A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network
Monday, August 01, 2022
The Red River Farm Network hosted 12 advertising agency representatives this past week for the annual Know Your Farmer Tour. The group traveled to three farms and heard from a panel of farmers and agricultural stakeholders. It’s the first time since 2019 we’ve been able to come together for this wonderful event. It’s also a time where we can all learn about the diverse crop mix in the Red River Valley. Thanks to all who were involved in the event! The Red River Farm Network is reporting agriculture’s business on the road at Farmfest in Redwood County, Minnesota this week. Don Wick will be moderating a farm bill panel and providing event coverage. It’s also a time for local field days and customer appreciation events. Stay tuned for the latest from the Red River Farm Network.
First Shipment Moves Out of Odesa – A ship carrying Ukrainian grain left the Port of Odesa for the first time since the Russian invasion. The ship is carrying more than 26,000 tons of corn and is expected to arrive in Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesday for inspection. Once it is given the go-ahead by Turkish officials, the shipment will move on to Lebanon. Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations signed an agreement just over a week ago to provide a safe shipping corridor. The deal was put in doubt by a bombing at Odesa the following day.
Black Sea Shipment Considered Bearish – The markets are reacting as the first shipment of grain makes its way out of Ukraine. Advance Trading Risk Management Advisor Tommy Grisafi sees this as a major development. “Assuming they leave safely, that’s very bearish the the markets,” said Grisafi. “When the war started we had to take everything Ukraine was doing as far as the world markets and erase it and say they’re out of the game.” That changes when grain flows out of the Black Sea. Grisafi joins the Red River Farm Network each month for a recap of the markets in a program called ‘The Bull Pen’ on YouTube. In the just-released interview, Grisafi said he expects markets to be under pressure going into fall.
Ukrainian Agribusiness Leader Dies in Russian Strike – The owner of a major Ukrainian grain company and is wife were killed over the weekend by a Russian bombing. Nibulon, based on the border with a region occupied by Russia, specializes in the production and export of wheat, barley and corn. The company also has its own shipping fleet and shipyard.
Questions Remain Over Ukrainian Grain Exports – There’s still distrust and skepticism following the deal to restore Ukrainian grain shipments. “The ships that have been trapped in those ports will want to exit (and) I expect we will see a spurt of grain exports as those ships exit,” said Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist, StoneX Group. “The question is will they be able to return? Will you find ship captains willing to come back and take the risk?”
No Simple Process – The Black Sea ports of Odesa and Mykolaiv have the largest capacity to handle grain and grain products. Frayne Olson, the grains marketing economist at NDSU Extension, remains concerned about safety. “There has to be some clearing of the mines to move vessels out. Ocean-going companies who own the vessels, as well as the insurance companies, are nervous about sending equipment into the region.” There are also physical port issues and logistical transportation issues Ukraine needs to solve to help get grain to the ports, stored, loaded and the vessels shipped out. “To fight a war as well as trying to handle these logistical issues is going to be a challenge.”
No End in Sight to Ukrainian Agriculture Crisis – Due to a lack of resources, Ukrainian farmers planted significantly less corn this year. At the same time, spring wheat seedings inceased significantly. Roman Grynyshyn estimates winter crops, such as winter wheat and canola, will be only 15-to-20 percent of a normal year. “These are the steps that are bringing the world to the food crisis that Russia is creating and experts are predicting,” said Grynyshyn. “This year will not be the worst, it will be next year.” Grynyshyn has spent the last three months in the United States, including time in the Red River Valley, to advocate for farmers in his homeland. His ‘World to Rebuild Rural Ukraine‘ program is raising money to help farmers rebuild from the ongoing war with Russia.
AURI Update – The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute will be at Farmfest. Hear more about their plans in the latest AURI update.
Farmfest is Happening This Week – Farmfest is known for numerous farm policy educational forums. This year’s line-up includes an ag outlook forum and a discussion about the 2023 Farm Bill. MinnStar Bank Senior Vice President Kent Thiesse, the educational forum coordinator for Farmfest, has more details. “The next farm bill is starting to get attention in Congress. What a panel we’ve put together for this discussion. We have American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Scott VanderWal and National Farmers Union President Rob Larew. There’s also National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Don Schiefelbein and National Pork Producers Council President Terry Wolters.” It’s also an election year. A few of the education sessions take a closer look at the candidates. There are two Minnesota congressional candidate forums on Tuesday. There is a governor candidate forum on Wednesday. These candidate forums will also be live-streamed. Follow RRFN’s Farmfest coverage starting on Tuesday.
MN Beef Update – In the latest Minnesota Beef Update, hear more about plans for the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association at Farmfest.
Agriculture Included in Inflation/Climate Bill – The agreement between West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer will likely bring the so-called Inflation Reduction Act to a vote late this week. The Russell Group President Randy Russell says this development is shocking. “I think most people had pretty much come to the conclusion that given where Joe Manchin had been, that the probability that they would be able to pull together any kind of agreement that would get his support was probably not in the cards,” Russel told RRFN. “I think when word broke out about an agreement, it caught a lot of people by surprise.” The bill includes $20 billion to support climate-friendly farming practices, which will increase baseline funding in the farm bill. “As we go into writing the farm bill starting in January of next year and throughout calendar year of 2023, there in effect will be a higher baseline for these conservation programs which should help us at a time when many people figured we probably aren’t going to have any new money for agriculture to write a farm bill.”
Ag Groups Respond to New Climate Legislation – Agricultural groups have a mostly positive response from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The Senate’s proposal includes $8.45 billion for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program or EQIP, $6.75 billion for the Regional Conservation Stewardship Partnership Program, $3.25 billion for the Conservation Stewardship Program and $1.4 billion for the Ag Conservation Easement Program. In a statement, the National Association of Conservation Districts says USDA conservation programs are oversubscribed and the funding would go a long way. The Renewable Fuels Association notes several points of good news for renewable fuels.
Additional Conservation Program Funding Would Boost Farm Bill – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith says the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is a big deal for agriculture. “There are big investments in domestic energy production, new resources for advanced biofuels and infrastructure,” said Smith. There is also money to support climate smart agriculture. “That additional funding for the conservation programs is going to be a big deal when we look at writing the farm bill next year. It basically raises the floor for the dollars we’ll have to spend.” Lawmakers plan to vote on the legislation before leaving for the August recess.
MFU Minute – Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says crop insurance, conservation and other issues are top of mind for Minnesota farmers heading into the next farm bill. Hear more in this MFU Minute.
MN Agriculture Offers Farm Bill Feedback – Crop insurance, disaster aid and the Dairy Margin Coverage program are on the minds of Minnesota farmers as work begins on the 2023 Farm Bill. During Monday’s field hearing in Northfield, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth said lawmakers should not tie any conservation efforts to the crop insurance title. “Let it stand alone.” Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said Congress should build on the 2018 Farm Bill and make improvements. “I’d like to thank you for the support for mental health for farmers in the last farm bill. The drought last year also really highlighted things we need to change and update in the bill. Some of the programs don’t work as well.” Watch the hearing.
MFBF Minute – A farm bill field hearing happened in Minnesota last week. Minnesota Farm Bureau Director of Public Policy Amber Glaeser recaps the event in this week’s Minnesota Farm Bureau Minute.
NCBA Discuss Policy at Summer Conference – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has established its farm bill priorities. The list includes protection from foreign animal diseases, support for voluntary conservation programs, and risk management. “It’s going to be a heavy lift to get this farm bill done,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera. “We have a lot of new members of Congress that have never taken a vote on a farm bill and it is a priority for NCBA and our staff to make sure that we educate them on the importantance of the farm bill.”
Federal Reserve Raises Interest Rates – As expected, the Federal Reserve approved another 75 basis point interest rate increase. This is the fourth consecutive interest rate increase since March. The next meeting for the Fed will be in September. Read more details.
Muted Response – Northern Crops Marketing and Investments President Brad Paulson believes traders had the interest rate hike built into the market. “The outside markets were anticipating that, to say the least.” Paulson says the muted market response may be relief that the interest rate hike was not bigger. “The bond market looks to me like they think the worst of the rate fears are in the market.”
Preparing for Economic Downturn – Virginia Tech Agricultural Economics Professor David Kohl was a speaker at Bell Bank’s AgView Live event. Kohl recommends producers take strong ownership of their financials in preparation for an economic downturn. “There’s a good possibility of a U.S. and global recession. This is going to have an impact on both input and output prices.” Kohl says there’s no doubt we’re heading towards a recession. “What’s keeping the economy going? We’ve got low unemployment and high consumer spending. It’s basically people spending stimulus checks and as soon as that runs out, you’re going to start seeing issues.”
Agview Live Tackles Hot Topics – Geopolitical events, record-setting commodity prices, and farm equipment demand are just a few of the topics being tackled at this year’s Bell Bank Agview Live event. Bell Bank Business Development Senior Vice President Lynn Paulson says when it comes to an economic outlook, farmers are sitting in a good position. “We’re going into 2023 in really good financial shape. That being said, with all the geopolitical aspects happening, there’s a lot of uncertainty and disruptors going on.” Paulson says keeping tabs on your break-even could help capitalize on market prices.
Fielding Questions: First Time Borrower – Taking out your first farm loan can be intimidating. AgCountry Farm Credit Services VP Loan Officer Jack Buckley says establishing a good relationship with your local lender is important in this process. Bring in a business plan and a budget to review with your lender in that first meeting. Hear more in the latest Fielding Questions podcast episode.
Chief Ag Negotiator Nominee Has Confirmation Hearing – The Senate Finance Committee held a confirmation hearing for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s nominee for Chief Ag Negotiator Doug McKalip. During the hearing, McKalip outlined trade priorities, including enforcing the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement, strengthening trade relationships and addressing issues with China. “This is an excellent opportunity to knock down regulatory barriers and help our producers expand exports. As we all know, China failed to live up to their commitments in the phase one trade deal. As Ambassador Tai works to realign the U.S. – China trade relationship and partners will allies to confront China’s unfair trade policies, I’ll use my position as chief ag negotiator to ensure U.S. farmers and ranchers get a fair deal.” Ag lobbyist Randy Russell says the Senate Finance Committee may not be able to advance McKalip’s confirmation out of committee and schedule a full Senate vote before leaving for the August recess. Watch the hearing.
MN Wheat Minute – Minnesota Wheat CEO Charlie Vogel is back from a trade mission to the Philippines. Hear more about the experience in the latest Minnesota Wheat Minute.
Updates Made in the Emergency Relief Program – The Farm Service Agency will indefinitely extend the deadline for farmers to return the pre-filled applications for phase one of the Emergency Relief Program. FSA is also starting to mail out the pre-filled Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program applications. A problem with the first phase of the Emergency Relief Program was also addressed. “For farmers with excess moisture in crop year 2020, if that got reported in calendar year 2019, they still participate in the program,” said North Dakota Senator John Hoeven. “We’re still working on another glitch with the AGI (Adjusted Gross Income). We’re making progress, but more to do on that one.” Read more.
Corn Matters – In this week’s Corn Matters, Minnesota Corn Growers Association Public Policy Director Amanda Bilek has more about a Call-to-Action to EPA about atrazine.
Federal Scrutiny Sought for Fufeng Project – North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is asking the federal government for an expedited review of the Fufeng Group’s proposed wet corn milling plant in Grand Forks. A letter was sent to federal leaders to formally support the request made by North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer. Since Fufeng is Chinese-owned company, the project is facing greater scrutiny.
“Hell Bent” on Cutting Fertilizer Usage – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by limiting fertilizer usage. Western Canadian Wheat Growers director Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel says farmers have made its case with provincial ministers, but are hitting a wall with the federal government. They want to take away the single most important tool that we have, our fertilizers, and still have the same (trade) expectations; its ludicrous.” The fertilizer reduction plan coincides with the Canadian proposal to increase exports by 55 percent. “They are hell-bent on decreasing our fertilizer usage by 30 percent with really no clear understanding of what that looks like and what that going to mean to us as farmers; it is incredibly disheartening.” Nagel said a timeline for implementation of the nitrogen reduction is not no known.
Ag Ministers Criticize Trudeau Emissions Proposal – Provincial agriculture ministers are pushing back on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2030. The Trudeau plan includes a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer applications. Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said this is an “arbitrary goal” Manitoba Ag Minister Derek Johnson supports a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions but wants the federal government to recognize the improvements already made by Canadian farmers.
A Glimpse into Fall Fertilizer Demand – Northern Plains farmers are starting to take a closer look at fall fertilizer options. According to West Central Ag Services Senior Sales and Supply Manager Rick Walker, there’s interest in fall nitrogen. A few farmers already booked at least half of their fertilizer needs. “A lot of the needs are for corn, sugarbeets or wheat. I think there’s a plan to plant a similar amount of corn, if not more for next year.” The fertilizer markets are trading more like the grain markets. Walker says fertilizer prices can change up to three times each day and it’s different every week. “Usually the cash program is the best option with the most economical price, but the deferred program is pretty good, too. The biggest part of any of these decisions is to look at the crop plan and figure out what farmers can sell that crop for right now. Every farm will be different, but they have to look at the whole picture.”
Making the Fertilizer Decision – NDSU Extension’s updated fertilizer recommendations will be available online by mid-August. “The biggest change is we’ve expanded our nitrogen costs,” said Extension Soil Specialist Dave Franzen. Innovus Agra farm business management coach Bret Oelke said timing is important. “Do farmers price it now in anticipation of prices not dropping any further or perhaps going up? I would suggest growers talk to suppliers and discuss those programs. They’re available.” After you’ve got the prices, Northland Community and Technical College Farm Business Management Instructor Josh Tjosaas says to evaluate and compare options, don’t be afraid to tap into your trusted farm business management coach or a lender. Hear the story.
Sugarbeet Root Maggot Stresses the Crop – The sugarbeet root maggot is a big problem for sugarbeet growers in the Red River Valley this year. According to NDSU Extension Entomologist Mark Boetel, the pests are feeding in fields right now. Under-protected fields will start showing signs of stress. “You’ll see plants wilting during the hot part of the day. Canopies may not close as soon as they should.” This is the first year sugarbeet growers did not have chlorpyrifos to help control the sugarbeet root magoot. Without the active ingredient, Boetel is concerned about population management heading into 2023.
The Sugarbeet Report – Sugarbeet growers are starting to focus on controlling cercospora leaf spot. Hear more in the Sugarbeet Report, presented by Amity Technology, H&S Manufacturing, SESVanderHave and REGEV from SummitAgro.
Northeastern SD Gets Drier – South Dakota State University Extension State Climatologist Laura Edwards says the exceptionally wet conditions are starting to change in northeastern South Dakota. “That area has actually been pretty dry. There’s really nothing to show on the drought monitor in that region. We have been so wet and I think at this point, dryness is a welcome sight.” With next one to two weeks expected to be warmer and drier, Edwards says drought has the potential to expand and develop in the state. It’s been a variable year for drought.
August is Coming in Hot – High temperatures will reach into the upper 80s, 90s and a few 100-degree readings across the Red River Farm Network listening area this week. Tomorrow will be extremely hot. Nutrien Ag Solutions Principal Atmospheric Scientist Eric Snodgrass says La Nina is still quite strong, pushing a ridge back into the central United States. Snodgrass isn’t worried about what this heat will do to crops in the Dakotas and Minnesota. “It seems in the short term, it may be hot, but there will be a greater chance for storms,” says Snodgrass. “I think the crop will finish, but in some areas it may finish in dry conditions. It’s a flip from what happened earlier this season. I hope we’ll have good grain fill and we get a longer fall with a good dry down.” This week, the crop growing areas that will struggle the most with the hot conditions will be Iowa and Nebraska. “By mid-week, we could see overnight lows in 80 degrees. It’s the wrong time of the year for that kind of heat.”
Hot Weather a Concern for Spring Wheat – University of Minnesota Extension Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma says a lot of the spring wheat is in the middle of grain fill. “That’s one-third of the grain fill period. After that, it’s dry down and then, the hot doesn’t matter. The late planted wheat, we’ll see what happens.” Wiersma says there is some tan spot and bacterial leaf streak being reported. Many acres were already sprayed for scab.
Optimism – Matthew Krueger, who farms at East Grand Forks, expects to begin the spring wheat harvest by mid-August. “Wheat is always hard to tell exactly what we are going to get until we get the combine across there, but I’m optimistic; the early fields look fantastic.” Krueger’s sunflowers are approaching the R2 stage and the stands are good. The soybeans are flowering. “I don’t think we’re gonna have overly tall, pretty beans this year but as long as we can get a late August rain, we could have some good soybeans as well.”
What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson says the weather forecast continues to be hot. The soybeans, corn and wheat markets aren’t so hot, moving lower due to the grain movement out of Black Sea ports. “We’re starting to see grain flow out of Ukraine. Wheat and corn are moving out. I think there are 17 shipments, dampening the corn and soybean markets.” Hear more in this week’s What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets.
A Very Good Winter Wheat Harvest Near Onida, SD – Winter wheat harvest is nearing competition near Onida, South Dakota. Oahe Grain Corporation General Manager Tim Luken looks back at the crop. “Towards the end of winter wheat harvest, we were cutting wheat with yields in the upper 80s to lower 90s. I’m going to put this crop at a 78 to 82 bushel per acre average crop in this area. We ended up taking in 1.2 million bushels of winter wheat with an average of 62 pounds and the protein at 13.1 percent. It was excellent quality, without much of a rain.” Spring wheat harvest is underway. This week’s warm conditions will continue to progress the crop. “It looks good so far. The protein ranges from upper 15 to 16 percent. Test weight is at 60 pounds plus. We’ll know more this week.”
Healthy Spring Wheat Crop Expected – The Wheat Quality Council Spring Wheat Tour three-day average yield for spring wheat at 49.1 bushels per acre. The average yield for durum is at 39 bushels an acre. North Dakota Wheat Commission Market Development and Research Manager Erica Olson says it’s not going to be a bumper crop for the state, but it will be a healthy crop. “One thing we’ve noticed is with the heat we’ve had, there’s some crop stress, like smaller heads.” The forecast is for hot weather this week with much of the crop in the kernel fill period. Wheat Quality Council Executive Vice President Dave Green asked growers throughout the tour if they were concerned about the later than usual year. “They said the weather is what it is and it will be fine.” RRFN’s coverage of the spring wheat tour is sponsored by Acres Away Ag Services.
Basis Doesn’t Lie – Progressive Ag Marketing market analyst Tom Lilja is taking in the results from the Wheat Quality Council Spring Wheat Tour. “There are a lot of spring wheat acres in North Dakota and the crop looks pretty good.” Lilja says the basis doesn’t lie. “Basis is widening out. I think the grain companies know there will be an ample supply. We’ve seen the market move from $14 to $9, taking $5 out. At the end of the day, several farmers are holding out for $10 cash. If basis keeps widening out on big supplies and the U.S. dollar keeps going up, that will be a difficult thing to do this winter.” The tour will affect the market a little bit, but Lilja thinks the big move in the wheat markets was already made.
Next Five Weeks are Crucial – North Dakota Wheat Commission Policy and Marketing Director Jim Peterson says the next five weeks will be critical for North Dakota’s spring wheat. “Right now, the crop certainly has a lot of potential. It looks good, but if we get a patch of early frost or cool weather, it’s a concern. It’s a long way from being in the grain bin.” Peterson says a good comparison year for this year’s crop is 2015 and 2016. “2015 was a later planting year. The big thing then is how many kernels will fill? That’s the tough thing right now.”
Delayed Harvest Will Get Interesting – North Dakota Grain Growers Association Executive Director Dan Wogsland says harvesting wheat in late September and in some cases into October will be interesting. “There’s no daylight left. It will get interesting, because as we heard, harvest is four to six weeks away. That’s into September and on average, we’re not used to that.”
Spring Wheat Yield Contest Deadline Today – The National Wheat Foundation’s spring wheat yield contest entry deadline is today. “Anyone with a five-acre piece that is new seed they’ve planted this year, if it’s above average, they should enter,” said Anne Osborne, project manager, National Wheat Foundation. Applications are available online.
Dry Bean Scene – The U.S. Dry Bean Council is hosting their annual meeting and convention this week. U.S. Dry Bean Council Director Kevin Regan talks about the discussion points. The Dry Bean Scene is brought to you by SRS Commodities, Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company, and BASF.
Timing is Critical Fungicide Application – White mold is a growing threat for soybeans and dry beans. BASF Technical Service Representative Ken Deibert says timing for the fungicide application is important. “Essentially when you’ve got an open flower at one of the top two nodes of the plant or row closure,” said Deibert. “We’re probably at or around early R2 and we’ve got a very conducive environment for the white mold infection; that’s when we want to make that Endura application.” The proper spray nozzle is also necessary. “Use a nozzle that creates a medium to coarse size droplet and that’s going to create some velocity to drive them deeper in the canopy.” With soybeans and dry beans, Deibert said it is important to protect the bottom of the plant where the oldest flowers exist. BASF hosted a field day for ag retailers Thursday at Emerado, North Dakota.
BASF Virtual Field Day – We’re talking dry beans with BASF Technical Service Representative Ken Deibert in the BASF Virtual Field Day. Deibert highlights current crop conditions and offers thoughts for the balance of the season. The video can be found online.
Cool Weather Welcome for Final Week of July – It was a cool week for the final week of July. Pioneer Field Agronomist Kristie Sundeen says that’s good for the canola and wheat. Corn growers would prefer warmer weather to keep advancing the crop. “We just started seeing tassels poking through. The warm weather this week will help the corn out, but canola and wheat wise, the cooler temperatures were a blessing. There’s a lot of filling happening with those crops.” Fungicide season is wrapping up for wheat and canola. “Late fields are still getting fungicide. That should wrap up by the end of the month. There’s not a lot of herbicide spraying happening at this point, that is pretty much done. Dry beans will still need to be sprayed.”
SD Corn Comments – A highlight of summer is sweet corn, the minority of the corn grown across South Dakota. The majority of corn grown in the state is dent corn. Hear more in the latest SD Corn Comments.
Watching for White Mold in Canola – Lankin, North Dakota farmer Dale Zahradka says the canola crop looks wonderful, considering how late it was planted. He is on the lookout for white mold in the crop. “The canola growers put out a good website and the risk is moderate to high in most places at this point. Nothing is visible in fields yet. Usually this shows up in a green field.” NDSU Extension says sclerotinia can cause significant yield losses and is most prevalent and severe in the north central and northeastern part of North Dakota.
Canola Minute – The Northern Canola Growers Association and NDSU Extension are partnering together for a canola field day. Hear more about the upcoming event in this week’s Canola Minute.
Aphid Numbers are Increasing – According to University of Minnesota Extension Entomologist Ian MacRae, aphid numbers are up, but remain less than half the level seen one year ago. Most of this past week’s trap catches were cereal aphids. Soybean aphids are also starting to appear in most trapping locations. The peak aphid season would typically be the next two-to-three weeks.
Scout for Phomopsis in Sunflowers – Phomopsis stem canker is an economically important stem disease of sunflowers and soybeans that’s more prevalent in South Dakota. South Dakota State University Field Crops Pathologist Febina Mathew says Phomopsis spreads in humid weather and moderate temperatures. “We usually see the disease when sunflowers enter the early reproductive growth stages when conditions are right.” Crop rotation is one strategy that may mitigate Phomopsis risk.
Parade of Champions: Say Yes – The Red River Farm Network Parade of Champions is celebrating 4-H and FFA across the region. Daniel Jossund from Perley, Minnesota was a member of the Riverside 4-H Club and Ada-Borup FFA chapter. “I joined 4-H when I was a kindergartener, as soon as I could. My parents were both club leaders and siblings were active in 4-H.” As a 4-H member, Jossund learned skills he uses every day. “I learned a lot talking to the judges at the county and state levels about crops, agronomy, mechanical skills, and woodworking.” Jossund is grateful for his experience in 4-H and FFA and encourages young members to make the most of their time in these organizations. “In FFA, I went to State Greenhand Leadership Camp and also 4-H camps and I met a lot of great friends that I am still in contact with today. Take advantage of the opportunities and say yes more often.” This salute to our next generation is sponsored in NDFB, Associated Milk Producers Incorporated and Dinner Bell Creamery. Hear the story. Photo is courtesy of R&J Broadcasting
Parade of Champions: A Positive Mindset – Incoming greenhand and first year high school member of the Thief River Falls FFA Chapter Rebecca Vogel has a passion for archery. “It takes a lot of preparation. You need certain site marks and sometimes your equipment needs to be different,” explains Vogel. “The day of, you get a really good breakfast and prepare yourself mentally for the day ahead.” When Vogel lived in North Dakota, hunting tags were hard to get so she joined 4-H and the Towner County Shooting Sports Club to learn archery. Vogel is now part of a team called the North Central Elite Archers, competing several times this summer already. She competed in two North Dakota state competitions in Minot and Hazen. She just returned to Minnesota from a USA National Shooting competition in Alabama. There’s another shoot at the end of this month. She’s learned a lot from competitions. “The mindset you hold is really important not only for yourself, but if you have a bad mindset, your shots won’t go through well and people will see through it.” Vogel is already exploring the possibility of competing in FFA archery competitions. Hear the story.
A Way to Boost Productivity and Cut Costs – The National Strip Tillage Conference happened in Iowa City, Iowa last week. Environmental Tillage Systems Regional Sales Manager Dave Sender says high input costs have farmers looking for ways to cut costs while increasing productivity. “We’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth in the last year to year and a half. More and more growers are becoming more interested in the other benefits, like improving soil health and reducing compaction.” Sender says strip till technology keeps improving. “We’ve made improvements with machinery options and row units, like being able to adjust the height of row cleaners and split meter bodies for section control.”
Saving the Soil’s Structure – Speaking at the National Strip-Till Conference, University of Minnesota Regional Extension Educator Jodi DeJong-Hughes said strip-tillage can help alleviate soil compaction. “What strip-tlll can do is save more of the soil’s structure or those little aggregates in the soil,” said DeJong-Hughes. “And aggregates are like little minicolumns in the soil that help hold up the weight of equipment so the healthier your soil is the better able it is to resist compaction.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Try It – Buffalo Lake, Minnesota farmer Brian Ryberg was recognized at the National Strip Till Conference for being the first Minnesota farmer to use strip till in his sugarbeet crop. Ryberg transitioned his farm to strip till in 2014. “We’re 100 percent strip till and vertical till. We’ve implemented cover crops and tried inter-seeding for a few years. We have 22 inch narrow corn and ran into challenges in August that wouldn’t allow inter-seeding to survive. Now, we focus on trying to get cereal rye spreading on acres right after harvest.” Ryberg sees the benefits from strip till. “We noticed the soil health structure really improved. In wet years, we can carry loads on our combine, grain carts and semis into fields and don’t leave tracks. We can handle water infiltration much better. Overall, soil structure and diversity is in the soil, like earth warms. It’s all good.”
Cost Savings a Big Driver for Strip Till – The cost of producing a crop is high and that situation is not expected to change soon. Marlette, Michigan farmer Melissa Show participated in the National Strip Tillage Conference and said it is important to plan ahead. “Get your prices locked in for things you know you’ll need. I think with strip till, it’s easier to cut back, especially if you’re banding nutrients. That’s some savings you can expand upon in the coming years if prices stay high. Equipment will be hard to come by so make sure you’re properly maintaining that equipment or ordering it ahead of time. There’s more planning needed, I think.” SKS Farm purchased its first Soil Warrior in 2014. “I think it’s an easy transition or middle ground of people looking to do minimum till or go towards that. It’s not as big of a jump from conventional straight to no-till. People see the benefits of opening up a strip and warming it up faster. I think a lot of people in this climate are seeing the cost savings, it’s a big driver.” The Red River Farm Network coverage of the Strip Till Conference is sponsored by Environmental Tillage Systems/Soil Warrior.
Dramatic Demand Increase for Strip-Till Equipment – Environmental Tillage Systems-Soil Warrior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Brent Brueland says ETS has seen very good interest. “In the eight years I’ve been involved in manufacturing, we’ve probably had a 400 percent increase in interest, just by the number of contacts we get on a daily basis from people new to strip till. I think the USDA is projecting a 100 percent increase in strip till acreage in the next 10 years, which is excellent.” The benefits of strip till can help farmers in the Northern Plains. “The ability to get the soil warmed up even just two or three days, that’s important.” RRFN’s coverage of the National Strip-Tillage Conference is sponsored by Soil Warrior.
Embracing Intercropping – The National Strip Tillage Conference attracted farmers from throughout the country. Ty Fickenscher, a custom grower in Nebraska, talked about intercropping. “We broke away from the traditional cropping practices to try and drive yield. Relay cropping we’re trying to incorporate into the field as well.” A companion crop is grown between the rows of soybeans. Fickenscher says this improves soil health and assists with weed and insect control. “Profitability is the main thing we want out of this.”
STB Hearings Scheduled – The Surface Transportation Board will host three days of public hearings to consider the merger of Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern. The hearing will be September 28-30 in Washington, D.C. If approved, the Canadian Pacifican Kansas City will extend through the United States and connect Canada and Mexico.
Port of Oakland Reopens – After a weeklong shutdown, cargo containers are moving again through the Port of Oakland. Independent truckers stopped traffic in and out of the port to protest a new California labor law. Oakland is the third largest port in California and is the largest outlet for U.S. meat exports.
NCI to Host Grain Procurement Management Course for Importers – Northern Crops Institute is hosting an eight-day in-person Grain Procurement Management for Importers course September 12-21. The course provides an overview on the U.S. grain handling and marketing system and the risk management tools available to assist buyers in purchasing grain that meets their quality needs at the best value. This course is designed for international grain buyers associated with private trading companies, milling, feed manufacturing and food processing. This course is also suitable for anyone with interest in important grain from the United States. Participants of this course will meet with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and tour the CHS Export Grain Terminal in Duluth, and then to Minneapolis to meet with grain trade experts and tour the CHS barge loading facility. August 12 is the registration deadline.
American Crystal Labor Contract Expires – Union workers at American Crystal Sugar Company rejected a four-year contract proposal. ACSC employees are now working under a contract that expired last night.
Bayer Takes Majority Stake in CoverCress Incorporated – Bayer now has 65 percent ownership of winter oilseed producer CoverCress Incorporated. Bunge and Chevron own the remaining 35 percent ownership. CoverCress is a cash crop that combines grain production with the environmental benefits of a cover crop without displacing other harvests. The oil from this grain is designed to help achieve a lower carbon intensity score and can be made into renewable diesel.
CP Income Declines – Canadian Pacific Railway reports net second quarter income of $765 million, a decline of nearly 40 percent from one year ago. Costs associated with the planned acquisition of Kansas City Southern and high fuel costs negatively impacted revenues.
Oilseeds and Ag Services Business Profitable for ADM – Archer Daniels Midland is reporting second quarter operating profits of $1.8 billion. That’s based on the strength of its ag services and oilseeds processing businesses. “We’re seeing things executed well, navigating dynamic conditions to deliver,” said Juan Luciano, CEO/Chairman. “Even if we work tirelessly serving our customers and consumers around the globe, we are continuing to advance our strategy with productivity initiatives.”
Bunge Reports 2Q Financials – Bunge reports second quarter net income of $206 million. That’s down from $362 million one year ago. Global supply chain problems increased operating costs, including a dramatic increase in freight rates.
AGCO Income Increases Seven Percent – AGCO reports second quarter sales of nearly $3 billion, an increase of 2.3 percent from one year ago. For the first six months of the fiscal year, AGCO has net income of $5.6 billion. That’s up over seven percent from last year. The increase was seen with an uptick in tractor sales. However, high production costs and the effects of the recent cyber attack hurt the bottomline for the farm equipment company.
Peterson Farms Seed and Equinom Partner in Plant-Based Foods – Peterson Farms Seed and Equinom have entered into a long-term collaboration to produce identity-preserved seeds of ultra-high protein yellow peas. The Equinom yellow pea varieties will be the foundation of minimally processed pea-protein ingredients and used in food applications. Peterson Farms Seed will propagate the seeds with its network of seed producers to ultimately commercialize Equinom pea varieties. Growers will have access to closed-loop, take all contracts including pick up post-harvest on the farms. Growers will be paid market price plus bonuses for protein content.
BASF Highlights Pipeline During ND Field Day – The Xitavo seed brand has been in existence for just two years and is expected to surpass one million acres in production next year. BASF Northern Region Agronomy Lead Marc Hoobler says a new soybean cyst nematode resistance trait is being developed. “It’s an agreement that BASF has in place with MS Technologies and Corteva Agriscience. It’s BASF’s trait, but we are going to introduce it into Enlist E3 soybeans.” BASF is also working on a hybrid wheat. “We would expect later on this decade to have commercial variety or commercial hybrids available in the Ideltis brand.” Hoobler spoke at the BASF field day at Emerado.
Sanderson Farms Purchase Complete – Cargill and Continental Grain completed their joint purchase of Laurel, Mississippi-based Sanderson Farms. Sanderson Farms will combine with Continental Grain subsidiary Wayne Farms, forming a new privately held poultry business. The new business, Wayne-Sanderson Farms, will be headquartered in Oakwood, Georgia.
Grevo Inc. Finishes Land Purchase for Aviation Fuel Plant – Colorado-based bio-fuel and chemical manufacturer Grevo Inc., completed its purchase of 245 acres near Lake Preston, South Dakota for its first commercial scale sustainable aviation fuel plant. Grevo expects to break ground on the project in September. Grevo says an associated wind energy project that will provide electricity to the facility is currently being developed.
NDSU Team Does Well at Weekend Weed ID Contest – A team from North Dakota State University competed in the North Central Weed Science Society and Corteva Agriscience weed contest this past weekend. NDSU crop and weed science major Adam Aberle took first place in the weed identification portion and second place overall in the undergraduate individual performance. “I’m pleased with myself, happy with the day and it was nice to connect with other students and weed scientists across the country.” Aberle says the experience requires focus, but it is very enjoyable. “At the end of the day, it’s a learning experience and it’s going to help you advance further in your career in the future. It’s a great experience overall.” Aberle will be pursuing his master’s degree at NDSU starting in the fall. Thanks to the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network for the audio and photo.
Minnesotan Selected to USDA FAS Role – Ellen Lugar has been appointed Minister Counselor of Agriculture in Rome for the Foreign Agricultural Service. Lugar joins USDA from the General Mills Foundation.
Starling Takes Role With Research Firm – Aimpoint Research has hired Ray Starling as an executive advisor with a focus on public policies impacting agriculture and food. Starling was chief of staff for former Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.
U.S. Wheat Associates Promotes Miller – The U.S. Wheat Associates promoted Catherine Miller to serve as the Director of Programs. Miller previously served as the Program and Planning Coordinator and Programs Coordinator. In this new role, Miller will provide support for trade team coordination, short courses and board teams with oversea offices of U.S. Wheat Associates.
DFA Announces New Hire – Dairy Farmers of America appointed Kevin O’Donnell as its new senior vice president of sustainability. Most recently, O’Donnell was with an early-stage investment firm that focused on agriculture and food technology startups.
Brown Moves to BASF – Sarah Brown will take over as the head of public affairs for BASF North American Agricultural Solutions. Brown was the vice president of Biogas. Previously, she was the executive director of industry relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Johnson Moves to FCS of America – Myriah Johnson is the new vice president of corporate sustainability for Farm Credit Services of America. Johnson served in similar roles for BrdgAI and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
A Return to Consulting for Kessler – Director of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement Melissa Kessler is leaving the U.S. Grains Council September 2 to return to consulting fulltime. Kessler will focus on strategy, organization effectiveness and executive coaching.
MN FBM Adds Two Instructors – Minnesota’s Farm Business Management Program has added two new instructors, Narayan Dhakal and Erik Heimark. Dhakal is originally from Nepal and completed his graduate studies at the University of Minnesota. Dhakal will focus on urban agriculture in the seven-county metro area. Heimark previously served as an agriculture and industrial arts teacher at Aitkin and will assist specialty crop producers statewide.
Last Week’s Trivia-The hair-like material on an ear of corn is called silk. Jennifer Jeffers of Farm Credit Services of Mandan was the first to respond with the correct answer and is our weekly trivia winner. Runner-up honors belong to Bob Lebacken of RML Trading, Shell Valley farmer Steve Grenier, Mark Bernard of Agro-Economics and Jon Verheist of Corteva Agriscience. The ‘first 20’ rounds out with Kevin Praska of Stone’s Mobile Radio, Jacob Downing of Cargill, C.O.nxt founding partner Lyle Orwig, Peter Carson of Carson Farms, Harvey farmer Bill Ongstad, Lansford farmer Jerry Bloms, Jon Farris of BankWest, Lawton farmer Dennis Miller, Keith Rekow of Dairyland Seed, Pisek farmer Ernie Barta, Keith Bjornby of Lone Wolf Farms, Twyla Wulf of Clear Springs Cattle Company, Jim Altringer of Dakota Plains Ag and Sara O’Toole of O’Toole Seed.
This Week’s Trivia-What brand of pretzels was developed in a kitchen in Velva, North Dakota? Send your answer to don@rrfn.com.
RRFN Upcoming Events | |||
August 2, 2022 - August 4, 2022 | Farmfest - Redwood Falls, MN | ||
August 2, 2022 | CHS Customer Appreciation Supper - Warren, MN | ||
August 3, 2022 | Grand Forks County Variety Trial Plot Tour - Grand Forks, ND | ||
August 8, 2022 | Corn Cob Open - Brookings, SD | ||
August 8, 2022 | ND Corn Growers Association’s 35th Anniversary - Mapleton, ND | ||
August 9, 2022 | ND Corn Classic - Maple River, ND | ||
August 9, 2022 | ND Grazing Lands Coalition’s Leopold Award Tour - Ellendale, ND | ||
August 9, 2022 | NDSU Extension Junior Beef Producers Workshop | ||
August 10, 2022 - August 12, 2022 | ACE Intensity Conference - Omaha, NE | ||
August 11, 2022 | The Future of Fertilizer Tour - Barrett, MN | ||
August 11, 2022 | Pork Quality Assurance & Transport Quality Assurance Certification Sessions - Morris, MN | ||
August 16, 2022 - August 18, 2022 | Dakotafest - Mitchell, SD | ||
August 18, 2022 | NDSU Monthly Agricultural Market Outlook - Online Webinar | ||
August 18, 2022 - August 19, 2022 | R-CALF USA Annual Convention - Deadwood, SD | ||
August 24, 2022 | Midwest Agricultural Export Summit - Sioux Falls, SD | ||
August 25, 2022 | NPPGA Field Day - Larimore, Inkster and Hoople, ND | ||
August 25, 2022 | ND Corn Clay Shoot & Supper - Bismarck, ND | ||
August 30, 2022 | Sugarbeet Plot Tour - Foxhome, MN |
Contact RRFN | Don Wick (701) 795-1315 |
Randy Koenen (701) 795-1315 |
Tyler Donaldson (701)-795-1315 |
Jamie Dickerman (701)-795-1315 |
RRFN Affiliate Stations | |||
Aberdeen, SD – 105.5 FM | Ada, MN – 106.5 FM | Bagley, MN – 96.7 FM | Bemidji, MN – 1300 AM |
Benson, MN – 1290 AM | Bismarck, ND – 1270 AM | Bismarck, ND – 1270 AM | Casselton, ND – 103.9 FM |
Crookston, MN – 1260 AM | Devils Lake, ND – 103.5 FM | Fergus Falls, MN – 1250 AM | Fosston, MN – 1480 AM |
Glenwood, MN – 107.1 FM | Grafton, ND – 1340 AM | Jamestown, ND – 600 AM | Langdon, ND – 1080 AM |
Mahnomen, MN – 101.5 FM | Mayville, ND – 105.5 FM | Roseau, MN – 102.1 FM | Rugby, ND – 1450 AM |
Thief River Falls, MN – 1460 AM | Wadena, MN – 920 AM | Warroad, MN – 92.5 FM | Worthington, MN – 730 AM |
FarmNetNews is a production of the Red River Farm Network. RRFN is based in Grand Forks, North Dakota and provides news to farmers and ranchers across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.