Tour Time – A series of weather-related delays pushed back the planting season this spring. Crops seemed to take off once the crop was put in the ground. This week’s Red River Farm Network Crop Tour, presented by Pioneer, will provide insight into crop prospects and prepared for the harvest season. In this month’s USDA Crop Production Report, the Agriculture Department predicted North Dakota will have the country’s largest year-over-year increase in corn and soybean yields.  RRFN is starting the week in western North Dakota. The balance of North Dakota and northwest Minnesota will be visited over the balance of the week. Tune in on-air and follow the tour online and social media.

Disappointing Yield Prospects Found on Pro Farmer Tour – Pro Farmer is forecasting a 13.7 billion bushel corn crop and a 4.5 billion bushel soybean crop. The average corn yield is estimated at just over 168 bushels per acre and soybeans are at nearly 52 bushels per acre. The Pro Farmer Midwest Crop Tour found disappointing crop conditions, especially for corn, in the Western Corn Belt. Pro Farmer editor Brian Grete saw some of the best crops on the tour in southern Minnesota. “They’ve just had a phenomenal growing season.”

‘Wow!’ – Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson had a one-word reaction to the Pro Farmer Crop Tour results. “Wow!” Yield estimates in major Midwestern states were drastically lower than the latest USDA forecasts. In the Agweek Market Wrap, Martinson told RRFN the corn yield was seven bushels per acre less than USDA estimates. “Even if it’s three bushels, that’s going to drop our production and our stocks.” For soybeans, the decline wasn’t as big, but added global demand could keep make soybean stocks tight.

Spring Wheat is Still Green – Rolla, North Dakota farmer Tim Mickelson says most of the spring wheat in his region will be harvested in September. “I’d say 80 to 90 percent spring wheat is yet to be done.” Mickelson’s barley is getting close. “We have a little bit of two-row barley that it turning fast enough, we’ll get out to windrow it in a week.”

Harvest Pace Picking Up in the Red River Valley – Thompson Farmers Elevator merchandiser manager Damon Reitz says the spring wheat harvest is ramping in eastern the central Red River Valley. “Test weights look good at 62 to 64 pounds; yields range from 70 to 85 bushels per acre and proteins vary from 11 percent to 15.5 percent.”

MN Wheat Minute – The 2022 Virtual September Marketing Seminar will happen on September 14. Hear more from Minnesota Wheat Vice President of Operations Coreen Berdahl in this week’s MN Wheat Minute.

Minnesota HRSW Yields Top USDA Forecast – The harvest has started on the early-seeded spring wheat fields in northwest Minnesota. University of Minnesota Extension Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma says the early yields are surprising. “The USDA predicted 56 bushels per acre (average) for Minnesota, but I think we’re going to exceed that,” said Wiersma. “In some individual fields, there are yields over 80.”

Good Quality – The spring wheat harvest in the Ulen, Minnesota area is off to a good start. “We are finally seeing some of the first dry wheat,” explains Randy Zimmerman, grain merchandiser, West Central Ag Services. “It’s been wet with the higher humidity.” Quality is good. “Falling numbers are in the 350 to 400 range; that’s excellent. Test weights range from 60 to 62 pounds. There are no vomitoxin issues yet. Everything on the quality side looks good on the early harvested wheat.”

Optimism – In the Borup, Minnesota Area, Austin Germolus is in the early stages of his spring wheat harvest. Moisture levels have been higher than expected. Germolus is happy with his row crops. “I think the corn in the area looks really nice and the beans look really good,” said Germolus. “I got an early-day hybrid and it’s already starting to dent so I’m pretty optimistic about the corn.”

Harvest Crew Stops in MT Before Heading to ND – U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. board secretary Paul Paplow is harvesting in Montana. “We’ve been working on lentils, chickpeas, and durum. I’d say lentils are anywhere from 25 to 45 bushels an acre, chickpeas are around 40, and durum is anywhere from 30 to 65 bushels an acre.”  Paplow says the Montana stop is new for him. “We’re just picking up work until North Dakota is ready.”

East River and West River Crops Differ – American Soybean Association Chairman Kevin Scott farms east of Sioux Falls and says South Dakota’s crop is highly variable. “The eastern edge has had some rains so the crop looks good there, but the western portion of the state is still pretty dry.” The soybeans are slowly advancing. “The early planted soybeans are filling pods, and the later ones are filling a little slower.”

A Preliminary Look at Prevent Plant Acres – There are at least 6.38 million prevent plant acres in the United States this year. In a preliminary report released Monday, USDA says North Dakota has the most prevent plant acres in the country at 2.37 million. Compared to 2020, a big prevent plant year, it’s slightly lower. South Dakota’s prevent plant is more than 733,000 acres, fewer than total 2020 levels. Minnesota has more than 495,000 prevent plant acres. That’s more than the total prevent plant acres for the state in 2020. The final 2022 prevent plant data will be released in January 2023.

Crop Insurance Agents Wrap Up Prevent Plant Claims – The spring of 2022 is one Dickey-Marion Insurance Agency President Gene Rode would like to forget. Nearly 20 inches of rain fell from late April to July 1. “Commodity prices were looking nice and yet the farmer’s hands were tied with getting seeds in the ground,” says Rode. “In early June, we thought about 60 percent of our business acreage wouldn’t get planted, but farmers kept pushing.” In LaMoure, Barnes and Stutsman Counties of North Dakota, Rode says it was closer to 40 percent of the crop that didn’t get planted. At Thief River Falls, Minnesota, Northern Ag Incorporated crop insurance agent Jody Miller serviced a lot of prevent plant acres. She is wrapping up those claims. “Between Roseau, Marshall and Pennington Counties, there weren’t a lot of acres planted.” Miller has wondered how the later planted soybeans, corn and wheat fields will do at harvest. “You hope the decision you made was the right one. It was a pretty wild spring.” Hear the story.

An “Unusually Large” Interest Rate Hike Expected – Interest rates are going to continue to increase. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell made that point during a speech at the annual Jackson Hole, Wyoming economic symposium. Powell didn’t provide any details but said “another unusually large increase” could be appropriate at the end of the month. The economy improved slightly in July, but Powell said that is not enough to loosen the country’s monetary policy.

MFU Minute – The Minnesota State Fair is here. Minnesota Farmers Union is ready to promote Minnesota agriculture. Hear more on the state fair and policy with MFU President Gary Wertish in the latest MFU Minute.

Influencing Farm Policy – The Midwest Council on Agriculture was formed one year ago to help shape farm policy. Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson is leading this effort. “It’s needed because you just can’t operate the way you used to,” said Peterson. “The folks on the (agriculture) committees don’t have the background needed and will need outfits like this to bring information to them.” The MNCA has 90 members across seven states: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and Wisconsin. The group held its first-ever forum this past week in Detroit Lakes.

Midwest Policy Center Under Consideration – National farm policy often goes through farm policy centers, like Texas A&M or the Food and Policy Agricultural Research Institute at the University of Missouri. Midwest Council on Agriculture President Howard Olson says a similar effort is being considered for the Midwest and Northern Plains. “If they want to make changes to a commodity title or want to change a farm program, they commonly contact (Texas A&M Regents Fellow) Dr. Joe Outlaw and that’s probably got a bit of a southern tilt to it.” The goal is to create a Midwest-based policy center  Land grant colleges were part of a conversation this past week to consider collaboration in this effort. “I thought there’d be some turf wars but there really wasn’t. I think everybody is focused on the same thing and they like the idea.” Former House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson is behind the creation of the Midwest Council on Agriculture with the hope to influence farm policy.

Next 5 Years Executive Conference: Meet the Speakers – The Northern Crops Institute’s Next 5 Years Executive Conference will be held September 12 the Armory Event Center in Moorhead. In addition, to Jacob Shapiro, the program will feature Nelson Neale, CHS Head of Global Research, who will be presenting on global food production. Neale currently helps to drive insights and market intelligence across the CHS enterprise and create thought leadership in agriculture and agri-energy. The next speaker is Allison Nepveux, former Director of Sustainability at Bushel, who will be presenting on global sustainability Policies. The last speaker of the day will be David Ripplinger, Associate Professor, Extension Bioproducts, and Bioenergy Economist with North Dakota State University, who will be presenting on energy transitions in agriculture. More information about the speakers, the event, and registration can be found at online.”

New Money Needed for ’23 Farm Bill – Since the 2018 farm bill was enacted, the federal government has spent an additional $60 billion on ad hoc programs, like the Market Facilitation Program, pandemic assistance and disaster relief. Combest, Sell and Associates Managing Partner Tom Sell says none of that is captured in the baseline funding for the farm bill going forward. “I think you have to get some new money into this farm bill to take some of that ad hoc spending that’s been done; I think there’s an opportunity to make some real strong forward-looking investments.” The 2014 farm bill was passed during a time of deficit reduction and budget sequestration. That was followed by a budget-neutral bill in 2018. Sell believes new investments must be made in the 2023 farm bill. “We shouldn’t negotiate against ourselves, there are needs in Rural America reflected in the fact that we’ve spent so much in recent years,” said Sell. “Volatility is the new norm and we’ve got to be prepared to stand by these farmers.”

Flexibility Advocated by FSA Administrator – Applications are going out to more than 18,000 farmers for Phase One of the Emergency Relief Program. Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said that will include the Supplemental Coverage Option and STAX payments that were not part of the previous payments. “We’re also going to be able to address some of the reporting concerns that were expressed very early on,” said Ducheneaux. “Our state executive director in North Dakota (Marcy Svenningsen) and Senator (John) Hoeven’s team brought to our attention the fact that some insurance agents had filed a 2019 loss claim and there was a subsequent 2020 loss claim that would make that producer eligible for ERP, but because it was just keyed in as 2019, it didn’t register.” Ducheneaux said USDA is taking a flexible approach, including the use of pre-filled applications. The South Dakota native calls this “a model for the future.” During a stop in Minnesota, Ducheneaux said Phase Two payments will be made this fall. Ducheneaux will be part of the Red River Farm Network forums during the Big Iron Farm Show Wednesday, September 14.

Global Impacts of the Russia-Ukraine War – In the last 18 months, the United States has been reminded food is a weapon of war. Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kip Tom says the Russia-Ukraine war has real consequences for those who cannot afford food, including African countries with only a 15-to-20-day supply of wheat. South Dakota Agriculture and Natural Resources Department Secretary Hunter Roberts says the war in Ukraine puts a premium on the crops grown here in the United States. “Food security is national security. It’s something we need to be cognizant of.” Tom and Roberts were part of Wednesday’s export summit in Sioux Falls.

Understanding China’s Influence on U.S. Agriculture – During an export forum in Sioux Falls, the former chief U.S. agricultural trade negotiator, Gregg Doud, touted the success seen in trade with China. “China imports in agriculture almost as much as we export totally to the whole world so that’s a growing market and a great opportunity.” Corn, soybean and beef exports were singled out in the discussion. Doud, who is now the chief economist for Aimpoint Research, cited massive economic problems in China for their role in the supply chain disruptions. “If you’re shutting down the factory to make phosphate fertilizer and they’re one-third of the world supply of exportable phosphate fertilizer, that’s a huge problem for everybody in the world.”

Big Picture Trade Agenda Under Construction – Trade is not seen as a top priority for the Biden administration. In a panel discussion at the Midwest Ag Export Summit, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Foreign Ag Services, Jason Hafemeister, said the big picture agenda for trade is “under construction.” The current administration is trying to rebuild global confidence, strengthen the current trade environment and reengage with overseas customers.

Challenges and Opportunities – Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad served as the U.S. Ambassador to China during the Trump Administration. Speaking at this past week’s export summit in Sioux Falls, Branstad highlighted the challenges and opportunities for trade with China. “Their system is very different than us, they are a communist, totalitarian country,” Branstad told RRFN. “They don’t have the same values we have, but they also have the need for safe, quality food and we’ve got a good reputation for that.” While the U.S. and China may have other differences, Branstad said agriculture trade can a bright spot in the relationship.

Still Waiting on Confirmation of Key Trade Positions – The nominee for the chief agriculture negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Doug McKalip, met with the Senate Finance Committee in early June. South Dakota Senator John Thune says on September 7 the committee is expected to take a vote. “The question is how quickly will get this nomination get processed on the Senate floor? The sooner, the better. They’ve been sitting on critical trade positions a long time.” Thune is also on the Senate Agriculture Committee. The nominee for USDA’s Under Secretary for Trade Alexis Taylor has not had a confirmation hearing in that committee yet. “I would hope the chairwoman would make that a priority.”

A Strong Farm Economy With Clouds on the Horizon – Farm credit conditions remained strong in the second quarter, but there is more risk for the ag economy moving forward. The quarterly report on agricultural credit conditions from the Federal Reserve said quarterly farm income increased and farm loan repayment rates rose steadily. “We are seeing some risks grow because of declining commodity prices, high input costs, and interest expenses picking up,” said Nate Kauffman, vice president Kansas City Federal Reserve. With higher interest rates, farmland values are showing signs of moderating.

A Failed Report – USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service pulled Thursday’s export sales report after the markets closed. USDA said a new reporting system affected the quality of the information and it will be rectified as soon as possible. “We don’t know if we can trust the new USDA reporting system once the numbers are released because they don’t seem accurate; that’s a frustration for the trade,” said Brian Hoops, Midwest Market Solutions.

South Dakota Continues to Build Milk Cow Numbers – Milk production in the 24 major dairy states totaled more than 18 billion pounds, up a fraction from July of last year. South Dakota leads the way with a 13 percent increase in milk output. Minnesota milk production dropped just over one percent. Over the past year, South Dakota dairy farms added 20,000 cows to the state dairy herd. During the same time, the number of dairy cows in Minnesota declined 12,000 head.

MN Beef Update – Did you know the beef checkoff was created in the 1980s? Hear more about the program from Minnesota Beef Council Director of Industry Relations Royalee Rhoads has more in this week’s MN Beef Update.

Appeals Court Allows Ag Coalition Intervention Over Wolves – A coalition of agricultural groups will be allowed to intervene is the legal battle over the delisting of the gray wolf from the endangered species list. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit overturned a lower court ruling. The coalition, which includes Farm Bureau, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Sheep Industry Association and others, supports the Trump Administration’s gray wolf management strategy.

Recommendations Offered for Lamb Producers – A report from the American Lamb Board identifies on-farm practices that will impact lamb quality. During the American Lamb Summit, researchers highlighted the need to select genetics based on estimated breeding values. The importance of crossbreeding was also highlighted.

Fall Migration Poses Avian Influenza Risk – USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt says USDA is keeping a close eye on foreign animal diseases that could affect markets. “When we had Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza this past year, we were working to make sure we continued to have access for our poultry products.” USDA is monitoring the disease closely as fall approachs. “As we go into fall migration, we might have another round so we’re preparing for another wave in the event avian influenza flares up again.” Moffitt was in Minnesota this past week for a local foods event.

Vietnam ASF Vaccine Paused – Vietnam has temporarily suspended the use of an African Swine Fever vaccine. The decision was made after a small number of pigs died after getting the shot. Vietnam was the first country to commercially produce a vaccine for ASF.

MFBF Minute – The Minnesota State Fair is finally here. Hear what Minnesota Farm Bureau has planned for the event in this week’s MFBF Minute.

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, you’ll learn more about Value-Added Ag Day at the South Dakota State Fair.

USDA Expands Biofuel Infrastructure Funding – USDA is now accepting applications for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. This program is expected to provide up to $100 million in grants for 50 percent of the cost of equipment for station owners to add or upgrade to sell higher blends of ethanol. This money is coming from the recently passed budget reconciliation bill signed into law this summer.

New Organic Transition Initiative Announced – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced details of USDA’s $300 million investment in the new Organic Transition Initiative. “We know that we need more market opportunities for organic producers and one of the first steps we took was to reduce cost for certification.” Over 7,300 organic producers have utilized the initiative’s assistance. Vilsack says this new initiative has three components to it. “First and foremost, we’re providing technical assistance for the organic process. We’re also providing financial assistance for conservation costs and crop insurance.”

Canola Minute – Canola acres are below USDA’s estimates. Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director  Barry Coleman explains in the latest Canola Minute.

Specialty Crop Grant Funds Awarded – USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has announced its 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. North Dakota was awarded $3.3 million to support dry beans, potatoes and other specialty crops. Minnesota is receiving $1.3 million in grant funds. A total of $391,000 is going to South Dakota.

Potatoes Research Emphasized – Potato growers had a chance to look at new varieties and research this past week. NDSU Extension potato breeder Susie Thompson highlighted her research at the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association field day. “I talked about some of the Russet’s that will be used in potential processing varieties. We also talked about Dakota Russet which was approved for McDonald’s processing.” Red and yellow potatoes were also showcased on the tour.

‘In the Same Boat’ – During the Northern Plains Potato Growers Field Day, NDSU Extension potato pathologist Andy Robinson said the late planting window impacted some of his research. “We’re in the same boat as the farmers, we planted late and things are a little behind but the crops still looks good.”

A Tour of the Red River Basin – More than 100 people participated in the Red River Partners Summer Tour in the Grand Forks area this past week. Seven watershed and water management groups were part of this effort. During a live RRFN broadcast from the tour, Red River Watershed Management Board Executive Director Rob Sip said bonding for flood control projects will be a priority in the 2023 Minnesota legislative session. “We’re looking for about $50 million from the State of Minnesota to wrap up a 100,000 feet of water storage and that’s for about eight flood control projects.” Four years ago, the Red River Watershed Management Board lowered its tax levy from 100 percent down to 75 percent “and we make sure we best leverage those dollars.”

Local, Incentive-Based Conservation – One-third of the sales tax revenue from Minnesota’s Legacy Fund is allocated to water quality. Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Conservation Districts Executive Director LeAnn Buck says decisions are being made at the local level. “Whether its the county commissioners, local soil and water districts or watershed districts, they’re looking at the big projects, but also working with the landowner to put in a grass waterway or wind erosion activities that could be prevented.” Buck says success can be seen through voluntary, incentive-based conservation.”We are definitely seeing water quality improvements and we are going to advocate for that.” MASWD was part of the Red River Partners summer tour in Grand Forks.

One Watershed, One Plan – Minnesota’s Clean Water Fund has adopted a ‘one watershed, one plan’ approach. Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts President Paul Krabbenhoft says this effort takes a comprehensive look at water management. “It works on the drainage and then it works on the private lands for these smaller projects,” said Krabbenhoft. “It may be soil health or things to retain or reduce water amounts while reducing the nutrients going down the waterways.”

Fielding Questions: Staying on Track – In the Fielding Questions podcast, Russ Tweiten, senior vice president of succession and retirement planning, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, emphasizes the need to stay on track with the succession and retirement plan. “The key is to have a written plan for every component of the farm.” Accountability is critically important. “What we like to do initially is to have a separate meeting with the parents and a separate meeting with the successors to make sure a shared vision is there.”

Flat Tax Proposed – North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is proposing a switch from the state’s individual income tax rates to a lower flat rate. The plan will be considered during the 2023 legislative session.

Grand Forks Council Takes Next Step for Fufeng Project – The Grand Forks City Council has approved a resolution to help fund a series of infrastructure improvements for the proposed Chinese-owned Fufeng corn milling facility. Meanwhile, the project faces a potential review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

Soy Crush Facility Breaks Ground – The first shovels of dirt were moved in preparation for the new soy crush facility in Casselton, North Dakota. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven says the benefits to local farmers are immense. “A total of 42.5 million bushels per year that are going to purchased from local farmers that will be processed right here (and) that will increase the price because it reduces the basis and transportation cost.” Hoeven says value added ag offers more than opportunities in the ag community, but there’s room for community growth as well. “I think they’ve worked hard to win community support. It’s a $400 million investment that will help create jobs in the community.”

Parade of Champions: A Great Opportunity – Molly Hanson from Carrington, North Dakota has been in the Pleasant Valley 4-H Club in Foster County for nine years. “I show sheep and cattle, primarily market lambs and Angus heifers. I was the champion intermediate 4-H showman in a round robin and my sister was the champion junior showman in round robin.” Hanson’s advice, take the risk and join 4-H. “Always keep your head up, no matter if you win or lose, you have to keep pushing because being involved in agricultural activities as a kid has certainly helped me to be the person I am today.” Hear the story.

AURI Update – Are you interested in learning about new crop opportunities in the Midwest? Join the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute for the monthly Fields of Innovation program. Learn more in this AURI Update.

Peterson Farms Seed Now Offering Buns Wheat Seed – Peterson Farms Seed is adding a new wheat seed to its line-up. Buns wheat has a shorter stature to help with lodging and has excellent straw strength. It has good tolerance to Bacterial Leaf Streak, scoring 7.7 out of 9 for tolerance. Buns wheat also heads out about 65 days after planting, a few days later than other varieties. According to Peterson Farms Seed, the maturity will be the same as most commercial varieties grown in the Dakotas and Minnesota.

Peterson Farms Seed Field Day Coming Up – Peterson Farms Seed is hosting their annual field day Wednesday at Prosper, North Dakota. PFS President Carl Peterson says the focus of the day is to highlight ways farmers can improve their crop yields. “We’ve got many different things in store; some are futuristic and some of them are practical right now.” RDK Enterprises Sales Manager Kris Brekken will talk about planter technology. Topics ranging from biologicals to gene editing will also be addressed. Peterson Farms Seed will also highlight new crop opportunities. “There are two crops we’re working on including IP soybeans, we also have high protein peas coming out of the field.”

Dry Bean Scene – This week’s focus is on North Dakota State University Extension Agronomist Hans Kandel. Kandel previews the NDSU Row Crop Tour set for September 1st. The Dry Bean Scene is brought to you by SRS Commodities, Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company, and BASF.

AMVAC Establishes GreenSolutions – AMVAC has created the GreenSolutions product team to focus on its biological portfolio. Ted Walker is the U.S. GreenSolutions marketing manager.

Cooperation for FarmLogs and Nori – The farm management company, FarmLogs, has added an in-app integration to allow farmers to enroll in Nori’s blockchain-backed carbon removal marketplace. Nori rewards regenerative farming practices that involve soil carbon sequestration. Fargo-based Bushel acquired FarmLogs in June of 2021.

AURI Agricultural Innovation Center Announced – Minnesota’s Agricultural Utilization Research Institute received a $500,000 USDA grant to create an Agricultural Innovation Center. This effort will provide technical and business development assistance to farmers who market or produce value-added products. AURI plans to launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

NPPC Hires Food Policy Director – Dr. Ashley Johnson has joined the National Pork Producers Council as its director of food policy. Most recently, Johnson has been a technical service veterinarian for Zoetis. At NPPC, Johnson will focus post-harvest food safety, human nutrition and animal care issues in market channels.

Growth Energy Names Domestic Market Development VP – Jake Comer has joined Growth Energy as its vice president of market development. Most recently, Comer was the director of retail fuels for Casey’s.

MN and SD Represented on USDA Equity Commission – USDA has announced the 12 members of the new Equity Commission Subcommittee on Rural Community Economic Development. That group includes Cheryal Hills, who leads Minnesota’s Region Five Development Commission, and Lakota Vogel, who the executive director of the Four Bands Community Fund in South Dakota. The RCED Subcommittee will provide recommendations for the Agriculture Department to address concerns about rural development, poverty and underserved communities.

Dairyland Seed GM Retires – Gary Leeper, who was general manager for Dairyland Seed since 2016, has retired. Leeper spent 42 years in the seed business including time with Mycogen Seeds and Lynks Seed. Chris Pritchett is Dairyland’s new general manager. Prior to joining Dairyland Seed, Pritchett was a district sales lead for PhytoGen.

New Princess Kay Crowned – Rachel Rynda of Montgomery was crowned Princess Kay of the Milky Way on the evening before the start of the Minnesota State Fair. Rynda will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy industry.