Top Stories Articles
Farm Bill Remains in Limbo
Published April 11, 2024
The current farm bill extension expires at the end of September and there’s no apparent timeline for a vote in either chamber. Minnesota Senator Tina Smith, who is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is anxious to move forward…NCBA Condemns Endangered Species Rules
Published April 10, 2024
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council have condemned the Biden Administration’s three finalized Endangered Species rulemakings. NCBA Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes said one aspect is especially concerning, the unoccupied critical habitat designation. "The Fish and…Lower Sunflower Acres Could Provide Opportunity for Farmers
Published April 10, 2024
National Sunflower Association Executive Director John Sandbakken is not concerned about the lower acreage numbers being reported for sunflowers for this year. "We've had two really large crops in 2022 and 2023. There is still quite a bit of seed…Calving Conditions to Watch Out For This Spring
Published April 10, 2024
NDSU Extension Livestock Specialist Karl Hoppe says that even with a warmer winter in much of the area, cold weather, mud, and high winds are what to watch for during this calving season. "We've had some pretty decent weather until…A Lean Year Ahead
Published April 10, 2024
Despite average crop yields, Minnesota farmers had a rough 2023. Northland Community and Technical College Farm Business Management Instructor Betsy Jensen blames rising input costs. "Repairs have almost doubled, land rent has almost doubled, fertilizer has almost doubled and everything…Higher Yield Seeds Selling
Published April 10, 2024
Higher-yield varieties of wheat seeds that can’t be replanted are selling more and more each year over older varieties that can be replanted. According to O’Toole Seed owner Brian O’Toole, more and more farmers are going with certified seed-only varieties…Testing Underway to Prevent the Spread of Bovine Flu
Published April 10, 2024
USDA is working with state animal health officials to collect data about the spread of bovine influenza A virus in dairy cattle. Chief Veterinary Officer Rosemary Sifford stresses the importance of this information. "It is important to us at this…Boozman Lauds FARMER Act
Published April 10, 2024
Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman praised North Dakota Senator John Hoeven's FARMER Act from the Senate floor. Boozman said work must be done to enhance the safety net for farmers and ranchers in the farm bill. "Here's the reality; producers…Crop Insurance Enhancements an Improvement Over Ad Hoc Disaster Payments
Published April 10, 2024
North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne joined Senator Hoeven in the announcement about the FARMER crop insurance reform plan. Watne said North Dakota farmers have relied on ad hoc disaster programs since 2018. "That's not a sustainable way to fund farm…