The Pro Farmer Crop Tour Results Are In – The Pro Farmer Crop estimates have U.S. corn production at more than 15.1 billion bushels, with an estimated average yield of 177 bushels per acre. These numbers take into account the data gathered during this past week’s tour. The U.S. soybean crop is estimated at more than 4.4 billion bushels with an average yield of 51.2 bushels per acre. Of the seven states toured, the best corn and soybean crop yields are forecast for Illinois at 212 bushels per acre and 66 bushels per acre, respectively. The lowest corn and soybean yields are forecast for South Dakota at 140 bushels per acre and 41 bushels per acre.

Crop Scouts See a Decent Crop in Southern MN – The western leg of the Pro Farmer Crop Tour toured southern Minnesota on its final day. Zaner Group Ag Hedge Lead Ted Seifried saw better than expected yields. “Through our first six stops in our district, we’re finding 210.9 bushels per acre for the corn. That’s slightly higher than last year. Our specific route found very good corn and soybeans. The average pod counts was 1,307 compared to the three year average of 1,046. There’s good stuff in Minnesota.” Seifried suspects the recent dryness has the corn crop at a standstill. “There are big cracks in the soil. These crops aren’t necessarily progressing, they could go backwards if more rains don’t arrive.” In the Pro Farmer crop estimate, Minnesota’s corn is estimated at 170 bushels per acre and the soybeans are forecast at 46 bushels per acre.

The Drought Goes On – Abnormal to extreme drought conditions remain across South Dakota. South Dakota State University Extension State Climatologist Laura Edwards says the heat is taking a toll on the row crops. “We’ve seen corn firing up and I’ve seen ears dropping. Soybeans are nearing the end of maturity. Lots of things are progressing quickly, limiting yield. We are nearing the end. We can’t make up more time in the summer crops.” Harvest conditions will likely be warmer than average. “In general, the next three months we’ll be leaning towards warmer-than-average. That will push maturities. I’m not saying we won’t see any rain, but I don’t see substantial drought relief through the end of the year. Looking back at the 2012 drought, it was spring 2013 when we really recovered. I’d warn people to be prepared for something similar.”

“Better Late Than Never” – That’s how many are feeling about the widespread rains that moved across the Dakotas and Minnesota this weekend. The Humboldt, Minnesota area received nearly two inches of rain. CHS Ag Services Sales Agronomist Jackson Peterson says this should perk up the crops. “It’s a happy day when there’s rain,” says Peterson. “Before the rains, the crops were wilting. It’s been a dry year. We hope it pays off in the long-run.”

Minn-Dak Farmers Co-op Expecting Good Quality Beet Crop – Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative Vice President of Agriculture Mike Metzger is all smiles ahead of pre-pile harvest. The rains were beneficial. “This is early enough for the sugarbeets to soak in the rains and start putting on tons. It won’t affect quality too much.” Pre-pile sugarbeet harvest for Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative begins today. Sugarbeet samples show the possibility of 26 tons per acre for the crop. “Right now, we’re looking at sugar in the 17 percent range. Given the volume of cercospora pressure in past years, it’s been a struggle to hit that mark. To see the sugars at that level with six weeks of growing season left, we’re in a state of utopia.” American Crystal Sugar Cooperative is beginning pre-pile harvest Tuesday.

A Good Sugarbeet Crop Expected for Southern MN Growers – Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative will begin its pre-pile campaign on Tuesday. Vice President of Agriculture Todd Geselius says early August rains really helped. “We feel good where we are at right now. The last root samples, taken earlier this month, were the best we’ve ever had. Right now, we’re forecasting a 29 ton crop.” Geselius says early beet quality is very good due to the limited rainfall. Cercospora hasn’t been a big problem this season. “That’s due to two reasons, the dry weather and our growers have been really working at it. That’s really paying off and we’re seeing very little cercospora.”

Pioneer Agronomy Update – The crop needs rain, but Stenvold Ag Service owner Mike Stenvold is optimistic about the potential for the soybean crop in the central Red River Valley. For corn, harvest management will be the key. “We’re starting to see some nitrogen deficiency and leaf firing,” said Stenvold. “We’re starting to see some tipback as well. Overall, the crop looks good, but we’ll have to see what happens with moisture. We might be looking to harvest when we can versus when we want to due to stalk degradation.” More details can be found on this week’s Pioneer Agronomy Update on YouTube and social media.

A Story of Two Crops – There are parts of Minnesota where soybeans could be harvested in the week ahead. University of Minnesota Extension Agronomist Seth Naeve says that doesn’t mean all of the beans will be harvested early. “The really full season stuff is going to hang on as long as there is moisture out there.” If good rains come late in the season, the longer maturity soybean varieties could green up quite a bit. “With good rainfall, they could significantly green up and they may not dry down very well. It all depends on what happens with the weather. I think farmers need to be ready a little bit earlier and I also think they need to be cognizant that they may need to harvest out of a field and capture an area within a field and let other areas of the field go a little longer.”

Eastern South Dakota Crops Doing Alright – Peterson Farms Seed Eastern South Dakota Sales Manager Cody Olson says corn and soybean development looks ok in eastern South Dakota. “The recent rains should help us get a better fill at harvest.” The soybean pods are swelled up, but were not filling as well as the pods should this time of the year. “Usually you want up to 1.5 inches of rain to finish up the soybeans.” Olson says farmers are also thinking ahead to 2022. “Farmers are getting excited about what they’re going to plant next year. There may be ways to implement smarter tillage practices and fertilizer rates. We’ll be here to help farmers make good choices, including hybrids for their fields.” Hear the story.

Frosted Beans – The corn crop in the Clearbrook/Gully area of northwest Minnesota is very inconsistent. Chad Dyrdahl says the dry weather has taken its toll. “There’s some with absolutely no ears on the crop and some that looks like it will go 130-to-140 bushel per acre. It looks like you had trouble with your planter, but it’s not the planter’s fault at all.” It’s hard to imagine with the recent heat, but Dyrdahl’s ground has had frost damage. “I farm some peat land up by the wild rice paddies north of Gully about ten miles and it froze about 600 acres of my soybeans,” said Dyrdahl. “The old saying is peat don’t hold heat and I expected that up there, but not on August 13th.”

Fall Burndown Will Keep Weeds in Check for Next Year – With an early small grain harvest, Pioneer Field Agronomist Sarah Lovas is encouraging growers to scout those fields. “Weeds like waterhemp like to germinate throughout the entire growing season with the absence of a crop canopy,” said Lovas. “Now that those fields are open, there is a great opportunity for those weeds to grow. Once we get a rain out there and the weeds start growing, it is worth it to go out to do a fall burndown and make sure we keep those weeds in check for next year.” In the very dry areas, grasshopper and spider mite issues continue. Lovas says spider mites can be scouted all the way through the R6 stage of development.

Silage Conditions May Vary – Silage harvest is happening in South Dakota. South Dakota State University Extension Feedlot Specialist Warren Rusche says the corn silage conditions vary across the map. “It goes anywhere from fields that are four to five feet tall with no ears to other fields that really aren’t bad, we just lost grain yield. Silage tonnage and the amount of dry matter for corn shouldn’t be too far from normal,” says Rusche. “Check the moisture, these plants are wetter than you think. Once you do that, remember the basic things about putting up silage. Get the chop length right, pack it well and get the pile covered.” Depending on the drought stress, Rusche says a nitrate test may be necessary for silage.

An Early Harvest Anticipated – The drought changes the physiology of the plant. Pioneer Field Agronomist Clyde Tiffany says that is pushing corn and soybean crops to maturity. “You’re seeing the beans turning and corn fully dented,” said Tiffany. “Once you hit dent stage, it is usually three-to-four weeks before it hits black layer which physiological maturity. If we continue on this pace, we’re going to see earlier harvests for both crops.” Tiffany, who is based at Spicer, Minnesota, says farmers will need to stay on top on crop maturity and the timing of harvest. “A lot of time when you get natural field drydown, the grain quality is also higher. The downside is you start getting harvest losses.” Tiffany was part of this week’s Pioneer Revolution Plot Tour at Mooreton, North Dakota.

Canola Minute – Canola production in North America will be severely reduced this year. Hear more from Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman in the latest Canola Minute.

Wheat and Canola Harvest Happening Near Berthold, ND – Kansas based custom harvester Mike Dolechek is harvesting in the Carpio and Berthold, North Dakota areas. “We picked up extra work and will make a decent run out of it.” Dolechek says the wheat crop has been decent. “We got into one big field that was in prevent plant last year. That stuff hit around 70 bushels/acre. The normal wheat is running in the 40 bushels/acre range.” The canola is mixed. “We harvested a lot of 1,500 pound canola. I’m hearing many people at 1,200 to 1,500 pounds for canola.”

Potato News – The drought is impacting potato production in the Red River Valley. At Buxton, North Dakota, NoKota Packers President Carissa Olsen says everyone will appreciate the rain. Hear more in Potato News, presented by Corteva Agriscience, Gowan USA and BASF’s Provysol Fungicide for early blight.

Farm Bureau Asks for Immediate Drought Help – Drought relief is being considered in Washington D.C. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall would like farmers and ranchers to get help quickly. “I know the federal government is going help. Let’s don’t make it two years down the road after farmers have to sell their cattle. It’s not just the drought, it’s the availability of forage, whether you can even find it.” South Dakota Senator John Thune says lawmakers are trying. “This time of the year relief may require direct assistance. Whether it’s the WHIP+ program, haying and grazing Conservation Reserve Program acres or allowing cover crops to be harvested ahead of November 1, there’s a number of things that could done to help in a season of uncertainty.” Duvall and Thune were both at Dakotafest.

Looking at a More Permanent Disaster Program – A more permanent disaster program may be considered as farm bill discussions begin this fall. “I’d like to see us address ad-hoc programs in the farm bill so we don’t need supplemental appropriations year-over-year,” said John Thune, South Dakota Senator. “At least, we need to design or tailor programs to respond to specific circumstances instead of coming back retroactively to release programs that can take forever to get payments.” Thune wants crop insurance to be an effective program. “The more we can build-in provisions that will trigger in the event of a weather disaster in the farm bill, that’s the best way to deal with this. We need a solution that provides necessary assistance, but doesn’t entail consistently appropriating new money adding to the deficit.”

South Dakota Ranchers Want Competitive and Fair Cattle Markets – South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association President Eric Jennings won’t forget the recent black swan events impacting cattle producers. “We came up to a high supply of cattle in January 2020, this was peak supply. At that point, we barely had enough packing capacity. Then, COVID-19 hit and it slowed up the plants, backing up cattle. We’ve been trying to eat through the supply,” says Jennings. “There’s tremendous demand for retail beef and plenty of cattle available, but we don’t have the capacity to get them through. I think that’s a lot of the market right now. Packers don’t have to bid much for cattle, because there are so many available. It’s frustrating when they’re making so much money.” Jennings was part of a panel discussion at Dakotafest on Tuesday.

Seeking Solutions – South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says cattle market transparency is a tough issue. The American Farm Bureau asked the Biden administration for an interim report from the Department of Justice. “We want to know whether if there’s actual packer collusion going on including price fixing. There’s also the price discovery part. We’re working on the possibility of adding a higher level of cash negotiated trade.” There’s also money included in the Senate Agriculture Appropriations bill to create a pilot program for a cattle contract library at the USDA’s Ag Marketing Service. “This would be an online resource. Packers would be required to report what kind of contracts they’re putting together with producers. It would be subject to confidentiality, but include contract frameworks.” Hear the story.

Minnesota Beef Update – The Cattle Industry Convention took place last week in Nashville. Minnesota Beef Council Director of Industry Relations Royalee Rhoads has a recap of convention in the Minnesota Beef Update.

Slaughter Cattle Prices Expected to Move Higher – Bagley Livestock Exchange in Bagley, Minnesota continues to see large numbers, primarily back grounded yearlings, move through the auction ring. Bagley Livestock owner Billy Bushelle is optimistic about the cattle market. “They’ve been very strong indicating we’re going to have a very strong finished market in the first quarter. The expectation is the fat cattle market will get considerably higher.” Leif Bakken, a farm broadcaster with KRJB, contributed to this story.

Dairy Farmers Get Details of COVID-19 Aid – Dairy farmers will receive $350 million in COVID-19 relief through the USDA’s Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program. The USDA will reimburse qualified dairy farmers for 80 percent of the revenue difference per month based on an annual production of up to 5 million pounds of milk marketed and on fluid milk sales from July through December 2020. Payment rates will vary by region. This is one of several announcements the USDA is expected to make regarding COVID-19 relief for dairy farmers.

National Milk Says Size Should Not Matter With Disaster Aid – The National Milk Producers Federation says the USDA’s Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program will be helpful, but the program falls short of reimbursing meaningful losses for all U.S. dairy farms. At issue are the payment limitations on reimbursing five million pounds per producer. “We appreciate the USDA for taking the initial step, doing what they could. We’re going with Congress to get additional money to fill the loss. We want to do so in a way that doesn’t not cause distortion to reimburse for losses based on size,” explains Paul Bleiberg, senior vice president for government relations, NMPF. “This is a disaster situation. In the case of disasters, we don’t think there should be these kind of limitations.” The vehicle for the additional funding is to be determined.

Upper Midwest Dairy Industry Watching for More DMC Details – Dairy farmers in the Upper Midwest may not get as much of a payment in USDA’s Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program. This new program focuses on Class I fluid milk sales, while the Upper Midwest produces cheese. The USDA said on Thursday they will update the feed cost formula in DMC to better reflect the actual costs dairy farmers will pay for high quality alfalfa. The change will be retroactive to January 2020. This is expected to provide additional retroactive payments of $100 million for 2020 and 2021. It is unclear when supplemental payments for the feed cost adjustment and DMC production history adjustment will be distributed.

SD Sees Dramatic Jump in Milk Production – In the 24 major dairy states, more than 18 billion pounds of milk was produced in July. That’s up more than two percent from July of 2020. South Dakota added 21,000 dairy cows to the state herd and increased milk production by 17 percent. Minnesota milk output rose 4.2 percent.

House Lawmakers Return to Washington D.C. – House lawmakers are returning to Washington D.C. this week to consider budget resolution. A bipartisan infrastructure package may also be considered. The budget resolution is a blueprint for federal spending over a 10-year period. House Democrats are expected to get the votes needed to pass the Senate’s budget resolution. This would allow the process of development and consideration of a reconsolidation bill to move forward.

Tax Policy Concerns Linger as Infrastructure Moves Forward – During a congressional panel discussion at Dakotafest, farmers and ranchers expressed concerns about changes in tax policy. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds, a panel participant, said the concerns surround stepped up basis. “The loss of that and the federal estate tax could come back into play. That could really make an impact on family farms being able to passed on from generation to generation.” Rounds said there will not be Republican support for the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package. “They need every single Democrat to vote yes. We’re lobbying Democratic colleagues about how serious this is and there are three to four of them who understand it. We’re trying to get them to challenge their own party.”

Including Biofuels in New Infrastructure Solutions – When the Senate passed the first phase bipartisan infrastructure package earlier this month, an investment in low carbon biofuels was not included. American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings still thinks that was a missed opportunity that shouldn’t happen again. Representatives are preparing to return to Washington D.C. to work on infrastructure. “Representative Angie Craig joined us in-person during the ACE Annual Conference to talk about the path forward on infrastructure. She’s going to make it a priority to get something for ethanol in those vehicles, if possible.” That could be restoring year-round E15 market or additional infrastructure assistance. “The point she made was if they’re going to put money on the table for vehicle charging stations, they damn well should put money on the table to make sure there are incentives for E10, E15 and E35.” Hear the story.

E15 Rehearing Sought – The National Corn Growers Association, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association are petitioning the courts for a rehearing over the year-round use of E15. A month ago, a three-judge panel vacated EPA’s approval of year-round availability of the E15 ethanol blend. The ag and ethanol groups said that ruling conflicts with Supreme Court decisions and the intent of Congress. They want the case heard again before all 11 judges on the federal court of appeals in Washington, D.C.

Corn Matters – The Minnesota Corn Growers Association has been taking part in tile drainage research projects. University of Minnesota Extension specialist Lindsay Pease has more in this edition of Corn Matters.

China Needs U.S. Soybeans – The USDA did not report any soybean export sales to China on Friday, ending an 11 day buying streak. “That was the first day since August 4 we didn’t have a flash sale report from the USDA from China,” said Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist, Stone X Group. “They’ve bought a lot of soybeans. China needs U.S. soybeans for October delivery, which means they need to load up those soybeans from the Gulf of Mexico now. There won’t be as many soybeans going to the Pacific Northwest with the short-crop. It takes more than one month for soybeans to arrive in China from the Gulf of Mexico.” Once the soybeans get to China, Suderman says soybeans may have to sit for one month, due to port congestion problems from COVID protocols. Soybean crushers may feel the pinch in six weeks.

An Aggressive Buyer – Iowa State University Extension Economist Chad Hart says the Chinese buying spree has been positive. “They’ve been incredibly aggressive in the past 12 months. Some of the buying is related to the growing economy and rebuilding after African Swine Fever. Some of the sales are also linked to the phase one trade deal. We’re in the last few months of that.” Hart says if China’s pace of purchases are similar to 2020, this should be a good year for farmers.

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – Weather and crop conditions continue to dominate the grain markets. Advance Trading risk management advisor Tommy Grasfi has more in the latest edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets.

Funds Exit Ag Commodities – Traders are nervous with ongoing world events, ranging from Afghanistan and the Delta variant. NAU Country Vice President of Ag Services Rich Morrison says crude oil has been a big driver in this market. “That is removing interest in commodities as an investment class right now,” said Morrison. “We’re seeing funds that stuck around with corn, soybeans and wheat for a long, long time reevaluating those decisions and taking the money somewhere else.” China has been actively buying corn and soybeans. “I think that is telling us that Brazil is out of beans.”

Corn Comments – As students head back to school, the South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota Showdown Series is back once again. Learn more in the latest Corn Comments program from South Dakota Corn.

Fielding Questions: Market Momentum – The markets continue to gain momentum as harvest begins in the Northern Plains. Although farmers are still battling drought conditions, there are some attractive pricing opportunities. In the latest Fielding Questions episode, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen dives into the markets, including the latest production numbers from USDA, crop conditions and more. This podcast, produced in collaboration between AgCountry FCS and the Red River Farm Network, explores the world of farm finance and rural life. Listen here.

Crop Insurance is a Backstop to Protect Farmers – Ihry Insurance Agency agent Mike Kozojed says most farmers will be filing crop insurance claims this year, due to the drought. “The prices are high so any bushels that they are short of their guarantees will be paid a good price this fall. You always want to have the bushels, but the price is up there so we will have a way to climb our way out of the woods on this.” Losses must be documented. “Good records are always key and that makes the whole process smoother.” During it’s meeting Thursday night at Hope, Ihry Insurance highlighted a Margin Protection Insurance product as an option for pricing the 2022 crop.

It’s Getting Tough to Find Good, Affordable Forage – In northwest South Dakota, cow-calf producer Eric Jennings says there are severe to extreme drought conditions. “We lost a lot of production early, missing out on April and May showers and snowstorms. We won’t get that production back. It’s better now, but everyone is still very short on feed. Hay is in short supply and water has become a real issue.” Jennings, who is president of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, says finding good forage is difficult right now, but finding affordable forage is even more difficult. “There’s (hay priced at) $250 per ton and likely more to have it delivered. It’s such a wide area around us that’s dry. We had a great hay crop in 2019, we tapped into that carryover last year, but we’ll finish it this year and run short. Cattle are going to market.”

Dry Bean Scene – The dry bean markets are certainly starting to tell a story. Acres are down dramatically in 2021 and production is being impacted by ongoing drought in North Dakota and Minnesota. Hear more from Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson in the Dry Bean Scene. This radio program is made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, SRS Commodities, Johnstown Bean Company and Sharpen Herbicide from BASF.

EPA Bans Chlorpyrifos Use on Food Crops – The Environmental Protection Agency is banning the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on U.S. food crops. According to the EPA, the pesticide has been associated with potential neurological affects in children. In a statement, EPA said after the delays and denials of the prior administration, the agency will follow science and put health and safety first. The Trump administration’s EPA denied a 2007 petition to revoke the pesticide. The Biden administration’s EPA issued a notice of intent to cancel food uses. The final rule is available online and the language will take effect 60 days from being published in the Federal Register.

Ag Retailers Disappointed with EPA’s Chlorpyrifos Ban – Agricultural Retailers Association President Daren Coppock is disappointed the EPA banned the use of chlorpyrifos for food crops. “Chlorpyrifos is an essential tool. There aren’t a lot of good alternatives for the control it offers,” says Coppock. “The other issue is more precedential in regulating products. EPA revoked food tolerances. They didn’t revoke the federal registration.” This will take more time. Coppock thinks it’s a run around from how pesticides are supposed to be regulated. “Moving forward, EPA will take comments on food use tolerance, but they’re unlikely to reconsider their decision. What we see unfolding is the registration under FIFRA will take six months after they publish this in the Federal Register. There will be a period of uncertainty. Retailers and farmers that stocked up on the products are stuck with inventory they cannot use.”

ITC Rules on Fertilizer Imports – The International Trade Commission has ruled Russia, Trinidad and Tobago have ‘materially injured’ the U.S. fertilizer industry by selling UAN fertilizer at less than fair market value. This decision was needed before the U.S. could impose antidumping and countervailing duties. These three countries are responsible for 80 percent of U.S. UAN fertilizer imports.

Land Values Remain Firm – Higher commodity prices coupled with government payments has land values firming across the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank District. Kansas City Fed Regional Economist Nathan Kauffman says the increase is primarily being seen in crop land values. “This has been on the heels of the surge in crop prices, primarily. We are seeing some strength in ranch land in our district. Crop land values are up 10 percent year-over-year. There’s still strength in the market.” Kauffman says farm financials are also better than one year ago. “Liquidity improved. Loan repayment rates improved. From a banker’s perspective, lenders are seeing a softer demand for financing. As financials improve, investments are also improving, with land being one of those.”

Fewer Farm Bankruptcies Across the U.S. – A report from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Market Intel says data from U.S. courts shows a 24 percent decline in bankruptcy filings year-over-year. Farm Bureau says higher commodity prices and well-timed government payments has farm bankruptcy filings at the lowest level since 2015. Not all regions of the country are seeing fewer bankruptcies. However, Farm Bureau says the southwestern U.S. saw bankruptcy filings increase year-over-year.

Demand For Used Farm Equipment Strengthens – The price of good used farm equipment continues to skyrocket. Greg Peterson, known as Machinery Pete, says the used machinery market is hot. “The good condition, used equipment market is the hottest I’ve ever seen it. Historically, mid-to-late summer is a down period. In 2021, if it’s good condition and used, the prices are up significantly.” Peterson says equipment size does not matter. Demand is very strong. “A lot of it has to do with what’s happening with new equipment. With the COVID-19 pandemic’s supply issues, computer chip issues and price of steel, it became problematic for manufacturers to get enough product. They didn’t foresee strong buying demand one year ago. Then, inventory on farm equipment dealer lots is tight.”

Minnesota Wheat Minute – Minnesota Wheat is coordinating with other commodity groups and stakeholders to leverage checkoff dollars to best benefit farmers. Learn more from CEO Charlie Vogel in the Minnesota Wheat Minute.

Lower Cattle-On-Feed Numbers in July – Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter in U.S. feedlots totaled 11.1 million head on August 1. That’s two percent below last year. July feedlot placements were 1.74 million head, eight percent below one year ago. Fed cattle marketings in July totaled 1.9 million head, five percent below 2020. Read the details.

ND Ranchers Eligible for Water Supply Grants – North Dakota’s emergency water supply program is now open for applications. This program reimburses livestock producers with eligible losses for half of the eligible costs for a temporary water supply, equipment and hauling. Each farmer or rancher is eligible for up to $4,500.

Parade of Champions – Sydnee Johnson – Sixteen-year-old Sydnee Johnson of Zap, North Dakota has shown goats and beef cattle throughout her 4-H career. A few years ago, Johnson and her four siblings decided to full commit themselves to the organization. “My older sister had to pick between piano lessons or showing in 4-H because our family didn’t want too much on our plate while also raising livestock. So, we all agreed to show livestock and went from showing at just our county fair to showing all around the state.” Johnson, who is part of the Riverside Valley 4-H Club, was the Grand Champion 4-H Beef Senior Showman at the North Dakota State Fair this year. At the end of the day, it means more to Johnson to do well in showmanship. “You work with that animal all year long in hope of winning showmanship.” The Parade of Champions radio series highlights the hard work of 4–H and FFA youth across the region. This salute to the next generation is sponsored by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, North Dakota Wheat Commission, AgCountry Farm Credit Services and Associated Milk Producers Incorporated and its Dinner Bell Creamery Brand.

Parade of Champions – Justus Moser – Family is at the heart of showing livestock for Justus Moser of Morris, Minnesota. “I’ve always enjoyed showing alongside my siblings. They’ve taught me a lot about livestock, all species.” The Morris FFA member is showing two Lim-Flex heifers and one Simm-Angus heifer this year. “Working with livestock is a natural ability of mine and I love people. This is also a great way to connect with the public. My FFA chapter brings livestock and educational classes to the state fairgrounds. I’ve been part of that every year.” Moser plans to attend the Minnesota State Fair before going to college at South Dakota State University this fall. Moser will pursue a double-major in precision agriculture and ag systems technologies. Listen to the story.

KCS Shareholder Vote Delayed – The Kansas City Southern Railway postponed Thursday’s shareholder vote on Canadian National’s $33.6 billion takeover bid. The Surface Transportation Board is expected to make its decision about CN’s proposed use of a voting trust as part of its acquisition by the end of the month. Rival Canadian Pacific Railway is betting the STB will not approve the CN deal and has offered $31 billion for the Kansas City Southern.

Spiritwood Part of ADM/Marathon Joint Venture – ADM has inked an agreement with Marathon Petroleum to form a joint venture, which will own and operate the Spiritwood, North Dakota soybean processing facility. ADM took over the facility earlier this summer. With this deal, ADM will own 75 percent and Marathon Petroleum will own the remaining 25 percent. When complete in 2023, the Spiritwood plant will produce 600 million pounds of refined soybean oil each year. That will offer enough feedstock for 75 million gallons of renewable diesel fuel per year.

New Crush Facility Coming to Manitoba – Cargill plans to build a new canola crush plant near Regina, Manitoba. Construction will begin once the regulatory approvals are granted. The plant is expected to be up and running by early 2024.

Fagen Contracted to Build Crookston Crush Plant – Epitome Energy has awarded Granite-Falls based Fagen the contract to build the proposed soybean crush facility in Crookston. The $300 million processing plant will crush 42 million bushels of soybeans per year. Construction is expected to begin next year.

Bayer Seeks Intervention From Supreme Court – Bayer wants the Supreme Court to overturn the $25 million award in the 2019 lawsuit dealing with the use of Roundup and cancer. In its appeal, Bayer emphasizes the EPA has found glyphosate is not a threat to human health.

APHIS Seeks Input on New Bt SCN Variety – USDA is seeking public comment on the fate of a new herbicide-tolerant soybean variety that is resistant to soybean cyst nematode. The BASF variety would be the first commercially available Bt soybeans that focuses on SCN. The comment period continues through September 16.

The Andersons Streamlines Its Business – The Andersons has sold its rail leasing business to American Industrial Transport for $550 million. The Ohio-based company said this decision allows it focus more on its core grain and fertilizer business. The Andersons also plans to sell its railcar repair business, which includes 29 facilities nationwide.

Irrigation is Valued – With no end in sight for the drought, Reinke Manufacturing Northcentral Territory Manager Vernon Hinnenkamp is seeing strong interest in a central pivot. “There’s big demand for irrigation and NRCS is working with farmers to help them get into irrigation at a reasonable cost.” Hinnenkamp says a sprinkler package can be customized for a specific crop or application. “The sprinkler package is the most important part of the whole pivot. You can have a gold-plated pivot and it’s not as important as the sprinkler package.”

Bialke Appointed as NDDA Legal Counsel and Advisor – North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has named J.P. ‘Dutch’ Bialke as the Department’s legal general counsel and policy advisor. Bialke previously served as a judge advocate in the Air Force, retiring in 2014. Since that time, Bialke has served as the North Dakota assistant attorney general advising the agriculture department, North Dakota Mill and other agencies.

Greenhouse Named for Dalrymple – As of Friday, the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station Greenhouse Complex is known as the Jack Dalrymple Agricultural Research Complex. The renaming of the site honors former Governor Jack Dalrymple.

Arena Named for Chancellor Emeritus Charles Casey – The equine arena at the University of Minnesota-Crookston has been named the Charles H. Casey Equine Arena in honor of former Chancellor and UM Regent Chuck Casey. Casey was UMC’s chancellor from 2005-to-2012. Previously, Casey served as the dean and director of UM Extension. From 1979-to-1991, Casey was a member of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. A dedication ceremony was held Tuesday.

A New Role for Schatz – Effective September 1, Blaine Schatz will take over as the assistant director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Schatz has been the director of the Carrington Research Extension Center for the past 25 years. Schatz succeeds Tim Faller, who has been in that role for 15 years.

From Williston to Fargo – Dr. Claire Keene will take over as NDSU Extension’s new small grains and corn agronomist. Keene has been an extension cropping specialist in Williston for the past five years. After 18 years on the job, Joel Ransom retired from the NDSU Extension agronomist job earlier this year.