A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network
Monday, August 03, 2020
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Fordyce Anticipates More Applicants in Final Month of CFAP Sign-Up – With less than one month left for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program sign-up, the USDA has distributed $6.5 billion. It’s unknown if the entire $16 billion allocated for the program will be distributed. Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce said there could be a few reasons why sign-up isn’t stronger at this time. “There’s also a lot of acreage reporting taking place right now and once this has finished up, we anticipate the CFAP applications to ramp up a little bit.” There will be spot checks for farmers who have signed up for the program once the August 28 deadline has passed. “These are random and if you’re a livestock producer that sold 100 head, we’ll need proof you sold 100 head during that time,” said Fordyce. “If there is a spot check, our staff will work with farmers to get the right documentation, helping them understand what the documentation needs to be.” Hear the interview.
No Compromise Reached Yet on Phase Four Package – Negotiations continue on a phase four economic stimulus package, but the the Administration, Senate and House have been unable to find a compromise. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds said all parties understand the significance of the timing for this legislation. “Once this pressure starts to build more, there’s a lot higher percentage of actually getting something done. I think that’s how leadership expected it to work.” Rounds would like to see one of his provisions included in the final package, the New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act, allowing products inspected by state Meat and Poultry Inspection programs to be sold across state lines. “At a time when our food supply is in danger, this is a very good first step.”
Klobuchar: Differing Views for Nutrition, Cost and USDA Implementation – An agreement wasn’t reached on a new COVID-19 relief package last week so negotiations will continue this week. When it comes to agriculture, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar says there are a few hang-ups in the Senate’s bill: differing views on nutrition programs, the overall cost and the flexibility given to the USDA in implementation. “My problem with what Senate Republicans have proposed is it gives so much discretion to the USDA. I’m afraid that money won’t go to our state and they won’t account for our needs,” she says. “The perfect example is in the last funding amount, the USDA used payments to help some classes of wheat, but they excluded others grown in Minnesota.”
House Lawmakers on Recess, Waiting for COVID-19 Deal – The House is currently on recess, but lawmakers will be ready to go back to Washington D.C. for a vote on a COVID-19 relief package once an agreement is reached. “I’ve seen this happen a few times before in my first term,” said Minnesota Representative Angie Craig. “I think in the next week or two, the Senate will get their act together and come back with a more serious proposal for COVID-19 relief.” Craig wants a compromised bill for agriculture to look more like the HEROES Act. In the meantime, Craig will attend the virtual Farmfest event on Wednesday. “I’m really looking forward to showcasing to Minnesota farmers what I’ve been doing as a critical member of the House Agriculture Committee the last year and a half.”
Considering Biofuels Options for Fourth COVID-19 Package – Lawmakers proposed at least two provisions for biofuels assistance in this next round of COVID-19 relief. “There are different venues the assistance can come through,” explained Anne Steckel, senior biofuels advisor, National Farmers Union. “Senators Grassley, Ernst and Klobuchar have a provision they’ve been working on to offer aid and we are supportive of that. Congressman Peterson and others on the House side are also proposing a 45 cent credit given to biofuels producers.” According to Steckel, the biofuels industry needs the final language to offer clarity for implementation. “There is a really strong case to make for biofuels, because of lost demand. We’ll continue to work with champions; there are a lot of negotiations happening. It’s an important time right before the elections and we’re really hoping biofuels will be part of this final package.”
Biofuels Industry Seeks Aid Clarity in Stimulus Negotiations – The biofuels industry is pushing for more clarity and certainty for assistance as the phase four coronavirus stimulus package negotiations continue. American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings says the opening bid from Senators last week was underwhelming. “On one hand, we’re certainly grateful the legislation contains language that could be interpreted by the USDA to include the biofuels sector in future economic relief payments, but what we were hoping for and what we continue to urge is for Congress to come together on more concrete language to direct aid to biofuels.” Jennings says the two options being proposed for biofuels aid by House and Senate agricultural leaders are clear and direct. Despite the negotiation challenges, he remains hopeful language will be included. “Frankly, I think this is a matter of political will. Is Congress willing to do the right thing by the biofuels sector or will they just leave it up to the USDA? The problem with leaving it up to the USDA is that in the third package, the USDA declined to provide assistance to biofuels. We don’t want to go through that again.”
MFU Minute – The need for another stimulus package is great in Minnesota. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish has more in this edition of the MFU Minute.
House Passes WRDA Bill – The Water Resources Development Act passed on a voice vote. This bill is another step in the funding process for key water infrastructure projects, like locks and dams. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved WRDA earlier this year.
MFBF Update – The Minnesota Farm Bureau has a webinar series called “Shop Talk.” Learn more about the series from MFBF Director of Public Policy Amber Glaeser in the MFBF Update.
Favorable Soybean Basis Levels for ND at Harvest – Basis levels for the harvest delivery of soybeans are very favorable at many North Dakota grain elevator locations. “When you look at where you’re at in November futures compared to January futures, there’s very small carry in the market,” said Kristi Van Ahn, chief financial officer, Van Ahn and Company. “Basis is extremely strong for harvest delivery.” Soybean growers may want to take a look at locking in some of the crop. “Especially for those not storing their crop, it’s not an opportunity to pass up.”
Pre-Harvest Update Reveals a Variable ND Spring Wheat – The North Dakota Grain Growers Association and North Dakota Wheat Commission hosted a virtual pre-harvest spring wheat event on Tuesday. More than 200 participants got an update on the Northern Plains crop, including the variable spring wheat in North Dakota. Near Williston, field conditions were dry for much of the growing season and recent rains are welcome. “The early planted spring wheat is starting to turn color now and that’s really early for us,” said Clair Keene, area specialist, NDSU Williston Research Extension Center. “I think we’ll be harvesting some small grains in plots in the next two weeks.” York, North Dakota farmer Phil Volk also offered an update. “Along Highway 2 in north-central North Dakota, we had some small rains and got good, even germination. Then, we had heavy, windy and driving rains that lodged the crop.”
An “Excellent” SD Winter Wheat Crop – South Dakota Wheat Commission Executive Director Reid Christopherson is looking at an excellent winter wheat crop. “Our top state average in history is 52 bushels per acre and most farms this year are reporting 70 to 75 bushels an acre or more,” said Christopherson. “It’s not uncommon to be hearing some farm reports exceeding 100 bushels per acre.” As winter wheat harvest wraps up, spring wheat harvest is beginning in South Dakota. “One of the last places spring wheat harvest will likely wrap up is in the northeast portion of the state. That’s the wetter part of the state, but at this point in time, the disease is very low in the crop.” Christopherson was part of Tuesday’s virtual wheat update.
Spring Wheat Harvest Begins in Southern MN – According to Minnesota Wheat Executive Director Charlie Vogel, spring wheat harvest is underway in southern Minnesota. “One grower just starting harvest told me the yields are above average and the crop is good quality. There’s a 15.1 percent protein with decent results for test weight,” said Vogel. “Overall, I think the USDA projections on the crop are optimistic. Mostly due to the excessive rains in northwest Minnesota and excessive drown-outs.”
Red River Valley Spring Wheat Disease Risk Continues – Wet fields combined with the warmer-than-usual temperatures continue to favor disease for the spring wheat growing in the Red River Valley. University of Minnesota Extension Agronomist Jochum Wiersma is concerned about late Fusarium head blight popping up and bacterial leaf streak may also have an impact on the crop. “My gut feeling is we’ll see more yield losses and a greater effect on the spring wheat test weight. That’s under duress anyway, because of the high night-time temperatures,” said Wiersma. “It’s still a difficult disease to quantify yield losses year-over-year, but earlier onset generally has a greater effect on both yield and test weight.” Wiersma also anticipates a muddy harvest if the rains don’t stop soon.
Taking a Break Between Harvests – Stratton, Colorado custom forage harvester Raph Jolliffe is back home waiting for the corn to mature. The hay crop Jolliffe cuts is irrigated. “The first three cuttings went well and we got the hay put in okay.” The harvest in eastern Colorado is virtually done. “I know quite a few harvesters coming through this area and many of them didn’t have a lot of work from here. We’re ahead of schedule and folks are catching their breath.”
Pioneer Agronomy Update – The latest Pioneer Agronomy Update came from an experimental product testing plot near Fisher, Minnesota. Agronomist Zach Fore said the corn is making excellent progress. “For GDUs, we’re 100-to-200 ahead of normal. Every 100 GDUs is four maturity days so if we’re ahead by 100 GDUs that means an 80-day hybrid looks like a 76-day. In some places, we’re 200 ahead which is a lot. That means an 88-day hybrid looks like an 80 day hybrid.” Don’t forget, the Red River Farm Network Crop Tour Presented by Pioneer takes place the week of August 24.
Crop Conditions Vary South of Grand Forks – Buxton, North Dakota farmer Chris Hong hopes to begin the spring harvest by the end of the week. Hong says most of his wheat is on tiled or well-drained ground and looks good. The row crops vary widely. “Half of the edible bean crop looks phenomenal; 25 percent is average and the other 25 percent is way below average.” There’s a similar story for sugarbeets with Hong estimating the first 25 percent of his crop may be a record. Fifty percent of the crop will be at the (Red River) Valley average and the last 25 percent of the beets planted are going to be sub-par.” Hong says those average-to-below average yields are due to too much water. Over one-third of his acres are prevented plant. “That area south of Grand Forks has high horsepower ground and a lot of good producers; some of the fields just got hammered with way too much moisture.”
Dry Bean Scene – There have been nearly ideal growing conditions for the kidney bean crop in the New York Mills, Minnesota area. Farmer Cordell Huebsch says some blight is starting to show up as a result of a couple severe storms. Get the detail in the Dry Bean Scene, made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company and SRS Commodities.
The Sugarbeet Report – With just a few weeks until sugarbeet pre-pile harvest, University of Minnesota sugarbeet pathologist Ashok Chandra says there are things growers should be aware of. Hear more this week’s Sugarbeet Report, made possible by Provysol from BASF, Premium Ag Solutions, Corteva Agriscience, SESVanderHave, Vive Crop Protection, H&S Manufacturing and Syngenta.
Waterhemp a “Significant Issue” for ND Farmers This Year – Waterhemp continues to be a significant issue for North Dakota farmers. According to Centrol Crop Consulting agronomist Lee Breise, the weather hasn’t helped much. “Waterhemp is exploding in fields fast. We have high populations in some fields where we never thought we’d see waterhemp.” Breise says farmers are now beyond using herbicides for weed management. “For managing these weeds going forward, farmers need good crop rotation.” Farmers are also struggling to manage weeds in prevent plant fields due to the windy, hot and muddy conditions.
Crop College – Compared to last year, the corn growing in the Northern Plains is ahead of schedule. Farmers should be scouting for insects in the corn and soybeans. Hear more from Peterson Farms Seed agronomy lead Adam Spelhaug in this episode of Crop College.
APHIS Investigating Mystery Seed Mailers – The case of unsolicited “mystery” seed showing up in people’s mailboxes from Chinese shippers has reached 22 states and several foreign countries. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has identified 14 different species of seed from mustard and morning glory to cabbage and roses. APHIS says there is no indication the seeds carry pests or diseases and they have no evidence the packages are anything more than a brushing scam where “brushers” place orders for vendors products who then pose as the buyers to post fake customer reviews to boost sales.
Canola Minute – During the recent NDSU Langdon Research Extension Center virtual field day, Dr. Venkat Chapara updated farmers on disease research being done at the LREC. Learn more in the Canola Minute, made possible by the Northern Canola Growers Association.
Ag Leaders Address Trade Tensions with China – In a virtual townhall event on Thursday, U.S. Soybean Export Council CEO Jim Sutter acknowledged the tensions between the U.S. and China. With the recent consulate closings, Sutter said it’s important to build up relations, not attack. “Having the kind of environment where the Chinese want to continue to make purchases in and having them feel like there’s a mutually beneficial relationship in place. I think that will make the agreement last.” National Corn Growers Association President Kevin Ross said China’s recent corn sales are encouraging. Both leaders were part of an AgTalks Town Hall virtual webinar series. Another webinar will be held on Wednesday with a focus on Minnesota, trade and the future of American agriculture. Register for the event.
SD Corn Comments – Did you know about one-third of the corn harvested in South Dakota is exported? Learn more in the latest Corn Comments, a production of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.
China’s Corn and Soybean Buys a “Pleasant Surprise” – China purchased more corn and soybeans from the United States this past week. Commodity Risk Management Group President Mike North says the purchases are a pleasant surprise because this isn’t the time of the year China typically buys from the U.S. The China purchases may appear to be related to the phase one trade deal, but North says it’s actually a matter of worldwide logistical hurdles. “China bought aggressively from South America, mostly Brazil, but as they did so, Brazil got a little over their skis with some of their sales. It’s almost put the pressure on China to come back to the United States.” North says a weak U.S. dollar has also brought China to the table. “They can buy cheap and we’re really the only game in town right now.”
What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – In this episode of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Advance Trading Risk Management Advisor Tommy Grisafi offers insight into the corn, soybean and wheat markets. The gold market is on fire and that is also discussed.
ND, SD Ag Groups File Amicus Brief Over DAPL Shutdown – The shutdown of the Dakota Access Pipeline has consequences for agriculture. Farm groups from North Dakota and South Dakota are taking legal action, saying the permanent closure of the pipeline would negatively impact transportation of farm commodities. These groups have filed a friend of the court brief to keep the Dakota Access Pipeline in operation. This action was taken by the NDFB, North Dakota Grain Dealers Association, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Corn Growers Association and South Dakota Soybean Growers Association.
MN Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule Goes Into Effect Next Month – Starting in September, fall nitrogen fertilizer application in Minnesota will be restricted in areas vulnerable to groundwater contamination. The Groundwater Protection rule restricts the use of nitrogen fertilizer in the fall and on frozen soils in Minnesota. Depending on where you farm, you could be subject to one part of the rule, both parts or none at all. An interactive online map provides more details for farmers. “You can look right down to the detail on your farm to see if you’re impacted by this,” said Thom Petersen, agriculture commissioner, Minnesota Agriculture Department. “About 13 percent of Minnesota’s farmland will be impacted. It starts in southeast Minnesota, working its way up toward the Twin Cities and into the sand plains area.” Northwest Minnesota is exempt from climate portion of the rule. There are also some exceptions to the restrictions. For example, the Ag Department says fall nitrogen fertilizer application will be allowed for growing fall cover crops in a potato rotation, establishing winter grains planted in the fall and more. The department will also host a webinar on August 12 to answer questions.
Consistent Rains and Heat Bring More Potato Disease Risk – University of Minnesota Extension and NDSU Extension Potato Agronomist Andy Robinson says the potato crop is hit and miss in the Red River Valley this year. Between Grand Forks and Larimore, North Dakota and up into northwest Minnesota, there’s been significant rainfall the last few weeks; anywhere from two-to-ten inches of rain in one shot. “The big, heavy rains are the ones we worry about, because they can be disruptive. The recent heat is pushing the crop along, but it can also cause other issues with potatoes.” Soft rot could be a risk for some of the crop. Farmers should continue watching for late blight as well.
Potato News – As the wet and warm conditions continue in the Red River Valley, potato growers should keep scouting for disease. In this week’s Potato News update, NDSU Extension Potato Plant Pathologist Julie Pasche explains what farmers can be looking for when it comes to late blight and more. Potato News is made possible by Corteva Agriscience, Bayer, Sipcam Agro and BASF’s Provysol fungicide, the new standard for early blight.
Farm Expenditures Edge Higher – Farm production expenditures in the U.S. totaled $358 billion in 2019. That’s up from $354 billion in 2018. Total farm costs averaged nearly $178,000. The dollars spent on crop production declined a fraction of one percent year-over-year. The biggest cost items for crop farms are labor, rent and farm services. Feed is the biggest expense for livestock farms.
Parade of Champions: Abbi Steeke –
Abbi Steeke of Rhame, North Dakota is passionate about livestock. This past year, Abbi has been involved with the livestock judging program at Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas. “Livestock judging is something that helps us know how to produce better animals and can be a good educational opportunity.” Steeke is also showing livestock this summer, but it’s been limited. “The North Dakota State Fair didn’t happen, but there are jackpot shows. My sister and I still have animals in the barn through October.” Abbi is pursuing a degree in animal science and plans to transfer to South Dakota State University after her sophomore year. This Parade of Champions feature is made possible by Ag Country Farm Credit Services, NDFB, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, North Dakota Grain Growers Association and the Associated Milk Producers, Incorporated. Listen to the full interview.
Parade of Champions: Payton Waage – Payton Waage of Greenbush, Minnesota shows Charolais cattle. Payton has been in 4-H since 12 years old and shown at the Minnesota State Fair several times. “My favorite part about showing livestock is getting to know the animal and learning more about the species. I’ve learned a 1,300-pound animal can do whatever it wants. The fact that you’re not in control is something takes patience and that’s something I’ve had to learn.” This is Payton’s last year showing as a 4-H member. “I was kind of bummed to not get to show at the Minnesota State Fair.” Waage is a sophomore in college, pursuing a degree in animal science. “My family runs a feedlot and I’d like to learn more about the nutrition side of the business.” This Parade of Champions features is presented by Ag Country Farm Credit Services, NDFB, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, North Dakota Grain Growers Association and the Associated Milk Producers, Incorporated. Listen to the full interview.
JBS Acquires Major Lamb Processing Plant – There’s no confirmation, but JBS’s acquisition of the Mountain States Rosen lamb processing plant at Greeley, Colorado was scheduled to close this past Friday. This plant is the second largest lamb processing facility in the United States, representing 20 percent of the country’s sheep processing capacity. JBS won the bid for the site in a bankruptcy auction in mid-July. Mountain States Rosen bought the facility five years ago from JBS. JBS plans to stop processing lambs and convert the plant to produce retail-ready beef cuts. This action would leave the sheep industry with a processing surplus of about 350,000 lambs. Agriculture groups and lawmakers are concerned about the impact on the sheep industry and are calling for an immediate investigation by the Department of Justice.
Sheep Industry Shocked by Processing Plant Takeover – South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Executive Director James Halverson is upset with the JBS decision to shut down lamb processing at its newly acquired plant in Colorado. “I don’t know that hardly anybody knew about this before the last couple of days. This raises a lot of red flags so I think our industry is justified in raising a lot of questions.” Halverson adds there is still time for sheep producers’ voices to be heard and encourages phone calls to their Senators and Representatives in Washington D.C. before the end of today. The full Red River Farm Network interview with Halverson is available here.
NCBA Offers Views on Beef Checkoff Referendum – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has responded to R-CALF USA’s petition for a referendum on the beef checkoff. In a statement, NCBA President Marty Smith said his organization supports the producers’ right to have their say on the future of the beef checkoff. However, NCBA says the petition and signature gathering process should be “transparent and conducted with integrity.” While R-CALF wants the beef checkoff terminated, NCBA voiced confidence about the support of the promotion and research program.
MN Poultry Industry Encouraged to Explore New Markets – Minnesota’s turkey industry generates $2.3 million in economic activity. According to a new report from University of Minnesota Extension, some parts of the state’s poultry industry have seen little impact from the coronavirus pandemic. Other sectors are recovering from big drop off in prices earlier this year. During this time of uncertainty, the report called for “creativity and collaboration” to reach new consumer markets.
MN Corn Matters – There is hope that Section 179 conformity will be achieved during the third Minnesota legislative special session in August. Hear more from Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Les Anderson in the latest Corn Matters.
Clock is Ticking for Section 179 Conformity – A coalition of agriculture groups is urging the Minnesota Legislature to pass full Section 179 conformity during the next special session in mid-August. The ag groups said it is time for lawmakers to move beyond election-year politics and fix this important tax issue. The letter was signed by commodity groups representing corn, soybean, pork and the dairy industries. Minnesota Farm Bureau, AgriGrowth, AgCountry Farm Credit Services and Compeer Financial are also included on this letter to legislators.
engAGe: Opening Doors in Leadership – North Dakota Soybean Council executive director Stephanie Sinner talks about navigating her career and leading in agriculture in ‘Opening Doors in Leadership’ available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and Google Play. engAGe is sponsored by AgCountry Farm Credit Services.
Project Proposed to Reduce Flood Damage in Roseau Lake Basin – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Roseau River Watershed District are proposing to purchase farmland and water easements south of the Roseau Lake Basin. Watershed District administrator Tracy Halstensgard says Roseau Lake was drained in the early 1900s for agricultural purposes. “It is very flood-prone land.” Halstensgard says the purpose of the project is to reduce flood damage and improve wildlife habitat. “What we’re proposing to do with this project is create gated retention storage on the north side of the basin and hold water there until the Roseau River has capacity to allow the outlet of that water. The land on the south of the side of the river, the footprint of the water will change slightly and ideally just change the timing of that flooding.”
Landowners Say Roseau Lake Rehab Project Threatens Productive Farmland – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Roseau River Watershed District are proposing to purchase farmland and water easements south of the Roseau Lake Basin for wildlife habitat. A coalition of landowners is voicing its opposition to this project. Mitch Magnusson farms this ground and wants to pass the land onto the next generation. “It is really, really good land. It does pose the risk of flooding, but when you get the crop, they are very nice crops.” The local landowners are working with the Virginia-based Institute for Justice, which is an advocacy group that is opposed to the use of eminent domain. “We feel the only way they acquire it is by eminent domain because we know we’re not selling the land or the easements.”
Lawsuit Filed Over Bioengineered Label – A lawsuit has been filed in the Northern District of California that seeks to abolish the national food labeling rules that will become mandatory in 2022. The new standards would require the use of the term ‘bioengineered,’ rather than ‘non-GMO’ or ‘genetically engineered.’ The Center for Food Safety and a handful of other consumer activist groups filed the lawsuit, claiming the labeling rules will confuse consumers.
The Sugarbeet Report – With just a few weeks until sugarbeet pre-pile harvest, University of Minnesota sugarbeet pathologist Ashok Chandra says there are things growers should be aware of. Hear more this week’s Sugarbeet Report, made possible by Provysol from BASF, Premium Ag Solutions, Corteva Agriscience, SESVanderHave, Vive Crop Protection, H&S Manufacturing and Syngenta.
Prepare for 2021 Winter Wheat Seeding – Winter wheat harvest is nearing the finish line in the Northern Plains and it won’t be long before 2021 winter wheat seeding begins. BASF Regional Technical Representative in the Northern Great Plains, Ruhiyyih Dyrdahl-Young, reminds farmers much of the yield potential for the crop is set before planting. “What I’m talking about is seed treatments. BASF is working hard to bring innovation into the cereal seed treatment market,” says Dyrdahl-Young. “With that, we are launching a brand new fungicide this year called Relenya, powered by Revysol. We’ve seen really really good performance of Relenya on top of our base fungicide Stamina F4. We use a seed treatment to get good stand establishment.” As soon as winter wheat is planted, Dyrdahl-Young says farmers are automatically at risk for several fungal diseases. Hear the story.
USB Invests in New Research and Promotion Projects – The United Soybean Board has approved its plan-of-action for 2021 and beyond. A total of 176 projects were funded by the soybean checkoff. Target areas include the development of soybean oil as an alternative to petroleum-based products. USB is also working to differentiate the quality of U.S. soybean meal and oil to foreign buyers.
A Virtual Farmfest 2020 Starts This Week – Minnesota Farmfest 2020 will be a virtual experience this week due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Webinars focused on the farm economy, political forums and more begin tomorrow morning. “We’re pretty excited about Farmfest Virtual 2020. It was a way for us to bring agriculture education and political forums to the people who normally come to the event,” says Niki Jones, marketing manager, IDEAg Group. “We have a line-up of three sessions each day, with a mix of political sessions and awards.” Tuesday’s line-up features a webinar on farm safety, a Senate candidate forum with Senator Tina Smith and opponent Jason Lewis. There will also be a look at the current state of the ag economy. Register and check out the Farmfest line-up.
2Q Bunge Financials Released – For the second quarter, Bunge reports net income of $512 million. That compares to $205 million one year ago. Earnings in the agribusiness segment were strong. The vegetable oils, milling and fertilizer business posted gains; the sugar and bioenergy business units were in the red.
AGCO Reports Lower Q2 Net Income – AGCO is reporting second quarter net income of $60 million on gross sales of more than $2 billion. That’s down 42 percent from one year ago. Net income for the six months ending June 30 is reported at $126.3 million on net sales of $3.9 billion. AGCO says its North American business was flat with increased sales of hay equipment, precision planting equipment and high horsepower tractors being mostly offset by lower sprayer and grain and protein sales.
Crary Ag Announces Stalk Raptor Cutting System – West Fargo-based Crary Ag has expanded its GOLD’NCUT cutting system lineup with the addition of its Stalk Raptor section. The precision cutting design is devised to provide less crop shatter and increased crop feeding capability, allowing harvesters to operate at faster ground speeds.
True North Equipment Invests in New Property – True North Equipment has purchased a former Wells Concrete building and property in Grand Forks. This facility will serve as a central location for receiving, assembling and preparation of new equipment. The site will also extend the capabilities for customer clinics and education programs for the John Deere dealer. True North Equipment plans to have the building in operation as early as this fall.
Fed Cattle Exchange Sold – The weekly online fed cattle auction is now owned and operated by Central Stockyards. The Fed Cattle Exchange has been in operation since 2016. Former National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Forrest Roberts is the president and chief executive officer of Central Stockyards. Central Stockyards specialize in cattle and horse sales using web and mobile applications.
TransFARMation: Coping with COVID on the Farm – Coping with coronavirus is a reality for everyone. Hallock, Minnesota farmer Erik Younggren says this pandemic impacts the entire family. “My oldest child is nine years old and the two other girls are six. They haven’t seen most of their friends since March. I guess we’ll see what happens this fall with school,” says Younggren. “They are growing up not having all those social interactions they need.” On the farm, Younggren is concerned about labor. There is a lot of planning that never was an issue before. “The biggest challenge for us will be sugarbeet harvest. How do we handle things like sanitizing trucks, the regiment at the piles and just managing a lot of people?” Hear more in the latest TransFARMation podcast, found here.
Willmar Farmer Elected as USGC Vice Chair – An Illinois farmer is the new chairman of the U.S. Grains Council. Jim Raben represents the Illinois Corn Marketing Board on the council. Chad Willis, who is on the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council, is the vice chair.
NDBA Announces New Officers and Board Members – The president of the Bank of Glen Ullin is the new chair of the North Dakota Bankers Association. Christie Obenauer from the Union State Bank in Hazen is chair-elect and Kathy Torske of American Trust Center in Bismarck is treasurer. The new NDBA board members of Brian Johnson of Choice Bank in Grand Forks, Ryan Hertz of Dacotah Bank in Minot, Pat Lorenson of Ramsey National Bank in Fargo and Pete Jahner of Kirkwood Bank & Trust in Bismarck.
Temple Grandin Honored by AMSA – Colorado State University animal science professor Temple Grandin has been honored with the American Meat Science Association’s International Lectureship Award. Grandin, who is a recognized leader in animal handling, is being recognized for her contributions to the field of meat science and technology.
MN Soybean Growers Association Elects New Board – Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Jamie Beyer was re-elected to serve the state’s soybean farmers another year. Beyer is the third woman to serve as the MSGA president. Beltrami farmer Mike Skaug was re-elected to serve as vice-president, Lake Benton farmer Bob Worth is treasurer and Wells farmer Darin Johnson is returning as the secretary for the association.
Johnson Promotes Weber – John Weber has been promoted to legislative director for South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson. Weber is focusing on agriculture, animal welfare, energy, environmental protection, public lands and natural resources. Weber previously served as a senior policy advisor.
USSEC Adds to Its Communications Staff – Julie Deering is the new senior manager of communications for the U.S. Soybean Export Council. Previously, Deering has worked for HighQuest Partners, Seed World Media, Top Producer and the American Seed Trade Association.
Last Week’s Trivia – Air Force One is the name of the aircraft that carries the president. Don Oberholtzer from Cargill wins our weekly trivia challenge. Bob Lebacken of RML Trading, Norm Groot of Monterey County Farm Bureau, Dan Filipi of American Federal Bank and Anna Kemmer of Southeast Region Career and Technology Center earn runner-up honors.The ‘first 20’ rounds out with retired North Dakota Farmers Union economist Dale Enerson, Heather Heley of HC International, David Scholand of Central Valley Bean, Todd Good of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, James Altringer of CHS Dakota Plains Ag, Rolla farmer Doyle Lentz, Bob Brunker of J.L. Farmakis, John Zietz of Cargill Agricultural Supply Center, Phyllis Nystrom of CHS Hedging, Crookston farmer Ron Lanctot, Mark Bernard of Agro-Economics, Cokato farmer Harlan Anderson, Nick Sinner of Northern Crops Institute, Jody Saathoff of CHS and Ron Dvergsten of Northland Farm Business Management.
This Week’s Trivia-What cereal brand is known as ‘the Breakfast of Champions’? Send your answer to don@rrfn.com.
RRFN Upcoming Events | |||
August 4, 2020 - August 6, 2020 | Virtual Farmfest Forums - Online Webinar | ||
August 5, 2020 | Young Leaders in Agriculture Conference - Online Webinar | ||
August 6, 2020 | Pasture to Plate Webinar: Cattle and The Beef Markets - Online Webinar | ||
August 11, 2020 | NDSU Extension Online Composting Workshop - Online Webinar | ||
August 11, 2020 | ND Corn Classic Golf Tournament - Mapleton, ND | ||
August 11, 2020 - August 13, 2020 | National Agri-Marketing Conference - Online Webinar | ||
August 12, 2020 - August 13, 2020 | Midwest Poultry Federation Virtual Convention - Online Webinar | ||
August 18, 2020 | U of MN Extension Cover Crop Field Day - Online Webinar | ||
August 20, 2020 | Pasture to Plate Webinar: Mandatory Price Reporting and Price Discovery - Online Webinar |
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.