Donaldson Joins RRFN Staff – The Red River Farm Network announces the addition of Tyler Donaldson to its farm broadcast team. “We’re proud to welcome Tyler to the Red River Farm Network team,” said Don Wick, president, Red River Farm Network. “Tyler has the attitude and skills needed to be a great farm broadcaster and ag journalist.” Tyler is an Air Force veteran, where he focused on Chinese Mandarin linguistics. After his military service, Tyler focused on technical writing and communications for USDA and CoBank. A native of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, Tyler has relocated to Grand Forks and will have on-air and online responsibilities for the Red River Farm Network. Tyler can be reached at tyler@rrfn.com.

Net Farm Income Down From Record Highs – Net farm income is down more than 20 percent from last year’s record high. USDA is forecasting farm profits at $151 billion, down from $183 billion in 2022. Economic Research Service Administrator Spiro Stefano said farm debt is increasing, but the value of farm assets is growing at a faster rate. Stefano feels the result is “a fairly healthy financial situation for the farm sector.” Direct government payments are expected to total just over $12 billion this year, down more than 22 percent from last year. For the individual commodities, the new report estimates cash receipts from corn production will be down more than ten percent from a year ago. Soybean receipts are forecast to decline six percent. Lower wheat prices cut overall wheat receipts by 1.3 percent. For animal agriculture, cash receipts declined more than 18 percent for milk, nearly 17 percent for cattle and calves, 14 percent for hogs and 3.3 percent for turkeys.

‘Still One of the Best Years on Record’ – Net farm income is forecast to total just over $151 billion this year. That’s down from 2022 net income of nearly $183 billion. USDA’s Economic Research Service made this forecast. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a statement, saying farm income is expected to drop below last year’s record high, but “it is still one of the best years on record.” Vilsack went on to say that income is not evenly distributed across the farm spectrum and most farms need off-farm income to make ends meet. That has been a common theme to Vilsack speeches over the past year. The USDA leader cited the need for small-and-medium sized farms to benefit more from new and better markets, including climate-smart opportunities.

Farm Expenses Up Marginally From ’22 – When adjusted for inflation, the new USDA report says farm production expenses are in line with 2022. Interest expenses had the most significant increase, up nearly 43 percent from 2022. Fertilizer expenses declined 14 percent.

Beet Industry Strength Influences Farmland Values – American Crystal Sugar Company stock continues to trade at record levels. “With the (ACSC) payment that came out, the (stock) price has really surged,” said Chris Griffin, president, Red River Land Company. “The last sale was $5,850 per share which is an all-time record and the volume is actually higher than normal for this time of year.” Griffin said farmland values are also holding up. “The land values, especially in the (Red River) Valley and influenced by the beet payment, have been extremely strong. Things are maybe a little spottier when you get out of the (Red River) Valley, still strong, but one sale might be real strong and the next one not as much.”

Headwinds for Farm Real Estate – Land prices have not declined as would have been expected with higher interest rates, lower farm income and higher input costs. “A lot of the reason is that there was a little less land for sale,” said Randy Dickhut, farmland analyst, Agricultural Economic Insights. Land values may back off somewhat in the year ahead. “Profitability isn’t forecast to be as strong as the past few years so I think there’s some headwinds on farmland values that would soften them some.” Hear the full conversation with Randy Dickhut here.

Frustration with Congress – In his address to the South Dakota Farmers Union, National Farmers Union President Rob Larew acknowledged the public’s frustration with Congress. “I am one of the first to say it’s not always a bad thing when Congress can’t do something because that means they can’t do something bad either, right? But, when they are so dysfunctional that they can’t get a bill so important like the farm bill across I think it is really a sad state of the union right now.” Larew said it is important to get it done in the first quarter to avoid election year politics.

NAWG Continues Push for a New Farm Bill – National Association of Wheat Growers Vice President of Policy Communication Jake Westlin says education continues for the next farm bill. “A lot of these members have never voted on a farm bill and our number one priority is protecting crop insurance. We’ll continue to bring our growers to Capitol Hill to hopefully build on that momentum so we don’t find ourselves in the same position a year from now.” Click here for the full interview with Jake Westlin.

A Farm Bill Reboot in ’24 – South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke is disappointed in the farm bill process. “It’s great that they still have the same one for the next year but we spent a lot of time advocating for changes and some new approaches to modern agriculture and now that’s going to be all for naught,” said Sombke. “We’re going to have to restart that engine finding ways to be more responsible to the taxpayers for the subsidies that we do see in the farm bill and help younger farmers compete with the established farmer.” The South Dakota Farmers Union Convention was held in Huron.

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s addition of South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Corn Growers Association Executive Director DaNita Murray brings you a Farm Bill FYI.

U.S.-Canada Dairy Dispute Continues – In an interview with Reuters, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the Biden Administration is considering its next steps in the ongoing trade dispute with Canada over dairy market access. The United States contends Canada illegally denies market access, but a USMCA trade dispute panel disagreed. Vilsack didn’t offer any details, but said the Administration is looking for “creative” ways to sell more U.S. dairy products north of the border.

GOP Bill Addresses WOTUS Fix – A group of farm state Republican senators have introduced legislation to provide regulatory certainty for farmers, ranchers and landowners. This proposal would codify the definition of prior converted cropland from the Trump Administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds is a sponsor of this bill and said the Biden Administration’s new Waters of the United States rule is “complex and burdensome.”

A Friendly Change to LIP and ELAP Requirements – USDA has waived notice of loss requirements for two livestock disaster assistance programs. The Farm Service Agency is streamlining this year’s Livestock Indemnity Program and the ELAP program. Farmers and ranchers can submit losses as soon as possible following a natural disaster. FSA county committees will also be asked to review all notices of loss that were previously rejected due to late filing and determine if the waiver applies.

Any Expansion of Israel-Hamas War Would Impact Fertilizer Supply – Fertilizer prices have moderated and demand remains strong. However, Mosaic Chief Economist Andy Jung is monitoring trouble spots around the world including the conflict in Israel and Palestine. “Depending on the severity of any conflagration in the Middle East, it could have very dramatic impacts across N P and K,” said Jung. “There is a lot of fertilizer production and raw material production that takes place in the Middle East and in North Africa. If that conflict were to widen and worsen, it would have very dire consequences for fertilizer availability.” Jung was featured at the NDAA Agribusiness Expo in Fargo. Listen to the interview.

Excellent Quality for Corn – According to the U.S. Grains Council Corn Harvest Quality Report, the 2023 corn crop was the largest crop on record with the lowest percentage of broken corn and foreign material. Eighty-eight percent of samples tested met the requirements for U.S. No. 1 grade. Nearly 97 percent met the grade for U.S. No.2. The Council will present these findings to global grain buyers in a series of meetings, beginning December 12.

Robust Trade Agenda Sought – USDA is currently projecting an agricultural trade deficit of $17 billion for the current marketing year. That compares to an average trade surplus of $12.5 billion each year over the past ten years. A coalition of 35 farm groups has sent a letter to President Biden recommending changes to boost U.S. food and agricultural exports. Land O’Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford outlined the current challenges during a meeting of the President’s Export Council. Recomendations include the diversification of the supply chain and the establishment of a robust trade agenda.  “We ask the administration to expand domestic trade promotion programs for traditional and specialty crops, recommit to comprehensive trade agreements where possible and eliminate tariff and non-tariff trade barriers within priority regions and markets.” The groups included in this coalition include Farm Bureau and commodity groups representing corn, soybeans, wheat, milk, pork, dry beans and more.

Panama Canal Authority Introduces Unique Fix for Shipping Delays – Due to low water levels, ships are backed up and waiting to move through the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal Authority is responding by offering an additional slot with it going for the highest bid. The vessels waiting ten days, and more are eligible to participate in this auction. By February, the PCA plans to reduce the number of daily transits through the Panama Canal from 32 per day to only 18 per day. HJ O’Neil Consulting is reporting these auction slots can sell for $2-to-$4 million. For a ship hauling grain that wins an auction slot for $2 million, the freight costs from the U.S. Gulf-to-China will increase by 50 percent.

Fielding Questions – In the Fielding Questions podcast, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Vice President Nicole Erickson provides insight into the use of operating loans. Fielding Questions is produced in collaboration between AgCountry and the Red River Farm Network.

Year-End Tax Strategies – This is the time to analyze where you sit for the 2023 business year and evaluate finances ahead of tax season. Farm Business Management Instructor Ron Dvergsten says buying equipment can be a good strategy if you can save a significant amount on income taxes and can use it, but buying assets just to avoid income tax can be risky. “Currently, we are looking at interest rates probably in that 8.5 to 10-plus percent,” said Dvergsten. “That is a major change compared to what we’ve gotten accustomed to.”  Cow-calf producers may want to consider working with their auction markets to defer payments for cattle sold this fall in the same way some farmers work with elevators when selling grain.

Tax Changes Sought – A unique coalition of farm groups is urging congressional leadership to extend tax provisions that impact Rural America. That request includes the full expensing of new equipment, which drops to an 80 percent deduction this year and is phased out by 2026. The expensing for research and development investments expired two years ago and the coalition wants it reinstated. A mix of nontraditional groups signed off on this letter, including the American Horse Council, Women Involved in Farm Economics, Latino Farmers and Ranchers International and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association.

WTO Members Review Food Policy – Food security topped the agenda when the World Trade Organization Committee on Agriculture met this past week. WTO members also submitted issues of concern, including a regional agriculture promotion program in the United States, Canadian dairy policy and fertilizer subsidies in Morocco. The next WTO meeting for the agriculture committee will be held in late May.

COP28 Climate Summit Seeks Changes in Livestock Production – Agriculture is in the crosshairs for the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. World Animal Protection released a report Wednesday, claiming large-scale animal agriculture is responsible for at least 11 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The head of this summit is calling on governments to sign a leaders’ declaration to include agriculture and food systems in the climate change debate. This agenda includes a proposed ten-year moratorium on new large-scale animal agriculture farms and more plant-based food production.

MFU Minute – Minnesota Farmers Union Climate and Working Lands Program Director Ariel Kagan highlights climate-related special orders the organization will concentrate on in the coming year. Hear more in this week’s MFU Minute.

An Atypical El Nino – An El Nino typically brings warmer and drier winter conditions to the Northern Plains. Nutrien Ag Solutions Principal Atmospheric Scientist Eric Snodgrass spoke at a BASF event in Fargo and said this El Nino is ‘punching below its weight class.’ “We’re not yet seeing the typical El Nino behavior so I’ll question whether or not it’s going to do what it typically does, I don’t think we’re gonna have that,” Snodgrass told RRFN. “We actually want to have a pretty nasty winter, believe it or not, it’s actually good for the soil and that snow is good for the melt in the spring and gets us in a better position for the following year.” Due to dry conditions, water levels are low on the Mississippi River, Amazon River and Panama Canal. Snodgrass is worried about the impact on transportation for these three major waterways.

Winter Weather Outlook – North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network Director Daryl Ritchison says the El Nino may not be as warm and dry as some might expect. “I always remind people that only works two out of three times.” It depends on how El Nino sets up. “Even if the winter is a little bit snowier and colder than a lot of El Ninos have been, it would still be a much better winter than we’ve experienced the last couple of years.” Looking forward to the 2024 planting season, Ritchison remains optimistic.

Do the Math – The December 2023 corn contract is in the $4.50 per bushel range while that same contract in 2024 is just over $5 per bushel. “That is the market telling you that you grew a good crop and demand is not there,” said Tommy Grisafi, Advance Trading/ATI Pro Media. “If you store and hold that corn for one whole year it’s worth 50 cents. Now do the math. There’s a cost of storage, interest rates and shrink. If you store that corn for a whole year, I have a really good idea that the whole 50 cents would be gone.” In the monthly Bull Pen interview on the Red River Farm Network’s YouTube channel, Grisafi also discusses interest rates, gold prices, and the drop in the cattle market.

Quiet Markets – The grain markets need an infusion of fresh news. “Unless some black swan or world event happens, I believe it’s going to be quiet for the rest of the year,” reports Kristi Van Ahn, market analyst, Van Ahn and Company. “The December crop report is typically very quiet and they’ve been known to make zero changes in that report.” South American weather remains the key market factor.

What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets – In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson says gold and the Dow are strong going into the end of the years. “I think there is some comfort about the economy and the fact the Fed is talking about not increasing interest rates and possibly lowering interest rates at some point in 2024.” The cattle market remains one of the weak spots in the commodity markets.

A USDA Program Could Help Boost U.S. Wheat Sales – U.S. Wheat Associates strives to enhance trade relationships. “Sometimes it’s a challenge,” said Rhonda Larson, past chair, USW. “Our wheat isn’t the cheapest wheat out there.” USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program could help bolster trade. “It’s federal money for us to go over there and do more marketing in those difficult areas where we don’t already have a lot of wheat sales.” Larson cites the availability of baking classes and education for potential buyers and end-users as a key to expand wheat sales.

Dry Bean Scene – In this week’s Dry Bean Scene, U.S. Dry Bean Council Executive Director Rebecca Bratter says USDA’s new RAPP program is happening at just the right time. Bratter also looks forward to BeanCon ’24. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company, BASF, SRS Commodities and Heads Up Plant Protectants.

A Contrarian View – IntelliFARM market analyst Brain Voth is taking a contrarian view to the canola market. “Short-term, I’m going to say we’ll probably go sideways to a little bit higher,” said Voth. “Longer- term, I’m the bearish guy and that’s a little bit abnormal for me. Normally, I’m the guy that can make a case for things to go up but we’re still coming down off of the 2021-20 22 highs and I don’t think we have found our ultimate floor price yet.” Voth was featured at the Canola Symposium in Roseau.

Canola Minute – Here’s the latest Canola Minute from the Northern Canola Growers Association. This week, Northern Canola Growers Association Communications Specialist Lindy Coutts shares information on education tools available to teachers.

A Growing Interest in Canola – Seed and chemical companies were highlighted during the morning session at the Minnesota Canola Council Symposium in Roseau. Pioneer Territory Manager Jerod Hanson is seeing a growing interest in raising canola. “Part of it may be due to the processing plant being local and part of it may be the demand for oilseeds,” said Hanson. “Just like with corn ten years ago, I also think the breeders have brought some tremendous products to the market.”

Advantages for Direct Harvesting Canola – University of Minnesota Extension Magnusson Research Farm Director Dave Grafstrom recapped 2023 at the Minnesota Canola Council’s 2024 Canola Symposium. Grafstrom said this season’s research will focus on direct harvesting of canola. “The pod shatter technology tells us we’ve been swathing too early,” said Grafstrom. “We’re seeing better yields with the direct harvest.” That trend is also resulting in late-season pest issues, which will be included in the new research.

AURI Update – AURI invites you to the Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable either in person or virtually. Hear more details in the latest AURI Update.

Disappointment Over Small Refinery Waivers – A coalition of agriculture and ethanol groups is disappointed in the recent EPA decision to reject six small refinery exemption requests. The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, American Coalition for Ethanol and the National Farmers Union released a joint statement, saying they will continue to defend the Renewable Fuel Standard and fight against the abuse of small refinery exemptions.

Year-Round E15 Goes Back to Court – The states of Iowa and Nebraska are seeking a summary judgment to require EPA to act on the year-round sale of E15 fuel in the Midwest. Eight states, including Minnesota and South Dakota, asked the agency last year for a permanent change in the ethanol policy. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said these states have been “more than patient” and EPA needs to decide.

SAF Guidelines Expected Soon – The Treasury Department is expected to release its guidance for sustainable aviation fuel by the end of the year. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made that prediction in an interview with the Reuters News Service. This guidance was expected to be released in September, but there has been pushback from environmental groups. Vilsack said he is confident corn-based ethanol will qualify for the sustainable aviation fuel tax incentives.

Farming for the Future – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Red River Farm Network and the Linder Farm Network on Farming for the Future, providing information on soil health events and topics. Staples farmer Jake Jacobson, Twin Rivers Seed Farm at Staples talks about conservation practices they are implementing in their operation.

Casselton Crush Plant is on Schedule for 2024 Production – Construction is on schedule for the new soybean crush facility at Casselton, North Dakota. North Dakota Soybean Processors Commercial Manager Bill McBee says the crush plant could start taking old crop beans as early as July of 2024. “We’ll hopefully have everything up and running in working order when fall harvest hits,” said McBee. “Knock on wood here, everything seems to be going good and staying on schedule.” When the facility is fully operational, they will process 125,000 bushels per day and approximately 42.5 million bushels per year.

A Hold-Up in Rebuilding the Herd – While the cattle futures market has been under pressure, Kist Livestock Auction field representative Matt Lachenmeier isn’t seeing that with cash market for the cattle coming through the barn. In addition to the drought,  Lachenmeier says there are still things holding back a herd rebuild, “We just don’t see a new generation so your bred market isn’t going to be as high as 2014,” said Lachenmeier.

MN Beef Update – In the latest Minnesota Beef Update, Minnesota Beef Communications Director Ashley Wulf gives details for the MN Beef Communications internship. Applications are due December 15th.

Seasonal Increase in HPAI Cases – Avian influenza is on the rise again. According to the USDA, nearly 7.6 million birds were affected in November. That’s up from 1.4 million in October.

HPAI Seen as Endemic Animal Health Concern – State Veterinarian Beth Thompson addressed numerous animal health issues during her address before the South Dakota Farmers Union Convention. Thompson said Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza will continue to be an issue. “I would argue that this is actually endemic at this point; it’s established itself in the migratory waterfowl and we’re seeing it throughout the year across the United States.” Thompson said federal and state governments have a role in dealing with foreign animal disease, including avian influenza.

Mexico Shuts Down Brazilian Pork Imports – Mexico has temporarily stopped importing pork from Brazil. A petition from the Mexican Swine Breeders Association cites phytosanitary and sanitary concerns. Mexico is already the largest customer for U.S. pork and with this development that could increase even more.

More Time Needed to Evaluate Faster Line Speeds – USDA is extending a trial program that allows six U.S. pork processing plants to operate at faster line speeds. The government wants more time to evaluate worker safety. The packers were given another 90 days to provide that information.

SDFU Reviews Market Consolidation and Competition – The Biden Administration is striving to improve protections for farmers and ranchers who face predatory and anticompetitive practices by large meatpackers. The South Dakota Farmers Union hosted a panel discussion about market concentration at its annual convention. During that discussion, Justice Department Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michale Kades said there are concerns about the way livestock markets are operating. “We have a commitment to try to promote competitive markets particularly in ag and particularly in livestock.” Oklahoma Farmers Union President Scott Blubaugh emphasized retaliation is real. “We have cattle producers and chicken producers talk to us and tell us what’s going on, but when we ask them to meet with a U.S. Attorney or an investigator they get very, very scared very fast,” said Blubaugh. “That’s because they’re still in business and thee folks that they’re doing business with operate pretty much like the Mafia does and if you testify against the Godfathers, they’re coming after you, right?” This program also included two South Dakota cattle producers.

Defending Landowner Rights – Property rights and pipelines were part of the Thursday discussion at the South Dakota Farmers Union Convention in Huron. Domina Law Group Managing Attorney Brian Jorde sees the Legislature as an opportunity to update private property rights policy. This effort began last year. “Unfortunately, we got to an unfriendly committee in the Senate where it was designed to be killed and that’s what happened,” said Jorde. “No one thought we’d have a second chance so this is a golden opportunity that can’t be squandered.” Brown County Commissioner Drew Dennert was also part of the panel discussion on landowner rights. Dennert, who is a former state legislator, expects this to be a hot topic in Pierre.

PUC to Review Pipeline Issue – The North Dakota Public Service Commission will host a hearing later this month regarding Summit Carbon Solutions’ attempt to block local ordinances in Burleigh and Emmons counties. Summit claims the county ordinances are “unreasonably restrictive” and would prevent the carbon pipeline project from being built. This hearing will be on December 21 at the state capital.

MFBF President Highlights State & National Policy – Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Dan Glessing was an in-studio guest Friday morning, discussing a diverse mix of national and state issues. Minnesota has a trifecta in place with one party controlling the Governor’s Office, the House and Senate. With that scenario, Glessing expects another active legislative session in 2024. “We kind of know the issues that will be coming at us and we’re a little better positioned this session,” said Glessing. “At the end of the day, our policy needs to promote agriculture and rural living.” Glessing will be in Washington, D.C. in a couple weeks for the American Farm Bureau Federation resolutions process. “Just as the counties send resolutions into the state committee, this is the national side of that; it is the grassroots process.”

Contact FSA Office Regarding Disaster Relief – Every Minnesota county is included in at least one disaster declaration from this past year, with drought, excessive rain, snow, hail and high winds triggering the disaster program assistance. Minnesota Farm Service Agency Executive Director Whitney Place is encouraging farmers to “be in communication with their local county office.” Low interest loans are available to help replace property or purchase inputs. “The loans are kind of a bridge for someone experiencing one of these disasters.”

Optimism Seen at NDAA Agribusiness Expo – The North Dakota Agribusiness Association Agribusiness Expo was held Tuesday and Wednesday at the Avalon Center in Fargo. This event replaces the Northern Ag Expo in the Fargodome. “We’re happy,” reports NDAA Executive Director Stu Letcher. “We were concerned about the new location and if people would find it, but they did. It is a neat, more intimate setting.” The NDAA Agribusiness Expo is one of the first trade shows of the winter season. “I think there’s optimism. The fertilizer market seems to be leveling out and the weather outlook looks like it’s pretty good. If weather holds, we should have a pretty good growing season in 2024.”

Farmers for Soil Health – The United Soybean Board has created Farmers for Soil Health, a program to help farmers access and implement soil health initiatives. This is a cost share and technical assistance program for incorporating cover crops on farms. USB Sustainable Supply Director Jack Cornell said this program helps with other sustainability practices as well. “They can help transition to no-till or reduced tillage.” Another aspect of the program aims to create a marketplace for farmers to connect with consumer companies interested in purchasing offsets. You can find more information at farmersforsoilhealth.com.

Well-Timed Moisture to End the Year – There are exceptions, but much of the Northern Plains has the subsoil moisture to get the crop off to a good start next year. “That’s going to be a life saver,” said Ken Diebert, technical service representative, BASF. “With the end-of-the season snow and the rains previous to that, we really did a good job in filling the soil profile back up.” Diebert was part of the Breakfast with BASF event during the NDAA Agribusiness Expo in Fargo Tuesday. BASF announced the soft launch of Liberty Ultra herbicide in 2024 and a full commercial launch in 2025. “We’re blessed and absolutely thrilled to be bringing this new brand to the marketplace, it will be the first launch of many in the Liberty family of herbicides.” Listen to the Ken Diebert interview.

Try New Genetics – As plans come together for the 2024 growing season, Brevant Seeds Retail Product Agronomist Caleb Quinlan is asking farmers to mix it up. “I think more people are looking to diversify a little bit with some different hybrids and some different varieties so they don’t put all their eggs in one basket.” Quinlan says the technology is always changing and new genetics should be tried. Here’s the full interview.

Another Big Year Expected for Corn Acres – As farmers put one crop to bed, decisions are being made for next season. Proseed Sales Manager Jeff Hamre expects corn acres to be up in 2024. “People are thinking the corn is going to be a driver with exports, the carryover and some of the things that are happening in the marketplace,” said Hamre. “As far as seed production goes, we had really good seed production this year and we’re really happy about that.” There are normal fluctuations in the oilseed markets, which influences acreage for soybeans, canola and sunflowers. “Grandpa still has some feelings about sunflowers, but it is a great money crop and it has its place out there.”

Grand Farm Innovation Campus Opens Plot Applications for 2024 – Grand Farm has opened applications for eight, half-acre plots for the 2024 growing season at their Casselton, North Dakota location. These plots are mant to help startups test and demonstrate their technology in the field. The application can be found on the Grand Farm website under the Innovation Campus tab.

The American Malting Barley Association Charts Course for the Future – The American Malting Barley Association has adopted a new three-year strategic plan. This plan has four areas of focus, beginning with an emphasis on improving crop quality. The group also aims to support its advocacy efforts, develop industry leaders and engage its membership. A set of metrics and a timeline was created for the implementation of the strategic plan.

Full Pod Brings Together YouTube Stars – A group of social media influencers, including Millennial Farmer, Brian’s Farming Videos, Larson Farms and Fast Ag Montana, shared the stage at Crary Ag’s Full Pod event. The individuals featured have a large social media following. “I think it has to do with personality and I think there’s some geographic connections there,” related Nick Chiodo, marketing manager, Crary Ag. Consistency is also important. “When I say that, I mean I can create a really cool one-off video and people might like it, right? If you pay attention to these guys’ channels, they’re feeding that beast for the audience that is starving for content.” Full Pod was held Thursday night in Fargo.

Ag Horizons Conference Coming to Pierre – South Dakota Wheat Growers Association Executive Director Caren Assman is looking forward to the education opportunities in Pierre Tuesday and Wednesday. “Ag Horizons is a conference for producers who are looking for education,” said Assman. “We’ll cover small grains, row crops, cattle, grasslands, marketing and economics, and even estate planning.” In the day-and-a-half, there will be 15 seminars for farmers and crop consultants.  For more information on the conference and to register, visit sdwheat.org.

Cattle and Kids Showcased at North Star Classic – The North Star Classic is North Dakota’s largest livestock show and took place over the weekend in Valley City. Co-Manager Kelsey Hoffman says the three-day event featured open and junior shows and sale.  In addition to the livestock shows, young poeple took advantage of learning opportunities including a show fitting class and a farm safety workshop. “Kids are learning about farm safety issues that they can take home and share with others on their operation.”

MN Corn Matters – Corn Matters is a weekly update from Minnesota Corn Growers Association. Board member Angela Guentzel highlights the scholarship opportunities offered by the MCGA.

Expanded Crop Insurance Options for Specialty Crops – The Risk Management Agency is expanding the availability of Enterprise Units to additional specialty crops. The diverse mix of crops getting this risk management option includes flax, buckwheat and millet.

Simplifying Sustainability – Pivot Bio has a program that connects farmers who are replacing synthetic nitrogen with others in the supply chain. Pivot Bio Head of Commercial Sustainability Randy Minton says this provides a sustainability story. “We collect that data and we pull it together for the downstream companies along with tracking the grain that is produced from Pivot Bio into their supply chain,” said Minton. “We give them an outcomes report for the growers that they have invested in and that outcomes report includes not only greenhouse gas emissions reduction but also improvements in things like water preservation.” The goal is to make it easier for farmers and downstream companies. The interview can be found online.

Right-to-Repair Lawsuit to Continue – A federal judge has denied efforts by Deere and Company to dismiss antitrust allegations. This allows the plaintiffs to continue their right-to-repair antitrust case against John Deere. This case is being heard in Rockford, Illinois, two hours northeast of John Deere headquarters in Moline.

A Self-Repair Option from Deere – John Deere is making a new enhanced self-repair solution available. Initially, this will be made available through Deere’s equipment mobile app and will allow customers to remotely download secure software updates directly to embedded controllers on compatible 4G-connected John Deere equipment.

Titan Machinery Announces Record Quarter – West Fargo-based Titan Machinery is reporting record fiscal third quarter revenue of $694 million, up from $669 million a year ago. Equipment revenue is up $12.8 million year-over-year. Gross profit for the fiscal third quarter is reported at $138.3 million.

AMVAC Releases BioWake Prime – AMVAC is introducing new technology to help deal with corn rootworm called BioWake Prime. Midwest Marketing Manager Mark Foster says the demand for this product has increased with the uptick of corn-on-corn acres. “With BioWake Prime, it is a planter box application that can either be done at the planter box itself or within the PROBOX leading into the planter and really requires no equipment to apply it,” explained Foster. In addition to BioWake Prime, comes with BioWake Corn as part of the package and is a gross stimulant and it is also your seed lubrican so in reality you’re getting three products at the same time.” BioWake Prime can be applied to seed corn up to 180 days before planting. Listen to the complete Foster interview.

A Move to Value-Added Production at WI Jennie-O Plant – Hormel Foods plans to convert its turkey harvest operation in Barron, Wisconsin to a value-added-only facility. This change should be complete by the second quarter of the 2024 fiscal year.

BWSR Honors Hayman – The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources has named its Outstanding Watershed District Employee award winner. Michael Hayman of Minnehaha Creek Watershed District was recognized for his collaboration with public and private organizations on water quality issues.

Vogel Accepts New Opportunity – Charlie Vogel has left his role as CEO of the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers and Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council. Vogel is the new advancement director for St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and School in Thief River Falls. Vogel has been with Minnesota Wheat since 2019.

Ag Education Leader and Mentor Passes – Longtime Minnesota ag teacher Bob Marzolf passed away Saturday. Marzolf taught at Forest Lake High School for 27 years. Marzolf is a past president of the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators and a member of the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame.