A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Be Careful Out There-Keep an ear tuned to your local weather forecast as you celebrate Christmas today. We’ve been blessed with warmer-than-normal temperatures for the past month. However, there is the possibility of a Christmas Day storm system bringing snow, freezing rain and ice to the region. Ice may be the biggest threat as you make the trip home from Grandma’s house. The poor weather is expected to extend into Tuesday. Please, be safe while you enjoy this blessed holiday. In next week’s newsletter, RRFN will count down our top ten stories of the past year.
Rail Traffic Resumes on Mexican Border – Two key rail crossings between Texas and Mexico reopened Friday after a five-day closure. U.S. Customs and Border Protection closed the rail bridges at Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas in response to the influx of undocumented migrants. Union Pacific and BNSF Railway were impacted by the closure and thousands of rail cars were stranded in Mexico. President Joe Biden and his Mexican counterpart, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador spoke by phone Thursday. Rail cars filled with grain and other commodities started to roll across the Eagle Pass and El Paso bridges Friday afternoon.
U.S.-Mexico Officials to Meet Wednesday – Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall will be in Mexico City Wednesday to discuss the border issue with Mexican’s president and senior government officials. The resumption of rail movement was praised by farm groups. “We are very appreciate that CBP was responsive to our calls to have the border crossings reopened, but we hope this experience serves as a cautionary tale moving forward,” said Harold Wolle, president, National Corn Growers Association. “Rail is a key mode of transportation for our exports into Mexico so closing rail crossings can have devastating ramifications for farmers and the economy.”
Houthi Rebels Attack Commercial Shipments – Commercial shipping on the Red Sea is being disrupted by attacks made by Houthi rebels. The aggression from the Iran-backed terrorists is described as a show of support for Palestine in the Israel-Hamas war. To avoid the Suez Canal, major container shipping lines are rerouting their shipments around the Horn of Africa. Insurance premiums have risen and freight rates are on the way up. That adds time and money to the supply chain process.
U.S. Provides Security in Red Sea Region – The United States is part of a new multinational naval force that will protect ships in the Red Sea. Operation Prosperity Guardian is the name of this mission and it also includes the United Kingdon, Bahrain, France and Norway. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were asked to join this effort, but chose not to participate. The security forces will protect cargo ships from ballistic missiles and drone attacks. The Houthi group originally said it was targeting ships with a connection to Israel, but attacks have now expanded beyond that. Political instability in Somalia also raises the risk of piracy in the Red Sea region.
Unprecedented – Freight rates are moving higher, increasing the cost of commodities. Tim Marsh, Summit Commodities, describes this as an unprecedented situation. “The Suez Canal in some distress so there are some questions to whether or not we’re gonna be able to ship through there. The Panama Canal is running short on water and of course, both the Mississippi and the Amazon are lower than the normal. It’s an unusual situation.”
Low Water Impacts Supply Chain Around the Globe – The Soy Transportation Coalition board of directors met in Central America and got a firsthand look at the drought’s impact on shipping. A total of 600 million bushels of soybeans traveled through the Panama Canal last year bound for Asian markets, but drought is now limiting daily movement through the system. STC Executive Director Mike Steenoek reports container ships were still moving through the canal. “What we did not see were dry bulk vessels, those are the ones that transport soybeans and grain,” said Steenhoek. Tolls are placed on ships based on their cargo. Consumer goods pay a higher rate, and therefore, take priority. Issues in the Red Sea region and low water levels on the Mississippi continue to cause supply chain issues as well.
Not Expecting a Farm Bill in 2024 – Former North Dakota Farm Service Agency State Director Aaron Krauter does not expect to see the farm bill passed in 2024 even in a lame duck session. “I don’t think the minutiae and everything that’s going on is going to get it done.” When asked to predict a year and month for farm bill passage, “I’m saying it’s going to be February 2025.” Krauter believes another farm bill extension would not be terrible for producers. Click here to hear the full interview with Aaron Krauter.
NSA Priorities: Crop Insurance and Reference Prices – For the National Sunflower Association, the focus going into 2024 will be the farm bill. “We want to strengthen crop insurance and look at something that would increase subsidies so that producers could buy a higher level of coverage,” said John Sandbakken, executive director. “We’re also looking at enhancing reference prices; when you look at where they are at today they don’t really reflect what the market is offering so that is also our number one priority for us.”
Corn Matters – Minnesota Corn Executive Director Adam Birr joins us for this week’s edition of Corn Matters. Minnesota Corn is excited to be a partner in the Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel Hub. The group looks to increase production of SAF in the state.
Midwest States Closer to Year-round E15 Sales – The Environmental Protection Agency has finally sent its final rule for permanent year-round sales of E15 to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review. Eight states, including Minnesota and South Dakota, sought this change. EPA was supposed to complete this rule nearly a year-and-a-half ago. OMB is expected to finalize and publish the rule within the next two-to-four weeks.
SDCGA Welcomes E15 Development – The EPA has submitted its final rule for year-round sales of E15 in eight Midwestern states to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review. South Dakota Corn Growers Association Executive Director DaNita Murray says OMB has 90 days to act. “They can ask for an extension but would need the agreement of the regulatory agency, the EPA. I think within a 90-day time period we’ll see the rule issued.”
AgCountry, FCS of America and Frontier Farm Credit to Collaborate – The board of directors for AgCountry Farm Credit Services and two other Farm Credit associations have signed a collaboration contract. The other groups are Frontier Farm Credit, which is based in Manhatten, Kansas, and Farm Credit Services of America with headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. With the agreement, the three associations will share leadership, strategic planning, and technology while retaining local, independent boards, offices, and cash patronage programs. “I’m just really excited about working together with our peers, both at Frontier and FCSA,” said Marc Knisely, President/CEO, AgCountry Farm Credit Services. “We’re all very successful organizations; this will just elevate, and I think, accelerate the ability for AgCountry, in particular, to deploy this and really do a thorough job around this whole customer-centric operating model.” This collaboration contract will take effect April 1 at the earliest. For comple te details about the collaboration and the farm economy, listen to the RRFN interview with Knisely.
Interest Costs Projected to Increase in 2024 – While production costs are predicted to be lower for farmers in 2024, interest costs may increase. NDSU Extension Ag Finance Specialist Bryon Parman does not anticipate interest rates themselves to be higher but net farm income has backed off creating a need for some producers to borrow more money. “We’re also not coming off of a record farm income like we were last spring,” said Parman. “We’ve seen production costs come down some, but data shows more lending and borrowing on non-real estate loans.” Lower grain prices are also contributing to the issue.
Interest Costs Being Felt – Generally, the farms in the region were able to protect working capital this past year. However, Farm Business Management instructor Josh Tjosaas is seeing tighter margins going into the new year. Interest costs are part of that discussion. “We’re putting together their balance sheet on their operating line, they look at that number and they go that’s almost double what I paid last year and I didn’t even borrow as much money,” explained Tjosaas. “Your interest rate is four or five percent higher than it was a year or so ago.” Interest rates on operating lines of credit are in the seven-to-ten percent level. “I’ve been doing this for 12 years and I haven’t seen double digit interest rates in that entire time on operating (loans).” Land rents are also edging higher.
The Difference Between Price and Value – Bell Bank Director of Agribusiness Development Lynn Paulson does not expect farmland values to drop in 2024. “There’s been a phenomenal amount of cash built up in agriculture, so a lot of the land that’s being bought is being bought with past profits,” said Paulson. “From that standpoint, I think land values are pretty stable, especially the good land.” For farmland, value and price are not always the same thing. Paulson believes farmers won’t let increased interest rates impact opportunities to purchase good ground that they have had their eye on. “I don’t think the difference between four percent or seven percent interest is going to change their interest in that property.”
A Different Mindset from Farm Input Purchases – Farm input costs have come down slightly. CHS Regional Product Specialist Tim Swanson says it is still important to talk to the local retailer to lock in seed and crop protection products. The supply chain problems in the recent past resulted in a different mindset amongst farmers. “I would say we’re seeing a pretty big shift,” said Swanson. “The are growers buying earlier and starting to layer things in to take out some of the chaos of the highs and lows that they’ve dealt with and start managing in a different way.”
El Nino Has Peaked – A model from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests this year’s El Nino weather pattern has peaked and will begin a steady decline in January. World Weather Incorporated Senior Meteorologist Drew Lerner said that should bring a more normal rainfall pattern to Brazil in mid-to-late January and continuing into February and March. Years with a strong El Nino that transition to more neutral conditions also tend to be drier in the spring and summer in the U.S. Cornbelt. There is the potential for dryness to return in the Northern Plains and Western Cornbelt in the spring and summer months. If a La Nina returns, these tendencies would increase, but Lerner said the confidence in that scenario is very low.
White Mold Moved into New Areas This Past Season – With dry conditions this past year, white mold was not expected to be much of a problem. However, Corteva Market Development Specialist Ron Geis says white mold was found in new areas. “It’s not a wind-moved disease, it survives in those little sclerotia in the soil,” said Geis. “It may be getting in the soybean meal and going out in the manure into the fields. We’re not quite sure how it’s spreading, but the fact is it is spreading.” Good varietal tolerance is advised. Secondly, white mold needs to be managed. White mold symptoms may not be seen until August, but infection happens in late June or early July. The first fungicide application is recommended when soybeans are in the R1 stage. In addition, wider rows are recommended to help circulate air movement and prevent the disease from getting a foothold in the crop.
NDSU: Biologicals Offer No Yield Response – NDSU Extension Cropping Systems Specialist Greg Endres presented during the Getting it Right in Soybean Production webinar. Endres recapped research on biologicals for the last two growing seasons. “In 2022, statistically, there was no response among all of the treatments,” said Endres. “In 2023, the story was the same.” According to Endres, this data was consistent in trials across the United States. NDSU will continue to conduct research on the technology.
Crop Development Varies Widely – Agriculture consultant Kory Melby says Brazilian farmers are facing a lot of uncertainty. “Keep in mind, some guys have planted two, three times in Mato Grosso and Goias so it’s gonna be a wide, wide range of soybean conditions.” In some parts of Brazil, the soybean harvest is underway. In other areas, the crop is still being planted. “The planting date to plant soy in Mato Grosso has been extended to January 13 so that has many connotations going forward that we don’t have the answers for today.”
Record Brazilian Exports – For the first time in history, Brazil has exported over 100 million metric tons of soybeans in a year. The previous record was just over 86 million tons in 2021. With very low Brazilian soybean prices, China and other importers are stocking up.
Argentine Soy Products Face Increased Export Tax – The Argentine government plans to increase the export tax on soybean oil and soybean meal to 33 percent. That’s a two percent bump from the current tax rate. The decision is being criticized by Argentina’s export companies and soybean processors.
Beet Stock Values – According to Jayson Menke with Acres & Shares, 50 American Crystal Sugar Company beet shares traded last week at $5,550 per share.
Chlorpyrifos to Return – In response to last month’s federal appeals court decision, the EPA will restore the use of chlorpyrifos insecticides and agree to a science-based review. Chlorpyrifos will be labeled for nearly a dozen crops, including soybeans, sugarbeets, wheat and alfalfa. EPA banned the product in February of 2022, which resulted in the legal action.
Chlorpyrifos Concerns Remain – American Sugarbeet Growers Association CEO Luther Markwart is pleased with the EPA’s decision to create new guidelines for the use of chlorpyrifos. “Farmers rely on these pesticides to protect crops from destructive pests and maintain important conservation practices,” said Markwart. There are still some important considerations in Minnesota. “When EPA revoked the tolerances, Minnesota did not renew the registration for chlorpyrifos.” ASGA plans to work closely with the EPA as it writes new rules around chlorpyrifos.
Ag Leaders Respond to EPA Action – In a statement, American Sugarbeet Growers Association President Nate Hultgren welcomed the return of chlorpyrifos, but said the EPA decision cannot “undo the economic harm that resulted from its previous revocation.” American Soybean Association director Alan Meadows praised the process that ensures the return of a “fair, appropriate science-driven review of pesticides.”
MDA Announces Dicamba Restrictions – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is maintaining its state-specific restrictions for dicamba for 2024. Application of the BASF, Syngenta and Bayer dicamba products cannot be made after June 12 south of I-94 and after June 30 north of the interstate. There is also an 85-degree temperature cutoff. There were only 15 complaints of non-target crop damage this past year. That compares to more than 300 complaints in 2021. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth, who also chairs the organization’s drift task force, said the state’s dicamba decision is good news. In a statement on the MSGA website, Worth said it is important this product stays in the toolbox.
Cost of Production Helps Determine Marketing Plan – University of Minnesota Extension Crops Economist Ed Usset wants farmers to know their production costs, “That’s your first step. It gives you an idea of where you want to start,” said Usset. Futures prices are below average production costs. “I don’t like pricing grain below my production costs. Show me something above $5.40 for Dec ’24 corn or $13.00 in November ’24 soybeans to get me interested in next year.” Usset says the grains will need a new headline for trade to break out of recent trading ranges.
ARC-PLC Enrollment Begins – Signup is now underway for Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage. Farmers can enroll and make election changes for the 2024 crop year until March 15. If farmers do not submit their election revisions by the March 15 deadline, their elections will remain the same as what was done this past year.
Dry Bean Scene – In this week’s Dry Bean Scene, Northarvest Bean Growers Association Executive Director Mitch Coulter says the newly formed Midwest Dry Bean Coalition will focus on production practices that create better marketing opportunities. The Dry Bean Scene is brought to you by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association.
Labor Headaches – According to Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Dan Glessing, the cost for participation in the H-2A program has become almost unaffordable for producers. MFBF is calling for a freeze on wage increases. “At this point it’s just putting farmers out of business,” said Glessing. “Pretty soon we’re going to be importing our food instead of importing our temporary workers.”
Custom Harvesters Worry Over H-2A Rules – Finding labor is the biggest challenge faced by members of U.S. Custom Harvesters Inc. USCHI Secretary Mark Anderson points to the struggles with the H-2A program. “We’re running into a lot of regulatory issues there,” said Anderson. “We’re either going to have to pay the workforce a lot more money or we’re going to have to find domestic workers or someone else to fill that void.” Low unemployment rates add to the challenge. USCHI is sponsoring a petition by the National Coalition of Agricultural Employers to appeal new rules. Anderson says that court case remains tied up in the court system causing uncertainty.
Ag Groups Support AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act – Twenty-five major farm groups have sent a joint letter to Congress in support of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. In response to a threat from automakers, this bill would require all new vehicles to include AM radio. The letter cites radio’s ability to reach people during times of emergency. Over-the-air radio also provides valuable weather, markets and agricultural information. The groups signing the letter include Farm Bureau, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and commodity groups representing corn, soybeans, wheat, sugarbeets and dairy.
The Cow That Stole Christmas – Twenty years ago, BSE was confirmed in the United States. It was described as the cow that stole Christmas. Exports were shut down and consumer confidence in beef suffered, sending cattle prices lower. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator Kevin Shea says safeguards are now in place to minimize the risk. “In the 1980’s there were as many as 30,000 cases per year around the world. Now, there are fewer than ten around the world.”
USCA’s Focus for 2024 – In addition to the farm bill, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Senior Policy Advisor Jess Peterson is focused on the organization’s policy priorities. “We need to clarify country of origin labeling,” said Peterson. “Our beef checkoff is an amazing program that needs to be modernized. No one can prove it can’t be used to promote petri dish protein.” In addition, Peterson said USCA is continuing to work the issue of competition and the creation of an Office of Special Counsel within USDA. “This is what makes sure you have a fair, honest, competitive cattle market.”
Promoting Competition – USDA has submitted rule changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act to the Office of Management and Budget for review. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department issued new merger guidance with additional scrutiny for new business mergers. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said this is “major progress” in building a fairer, more equitable food system.
Angus Link Adds Premium – The American Angus Association offers tools for cattle producers to track their genetics. This can help communicate what kind of product buyers can expect when purchasing their cattle. “I don’t think we’ve ever seen where genetics have been more valuable than they are today,” said Troy Marshall, director of commercial industry relations. Buyers paid a record premium for cattle through the Angus Link programs in 2022. These programs verify that feeder calves are out of Angus bulls and provide an objective genetic performance score that gives buyers more confidence. The American Angus Association plans to add a maternal component to Angus Link in the future.
MN Beef Update – This week’s Minnesota Beef Update includes discussion with two of this year’s Minnesota Beef Ambassadors.
Raised with Respect – Certified Angus Beef is partnering with Sysco for the Raised with Respect campaign to create heightened awareness around producers who are Beef Quality Assurance certified. Director of Producer Engagement Kara Lee says this program adds to their sustainability message to consumers. “We see that cattle care is one of the top priorities consumers affiliates with sustainability,” said Lee. “It’s just not realistic to take every single consumer out to the farm or ranch.” The program will communicate BQA standards to more consumers. Hear the full conversation with Kara Lee here.
Canada’s Dairy Rate Quota Allocations Continue to be an Issue – Minnesota Representative Michelle Fischbach is one of six lead authors on a letter sent to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. Nearly 60 lawmakers signed this letter voicing disappointment in the recent dispute settlement ruling on Canada’s dairy tariff rate quota allocations. Fischbach said she will not give up on this issue and is asking the Biden Administration to find other options to ensure fair market access for U.S. dairy products north of the border.
Farming for the Future – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Red River Farm Network and the Linder Farm Network to provide information on soil health events and topics. Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Stefan Bischof gives details of the Minnesota Ag Weather Network in this week’s Farming for the Future.
Soil Health Equipment Grants Available – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will award its first full round of Soil Health Financial Assistance Grants January 1. Nearly $2.4 million is available to help farmers and others purchase or retrofit soil health equipment. This is a 50 percent cost-share with a minimum grant of $500 and a maximum of $50,000. Brad Redlin oversees the program. “We’re seeing a whole lot of no-till drills, but other stuff too, like a couple of drones for seeding, some adapted high boys for interseeding and manure injection.” In the first round, this grant program received three-and-a-half times the number of applications beyond the available funding. Another application round will be made in July.
Adding Value – North Dakota Farmers Union Vice President Bob Kuylen serves as chair of Farmers Union Industries, the company that works to add value to ag products across the country. “We help businesses expand and do their planning.” FUI brands include Central Bi-Products, Performance Pet Products and Redwood Farms Meat Processors. Kuylen says this business model has proven profitable. Hear the full interview with Bob Kuylen here.
Canola Minute – Here’s the latest Canola Minute from the Northern Canola Growers Association. This week, Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman highlighted the recent Canola Research Conference.
Plan to Attend the Research Update for Ag Professionals – University of Minnesota Extension and NDSU Extension are partnering for their annual Research Update for Ag Professionals. UM Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma is encouraging preregistration for the events taking place on January 3 at Owatonna, January 4 at Willmar and January 11 at Crookston. This year’s program will feature shorter presentations with more speakers. “That left room for a number of additional speakers to share their research findings,” said Wiersma. The update will also be available virtually in February. Click here for the full schedule and to register.
Stop The Bleed Trainings Available – Statistically, farming and ranching is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. NDSU Extension Farm and Ranch Safety Coordinator Angie Johnson says rural North Dakotans will have an opportunity to become more prepared in emergencies. “We were awarded $350,000 to conduct Stop the Bleed trainings across North Dakota.” These trainings will be open to anyone over the age of 13. If you are interested in scheduling a training in your community, contact your local NDSU Extension agent. Find the full schedule at www.ndsu.ag/stopthebleed.
Learn More About NCI’s On-Demand Courses – The Northern Crops Institute provides a variety of on-demand courses that allow attendees to work through the material at their own pace. These educational experiences utilize modules with pre-recorded lectures, video tours, and discussion boards to create a dynamic learning environment. Each course includes access to the course lectures, materials, and supplemental resources. Our current on-demand course list includes Barley to Beer, Developing Innovations with Durum: More Than Pasta, Feed Milling 101, Sourdough Baking and Stone Milling Basics. Go online for more information.
Sustainable Cattle Production – Capturing ammonia from cattle manure and producing clean sustainable renewable energy and organic fertilizers is the mission of Bion Environmental Technologies. Bion CEO Bill O’Neill said the company is taking the negatives in cattle production and turning them into sustainable, high-value products. “We’re creating solar electricity that we’ll actually use in the facility. We’re collecting bio-gas and marketing that, collecting the ammonia that will be turned into ammonia bicarbonate or just sold as ammonia, as green ammonia for transportation fuel. Excess CO2 that is not combined with the ammonia, we collect and we can sell that and turn that into a food grade CO2 that is highly marketable.” Bion’s closed production system also allows full traceability for the beef produced. Listen to the full interview. Bion is working with Dakota Valley Growers at Bathgate, North Dakota on a sustainable beef project.
New Innovations in the Pipeline – BASF is launching 25 new products and label extension in 2024 and 2025. BASF Marketing Director Brady Spangenberg credits an investment in research and development. As BASF develops new products, Spangenberg said there is a focus on developing products designed to meet changing climatic conditons. “You’re looking for products that help activate quicker or activate with less rainfall,” said Spangenberg. “You’re looking for products with more systemic activity so you’re not having to back and retreat if you didn’t get the right amount of contact on the leaves (and) you’re looking for products that have more flexibility across crops and crop systems.” One of the new innovations is Liberty ULTRA herbicide. Glufosinate has been around for 20-plus years and Liberty ULTRA is being described as the first evolution of that chemistry. It has two active isomers in the jug, providing broad-spectrum weed control with a lower use rate.
AURI Update – The latest episode of AURI’s Ag Innovation News Podcast is now available. The Ag Innovation News Podcast highlights an inspiring story about a food entrepreneur. Hear more details in this week’s AURI Update.
Controlling Corn Rootworm – Corn rootworm control requires a totally integrated management approach. FMC Technical Service Manager Eric Rebek says you can’t rely on just one method of control. “It’s going to be a combination of continuing to rely on the genetics of the crop, but we also need to be looking at insecticides.” An in-furrow application the following season for corn-on-corn is critical for control of corn rootworm. FMC has a new product coming out in 2024 called Ethos Elite LFR that is an insecticide and a biofungicide in one package.
Merger Takes Effect Jan. 1 – The merger between Valley United Co-op and Thompson Farmers Elevator Company takes effect January 1. The new organization will operate as Valley United Co-op. Valley United Co-op CEO Paul Coppin will manage the new company once it is consolidated.
Deere Adds Tech Center in Brazil – John Deere is investing $36.5 million in a technology development center in Brazil. This is Deere’s first testing center in the world for tropical agriculture. Construction should be finished by the end of 2024.
A New Owner for Versatile Tractor and Farm King Equipment – A Turkish-based farm equipment company has an agreement to purchase 97 percent of the shares in Buhler Industries in Manitoba. Buhler Industries is now owned by a Russian agricultural manufacturer and is behind the Versatile tractor and Farm King equipment brands. The acquisition is valued at the U.S. equivalent of $45 million.
New Ownership for Bourgault Industries – Linamar Corporation is acquiring Saskatchewan-based Bourgault Industries. Linamar already owns the MacDon and Salford ag equipment brands. Bourgualt makes tillage equipment, air seeders, grain carts and more. This sale is expected to close in the first quarter.
Trade Official Featured at Potato Expo – The National Potato Council has announced U.S. Chief Agricultural Trade Negotiator Doug McKalip will speak at Potato Expo. This show will be held January 10-11 in Austin, Texas. The Red River Farm Network will provide coverage from Potato Expo.
Prison Time for Organic Fraud – A Jeffers, Minnesota farmer is facing three years in prison for defrauding organic grain customers. The fraud case began in 2014 when James Wolf allegedly purchased biotech corn and soybeans and represented the crop as organic when it was sold to a broker in Pennsylvania. Wolf’s nephew, Adam Olson, was also sentenced to two years of supervised probation and 100 hours of community service for signing crop insurance paperwork that claimed the fields were certified as organic.
Kamieth to Succeed Brudermueller at BASF – Markus Kamieth will take over as BASF’s CEO in April, succeeding Martin Brudermueller. Kamieth is a member of the BASF board of directors. Chief Technology Officer Melanie Maas-Brunner, who was a finalist for the position, announced she will not renew her contract beyond January 31.
Sikes Elected as Cargill’s Board Chairman – Cargill President/CEO Brian Sikes has been elected chair of the company’s board of directors. As of January 1, Sikes succeeds Dave MacLennan who will retire as executive chair. Sikes has been with Cargill since 1991 and was named president and CEO nearly a year ago.
AFIA Welcomes Lekin – The American Feed Industry Association has announced the addition of Taylor Lekin as its marketing and program development coordinator. Lekin is a recent Iowa State University graduate and has experience working for the ISU Foundation and the Coalition to Support Iowa Farmers.
Kukowski to Serve on ASA Executive Committee – Strathcona, Minnesota farmer Jim Kukowski was elected to the American Soybean Association Executive Committee during the ASA December board meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. Kukowski says this is a unique opportunity for northern Minnesota farmer. “There’s never been anybody from north of the North Dakota/South Dakota state line on the executive committee.” Kukowski looks forward to working with a strong team on issues important to soybean growers in the country. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association currently supports seven ASA board of directors members, the most in the organization’s history.
Midwest Dairy CEO to Retire in March – Midwest Dairy CEO Molly Pelzer has announced her retirement, effective March, 2024. Pelzer started her career with Midwest Dairy in 1984 as a program director working with schools and health care professionals. She held numerous leadership roles before taking on the CEO position in 2019. Pelzer is the third CEO in Midwest Dairy’s 23 year history. A search firm is in place to guide the selection of the next CEO.
Molenaar to Oversee MDA’s Farm Succession Support – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has hired Jim Molenaar as its farmland access and succession teams coordinator. This newly-created position will help guide farmers and landowners through the farm transition process. Molenaar is a retired farm business management instructor and works as a MDA farm advocate.
Funk Provides Leadership to Williston REC – Sam Funk is the new director of the NDSU Williston Research Extension Center. Previously, Funk worked for the United Soybean Board, Rabobank and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.
RLND Celebrates Leaders and Supporters – The Rural Leadership North Dakota Alumni Association has presented its Eagle Award to the current RLND Council Chair Cory McCaskey for his ongoing dedication to the program. RLND Emeritus Director Marie Hvidsten received the Leader Award. The RLND Council awarded the CHS Foundation with its Champion Award.
SD Corn Comments – In this week’s addition of South Dakota Corn Comments, we have commentary from Jim Wooster wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, while saying “thank you” to the industry volunteers.
Boyer to Receive Shepherd’s Voice Award – The American Sheep Industry Association will recognize award winners at its convention next month. The Shepherd’s Voice Award will be presented to Lorrie Boyer with KSIR Radio, Fort Morgan, Colorado. Boyer is a past president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting and was named the NAFB Farm Broadcaster of the Year in November.
Hauck Joins ND FSA Staff – Cierra (Dockter) Hauck is the new outreach coordinator for the North Dakota Farm Service Agency. Most recently, Hauck was a farm broadcaster with the Red River Farm Network.
Last Week’s Trivia-Santa’s reindeer include Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph. Congratulations to Jim Altringer of Dakota Plains Ag for being the first to respond with the correct answer. Runner-up honors belong to Kristal Rick of MAGNO Seed, Lee Hutchinson of Farm Credit Services of Mandan, Derry Mackenzie of CHS Ag Services and Ron Claussen of Ag Media Research. The ‘first 20’ rounds out with Keith Finney of Tharaldson Companies, Nick Sinner of Northern Crops Institute, Bob Lebacken of RML Trading, Teresa Kjelberg of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Dennis Sabel of Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, retired Fessenden farmer David Clough, Shane Orr of DPH Biologicals, Kevin Schulz of The Farmer, Sara O’Toole of O’Toole Seed, Carrington farmer Charles Linderman, Jeff Stewart of Linder Farm Network, Twyla Wulf of Clear Springs Cattle Company, Ramsey County farmer Paul Becker, Bruce Trautman of Living the Dream Consulting and Pisek farmer Ernie Barta.
This Week’s Trivia-What famous parade is held on New Year’s Day in Pasadena? Send your answer to don@rrfn.com.
RRFN Upcoming Events | |||
January 3, 2024 | Noxious Weed Forum - Bismarck, ND | ||
January 3, 2024 - January 4, 2024 | Lake Region Extension Roundup - Devils Lake, ND | ||
January 6, 2024 | ND Angus Association State Select Sale - Mandan, ND | ||
January 9, 2024 | AGVISE Soil Fertility Seminar - Willmar, MN | ||
January 10, 2024 | AGVISE Soil Fertility Seminar - Watertown, SD | ||
January 10, 2024 - January 11, 2024 | Potato Expo 2024 - Austin, TX | ||
January 10, 2024 - January 11, 2024 | South Dakota Pork Congress - Sioux Falls, SD | ||
January 11, 2024 | AGVISE Soil Fertility Seminar - Grand Forks, ND | ||
January 11, 2024 - January 12, 2024 | 2024 MN Organic Conference - St. Cloud, MN | ||
January 13, 2024 | Urban Ag Conference - St, Paul, MN | ||
January 15, 2024 - January 17, 2024 | ND Grain Dealers Association Convention - Fargo ND | ||
January 16, 2024 - January 18, 2024 | MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop - Mankato, MN | ||
January 16, 2024 | Clay County Crop Update - Dilworth, MN | ||
January 16, 2024 - January 18, 2024 | Red River Basin Land & Water Internation Summit Conference - West Fargo, ND |
Contact RRFN | Don Wick (701) 795-1315 |
Randy Koenen (701) 795-1315 |
Tyler Donaldson (701)-795-1315 |
Jamie Dickerman (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 | Warroad, MN – 92.5 FM | 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.