its recently closed meat-processing plants only to American companies, Tyson officials said—not so fast. A Tyson official said the company’s stance on selling the closed plants has not…
Beet Stock Sale Kicks Off the Season
The first American Crystal Sugar Company beet stock sale has been brokered for this season. Acres and Shares reports 180 shares were sold for an average price of $4,075. That’s in line with the average share value for this past…
What’s Hot What’s Not in the Markets
The grain markets are ending the month red hot, according to Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson. Between the crop tours showing lower yield potential, and the Russia-Ukraine war heating up, the grains have been hitting some huge highs…
Renewed Military Action in Strait of Hormuz Region
Fighting between the United States and Iran has picked up again around the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers Sunday. U.S. Central Command says Iranian forces were preparing rockets with sea mines that could threaten commercial shipping.…
Shipping Turmoil in Black Sea Region
The Black Sea grain conflict grew more serious over the weekend. Russian strikes hit Ukraine’s Danube export route, while grain is also backing up in southern Russia because of shipping problems. Russia’s Rostov region has declared an emergency because grain…
FFA’ers to Make First Auctioneering Chant
The first group of North Dakota FFA student auctioneers will have an opportunity to put their skills to work during the Big Iron Farm Show. “Then, in February of 2027, we are going to be doing a preliminary contest for…
Farmland Values Hold Up Despite Tight Margins
Farmland values continue to hold up despite tighter margins in agriculture. NDSU Extension Agricultural Finance Specialist Bryon Parman says the rapid appreciation in cropland values has slowed over the past two to three years. “We’re really starting to see that a…
Record Diesel Prices
U.S. retail diesel prices have reached a record high. AAA reports the national average reached $5.85 per gallon Thursday, surpassing the previous high set in June 2022. The ongoing wars involving Iran, Russia and Ukraine are being cited as factors behind the…
DFL Lawmaker Meets With Local Famers
State Senator Rob Kupec hosted a farm roundtable event this past week at Moorhead. After the meeting, Kupec cited a sugarbeet crop with an expected downturn in tonnage. “It’s gonna be a tough harvest, I think, for a lot of…
The Haves and Have-Nots
At Dorothy, Minnesota, Luke Forness, Black River Ag, says the corn crop got off to a good start with adequate moisture through June before conditions turned dry in July. “It’s just a case of haves and have-nots, as some fields…
Judge Allows USDA Reorganization to Proceed for Now
A federal judge is allowing the USDA to proceed with a major reorganization for now. The plan would move some USDA operations out of Washington, D.C., to five regional hubs and relocate about 2,500 employees. Unions and nonprofit groups sought to add…
MN Corn Matters
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association is partnering with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on a projected called ‘Finding Goldy.’ The Arboretum’s Agricultural External Relations and Engagement Manager Carrie Stowers explains in this update. Click here.
Silage Season Winding Down
The season started wet at Raymond, Minnesota, delaying the first alfalfa cutting. Noah Hultgren says the conditions turned much drier later in the summer. Hultgren says the silage chop is underway, with one large dairy he supplies about two-thirds finished.…
Still a Decent Crop
Soybeans are beginning to turn near Oakes, North Dakota, while corn continues to mature. “Considering how dry we’ve been all summer and how warm it’s been all summer, things aren’t looking all that bad,” Scott German said. Hilltops and poorer…
Beets Can Still Put on Tons
Rhonda Larson, East Grand Forks, Minnesota, is optimistic her sugarbeets will add tons in the weeks ahead. “The beets are small right now, but we’ve got four more weeks to go,” Larson said. “They can put on two tons a…
Sugar Content Running Higher, Tonnage is Down
In northwestern Minnesota, western Norman County has been in a D3 drought, with very little rainfall since early July. Halstad farmer Rachel Arneson says the deep root systems have helped the beets find moisture, but not enough. “They are more dehydrated and…
Timely Rains Seen This Season in NE ND
Pioneer Field Agronomist Kristie Sundeen says her territory in northeastern North Dakota has been fortunate compared with other parts of the state. “I would say that my area has probably received the nicest, most timely rains throughout the whole season,”…
The Haves and Have-Nots
At Dorothy, Minnesota, Luke Forness, Black River Ag, says the corn crop got off to a good start with adequate moisture through June before conditions turned dry in July. “It’s just a case of haves and have-nots, as some fields…
Mixed Results
At Carrington, North Dakota, Charles Linderman says some wheat remains in the field in the area because of flooding and a late harvest. “What I’ve heard from people is anywhere from 30 bushels to 60 bushels yields,” Linderman said. “Some good…
Pastures Green Up Again
Near New Salem, North Dakota, Jim Bahm said recent rainfall has helped pastures recover after livestock producers were forced to haul water. “Pastures are greening up again,” Bahm said. “They were really starting to hurt and guys were hauling water up…
MN Beef Update
In the Minnesota Beef Update, Beef Ambassador Megan Fellbaum provides an update from the Minnesota State Fair. Listen to the report.
Rollins Says Tyson Will Sell Closed Plants to U.S. Buyers; Tyson Disagrees
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says Tyson Foods has committed to selling its recently closed beef processing plants only to American buyers. Rollins made the comments during an appearance at the Farm Progress Show, saying consolidation in the meatpacking industry is making…
Not So Fast
While Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tyson Foods has committed to selling its recently closed meat-processing plants only to American companies, Tyson officials said—not so fast. A Tyson official said the company’s stance on selling the closed plants has not…
New LRP Heifer Retention Policy on the Way
USDA plans to implement new incentives for farmers and ranchers to retain heifers through the Livestock Risk Protection program. With the Brand Retention and National Development, or BRAND, endorsement, there are incentives for farmers and ranchers to keep heifers for…
More Changes for U.S. Cattle Industry
In addition to plans to import 300,000 metric tons of ground beef tariff-free, the White House is taking additional action impacting the cattle industry. President Donald Trump said he is giving farmers and ranchers the right to process and market…
Food Safety Should Not be Put at Risk
The elimination or reduction of the regulatory burden facing agriculture is welcome news for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. However, the NCBA does not want the Trump Administration to weaken meat inspection and food safety standards. In a statement, NCBA…
- AM Radio Bill Up for a House Vote
- Senate Dems Challenge USDA Reorganization Plan
- EPA, Army Corps Seek Comments on WOTUS Rule
- DFL Lawmaker Meets With Local Famers
- Judge Allows USDA Reorganization to Proceed for Now
- Federal Judge Weighs in on USDA Reorganization
- Using Technology to Improve Crop Reports
- All Policy
AM Radio Bill Up for a House Vote
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is scheduled for a vote in the U.S. House during the week of September 14. The legislation has broad support in Congress but has not previously come up for a House vote. The bill would…
Senate Dems Challenge USDA Reorganization Plan
Senate Democrats, led by Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, are raising concerns about the proposed reorganization of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. In a letter to USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, the lawmakers point to the loss of more than 25 percent of…
EPA, Army Corps Seek Comments on WOTUS Rule
The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers are seeking public input on their latest effort to define waters of the United States. The proposed rule is intended to provide more predictability for farmers and landowners following the 2023 Sackett v.…
DFL Lawmaker Meets With Local Famers
State Senator Rob Kupec hosted a farm roundtable event this past week at Moorhead. After the meeting, Kupec cited a sugarbeet crop with an expected downturn in tonnage. “It’s gonna be a tough harvest, I think, for a lot of…
Judge Allows USDA Reorganization to Proceed for Now
A federal judge is allowing the USDA to proceed with a major reorganization for now. The plan would move some USDA operations out of Washington, D.C., to five regional hubs and relocate about 2,500 employees. Unions and nonprofit groups sought to add…
Federal Judge Weighs in on USDA Reorganization
A federal judge has rejected an attempt to block USDA’s reorganization. A coalition that includes unions and nonprofit groups, is behind the legal challenge. The judge said the plaintiffs could not amend the lawsuit they filed last year but did…
Using Technology to Improve Crop Reports
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says USDA is looking to improve the accuracy and transparency of its crop reporting system by using new technology. “We will conduct a pilot to evaluate the use of improved satellite imagery, working with NASA and other…


