Top Stories Articles
MSGA: Another Appeal is Likely
Published April 11, 2024
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association was one of the organizations challenging the waiver of California's zero-emissions standard. MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek was not surprised by the ruling. Another appeal is likely. "The big group of petitioners is going to meet soon…A Risk for Lenders and Borrowers
Published April 11, 2024
FDIC Supervisory Examiner Joe Koenigsman sees climbing interest rates as a key driver for risk in 2024. "Going from four-and-a-half percent to nine and ten percent on ag loans is a substantial amount." Farmers will need to pay close attention…Farm Income Forecast
Published April 11, 2024
Farm income is expected to remain under pressure this year. "It's still slightly above what would be the longer-term average," said Ty Kreitman, associate economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. "This is primarily driven by lower commodity prices." Kreitman…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…