A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network
Monday, February 19, 2024
Winter Meeting Season-The Red River Farm Network was on site for the 100th USDA Ag Outlook Forum this past week just outside of Washington, D.C. This event attracts more than 1,800 people in person and thousands more for its virtual platform. It truly is a unique opportunity to learn about the latest trends and economic news for agriculture. In the upcoming week, RRFN will participate in the International Crop Expo in Grand Forks and report on the Evolution Summit in Jamestown. Commodity Classic will be the next big national event for the winter meeting season.
Ag Outlook Forum: Margins to be Squeezed in ’24 – At its 100th Annual Ag Outlook Forum, USDA estimated corn acreage at 91 million acres and soybeans at 87.5 million acres. If realized, corn acreage would be down 3.6 percent from last year and soybeans would be down nearly four percent. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer kicked off the event, indicating prices for corn, soybeans and wheat will likely erode this year. Outside of fertilizer, Meyer said margins will be squeezed by generally higher crop input costs. “It may have been easier to make a little bit of money in 2022 and 2023.; it’s going to be a little bit tougher in the next crop year,” said Meyer. “When prices normalize, inputs prices tend to be pretty sticky and that’s a problem.”
Despite Downturn, Farmers Remain in Good Financial Position – Net farm income hit a high in 2022. It dropped off 26 percent this past year. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Senior Vice President Nathan Kauffman said profits will also be thinner this year. “Despite this expected decline in farm income, I would argue many producers are still in a very, very strong financial position,” said Kauffman. “Much of this has to do with storing up working capital in these past couple of years when incomes were very strong. We interact a lot with bankers and lenders and in our conversations last year we would have banks tell us they would have no borrowers on a ‘watch’ list; that’s not common to have no borrowers on a ‘watch’ list as it relates to potential risk.” If farm income declines again in 2025 with a similar decline in working capital, Kauffman said agriculture will be in a situation very similar to the period between 2016 and 2019. “And we know those were not strong years in ag.”
Split the Difference Between ARC and PLC – During a Q and A session at the Agriculture Outlook Forum, Ohio State University Professor Emeritus Carl Zulauf was asked about this year’s decision between the ARC and PLC programs. Zulauff said splitting base acres from one farm into ARC and another into the PLC program may be worthwhile. “If yield is more of a concern for you, ARC is probably the better program for you and if price is more of a concern, probably PLC is better,” said Zulauff. “They’re really close together and whenever there is a lot of uncertainty in decisions, diversification is always a good management strategy.”
Avoid Unforced Errors – A transitional market is difficult for everyone. Consus Ag Consulting Partner Angie Setzer says it is hard to sell $6 corn when you’ve sold $7 or $8 corn. The recent markets gave farmers a false sense of security. “For me, working with my growers, we’re trying to focus on what we can control and really work to avoid unforced errors,” said Setzer. “We are making sure that we are well aware of our costs and working hard to make sure that we don’t jump out of the frying pan and into the fire because we’re desperate or worried or scared.” Setzer, who was part of the USDA Ag Outlook Forum program, said it is important to lock in profit whenever possible.
500,000+ Farms Lost Since ’81 – Farm policy went through a noteworthy change in the 1970s. Rather than managing supply, the focus was put on maximizing productivity and exporting that production around the world. At the USDA Ag Outlook Forum, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack shared a story about former USDA Chief Bob Bergland of Minnesota. When leaving the Agriculture Department in 1981, this Minnesotan voiced concerns about the societal impact of the sole focus on productivity. “He said we may lose farms and when those farms are lost, we lose the farm families and when those farm families are lost we lose young people going to rural schools and perhaps that will have an impact on rural communities.” Bergland’s prediction was realized with the U.S. losing over a half-million farmers since 1981. “You could take every farmer today in South Dakota and North Dakota, add them to every farmer in Minnesota and Wisconsin, every farmer in Illinois and Iowa, every farmer in Nebraska and Oklahoma, every farmer in Missouri and Colorado and you’d have 536,000 farms.” Vilsack said the Biden Administration is focused on more, new and better markets to give the farmer a bigger share of the food dollar.
Trade Enforcement is a Priority – At the Ag Outlook Forum, U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai briefly touched on trade breakthroughs, but spent more time on the enforcement of existing trade deals. The Mexican ban on biotech corn imports was at the top of that list “and this is why last August the United States established a dispute settlement panel under USMCA to look at this issue.” Tai also spoke about the concern of market access for U.S. dairy products in Canada. “As Trade Representative and as a longtime trade negotiator and trade litigator, Canada dairy is personal for me.” Tai went on to list the ongoing market access issues for U.S. dairy products in Canada dating back to the North American Free Trade Agreement.
A Growing Middle Class Increases Protein Demand – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack moderated an Ag Outlook Forum featuring the U.S. trade ambassadors to Vietnam and the Philippines. Both countries have a very young population with a rising middle class. Ambassador Marc Knapper said Vietnam wants more high-value food products. “As Vietnam’s economy develops and as Vietnam’s middle class continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for protein.” Knapper said that could include livestock genetics, meat or dairy products.” Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the Philippines is the number one export market for U.S. soybean meal and the number two market for U.S. wheat. “They have a taste for our products and our wheat really stands up to the caliber and the quality of the baked goods that Filipinos have grown to expect.”
ATI Pro Media in a Conversation With RRFN From USDA AOF – Advance Trading Risk Management Advisor Tommy Grisafi visited with RRFN’s Don Wick Friday for an update from the USDA Ag Outlook Forum on ATI Pro Media. Here’s a link to the YouTube report.
Record Feeder Calf Price Forecast – The contraction of the cattle herd is expected to continue this year. During the Ag Outlook Forum, USDA Livestock Economist Shayle Shagam said that will increase prices for cow-calf producers. “Feeder calves are gonna be very valuable. We anticipate hitting record high prices for feeder cattle during 2024 and eclipsing this year’s record.”
MN Beef Update – In the Minnesota Beef Update, we hear from Minnesota Beef Council CEO Kelly Schmidt. MBC members heard updates on the Beef Checkoff during the Cattle Industry Convention in Orlando.
Cost of Capital Influencing Cattle Herd Expansion – Cattle prices are up with the shrinking cow herd. American Farm Bureau Federation Livestock Economist Bernt Nelson said that makes it more expensive for farmers and ranchers to expand. Higher interest rates are also an issue. “The cost of capital is going up and that has the potential, much like the 80s, to create a liquidity problem,” said Nelson. “I’ve talked to bank presidents that started their careers in 1982 and that is the first place their minds go, they haven’t heard this kind of interest-to-gross revenue ratios since the 80s.” Nelson, a North Dakota native, was on the program at the Ag Outlook Forum.
Tupper: Too Little Competition – Less than 20 percent of the fed cattle are sold on the spot cash market. However, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Justin Tupper said those 20 percent set the base price for the other 80 percent of cattle sold under an AMA or grid pricing system. Tupper, who ranches and owns the St. Onge Livestock Auction, said there is too little competition with just four packers controlling the cattle market. “It’s no different than when the government years ago had to break up Big Oil or they had to break up Ma Bell,” said Tupper. “Those are huge lifts but they’re things we have to think about when it gets so big that there are no other ways to do it.” Tupper was part of a breakout session at the USDA Ag Outlook Forum.
AURI Update – AURI will host a webinar on the Fundamentals of On-Farm Anaerobic Digestion on February 29. This webinar aims to answer questions about whether this technology is right for your operation. Participants will hear from a farmer and other experts on how an anaerobic digester can help reach sustainability goals. Get the details in this AURI Update.
Ethanol Remains Part of GHG Reduction Story – While there is a push toward electric vehicles, Growth Energy Senior Vice President Chris Bliley said the corn ethanol business is still needed. “We are going to burn a trillion gallons of liquid fuels this decade, we’ll burn another trillion gallons of fuel next decade and another trillion gallons of fuel the following decade,” said Bliley. “Regardless of how aggressive your electrification goals may be, you’ll need a solution to help decarbonize those legacy vehicles, the vehicles on the road today and the vehicles that are going to get built over the next two or three decades that continue to use liquid fuels.” At the USDA Ag Outlook Forum, Bliley said the national adoption of E15 would be the equivalent of taking 4 million vehicles off the road every year.
White House Responds to CPI Report – The January Consumer Price Index rose 3.1 percent on an annual basis. That’s down slightly from the 3.4 percent CPI in December. Inflation levels were higher than many analysts anticipated, but the Biden Administration downplayed that expectation. “We always want to see that the increase in prices is lower than the increase in wages so overall wage growth is outpacing inflation in January,” said Kirabo Jackson, a member of the White House Council of Economic Advisors. In an interview with RRFN, Jackson pointed to the CPI and a 1.6 percent increase in wages above and beyond inflation, as evidence of a “strong economy that is growing at a healthy pace.” The Federal Reserve Bank uses economic data, like the CPI, to make interest rate decisions.
SD Corn Comments – If corn yields are above average this year, the U.S. could have over 3 billion bushels in carryover. That makes the expansion of demand a priority. South Dakota Corn Executive Director DaNita Murray shares more in this week’s SD Corn Comments.
CBO Baseline Totals $1.46 Trillion – The Congressional Budget Office’s 2024 baseline for mandatory farm programs and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program projects farm bill expenditures at $1.46 trillion over the next ten years. That’s down 3.5 percent from the previous ten-year baseline forecast of $1.5 trillion. The baseline figures that will be released in May will be the farm bill scoring baseline unless there is a different direction from the budget committees. SNAP spending was reduced from the May 2023 baseline, but a report from the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Republican staff emphasized SNAP funding is up 73 percent since 2018.
Farm Bill Timeline – On the sidelines of the USDA Ag Outlook Forum, James Callan Associates President Jim Callan offered his perspective on the farm bill timeline. “House Agriculture Committee Chairman ‘GT’ Thompson indicated that he can get it done; he’s looking at floor time in March, but I think that’s going to be difficult.” Callan said the farm bill is a bigger lift in the Senate because of differences of opinion over issues, like reference prices. Callan is a lobbyist for North Dakota ag groups.
A Push for Crop Insurance Premium Support – The Midwest Council on Agriculture is promoting a plan to provide more premium support for crop insurance at the 80 and 85 percent levels of coverage. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Howard Olson sees a benefit for farmers of the region. “Most of the farmers in our area are at 75 percent lower coverage levels and it’s because those 80 and 85 percent (coverage levels) are just too expensive to make that next jump,” explained Olson. “If we can increase the premium support and get more farmers insured at 80 and 85 percent coverage levels, we may be able to cut down on some of the need for the ad hoc disaster programs.” North Dakota Senator John Hoeven is working on this proposal and hopes to get it in the new farm bill.
Dry Bean Scene – U.S. Dry Bean Council Executive Director Rebecca Bratter says dry bean exports are strong. The recent success of BeanCon held in Mexico was a testament to that strength. The conference also highlighted the healthy trade relationship the U.S. and Mexico have for dry beans. Hear more in this week’s Dry Bean Scene.
Farm Numbers Decline – USDA says the number of farms and ranches in the U.S. continues to decline. According to the latest USDA Census of Agriculture, there were 1.9 million farms and ranches in 2022. Down seven percent from the 2017 census. The average size of the U.S. farm is 463 acres, up five percent. Family-owned and operated farms account for 95 percent of all U.S. farms.
Ag Census Perspective – USDA has released the results of its 2022 Census of Agriculture. The average age of the American farmer is just over 58 years, up a half-percent from the survey done five years earlier. There are more new and beginning farmers, up 11 percent from the previous census. Farmers who are under 35 years of age represent nine percent of all producers. The 220,000 farms with younger farmers making decisions tend to be larger than average in acreage and in total sales. In 2022, 36 percent of all farmers were women and 58 percent of all farms had at least one female decision-maker.
Consolidation Trend Continues in MN – The average Minnesota farmer in 2022 was 57.1 years old, up from 56.5 years old when the last Census of Agriculture was done in 2017. Farm numbers statewide declined from 68,000 to 65,531. In 2022, Minnesota farms reported an average net income of $141,869, more than twice the $65,753 in the last report.
ND Farms Decline Five Percent – According to USDA’s Census of Agriculture, there are 25,068 farms in North Dakota. That is down five percent from the previous estimate in 2017. Farmland totaled 38.5 million acres, down two percent from five years ago. The average size of farms in North Dakota was 1,537 acres, up three percent. The average age of farmers and ranchers is 56.8 years, up from 56 years old in the last census. Eleven percent of the farmers are classified as young farmers, age 34 or less. Thirty percent of North Dakota farmers are female.
SD Farm Size Up 4% – USDA’s Census of Agriculture said there are 28,299 farms in South Dakota. That’s down six percent from the 2017 Census. Land in farms totaled 42.3 million acres, down two percent from five years ago. The average size of farms in South Dakota was 1,495 acres, up four percent. The average age of South Dakota farmers and ranchers is 57.2 years, one year older than in the last report five years ago. Eleven percent of South Dakota’s farmers are age 34 or less.
Three-Month Extension Granted for EPA Herbicide Strategy – The Environmental Protection Agency will delay the release of its new Herbicide Strategy until August 30. After many years of litigation over EPA’s herbicide compliance with the Endangered Species Act, herbicide users will be required to make mitigation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitat. The federal court in San Francisco approved the three-month extension for EPA to bring herbicide registration into compliance. EPA sought the extension so it would have more time to consider public comments on the draft Herbicide Strategy.
EPA Allows Existing Dicamba Stocks to be Used – A federal court vacated the registration of over-the-top dicamba products earlier this month. In light of the court’s order, EPA is allowing the limited sale and distribution of existing stocks of the dicamba products. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said this decision provides certainty to the farmer. However, Goerhing advises farmers to contact their ag retailers to secure these products. “The place where you’ll see pressure on this will be in the South where 85 percent of the cotton acres are a dicamba technology so those guys will definitely be scrambling to make sure that they have theirs to treat their cotton and I don’t want anybody in the Northern Plains to be caught unaware.” Bayer, BASF and Syngenta could have appealed, but a court decision likely wouldn’t have occurred before spring planting. Goehring said those companies can now appeal for the 2025 crop or go through a re-registration process. Listen to the RRFN story.
Bayer Responds – Bayer released a statement in reaction to the EPA dicamba existing stocks decision. “We welcome the EPA’s swift action so customers who have already invested in XtendiMax can continue to use and benefit from the technology this season.”
NDGGA Weighs in on Potential Treated Seed Regs – The North Dakota Grain Growers Association has submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding its proposed approach to the regulation of treated seed. The group said it does not believe treated seed should be classified as a pesticide. An additional label for treated seed was called “redundant and overburdensome.”
Supply Chain Fixes – The agricultural supply chain has suffered in recent years. “When over half of what is produced in the soybean industry is exported, we’ve got to have a transportation system that is cost-effective and reliable,” explained Mike Steenhoek, executive director, Soy Transportation Coalition. At the Minnesota Grain and Feed Association Annual Meeting, Steenhoek called for a proactive approach, not a reactive strategy. Low water levels on the Mississippi River were used as an example. “In 2022, our country was very reactive in disseminating dredging vessels to maintain the depth of that shipping channel,” said Steenhoek. “That became harder to do due to low water levels. In 2023, we got ahead of that by working with the Army Corps of Engineers.” Even with comparable drought conditions the previous year, river transportation was less disruptive in 2023.
European Farm Demonstrations Persist – In Greece, farmers will continue their protests against the government. Farm leaders met with the Greek prime minister Tuesday and offered farmers a two-year break on energy costs. That wasn’t enough to satisfy the demands of the farmers in the meeting. The farmers said they will continue their demonstrations, including the blocking of major highways. These protests are happening throughout Europe with farmers upset over rising energy costs, lower commodity prices and increased competition in global markets.
Trade Ambassador Participates in USGC Conference – USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip was in Guatemala for the U.S. Grains Council International Marketing Conference. During his time in the country, McKalip also met with government leaders from within the new Guatemala government. Biotechnology’s role in sustainability and trade was a discussion point. “We’ve talked at length about how innovation and technology are inextricably linked to sustainability; I think this is an area ripe for partnership and further discussion.”
MN Corn Matters – Minnesota Corn Senior Public Policy Director Amanda Bilek joins Corn Matters this week and discusses the ongoing Minnesota legislative session. Sustainability and nitrogen management will be top priorities during this year’s short session.
Demand for U.S. Ethanol Seen Around the World – During the U.S. Grains Council Winter Meeting in Guatemala, Chairman Brent Boydson recognized Japan as a growing market for U.S. ethanol. Citing a joint officer trade mission to Japan, Boydson said “Japan is looking at moving to a higher standard of ethanol blends.” Sustainable aviation fuel is also being discussed.
Lunar Cycles, Volcanoes and El Nino/La Nina – World Weather Incorporated Senior Agricultural Meteorologist Drew Lerner released his annual U.S. spring-summer weather preview on Thursday. In the report, Lerner forecasts a potentially hot and dry summer. Three long-term events are cited; an 18-year lunar cycle that has historically preceded dry and warm summers, a waning El Nino followed by La Nina weather patterns, and the ongoing effects of the Hunga Tonga Volcano eruption in January 2022. In an interview with the Red River Farm Network, Lerner said to expect drought conditions to expand in the Northern Plains along the Canadian border from March through May. “That’s something we definitely want to watch. I agree with the National Weather Service that the precipitation we see over these next couple of weeks will be restricted.”
Positive News for Spring Planting – It has been a classic El Nino for the Northern Plains resulting in a warmer and drier-than-normal winter. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey expects that to transition into a good planting season. “It is not going to be much of a mud season this year because we haven’t had much precipitation since the surprise December rains and snows, it should be a pretty easy start to the planting season.” A quick transition from El Nino to La Nina conditions will likely occur. Rippey believes that can result in drought in the Western High Plains and Pacific Northwest. “This is the fourth time we’ll have La Nina in five years if we get it as expected so I think there will be a bigger concern for a broader scale drought as we get into 2025,” said Rippey. “It’s a long time away, but it is something to think about with this chronic La Nina.” Listen to the full interview.
Controlling Volunteer Corn – In a University of Minnesota Extension Crops Strategic Farming webinar, Southern Research and Outreach Center researcher Tom Hoverstad said controlling volunteer corn in soybeans has become a bit tricky. With new growth regulation technology, tank mixes can be successful, “but not always.” Splitting out a corn herbicide into a second pass may increase effectiveness. “You can save a lot of money and I think that’s a good way to maximize the use of the products.”
2,4-D Resistant Waterhemp Likely in IA – Corteva has reported the discovery of a suspected 2,4-D resistant waterhemp population in north-central Iowa. A Corteva employee collected two samples of waterhemp seed , one from plants in the field and one from plants growing in the ditch next to the field. Iowa State University initially confirmed the plants from the ditch were resistant to 2,4-D while the plants from the field were not. Further testing is underway. If confirmed, Iowa would become the fourth state where 2,4-D resistant waterhemp has been found.
Know Your Soil Type – During the Sugarbeet Grower Seminar in Grand Forks, Extension Sugarbeet Specialist Tom Peters highlighted the importance of soil type when determining herbicide rates. Knowing that information is key in preventing injury. “Having too much herbicide in a low organic matter or course textured soil could mean potentially having injury,” said Peters. “Likewise, not having the right rate in a high organic matter or fine-textured soil might mean a waterhemp break so both ends are pretty important for us.”
Beet Stock Values – There was no American Crystal Sugar Company beet stock trading through the three brokers this past week. According to Acres & Shares owner Jayson Menke, 4,076 shares have been brokered for an average price of $5,277.26 for the trading season. Trading has been in the range of $5,000 to $5,850 per share.
Understanding Cercospora Leaf Spot – USDA Research Plant Pathologist Dr. Nathan Wyatt spoke at the Sugarbeet Research and Education Symposium in Grand Forks, highlighting Cercospora Leaf Spot research. The fungal disease has a long latency period. “Similar to when you get a cold, you don’t feel symptoms right away,” said Wyatt. “We’re looking at using molecular tools to diagnose that latent infection as early as possible and tracking known mutations for fungicide resistance.” The current treatment protocol is helping producers stay ahead of the disease.
A State-By-State Basis – NDSU Extension Research Entomologist Mark Boetel says it is important to stay up to date on rules for the crop protection products in the toolbox for the 2024 growing season. A couple of products containing chlorpyrifos can be used in North Dakota. Work is underway to register products in Minnesota. “It’s really kind of a stay-tuned situation in Minnesota,” said Boetel. The use of chlorpyrifos would be especially important to root maggot control. Only new products can be used. No products with old labels may be applied to crops in 2024. Click here for the full conversation with Mark Boetel.
TransFARMation: A Story of Resiliency – Linton, North Dakota rancher Doug Bichler is using his story to inspire others. In 2017, Bichler lost his arm in a baler and was only a few weeks into recovery when his daughter was born. Almost seven years later, the Bichlers have made several changes to their operation including how they calve cows and the amount of hay they put up. Bichler credits a strong network of friends and family. TransFARMation is made possible through a grant from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and its Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
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. For this week’s Farming for the Future, Scott Hayes highlights how being water quality certified and climate endorsed has helped improve water quality and build soil quality.
Funding Opportunities for Nitrogen Management – Minnesota Department of Agriculture Area Certification Specialist Will Bomier was part of Tuesday’s Nitrogen Conference in St. Cloud and focused on funding opportunities for farmers. “Some are more traditional programs, but there are a lot of new opportunities from non-profit groups, local soil and water districts, and state-wide funding.” These funds cover everything from implementing new management practices to research. Bomier encourages those who have been denied funding in the past to update plans and reapply as new funding becomes available.
The Carbon Conundrum – Reducing the carbon footprint and ‘green’ production is heavily incentivized for today’s farmers. “I don’t think any issue or trend is impacting our markets where folks have as many questions as they do about this carbon topic,” said Matt Perdue, government relations director, North Dakota Farmers Union. “We’re seeing a lot of companies looking for low-carbon commodities or sustainably grown commodities. These could be real pain points for producers, but they could also be real opportunities for producers.” These topics will be addressed in the NDFU Evolution Ag Summit Tuesday in Jamestown.
Brighter Days Ahead – In 14 of the last 16 months, pig farmers have operated at a loss. “This too shall pass, agriculture is cyclical,” said Jill Resler, CEO, Minnesota Pork Producers Association. After this past week’s Pork Congress, Resler said producers have a positive outlook. “You could see the optimism in farmers’ faces that maybe we’re getting to the end of the cycle and that’s encouraging.”
Judge Rules on Massachusetts Q3 – A portion of the Massachusetts Question 3 has been ruled unconstitutional. This ballot question was approved by Massachusetts voters in 2016 which banned the sale of pork, eggs and veal from animals raised in confinement. A federal judge in Boston ruled the portion of the law that bans the sale of pork is unconstitutional. However, the other parts of the law will remain in effect. The Triumph Foods pork processing company filed the lawsuit along with a handful of swine operations. That group includes Christensen Farms, which is headquartered in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and New Fashion Pork, based in Jackson, Minnesota.
Ag Outlook Forum Reviews Prop 12 – California’s Prop 12 has now been fully implemented for a month and a half. This initiative bans the sale of pork in California from farms anywhere that confine pregnant sows in gestation stalls. The rule was designed to protect the welfare of the animal, but Ever.Ag Chief Livestock Economist Steve Meyer said it actually puts the sow at greater risk. “When a sow comes out of a farrowing crate after nursing a large litter, she is in a drawn-down physical condition; it’s the most vulnerable time of that animal’s life,” said Meyer. “This law says you throw her in a pen with a whole bunch of other animals that are also at the most vulnerable time of their life, it’s just asinine. They have to establish this pecking order and this is not a real good thing for welfare.”
Changing Demographics – National Pork Board Director of Domestic Market Development Neal Hull spoke during the Minnesota Pork Congress in Mankato. “We have to start looking at reaching younger consumers,” said Hull. “Millennials and GenZ consume less than half the pork a Boomer does today.” Pork is also becoming more of an ingredient for the younger generation rather than the center of the plate. Taste and flavor will be a big focus in marketing pork to a changing demographic.
Prevention and Preparation for JEV Disease Threat – The Swine Health Information Center and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research have partnered to fund a $1 million research program to respond to the threat of Japanese Encephalitis Virus. JEV is capable of infecting pigs, horses and people and can be carried by both mosquitoes and waterbirds. A JEV outbreak struck Australia two years ago, affecting breeding swine and leading to reproductive failure, stillbirths, abortions and weak piglets. SHIC Associate Director Lisa Becton says a lot can be learned from what happened in Australia. “Right now, the U.S. does not have the virus so we’re in prevention mode, but also monitoring. So, we’re understanding from Australia what their experiences were with the virus, how they managed and handled the virus, and a lot of their efforts were focused on mosquito control.” SHIC and FFAR are accepting research proposals until April 15.
FFA Week – This is National FFA Week. “On Thursday, you’re invited to celebrate ‘Give FFA Day,’ a 24-hour fundraising effort that unites the FFA community in support of the next generation of leaders who will change the world,” said National FFA President Amara Jackson. More information is available online. Stay with the Red River Farm Network this week for special FFA updates. This coverage is sponsored by Proseed and Nutrien.
Deere Reports 1Q Financials – Deere and Company report net income of $1.7 billion for the first quarter, down from $1.95 billion in the same quarter last year. Net sales were $10.4 billion for the quarter, compared to $11.4 billion in 2023.
CNH Profits Trend Higher – CNH Industrial had a four percent bump in net fourth quarter income, totaling $617 million. For the full year, the maker of Case IH and New Holland farm equipment, enjoyed a 17 percent increase in net income. The sales of ag equipment, which makes up most of CNH revenue, were down eight percent year-over-year.
USDA & Cargill Settle Packers and Stockyards Case – USDA and Cargill Meat Solutions have reached a settlement agreement on a violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act that occurred in March of 2022. Cargill self-reported that its beef grading cameras were installed incorrectly, resulting in inaccurate yield grades at its four fed cattle plants. Cargill compensated all sellers for any underpayment using incorrect yield grades. Cargill must pay a civil penalty of $155,000.
Zypro Now Available for Side-Dress Applications – Helena Agri-Enterprises’ Zypro soil amendment is now labeled for side-dress fertilizer applications. “By adding Zypro, you’re not only placing fertilizer in the right place at the right time, but you’re also using enzyme technology to create a more productive soil environment,” said Mike Powell, senior brand manager. “This has a direct impact on how effective your roots are at feeding the growing crop.”
Farm and Food Book Week – This is Minnesota Ag in the Classroom Farm and Food Book Week. Guests are reading to classrooms throughout the state over a Zoom platform. In addition, the MAITC staff is facilitating a question-and-answer session. On Thursday, Red River Farm Network Farm Broadcaster Don Wick will be reading a book titled ‘The Day the Farmers Quit.’ Nearly 30 classrooms are registered for this reading. Readers also include ‘Millenial Farmer’ Zach Johnson, Andrea Vaubel and Patrice Bailey from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Princess Kay of the Milky Way Emma Kuball and state FFA officer Mackenzie Kuschel.
Canola Minute – Here’s the latest Canola Minute from the Northern Canola Growers Association. This week, Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman discusses the recent Canola Renewable Fuels Summit. It indicated demand for canola as a feedstock for renewable fuel will grow in the next decade.
ACE Officer Team Re-elected – The American Coalition for Ethanol board of directors re-elected its officer team. Dave Sovereign of Golden Grain Energy, St. Ansgar, Iowa, is president. The vice president is Troy Knecht, who is with Redfield Energy at Redfield, South Dakota. Ron Alverson of Dakota Ethanol of Wentworth, South Dakota is secretary. ACE’s treasurer is John Christianson, who is a founding partner of the Christianson PLLP accounting and business consulting firm. Chris Studer, East River Electric Power Cooperative, is the ACE secretary.
MLBA Hall of Fame Inductees Named – The Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association has announced the four latest inductees to the Minnesota Livestock Hall of Fame. Norb and Judy Sonnek of Foreston are being honored for the contributions made to the Holstein dairy business. Retired State Veterinarian Dr. Bill Hartmann led the Minnesota Board of Animal Health from 2001-to-2016 and will be recognized at the ceremony. The final Hall of Fame honoree is Doris Mold, who has served as the superintendent of the milking parlor at the Minnesota State Fair since 1986 and helped create the State Fair Moo Booth. The induction ceremony will be March 14 in Roseville.
South Dakotan is the Top Producer of the Year – The co-owner of Christiansen Land and Cattle at Kimball, South Dakota is the 2024 Top Producer of the Year. Christine Hamilton oversees 14,000 acres of cropland, 11,000 acres of pasture and 1,100 head of cattle. CLC utilizes an extensive precision agriculture system and pasture rotation.
Last Week’s Trivia-The Super Bowl trophy is named after former NFL coach Vince Lombardi. Strasburg farmer Kenny Nieuwsma wins our weekly trivia contest. Runner-up honors belong to Jacob Downing of Cargill, Jason Heen of Farm Credit Services of Mandan, Carrington farmer Charles Linderman and Ramsey County farmer Paul Becker. The ‘first 20’ rounds out with R & J Broadcasting President Jim Birkemeyer, Kristal Rick of MAGNO Seed, Todd Good of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Jim Altringer of Dakota Plains Ag, Brian Sieben of Hefty Seed, UM Extension Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma, Hallock farmer Theresia Gillie, Renville County farmer Mickey Peterson, Dazey farmer Jim Broten, Sheyenne farmer/rancher Greg Rue, long-time South Dakota banker Jon Farris, Dennis Sabel of Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, Kevin Schulz of The Farmer, Keith Bjorneby of Lone Wolf Farms and Peter Carson of Carson Farms.
This Week’s Trivia-Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Robert Herjavec, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner and Daymond John are part of a reality television show on ABC. Name the show. Send your answer to don@rrfn.com.
RRFN Upcoming Events | |||
February 20, 2024 | NDFU Evolution Ag Summit - Jamestown, ND | ||
February 20, 2024 | Forage Summit Meeting - Alexandria, MN | ||
February 20, 2024 | Sugarbeet Growers Seminar - Grafton, ND | ||
February 20, 2024 | Nutrient Management Conference - Mankato, MN | ||
February 20, 2024 - February 22, 2024 | International Crop Expo - Grand Forks, ND | ||
February 27, 2024 | RMA Livestock Road Show - Worthington, MN | ||
February 27, 2024 | Getting it Right Sunflower Production Webinar - Online Webinar | ||
February 28, 2024 - March 2, 2024 | Commodity Classic - Houston, TX | ||
March 6, 2024 - March 10, 2024 | ND Winter Show - Valley City, ND | ||
March 8, 2024 - March 9, 2024 | Multi-Generational Farm Transition Retreat - St. Cloud, MN | ||
March 10, 2024 - March 12, 2024 | National Farmers Union Convention - Scottsdale, AZ | ||
March 12, 2024 | Getting it Right Canola Production Webinar - Online Webinar | ||
March 13, 2024 | Grand Farm Field Day - Casselton, ND | ||
March 14, 2024 | MN Livestock Breeders Association Annual Meeting - Roseville, MN | ||
March 13, 2024 - March 14, 2024 | International Sugarbeet Institute - Grand Forks, ND | ||
March 19, 2024 | MN Farm Bureau Foundation Ag Day Gala - St. Paul, MN | ||
March 19, 2024 | Estate Planning and Farm Succession Conference - Watertown, SD | ||
March 19, 2024 | Design Your Succession Plan for Farmers and Ranchers - Devils Lake, ND | ||
March 19, 2024 - March 21, 2024 | Central Plains Dairy Expo - Sioux Falls, SD |
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.