Farm Economy Faces Difficult Start to 2026 – Terrain Ag Interim Executive Director Matt Clark is worried about the state of the grain sector. “Not only was 2025 a struggle, we also started off 2026 with an update from the USDA that was probably a little more hard than what nearly all of us thought,” said Clark. “You had a scenario where corn production went higher when most everybody was thinking it would go a little bit lower.” Clark added that financial stress is showing up through historically low tractor and combine sales, while producers look ahead to government payments to help manage cash flow this year.

More Help Needed to Fill the Gap – According to a new study from American Farm Bureau Market Intel, production costs for all nine major row crops are expected to increase again in 2026. The Farmer Bridge Assistance and Emergency Commodity Assistance Programs provide short-term help, but do not close the gap between expected costs and returns. The Farm Bureau report estimates losses across agriculture topped $50 billion over the past three crop years.

Wiesemeyer: Specialty Crops Still Need More Aid – The House approved a package of funding bills to avoid a government shutdown. It’s now up to the Senate to act by Friday. The chance of another government shutdown is up after the shooting death by a federal officer over the weekend. Efforts to include additional federal aid for agriculture were shut down last week. Washington, D.C. analyst Jim Wiesemeyer says Congress is still looking to strengthen what he calls an “anemic” administration plan, especially for specialty crops. “One billion dollars sounds like a lot, but not for specialty crops, especially when you include sugar and potatoes,” Wiesemeyer said. “I’ve met with more than a few sugarbeet growers in the Red River Valley lately, and they’re losing a lot of money per acre.” Wiesemeyer says the Senate plan would likely raise payment caps and ease AGI restrictions, changes he believes would help farmers.

Bridge Payments Fall Short for Medium and Large Farms – Corn farmers can expect a Farmer Bridge Assistance payment in that $45 per acre range. Soybeans are at $30 and wheat is at $40. Unlike the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, the bridge payments have a much lower payment limit. As it is structured now, the FBA has a $155,000 payment limit. “If you’re a 4,000-acre farmer in Minnesota, under the original ECAP, you probably qualified for $250,000; here you’re only going to get $155,000,” said Paul Neiffer, Farm CPA Report. “That’s going to affect a lot of those medium-sized farmers in Minnesota. You’re actually going to lose $95,000 versus ECAP.” During MN Ag Expo, Neiffer also highlighted the tax changes with last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

A Clear Need for Additional Assistance – USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance payments will be coming out at the end of next month. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Past President Jamie Beyer says the need is there. “There is an opportunity to cover more losses and I think there are folks in the government who recognized there were a multitude of disruptions over the past two years.” Beyer, a new member of the American Soybean Association’s executive committee, said work must be done to move through the large soybean supplies. That includes exports and domestic usage. “We’re continuing to chew on those issues, making sure we can use bushels in our renewable fuels and biodiesel and get those exported to the countries that want to pay.”

Ag Leaders Participate in Fergus Falls Summit – Jennen Farms in Fergus Falls hosted an Ag Summit with Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Katrina Kessler as well as numerous legislators and farmers from across the state. “We’re hearing a lot of questions about the bridge payments and are there going to be more,” explained Petersen. “And a lot of farmers are really putting pen to paper right now right and just trying to figure out what we’re going to plant next year and how we are going to be profitable with these prices and inputs.”

Year-Round E15 Push Stalls – Congressional efforts to approve year-round E15 sales hit a dead end. National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower responded by saying Congress has “again punted,” leaving half a million corn farmers behind in favor of a handful of refineries. Renewable Fuels Association CEO Geoff Cooper said the delay blocks a compromise deal supported by farmers, ethanol producers, and fuel retailers, warning that it deepens uncertainty amid the worst farm crisis in decades. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor calls it “a travesty,” saying Congress picked foreign refiners over American farmers and consumers, and urged the new rural energy council to deliver a solution quickly.

Biofuels Group Seeks E15 Win – With an uncertain export situation, Minnesota Biofuels Association Executive Director Brian Werner says farmers need domestic demand. “E15 year-round nationwide would eat up another two billion bushels of corn,” said Werner. “Right now, getting that additional demand domestically is really important.” In addition, the EPA needs to finalize the renewable fuels obligations for 2026 and 2027. “That would create a really good demand signal as well.”

SD Corn Comments – In South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Corn Executive Director DaNita Murray highlights the opportunity for selling South Dakota ethanol into the California market. Click here. 

Patience Needed for 15% Ethanol Blends – The House is creating an E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council. It will consider the issues related to year-round E15. The council needs to submit its legislative recommendations to Congress no later than February 15, with a bill considered by February 25, “While that looks good on paper, it’s going to take some time for that to come into effect and really move on our market,” said Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Wes Beck. Minnesota has over 600 gas stations pumping E88 right now. “The rest of the country does not have that infrastructure.”

Hoeven Presses for PP Buy-Up Coverage – North Dakota Senator John Hoeven is leading a bipartisan push to get USDA to restore additional prevented planting buy-up coverage under crop insurance. Recent USDA rules expanded premium support overall, but removed the option for a five percent top-up on prevented planting coverage. Hoeven hopes to resolve the issue through the rulemaking process but is prepared to pursue legislation if necessary. “Just in North Dakota, it’ll make about a $50 million difference in terms of the premium support our guys get,” Hoeven said. “That’s very important for us with our weather. One way or another, we’re going to get that fixed. We worked hard to get it in the first place, and it’s important to our guys.”

Greenland Debate Adds New Pressure to U.S.-EU Ag Trade – President Trump’s repeated demands to acquire Greenland upset European leaders. Trump says a framework deal was negotiated with NATO and his tariff threat was pulled back. Policy Solutions President Jay Truitt says the dispute could still slow momentum on agricultural trade, especially for specialty products. “We do around $13 billion worth of exports into the European Union, and we thought we were going to be able to crack some of those markets and open them up,” Truitt said. “That door is maybe not pushed shut, but it’s certainly not wide open like it was just a few months ago.”

One Global Hotspot Farmers Shouldn’t Ignore – During the AgCountry Farm Credit Services AgFocus Conference, geopolitical specialist Jacob Shapiro encouraged farmers to focus on more than just the headlines. “For instance, Greenland is not going to have a huge amount of impact on American farmers, Venezuela is not going to be a huge deal for American farmers,” said Shapiro. “The significant uptick in attacks on ships in the Black Sea, that could have a huge impact on American farmers because the last time we saw attacks at this level, that was shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and everybody listening knows what happens to those commodities that came out of the Black Sea, like wheat, and corn and sunflowers.” While many are focused on other parts of the globe, Shapiro is closely monitoring the increase in aggression in the Black Sea Region. Surprisingly, this analyst said corn and soybeans may not be the long-term answer for local farmers. “We’re no longer the low-cost producer. Brazil has entered the chat, if you will. China actively wants to diversify away from us, and I’m just not sure that there’s the global demand for those products out there.”

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – In this edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson puts gold and silver at the top of the ‘hot’ list. Click here to listen to the report. 

Tariff Threat – President Donald Trump has promised to impose 100 percent tariffs on Canadian products if it negotiates a free trade agreement with China. Trump issued that warning on social media on Saturday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by saying Canada respects its obligations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and will not pursue a free trade agreement without notifying its North American partners. Carney did counter with a new ‘Buy Canadian’ strategy. “We can be our own best customer. We’ll buy Canadian, we’ll build Canadian, and together, we will be Canada strong.” Canada and China took action this past week to resolve a trade dispute. With this deal, China will lower its tariff on Canadian canola oil and end its ban on Canadian beef. In return, Canada will accept electric vehicles manufactured in China.

Canola Minute – In the Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman discusses the recent tariff fight and canola prices. Click here. 

Bessent Meets with Chinese Counterpart in Davos – Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said China has fulfilled its commitment to purchase 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans. After meeting with China’s vice premier, Bessent said China is prepared to purchase 25 million metric tons for the upcoming year.

Soybean Strategies – According to CHS Director of Oilseed Crush Tony Roelofs, China has filled the 12 million metric ton soybean purchase obligation with the United States. “We’ll likely see a lot of this executed over the next month or two to China, with the rest being tailed into the rest of the crop year.” The one area of demand growth has been in the soybean crush. The increased crush also means more soybean meal on the market. “Surprisingly, soybean meal has been better than expected in the last three or four months,” said Roelofs. “We’re seeing inclusion rates very domestically; in addition, we’re finding new homes in the export market, moving more meal into Southeast Asia, more demand in Latin America.” In Roelofs’ view, that is bringing equilibrium to the soybean meal market. Roelofs was part of a marketing session at MN Ag Expo.

Another Big Corn Crop Forecast in 2026 – The corn numbers released in this month’s Supply and Demand report were eye-opening. “USDA added 1.3 million acres to corn harvested,” reports Iowa State University Economics Professor Chad Hart. “A lot was originally intended for silage, but, given how great a year it was for production, we were able to fill those silage bins up fairly quickly and therefore we had more acres of silage than we needed and so that acreage got redirected back into the grain market.” For 2026, less corn is expected to be planted. “We’re looking at a planted area around 95 million acres, giving up about 3.8 million acres (from this past season); that still would be the second highest total we’ve had in the past five years.”

Dry Pattern Raise Spring Concerns – An intense Arctic cold snap has settled across the Northern Plains, with dangerously low temperatures expected to linger through the end of January and into early February. Nutrien Principal Atmospheric Scientist Eric Snodgrass said the cold air mass originated in the Arctic after heat built up in Alaska and Scandinavia, allowing the cold to plunge south. Despite the cold, snowfall has been limited, raising concerns about moisture deficits heading toward spring. Snodgrass said lingering La Niña impacts are favoring fast-moving clipper systems instead of major snow-producing storms. “What it does is it tends to give us more jet stream flow that comes out of the Northwest, which means we’re seeing clipper systems rather than these big lows that can create blizzard conditions and dump a lot more snow.

Reducing Weed Pressure with Crop Rotation – During a downtime in the farm economy, weed control remains a must. “In the case of waterhemp, it’s putting together three or four good years of waterhemp control in the crop rotation ahead of sugarbeets that we can take advantage of in sugarbeets by having less seed in the seed bank,” said University of Minnesota/NDSU Extension Sugarbeet Agronomist Tom Peters. “In the case of kochia, it may be focusing on the two crops before sugarbeets, like soybeans and wheat, and really controlling kochia.” Peters was part of the NDSU Extension Wild World of Weeds Workshop in Fargo.

MN Food Processing Sector is Being Squeezed – The immigration crackdown in Minnesota is being felt throughout the state. “Food processing is really dependent on immigrant labor,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “What’s concerning to me is a lot of the folks have their I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) or their H-2A, but they’re being stopped and that’s a disruptive thing to a lot of businesses.” In Petersen’s view, this situation has the potential to slow down the entire agricultural supply system. “We have a just-in-time delivery system, so a plant going down or being slow for a day backs everything up.”

MN Agriculture Faces Ripple Effects From Immigration Enforcement – Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says expanded ICE enforcement across Minnesota is creating widespread fear that is beginning to disrupt agriculture, food processing, and local food distribution. Wertish says ICE activity is no longer limited to the Twin Cities and is now reaching rural areas where agriculture depends heavily on immigrant labor. “Everybody agrees that if they are a hardened criminal, they need to be prosecuted. There’s no disagreement on that. It’s just the way this is going on. It’s really affecting fear within the migrant and immigrant community.” Wertish says ICE actions are already causing ripple effects, with workers afraid to leave their homes and businesses struggling to stay open, ultimately impacting farm country.

Merger Talks at NDGDA Annual Meeting – North Dakota Grain Dealers Association Executive Vice President Stu Letcher said the Norfolk Southern-Union Pacific proposed merger could impact the region. “It’s supposed to enhance competition, but generally what you see with these real-world mergers is you see less competition and it could limit some of our options.” The NDGDA had its own merger vote with the North Dakota Agricultural Association this past week. The results will be announced at a later date. If passed, the merger will be official June 1.

Farming for the Future – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Red River Farm Network and the Linder Farm Network to provide information on soil health events and topics. This week, MPCA’s Emily Zanon talks about the upcoming Ag Urban Partnership Conferences in Mankato and Moorhead. Click here.  

RFA Funding-‘Incredibly Important’ – One of the highlights for the first day of MN Ag Expo was a legislative panel featuring the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate agriculture committees. When asked about legislative priorities, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam said funding for the Rural Finance Authority needs to be renewed. “It is incredibly important,” said Putnam. “There is an infinitesimal rate of default on RFA loans.” There is one major hurdle. “It counts against the state’s overall debt ceiling so we’re going to have to politically negotiate to make the RFA extension as large as possible without compromising the regular general obligation bonds and the politics that gets that passed.”

Westrom Calls for Reform at MPCA – Senate Ranking Member Torrey Westrom was critical of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency during his time on a legislative panel at MN Ag Expo. Too often, Westrom said MPCA has an agenda when regulating farmers. “It starts at the top,” said Westrom. “We need to get a governor, Republican or Democrat, that really takes this seriously so we can have permits processed faster, like in weeks or months, not years or decades.” The Elbow Lake legislator said neighboring states have a more farmer-friendly regulatory environment. “We can get there; we just need to revise, reform and change our culture in MPCA and other regulatory agencies.” Regarding the Rural Finance Authority, Westrom hopes it can be passed early in the session so it doesn’t get mired down in an omnibus bill at the end of the session.

MN Corn Matters – In the Minnesota Corn Matters, Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council Chair John Mages highlighted corn checkoff success stories at MN Ag Expo. Listen to the report.

Changes Sought in Paid Family Leave Act – House Agriculture Committee Co-Chair Paul Anderson wants to see changes in the state’s Paid Family Leave Act, but is not optimistic it will happen during this legislative session. “Everybody likes to have the benefit, but it’s got to be paid for, you have to find replacement workers, it’s added bookwork and such,” said Anderson. “I think it needs some tweaks, but I’m not sure it will get done this year because it’s been pretty partisan on that issue.”Anderson says it will be difficult to move forward on big issues with a short legislative session and the Legislature evenly split between both parties. The Minnesota legislative session begins February 17.

CAFO Fee Increase Legislation Advances – The South Dakota Senate has overwhelmingly voted to increase fees on large-scale livestock operations. Concentrated animal feeding operations would see the fees increase on a per-head basis. As an example, the amount for a mature dairy cow moves from just over 17 cents per head to 43 cents. The bill is now moving to the South Dakota House.

Cattle Country Conversations – In the latest edition of Cattle Country Conversations, NDSU Extension Livestock Management Specialist Lacey Quail highlighted this past Friday’s calving school in Minot. This program is sponsored by Four Hill Farms, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, North Dakota Gelbvieh Association and Minnesota Beef Council. Click here. 

Cold Weather Challenges During Extreme Cold – NDSU Extension Livestock Systems Specialist Karl Hoppe recommends taking extra time to care for your cattle during extreme cold. “The main thing you’ve got to look out for is to make sure there’s adequate bedding and windbreak protection and then of course keep your waterers from being frozen.” Having feed readily available is also important for regulating cattle’s body temperature.

Certainty Sought for Wolf Policy – The removal of gray wolf delisting language from a recent appropriations bill is a setback, but not the end of the fight for livestock producers. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Director of Government Affairs Garrett Edmonds says the move reflects the political realities of funding legislation rather than a shift in policy. NCBA is now focusing its efforts on the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, which passed the House and would reinstate the gray wolf delisting rule. Edmonds said repeated court challenges have created uncertainty for ranchers. “We continue to see this flip-flop in regulatory guidance on the wolf listing itself,” he said, adding that multiple administrations have concluded the wolf has recovered based on science. “Ultimately, the rural communities bear the brunt of this, both from a public safety standpoint and the impact it has on livestock, which effectively puts food on their tables,” he said. NCBA is urging the Senate to advance legislation that would provide a long-term, science-based solution.

Finishing Cattle at Home – There are benefits for North Dakota ranchers to finish their cattle locally, rather than outsourcing to feedlots in other states. “We have really awesome feedstuffs here,” said NDSU Extension Livestock Environmental Management Specialist Mary Keena. “Sometimes people think we can’t feed our cattle in North Dakota because it’s too cold in the winter, but we have many different types of feed, and available bedding, windbreak availability.” At the NDSU Feedlot School, Keena emphasized cattlemen are not only backgrounding cattle, but finishing them in the state “and showing time and time again that we can do it here.”

MN Beef Update – In the Minnesota Beef Update, Katie Nelson talks about being a participant in the Minnesota Beef Top of the Class Program. Click here.

USDA Launches $100M Screwworm Grand Challenge – The USDA has launched the New World Screwworm Grand Challenge, a new funding initiative aimed at preventing the northward spread of the pest. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the program is a strategic investment in U.S. farmers and ranchers and in protecting the nation’s food supply. Through the Grand Challenge, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will make up to $100 million available for projects that improve sterile screwworm fly production, develop new traps and lures, advance therapeutics for animals, or strengthen overall preparedness and response strategies.

Cattle Inventory Tightens – In Friday’s USDA Cattle on Feed Report, the cattle inventory dropped three percent from a year ago. Placements are down five percent. Marketings of fed cattle during December was up two percent from a year ago.

ND Gelbvieh Association – In this update from the North Dakota Gelbvieh Association, Bailey March of Golden Buckle Gelbvieh touts the breed’s maternal strength. She said they are very easy-going cows. “It’s really great to have cattle that take care of themselves and are more self sufficent during the calving season,” said March. “And they have calves that get up and grow.” Listen to the report

Milk Production Report Updated – Compared to a year ago, milk production in the 24 major dairy states was up 4.6 percent in December. In this region, South Dakota had the biggest increase in milk production, rising more than 11 percent. Minnesota milk production was up nearly four percent. Over the past year, South Dakota dairies added 25,000 milk cows to the state herd. The number of milk cows in Minnesota increased by 15,000 head.

Reporting from the ASGA Annual Meeting – The American Sugarbeet Growers Association Annual Meeting is underway through Wednesday in Palm Springs, California. Ada, Minnesota grower Neil Rockstad is wrapping up his two-year term as ASGA’s president. The meeting will feature Farm Credit Council President/CEO Christy Seyfert, outlining the current economic pressures in agriculture. The Cook Report Elections Analyst will preview the mid-term elections. Topics will also include endangered species, herbicide resistance and international affairs. RRFN’s exclusive coverage of the ASGA meeting is sponsored by the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association, Amity Technology and Red River Land Company.

A Time of Uncertainty for the Beet Business – There have been years when sugarbeet growers were insulated from the struggles in the farm economy. That’s not the case this year with high input costs and lower sugar prices. “Similar to all commodities, sugar has seen a substantial decrease in the price that we’re receiving,” said Harrison Weber, executive director, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association. “We’ve seen some real pain in the countryside, real uncertainty, and I’d say a lot of nervousness by growers. We’re working hard in D.C. to come up with some solutions. It just might take a little time, and unfortunately, there might be some guys out there that don’t have that luxury of time.” These financial pressures will be part of the conversation at the American Sugarbeet Growers Association Annual Meeting this upcoming week in California.

Beet Stock Values – Another solid week of American Crystal Sugar Company beet stock trading. According to Acres & Shares broker, Jayson Menke, 678 shares were brokered average price slightly above $4,000 per share.

Making Sustainability Pay on the Farm – Sustainability is more than a buzzword; it has become the cost of doing business. Stewardverse Strategies CEO Devry Bougner Vorwerk delivered the keynote address at the International Sugarbeet and Dry Bean Expo. Rather than focusing exclusively on financial metrics, she helps farmers track their farm management practices. “I will have people say you’re coming in to talk about sustainability or ESG, the big, bad Environmental Social Governance. The first question I ask is how do you make money, tell me how you’re treating your people and what do you do for the environment?” Bougner Vorwerk said clients are quick to detail what is being done at the company level. “Well then, what are we arguing about? Let’s get to work. Let’s roll up our sleeves. Let’s help you figure out how to make some money from this as opposed to viewing it as a cost.” Listen to the interview.

CLS Control – Cercospora Leaf Spot was one of the top discussion points during the International Sugarbeet and Dry Bean Expo. “It’s probably one of the top, if not the top production problem in sugarbeets,” said Tom Wood, President/CEO, Belchim USA. “For cercospora control, you’ve got to think about multiple modes of action, rotating your triazoles and making sure that you can fight the resistance issue.” Belchim has a triazole called Minerva “that we would recommend in the first spray.” Even with the CR and CR+ sugarbeets, Wood said multiple applications are necessary. With the tight margins seen in sugarbeet production this season, Wood said Minerva also has a positive ROI message. Belchim USA was a sponsor of RRFN’s broadcast from the International Sugarbeet and the Dry Bean Expo.

Dry Bean Scene – In the Dry Bean Scene, USA Pulses CEO Tim McGreevy highlights the many positives in the pulse world. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by Northarvest Bean Growers Association. Click here. 

BASF’s Zorina Fungicide Ready for the Season Ahead – BASF launched a new solution for white mold control in dry beans, canola, and soybeans called Zorina. BASF Technical Service Representative Ken Deibert says this is the company’s first new white mold fungicide in more than 20 years. “We’re building off the success of our flagship product, if you will, in Endura,” said Deibert. “This is going to be a convenient liquid premix of Endura plus another fungicide of ours called Provysol.” Zorina complements white mold control with an expanded disease spectrum, including rust for dry beans and frogeye leaf spot in soybeans. Deibert was part of the program at this past week’s sugarbeet and dry bean show in Grand Forks, where he highlighted Zorina.

Weed, Disease Issues Highlighted at ISDBE – During the International Sugarbeet and Dry Bean Expo, Gowan USA Northern Plains Sales Representative Marsha VanLaere outlined the top weed issues for the region. “For edible beans, our biggest weed issues are waterhemp, ragweed; we’re also running into kochia and resistant wild oat issues.” Disease issues for dry beans are white mold and bacterial blight. “That’s where Domark and Badge come into play; both of those are spot on in taking care of white mold and bacterial blight.”

A Milestone Year for Amity Technology – Social media superstar Chet Larson, also known as ‘Crop Chaser Larson,’ began sharing his story on Snapchat and Instagram. In 2019, he moved to the YouTube platform. “It pretty much exploded,” Larson told RRFN. “Within nine months, it had over 100,000 followers.” Larson Farms uses the Crop Chaser 1000 from Amity Technology. “It definitely was an improvement for harvesting black beans; it would be awesome for sugarbeets and really any crop.” Larson was part of the Amity Technology display at the inaugural International Sugarbeet and Dry Bean Expo. Amity Technology is celebrating its 30th anniversary. “Thirty-one years ago, Brian and Howard (Dahl) went from seeding with Concord before selling Concord to Case IH ,” said Beth Christianson, marketing director, Amity Technology. “After that, they bought a little sugarbeet harvesting  company called WIC and here we are today with Amity.”

Addressing White Mold Prior to Infection – White mold was a significant problem for soybean and dry edible bean growers in 2025. “We’ve had growers stop by from Cavalier to Buxton, Mayville, Hatton, right through the central region up to the Canadian border,” reported Heads Up Crop Protectants President Colin Dutcheshen from the International Sugarbeet and Dry Bean Expo trade show. “White mold is the #1 concern.” Dutcheshen said the seed treatment has a role throughout the entire growing season. “Most seed treatments work as a fungicidal, trying to stop a fungal pathogen like white mold from occurring. We’re actually active on the variety zone genetic package, helping to turn on the defensive traits prior to infection, so the plant responds quicker and has a better chance when that white mold sets in come July or early August.” For dry beans, HeadsUp can also help address rhizoctonia root rot and damping off.

Corteva Unveils New Tool for Cercospora Control – Corteva announced a new fungicide targeting Cercospora leaf spot during the International Sugar Beet and Dry Bean Expo in Grand Forks. Corteva’s Matthew Peterson said Verpixo fungicide addresses one of the biggest challenges facing sugarbeet growers. “It’s a new mode of action fungicide targeting specifically Cercospora, which is the number one economic concern in the sugarbeet industry here in North Dakota, Minnesota, and much of the nation.” Peterson said Verpixo will be key for resistance management for growers “and just help them increase yield and sugar content quality.” Corteva states that the product is awaiting EPA registration, with its first use expected in the 2027 growing season.

Regev HBX Label Expanded for Dry Beans – Summit Agro USA has received EPA approval to extend the Regev HBX BioPowered Fungicide label to include dry edible beans. This tool is utilized to control white mold and other key diseases.

AURI Ag Innovation News – In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, host Jamie Dickerman speaks with Shannon Schlecht, the executive director of AURI, about the organization’s impactful year in agriculture. They discuss AURI’s structure, strategic initiatives, and the successes achieved in various projects, including biogas, industrial hemp, and protein sustainability. Shannon highlights the importance of collaboration and the new resources AURI is introducing to support food businesses, especially in navigating the challenges faced by the agricultural community. Listen to the podcast. 

Changes Sought in Railroad Merger Proposal – The Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific railroads have until February 17 to announce if they will move forward with another merger proposal. If so, the revised application to the Surface Transportation Board must be submitted by late June. The STB rejected their most recent application.

New From John Deere – John Deere has announced a suite of new features for its See & Spray technology. The updated Gen 2 version makes it easier for farmers to customize the machine for their farm without compromising features or compatibility. In targeted modes, this tool will be able to operate at higher speeds. A SmartView camera system also improves visibility around the machine. Deere also announced a series of model year 2027 tillage updates with new sizes and autonomy ready tools.

Hot Dog! Smithfield Acquires Nathan’s Famous – Smithfield Foods has agreed to purchase the Nathan’s Famous hot dog brand for $450 million. Smithfield already had an exclusive license to manufacture, distribute, market and sell Nathan’s products through retail outlets, but that agreement is scheduled to expire in 2032.

100 Years of Growing Together-Rep Spotlight – Page Seed & Agronomy, LLC has served the Page, North Dakota area proudly for nearly 50 years. Founded by Ralph Thompson in 1978, Page Seed & Agronomy is now a third generation company that provides seed, fertilizers, crop protection products as well as agronomy services to the growers in the Page area and beyond. Paige Elsner and Debbi Midstokke specialize in helping their growers find the best products for their acres by using intensive in-field and on-farm testing of existing and new Pioneer products. Cheers to 100 years! Follow RRFN on Facebook and X for a 100-day countdown for Pioneer’s 100 year anniversary.

Midwestern BioAg Selects New CEO – Midwestern BioAg has hired Brad Griffith as its chief executive officer. Griffith has been a board member for the company for the past three years. Previously, he was president and CEO of Freight Farms and senior vice president and chief commercial officer for LIBERTY Steel Group. Griffith also has experience with Compass Minerals, Monsanto and Sanofi.

Quality Wheat Grown in NoDak – The National Wheat Foundation has released the quality awards within the National Wheat Yield Contest. Two North Dakotans top the Hard Red Spring Wheat category: Karissa Berg of Bottineau and Jordan Christman of Hettinger.

Ihrman Transitions to New Role with NCBA – Hunter Ihrman has taken a new role with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He is now the executive director of strategic engagement and government affairs. Most recently, Ihrman was NCBA’s senior director, policy communications.

RAAA Hires Bolin – The Red Angus Association of America has named Luke Bolin as its new director of communications. For the last decade, Bolin has had a leadership role with Sullivan Supply.

Legislator of the Year – The Minnesota Milk Producers Association has named Representative Josh Heintzeman as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. The Nisswa Republican will receive the award during the annual Dairy Dinner banquet and Dairy Day at the Capitol on February 25. Heintzman is the co-chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Honors Presented at MCGA Delegate Session – The Minnesota Corn Growers Association presented its Friend of Agriculture Award to House Agriculture Committee Co-Chair Paul Anderson. Former National Corn Growers Association President Harold Wolle Jr., St. James, received the Golden Kernel Award. MCGA Past President Jim Kanten was also given the gavel plaque for his service to the industry.

MCGA Election Results Posted – During MN Ag Expo, eight farmers were elected to the Minnesota Corn Growers Association board of directors. They are Mark Enninga of Fulda; Adam Jones of Lake Crystal; Tim Waibel of Courtland; Todd Wentzel of Murdock; Nick Peterson of Clear Lake; West Beck of St. James; Angela Guentzel of Kasota and Shayne Isane of Badger.

Dairy Industry Contributions Recognized – The International Dairy Foods Association presented its Laureate Award to David Ahlem and Mike McCloskey. Ahlem is the former CEO and chairman of Hilmar, retiring this past year. McCloskey is the co-founder and CEO emeritus of Select Milk Producers. He is also the founder of Fairlife and is the chairman/CEO of Fair Oaks Farms.

Meshke Leads IDFA Cheese Industry Board – The International Dairy Foods Association announced members of its executive council and the new directors of its five industry segment boards. Associated Milk Producers, Inc. President/CEO Sheryl Meshke is the chair of the IDFA cheese board.

MN Pork Board to Recognize Pork Industry Leaders – During the Minnesota Pork Congress, the Minnesota Pork Board will recognize its 2026 award recipients. Dale Stevermer, Easton, is the Environmental Steward of the Year. Jeff Senne, who is a farm manager with Camalot Breeders at Fairmont, is the Pork Swine Manager of the Year. The 2026 Pork Promoter of the Year Award will go to Lindsey Loken of Blondies Butcher Shop of Wanamingo. The Terry and Sylvia Wolers family of Pipestone is the Minnesota Pork Family of the Year. Veterinarian Dr. Tom Wetzell will receive the Distinguished Service Award and Representative Paul Anderson will be recognized as the Pork Legislator of Distinction. The awards will be presented February 9.

Pork Industry Leader Passes – Funeral services will be held on February 6 for Patrick Fleming. Fleming served as the National Pork Board’s vice president of demand development. He passed away on January 12 after a long battle with cancer.