Russian Grain Shipments at Risk – The war between Russia and Ukraine is escalating. Russia hit portions of eastern Ukraine with an onslaught of missiles and drones Sunday. That was in retaliation for Ukraine’s two drone attacks in the Russian port at Novorossiysk. This Black Sea port near Crimea is a major hub for Russian grain exports. The threat to Russian exports pushed wheat futures higher in the overnight trade, extending the gains made on Friday.

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – The cattle market continues to deliver bullish results to the marketplace. In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson says wheat is focused on harvest and the escalation of the war in Ukraine and Russia. Welcome rains will help the soybean crop, but it turned the market lower.

RRFN Interview: Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson – In an interview with the Red River Farm Network, House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson said he has thousands of objectives, but a single goal for the farm bill. “The one goal is to get this done in a bipartisan, bicameral way on time and highly effective.” With only a dozen days on the congressional calendar before the expiration of the current law, the deadline is looming. “I only have control of the House Agriculture Committee and we’re going to do our job,” Thompson told RRFN. “When we can do markup and go to the floor really depends on leadership; I’m still hoping and praying it is before the end of September, but the ag committee will be ready to go.” Thompson has hosted dozens of farm bill listening sessions, including the Wednesday session at Farmfest. Topics heard throughout the process include support for crop insurance, funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development programs and updated reference prices. “With this inflation, (the reference price) is inadequate, but is a higher lift; it is a big investment.” Listen to the full interview.

Boozman in ND for Farm Bill Roundtable – North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer and Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman will participate in a farm bill roundtable discussion this morning in Fargo. The current farm law expires at the end of September and an extension is widely expected.

Klobuchar Looks to the Future – Before attending Farmfest, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar spent three days visiting farms in the southwestern corner of the state. In an interview with the Red River Farm Network, Klobuchar said the drought was a chief concern. “The second thing is the workforce continues to be an issue and I’m big believer of a combination of incentives for young people to take over the farm as well as immigration reform.” Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow is not seeking reelection. Klobuchar is the second ranking Democrat on that committee and is the likely next chair. “We always like to have someone in that role from the Midwest,” said Klobuchar. “We know the many years when Collin (Peterson) was chair and ranking member and how helpful that was; it is exciting for me personally, but also for the state.”

Emmer: Protect What We Have – As the Majority Whip and third-ranking Republican, Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer will help shepherd the farm bill through the House. Emmer said it is important to protect what is in the current farm bill while attracting a new generation into the business. “We have to make it easier for young ranchers and farmers to continue the family farm tradition or get in and start their own family farm tradition.” Emmer said Congress must not adopt an agenda that will restrict the farmers’ ability to do his or her job. The Farmfest event was the 51^st farm bill listening session for the House Agriculture Committee. Forty-three people testified, ranging from traditional agricultural groups to anti-hunger and broadband advocates.

Get the Farm Bill Done Right – The current farm bill expires September 30th, but it is unlikely a new farm program will be in place by that time. “The goal is now to get it done by the 1st of the year, but that is still a massive lift,” said Gary Wertish, president, Minnesota Farmers Union. “We really want the farm bill done right rather than just getting it done.” Wertish cites consolidation as having a significant impact on agriculture and it should be addressed in the new farm bill.

Crop Insurance is for the Next Generation – Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth favors enhancements made to crop insurance rather than relying on ad hoc disaster programs. “Sometimes, it is three years before you get your money through ad hoc but with crop insurance you get it the year you have the disaster.” While on the Farmfest forum stage, Worth said beginning farmers don’t have the capital to deal with the delays with the ad hoc disaster programs. Worth is also worried about the future of his occupation. “Young people coming back to the farm can’t afford it because input costs are so high, equipment is so high and land is extremely high.”

Premium Support Advocated – AgCountry Farm Credit Services Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Howard Olson testified in the farm bill listening session, highlighting the need for crop insurance discounts for young and beginning farmers. “We would also ask that Congress make the higher levels of crop insurance more affordable to farmers in northern Minnesota, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, other parts of the country,” said Olson. “The 85 percent coverage level is used considerably in southern Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, and such, but it is too expensive in other parts of the country where farmers are purchasing at the 75 percent and lower levels.” By increasing the premium support for the 80 and 85 percent coverage levels, Olson said it would reduce the need for ad hoc disaster payments.

The Threat of Losing Good Farm Ground to CRP – Dozens of farm and food leaders testified during the House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill Listening Session at Farmfest. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing kicked off the session with a question about CRP. “It certainly is a good program on those sensitive lands that need protection, but how do we make sure that that it is utilized on those sensitive acres and not taking good productive farmland out of production?” CRP rental rates were also described as competition for land, especially for young farmers.

Dairy Disaster – A handful of dairy leaders testified during the farm bill listening session at Farmfest, Ron Behounek, who farms with his sons at Hayfield, Minnesota, described the current dairy program as a disaster. “In 2022 we were paid $22.23 per hundredweight; our last check we got, we got was $11.80. Can any of you guys cut your wage in half and make it? By December or  maybe January, you’re going to see dairy farmers going bankrupt and being foreclosed on. It’s as simple as that.”

The Economic Consequences of Prop 12 – National Pork Producers Council President-Elect Lori Stevermer said the swine industry has four priorities in this farm bill; trade, animal health, labor and Proposition 12. Regarding Prop 12, Stevermer said “there should be no way that the people in California tell Minnesota pig farmers how to raise pigs.” A patchwork of state regulations across the United States could result in consolidation and the loss of more small-and-medium sized swine farms.

Stand Up for Sugar – The sugar program is often in the bulls-eye during a farm bill debate. American Sugarbeet Growers Association President Nate Hultgren asked the agriculture committee to stand up to those anti-sugar critics. “When you go back in September, we ask you that if you have any amendments that are being considered at that time, that you would solemnly defeat those anti-sugar amendments.”

A Unique Role – Minnesota Representative Angie Craig was the lone Democrat participating in the House Farm Bill Listening Session at Farmfest. Craig’s congressional district includes both rural and urban areas which puts her in a unique position. “I do think I’m a bit of a bridge frankly to the Democratic Party and many of my colleagues in it on ag and farm issues.” As an example, Craig cited her bill last year to establish year-round availability of E15. “You have no idea how many conversations I had with metro-area representatives about what is ethanol? what is an E15 blend? what is E85?” Craig emphasized the importance of having friends and advocates on both sides of the aisle.

Animal Disease Preparedness – National Turkey Federation Vice Chairman John Zimmerman, who farms at Northfield, said foreign animal diseases have the potential to cripple the entire animal agriculture sector. Adequate funding is being sought in the farm bill to protect the industry from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and other diseases. “The three tiers include the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program which allows APHIS to collaborate with farmers, ranchers and animal health companies to deliver programs that help eliminate the most serious animal disease threats. The National Animal of Disease Veterinary and Vaccine Counter Measures Bank which helps fund the vaccines and diagnostic tests that may be needed to control or prevent disease outbreaks and the National Animal Health Monitoring System Laboratory Network, which is comprised of more than 60 federal, state and university veterinary diagnostic labs.”

More to Do in ’24 – Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic cites numerous accomplishments for agriculture during the past year, but says there is still work to be done in ’24. “I think we’ll look at how we’ll help beginning farmers into sustainable farming that supports rural communities.” In an interview with RRFN, Dziedzic said the drought is being closely monitored. “The ag economy is so tied to our overall Minnesota economy we want to make sure we can help sustain those farmers.”

Putnam Putting on the Miles – Minnesota Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam was part of a Farmfest forum on state agriculture and rural policy. The Farmfest event was just one of many recent farm policy events. “We’ve had over 20 visits in the past three to four weeks where we talked about corn, soybeans and the struggle organic farmers are having.”

McKalip: Keeping ‘the Foot on the Gas Pedal’ – During a Farmfest forum Tuesday, Chief Agricultural Trade Ambassador Doug McKalip painted a positive story about the Biden Administration’s trade policy. A question came from the audience about the potential for new trade agreements. “Our goal in regards to the Indo-Pacific is to complete work in November which is a herculean task to get an agreement of that size and scope in place in one year’s time.” The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework includes 14 countries in the region to facilitate trade. McKalip also said the Administration will keep “our foot on the gas pedal” to keep the supply chain moving.

China Ends Duty on Aussie Barley – China has ended its anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on Australian barley. The 80 percent tariff began three years ago in a disagreement over COVID-19 policies. When China imposed the huge tariffs on Australian wheat, Canada stepped in and capture a large share of that business.

AURI Update – Calling all innovators and agricultural enthusiasts to the Ag Innovation Podcast. Learn more in this AURI Update.

Goehring Criticizes EPA Draft Herbicide Strategy – North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring strongly opposes the EPA’s new draft herbicide strategy. To meet the obligations of the Endangered Species Act, the EPA is proposing buffers and other risk mitigation practices for all conventional herbicides. Goehring described this plan as “the most significant imposition of new regulation on the agricultural sector in generations.”

Senate Bill Seeks to Eliminate Odor Reporting Requirement – A bill has been introduced in the Senate to end the odor emmissions reporting requirement for farmers and ranchers. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall and Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer said manure odors pose no threat to public safety and shouldn’t be subject to these regulations. Farm Bureau and numerous livestock groups have endorsed this bill.

Drought Opens CRP for Haying and Grazing – Twenty-five North Dakota counties are now eligible for emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program acres. The eligible counties have either been in D2 drought for at least one week, but less than eight consecutive weeks or approved by the county or state FSA committee. Farmers and ranchers are urged to contact their county FSA office to make sure those acres are eligible.

Crop Damage in West-Central MN – Storms in late July damaged corn in west-central Minnesota. Murdock, Minnesota farmer Nathan Collins welcomed the moisture, but not the lodged corn. “I took our drone out the next day and I wish I wouldn’t have.” Collins reminds others to reach out and utilize available resources. “It’s another challenge we face, but we’ll get through it,” said Collins. “We don’t have to face it alone, there are people we can call to help us or just call and talk to.”

Soybean Aphid Population Grows – Soybean aphid numbers are ramping up across North Dakota, increasing from 22 percent of the fields scouted last week to 40 percent this week. Higher populations are being reported in Minnesota. The fields that are not at threshold should be monitored. In addition to soybean aphids, scout for grasshoppers, bean leaf beetles, foliage-feeding caterpillars and soybean mites. NDSU is also warning farmers about potential pyrethroid resistance.

Corn Root Worm Resistance – Corn root worms are heading into the beetle stage. University of Minnesota Extension Integrated Pest Management Specialist Bruce Potter says it’s another bad year of corn root worm with heavy resistant pockets in southern Minnesota. “Some farmers are getting better at using crop rotation in conjunction with insecticides.” Potter recommends farmers start taking preventative methods for next year’s crop. “They’re getting ready to lay eggs, so management should be geared towards the 2024 crop.”

Canola Minute – In this week’s Canola Minute, NDSU Extension Langdon Research Center’s Plant Pathologist Venkata Chapara talks about his research on verticillium wilt in canola.

Hopeful for an Average Crop – The small grain harvest is getting started in the Elbow Lake, Minnesota area. Scott Swenson says a few of his neighbors are combining wheat west of town. “They missed a few rains, so the wheat is kind of burnt up. I’d say it’s fairly average, which is about all we’re going to hope for around here.” Swenson expects to start harvesting his spring wheat in the week ahead.

Winter Wheat Harvest Wraps up in South Dakota – Oahe Grain General Manager Tim Luken says winter wheat harvest is about wrapped up in South Dakota with total production only about 65 percent of last year’s crop. “Test weights are a little over 59 lbs., so we’re 2-3 lbs. less than last year and a percent and a half higher on the protein.” In the meantime, spring wheat harvest is just starting in the Onida area.

An Unusual Harvest – Hallock, Minnesota custom harvester Rick Sugden has had an unusual harvest season. “We ended up not taking any Kansas contracts, because they took crop insurance.” Sugden Harvesting skipped Kansas and hauled its combines to South Dakota.” There was only about half of a normal winter wheat crop in South Dakota. Spring wheat is now on the agenda, “but they didn’t get any rain when they needed it.”

Smallest Kansas Wheat Crop in Decades – According to Kansas Wheat Commission CEO Justin Gilpin, the state’s wheat harvest is finally wrapping up. “This has definitely been one of the more challenging years that we’ve had in the Southern Plains for hard red winter wheat. It was not just the growing conditions with drought when it was planted, but the rain switched on at harvest.”  According to the USDA, Kansas wheat production has not been this low since 1965. “Even though planted wheat acres were higher last fall, abandonment is at levels we haven’t seen in decades.”

Volatile Markets Have Become the Norm – The market has made wide swings with every potential weather event. “The Cornbelt is dry,” said Rob Fronning, Vice President of Insurance and Commodity Marketing, AgCountry Farm Credit Services. “With hit-and-miss showers, there’s spots that get rain and they’ll have a decent crop and others are really under stress and the market is trying to guess what we’ll have.” The war in Ukraine has escalated and that has implications for U.S. agriculture. “What kind of long-term effect is that going to have on our input costs, such as the fertilizer that we get out of there.”

MN Beef Update – Minnesota Beef Council Director Hilary Paplow recaps the summer meeting in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.

Cattle Prices Likely to Hold – Cattle prices have been at historic levels this summer. KRose Company owner Karoline Rose says something unusual is happening and prices could move even higher. “Some big players, especially in this northern country, have not raised their hand and they’re not buying on these video auctions or contracting calves in the country yet.” Those sales will eventually happen. As a result, Rose believes these cattle prices will hold through August, September and potentially into October. The cattle herd has been slow to rebuild and interest rates could be a factor. Listen to the full interview with Karoline Rose here.

Producers Hold Bargaining Power – With the U.S. cow herd declining, beef supplies are going down and competition in the marketplace is going up. Steiner Consulting Ag Economist Altin Kalo says the slaughter pace will continue to slow with fewer animals left to market. “Slaughter numbers on the beef side are down about 11 percent year over year.” Kalo says beef producers should receive a bigger piece of the pie with bargaining power swinging in their favor. Packer margins have been on a steady decline for the past two-to-three years.

Market Transparency Sought – The current farm bill expires at the end of September. South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson expects a draft farm bill will be in place next month. “We’re a little bit behind where we want to be, but I think we’ll put the finishing touches on the draft by August and pass it out of committee by September.” in the new farm bill, Johnson wants more market transparency. “I’d like to see more competition out there and having the four biggest packers control the (cattle) market is not good.”

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, Midwest Dairy Manager of Programs and Partnerships Whitney Blindert discusses the upcoming ‘Dairy Dash.’

Wean to Harvest Biosecurity – The Swine Health Information Center’s Wean-to Harvest Biosecurity Research Program has selected five additional projects for funding. Swine Health Information Center Associate Director Megan Niederwerder says there’s an increased risk in disease after pigs are weaned. “We identified gaps in those production phases in disease entry and biosecurity practices.” There are now 15 total projects funded through the Wean to Harvest program.

Farmland Values Hold Firm – According to a new report from USDA, Minnesota farmland values are averaging $6,820 per acre, up seven percent from last year. Farm real estate values in South Dakota is averaging $2,920 per acre, up 12 percent. In North Dakota, farmland values are up 13 percent at $2,320. Cash rents for non-irrigated cropland in Minnesota averaged just under $200 per acre, up $13 from 2022. For South Dakota, dryland cash rents averaged $126 per acre, just $1 higher than a year ago. These cash rents in North Dakota are averaging $76 per acre, $3 higher than last year.

Dry Bean Scene – Central Valley Bean Cooperative General Manager Dan Fuglesten is a delegate for upcoming U.S. Dry Bean Council Convention. Learn more in this week’s Dry Bean Scene. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company, Sharpen Fungicide from BASF, SRS Commodities and Heads Up Plant Protectants.

Oakes Breaks Ground on New Research Headquarters – North Dakota Senator John Hoeven helped break ground for the new headquarters at the NDSU Extension Oakes Irrigation Research Site. Hoeven says this particular site is unique in their irrigation research focus. “We’re taking it up to a much higher level to test irrigation techniques, but it also builds NDSU’s agricultural expertise.” Hoeven has been busy this week with farm bill discussions across the state. “It’s about getting the input we need from farmers and ranchers, so we get the farm bill right.”

Irrigation Research Site Gets New Look – NDSU’s Oake’s Irrigation Research Site broke ground on their new headquarters this past week. Carrington Research Extension Center Director Mike Ostlie also oversees the Oake’s facility. Ostlie says the site supports irrigation research, crop variety performance on irrigation on corn, soybeans, dry beans, onions, and potatoes. NDSU Vice President of Agricultural Affairs Gerg Lardy says the Oakes Irrigation Research Site has a lot of unique research happening in irrigation. “It allows us to do irrigation research on a lot of high-value crops, crop rotations, and plant disease in irrigation.” The new headquarters should be operational by next fall.

New Potatoes in the Pipeline – NDSU Extension Potato Breeder Susie Thompson says the Oakes Irrigation Research Site has a potato breeding project. It includes two yield trials with a red fresh market trial and a dual-purpose Russet trial. “We have a couple more lines we’re considering releasing in the future, including a chip variety, a red for the fresh-market, and a NDSU’s first yellow variety in the breeding program.”

USB Invests in New Products – The United Soybean Board continues to look for new uses for products made from soybeans. USB director Lawrence Sukalski, who farms at Fairmont, Minnesota, says the projects include heating oil. “More and more states are making mandates for five and ten percent renewable heating oil, we’re going to be using a lot of product all over the U.S.” California is the #1 consumer for renewable diesel fuel. “They are ‘California Nice’ to soybean farmers. They use more biodiesel than the other 49 states put together.”

APUC Funds Feasibility Study for Crush Plant – The North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission awarded $120,000 to Buckshot Seeds to conduct a feasibility study for an oilseed crushing plant in western North Dakota. “There’s a serious need for an oilseed crushing facility,” said Mark Erickson, owner, Buckshot Seeds. “The Culbertson, Montana plant closed down years ago so there’s demand for an outlet for oilseed production.” With other plant closures, the nearest crush plant is in Velva, North Dakota. Erickson says this plant would draw farmers from a large area. “We’ve seen a substantial increase in soybean and canola production from Glendive, Montana to Williston, North Dakota.”

Concept Vehicle Featured at Farmfest – The Minnesota Corn Growers Association showcased a Ford Escape flex fuel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle at Farmfest. Renewable Fuels Association Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White said this car highlights the option to use electric or liquid fuel. “We’re having a fuel savings and drastic reduction in emissions that in many cases are beating electric vehicles on the roads today.” The vehicle can help attain emission reduction goals while remaining affordable. “Only 40 percent of Americans have garages and the public infrastructure is not there. If the goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we can still do it with liquid fuels and we can do it today.” Listen to the full conversation with Robert White here.

Grand Opening Scheduled for Ag Innovation Campus – On September 14^th, a bus will leave from the Big Iron Farm Show and end up at the Ag Innovation Campus at Crookston. Ag Management Solutions CEO Tom Slunecka says the tour will highlight phase one of the project. “All the profits generated at this crush plant will be devoted to phase two and three which we hope to start building on soon,” said Slunecka. “In those phases, we’re going to be doing education and outreach and we’ll have new types of oilseeds that can be proven out at this facility. There’s no place else in the world where this type of activity can occur at this scale.”  AIC was among the projects featured in the Minnesota Soybean tent at Farmfest.

Last Chance to Save on Registration for NCI’s Next 5 Years Conference – The Northern Crops Institute will be hosting the Next 5 Years Conference on September 11, 2023 at the Armory Event Center in Moorhead. The Next Five Years is an executive conference focused on major shifts happening in the agricultural marketplace and how they will impact agriculture and consumers. Early bird registration is available now until Tuesday for $195; standard registration will be available after for $250. The registration fee includes access to the conference, complimentary lunch, and an invite to the post-conference reception. To receive the early bird discount, sign up online right away.

A Modest Increase in Farmer Sentiment – Despite market volatility, Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture Director Dr. James Mintert says farmers remain cautiously optimistic. The July CME Group/Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer reading increased slightly. “I’m surprised we maintained as much optimism as we did, I thought people might be a little more negative based on market declines we saw.” The timing of the survey may have also impacted the barometer reading. The survey was done before the Federal Reserve’s latest announcement to increase interest rates. Roughly two-thirds of those surveyed expect interest rates to increase even more over the next year. Listen to the full interview with Dr. James Mintert here.

Flood Control Survey Underway – The Red River Retention Authority is surveying farmers and landowners about flood control in the Red River Basin. Executive Director Brian Fuder says the goal is to determine the impact of flooding on the region. “Is it springtime issues? fall issues? We’re also looking forward to getting some information about the economic losses.” The survey is being conducted through the end of the year and data will be compiled ahead of the legislative sessions in St. Paul and Bismarck.

Support Needed for the Transition to Strip Tillage – Environmental Tillage Systems/Soil Warrior Regional Sales Manager Dave Sunder says the popularity of strip tillage continue to grow. “The practice itself has become a lot more predominant and a lot more information has started to become available.” Sunder says company support is key to having a successful change to strip-till farming system. “It’s not like just getting a different tractor. It’s completely changing the whole system so the growers rely on us for a lot of support and knowledge.” ETS/Soil Warrior is a sponsor of RRFN’s coverage of the National Strip-Till Conference.

Strip-Till Interest Rises – The National Strip Tillage Conference was held this past week in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Environmental Tillage Systems Regional Sales Manager Greg Hallenbeck likes the networking that occurs at the conference. “You may gain just as much through conversations with other farmers as you will from the actual sessions.” Dave Sunder, who is also a regional sales manager, says the popularity of strip tillage continue to grow. “The practice is becoming more predominant and more information has become available in the past few years.

Switching to Strip Till – ETS/Soil Warrior Regional Sales Manager Tanner Schuldt says the return-on-investment is a major driver when transitioning to strip tillage. “A lot goes into that equation, but they’re getting benefits in soil health, wind protection, soil irrigation, warming characteristics and more.” Cutting costs, including the management of fertilizer costs, is a major part of that discussion.

Pioneer has a Full Pipeline – Pioneer held its 2024 sales kickoff meeting in Leonard, North Dakota this past week. Pioneer Corn Marketing Manager Scott Walker is traveling the country to launch the new sales season. “Typically, we launch a new trait every four years,” said Walker. “We’re going to launch two-to-three new traits this year. Vorceed is our new triple stack that’s in the works to replace the Qrome technology.” Watch the interview on RRFN’s YouTube channel.

Renovo Seed Will Be Available in October – A new seed brand is being launched for the 2024 growing season. Renovo Seed is backed by the Millborn supply chain. Both companies are based in Brookings. Renovo Seed will focus on forages, cover crops and conservation plantings.

Corn Matters – Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council Past Chair Doug Albin sees Farmfest as an opportunity to gain feedback about the checkoff. Hear more in the latest Corn Matters, brought to you by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

Net Income Declines Nearly 2% for Farm Credit System – The Farm Credit System had net income of $1.78 billion in the latest quarter. That compares to $1.81 billion one year ago. Despite a challenging marketplace, FCS officials said a strong balance sheet allowed them to support the needs of its member-owners.

CF Industries Releases 2Q Financials – CF Industries had second quarter net earnings of $527 million. That’s down from $1.1 billion in the same period last year. Global nitrogen prices stabilized late in the second quarter due to strong demand during the spring application season.

Nutrien Earnings Decline – Nutrien reports second quarter net earnings of $448 million, down from $3.6 billion one year earlier. Nutrien President and CEO Ken Seitz said the financial results were influenced by “unprecedented volatility in global crop input markets over the last 18 months.”

New Carbon Sequestration Options – Agoro Carbon is now accepting farmers willing to incorporate legumes into cover crop mix the opportunity to join the Agoro Carbon Alliance. This is available to those already using cover crop strategies and will receive payments for sequestering carbon for the first time. Cover crop mixes that include a legume, such as clover or peas, are shown to reduce soil compaction, sequester higher amounts of carbon and improve nutrient availability.

New Innovation from Meristem – Meristem Crop Performance has launched its next generation of patented BIO-CAPSULE TECHNOLOGY delivery system. In 2024, the corn product will have an option to include ETHER Enzyme Technology with enzymes that speed microbial colonization and nutrient availability. ETHER will also be an option for the soybean version, which also has key upgrades with mineralization microbes and IonLock Zinc.

New Foliar Micronutrient Ready for Next Season – WinField United is introducing a new foliar micronutrient for the 2024 growing season called MAX-IN Ultra ZMB Plus. It includes a high-load blend of zinc, manganese and boron. This product also contains CornSorb technology to increase the uptake into the leaf and movement of micronutrients by 2o-to-50 percent in the leaf cuticle and internal structures.

AI Firms Merge – The four individual cooperatives that make up Select Sires have voted to merge. The new Select Sires Member Cooperative will be operational on October 1. Chris Sigurdson, who is the current general manager for COBA/Select Sires and Minnesota/Select Sires, will serve as the CEO for the merged AI firm.

Correction – In the last edition of FarmNetNews, there was an error in a story regarding the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. The pipeline project referenced in the article should have been the Navigator CO2 carbon sequestion project.

ND PUC Denies Pipeline Permit – The North Dakota Public Service Commission has denied a siting permit for the Summit Carbon Solutions Midwest Carbon Express Pipeline. This proposed pipeline would take carbon dioxide from ethanol plants in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa and store it underground in western North Dakota. Summit said plans to reapply for the permit.

A New Hire for NCGA – The National Corn Growers Association has hired Jennifer Sharkey as its membership operations manager. Sharkey has 16 years of experience in association membership and database management.

Hoefs to Lead MBOAH – Dr. Brian Hoefs is the new executive director of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and the state veterinarian. Hoefs succeeds Dr. Mario Garcia, who served the agency until April of this year. Hoefs has been in a interim role since that time. Hoefs joined the MBOAH in 2019 and oversaw swine, equine and livestock concentration points. Hoefs is the 11^th executive director in MBOAH’s 120-year history.