A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network
Monday, August 26, 2019
Red River Farm Network Crop Tour Presented by Pioneer- For the second consecutive year, the Red River Farm Network is hitting the road to check on crops in key portions of North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota. In most cases, a wet spring delayed the planting schedule for corn, soybeans and other crops. That is putting increased scrutiny on crop maturity and prospects for the upcoming harvest season. Listen to your favorite RRFN radio station for updates. Special Facebook Live updates can also be found online. The RRFN Crop Tour will consider yield prospects, which will be very dependent on the weather and the first freezing temperatures. More importantly, harvest management recommendations will be highlighted in the special coverage this week.
U.S. and Japan Reach ‘Agreement in Principle’ – The U.S. and Japan have an agreement in principle following months of trade negotiations. On Sunday, President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe released more details from the G7 Summit. Trump calling the agreement tremendous for U.S. farmers. “One of the things Prime Minister Abe agreed to is we have excess corn in various parts of the country with our farmers, because China didn’t do what they said they’d do and Japan will be buying all of our corn,” said Trump. Throughout the press conference, Trump continued to emphasize the purchase of hundreds of millions of dollars of U.S. corn to be purchased with the agreement. Reuters is reporting the two counties could sign the agreement in New York next month.
Trade Agreement Would ‘Level the Playing Field’ – The National Pork Producers Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association are pleased with the progress in the U.S. and Japan trade discussions, saying it will level the playing field with international competitors. Japan is the top market for U.S. beef and 25 percent of U.S. pork export went to Japan last year. With a signed agreement, Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes estimates the U.S. pork exports to Japan will grow from $1.6 billion in 2018 to more than $2.2 billion in the next 15 years.
Potential to Grow Potato Exports in Japan – There’s potential to expand U.S. potato exports in Japan. The National Potato Council expressed appreciation of the progress in U.S. and Japan trade negotiations. “We feel positive the Japan situation, by the end of this year, will stabilize,” says NPC CEO Kam Quarles. “We are hopeful, ultimately, when the full details of the agreement come out, it will be clear U.S. potato exports are going to be put on a level footing with other foreign competitors.” Quarles says the trade experts from each country will need to sit down and actually put the pen to paper on the details. Japan is the U.S. potato industry’s largest export market, with exports at more than $350 million in the past year. The NPC says the market could provide another $150 million of growth in the future.
New Development in U.S.-China Negotiations – According to President Trump, Chinese officials called over the weekend saying the two sides should return to the bargaining table. Trump said China wants to make a deal and “that’s a great thing.” This morning, Trump also tweeted his respect for Chinese President Xi and China’s call for “a calm resolution” to the trade dispute. This news follows comments made by Trump at the G-7 summit in France, suggesting he was having second thoughts about the trade war with China. Hours later, the White House released a statement saying the president’s comment was misinterpreted and his only regret was that he hadn’t raised tariffs higher.
Censky on the U.S. and China Trade Relationship – Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Steve Censky says it remains to be seen if China will re-engage in a meaningful way in future trade discussions. Censky says the long-term goal is for China to be a fair trader. “We still want China to be a good customer and we want to be a reliable supplier, but we also want the Chinese government to play by the rules.” USDA”s trade assistance package is in place to help farmers mitigate the trade challenges. Censky says the second and third payments depend on the trade situation. “If farmers are still facing trade retaliation, we’ll be proceeding with the second tranche,” says Censky. “I think all of us are hopeful China will come to the table in a meaningful way.” Listen to the interview.
SD Farmers Make Stand Against Tariffs – South Dakota Farm Bureau hosted a panel discussion on trade and tariffs at Dakotafest. SDFB Marketing Coordinator Brenda Dreyer said tariffs are making an impact on South Dakota farmers. “We brought in local farmers to discuss how it’s impacting them.” South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson was part of the discussion. Johnson sayid market access is extremely important for farmers. “Farmers want trade, not aid. The North American Free Trade Agreement was a big win for American agriculture,” said Johnson. “U.S. exports to Mexico have increased dramatically since 1993 and the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement is an even better deal than NAFTA. It will provide new market access. We need that deal brought to the floor this fall so the U.S. can ratify the agreement.”
First Round of MFP 2.0 Payments Being Processed – Farmers should start receiving the first round of Market Facilitation Program payments very soon. According to USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce, the payment process began Wednesday for farmers with approved applications. “Over 200,000 applications have been received since sign up began on July 29,” says Fordyce. Farmers should expect to see up to $14.5 billion in payments. The first tranche covers 50 percent of that amount. The second and third payments of 25 percent each will depend on conditions at the time. “We’ll look at if there has been movement in trade negotiations in late fall. If not, then we’ll look at it again in January.” The MFP 2.0 application deadline is December 6. The Red River Farm Network is hosting Administrator Fordyce on Tuesday, September 10 at the Big Iron Farm Show.
Transparency for Trade Damage Calculations – USDA has outlined how the rates were made for the new round of Market Facilitation Program payments. There is a countywide rate, but that was based on the estimated trade-related damages for various commodities. For soybeans, the commodity rate was $2.05 per bushel. Corn was at 14 cents and wheat was at 41 cents. Dry edible beans were at $8.22 per hundredweight. Hogs and dairy rates were also announced, with hogs at $11 per head and milk production at 20 cents per hundredweight. View the full report.
MFBF Update – Trade remains top of mind for farmers and ranchers, especially the ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Associate Director of Public Policy Josie Lonetti explains that importance in the MFBF Update.
NDSA: Be Alert for Market Manipulation – In the aftermath of the fire at the Tyson beef plant in Kansas, the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association is urging USDA and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to watch for any market manipulation. In a letter to Administration leaders, NDSA voiced concern about traders who illegally capitalize on this market disruption and further depress cattle prices. “We just want to reiterate how important it is to watch the trade,” says NDSA Past President Warren Zenker. The organization is also asking federal authorities to waive hours-of-service rules for livestock haulers who will be moving cattle longer distances to other markets. “You figure 30,000 extra head a week moving north, that’s a lot. For us in North Dakota, we want to have a market and a facility to go to where cattle are going to be bid aggressively.” Listen to the story.
Pro Farmer Releases Production Forecast – Pro Farmer is estimating this year’s corn production at 13.3 billion bushels with an average yield of 163.3 bushels per acre. That compares to the latest USDA yield estimate of 169.5 bushels per acre. Pro Farmer’s soybean estimate is 3.4 billion bushels and an average yield of just over 46 bushels per acre. USDA is forecasting soybean yields at 48.5 bushels per acre. Pro Farmer uses information from its crop tour and other factors, such as crop maturity, to make this forecast.
What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – In today’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Advance Trading’s Tommy Grisafi highlights a variety of topics, ranging from interest rates to presidential tweets. Grisafi is based at Mayville, North Dakota and will be part of the market outlook forums organized by the Red River Farm Network at the Big Iron Farm Show.
Quality is an Issue in This Year’s Small Grain Crop – Harvest has begun for Hannaford, North Dakota farmer Dennis Haugen. So far, the quality of the small grains is acceptable in the east central part of the state. “Moisture in the wheat is around 14 percent, along with nice protein and test weight. We’ve also harvested rye and barley for the cover crop market.” While quality hasn’t been a problem for Haugen, that isn’t the case in other areas. The rainfall and other weather conditions throughout the growing season are becoming a factor come harvest time. “I’m hearing of falling number problems, sprouting, ergot, vomitoxin; you name it,” says Haugen. “The ergot is in southeast North Dakota. Sprouting is mostly in two-row barley, and I’ve heard of 100 percent damage in some cases.” Listen to more.
Crop Damage Evident as Crookston, MN Harvest Progresses – Westlake Harvesting owner Allen Westlake is finished harvesting in southwestern South Dakota. Westlake says the South Dakota crop was good, but conditions were tough. “The crop looks pretty good. The quality is pretty good, but it’s late. There’s a lot of delays.” Westlake is just getting started in the Crookston, Minnesota area and he’s seeing crop damage. “It seems like we have a lot of sawfly north of Highway 2 that impacted the crop. There’s not much you can do, but we can cut it on the ground. As more time goes by, the worse it gets.”
An Average Barley Crop Coming Off in Central ND – While the growing season has been wet in central North Dakota, farmers are squeezing some harvest in. At Dazey, North Dakota, barley harvest is underway for farmer Jim Broten. “We’ve had a lot of rain here, so it’s at best going to be an average crop. It’s still standing fairly well, yet, and down to 14 percent moisture.” Broten says it will be quite some time until row crop harvest, as the crop was planted very late. “Ninety-day corn at Dazey, North Dakota will have to go November 12 frost-free to make it. Of course, that won’t happen. It will be a matter of how wet it is and what kind of test weight we have.” Harvest Hotline is made possible by the North Dakota Mill, AgCountry Farm Credit Services and U.S. Custom Harvesters, Incorporated.
Weather Hampers Wheat Harvest – Due to cool, wet conditions, the spring wheat harvest in North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota is off to a slow start. WestBred Wheat technical product manager Grant Mehring says the persistent rains can damage the harvest-ready wheat. “We can see late-season lodging, issues with falling numbers and even pre-harvest sprouting; we hope we won’t get there, but we are getting delayed on harvest and hope to avoid those issues.” Outside of the very dry areas in northern North Dakota, Mehring is expecting above average yields. Early protein levels are averaging 13.8-to-14.5 protein.
Good Quality Spring Wheat Near Harvey, ND – Harvey, North Dakota farmer Bill Ongstad has been able to make some progress with spring wheat harvest. “The wheat is very good quality, with test weight of 62 to 64 pounds. I’ve heard reports from other parts of the state where they’ve had quality problems. ” says Ongstad. “We had two inches of rain and the crop lodged a little bit, but it yielded good. Most of the yield reports are in the low 60s.”
Fifty-Bushel WW Being Harvested in Southwest SD – Based at Rapid City, Dakota Mill and Grain Inc. grain merchandiser Jerry Cope says the winter wheat harvest continues in southwest South Dakota. “We’re down to the last of the harvest, but it all depends on the farmer. Spring wheat acres are down.” Cope says the winter wheat crop, in general, is good. “Knock on wood, we’ve been pretty fortunate. Our vomitoxin is low and protein is pretty good. Compared to other areas, we feel pretty fortunate. Yield is averaging low to mid-50 bushels per acre.
From Western ND to Western MN, the Crop is Variable – Variable is a common word used to describe crop conditions in the Northern Plains this year. In northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, Pioneer territory manager Kristie Sundeen says most of the area is sitting just right on moisture. “There are a few dry pockets, but for the most part there is positivity. Most of the soybeans are around R4 stage, which makes me feel better going into September.” Moisture has been plentiful in the western half of North Dakota. Pioneer field agronomist Larry Lunder says the biggest concern for corn right now is reaching maturity. “If we had an early September frost, I’d be concerned about the soybeans, but it’s one of the better crops I’ve seen in my career.” Throughout a majority of west central Minnesota, Pioneer field agronomist Clyde Tiffany describes crop conditions as a “tale of two territories.” Crops in the north are progressing well, while the southern edge is a different story. “For some fields, we need to go frost-free well into October for them to finish.” Listen to the story.
SD Corn and Soybeans Have Wet Feet – There’s an old saying that soybeans don’t like wet feet. Oldham, South Dakota farmer Gary Duffy is eager to see what happens with this year’s soybean crop. “They’ve had wet feet all season. We’re not sure what will happen,” says Duffy. “The corn we got in was put in the middle of May. It got a lot of rain on it after that. The good spots in the corn are really good. It’s the spots where corn is either stunted or drowned out that will create issues.” A later frost will be critical for crops. Farmers are considering what to do if the planted crop doesn’t mature. Yet, Duffy says there were some farmers who planted medium maturity corns around June 10.
“Mixed Emotions” About Conditions – Despite growing season challenges, farmers are feeling more optimistic as the crop moves towards maturity and goes in the bin. It was a delayed planting season for Rolla, North Dakota farmer Doyle Lentz. However, that delay may have saved some of the crop. “It was dry to start with and there were emergence issues with the canola,” says Lentz. “The soybeans have had two inches of rain over the past two weeks, so they look very good.” Further south along Highway 2, harvest is also just beginning for Niagara, ND farmer Randy Schaley. The on and off cool conditions have not been ideal for wheat harvest, but a strong bean and corn crop is still in the works. “A rain right now would help the pinto beans finish and for sure top off yield on soybeans. There are mixed emotions about rain because it’s time to get going on wheat harvest.”
Dry Bean Scene – Located in northeast North Dakota, the Pembina County dry bean crop has been enduring very dry conditions this growing season. Get the details in the Dry Bean Scene, made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, UPL, FMC, Central Valley Bean Co-op, SRS Commodities and Johnstown Bean Company.
A Record Wheat Crop in the Works? – In the most recent crop report, USDA forecast a record 50 bushels per acre spring wheat crop for North Dakota. Diversified Services Marketing Group senior risk analyst Rich Morrison participated in the Ihry Insurance Pre-Harvest Marketing Meeting at Hillsboro and questioned that record forecast. “A record sounds like it may be a little bit iffy at this point.” Morrison says there is a large carry in this wheat market. “There’s some opportunities to store and forward sell into next spring and summer. We’re able to see some upside in the market, but also forward sell and lock in the carry.”
A Variable Potato Crop Across MN and ND – NDSU Extension and University of Minnesota Extension potato agronomist Andy Robinson says the potato crop is variable across Minnesota and North Dakota. “In general, the potato crop is good. It’s been a good growing year. Most of Minnesota and the southern part of North Dakota are wet. In the northern part of the Red River Valley, it’s dry,” says Robinson. “The crop looks nice, but rains would help with harvest reducing bruising that could happen.” Robinson says there’s minimal disease and insect challenges this year. “It’s been a quiet year, in general.”
Rural Perspectives – In this episode of the Rural Perspectives podcast, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Miller offers insight on the latest crop conditions and what that means come harvest time. Miller also touches on the current trade situation with China. The Rural Perspectives podcast is made possible by AgCountry Farm Credit Services. Listen now.
Packer Margins Skyrocket – The fire and shutdown of the Tyson plant at Holcomb, Kansas has sent the cattle market lower. That includes limit losses in both the live and feeder cattle futures trade last week. While the price paid to cattle producers has dropped, packer margins have rocketed higher. During the week ending August 17, the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker said packer margins topped $358 per head. That’s up nearly $170 from the previous week. There are indications the packer margins were over $700 per head this past week. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association has briefed the state’s congressional delegation and USDA officials about the “seriousness of this situation.”
TransFARMation: It’s Okay to Say ‘No’ – Women on the farm face a unique set of stressors. Not only are they actively engaged in the farm business, but they also have vital roles in the household and with the family. Brenda Mack and Shauna Reitmeier are featured in this edition of TransFARMation. Mack says we need the ability to say no. “Oftentimes as women, we’re asked to do things in the community or church or in the family. We feel guilty for not saying yes. We’re helpers and we know it needs to get done; it is okay to say no.” There may be signals when farm stress becomes overwhelming for family or friends. “People don’t show up at different activities or the farm is looking a little more disheveled, it gives us an awareness to start asking questions,” says Reitmeier. “Be there as support, not with judgement.” Brenda and Shauna co-host the Cultivating Resiliency webinars, which are available on the American Agri-Women website https://americanagriwomen.org/.
Cattle on Feed Total 11.1 Million in the Latest Report – The most recent Cattle on Feed Report was in line with expectations. According to USDA, there are 11.1 million cattle on feed for slaughter as of August 1, down 400,000 head from last month. That is the highest August 1 inventory since the series began. Placements were down two percent from 2018, totaling 1.7 million head. Marketings of fed cattle during July were up seven percent from one year ago at two million head. Other disappearance is at 71,000 head, 13 percent more than last year.
Quality is Questionable with the SD Hay Crop – Plentiful rains across South Dakota are bringing in a high tonnage alfalfa crop. The challenging part for some farmers may be getting the crop cut on time. WinField United alfalfa and forage specialist Jeff Jackson says farmers were watching their fields, thinking the crop wasn’t blooming as quickly as expected. “Alfalfa stands look good. Farmers should be mindful the weather impacts growth and regrowth.” Jackson says there will likely be a lot of hay in South Dakota, the big unknown is quality. “If you’re trying to find high Relative Feed Value hay it could be tough, but there were lots of hay meadows harvested. The question will be quality. The tonnage will be there based on what I’ve seen so far.” Jackson also says there is still time for fall seeded alfalfa.
ND Farmers Markets and Growers Association – It’s been a good year for growing garlic. Hear more from McCluksy, North Dakota farmer Roberta Hunt in the latest North Dakota Farmers Markets and Growers Association update.
Farmers Still Hanging on to Old Crop Corn – Brock and Associates president Richard Brock says another big story at Dakotafest is farmers are still holding onto old crop corn. “I think that’s the number one fundamental in the corn market right now. As we go into the end of the marketing year, too many people were holding onto record supplies of old crop corn. I think it will be very negative for the markets and everyone is ignoring it.” Brock says it can be difficult for farmers to look ahead and market. “People are wounded in these markets. I understand that. If you don’t have a crop, it’s hard to be optimistic,” says Brock. “The other thing farmers need to recognize is without any old crop to cause the market to rally, it’s giving farmers a tremendous opportunity for next spring’s crop.”
Crop College – The Red River Farm Network, in partner with Peterson Farms Seed, has a new weekly program called Crop College. In this episode, the Peterson Farms Seed Field Day on September 5 is highlighted. Farm Journal agronomist Ken Ferrie will be at the event to talk about hybrid characteristics.
Lessons Learned from the 2019 Growing Season – There are lessons to learn in every growing year. Dairyland Seed District Seed Manager Keith Rekow says one of the biggest lessons learned in 2019 is getting the importance of getting seed slots closed. “Farmers need to go back to the basics sometimes. Seed slots and fertility are important. Fertility early can make a change going into harvest.” Rekow isn’t too concerned about the soybean crop going into fall, but the corn will need some heat to power through. It’s wet in fields. “Corn north of Huron had about 10 inches of rain in the last two weeks and that corn had too much ponding. Now there’s eight foot corn that has silked and it’s ponding in fields.”
PFS: Enlist Platform Working for Farmers – Peterson Farms Seed District Territory Manager Alan Neitzel says there are some good corn and soybean options for farmers to consider in the year ahead, including the Enlist platform. “When the new Enlist soybeans finally received approval, farmers switched their orders. Customers seemed to like them,” says Neitzel. “Genetics look like they’re every bit as good as what we’ve been used to the last few years.” Peterson Farms Seed will host their annual grower field day on September 5. “That will feature Farm Journal agronomist Ken Ferrie and we’ll take a look at test plots. It will be a great day and farmers should come out and see us.”
Reuters: Trump Cabinet Discuss Farm-State Support – According a Reuters report, President Donald Trump had a two-hour meeting with members of his cabinet this past week to discuss small refinery waivers and agriculture. Corn farmers and the ethanol industry are upset with the EPA decision to exempt 31 refineries from the federal renewable fuel obligations. Trump reportedly ordered his cabinet to find ways to pacify the farm community.
Canola Minute – Canola growers have responded to the recent decision by the Environmental Protection Agency in granting 31 small refinery waivers. Hear more from Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman in the latest Canola Minute.
Ethanol Companies Cut Production – POET plans to shut down its ethanol plant in Cloverdale, Indiana, blaming the recent Trump Administration decision to grant additional small refinery waivers. POET has reduced production at half of its biorefineries, with the largest cuts taking place in Iowa and Ohio. POET Chairman and CEO Jeff Broin said the oil industry is manipulating the EPA and using the Renewable Fuels Standard to destroy the demand for ethanol. Meanwhile, an EPA spokesperson said there is “zero evidence” the small refinery waivers have had a negative impact on U.S. ethanol industry.
Skor: Small Refinery Waivers Complicate Struggles in Ethanol Industry – The ethanol industry is struggling. Poet announced it would close an ethanol plant in Indiana due to mismanagement of the ethanol mandate. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says small refinery waivers are making things very challenging for ethanol producers. “In three years, the Environmental Protection Agency handed out more than four billion gallons worth of exemptions. It’s having a devastating effect on the rural economy.” Skor says many plants are making difficult decisions right now and they’re looking at a tough marketplace. “For the first time in 20 years, ethanol consumption in the U.S. has declined. We’ve lost export markets, too. Essentially, we have an oversupply of ethanol. We attribute it to these exemptions, because in an environment where President Trump just granted the ability for year-round access to E15, consumption should be going up. Plants closing means they have to make tough decisions on the economics they’re facing.” Ethanol and biodiesel supporters are looking at ways to connect with President Trump in meetings to address the Renewable Fuel Standard and the small refinery waivers.
engAGe: Tough as Nails – In her two years at the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Senior Public Policy Director Amanda Bilek is learning a lot. Bilek says there are more women working in policy-based positions in agriculture. It takes thick skin to be successful and push forward. “There are bumps, good days and bad days, and you have to expect people will say no. The more you push forward, the more comfortable it gets in the world of policy.” Bilek is this week’s guest for engAGe: a series for women in agribusiness. Listen to the episode.
Goehring Seeks Changes in NASS Reporting – North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has broad support for a resolution that he has introduced to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. “It is requesting and urging the National Agricultural Statistics Service to use RMA data to help identify the gaps that exist in their reporting.” Goehring spoke at an Ihry Insurance meeting Wednesday night in Hillsboro. The agriculture commissioner said there is a lot of frustration with the NASS. “There needs to be a better job emphasizing what type of report is being issued because the trade reacts and sends the market into a tailspin. It is doing more harm to our farmers psychologically and on their balance sheet.”
FSA Expands Payment Options – For certain Farm Service Agency services, farmers can now use paperless payment options like a debit card. “We’re doing it for farm loan repayment, for measurement service, for farm debt repayment; if they’re purchasing aerial photography, they can also use this transaction.” FSA Associate Administrator Steve Peterson said the plan is to expand this option to all FSA programs. Previously, only cash, check, money orders and wires were accepted.
ND Completes First Ethanol-Focused Trade Mission – North Dakota Department of Agriculture officials, along with North Dakota ethanol organizations and biofuel researchers, have completed the state’s first ethanol-focused trade mission. The trade delegation visited Brazil, with the goal of increasing North Dakota’s share of the country’s ethanol fuel market. Brazil was the number one importer of U.S. ethanol in 2019. Right now, Brazilian authorities are considering lifting ethanol trade barriers. Those barriers include a 20 percent tariff after an annual quota is reached.
Walz Plans Trip to Japan – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will join governors from five other states in a trade trip to Tokyo. Walz will participate in the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference September 6. The Minnesota Trade Office and the Department of Employment and Economic Development will also be represented.
Different Potato Varieties Highlighted at NPPGA Field Day – The Northern Plains Potato Growers Association recently held their annual field day, with the tour beginning at Hoverson Farms in Larimore, North Dakota. Russet potatoes for processing were featured at the stop. “There are a few new good varieties like Dakota Russet and Ivory,” says Hoverson Farms owner Carl Hoverson. North Dakota State University potato breeder Susie Thompson says there were also fresh red and yellow potato varieties highlighted on the tour. “A field I would be watching is our ND102663B-3R, that incorporates late blight resistance breeding and produces some decent tubers,” said Thompson. “There are some siblings that are good options too.”
New Potato Fungicide Available for Potato Growers – As part of the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association’s annual field day, BASF highlighted a new potato fungicide called Provysol. BASF Technical Marketing Manager Steve Broscious says the fungicide will set a new standard for early blight control. It will be available for growers in 2020. “It delivers a higher level of disease control and represents a new mode of action class,” he says. “It will give farmers a chance to manage resistance and keep the other tools they have available and working.”
Court Rules on WOTUS – A federal judge in Georgia has ruled the Waters of the United States rule violates the Clean Water Act. In the summary judgement, the court challenged the federal government’s jurisdiction over certain waters and tributaries. An injunction against the 2015 WOTUS rule remains in place while the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers work on a replacement rule.
Minnesota Beef Update – At this year’s Minnesota State Fair, Minnesota Beef will link healthy living to eating beef. Learn more from Minnesota Beef Council inter Alyssa Groskopf in this week’s Minnesota Beef update.
Students Have Misconceptions About Ag Careers – Bayer and the National 4-H Council have released results of its second annual Science Matters survey. Nearly 80 percent of the high school students surveyed said they believe agricultural science education is important, but only 19 percent indicated they would consider a career in agriculture. Only 36 percent of the students were familiar with ag career choices beyond working on a farm.
A Major Deal in the Animal Health Business – Elanco Animal Health has an agreement to acquire Bayer Animal Health. This deal, which still needs regulatory approval, is valued at $7.6 billion.
Encirca Transitions to Granular – Pioneer’s Encirca products will be retired by the end of this year. Going forward, Granular will transition the features and functionality of Encirca and incorporate them into Granular Agronomy and Granular Insights. Granular is a subsidiary of Corteva Agriscience, focusing on software and digital analysis technology for farmers.
MN Corn Matters – The FairStalk will be debuted at this year’s Minnesota State Fair. Learn more from Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council chairman Scott Winslow in this edition of Corn Matters.
Hormel Officials Anticipate More Volatility – Hormel Foods reports third quarter net earnings of $199.4 million, down from $210.4 million in the same quarter one year ago. Earnings were in line with expectations. Hormel CEO Jim Snee said further volatility is expected in a rapidly changing market.
Viterra Acquires SK Pulse Facility – Viterra, which is part of Glencore Agriculture, has inked a deal to purchase the assets of the ILTA Grain facility at Belle Plaine, Saskatchewan. The pulse processing plant was built in 2015 and is connected to the Canadian Pacific Railway’s mainline. ILTA Grain has been under federal creditor protection.
Syngenta Celebrates New Trait Conversion Accelerator Project – Syngenta has completed the expansion of its $30 million Trait Conversion Accelerator at Nampa, Idaho. With this highly-automated controlled environment corn breeding facility, there will be faster access to more hybrids with the Agrisure trait. The NK and Golden Harvest seed brands, along with independent seed companies that license Syngenta technologies through GreenLeaf Genetics, will utilize this technology.
MN Canning Company to Close – Del Monte Foods is closing down its pea and corn plant at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Del Monte’s parent company, which is based in Singapore, is also permanently closing facilities in Illinois, Wisconsin and Texas. Del Monte has been operating the processing plant in Sleepy Eye since 1930.
SD Corn Comments – Conservation and farm and ranch families go hand-in-hand. Get the details in this week’s Corn Comments, a feature from the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.
NASS Staffer Threatened During Crop Tour – USDA pulled all staff from the Pro Farmer Midwest Crop Tour on Wednesday. One employee with the National Agricultural Statistics Service was threatened by phone while on the tour in Nebraska. Federal officials are investigating the threat. The USDA officials participating in the tour included Lance Honig, who leads the crop reporting branch at NASS.
New Princess Kay Crowned – A 19-year old college student from southeastern Minnesota has been crowned as Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Amy Kyllo of Byron will serve as a goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy industry for the next year. Her reign began with eight hours in a cooler, having her likeness sculpted from a 90-pound block of butter.
Henry Returns to US Wheat Associates – Dalton Henry has been named the vice president of policy for U.S. Wheat Associates. Henry worked in that same role in 2015 and 2016. Most recently, Henry co-founded a consulting firm.
NDFB Adds New Field Rep – NDFB has hired Becca Oase as its field representative in northwest North Dakota. Oase is a graduate of North Dakota State University and will be based at Stanton, North Dakota.
AgriGrowth Announces Staff Addition – As of September 12, Patrick Murray will take over as the director of government and member relations at AgriGrowth. Murray is now the director of government relations for Cooperative Network. Previously, Murray worked for several members of the Minnesota Legislature and a firm that represented Minnesota’s Farm Credit System lenders.
Hallberg and Geiger Join CDCB Board – The Council of Dairy Cattle Breeding has two new directors. They are David Hallberg, a dairy producer from Pennock; and Corey Geiger, who is the managing editor of Hoard’s Dairyman and the new president of Holstein USA.
Last Week’s Trivia- Jon Gruden coached the Oakland Raiders from 1998-to-2001 and is now in his second year back with the team. Al Wimpfheimer of Simplot Grower Solutions scores first for our RRFN trivia. Keith Rekow of Dairyland Seed, Carver County feedlot officer Alan Langseth, Dennis Duvall of Dakota Environmental and Ted Radintz of Munson Lakes Nutrition earn runner-up honors. Recognition also goes out to Ron Dvergsten of Northland Farm Business Management, Jim Altringer of CHS Dakota Plains Ag, Harvey farmer Bill Ongstad, Kevin Praska of Stone’s Mobile Radio, Lloyd Kuster of Bremer Insurance, Kelly Kliner of Simplot Grower Solutions and Rolette farmer Steve Grenier.
This Week’s Trivia- Roma, San Marzano, Beef Steak, cherry and heirloom are types of a popular garden crop. What type of produce is it? Send your answer to don@rrfn.com.
RRFN Upcoming Events | |||
August 26, 2019 - August 29, 2019 | RRFN Crop Tour Presented by Pioneer | ||
August 27, 2019 - August 28, 2019 | American Lamb Board Summit - Fort Collins, CO | ||
August 27, 2019 - August 29, 2019 | Farm Progress Show | ||
August 27, 2019 | ND Soybean Growers Association Golf Tournament - Mapleton, ND | ||
August 28, 2019 | Beck’s Minnesota Field Day - Gibbon, MN | ||
August 29, 2019 | Carrington Row Crop Tour - Carrington, ND | ||
August 30, 2019 - September 2, 2019 | Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion - Rollag, MN | ||
September 7, 2019 - September 10, 2019 | National Barrow Show - Austin, MN | ||
September 10, 2019 - September 12, 2019 | Big Iron Farm Show - West Fargo, ND | ||
September 11, 2019 - September 12, 2019 | MN Crop Insurance Conference - Mankato, MN | ||
September 19, 2019 - September 21, 2019 | North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Convention |
Contact RRFN | Don Wick (701) 795-1315 |
Randy Koenen (701) 795-1315 |
Whitney Pittman (701) 795-1315 |
Tyler Donaldson 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 | 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.