Reporting Agriculture’s Business – Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was in the Fargo/Moorhead area Tuesday. RRFN’s coverage is found in this edition of FarmNetNews. The RRFN team also spent the week following the news happening in Washington, D.C., Bismarck and St. Paul. We participated in the Heartland Media Conference in Fargo, which brought together radio and television broadcasters from North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota. As FarmNetNews hits your inbox this week, RRFN is in the Twin Cities for the Minnesota FFA Convention. Next week, RRFN will have two of its journalists on Capitol Hill for special coverage from our nation’s capital.

Rollins: New Deals Coming Soon – During a visit to North Dakota, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the Trump administration’s aggressive trade strategy and its implications for American farmers. Rollins criticized longstanding international trade imbalances. “I had no idea that Japan was charging a 700 percent tariff on our rice. I didn’t realize that Canada, after reaching a very small quota in dairy products, was then implementing a 200 to 300 percent tariff on our dairy farmers.” Rollins also pointed to progress being made through ongoing trade negotiations. “I think we’re in ongoing constant negotiations with over 70 countries right now, we feel very confident about that. I believe the first deals will begin to be announced next week.” She added that the USDA is preparing support programs in case of longer-term trade repercussions, similar to those seen in 2019.

Disaster Aid Announced in Fargo – USDA Rural Development is releasing over $340 million in disaster relief. That includes $5 million to rebuild electric infrastructure in North Dakota to recover from severe storms and wildfires. During her stop in Fargo, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins also announced imported products containing more than 65 percent foreign sugar will face additional tariffs. That’s being done to protect American-grown sugar production.

ND Agriculture Represented at Roundtable Discussion – The diversity of North Dakota agriculture was on full display during the roundtable discussion with ag leaders. Agriculture Secretary Rollins heard from leaders in nearly every commodity, from dry beans to potatoes and from cattle to corn.  North Dakota Soybean Growers Association President Justin Sherlock said farmers are facing headwinds. “A lot of us have burned through our working capital. ECAP and other programs are a band-aid; they’re helping, but a lot of us will not likely be here in ’26 if we don’t get some certainty,” said Sherlock. “Farming is an uncertain business. We have tools like crop insurance to help mitigate that, but we need more certainty and clarity.” Due to the political challenges on Capitol Hill, Northland Potato Growers Association Executive Director Gary Shields said the only opportunity to pass portions of the farm bill may be through the budget reconciliation process. “This piecemeal approach does not address the needs of specialty crops, including potatoes,” said Shields. “It is unlikely that another bill will be able to move forward after the reconciliation bill is completed.” North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Executive Director Julie Ellingson spoke about the new animal disease traceability program. Ellingson said her organization supports traceability, but the number of electronic identification tags is not feasible. “Our Fiscal Year 2025 allocation was 97,000. It takes about 300,000 to get through what we need in a normal year, and we are completely out. That has become an unfunded mandate because that will come at the cost of producers and veterinarians.”

Stay Out of the Way – In comments made to Ag Secretary Rollins, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong praised the Trump Administration for its responsiveness to the states. Regarding agriculture, Armstrong said his farmers and ranchers will benefit from less regulation. “We’re really proud of our family farms., we’re really proud of the communities that they support,” said Armstrong. What can be done to support those farmers and ranchers? “Generally speaking, stay out of their way, let them do what they do best, which is feed the whole world.”

NDFB, NDFU Share Concerns at Roundtable – During the roundtable event with Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, NDFB Executive Director Jeff Missling spoke about the regulatory burden facing farmers and ranchers. “Not only the Endangered Species Act, but WOTUS; we did file in Federal District Court out here in North Dakota on that issue a few years back and have kept that fight up.” North Dakota Farmers Union Government Relations Director Matt Perdue spoke about the importance of FSA and NRCS staff at the county level.”As we look ahead to a new farm bill, I think it’s critical that we have a strong FSA staff (and) strong NRCS staff working with producers, helping them access programs and implement voluntary stewardship practices out on the land.”

Corn Growers Urge Fuel Choice – North Dakota Corn Growers Association President Andrew Mauch was part of the roundtable discussion with USDA leader Brooke Rollins.  Mauch emphasized the need for a permanent E15 waiver, saying farmers want consumers to have the choice at the pump. “Brazil is a big competitor of ours and they have an E27 mandate; we’re just saying (we’d like) an option at the pump.” Mauch also pointed to the potential of sustainable aviation fuel as a major growth area for the corn industry. “We’re trying to look forward, make it better for the next generation, make it better for tomorrow.”

Standing Up for Seed Oils – Robert F. Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again agenda is gaining momentum. During the ag leaders’ roundtable at North Dakota State University, the region’s unique role in the production of oilseeds was discussed. “There’s a lot of misinformation out on the internet about seed oils,” said John Sandbakken, executive director, National Sunflower Association. “We’re hoping you’ll be a strong advocate for seed oils and the healthy benefits that they do bring to our consumers.” U.S. Canola Association President Tim Mickelson also spoke out against the anti-seed oils movement. “At this university, my alma mater, everything revolves around science. It’s #1, we don’t get to where we are today in agriculture without following modern-day science,” said Mickelson. “As an organization, that’s what we support, follow where the truth and the science lead us.” Agriculture Secretary Rollins said HHS Secretary Kennedy brings a unique perspective to the administration. She said she is working closely with Kennedy on issues where there is agreement.

Canola Minute – In the Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman offers insight into the 45Z biofuel regulations and the impact on the canola industry.  Click here. 

Administration Praised for Support of Rural America – During Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit to Fargo, North Dakota Representative Julie Fedorchak praised the state’s agricultural leadership, emphasizing its innovation and resilience. Fedorchak also credited the Trump administration for its continued support of Rural America. “President Trump loves agriculture, he loves workers, he loves the doers in our country,” she said. “Having Brooke Rollins, who has a heart for it herself, and is at the cabinet with all the other cabinet members who also come from rural America, I think all of that bodes really well for the future of agriculture.”

Rollins Teams Up with Musk to Modernize USDA – Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the partnership with Elon Musk is helping to modernize the USDA and better serve farmers. “I’ve worked right next to Elon for a couple of months now, and his heart and his mind are all in on how we save America.” The USDA is conducting a detailed review of each county office to improve efficiency and staffing. “There will be offices that need more staff and at the same time, there will be offices that perhaps are overstaffed.”

House Dems Warn About Potential USDA ‘Brain Drain’ – House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig and her fellow Democratic members have sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, voicing concern about USDA’s Deferred Resignation Program and Reduction in Force plans. The letter said there is fear the Department’s approach “encourages the most experienced and knowledgeable employees at the USDA to leave earlier than originally planned.” The letter went on to say the ‘brain drain’ could have far-reaching consequences in farm country.

Reconciliation Process Likely Included in Early May Ag Committee Hearing – According to Politico, the House Agriculture Committee could mark up it portion of the budget reconciliation package as soon as May 8. Each committee will be asked to make adjustments that will be included in the White House domestic agenda. The so-called ‘big, beautiful bill’ includes renewal of the 2017 tax cuts, border security, energy policy and more. To pay for it, House Republicans are seeking major cuts in the nutrition programs. Farm-state lawmakers are also looking for new spending with higher reference prices and crop insurance updates.

Confirmation Hearing Scheduled – The Senate Agriculture Committee has scheduled confirmation hearings for two of the USDA sub-cabinet appointees. Luke Lindberg, who is a South Dakotan, is nominated to be the undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. The USDA assistant secretary for civil rights nominee is Devon Westhill. The hearing will be held on Tuesday.

Fielding Questions – The Fielding Questions podcast is a collaboration between AgCountry Farm Credit Services and the Red River Farm Network, focusing on the issues of farm financial management, markets and more. In this week’s podcast, RRFN Farm Broadcaster Jamie Dickerman talks with AgCountry Financial Officer Tom Lippert about farm real estate loans. Lippert is based in the AgCountry office in Olivia Minnesota. Click here to listen to the podcast. 

President Trump Signals Reduction in China Tariffs – President Trump signaled a potential shift in his approach to the trade war with China during a White House news event on Tuesday, suggesting that tariffs would be reduced. “145 percent is very high, and it won’t be that high,” Trump emphasized that the rates would be significantly lower. “It’ll come down substantially, but it won’t be zero.”

Corn Matters – This is World Trade Month. In this edition of Minnesota Corn Matters, Minnesota Research and Promotion Council board member Jim O’Connor discusses the significance of this month-long celebration. Click here to listen to the report.

Bilateral Trade Opportunity with India – During his trip to India, Vice President J.D. Vance announced progress on a bilateral trade deal. Few details were provided, but the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said the United States wants more market access, lower tariffs and the elimination of nontariff barriers.

1Q Rail Activity Up for PNW Routes – Demand for grain transportation in the first quarter of the year remained strong. While rail grain carloads were slightly below average nationally, record corn exports were seen from the Pacific Northwest export terminals. By state, the grain cars loaded and billed in the first quarter were down 25 percent in Minnesota, but up 23 percent in North Dakota and up 26 percent in South Dakota.

Well Grounded – In the latest Well Grounded podcast, Acres and Shares President Jayson Menke and RRFN Farm Broadcaster Randy Konen visit with NDSU Extension Ag Finance Specialist Bryon Parman about the recent North Dakota Land Values Survey. Gain insight by listening to the full podcast. 

Patience Recommended – In northeastern North Dakota, farmers are off to a good start on planting. Dekalb Asgrow Technical Agronomist Derek Pruitt doesn’t want growers to be in a big hurry to plant corn yet. “I kinda feel like May 1 is always a great time to start planting corn,” said Pruitt, “Obviously, if conditions are suitable, then let’s go, we can go earlier but,. yeah, I’m good with holding off just a little bit on the corn, to make sure we’ve got the optimal conditions.”

Waiting for Conditions to Improve – At Devils Lake, Dennis Johnson is waiting to pull the planter into the field. “We went out and picked some rocks and stuff like that, but the low spots are holding that moisture yet.” Depending on the weather, Johnson will likely start putting down fertilizer in the upcoming week.

Hit and Miss – The amount of field activity varies across northeastern North Dakota. “It’s kind of hit and miss,” said Brent Baldwin. “We got a couple of quarters of wheat in.” When interviewed on Friday, Baldwin expected to have two quarters seeded. Moisture levels were uneven across the region. “You get to the Pembina County line, and I think we’ve got a little more snow and moisture over the winter,” Baldwin explained. “Getting into that Grafton area, it’s dried out a lot more and that’s where most of the action has been.”

Some Groundwork Happening in Fosston Area – Larson Seed and Agronomy owner Matt Larson is still seeing cold and wet soils in the Fosston, Minnesota area. “We did get in the field a little bit, scratched around some this past week; we do have a rig going here with field cultivators starting to do some groundwork.” Larson expects corn and soybean planting to start any day now. “We’re hoping to get the corn put in and then switch over to soybeans and just keep on rolling right through. We can start, maybe planting corn here this week.”

Slow Start – University of Minnesota Extension Crops Educator Angie Peltier doesn’t expect planting to begin in the Crookston area for another week. “It’s relatively slow to start here. I’ve seen some anhydrous tanks strategically parked in some fields, but the majority of fieldwork I’ve seen evidence of is spring tillage.” The region has remained abnormally dry. “Depending upon the amount of rain that you get and the type of soil that you have, you could range from anywhere from being able to soil sample in that field, or not even being able to drive without getting stuck.”

SD Corn Comments – In this edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Corn Executive Director Danita Murray discusses developments in corn utilization regarding nutritional choice. Click here.

SW ND Shows Steady Progress – Harlan Klein is nearly finished with his spring wheat seeding at Elgin, North Dakota. Despite dry conditions, Klein said planting has gone smoothly. “The top inch of the soil is dry and for the way we seed, that works ideally for us. We’re seeding in the moisture, there’s some moisture down below.”

Wheat and Field Pea Plannting Wrapped Up for Kessel – Planting is ahead of schedule in southwestern North Dakota for Greg Kessel. The Belfield farmer is finished with small grains and field peas . He’s waiting to start on corn. “We’ve had a couple of significant rains, we’re still so dry going in.”

What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets – In today’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson says cattle remain a bright spot in the markets. “Rain makes grain” and tnat’s pressuring the wheat market. Click here. 

Nearly Done with Spring Wheat – Mandan, North Dakota area farmer Dennis Renner is nearly done with his spring wheat seeding. “Most people are nearing the end of small grain seeding, looking to start on corn and beans probably in early May.” Despite ongoing dryness, Renner is optimistic.  “We’re dry, although I believe there’s enough moisture to get the crop started.”

Still Early for Corn – At Kulm, North Dakota, Josh Gackle started seeding barley this past week. “Soil conditions, at least for wheat and barley, I think are really good. Moisture is good for planting, but you can tell that it’s dry. ” It’s still a bit too early for corn. “Soil temps are coming up quickly so it won’t be long before everybody will be full speed ahead.”

‘Ideal Planting Conditions’ in SE ND – Farmers in southeastern North Dakota are making strong strides with spring planting. At Oakes, Scott German shared that the heavy, wet snow last month came at the perfect time, providing much-needed moisture. “I don’t remember planting conditions as good as they are right now,” German said. “We’ve got great topsoil moisture. We’re not fighting a bunch of potholes and sloughs like we’ve had over the last how many years.”

Excellent Conditions for Wheat Seeding – At Kennedy, Minnesota, Rob Rynning says the soil conditions were ‘about perfect’ this past week. “We probably have right around half of our wheat in the ground.” The acreage is slightly different this season. “We’re going to put a fair amount of canola and soybeans in, no barley this year because of the lack of contracts.” Kennedy is located in the northern Red River Valley.

A Big Week for Field Activity – The planting pace picked up this past week in west central Minnesota. Elbow Lake farmer Scott Swenson reports conditions improved significantly. “Just the last couple of days, I think everybody’s been going.” Swenson noted soybean planting has not started, but progress has been made with sugarbeets, small grains, and corn.

Sugarbeet Report – In the first RRFN Sugarbeet Report of the season, NDSU/University of Minnesota Extension Sugarbeet Agronomist Dr. Tom Peters highlights early-season preemergent weed control. Listen to the report. 

A Good Start on Beets – As of Tuesday, 25 percent of the American Crystal Sugar Company acres were seeded. “It certainly doesn’t take us long to slam in the beets once the ground is fit,” said Harrison Weber, executive director, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association. “The Crookston/Hillsboro area got going first, followed by Moorhead.”

Soybean Aphids Should be on Radar for ’25 – Scouting for soybean aphids is recommended this season. University of Minnesota Extension Entomologist Ian MacRae said the temperatures may not have been cold enough to kill off overwintering soybean aphids. “The egg has to be exposed to -27 Fahrenheit to die; I’m not sure we had that widespread in our area this year.” Soybean aphid eggs are laid in buckthorn buds, which would also be a few degrees warmer than the ambient temperature. “Even if we had -27, they may have survived if it wasn’t (that cold) very long and we had a lot of soybean aphids at the end of last year.”

Dry Bean Scene – In the latest Dry Bean Scene, University of Minnesota Extension Entomologist Bob Koch shares an update on soybean gall midge and the impact on dry beans. Click here.

Support for Large Ag Development – A $30 million incentive for the proposed Agristo potato processing plant in Grand Forks is on its way to Governor Kelly Armstrong’s desk. The bill promotes large agricultural development and it has passed both chambers. The bill includes an emergency provision that sends out half of the grant funds right away so construction on the $450 million project can begin.

Bill Backs Animal Agriculture – North Dakota Senate Bill 2177 delivers a boost for animal agriculture. “The bill will redirect a small amount of state sales and use taxes that would be collected from animal agriculture development and use taxes on those materials for developing new projects to go towards the local government and fund the infrastructure,” said North Dakota Corn Growers Association Executive Director Brenda Elmer. That same issue is being stressed with the congressional delegation. “We recently hosted Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak to come to our spring board meeting in Carrington and had some really good conversations about the future of animal agriculture in North Dakota.”

ND Legislative Report – The North Dakota Legislature is the first in the nation to address pesticide labeling requirements and the farmers’ access to those crop protection tools. Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1318 into law this past week. Learn more in this week’s edition of the North Dakota Legislative Report.  

Crop Protection Bill Signed into Law – North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has signed legislation that safeguards the farmers’ access to crop protection products. The bill said federally approved pesticide labels are the law and are not subject to activist lawsuits. Ongoing litigation nationwide over the use of glyphosate has prompted state legislatures to set a standard.

Compromise Possible in St. Paul – There are big differences between the Democrats and Republicans in the Minnesota budget targets. Yet, House Speaker Lisa Demuth is optimistic those issues can be resolved with divided government. “All voices are being heard,” said Demuth. “My expectation is that there will be less partisanship and finding more common ground where we can. It is still going to be a heavy lift, but I think it can be done.” The Minnesota legislative session is scheduled to wrap up by May 19.

MN House Passes Ag Finance Bill – The agriculture finance bill is the first omnibus budget bill to pass the Minnesota House this session. It had overwhelming support with a vote of 130-to-three. Agriculture Committee Co-Chair Paul Anderson said it is a solid piece of legislation. “This is a pro-farming, a pro-agriculture bill,” said Anderson. “It prioritizes farmers, both large and small, and although the ag budget is a pretty small piece of the overall state budget, this bill will do a lot of good for the ag industry here in Minnesota.” With a split legislature, Republicans and Democrats have an equal number of members on committees. Ag Committee Co-Chair Rick Hansen said both sides were able to compromise and find ways to invest in Minnesota agriculture. “Those investments are not just protecting what we have, but looking at what we can do, how we can build a foundation and a future for Minnesota agriculture and for the people of Minnesota.” The ag committee was given a $17 million increase in the budget targets. Key provisions in the bill include increased funding for the Board of Animal Health to deal with the threat of avian influenza. There’s also an incentive program for farmers to improve nitrogen management and money for mental health outreach. The bill now goes to the Minnesota Senate.

Ag Budget Includes $17 Million Boost – The Minnesota Legislature is in its final month. The House-passed ag budget bill increases total funding for agriculture in the state by $17 million. Agricultural lobbyist Bruce Kleven says there were multiple wins in the House budget bill. “One of the things that we’re keeping an eye on is the Northern Crops Institute for Minnesota Wheat, that’s something they’ve supported over the years.” There’s new guidance on restricted-use pesticide licensing. Last year, those standards were tightened. “We’re trying to fix that this year to say that a person would not need a license to run the water truck if that person is working under the direct supervision of the licensed applicator. That language was contained in the House bill.”

Pessimissm Seen in Rural Mainstreet Index – According to Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet monthly survey of rural bankers, the farm financial situation remains weak. Farmland prices dropped below neutral growth levels for the 11^th time in the past 12 months. Farm equipment sales have been down for 20 consecutive months. Seventy-five percent of the bankers surveyed support the tariffs on China. For the first two months of 2025, Minnesota ag exports declined more than 23 percent; North Dakota dropped 12 percent and South Dakota ag exports rose more than 200 percent.

Farm Bankruptcies Spike – Farm bankruptcies jumped 55 percent from 2023 to 2024 and are climbing higher this year, driven by low commodity prices and high input costs. Tariff uncertainty, immigration policy changes, and delayed federal support are adding to the financial strain. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 4.3 percent of farm loans in its district had major or severe repayment issues in late 2024, the highest rate since 2020.

77% of Farm Household Income Comes from Off the Farm – An American Farm Bureau Federation Market Intel report found most of the U.S. farm household income is from off-farm sources. “Seventy-seven percent of income that farm households receive comes from those off-farm sources, meaning only 23 percent comes from farm-related income,” said AFBF Economist Daniel Munch. “When we look at the median on-farm income, in 2023, farmers in the United States had a loss of $900.” Munch admits that the data is a bit skewed by the number of small farm operations within the dataset. “One of the caveats to the data always is USDA’s definition of a farm, and that includes any operation with more than $1,000 in ag sale products, so that encompasses a lot of very small farms and lifestyle farms, hobby farms, that aren’t meant for primary income.” Larger farms are not exempt from this. “Even looking at some of the bigger classes of farms, we found that farms with over $1 million in market or gross sales, 41 percent of them still reported working off the farm at some point during the year.”

Ninth Circuit Rejects CAFO Lawsuit – A federal appeals court has rejected an attempt by Food and Water Watch, the Center for Biological Diversity and other activist groups to tighten the regulations for large animal feeding operations. These groups claimed the EPA acted in an arbitrary and capricious way when denying their petition. The Ninth Circuit Court, which is in San Francisco, disagreed. Ag groups, including Farm Bureau, National Pork Producers Council and U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, were interveners in the case.

HPAI Case Confirmed in ND – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in a backyard chicken flock in North Dakota’s Stutsman County. The flock has been destroyed and the site is under quarantine. This is the first case of avian influenza in North Dakota this year.

Stand As One – The theme for the 2025 Minnesota State FFA Convention is ‘Stand as One.’ “For everyone, it means something a little bit different,” said Cole Sundeen, treasurer, Minnesota FFA. “Generally, each person can bring together their unique skills and capabilities to stand as one.” This summer, Sundeen will be interning for the U.S. Forest Service in Wyoming. “Next fall, I’m attending University of Minnesota-Crookston for agriculture education. Hopefully, one day I’ll be in this same arena at state convention, but not wearing this blue jacket, but wearing a suit as an agriculture education teacher.”

A Record Year – Thousands of Minnesota FFA members are competing this week in Career Development Events, participating in workshops and delegate sessions. Minnesota FFA Foundation Executive Director Val Aarsvold is also looking forward to general sessions. “We’re going to see a record-breaking year for students earning their Minnesota FFA State Degree with over 450 students earning that prestigious degree.” Ag education delivers hands-on learning, which Aarsvold says is a success. “We graduate our students at a rate ten percent higher than the state average and that’s something we’re really proud of.”

‘Just Do It’ – Five-thousand FFA members and supporters are filling Mariucci Arena today and tomorrow for the Minnesota State FFA Convention. This convention has many students in this arena for the very first time. RRFN asked Minnesota State FFA President Lauren Stoel what these members can do to get the most out of their FFA career. “Just do it,” replied Stoel. “I know when I started FFA, I was that scared kid that didn’t want to do anything and didn’t want to try anything new, but everyone is in the same boat. Everybody has to try something new at some point and that’s where you’re going to find the best people and the best things.” Stoel is a student at South Dakota State University, majoring in agronomy.

‘The Dream Team’ – The Minnesota FFA State Officer Team is wrapping up its year in leadership. State Secretary Kaiya Grossman said the six state officers clicked right from the start. “We became a family very fast,” said Grossman. “In all of our state addresses, we added a new line that ‘through the highs and lows with countless miles in between, we’ve always been the dream team’ because right away we started a Snapchat group called the dream team and it stayed that all year. With all of us being in different states, we’ve used that group chat to come together.” Grossman is attending college at North Dakota State University. The other members of the officer team are spread out at schools in Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Continuing a Family Legacy – State FFA Reporter Natalie Clemenson looks forward to these next two days at the state convention. “I really hope I remember to soak in all of the experiences I can,” said Clemenson. “This year, we’re only here for a short two days, but there will be a lot of celebration and a lot of fun that happens in those two days so I want to live in the moment and engage with those around me.” Clemenson has a family legacy within the FFA. “My dad and all of his siblings were involved in FFA and my aunt was the state president.” Next year, Sarah (Clemenson) Betzold will be part of the 25th anniversary state officer team.

DGF FFA Chapter Makes its Debut – The Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton FFA Chapter is one of a handful of new programs chartered at the state convention. DGF FFA President Madison Camacho said this is the culmination of years of hard work. “I’ve been in FFA since my freshman year at a neighboring school so I already had experience with being in a chartered chapter. This really helped out my other teammates getting them on their feet and ready for the next few years since I’m graduating.” Advisor Alexandra Rowe sees FFA as a unique experience for DGF students. “From what I’ve heard from guardians, parents, and even students, they’ve been waiting for an opportunity for something that’s not just sports. I’m looking forward to the fact that we complement a lot of these other organizations here, it’s just going to make the students here at DGF more well-rounded.”

Syngenta to Launch Three New Foliar Products by 2026 – A trio of new foliar products from Syngenta are in the registration process and could be commercially available as soon as the 2026 growing season.  Syngenta Technical Product Lead for Insecticides Elijah Meck said one of these products, Vertento, is for row crops. The new foliars will offer a broad spectrum of control, reducing the need for tank mixing. “In cases where they’re making a lot of applications because they can’t get a population under control, it has the potential to come in and provide a new standard in terms of a level of control. With the residual control that we see, there’s potential to reduce the amount of tank mixing.”

MFU Minute – In our MFU Minute, Minnesota Farmers Union Education Director Winona Anderson shares details of the summer leadership camp schedule. Click here to listen.

Leopold Award Goes to Western SD Ranch – Stomprud Angus Ranch of Mad Butte is the recipient of the 2025 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award. The ranch is recognized for its management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. The Leopold Award will be presented later this year.

Partners in Excellence – NDSU has presented the Partner in Excellence Award to three state farm organizations; the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council, North Dakota Soybean Council and North Dakota Wheat Commission. The checkoff boards were honored for their support of NDSU research, education and market development efforts.

Time and Talent Recognized by NDSU Extension – NDSU Extension presented its 2025 Friend of Extension Award to Nancy Nicolas-Maier and Larry Hoffman. Nikolas-Mayer is the director of the adult and aging services division with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. Hoffman is a Cass County farmer and a past member of the State Board of Agriculture Research and Education. At its spring conference, NDSU Extension also gave out its 2024 Friend of Extension Award to JoAnn Rodenbiker and Marie Hvidsten. Rodenbiker served on SBARE and on the NDSU Extension Citizen Advisory Council. Hvidsten is currently the coordinator for NDSU Extension’s Building Tomorrow’s Leaders program and previously served as the program director for Rural Leadership North Dakota.

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, Dr. Bonnie McGill of the American Farmland Trust talks about a new series of recordings on soil health. Find out more at this link. 

Even Returns to State Government – Former South Dakota Agriculture Secretary Bill Even will be South Dakota’s next commissioner in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Even led the South Dakota Agriculture Department from 2007-to-2010. Even went onto a role with Pioneer before taking over as the chief executive officer of the National Pork Board in 2016. Even will officially leave the Pork Checkoff on May 1 and will begin in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development on May 2.